Recently, I introduced you to a fact sheet I wrote that focuses on healthy living. A long and healthy life doesn’t just happen. Everyday choices influence the quality of life you experience. Decisions start before your feet hit the floor in the morning. For instance, you make a decision whether or not to set an alarm or what time to set the alarm. Many decisions during the day are food centered. Perhaps you think you just make three food decisions daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Well, think again. You choose how much or what kind of milk to pour on your cereal, whether to have a second helping of lasagna, if you will eat that pastry or drink soda or coffee at the office, and on and on.&nbsp;

Other important decisions revolve around physical activity. Take the stairs or elevator? Exercise before or after work? Watch TV or go for a walk? Since&nbsp;all of&nbsp;these decisions affect how your day goes, it is important to consider making a few common-sense changes. Many serious health problems are directly related to personal habits or behavior. Having a written plan is an important first step in regaining or maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The bullet points that revolve around eating habits include:&nbsp;

•Start your day with breakfast •Include a fruit or vegetable with every meal or snack •Reduce portion sizes •Eat slowly and eat only until you are no longer hungry •Choose to eat more nutrient-dense foods •Eat whole foods instead of highly processed foods.

Along with choosing to consume healthier food, many people can a achieve a healthy lifestyle by increasing physical activity. Start by investing in a good pair of walking shoes and walk around your neighborhood or indoor exercise facility. Make sure you start slow, especially if you have been inactive for&nbsp;a period of time. Find a buddy to exercise with. It will help to have someone to hold you accountable for increasing you level of physical activity.

The most important part of an action plan is to choose something you want to do. If your doctor or a family member tells you that you need to walk more, but&nbsp;that is not something you want to do, it will most likely not be successful. Next, it needs to be something reasonable, such as something you can expect to be able to accomplish in a week or a month. A true action plan is behavior specific. Losing weight is not a behavior; cutting out a 20 ounce soda every day is. An action plan answers these questions: What? How much? When? How often?

The final piece of a successful action plan is to assess the confidence level that you will fulfill the contract. On a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 represents little confidence and 10 represents total confidence, your plan should rank at least a 7.&nbsp;

I have a few action plan magnets that are write on/wipe off. If you are one of the first three people to stop by either of our Cottonwood offices, you will receive it. I hope your year is off to a great start!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at:&nbsp;(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="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Recently, I introduced you to a fact sheet I wrote that focuses on healthy living. A long and healthy life doesn’t just happen. Everyday choices influence the quality of life you experience. Decisions start before your feet hit the floor in the morning. For instance, you make a decision whether or not to set an alarm or what time to set the alarm. Many decisions during the day are food centered. Perhaps you think you just make three food decisions daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Well, think again. You choose how much or what kind of milk to pour on your cereal, whether to have a second helping of lasagna, if you will eat that pastry or drink soda or coffee at the office, and on and on.&nbsp;Other important decisions revolve around physical activity. Take the stairs or elevator? Exercise before or after work? Watch TV or go for a walk? Since&nbsp;all of&nbsp;these decisions affect how your day goes, it is important to consider making a few common-sense changes. Many serious health problems are directly related to personal habits or behavior. Having a written plan is an important first step in regaining or maintaining a healthy lifestyle.The bullet points that revolve around eating habits include:&nbsp;•Start your day with breakfast •Include a fruit or vegetable with every meal or snack •Reduce portion sizes •Eat slowly and eat only until you are no longer hungry •Choose to eat more nutrient-dense foods •Eat whole foods instead of highly processed foods.Along with choosing to consume healthier food, many people can a achieve a healthy lifestyle by increasing physical activity. Start by investing in a good pair of walking shoes and walk around your neighborhood or indoor exercise facility. Make sure you start slow, especially if you have been inactive for&nbsp;a period of time. Find a buddy to exercise with. It will help to have someone to hold you accountable for increasing you level of physical activity.The most important part of an action plan is to choose something you want to do. If your doctor or a family member tells you that you need to walk more, but&nbsp;that is not something you want to do, it will most likely not be successful. Next, it needs to be something reasonable, such as something you can expect to be able to accomplish in a week or a month. A true action plan is behavior specific. Losing weight is not a behavior; cutting out a 20 ounce soda every day is. An action plan answers these questions: What? How much? When? How often?The final piece of a successful action plan is to assess the confidence level that you will fulfill the contract. On a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 represents little confidence and 10 represents total confidence, your plan should rank at least a 7.&nbsp;I have a few action plan magnets that are write on/wipe off. If you are one of the first three people to stop by either of our Cottonwood offices, you will receive it. I hope your year is off to a great start!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at:&nbsp;(620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Making an action plan for the New Year

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

A flock of electronic birds hit the streets of Great Bend in late March
2021. Less than two years later, the electronic scooters are no longer a form
of transportation.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/56062a44-190e-4057-b45f-fb878366432c">RELATED STORY: A flock of electronic Birds are on the streets in Great Bend</a>

At Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, Community
Coordinator Christina Hayes said the local investor decided they were not
interested in managing the 100 scooters in Great Bend anymore. Bird Rides has
also told the city of their lack of interest in bringing the scooters back. "You can see Birds were used all over our community, which is great because it is another form of transportation," said Hayes. "We need to look for another local investor. Even if we do find one that will partner with Bird and follow their rules, it's not guaranteed that Bird will come back." 
In 2021, there were 10,469 rides from the scooters in Great Bend. In 2022, that
number fell to 4,193, a near 60% drop. Total miles traveled on the scooters
went from 21,743 in 2021 to 8,506 in 2022. 
Although they were of no cost to the city, Hayes said the city would like to
keep the form of transportation and entertainment if another investor could be
found, but she was not hopeful they would return in 2023. 
"When we signed up as a city entity, we knew that we didn't want to be in charge of all the scooters...it would take too much time and effort," said Hayes. "We needed to look at someone to maintain them." 
The scooters could reach a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour and allowed
anyone to pinpoint the location of the ride by opening the mobile app.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

If interested in becoming an investor and maintaining the scooters in Great Bend, contact Hayes at 620-793-4111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650469760389.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostA flock of electronic birds hit the streets of Great Bend in late March
2021. Less than two years later, the electronic scooters are no longer a form
of transportation.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/56062a44-190e-4057-b45f-fb878366432c">RELATED STORY: A flock of electronic Birds are on the streets in Great Bend</a>At Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, Community
Coordinator Christina Hayes said the local investor decided they were not
interested in managing the 100 scooters in Great Bend anymore. Bird Rides has
also told the city of their lack of interest in bringing the scooters back. "You can see Birds were used all over our community, which is great because it is another form of transportation," said Hayes. "We need to look for another local investor. Even if we do find one that will partner with Bird and follow their rules, it's not guaranteed that Bird will come back." 
In 2021, there were 10,469 rides from the scooters in Great Bend. In 2022, that
number fell to 4,193, a near 60% drop. Total miles traveled on the scooters
went from 21,743 in 2021 to 8,506 in 2022. 
Although they were of no cost to the city, Hayes said the city would like to
keep the form of transportation and entertainment if another investor could be
found, but she was not hopeful they would return in 2023. 
"When we signed up as a city entity, we knew that we didn't want to be in charge of all the scooters...it would take too much time and effort," said Hayes. "We needed to look at someone to maintain them." 
The scooters could reach a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour and allowed
anyone to pinpoint the location of the ride by opening the mobile app.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;If interested in becoming an investor and maintaining the scooters in Great Bend, contact Hayes at 620-793-4111.

