Photos by Cristina Janney and James Bell/Hays Post and Cayden Sanders/Tiger Media Network

Photos by Cristina Janney and James Bell/Hays Post and Cayden Sanders/Tiger Media Network <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656793537129.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival on Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival on Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656713944644.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656798441630.jpeg" alt="Lonestar performs in the rain during the Wild West Festival Thursday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Lonestar performs in the rain during the Wild West Festival Thursday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656713971305.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656714007786.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656714054066.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795446385.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795419561.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795386694.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795346492.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795322553.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795292599.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795238751.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795128020.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795128019.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795128018.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795128017.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794993732.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777255.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777254.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777252.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777253.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777251.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777250.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777249.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777247.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777245.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777246.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777244.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777241.jpeg" alt="The Hays CVB celebrates 40 years with a kite festival. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays CVB celebrates 40 years with a kite festival. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795128016.jpeg" alt="Kite Festival. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kite Festival. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797201488.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797230295.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797257166.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797287859.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797315872.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797338820.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797360355.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797383070.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797489636.jpeg" alt="Fans cheer to the sounds of DoC at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fans cheer to the sounds of DoC at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797513739.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797536083.jpeg" alt="Robert and Susan LeDuc of Wilson kiss after dancing during the DoC performance Friday night at the Wild West Festival in Hays. The couple has been married 35 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Robert and Susan LeDuc of Wilson kiss after dancing during the DoC performance Friday night at the Wild West Festival in Hays. The couple has been married 35 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797560820.jpeg" alt="Fans clap during DoC at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fans clap during DoC at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797588182.jpeg" alt="Sandi Maier, Wild West Festival director, rocks out Friday at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sandi Maier, Wild West Festival director, rocks out Friday at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797635037.jpeg" alt="Kim and Mark Kronewitter of Hays dance during the DoC performance Friday night at the Wild West Festival. The couple has been married 14 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Kim and Mark Kronewitter of Hays dance during the DoC performance Friday night at the Wild West Festival. The couple has been married 14 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>

Wild West Fest 2022 in photos

High Plains Mental Health Center has been certified as one of the first Community Behavioral Health Clinics in the state of Kansas. This week, High Plains received a provisional, two-year certification from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Implementing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic system of care will “raise the bar” by providing a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use disorder services and focusing on care coordination, said Executive Director Walt Hill.

“Whole person care is a major focus of the CCBHC model. We are proud to continue offering innovative new services and expanded treatment options for the people of Northwest Kansas,” Hill said. “We are grateful to the State of Kansas for supporting CCBHC implementation, and we are very thankful for the efforts of our hard-working and dedicated staff to make this possible.”

With this news, High Plains is among the first six Community Mental Health Centers to achieve certified CCBHC status in Kansas. In April 2021, Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill establishing the CCBHC model for providing behavioral health services in Kansas. Kansas is the first state in the nation to pass legislation adopting the CCBHC model statewide. Eventually, it is expected that all 26 Community Mental Health Centers in Kansas will transition to the CCBHC model of care. This state designation will enhance Medicaid reimbursement for services, which will be helpful for expanding and sustaining needed services, Hill said.&nbsp;

Due to increased behavioral healthcare needs, High Plains applied for and received a two-year federal grant in 2021 to begin implementing CCBHC required programs. The grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is providing up to $2 million in annual funding and will expire in September 2023. As a result of the grant, High Plains has implemented several new programs and onboarded an additional 14 staff members. New programs include Medication Assisted Treatment to improve recovery outcomes for those experiencing opioid addiction and a mobile Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team currently serving Ellis County. The multi-disciplinary ACT team provides community-based services to better engage clients with serious mental illness and to help stabilize crisis situations in efforts to reduce hospitalization. Other programs include expanded integrated care locations and expanded outreach office sites, and increased focus on screening for certain physical health conditions and referring clients for needed primary medical care. High Plains has also expanded its prevention, education and outreach department. High Plains implemented early CCBHC services in January and has been working throughout the year to continue building the program.

While the CCBHC system of care is new to Kansas, it is not new. The U.S. currently has more than 430 CCBHCs nationwide operating in 42 states. CCBHCs are designed to improve suicide prevention, reduce drug overdose deaths, remove barriers to timely treatment access, improve access to care for veterans and active military, and reduce existing burdens on jails and hospital emergency departments.&nbsp;

Services will be available to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.&nbsp;

“Implementing and continuing to grow CCBHC services will ultimately result in better access to behavioral health services and better outcomes for those seeking needed health care,” said Mark Dinkel, High Plains CCBHC project director. “This is exciting news for Northwest Kansas and the expansion comes at a time when we continue to see increased needs for behavioral healthcare services.”

High Plains Mental Health Center currently has 25 service locations in the 20 counties served in northwest Kansas, in addition to school-based services. Telehealth services are also widely available from the privacy and comfort of home. To learn more, or to find the service location nearest you, call 1-800-432-0333 or visit hpmhc.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578344475899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseHigh Plains Mental Health Center has been certified as one of the first Community Behavioral Health Clinics in the state of Kansas. This week, High Plains received a provisional, two-year certification from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Implementing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic system of care will “raise the bar” by providing a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use disorder services and focusing on care coordination, said Executive Director Walt Hill.“Whole person care is a major focus of the CCBHC model. We are proud to continue offering innovative new services and expanded treatment options for the people of Northwest Kansas,” Hill said. “We are grateful to the State of Kansas for supporting CCBHC implementation, and we are very thankful for the efforts of our hard-working and dedicated staff to make this possible.”With this news, High Plains is among the first six Community Mental Health Centers to achieve certified CCBHC status in Kansas. In April 2021, Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill establishing the CCBHC model for providing behavioral health services in Kansas. Kansas is the first state in the nation to pass legislation adopting the CCBHC model statewide. Eventually, it is expected that all 26 Community Mental Health Centers in Kansas will transition to the CCBHC model of care. This state designation will enhance Medicaid reimbursement for services, which will be helpful for expanding and sustaining needed services, Hill said.&nbsp;Due to increased behavioral healthcare needs, High Plains applied for and received a two-year federal grant in 2021 to begin implementing CCBHC required programs. The grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is providing up to $2 million in annual funding and will expire in September 2023. As a result of the grant, High Plains has implemented several new programs and onboarded an additional 14 staff members. New programs include Medication Assisted Treatment to improve recovery outcomes for those experiencing opioid addiction and a mobile Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team currently serving Ellis County. The multi-disciplinary ACT team provides community-based services to better engage clients with serious mental illness and to help stabilize crisis situations in efforts to reduce hospitalization. Other programs include expanded integrated care locations and expanded outreach office sites, and increased focus on screening for certain physical health conditions and referring clients for needed primary medical care. High Plains has also expanded its prevention, education and outreach department. High Plains implemented early CCBHC services in January and has been working throughout the year to continue building the program.While the CCBHC system of care is new to Kansas, it is not new. The U.S. currently has more than 430 CCBHCs nationwide operating in 42 states. CCBHCs are designed to improve suicide prevention, reduce drug overdose deaths, remove barriers to timely treatment access, improve access to care for veterans and active military, and reduce existing burdens on jails and hospital emergency departments.&nbsp;Services will be available to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.&nbsp;“Implementing and continuing to grow CCBHC services will ultimately result in better access to behavioral health services and better outcomes for those seeking needed health care,” said Mark Dinkel, High Plains CCBHC project director. “This is exciting news for Northwest Kansas and the expansion comes at a time when we continue to see increased needs for behavioral healthcare services.”High Plains Mental Health Center currently has 25 service locations in the 20 counties served in northwest Kansas, in addition to school-based services. Telehealth services are also widely available from the privacy and comfort of home. To learn more, or to find the service location nearest you, call 1-800-432-0333 or visit hpmhc.com.

