<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/2025/2/1740580947871.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

TMP-Marian vs Medicine Lodge Thursday, Feb. 27 – 6:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. - Al Billinger Fieldhouse

Radio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2219218">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs open up postseason play at home Thursday night against the Medicine Lodge Indians.

Both TMP teams earned the No. 8 seed and the right to host the No. 9 seed in the 2A Sublette sub-state.

The girls game will tipoff at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m. on the&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian vs Medicine Lodge Thursday, Feb. 27 – 6:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. - Al Billinger FieldhouseRadio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2219218">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs open up postseason play at home Thursday night against the Medicine Lodge Indians.Both TMP teams earned the No. 8 seed and the right to host the No. 9 seed in the 2A Sublette sub-state.The girls game will tipoff at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m. on the&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network.

🏀🎥 TMP-Marian opens postseason against Medicine Lodge

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — Thirty-five opponents and three advocates waded into the Kansas House’s debate on legislation striking the principle that tenure awarded at Kansas public universities and colleges carried with it an employment property interest.

The bill drafted by an Emporia State University attorney, who is a defendant in an ongoing ESU labor dispute and recently renounced his tenure, was the subject of a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee attracting state and national attention. A dozen faculty from Fort Hays State University have objected to the legislation, while a half-dozen from University of Kansas and Washburn University shared displeasure. There was criticism from Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Baker University.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/10/kansas-house-bill-strives-to-strip-property-interest-from-definition-of-university-college-tenure/">bottom line among opponents</a>&nbsp;was that the bill’s broad language would fracture a fundamental safeguard of academic freedom.

“When faculty members can lose their positions because of their speech, publications or research findings, they cannot properly fulfill their core responsibilities to advance and transmit knowledge,” said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors in Washington, D.C. “The common good is not served when business, political or other entities can threaten the livelihood of researchers and instructors and thereby suppress the results of their work or modify their judgments.”

House Bill 2348 hasn’t advanced beyond the Feb. 11 hearing at the Kansas Capitol, despite maneuvering by House Republicans to bounce it to another committee before returning it to House judiciary.

Gov. Laura Kelly, who holds a master’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, said she was convinced the tenure bill lacked traction in the Legislature. She predicted it wouldn’t pass the House and Senate in the 2025 session.

“I’d be very surprised if it gets to my desk,” Kelly said in an interview.

ESU attorney Steven Lovett, the university’s general counsel since 2023, developed the tenure bill through some sort of rogue, covert operation leading to its introduction by Rep. Steven Howe, R-Salina. Lovett is a defendant in ESU’s legal battle with former university employees that has been winding through state and federal court. In 2022, ESU fired 30 tenured or tenure-track faculty. A portion of those individuals filed a lawsuit to challenge their ouster.

ESU officials said Lovett worked on the tenure reform legislation as a “private citizen” rather than in his capacity as a top university attorney. The CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents, the state’s higher education governing board, said Lovett appeared to have violated policy by directing a bill to the Legislature without consent of the state Board of Regents.

The office of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2348_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Attorney General Kris Kobach anticipated possible legal challenges</a>&nbsp;if the bill became law, and indicated legal costs could be $250,000.

During the House committee hearing on the bill, Lovett outlined reasons the property interest inherent in tenure had to be repealed for thousands working at six state universities, 19 community colleges, six technical colleges and Washburn University.

His initiative was lauded by Christine Curley, who worked at Wichita State University and Southwestern College in Winfield. In testimony, she said faculty tenure hid administrative incompetence and unethical behavior. Tenure reflected “a systematic failure in leadership and accountability within higher education institutions,” she said.

The other proponent was Selayoa Lovett, who holds a master’s degree from ESU and is spouse of the bill’s designer — ESU’s Steven Lovett.

Selayoa Lovett’s testimony asserted Kansas law made it nearly impossible to dismiss underperforming tenured faculty, including professors at ESU.

“Faculty with a sense of entitlement often exhibit attitudes of superiority, dismissing others as less qualified simply because they lack tenure,” Selayoa Lovett said. “In my current position in the private sector, I frequently go above and beyond my job description to contribute to the success of my company. Why should faculty members not be held to the same standards?”

She said “around 30% of faculty fail to contribute at a meaningful level, relying on tenure as a shield from accountability.”

“The unfortunate reality is that many tenured professors choose to do the bare minimum, working only 20 hours a week and neglecting their students and the need for continuous growth and relevance,” Selayoa Lovett said.

Joseph Cohn, director of policy with the conservative Heterodox Academy, said the 2024 Legislature in Kansas took a positive step toward protecting academic freedom by enacting a law aimed at weakening diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Last year’s House Bill 2105, he said, prohibited public universities from using political litmus tests in faculty hiring and promotion decisions.

“But enactment of HB 2348 would be a tremendous step backward,” Cohn said. “HB 2348 would end tenure at Kansas’ public institutions of higher education both prospectively and retroactively. Ending tenure — especially in legislation that offers no alternative protections for academic freedom — would compromise the health of Kansas’ public colleges and universities because it would leave faculty without key protections that allow for open inquiry to thrive.”

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/11/kansas-university-leaders-condemn-bill-abolishing-property-rights-of-faculty-tenure/">Other opponents of the bill</a>&nbsp;took Cohn’s argument a step further.

Lori Kniffin, an assistant professor up for tenure at Fort Hays State, said academic freedom in the education system and wider freedoms espoused in a democracy were at stake. She earned a doctorate at University of North Carolina at Greensboro after receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Kansas State. She works in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology at FHSU.

