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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673638589680.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

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

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

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

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673470786504.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe city of Hays recently released the top dog names and dog breeds for 2022.Some dog names may be spelled differently, but below are the top 10 dog names listed in the city of Hays registration database.The city had 1,600 registered pet tags last year. That includes both dogs and cats.<h2>Dog names</h2>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sadie 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Max 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buddy 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Daisy 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maggie 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bailey 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harley 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Abby 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duke 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BearThe city also released the top 10 dog breeds for 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673477272517.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Dog breeds</h2>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mixed breed 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lab 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shih Tzu 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chihuahua 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yorkie 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Australian shepherd 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Golden retriever 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Boxer 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Husky 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BeagleAll dogs and cats living in the city of Hays are required to have 2023 city tags by March 1. These tags must be renewed every year. <div><iframe title="Hays pet tags due March 1" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ky6rp-1361d05-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Nikki Hausler, Hays community service officer, said pet tags help officers quickly reunite pets with their owners."When we pick up an animal that has a city pet tag on, we call our dispatch and say we have this number and we can call the owner right away," Hausler said. "We have 24-hour access to the database."Instead of driving it all the way out to the shelter and the owner calling five minutes later saying they're missing it, this way we can just take it home."Hausler said rabies tags will not help officers reunite the pet with its owners during evenings or on weekends when vet clinics are closed."[A pet tag] is going to save you impound fees. It's going to save you trips out to the shelter to pick up the animal," she said.Hausler encouraged pet owners to call the police department as soon as they realize their pet is missing."It's not like in the movies. We're about getting them home, safely," she said. If you do have a pet that ends up at the shelter, you have to pay the impound fee at the police department first and then take that receipt to the shelter to claim the pet, Hausler said. Pet licenses can be purchased for $5 at the city clerk's office, 1507 Main, if the pet is neutered or spayed. The fee is $25 if the pet is not.The city has a dangerous dog ordinance. Dangerous dogs, which includes pit bulls or dogs deemed dangerous by the court, need to show proof of microchipping and owners need to provide a photo of the dog. There is an additional fee of $50 for a dangerous dog.In order to register a pet, you will need to have documentation from a veterinarian showing the rabies expiration date and if the pet is neutered or spayed.Pets that have been in your possession and are not licensed by March 1 will incur a late fee of $10 for each month or part of a month after March 1, with a late fee not to exceed $50 for each pet. <h2>Winter pet tips</h2>Hausler also offered several tips for caring for pets during winter. If a dog can't be brought inside during cold weather, Hausler suggested an insulated dog house and a heated water bowl or replacing frozen water at least three or four times per day. Don't put blankets in dog houses or cat shelters; they tend to draw moisture and can freeze. Hay or straw is preferred.Just as in hot weather, don't leave a pet in a vehicle during cold weather."A car is like a refrigerator, and it's going to get awful cold if you are inside a department store or the mall for any length of time," Hausler said. Hays Post reporters Becky Kiser and James Bell contributed to this story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open house planned for upcoming K-383 project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Registration open for FHSU’s annual educational symposium

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673365135626.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation announced a new scholarship after receiving a $50,000 gift from David and Rose Kreller. The fund is in memory of Kathy Kreller, who graduated in the first nursing class at CCC.The Kathleen A. Kreller Scholarship will provide two $2,500 awards annually, one for a practical nursing student and one for an individual pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;First preference will be given to students from Rooks or Smith counties. Second preference will be given to candidates in Phillips, Norton, Graham, Trego, Ellis, Russell or Osborne counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Colby Community College is honored to be able to recognize and memorialize Kathy's legacy," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "The college is incredibly thankful for David and Rose Kreller's generosity and their investment in the nursing programs and our students."Kathy was the daughter of A.J. "Tony" and Wanda Kreller, and sister to Mike, Mark, Dennis, and David Kreller. Kathy passed away in 2000.

Colby CC receives endowed gift for nursing

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673638442160.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>

🏀🎙️ LISTEN - Thomas More Prep-Marian v Stockton

On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Early Childhood Connections director Donna Hudson-Hamilton shares updates from the program.

<div><iframe title="USD 489 Early Childhood Connections continues helping educate Hays pre-K children" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=m5gjh-1361cca-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Early Childhood Connections director Donna Hudson-Hamilton shares updates from the program.

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 Early Childhood Connections continues helping educate Hays pre-K children

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The two newest members of the Ellis County Commission
took their seats on the commission this week. 

Commissioners Michael Berges and Nathan Leiker each won
contested races in the Republican primaries in August then ran unopposed for
their respective seats in the November general election. 

