By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/26/kansas-republicans-want-to-elect-state-supreme-court-justices/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Free%20stories%20from%20The%20Beacon&amp;utm_campaign=Republishing%20email%2022825">The Beacon</a>

Robert Edmunds won three judicial elections in his home state of North Carolina. He was elected to the state Court of Appeals before serving two terms on the state’s Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Edmunds said he never would have risen through the ranks without elections. He didn’t have any political connections to the governor. He didn’t run any big-city law firm. Edmunds won his races because he proved to voters he was the most qualified.&nbsp;

“Elections tap into the biggest talent pool,” Edmunds told Kansas lawmakers. “Any lawyer in good standing who has ambitions to serve on the bench can take a shot at it.”

Kansas lawmakers are now debating that question. Should voters elect justices to the Kansas Supreme Court? Or should the state keep its merit-based nominating process?

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1611/">The proposal</a>&nbsp;is a “colossal sea change” from the state’s current system, said Fred Logan with the Kansas Bar Association, and it would require the Kansas Constitution to be amended. A majority of voters would need to approve the change.&nbsp;

Supporters of the change, which include the state attorney general’s office and Americans for Prosperity, say a direct election of justices is needed so everyday Kansans have a voice in the judicial system. But opponents say this proposal demolishes an already effective system and pours dark money into the courts.&nbsp;

The Kansas Supreme Court’s current system

Kansas does not use the federal system for picking justices. The governor alone does not pick someone and there is no Senate confirmation.&nbsp;

The current system has a nominating commission that includes four lawyers and four nonlawyers. Each congressional district must have a lawyer and nonlawyer appointed to the commission.&nbsp;

Nonlawyers are appointed by the governor and lawyers are elected by other lawyers in their congressional district. A ninth member — a lawyer and chair of the commission — is elected by a statewide pool of lawyers.

The commission questions candidates in public interviews then selects three names and the governor makes the final decision from there. This system was approved by voters in 1958 after a controversial selection to the state Supreme Court.&nbsp;

In 1956, then-Gov. Fred Hall lost reelection during the primary. Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court Bill Smith was also sick and considering retirement but worried the incoming Democratic governor would appoint a liberal to the Supreme Court. Hall, Smith and Lt. Gov. John McCuish hatched a plan.&nbsp;

Smith retired from the Supreme Court. Hall resigned as governor and was replaced by McCuish. McCuish was governor for 11 days and appointed Hall to the state Supreme Court. That infuriated Kansas voters, who reformed the system and created the merit-based process we have today.&nbsp;

Rashane Hamby, director of policy and research at the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said the current system works well and there’s no reason to change it.&nbsp;

Supporters of the bill who want to change the law acknowledged that elected judges and appointed judges are of the same quality. Those supporters also said the system needs to be overhauled to give voters more say in the state’s highest court. Kansans already vote on justices through retention elections where voters can kick justices off the bench if they want.&nbsp;

The current system lets the governor and the nominating commission grill candidates about their qualifications for the job, and that’s how the decision is made. Elections require candidates playing politics, Hamby said. Candidates aren’t always chosen based on qualifications but on money and donations from political groups that might have cases before the court.&nbsp;

“The Supreme Court should not be for sale to the highest bidder,” she said.&nbsp;

Almost two dozen states elect their judges. In Wisconsin, Hamby said, $51 million was spent on the 2023 Supreme Court race. The state’s race later this year is expected to top that spending and become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-trump-spending-4d95c11f76be495cc5acadaf9981a42b">the most expensive Supreme Court race</a>.&nbsp;

Logan, with the Kansas Bar Association, said politics, fundraising and campaigning are all fine for the governor’s office or state officials. Not for the courts. Logan said the current system is free from politics and it should stay that way.&nbsp;

But Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, doesn’t agree that the current process is free from politics.&nbsp;

He said the process of getting selected by the commission has political jostling. Holding elections gives everyone a chance to have their voice heard, not just a small group of people.&nbsp;

“Elections are how we govern from the bottom up,” Masterson said.

Masterson and other Republicans say they support changing the system so people have a voice. Supporters of the change also said that Supreme Court justices can time their resignations based on what political party holds the governor’s office. Allowing a regular vote would remove the possibility of selections being timed in a partisan manner, supporters say.&nbsp;

Kansas lawmakers have tried to change how Supreme Court justices are picked before. These debates are more than a decade old, but the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2022/07/28/kansas-vote-on-abortion/">uphold abortion rights</a>&nbsp;has raised the stakes on this debate.&nbsp;

“I would just comment that I would ask committee members and others to go out and read some of the justices’ opinions,” said Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, during the debate.&nbsp;

“I have,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, “and there’s concern in there.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740770429634.jpeg" alt="State justices are appointed through a nominating commission, unlike the federal process. (Courtesy/The Kansas Supreme Court)" />
 <figcaption>State justices are appointed through a nominating commission, unlike the federal process. (Courtesy/The Kansas Supreme Court)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/26/kansas-republicans-want-to-elect-state-supreme-court-justices/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Free%20stories%20from%20The%20Beacon&amp;utm_campaign=Republishing%20email%2022825">The Beacon</a>Robert Edmunds won three judicial elections in his home state of North Carolina. He was elected to the state Court of Appeals before serving two terms on the state’s Supreme Court.&nbsp;Edmunds said he never would have risen through the ranks without elections. He didn’t have any political connections to the governor. He didn’t run any big-city law firm. Edmunds won his races because he proved to voters he was the most qualified.&nbsp;“Elections tap into the biggest talent pool,” Edmunds told Kansas lawmakers. “Any lawyer in good standing who has ambitions to serve on the bench can take a shot at it.”Kansas lawmakers are now debating that question. Should voters elect justices to the Kansas Supreme Court? Or should the state keep its merit-based nominating process?<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1611/">The proposal</a>&nbsp;is a “colossal sea change” from the state’s current system, said Fred Logan with the Kansas Bar Association, and it would require the Kansas Constitution to be amended. A majority of voters would need to approve the change.&nbsp;Supporters of the change, which include the state attorney general’s office and Americans for Prosperity, say a direct election of justices is needed so everyday Kansans have a voice in the judicial system. But opponents say this proposal demolishes an already effective system and pours dark money into the courts.&nbsp;<h2>The Kansas Supreme Court’s current system</h2>Kansas does not use the federal system for picking justices. The governor alone does not pick someone and there is no Senate confirmation.&nbsp;The current system has a nominating commission that includes four lawyers and four nonlawyers. Each congressional district must have a lawyer and nonlawyer appointed to the commission.&nbsp;Nonlawyers are appointed by the governor and lawyers are elected by other lawyers in their congressional district. A ninth member — a lawyer and chair of the commission — is elected by a statewide pool of lawyers.The commission questions candidates in public interviews then selects three names and the governor makes the final decision from there. This system was approved by voters in 1958 after a controversial selection to the state Supreme Court.&nbsp;In 1956, then-Gov. Fred Hall lost reelection during the primary. Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court Bill Smith was also sick and considering retirement but worried the incoming Democratic governor would appoint a liberal to the Supreme Court. Hall, Smith and Lt. Gov. John McCuish hatched a plan.&nbsp;Smith retired from the Supreme Court. Hall resigned as governor and was replaced by McCuish. McCuish was governor for 11 days and appointed Hall to the state Supreme Court. That infuriated Kansas voters, who reformed the system and created the merit-based process we have today.&nbsp;<h2>The desire for change</h2>Rashane Hamby, director of policy and research at the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said the current system works well and there’s no reason to change it.&nbsp;Supporters of the bill who want to change the law acknowledged that elected judges and appointed judges are of the same quality. Those supporters also said the system needs to be overhauled to give voters more say in the state’s highest court. Kansans already vote on justices through retention elections where voters can kick justices off the bench if they want.&nbsp;The current system lets the governor and the nominating commission grill candidates about their qualifications for the job, and that’s how the decision is made. Elections require candidates playing politics, Hamby said. Candidates aren’t always chosen based on qualifications but on money and donations from political groups that might have cases before the court.&nbsp;“The Supreme Court should not be for sale to the highest bidder,” she said.&nbsp;Almost two dozen states elect their judges. In Wisconsin, Hamby said, $51 million was spent on the 2023 Supreme Court race. The state’s race later this year is expected to top that spending and become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-trump-spending-4d95c11f76be495cc5acadaf9981a42b">the most expensive Supreme Court race</a>.&nbsp;Logan, with the Kansas Bar Association, said politics, fundraising and campaigning are all fine for the governor’s office or state officials. Not for the courts. Logan said the current system is free from politics and it should stay that way.&nbsp;But Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, doesn’t agree that the current process is free from politics.&nbsp;He said the process of getting selected by the commission has political jostling. Holding elections gives everyone a chance to have their voice heard, not just a small group of people.&nbsp;“Elections are how we govern from the bottom up,” Masterson said.Masterson and other Republicans say they support changing the system so people have a voice. Supporters of the change also said that Supreme Court justices can time their resignations based on what political party holds the governor’s office. Allowing a regular vote would remove the possibility of selections being timed in a partisan manner, supporters say.&nbsp;Kansas lawmakers have tried to change how Supreme Court justices are picked before. These debates are more than a decade old, but the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2022/07/28/kansas-vote-on-abortion/">uphold abortion rights</a>&nbsp;has raised the stakes on this debate.&nbsp;“I would just comment that I would ask committee members and others to go out and read some of the justices’ opinions,” said Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, during the debate.&nbsp;“I have,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, “and there’s concern in there.”