“I have provided outstanding teaching, research and service through FHSU for the last five years,” Kniffin said. “The tenure process is developmental and rigorous. Tenure is earned, not given.”

Daniel Hoyt, a Kansas State professor and president of the Kansas state chapter of AAUP, said the KSU faculty handbook defined the purpose of awarding tenure as the quest to hire faculty of the highest caliber and to deliver full academic freedom in pursuit of ideas or inquiries without fear of retribution.

“HB 2348 eviscerates the faculty’s freedom to do their work without censorship,” Hoyt said. “We need more support and funding, not political attacks on faculty.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740495916145.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly said she was skeptical the House and Senate would approve during the 2025 legislative session a bill that retroactively undermined property rights for thousands of tenured faculty at public universities, community colleges and technical colleges across Kansas. Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly said she was skeptical the House and Senate would approve during the 2025 legislative session a bill that retroactively undermined property rights for thousands of tenured faculty at public universities, community colleges and technical colleges across Kansas. Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — Thirty-five opponents and three advocates waded into the Kansas House’s debate on legislation striking the principle that tenure awarded at Kansas public universities and colleges carried with it an employment property interest.The bill drafted by an Emporia State University attorney, who is a defendant in an ongoing ESU labor dispute and recently renounced his tenure, was the subject of a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee attracting state and national attention. A dozen faculty from Fort Hays State University have objected to the legislation, while a half-dozen from University of Kansas and Washburn University shared displeasure. There was criticism from Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Baker University.The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/10/kansas-house-bill-strives-to-strip-property-interest-from-definition-of-university-college-tenure/">bottom line among opponents</a>&nbsp;was that the bill’s broad language would fracture a fundamental safeguard of academic freedom.“When faculty members can lose their positions because of their speech, publications or research findings, they cannot properly fulfill their core responsibilities to advance and transmit knowledge,” said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors in Washington, D.C. “The common good is not served when business, political or other entities can threaten the livelihood of researchers and instructors and thereby suppress the results of their work or modify their judgments.”House Bill 2348 hasn’t advanced beyond the Feb. 11 hearing at the Kansas Capitol, despite maneuvering by House Republicans to bounce it to another committee before returning it to House judiciary.Gov. Laura Kelly, who holds a master’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, said she was convinced the tenure bill lacked traction in the Legislature. She predicted it wouldn’t pass the House and Senate in the 2025 session.“I’d be very surprised if it gets to my desk,” Kelly said in an interview.<h2>Team Lovett</h2>ESU attorney Steven Lovett, the university’s general counsel since 2023, developed the tenure bill through some sort of rogue, covert operation leading to its introduction by Rep. Steven Howe, R-Salina. Lovett is a defendant in ESU’s legal battle with former university employees that has been winding through state and federal court. In 2022, ESU fired 30 tenured or tenure-track faculty. A portion of those individuals filed a lawsuit to challenge their ouster.ESU officials said Lovett worked on the tenure reform legislation as a “private citizen” rather than in his capacity as a top university attorney. The CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents, the state’s higher education governing board, said Lovett appeared to have violated policy by directing a bill to the Legislature without consent of the state Board of Regents.The office of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2348_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Attorney General Kris Kobach anticipated possible legal challenges</a>&nbsp;if the bill became law, and indicated legal costs could be $250,000.During the House committee hearing on the bill, Lovett outlined reasons the property interest inherent in tenure had to be repealed for thousands working at six state universities, 19 community colleges, six technical colleges and Washburn University.His initiative was lauded by Christine Curley, who worked at Wichita State University and Southwestern College in Winfield. In testimony, she said faculty tenure hid administrative incompetence and unethical behavior. Tenure reflected “a systematic failure in leadership and accountability within higher education institutions,” she said.The other proponent was Selayoa Lovett, who holds a master’s degree from ESU and is spouse of the bill’s designer — ESU’s Steven Lovett.Selayoa Lovett’s testimony asserted Kansas law made it nearly impossible to dismiss underperforming tenured faculty, including professors at ESU.“Faculty with a sense of entitlement often exhibit attitudes of superiority, dismissing others as less qualified simply because they lack tenure,” Selayoa Lovett said. “In my current position in the private sector, I frequently go above and beyond my job description to contribute to the success of my company. Why should faculty members not be held to the same standards?”She said “around 30% of faculty fail to contribute at a meaningful level, relying on tenure as a shield from accountability.”“The unfortunate reality is that many tenured professors choose to do the bare minimum, working only 20 hours a week and neglecting their students and the need for continuous growth and relevance,” Selayoa Lovett said.<h2>Step backward</h2>Joseph Cohn, director of policy with the conservative Heterodox Academy, said the 2024 Legislature in Kansas took a positive step toward protecting academic freedom by enacting a law aimed at weakening diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Last year’s House Bill 2105, he said, prohibited public universities from using political litmus tests in faculty hiring and promotion decisions.“But enactment of HB 2348 would be a tremendous step backward,” Cohn said. “HB 2348 would end tenure at Kansas’ public institutions of higher education both prospectively and retroactively. Ending tenure — especially in legislation that offers no alternative protections for academic freedom — would compromise the health of Kansas’ public colleges and universities because it would leave faculty without key protections that allow for open inquiry to thrive.”<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/11/kansas-university-leaders-condemn-bill-abolishing-property-rights-of-faculty-tenure/">Other opponents of the bill</a>&nbsp;took Cohn’s argument a step further.Lori Kniffin, an assistant professor up for tenure at Fort Hays State, said academic freedom in the education system and wider freedoms espoused in a democracy were at stake. She earned a doctorate at University of North Carolina at Greensboro after receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Kansas State. She works in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology at FHSU.“I have provided outstanding teaching, research and service through FHSU for the last five years,” Kniffin said. “The tenure process is developmental and rigorous. Tenure is earned, not given.”Daniel Hoyt, a Kansas State professor and president of the Kansas state chapter of AAUP, said the KSU faculty handbook defined the purpose of awarding tenure as the quest to hire faculty of the highest caliber and to deliver full academic freedom in pursuit of ideas or inquiries without fear of retribution.“HB 2348 eviscerates the faculty’s freedom to do their work without censorship,” Hoyt said. “We need more support and funding, not political attacks on faculty.”

