By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Tony Chrisler and his wife, Melissa, lost everything in the Four County Fire — their house, their barn, about 90 head of cattle, vehicles.

"I walked away with the shirt on my back," Tony Chrisler said.

A third-generation farmer, 52-year-old Chrisler gave up ranching, took a job working for Russell County Road and Bridge and moved into town.

The Dec. 15, 2021, fire came upon their property so quickly nothing could be saved, he said. His adult son and wife tried to move cattle when they smelled smoke, but the fire was moving too fast. Heavy smoke killed the motor on the brand-new four-wheeler his son was riding, and he had to abandon it in a ditch and make a run for it. 

"It could have been a loss," he said of his son. "We're glad everyone is still alive."

Tony and Melissa still hope to rebuild their home, which was 7 miles south of Natoma on the Ellis and Russell county line, but inflation means the insurance won't cover the cost of replacing what they had, Chrisler said.

Although the family still has several dozen head of cattle, Chrisler said he doesn't feel he can give up the security of the county job, which offers health insurance. He said he will likely never be able to go back to farming and ranching full-time.

"Farming is tough anyway," he said, "and then you take everything away that you built for 30 years. You've got to go do something."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/244e646d-1963-4b42-bcf5-c85c78f9b5bb">RELATED:&nbsp;🎥 Drought doubles disaster as Four County ranchers struggle to recover year after wildfire</a>

Although some ranchers received aid for fencing and rebuilding destroyed structures, the long-term economic effects of the fire for both families and the communities is likely to be prolonged, said Clinton Laflin, livestock production Extension agent for the Midway Extension District and a Russell County rancher.

As a producer, Laflin said he is still being affected daily by last year's fire.

“I went through the fire myself, and it doesn’t seem like it's been a year ago,” he said, “because everything we’ve done in the last year has had some impact from the fire, whether that be feed, moving cattle, record keeping, costs. It’s affected everything we’ve done.”

Dr. Lauren Mack, a Plainville veterinarian, works daily with ranchers who were affected by the fires.

Although ranchers have been able to receive assistance from the government and through private donations, not all costs have been covered, she said.

Fencing costs have been high, and there has been challenges for some to access help through the various recovery programs. Inflation has also made it difficult for ranchers to afford to replace fences, buy feed, rebuild structures and replace other items destroyed in the fire, she said.

Area ranchers have not been able to re-establish their herds to pre-fire levels, she said.

“A lot of the funding that comes through that is supposed to support them didn’t necessarily cover things the way it needed to, especially with inflation," she said. “It’s not just the people who lost cattle. A lot of people lost feed, and we haven’t been able to recover that.”

“I know a couple of people have had to get jobs in town and really adjust how their families function,” Mack said.

Stacy Campbell, K-State Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Hays, said he also is seeing the financial effects of the fire in Ellis County.

“It’s very devastating for some. Even those who are able to stay in business, I would say there will be at least a minimum of a five- if not 10-year economic impact to get back to where they were,” he said.

Losses in the ag sector have far-reaching effects on all the surrounding communities and their economies, Campbell said.

“Any type of disaster like that is going to trickle down into the town. If those guys are affected, they might not be coming to town to buy as many goods or services for their family," he said.

Rancher Randy Marintzer had a section — one square mile of pasture — burned in the Four County Fire.

He's looking at his pasture, which was unable to be grazed this season and wonders what the future will hold. Despite Hays receiving a half inch of rain this week, the area is still 6 inches below average precipitation for the year.

“If it doesn’t rain or snow, it’s going to look pretty tough,” he said. ... "We are just going to have to pray and believe we are going to get some rain."

The threat of fire is still a concern for many in the Four County area.

 Prairie grasses can dry and be ready to burn within an hour of being wet, said Chip Redmond, assistant meteorologist-KSU Weather Data Library/Mesonet manager. 

The Four County Fire burned 164,000 acres in Ellis, Russell, Rooks and Osborne counties. Redmond said many variables go into the fire forecast for this fire season. The season runs from the first frost to the last frost— the time when vegetation is dormant and dry.

The Four County area had several wet years going into last winter. This meant the vegetation was thicker than normal. This year, dry conditions resulted in less growth.

"To the west of Hays, there were areas that never got green this summer," Redmond said. "We still have all the dormant grass from last year, which I don’t think is a whole lot because it's been grazed now or mowed to reduce that vegetation amount.

"It doesn’t totally lessen [the fire risk], but it gives us confidence that maybe we won’t have as aggressive fire behavior as we did last year," he said.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, and Redmond said residents should expect multiple storms in the coming months that will be accompanied by high winds.

The system that caused the 100 mph plus winds on Dec. 15, 2021, was a rare occurrence, called a sting jet, which involves stratospheric air coming to the surface. Redmond said sting jets have only been recorded over land in Kansas a few times.

“The likelihood of a high-impact day like that is very, very low,” he said of the extreme winds.

Although grasses will be less dense because of the drought, trees will show more stress, Redmond said. They will smolder and burn more efficiently and longer. Cedar trees burn quickly, especially in dry conditions, and Redmond encouraged residents to avoid planting them near structures.

Darin Myers, Ellis County Fire Department chief, the area that did not burn last year still has plenty of fuel, which is continuing to keep local fire crews on alert. 

“There is still a lot of the county left that didn’t burn very thankfully," Myers said. "When you look at the drought, we still have that fuel that is out there. What didn’t burn is dry. It’s all out there and available to still burn — cropland to regular pastures or CRP.”

After any major fire incident, the Ellis County Fire Department does a review. Myers identified several areas for improvement in fighting future wildfires.

“You think of places you can fix things if you have money, but that is not always the case,” Myers said. “Some things you can’t fix no matter how much money you throw at it."

The Four County Fire burned a significant portion of the Saline River Valley in northern Ellis and Russell counties. That area is largely unbroken prairie with few county roads. This allowed the fire to spread largely unabated. It also meant getting to the fire was difficult.

In addition, no communication towers were available to firefighters in that area. In the days fire crews were actively fighting the blaze, fire teams were constantly losing contact with each other, Myers said. 

“Until they got up on a hill, they won’t have any radio communications,” Myers said.

The county identified three areas for improvement. The Ellis County Commission immediately purchased more portable radios.

The Ellis County Commission on Tuesday approved a project to mount emergency communication equipment on an existing Midwest Energy tower in the Saline River Valley. That project will cost about $1 million and is being funded with American Rescue Plan Act funds.

However, Myers said it will still be another six to eight months before that equipment is installed, not in time for the current fire season.

The county also upgraded its computer-aided dispatch system. All fire trucks now have mobile data terminals. A CrewForce app allows fire crews and law enforcement to see where fire units have been deployed, road and bridge closures, and water sources.

Another major fire burned about 14,000 acres of grassland in the southwest portion of Ellis County on Oct. 23. That fire was also in a river valley, which made reaching the fire difficult. However, the addition of CrewForce helped the crews better direct resources, Myers said.