Lawmakers debate whether voters should elect Kansas Supreme Court justices

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Almost $1 million of street maintenance will be done this year in Hays.

City commissioners unanimously approved six recommended low bids Thursday.

Seal coating and striping and sealing will be done in various areas of town.&nbsp;

Curb and brick repairs will be made along 19th Street between Elm and Ash. Concrete alleys will be installed at Eighth and Oak and at the new Depot housing development to be built at 10th and Walnut in downtown Hays.

A concrete paving project will be done on East 19th Street between Oak and Pine.&nbsp;

The largest project this year will be mill and overlay on East 17th between Canterbury and Wheatland.

"This is the 21st year of the street maintenance program," said Jesse Rohr, public works director, "and I think it's made a real difference."

Commissioners also approved the contribution of $377,000 toward two joint road improvement projects with Ellis County at 48th Street and Vineyard Road and on 270th Avenue.&nbsp;

Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman presented an overview of the 2024 water conservation programs.&nbsp;

"The rebates were all over the place," she told the commission, "with a lot of participation in some and not so much in others."&nbsp;

About 50 units of the city's new automated water metering system have been installed in the south end of town by VEPO Metering, Columbus, Ohio, said Jeff Crispin, water resources director.

The upgrade will replace every residential and commercial water meter in Hays with technology capable of wirelessly sending usage data to the Department of Water Resources.

The complete rollout will take four to six months.

Requests to eliminate a loading zone at 12th and Main and a cereal malt beverage license application for the Wild West Festival Saloon were also approved.

A 40-minute executive session was held at the end of the meeting to discuss land easement acquisition for the R9 water project pipeline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740755671574.jpeg" alt="Jesse Rohr, Hays public works director, talks about projects for street maintenance this year. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jesse Rohr, Hays public works director, talks about projects for street maintenance this year. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: $1M in street maintenance to be done in Hays this year" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=hfybu-1820f42-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAlmost $1 million of street maintenance will be done this year in Hays.City commissioners unanimously approved six recommended low bids Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740754047903.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740754769379.png" alt="Street maintenance for 2025 in Hays. City of Hays image" />
 <figcaption>Street maintenance for 2025 in Hays. City of Hays image</figcaption>
 </figure>Seal coating and striping and sealing will be done in various areas of town.&nbsp;Curb and brick repairs will be made along 19th Street between Elm and Ash. Concrete alleys will be installed at Eighth and Oak and at the new Depot housing development to be built at 10th and Walnut in downtown Hays.A concrete paving project will be done on East 19th Street between Oak and Pine.&nbsp;The largest project this year will be mill and overlay on East 17th between Canterbury and Wheatland."This is the 21st year of the street maintenance program," said Jesse Rohr, public works director, "and I think it's made a real difference." Commissioners also approved the contribution of $377,000 toward two joint road improvement projects with Ellis County at 48th Street and Vineyard Road and on 270th Avenue.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740758662183.jpeg" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740758698290.jpeg" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman presented an overview of the 2024 water conservation programs.&nbsp;"The rebates were all over the place," she told the commission, "with a lot of participation in some and not so much in others."&nbsp;About 50 units of the city's new automated water metering system have been installed in the south end of town by VEPO Metering, Columbus, Ohio, said Jeff Crispin, water resources director.The upgrade will replace every residential and commercial water meter in Hays with technology capable of wirelessly sending usage data to the Department of Water Resources.The complete rollout will take four to six months.Requests to eliminate a loading zone at 12th and Main and a cereal malt beverage license application for the Wild West Festival Saloon were also approved.A 40-minute executive session was held at the end of the meeting to discuss land easement acquisition for the R9 water project pipeline.No action was taken.&nbsp;

🎙 $1M in street maintenance to be done in Hays this year

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with&nbsp;Dan Lara, new director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dDrdcEkTobE?si=fD1ma9OWoftMmfUN" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with&nbsp;Dan Lara, new director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center.

🎤 Forward Ever: Dan Lara, director Kansas Small Business Development Center

Hays High 2025 senior, Wyatt Kirkpatrick has been awarded a full ride to Fort Hays State University with the Rudd Foundation Scholarship. 

Kirkpatrick was one of 700 applicants and one of 50 who were awarded the scholarship. 

The Rudd Foundation Scholarship is based on the whole being of the student. Purpose, impact, excellence, humility, integrity, stewardship, and community are the top seven qualities the candidates must possess. 

Kirkpatrick will attend FHSU in the fall of 2025, where he will also be a member of the FHSU football team.&nbsp;

The Rudd Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship that can be taken to four partner universities of the Wichita-based Rudd Foundation: Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, and Wichita State University.