They were sworn in before Tuesday’s commission meeting. 

Berges said he looks forward to working with Leiker and
Commissioner Neal Younger.

“I do want to thank (former commissioner) Butch (Schlyer)
for his service that last four years. As I told him, (I’ll) try to follow in
his footsteps with the county,” Berges said.

Leiker added, “I look forward to serving with these
gentlemen with the county.” 

Younger was named the commission chair and Leiker the vice
chair at Tuesday’s meeting.

• Approved the annual noxious
weed agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation. • Approved a design
agreement with Penco Engineering for a work on a bridge south of Walker and 370th
Avenue. • Adopted a resolution designating Ellis County a Rural Opportunity
Zone.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe two newest members of the Ellis County Commission
took their seats on the commission this week. Commissioners Michael Berges and Nathan Leiker each won
contested races in the Republican primaries in August then ran unopposed for
their respective seats in the November general election. They were sworn in before Tuesday’s commission meeting. Berges said he looks forward to working with Leiker and
Commissioner Neal Younger.“I do want to thank (former commissioner) Butch (Schlyer)
for his service that last four years. As I told him, (I’ll) try to follow in
his footsteps with the county,” Berges said.Leiker added, “I look forward to serving with these
gentlemen with the county.” Younger was named the commission chair and Leiker the vice
chair at Tuesday’s meeting.In other business, the commission:• Approved the annual noxious
weed agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation. • Approved a design
agreement with Penco Engineering for a work on a bridge south of Walker and 370th
Avenue. • Adopted a resolution designating Ellis County a Rural Opportunity
Zone.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

New Ellis Co. commissioners take part in first meeting

Partly this is because it’s not entirely accurate. The state’s population of 2.9 million is concentrated in the cities and suburbs of the Topeka-Lawrence-Kansas City nexus, with nearly 1.2 million Kansans spread across only five counties. Add to that the city of Wichita’s nearly 400K residents, and you have over half the population of the entire state accounted for. Meanwhile the 2020 census shows that 80 of Kansas’s 105 countries, nearly all of them rural, are losing population. Despite the images, stories, and songs invoked by our farms, pastures, and rural highways, the great majority of Kansans today are urbanites, and that likely won’t change.

This reality mostly isn’t reflected in our legislature, of course. Though Kansas’s urban areas have become more Democratic in their voting habits—three Johnson County state house seats held by Republicans flipped last November—the state’s long-standing district-based election patterns have long helped Republicans maintain dominance in most areas lacking in population density or demographic diversity, which describes those dozens of shrinking counties quite well. So even as Kansas’s population moves to the cities—and those city votes definitely add up when counted state-wide; remember Governor Kelly came out ahead in only 8 counties, but still won—its representative bodies remain heavily tilted towards mostly rural Republican voices.

One might assume that would mean rural concerns are the Republicans’ major focus. But that’s the other part of the reason: the Kansas GOP’s support for rural interests, despite the huge support they receive from those small and distant communities, is mixed at best.

There is some support there, to be sure. But addressing the problems of long-term population and economic decline are difficult, while following the culture war agenda of the national Republican party and its donors, and filing the bills which their interest groups write, is easy.

Leave aside the benefits Medicaid expansion would bring to rural Kansas; that the Republican leadership refuses to move forward with something supported by 70% of Kansans is by now an old story. Consider instead other issues: a water crisis driving ever more of the already shrinking number of farmers to sell out to bigger corporate actors; a housing crisis making it difficult for those trying to start a business or get by on a fixed income to stay in their hometowns; a lack of broad-band access, child-care resources, or support for school maintenance; and more.

These are complicated problems, requiring patient investment and difficult compromises. The decade-plus of effort the legislature has put into establishing “local enhanced management areas” in western Kansas, supporting farmers in cutting back on irrigation, is a good example, one that has shown some real success in protecting the High Plains Aquifer. By contrast, there are those who present, say, ideologically charged promises of school choice—which is irrelevant to a farm town just trying to save its high school—or legislation designed to lure financial interests to rural Kansas—which shows more hope in fees from global high-rollers than in the state budget--as their preferred solutions, rather than taking on this complicated, usually unsexy work.