Area farmers were essential resources in fighting that fire. They hooked up discs and manned graders to build fire breaks along the flanks of the fire, which allowed the fire crew to fight the active front of the fire. 

Even a year later, Ellis County still doesn't have a complete picture of the full financial loss as a result of the Four County Fire and is still seeking aid in the recovery.

Myers estimated Ellis County Fire had several thousand man-hours dedicated to fighting the fire over the three days of the incident.

The incident started as a wind event, but many expenses that were incurred by the fire department were because of fire. FEMA funds will cover wind damage, but not fire. 

Officials are still working with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, FEMA, Kansas legislators and the Kansas Congressional delegation to find further relief, Myers said.

“Here we are a year later and we still don’t have the answer,” he said.

“I’m hoping that is a once-in-a-career situation, but we’re in the same predicament we were a year ago," Myers said. "If we have another day like that, it can happen just as quickly. We’re just as dry if not dryer than last year.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671039304357.png" alt="Firefighters on the fire line of the Four County Fire in December 2021. Photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters on the fire line of the Four County Fire in December 2021. Photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTony Chrisler and his wife, Melissa, lost everything in the Four County Fire — their house, their barn, about 90 head of cattle, vehicles."I walked away with the shirt on my back," Tony Chrisler said. A third-generation farmer, 52-year-old Chrisler gave up ranching, took a job working for Russell County Road and Bridge and moved into town.The Dec. 15, 2021, fire came upon their property so quickly nothing could be saved, he said. His adult son and wife tried to move cattle when they smelled smoke, but the fire was moving too fast. Heavy smoke killed the motor on the brand-new four-wheeler his son was riding, and he had to abandon it in a ditch and make a run for it. "It could have been a loss," he said of his son. "We're glad everyone is still alive." Tony and Melissa still hope to rebuild their home, which was 7 miles south of Natoma on the Ellis and Russell county line, but inflation means the insurance won't cover the cost of replacing what they had, Chrisler said. Although the family still has several dozen head of cattle, Chrisler said he doesn't feel he can give up the security of the county job, which offers health insurance. He said he will likely never be able to go back to farming and ranching full-time. "Farming is tough anyway," he said, "and then you take everything away that you built for 30 years. You've got to go do something."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/244e646d-1963-4b42-bcf5-c85c78f9b5bb">RELATED:&nbsp;🎥 Drought doubles disaster as Four County ranchers struggle to recover year after wildfire</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671049929331.png" alt="A burned tractor shows the intensity of the heat from the Dec. 15 wildfire from a farm in Russell County. High Plains Journal photo by Payton Stoppel" />
 <figcaption>A burned tractor shows the intensity of the heat from the Dec. 15 wildfire from a farm in Russell County. High Plains Journal photo by Payton Stoppel</figcaption>
 </figure>Although some ranchers received aid for fencing and rebuilding destroyed structures, the long-term economic effects of the fire for both families and the communities is likely to be prolonged, said Clinton Laflin, livestock production Extension agent for the Midway Extension District and a Russell County rancher.As a producer, Laflin said he is still being affected daily by last year's fire.“I went through the fire myself, and it doesn’t seem like it's been a year ago,” he said, “because everything we’ve done in the last year has had some impact from the fire, whether that be feed, moving cattle, record keeping, costs. It’s affected everything we’ve done.”Dr. Lauren Mack, a Plainville veterinarian, works daily with ranchers who were affected by the fires.Although ranchers have been able to receive assistance from the government and through private donations, not all costs have been covered, she said.Fencing costs have been high, and there has been challenges for some to access help through the various recovery programs. Inflation has also made it difficult for ranchers to afford to replace fences, buy feed, rebuild structures and replace other items destroyed in the fire, she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671050018504.jpeg" alt="A semi-truck that was blown over off of Kansas Highway 18 near Paradise during the Dec. 15, 2021, wind storm was caught in a wildfire. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A semi-truck that was blown over off of Kansas Highway 18 near Paradise during the Dec. 15, 2021, wind storm was caught in a wildfire. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Area ranchers have not been able to re-establish their herds to pre-fire levels, she said.“A lot of the funding that comes through that is supposed to support them didn’t necessarily cover things the way it needed to, especially with inflation," she said. “It’s not just the people who lost cattle. A lot of people lost feed, and we haven’t been able to recover that.”“I know a couple of people have had to get jobs in town and really adjust how their families function,” Mack said.Stacy Campbell, K-State Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Hays, said he also is seeing the financial effects of the fire in Ellis County.“It’s very devastating for some. Even those who are able to stay in business, I would say there will be at least a minimum of a five- if not 10-year economic impact to get back to where they were,” he said.Losses in the ag sector have far-reaching effects on all the surrounding communities and their economies, Campbell said.“Any type of disaster like that is going to trickle down into the town. If those guys are affected, they might not be coming to town to buy as many goods or services for their family," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671050124057.jpeg" alt="The burned out shells of vehicles at a home in Paradise.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The burned out shells of vehicles at a home in Paradise.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Praying for rain</h2>Rancher Randy Marintzer had a section — one square mile of pasture — burned in the Four County Fire. He's looking at his pasture, which was unable to be grazed this season and wonders what the future will hold. Despite Hays receiving a half inch of rain this week, the area is still 6 inches below average precipitation for the year.“If it doesn’t rain or snow, it’s going to look pretty tough,” he said. ... "We are just going to have to pray and believe we are going to get some rain."The threat of fire is still a concern for many in the Four County area. Prairie grasses can dry and be ready to burn within an hour of being wet, said Chip Redmond, assistant meteorologist-KSU Weather Data Library/Mesonet manager. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639687509045.jpeg" alt="Burned home near Paradise after the Four County Fire on Dec. 15, 2021. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Burned home near Paradise after the Four County Fire on Dec. 15, 2021. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Four County Fire burned 164,000 acres in Ellis, Russell, Rooks and Osborne counties. Redmond said many variables go into the fire forecast for this fire season. The season runs from the first frost to the last frost— the time when vegetation is dormant and dry. The Four County area had several wet years going into last winter. This meant the vegetation was thicker than normal. This year, dry conditions resulted in less growth."To the west of Hays, there were areas that never got green this summer," Redmond said. "We still have all the dormant grass from last year, which I don’t think is a whole lot because it's been grazed now or mowed to reduce that vegetation amount."It doesn’t totally lessen [the fire risk], but it gives us confidence that maybe we won’t have as aggressive fire behavior as we did last year," he said.<h2>Sting jet</h2>Weather conditions can change rapidly, and Redmond said residents should expect multiple storms in the coming months that will be accompanied by high winds.The system that caused the 100 mph plus winds on Dec. 15, 2021, was a rare occurrence, called a sting jet, which involves stratospheric air coming to the surface. Redmond said sting jets have only been recorded over land in Kansas a few times.“The likelihood of a high-impact day like that is very, very low,” he said of the extreme winds.Although grasses will be less dense because of the drought, trees will show more stress, Redmond said. They will smolder and burn more efficiently and longer. Cedar trees burn quickly, especially in dry conditions, and Redmond encouraged residents to avoid planting them near structures. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671039592280.jpeg" alt="The Four County Fire as captured from fire vehicles. Photo courtesy of Ellis County Fire " />
 <figcaption>The Four County Fire as captured from fire vehicles. Photo courtesy of Ellis County Fire </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Improving fire response</h2>Darin Myers, Ellis County Fire Department chief, the area that did not burn last year still has plenty of fuel, which is continuing to keep local fire crews on alert. “There is still a lot of the county left that didn’t burn very thankfully," Myers said. "When you look at the drought, we still have that fuel that is out there. What didn’t burn is dry. It’s all out there and available to still burn — cropland to regular pastures or CRP.”After any major fire incident, the Ellis County Fire Department does a review. Myers identified several areas for improvement in fighting future wildfires.“You think of places you can fix things if you have money, but that is not always the case,” Myers said. “Some things you can’t fix no matter how much money you throw at it."The Four County Fire burned a significant portion of the Saline River Valley in northern Ellis and Russell counties. That area is largely unbroken prairie with few county roads. This allowed the fire to spread largely unabated. It also meant getting to the fire was difficult.In addition, no communication towers were available to firefighters in that area. In the days fire crews were actively fighting the blaze, fire teams were constantly losing contact with each other, Myers said. “Until they got up on a hill, they won’t have any radio communications,” Myers said.The county identified three areas for improvement. The Ellis County Commission immediately purchased more portable radios.The Ellis County Commission on Tuesday approved a project to mount emergency communication equipment on an existing Midwest Energy tower in the Saline River Valley. That project will cost about $1 million and is being funded with American Rescue Plan Act funds.However, Myers said it will still be another six to eight months before that equipment is installed, not in time for the current fire season.The county also upgraded its computer-aided dispatch system. All fire trucks now have mobile data terminals. A CrewForce app allows fire crews and law enforcement to see where fire units have been deployed, road and bridge closures, and water sources.Another major fire burned about 14,000 acres of grassland in the southwest portion of Ellis County on Oct. 23. That fire was also in a river valley, which made reaching the fire difficult. However, the addition of CrewForce helped the crews better direct resources, Myers said.Area farmers were essential resources in fighting that fire. They hooked up discs and manned graders to build fire breaks along the flanks of the fire, which allowed the fire crew to fight the active front of the fire. <h2>Still no recovery money</h2>Even a year later, Ellis County still doesn't have a complete picture of the full financial loss as a result of the Four County Fire and is still seeking aid in the recovery.Myers estimated Ellis County Fire had several thousand man-hours dedicated to fighting the fire over the three days of the incident.The incident started as a wind event, but many expenses that were incurred by the fire department were because of fire. FEMA funds will cover wind damage, but not fire. Officials are still working with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, FEMA, Kansas legislators and the Kansas Congressional delegation to find further relief, Myers said.“Here we are a year later and we still don’t have the answer,” he said.“I’m hoping that is a once-in-a-career situation, but we’re in the same predicament we were a year ago," Myers said. "If we have another day like that, it can happen just as quickly. We’re just as dry if not dryer than last year.”