Gov. Kelly skeptical Kansas House’s anti-tenure legislation will reach her desk

TOPEKA February 23, 2025

Last&nbsp; week, the Kansas Legislature reached “halftime,” the mid-point of the legislative session commonly referred to inside the Capitol as “turnaround.” 

It is when most legislation needs to be passed out of one chamber in order to be “turned around” and considered in the other. This weekend, we were now on a brief four-day break to allow legislative staff time to process legislation.

Currently, if there is a vacancy from any of our statewide elected officials, the governor has complete authority to fill the seat with anyone she wants. This anti-democratic process has the potential of instantly and radically shifting the balance of power, especially as it pertains to the United States Senate, where in recent years, the body has been divided 50-50.&nbsp;

SB105 would amend the process of filling such vacancies in the offices of U.S. Senator, State Treasurer, and Commissioner of Insurance.

In most instances where a seat would become vacant, the bill would establish the Joint Committee on Vacancy Appointments, which would be made up of legislators from both parties in each chamber. The committee would recommend three names for the governor to pick from. 

If the legislature was in session, both chambers would vote on a resolution to send to the governor with said names and the governor would have to pick from among the names. If the legislature was not in session, the committee’s recommendations would go directly to the governor. The names on the resolution would have to be members of the vacating official’s political party for the last six years.

 With the terrible airplane crash of the passenger jet from Wichita to Washington, D.C., this highlighted the fact that makes this legislation more urgent than ever. Our U.S. Senators and Congressman travel frequently from Kansas to Washington, D.C.

SB250 passed the Senate: New breakthroughs in medicine are happening every day and have the potential of helping Kansans who are suffering from life-threatening or debilitating diseases. To help provide hope, the Senate passed SB250, which would create the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act. The bill would authorize a manufacturer operating in an eligible facility to make available individualized investigative&nbsp;treatments and allow individuals with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to request an individualized investigational drug, biologic product, or device from such manufacturers.

SB161 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. SB161 passed 30-10.

The Kansas Senate took a unanimous stand against prostitution and against sex trafficking by passing SB71, which would increase criminal penalties for buying sexual relations. It also would require certain offenders to complete an educational or treatment program regarding commercial sexual exploitation. Under current law, violation of buying sexual relations is a misdemeanor on a first offense and a felony on subsequent offenses. The bill would remove the crime’s misdemeanor classification and instead make all violations of buying sexual relations a severity level 9-person felony and increase the minimum fine amount from $1,200 to $2,000.

The Kansas Senate voted 28-12 to approve SB29, which 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 against public gatherings but would not be able to prohibit them.

On Tuesday, the Kansas Senate voted 31-9 to override the governor’s veto of SB63, the Help Not Harm Act. The House quickly followed, and the legislation is now law.

SB85 passed the Senate and will 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.

These are just a few of the bills passed by the Senate this last week. In my next newsletter I will address future bills.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA February 23, 2025Last&nbsp; week, the Kansas Legislature reached “halftime,” the mid-point of the legislative session commonly referred to inside the Capitol as “turnaround.” It is when most legislation needs to be passed out of one chamber in order to be “turned around” and considered in the other. This weekend, we were now on a brief four-day break to allow legislative staff time to process legislation.Currently, if there is a vacancy from any of our statewide elected officials, the governor has complete authority to fill the seat with anyone she wants. This anti-democratic process has the potential of instantly and radically shifting the balance of power, especially as it pertains to the United States Senate, where in recent years, the body has been divided 50-50.&nbsp;SB105 would amend the process of filling such vacancies in the offices of U.S. Senator, State Treasurer, and Commissioner of Insurance. In most instances where a seat would become vacant, the bill would establish the Joint Committee on Vacancy Appointments, which would be made up of legislators from both parties in each chamber. The committee would recommend three names for the governor to pick from. If the legislature was in session, both chambers would vote on a resolution to send to the governor with said names and the governor would have to pick from among the names. If the legislature was not in session, the committee’s recommendations would go directly to the governor. The names on the resolution would have to be members of the vacating official’s political party for the last six years. With the terrible airplane crash of the passenger jet from Wichita to Washington, D.C., this highlighted the fact that makes this legislation more urgent than ever. Our U.S. Senators and Congressman travel frequently from Kansas to Washington, D.C.SB250 passed the Senate: New breakthroughs in medicine are happening every day and have the potential of helping Kansans who are suffering from life-threatening or debilitating diseases. To help provide hope, the Senate passed SB250, which would create the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act. The bill would authorize a manufacturer operating in an eligible facility to make available individualized investigative&nbsp;treatments and allow individuals with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to request an individualized investigational drug, biologic product, or device from such manufacturers.SB161 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. SB161 passed 30-10.The Kansas Senate took a unanimous stand against prostitution and against sex trafficking by passing SB71, which would increase criminal penalties for buying sexual relations. It also would require certain offenders to complete an educational or treatment program regarding commercial sexual exploitation. Under current law, violation of buying sexual relations is a misdemeanor on a first offense and a felony on subsequent offenses. The bill would remove the crime’s misdemeanor classification and instead make all violations of buying sexual relations a severity level 9-person felony and increase the minimum fine amount from $1,200 to $2,000.The Kansas Senate voted 28-12 to approve SB29, which 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 against public gatherings but would not be able to prohibit them.On Tuesday, the Kansas Senate voted 31-9 to override the governor’s veto of SB63, the Help Not Harm Act. The House quickly followed, and the legislation is now law.SB85 passed the Senate and will 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.These are just a few of the bills passed by the Senate this last week. In my next newsletter I will address future bills.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate Scene Feb. 25, 2025