High Plains receives Community Behavioral Health Clinic Certification 

The reconstruction of 22nd Street between Allen and 
Vine Street begins Tuesday. &nbsp;This project replaces the 
pavement and select areas of curb and gutter. &nbsp;As such, 22nd Street will
 be closed to through traffic for approximately six weeks.&nbsp;

For more information, call the contractor, T&amp;T Builders 
at 785 650-4507 or the Office of Project Management at 785 628-7350. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656688619276.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe reconstruction of 22nd Street between Allen and 
Vine Street begins Tuesday. &nbsp;This project replaces the 
pavement and select areas of curb and gutter. &nbsp;As such, 22nd Street will
 be closed to through traffic for approximately six weeks.&nbsp;For more information, call the contractor, T&amp;T Builders 
at 785 650-4507 or the Office of Project Management at 785 628-7350. &nbsp;

Section of 22nd Street will be closed for six weeks

<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/2022/7/1656792085177.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

🎥 Green & Growing: Pollinator gardens

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Fort Hays Disabled American Veterans will host the second Veterans Vintage Bike Show July 9 and 10 at the Unrein Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.

The event is a fundraiser for disabled veterans. Fundraising along with a donation from the Robert and Patricia Schmidt Foundation help purchase the DAV a new van.

The van is used to transport veterans to Veterans Administration medical appointments. The DAV is considering purchasing another van for use by veterans in western Kansas, Pat Martin, volunteer, said.

All bikes entered in the show must be 1987 or earlier and can be foreign or domestic models. 

Martin said he hoped the event will draw vintage bike entries from across the Midwest.

Martin, a Vietnam veteran, owns a '72 Harley Iron Head; however, it's in pieces and still being restored.

He hopes he and his son can tackle the "basket case" this winter and have the bike ready for next year's show.

"I think it comes from your childhood," Martin said of his passion for old bikes. "A lot of people who are into older bikes can remember back to days when they were growing up on the farm and the old motorcycles that your dad or your granddad had."

Some vintage bike owners have inherited the bikes from family members.

"What we found the first time around that we did this was that it wasn't so much the motorcycles, but the stories behind them," Martin said. "People who have these motorcycles have a story to tell."

The bike entry fee is $35 — $25 if you pre-register. Registrations are being taken now. For more information or to register a bike, you can contact Martin at 785-269-7879 or at forthaysvintagebikeshow@gmail.com. The event's website is <a href="http://www.oldbikez.com.">www.oldbikez.com.</a>

Rare motorcycles from the Mike Bahnmaier collection will be on display. Bahnmaier has an extensive vintage motorcycle collection with bikes on display at both the St. Francis Motorcycle Museum and the Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette.

General admission to the show will be $10; youth 14 and younger will be admitted free.

The event will also have a parts swap meet that will be sponsored by the Free Tomorrow Motorcycle Club. Organizers are also gathering donated items for a live auction that will include items such as gift cards from local businesses and a barbecue grill.

Weaver's BBQ will sell concessions. A beer garden, which will be outside, will be sponsored also be sponsored by the Free Tomorrow Motorcycle Club. Limited free camping will be offered at the fairgrounds by registration.

Four local riders from the Cross Country Chase will be in attendance with their bikes and chase vehicles.

The American Legion Riders will do a Sunday memorial run. The VFW will host a cornhole tournament on Saturday. Registration is at 10 a.m. Games start at 11 a.m. 

The American Veterans Kansas will host a short poker run starting at 11 a.m. Saturday that will be a fundraiser for the Soldiers' Home at Fort Dodge. 

Good Time Motorcycles has donated shirts to the event. Those shirts will be sold for $25 each with proceeds benefiting the DAV.

The Christain Motorcycle Association will provide free breakfast for those who have bikes entered in the show on Sunday morning.

The event is hosting a scavenger hunt for children. They are encouraged to look for the event's mascot bison, Alf. Wooden nickels will be distributed to children in the area prior to the event. If the child returns the nickel at the bike show, they can get a free ice cream at Vernie's.

Local organizers of the event are part of the Sunflower Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655994234744.jpeg" alt="DAV Vintage Bike Show in 2019 File photo " />
 <figcaption>DAV Vintage Bike Show in 2019 File photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Fort Hays Disabled American Veterans will host the second Veterans Vintage Bike Show July 9 and 10 at the Unrein Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.The event is a fundraiser for disabled veterans. Fundraising along with a donation from the Robert and Patricia Schmidt Foundation help purchase the DAV a new van.The van is used to transport veterans to Veterans Administration medical appointments. The DAV is considering purchasing another van for use by veterans in western Kansas, Pat Martin, volunteer, said. All bikes entered in the show must be 1987 or earlier and can be foreign or domestic models. Martin said he hoped the event will draw vintage bike entries from across the Midwest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655994324679.png" alt="DAV Vintage Bike Show 2019. File photo " />
 <figcaption>DAV Vintage Bike Show 2019. File photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Martin, a Vietnam veteran, owns a '72 Harley Iron Head; however, it's in pieces and still being restored.He hopes he and his son can tackle the "basket case" this winter and have the bike ready for next year's show."I think it comes from your childhood," Martin said of his passion for old bikes. "A lot of people who are into older bikes can remember back to days when they were growing up on the farm and the old motorcycles that your dad or your granddad had."Some vintage bike owners have inherited the bikes from family members."What we found the first time around that we did this was that it wasn't so much the motorcycles, but the stories behind them," Martin said. "People who have these motorcycles have a story to tell." The bike entry fee is $35 — $25 if you pre-register. Registrations are being taken now. For more information or to register a bike, you can contact Martin at 785-269-7879 or at forthaysvintagebikeshow@gmail.com. The event's website is <a href="http://www.oldbikez.com.">www.oldbikez.com.</a> Rare motorcycles from the Mike Bahnmaier collection will be on display. Bahnmaier has an extensive vintage motorcycle collection with bikes on display at both the St. Francis Motorcycle Museum and the Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette. General admission to the show will be $10; youth 14 and younger will be admitted free.The event will also have a parts swap meet that will be sponsored by the Free Tomorrow Motorcycle Club. Organizers are also gathering donated items for a live auction that will include items such as gift cards from local businesses and a barbecue grill. Weaver's BBQ will sell concessions. A beer garden, which will be outside, will be sponsored also be sponsored by the Free Tomorrow Motorcycle Club. Limited free camping will be offered at the fairgrounds by registration.Four local riders from the Cross Country Chase will be in attendance with their bikes and chase vehicles. The American Legion Riders will do a Sunday memorial run. The VFW will host a cornhole tournament on Saturday. Registration is at 10 a.m. Games start at 11 a.m. The American Veterans Kansas will host a short poker run starting at 11 a.m. Saturday that will be a fundraiser for the Soldiers' Home at Fort Dodge. Good Time Motorcycles has donated shirts to the event. Those shirts will be sold for $25 each with proceeds benefiting the DAV.The Christain Motorcycle Association will provide free breakfast for those who have bikes entered in the show on Sunday morning. The event is hosting a scavenger hunt for children. They are encouraged to look for the event's mascot bison, Alf. Wooden nickels will be distributed to children in the area prior to the event. If the child returns the nickel at the bike show, they can get a free ice cream at Vernie's.Local organizers of the event are part of the Sunflower Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America.

Vintage Bike Show to roll back into Hays July 9, 10

Free&nbsp;cancer&nbsp;screenings will be held&nbsp;from 9 to noon Saturday,&nbsp;July 30,&nbsp;at the&nbsp;First United Methodist Church&nbsp;at&nbsp;305 W. Seventh.&nbsp;The&nbsp;free cancer screenings&nbsp;are&nbsp;hosted by&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Masonic Lodge No.&nbsp;195, Masonic&nbsp;Cancer Alliance, and The University of Kansas Cancer Center.&nbsp;This community outreach event is free and open to the public. No appointments are necessary to participate in the screening event.

Lodge members and staff from&nbsp;MCA&nbsp;are teaming up with&nbsp;health&nbsp;professionals&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;University of Kansas Medical Center to provide&nbsp;health&nbsp;services that include:

•Skin and Prostate Cancer Screenings •Colon Cancer Take-Home Screening Kits •Tobacco Cessation Information and More

Area Masons work with&nbsp;staff from&nbsp;the&nbsp;MCA, the outreach network of&nbsp;KU Cancer Center,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Kansas Masonic Foundation to coordinate&nbsp;many&nbsp;of the&nbsp;free&nbsp;screening events that often draw several hundred attendees of all ages.&nbsp;According to Brooke Groneman,&nbsp;MCA&nbsp;outreach director,&nbsp;over&nbsp;20,000&nbsp;Kansas residents have attended the screenings since 2003.

