“TransFortified,” an entrepreneurial business plan created by PJ Stauffer, won first place at the 2023 Faulkner Challenge for a Better Future at Fort Hays State University.

Stauffer, a senior drawing major and graduate of Beloit High School, received a $6,000 first-place cash award for his presentation. Stauffer’s business is a non-profit website with resources for transgender Americans looking for information in multiple facets, including name changes, navigating medical transition, peer support, historical and scientific accuracy, self-advocacy, and connecting to local resources.

“I don’t want others to go through the turmoil that I went through,” Stauffer, who was born female but now identifies as male, said in his presentation to the judges at Saturday’s event. “Nowadays, it is more difficult to get access to resources because the laws are changing all the time.”

Stauffer said that winning the competition was unexpected. He often struggles with discussing the status of his gender identity with others and found that the encouragement of his professors and peers played a key role in his moving forward with the project.&nbsp;

“I plan to help people who are going through the same thing as me see that it is actually worth it,” he said. “Good things happen. Keep trying. You literally never know what’s going to happen.”

The Faulkner Challenge is a business plan competition designed to develop entrepreneurial imagination and innovation in university students, regardless of major or interests. It is open to any new venture in the conceptual, seed, or startup stages and to students from any community college or university in Kansas. Teams are evaluated on their ability to clearly identify a market opportunity, value proposition, and sustainable competitive advantage.

While all entries are welcome, of special interest are proposals for innovations in or design of products, processes, systems, services, or businesses that are economically sustainable, with promise for social and or environmental benefit.&nbsp;

FHSU alum Kevin Faulkner established an endowed fund for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship business plan challenge that now bears his name. He supports the challenge in many ways, including serving as a judge for the competition.

Faulkner, who joined Saturday’s finals competition online, offered his help and guidance to all three teams competing.

“These are three outstanding ideas, and I think you presented them very well,” he said. “I hope you continue to move forward with them.”

The second-place $3,000 prize went to Salma Beauty, a sustainable makeup startup that draws inspiration from the beauty of Morocco. Team members: Fiorella Mendez, Paraguay; Diana Angarita, San Felipe, Venezuela; Bass Fall, Dakar, Senegal; and Mohamed Didi, Dakar, Senegal.

Winning the $1,000 third-place award was Innovia Construction, LLC 3D printed homes – building sustainable, high-quality homes for an affordable price. Team members: Max Weimer, McCook, Neb.; Caitlin Leiker, Hays; Tanner Miller, Spearville; and Alicia Feyerherm, Hays.

Competition for the 2023 award was “razor thin,” said Dr. Rick Edgeman, director of FHSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and organizer of the challenge.

“It was an incredibly challenging discussion and decision. Whether you walk away with 3rd, 2nd, or 1st, you are all winners. You all did amazing jobs.”

Edgeman said all the competitors have a legitimate chance to move forward with their business plans to make a significant impact on the world.

“That’s what this competition was about,” he said. “Doing things that matter. We feel that every one of your ideas is something that makes a difference.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680639572051.jpeg" alt="Top three Faulkner Challenge finalists are awarded $10,000 during the 2023 competition." />
 <figcaption>Top three Faulkner Challenge finalists are awarded $10,000 during the 2023 competition.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Foundation“TransFortified,” an entrepreneurial business plan created by PJ Stauffer, won first place at the 2023 Faulkner Challenge for a Better Future at Fort Hays State University.Stauffer, a senior drawing major and graduate of Beloit High School, received a $6,000 first-place cash award for his presentation. Stauffer’s business is a non-profit website with resources for transgender Americans looking for information in multiple facets, including name changes, navigating medical transition, peer support, historical and scientific accuracy, self-advocacy, and connecting to local resources.“I don’t want others to go through the turmoil that I went through,” Stauffer, who was born female but now identifies as male, said in his presentation to the judges at Saturday’s event. “Nowadays, it is more difficult to get access to resources because the laws are changing all the time.”Stauffer said that winning the competition was unexpected. He often struggles with discussing the status of his gender identity with others and found that the encouragement of his professors and peers played a key role in his moving forward with the project.&nbsp;“I plan to help people who are going through the same thing as me see that it is actually worth it,” he said. “Good things happen. Keep trying. You literally never know what’s going to happen.”The Faulkner Challenge is a business plan competition designed to develop entrepreneurial imagination and innovation in university students, regardless of major or interests. It is open to any new venture in the conceptual, seed, or startup stages and to students from any community college or university in Kansas. Teams are evaluated on their ability to clearly identify a market opportunity, value proposition, and sustainable competitive advantage.While all entries are welcome, of special interest are proposals for innovations in or design of products, processes, systems, services, or businesses that are economically sustainable, with promise for social and or environmental benefit.&nbsp;FHSU alum Kevin Faulkner established an endowed fund for the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship business plan challenge that now bears his name. He supports the challenge in many ways, including serving as a judge for the competition.Faulkner, who joined Saturday’s finals competition online, offered his help and guidance to all three teams competing.“These are three outstanding ideas, and I think you presented them very well,” he said. “I hope you continue to move forward with them.”The second-place $3,000 prize went to Salma Beauty, a sustainable makeup startup that draws inspiration from the beauty of Morocco. Team members: Fiorella Mendez, Paraguay; Diana Angarita, San Felipe, Venezuela; Bass Fall, Dakar, Senegal; and Mohamed Didi, Dakar, Senegal.Winning the $1,000 third-place award was Innovia Construction, LLC 3D printed homes – building sustainable, high-quality homes for an affordable price. Team members: Max Weimer, McCook, Neb.; Caitlin Leiker, Hays; Tanner Miller, Spearville; and Alicia Feyerherm, Hays.Competition for the 2023 award was “razor thin,” said Dr. Rick Edgeman, director of FHSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and organizer of the challenge.“It was an incredibly challenging discussion and decision. Whether you walk away with 3rd, 2nd, or 1st, you are all winners. You all did amazing jobs.”Edgeman said all the competitors have a legitimate chance to move forward with their business plans to make a significant impact on the world.“That’s what this competition was about,” he said. “Doing things that matter. We feel that every one of your ideas is something that makes a difference.”

Fort Hays State senior wins Faulkner Challenge

Hays High senior Wyatt Grabbe, Agriculture Ambassador for the Ellis County Farm Bureau, recently completed a food pantry project within the Ellis County community.&nbsp;

The collection of food was an&nbsp;opportunity&nbsp;to&nbsp;celebrate&nbsp;help&nbsp;National Agriculture Month&nbsp;in March. &nbsp;The project included a video created by the&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;County&nbsp;Farm Bureau highlighting the safe and&nbsp;abundant food&nbsp;available in&nbsp;America.&nbsp;The video also brings awareness&nbsp;to&nbsp;and&nbsp;highlights food insecurity within our&nbsp;communities.&nbsp;

According to the Feeding America&nbsp;organization,&nbsp;one in 10 Americans are faced with food insecurity. Current statistics in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;indicate the food insecurity rate&nbsp;is at 9.8 percent.&nbsp;The video was released to local schools as a part of&nbsp;the "Ag&nbsp;in the Classroom” project supported by the county Farm Bureau. 

School-aged children were challenged&nbsp;to collect&nbsp;food to help battle food insecurity in the community.&nbsp;The Fort Hays State&nbsp;University&nbsp;Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Fort Hays State Rodeo Club&nbsp;participated in&nbsp;a&nbsp;food drive held the last&nbsp;Saturday in&nbsp;March at the East Dillons Store.&nbsp;