So long as the minority of rural voters in Kansas can dominate the legislature, they should at least expect their concerns to be addressed seriously. This year, hopefully rural Republicans will see less of their representatives’ time consumed less by imagined threats like the occasional transgender athlete or non-existent Marxist schoolbooks, and more by the hard task of helping their patient rural supporters out.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Russell Fox" />
 <figcaption>Russell Fox</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas’s rural identity is struggling.Partly this is because it’s not entirely accurate. The state’s population of 2.9 million is concentrated in the cities and suburbs of the Topeka-Lawrence-Kansas City nexus, with nearly 1.2 million Kansans spread across only five counties. Add to that the city of Wichita’s nearly 400K residents, and you have over half the population of the entire state accounted for. Meanwhile the 2020 census shows that 80 of Kansas’s 105 countries, nearly all of them rural, are losing population. Despite the images, stories, and songs invoked by our farms, pastures, and rural highways, the great majority of Kansans today are urbanites, and that likely won’t change.This reality mostly isn’t reflected in our legislature, of course. Though Kansas’s urban areas have become more Democratic in their voting habits—three Johnson County state house seats held by Republicans flipped last November—the state’s long-standing district-based election patterns have long helped Republicans maintain dominance in most areas lacking in population density or demographic diversity, which describes those dozens of shrinking counties quite well. So even as Kansas’s population moves to the cities—and those city votes definitely add up when counted state-wide; remember Governor Kelly came out ahead in only 8 counties, but still won—its representative bodies remain heavily tilted towards mostly rural Republican voices.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>One might assume that would mean rural concerns are the Republicans’ major focus. But that’s the other part of the reason: the Kansas GOP’s support for rural interests, despite the huge support they receive from those small and distant communities, is mixed at best.There is some support there, to be sure. But addressing the problems of long-term population and economic decline are difficult, while following the culture war agenda of the national Republican party and its donors, and filing the bills which their interest groups write, is easy.Leave aside the benefits Medicaid expansion would bring to rural Kansas; that the Republican leadership refuses to move forward with something supported by 70% of Kansans is by now an old story. Consider instead other issues: a water crisis driving ever more of the already shrinking number of farmers to sell out to bigger corporate actors; a housing crisis making it difficult for those trying to start a business or get by on a fixed income to stay in their hometowns; a lack of broad-band access, child-care resources, or support for school maintenance; and more.These are complicated problems, requiring patient investment and difficult compromises. The decade-plus of effort the legislature has put into establishing “local enhanced management areas” in western Kansas, supporting farmers in cutting back on irrigation, is a good example, one that has shown some real success in protecting the High Plains Aquifer. By contrast, there are those who present, say, ideologically charged promises of school choice—which is irrelevant to a farm town just trying to save its high school—or legislation designed to lure financial interests to rural Kansas—which shows more hope in fees from global high-rollers than in the state budget--as their preferred solutions, rather than taking on this complicated, usually unsexy work.So long as the minority of rural voters in Kansas can dominate the legislature, they should at least expect their concerns to be addressed seriously. This year, hopefully rural Republicans will see less of their representatives’ time consumed less by imagined threats like the occasional transgender athlete or non-existent Marxist schoolbooks, and more by the hard task of helping their patient rural supporters out.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Being realistic about helping the rural minority

The
 WaKeeney Police Department will conduct a full-scale active shooter training on 
Monday. 

 There will be a number of law enforcement from local police, 
sheriff's office, Kansas Highway Patrol and K Department of Wildlife and Parks participating in the the exercise. There will also be a number of fire trucks and 
firefighters from the city and rural fire departments and also EMTs participating.


"If you see or hear about an active shooter, please do not be alarmed," the police department said in a social media release. "We are only conducting a training exercise. We would like to thank 
everyone who is involved and we would like to thank everyone who is 
allowing this training to happen."

The
 WaKeeney Police Department will conduct a full-scale active shooter training on 
Monday. There will be a number of law enforcement from local police, 
sheriff's office, Kansas Highway Patrol and K Department of Wildlife and Parks participating in the the exercise. There will also be a number of fire trucks and 
firefighters from the city and rural fire departments and also EMTs participating.
"If you see or hear about an active shooter, please do not be alarmed," the police department said in a social media release. "We are only conducting a training exercise. We would like to thank 
everyone who is involved and we would like to thank everyone who is 
allowing this training to happen."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid029DM62xL4PqJ9KYNuH3sagBxgE2WKicDf8g7gwyxLmZSSpLp3DFHnErYPEyScki4Ll%26id%3D100066785221663&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="351" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

WaKeeney schedules full-scale active shooting training 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673638313934.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>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs are at home for the first this season as they play host to the Ellis Railroaders.

The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow from Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/503356">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs are at home for the first this season as they play host to the Ellis Railroaders.The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow from Al Billinger Fieldhouse.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/503356">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/503356?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Ellis

The Hays High Indians host Garden City Friday night in a Western Athletic Conference matchup.