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays hit a new record high Tuesday with a high of 76, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

Hays is forecast to see a slight decrease in temperature in the coming days, with chances of rain beginning Sunday.

The forecast for today is sunny and breezy, with a high of 60 and winds 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

The warm trend continues on Thursday, with a high of 64. The high for Friday is forecast to be 67, 58 on Saturday and 54 on Sunday, with a 30% chance of rain.

By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays hit a new record high Tuesday with a high of 76, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.The low for Tuesday night was 34.Hays is forecast to see a slight decrease in temperature in the coming days, with chances of rain beginning Sunday.The forecast for today is sunny and breezy, with a high of 60 and winds 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.The warm trend continues on Thursday, with a high of 64. The high for Friday is forecast to be 67, 58 on Saturday and 54 on Sunday, with a 30% chance of rain.

Hays sets record high on Tuesday; warming trend to continue

Reporter Cristina Janney talks with Women Who Lead board member Nancy Jeter about their annual Power of the Purse fundraiser and their past and present projects on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Tickets can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://womenwholead.org/">womenwholead.org</a>. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Women Who Lead - Power of the Purse" 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=qy9du-1816c09-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>Reporter Cristina Janney talks with Women Who Lead board member Nancy Jeter about their annual Power of the Purse fundraiser and their past and present projects on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740507392723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tickets can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://womenwholead.org/">womenwholead.org</a>. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday.

🎙 Post Podcast: Women Who Lead prepares for Power of Purse fundraiser

Ellis County EMS is mapping the locations of Automated External Defibrillators across the county using an app.

The PulsePoint AED app, available for download on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pulsepoint-aed/id867150971">iOS</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.pulsepoint.aeds.android&amp;hl=en_US">Android</a>, maps community AED locations and alerts trained responders to nearby emergencies.

Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder said the Kansas Board of EMS adopted the app in January 2024, emphasizing its potential to save lives.

“If you have CPR done early, then somebody arrives with an AED, and they’re able to give that shock and restart the heart, your chances of survival are so much greater with that,” Schroeder said.

The app monitors users' locations and sends alerts when a nearby AED is needed, assisting first responders in quickly accessing the devices.

Schroeder said the map does not show all AEDs in the area, as private units designated for staff use may not be publicly accessible.

"For instance, the Kansas Highway Patrol has one in their office, but they're a police entity, and it's not really open to the public," she said.

Businesses and public spaces can obtain AEDs without special permission. Schroeder said many organizations secure them through grants, while others purchase them for home use.

Each county appoints an administrator to oversee AED tracking, with Schroeder managing the process in Ellis County.

Businesses and organizations can list their AEDs on the PulsePoint <a href="https://www.pulsepoint.org/">website</a>.

The app includes features like CPR and AED instructions. Ellis County EMS also provides AED training and offers CPR classes throughout February for&nbsp;American Heart Month.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/28be10df-aaaf-4c16-abb8-1dcd22d94570">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Ellis County EMS to host CPR classes this month in Hays</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735914191342.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostEllis County EMS is mapping the locations of Automated External Defibrillators across the county using an app.The PulsePoint AED app, available for download on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pulsepoint-aed/id867150971">iOS</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.pulsepoint.aeds.android&amp;hl=en_US">Android</a>, maps community AED locations and alerts trained responders to nearby emergencies.Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder said the Kansas Board of EMS adopted the app in January 2024, emphasizing its potential to save lives.“If you have CPR done early, then somebody arrives with an AED, and they’re able to give that shock and restart the heart, your chances of survival are so much greater with that,” Schroeder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739995962242.jpeg" alt="The map of the PulsePoint AED app over Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>The map of the PulsePoint AED app over Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739995984258.jpeg" alt="The map of the PulsePoint AED app over the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays" />
 <figcaption>The map of the PulsePoint AED app over the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739996011793.jpeg" alt="A description of the AED located at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays" />
 <figcaption>A description of the AED located at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The app monitors users' locations and sends alerts when a nearby AED is needed, assisting first responders in quickly accessing the devices.Schroeder said the map does not show all AEDs in the area, as private units designated for staff use may not be publicly accessible."For instance, the Kansas Highway Patrol has one in their office, but they're a police entity, and it's not really open to the public," she said.Businesses and public spaces can obtain AEDs without special permission. Schroeder said many organizations secure them through grants, while others purchase them for home use.Each county appoints an administrator to oversee AED tracking, with Schroeder managing the process in Ellis County.Businesses and organizations can list their AEDs on the PulsePoint <a href="https://www.pulsepoint.org/">website</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739996218002.jpeg" alt="Guides on how to conduct CPR and use an AED in the PulsePoint AED app" />
 <figcaption>Guides on how to conduct CPR and use an AED in the PulsePoint AED app</figcaption>
 </figure>The app includes features like CPR and AED instructions. Ellis County EMS also provides AED training and offers CPR classes throughout February for&nbsp;American Heart Month.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/28be10df-aaaf-4c16-abb8-1dcd22d94570">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Ellis County EMS to host CPR classes this month in Hays</a>