Food&nbsp;items and cash&nbsp;donations collected&nbsp;throughout the month of March were presented to&nbsp;the food pantry supporting those&nbsp;who&nbsp;are serviced&nbsp;by Developmental&nbsp;Services&nbsp;of&nbsp;Northwestern&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;Grabbe worked with the following organizations to make the project a success; Jason Taylor, Carrico Implement;&nbsp;Dillons Food Market on Vine; local elementary schools; FHSU Rodeo Club; and FHSU Collegiate Farm Bureau Organization.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680622183483.jpeg" alt="Pictured: Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President &amp; CEO; Jason Taylor, Carrico Implement; Wyatt Grabbe, Ellis County Farm Bureau Ambassador; Gary Harber, DSNWK; Allen Schmidt, DSNWK Planned Giving Officer; Steve Keil, DSNWK Director of Development.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Pictured: Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President &amp; CEO; Jason Taylor, Carrico Implement; Wyatt Grabbe, Ellis County Farm Bureau Ambassador; Gary Harber, DSNWK; Allen Schmidt, DSNWK Planned Giving Officer; Steve Keil, DSNWK Director of Development.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseHays High senior Wyatt Grabbe, Agriculture Ambassador for the Ellis County Farm Bureau, recently completed a food pantry project within the Ellis County community.&nbsp;The collection of food was an&nbsp;opportunity&nbsp;to&nbsp;celebrate&nbsp;help&nbsp;National Agriculture Month&nbsp;in March. &nbsp;The project included a video created by the&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;County&nbsp;Farm Bureau highlighting the safe and&nbsp;abundant food&nbsp;available in&nbsp;America.&nbsp;The video also brings awareness&nbsp;to&nbsp;and&nbsp;highlights food insecurity within our&nbsp;communities.&nbsp;According to the Feeding America&nbsp;organization,&nbsp;one in 10 Americans are faced with food insecurity. Current statistics in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;indicate the food insecurity rate&nbsp;is at 9.8 percent.&nbsp;The video was released to local schools as a part of&nbsp;the "Ag&nbsp;in the Classroom” project supported by the county Farm Bureau. School-aged children were challenged&nbsp;to collect&nbsp;food to help battle food insecurity in the community.&nbsp;The Fort Hays State&nbsp;University&nbsp;Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Fort Hays State Rodeo Club&nbsp;participated in&nbsp;a&nbsp;food drive held the last&nbsp;Saturday in&nbsp;March at the East Dillons Store.&nbsp;Food&nbsp;items and cash&nbsp;donations collected&nbsp;throughout the month of March were presented to&nbsp;the food pantry supporting those&nbsp;who&nbsp;are serviced&nbsp;by Developmental&nbsp;Services&nbsp;of&nbsp;Northwestern&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;Grabbe worked with the following organizations to make the project a success; Jason Taylor, Carrico Implement;&nbsp;Dillons Food Market on Vine; local elementary schools; FHSU Rodeo Club; and FHSU Collegiate Farm Bureau Organization.&nbsp;

Farm Bureau ambassadors, local groups partner for DSNWK food bank

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

A fingerprint. We leave those everywhere, on anything we touch.&nbsp;

One hundred years ago, law enforcement officers learned that fingerprints could be used as a tool in fighting crime. Where was the first case that a single, latent fingerprint was used by the FBI to convict a criminal? Would you believe in rural Kansas?&nbsp;

The Fleagle Gang was a ruthless band of bank robbers and murderers during the 1920s.&nbsp;&nbsp;They would play a major role in the use of fingerprints in law enforcement, in a groundbreaking case in western Kansas.&nbsp;

The Fleagles moved from Iowa to the Garden City area in 1886. The family had two younger sons – Ralph and Jake – who liked to gamble and drink rather than work. They moved to the west coast.&nbsp;

Jake came back to Oklahoma, committed robbery, was arrested, fingerprinted, and jailed. When he got out, he and his older brother Ralph took up a life of crime.&nbsp;

They started robbing card games and then banks. After grabbing the loot, they would return to Kansas. Historians and criminal researchers estimate that they committed 60 percent of the robberies committed in California during that time, plus many robberies in Oregon, Kansas, and Colorado.&nbsp;

In 1927, the Fleagles found and leased a ranch in a remote area near the rural community of Marienthal, population 64 people. Now, that’s rural. This became their hideout, with a large barn in which to store getaway cars and guns.&nbsp;

Ralph and Jake decided to rob the First National Bank in Lamar, Colorado. They brought in two accomplices, a bootlegger named George Abshier and 250-pound Harry “Heavy” Royston. On May 23, they loaded their guns and headed for Lamar. Having cased the joint previously, they planned to kidnap the son of the bank president and use him as a hostage to make their escape.&nbsp;

Their plans went awry. When the bank president realized it was a robbery, he grabbed a gun from his desk and shot Royston in the jaw. In the ensuing melee, both the bank president and his son were killed. The Fleagles used another hostage as a human shield, escaped with the cash, and returned to Marienthal.&nbsp;

Royston had been badly wounded so they went after a doctor in Dighton. They told the doctor that a boy had crushed his foot in an accident and the doctor was needed right away. According to one account, Jake rode back to Marienthal with the doctor and tried to roll down the car window with his hand, unknowingly leaving a print on the glass.&nbsp;

At the hideout, the doctor found the wounded outlaw Royston. There was nothing he could do for him except administer morphine, which he did. Then the Fleagles drove the doctor to a remote location near Scott City, executed him with a shot to the head, and pushed him and his car into a ravine. They killed the other hostage in the same manner and then split up to different parts of the country.&nbsp;

A large but unsuccessful manhunt ensued. When inspecting the abandoned car, a policeman found and preserved a latent fingerprint on the car window. Months later, an alert fingerprint specialist at the FBI would identify the fingerprint as belonging to Jake Fleagle.&nbsp;

Lawmen then staked out the Fleagle place and eventually caught the gang members, who confessed. Jake was shot in a separate gunfight with police while resisting arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ralph and two gang members were found guilty and executed. This is said to have been the first-ever case of the FBI using a single fingerprint as part of the evidence leading to a conviction.&nbsp;

Crime-fighting technology has improved dramatically through the years. The Federal Bureau of Investigation established a fingerprint repository in 1924. During the following years, the FBI would process and eventually automate 200 million fingerprint records.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now DNA evidence is considered more reliable than fingerprints.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We commend these hard-working FBI and western Kansas law enforcement officers for making a difference with their innovative and persistent approach to solving crimes. This case in rural Kansas changed the course of criminal investigations forever, and it all began with a fingerprint.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680203545416.png" alt="Jake Fleagle / Courtesy K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Jake Fleagle / Courtesy K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentA fingerprint. We leave those everywhere, on anything we touch.&nbsp;One hundred years ago, law enforcement officers learned that fingerprints could be used as a tool in fighting crime. Where was the first case that a single, latent fingerprint was used by the FBI to convict a criminal? Would you believe in rural Kansas?&nbsp;The Fleagle Gang was a ruthless band of bank robbers and murderers during the 1920s.&nbsp;&nbsp;They would play a major role in the use of fingerprints in law enforcement, in a groundbreaking case in western Kansas.&nbsp;The Fleagles moved from Iowa to the Garden City area in 1886. The family had two younger sons – Ralph and Jake – who liked to gamble and drink rather than work. They moved to the west coast.&nbsp;Jake came back to Oklahoma, committed robbery, was arrested, fingerprinted, and jailed. When he got out, he and his older brother Ralph took up a life of crime.&nbsp;They started robbing card games and then banks. After grabbing the loot, they would return to Kansas. Historians and criminal researchers estimate that they committed 60 percent of the robberies committed in California during that time, plus many robberies in Oregon, Kansas, and Colorado.&nbsp;In 1927, the Fleagles found and leased a ranch in a remote area near the rural community of Marienthal, population 64 people. Now, that’s rural. This became their hideout, with a large barn in which to store getaway cars and guns.&nbsp;Ralph and Jake decided to rob the First National Bank in Lamar, Colorado. They brought in two accomplices, a bootlegger named George Abshier and 250-pound Harry “Heavy” Royston. On May 23, they loaded their guns and headed for Lamar. Having cased the joint previously, they planned to kidnap the son of the bank president and use him as a hostage to make their escape.&nbsp;Their plans went awry. When the bank president realized it was a robbery, he grabbed a gun from his desk and shot Royston in the jaw. In the ensuing melee, both the bank president and his son were killed. The Fleagles used another hostage as a human shield, escaped with the cash, and returned to Marienthal.&nbsp;Royston had been badly wounded so they went after a doctor in Dighton. They told the doctor that a boy had crushed his foot in an accident and the doctor was needed right away. According to one account, Jake rode back to Marienthal with the doctor and tried to roll down the car window with his hand, unknowingly leaving a print on the glass.&nbsp;At the hideout, the doctor found the wounded outlaw Royston. There was nothing he could do for him except administer morphine, which he did. Then the Fleagles drove the doctor to a remote location near Scott City, executed him with a shot to the head, and pushed him and his car into a ravine. They killed the other hostage in the same manner and then split up to different parts of the country.&nbsp;A large but unsuccessful manhunt ensued. When inspecting the abandoned car, a policeman found and preserved a latent fingerprint on the car window. Months later, an alert fingerprint specialist at the FBI would identify the fingerprint as belonging to Jake Fleagle.&nbsp;Lawmen then staked out the Fleagle place and eventually caught the gang members, who confessed. Jake was shot in a separate gunfight with police while resisting arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ralph and two gang members were found guilty and executed. This is said to have been the first-ever case of the FBI using a single fingerprint as part of the evidence leading to a conviction.&nbsp;Crime-fighting technology has improved dramatically through the years. The Federal Bureau of Investigation established a fingerprint repository in 1924. During the following years, the FBI would process and eventually automate 200 million fingerprint records.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now DNA evidence is considered more reliable than fingerprints.&nbsp;&nbsp;We commend these hard-working FBI and western Kansas law enforcement officers for making a difference with their innovative and persistent approach to solving crimes. This case in rural Kansas changed the course of criminal investigations forever, and it all began with a fingerprint.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: NW Kansas and the history of fingerprinting 

<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/2023/4/1680705151411.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

The&nbsp;good and&nbsp;bad&nbsp;processed foods are everywhere. The term “processed” applies to food that has been altered from a natural state in any way. Minimally processed foods can have a place in healthy diets. Examples include low-fat milk, precut fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables and fruit, roasted nuts, and whole-grain breads. Also, milk and juice that has been fortified with vitamin D and calcium, breakfast cereals with added fiber, canned vegetables, and canned fruits packed in water or natural juice can, and should be, part of a healthy diet, especially when fresh versions are not available or affordable.