"We look for students who exemplify grit, determination, and work ethic. We look for individuals who want a hand up not a hand out," according to Alma Hidalgo-Blankinship, Rudd Foundation senior program manager for outreach and scholar support.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740608853774.jpeg" alt="Wyatt Kirkpatrick. Photo courtesy USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Wyatt Kirkpatrick. Photo courtesy USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 489Hays High 2025 senior, Wyatt Kirkpatrick has been awarded a full ride to Fort Hays State University with the Rudd Foundation Scholarship. Kirkpatrick was one of 700 applicants and one of 50 who were awarded the scholarship. The Rudd Foundation Scholarship is based on the whole being of the student. Purpose, impact, excellence, humility, integrity, stewardship, and community are the top seven qualities the candidates must possess. Kirkpatrick will attend FHSU in the fall of 2025, where he will also be a member of the FHSU football team.&nbsp;The Rudd Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship that can be taken to four partner universities of the Wichita-based Rudd Foundation: Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, and Wichita State University."We look for students who exemplify grit, determination, and work ethic. We look for individuals who want a hand up not a hand out," according to Alma Hidalgo-Blankinship, Rudd Foundation senior program manager for outreach and scholar support.&nbsp;

Hays High student awarded full Rudd Scholarship to Fort Hays State University

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital dedicated an expansion on Wednesday with special guest Gov. Laura Kelly.

The hospital has added 11 private patient rooms, a new emergency room and expanded physical therapy to include a pool for aqua therapy and private treatment rooms, Jeremy Rabe, hospital CEO, said.

A new nurses station accompanies the new patient rooms. They also include three isolation rooms, Rabe said.

Four assisted-living apartments will also be added. Rabe said he anticipated those apartments would open by the end of March.

"We are dedicated in creating an environment that fosters healing, comfort and support," Rabe said on Wednesday.

The $13 million project was paid for through bonds.

"A lot of health care has been pushed to more of an outpatient setting," Rabe said. "With this expansion, it's going to let us bring more specialty doctors here and offer more telemedicine opportunities.&nbsp;

"The big thing was to keep our Trego County residents in Trego County."

Rabe said the hospital hasn't signed any contracts with new specialists but is working toward that goal.

The expansion is also enhancing patient privacy. The ER, which was built in 1951 as a large room separated by curtains, now has private treatment rooms.

Ambulances can now drive into the ER bay and unload patients out of the elements and in a private area.

The previous trauma rooms were too small to handle the severe injuries that might come off the interstate, Rabe said.

Phase two of the project will include remodeling the existing emergency room, laboratory and physical therapy areas.

Dr. Paulo De Andrade celebrated what he called a new, state-of-the-art building, which he said was a symbol of hope and healing.

He said small critical-access hospitals like Trego County-Lemke Memorial prevent residents from driving long distances for care.

"This hospital represents our unwavering commitment to everyone who walks through this door to have the best care possible,"&nbsp;De Andrade said.

Gov. Kelly used the opportunity to highlight the need for Medicaid expansion in Kansas, which has been a continuing focus of her administration.

"I have often said my goal as your governor is to make Kansas the best place to live, to work and to raise a family," Kelly said. "Quality health care and access to medical treatment are fundamental to that vision."

Local hospitals are essential to providing care and jobs and to local economies, she said.

"Without these hospitals, families are forced to travel long distances for emergency care; businesses struggle to recruit and retain workers, and local economies suffer," Kelly said. "That is why my administration has prioritized investments in health care infrastructure across Kansas and in economic development in general."

The state has dedicated $2 million to rural emergency hospitals, $30 million to increasing reimbursement rates for providers who accept Medicaid patients and $10 million to hospitals treating behavioral health patients.

Of the 97 rural hospitals in Kansas, 62 are in threat of closure, the highest rate of at-risk hospitals in the country, Kelly said.

"If we do nothing, more hospitals will close, leaving communities without emergency services," she said.&nbsp;

Hospitals are the largest employers in many rural communities. Closing hospitals means losing jobs, Kelly said.

She said expanding Medicaid would be one of the most effective means of protecting rural hospitals. The expansion would result in 150,000 Kansans gaining health care coverage, many of them in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

"Hospitals would get financial relief, allowing them to stay open and fully staffed," Kelly said. "23,000 new jobs would be created across health care and in local economies."

$1.2 billion per year would be injected into the Kansas economy. In the last 10 years, Kansas has left $7.6 billion of Kansas taxpayer money in Washington, D.C.

"It's time to bring our dollars home," Kelly said.

"This is not a partisan issue," she said. "It's about economic security, public health and fairness for all Kansans."

Kelly signed legislation expanding a loan forgiveness program for medical professionals in Kansas. OBGYNs were added to a list of qualified providers and scholarships were extended to osteopathic students.

She also urged the expansion of telehealth and mental health services in Kansas.&nbsp;