Electronic scooters fizzle out in Great Bend with lack of use

The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys open play in the MCL Monday at home against the Hoxie Indians.

Tipoff from Monday's first round game is set for 6 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show set for 5:40 on 99.5 KHAZ and online by clicking <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE</a>.

Due to Mid-Continent League streaming limitations no TMP basketball games from the MCL touranment will be video streamed on HaysPost.com.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys open play in the MCL Monday at home against the Hoxie Indians. Tipoff from Monday's first round game is set for 6 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show set for 5:40 on 99.5 KHAZ and online by clicking <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE</a>. Due to Mid-Continent League streaming limitations no TMP basketball games from the MCL touranment will be video streamed on HaysPost.com.

🏀🎙️ LISTEN LIVE - Thomas More Prep-Marian v Hoxie

GREAT BEND — Our four grizzly bears have been bedded down and spending the winter in their stalls since mid-November. During this time, they slow down and spend much of their time sleeping and are not very active. We check them daily and offer food and they constantly have access to water. On Saturday, keepers noticed Winnie, one of our 10-year-old male bears, was not as interested in his food as he normally is. Because it’s winter, that is not something that is abnormal from time to time. On Sunday, he appeared to still not be interested in food and was more lethargic, so staff tried to give him some electrolytes and some other types of food and he did consume a small amount.

Unfortunately, during our morning rounds today, he was discovered to have passed away sometime overnight. Our veterinarians performed a necropsy, and preliminary results indicate that he suffered from gastric torsion. This is a life-threatening and often fatal condition in which the stomach becomes overstretched and rotated and can cut off the blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract. An exploratory surgery would have been the only way to discover this condition and is not something easily accomplished in an animal as large as a grizzly bear. We did come across a few other abnormal findings and samples and tissues were sent to K-State for further evaluation.

Our staff is absolutely devastated by this unexpected loss and would appreciate your respect during their grieving process. We consider these animals to be a part of our family and losing one of our family members takes a significant toll on our staff. Winnie’s siblings, Piglet and Pooh, appear to be handling it as expected and will have each other and their keepers during their grieving process.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Park Department at 620-793- 4111.

Courtesy Brit Spaugh ZooGREAT BEND — Our four grizzly bears have been bedded down and spending the winter in their stalls since mid-November. During this time, they slow down and spend much of their time sleeping and are not very active. We check them daily and offer food and they constantly have access to water. On Saturday, keepers noticed Winnie, one of our 10-year-old male bears, was not as interested in his food as he normally is. Because it’s winter, that is not something that is abnormal from time to time. On Sunday, he appeared to still not be interested in food and was more lethargic, so staff tried to give him some electrolytes and some other types of food and he did consume a small amount. Unfortunately, during our morning rounds today, he was discovered to have passed away sometime overnight. Our veterinarians performed a necropsy, and preliminary results indicate that he suffered from gastric torsion. This is a life-threatening and often fatal condition in which the stomach becomes overstretched and rotated and can cut off the blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract. An exploratory surgery would have been the only way to discover this condition and is not something easily accomplished in an animal as large as a grizzly bear. We did come across a few other abnormal findings and samples and tissues were sent to K-State for further evaluation.Our staff is absolutely devastated by this unexpected loss and would appreciate your respect during their grieving process. We consider these animals to be a part of our family and losing one of our family members takes a significant toll on our staff. Winnie’s siblings, Piglet and Pooh, appear to be handling it as expected and will have each other and their keepers during their grieving process.If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Park Department at 620-793- 4111.

Winnie the grizzly dies at Great Bend zoo

The National Weather Service has increased the chances of wintry weather returning to Hays and northwest Kansas this week — but is predicting western Kansas won't see much moisture from the system.

The NWS said models show the storm system tracking farther north, with the heaviest snow in northeast Colorado and Nebraska.

While there is a 70 percent chance of rain, freezing rain and snow before midnight Tuesday and throughout Wednesday, less than an inch of total accumulation is predicted for the Hays area.

Areas in extreme northwest Kansas could see snowfall totals in excess of 4 inches, the NWS said.

After a Monday high expected to hit the upper-50s, the temperature will drop quickly this week, with a high of 45 predicted Tuesday and a high of just 35 predicted Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673882840210.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service has increased the chances of wintry weather returning to Hays and northwest Kansas this week — but is predicting western Kansas won't see much moisture from the system.The NWS said models show the storm system tracking farther north, with the heaviest snow in northeast Colorado and Nebraska.While there is a 70 percent chance of rain, freezing rain and snow before midnight Tuesday and throughout Wednesday, less than an inch of total accumulation is predicted for the Hays area.Areas in extreme northwest Kansas could see snowfall totals in excess of 4 inches, the NWS said.After a Monday high expected to hit the upper-50s, the temperature will drop quickly this week, with a high of 45 predicted Tuesday and a high of just 35 predicted Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673902344768.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Light Rain is Expected Tuesday Night. <a href="https://t.co/gTDJFxjZh7">pic.twitter.com/gTDJFxjZh7</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1615075575454134274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A strong winter storm will track through the plains Wednesday. Unfortunately for a dry southwest Kansas, the heavy snow is expected in Nebraska. We will see some light wraparound snow Wednesday afternoon with only light amounts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/FN7hF3BtKV">pic.twitter.com/FN7hF3BtKV</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1614888855676813312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Chance of snow increases, but not much moisture for Hays area

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of Marketing and Communications, Mariah Legleiter discusses the Hays Young Professionals organization.

