First Care Clinic has announced that&nbsp;Cammi Williby, APRN, has&nbsp;joined its medical staff.&nbsp;Cammi&nbsp;obtained her&nbsp;master of&nbsp;science&nbsp;in nNursing&nbsp;from Fort Hays State University. &nbsp;She is&nbsp;a&nbsp;board-certified&nbsp;family nurse practitioner with American&nbsp;Nurses Credentialing Center.

“Cammi is an&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;addition to our staff. She is a provider for our Express Care&nbsp;Clinic,&nbsp;where patients with acute issues can schedule&nbsp;same-day appointments,” said Dr. Christine Fisher, medical director. "With over eight years of experience, Cammi will take&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;care&nbsp;of our Express Care patients and will offer the&nbsp;high-quality&nbsp;care our&nbsp;community deserves,

“We are&nbsp;excited to welcome&nbsp;Cammi&nbsp;to our&nbsp;staff.&nbsp;We&nbsp;look forward to&nbsp;her&nbsp;contributions as&nbsp;we&nbsp;continue to grow&nbsp;and&nbsp;expand&nbsp;our patient&nbsp;services,” said Eric Flax, CEO.&nbsp;“Adding express&nbsp;care providers&nbsp;will allow&nbsp;our patients to schedule same-day&nbsp;appointments.&nbsp;We plan to&nbsp;roll&nbsp;out a self-scheduling&nbsp;feature soon, where&nbsp;our patients will be able to go online and pick a time that works best for them.”

“Cammi&nbsp;is currently&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;patients&nbsp;at our current 13th&nbsp;Street&nbsp;location&nbsp;and will continue to do so&nbsp;until our new Express Care Clinic and&nbsp;Pharmacy&nbsp;opens at&nbsp;1301&nbsp;Main Street,”&nbsp;said Danielle Windholz,&nbsp;director of operations.&nbsp;“The new&nbsp;building is&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;to be completed in May.”

First Care Clinic&nbsp;welcomes&nbsp;all patients&nbsp;and&nbsp;accepts&nbsp;all&nbsp;major&nbsp;insurances.&nbsp;&nbsp;A&nbsp;sliding fee scale&nbsp;discount&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;available&nbsp;to those who qualify.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information or to schedule an appointment, call&nbsp;First Care Clinic at&nbsp;(785) 621-4990.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676391848928.jpeg" alt="Cammi Williby" />
 <figcaption>Cammi Williby</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseFirst Care Clinic has announced that&nbsp;Cammi Williby, APRN, has&nbsp;joined its medical staff.&nbsp;Cammi&nbsp;obtained her&nbsp;master of&nbsp;science&nbsp;in nNursing&nbsp;from Fort Hays State University. &nbsp;She is&nbsp;a&nbsp;board-certified&nbsp;family nurse practitioner with American&nbsp;Nurses Credentialing Center.“Cammi is an&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;addition to our staff. She is a provider for our Express Care&nbsp;Clinic,&nbsp;where patients with acute issues can schedule&nbsp;same-day appointments,” said Dr. Christine Fisher, medical director. "With over eight years of experience, Cammi will take&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;care&nbsp;of our Express Care patients and will offer the&nbsp;high-quality&nbsp;care our&nbsp;community deserves,“We are&nbsp;excited to welcome&nbsp;Cammi&nbsp;to our&nbsp;staff.&nbsp;We&nbsp;look forward to&nbsp;her&nbsp;contributions as&nbsp;we&nbsp;continue to grow&nbsp;and&nbsp;expand&nbsp;our patient&nbsp;services,” said Eric Flax, CEO.&nbsp;“Adding express&nbsp;care providers&nbsp;will allow&nbsp;our patients to schedule same-day&nbsp;appointments.&nbsp;We plan to&nbsp;roll&nbsp;out a self-scheduling&nbsp;feature soon, where&nbsp;our patients will be able to go online and pick a time that works best for them.”“Cammi&nbsp;is currently&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;patients&nbsp;at our current 13th&nbsp;Street&nbsp;location&nbsp;and will continue to do so&nbsp;until our new Express Care Clinic and&nbsp;Pharmacy&nbsp;opens at&nbsp;1301&nbsp;Main Street,”&nbsp;said Danielle Windholz,&nbsp;director of operations.&nbsp;“The new&nbsp;building is&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;to be completed in May.”First Care Clinic&nbsp;welcomes&nbsp;all patients&nbsp;and&nbsp;accepts&nbsp;all&nbsp;major&nbsp;insurances.&nbsp;&nbsp;A&nbsp;sliding fee scale&nbsp;discount&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;available&nbsp;to those who qualify.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information or to schedule an appointment, call&nbsp;First Care Clinic at&nbsp;(785) 621-4990.&nbsp;

New nurse practitioner joins First Care Clinic staff

BUNKER HILL —&nbsp; The tradition continues as Smoky Hills PBS will again be covering the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Tournament live the weekend of Feb. 24.&nbsp; For more than 30 years, Smoky Hills PBS has aired this tournament and made DVDs of the broadcast available.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Action will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, and continues at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. A rebroadcast of the championship finals will air at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.&nbsp;.

DVDs of the televised rounds will be available for purchase online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>or by calling 1.800.337.4788.

“Covering the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Tournament has been a long standing tradition here at Smoky Hills PBS,” said Betsy Schwien General Manager at Smoky Hills PBS. “Being able to cover the 3-2-1A State Wrestling event for our viewers and capturing these memories for the wrestlers is something we take great pride in.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676468926891.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL —&nbsp; The tradition continues as Smoky Hills PBS will again be covering the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Tournament live the weekend of Feb. 24.&nbsp; For more than 30 years, Smoky Hills PBS has aired this tournament and made DVDs of the broadcast available.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Action will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, and continues at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. A rebroadcast of the championship finals will air at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.&nbsp;.DVDs of the televised rounds will be available for purchase online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>or by calling 1.800.337.4788.“Covering the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Tournament has been a long standing tradition here at Smoky Hills PBS,” said Betsy Schwien General Manager at Smoky Hills PBS. “Being able to cover the 3-2-1A State Wrestling event for our viewers and capturing these memories for the wrestlers is something we take great pride in.”

Smoky Hills PBS gears up for 3-2-1A State Wrestling

Valentine’s&nbsp;Day. It is&nbsp;a&nbsp;day dedicated to telling the people in your life how much you care about them. For some, a day&nbsp;to celebrate&nbsp;strong connections. For others, a magnifier of loneliness. Even with our strong ethic of care&nbsp;at&nbsp;Fort Hays State University, I sometimes worry about missed opportunities to invest in one another&nbsp;every day, not just on February 14.

I&nbsp;am reminded&nbsp;of&nbsp;a story&nbsp;that&nbsp;writer David&nbsp;Vitt,&nbsp;the&nbsp;author of the&nbsp;Teachable Heart, once&nbsp;shared about a daddy-daughter date on Valentine’s Day.&nbsp;He&nbsp;and&nbsp;his&nbsp;young daughter went&nbsp;to a nice restaurant. After several minutes of lively conversation, she became silent.&nbsp;

She had noticed an elderly man sitting alone. It made her both sad and curious. She wondered if he was waiting on someone.&nbsp;Then,&nbsp;he was served his meal&nbsp;and remained alone. David tried to reengage his daughter in conversation,&nbsp;but she&nbsp;stayed&nbsp;focused on this man eating alone on Valentine’s&nbsp;Day. She asked, “Dad,&nbsp;we’ve got to&nbsp;do&nbsp;something for him; can we buy&nbsp;his dinner?”

As David&nbsp;witnessed his daughter’s concern, he took the opportunity&nbsp;to embrace the moment and go deeper.&nbsp;He responded, “something tells me he has enough money to buy his meal; what do you think his greater need might be?”&nbsp;&nbsp;

She replied, “Dad, he’s lonely.&nbsp;I can just tell; I think he needs company.”&nbsp;So,&nbsp;on their&nbsp;Valentine’s date,&nbsp;they&nbsp;invited&nbsp;the elderly gentleman&nbsp;to join their table. It took some coaxing,&nbsp;but he eventually agreed to share a cup of coffee.

For the next 30 minutes,&nbsp;dad&nbsp;sat and watched as this total stranger and&nbsp;his&nbsp;daughter interacted like they were good friends.&nbsp;They&nbsp;learned his name, that he was 85&nbsp;years old,&nbsp;and&nbsp;that this was his&nbsp;first&nbsp;Valentine’s Day without his wife of 62 years.&nbsp; He had buried her a few months before, and that restaurant had been “their place.”