Diets that are high in ultra-processed foods have been linked with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, excess calorie intake, and weight gain. This is of great concern as nearly 60% of calories consumed in the U.S. are in the form of&nbsp;ultra-processed&nbsp;food.

Ultra-processed foods have gone through multiple processing, like heating, freezing, milling, dehydrating, and blanching. During these processes, the food’s structure is changed and often other ingredients are added. You will find ultra-processed foods in every food category and these are appealing because they are ready to eat, affordable, and tasty. Examples of ultra-processed foods include: packaged snacks, crackers, chips, cookies, pastries, candies, cakes, soda, packaged breads/rolls, sweetened cereals, boxed pasta and rice dishes, deli meats, hot dogs, sausage, instant soup mixes, and frozen ready-to-eat foods like pizza, entrees, side dishes, and desserts.

In today’s food environment, it is unrealistic to think you can avoid ultra-processed food entirely. Here are some helpful tips:&nbsp;

• Keep track of how much your diet is made up of these foods and then make a few healthier substitutions each week. •When you go to the grocery store, shop the perimeter. The center isles are likely to contain ultra-processed foods. •Prepare meals at home more often and use whole, unprocessed foods. Become an informed consumer and know what you are eating. •Read the ingredient list on food labels and look for added sugar, fat, and salt; substances that are not typically found in a kitchen like hydrogenated oils, colors, emulsifiers, thickeners; and chemical-sounding names you can’t pronounce. These are good indicators that the item is probably ultra-processed.

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>The&nbsp;good and&nbsp;bad&nbsp;processed foods are everywhere. The term “processed” applies to food that has been altered from a natural state in any way. Minimally processed foods can have a place in healthy diets. Examples include low-fat milk, precut fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables and fruit, roasted nuts, and whole-grain breads. Also, milk and juice that has been fortified with vitamin D and calcium, breakfast cereals with added fiber, canned vegetables, and canned fruits packed in water or natural juice can, and should be, part of a healthy diet, especially when fresh versions are not available or affordable.Diets that are high in ultra-processed foods have been linked with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, excess calorie intake, and weight gain. This is of great concern as nearly 60% of calories consumed in the U.S. are in the form of&nbsp;ultra-processed&nbsp;food.Ultra-processed foods have gone through multiple processing, like heating, freezing, milling, dehydrating, and blanching. During these processes, the food’s structure is changed and often other ingredients are added. You will find ultra-processed foods in every food category and these are appealing because they are ready to eat, affordable, and tasty. Examples of ultra-processed foods include: packaged snacks, crackers, chips, cookies, pastries, candies, cakes, soda, packaged breads/rolls, sweetened cereals, boxed pasta and rice dishes, deli meats, hot dogs, sausage, instant soup mixes, and frozen ready-to-eat foods like pizza, entrees, side dishes, and desserts.In today’s food environment, it is unrealistic to think you can avoid ultra-processed food entirely. Here are some helpful tips:&nbsp;• Keep track of how much your diet is made up of these foods and then make a few healthier substitutions each week. •When you go to the grocery store, shop the perimeter. The center isles are likely to contain ultra-processed foods. •Prepare meals at home more often and use whole, unprocessed foods. Become an informed consumer and know what you are eating. •Read the ingredient list on food labels and look for added sugar, fat, and salt; substances that are not typically found in a kitchen like hydrogenated oils, colors, emulsifiers, thickeners; and chemical-sounding names you can’t pronounce. These are good indicators that the item is probably ultra-processed.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: The good and the bad of processed foods

TOPEKA —&nbsp;Representative Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, issued the following statement:

“As a former athlete who competed before the days&nbsp;that<a></a>&nbsp;Title IX&nbsp;became law,&nbsp;I know firsthand how important the advances made in the last 50 years are for women’s sports and the&nbsp;significance of protecting them.&nbsp;I’m proud&nbsp;to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;today in support of women’s athletics and carry the motion to override Gov. Kelly’s veto of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in honor&nbsp;all of&nbsp;our daughters and granddaughters who deserve every right afforded to their male counterparts.”

News releaseTOPEKA —&nbsp;Representative Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, issued the following statement:“As a former athlete who competed before the days&nbsp;that<a></a>&nbsp;Title IX&nbsp;became law,&nbsp;I know firsthand how important the advances made in the last 50 years are for women’s sports and the&nbsp;significance of protecting them.&nbsp;I’m proud&nbsp;to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;today in support of women’s athletics and carry the motion to override Gov. Kelly’s veto of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in honor&nbsp;all of&nbsp;our daughters and granddaughters who deserve every right afforded to their male counterparts.”

Wasinger issues statement on decision to override veto

SHERIDAN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged cattle theft in northwest Kansas.

The Sheridan County Sheriff's Department is asking for the publics assistance in a case involving eighty 80 head of cattle missing from South of Hoxie, Kansas. 

The cattle are described as black, mixture of fall steers and heifers. 

Possible reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of a person or persons involved in this theft or missing cattle case.

In December of 2022, law enforcement investigated a similar cattle theft in Baca County, Colorado, 231 miles southwest of Hoxie, according to the Baca County sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654867219299.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHERIDAN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged cattle theft in northwest Kansas.The Sheridan County Sheriff's Department is asking for the publics assistance in a case involving eighty 80 head of cattle missing from South of Hoxie, Kansas. The cattle are described as black, mixture of fall steers and heifers. Possible reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of a person or persons involved in this theft or missing cattle case.In December of 2022, law enforcement investigated a similar cattle theft in Baca County, Colorado, 231 miles southwest of Hoxie, according to the Baca County sheriff's office.

Sheriff: 80 head of cattle missing in northwest Kansas

Overall winner of the Full Bracket: Mike Cunningham

16 Team Bracket winner: Chris Rorabaugh

4 Team Bracket winner: Bob Mickelson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678716528670.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Overall winner of the Full Bracket: Mike Cunningham<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680716200065.jpeg" alt="Mike&nbsp;Cunningham" />
 <figcaption>Mike&nbsp;Cunningham</figcaption>
 </figure>16 Team Bracket winner: Chris Rorabaugh<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680716224246.jpeg" alt="Chris Rorabaugh" />
 <figcaption>Chris Rorabaugh</figcaption>
 </figure>4 Team Bracket winner: Bob Mickelson<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680716252885.jpeg" alt="Bob Mickelson" />
 <figcaption>Bob Mickelson</figcaption>
 </figure>

And the winners of NCK Tech March Mania Bracket Challenge are ...

April is sexual violence awareness
month and as reports of domestic and sexual violence continue to rise, Options Domestic
and Sexual Violence Services Executive Director Jennifer Hecker said awareness
is an important part of prevention.

And so, through the month, the organization will
host events to help bring awareness to the community, including an ongoing
exhibit this week in the Fort Hays State University’s Taylor Gallery, located within
the Center for Applied Technology.

The What Were You Wearing exhibit
is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday.

“Jana’s
Campaign is partnering with us to bring this exhibit back again, this is the
exhibit that the Wonder Women have been a longtime sponsor for, What Were You
Wearing, is really intended to bring awareness to the myth that somehow
what someone was wearing contributed to their sexual assault,” Hecker said. “And
I think that is the worst kind of victim blaming that we can do to someone who
has been raped. The idea, the suggestion is that if somehow that victim had
simply chosen a different outfit to wear that day, they would not have been
raped.”

She said
while that idea remains common, it is wrong.

“We know
that's absolutely not true,” Hecker said. “And you will see from the outfits how untrue that myth is. And yet it continues to be very pervasive in our
conversations with people when they talk about their sexual assault.”

And another
event on the FHSU campus planned for Wednesday will expand on victim blaming and
how someone can help.

“We are
going to be joining the Center For Empowering Victims of Gender Based Violence,
who are hosting an expo in the Black and Gold Room at Fort Hays State
University from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.,” Hecker said. “They will be spending a lot of
time taking an in-depth look at victim blaming, and how a person could become
an advocate and advocate for their friend or a loved one who may be
experiencing that type of victim blaming.”

While the topic of domestic and sexual violence can be
difficult, events such as the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, set from 4 p.m. to
6 p.m. April 12 on the FHSU quad, can help open dialogue through fun activities.

"We've all heard the saying
you can't understand someone else's experience until you've walked a mile in
their shoes,” Hecker said. “A lot of those sororities and fraternities, in particular, are going to be putting on high heels and walking a mile in high heels in
solidarity with victims, but also to open up an opportunity to talk about and
listen to the experiences of others so that we know how we can support people
in our community and how to bring more prevention to the community as well.”