Ellis County EMS maps AED locations with app to improve emergency response

COLBY&nbsp;—&nbsp;The application deadline for the Colby Community College (CCC) practical and associate degree nursing and physical therapist assistant programs is March 1.

Nursing students follow a "1 + 1" path, starting with the practical nursing (PN) program that prepares a student for the national exam to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The associate degree in nursing (ADN) is an advanced study in nursing practice for preparation for the licensure exam to become a registered nurse (RN).

CCC also offers transition courses for those holding credentials as a mobile intensive care technician (MICT) or registered respiratory technician (RRT) who want to obtain an associate degree in nursing.

The PTA degree path is designed for students to complete prerequisite courses during their first year (pre-PTA) and then apply to the program for the second year. Admission to the program is limited, and selection is made through an interview process. Students complete the prerequisites and the PTA program in four semesters and a summer.

For more information on either program, call the Division of Health Sciences at 785-460-4797 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:healthassistant@colbycc.edu">healthassistant@colbycc.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581529246979.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY&nbsp;—&nbsp;The application deadline for the Colby Community College (CCC) practical and associate degree nursing and physical therapist assistant programs is March 1.Nursing students follow a "1 + 1" path, starting with the practical nursing (PN) program that prepares a student for the national exam to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The associate degree in nursing (ADN) is an advanced study in nursing practice for preparation for the licensure exam to become a registered nurse (RN).CCC also offers transition courses for those holding credentials as a mobile intensive care technician (MICT) or registered respiratory technician (RRT) who want to obtain an associate degree in nursing.The PTA degree path is designed for students to complete prerequisite courses during their first year (pre-PTA) and then apply to the program for the second year. Admission to the program is limited, and selection is made through an interview process. Students complete the prerequisites and the PTA program in four semesters and a summer.For more information on either program, call the Division of Health Sciences at 785-460-4797 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:healthassistant@colbycc.edu">healthassistant@colbycc.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CCC nursing, PTA program application deadlines are March 1

Ellis County Conservation District

The Trego, Ellis, and Russell County Conservation Districts will be hosting a Local Working Group (LWG) meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Hays Public Library, 1205 Main Street, Hays, KS 67601. 

This event is open to the public at no cost.

The purpose of this meeting is to make recommendations to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist related to addressing natural resource concerns at local level.

“LWGs are important because they provide recommendations on local and state natural resource priorities and criteria for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation activities and programs. It is critical that the ‘boots on the ground’ have a voice in the process,” said Dan Meyerhoff, executive director for the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts.

According to Meyerhoff, the LWG should be diverse and focus on agricultural interests and natural resource issues existing in the community. Membership should include agricultural producers representing the variety of crops, livestock, and poultry raised within the local area; owners of nonindustrial private forest land, representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations; and governmental agencies carrying out agricultural and natural resource conservation and activities. 

LWGs also take into account concerns of particular historically underserved groups and individuals including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, socially disadvantaged, and limited resource groups.

To request more information about LWGs, contact the Trego Conservation District or NRCS staff by calling 785-743-2191 Extension 3. Individuals can also request information to participate virtually in the meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739899008209.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Conservation District" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Conservation District</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Conservation DistrictThe Trego, Ellis, and Russell County Conservation Districts will be hosting a Local Working Group (LWG) meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Hays Public Library, 1205 Main Street, Hays, KS 67601. This event is open to the public at no cost.The purpose of this meeting is to make recommendations to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist related to addressing natural resource concerns at local level.“LWGs are important because they provide recommendations on local and state natural resource priorities and criteria for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation activities and programs. It is critical that the ‘boots on the ground’ have a voice in the process,” said Dan Meyerhoff, executive director for the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts.According to Meyerhoff, the LWG should be diverse and focus on agricultural interests and natural resource issues existing in the community. Membership should include agricultural producers representing the variety of crops, livestock, and poultry raised within the local area; owners of nonindustrial private forest land, representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations; and governmental agencies carrying out agricultural and natural resource conservation and activities. LWGs also take into account concerns of particular historically underserved groups and individuals including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, socially disadvantaged, and limited resource groups.To request more information about LWGs, contact the Trego Conservation District or NRCS staff by calling 785-743-2191 Extension 3. Individuals can also request information to participate virtually in the meeting.