I was so&nbsp;taken&nbsp;by both the simplicity of his story and the depth of how small acts of kindness can create authentic moments of connection and mattering. What I know about student success, and creating communities of care,&nbsp;is that those moments of mattering can make the difference between students who leave us and students who succeed.&nbsp;The same&nbsp;is true&nbsp;for colleagues.

I know that a residence hall housekeeper who notices a student at their best and worst, and befriends that student, will likely be the first person they introduce to their family at commencement.&nbsp;I&nbsp;also&nbsp;know that the dining hall worker who&nbsp;remembers&nbsp;the favorite foods of our students is one of&nbsp;our&nbsp;strongest&nbsp;student&nbsp;success tools.&nbsp;I know&nbsp;that&nbsp;the professor&nbsp;who&nbsp;calls all of&nbsp;her&nbsp;students by&nbsp;name and models&nbsp;grace&nbsp;is one of&nbsp;our&nbsp;most vital&nbsp;assets.&nbsp;And&nbsp;I know that staff&nbsp;who notice&nbsp;a&nbsp;student,&nbsp;who, like the elderly gentleman in the story,&nbsp;is&nbsp;sitting alone and&nbsp;makes&nbsp;time to learn&nbsp;that student’s&nbsp;story&nbsp;is&nbsp;demonstratingthe&nbsp;authentic sense of community&nbsp;that&nbsp;makes Tiger Nation so special.

Simply put, the more we multiply our efforts in investing&nbsp;in&nbsp;one another&nbsp;and focusing&nbsp;on a person’s greatest&nbsp;need,&nbsp;the stronger&nbsp;our community&nbsp;becomes.&nbsp;As a result, we&nbsp;find joy, hope, connection, and gratitude.

The lesson&nbsp;I carry from this daddy-daughter Valentine’s&nbsp;Day&nbsp;date&nbsp;is&nbsp;that in the business of&nbsp;ourworld, it is so important to notice, to be curious, and to be brave.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Valentine’s&nbsp;Day. It is&nbsp;a&nbsp;day dedicated to telling the people in your life how much you care about them. For some, a day&nbsp;to celebrate&nbsp;strong connections. For others, a magnifier of loneliness. Even with our strong ethic of care&nbsp;at&nbsp;Fort Hays State University, I sometimes worry about missed opportunities to invest in one another&nbsp;every day, not just on February 14.I&nbsp;am reminded&nbsp;of&nbsp;a story&nbsp;that&nbsp;writer David&nbsp;Vitt,&nbsp;the&nbsp;author of the&nbsp;Teachable Heart, once&nbsp;shared about a daddy-daughter date on Valentine’s Day.&nbsp;He&nbsp;and&nbsp;his&nbsp;young daughter went&nbsp;to a nice restaurant. After several minutes of lively conversation, she became silent.&nbsp;She had noticed an elderly man sitting alone. It made her both sad and curious. She wondered if he was waiting on someone.&nbsp;Then,&nbsp;he was served his meal&nbsp;and remained alone. David tried to reengage his daughter in conversation,&nbsp;but she&nbsp;stayed&nbsp;focused on this man eating alone on Valentine’s&nbsp;Day. She asked, “Dad,&nbsp;we’ve got to&nbsp;do&nbsp;something for him; can we buy&nbsp;his dinner?”As David&nbsp;witnessed his daughter’s concern, he took the opportunity&nbsp;to embrace the moment and go deeper.&nbsp;He responded, “something tells me he has enough money to buy his meal; what do you think his greater need might be?”&nbsp;&nbsp;She replied, “Dad, he’s lonely.&nbsp;I can just tell; I think he needs company.”&nbsp;So,&nbsp;on their&nbsp;Valentine’s date,&nbsp;they&nbsp;invited&nbsp;the elderly gentleman&nbsp;to join their table. It took some coaxing,&nbsp;but he eventually agreed to share a cup of coffee.For the next 30 minutes,&nbsp;dad&nbsp;sat and watched as this total stranger and&nbsp;his&nbsp;daughter interacted like they were good friends.&nbsp;They&nbsp;learned his name, that he was 85&nbsp;years old,&nbsp;and&nbsp;that this was his&nbsp;first&nbsp;Valentine’s Day without his wife of 62 years.&nbsp; He had buried her a few months before, and that restaurant had been “their place.”I was so&nbsp;taken&nbsp;by both the simplicity of his story and the depth of how small acts of kindness can create authentic moments of connection and mattering. What I know about student success, and creating communities of care,&nbsp;is that those moments of mattering can make the difference between students who leave us and students who succeed.&nbsp;The same&nbsp;is true&nbsp;for colleagues.I know that a residence hall housekeeper who notices a student at their best and worst, and befriends that student, will likely be the first person they introduce to their family at commencement.&nbsp;I&nbsp;also&nbsp;know that the dining hall worker who&nbsp;remembers&nbsp;the favorite foods of our students is one of&nbsp;our&nbsp;strongest&nbsp;student&nbsp;success tools.&nbsp;I know&nbsp;that&nbsp;the professor&nbsp;who&nbsp;calls all of&nbsp;her&nbsp;students by&nbsp;name and models&nbsp;grace&nbsp;is one of&nbsp;our&nbsp;most vital&nbsp;assets.&nbsp;And&nbsp;I know that staff&nbsp;who notice&nbsp;a&nbsp;student,&nbsp;who, like the elderly gentleman in the story,&nbsp;is&nbsp;sitting alone and&nbsp;makes&nbsp;time to learn&nbsp;that student’s&nbsp;story&nbsp;is&nbsp;demonstratingthe&nbsp;authentic sense of community&nbsp;that&nbsp;makes Tiger Nation so special.Simply put, the more we multiply our efforts in investing&nbsp;in&nbsp;one another&nbsp;and focusing&nbsp;on a person’s greatest&nbsp;need,&nbsp;the stronger&nbsp;our community&nbsp;becomes.&nbsp;As a result, we&nbsp;find joy, hope, connection, and gratitude.The lesson&nbsp;I carry from this daddy-daughter Valentine’s&nbsp;Day&nbsp;date&nbsp;is&nbsp;that in the business of&nbsp;ourworld, it is so important to notice, to be curious, and to be brave.&nbsp;

Heart of a Tiger: Responding to the greater need

SHERMAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in two separate accidents just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a semi 2001 Western Star semi driven by Erik J. Trochez Izaguirre, 29, Wichita, was eastbound on Interstate 70 four miles west of Goodland.

The driver lost control on the icy-snow packed road. The semi left the road way, entered the median, crossed the westbound lanes and jackknifed in the north ditch.

EMS transported a passenger 50-year-old Oscar&nbsp;Lopez Trochez of Wichita to the hospital in Goodland.&nbsp;Izaguirre was not injured.

At the same time, a 2019 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Muhammad&nbsp;Abusufyan, 37, Brooklyn, New York, was westbound on Interstate 70 five miles west of Goodland. The semi left the roadway entered the median and overturned.&nbsp;

EMS transported Abusufyan to the hospital in Goodland.&nbsp; The drivers in both accidents were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHERMAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in two separate accidents just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a semi 2001 Western Star semi driven by Erik J. Trochez Izaguirre, 29, Wichita, was eastbound on Interstate 70 four miles west of Goodland.The driver lost control on the icy-snow packed road. The semi left the road way, entered the median, crossed the westbound lanes and jackknifed in the north ditch.EMS transported a passenger 50-year-old Oscar&nbsp;Lopez Trochez of Wichita to the hospital in Goodland.&nbsp;Izaguirre was not injured.At the same time, a 2019 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Muhammad&nbsp;Abusufyan, 37, Brooklyn, New York, was westbound on Interstate 70 five miles west of Goodland. The semi left the roadway entered the median and overturned.&nbsp;EMS transported Abusufyan to the hospital in Goodland.&nbsp; The drivers in both accidents were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 injured after semi accidents on Interstate 70

<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/2023/2/1676489545272.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 Hays Police Department responded to 71 calls from Feb. 4-11, 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 71 calls from Feb. 4-11, 2023 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676499674204.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676499722551.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676499898399.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activities Log, Feb. 4-11, 2023 

Due to the snowfall forecast, Hays USD 489 and Ellis USD 388 will not have classes Thursday.

"Enjoy the snow day!" USD 489 said in a message to parents.

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e6fc163afae0f4d5f5d2e4f">HERE</a> for more cancellations and delays.

Due to the snowfall forecast, Hays USD 489 and Ellis USD 388 will not have classes Thursday."Enjoy the snow day!" USD 489 said in a message to parents.Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e6fc163afae0f4d5f5d2e4f">HERE</a> for more cancellations and delays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587078674452.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

SNOW DAY: Hays USD 489, Ellis cancel classes Thursday

THOMAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Traverse driven by&nbsp; Brandi Nichole Emmot, 46, Levant, was southbound on County Road 11 at the intersection of Interstate 70 eastbound exit 45.