But she said, “It’s pretty funny watching, watching some
pretty tall dudes try and walk in some very skinny high heels.”

Another Walk a Mile in Her
Shoes event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 in the Union of the Colby
Community College.

Rounding out events on the FHSU campus on April 14, Options will partner with Us 4 U to display
their Red Flag Garden. 

“It's really to showcase some
of the red flags, behaviors that exist in relationships that can signal the
potential for future violence or future abuse,” Hecker said. “So each red flag
that is planted and there will be a sea of red flags, each one will be planted
with a different type of abusive behavior. That could be a red flag or a
warning sign for abusive relationships.”

Knowing those warning signs, she said, can be important as
violence often escalates with time.

“Abuse
doesn't get better, abuse gets worse,” Hecker said. “And so really looking at
those red signs, those red flags can help us, and sometimes that helps people
that were close to that might see that relationship in a different way, and can
open up an avenue of safe conversation.”

Outside
of the FHSU campus-based events, another What Were You Wearing event is scheduled
at Colby Community College from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13.

And at Big
Creek Crossing, the installation will be displayed April 17 to 21.

“This one
will be a little bit different,” Hecker said. “It's going to be open all during
the hours that the mall is open, so from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the north end of
the hallway, but we will not have staff at this event the whole time like we do
at Fort Hays.”

While a
staff member will not be available, she said the stores surrounding the display
have contact information for advocates.

Capping
off the month, Hecker said a years-long project will be launched at the Spring
Art Walk on April 29.

Broken
Brides will be available to view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Farmers Insurance – Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid Agency, 1012 Main

“That is
a symbolic bridal shower you never want to have to throw for anyone,” Hecker
said. “They are products that we imagine that a victim might need in order to
survive a relationship where domestic violence is happening. And symbolic items
that are everyday items that are used sometimes to weaponize violence against victims.”

The
Wonder Women League will sponsor the event.

“It is
provocative, it is thought-provoking, it's in your face,” Hecker said. “And it
is very real. All of the stories are the real-life stories and experiences that
victims have shared with us. So you'll see things in the display like 'jealous
rage bandages' 'don't talk back arm slings' and things like that.”

<a href="https://help4abuse.org/april-events-2023/">For a full calendar of events,
visit the options website, help4abuse.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680630807799.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostApril is sexual violence awareness
month and as reports of domestic and sexual violence continue to rise, Options Domestic
and Sexual Violence Services Executive Director Jennifer Hecker said awareness
is an important part of prevention.And so, through the month, the organization will
host events to help bring awareness to the community, including an ongoing
exhibit this week in the Fort Hays State University’s Taylor Gallery, located within
the Center for Applied Technology.The What Were You Wearing exhibit
is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday.“Jana’s
Campaign is partnering with us to bring this exhibit back again, this is the
exhibit that the Wonder Women have been a longtime sponsor for, What Were You
Wearing, is really intended to bring awareness to the myth that somehow
what someone was wearing contributed to their sexual assault,” Hecker said. “And
I think that is the worst kind of victim blaming that we can do to someone who
has been raped. The idea, the suggestion is that if somehow that victim had
simply chosen a different outfit to wear that day, they would not have been
raped.”She said
while that idea remains common, it is wrong.“We know
that's absolutely not true,” Hecker said. “And you will see from the outfits how untrue that myth is. And yet it continues to be very pervasive in our
conversations with people when they talk about their sexual assault.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680631209663.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>And another
event on the FHSU campus planned for Wednesday will expand on victim blaming and
how someone can help.“We are
going to be joining the Center For Empowering Victims of Gender Based Violence,
who are hosting an expo in the Black and Gold Room at Fort Hays State
University from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.,” Hecker said. “They will be spending a lot of
time taking an in-depth look at victim blaming, and how a person could become
an advocate and advocate for their friend or a loved one who may be
experiencing that type of victim blaming.”While the topic of domestic and sexual violence can be
difficult, events such as the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, set from 4 p.m. to
6 p.m. April 12 on the FHSU quad, can help open dialogue through fun activities."We've all heard the saying
you can't understand someone else's experience until you've walked a mile in
their shoes,” Hecker said. “A lot of those sororities and fraternities, in particular, are going to be putting on high heels and walking a mile in high heels in
solidarity with victims, but also to open up an opportunity to talk about and
listen to the experiences of others so that we know how we can support people
in our community and how to bring more prevention to the community as well.”But she said, “It’s pretty funny watching, watching some
pretty tall dudes try and walk in some very skinny high heels.”Another Walk a Mile in Her
Shoes event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 in the Union of the Colby
Community College.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680631085525.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Rounding out events on the FHSU campus on April 14, Options will partner with Us 4 U to display
their Red Flag Garden. “It's really to showcase some
of the red flags, behaviors that exist in relationships that can signal the
potential for future violence or future abuse,” Hecker said. “So each red flag
that is planted and there will be a sea of red flags, each one will be planted
with a different type of abusive behavior. That could be a red flag or a
warning sign for abusive relationships.”Knowing those warning signs, she said, can be important as
violence often escalates with time.“Abuse
doesn't get better, abuse gets worse,” Hecker said. “And so really looking at
those red signs, those red flags can help us, and sometimes that helps people
that were close to that might see that relationship in a different way, and can
open up an avenue of safe conversation.”Outside
of the FHSU campus-based events, another What Were You Wearing event is scheduled
at Colby Community College from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13.And at Big
Creek Crossing, the installation will be displayed April 17 to 21.“This one
will be a little bit different,” Hecker said. “It's going to be open all during
the hours that the mall is open, so from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the north end of
the hallway, but we will not have staff at this event the whole time like we do
at Fort Hays.”While a
staff member will not be available, she said the stores surrounding the display
have contact information for advocates.Capping
off the month, Hecker said a years-long project will be launched at the Spring
Art Walk on April 29.Broken
Brides will be available to view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Farmers Insurance – Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid Agency, 1012 Main“That is
a symbolic bridal shower you never want to have to throw for anyone,” Hecker
said. “They are products that we imagine that a victim might need in order to
survive a relationship where domestic violence is happening. And symbolic items
that are everyday items that are used sometimes to weaponize violence against victims.”The
Wonder Women League will sponsor the event.“It is
provocative, it is thought-provoking, it's in your face,” Hecker said. “And it
is very real. All of the stories are the real-life stories and experiences that
victims have shared with us. So you'll see things in the display like 'jealous
rage bandages' 'don't talk back arm slings' and things like that.”<a href="https://help4abuse.org/april-events-2023/">For a full calendar of events,
visit the options website, help4abuse.org.</a>

Options host events to share sexual, domestic violence prevention message 

FHSU Foundation After years of planning and construction, Fort Hays State University will unveil its innovative student-created charging station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in front of the Center for Applied Technology on the FHSU campus.&nbsp;

The public is welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting and hear from FHSU President Tisa Mason, applied technology professor Eric Deneault, FHSU alumni and undergraduate student researchers. Additionally, Dr. Grady Dixon, Dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics will make a surprise announcement.

For those unable to join in person, the Chamber in Hays will live-stream the event on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysAreaChamber">Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680634164700.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Foundation After years of planning and construction, Fort Hays State University will unveil its innovative student-created charging station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in front of the Center for Applied Technology on the FHSU campus.&nbsp;The public is welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting and hear from FHSU President Tisa Mason, applied technology professor Eric Deneault, FHSU alumni and undergraduate student researchers. Additionally, Dr. Grady Dixon, Dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics will make a surprise announcement.For those unable to join in person, the Chamber in Hays will live-stream the event on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysAreaChamber">Facebook page</a>.

FHSU Center for Applied Technology ribbon-cutting is Thursday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported just four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 25 and 31.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category. Graham County was one of four counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.

<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 8,471 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680714363772.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 just four new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 25 and 31.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category. Graham County was one of four counties in Kansas in the high-incidence category.<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 8,471 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680714457793.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Only 4 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

I have spent the last three weekends holding Town Hall meetings in the 40th Senate District. 

When I spoke about the property tax rebate for seniors over 65 and disabled veterans many of the people were not aware of the property tax rebate program.

 I mentioned at the meetings that I would republish the information regarding the new tax law. During the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law. One change is the first step in a property tax freeze for low-income seniors and disabled veterans via a rebate program administered by the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR). 

Applications for property tax relief must be submitted by April 18, 2023, and can be found at: <a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf">https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf</a>.

Please note that to qualify for the “freeze” a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000. A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled. Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to Kansas Department of Revenue for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze. In 2023 we will continue to look for solutions for the reduction in property taxes for all Kansas tax payers.