According&nbsp;to the&nbsp;American Academy of Dermatology,&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;9,500&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;are diagnosed&nbsp;withsome&nbsp;form&nbsp;of&nbsp;skin&nbsp;cancer&nbsp;every&nbsp;day,&nbsp;and&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;250&nbsp;of&nbsp;those&nbsp;are&nbsp;diagnosed&nbsp;with&nbsp;melanoma,&nbsp;the&nbsp;deadliest&nbsp;skin&nbsp;cancer.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Centers&nbsp;for Disease&nbsp;Control&nbsp;reports&nbsp;that cancer&nbsp;is currently the second&nbsp;leading cause ofdeath in Kansas,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;region&nbsp;has&nbsp;higher than&nbsp;average&nbsp;rates of&nbsp;skin&nbsp;cancer&nbsp;compared to&nbsp;other&nbsp;parts of&nbsp;thecountry.

When it comes to the possibility of cancer, it&nbsp;is always better to catch a potential problem in the earliest stage possible. Anyone identified&nbsp;with&nbsp;a possible health concern at one of the free cancer screenings is&nbsp;advised&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;screening&nbsp;team&nbsp;to&nbsp;follow up with his/her&nbsp;local&nbsp;physician.

For&nbsp;more information on the&nbsp;free cancer screening&nbsp;event&nbsp;in&nbsp;Hays,&nbsp;call&nbsp;Chris Neeley&nbsp;at&nbsp;785-259-2067.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656339699609.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseFree&nbsp;cancer&nbsp;screenings will be held&nbsp;from 9 to noon Saturday,&nbsp;July 30,&nbsp;at the&nbsp;First United Methodist Church&nbsp;at&nbsp;305 W. Seventh.&nbsp;The&nbsp;free cancer screenings&nbsp;are&nbsp;hosted by&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Masonic Lodge No.&nbsp;195, Masonic&nbsp;Cancer Alliance, and The University of Kansas Cancer Center.&nbsp;This community outreach event is free and open to the public. No appointments are necessary to participate in the screening event.Lodge members and staff from&nbsp;MCA&nbsp;are teaming up with&nbsp;health&nbsp;professionals&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;University of Kansas Medical Center to provide&nbsp;health&nbsp;services that include:•Skin and Prostate Cancer Screenings •Colon Cancer Take-Home Screening Kits •Tobacco Cessation Information and MoreArea Masons work with&nbsp;staff from&nbsp;the&nbsp;MCA, the outreach network of&nbsp;KU Cancer Center,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Kansas Masonic Foundation to coordinate&nbsp;many&nbsp;of the&nbsp;free&nbsp;screening events that often draw several hundred attendees of all ages.&nbsp;According to Brooke Groneman,&nbsp;MCA&nbsp;outreach director,&nbsp;over&nbsp;20,000&nbsp;Kansas residents have attended the screenings since 2003.According&nbsp;to the&nbsp;American Academy of Dermatology,&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;9,500&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;are diagnosed&nbsp;withsome&nbsp;form&nbsp;of&nbsp;skin&nbsp;cancer&nbsp;every&nbsp;day,&nbsp;and&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;250&nbsp;of&nbsp;those&nbsp;are&nbsp;diagnosed&nbsp;with&nbsp;melanoma,&nbsp;the&nbsp;deadliest&nbsp;skin&nbsp;cancer.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Centers&nbsp;for Disease&nbsp;Control&nbsp;reports&nbsp;that cancer&nbsp;is currently the second&nbsp;leading cause ofdeath in Kansas,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;region&nbsp;has&nbsp;higher than&nbsp;average&nbsp;rates of&nbsp;skin&nbsp;cancer&nbsp;compared to&nbsp;other&nbsp;parts of&nbsp;thecountry.When it comes to the possibility of cancer, it&nbsp;is always better to catch a potential problem in the earliest stage possible. Anyone identified&nbsp;with&nbsp;a possible health concern at one of the free cancer screenings is&nbsp;advised&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;screening&nbsp;team&nbsp;to&nbsp;follow up with his/her&nbsp;local&nbsp;physician.For&nbsp;more information on the&nbsp;free cancer screening&nbsp;event&nbsp;in&nbsp;Hays,&nbsp;call&nbsp;Chris Neeley&nbsp;at&nbsp;785-259-2067.

Masonic Lodge to host free cancer screenings in Hays

LOGAN COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Friday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Pontiac G6 driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Grace Lea Rene' Pfeifer, 16, Oakley, was westbound on U.S. 40 nine miles west of U.S. 83.

The car traveled off the roadway to the right and entered the north ditch and rolled twice.

&nbsp;EMS transported Pfeifer to the Logan County Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Friday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Pontiac G6 driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Grace Lea Rene' Pfeifer, 16, Oakley, was westbound on U.S. 40 nine miles west of U.S. 83.The car traveled off the roadway to the right and entered the north ditch and rolled twice.&nbsp;EMS transported Pfeifer to the Logan County Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas teen hospitalized after rollover accident

News release Young men from across the State of Kansas participated in the 84th session of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>, held June 5-11 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This was the 30th consecutive year the Kansas Boys State program was held at K-State. The ALBSK provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy. Among the highlights from the week, Austin Davis, a resident of Lansing, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Lansing High School, was elected Kansas Boys State governor. Lukas Haase, a resident of Overland Park, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Blue Valley Southwest High School, and Konnor Quinn-Colman, a resident of Leavenworth, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Leavenworth High School, will attend Boys Nation, Friday, July 22 through Saturday, July 30, at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. George Rothwell, Overland Park, Kan., was named Advisor of the Year. Rothwell, a 1994 KBS delegate and 1995 graduate of El Dorado (Kan.) High School, serves as an information technology advisor. Zach Brunner, Wamego, Kan., who served as the county counselor for Dole County, was named Counselor of the Year (counselors with four or more years’ experience). He was a 2015 KBS delegate and a 2016 graduate of Wamego High School. Zachary Barnes, Garnett, Kan., who served as the city counselor for the City of Werring, was named New Counselor of the Year (counselors with three or fewer years’ experience). He was a 2019 KBS delegate and a 2020 graduate of Anderson County High School in Garnett. Paul Curtis, Lansing, a junior-to-be at Lansing High School, received the William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, given to the outstanding member of the Boys State of Kansas Supreme Court as voted on by his Supreme Court peers. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding commitment to justice under the law and dedicated service to Boys State of Kansas. Stahl, of Junction City, Kan., passed away in September 2015 and was a longtime supporter of the ALBSK. Nick Hohman, Olathe, Kan., a senior-to-be at Blue Valley Southwest High School in Overland Park, Kan., was named the Outstanding Senator (representing Eisenhower County), and Eddie Johnson, Wichita, Kan., a senior-to-be at Andover (Kan.) High School, was named the Outstanding State Representative (representing Seitz County). Zachary Amsterdam, Leawood, Kan., a senior-to-be at Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, was named the American Legion Department of Kansas winner of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. As the state winner, Amsterdam receives a $1,250 scholarship and his application moves on to the national level where he could receive a $5,000 award as a national runner-up or $10,000 scholarship as a national scholar. During “American Legion Night” on June 8, the American Legion Boys State of Kansas recognized American Legion Department of Kansas past commander (2020-22) Marri Krupco, Blue Mound, Kan., by naming a Kansas Boys State city in her honor beginning with the 2023 KBS session. The 85th session of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to be held the week of Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10, 2023, again at Kansas State University. For information on becoming a delegate, nominating a delegate or sponsoring a delegate, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">https://ksbstate.org</a>. The following is a list of this year’s ALBSK delegates from NW Kansas:

Smith Center &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp;Nathan Bryan, Smith Center High School

Hays &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp;Jensen Brull, Thomas More Prep-Marian High School &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp;Jordin Myers, Hays High School

Goodland &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp;Harrison Bhend, Goodland High School Wallace &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp;Gabe Johnson, Wallace County High School