The SUV struck the rear trailer axel on a 1998 International semi driven by Anthony R. Robertson, 45, West Peoria, Illinois, who was stopped at the stop sign at the exit ramp and continued to the on ramp.&nbsp;

EMS transported&nbsp;Emmot to the hospital in Goodland.Robertson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Traverse driven by&nbsp; Brandi Nichole Emmot, 46, Levant, was southbound on County Road 11 at the intersection of Interstate 70 eastbound exit 45.The SUV struck the rear trailer axel on a 1998 International semi driven by Anthony R. Robertson, 45, West Peoria, Illinois, who was stopped at the stop sign at the exit ramp and continued to the on ramp.&nbsp;EMS transported&nbsp;Emmot to the hospital in Goodland.Robertson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman injured after SUV strikes semi trailer's rear-axel

Thomas More Prep-Marian and Holy Family Elementary School have canceled classes Thursday due to the National Weather Service forecast of snow.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e6fc163afae0f4d5f5d2e4f">Check Hays Post for the latest on local cancellations.</a>

Thomas More Prep-Marian and Holy Family Elementary School have canceled classes Thursday due to the National Weather Service forecast of snow.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e6fc163afae0f4d5f5d2e4f">Check Hays Post for the latest on local cancellations.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668116190412.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

SNOW DAY: TMP-M, Holy Family cancel classes Thursday

Aside from light flurries, snow has thus far stayed west of the Hays area for the most part Wednesday, but the National Weather Service in Dodge City is still expecting significant accumulation as the evening wears on.

Up to 4 inches of snow is possible in Ellis County, the NWS forecast predicted, with cold, blustery winds driving the wind chill value below zero. A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday.

Farther northwest, the NWS in Goodland said over a foot of snow is possible in areas. In Kit Carson County is eastern Colorado, 6 inches was already on&nbsp; the ground early Wednesday afternoon. With winds gusting at 30 mph, reduced visibility and slick roads have made travel hazardous.

For the latest on severe weather and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e6fc163afae0f4d5f5d2e4f">cancellations</a>, check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations. For the latest on road conditions, check the<a href="https://kandrive.org/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,weatherRadar"> KanDrive website</a> or download the app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676501228304.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Aside from light flurries, snow has thus far stayed west of the Hays area for the most part Wednesday, but the National Weather Service in Dodge City is still expecting significant accumulation as the evening wears on.Up to 4 inches of snow is possible in Ellis County, the NWS forecast predicted, with cold, blustery winds driving the wind chill value below zero. A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday.Farther northwest, the NWS in Goodland said over a foot of snow is possible in areas. In Kit Carson County is eastern Colorado, 6 inches was already on&nbsp; the ground early Wednesday afternoon. With winds gusting at 30 mph, reduced visibility and slick roads have made travel hazardous.For the latest on severe weather and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e6fc163afae0f4d5f5d2e4f">cancellations</a>, check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations. For the latest on road conditions, check the<a href="https://kandrive.org/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,weatherRadar"> KanDrive website</a> or download the app.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Snow has arrived in NWKS. Roads are starting to become slick. Slow down and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Updates at <a href="https://t.co/hFNgAPWzND">https://t.co/hFNgAPWzND</a> or the KanDrive app. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/yVUAnd3MqL">pic.twitter.com/yVUAnd3MqL</a>&mdash; NWKansasKDOT (@NWKansasKDOT) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWKansasKDOT/status/1625906794680791041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Expect for roads to deteriorate significantly eastward to around a Scott City, to Garden City and Hugoton line by 5 pm. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/eTPKePRlKc">pic.twitter.com/eTPKePRlKc</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1625967249814323200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS UPDATE: Snow staying west, but on the way to Hays area

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Emergency Medical Services director Danita Schroeder shares information about the department's cardiac event training.

<div><iframe title="Ellis County EMS helps residents train to assit during cardiac events" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gsg4y-1391a57-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Emergency Medical Services director Danita Schroeder shares information about the department's cardiac event training.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County EMS helps residents train to assist during cardiac events

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Dogs are abused, malnourished, or sometimes their owner simply dies or loses a job and can no longer afford a pet. Regardless of the cause, Hands of Hope Rescue is back in the business of helping those canines. The licensed non-profit helps only dogs, and President and Founder RaShann Southard said they do it without an actual facility.

"We bring them in, put them in foster homes, then find them new homes - adopt them out," she said. "We get them medical care if they need medical care. A lot of our dogs end up needing medical care because they've been neglected or just haven't received any."

Hands of Hope operated for nine years before shutting down a year ago. In January, the group of volunteers returned to help dogs into new homes. The group takes in owner surrenders, or is sometimes contacted by shelters or other non-profits when a dog is in need. Southard estimates the group has helped some 2,000 dogs over the past decade. Without a facility, however, there is one steadfast rule.

"I don't bring them in unless I have a place for them, so if somebody contacts me about a dog they need to find a place for, the first thing I do is start looking for a foster," Southard said. "Without that foster, I have nowhere to put the dog. Fosters are key."

Hands of Hope has approximately 15 fosters around Kansas, including in Barton County. More volunteers serve as transport for the animals, sometimes driving the dogs across the state for placement. Some of the volunteers and fosters have been with the group for a decade. "We're all over the place," said Southard. "Wherever I can find a foster in Kansas, we try to make it work."

Southard said, for practical purposes, Hands of Hope focuses mostly on dogs in need of medical care. "Behavioral issues, we don't really take because they go into a foster home. These people have their own pets and their own kids, and their safety is No. 1. We don't take aggressive dogs. It's just too dangerous for the foster and the foster home."

Hands of Hope runs entirely on donations. Those proceeds not only help with medical care, but also buy dog food for some of the volunteers who may want to help but lack the financial ability to take on another animal.

"A lot of them need dental," said Southard of the dogs. "We've taken some with broken bones. We took one that actually, at one point, had a wire in his neck that had to be removed. It was basically decapitating him, so we had to have that removed."

There are several ways to donate to Hands of Hope. <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=Zq4R_f3ThAVv_a2jyYBXwgionCC9otTorfc5BGzI1mui6_m2KoZnFb-Ot0RYSyCtoFtu7pxN61QiGuOJ">CLICK HERE</a> to donate via PayPal. Checks can be mailed to Hands of Hope, 4827 Camelot West Drive, Great Bend, KS 67530. Owner surrender, adoption, and foster applications can be found by <a href="https://www.handsofhoperescue.com/">CLICKING HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676392226525.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostDogs are abused, malnourished, or sometimes their owner simply dies or loses a job and can no longer afford a pet. Regardless of the cause, Hands of Hope Rescue is back in the business of helping those canines. The licensed non-profit helps only dogs, and President and Founder RaShann Southard said they do it without an actual facility."We bring them in, put them in foster homes, then find them new homes - adopt them out," she said. "We get them medical care if they need medical care. A lot of our dogs end up needing medical care because they've been neglected or just haven't received any."Hands of Hope operated for nine years before shutting down a year ago. In January, the group of volunteers returned to help dogs into new homes. The group takes in owner surrenders, or is sometimes contacted by shelters or other non-profits when a dog is in need. Southard estimates the group has helped some 2,000 dogs over the past decade. Without a facility, however, there is one steadfast rule."I don't bring them in unless I have a place for them, so if somebody contacts me about a dog they need to find a place for, the first thing I do is start looking for a foster," Southard said. "Without that foster, I have nowhere to put the dog. Fosters are key."Hands of Hope has approximately 15 fosters around Kansas, including in Barton County. More volunteers serve as transport for the animals, sometimes driving the dogs across the state for placement. Some of the volunteers and fosters have been with the group for a decade. "We're all over the place," said Southard. "Wherever I can find a foster in Kansas, we try to make it work."Southard said, for practical purposes, Hands of Hope focuses mostly on dogs in need of medical care. "Behavioral issues, we don't really take because they go into a foster home. These people have their own pets and their own kids, and their safety is No. 1. We don't take aggressive dogs. It's just too dangerous for the foster and the foster home."Hands of Hope runs entirely on donations. Those proceeds not only help with medical care, but also buy dog food for some of the volunteers who may want to help but lack the financial ability to take on another animal."A lot of them need dental," said Southard of the dogs. "We've taken some with broken bones. We took one that actually, at one point, had a wire in his neck that had to be removed. It was basically decapitating him, so we had to have that removed."There are several ways to donate to Hands of Hope. <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=Zq4R_f3ThAVv_a2jyYBXwgionCC9otTorfc5BGzI1mui6_m2KoZnFb-Ot0RYSyCtoFtu7pxN61QiGuOJ">CLICK HERE</a> to donate via PayPal. Checks can be mailed to Hands of Hope, 4827 Camelot West Drive, Great Bend, KS 67530. Owner surrender, adoption, and foster applications can be found by <a href="https://www.handsofhoperescue.com/">CLICKING HERE</a>.