We passed the Senate’s version of the budget:

The budget vote is the first step in a multi-stop train that is the annual budget process. The committee delayed action on several items to be reviewed at conference and some at omnibus. The legislature has the power of the purse and it’s important we do not just simply act as a rubber stamp. At this stage in the process, nothing is off the table. The final budget will include appropriated monies for the final tax plans that are adopted as well as any new expenditures that may be passed. One item of note that the committee delayed for review at omnibus, is an additional pay increase for state employees on top of the 5% that was passed last year. 

There is significant support for this item to ensure we’re taking care of our state employees, particularly with persistent inflation and costs of living, so it remains a viable point of discussion. An amendment was added by Senator Tyson that made a modest cut to agencies NOT INCLUDING health, safety, or K-12 education by just 3.25% to save $97 million. Senator Blasi also added an amendment that transferred $1.8 million from idle funds (meaning they are currently unused) in the Department of Corrections to help bring the pay for Targeted Case Managers for those with Intellectual Development Disabilities to $75/hour. Senator Blasi indicated that Kansas has been losing targeted case managers which is causing tremendous anxiety for families who need IDD care.

Some of the bills of interest for the 40th Senate District this week are:

HB2335 would authorize the Rail Service Improvement Fund to be used for qualified track maintenance and would increase transfers from the State Highway Fund to the Rail Service Improvement Fund from $5.0 million to $10.0 million annually, starting July 1, 2023. Continuing law authorizes use of these funds for financing, acquisition, or rehabilitation of railroad and rolling stock.

HB2290 would authorize the affiliation of Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College with Fort Hays State University (FHSU).

Senate Sub.for HB2302 would establish funding for the State Water Plan and water infrastructure projects, create the Water Technical Assistance Fund and the Water Projects Grant Fund, authorize the Kansas Water Office to provide grants and adopt rules and regulations to establish criteria for grants, update reporting requirements for the Kansas Water Authority, and make technical amendments.

HB2279 would add sections to the Kansas Groundwater Management District Act to require groundwater districts to submit annual reports to the Legislature and conservation and stabilization action plans to the Chief Engineer, Division of Water Resources, Kansas Department of Agriculture. The bill will be part of and supplemental to the Kansas Groundwater Management Act of the Kansas Statues Annotated.

This week is conference committee week where bills from the House and Senate that have differences will be negotiated and agreed to by conference committee participants from the House and Senate. After an agreement is met each chamber will need to receive a majority approval to the changes.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675701343257.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>April 5, 2023I have spent the last three weekends holding Town Hall meetings in the 40th Senate District. When I spoke about the property tax rebate for seniors over 65 and disabled veterans many of the people were not aware of the property tax rebate program. I mentioned at the meetings that I would republish the information regarding the new tax law. During the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law. One change is the first step in a property tax freeze for low-income seniors and disabled veterans via a rebate program administered by the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR). Applications for property tax relief must be submitted by April 18, 2023, and can be found at: <a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf">https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf</a>. Please note that to qualify for the “freeze” a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000. A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled. Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to Kansas Department of Revenue for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze. In 2023 we will continue to look for solutions for the reduction in property taxes for all Kansas tax payers.We passed the Senate’s version of the budget:The budget vote is the first step in a multi-stop train that is the annual budget process. The committee delayed action on several items to be reviewed at conference and some at omnibus. The legislature has the power of the purse and it’s important we do not just simply act as a rubber stamp. At this stage in the process, nothing is off the table. The final budget will include appropriated monies for the final tax plans that are adopted as well as any new expenditures that may be passed. One item of note that the committee delayed for review at omnibus, is an additional pay increase for state employees on top of the 5% that was passed last year. There is significant support for this item to ensure we’re taking care of our state employees, particularly with persistent inflation and costs of living, so it remains a viable point of discussion. An amendment was added by Senator Tyson that made a modest cut to agencies NOT INCLUDING health, safety, or K-12 education by just 3.25% to save $97 million. Senator Blasi also added an amendment that transferred $1.8 million from idle funds (meaning they are currently unused) in the Department of Corrections to help bring the pay for Targeted Case Managers for those with Intellectual Development Disabilities to $75/hour. Senator Blasi indicated that Kansas has been losing targeted case managers which is causing tremendous anxiety for families who need IDD care.Some of the bills of interest for the 40th Senate District this week are:HB2335 would authorize the Rail Service Improvement Fund to be used for qualified track maintenance and would increase transfers from the State Highway Fund to the Rail Service Improvement Fund from $5.0 million to $10.0 million annually, starting July 1, 2023. Continuing law authorizes use of these funds for financing, acquisition, or rehabilitation of railroad and rolling stock.HB2290 would authorize the affiliation of Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College with Fort Hays State University (FHSU).Senate Sub.for HB2302 would establish funding for the State Water Plan and water infrastructure projects, create the Water Technical Assistance Fund and the Water Projects Grant Fund, authorize the Kansas Water Office to provide grants and adopt rules and regulations to establish criteria for grants, update reporting requirements for the Kansas Water Authority, and make technical amendments.HB2279 would add sections to the Kansas Groundwater Management District Act to require groundwater districts to submit annual reports to the Legislature and conservation and stabilization action plans to the Chief Engineer, Division of Water Resources, Kansas Department of Agriculture. The bill will be part of and supplemental to the Kansas Groundwater Management Act of the Kansas Statues Annotated.This week is conference committee week where bills from the House and Senate that have differences will be negotiated and agreed to by conference committee participants from the House and Senate. After an agreement is met each chamber will need to receive a majority approval to the changes.Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is senator of the 40th District which includes:* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties * Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

BILLINGER: Senate Update, April 5

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher I don’t know about you, but spring is here and I am ready for it. After a cold winter, there is nothing better than the sun on your face&nbsp;that first warm spring day. That same sunshine brings new growth, and we can see our pastures greening up. At first, the blades of grass barely poke through the ground, but soon with a little bit of sunshine and (hopefully) some water the grass grows at an amazing rate. The growth is incredible and what I find more fascinating is it happens year after year. Fall and winter comes and the top growth dies off only to come back as new growth the next year. Why? The secret is in the roots, the grassroots. Just like the prairie, Kansas Farm Bureau relies on grassroots to make our organization strong and resilient. They are the source of everything that happens even though they may not always be very visible. Our grassroots are what anchor us in the ground and give the organization a strong footing. Our grassroots run deep; they have been growing for over a century. Without our counties anchoring and supporting, the rest of the organization would not exist. Our deep roots and wide network are also what make us survive. When things are tough, we cover enough ground to help us to receive what we need to keep going. Just like grassroots bring in water and nutrients, our counties supply the organization with new ideas, hard work and volunteers. In turn, the leaves provide the plant with energy. The Kansas Farm Bureau provides advocacy, support and education back to the counties. Those grassroots are what makes Farm Bureau such a great organization. It is the fact that each county has its own, autonomous association, then each state is its own entity and the American Farm Bureau Federation exists not because of the states but the counties in each state. Just like the grass plant, nothing else would exist without the county level organizations. All policy and decisions ultimately are made at the county level. Every leader started out as a member in their home county. Every policy in our state and national policy book started out as an idea at the county level and worked its way through the system. The most effective education, advocacy and community service all happen at the county level. That is why we can represent farmers and ranchers of all types of no matter how big or small their farms or ranches are. The depth and breadth of our roots is what makes us different from every other agricultural organization and we should be very proud of that. Yes, everyone sees the green grass growing above ground but that green grass exists because of its roots, and I don’t know about you but I am awfully proud of my grassroots. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher I don’t know about you, but spring is here and I am ready for it. After a cold winter, there is nothing better than the sun on your face&nbsp;that first warm spring day. That same sunshine brings new growth, and we can see our pastures greening up. At first, the blades of grass barely poke through the ground, but soon with a little bit of sunshine and (hopefully) some water the grass grows at an amazing rate. The growth is incredible and what I find more fascinating is it happens year after year. Fall and winter comes and the top growth dies off only to come back as new growth the next year. Why? The secret is in the roots, the grassroots. Just like the prairie, Kansas Farm Bureau relies on grassroots to make our organization strong and resilient. They are the source of everything that happens even though they may not always be very visible. Our grassroots are what anchor us in the ground and give the organization a strong footing. Our grassroots run deep; they have been growing for over a century. Without our counties anchoring and supporting, the rest of the organization would not exist. Our deep roots and wide network are also what make us survive. When things are tough, we cover enough ground to help us to receive what we need to keep going. Just like grassroots bring in water and nutrients, our counties supply the organization with new ideas, hard work and volunteers. In turn, the leaves provide the plant with energy. The Kansas Farm Bureau provides advocacy, support and education back to the counties. Those grassroots are what makes Farm Bureau such a great organization. It is the fact that each county has its own, autonomous association, then each state is its own entity and the American Farm Bureau Federation exists not because of the states but the counties in each state. Just like the grass plant, nothing else would exist without the county level organizations. All policy and decisions ultimately are made at the county level. Every leader started out as a member in their home county. Every policy in our state and national policy book started out as an idea at the county level and worked its way through the system. The most effective education, advocacy and community service all happen at the county level. That is why we can represent farmers and ranchers of all types of no matter how big or small their farms or ranches are. The depth and breadth of our roots is what makes us different from every other agricultural organization and we should be very proud of that. Yes, everyone sees the green grass growing above ground but that green grass exists because of its roots, and I don’t know about you but I am awfully proud of my grassroots. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: From the ground up

The Hays Police Department responded to 75 incidents March 19-25, 2023, according to the HPD activity log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 75 incidents March 19-25, 2023, according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680706802154.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680706978855.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680707092182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activity Log, March 19-25

RUSSELL — The Board of Directors of the Russell Public Library has chosen a replacement for outgoing Library Director Jessica M. McGuire. 