Third-generation rancher gives up ag; financial effects of Four County Fire may last years

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/15/its-time-to-deal-with-this-kansas-water-authority-wants-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/">Kansas Reflector</a>

COLBY — Kansas should scrap its de facto policy of <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/29/western-kansas-economy-threatened-by-reliance-on-irrigating-crops-with-ogallala-aquifer/">draining the Ogallala Aquifer</a>, a state board decided Wednesday.

Instead, the board said, the Kansas 
government should take steps to stop the decline of the aquifer, which 
supplies water to one-sixth of the world’s grain supply, and save it for
 future generations.

“It has taken decades for this to be 
said formally in writing by an official state body,” said Connie Owen, 
director of the Kansas Water Office. “… This is nothing less than 
historic.”

Saving the water source that supports
 Western Kansas’ economy and communities may seem like an obvious stance
 to take, but for about 70 years, the state’s policies and management 
decisions have reflected the idea that eventually, the Ogallala would 
dry up, said Earl Lewis, Kansas’ chief engineer.&nbsp;

The Kansas Water Authority, which is 
made up of agricultural and industrial water users and utilities, wants 
to chart a new course. It voted almost unanimously Wednesday to 
recommend that the state scrap the policy of “planned depletion.”

“It’s time to deal with this while we
 still have some choices,” said John Bailey, a member of the Kansas 
Water Authority from Pittsburg. “If we don’t, we’re going to find 
ourselves in a very bad situation.”

The Ogallala Aquifer, one of the 
world’s largest underground sources of fresh water, stretches across 
parts of eight states from South Dakota to Texas. After World War II 
farmers started pumping water from it to irrigate crops in arid western 
Kansas, establishing the region as a booming farming economy. For 
decades, the water was used with little thought of ensuring enough 
remained for future generations.&nbsp;

But now, the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/16/why-an-ambitious-effort-to-overhaul-kansas-water-management-fell-short/">water is running out</a>. Some <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/09/nonrenewable-resource-as-western-kansas-dries-up-legislature-revisits-water-policy/">parts of the aquifer have half the water they had before irrigation</a>
 on the aquifer began. Parts of western Kansas have an estimated 10 
years of water left. There’s little surface water since streams that 
reliably flowed through the area in 1961 all but disappeared, according 
to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/HighPlains/HPA_Atlas/index.html">Kansas Geological Survey</a>.

Draining the aquifer would 
fundamentally change life in western Kansas. Farm properties would lose 
their value if there’s no water to grow a crop. Families could lose 
their livelihoods and communities could disappear.

But while it’s widely accepted that 
the Ogallala is essential to western Kansas, Kansas Water Authority 
chairwoman Dawn Buehler said many farmers have been waiting on the 
government to tell them it’s time to do something.&nbsp;

“We’ve heard that over and over from 
people —&nbsp;that, ‘Well, you know, we’re not at a dangerous zone yet 
because they’ll let us know when it’s time,’ ” Buehler said.

She continued: “I think the importance of today was saying, ‘It’s time.’ ”

The Kansas Water Authority, which 
meets roughly every two months in different locations around the state, 
voted Wednesday to place language in the body’s annual report to the 
governor and legislature saying the “policy of planned depletion of the 
Ogallala Aquifer is no longer in the best interest of the state of 
Kansas.”