"We are making progress. The expansion of this hospital is proof that what we invest in health care, we invest in the future of Kansas," Kelly said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740685897496.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Rabe, Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital CEO, speaks to Gov. Laura Kelly in a new ER trauma room at the hospital. Kelly was onhand for the ribbon cutting for the hospital's expansion on Wednesday in WaKeeney. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Rabe, Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital CEO, speaks to Gov. Laura Kelly in a new ER trauma room at the hospital. Kelly was onhand for the ribbon cutting for the hospital's expansion on Wednesday in WaKeeney. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTrego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital dedicated an expansion on Wednesday with special guest Gov. Laura Kelly.The hospital has added 11 private patient rooms, a new emergency room and expanded physical therapy to include a pool for aqua therapy and private treatment rooms, Jeremy Rabe, hospital CEO, said.A new nurses station accompanies the new patient rooms. They also include three isolation rooms, Rabe said.Four assisted-living apartments will also be added. Rabe said he anticipated those apartments would open by the end of March."We are dedicated in creating an environment that fosters healing, comfort and support," Rabe said on Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740686254580.jpeg" alt="Trego County-Lemke Memorial&nbsp; Hospital staff, board members Gov. Laura Kelly, center, cut the ribbon on the hospital's expansion during a ceremony on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Trego County-Lemke Memorial&nbsp; Hospital staff, board members Gov. Laura Kelly, center, cut the ribbon on the hospital's expansion during a ceremony on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The $13 million project was paid for through bonds."A lot of health care has been pushed to more of an outpatient setting," Rabe said. "With this expansion, it's going to let us bring more specialty doctors here and offer more telemedicine opportunities.&nbsp;"The big thing was to keep our Trego County residents in Trego County."Rabe said the hospital hasn't signed any contracts with new specialists but is working toward that goal.The expansion is also enhancing patient privacy. The ER, which was built in 1951 as a large room separated by curtains, now has private treatment rooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740686498581.jpeg" alt="One of 11 new private patient rooms that were part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>One of 11 new private patient rooms that were part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740686778647.jpeg" alt="A new nurses station serves the new 11 private rooms that are a part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A new nurses station serves the new 11 private rooms that are a part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Ambulances can now drive into the ER bay and unload patients out of the elements and in a private area.The previous trauma rooms were too small to handle the severe injuries that might come off the interstate, Rabe said.Phase two of the project will include remodeling the existing emergency room, laboratory and physical therapy areas.Dr. Paulo De Andrade celebrated what he called a new, state-of-the-art building, which he said was a symbol of hope and healing.He said small critical-access hospitals like Trego County-Lemke Memorial prevent residents from driving long distances for care.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740686575990.jpeg" alt="A pool that will be used for aqua therapy is part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital's expansion of the physical therapy department.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A pool that will be used for aqua therapy is part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital's expansion of the physical therapy department.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740686654849.jpeg" alt="The new occupational therapy room has space for an oven, refrigerator, sink, tub and two private therapy rooms.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The new occupational therapy room has space for an oven, refrigerator, sink, tub and two private therapy rooms.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"This hospital represents our unwavering commitment to everyone who walks through this door to have the best care possible,"&nbsp;De Andrade said.Gov. Kelly used the opportunity to highlight the need for Medicaid expansion in Kansas, which has been a continuing focus of her administration."I have often said my goal as your governor is to make Kansas the best place to live, to work and to raise a family," Kelly said. "Quality health care and access to medical treatment are fundamental to that vision."Local hospitals are essential to providing care and jobs and to local economies, she said."Without these hospitals, families are forced to travel long distances for emergency care; businesses struggle to recruit and retain workers, and local economies suffer," Kelly said. "That is why my administration has prioritized investments in health care infrastructure across Kansas and in economic development in general."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740687147864.jpeg" alt="Gov. Kelly making a push for Medicaid expansion and health care investment at the ribbon cutting for the Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion Wednesday in WaKeeney.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Kelly making a push for Medicaid expansion and health care investment at the ribbon cutting for the Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion Wednesday in WaKeeney.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The state has dedicated $2 million to rural emergency hospitals, $30 million to increasing reimbursement rates for providers who accept Medicaid patients and $10 million to hospitals treating behavioral health patients.Of the 97 rural hospitals in Kansas, 62 are in threat of closure, the highest rate of at-risk hospitals in the country, Kelly said."If we do nothing, more hospitals will close, leaving communities without emergency services," she said.&nbsp;Hospitals are the largest employers in many rural communities. Closing hospitals means losing jobs, Kelly said.She said expanding Medicaid would be one of the most effective means of protecting rural hospitals. The expansion would result in 150,000 Kansans gaining health care coverage, many of them in rural Kansas.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740687339997.jpeg" alt="A large crowd of many of the 150 staff members at&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, as well as residents and local officials, gathered for the ribbon county of the hospital's expansion. Gov. Kelly spoke on the importance of investment in health care in rural communities.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A large crowd of many of the 150 staff members at&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, as well as residents and local officials, gathered for the ribbon county of the hospital's expansion. Gov. Kelly spoke on the importance of investment in health care in rural communities.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Hospitals would get financial relief, allowing them to stay open and fully staffed," Kelly said. "23,000 new jobs would be created across health care and in local economies."$1.2 billion per year would be injected into the Kansas economy. In the last 10 years, Kansas has left $7.6 billion of Kansas taxpayer money in Washington, D.C."It's time to bring our dollars home," Kelly said."This is not a partisan issue," she said. "It's about economic security, public health and fairness for all Kansans."Kelly signed legislation expanding a loan forgiveness program for medical professionals in Kansas. OBGYNs were added to a list of qualified providers and scholarships were extended to osteopathic students.She also urged the expansion of telehealth and mental health services in Kansas.&nbsp;"We are making progress. The expansion of this hospital is proof that what we invest in health care, we invest in the future of Kansas," Kelly said.

Trego County-Lemke Hospital expands; Gov. Kelly speaks on health care investments

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/suzanne-king/">SUZANNE KING</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/13/st-lukes-merger-came-with-higher-executive-pay/">The Beacon</a>

A year after St. Luke’s joined BJC Healthcare in St. Louis, tax filings show the Kansas City hospital system gave top executives big bonuses and retirement windfalls.

Bigger bonuses, higher executive salaries and a few eye-popping retirement payouts. That’s how St. Luke’s Health System closed the books on its final year as a nonprofit independent hospital chain, according to recent tax filings.

The $2.5 billion hospital system, which&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/01/09/st-lukes-merger-with-a-st-louis-hospital-system/">merged</a>&nbsp;with St. Louis-based nonprofit BJC Healthcare at the start of 2024, paid one-third more in bonuses and incentives to its top-earning employees in 2023 compared to the previous year. Combined total compensation for those employees, whose salaries are included in the hospital system’s&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/431747502/202413199349314861/IRS990ScheduleJ">990 tax filings</a>, was up 27%.

Not surprisingly, executives at the top of the organizational chart saw the biggest paydays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740496572263.jpeg" alt="St. Luke's executives landed bigger bonuses and retirement windfalls in 2023.Photo by Suzanne King/The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>St. Luke's executives landed bigger bonuses and retirement windfalls in 2023.Photo by Suzanne King/The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/suzanne-king/">SUZANNE KING</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/13/st-lukes-merger-came-with-higher-executive-pay/">The Beacon</a> A year after St. Luke’s joined BJC Healthcare in St. Louis, tax filings show the Kansas City hospital system gave top executives big bonuses and retirement windfalls.Bigger bonuses, higher executive salaries and a few eye-popping retirement payouts. That’s how St. Luke’s Health System closed the books on its final year as a nonprofit independent hospital chain, according to recent tax filings.The $2.5 billion hospital system, which&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/01/09/st-lukes-merger-with-a-st-louis-hospital-system/">merged</a>&nbsp;with St. Louis-based nonprofit BJC Healthcare at the start of 2024, paid one-third more in bonuses and incentives to its top-earning employees in 2023 compared to the previous year. Combined total compensation for those employees, whose salaries are included in the hospital system’s&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/431747502/202413199349314861/IRS990ScheduleJ">990 tax filings</a>, was up 27%.Not surprisingly, executives at the top of the organizational chart saw the biggest paydays.<ul>
 <li>Dr. Melinda Estes, who retired as CEO when the merger was completed, had total compensation of $4.4 million, including a $2 million base salary, a $1.57 million bonus (46% bigger than the previous year’s) and a $752,000 payout from a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP).</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Chief Financial Officer Chuck V. Robb, who now is chief financial officer at BJC, pulled in total compensation of $7.8 million, thanks in large part to a $5.66 million retirement plan payout. (Robb had worked for St. Luke’s for three decades.) Meanwhile, his 2023 bonus of $1.17 million, more than three times his 2022 bonus, was more than his $747,000 base salary.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>And Julie Quirin, who became St. Luke’s president at the end of 2023 and is now president of BJC’s western region, got total compensation of just under $1.9 million in 2023, including $960,000 base pay and a $521,000 bonus (24% more than the previous year).</li>
 </ul>

Hospital mergers come with one inevitable: Bigger executive paychecks

The site of the former Love's Country Store in Hays, 2500 Vine, is seeing some activity for the first time since the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5fe47100-3d66-44bb-97b3-25aceb8379e3">convenience store closed in early May 2024</a>.&nbsp;

An excavator was at work Thursday morning to demolish the empty store and gas pump canopy.&nbsp;

According to information provided to the Hays Area Board of Zoning and Appeals, Credit Union of America will open a new location on the former Love's property.

This would be the first Credit Union of America facility in Hays, said Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director.

There are 16 other branches across Kansas with the majority based in Wichita.

Plans also call for a new detached ITM (interactive teller machine) canopy. 

The current gas pump canopy sits eight feet from the west property line.&nbsp;

The credit union wants to place its canopy further to the west, which would also require eliminating two of the four approaches to the lot.