News release Young men from across the State of Kansas participated in the 84th session of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>, held June 5-11 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This was the 30th consecutive year the Kansas Boys State program was held at K-State. The ALBSK provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy. Among the highlights from the week, Austin Davis, a resident of Lansing, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Lansing High School, was elected Kansas Boys State governor. Lukas Haase, a resident of Overland Park, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Blue Valley Southwest High School, and Konnor Quinn-Colman, a resident of Leavenworth, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Leavenworth High School, will attend Boys Nation, Friday, July 22 through Saturday, July 30, at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. George Rothwell, Overland Park, Kan., was named Advisor of the Year. Rothwell, a 1994 KBS delegate and 1995 graduate of El Dorado (Kan.) High School, serves as an information technology advisor. Zach Brunner, Wamego, Kan., who served as the county counselor for Dole County, was named Counselor of the Year (counselors with four or more years’ experience). He was a 2015 KBS delegate and a 2016 graduate of Wamego High School. Zachary Barnes, Garnett, Kan., who served as the city counselor for the City of Werring, was named New Counselor of the Year (counselors with three or fewer years’ experience). He was a 2019 KBS delegate and a 2020 graduate of Anderson County High School in Garnett. Paul Curtis, Lansing, a junior-to-be at Lansing High School, received the William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, given to the outstanding member of the Boys State of Kansas Supreme Court as voted on by his Supreme Court peers. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding commitment to justice under the law and dedicated service to Boys State of Kansas. Stahl, of Junction City, Kan., passed away in September 2015 and was a longtime supporter of the ALBSK. Nick Hohman, Olathe, Kan., a senior-to-be at Blue Valley Southwest High School in Overland Park, Kan., was named the Outstanding Senator (representing Eisenhower County), and Eddie Johnson, Wichita, Kan., a senior-to-be at Andover (Kan.) High School, was named the Outstanding State Representative (representing Seitz County). Zachary Amsterdam, Leawood, Kan., a senior-to-be at Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, was named the American Legion Department of Kansas winner of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. As the state winner, Amsterdam receives a $1,250 scholarship and his application moves on to the national level where he could receive a $5,000 award as a national runner-up or $10,000 scholarship as a national scholar. During “American Legion Night” on June 8, the American Legion Boys State of Kansas recognized American Legion Department of Kansas past commander (2020-22) Marri Krupco, Blue Mound, Kan., by naming a Kansas Boys State city in her honor beginning with the 2023 KBS session. The 85th session of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to be held the week of Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10, 2023, again at Kansas State University. For information on becoming a delegate, nominating a delegate or sponsoring a delegate, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">https://ksbstate.org</a>. The following is a list of this year’s ALBSK delegates from NW Kansas: Smith Center &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp;Nathan Bryan, Smith Center High SchoolHays &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp;Jensen Brull, Thomas More Prep-Marian High School &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp;Jordin Myers, Hays High SchoolGoodland &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp;Harrison Bhend, Goodland High School Wallace &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp;Gabe Johnson, Wallace County High School

NW Kansans take part in American Legion Boys State 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) faces an uncertain future in Kansas if the abortion amendment on the August 2nd ballot passes.&nbsp;

The U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned precedent on&nbsp;Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban abortion. Voters now have a direct say in whether abortion remains legal in Kansas.&nbsp;

If the abortion amendment passes with a “yes” vote, then the Kansas legislature can ban abortion under any circumstance. If the amendment fails with a “no” vote, then abortion remains legal but heavily restricted in Kansas.&nbsp;

Quoting the Mayo Clinic, IVF “is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

IVF involves medication and surgery to implant fertilized eggs in a uterus. It often involves fertilizing multiple embryos to increase the chance of a successful and healthy pregnancy.&nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 2 percent of annual American births occur via IVF. Americans who use the procedure often face infertility challenges and recurrent miscarriage due to genetic problems.&nbsp;

Vague language in state abortion bans threatens IVF. Many bans declare that life begins at fertilization. They criminalize terminating fertilized embryos and the broad wording in many can readily be interpreted as criminalizing IVF. Indeed, doctors are widely concerned that abortion bans might soon be used to ban or limit IVF.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The easy “fix” to safeguard IVF is for politicians to explicitly exempt it from abortion bans. However, many conservative politicians are reluctant to do that.&nbsp;

A recent&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;analysis documents that dozens of anti-abortion bills introduced in state legislatures since 2010 fail to explicitly safeguard IVF. That includes Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This year, a conservative lawmaker in Kansas introduced House Bill (HB) 2746. It bans abortion except in very limited circumstances, with no exception for rape, incest, or many threats to a woman’s life or health. It makes no apparent exception for IVF.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HB 2746 didn’t pass, but the Republican House Majority Leader didn’t rule out considering it in 2023 when speaking to the&nbsp;Kansas City Star.&nbsp;

National surveys show that only about 15 percent of Americans consider IVF immoral. That minority skews toward Republican-leaning religious conservatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Many conservative politicians who are anti-abortion might worry that defending IVF will anger Republican primary voters, perhaps fearing twisted campaign accusations of being “pro-abortion.”&nbsp;

Other conservative politicians openly oppose IVF on moral grounds, though they rarely propose banning it. The closest Kansas has come to an IVF ban is when Republicans considered Senate Bill 302 in 2014. That bill, which failed, criminalized surrogate pregnancy in Kansas, and applied to IVF and artificial insemination.&nbsp;

If the August abortion amendment fails, then the Kansas legislature cannot pass an abortion ban that might ultimately threaten IVF in our state.&nbsp;

But, if the abortion amendment passes, then the Kansas legislature could pass an abortion ban like HB 2746 that doesn’t safeguard IVF. That would leave the legal status of IVF in Kansas in limbo.&nbsp;

Some conservative lawmakers might be perfectly content to intentionally “oops” their way into threatening IVF despite there being an easy out to that situation. But, the easy political choice for politicians could cost Kansans seeking fertility treatment, and ultimately harm Kansas families.&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>In vitro fertilization (IVF) faces an uncertain future in Kansas if the abortion amendment on the August 2nd ballot passes.&nbsp;The U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned precedent on&nbsp;Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban abortion. Voters now have a direct say in whether abortion remains legal in Kansas.&nbsp;If the abortion amendment passes with a “yes” vote, then the Kansas legislature can ban abortion under any circumstance. If the amendment fails with a “no” vote, then abortion remains legal but heavily restricted in Kansas.&nbsp;What is IVF?&nbsp;Quoting the Mayo Clinic, IVF “is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IVF involves medication and surgery to implant fertilized eggs in a uterus. It often involves fertilizing multiple embryos to increase the chance of a successful and healthy pregnancy.&nbsp;The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 2 percent of annual American births occur via IVF. Americans who use the procedure often face infertility challenges and recurrent miscarriage due to genetic problems.&nbsp;How do abortion bans affect IVF?&nbsp;Vague language in state abortion bans threatens IVF. Many bans declare that life begins at fertilization. They criminalize terminating fertilized embryos and the broad wording in many can readily be interpreted as criminalizing IVF. Indeed, doctors are widely concerned that abortion bans might soon be used to ban or limit IVF.&nbsp;&nbsp;The easy “fix” to safeguard IVF is for politicians to explicitly exempt it from abortion bans. However, many conservative politicians are reluctant to do that.&nbsp;A recent&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;analysis documents that dozens of anti-abortion bills introduced in state legislatures since 2010 fail to explicitly safeguard IVF. That includes Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, a conservative lawmaker in Kansas introduced House Bill (HB) 2746. It bans abortion except in very limited circumstances, with no exception for rape, incest, or many threats to a woman’s life or health. It makes no apparent exception for IVF.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2746 didn’t pass, but the Republican House Majority Leader didn’t rule out considering it in 2023 when speaking to the&nbsp;Kansas City Star.&nbsp;Why not shield IVF?&nbsp;National surveys show that only about 15 percent of Americans consider IVF immoral. That minority skews toward Republican-leaning religious conservatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many conservative politicians who are anti-abortion might worry that defending IVF will anger Republican primary voters, perhaps fearing twisted campaign accusations of being “pro-abortion.”&nbsp;Other conservative politicians openly oppose IVF on moral grounds, though they rarely propose banning it. The closest Kansas has come to an IVF ban is when Republicans considered Senate Bill 302 in 2014. That bill, which failed, criminalized surrogate pregnancy in Kansas, and applied to IVF and artificial insemination.&nbsp;How does August matter?&nbsp;If the August abortion amendment fails, then the Kansas legislature cannot pass an abortion ban that might ultimately threaten IVF in our state.&nbsp;But, if the abortion amendment passes, then the Kansas legislature could pass an abortion ban like HB 2746 that doesn’t safeguard IVF. That would leave the legal status of IVF in Kansas in limbo.&nbsp;Some conservative lawmakers might be perfectly content to intentionally “oops” their way into threatening IVF despite there being an easy out to that situation. But, the easy political choice for politicians could cost Kansans seeking fertility treatment, and ultimately harm Kansas families.&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Abortion and the future of IVF treatment