The report will also recommend the 
state create a formal process to establish goals and actions to “halt 
the decline of the Ogallala Aquifer while promoting flexible and 
innovative management within a timeframe that achieves agricultural 
productivity, thriving economies and vibrant communities —&nbsp;now and for 
future generations of Kansans.”&nbsp;

It had wide support among the authority members.&nbsp;

“My opinion of this is that it should have been done 15 years ago or 20,” said Lynn Goossen,
 a farmer from Colby who serves on the Kansas Water Authority and the 
board of the groundwater management district in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;

Goossen said there are parts of 
Kansas where the aquifer still has abundant water left but that people 
are “sticking their heads in the sand” rather than saving it.&nbsp;

Some water users have pursued a longshot idea to draw water from the Missouri River via an aqueduct to southwest Kansas. They <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/10/21/officials-plan-to-truck-6000-gallons-of-water-from-missouri-river-across-kansas/">trucked 6,000 gallons of water from northeast Kansas</a> across the state as a “proof of concept.”&nbsp;

The goal to “halt” the decline of the
 aquifer gave pause to one member of the authority who asked that the 
statement instead say officials should “address” the decline of the 
aquifer.&nbsp;

Randy Hayzlett, a farmer and rancher 
from Lakin who serves on the authority, was the lone vote against the 
language, though the subsequent vote to send the full annual report to 
policymakers was unanimous.&nbsp;

Hayzlett said he couldn’t support 
establishing the goal without details about what it would mean to “halt”
 the decline of the aquifer.&nbsp;

“That’s a pretty strong word, and it’s going to affect a lot of people,” he said.

Hayzlett said he wanted to do 
everything possible to remedy the decline of the Ogallala but didn’t 
want to throw a word out there without a plan to achieve it.

“Is it going to halt declining the 
aquifer? Is it going to halt the economy of western Kansas?” he said. 
“Just what’s it going to put a cap on and then how are we going to get 
there?”

Lewis said Kansas has talked about 
the issue of the Ogallala Aquifer for 50 years. If authority members 
wait for a plan, he said, they’ll get bogged down in the details.&nbsp;

“What you’re doing is really setting a
 course,” Lewis said. “You’re saying, ‘I want to go in that direction. …
 I don’t know how I’m going to get there and it’s going to take a lot of
 us working together to get there.’ ”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671114142211.png" alt="Dawn Buehler, chairwoman of the Kansas Water Authority, presides over a meeting Wednesday in Colby. The authority voted to adopt language saying Kansas should not deplete the Ogallala Aquifer. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Dawn Buehler, chairwoman of the Kansas Water Authority, presides over a meeting Wednesday in Colby. The authority voted to adopt language saying Kansas should not deplete the Ogallala Aquifer. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/15/its-time-to-deal-with-this-kansas-water-authority-wants-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/">Kansas Reflector</a>COLBY — Kansas should scrap its de facto policy of <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/29/western-kansas-economy-threatened-by-reliance-on-irrigating-crops-with-ogallala-aquifer/">draining the Ogallala Aquifer</a>, a state board decided Wednesday.Instead, the board said, the Kansas 
government should take steps to stop the decline of the aquifer, which 
supplies water to one-sixth of the world’s grain supply, and save it for
 future generations.“It has taken decades for this to be 
said formally in writing by an official state body,” said Connie Owen, 
director of the Kansas Water Office. “… This is nothing less than 
historic.”Saving the water source that supports
 Western Kansas’ economy and communities may seem like an obvious stance
 to take, but for about 70 years, the state’s policies and management 
decisions have reflected the idea that eventually, the Ogallala would 
dry up, said Earl Lewis, Kansas’ chief engineer.&nbsp;The Kansas Water Authority, which is 
made up of agricultural and industrial water users and utilities, wants 
to chart a new course. It voted almost unanimously Wednesday to 
recommend that the state scrap the policy of “planned depletion.”“It’s time to deal with this while we
 still have some choices,” said John Bailey, a member of the Kansas 
Water Authority from Pittsburg. “If we don’t, we’re going to find 
ourselves in a very bad situation.”The Ogallala Aquifer, one of the 
world’s largest underground sources of fresh water, stretches across 
parts of eight states from South Dakota to Texas. After World War II 
farmers started pumping water from it to irrigate crops in arid western 
Kansas, establishing the region as a booming farming economy. For 
decades, the water was used with little thought of ensuring enough 
remained for future generations.&nbsp;But now, the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/16/why-an-ambitious-effort-to-overhaul-kansas-water-management-fell-short/">water is running out</a>. Some <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/09/nonrenewable-resource-as-western-kansas-dries-up-legislature-revisits-water-policy/">parts of the aquifer have half the water they had before irrigation</a>
 on the aquifer began. Parts of western Kansas have an estimated 10 
years of water left. There’s little surface water since streams that 
reliably flowed through the area in 1961 all but disappeared, according 
to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/HighPlains/HPA_Atlas/index.html">Kansas Geological Survey</a>.Draining the aquifer would 
fundamentally change life in western Kansas. Farm properties would lose 
their value if there’s no water to grow a crop. Families could lose 
their livelihoods and communities could disappear.But while it’s widely accepted that 
the Ogallala is essential to western Kansas, Kansas Water Authority 
chairwoman Dawn Buehler said many farmers have been waiting on the 
government to tell them it’s time to do something.&nbsp;“We’ve heard that over and over from 
people —&nbsp;that, ‘Well, you know, we’re not at a dangerous zone yet 
because they’ll let us know when it’s time,’ ” Buehler said.She continued: “I think the importance of today was saying, ‘It’s time.’ ”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671114592256.png" alt="Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas is embarking on a two-year study of playas that hold water during wet periods in Scott County and elsewhere to better understand their role in recharge of the underground Ogallala aquifer. (Bill Johnson/Kansas Geological Survey)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas is embarking on a two-year study of playas that hold water during wet periods in Scott County and elsewhere to better understand their role in recharge of the underground Ogallala aquifer. (Bill Johnson/Kansas Geological Survey)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A vote to change course</h2>The Kansas Water Authority, which 
meets roughly every two months in different locations around the state, 
voted Wednesday to place language in the body’s annual report to the 
governor and legislature saying the “policy of planned depletion of the 
Ogallala Aquifer is no longer in the best interest of the state of 
Kansas.”The report will also recommend the 
state create a formal process to establish goals and actions to “halt 
the decline of the Ogallala Aquifer while promoting flexible and 
innovative management within a timeframe that achieves agricultural 
productivity, thriving economies and vibrant communities —&nbsp;now and for 
future generations of Kansans.”&nbsp;It had wide support among the authority members.&nbsp;“My opinion of this is that it should have been done 15 years ago or 20,” said Lynn Goossen,
 a farmer from Colby who serves on the Kansas Water Authority and the 
board of the groundwater management district in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;Goossen said there are parts of 
Kansas where the aquifer still has abundant water left but that people 
are “sticking their heads in the sand” rather than saving it.&nbsp;Some water users have pursued a longshot idea to draw water from the Missouri River via an aqueduct to southwest Kansas. They <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/10/21/officials-plan-to-truck-6000-gallons-of-water-from-missouri-river-across-kansas/">trucked 6,000 gallons of water from northeast Kansas</a> across the state as a “proof of concept.”&nbsp;The goal to “halt” the decline of the
 aquifer gave pause to one member of the authority who asked that the 
statement instead say officials should “address” the decline of the 
aquifer.&nbsp;Randy Hayzlett, a farmer and rancher 
from Lakin who serves on the authority, was the lone vote against the 
language, though the subsequent vote to send the full annual report to 
policymakers was unanimous.&nbsp;Hayzlett said he couldn’t support 
establishing the goal without details about what it would mean to “halt”
 the decline of the aquifer.&nbsp;“That’s a pretty strong word, and it’s going to affect a lot of people,” he said.Hayzlett said he wanted to do 
everything possible to remedy the decline of the Ogallala but didn’t 
want to throw a word out there without a plan to achieve it.“Is it going to halt declining the 
aquifer? Is it going to halt the economy of western Kansas?” he said. 
“Just what’s it going to put a cap on and then how are we going to get 
there?”Lewis said Kansas has talked about 
the issue of the Ogallala Aquifer for 50 years. If authority members 
wait for a plan, he said, they’ll get bogged down in the details.&nbsp;“What you’re doing is really setting a
 course,” Lewis said. “You’re saying, ‘I want to go in that direction. …
 I don’t know how I’m going to get there and it’s going to take a lot of
 us working together to get there.’ ”

‘It’s time’: Kansas Water Authority wants to save Ogallala Aquifer

On Wednesday, William Newton Hospital’s board of trustees named Brian Barta, CPA as chief executive officer. His appointment as CEO is effective immediately.