<div><iframe title="Hays Young Professionals work to strengthen area business community" allowtransparency="true" height="150" 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=b2bq9-1365014-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315"></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of Marketing and Communications, Mariah Legleiter discusses the Hays Young Professionals organization.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Young Professionals work to strengthen area business community

CHEYENNE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6a.m. Monday in Cheyenne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Peterbilt semi driven by William Wilger, 62, St. Francis, was eastbound on U.S. 36 eight miles east of St. Francis.

The&nbsp;driver lost control due to icy roads. The semi entered the south ditch struck a culvert, went airborne for a brief time then landed back in the ditch.

EMS transported Wilger to the Cheyenne County Hospital. He was wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

UPDATED 12:35 p.m. Jan. 22 to clarify Wilger was properly restrained.&nbsp;

CHEYENNE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6a.m. Monday in Cheyenne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Peterbilt semi driven by William Wilger, 62, St. Francis, was eastbound on U.S. 36 eight miles east of St. Francis.The&nbsp;driver lost control due to icy roads. The semi entered the south ditch struck a culvert, went airborne for a brief time then landed back in the ditch.EMS transported Wilger to the Cheyenne County Hospital. He was wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.UPDATED 12:35 p.m. Jan. 22 to clarify Wilger was properly restrained.&nbsp;

CORRECTED: NW Kansas man hospitalized after violent semi crash

Ellis Police Department Press Release

On Jan. 15 at 7:05 p.m., Ellis Police Department Officers were alerted to a possible erratic driver that was reported to be driving at high rates of speed through residential areas. 

Officers located the vehicle in question, a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, driving northbound in the 1500 block of Monroe Street. 

EPD officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver, later identified as Clinton Evans, 40, of Ellis failed to yield to law enforcement and a pursuit ensued. 

Clinton led officers on a brief pursuit that lasted approximately 8 minutes. 

An Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputy was successful in deploying a tire deflation device that deflated all four tires on the suspect vehicle, ultimately bringing it to a stop in the 900 block of Old Highway 40.

A felony stop was initiated where officers attempted to take Clinton into custody. 

Clinton further failed to comply with lawful orders from Law Enforcement and a standoff occurred.

 Law Enforcement attempted to negotiate a peaceful resolution but negotiations failed. 

Making use of an armored vehicle as cover, officers were able to force entry into the suspect vehicle and deploy a chemical agent to attempt to gain compliance. 

When that failed, Law Enforcement formed an arrest team that was successful in taking Clinton into custody without further incident.

Clinton is being held in the Ellis County Jail on requested charges of Felony Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, Criminal Carrying of a Weapon, and numerous traffic offenses. Clinton is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. 

No further information about this incident will be released at this time.

I’d like to thank the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Hays Communications Center for their assistance with this case.

Avery A. Smith Chief of Police

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673878386830.png" alt="Evans has previous convictions that include burglary, theft, aggravated assault, battery against city/county Corrections officer/employee and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Evans has previous convictions that include burglary, theft, aggravated assault, battery against city/county Corrections officer/employee and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis Police Department Press ReleaseOn Jan. 15 at 7:05 p.m., Ellis Police Department Officers were alerted to a possible erratic driver that was reported to be driving at high rates of speed through residential areas. Officers located the vehicle in question, a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, driving northbound in the 1500 block of Monroe Street. EPD officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver, later identified as Clinton Evans, 40, of Ellis failed to yield to law enforcement and a pursuit ensued. Clinton led officers on a brief pursuit that lasted approximately 8 minutes. An Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputy was successful in deploying a tire deflation device that deflated all four tires on the suspect vehicle, ultimately bringing it to a stop in the 900 block of Old Highway 40.A felony stop was initiated where officers attempted to take Clinton into custody. Clinton further failed to comply with lawful orders from Law Enforcement and a standoff occurred. Law Enforcement attempted to negotiate a peaceful resolution but negotiations failed. Making use of an armored vehicle as cover, officers were able to force entry into the suspect vehicle and deploy a chemical agent to attempt to gain compliance. When that failed, Law Enforcement formed an arrest team that was successful in taking Clinton into custody without further incident.Clinton is being held in the Ellis County Jail on requested charges of Felony Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, Criminal Carrying of a Weapon, and numerous traffic offenses. Clinton is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. No further information about this incident will be released at this time.I’d like to thank the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Hays Communications Center for their assistance with this case.Avery A. Smith Chief of Police

Sunday night chase in Ellis leads to arrest

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Mayor Mason Ruder likes to point out he was four years old in 1995 when the city of Hays purchased the R9 Ranch in Edwards County as a long-term water supply.

Now, 28 years later, the project is finally picking up speed, especially in the past year.&nbsp;

"Every day is now an R9 Ranch Day," Ruder declared with a smile during last week's city commission meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

City Manager Toby Dougherty updated commissioners on the R9 water transfer process. It started in February 2014 when the then-city commission voted to apply to the state to change the water use from agricultural irrigation to municipal, and begin the approval process.

In June 2015, the change applications were filed and three years later a draft master order was issued through the Division of Water Resources in the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;

The master order was issued in March 2019.

&nbsp;The Kansas Water Transfer Act has never been enacted; by statute, the process is purposely slow and meticulous to determine if it's in the best interest of the state for the transfer of water from Edwards County to Ellis County, and then on to Russell County, which owns a small portion of the ranch.

The timeline has been dramatically slowed by several petitions and appeals starting in April 2019 by WaterPACK,&nbsp;Water Protection Association of Central Kansas, the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd42db8897d147ad4bb113a">only active opponent</a> in the project.&nbsp;

On June 29, 2022 Judge Bruce Gatterman, chief district judge of the Edwards County District Court, affirmed the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/03/28/chief-engineer-approves-hays-russell-r9-ranch-water-change-applications/">chief engineer’s 2019 approval of the cities’ change applications</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The group of irrigators believes Hays and Russell are being allowed to take too much water from the R9 Ranch, southeast of Kinsley, and there is potential harm in that.

"If they want to drag this out, fine," Dougherty said with a shrug of his shoulders. 

"We've received our positive ruling. We're starting the transfer process. We're moving forward. We don't think they're going to be successful."

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs interrupted Dougherty's report to express her anger at the continued delays and resulting increased cost to the city.

According to Dougherty, the deviations have cost the city about $2 million to date "in attorneys, in engineers. That's hard costs. Soft costs, inflation, you're talking $30-$40 million dollars, in what we could have done versus what it's going to cost now."&nbsp;

Converting water rights for one use to another is a widely used practice across Kansas, Dougherty told the commissioners.&nbsp;

"When you convert irrigation water rights to municipal water rights, you don't get 100% of that. You get a formulaic reduction to protect the water rights around you and to protect the aquifer, to make sure the new use does not use more water than the previous use," he explained.