Denise Ketchens has been a resident of Russell for the past three years and has been chosen to be the library's 10th director. She comes to the Russell Public Library with a variety of past library experience and was most recently director of the Oshkosh Public Library in Oshkosh, Neb.&nbsp; You might recognize Ketchens from her work in Russell at the Russell Area Chamber of Commerce and as the 2021 Prariesta Coordinator.

Ketchens has an associate of arts degree from Barton Community College in Great Bend and is currently working toward a bachelor of science in business at Fort Hays State University.

"It is great to know the library will be in such good hands,"&nbsp; McGuire said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680635530003.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseRUSSELL — The Board of Directors of the Russell Public Library has chosen a replacement for outgoing Library Director Jessica M. McGuire. Denise Ketchens has been a resident of Russell for the past three years and has been chosen to be the library's 10th director. She comes to the Russell Public Library with a variety of past library experience and was most recently director of the Oshkosh Public Library in Oshkosh, Neb.&nbsp; You might recognize Ketchens from her work in Russell at the Russell Area Chamber of Commerce and as the 2021 Prariesta Coordinator.Ketchens has an associate of arts degree from Barton Community College in Great Bend and is currently working toward a bachelor of science in business at Fort Hays State University."It is great to know the library will be in such good hands,"&nbsp; McGuire said.

Russell library announces new director

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680623047546.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>

We will be at first adjournment this week and then off for two weeks and come back to finish work on the budget and look at what bills the Governor will veto and see if action will be taken to override. Here are a few of the highlights from the last week:

House Budget - Over the last several months budget committees have been hard at work finding efficiencies and ensuring our state is in a healthy position. This past week, the House approved its version of the state’s budget. Our budget spends less than the Governor’s budget recommendations and leaves the state with roughly $1.5 billion in a rainy-day fund to help weather the tough times. Here are some key areas where the House differed from the governor’s recommendation: In the governor’s budget recommendation, $220 million would be transferred from the state general fund to the Build Kansas Matching Grant Fund providing a state match for federal infrastructure dollars. The House instead split that transfer into four yearly transfers of $55 million, developed means-testing for entities requesting grants, and added oversight from the legislature. The House added $2 million to the Alternatives to Abortion Program to enhance resources that promote childbirth. This allows struggling mothers to obtain all the information they need when decisions about childbirth are being made. The House added targeted funding to help those in need of home and community-based services, such as those in the intellectual and developmentally disabled community; the frail elderly; and our nursing homes. We hope that this increase will allow Kansans to get the care that so many rely on. The House removed the transfer of $50 million from the State General Fund to the Governor’s office which would have given her the oversight of the state’s match when agencies apply for federal grants.

Comprehensive Tax Package - The Kansas House passed a comprehensive tax package that will not raise taxes on any Kansan. The tax package will result in a simpler tax code that has a single rate, no matter your income. To give relief for low-income Kansans, we have increased the level at which taxes kick in by thousands of dollars, meaning that many people in our state will not pay anything in income tax. We also increased the standard deduction and tied it to inflation so Kansans can have some relief during hard economic times. It was important that we spread the tax relief across as many people as possible, and this package accomplishes that. Many homeowners in our state have been hit hard by rising property tax bills. Our new package will increase the residential property tax exemption from $40,000 to $80,000, giving around $80 million in property tax relief directly to Kansans. The grocery sales tax rate decline has already begun but is not set to phase out for another couple years. The plan passed this week will move the total elimination date to July 1st of this year for the state portion of sales tax on groceries. This will save the average Kansas household $310. I did vote in favor of the plan, although there were some things that could have been better but in order to move forward it was the best that could come out of our side.

Promise Scholarship Expansion - House Republicans passed a bill last week that expands scholarships offered under the Kansas Promise Scholarship Act to those studying transportation, elementary education, and secondary education. The scholarships offered by this program assist Kansans attending college in-state who will remain and work in Kansas for two years following graduation. HB 2132&nbsp;provides educational opportunity for students who wish to join our workforce in needed areas for our state.

Establishing the Office of the Child Advocate - Children across our state deserve to be protected and be heard. The House voted this week to establish the independent agency, The Office of the Child Advocate. This advocate hears and investigates complaints from within the Kansas child welfare system. The Child Advocate helps children and families receive coordination within the system and helps resolve issues that occur. An oversight board of 11 members ensures that the Office of the Child Advocate is carrying out their duties and remaining privileged and confidential. We want to provide as many resources as we can that help children who are dealing with the child welfare system.

Fighting the Manufacture and Sale of Fentanyl - The threat posed by fentanyl increases every day. As this drug quickly becomes a leading cause of death among young people, we are taking action to mitigate the damage that has been seen across the country. House Republicans passed legislation again reaffirming our commitment to a safe and secure Kansas by increasing penalties for those who manufacture fentanyl. Fentanyl manufacturers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law with level 1 felonies that carry presumptive prison times.

These are just some the things that were discussed and passed last week. You can read about all the bills that passed or the status of the remainder that could be taken up next year by going online to kslegislature.org. If you would like to contact me: Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680492110122.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes R-Agra, 110th Dist. (Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes R-Agra, 110th Dist. (Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>April 5, 2023Hello from Topeka. We will be at first adjournment this week and then off for two weeks and come back to finish work on the budget and look at what bills the Governor will veto and see if action will be taken to override. Here are a few of the highlights from the last week:House Budget - Over the last several months budget committees have been hard at work finding efficiencies and ensuring our state is in a healthy position. This past week, the House approved its version of the state’s budget. Our budget spends less than the Governor’s budget recommendations and leaves the state with roughly $1.5 billion in a rainy-day fund to help weather the tough times. Here are some key areas where the House differed from the governor’s recommendation: In the governor’s budget recommendation, $220 million would be transferred from the state general fund to the Build Kansas Matching Grant Fund providing a state match for federal infrastructure dollars. The House instead split that transfer into four yearly transfers of $55 million, developed means-testing for entities requesting grants, and added oversight from the legislature. The House added $2 million to the Alternatives to Abortion Program to enhance resources that promote childbirth. This allows struggling mothers to obtain all the information they need when decisions about childbirth are being made. The House added targeted funding to help those in need of home and community-based services, such as those in the intellectual and developmentally disabled community; the frail elderly; and our nursing homes. We hope that this increase will allow Kansans to get the care that so many rely on. The House removed the transfer of $50 million from the State General Fund to the Governor’s office which would have given her the oversight of the state’s match when agencies apply for federal grants.Comprehensive Tax Package - The Kansas House passed a comprehensive tax package that will not raise taxes on any Kansan. The tax package will result in a simpler tax code that has a single rate, no matter your income. To give relief for low-income Kansans, we have increased the level at which taxes kick in by thousands of dollars, meaning that many people in our state will not pay anything in income tax. We also increased the standard deduction and tied it to inflation so Kansans can have some relief during hard economic times. It was important that we spread the tax relief across as many people as possible, and this package accomplishes that. Many homeowners in our state have been hit hard by rising property tax bills. Our new package will increase the residential property tax exemption from $40,000 to $80,000, giving around $80 million in property tax relief directly to Kansans. The grocery sales tax rate decline has already begun but is not set to phase out for another couple years. The plan passed this week will move the total elimination date to July 1st of this year for the state portion of sales tax on groceries. This will save the average Kansas household $310. I did vote in favor of the plan, although there were some things that could have been better but in order to move forward it was the best that could come out of our side.Promise Scholarship Expansion - House Republicans passed a bill last week that expands scholarships offered under the Kansas Promise Scholarship Act to those studying transportation, elementary education, and secondary education. The scholarships offered by this program assist Kansans attending college in-state who will remain and work in Kansas for two years following graduation. HB 2132&nbsp;provides educational opportunity for students who wish to join our workforce in needed areas for our state.Establishing the Office of the Child Advocate - Children across our state deserve to be protected and be heard. The House voted this week to establish the independent agency, The Office of the Child Advocate. This advocate hears and investigates complaints from within the Kansas child welfare system. The Child Advocate helps children and families receive coordination within the system and helps resolve issues that occur. An oversight board of 11 members ensures that the Office of the Child Advocate is carrying out their duties and remaining privileged and confidential. We want to provide as many resources as we can that help children who are dealing with the child welfare system.Fighting the Manufacture and Sale of Fentanyl - The threat posed by fentanyl increases every day. As this drug quickly becomes a leading cause of death among young people, we are taking action to mitigate the damage that has been seen across the country. House Republicans passed legislation again reaffirming our commitment to a safe and secure Kansas by increasing penalties for those who manufacture fentanyl. Fentanyl manufacturers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law with level 1 felonies that carry presumptive prison times.These are just some the things that were discussed and passed last week. You can read about all the bills that passed or the status of the remainder that could be taken up next year by going online to kslegislature.org. If you would like to contact me: Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.