Hands of Hope Rescue back in service to help dogs

The Rahjes Report February 15, 2023

We are on week six of this legislative session. I apologize for the absence of these updates the last few weeks. I have been dealing with technical issues, that I hope are now resolved. 

This week we will have a busy week of bill hearings and final action in committees that will make for longer days on the house floor next week. The first “half” of the session will be here soon, so we will have a good idea of what bills will be voted on and if approved will head to the senate and vice-versa. 

As a reminder, if a bill is not granted a hearing or worked for final action in committee, there will be time next year. We have had several groups and individuals come to the capital and it is always good to hear directly from folks who come to share their ideas and concerns.

Passed: HB 2010 – Updating a statutory cross reference to provide proper jury instruction in cases when a defendant lacks the required mental state to commit a crime. This bill is a technical update deleting an old cross reference and replacing it with a new statute. It does not change the underlying aspect of the statute which relates to a person found not-guilty because of mental disease or defect.

HB 2033 – Changing the criteria used to refer and admit juveniles to a juvenile crisis intervention center. This bill clarifies and adds definitions for mental health and behavioral health crises in order to allow flexibility for crisis intervention. Intervention centers will now be better able to offer their services to minors who are exhibiting extreme behaviors that previously would not have received help as easily.

HB 2042 - Authorizing towing by self-storage unit operators of motor vehicles, watercraft or trailers for nonpayment of rent or abandonment and providing for notice to occupants, a right of redemption prior to towing and liability protection for operators. Today, self-storage business operators must go through government agencies to get a vehicle towed off their property if a client defaults on their contract. This leads to gridlock and hampering their abilities to conduct business. With this bill, they can arrange the towing themselves with prior notice to a customer in default.

HB 2065 - Allowing a court to change a spouse's name to a name that is different than a maiden or former name during a divorce proceeding. Current law only allows for a spouse undergoing a divorce to change their name to a previously used name or a maiden name. This bill allows for the spouse to select a different name if desired.

HB 2069 - Providing that the service of post release supervision period shall not toll except as otherwise provided by law. This bill will help in achieving more consistency in the courts statewide. When an offender is on supervision for a crime committed and is arrested for an alleged new crime, this legislation clarifies how the time spent in jail is credited. The time is credited to the original case first and then to the new case if applicable.

HB 2070 - Allowing certain nondrug offenders to participate in a certified drug abuse treatment program. The bill expands and clarifies which offenders are eligible for non-prison drug treatment programs. This allows offenders who suffer with addiction that have been convicted of felony property&nbsp;crimes to have access to treatment as part of their sentence. The bill is supported by law enforcement officers across the state, who believe that this can have a great impact in reducing future crimes.

SCR 1602 - Disapproving the designation of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species in Kansas by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. I carried this resolution on the house floor. Simply put, Kansas knows what's best for Kansas. Kansas farmers and ranchers already provide private efforts to protect the lesser prairie chicken that go above and beyond any measures the federal government is seeking to impose. While this is a symbolic gesture, it is very important that we stand with our Kansas Congressional delegation in opposition to the designation of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species.

You can follow along on happenings in the legislature online at <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a> and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel.

I have moved offices and now located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. If you would like to contact me, Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session 785-296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at 785-302-8416. If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.

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

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676473190864.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th district, speaks in Hays on Feb. 4. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th district, speaks in Hays on Feb. 4. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Rahjes Report February 15, 2023Hello from Topeka. We are on week six of this legislative session. I apologize for the absence of these updates the last few weeks. I have been dealing with technical issues, that I hope are now resolved. This week we will have a busy week of bill hearings and final action in committees that will make for longer days on the house floor next week. The first “half” of the session will be here soon, so we will have a good idea of what bills will be voted on and if approved will head to the senate and vice-versa. As a reminder, if a bill is not granted a hearing or worked for final action in committee, there will be time next year. We have had several groups and individuals come to the capital and it is always good to hear directly from folks who come to share their ideas and concerns.Some of the floor action last week:Passed: HB 2010 – Updating a statutory cross reference to provide proper jury instruction in cases when a defendant lacks the required mental state to commit a crime. This bill is a technical update deleting an old cross reference and replacing it with a new statute. It does not change the underlying aspect of the statute which relates to a person found not-guilty because of mental disease or defect.HB 2033 – Changing the criteria used to refer and admit juveniles to a juvenile crisis intervention center. This bill clarifies and adds definitions for mental health and behavioral health crises in order to allow flexibility for crisis intervention. Intervention centers will now be better able to offer their services to minors who are exhibiting extreme behaviors that previously would not have received help as easily.HB 2042 - Authorizing towing by self-storage unit operators of motor vehicles, watercraft or trailers for nonpayment of rent or abandonment and providing for notice to occupants, a right of redemption prior to towing and liability protection for operators. Today, self-storage business operators must go through government agencies to get a vehicle towed off their property if a client defaults on their contract. This leads to gridlock and hampering their abilities to conduct business. With this bill, they can arrange the towing themselves with prior notice to a customer in default.HB 2065 - Allowing a court to change a spouse's name to a name that is different than a maiden or former name during a divorce proceeding. Current law only allows for a spouse undergoing a divorce to change their name to a previously used name or a maiden name. This bill allows for the spouse to select a different name if desired.HB 2069 - Providing that the service of post release supervision period shall not toll except as otherwise provided by law. This bill will help in achieving more consistency in the courts statewide. When an offender is on supervision for a crime committed and is arrested for an alleged new crime, this legislation clarifies how the time spent in jail is credited. The time is credited to the original case first and then to the new case if applicable.HB 2070 - Allowing certain nondrug offenders to participate in a certified drug abuse treatment program. The bill expands and clarifies which offenders are eligible for non-prison drug treatment programs. This allows offenders who suffer with addiction that have been convicted of felony property&nbsp;crimes to have access to treatment as part of their sentence. The bill is supported by law enforcement officers across the state, who believe that this can have a great impact in reducing future crimes.SCR 1602 - Disapproving the designation of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species in Kansas by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. I carried this resolution on the house floor. Simply put, Kansas knows what's best for Kansas. Kansas farmers and ranchers already provide private efforts to protect the lesser prairie chicken that go above and beyond any measures the federal government is seeking to impose. While this is a symbolic gesture, it is very important that we stand with our Kansas Congressional delegation in opposition to the designation of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species.You can follow along on happenings in the legislature online at <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a> and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel. I have moved offices and now located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. If you would like to contact me, Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session 785-296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at 785-302-8416. If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist.

RAHJES REPORT: February 15, 2023

A winter storm warning has been extended to Ellis County, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported. The warning will remain in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday.

The warning extends over northwest Kansas and the remainder of western Kansas is under a winter weather advisory.

The NWS said snow could start in the Hays area as early as 10 a.m., with daytime accumulation of 3 inches possible. Winds will gust near 40 mph.

Another 3 to 5 inches of snow is possible overnight and into Thursday morning. Skies will gradually clear Thursday morning.

Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676470390509.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A winter storm warning has been extended to Ellis County, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported. The warning will remain in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday.The warning extends over northwest Kansas and the remainder of western Kansas is under a winter weather advisory.The NWS said snow could start in the Hays area as early as 10 a.m., with daytime accumulation of 3 inches possible. Winds will gust near 40 mph.Another 3 to 5 inches of snow is possible overnight and into Thursday morning. Skies will gradually clear Thursday morning.Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Winter weather headlines for Wednesday morning through the overnight into early Thursday morning. <a href="https://t.co/gSvidc4BVn">pic.twitter.com/gSvidc4BVn</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1625792581010604032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Winter storm warning extended to Ellis County

Grow Hays Inc., a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the economic health and vitality of Ellis County, has received a grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation. The funds will be used for upgrades to heating and cooling systems, enhanced accessibility for the movement of raw materials, and for construction of exterior storage for finished goods in the 30Ninth and 9th &amp; Commerce Parkway in Hays. 

The MicroFactory will serve as an incubator for small manufacturers and startups, providing a low-cost, highly efficient environment for those companies to grow and prosper. &nbsp;

“The Schmidt Foundation continues Bob and Pat Schmidt’s legacy of providing resources to organizations working to make our community an amazing place to live,"&nbsp;said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams."&nbsp; We are thankful for their support on this highly impactful project.”&nbsp;

“The Schmidt Foundation is pleased to provide support for the Grow Hays MicroFactory. This facility will provide a highly efficient environment for manufacturing startups in our community for decades,” said Gary Shorman, president of the Schmidt Foundation. &nbsp;

Williams added, “The improvements these funds will support will create a more comfortable and efficient work environment for the companies that occupy the MicroFactory, increasing the opportunity for their success.”