A public hearing for the ITM canopy setback requests has been scheduled for 4 p.m. March 17 at Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Love's Country Store operated in that location since the late 1970s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740679271594.jpeg" alt="Demolition of the former Love's Country Store, 2500 Vine, in Hays began Thursday morning. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Demolition of the former Love's Country Store, 2500 Vine, in Hays began Thursday morning. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740679415899.jpeg" alt="A branch of Wichita-based Credit Union of America will be built at the site of the former Love's Country Store, 2500 Vine, Hays. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A branch of Wichita-based Credit Union of America will be built at the site of the former Love's Country Store, 2500 Vine, Hays. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe site of the former Love's Country Store in Hays, 2500 Vine, is seeing some activity for the first time since the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5fe47100-3d66-44bb-97b3-25aceb8379e3">convenience store closed in early May 2024</a>.&nbsp;An excavator was at work Thursday morning to demolish the empty store and gas pump canopy.&nbsp;According to information provided to the Hays Area Board of Zoning and Appeals, Credit Union of America will open a new location on the former Love's property.This would be the first Credit Union of America facility in Hays, said Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director.There are 16 other branches across Kansas with the majority based in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740678438767.png" alt="Credit Union of America site plan for Hays, 2500 Vine. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Credit Union of America site plan for Hays, 2500 Vine. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Plans also call for a new detached ITM (interactive teller machine) canopy. The current gas pump canopy sits eight feet from the west property line.&nbsp;The credit union wants to place its canopy further to the west, which would also require eliminating two of the four approaches to the lot.A public hearing for the ITM canopy setback requests has been scheduled for 4 p.m. March 17 at Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.Love's Country Store operated in that location since the late 1970s.

Former Love's Country Store in Hays under demolition to make way for new business

The City of Hays is launching the installation of a new&nbsp;advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system&nbsp;for its water utility. This upgrade will replace every residential and commercial water meter in Hays with technology capable of wirelessly sending usage data to the Department of Water Resources.

SEE RELATED HAYS POST NEWS STORY: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/292e6398-09de-4575-8f00-59772bbb0c0c">Hays City Commission approves $4.5M water meter replacement projec</a>t

“It’s our goal to enhance accuracy in water usage reporting, detect leaks more swiftly, and offer better customer service,” said&nbsp;Jeff Crispin, City of Hays director of Water Resources. “This advanced metering technology demonstrates our commitment to providing forward-thinking solutions for our community.”

“Our priority is to keep the public informed at every step,” Crispin added. “Residents are encouraged to contact us with any questions or feedback they may have.”

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance our community’s water infrastructure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719328646306.jpeg" alt="New Hays water meter. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>New Hays water meter. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe City of Hays is launching the installation of a new&nbsp;advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system&nbsp;for its water utility. This upgrade will replace every residential and commercial water meter in Hays with technology capable of wirelessly sending usage data to the Department of Water Resources.SEE RELATED HAYS POST NEWS STORY: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/292e6398-09de-4575-8f00-59772bbb0c0c">Hays City Commission approves $4.5M water meter replacement projec</a>t“It’s our goal to enhance accuracy in water usage reporting, detect leaks more swiftly, and offer better customer service,” said&nbsp;Jeff Crispin, City of Hays director of Water Resources. “This advanced metering technology demonstrates our commitment to providing forward-thinking solutions for our community.”What to Expect<ul>
 <li>Installation starts this week and will take up to&nbsp;six months&nbsp;to complete.</li><li>Postcards&nbsp;with more information will be sent to all properties in the city.</li><li>Door hangers&nbsp;will be left at your property’s main entrance once the upgrade is finished.</li>
 </ul>Additional Assurances<ul>
 <li>Your&nbsp;drinking water remains safe&nbsp;throughout the process.</li><li>Project updates&nbsp;will be available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://watersmarthays.com/">WaterSmartHays.com</a>.</li>
 </ul>“Our priority is to keep the public informed at every step,” Crispin added. “Residents are encouraged to contact us with any questions or feedback they may have.”For Questions or Feedback<ul>
 <li>Call the City of Hays Water Resources Department: 785-628-7380</li><li>Visit:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://watersmarthays.com/">WaterSmartHays.com</a></li>
 </ul>Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance our community’s water infrastructure.

New water metering system installation begins in Hays

In a state where vast open spaces often mean a long journey to find help, Fort Hays State University is reshaping the mental healthcare landscape in rural Kansas. Fueled by state legislature funding and a vision for sustainable support, Our Advanced Education Program faculty are bridging the mental health services coverage gap through a cutting-edge telemental health certification program.

For years, the mental health needs of rural communities have gone unmet due to the widespread shortage of trained professionals. However, with an acute crisis looming, FHSU has taken proactive measures to ensure that help gets to those who need it most. Over the past seven months, a comprehensive badging and certification curriculum has been developed, paving the way for practitioners in the field to expand their skills.

Telemental health — rendering mental health services through remote technology like video calls, phone discussions, and messaging — has emerged as an essential tool for ensuring that rural residents can access care without the burdens of travel and time. Recognizing the critical role that telehealth has played in transforming mental healthcare delivery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, FHSU is leaning into this model.

"It's a lifeline for families who have remained isolated due to geography," says Dr. Kim Chappell, chair and associate professor of Advanced Education Programs. She is leading our efforts in specialized telemental health delivery. “We are not just teaching therapists to use technology; we’re empowering them to connect with patients meaningfully.”

The Telemental Health Certification Program at FHSU is designed for current practitioners and students entering the field. Its framework includes three distinct micro-credentials: Foundations in Telemental Health Counseling, Advanced Clinical Skills in Telemental Health, and Special Populations &amp; Telemental Health. Completing all three badges awards practitioners a certification, equipping them with essential skills to deliver virtual counseling services tailored to diverse communities.

With the first instructor-led courses kicking off next month, there’s excitement among departmental faculty as they get ready to welcome the first cohort of students. “We know our program will be very attractive to mental health professionals who are always eager to integrate this knowledge into their practice,” Kim said. “It’s more than just getting a badge—it's about making a real difference for people who otherwise might not have access to critical mental health resources."

As FHSU expands its reach, the enrollment numbers tell a powerful story. From 157 students in the fall of 2023 to an impressive 226 in the fall of 2024, the demand for telehealth education has surged. This year, we welcomed two highly qualified new faculty members with experience in telehealth delivery to ensure that as the program grows, it continues to deliver quality mental healthcare services regardless of where the client lives in Kansas.

The Telehealth Certification Program also meets rigorous standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), assuring students and professionals that their education aligns with the highest industry benchmarks. Integrating

telehealth curriculum into counseling programs ensures that future graduates will be equipped to continue this vital work as they step into their careers.

Moreover, FHSU’s application to become an Approved Continuing Education Provider with the National Board for Certified Counselors symbolizes a recognition of this program’s importance. It is not just about immediate solutions; it’s about laying a foundation for a sustainable future where mental health services are woven into the fabric of every rural community in Kansas.

Beyond the telehealth acceleration, initiatives like the AmeriCorps grant project—focused on fostering literacy—and the development of artificial intelligence tools to improve reading signifies FHSU's holistic approach to advancing the quality of life in the communities we serve. These efforts attest to a commitment to mental health and overall educational excellence.