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656708211852.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>

A few years ago, while out cruising the backroads near Inman, we discovered a group of blue heron nests high in trees along the river. We stop by each spring to check on them and to marvel at the&nbsp;almost comical sight of great blue herons standing tall in the middle of hodge-podge collections of twigs and leaves in the top of cottonwood trees. We checked on them just recently, and they are there again this year. I’m reminded of a&nbsp;funny&nbsp;conversation I had&nbsp;with a nursing home resident a couple years before I retired.

That particular day&nbsp;while walking down the hall at&nbsp;the large nursing home where I worked as a maintenance technician, I passed by a sunroom where an elder was working on a crossword puzzle. Liz&nbsp;was&nbsp;a classy lady whom I love talking with, so I swung in for some conversation. The long windows in that sunroom overlook Inman’s nice little park pond, where a great blue heron was fishing along the bank. She saw me watching the heron and asked “Are you watching the shitepoke?”&nbsp;I turned and asked her&nbsp;“What&nbsp;did you call it?”&nbsp;“A shitepoke,” she stated; “Are you watching the shitepoke?”

I remember hearing my grandpa talk&nbsp;about shitepokes&nbsp;when I was a kid but had no idea he was talking about herons. As I stood there in the sunroom, chuckling at what Liz had&nbsp;just&nbsp;said, another elder who heard nothing of our conversation walked into the room and promptly asked “Are you&nbsp;watching that&nbsp;shitepoke&nbsp;over there?”&nbsp;

Apparently the slang name “shitepoke”&nbsp;is an old country name&nbsp;given generations ago to any member of the heron family because of behavior I guess I have never witnessed.&nbsp;Evidently herons have a habit of defecating when startled and flushed from their hunting spot, often leaving a long white ribbon of digested fish parts in the air as they flee. I searched at length but nowhere could I find a language or nationality of origin, but EVERYTHING&nbsp;I found agreed on what it meant. The last four letters “poke” literally means a sack of some sort, and&nbsp;from watching British detective shows on TV, I know&nbsp;the first five letters “shite” literally mean _ _ _ _ or excrement, thus the term “shitepoke” was meant to mean a sack of excrement.&nbsp;Apparently&nbsp;our&nbsp;ancestorsnamed the birds based on what they observed.

I also found that the term shitepoke is supposedly used&nbsp;(understandably)&nbsp;in some parts of the country as a derogatory term. The explanation went as follows: “A&nbsp;shitepoke is someone who revels in the drama of needless commotion accompanied by a lot of noise and fanfare, ultimately leaving someone else to clean up the mess. Simplified, a shitepoke is someone who’s only contribution to an issue or situation is a load of shite.”&nbsp;On one of the many&nbsp;discussion sites I visited,&nbsp;someone remembered&nbsp;never hearing their parents swear, but rather hearing them say “Oh shitepoke” when angry.

A few other common birds have nicknames that reflect something obvious about their behavior. Baltimore Orioles make those amazing hanging nests, earning them the nickname “hang nest.” American Goldfinches are also known as “thistle birds” because of their love for thistle seed.&nbsp;Cuckoos for&nbsp;some reason can&nbsp;often be heard just before a rain storm, prompting the old timers to call them “rain crows&nbsp;or storm crows,”&nbsp;and the nickname “bob white” for quail should be self-explanatory.&nbsp;

I found a few other nicknames for herons also, most of them more honorable than shitepoke.&nbsp;There was Ol’ Cranky, Big Cranky, Grandfather, Crane, Blue Crane, Gray Crane, Long John and Poor Joe. Over the years I’ve written a couple stories on great blue herons, and now I’m wondering if readers found them to be boring and mundane cause’ I’ve always just referred to them as great blue herons and never anything as interesting as shitepoke or Ol’ Cranky.&nbsp;Before my conversation with&nbsp;Liz&nbsp;ended that day, I remember asking&nbsp;if she ever heard anyone say what they thought the word shitepoke meant. She thought for a second, then said “Nope; we just always called them “shitepokes” and&nbsp;I&nbsp;guess&nbsp;that’s what they were!”

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>A few years ago, while out cruising the backroads near Inman, we discovered a group of blue heron nests high in trees along the river. We stop by each spring to check on them and to marvel at the&nbsp;almost comical sight of great blue herons standing tall in the middle of hodge-podge collections of twigs and leaves in the top of cottonwood trees. We checked on them just recently, and they are there again this year. I’m reminded of a&nbsp;funny&nbsp;conversation I had&nbsp;with a nursing home resident a couple years before I retired.That particular day&nbsp;while walking down the hall at&nbsp;the large nursing home where I worked as a maintenance technician, I passed by a sunroom where an elder was working on a crossword puzzle. Liz&nbsp;was&nbsp;a classy lady whom I love talking with, so I swung in for some conversation. The long windows in that sunroom overlook Inman’s nice little park pond, where a great blue heron was fishing along the bank. She saw me watching the heron and asked “Are you watching the shitepoke?”&nbsp;I turned and asked her&nbsp;“What&nbsp;did you call it?”&nbsp;“A shitepoke,” she stated; “Are you watching the shitepoke?”I remember hearing my grandpa talk&nbsp;about shitepokes&nbsp;when I was a kid but had no idea he was talking about herons. As I stood there in the sunroom, chuckling at what Liz had&nbsp;just&nbsp;said, another elder who heard nothing of our conversation walked into the room and promptly asked “Are you&nbsp;watching that&nbsp;shitepoke&nbsp;over there?”&nbsp;Apparently the slang name “shitepoke”&nbsp;is an old country name&nbsp;given generations ago to any member of the heron family because of behavior I guess I have never witnessed.&nbsp;Evidently herons have a habit of defecating when startled and flushed from their hunting spot, often leaving a long white ribbon of digested fish parts in the air as they flee. I searched at length but nowhere could I find a language or nationality of origin, but EVERYTHING&nbsp;I found agreed on what it meant. The last four letters “poke” literally means a sack of some sort, and&nbsp;from watching British detective shows on TV, I know&nbsp;the first five letters “shite” literally mean _ _ _ _ or excrement, thus the term “shitepoke” was meant to mean a sack of excrement.&nbsp;Apparently&nbsp;our&nbsp;ancestorsnamed the birds based on what they observed.I also found that the term shitepoke is supposedly used&nbsp;(understandably)&nbsp;in some parts of the country as a derogatory term. The explanation went as follows: “A&nbsp;shitepoke is someone who revels in the drama of needless commotion accompanied by a lot of noise and fanfare, ultimately leaving someone else to clean up the mess. Simplified, a shitepoke is someone who’s only contribution to an issue or situation is a load of shite.”&nbsp;On one of the many&nbsp;discussion sites I visited,&nbsp;someone remembered&nbsp;never hearing their parents swear, but rather hearing them say “Oh shitepoke” when angry.A few other common birds have nicknames that reflect something obvious about their behavior. Baltimore Orioles make those amazing hanging nests, earning them the nickname “hang nest.” American Goldfinches are also known as “thistle birds” because of their love for thistle seed.&nbsp;Cuckoos for&nbsp;some reason can&nbsp;often be heard just before a rain storm, prompting the old timers to call them “rain crows&nbsp;or storm crows,”&nbsp;and the nickname “bob white” for quail should be self-explanatory.&nbsp;I found a few other nicknames for herons also, most of them more honorable than shitepoke.&nbsp;There was Ol’ Cranky, Big Cranky, Grandfather, Crane, Blue Crane, Gray Crane, Long John and Poor Joe. Over the years I’ve written a couple stories on great blue herons, and now I’m wondering if readers found them to be boring and mundane cause’ I’ve always just referred to them as great blue herons and never anything as interesting as shitepoke or Ol’ Cranky.&nbsp;Before my conversation with&nbsp;Liz&nbsp;ended that day, I remember asking&nbsp;if she ever heard anyone say what they thought the word shitepoke meant. She thought for a second, then said “Nope; we just always called them “shitepokes” and&nbsp;I&nbsp;guess&nbsp;that’s what they were!”Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Shitepokes 

The Ellis Police Department released more details Friday
afternoon into the disappearance of a 53-year-old Ellis woman.