“Brian’s unique experience with Critical Access Hospitals as well as his knowledge of WNH make him the right candidate to move the hospital forward. We welcome Brian to the position,” said William Newton Hospital Board Chair Joan Cales.

Out of 51 applicants for the CEO position nationwide, the trustees selected six to interview. The top two candidates were selected for forum-style interviews held last week with William Newton Hospital staff.&nbsp;

Barta joined William Newton Hospital as Chief Financial Officer in August 2018 and has been serving in the interim CEO role since June. In his role as CFO, Barta brought with him a wealth of knowledge about Critical Access Hospitals and experience as a public accountant. Not only was he the controller at another Kansas Critical Access Hospital, but he was a financial auditor for William Newton Hospital during his tenure at Wendling, Noe, Nelson &amp; Johnson from 2010 to 2016.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving William Newton Hospital in my new role as Chief Executive Officer. It is our mission to continue the work of our skilled and dedicated healthcare team to provide exceptional patient care to everyone in our community,” said Barta.

Barta said stabilizing hospital finances and building teamwork across the William Newton Hospital network of facilities and clinics are among his first priorities.

“Focusing on financial stability and investing in our staff will help build upon the legacy of William Newton Hospital over the past 95 years," he said.

Barta is a Kansas native, hailing from La Crosse, and a Pittsburg State University graduate. He earned his CPA license in 2011. Barta currently resides in Winfield with his wife Ellie and their three boys.

For more information about William Newton Hospital, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wnhcares.org/">www.wnhcares.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671121017566.jpeg" alt="Brian Barta" />
 <figcaption>Brian Barta</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseOn Wednesday, William Newton Hospital’s board of trustees named Brian Barta, CPA as chief executive officer. His appointment as CEO is effective immediately.“Brian’s unique experience with Critical Access Hospitals as well as his knowledge of WNH make him the right candidate to move the hospital forward. We welcome Brian to the position,” said William Newton Hospital Board Chair Joan Cales.Out of 51 applicants for the CEO position nationwide, the trustees selected six to interview. The top two candidates were selected for forum-style interviews held last week with William Newton Hospital staff.&nbsp;Barta joined William Newton Hospital as Chief Financial Officer in August 2018 and has been serving in the interim CEO role since June. In his role as CFO, Barta brought with him a wealth of knowledge about Critical Access Hospitals and experience as a public accountant. Not only was he the controller at another Kansas Critical Access Hospital, but he was a financial auditor for William Newton Hospital during his tenure at Wendling, Noe, Nelson &amp; Johnson from 2010 to 2016.“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving William Newton Hospital in my new role as Chief Executive Officer. It is our mission to continue the work of our skilled and dedicated healthcare team to provide exceptional patient care to everyone in our community,” said Barta.Barta said stabilizing hospital finances and building teamwork across the William Newton Hospital network of facilities and clinics are among his first priorities.“Focusing on financial stability and investing in our staff will help build upon the legacy of William Newton Hospital over the past 95 years," he said.Barta is a Kansas native, hailing from La Crosse, and a Pittsburg State University graduate. He earned his CPA license in 2011. Barta currently resides in Winfield with his wife Ellie and their three boys.For more information about William Newton Hospital, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wnhcares.org/">www.wnhcares.org</a>.

La Crosse native named CEO of Winfield hospital

“Learning is continual.” That is the overarching theme Dominic Llamas, 36, has applied not just to his academic success at FHSU but also to his career and family life. Llamas will graduate in December with a B.S. in Information Networking and Technology and a concentration in Information Systems.

Llamas’s journey to the commencement stage at FHSU has taken many unique turns. At age 18, Llamas was hired to do data entry for the state of Kansas. His supervisors recognized his skills, and he quickly advanced to an Information Technology position.

“But I felt like there was something missing,” Llamas said. “Part of that was my lack of education compared to my peers who had completed schooling to get a chance at the same job I had. In a sense, I was blessed that way, but I always felt that there was something missing.”

Llamas attained an associate degree from Allen County in 2014 and soon began an IT position at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. To keep his academic momentum going, he entered FHSU in 2014 but found that the time constraints of learning a new job, a full-time load of college coursework, and the demands of a growing family impacted his academic success. He decided to discontinue his coursework and focus on his family.

Throughout the next few years, Llamas felt the gentle nudging of the goal he had set early on of achieving a bachelor’s degree. So, in the spring of 2021, he resumed his degree program at FHSU.

“I always stressed with my kids that if you set a goal to do something, you’re going to finish it out,” Llamas said. “Whether that be sports or academics or club, or whatever it is. I can’t preach to my kids that you should do something and not follow through with it. To me, schooling was my end goal.”

His kids are ages 14, 11, and 6 and are active in music and sports. Llamas has found that his ability to juggle a tight schedule has helped ensure his family’s development and growth aren’t impacted by his coursework.

“I guess busy is an understatement,” he said. “I’ve had many mornings where it’s like 3, 4, a couple of times 5 a.m., and I’m still trying to wrap coursework up and go to sleep for a couple of hours so I can go into work.”

Offering wisdom to future and current FHSU online students, Llamas said it is important to read each course syllabus. Without face-to-face contact, students must work harder to determine what is expected in their classes and reach out to instructors to get the needed feedback.

“You have to be willing to learn new skills and interact with people from different backgrounds, and most importantly, take constructive criticism,” he said. “Sometimes you need to take a step back and be willing to let all these things happen. Be able to approach things with an open mind.”

He said he appreciates his FHSU professors who have challenged him to meet difficult expectations. Meeting those challenges, he said, assists him not just academically but also in his daily life. He believes this is a way that professors communicate to their students their desire for their students to do well and excel in life.

Llamas is considering pursuing a master’s degree. An M.B.A. in Management, he said, would help prepare him for a future role in management where he could pass on his skills to others to help them grow as better IT employees.