This initiative stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the mental health and well-being of our rural neighbors. With Fort Hays State University leading this transformative effort, the vision of accessible mental health care is no longer just a distant hope for residents of rural communities; it's swiftly turning into a tangible reality. Each connection made brings us closer to healing, and for those in need, the journey to wellness is about to become ever shorter with every day that passes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>In a state where vast open spaces often mean a long journey to find help, Fort Hays State University is reshaping the mental healthcare landscape in rural Kansas. Fueled by state legislature funding and a vision for sustainable support, Our Advanced Education Program faculty are bridging the mental health services coverage gap through a cutting-edge telemental health certification program.For years, the mental health needs of rural communities have gone unmet due to the widespread shortage of trained professionals. However, with an acute crisis looming, FHSU has taken proactive measures to ensure that help gets to those who need it most. Over the past seven months, a comprehensive badging and certification curriculum has been developed, paving the way for practitioners in the field to expand their skills.Telemental health — rendering mental health services through remote technology like video calls, phone discussions, and messaging — has emerged as an essential tool for ensuring that rural residents can access care without the burdens of travel and time. Recognizing the critical role that telehealth has played in transforming mental healthcare delivery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, FHSU is leaning into this model."It's a lifeline for families who have remained isolated due to geography," says Dr. Kim Chappell, chair and associate professor of Advanced Education Programs. She is leading our efforts in specialized telemental health delivery. “We are not just teaching therapists to use technology; we’re empowering them to connect with patients meaningfully.”The Telemental Health Certification Program at FHSU is designed for current practitioners and students entering the field. Its framework includes three distinct micro-credentials: Foundations in Telemental Health Counseling, Advanced Clinical Skills in Telemental Health, and Special Populations &amp; Telemental Health. Completing all three badges awards practitioners a certification, equipping them with essential skills to deliver virtual counseling services tailored to diverse communities.With the first instructor-led courses kicking off next month, there’s excitement among departmental faculty as they get ready to welcome the first cohort of students. “We know our program will be very attractive to mental health professionals who are always eager to integrate this knowledge into their practice,” Kim said. “It’s more than just getting a badge—it's about making a real difference for people who otherwise might not have access to critical mental health resources."As FHSU expands its reach, the enrollment numbers tell a powerful story. From 157 students in the fall of 2023 to an impressive 226 in the fall of 2024, the demand for telehealth education has surged. This year, we welcomed two highly qualified new faculty members with experience in telehealth delivery to ensure that as the program grows, it continues to deliver quality mental healthcare services regardless of where the client lives in Kansas.The Telehealth Certification Program also meets rigorous standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), assuring students and professionals that their education aligns with the highest industry benchmarks. Integratingtelehealth curriculum into counseling programs ensures that future graduates will be equipped to continue this vital work as they step into their careers.Moreover, FHSU’s application to become an Approved Continuing Education Provider with the National Board for Certified Counselors symbolizes a recognition of this program’s importance. It is not just about immediate solutions; it’s about laying a foundation for a sustainable future where mental health services are woven into the fabric of every rural community in Kansas.Beyond the telehealth acceleration, initiatives like the AmeriCorps grant project—focused on fostering literacy—and the development of artificial intelligence tools to improve reading signifies FHSU's holistic approach to advancing the quality of life in the communities we serve. These efforts attest to a commitment to mental health and overall educational excellence.This initiative stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the mental health and well-being of our rural neighbors. With Fort Hays State University leading this transformative effort, the vision of accessible mental health care is no longer just a distant hope for residents of rural communities; it's swiftly turning into a tangible reality. Each connection made brings us closer to healing, and for those in need, the journey to wellness is about to become ever shorter with every day that passes.

Heart of a Tiger: FHSU telemental health initiative poised to improve quality of life in rural Kansas

<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/2025/2/1740666045976.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

The Hays City Commission is expected to award recommended low bids totaling $893,835 on Thursday for the&nbsp;2025 street maintenance program.

Projects include seal coat, polypatch, curb and brick repair, major rehab, asphalt mill and overlay, and pavement markings. 

The biggest project for this year is mill and overlay of East 17th Street.&nbsp;

No bid for the pavement marking project was received. Jesse Rohr, public works director, will advertise it again and bring it back for city commission approval at a later date.&nbsp;

Commissioners will also vote on two proposed joint road improvement projects with Ellis County.

 The first project would create a paved surface on East Vineyard Road and 270th Avenue. The second project is for mill and overlay of 48th Street. The city's cost share of the projects is $377,000.

Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist, will present results of the 2024 water conservation programs and look at an overview for 2025.

Also on the agenda are requests for a cereal malt beverage license for Wild West Festival Saloon and another request by the building owner to remove the marked loading zone at 12th and Vine. It would add two parking spaces to the downtown area.

The complete Feb. 27 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02272025-1530">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740607149605.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays City Commission is expected to award recommended low bids totaling $893,835 on Thursday for the&nbsp;2025 street maintenance program.Projects include seal coat, polypatch, curb and brick repair, major rehab, asphalt mill and overlay, and pavement markings. The biggest project for this year is mill and overlay of East 17th Street.&nbsp;No bid for the pavement marking project was received. Jesse Rohr, public works director, will advertise it again and bring it back for city commission approval at a later date.&nbsp;Commissioners will also vote on two proposed joint road improvement projects with Ellis County. The first project would create a paved surface on East Vineyard Road and 270th Avenue. The second project is for mill and overlay of 48th Street. The city's cost share of the projects is $377,000.Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist, will present results of the 2024 water conservation programs and look at an overview for 2025.Also on the agenda are requests for a cereal malt beverage license for Wild West Festival Saloon and another request by the building owner to remove the marked loading zone at 12th and Vine. It would add two parking spaces to the downtown area.The complete Feb. 27 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02272025-1530">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Street, road improvements on the agenda for Hays City Commission Thursday

Last week was Turnaround Week in the legislature, so the Kansas House of Representatives debated and voted on many, many bills. In total 86 bills were debated and voted on, all of which passed their votes and moved onto the Senate. On Wednesday, in the afternoon, I even chaired the deliberation for six hours, covering 29 bills. 

Below is a selection of 10 bills from that long list of legislation:

House Bill (HB) 2170. This bill designates the first full week of February as Burn Awareness Week in Kansas, in order to raise awareness on the dangers and last impact of burn wounds.

HB 2031, which amends state law by adding valid drivers licenses from other states as sufficient criteria for meeting the listed requirements in attaining a driving instructor license in Kansas.

HB 2155, this legislation changes state law to specify that in performance of official acts related to the charge and custody of jails sheriffs, and deputies, are to be held liable.

HB 2280, which expands the list of authorized activities that emergency medical responder personnel can perform under supervision of healthcare professionals, permit nonemergency ambulance services to operate for less than 24 hours in a day, and require external automated defibrillators be registered with the Emergency Medical Services Board.

HB 2016, this bill adds published online obituaries as sufficient criteria for election officers to remove deceased voters from voter rolls, under state law.

HB 2075, which adjusts state law regarding initial permanence hearings deadlines for children taken into the custody of the Kansas Department of Children and Families, changing it from the current 12 to 9 months. The bill would also require that a hearing be held every 9 months for the child after the initial hearing.