For more information, call Grow Hays Inc. at 785.628.3102.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676405021936.jpeg" alt="Gary Shorman and Doug Williams" />
 <figcaption>Gary Shorman and Doug Williams</figcaption>
 </figure>Grow HaysGrow Hays Inc., a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the economic health and vitality of Ellis County, has received a grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation. The funds will be used for upgrades to heating and cooling systems, enhanced accessibility for the movement of raw materials, and for construction of exterior storage for finished goods in the 30Ninth and 9th &amp; Commerce Parkway in Hays. The MicroFactory will serve as an incubator for small manufacturers and startups, providing a low-cost, highly efficient environment for those companies to grow and prosper. &nbsp;“The Schmidt Foundation continues Bob and Pat Schmidt’s legacy of providing resources to organizations working to make our community an amazing place to live,"&nbsp;said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams."&nbsp; We are thankful for their support on this highly impactful project.”&nbsp;“The Schmidt Foundation is pleased to provide support for the Grow Hays MicroFactory. This facility will provide a highly efficient environment for manufacturing startups in our community for decades,” said Gary Shorman, president of the Schmidt Foundation. &nbsp;Williams added, “The improvements these funds will support will create a more comfortable and efficient work environment for the companies that occupy the MicroFactory, increasing the opportunity for their success.”For more information, call Grow Hays Inc. at 785.628.3102.

Grow Hays MicroFactory receives Schmidt Foundation grant

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported seven new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Feb. 4 to 10.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

<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 8,400 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676485344073.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 seven new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Feb. 4 to 10.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.<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 8,400 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

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

A kickoff event for “Rooted in Resilience,” brought to you by Kansas Farm Bureau’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Womens-Leadership-Committee" target="_blank">Women’s Leadership Committee</a>, will take place Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at BriefSpace in Hays.

Michelle Holdemen, a mental health professional, will share myths commonly associated with therapy and mental health services, how to know when to seek therapy, the benefits of going to therapy, the obstacles that make it difficult to find a therapist in rural America and some solutions to these obstacles.&nbsp; &nbsp; Grater Whey, a charcuterie service in Hays, will walk through how to assemble the perfect charcuterie board and understand the pairings of different meats and cheeses. Bring your drink of choice to sip on while you build your charcuterie board and relationships. &nbsp; Attendees can join in person or virtually to hear from the mental health professional but must be in person to participate in the charcuterie board workshop. If you want to participate in the charcuterie workshop, the fee is $25. &nbsp; &nbsp;There are three registration options for attendees:

To register, go&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8a9167d2be21397b1ff7cc576&amp;id=7a68367409&amp;e=59e93c6729" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://form.jotform.com/kfbforms/wlc-rir">https://form.jotform.com/kfbforms/wlc-rir</a>

KFBA kickoff event for “Rooted in Resilience,” brought to you by Kansas Farm Bureau’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Womens-Leadership-Committee" target="_blank">Women’s Leadership Committee</a>, will take place Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at BriefSpace in Hays. Michelle Holdemen, a mental health professional, will share myths commonly associated with therapy and mental health services, how to know when to seek therapy, the benefits of going to therapy, the obstacles that make it difficult to find a therapist in rural America and some solutions to these obstacles.&nbsp; &nbsp; Grater Whey, a charcuterie service in Hays, will walk through how to assemble the perfect charcuterie board and understand the pairings of different meats and cheeses. Bring your drink of choice to sip on while you build your charcuterie board and relationships. &nbsp; Attendees can join in person or virtually to hear from the mental health professional but must be in person to participate in the charcuterie board workshop. If you want to participate in the charcuterie workshop, the fee is $25. &nbsp; &nbsp;There are three registration options for attendees:<ol>
 <li>In-person: Build a charcuterie board and hear from a mental health professional, $25</li><li>In-person: Hear from a&nbsp;mental health professional only, no charcuterie board, free</li><li>Zoom: Hear from a&nbsp;mental health professional, free</li>
 </ol>To register, go&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8a9167d2be21397b1ff7cc576&amp;id=7a68367409&amp;e=59e93c6729" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://form.jotform.com/kfbforms/wlc-rir">https://form.jotform.com/kfbforms/wlc-rir</a>Cover image courtesy Pixabay

'Rooted in Resilience' scheduled this month in Hays

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt&nbsp;County farmer and rancher Calving season started on our farm last week with the arrival of three babies. For roughly two months our cows and their newborn babies will be the center of all our attention. This season has become one of my favorite parts of the farm year. Even though I grew up on a dairy farm, calves arriving in this small window was new to me as our dairy calving was staggered throughout the year. Calving is a time of long hours, spontaneous burst of intensity and nights filled with worry. But it is also filled with stretches of quiet serenity, the wonder of new life and a rhythm of routine that fills me with peace and gratitude. The births are unpredictable — a little bit like knowing you are going to have a house guest but not knowing when they will arrive. We are nervous the calves will show up in the middle of the night or when you are away from home, but we can’t spend all of our time watching and waiting. &nbsp;Day or night, the births often happen without issue and a cow with good maternal instinct will have the young one clean, feeding and walking around the pasture within 24 hours. Occasionally things don’t go as planned and we have to step-in and help things along. This is most likely to happen for those giving birth for the first time or on very cold nights. When we help by pulling a calf, warming them inside or occasionally feeding them colostrum, there is a lot of worry and hope that the calf will make it. Knowing that the natural course of calving means some won’t survive doesn’t ever make it easier to lose one. Like a doctor making rounds, farmers ride through their pastures multiples times a day during calving season. We are on the lookout for dark patches in the grass that might be a calf, cows with twitchy tails or away from the herd, which are both signs they are close to delivery. This exercise of checking the herd doubles as the practice of mindfulness, the therapeutic technique of focusing on the present to relieve stress, because all of our energy is spent paying attention to the things happening in the moment. The views during this season are unforgettable, too. I have always thought Kansas is at its height of beauty on warm February days when the sun is shining and cows are grazing on wheat that has greened up.&nbsp; Evening checks are always my favorite. The “how was your day,” conversation on the drive to the field fades away as we start the check and need to focus on the task at hand. As the days have started to get a little longer, the fading sun creates a picturesque world framed by the most beautiful colors the sky can paint. A feeling of peace and wonder settles in during these marvelous moments. Every day the work is the same: look for new calves to tag, check on cows who are getting close to delivery, check the water and roll out a feed bale if needed. These are simple steps of a routine that never feel that way; each day is challenging and gratifying in its own ways. The weeks of calving season are filled with hard work, lots of stress and little sleep. They also generate enough beauty and contentment to fuel my soul for the coming year. If you don’t have calves of your own, when you next pass a field of cows grazing stop to enjoy a moment of beauty and remember the farmers who keep watch at all hours’ day and night. "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/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt&nbsp;County farmer and rancher Calving season started on our farm last week with the arrival of three babies. For roughly two months our cows and their newborn babies will be the center of all our attention. This season has become one of my favorite parts of the farm year. Even though I grew up on a dairy farm, calves arriving in this small window was new to me as our dairy calving was staggered throughout the year. Calving is a time of long hours, spontaneous burst of intensity and nights filled with worry. But it is also filled with stretches of quiet serenity, the wonder of new life and a rhythm of routine that fills me with peace and gratitude. The births are unpredictable — a little bit like knowing you are going to have a house guest but not knowing when they will arrive. We are nervous the calves will show up in the middle of the night or when you are away from home, but we can’t spend all of our time watching and waiting. &nbsp;Day or night, the births often happen without issue and a cow with good maternal instinct will have the young one clean, feeding and walking around the pasture within 24 hours. Occasionally things don’t go as planned and we have to step-in and help things along. This is most likely to happen for those giving birth for the first time or on very cold nights. When we help by pulling a calf, warming them inside or occasionally feeding them colostrum, there is a lot of worry and hope that the calf will make it. Knowing that the natural course of calving means some won’t survive doesn’t ever make it easier to lose one. Like a doctor making rounds, farmers ride through their pastures multiples times a day during calving season. We are on the lookout for dark patches in the grass that might be a calf, cows with twitchy tails or away from the herd, which are both signs they are close to delivery. This exercise of checking the herd doubles as the practice of mindfulness, the therapeutic technique of focusing on the present to relieve stress, because all of our energy is spent paying attention to the things happening in the moment. The views during this season are unforgettable, too. I have always thought Kansas is at its height of beauty on warm February days when the sun is shining and cows are grazing on wheat that has greened up.&nbsp; Evening checks are always my favorite. The “how was your day,” conversation on the drive to the field fades away as we start the check and need to focus on the task at hand. As the days have started to get a little longer, the fading sun creates a picturesque world framed by the most beautiful colors the sky can paint. A feeling of peace and wonder settles in during these marvelous moments. Every day the work is the same: look for new calves to tag, check on cows who are getting close to delivery, check the water and roll out a feed bale if needed. These are simple steps of a routine that never feel that way; each day is challenging and gratifying in its own ways. The weeks of calving season are filled with hard work, lots of stress and little sleep. They also generate enough beauty and contentment to fuel my soul for the coming year. If you don’t have calves of your own, when you next pass a field of cows grazing stop to enjoy a moment of beauty and remember the farmers who keep watch at all hours’ day and night. "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: The rhythm of calving