Early on in the process, Hays and Russell voluntarily agreed to reduce their water rights by another 30% "because we want to make sure we don't do anything to potentially harm the aquifer.

Administrative law judge Matt Spurgen was appointed October 21 as hearing officer of the transfer hearing panel.&nbsp;

By the end of February, replies to the WaterPACK appeal are due from the cities and the Division of Water Resources, followed by another reply from WaterPACK.

By statute, oral arguments should be scheduled this summer with a final decision by the water transfer panel anywhere between October 2023 and May 2024.

With the entire state of Kansas currently in a drought - to various degrees - "it's getting serious again," said Jacobs.&nbsp;

"I would think this is to our benefit. We're talking about water for people, for sustainability of life in our area," she said.

Dougherty again emphasized he has "no doubt we will prevail" in the appeal process and decision by the water transfer panel.&nbsp;

"I am finalizing the wellfield and pipeline project design contracts," he told the commission. "I hope to have those in front of you within the next couple of months for your approval so we can get started on the design contract.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"As soon as the design contracts are approved, we're gonna send that RFQ (Request For Quote) for a land acquisition services firm ... and then start acquiring the land for the pipeline itself."

The R-9 Ranch is being converted to native grass and walk-in hunting from irrigated cropland.

Dougherty said he's been searching for federal funding to help pay for that conversion and a possible move to more public use of the property.

To see the entire Jan. 12 update on the R-9 Ranch, courtesy of Nex-Tech, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLAZTzkqtt0&amp;list=PL3Fzb-KBsZZ-V5DLSgW2fa4YLIeCQQ_9A">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Below is a Jan. 13 recap discussion (at about 9:00) with Dougherty and Jacobs on KAYS Radio with Hays Post news reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612809980009.png" alt=" Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty at the R9 Ranch in Edwards County. Photo by Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty at the R9 Ranch in Edwards County. Photo by Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostMayor Mason Ruder likes to point out he was four years old in 1995 when the city of Hays purchased the R9 Ranch in Edwards County as a long-term water supply.Now, 28 years later, the project is finally picking up speed, especially in the past year.&nbsp; "Every day is now an R9 Ranch Day," Ruder declared with a smile during last week's city commission meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;City Manager Toby Dougherty updated commissioners on the R9 water transfer process. It started in February 2014 when the then-city commission voted to apply to the state to change the water use from agricultural irrigation to municipal, and begin the approval process.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673827604795.jpeg" alt="City of Hays document" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays document</figcaption>
 </figure>In June 2015, the change applications were filed and three years later a draft master order was issued through the Division of Water Resources in the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;The master order was issued in March 2019.&nbsp;The Kansas Water Transfer Act has never been enacted; by statute, the process is purposely slow and meticulous to determine if it's in the best interest of the state for the transfer of water from Edwards County to Ellis County, and then on to Russell County, which owns a small portion of the ranch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673829933735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The timeline has been dramatically slowed by several petitions and appeals starting in April 2019 by WaterPACK,&nbsp;Water Protection Association of Central Kansas, the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd42db8897d147ad4bb113a">only active opponent</a> in the project.&nbsp;On June 29, 2022 Judge Bruce Gatterman, chief district judge of the Edwards County District Court, affirmed the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/03/28/chief-engineer-approves-hays-russell-r9-ranch-water-change-applications/">chief engineer’s 2019 approval of the cities’ change applications</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;WaterPACK appealed. The group of irrigators believes Hays and Russell are being allowed to take too much water from the R9 Ranch, southeast of Kinsley, and there is potential harm in that."If they want to drag this out, fine," Dougherty said with a shrug of his shoulders. "We've received our positive ruling. We're starting the transfer process. We're moving forward. We don't think they're going to be successful."<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/zEJdfJ6s-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sequence 01" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Commissioner Sandy Jacobs interrupted Dougherty's report to express her anger at the continued delays and resulting increased cost to the city.According to Dougherty, the deviations have cost the city about $2 million to date "in attorneys, in engineers. That's hard costs. Soft costs, inflation, you're talking $30-$40 million dollars, in what we could have done versus what it's going to cost now."&nbsp;Converting water rights for one use to another is a widely used practice across Kansas, Dougherty told the commissioners.&nbsp;"When you convert irrigation water rights to municipal water rights, you don't get 100% of that. You get a formulaic reduction to protect the water rights around you and to protect the aquifer, to make sure the new use does not use more water than the previous use," he explained.Early on in the process, Hays and Russell voluntarily agreed to reduce their water rights by another 30% "because we want to make sure we don't do anything to potentially harm the aquifer."To this group, that's not enough."Administrative law judge Matt Spurgen was appointed October 21 as hearing officer of the transfer hearing panel.&nbsp;By the end of February, replies to the WaterPACK appeal are due from the cities and the Division of Water Resources, followed by another reply from WaterPACK.By statute, oral arguments should be scheduled this summer with a final decision by the water transfer panel anywhere between October 2023 and May 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673832607116.jpeg" alt="City of Hays document" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays document</figcaption>
 </figure>With the entire state of Kansas currently in a drought - to various degrees - "it's getting serious again," said Jacobs.&nbsp;"I would think this is to our benefit. We're talking about water for people, for sustainability of life in our area," she said.Dougherty again emphasized he has "no doubt we will prevail" in the appeal process and decision by the water transfer panel.&nbsp;"I am finalizing the wellfield and pipeline project design contracts," he told the commission. "I hope to have those in front of you within the next couple of months for your approval so we can get started on the design contract.&nbsp;&nbsp;"As soon as the design contracts are approved, we're gonna send that RFQ (Request For Quote) for a land acquisition services firm ... and then start acquiring the land for the pipeline itself."The R-9 Ranch is being converted to native grass and walk-in hunting from irrigated cropland.Dougherty said he's been searching for federal funding to help pay for that conversion and a possible move to more public use of the property.To see the entire Jan. 12 update on the R-9 Ranch, courtesy of Nex-Tech, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLAZTzkqtt0&amp;list=PL3Fzb-KBsZZ-V5DLSgW2fa4YLIeCQQ_9A">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Below is a Jan. 13 recap discussion (at about 9:00) with Dougherty and Jacobs on KAYS Radio with Hays Post news reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Hays City Commission hears R9 Ranch water project updates" 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=5s4di-1361d11-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎥🎤 City: R9 Ranch water project delays costing Hays millions of dollars

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A new Hays resident is planning to open a new American-style restaurant in the former Mokas building, 1230 E. 27th.

Chester Mayhew will be expanding his family's restaurant business, Cattleman's Cafe, to Hays. Mayhew said he hopes to have the restaurant open by mid-Febraury.