HB 2121, which alters state law regarding registration fees for hybrid and all-electric vehicles. A $30 fee for all-electric motorcycles would be created, the fee for electric hybrids would be increased from $50 to $100, the fee for all-electric motor vehicles would be raised from $100 to $175, and fees for electric and hybrid trucks and tractors with a gross weight less than 12,000 pounds would also be increased to $200 and $125, respectively. All revenue raised from these increases would be remitted to the State Highway Fund and the Special City and County Highway Fund.

HB 2333, this bill renames the Kansas Insurance Department to the Kansas Department of Insurance, along with several related offices. The bill also eliminates the requirement of senate confirmation for the Department of Insurance Assistant Commissioner, and appointees in the securities division.

House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 5008, which proposes a constitutional amendment, adding to Article 2 of the Kansas Constitution, granting the legislature the ability to revise and revoke administrative rules and regulations by adoption of a concurrent resolution, which requires supermajority support from both chambers. If passed the resolution would go to a public vote in the primary election of 2026.

HB 2134, which establishes limits on fees Executive Branch agencies may charge for access to copies of public records. For printed copies fees would not exceed 25 cents per page and for electronic copies fees would be prohibited. Cost related to employee time for making records available would not exceed the lowest hourly rate of the aforementioned employee. The bill would also permit appeals to the agency heads responsible if the costs of requesting the documents were felt unreasonable.

The House passed Substitute for House Bill 2007, the legislature’s budget, in final action on Wednesday, the 19th, by a vote of 83 to 36, I voted yes. This budget is the product of diligent labor by the Special Legislative Budget Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and its subcommittees, over the past five weeks. I am confident that this budget both adequately funds the state’s core functions and works toward meeting key needs of Kansans, like our nursing homes and the state water plan. And just as important the spending within this budget is conservative, total state general fund (SGF) is reduced by $246.1 million between fiscal years 2025 and 2026. 

Debate on the bill lasted roughly two and a half hours and six amendments were brought during debate. Two of those amendments passed, relating to funding for the operating budgets of the Department of Commerce and the State Fire Marshall. The failed amendments ranged from Medicaid Expansion to Summer EBT spending increases.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Contact My Office Representative Troy L. Waymaster 300 SW 10th Street Topeka, Kansas&nbsp;66612 troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> www.troywaymaster.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSE DELIBERATIONSLast week was Turnaround Week in the legislature, so the Kansas House of Representatives debated and voted on many, many bills. In total 86 bills were debated and voted on, all of which passed their votes and moved onto the Senate. On Wednesday, in the afternoon, I even chaired the deliberation for six hours, covering 29 bills. Below is a selection of 10 bills from that long list of legislation:House Bill (HB) 2170. This bill designates the first full week of February as Burn Awareness Week in Kansas, in order to raise awareness on the dangers and last impact of burn wounds.HB 2031, which amends state law by adding valid drivers licenses from other states as sufficient criteria for meeting the listed requirements in attaining a driving instructor license in Kansas.HB 2155, this legislation changes state law to specify that in performance of official acts related to the charge and custody of jails sheriffs, and deputies, are to be held liable.HB 2280, which expands the list of authorized activities that emergency medical responder personnel can perform under supervision of healthcare professionals, permit nonemergency ambulance services to operate for less than 24 hours in a day, and require external automated defibrillators be registered with the Emergency Medical Services Board.HB 2016, this bill adds published online obituaries as sufficient criteria for election officers to remove deceased voters from voter rolls, under state law.HB 2075, which adjusts state law regarding initial permanence hearings deadlines for children taken into the custody of the Kansas Department of Children and Families, changing it from the current 12 to 9 months. The bill would also require that a hearing be held every 9 months for the child after the initial hearing.HB 2121, which alters state law regarding registration fees for hybrid and all-electric vehicles. A $30 fee for all-electric motorcycles would be created, the fee for electric hybrids would be increased from $50 to $100, the fee for all-electric motor vehicles would be raised from $100 to $175, and fees for electric and hybrid trucks and tractors with a gross weight less than 12,000 pounds would also be increased to $200 and $125, respectively. All revenue raised from these increases would be remitted to the State Highway Fund and the Special City and County Highway Fund.HB 2333, this bill renames the Kansas Insurance Department to the Kansas Department of Insurance, along with several related offices. The bill also eliminates the requirement of senate confirmation for the Department of Insurance Assistant Commissioner, and appointees in the securities division.House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 5008, which proposes a constitutional amendment, adding to Article 2 of the Kansas Constitution, granting the legislature the ability to revise and revoke administrative rules and regulations by adoption of a concurrent resolution, which requires supermajority support from both chambers. If passed the resolution would go to a public vote in the primary election of 2026.HB 2134, which establishes limits on fees Executive Branch agencies may charge for access to copies of public records. For printed copies fees would not exceed 25 cents per page and for electronic copies fees would be prohibited. Cost related to employee time for making records available would not exceed the lowest hourly rate of the aforementioned employee. The bill would also permit appeals to the agency heads responsible if the costs of requesting the documents were felt unreasonable.I voted yes on each of these bills.BUDGET PASSES THE HOUSE The House passed Substitute for House Bill 2007, the legislature’s budget, in final action on Wednesday, the 19th, by a vote of 83 to 36, I voted yes. This budget is the product of diligent labor by the Special Legislative Budget Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and its subcommittees, over the past five weeks. I am confident that this budget both adequately funds the state’s core functions and works toward meeting key needs of Kansans, like our nursing homes and the state water plan. And just as important the spending within this budget is conservative, total state general fund (SGF) is reduced by $246.1 million between fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Debate on the bill lasted roughly two and a half hours and six amendments were brought during debate. Two of those amendments passed, relating to funding for the operating budgets of the Department of Commerce and the State Fire Marshall. The failed amendments ranged from Medicaid Expansion to Summer EBT spending increases.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Contact My Office Representative Troy L. Waymaster 300 SW 10th Street Topeka, Kansas&nbsp;66612 troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> www.troywaymaster.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Feb. 25, 2025

SENATE HIGHLIGHTS Feb. 25, 2025

Last Thursday marked a critical deadline known as “turnaround,” marking the official halfway point for the 2025 Legislative session. 

It was a busy week for the Senate, as we spent two full days debating and voting on and passing out over 40 bills ahead of the Turnaround deadline. After being on the floor all day Tuesday and Wednesday, the Legislature broke until February 25 to give clerical staff time to process the significant amount of paperwork resulting from this week. 

By “turnaround,” a bill, with few exceptions, must have passed its Chamber of origin in order to be considered by the other Chamber before session is over for the year. 

When the Senate returns on Tuesday, the legislature is scheduled to meet for another month before our recess at the end of March. We will then return for a brief period to consider any vetoes prior to final adjournment. 

The focus for the next month will be to consider bills passed by the House Chamber and bills exempt from the Turnaround deadline. Under legislative rules, most bills must be adopted by one chamber in order to be considered by the other chamber. The major item we must complete prior to adjournment is passing the budget.

As of Thursday, February 20, 277 bills have been introduced in the Kansas Senate. Seventy-eight Senate bills have been sent to the House with 63 bills just last week. One Senate bill has become law (SB63). The Senate has confirmed 13 individuals since the session began on January 13.