The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with the boys to follow from Hays High School.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480618">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indians host Garden City Friday night in a Western Athletic Conference matchup.The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with the boys to follow from Hays High School.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480618">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480618?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High vs Garden City

This week, Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College announced a new affiliation initiative to address demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas.&nbsp;This affiliation initiative will focus on developing solutions in three key areas:

FHSU President Tisa Mason, NCK Tech President Eric Burks and Northwest Tech President Ben Schears released this statement regarding the affiliation initiative:

Our institutions exist to serve students and communities. This is the true north that will guide our focus in this endeavor. Higher education institutions have long been beacons of opportunity and drivers of economic prosperity. For our communities to thrive, every individual needs a chance to fully develop their talents, skills, and interests. We look forward to working together and aligning our efforts and resources to deliver enhanced opportunities for rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Kansas Board of Regents Chair Jon Rolph released this statement in support of the initiative:

Fort Hays State, NCK Tech and Northwest Tech are working diligently to serve families and businesses in their communities and increase prosperity for rural Kansas and our entire state. The Board appreciates the leadership of Presidents Mason, Burks, and Schears in proposing this affiliation to help meet Kansas’ workforce needs. The Regents are eager to review the proposal during our meeting next week, and we look forward to working alongside the boards of NCK Tech and Northwest Tech throughout this process.

The Area of Board Control, the governing body for Northwest Tech, will considered the plan Wednesday. The NCK Tech Board of Trustees will do the same on January 16. Fort Hays State University’s governing body, the Kansas Board of Regents, will consider the plan on January 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673645884425.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThis week, Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College announced a new affiliation initiative to address demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas.&nbsp;This affiliation initiative will focus on developing solutions in three key areas:<ul>
 <li>Developing academic programs and integrated student services that meet the educational and professional needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students</li><li>Aligning and optimizing inter-institutional operations to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to student success</li><li>Creating a coalition with regional&nbsp;businesses, industries and communities focused on increasing opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship, and meeting workforce development needs in rural Kansas</li>
 </ul>FHSU President Tisa Mason, NCK Tech President Eric Burks and Northwest Tech President Ben Schears released this statement regarding the affiliation initiative:Our institutions exist to serve students and communities. This is the true north that will guide our focus in this endeavor. Higher education institutions have long been beacons of opportunity and drivers of economic prosperity. For our communities to thrive, every individual needs a chance to fully develop their talents, skills, and interests. We look forward to working together and aligning our efforts and resources to deliver enhanced opportunities for rural Kansas.&nbsp;Kansas Board of Regents Chair Jon Rolph released this statement in support of the initiative:Fort Hays State, NCK Tech and Northwest Tech are working diligently to serve families and businesses in their communities and increase prosperity for rural Kansas and our entire state. The Board appreciates the leadership of Presidents Mason, Burks, and Schears in proposing this affiliation to help meet Kansas’ workforce needs. The Regents are eager to review the proposal during our meeting next week, and we look forward to working alongside the boards of NCK Tech and Northwest Tech throughout this process.The Area of Board Control, the governing body for Northwest Tech, will considered the plan Wednesday. The NCK Tech Board of Trustees will do the same on January 16. Fort Hays State University’s governing body, the Kansas Board of Regents, will consider the plan on January 18.

FHSU, NCK Tech, Northwest Tech announce affiliation

Get the grills out — but have your snow shovels ready.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is predicting high temperatures near 60 on Saturday and Sunday — 10 to 20 degrees above the average high for mid-January.

Saturday will bring gusty south winds, which are expected to calm by Sunday.

The high Monday and Tuesday is still expected to to the mid-40s to low-50s. But on Wednesday, wintry weather is expected to return.

A strong winter storm is expected to impact the Great Plains on Wednesday, bringing the potential for heavy snow and travel impacts, the NWS warned, noting the track of the storm has yet to be determined.

As of Friday afternoon, there was a 40 percent chance of rain or snow in the Hays area Wednesday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673645239604.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Get the grills out — but have your snow shovels ready.The National Weather Service in Dodge City is predicting high temperatures near 60 on Saturday and Sunday — 10 to 20 degrees above the average high for mid-January.Saturday will bring gusty south winds, which are expected to calm by Sunday.The high Monday and Tuesday is still expected to to the mid-40s to low-50s. But on Wednesday, wintry weather is expected to return.A strong winter storm is expected to impact the Great Plains on Wednesday, bringing the potential for heavy snow and travel impacts, the NWS warned, noting the track of the storm has yet to be determined.As of Friday afternoon, there was a 40 percent chance of rain or snow in the Hays area Wednesday.Check Hays Post or tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dry conditions can be expected this weekend and afternoon temperatures both days will be between 10 to 20 degrees above the seasonal normal for this time of year. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/6b6K7wIYU1">pic.twitter.com/6b6K7wIYU1</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1613898434104422400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Unseasonably warm weekend — with winter front right behind

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran from the U.S. Mexico border.