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676388914847.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>

G&amp;H WorX is auctioning off numerous items of equipment right NOW on Big Iron Auction page:

Click <a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Search?showTab=true&amp;search=g+%26+H+Worx&amp;searchMode=All&amp;userControlsVisible=false&amp;distance=500&amp;historical=false&amp;tab=equipment-tab&amp;page=1&amp;itemsPerPage=20&amp;filter=Open&amp;sort=Start&amp;sortOrder=Ascending">HERE</a> to see a full list of the 36 items you can bid on NOW!

<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Search?showTab=true&amp;search=g+%26+H+Worx&amp;searchMode=All&amp;userControlsVisible=false&amp;distance=500&amp;historical=false&amp;tab=equipment-tab&amp;page=1&amp;itemsPerPage=20&amp;filter=Open&amp;sort=Start&amp;sortOrder=Ascending">Fuel Tank on Trailer – ID#HM5784</a>

Fuel Tank On Trailer, 105 Gallon Tank, 75”X54” Single Axle Trailer, 2” Ball Hitch, Great Plains Fuel Pump, Tires 4.80-12. NO TITLE

<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/2020NewHollandL328SkidSteer">2020 New Holland L328 Skid Steer – ID#HM5811</a>

2020 New Holland L328 Skid Steer, 671 Hrs Showing, FPT 4 Cylinder Diesel Engine, Hydrostatic Transmission, Super Boom Loader, Rear Camera, Joy Stick Controls, Heat, AC, Radio, Tires 14-17.5 NHS, SN: NLM488365

<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/DeinesMagnum20OHVSeriesRidingLawnMower">Deines Magnum 20 OHV Series Riding Lawn Mower – ID#HM5809</a>

Deines Magnum 20 OHV Series Riding Lawn Mower, 297 Hrs Showing, Koehler Command 20 Gas Engine, Hydrostatic Transmission, 72” Deck, 3 Blade Cutting, Electric Deck Height Adjustment, Drive Tires 20X10.00-8 NHS, Rear Tires 15X6.00-6, Front Tires 4.00-5, SN: 1353

<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/JohnDeere8300EndWheelDrill-4">John Deere 8300 End Wheel Drill – ID#HM5806</a>

John Deere 8300 End Wheel Drill, Drawbar, Pin Hitch, 14’ Working Width, 10” Spacing, Dry Fertilizer Box, Single Disk Openers, Hydraulic Lift, Tires 7.50-20SL, SN: N08000X059335

<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/MacFarlandIncite5114VerticalTillageTool">MacFarland Incite 5114 Vertical Tillage Tool – ID #HM5804</a>

MacFarland Incite 5114 Vertical Tillage Tool, Drawbar, Pin Hitch, 14’ Working Width, Hydraulic Lift/Gang Angle Adjustment, Approximately 22” Disk Diameter, Double Rolling Basket Finish, Tires 320/70R15, SN: 22892

<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/LandPrideGBE2596BucketGrapple">Land Pride GBE2596 Bucket &amp; Grapple</a>

Land Pride GBE2596 Bucket &amp; Grapple, Euro Quick Attach, 4 Prong Grapple, 8’ Width, 33” Depth, SN: 1385065

<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/JohnDeere1560GrainDrill-3">John Deere 1560 Grain Drill – ID #HM5780</a>

John Deere 1560 Grain Drill, Drawbar, Pin Hitch, 15’ Working Width, 7 1/2” Spacing, Single Disk Openers, Hydraulic Lift/Markers, Grass Seed Box, Box Tarp Cover, Rear Weights, Rear Hitch, Tires 12.5L-15SL, SN: N01560X695988

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675462220715.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>G&amp;H WorX is auctioning off numerous items of equipment right NOW on Big Iron Auction page:Click <a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Search?showTab=true&amp;search=g+%26+H+Worx&amp;searchMode=All&amp;userControlsVisible=false&amp;distance=500&amp;historical=false&amp;tab=equipment-tab&amp;page=1&amp;itemsPerPage=20&amp;filter=Open&amp;sort=Start&amp;sortOrder=Ascending">HERE</a> to see a full list of the 36 items you can bid on NOW!SOME ITEMS UP FOR BID:<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Search?showTab=true&amp;search=g+%26+H+Worx&amp;searchMode=All&amp;userControlsVisible=false&amp;distance=500&amp;historical=false&amp;tab=equipment-tab&amp;page=1&amp;itemsPerPage=20&amp;filter=Open&amp;sort=Start&amp;sortOrder=Ascending">Fuel Tank on Trailer – ID#HM5784</a>Fuel Tank On Trailer, 105 Gallon Tank, 75”X54” Single Axle Trailer, 2” Ball Hitch, Great Plains Fuel Pump, Tires 4.80-12. NO TITLE<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/2020NewHollandL328SkidSteer">2020 New Holland L328 Skid Steer – ID#HM5811</a>2020 New Holland L328 Skid Steer, 671 Hrs Showing, FPT 4 Cylinder Diesel Engine, Hydrostatic Transmission, Super Boom Loader, Rear Camera, Joy Stick Controls, Heat, AC, Radio, Tires 14-17.5 NHS, SN: NLM488365<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/DeinesMagnum20OHVSeriesRidingLawnMower">Deines Magnum 20 OHV Series Riding Lawn Mower – ID#HM5809</a>Deines Magnum 20 OHV Series Riding Lawn Mower, 297 Hrs Showing, Koehler Command 20 Gas Engine, Hydrostatic Transmission, 72” Deck, 3 Blade Cutting, Electric Deck Height Adjustment, Drive Tires 20X10.00-8 NHS, Rear Tires 15X6.00-6, Front Tires 4.00-5, SN: 1353<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/JohnDeere8300EndWheelDrill-4">John Deere 8300 End Wheel Drill – ID#HM5806</a>John Deere 8300 End Wheel Drill, Drawbar, Pin Hitch, 14’ Working Width, 10” Spacing, Dry Fertilizer Box, Single Disk Openers, Hydraulic Lift, Tires 7.50-20SL, SN: N08000X059335<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/MacFarlandIncite5114VerticalTillageTool">MacFarland Incite 5114 Vertical Tillage Tool – ID #HM5804</a>MacFarland Incite 5114 Vertical Tillage Tool, Drawbar, Pin Hitch, 14’ Working Width, Hydraulic Lift/Gang Angle Adjustment, Approximately 22” Disk Diameter, Double Rolling Basket Finish, Tires 320/70R15, SN: 22892<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/LandPrideGBE2596BucketGrapple">Land Pride GBE2596 Bucket &amp; Grapple</a>Land Pride GBE2596 Bucket &amp; Grapple, Euro Quick Attach, 4 Prong Grapple, 8’ Width, 33” Depth, SN: 1385065<a href="https://www.bigiron.com/Lots/JohnDeere1560GrainDrill-3">John Deere 1560 Grain Drill – ID #HM5780</a>John Deere 1560 Grain Drill, Drawbar, Pin Hitch, 15’ Working Width, 7 1/2” Spacing, Single Disk Openers, Hydraulic Lift/Markers, Grass Seed Box, Box Tarp Cover, Rear Weights, Rear Hitch, Tires 12.5L-15SL, SN: N01560X695988