“Learning for me is continual,” he said. “Just because I finished my bachelor’s, I don’t think I stop pushing myself to learn more.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670962789796.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University Communications“Learning is continual.” That is the overarching theme Dominic Llamas, 36, has applied not just to his academic success at FHSU but also to his career and family life. Llamas will graduate in December with a B.S. in Information Networking and Technology and a concentration in Information Systems.Llamas’s journey to the commencement stage at FHSU has taken many unique turns. At age 18, Llamas was hired to do data entry for the state of Kansas. His supervisors recognized his skills, and he quickly advanced to an Information Technology position.“But I felt like there was something missing,” Llamas said. “Part of that was my lack of education compared to my peers who had completed schooling to get a chance at the same job I had. In a sense, I was blessed that way, but I always felt that there was something missing.”Llamas attained an associate degree from Allen County in 2014 and soon began an IT position at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. To keep his academic momentum going, he entered FHSU in 2014 but found that the time constraints of learning a new job, a full-time load of college coursework, and the demands of a growing family impacted his academic success. He decided to discontinue his coursework and focus on his family.Throughout the next few years, Llamas felt the gentle nudging of the goal he had set early on of achieving a bachelor’s degree. So, in the spring of 2021, he resumed his degree program at FHSU.“I always stressed with my kids that if you set a goal to do something, you’re going to finish it out,” Llamas said. “Whether that be sports or academics or club, or whatever it is. I can’t preach to my kids that you should do something and not follow through with it. To me, schooling was my end goal.”His kids are ages 14, 11, and 6 and are active in music and sports. Llamas has found that his ability to juggle a tight schedule has helped ensure his family’s development and growth aren’t impacted by his coursework.“I guess busy is an understatement,” he said. “I’ve had many mornings where it’s like 3, 4, a couple of times 5 a.m., and I’m still trying to wrap coursework up and go to sleep for a couple of hours so I can go into work.”Offering wisdom to future and current FHSU online students, Llamas said it is important to read each course syllabus. Without face-to-face contact, students must work harder to determine what is expected in their classes and reach out to instructors to get the needed feedback.“You have to be willing to learn new skills and interact with people from different backgrounds, and most importantly, take constructive criticism,” he said. “Sometimes you need to take a step back and be willing to let all these things happen. Be able to approach things with an open mind.”He said he appreciates his FHSU professors who have challenged him to meet difficult expectations. Meeting those challenges, he said, assists him not just academically but also in his daily life. He believes this is a way that professors communicate to their students their desire for their students to do well and excel in life.Llamas is considering pursuing a master’s degree. An M.B.A. in Management, he said, would help prepare him for a future role in management where he could pass on his skills to others to help them grow as better IT employees.“Learning for me is continual,” he said. “Just because I finished my bachelor’s, I don’t think I stop pushing myself to learn more.”

Longtime goal of graduation nears completion for Llamas

<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/2022/12/1671130860070.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

EmberHope Youthville is looking for a part-time Foster Care Worker (Licensed or Unlicensed) and full-/part-time Functional Family Therapist. Here are a few highlights of both positions:

• Foster Care Worker: This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;support to and supervision of Foster Parents to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency for children in their care. Conduct recruitment activities that result in increased foster homes to meet the needs of that community.&nbsp;Growth will be established through the involvement of faith based and civic organizations to increase foster home recruitment.

• Functional Family Therapist:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;Functional Family Therapy, meeting the varied needs of the client population served (youth at moderate or high risk to offend and youth in the juvenile justice system.

Click <a href="https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/">HERE</a> for more information.

About EmberHope EmberHope Youthville, a leading, faith-based provider of child welfare services is committed to helping you succeed as an employee as you work to make a difference in the life of a child either directly or by offering administrative support. The Company strives for a positive work environment that encourages effective teamwork, trauma-informed practices, and opportunities to utilize leadership skills.&nbsp; Team members from all departments will focus on carrying out the EmberHope Youthville mission, vision, and values!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669139718480.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EmberHope Youthville is looking for a part-time Foster Care Worker (Licensed or Unlicensed) and full-/part-time Functional Family Therapist. Here are a few highlights of both positions:• Foster Care Worker: This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;support to and supervision of Foster Parents to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency for children in their care. Conduct recruitment activities that result in increased foster homes to meet the needs of that community.&nbsp;Growth will be established through the involvement of faith based and civic organizations to increase foster home recruitment.• Functional Family Therapist:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;Functional Family Therapy, meeting the varied needs of the client population served (youth at moderate or high risk to offend and youth in the juvenile justice system.Click <a href="https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/">HERE</a> for more information.About EmberHope EmberHope Youthville, a leading, faith-based provider of child welfare services is committed to helping you succeed as an employee as you work to make a difference in the life of a child either directly or by offering administrative support. The Company strives for a positive work environment that encourages effective teamwork, trauma-informed practices, and opportunities to utilize leadership skills.&nbsp; Team members from all departments will focus on carrying out the EmberHope Youthville mission, vision, and values!&nbsp;

KRUG: Avoiding holiday food disasters

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Glen McNeil shares information about holiday snacking during our Nutrition, Health and Wellness report.

<div><iframe title="Holiday treats okay, when eaten in moderation" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nkwkg-133c0ce-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Glen McNeil shares information about holiday snacking during our Nutrition, Health and Wellness report.

🎙 Post Podcast: Holiday treats OK — in moderation

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Salvation Army is in desperate need of local residents to donate gifts for Ellis County children through its Angel Tree program.

The tree, which is at the Hays Walmart, still had 35 angels, representing 35 children, on it as of Thursday morning.

The Salvation Army is trying to get those angels and the corresponding gifts back by Sunday, so the gifts can be delivered in time for Christmas.

John Hubschman, Salvation Army kettle coordinator, said the organization had an increase in gift requests this holiday.

"I have noticed that a lot of these children have asked for in addition to toys, they've specifically asked for clothes and pajamas," he said. "There is definitely a need to help these kids because they are asking for essential items that they should already have taken care of."

All of the gifts are for children in Ellis County. The angels are for both girls and boys of various ages. 

To participate in the program, pick an angel for the tree. The angel should have the gender, and age gift requests from the child. You can shop at Walmart or other stores. 

Deliver the unwrapped gifts and the angel tag back to the customer service desk at Walmart by Sunday.

Hubschman said the Salvation Army has seen an increase in need across its services. More people are also seeking help from the Salvation Army's paper pantry and asking for assistance with utility payments.

"There's been a greater need, in general, this year," he said.

UPDATED, 2:15 p.m. Dec. 15 to clarify the organization sponsoring this Angel Tree.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post The Salvation Army is in desperate need of local residents to donate gifts for Ellis County children through its Angel Tree program.The tree, which is at the Hays Walmart, still had 35 angels, representing 35 children, on it as of Thursday morning.The Salvation Army is trying to get those angels and the corresponding gifts back by Sunday, so the gifts can be delivered in time for Christmas.John Hubschman, Salvation Army kettle coordinator, said the organization had an increase in gift requests this holiday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671135078298.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I have noticed that a lot of these children have asked for in addition to toys, they've specifically asked for clothes and pajamas," he said. "There is definitely a need to help these kids because they are asking for essential items that they should already have taken care of."All of the gifts are for children in Ellis County. The angels are for both girls and boys of various ages. To participate in the program, pick an angel for the tree. The angel should have the gender, and age gift requests from the child. You can shop at Walmart or other stores. Deliver the unwrapped gifts and the angel tag back to the customer service desk at Walmart by Sunday.Hubschman said the Salvation Army has seen an increase in need across its services. More people are also seeking help from the Salvation Army's paper pantry and asking for assistance with utility payments. "There's been a greater need, in general, this year," he said.UPDATED, 2:15 p.m. Dec. 15 to clarify the organization sponsoring this Angel Tree.