RAHJES REPORT: April 5, 2023

SHAWNEE&nbsp;– Topeka resident, Bobby Parkhurst, was fishing at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 2 when the catch-of-a-lifetime came into contact with his lure. Little did Parkhurst know that what loomed beneath the surface, ready to strike, would break a Kansas state record set the very same month, nearly 60 years prior.

The enormous white crappie caught by Parkhurst on March 5 was taken with rod and reel and a minnow as bait. After inspection and measurement by John Reinke, assistant director of Fisheries for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the lunker catch was put on a certified scale where it was recorded as weighing 4.07 pounds – the equivalent of six cans of soup.

“As fisheries biologists, we get the chance to see a lot of big fish but this one is certainly for the books,” Reinke said. “This crappie measured in at 18 inches long and 14 inches in girth, so it truly deserves a spot on the state record list.”

The previous Kansas state record for white crappie was set in 1964 by Frank Miller of Eureka when he reeled in a 4.02-pound crappie that measured 17.5 inches long. Miller used a rod and reel and minnow, too.

Trophy catches such as these end up as a Kansas State Record if:

The 30-day waiting period for Parkhurst’s catch ends today, April 4, making his white crappie the biggest catch for the species in Kansas history. For now, that is.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZy9TdGF0ZS1SZWNvcmQtRmlzaCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ2MTY3MjEifQ.e0aXJf3hIKJ4CaT1GT4Wrc9MGu49ObheQ9nrtijbaCw/s/1372079104/br/157390108588-l">HERE</a>&nbsp;to see a complete list of current Kansas state record fish.

Caught a big fish but not quite a state record? Apply for a “Master Angler Award” and be recognized for your catch if it exceeds the measurements listed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZy9TcGVjaWFsLUZpc2hpbmctUHJvZ3JhbXMtZm9yLVlvdS9NYXN0ZXItQW5nbGVyLUF3YXJkLVByb2dyYW0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDA0Ljc0NjE2NzIxIn0.44_B1ujxPINqTCYep9mmPV9nJOgJlmj2wlfGSBoNFB8/s/1372079104/br/157390108588-l">HERE</a>.

For more on fishing in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ2MTY3MjEifQ.rRaqcQ7E-ZOuk7LXJJAGDW3be9v3dlxyv87lEKGIYUs/s/1372079104/br/157390108588-l" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Fishing</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680644840706.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPSHAWNEE&nbsp;– Topeka resident, Bobby Parkhurst, was fishing at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 2 when the catch-of-a-lifetime came into contact with his lure. Little did Parkhurst know that what loomed beneath the surface, ready to strike, would break a Kansas state record set the very same month, nearly 60 years prior.The enormous white crappie caught by Parkhurst on March 5 was taken with rod and reel and a minnow as bait. After inspection and measurement by John Reinke, assistant director of Fisheries for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the lunker catch was put on a certified scale where it was recorded as weighing 4.07 pounds – the equivalent of six cans of soup.“As fisheries biologists, we get the chance to see a lot of big fish but this one is certainly for the books,” Reinke said. “This crappie measured in at 18 inches long and 14 inches in girth, so it truly deserves a spot on the state record list.”The previous Kansas state record for white crappie was set in 1964 by Frank Miller of Eureka when he reeled in a 4.02-pound crappie that measured 17.5 inches long. Miller used a rod and reel and minnow, too.Trophy catches such as these end up as a Kansas State Record if:<ul>
 <li>The fish is caught by a licensed angler using legal means</li><li>The fish is identified by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks district fisheries biologist or regional fisheries supervisor</li><li>The fish is weighed on a certified scale prior to being frozen</li><li>The fish is photographed, in color, and a state record application is filled out</li><li>The mandatory 30-day waiting period has passed.</li>
 </ul>The 30-day waiting period for Parkhurst’s catch ends today, April 4, making his white crappie the biggest catch for the species in Kansas history. For now, that is.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZy9TdGF0ZS1SZWNvcmQtRmlzaCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ2MTY3MjEifQ.e0aXJf3hIKJ4CaT1GT4Wrc9MGu49ObheQ9nrtijbaCw/s/1372079104/br/157390108588-l">HERE</a>&nbsp;to see a complete list of current Kansas state record fish.Caught a big fish but not quite a state record? Apply for a “Master Angler Award” and be recognized for your catch if it exceeds the measurements listed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZy9TcGVjaWFsLUZpc2hpbmctUHJvZ3JhbXMtZm9yLVlvdS9NYXN0ZXItQW5nbGVyLUF3YXJkLVByb2dyYW0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDA0Ljc0NjE2NzIxIn0.44_B1ujxPINqTCYep9mmPV9nJOgJlmj2wlfGSBoNFB8/s/1372079104/br/157390108588-l">HERE</a>.For more on fishing in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDQuNzQ2MTY3MjEifQ.rRaqcQ7E-ZOuk7LXJJAGDW3be9v3dlxyv87lEKGIYUs/s/1372079104/br/157390108588-l" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Fishing</a>.

Topeka angler sets new Kansas record for crappie

A faster-than-expected cold front moving into northwest Kansas is pushing down the risk of wildfires and dust storms, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported late Tuesday afternoon.

The expected strong southwest winds are now expected to remain in the far southwest portions of Kansas at the Oklahoma border.

The NWS in Goodland is predicting record or near-record low temperatures in far northwest Kansas early Wednesday morning, with the mercury expected to drop below 20 degrees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680640767039.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A faster-than-expected cold front moving into northwest Kansas is pushing down the risk of wildfires and dust storms, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported late Tuesday afternoon.The expected strong southwest winds are now expected to remain in the far southwest portions of Kansas at the Oklahoma border.The NWS in Goodland is predicting record or near-record low temperatures in far northwest Kansas early Wednesday morning, with the mercury expected to drop below 20 degrees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680641283347.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here is an afternoon update on the winds and blowing dust. A faster than forecast cold front pushed south across west central and portions of southwest KS, pushing the greatest blowing dust and extreme fire weather conditions down toward the OK border into south central KS <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/QH3ukF9P0C">pic.twitter.com/QH3ukF9P0C</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1643341210126516224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Quick cold front keeps wind calmer than expected Tuesday

🎥⚾️🥎 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By JAMES
BELL 
Hays Post

People
filled the Schmidt Community Commons of the Hays Public Library in downtown
Hays on Saturday morning for the last of three Legislative Coffee sessions. 

And
while everyone in the crowd came to hear updates from <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/rep_rahjes_ken_1/">Rep.
Ken Rahjes, R-Agra</a>, <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/rep_wasinger_barbara_1/">Rep.
Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays</a>, and <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/sen_billinger_rick_1/">Sen.
Rick Billinger</a>,&nbsp;R-Goodland, it was
clear from the outset that about a third had a specific topic on their minds.

Many sported
signs with sayings such as “Trans Lives Matter” and “Quality people don’t fear
equality.”

After
opening remarks and a brief budget discussion, their concerns began to be addressed
after moderator Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger asked, from a
list of previously submitted questions: 

“What is
your reasoning for why, at the February 13 hearing for House Bill 2238, there
were only seven proponents for the bill out of 104 testimonies?”

As the panel
collectively looked up the bill's topic, an audience member offered, “it’s the
fairness in women’s sports.”

“I find
that in any organization, in any bill, when you have a large number of people
that don't like it, they come in in force,” Rep. Wasinger said. “I don't use
that as a litmus test.”

“Obviously,
I have been in support of fairness in women's sports for the last three years,
and I will continue to work for it,” she continued. “And it has nothing and
says nothing about transgenderism. It says if you're a biological female, you
play on the female team. If you're a biological male, you can play in the male
team. Or you can play in an open team group where you can play with anybody you
want to switch everything around or coed.”

“I voted
for it, and we'll do a veto override this week probably,” Rahjes said. “We’ll
override the governor's veto.”

“Supporting
one thing does not mean we don’t support other things,” Rep. Wasinger said
before Billinger addressed
the question.

He
equated the legislation to little league baseball. 

“It
wouldn't be right to let a senior come and play on the eighth-grade team,” Billinger said. “You
can play up, but you can't play down. So that's similar to this.”

After moderator Wasinger addressed some chatter from the audience, Billinger said, “This all came up
with a swimmer that won and was clearly bigger, stronger than the women. That’s
basically where it is at.