According to Ellis Chief of Police Avery Smith, the body of
53-year-old Twila Wilson was found just after 9:30 a.m. Friday approximately
1,000 feet to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing.

Wilson was initially reported missing just after 7 a.m. Friday
after she failed to show up for work.

Smith said that they believe that she was hit by the train
as the was walking along the tracks. An autopsy was performed and he said the
cause and manner of Wilson’s death is still under investigation.

Office of the Chief of Police On 07/01/2022 at 0709, The Ellis Police Department was
notified of a possible missing person. Twila Wilson, 53, of Ellis was reported
missing after not showing up for work. Twila’s vehicle was located in the 900
block of Cottonwood Street along with her cell phone. Law Enforcement then
began searching several possible locations in an attempt to check Twila’s
welfare.

At 0932, Twila was located deceased approximately 1000 feet
to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing. At this time, it is
believed that Twila was struck by a train as she was walking along the tracks.
The 23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office was contacted and an autopsy was
performed. The cause and manner of death is still under investigation.

Our sincere condolences go out to the Wilson family as they
deal with this tragic situation and we pray they find peace in this difficult
time.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol,
23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office, and Hays Communications Center
assisted with this investigation.

No further information will be released at this time, as
this is an active investigation.

The Ellis County Sherrifs Department has called off the search for Twila Wilson.&nbsp;

Further details are expected from the department later today.

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a woman that walked away from her vehicle Friday morning in Ellis.

Twila Wilson, 54, was last seen around 5:15 a.m. at Caseys, 213 Washington, leaving behind her phone and purse.

She was described as 5 foot 3, 175 pounds with dark blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was wearing a gray T-shirt, black shorts and black shoes.

If seen, the public is asked to contact Ellis County dispatch at (785) 625-1011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656686095522.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Ellis Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Ellis Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: The Ellis Police Department released more details Friday
afternoon into the disappearance of a 53-year-old Ellis woman.According to Ellis Chief of Police Avery Smith, the body of
53-year-old Twila Wilson was found just after 9:30 a.m. Friday approximately
1,000 feet to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing.Wilson was initially reported missing just after 7 a.m. Friday
after she failed to show up for work.Smith said that they believe that she was hit by the train
as the was walking along the tracks. An autopsy was performed and he said the
cause and manner of Wilson’s death is still under investigation. Office of the Chief of Police On 07/01/2022 at 0709, The Ellis Police Department was
notified of a possible missing person. Twila Wilson, 53, of Ellis was reported
missing after not showing up for work. Twila’s vehicle was located in the 900
block of Cottonwood Street along with her cell phone. Law Enforcement then
began searching several possible locations in an attempt to check Twila’s
welfare. At 0932, Twila was located deceased approximately 1000 feet
to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing. At this time, it is
believed that Twila was struck by a train as she was walking along the tracks.
The 23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office was contacted and an autopsy was
performed. The cause and manner of death is still under investigation.Our sincere condolences go out to the Wilson family as they
deal with this tragic situation and we pray they find peace in this difficult
time.The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol,
23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office, and Hays Communications Center
assisted with this investigation.No further information will be released at this time, as
this is an active investigation.Avery A. Smith Chief of Police------------------UPDATE 9:45 a.m.:The Ellis County Sherrifs Department has called off the search for Twila Wilson.&nbsp;Further details are expected from the department later today.Original story:The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a woman that walked away from her vehicle Friday morning in Ellis.Twila Wilson, 54, was last seen around 5:15 a.m. at Caseys, 213 Washington, leaving behind her phone and purse.She was described as 5 foot 3, 175 pounds with dark blonde hair and blue eyes.She was wearing a gray T-shirt, black shorts and black shoes.If seen, the public is asked to contact Ellis County dispatch at (785) 625-1011.

UPDATE: Ellis woman found dead near railroad tracks

<a href="https://www.firstcareclinic.com/">First Care Clinic, Inc.</a>&nbsp;is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Hess Clinic.

Dr. Katrina Hess will be retiring on July 15, and we would like to thank her for the dedicated service she has provided to her patients for the last 25 years.

“First Care Clinic and its staff of seven providers, led by Medical Director Dr. Christine Fisher, look forward to serving the current Hess Clinic patients and providing them with high quality health care services.

Patients will enjoy the flexibility of being seen at the location that suits them best, either 105 W. 13th St. or 1923 E 22nd St.,” said Bryan Brady, CEO of First Care Clinic.

“I am happy to announce that many of my current staff will be making the transition to First Care Clinic, including Nikki Cherryholmes, APRN. This should allow for minimal interruptions in patient care. Even though the clinic on 22nd Street will change names, First Care Clinic will continue to provide the quality patient care that my patients deserve,” Hess said.

“Patients seen at the Hess Clinic during the last three years will be receiving a letter in the mail with more details. If patients have a scheduled appointment with the Hess Clinic, it will be transferred to First Care Clinic and our staff will be reaching out to confirm the time and location, as well as answer any questions they may have. If patients need to make an appointment after July 15, they can call us at 785-621-4990 to schedule,” said Danielle Windholz, operations manager at First Care Clinic.

First Care Clinic accepts all major insurances, and services are provided on a sliding fee scale for those who qualify. First Care Clinic is actively accepting new patients.

First Care Clinic is a federally funded community health center, providing non-emergency medical services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. It houses general medical care, mental health services and general dentistry, all under one roof.

For more information contact Windholz at First Care Clinic&nbsp; at 785-621-4990.

Submitted<a href="https://www.firstcareclinic.com/">First Care Clinic, Inc.</a>&nbsp;is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Hess Clinic.Dr. Katrina Hess will be retiring on July 15, and we would like to thank her for the dedicated service she has provided to her patients for the last 25 years.“First Care Clinic and its staff of seven providers, led by Medical Director Dr. Christine Fisher, look forward to serving the current Hess Clinic patients and providing them with high quality health care services.Patients will enjoy the flexibility of being seen at the location that suits them best, either 105 W. 13th St. or 1923 E 22nd St.,” said Bryan Brady, CEO of First Care Clinic.“I am happy to announce that many of my current staff will be making the transition to First Care Clinic, including Nikki Cherryholmes, APRN. This should allow for minimal interruptions in patient care. Even though the clinic on 22nd Street will change names, First Care Clinic will continue to provide the quality patient care that my patients deserve,” Hess said.“Patients seen at the Hess Clinic during the last three years will be receiving a letter in the mail with more details. If patients have a scheduled appointment with the Hess Clinic, it will be transferred to First Care Clinic and our staff will be reaching out to confirm the time and location, as well as answer any questions they may have. If patients need to make an appointment after July 15, they can call us at 785-621-4990 to schedule,” said Danielle Windholz, operations manager at First Care Clinic.First Care Clinic accepts all major insurances, and services are provided on a sliding fee scale for those who qualify. First Care Clinic is actively accepting new patients.First Care Clinic is a federally funded community health center, providing non-emergency medical services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. It houses general medical care, mental health services and general dentistry, all under one roof.For more information contact Windholz at First Care Clinic&nbsp; at 785-621-4990.

First Care Clinic acquires Hess Clinic

Families interested in enrolling their children in Thomas More Prep-Marian for the 
2022-23 school year are encouraged to contact the&nbsp;office over the 
summer.

Summer is the best time to do a transfer because it allows
 time for questions to be answered, class schedules to be made, and 
social and activity participation to&nbsp;break the ice before the first day 
of school.