Gifts desperately needed by Salvation Army for 35 Ellis Co. Angel Tree children

R5 Roofing of Hays has announced its first Christmas-time Residential Roof Giveaway.

“We like to be involved&nbsp;in our communities in various way,&nbsp;and&nbsp;we saw this&nbsp;as&nbsp;an opportunity to give back this holiday season, especially after many&nbsp;towns in the areas we serve experienced severe weather this summer and last,” said Jeff Rupp, R5 Roofing Owner.

R5 Roofing understands that a roof not only protects your biggest investment, but also provides a secure place for your family. Owner Deanna Rupp added, “Being able to ensure a&nbsp;safe roof forsomeone who needs it is always something we’ve wanted to&nbsp;do,&nbsp;and we are excited to&nbsp;be able to do that this year!”&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you are interested in nominating a deserving individual to receive a new roof on their home, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:R5RoofGiveaway@gmail.com">R5RoofGiveaway@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;with the following information:

• Name, address, and phone number of person you are nominating • Brief summary of why you are nominating them • Your contact name and phone number

All nominations are due by December 16th, 2022. The winner of the roof will be announced on Christmas Day.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/R5Roofing/">For more information, visit the R5 Roofing Facebook page.</a>

About R5 Roofing R5 Roofing, LLC is a residential, commercial, and agricultural roofing company located in Hays, Kansas. Serving Central, Western, and North Central Kansas since 2019, R5 Roofing offers quality products such as&nbsp;Tamko&nbsp;and Malarkey&nbsp;shingles, and&nbsp;specializes in re-facing agricultural&nbsp;buildings&nbsp;with metal.&nbsp;R5 Roofing believes in quality&nbsp;workmanship and&nbsp;unbeatable service – the proof is in the roof!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670859953974.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>R5 Roofing of Hays has announced its first Christmas-time Residential Roof Giveaway.“We like to be involved&nbsp;in our communities in various way,&nbsp;and&nbsp;we saw this&nbsp;as&nbsp;an opportunity to give back this holiday season, especially after many&nbsp;towns in the areas we serve experienced severe weather this summer and last,” said Jeff Rupp, R5 Roofing Owner.R5 Roofing understands that a roof not only protects your biggest investment, but also provides a secure place for your family. Owner Deanna Rupp added, “Being able to ensure a&nbsp;safe roof forsomeone who needs it is always something we’ve wanted to&nbsp;do,&nbsp;and we are excited to&nbsp;be able to do that this year!”&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are interested in nominating a deserving individual to receive a new roof on their home, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:R5RoofGiveaway@gmail.com">R5RoofGiveaway@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;with the following information:• Name, address, and phone number of person you are nominating • Brief summary of why you are nominating them • Your contact name and phone numberAll nominations are due by December 16th, 2022. The winner of the roof will be announced on Christmas Day.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/R5Roofing/">For more information, visit the R5 Roofing Facebook page.</a>About R5 Roofing R5 Roofing, LLC is a residential, commercial, and agricultural roofing company located in Hays, Kansas. Serving Central, Western, and North Central Kansas since 2019, R5 Roofing offers quality products such as&nbsp;Tamko&nbsp;and Malarkey&nbsp;shingles, and&nbsp;specializes in re-facing agricultural&nbsp;buildings&nbsp;with metal.&nbsp;R5 Roofing believes in quality&nbsp;workmanship and&nbsp;unbeatable service – the proof is in the roof!

Arctic front will bring bitter cold to NW Kansas next week

A former Ellis County District Court administrator who was charged with identity fraud after allegedly using electronic signatures to sign performance evaluations has entered into a diversion agreement.

Amanda Truan was charged in June with nine felony counts of identity fraud that were discovered during an Office of Judicial Administration audit in October 2021. 

The diversion agreement was registered on Dec. 5.

Truan is no longer an employee of the judicial district.

An affidavit in the case said employees were not aware nor did they authorize the submission of the evaluations or the use of their electronic signatures on the evaluations.

Kayla Acosta, who became the Ellis County District Court Clerk in May 2021, told investigators she did not recall having an evaluation since 2018.

The employee evaluations are used as performance indicators for each employee by the Office of Judicial Administration. The employee's evaluation has a direct effect on the employee's job and whether the employee will receive any type of wage enhancements or promotions. 

Each count of identity fraud could have been punishable by up to 23 months in prison and/or up to a $100,000 fine.

Truan had been on bond waiting for the resolution of the case.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA former Ellis County District Court administrator who was charged with identity fraud after allegedly using electronic signatures to sign performance evaluations has entered into a diversion agreement.Amanda Truan was charged in June with nine felony counts of identity fraud that were discovered during an Office of Judicial Administration audit in October 2021. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671125265075.png" alt="Amanda Truan" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Truan</figcaption>
 </figure>The diversion agreement was registered on Dec. 5. Truan is no longer an employee of the judicial district.An affidavit in the case said employees were not aware nor did they authorize the submission of the evaluations or the use of their electronic signatures on the evaluations.Kayla Acosta, who became the Ellis County District Court Clerk in May 2021, told investigators she did not recall having an evaluation since 2018.The employee evaluations are used as performance indicators for each employee by the Office of Judicial Administration. The employee's evaluation has a direct effect on the employee's job and whether the employee will receive any type of wage enhancements or promotions. Each count of identity fraud could have been punishable by up to 23 months in prison and/or up to a $100,000 fine.Truan had been on bond waiting for the resolution of the case.

Former Ellis Co. court employee enters into diversion agreement on fraud charges

WESTMORELAND&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz on Tuesday announced that $40.5 million will support 33 local and off-system bridge projects across the state. This announcement comes as part of two local bridge improvement programs reshaped to take advantage of new revenue streams generated by the federally approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

In Ellis County, the bridge over Big Creek on 270th Avenue near Walker was included in the list at a cost of $1.2 million.

Projects in Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks and Smith counties were also included.&nbsp;

“My administration is committed to improving Kansas’ transportation system, including city- and county-owned bridges in need of overdue repairs,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These bridge programs demonstrate how, by fostering partnerships among all levels of government, we can build a robust, responsive infrastructure system that provides efficient and safe transportation routes and boosts state and local economies.”

The amount awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation to cities and counties more than doubles and triples local bridge improvement funds available in these programs as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).

The announcement took place at the Pottawatomie County Law Enforcement Center in Westmoreland, just a few miles from one of the selected bridges.