Ellis County conservation groups to host Local Working Group meeting

RUSSELL — The City’s 2024 Employee and Team of the Year were formally recognized at the February 18, 2025, Council Meeting. The City’s 2024 Department of the Year will be formally recognized at a future meeting. The City’s Employee Recognition Program provides recognition to both teams and individuals who display exceptional performance and make significant contributions toward attaining the City’s goals, objectives and mission. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The 2024 Employee of the Year is Pat Brummett. Pat serves as the City of Russell’s Sanitation Department Lead Worker. His exceptional dedication to his department is evident through his commitment to professionalism and customer service. Pat’s leadership within the Sanitation Department has fostered a culture of appreciation and respect for the profession amongst his peers. Pat also prioritizes customer service understanding the importance of building positive relationships with our customers. Thank you, Pat, for your passion and commitment to our organization!

The 2024 Team of the Year is our Lead Service Line Inventory Team. This team, made up of Megan Koetkemeyer, Travis Flegler, Tyler Cherry, Randy Baker, Isabella Dugan, Lisa Hunter, and Ashley Mai demonstrated excellent collaboration and innovative customer service to assist in the creation, completion, and submission of the EPA required Lead Service Line Inventory. This mandate required the survey of our entire community’s water service line system. This daunting task could not have been accomplished by the required deadline without their collaboration and determination to accomplish the goal. Thank you, Lead Service Line Inventory Team, for your innovative and collaborative spirit!&nbsp;

The 2024 Department of the Year is Water Production. The Water Production Department has faced a tough year of both source and equipment issues. Their ability to continue to provide our community with quality drinking water amidst their hardships demonstrates their dedication to service delivery, our customers and our community. Thank you, Water Production, for your unwavering commitment and dedication!

The employees of the City of Russell are the organization’s greatest asset. Their dedication to public service and this community is a testament to our vision statement. “As a rural city, it is our vision to serve as the County’s regional center. We will continue to be a community that is dedicated to family, friends and neighbors, where generations care for each other. We are One Russell, building a self-reliant future. This is home.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740164224459.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL — The City’s 2024 Employee and Team of the Year were formally recognized at the February 18, 2025, Council Meeting. The City’s 2024 Department of the Year will be formally recognized at a future meeting. The City’s Employee Recognition Program provides recognition to both teams and individuals who display exceptional performance and make significant contributions toward attaining the City’s goals, objectives and mission. &nbsp;&nbsp;The 2024 Employee of the Year is Pat Brummett. Pat serves as the City of Russell’s Sanitation Department Lead Worker. His exceptional dedication to his department is evident through his commitment to professionalism and customer service. Pat’s leadership within the Sanitation Department has fostered a culture of appreciation and respect for the profession amongst his peers. Pat also prioritizes customer service understanding the importance of building positive relationships with our customers. Thank you, Pat, for your passion and commitment to our organization!The 2024 Team of the Year is our Lead Service Line Inventory Team. This team, made up of Megan Koetkemeyer, Travis Flegler, Tyler Cherry, Randy Baker, Isabella Dugan, Lisa Hunter, and Ashley Mai demonstrated excellent collaboration and innovative customer service to assist in the creation, completion, and submission of the EPA required Lead Service Line Inventory. This mandate required the survey of our entire community’s water service line system. This daunting task could not have been accomplished by the required deadline without their collaboration and determination to accomplish the goal. Thank you, Lead Service Line Inventory Team, for your innovative and collaborative spirit!&nbsp;The 2024 Department of the Year is Water Production. The Water Production Department has faced a tough year of both source and equipment issues. Their ability to continue to provide our community with quality drinking water amidst their hardships demonstrates their dedication to service delivery, our customers and our community. Thank you, Water Production, for your unwavering commitment and dedication!The employees of the City of Russell are the organization’s greatest asset. Their dedication to public service and this community is a testament to our vision statement. “As a rural city, it is our vision to serve as the County’s regional center. We will continue to be a community that is dedicated to family, friends and neighbors, where generations care for each other. We are One Russell, building a self-reliant future. This is home.”

Russell announces employee, team, department of the year

At about 6:56 p.m. Monday, the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire with smoke showing located at 1725 Haney Drive in Hays.

Upon arrival, fire crews found a detached garage behind the home heavily involved with fire. Crews quickly deployed two 1 ¾-inch handlines to attack the fire.

Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control. Crews stayed on the scene, searching for and extinguishing hot spots.

No injuries were reported. An investigation was conducted after the fire to try and determine the cause and origin of the fire. The investigation concluded that the fire was accidental.

The Hays Fire Department, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Hays Police Department and Midwest Energy all responded.

The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly.

Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program. You can also find more information at our website <a href="http://www.haysusa.com">www.haysusa.com</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Hays Fire DepartmentAt about 6:56 p.m. Monday, the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire with smoke showing located at 1725 Haney Drive in Hays.Upon arrival, fire crews found a detached garage behind the home heavily involved with fire. Crews quickly deployed two 1 ¾-inch handlines to attack the fire.Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control. Crews stayed on the scene, searching for and extinguishing hot spots.No injuries were reported. An investigation was conducted after the fire to try and determine the cause and origin of the fire. The investigation concluded that the fire was accidental.The Hays Fire Department, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Hays Police Department and Midwest Energy all responded.The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly.Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program. You can also find more information at our website <a href="http://www.haysusa.com">www.haysusa.com</a>.&nbsp;

Structure fire in east Hays Monday night

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740493746443.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>

Hays High at Dodge City Tuesday, Feb. 25th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network WILL BE POSTED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE GAME&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2219647">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

Hays High resumes Western Athletic Conference as they visit Dodge City for their final road trip of the regular season.

Live video is not available due to streaming restrictions at Dodge City High School. Video will be posted following the contest.

The Hays girls can claim the conference title with a victory.