There is assistance for&nbsp;school fees and tuition, including for first time new families to Hays Catholic Schools for students entering 7th or 8th grades.


To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandparishcatholicschoolsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/tmpm/page/admissions-home" target="_blank">TMP-Marian Admissions</a>. Or feel free to contact the office at anytime to schedule a visit - 785-625-6577.

TMP-MFamilies interested in enrolling their children in Thomas More Prep-Marian for the 
2022-23 school year are encouraged to contact the&nbsp;office over the 
summer.Summer is the best time to do a transfer because it allows
 time for questions to be answered, class schedules to be made, and 
social and activity participation to&nbsp;break the ice before the first day 
of school.There is assistance for&nbsp;school fees and tuition, including for first time new families to Hays Catholic Schools for students entering 7th or 8th grades.
To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandparishcatholicschoolsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/tmpm/page/admissions-home" target="_blank">TMP-Marian Admissions</a>. Or feel free to contact the office at anytime to schedule a visit - 785-625-6577.

TMP-M accepting applications for 2022-23 school year

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Fri Jun 17 2022 10:04:54 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Jackson Halter"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/TxDGaXQ7-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/TxDGaXQ7-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/TxDGaXQ7-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Jackson Halter" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Jackson Halter

TOPEKA&nbsp;— Gov. Laura Kelly has announced appointments, including a Russell woman, to the following state boards and committees.

Purpose: To license and regulate certified public accountants. The Board of Accountancy is a regulatory body authorized to carry out the laws and administrative regulations governing CPAs. The board is disciplinary and has the authority to conduct investigations.

Information Network of Kansas&nbsp;

Purpose: Provide Kansans equal electronic access to state, county, local and other public information.

Purpose of Board: Mission is to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare from unlawful or unprofessional practitioners who fall under the board’s jurisdiction. To this end, the agency has defined the statutory credentialing qualifications by establishing, through rules and regulations, minimal educational and experiential requirements that applicants seeking credentialing in each of the regulated groups must satisfy before the board grants the applicable credential.

Purpose of Board: Assist the state board of healing arts in carrying out the provisions of the Radiologic Technologists Practice Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656167024731.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;— Gov. Laura Kelly has announced appointments, including a Russell woman, to the following state boards and committees.Board of AccountancyPurpose: To license and regulate certified public accountants. The Board of Accountancy is a regulatory body authorized to carry out the laws and administrative regulations governing CPAs. The board is disciplinary and has the authority to conduct investigations.<ul>
 <li>Jim Gillespie, Overland Park (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>Information Network of Kansas&nbsp;Purpose: Provide Kansans equal electronic access to state, county, local and other public information.<ul>
 <li>Andrea Krauss, Russell</li>
 </ul>Behavioral Sciences Regulatory BoardPurpose of Board: Mission is to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare from unlawful or unprofessional practitioners who fall under the board’s jurisdiction. To this end, the agency has defined the statutory credentialing qualifications by establishing, through rules and regulations, minimal educational and experiential requirements that applicants seeking credentialing in each of the regulated groups must satisfy before the board grants the applicable credential.<ul>
 <li>Jim Kilmartin, Shawnee</li>
 </ul>Radiologic Technology CouncilPurpose of Board: Assist the state board of healing arts in carrying out the provisions of the Radiologic Technologists Practice Act.<ul>
 <li>Hillary A. Lolley, Topeka (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>

Russell resident appointed to Information Network of Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656622301674.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>

Today, the Cities of Hays and Russell received an official ruling from the Chief District Judge of the Edwards County District Court denying Water PACK’s Petition for Judicial Review of the State’s order allowing the conversion of water irrigation rights of the R9 Ranch in Edwards County to municipal use.

The district judge’s decision affirmed the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s chief engineer’s 2019 approval of the cities’ change applications.

The City of Hays purchased the about 7,000-acre R9 Ranch and its 30 water rights in southwestern Edwards County in 1995, and a year later Russell purchased an 18-percent interest in the property, with the intention of someday using the water as part of the cities’ water supply.

Both Hays and Russell are water conservation leaders in the state, and both have voluntarily agreed to using the water resource sustainably.

By converting the R9 to municipal use, it is anticipated that the aquifer will be benefitted by 225,000 acre-feet of water, when compared to normal farming practices.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dfd348f57544d3fe90e814c">The property is being converted back to its natural state with native grasses and vegetation to restore habitat and will one day provide hunting and other recreational opportunities for all Kansans. &nbsp;</a>

Mayor Mason Ruder of Hays and Mayor Jim Cross of Russell issued the following joint statement.

“This is a great day for Hays, Russell and the region. As a result of today’s ruling, we are one step closer to realizing the vision that community leaders initiated nearly 30 years ago. Our regional economy, worth $2.8 billion, is dependent on having access to a reliable water source, and the R9 Ranch will provide this vital resource for future generations to come.”

Unless Water PACK appeals the judge’s ruling, the cities will begin to navigate the state’s Water Transfer Act, which is required if more than 2,000 acre-feet of water is moved more than 35 miles.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c7205b37-ab1c-4a19-aad2-2d297bcc3785">SEE RELATED STORIES: City: 'Unaccetabe' Hays still waits for judicial ruling on R9 water project</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd42db8897d147ad4bb113a">CITY: 'Only active opponent' in R9 water transfer delaying the process</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f1a6897d147ad4bb1044">Judicial review petition filed in R9 Ranch water rights transfer</a>

<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/03/28/chief-engineer-approves-hays-russell-r9-ranch-water-change-applications/">Chief engineer approves Hays/Russell R9 Ranch water change application</a>

City of Hays Today, the Cities of Hays and Russell received an official ruling from the Chief District Judge of the Edwards County District Court denying Water PACK’s Petition for Judicial Review of the State’s order allowing the conversion of water irrigation rights of the R9 Ranch in Edwards County to municipal use.The district judge’s decision affirmed the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s chief engineer’s 2019 approval of the cities’ change applications.The City of Hays purchased the about 7,000-acre R9 Ranch and its 30 water rights in southwestern Edwards County in 1995, and a year later Russell purchased an 18-percent interest in the property, with the intention of someday using the water as part of the cities’ water supply.Both Hays and Russell are water conservation leaders in the state, and both have voluntarily agreed to using the water resource sustainably.By converting the R9 to municipal use, it is anticipated that the aquifer will be benefitted by 225,000 acre-feet of water, when compared to normal farming practices.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dfd348f57544d3fe90e814c">The property is being converted back to its natural state with native grasses and vegetation to restore habitat and will one day provide hunting and other recreational opportunities for all Kansans. &nbsp;</a>Mayor Mason Ruder of Hays and Mayor Jim Cross of Russell issued the following joint statement.“This is a great day for Hays, Russell and the region. As a result of today’s ruling, we are one step closer to realizing the vision that community leaders initiated nearly 30 years ago. Our regional economy, worth $2.8 billion, is dependent on having access to a reliable water source, and the R9 Ranch will provide this vital resource for future generations to come.”Unless Water PACK appeals the judge’s ruling, the cities will begin to navigate the state’s Water Transfer Act, which is required if more than 2,000 acre-feet of water is moved more than 35 miles.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c7205b37-ab1c-4a19-aad2-2d297bcc3785">SEE RELATED STORIES: City: 'Unaccetabe' Hays still waits for judicial ruling on R9 water project</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd42db8897d147ad4bb113a">CITY: 'Only active opponent' in R9 water transfer delaying the process</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f1a6897d147ad4bb1044">Judicial review petition filed in R9 Ranch water rights transfer</a><a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/03/28/chief-engineer-approves-hays-russell-r9-ranch-water-change-applications/">Chief engineer approves Hays/Russell R9 Ranch water change application</a>

Hays, Russell receive favorable ruling in R9 Ranch water use

THOMAS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Thursday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Dodge Ram driven by 20-year-old Madeline E Kawnak of Aurora, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 at the Brewster exit.

The pickup traveled into the south ditch, continued eastbound and traveled off exit 36 over pass. The pickup came to rest on County Road 2 facing east after striking the guard rail.