Chester will be the owner and operator of the business, but his parents, Chester and Carolyn, have a combined 60 years of experience in food service.

The family also has restaurants in Liberal and Sublette.

"Hays seems to be a growing community, and it seems to be welcoming to people who want to grow Hays," he said.

The cafe will offer comfort food favorites, such as chicken-fried steaks, meatloaf, pot roast, hamburgers, salads and steaks.

All the steaks and hamburgers will be charbroiled.

The cafes are known for their chicken-fried steaks, which are hand-breaded in-house and fried fresh to order.

"It's going to be good food, good prices and good service," he said.

Everything will be homemade, including mashed potatoes and ranch dressing. Other sides will include carrots, green beans and corn.

The cafe will have kids' meals, as well as half-portion options for light eaters.

"It's a family restaurant, and we are a family operation. We want to serve the customers with good food and good prices and good service," Mayhew said.

He said the at-home atmosphere will set the restaurant apart. He said the food is "like grandma's cooking." 

Mayhew said he is waiting on equipment but could start hiring as soon as next week. He acknowledged the job market in Hays is tight, but he said he intends to offer competitive wages.

Mayhew is in the process of remodeling the former coffee shop. The restaurant will have a capacity of about 90 people.

The restaurant will be open seven days a week. Sundays through Thursdays it will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

"Hays seems to be a growing, moving town," Mayhew said. "The traffic never stops. It's a little different atmosphere than southwest Kansas. I'm excited for the new customer base."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673634772216.jpeg" alt="Cattleman's Cafe is set to open in mid-February at 1230 E. 27th, Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Cattleman's Cafe is set to open in mid-February at 1230 E. 27th, Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new Hays resident is planning to open a new American-style restaurant in the former Mokas building, 1230 E. 27th.Chester Mayhew will be expanding his family's restaurant business, Cattleman's Cafe, to Hays. Mayhew said he hopes to have the restaurant open by mid-Febraury.Chester will be the owner and operator of the business, but his parents, Chester and Carolyn, have a combined 60 years of experience in food service.The family also has restaurants in Liberal and Sublette. "Hays seems to be a growing community, and it seems to be welcoming to people who want to grow Hays," he said. The cafe will offer comfort food favorites, such as chicken-fried steaks, meatloaf, pot roast, hamburgers, salads and steaks.All the steaks and hamburgers will be charbroiled. The cafes are known for their chicken-fried steaks, which are hand-breaded in-house and fried fresh to order. "It's going to be good food, good prices and good service," he said.Everything will be homemade, including mashed potatoes and ranch dressing. Other sides will include carrots, green beans and corn.The cafe will have kids' meals, as well as half-portion options for light eaters."It's a family restaurant, and we are a family operation. We want to serve the customers with good food and good prices and good service," Mayhew said.He said the at-home atmosphere will set the restaurant apart. He said the food is "like grandma's cooking." Mayhew said he is waiting on equipment but could start hiring as soon as next week. He acknowledged the job market in Hays is tight, but he said he intends to offer competitive wages. Mayhew is in the process of remodeling the former coffee shop. The restaurant will have a capacity of about 90 people.The restaurant will be open seven days a week. Sundays through Thursdays it will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m."Hays seems to be a growing, moving town," Mayhew said. "The traffic never stops. It's a little different atmosphere than southwest Kansas. I'm excited for the new customer base."

Cattleman's Cafe to offer 'grandma's cooking' in new Hays location

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — The ducks know
 what they want. This year, it was not the dry conditions in and around 
Cheyenne Bottoms. 

That was evidenced during the National Audobon 
Society's Christmas Bird Count centered around the Bottoms. KWEC 
Director Curtis Wolf said around 16 people participated in this year's 
count on Dec. 19.

"It's always a fun event to get people out," he 
said. "I always say it's not a typical time you think about going out to
 see birds and spend some time out in nature, but it's a great 
opportunity to get together with some other bird watchers, go out for a 
day, and try to observe and count all the birds we see within a certain 
area."

The local count is one of about 40 in Kansas scheduled 
between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. Wolf and volunteers separated into groups to
 cover a 15-mile-in-diameter circle with the Bottoms at its center. The 
count creates a snapshot in time so bird experts can track trends. A dry
 2022 made for a peculiar year.

"It's interesting because of years
 like this," Wolf said. "We typically, during our Christmas bird count, 
have 75 to maybe even 85 species we document. This year, with the 
conditions we have, we only had 61 species we documented."

But the
 count also had its treasures. Wolf's group spotted a black scoter duck 
at Stone Lake in Great Bend, part of the observation area. Scoters are 
found more often at sea, so bird watchers converged on the lake to see 
the bird.

"We had put it out there that there was a black scoter 
there," said Wolf. "There were several people that traveled in from 
surrounding areas to go see it the next day, and it was still there the 
next day."

The Christmas Bird Count is nearing its 50th 
anniversary for the area, and the 123rd count overall. See current and 
historical data compiled from the counts by <a href="https://netapp.audubon.org/cbcobservation/?_gl=1*176bk54*_ga*MTY3Nzc4OTUwOS4xNjcwMjcwNjc4*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTY3MzU0NjI5Mi4yLjAuMTY3MzU0NjI5NC41OC4wLjA.&amp;_gl=1*176bk54*_ga*MTY3Nzc4OTUwOS4xNjcwMjcwNjc4*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTY3MzU0NjI5Mi4yLjAuMTY3MzU0NjI5NC41OC4wLjA.">CLICKING HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673622234130.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — The ducks know
 what they want. This year, it was not the dry conditions in and around 
Cheyenne Bottoms. That was evidenced during the National Audobon 
Society's Christmas Bird Count centered around the Bottoms. KWEC 
Director Curtis Wolf said around 16 people participated in this year's 
count on Dec. 19."It's always a fun event to get people out," he 
said. "I always say it's not a typical time you think about going out to
 see birds and spend some time out in nature, but it's a great 
opportunity to get together with some other bird watchers, go out for a 
day, and try to observe and count all the birds we see within a certain 
area."The local count is one of about 40 in Kansas scheduled 
between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. Wolf and volunteers separated into groups to
 cover a 15-mile-in-diameter circle with the Bottoms at its center. The 
count creates a snapshot in time so bird experts can track trends. A dry
 2022 made for a peculiar year."It's interesting because of years
 like this," Wolf said. "We typically, during our Christmas bird count, 
have 75 to maybe even 85 species we document. This year, with the 
conditions we have, we only had 61 species we documented."But the
 count also had its treasures. Wolf's group spotted a black scoter duck 
at Stone Lake in Great Bend, part of the observation area. Scoters are 
found more often at sea, so bird watchers converged on the lake to see 
the bird."We had put it out there that there was a black scoter 
there," said Wolf. "There were several people that traveled in from 
surrounding areas to go see it the next day, and it was still there the 
next day."The Christmas Bird Count is nearing its 50th 
anniversary for the area, and the 123rd count overall. See current and 
historical data compiled from the counts by <a href="https://netapp.audubon.org/cbcobservation/?_gl=1*176bk54*_ga*MTY3Nzc4OTUwOS4xNjcwMjcwNjc4*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTY3MzU0NjI5Mi4yLjAuMTY3MzU0NjI5NC41OC4wLjA.&amp;_gl=1*176bk54*_ga*MTY3Nzc4OTUwOS4xNjcwMjcwNjc4*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTY3MzU0NjI5Mi4yLjAuMTY3MzU0NjI5NC41OC4wLjA.">CLICKING HERE.</a>