SENATE FLOOR ACTION- WEEK 5 SB 84 would expand the criminal use of a financial card to include gift cards. The bill would provide that conduct involving a gift card would be classified and penalized in the same manner as conduct involving a financial card. It would be unlawful to use a gift card without the owner’s consent, possess or retain a gift card without authorization, or alter or tamper with a gift card. SB 84 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

SB 5 would prohibit the use of funds provided by the United States government for the conduct of elections and election-related activities unless approved by the legislature. SB 5 passed with a vote of 33-6. I voted yes.

SB 7 increase the bonding cap on general obligation bonds issued by townships for the reconstruction, repair, and equipment of township buildings in any township with a population of more than 5,000 and would increase the bonding cap for bond issues of a township fire department. SB 7 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

SB 8 requires the driver of a vehicle approaching a stopped vehicle displaying hazard warning signal lamps, road flares, or caution signals to proceed with caution and change lanes away from the stopped vehicle. If it is not safe or possible to change lanes away from the stopped vehicle, the bill would require the driver to proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle and maintain a safe speed for the road, weather, and traffic conditions. SB 8 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

SB 9 would extend the time for land surveyors to file certain public land survey reports with the Secretary of the State Historical Society from 30 days to 90 days. SB 9 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

SB 36&nbsp;amends the law concerning conservation districts. The bill would change the date from September 1 to November 1 by which conservation districts are required to submit a certification to&nbsp; the Division of Conservation of the amount of moneys required for conservation district activities each year, and would increase the cap on the amount of funding that would be allocated by the Division to the conservation districts from $25,000 to $50,000 per district, beginning in FY 2026, subject to appropriation. The bill would also increase the State’s current matching funding from $1 to $2 state funding to $1 county funding. SB 36 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

SB 32 would reduce insurance company premium tax rates from 2.0% to 1.98% per year for tax year 2026 and subsequent years, lowering the tax rate on certain insurance companies by 1.0 percent. Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill would remove the requirement that the 1.0 percent of insurance company premium taxes received by the Insurance Commissioner be transferred to the State Treasurer to the credit of the Insurance Department Service Regulation Fund. SB 32 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

SB 125 authorized various claims against the state. SB 125 passed 39-0. I voted yes. SB 135 would make technical amendments to law concerning orders issued under the Protection from Abuse Act (PFAA) to reorganize the section to clarify how a protection order may be affected when a child-related order is issued pursuant to another legal action. SB 135 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Kansas Senate voted 31-9 to override the governor’s veto of SB 63, the Help Not Harm Act. The House followed and the legislation is now law. Under the bill, the law took effect immediately.

The Kansas Senate adopted three bills passed out from the newly-formed Committee on Government Efficiency, or COGE: SB 77 would require an agency to provide written notice to businesses, local governments, and other known stakeholders regarding the agency’s proposed expedited revocation of a rule or regulation identified by the state agency as one that could be revoked. SB 77 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 85 would require the Secretary for Children and Families to enter into data-matching agreements with specified agencies to receive and review information from state and federal agencies for the purpose of verifying food assistance program eligibility and publish certain findings of noncompliance and fraud investigations on the Kansas Department for Children and Families’ website. SB 85 passed 30-10. I voted yes.

SB 161 would prohibit state agencies from seeking or implementing any public assistance program waiver or other federal government authorization that expands eligibility for any public assistance program or would increase costs to the state. The bill would also prohibit making certain changes to services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) without approval from either the Legislature or the Legislative Coordinating Council. SB 161 passed 30-10. I voted yes.

SB 2 would declare valid the result of the question-submitted election held May 21, 2024, approving issuance of not more than $4.6 million in general obligation bonds for USD 200 (Greeley County), for specified improvements to its facilities. SB 2 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

SB 13 would eliminate several filing requirements with the Office of the Secretary of State and make several conforming and technical changes. SB 13 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 18 as amended, would authorize issuance of the Hunter Nation distinctive license plate on and after January 1, 2026, for use on a passenger vehicle or truck registered for a gross weight of 20,000 pounds or less. SB 18 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

SB 20 would grant the Commissioner of Insurance the ability to decrease the number of appointed board members on certain boards that fall under her appointing authority. The bill would remove the requirements for the Committee on Surety Bonds and Insurance to meet at least once per month and that the meetings be held in the office of the Commissioner. SB 20 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 21 would amend the Third-Party Administrators Act to require third-party administrators to maintain a separate fiduciary account for each payor and prohibit co-mingling of funds, either collected or held, in a fiduciary account by the administrator on behalf of multiple payors. SB 21 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 22 as amended, would amend law related to title insurance agent audits, surety bonds, and controlled business. SB 22 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 23 would establish a response time for agents and insurers to respond to inquiries from the Kansas Insurance Department and add the failure to respond to such inquiries to the list of actions that could lead to action against an agent or insurer’s license. The bill would also allow for an extension of one-year pilot programs with approval from the Commissioner for a specific period of time determined by the Commissioner. SB 23 passed 40-0. I voted yes

SB 24 would authorize the Commissioner of Insurance to set the amount of fees and fines for applications, license renewals, certificates of authority, and other required filings by certain insurance entities and public adjusters under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner. The bill would set the fees and fines for insurance entities and public adjusters. SB 24 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 27 would amend certain reporting requirements for the Commissioner of Insurance and amend the definition of “person” in statute regarding enforcement of insurance law. SB 27 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 28 as amended, would amend the Uniform Insurance Agents Licensing Act and the Public Adjusters Licensing Act to provide the Commissioner of Insurance with the authority to consult the status of certain licenses or registrations in reviewing applications or renewals for insurance agents and public adjusters. SB 28 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 29 protects Kansans’ First Amendment right to assemble by removing the ability of government to restrict or prohibit public gatherings. Under the bill, public health officials could still recommend public gatherings but would not be able to prohibit them. The Kansas Senate voted 28-12. I voted yes.

SB 30 would require the Secretary of Labor to conduct state and national criminal history record checks on employees who have access to federal tax information received directly from the Internal Revenue Service. Such criminal record checks would require fingerprinting of the employee. SB 30 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 42 as amended, would enact the Kansas Real Time Motor Vehicle Insurance Verification Act. The Act would require the Commissioner of Insurance to establish a web-based system for online verification of motor vehicle insurance, and require motor vehicle insurers to cooperate with the&nbsp;Commissioner to establish and maintain the system as specified in the Act; and establish the web-based system created in the Act as the only electronic system to be used for the purpose of verifying motor vehicle liability insurance. SB 42 passed 38-2. I voted yes.

SB 44 would expand the eligibility requirements for postsecondary education institutions to participate in the Kansas Promise Scholarship Program and increase the maximum amount that could be appropriated to the program. SB 44 passed 37-3. I voted yes.

SB 45 would establish a statutory calculation, for purposes of accreditation, of the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate for each school district and any schools within the district, including virtual. SB 45 passed 32-8. I voted yes.

SB 47 would require school districts to list names and email addresses of current school board members on their websites, allow members of the public to publicly comment in regularly scheduled or budgetary school board hearings, and allow school board members to access school district property during school hours or activities. The bill also would amend law regarding annual dues for membership in a not-for-profit organization. SB 47 passed 21-19. I voted no as this is local school board processes with elected board members.

SB 50 would establish uniform interest rates, repayment schedules, and fees for all scholarships, grants, or other student financial aid program established in law under the authority of the State Board of Regents. SB 50 passed 39-1. I voted yes.