📷 Wonder Women League, TMP parents bring little bit of love to Hays

Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School has announced the following Sweetheart candidates. Top Left -Dylan Werth &amp; Karlyn Rohr - Dylan is the son of Cory (Class of 2000) and Amber Werth. Karlyn is the daughter of Jesse and Tawnya Rohr. Middle Left - Pake Dewey &amp; MyKayla Romme - Pake is the son of Jeff and Melissa Dewey. MyKayla is the daughter of Darrell (Class of 1983) and Melissa Romme.&nbsp; Bottom Left -Drew Werth &amp; Jaden Schulte - Dylan is the son of Kent (Class of 1986) and Shawnda Werth. Jaden is the daughter of Troy (Class of 1989) and Sharon (Class of 1989) (Feauto) Schulte. Bottom Right -&nbsp;Harrison Lowe &amp; Delaney Staab - Harrison is the son of Jeff and Jana Lowe. Delaney is the daughter of Craig and Rachel (Class of 1986) (Frank) Staab. Top Right -Luke Rome &amp; Madison Augustine - Luke is the son of Aaron and Shana Rome. Madison is the daughter of Craig and Bonnie Augustine.&nbsp; The 2023 Sweetheart King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the Boys Varsity Basketball game on Friday, Feb. 17, in Al Billinger Fieldhouse when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Plainville&nbsp;Cardinals at 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676388212208.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr./Sr. High School has announced the following Sweetheart candidates. Top Left -Dylan Werth &amp; Karlyn Rohr - Dylan is the son of Cory (Class of 2000) and Amber Werth. Karlyn is the daughter of Jesse and Tawnya Rohr. Middle Left - Pake Dewey &amp; MyKayla Romme - Pake is the son of Jeff and Melissa Dewey. MyKayla is the daughter of Darrell (Class of 1983) and Melissa Romme.&nbsp; Bottom Left -Drew Werth &amp; Jaden Schulte - Dylan is the son of Kent (Class of 1986) and Shawnda Werth. Jaden is the daughter of Troy (Class of 1989) and Sharon (Class of 1989) (Feauto) Schulte. Bottom Right -&nbsp;Harrison Lowe &amp; Delaney Staab - Harrison is the son of Jeff and Jana Lowe. Delaney is the daughter of Craig and Rachel (Class of 1986) (Frank) Staab. Top Right -Luke Rome &amp; Madison Augustine - Luke is the son of Aaron and Shana Rome. Madison is the daughter of Craig and Bonnie Augustine.&nbsp; The 2023 Sweetheart King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the Boys Varsity Basketball game on Friday, Feb. 17, in Al Billinger Fieldhouse when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Plainville&nbsp;Cardinals at 7 p.m.

TMP-M announces Sweetheart candidates

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach on Jan. 31 announced his intent to sue the federal government unless the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service withdraws a rule that would list the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species.

“The Biden administration’s listing of this species will have a devastating impact on Kansas ranchers, Kansas oil producers, and Kansas wind farms. Moreover, it is illegal,” Kobach said in a press release. “Kansas will lead the way in fighting against this overreach by the Biden administration.”

Gov. Laura Kelly told members of the Kansas Farm Bureau on Feb. 7 she would oppose the lesser prairie chicken's listing on the endangered species list.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/214d4cf1-2d02-4536-aa59-78d3c0be8f46">Sen. Roger Marchall, R-Kan., as well as three of the Republican members of the U.S. House, also signed a letter to delay the final rule that will list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act.</a>

However, Jessica Augustine, executive director of the Kansas Audobon Society and an expert on prairie chickens, said ranchers and energy producers can work together to preserve the prairie chicken. She is arguing in support of greater protection for the species and its habitat.

Kobach said in his press release the rule change would require Kansas ranchers to seek the federal government’s permission to shift a cattle herd to a new field. He said it also creates tougher restrictions for energy pipelines, roads and other development, including oil drilling.

Augustine said Kobach's statements were misleading. Augustine took particular issue with Kobach's assertion that the designation would require the ranchers to seek federal permission when shifting their cattle herds.

According to Augustine, who cited the U.S. Fish and Wildlife webpage, farmers can continue agricultural activities on existing cultivated land. This includes pastures that are being grazed, in hay or in row crops, she said.

"If farmers have been doing agricultural things, they can continue to do that," she said. "This listing is not going to change that.

"I think that is a scare tactic to get farmers worked up, but that is just not true."

Kobach emailed a response to&nbsp;Augustine's statements.

“Ms. Augustine apparently has not read the USFWS Federal Register listing, or she does not understand it," Kobach said. "The Federal Register Listing of the lesser prairie chicken states very clearly that ranchers who own land in the northern region (which includes Kansas) must develop a 'prescribed grazing' plan and have that plan approved by an agency to be designated by the federal government.  If ranchers do not comply with this requirement, they can be penalized for a "take" of the species.

Kansas ranchers currently have the freedom to move their cattle from one pasture to another without following a "prescribed grazing" plan that is approved by a federally-designated agency, Kobach said.

"That freedom will end when the USFWS listing takes effect," he said. "This is a severe restriction on Kansans' property rights that is not consistent with federal law or the Constitution.  That is why my office, along with other states, will be suing the Biden Administration to stop this listing.”

Augustine, who has a doctorate in biology, has studied prairie chickens since 2003. Eight of those years were spent specifically studying lesser prairie chickens in western Kansas.

She said cattle grazing can help create the ideal habitat for lesser prairie chickens and the two species can occur in harmony. All the areas she studied in her research were on private land that was also being grazed by cattle.

"People are trying to push the story that cattle and prairie chickens can't co-exist, but they can and have been and that's why they're still here. Grasslands that are healthy for cattle are also great grasslands for lesser prairie chickens," Augustine said.

Prairie chickens need grass of different heights throughout their breeding cycle. They need short grass and usually pick open areas or hills for displaying and mating.&nbsp;

Females will choose thick, tall grass to hide their nests. After the chicks hatch, the juveniles need grass that is at about 50 percent height and density.&nbsp;

Hay fields can provide taller grass, CRP can provide nesting grounds and grazed land can provide mating and brooding areas, Augustine said.

"They really do work well in an agricultural landscape," she said.

There would be restrictions in the federal regulations for new oil and wind production in the prairie chicken's range under the new listing. It wouldn't affect existing oil, gas and wind energy production. It would not completely stop new oil and gas wells from being drilled or wind farms from being constructed.

However, it would require developers who wish to drill new wells or build new turbines in prime lesser prairie chicken habitats to restore habitat in other areas of the birds' range, Augustine said.

"It's just encouraging that development to occur in locations that have the least amount of impact on lesser prairie chickens and their habitat," she said.

Scientists estimate prairie chickens need about 50,000 open acres to have a healthy population, but that does not exist anywhere in the birds' range.

"The wind turbines and transmission lines fragment the habitat," Augustine said. "The prairie chickens avoid those areas."

In her studies, Augustine has personally recorded lesser prairie chicken groups leaving areas where oil and gas production were introduced.

Greater prairie chickens that are found in other parts of the state seem to be less affected by these structures, Augustine said.

Members of the U.S. Congressional delegation as well as Kobach have suggested conversation efforts remain voluntary.

Augustine said those voluntary efforts have proven ineffective in stabilizing the lesser prairie chicken population.

Current threats to the lesser prairie chicken remain, including habitat loss and fragmentation through human development and the encroachment of woody vegetation such as honey mesquite and cedars.

"We have been trying to do voluntary conservation efforts for 20 years, and they haven't improved the number of prairie chickens," she said. ... 

"Voluntary efforts have shown not to be enough to increase the population sizes. I really hope this legislation will increase the funding and incentives for farmers and private land owners to do more for the prairie chickens.'

"I hope this will be enough to preserve the species," Augustine said of the listing.

Conservation efforts were enacted in 2013, when the lesser prairie chickens' population hit its lowest point. About 17,000 birds remained. That was a year after a significant drought.

As wetter conditions returned, the population increased to about 34,000 as of 2021. However, that is still a fraction of the 125,000 birds in the population as recently as 1990.

Since the conservation effort began, about 17,000 acres of lesser prairie chicken habitat has been restored, which is still not enough to sustain a healthy population, Augustine said. The rainfall and not conservation efforts were more likely the reason for the rebound in the population, she said.

Augustine predicted the lesser prairie chicken population for 2022 and 2023 will be down significantly due to severe drought.

Of the 34,000 birds in the birds' population, about two-thirds of those are in western Kansas. Populations are declining in all the surrounding states that are included in the birds' range. Western Kansas is the only location in the birds' range where populations are stable.&nbsp;

"If we lose what we have in western Kansas, we are losing the core and the future of the prairie chicken population," Augustine said.

"For me [prairie chickens] are a look into our history and our connection with the environment and the connection with our food source," Augustine said.

Prairie chickens were eaten in large quantities by the early plains settlers.

"Plus they are so darn cute," she said. "They make these displays and they try to attract the female, and they have been doing that for centuries."

The Kansas Audobon Society had its first LekTrek prairie chicken viewing event last year and hosted 90 people from 25 states in western Kansas.

This year the event,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansaslektreks.org/">Kansas Lek Treks</a>, will be April 13 to 16 in Hays. Visitors will be able to view the birds during their mating or "booming" season.