Bird species down during 2022 Cheyenne Bottoms count

PLAINVILLE — In conjunction with the Kansas FFA Foundation, Heartland Regional Stockyards Inc. will hold an inaugural FFA Special Sale on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the sale facility in Plainville.&nbsp;

The auction will feature a weigh-up sale beginning at 10 a.m. and feeder calf and yearling calf sale at noon. A complimentary meal will be served to all farmers and ranchers following the weigh-up sale. The meal is sponsored by Hubbard Feeds and will be served by local FFA members. The yearling and feeder calf sale will follow the meal at approximately noon.

Sellers and buyers can elect to contribute $1 per head to the FFA. Monies will be split between the Kansas FFA Foundation and the local Kansas FFA Chapter of the donors choosing. Heartland Regional Stockyards has committed to matching all per-head contributions for the day.&nbsp;

The sale was inspired by a vision of Brandon Hamel, manager of Heartland Regional Stockyards and Lloyd Schneider, Kansas FFA Foundation Board of Trustee, to support Kansas FFA at the state and local level.&nbsp;

“The FFA is one of the most important youth organizations available to high school students today,” Schneider said. “The organization teaches today’s youth skills that they will need to be successful in their future. Public speaking, leadership development, business skills, and more are taught in agricultural education. And for these reasons our team at HRS believes it's extremely important that we invest in FFA members across Kansas.”

Beth Gaines, executive director of the Kansas FFA Foundation, echoed Schneider’s sentiments. 

“We are grateful for the vision of the team at Heartland Regional Stockyards to expand the resources available for the Kansas FFA and local chapters," she said. "The agriculture industry supporting agricultural education and the Kansas FFA is how we make opportunities and resources available to FFA members across the state to continue to grow and develop young people into the leaders of tomorrow.”

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for the sale. Agriculture businesses, production operations, and individuals can participate in and be recognized as a sponsor for the event. To learn more about sponsorship, please contact Johanna Anderes, Kansas FFA Foundation at&nbsp;johanna@kansasffafoundation.org&nbsp;or 785-410-7313.&nbsp;

For sale information and questions regarding consigning cattle for this sale, contact the Heartland Regional Stockyards at 785-688-4080 or Brandom Hamel at 785-434-6280.

For more information on the Kansas FFA Foundation, visit&nbsp;www.ksffa.org/foundation/

News releasePLAINVILLE — In conjunction with the Kansas FFA Foundation, Heartland Regional Stockyards Inc. will hold an inaugural FFA Special Sale on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the sale facility in Plainville.&nbsp;The auction will feature a weigh-up sale beginning at 10 a.m. and feeder calf and yearling calf sale at noon. A complimentary meal will be served to all farmers and ranchers following the weigh-up sale. The meal is sponsored by Hubbard Feeds and will be served by local FFA members. The yearling and feeder calf sale will follow the meal at approximately noon.Sellers and buyers can elect to contribute $1 per head to the FFA. Monies will be split between the Kansas FFA Foundation and the local Kansas FFA Chapter of the donors choosing. Heartland Regional Stockyards has committed to matching all per-head contributions for the day.&nbsp;The sale was inspired by a vision of Brandon Hamel, manager of Heartland Regional Stockyards and Lloyd Schneider, Kansas FFA Foundation Board of Trustee, to support Kansas FFA at the state and local level.&nbsp;“The FFA is one of the most important youth organizations available to high school students today,” Schneider said. “The organization teaches today’s youth skills that they will need to be successful in their future. Public speaking, leadership development, business skills, and more are taught in agricultural education. And for these reasons our team at HRS believes it's extremely important that we invest in FFA members across Kansas.”Beth Gaines, executive director of the Kansas FFA Foundation, echoed Schneider’s sentiments. “We are grateful for the vision of the team at Heartland Regional Stockyards to expand the resources available for the Kansas FFA and local chapters," she said. "The agriculture industry supporting agricultural education and the Kansas FFA is how we make opportunities and resources available to FFA members across the state to continue to grow and develop young people into the leaders of tomorrow.”Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for the sale. Agriculture businesses, production operations, and individuals can participate in and be recognized as a sponsor for the event. To learn more about sponsorship, please contact Johanna Anderes, Kansas FFA Foundation at&nbsp;johanna@kansasffafoundation.org&nbsp;or 785-410-7313.&nbsp;For sale information and questions regarding consigning cattle for this sale, contact the Heartland Regional Stockyards at 785-688-4080 or Brandom Hamel at 785-434-6280.For more information on the Kansas FFA Foundation, visit&nbsp;www.ksffa.org/foundation/Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Plainville cattle sale to support Kansas FFA members, chapters

<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/2023/1/1673638589680.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

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about raising property tax rates in Ellis County.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses tax increases in Ellis Co." allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yiv25-1361cd7-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about raising property tax rates in Ellis County.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses tax increases in Ellis Co.

The city of Hays recently released the top dog names and dog breeds for 2022.

Some dog names may be spelled differently, but below are the top 10 dog names listed in the city of Hays registration database.

The city had 1,600 registered pet tags last year. That includes both dogs and cats.

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sadie 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Max 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buddy 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Daisy 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maggie 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bailey 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harley 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Abby 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bear

The city also released the top 10 dog breeds for 2022.

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mixed breed 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lab 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shih Tzu 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chihuahua 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yorkie 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Australian shepherd 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Golden retriever 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Boxer 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Husky 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Beagle

All dogs and cats living in the city of Hays are required to have 2023 city tags by March 1. These tags must be renewed every year.

Nikki Hausler, Hays community service officer, said pet tags help officers quickly reunite pets with their owners.