An
audience member asked, “Do you know that swimmer's name?”

“William
Thomas,” Rep. Wasinger said.

<a href="https://statelinesportsnetwork.net/2022/01/20/the-impact-of-will-thomas-on-yesterdays-ncaa-ruling/">Thomas
was a lightning-rod figure in the discussion of transgender athletes as a
swimmer at Penn that first swam on the male team, before the female one, and is
now known as Lia Thomas.</a>

Moderator
Wasinger moved the panel onto another topic, but transgender issues would again
come up before the end of the session when an audience member directly asked Billinger:

“You
said in your opening statement, if I recall correctly, that you wanted every
single dollar to be spent wisely. Do you believe that enforcing bills such as
SB 233, SB 10, and the quote-unquote, fairness and women's sports act would be
enforcing that, and therefore the be wise as possible way to spend every
dollar?”

Billinger questioned
back what in the legislation would require funding.

Enforcement
on the public and private level, an audience member said.

“I don't
know that we've been spending a lot of dollars or time on that,” Billinger said.

Another
audience member pointed out there would be negative mental health implications
for those affected.

“I've mentioned
the mental health, I think that’s something we have got to do a better job,” Billinger said. “And
I think we're working towards trying to do a better job. Yeah, it's definitely
right up at the top.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680491582461.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES
BELL 
Hays PostPeople
filled the Schmidt Community Commons of the Hays Public Library in downtown
Hays on Saturday morning for the last of three Legislative Coffee sessions. And
while everyone in the crowd came to hear updates from <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/rep_rahjes_ken_1/">Rep.
Ken Rahjes, R-Agra</a>, <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/rep_wasinger_barbara_1/">Rep.
Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays</a>, and <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/sen_billinger_rick_1/">Sen.
Rick Billinger</a>,&nbsp;R-Goodland, it was
clear from the outset that about a third had a specific topic on their minds.Many sported
signs with sayings such as “Trans Lives Matter” and “Quality people don’t fear
equality.”After
opening remarks and a brief budget discussion, their concerns began to be addressed
after moderator Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger asked, from a
list of previously submitted questions: “What is
your reasoning for why, at the February 13 hearing for House Bill 2238, there
were only seven proponents for the bill out of 104 testimonies?”As the panel
collectively looked up the bill's topic, an audience member offered, “it’s the
fairness in women’s sports.”“I find
that in any organization, in any bill, when you have a large number of people
that don't like it, they come in in force,” Rep. Wasinger said. “I don't use
that as a litmus test.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680491758491.jpeg" alt="<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/rep_wasinger_barbara_1/">Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/rep_wasinger_barbara_1/">Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays</a></figcaption>
 </figure>“Obviously,
I have been in support of fairness in women's sports for the last three years,
and I will continue to work for it,” she continued. “And it has nothing and
says nothing about transgenderism. It says if you're a biological female, you
play on the female team. If you're a biological male, you can play in the male
team. Or you can play in an open team group where you can play with anybody you
want to switch everything around or coed.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680492110122.jpeg" alt="<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/rep_rahjes_ken_1/">Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/rep_rahjes_ken_1/">Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra</a></figcaption>
 </figure>“I voted
for it, and we'll do a veto override this week probably,” Rahjes said. “We’ll
override the governor's veto.”“Supporting
one thing does not mean we don’t support other things,” Rep. Wasinger said
before Billinger addressed
the question.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680491697150.jpeg" alt="Rep. Barbara Wasinger" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Barbara Wasinger</figcaption>
 </figure>He
equated the legislation to little league baseball. “It
wouldn't be right to let a senior come and play on the eighth-grade team,” Billinger said. “You
can play up, but you can't play down. So that's similar to this.”After moderator Wasinger addressed some chatter from the audience, Billinger said, “This all came up
with a swimmer that won and was clearly bigger, stronger than the women. That’s
basically where it is at.An
audience member asked, “Do you know that swimmer's name?”“William
Thomas,” Rep. Wasinger said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680491555476.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://statelinesportsnetwork.net/2022/01/20/the-impact-of-will-thomas-on-yesterdays-ncaa-ruling/">Thomas
was a lightning-rod figure in the discussion of transgender athletes as a
swimmer at Penn that first swam on the male team, before the female one, and is
now known as Lia Thomas.</a>Moderator
Wasinger moved the panel onto another topic, but transgender issues would again
come up before the end of the session when an audience member directly asked Billinger:“You
said in your opening statement, if I recall correctly, that you wanted every
single dollar to be spent wisely. Do you believe that enforcing bills such as
SB 233, SB 10, and the quote-unquote, fairness and women's sports act would be
enforcing that, and therefore the be wise as possible way to spend every
dollar?”Billinger questioned
back what in the legislation would require funding.Enforcement
on the public and private level, an audience member said.“I don't
know that we've been spending a lot of dollars or time on that,” Billinger said.Another
audience member pointed out there would be negative mental health implications
for those affected.“I've mentioned
the mental health, I think that’s something we have got to do a better job,” Billinger said. “And
I think we're working towards trying to do a better job. Yeah, it's definitely
right up at the top.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644197357258.jpeg" alt="<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/sen_billinger_rick_1/">Sen. Rick Billinger</a>&nbsp;(File photo)" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2022/b2021_22/members/sen_billinger_rick_1/">Sen. Rick Billinger</a>&nbsp;(File photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Transgender sports bill spurs discussion at Legislative Coffee in Hays

HaysMed will be opening an 11-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit this summer.&nbsp; The hospital has engaged Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of Lifepoint Health, to manage the inpatient rehabilitation unit. Under the agreement, HaysMed will own the unit and Lifepoint Rehabilitation will manage the operations.

The medical director for the unit has been secured and a separate announcement will take place closer to the opening.

“The rehabilitation services at HaysMed have a long history of offering exceptional care to patients recovering from injury and surgery,” said Terry Siek,&nbsp; chief nursing officer. “We identified a local need for inpatient rehabilitation services for our patients&nbsp;and establishing&nbsp;a unit dedicated to more complex rehab services is another way of providing the care needed as close to home as possible.”

“Working with Lifepoint Rehabilitation will advance rehabilitation services available to our patients and will help to establish our hospital as a regional center of excellence.&nbsp;Lifepoint Rehabilitation’s extensive network of relationships and its experience and expertise operating similar facilities and programs around the country make it the ideal partner for us going forward,” said Shae Veach, Vice President of Regional Operations.

Lifepoint Rehabilitation will provide HaysMed with management programs and best practices in quality rehabilitation services. It is a leading provider of rehabilitation program management services that serve to enhance productivity and program performance and provide staff training in more than 100+ centers and other post-acute care settings across the nation. It consistently outperforms national industry averages on quality measures.

“We are committed to investing in programs and services that enhance the quality of patient care at HaysMed and increase our community’s access to essential services to improve patients’ functional abilities and independence,” said Eddie Herrman, President and CEO. “Lifepoint Rehabilitation brings a high level of expertise, experience, insight and professionalism to our rehabilitation services.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680533895711.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed will be opening an 11-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit this summer.&nbsp; The hospital has engaged Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of Lifepoint Health, to manage the inpatient rehabilitation unit. Under the agreement, HaysMed will own the unit and Lifepoint Rehabilitation will manage the operations.The medical director for the unit has been secured and a separate announcement will take place closer to the opening.“The rehabilitation services at HaysMed have a long history of offering exceptional care to patients recovering from injury and surgery,” said Terry Siek,&nbsp; chief nursing officer. “We identified a local need for inpatient rehabilitation services for our patients&nbsp;and establishing&nbsp;a unit dedicated to more complex rehab services is another way of providing the care needed as close to home as possible.”“Working with Lifepoint Rehabilitation will advance rehabilitation services available to our patients and will help to establish our hospital as a regional center of excellence.&nbsp;Lifepoint Rehabilitation’s extensive network of relationships and its experience and expertise operating similar facilities and programs around the country make it the ideal partner for us going forward,” said Shae Veach, Vice President of Regional Operations.Lifepoint Rehabilitation will provide HaysMed with management programs and best practices in quality rehabilitation services. It is a leading provider of rehabilitation program management services that serve to enhance productivity and program performance and provide staff training in more than 100+ centers and other post-acute care settings across the nation. It consistently outperforms national industry averages on quality measures.“We are committed to investing in programs and services that enhance the quality of patient care at HaysMed and increase our community’s access to essential services to improve patients’ functional abilities and independence,” said Eddie Herrman, President and CEO. “Lifepoint Rehabilitation brings a high level of expertise, experience, insight and professionalism to our rehabilitation services.”“HaysMed&nbsp;has a long-standing reputation for clinical excellence, innovation in patient care and outstanding quality outcomes,” said Russ Bailey, president of Lifepoint Rehabilitation. “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with them as we implement programs best tailored to meet patients’ needs and provide local employment opportunities. We share in their commitment to excellence and care philosophy.”

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