"They are a source of inspiration today and have importance through ecotourism plus they are a sign that we have healthy grasslands," Augustine said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668724822944.png" alt="Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostKansas Attorney General Kris Kobach on Jan. 31 announced his intent to sue the federal government unless the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service withdraws a rule that would list the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species.“The Biden administration’s listing of this species will have a devastating impact on Kansas ranchers, Kansas oil producers, and Kansas wind farms. Moreover, it is illegal,” Kobach said in a press release. “Kansas will lead the way in fighting against this overreach by the Biden administration.”Gov. Laura Kelly told members of the Kansas Farm Bureau on Feb. 7 she would oppose the lesser prairie chicken's listing on the endangered species list.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/214d4cf1-2d02-4536-aa59-78d3c0be8f46">Sen. Roger Marchall, R-Kan., as well as three of the Republican members of the U.S. House, also signed a letter to delay the final rule that will list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act.</a>However, Jessica Augustine, executive director of the Kansas Audobon Society and an expert on prairie chickens, said ranchers and energy producers can work together to preserve the prairie chicken. She is arguing in support of greater protection for the species and its habitat.<h2>Scare tactics</h2>Kobach said in his press release the rule change would require Kansas ranchers to seek the federal government’s permission to shift a cattle herd to a new field. He said it also creates tougher restrictions for energy pipelines, roads and other development, including oil drilling.Augustine said Kobach's statements were misleading. Augustine took particular issue with Kobach's assertion that the designation would require the ranchers to seek federal permission when shifting their cattle herds.According to Augustine, who cited the U.S. Fish and Wildlife webpage, farmers can continue agricultural activities on existing cultivated land. This includes pastures that are being grazed, in hay or in row crops, she said."If farmers have been doing agricultural things, they can continue to do that," she said. "This listing is not going to change that."I think that is a scare tactic to get farmers worked up, but that is just not true."Kobach emailed a response to&nbsp;Augustine's statements.“Ms. Augustine apparently has not read the USFWS Federal Register listing, or she does not understand it," Kobach said. "The Federal Register Listing of the lesser prairie chicken states very clearly that ranchers who own land in the northern region (which includes Kansas) must develop a 'prescribed grazing' plan and have that plan approved by an agency to be designated by the federal government. If ranchers do not comply with this requirement, they can be penalized for a "take" of the species.Kansas ranchers currently have the freedom to move their cattle from one pasture to another without following a "prescribed grazing" plan that is approved by a federally-designated agency, Kobach said."That freedom will end when the USFWS listing takes effect," he said. "This is a severe restriction on Kansans' property rights that is not consistent with federal law or the Constitution. That is why my office, along with other states, will be suing the Biden Administration to stop this listing.”<h2>Conservation, ag complimentary</h2>Augustine, who has a doctorate in biology, has studied prairie chickens since 2003. Eight of those years were spent specifically studying lesser prairie chickens in western Kansas.She said cattle grazing can help create the ideal habitat for lesser prairie chickens and the two species can occur in harmony. All the areas she studied in her research were on private land that was also being grazed by cattle."People are trying to push the story that cattle and prairie chickens can't co-exist, but they can and have been and that's why they're still here. Grasslands that are healthy for cattle are also great grasslands for lesser prairie chickens," Augustine said.Prairie chickens need grass of different heights throughout their breeding cycle. They need short grass and usually pick open areas or hills for displaying and mating.&nbsp;Females will choose thick, tall grass to hide their nests. After the chicks hatch, the juveniles need grass that is at about 50 percent height and density.&nbsp;Hay fields can provide taller grass, CRP can provide nesting grounds and grazed land can provide mating and brooding areas, Augustine said."They really do work well in an agricultural landscape," she said.<h2>Provisions for energy producers</h2>There would be restrictions in the federal regulations for new oil and wind production in the prairie chicken's range under the new listing. It wouldn't affect existing oil, gas and wind energy production. It would not completely stop new oil and gas wells from being drilled or wind farms from being constructed.However, it would require developers who wish to drill new wells or build new turbines in prime lesser prairie chicken habitats to restore habitat in other areas of the birds' range, Augustine said."It's just encouraging that development to occur in locations that have the least amount of impact on lesser prairie chickens and their habitat," she said.Scientists estimate prairie chickens need about 50,000 open acres to have a healthy population, but that does not exist anywhere in the birds' range."The wind turbines and transmission lines fragment the habitat," Augustine said. "The prairie chickens avoid those areas."In her studies, Augustine has personally recorded lesser prairie chicken groups leaving areas where oil and gas production were introduced.Greater prairie chickens that are found in other parts of the state seem to be less affected by these structures, Augustine said.<h2>The case for more protection</h2>Members of the U.S. Congressional delegation as well as Kobach have suggested conversation efforts remain voluntary.Augustine said those voluntary efforts have proven ineffective in stabilizing the lesser prairie chicken population.Current threats to the lesser prairie chicken remain, including habitat loss and fragmentation through human development and the encroachment of woody vegetation such as honey mesquite and cedars."We have been trying to do voluntary conservation efforts for 20 years, and they haven't improved the number of prairie chickens," she said. ... "Voluntary efforts have shown not to be enough to increase the population sizes. I really hope this legislation will increase the funding and incentives for farmers and private land owners to do more for the prairie chickens.'"I hope this will be enough to preserve the species," Augustine said of the listing.Conservation efforts were enacted in 2013, when the lesser prairie chickens' population hit its lowest point. About 17,000 birds remained. That was a year after a significant drought.As wetter conditions returned, the population increased to about 34,000 as of 2021. However, that is still a fraction of the 125,000 birds in the population as recently as 1990.Since the conservation effort began, about 17,000 acres of lesser prairie chicken habitat has been restored, which is still not enough to sustain a healthy population, Augustine said. The rainfall and not conservation efforts were more likely the reason for the rebound in the population, she said.Augustine predicted the lesser prairie chicken population for 2022 and 2023 will be down significantly due to severe drought.Of the 34,000 birds in the birds' population, about two-thirds of those are in western Kansas. Populations are declining in all the surrounding states that are included in the birds' range. Western Kansas is the only location in the birds' range where populations are stable.&nbsp;"If we lose what we have in western Kansas, we are losing the core and the future of the prairie chicken population," Augustine said.<h2>Why save lesser prairie chickens?</h2>"For me [prairie chickens] are a look into our history and our connection with the environment and the connection with our food source," Augustine said.Prairie chickens were eaten in large quantities by the early plains settlers."Plus they are so darn cute," she said. "They make these displays and they try to attract the female, and they have been doing that for centuries."The Kansas Audobon Society had its first LekTrek prairie chicken viewing event last year and hosted 90 people from 25 states in western Kansas.This year the event,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansaslektreks.org/">Kansas Lek Treks</a>, will be April 13 to 16 in Hays. Visitors will be able to view the birds during their mating or "booming" season."They are a source of inspiration today and have importance through ecotourism plus they are a sign that we have healthy grasslands," Augustine said.

Kansas conservationist makes case for prairie chicken protection

A winter storm watch remains in effect for Ellis County from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.

A winter storm warning in in effect in counties to the northwest.

Snow is expected to arrive in the Hays area after noon, with accumulation expected to be between 1 to 3 inches through the day. Up to 5 additional inches of snow is possible throughout Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676386737202.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATED 4:50 p.m. TuesdayA winter storm watch remains in effect for Ellis County from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.A winter storm warning in in effect in counties to the northwest.Snow is expected to arrive in the Hays area after noon, with accumulation expected to be between 1 to 3 inches through the day. Up to 5 additional inches of snow is possible throughout Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.Up to 10 inches of snow is possible farther northwest, where a winter storm warning is in effect beginning at 11 p.m. Tuesday.The snow will be accompanied by blustery north-northeast winds, with gusts up to 45 mph. The NWS warned of slippery road conditions and reduced visibility.After a light rain that brought just 0.05 inches of moisture to the Hays area overnight, there is a 60 percent chance of additional showers between 2 and 5 p.m. Wednesday — although less than a tenth of an inch of rain is expected, the NWS said.Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Snow will be expected Wednesday, starting across far western Kansas in the morning, spreading eastward as the day progresses. Strong northerly winds gusting above 40 mph will create blowing snow and reduced visibilities. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nwsddc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nwsddc</a> <a href="https://t.co/TtY464vyqB">pic.twitter.com/TtY464vyqB</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1625506192545189889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here is the latest forecast for expected snowfall on Wednesday. Highest totals will be generally along and south of I-70. Hazardous travel conditions and limited visibility in snow and blowing snow expected. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COwx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/FlUhJRL1Eb">pic.twitter.com/FlUhJRL1Eb</a>&mdash; NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSGoodland/status/1625491592709832710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Local