"When we pick up an animal that has a city pet tag on, we call our dispatch and say we have this number and we can call the owner right away," Hausler said. "We have 24-hour access to the database.

"Instead of driving it all the way out to the shelter and the owner calling five minutes later saying they're missing it, this way we can just take it home."

Hausler said rabies tags will not help officers reunite the pet with its owners during evenings or on weekends when vet clinics are closed.

"[A pet tag] is going to save you impound fees. It's going to save you trips out to the shelter to pick up the animal," she said.

Hausler encouraged pet owners to call the police department as soon as they realize their pet is missing.

"It's not like in the movies. We're about getting them home, safely," she said.

If you do have a pet that ends up at the shelter, you have to pay the impound fee at the police department first and then take that receipt to the shelter to claim the pet, Hausler said.

Pet licenses can be purchased for $5 at the city clerk's office, 1507 Main, if the pet is neutered or spayed. The fee is $25 if the pet is not.

The city has a dangerous dog ordinance. Dangerous dogs, which includes pit bulls or dogs deemed dangerous by the court, need to show proof of microchipping and owners need to provide a photo of the dog.  There is an additional fee of $50 for a dangerous dog.

In order to register a pet, you will need to have documentation from a veterinarian showing the rabies expiration date and if the pet is neutered or spayed.

Pets that have been in your possession and are not licensed by March 1 will incur a late fee of $10 for each month or part of a month after March 1, with a late fee not to exceed $50 for each pet. 

Hausler also offered several tips for caring for pets during winter. If a dog can't be brought inside during cold weather, Hausler suggested an insulated dog house and a heated water bowl or replacing frozen water at least three or four times per day. 

Don't put blankets in dog houses or cat shelters; they tend to draw moisture and can freeze. Hay or straw is preferred.

Just as in hot weather, don't leave a pet in a vehicle during cold weather.

"A car is like a refrigerator, and it's going to get awful cold if you are inside a department store or the mall for any length of time," Hausler said.

Hays Post reporters Becky Kiser and James Bell contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673470786504.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe city of Hays recently released the top dog names and dog breeds for 2022.Some dog names may be spelled differently, but below are the top 10 dog names listed in the city of Hays registration database.The city had 1,600 registered pet tags last year. That includes both dogs and cats.<h2>Dog names</h2>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sadie 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Max 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buddy 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Daisy 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maggie 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bailey 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harley 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Abby 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BearThe city also released the top 10 dog breeds for 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673477272517.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Dog breeds</h2>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mixed breed 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lab 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shih Tzu 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chihuahua 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yorkie 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Australian shepherd 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Golden retriever 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Boxer 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Husky 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BeagleAll dogs and cats living in the city of Hays are required to have 2023 city tags by March 1. These tags must be renewed every year. <div><iframe title="Hays pet tags due March 1" 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=ky6rp-1361d05-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Nikki Hausler, Hays community service officer, said pet tags help officers quickly reunite pets with their owners."When we pick up an animal that has a city pet tag on, we call our dispatch and say we have this number and we can call the owner right away," Hausler said. "We have 24-hour access to the database."Instead of driving it all the way out to the shelter and the owner calling five minutes later saying they're missing it, this way we can just take it home."Hausler said rabies tags will not help officers reunite the pet with its owners during evenings or on weekends when vet clinics are closed."[A pet tag] is going to save you impound fees. It's going to save you trips out to the shelter to pick up the animal," she said.Hausler encouraged pet owners to call the police department as soon as they realize their pet is missing."It's not like in the movies. We're about getting them home, safely," she said. If you do have a pet that ends up at the shelter, you have to pay the impound fee at the police department first and then take that receipt to the shelter to claim the pet, Hausler said. Pet licenses can be purchased for $5 at the city clerk's office, 1507 Main, if the pet is neutered or spayed. The fee is $25 if the pet is not.The city has a dangerous dog ordinance. Dangerous dogs, which includes pit bulls or dogs deemed dangerous by the court, need to show proof of microchipping and owners need to provide a photo of the dog. There is an additional fee of $50 for a dangerous dog.In order to register a pet, you will need to have documentation from a veterinarian showing the rabies expiration date and if the pet is neutered or spayed.Pets that have been in your possession and are not licensed by March 1 will incur a late fee of $10 for each month or part of a month after March 1, with a late fee not to exceed $50 for each pet. <h2>Winter pet tips</h2>Hausler also offered several tips for caring for pets during winter. If a dog can't be brought inside during cold weather, Hausler suggested an insulated dog house and a heated water bowl or replacing frozen water at least three or four times per day. Don't put blankets in dog houses or cat shelters; they tend to draw moisture and can freeze. Hay or straw is preferred.Just as in hot weather, don't leave a pet in a vehicle during cold weather."A car is like a refrigerator, and it's going to get awful cold if you are inside a department store or the mall for any length of time," Hausler said. Hays Post reporters Becky Kiser and James Bell contributed to this story.

🎙 Hays releases top dog names of 2022; pet tags due March 1

ALMENA — The Kansas Department of Transportation will hold an open house on Monday, Jan. 30, for the upcoming reconstruction of 6 miles of Kansas 383 in Norton County.&nbsp;

The event is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Almena Community Center located at 421 Main in Almena.

Attendees will be able to review the project plans and expected traffic impacts. KDOT staff will be also available for questions and comments about the project. No formal presentation will be given; participants are welcome to come and go at any time during the event between 4 and 6 p.m.

The project is the second phase of KDOT’s reconstruction of the 26-mile K-383 corridor in Norton and Phillips counties. Construction activities include reconstructing and widening the highway on existing alignment as well as adding paved shoulders. Work is expected to begin this spring and be completed by the end of 2023, weather permitting.

Anyone who requires language translation, special assistance or accommodation to attend the meeting should contact Lisa Mussman at 785-874-8107 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lisa.mussman@ks.gov">lisa.mussman@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;one week before the meeting date.&nbsp;

KDOTALMENA — The Kansas Department of Transportation will hold an open house on Monday, Jan. 30, for the upcoming reconstruction of 6 miles of Kansas 383 in Norton County.&nbsp;The event is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Almena Community Center located at 421 Main in Almena.Attendees will be able to review the project plans and expected traffic impacts. KDOT staff will be also available for questions and comments about the project. No formal presentation will be given; participants are welcome to come and go at any time during the event between 4 and 6 p.m.The project is the second phase of KDOT’s reconstruction of the 26-mile K-383 corridor in Norton and Phillips counties. Construction activities include reconstructing and widening the highway on existing alignment as well as adding paved shoulders. Work is expected to begin this spring and be completed by the end of 2023, weather permitting.Anyone who requires language translation, special assistance or accommodation to attend the meeting should contact Lisa Mussman at 785-874-8107 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lisa.mussman@ks.gov">lisa.mussman@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;one week before the meeting date.&nbsp;

Open house planned for upcoming K-383 project

This year’s Olliff Family Educational Symposium at Fort Hays State University has been set for Thursday, Feb. 2, in a virtual format. The symposium, sponsored by FHSU’s College of Education, will run from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The theme of this symposium for area K-12 educators is “The Educator’s Mind Matters Too.”