EMS transported the driver and a passenger&nbsp; William R.&nbsp; Laverty, 21, Langhorne,&nbsp; Pennsylvania, to the hospital in Colby. They were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Thursday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Dodge Ram driven by 20-year-old Madeline E Kawnak of Aurora, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 at the Brewster exit.The pickup traveled into the south ditch, continued eastbound and traveled off exit 36 over pass. The pickup came to rest on County Road 2 facing east after striking the guard rail.EMS transported the driver and a passenger&nbsp; William R.&nbsp; Laverty, 21, Langhorne,&nbsp; Pennsylvania, to the hospital in Colby. They were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after pickup travels off I-70 exit overpass

A nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy group was in Hays on Tuesday to facilitate discussion and advance research on barriers to women.

Child care and health care were the two top topics of discussion among the women present with some saying they are reluctant to expand families or change jobs because of a lack of child and health care.

United WE, which stands for United Women's Empowerment, is a nonprofit based out of Kansas City, Mo. Its mission is to advance all women's economic status and promote civic leadership among women.

Infant care in Kansas is 1.3 times more expensive than college tuition, according to the Untied WE.

One woman at the event said she has two children, ages 2 and 3. She would like to have another child, but said has decided not to expand her family at this time because she can't afford the child care for an additional child.

She said not only is child care not affordable, but it can also be very difficult to find. Her children have already been in five child cares but she keeps having to move the children because the providers have closed. 

Billie Crawshaw, participant, said, "A lot of my friends who have children are working to provide day care. All of their income goes to day care." 

Another women, who worked in the food and beverage industry, said she struggles to find child care during the evening when she works.

United WE officials said they are hearing reports from women across the state that they can't find care for school-aged children during the summer.

Providers have to count their own children 11 and younger in their head counts during the summer. This reduces the number of child care spots available and income for the providers.

A Plainville resident said state regulations for home child care make it difficult for providers to stay in business.

She said legislation is being proposed to increase the age of children considered in their child count to 15 and younger. She said child care is especially scarce in rural areas and the strict regulations are closing what few providers are available in small communities.

Another woman said her daughter's job in Salina would not allow her to take her full maternity leave, despite her experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. She had to quit the job. 

She then her daughter couldn't find child care for her premature baby.

Sarah Meitner, a Hays mother with a special needs child, said she can't find summer child care or after-school care for her special needs son. She has to arrange her work schedule around being home when he gets out of school. 

Several women said they would be unable to take a job that did not have health care.

Participants said even with good health-care benefits, some still struggled to pay for health-care costs. 

Although telehealth services are filling some gaps in western Kansas and rural areas, Crawshaw, Kansas Department Health and Environment Working Healthy Benefit specialist, said she works with individuals who do not have phones or access to internet.

That is not only a barrier to accessing care but applying for services and completing insurance paperwork.

Several of the women also expressed concerns about affording medication for themselves or family members, as well as struggling with what they deemed onerous paperwork required by insurance companies for reimbursement.

Women at the town hall also expressed concerns about accessing leave to care for the health needs of their children or elderly parents. Almost all of the participants said they had to care for either children or elderly family members and some had to care for both.

Most of the women said they had access to family leave, but it was unpaid. 

Montse Anza, 24-year-old Hays student, said her father was in a diabetic coma last year. Her mother only received one week of leave from her job. Anza had to return home to help take care of her father because her mom had to go back to work.

Karla Crawford, participant from Natoma, said she frequently has to take time off to care for her elderly parents.

"The thing that bothers me the most is that is going to affect my Social Security when I go to retire," she said. "If I was married that would be one thing, but do I have to married?"

Crawford has children with special needs. When they were younger, she had to miss work to take her children to health care appointments.

"When you miss work like that, sometimes you miss bonuses. Sometimes you miss pay raises because of your attendance. It shouldn't affect those things," Crawford said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656533131864.jpeg" alt="Women gathered at the Fort Hays Student Union on Tuesday for a United Women's Empowerment town hall. Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Women gathered at the Fort Hays Student Union on Tuesday for a United Women's Empowerment town hall. Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy group was in Hays on Tuesday to facilitate discussion and advance research on barriers to women.Child care and health care were the two top topics of discussion among the women present with some saying they are reluctant to expand families or change jobs because of a lack of child and health care. United WE, which stands for United Women's Empowerment, is a nonprofit based out of Kansas City, Mo. Its mission is to advance all women's economic status and promote civic leadership among women. Infant care in Kansas is 1.3 times more expensive than college tuition, according to the Untied WE. One woman at the event said she has two children, ages 2 and 3. She would like to have another child, but said has decided not to expand her family at this time because she can't afford the child care for an additional child.She said not only is child care not affordable, but it can also be very difficult to find. Her children have already been in five child cares but she keeps having to move the children because the providers have closed. Billie Crawshaw, participant, said, "A lot of my friends who have children are working to provide day care. All of their income goes to day care." Another women, who worked in the food and beverage industry, said she struggles to find child care during the evening when she works.United WE officials said they are hearing reports from women across the state that they can't find care for school-aged children during the summer.Providers have to count their own children 11 and younger in their head counts during the summer. This reduces the number of child care spots available and income for the providers.A Plainville resident said state regulations for home child care make it difficult for providers to stay in business.She said legislation is being proposed to increase the age of children considered in their child count to 15 and younger. She said child care is especially scarce in rural areas and the strict regulations are closing what few providers are available in small communities. Another woman said her daughter's job in Salina would not allow her to take her full maternity leave, despite her experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. She had to quit the job. She then her daughter couldn't find child care for her premature baby.Sarah Meitner, a Hays mother with a special needs child, said she can't find summer child care or after-school care for her special needs son. She has to arrange her work schedule around being home when he gets out of school. <h2>Health care, family leave </h2>Several women said they would be unable to take a job that did not have health care.Participants said even with good health-care benefits, some still struggled to pay for health-care costs. Although telehealth services are filling some gaps in western Kansas and rural areas, Crawshaw, Kansas Department Health and Environment Working Healthy Benefit specialist, said she works with individuals who do not have phones or access to internet.That is not only a barrier to accessing care but applying for services and completing insurance paperwork.Several of the women also expressed concerns about affording medication for themselves or family members, as well as struggling with what they deemed onerous paperwork required by insurance companies for reimbursement. Women at the town hall also expressed concerns about accessing leave to care for the health needs of their children or elderly parents. Almost all of the participants said they had to care for either children or elderly family members and some had to care for both.Most of the women said they had access to family leave, but it was unpaid. Montse Anza, 24-year-old Hays student, said her father was in a diabetic coma last year. Her mother only received one week of leave from her job. Anza had to return home to help take care of her father because her mom had to go back to work.Karla Crawford, participant from Natoma, said she frequently has to take time off to care for her elderly parents."The thing that bothers me the most is that is going to affect my Social Security when I go to retire," she said. "If I was married that would be one thing, but do I have to married?" Crawford has children with special needs. When they were younger, she had to miss work to take her children to health care appointments."When you miss work like that, sometimes you miss bonuses. Sometimes you miss pay raises because of your attendance. It shouldn't affect those things," Crawford said.

Women express struggles with child, health care at Hays United WE event

A total of 1,649 students earned places on the Dean’s Honor Roll at Fort Hays State University for&nbsp;the spring 2022 semester.&nbsp;

The Dean’s Honor Roll includes undergraduate students only. To be eligible, students must have completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.60 for the semester. Full-time on-campus and FHSU Online students are eligible.

Students are listed alphabetically by county and city in Kansas, by state, or by country. This list does not include students who requested privacy.

The complete list of spring 2022 deans honor roll students of Fort Hays State University can be viewed <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2022/06/fort-hays-state-university-releases-spring-2022-deans-honor-roll">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656536035781.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsA total of 1,649 students earned places on the Dean’s Honor Roll at Fort Hays State University for&nbsp;the spring 2022 semester.&nbsp;The Dean’s Honor Roll includes undergraduate students only. To be eligible, students must have completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.60 for the semester. Full-time on-campus and FHSU Online students are eligible.Students are listed alphabetically by county and city in Kansas, by state, or by country. This list does not include students who requested privacy.The complete list of spring 2022 deans honor roll students of Fort Hays State University can be viewed <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2022/06/fort-hays-state-university-releases-spring-2022-deans-honor-roll">HERE</a>.