The KDOT bridge improvement programs include approximately $137.5 million in BIL funds over the next five years.

The&nbsp;Off-System Bridge Program&nbsp;(OSB) has been expanded from $8 million in annual funding to $20.5 million. Twenty-two projects – with awarded funds ranging from $460,000 to $1.4 million – were selected for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. In total for this round, KDOT received 99 OSB applications requesting $83.8 million.

The&nbsp;Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program&nbsp;(KLBIP) has increased from $5 million annually to $20 million. For State Fiscal Year 2023, the 11 selected KLBIP projects will replace 10 deficient bridges and permanently remove seven deficient bridges from the local system. For this round of KLBIP selections, 114 applications were received with requests totaling more than $126 million.

“These local bridges are the lifeblood of many communities,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“Most ag loads start in a field, are placed in a truck, and have to cross a county bridge to get to a state highway or rail line.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to these Kansas communities for partnering with KDOT and securing local matching funds that keep critical bridges open to the public and moving commerce.”

Both the OSB and KLBIP have similar-yet-different bridge eligibility requirements targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.

There are approximately 19,300 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems. About 26% – or 5,000 – of those bridges are in poor condition or unable to meet today’s weight and vehicle requirements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950063249.png" alt="Photos by Becky Goff/Little Apple Post" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Becky Goff/Little Apple Post</figcaption>
 </figure>WESTMORELAND&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz on Tuesday announced that $40.5 million will support 33 local and off-system bridge projects across the state. This announcement comes as part of two local bridge improvement programs reshaped to take advantage of new revenue streams generated by the federally approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.In Ellis County, the bridge over Big Creek on 270th Avenue near Walker was included in the list at a cost of $1.2 million.Projects in Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks and Smith counties were also included.&nbsp;“My administration is committed to improving Kansas’ transportation system, including city- and county-owned bridges in need of overdue repairs,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These bridge programs demonstrate how, by fostering partnerships among all levels of government, we can build a robust, responsive infrastructure system that provides efficient and safe transportation routes and boosts state and local economies.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950106330.png" alt="Photo by Becky Goff/Little Apple Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Goff/Little Apple Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The amount awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation to cities and counties more than doubles and triples local bridge improvement funds available in these programs as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).The announcement took place at the Pottawatomie County Law Enforcement Center in Westmoreland, just a few miles from one of the selected bridges.The KDOT bridge improvement programs include approximately $137.5 million in BIL funds over the next five years.The&nbsp;Off-System Bridge Program&nbsp;(OSB) has been expanded from $8 million in annual funding to $20.5 million. Twenty-two projects – with awarded funds ranging from $460,000 to $1.4 million – were selected for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. In total for this round, KDOT received 99 OSB applications requesting $83.8 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950085913.png" alt="Photo by Becky Goff/Little Apple Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Goff/Little Apple Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program&nbsp;(KLBIP) has increased from $5 million annually to $20 million. For State Fiscal Year 2023, the 11 selected KLBIP projects will replace 10 deficient bridges and permanently remove seven deficient bridges from the local system. For this round of KLBIP selections, 114 applications were received with requests totaling more than $126 million.“These local bridges are the lifeblood of many communities,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“Most ag loads start in a field, are placed in a truck, and have to cross a county bridge to get to a state highway or rail line.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to these Kansas communities for partnering with KDOT and securing local matching funds that keep critical bridges open to the public and moving commerce.”Both the OSB and KLBIP have similar-yet-different bridge eligibility requirements targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.There are approximately 19,300 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems. About 26% – or 5,000 – of those bridges are in poor condition or unable to meet today’s weight and vehicle requirements.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670957743049.png" alt="Northwest Kansas bridge projects" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Kansas bridge projects</figcaption>
 </figure>

NW Kan. bridge projects included in $40.5M announcement

WILSON — Visitors to the Czech Capital of Kansas will soon be able to view two large murals honoring Czech immigrants and the railroad in rural Kansas.

The unveiling will take place in a dedication ceremony from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the site of the Midland Railroad Hotel Barn.

The murals created by artist Ace Walker from Oklahoma were made possible because of a grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Rural Mural Program that required a 1:1 match from the community.

Wilson, one of 14 cities to receive a grant, was awarded one of the largest amounts ($10,000).

The Wilson Tourism Hub and the Kansas Czechs Inc., collaborated to successfully write the grant.

“By funding the creation of murals and public art in communities across Kansas, we want to celebrate the beauty of our state and highlight everything our small towns have to offer,” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said.

The large murals, which will fill the south side of The Barn Event Center, will depict Czech immigrants arriving at the train station, along with a nod to the history of the horse racing track located in Wilson at the turn of the century.

Speakers will include Aaron Valesek, honorary consul to the Czech Republic, and Mike Peschka, mayor of Wilson.

The Kansas Czech queen, Hannah Andringa from Ellsworth, also will be in attendance. An artist reception will follow inside The Barn.

About the artist: Andrew “Ace” Walker lives in Prague, Olka., with his wife, Paige, and their two children. A former Major League Baseball player with the Texas Rangers, Walker received a degree in graphic design from the University of Alabama and started Ace Walker Art. He specializes in commercial artwork, large murals and commissioned oil paintings.

More on the history of The Barn can be found at https://hayspost.com/posts/51086065-ab6b-426a-9bf6-248cad68113d.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671027239058.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseWILSON — Visitors to the Czech Capital of Kansas will soon be able to view two large murals honoring Czech immigrants and the railroad in rural Kansas.The unveiling will take place in a dedication ceremony from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the site of the Midland Railroad Hotel Barn.The murals created by artist Ace Walker from Oklahoma were made possible because of a grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Rural Mural Program that required a 1:1 match from the community.Wilson, one of 14 cities to receive a grant, was awarded one of the largest amounts ($10,000).The Wilson Tourism Hub and the Kansas Czechs Inc., collaborated to successfully write the grant.“By funding the creation of murals and public art in communities across Kansas, we want to celebrate the beauty of our state and highlight everything our small towns have to offer,” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671027260690.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The large murals, which will fill the south side of The Barn Event Center, will depict Czech immigrants arriving at the train station, along with a nod to the history of the horse racing track located in Wilson at the turn of the century.Speakers will include Aaron Valesek, honorary consul to the Czech Republic, and Mike Peschka, mayor of Wilson.The Kansas Czech queen, Hannah Andringa from Ellsworth, also will be in attendance. An artist reception will follow inside The Barn.About the artist: Andrew “Ace” Walker lives in Prague, Olka., with his wife, Paige, and their two children. A former Major League Baseball player with the Texas Rangers, Walker received a degree in graphic design from the University of Alabama and started Ace Walker Art. He specializes in commercial artwork, large murals and commissioned oil paintings.More on the history of The Barn can be found at https://hayspost.com/posts/51086065-ab6b-426a-9bf6-248cad68113d.

Mural unveiling set for Saturday in Wilson

The December 15 Hays City Commission work session has been canceled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe December 15 Hays City Commission work session has been canceled.