Tip-off for the girls game is 6:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network with the boys game to follow.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High at Dodge City Tuesday, Feb. 25th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network WILL BE POSTED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE GAME&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2219647">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>Hays High resumes Western Athletic Conference as they visit Dodge City for their final road trip of the regular season.Live video is not available due to streaming restrictions at Dodge City High School. Video will be posted following the contest.The Hays girls can claim the conference title with a victory.Tip-off for the girls game is 6:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network with the boys game to follow.&nbsp;

🏀🎧AUDIO ONLY: Hays travels to Dodge City

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Multi-million dollar profit margins at the Department of Energy (DOE) appear to be coming to an end. 

For the first time since April, DOE did not add crude to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) last week. The department announced shortly before the presidential election that it had spent the fund appropriated&nbsp; by Congress to recoup some of the crude oil sold from the SPR three years ago to tame prices.

Strategic reserves currently stand at just over 395 million barrels. That's down about 200 million barrels from three years ago, but up 36 million barrels in the last year. DOE replaced barrels sold&nbsp; three years ago&nbsp; for $90 to $95 a barrel with barrels bought for $70 to $75 per barrel. The U.S. Treasury gained upwards of $540 million in savings by selling high and buying low.

The government reported a build in U.S. commercial crude stockpiles of nearly five million barrels to just over 432 million as of February 14. That's the fourth weekly increase in a row, totaling 20 million barrels over four weeks. The Energy Information Administration says inventories are about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

The U.S. imports more crude than we export by nearly 1.5 million barrels a day. Petroleum products exports lead imports by more than five million. 

The Energy Information Administration reports crude imports last week dropped by half a million daily barrels from the week before, to 5.8 million barrels per day.

Independent Oil and Gas service reports 24 newly-completed wells for the week ending February 20. That's 192 so far this year, which is up from 114 a year ago. Operators last week completed two wells in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Kansas regulators okayed 20 new drilling locations for a total of 101 new drilling permits so far this year. There are three new permits in Western Kansas including one in Stafford County.

U.S. crude production inched up last week to 13,497,000 barrels per day. That's up 3,000 barrels a day from a week ago, 197,000 barrels higher than a year ago, and the ninth best week ever.&nbsp; Cumulative production so far this year is up nearly three percent from a year ago.

Baker Hughes reports a spike in oil exploration, with horizontal drilling up six rigs. There are 488 active oil rigs nationwide, up seven rigs from a week ago. The total of 592 active rigs reflects an increase of five rigs in Oklahoma, while New Mexico and Utah each dropped by one rig.&nbsp; The weekly tally for gas drilling was down two rigs.

The latest Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down 20% from a week ago with 12 active rigs. Three of those are in eastern Kansas, which drops by four rigs. Nine are west of Wichita, which is up one. The tally is down nearly 30 percent from a month ago and nearly 43 percent from a year ago.

The Kansas Geological Society sent a letter to members this week indicating they've discovered some long-running bookkeeping irregularities, including unbilled invoices, unpaid bills, and unreported tax garnishments. The announcement dated Monday notes what it calls a "reduction in staff," after "appropriate disciplinary action" was taken, but did not include any names or dollar amounts. The open letter suggests they've seen no evidence of illegal activity as of yet, but says the board brought in an accounting firm to rebuild and reconcile the books.

Forbes magazine now calls Diamondback Energy "...the biggest independent kid on the Permian block." Diamondback was already huge when it announced this week that it's buying Double Eagle's 40,000 net acres and &nbsp;27 million barrels a day in current production. The deal is worth more than four billion dollars in cash and stock. One analyst points out that after three years of furious deal-making, this deal leaves few remaining opportunities for big mergers and acquisitions in the Permian Basin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaMulti-million dollar profit margins at the Department of Energy (DOE) appear to be coming to an end. For the first time since April, DOE did not add crude to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) last week. The department announced shortly before the presidential election that it had spent the fund appropriated&nbsp; by Congress to recoup some of the crude oil sold from the SPR three years ago to tame prices.Strategic reserves currently stand at just over 395 million barrels. That's down about 200 million barrels from three years ago, but up 36 million barrels in the last year. DOE replaced barrels sold&nbsp; three years ago&nbsp; for $90 to $95 a barrel with barrels bought for $70 to $75 per barrel. The U.S. Treasury gained upwards of $540 million in savings by selling high and buying low.The government reported a build in U.S. commercial crude stockpiles of nearly five million barrels to just over 432 million as of February 14. That's the fourth weekly increase in a row, totaling 20 million barrels over four weeks. The Energy Information Administration says inventories are about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year.The U.S. imports more crude than we export by nearly 1.5 million barrels a day. Petroleum products exports lead imports by more than five million. The Energy Information Administration reports crude imports last week dropped by half a million daily barrels from the week before, to 5.8 million barrels per day.Independent Oil and Gas service reports 24 newly-completed wells for the week ending February 20. That's 192 so far this year, which is up from 114 a year ago. Operators last week completed two wells in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Kansas regulators okayed 20 new drilling locations for a total of 101 new drilling permits so far this year. There are three new permits in Western Kansas including one in Stafford County.U.S. crude production inched up last week to 13,497,000 barrels per day. That's up 3,000 barrels a day from a week ago, 197,000 barrels higher than a year ago, and the ninth best week ever.&nbsp; Cumulative production so far this year is up nearly three percent from a year ago.Baker Hughes reports a spike in oil exploration, with horizontal drilling up six rigs. There are 488 active oil rigs nationwide, up seven rigs from a week ago. The total of 592 active rigs reflects an increase of five rigs in Oklahoma, while New Mexico and Utah each dropped by one rig.&nbsp; The weekly tally for gas drilling was down two rigs.The latest Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down 20% from a week ago with 12 active rigs. Three of those are in eastern Kansas, which drops by four rigs. Nine are west of Wichita, which is up one. The tally is down nearly 30 percent from a month ago and nearly 43 percent from a year ago.The Kansas Geological Society sent a letter to members this week indicating they've discovered some long-running bookkeeping irregularities, including unbilled invoices, unpaid bills, and unreported tax garnishments. The announcement dated Monday notes what it calls a "reduction in staff," after "appropriate disciplinary action" was taken, but did not include any names or dollar amounts. The open letter suggests they've seen no evidence of illegal activity as of yet, but says the board brought in an accounting firm to rebuild and reconcile the books.Forbes magazine now calls Diamondback Energy "...the biggest independent kid on the Permian block." Diamondback was already huge when it announced this week that it's buying Double Eagle's 40,000 net acres and &nbsp;27 million barrels a day in current production. The deal is worth more than four billion dollars in cash and stock. One analyst points out that after three years of furious deal-making, this deal leaves few remaining opportunities for big mergers and acquisitions in the Permian Basin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: SPR refills trickle down