The featured speaker,&nbsp;Dr. Lori Desautels, will speak on Adult/ Educator Brain and Body States Through the Lens of Applied Educational Neuroscience. In the session, she will explore how trauma and adversity impact students’ developing brains and bodies.

The symposium is free and open to the public. However, registration is required. For information on how to register and a link to the registration page, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMPDwG0eixxE1TLG0OQU-2Bnootqd6rACOD5xDEgpU9VDs8OEtArdbT9FgRJ-2F-2F-2Ffas0oTPb3ZjZZI-2FtEhbIed-2BjuI-3DEhm2_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem3oLZJU-2Bi3PfCuJ7CFsPxKgNe-2Bqoe1T9UZnFsU8QJQTyTvakUxr2GpOYcn0-2BAhSZKkI1VgkXLCcy4mYd5kNMU6iNhofxrqp-2FpJ6htCasOqgLJS1cjIwJhBnyIOOurd-2BOwmsHKSTGz5NnXsCoQlTqeQfzNmDj5IRpjCtrra37CczgLrOh7qQWIa-2BmYdOpdGmTYU6764ymdxAD4p8EgukStG-2BrbRKKB-2FtrIJHK1TtpOZlv5Qjj3SsrIMMj6Sh4WbWHxTdqtqlGlxn8dAtzk5DDr-2Fw-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/olliff-family-educational-symposium/</a>.

The symposium began in 2017 and&nbsp;was later named after the Olliff Family in honor of the late Darel Olliff and his wife, Shirley.

As a third-generation funeral director in Phillipsburg, Darel developed a passion for mental health. His son, Dr. Kenton Olliff – a longtime employee of FHSU – had worked with his dad for several years before going into teaching.

To ensure the symposium would be offered every year, Kenton committed in 2019 to financially support this important event along with his mother; his wife, Carol Solko-Olliff; and the Olliff family. Kenton, a licensed clinical professional and addiction counselor, is an associate professor of Advanced Education Programs at FHSU, where Carol is the director of International Student Services.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673630337592.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThis year’s Olliff Family Educational Symposium at Fort Hays State University has been set for Thursday, Feb. 2, in a virtual format. The symposium, sponsored by FHSU’s College of Education, will run from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.The theme of this symposium for area K-12 educators is “The Educator’s Mind Matters Too.”The featured speaker,&nbsp;Dr. Lori Desautels, will speak on Adult/ Educator Brain and Body States Through the Lens of Applied Educational Neuroscience. In the session, she will explore how trauma and adversity impact students’ developing brains and bodies.The symposium is free and open to the public. However, registration is required. For information on how to register and a link to the registration page, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMPDwG0eixxE1TLG0OQU-2Bnootqd6rACOD5xDEgpU9VDs8OEtArdbT9FgRJ-2F-2F-2Ffas0oTPb3ZjZZI-2FtEhbIed-2BjuI-3DEhm2_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem3oLZJU-2Bi3PfCuJ7CFsPxKgNe-2Bqoe1T9UZnFsU8QJQTyTvakUxr2GpOYcn0-2BAhSZKkI1VgkXLCcy4mYd5kNMU6iNhofxrqp-2FpJ6htCasOqgLJS1cjIwJhBnyIOOurd-2BOwmsHKSTGz5NnXsCoQlTqeQfzNmDj5IRpjCtrra37CczgLrOh7qQWIa-2BmYdOpdGmTYU6764ymdxAD4p8EgukStG-2BrbRKKB-2FtrIJHK1TtpOZlv5Qjj3SsrIMMj6Sh4WbWHxTdqtqlGlxn8dAtzk5DDr-2Fw-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/olliff-family-educational-symposium/</a>.The symposium began in 2017 and&nbsp;was later named after the Olliff Family in honor of the late Darel Olliff and his wife, Shirley.As a third-generation funeral director in Phillipsburg, Darel developed a passion for mental health. His son, Dr. Kenton Olliff – a longtime employee of FHSU – had worked with his dad for several years before going into teaching.To ensure the symposium would be offered every year, Kenton committed in 2019 to financially support this important event along with his mother; his wife, Carol Solko-Olliff; and the Olliff family. Kenton, a licensed clinical professional and addiction counselor, is an associate professor of Advanced Education Programs at FHSU, where Carol is the director of International Student Services.&nbsp;Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Registration open for FHSU’s annual educational symposium

COLBY — The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation announced a new scholarship after receiving a $50,000 gift from David and Rose Kreller. The fund is in memory of Kathy Kreller, who graduated in the first nursing class at CCC.

The Kathleen A. Kreller Scholarship will provide two $2,500 awards annually, one for a practical nursing student and one for an individual pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First preference will be given to students from Rooks or Smith counties. Second preference will be given to candidates in Phillips, Norton, Graham, Trego, Ellis, Russell or Osborne counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Colby Community College is honored to be able to recognize and memorialize Kathy's legacy," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "The college is incredibly thankful for David and Rose Kreller's generosity and their investment in the nursing programs and our students."

Kathy was the daughter of A.J. "Tony" and Wanda Kreller, and sister to Mike, Mark, Dennis, and David Kreller. Kathy passed away in 2000.

<figure>
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 </figure>CCCCOLBY — The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation announced a new scholarship after receiving a $50,000 gift from David and Rose Kreller. The fund is in memory of Kathy Kreller, who graduated in the first nursing class at CCC.The Kathleen A. Kreller Scholarship will provide two $2,500 awards annually, one for a practical nursing student and one for an individual pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;First preference will be given to students from Rooks or Smith counties. Second preference will be given to candidates in Phillips, Norton, Graham, Trego, Ellis, Russell or Osborne counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Colby Community College is honored to be able to recognize and memorialize Kathy's legacy," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "The college is incredibly thankful for David and Rose Kreller's generosity and their investment in the nursing programs and our students."Kathy was the daughter of A.J. "Tony" and Wanda Kreller, and sister to Mike, Mark, Dennis, and David Kreller. Kathy passed away in 2000.

Colby CC receives endowed gift for nursing

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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

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