<div><iframe title="🎤 Forward Ever: From the U.S. Mexico border, Sen. Jerry Moran" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=uzfby-1361cb8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315"></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran from the U.S. Mexico border.

🎤 Forward Ever: From the U.S. Mexico border, Sen. Jerry Moran

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Last August, United Way of Central Kansas introduced Laundry Love to the
Great Bend community where the organization provides free laundry services for
low- or no-income families and individuals. Hosting the event at a laundromat
once a month, United Way helped more than 50 families and provided nearly 240
loads of free laundry in the first three months. 
Serving both Barton and Pawnee counties, United Way of Central Kansas is now
expanding the laundry initiative to Larned.

At Thursday's Larned Area Chamber of Commerce coffee hour, United Way Executive Director
Charell Owings said the effort is to help prevent physical and emotional strain
that poor health and hygiene places on the under-resourced in the community. "It's a way for us to come to where the people in need are instead of asking them to come to us," said Owings. "It puts us on their turf where they're comfortable. It's not just about the laundry. It's about making those connections, and telling them about the services that are available in their area." 
Funds for up to five loads of laundry per family as well as all the supplies
needed are provided.

Laundry Love in Larned will take place once a month on the final Wednesday. The first event will be Feb. 22 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Santa Fe Laundry on Broadway Street. "A few of the people that we've seen are duplicates each month," said Owings. "A lot of them though we'll see maybe two of the six months. It's not always the same people. We've had people come in that have four kids at home, their washer and dryer are broken and haven't been able to get anyone to get it fixed. They just need help that one month." 
Owings said United Way is always looking for sponsors each month to cover the laundry
expenses. A sponsorship is $200.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660851426358.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostLast August, United Way of Central Kansas introduced Laundry Love to the
Great Bend community where the organization provides free laundry services for
low- or no-income families and individuals. Hosting the event at a laundromat
once a month, United Way helped more than 50 families and provided nearly 240
loads of free laundry in the first three months. 
Serving both Barton and Pawnee counties, United Way of Central Kansas is now
expanding the laundry initiative to Larned. At Thursday's Larned Area Chamber of Commerce coffee hour, United Way Executive Director
Charell Owings said the effort is to help prevent physical and emotional strain
that poor health and hygiene places on the under-resourced in the community. "It's a way for us to come to where the people in need are instead of asking them to come to us," said Owings. "It puts us on their turf where they're comfortable. It's not just about the laundry. It's about making those connections, and telling them about the services that are available in their area." 
Funds for up to five loads of laundry per family as well as all the supplies
needed are provided. Laundry Love in Larned will take place once a month on the final Wednesday. The first event will be Feb. 22 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Santa Fe Laundry on Broadway Street. "A few of the people that we've seen are duplicates each month," said Owings. "A lot of them though we'll see maybe two of the six months. It's not always the same people. We've had people come in that have four kids at home, their washer and dryer are broken and haven't been able to get anyone to get it fixed. They just need help that one month." 
Owings said United Way is always looking for sponsors each month to cover the laundry
expenses. A sponsorship is $200.&nbsp; &nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flarnedchamber%2Fvideos%2F540540224795304%2F&show_text=true&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

United Way’s free laundry initiative expanding to Larned

Please be advised that normal recycling operations have resumed, and all paper/cardboard recycling goods collected by the Solid Waste Division are once again being recycled at the city’s recycling facility. &nbsp;

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused but appreciate everyone’s patience during the downtime. &nbsp;

City of Hays customers who have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672940291060.jpeg" alt="The new paper/cardboard baler at the Hays recycling center is now installed and working. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The new paper/cardboard baler at the Hays recycling center is now installed and working. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysPlease be advised that normal recycling operations have resumed, and all paper/cardboard recycling goods collected by the Solid Waste Division are once again being recycled at the city’s recycling facility. &nbsp;We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused but appreciate everyone’s patience during the downtime. &nbsp;City of Hays customers who have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Normal paper/cardboard recycling operations resume in Hays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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