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/sam-zeff">SAM ZEFF</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-02-24/if-trumps-layoffs-hit-the-kansas-city-fbi-office-job-cuts-are-only-going-to-make-us-less-safe">KCUR</a>

President Trump’s pick for FBI Director, Kash Patel, has been confirmed — prompting fears of possible layoffs in the bureau. Some local officials worry that a diminished FBI presence in Kansas and Missouri could harm local law enforcement.

The FBI Kansas City Field Office has more than a hundred agents (the actual number is classified) but chances are you’ve never seen one. Unlike the police, they aren’t driving around in marked vehicles with lights on top. But they are there working on cases and assisting local police.

“We depend on them, and they depend on us to make America safe. There is no question of that,” Johnson County Sheriff Byron Roberson said.

As sweeping layoffs are announced at federal agencies under the new Trump administration, former FBI agents and top law enforcement officials worry about what will happen to the 56 field offices around the country, including Kansas City’s.

The Bureau has already&nbsp;<a href="https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/01/30/politics/senior-fbi-leaders-demoted-wray" target="_blank">fired or forced six top officials to retire</a>. The administration has also gone on a binge firing federal probationary employees — something that would have a huge impact on the FBI. The F.B.I. Agents Association says 10% of the workforce is still in their probationary period.

Department of Justice leadership also demanded a list of all employeeswho participated in January 6th investigations, prompting fear that those FBI employees would be targeted for firing. That would certainly include veteran agents assigned to Kansas City.

“My concern is, if we lose the institutional knowledge that those individuals have in their jobs through this process of eliminating federal employees, it's only going to make us less safe,” said former Kansas U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

The FBI Kansas City Field Office has investigators spread across Kansas and western Missouri in eight offices called resident agencies. These small offices — often just two agents — work especially closely with local law enforcement.

Grissom was appointed U.S. Attorney by President Barack Obama and served from 2010 to 2016. He is now in private practice. He says even losing a few agents could be a big problem. An agent may be working 15 to 20 cases at a time. Many of those investigations involve intense coordination between FBI agents and local law enforcement.

“(Local agencies) are the eyes and ears on the ground,” Grissom told KCUR.

That includes counterterrorism, even in Kansas and Missouri.

“The counterterrorism problem is not just a national problem, but it's also a local problem,” said retired FBI agent Greg Vecchi, who now runs a security consulting firm in Olathe.

The local field office runs several task forces that include local and state law enforcement. The most important, Vecchi said, is the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

“The FBI has got to be able to have relationships with the various jurisdictions when and where the actual attacks are planned,” he said.

That was the case in 2018 when resident agents in Garden City, Kansas, worked with police and sheriff’s deputies to stop a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/03/20/595163065/mosque-bombing-plot-rattles-immigrants-in-kansas-meat-triangle" target="_blank">plot to bomb a mosque and apartment complex</a>&nbsp;to kill Somali immigrants.

“During my time as the U.S. attorney, we had two acts, I should say, potential acts of terrorism that the FBI was intimately involved in,” Grissom said. One stopped a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/08/31/436414417/wichita-man-sentenced-to-20-years-in-airport-bomb-plot" target="_blank">suicide car bombing at the Wichita airport&nbsp;</a>in December 2013 the other stopped another suicide car bombing in 2015&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/09/23/763544037/kansas-soldier-charged-with-teaching-bomb-making-to-far-right-extremists" target="_blank">targeting Fort Riley</a>, home to the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

In addition, the Kansas City office runs the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Safe Streets Task Force, which targets gangs and drug cartels.

The office also provides training to local police and sheriff’s departments. Vecchi said when he ran the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit in Quantico, Virginia, his agents would often train local police on interrogation.

“That is a huge benefit to law enforcement,” he said. The office also offers training to local SWAT teams.

All of that, plus access to the FBI’s Washington lab and the Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory in Kansas City all comes at no additional cost to local governments or police departments.

Vecchi believes if local field agents are fired, those working in administration will be reassigned to the street. But if the cuts go deeper, that’s a huge problem. If there are mass layoffs or firings, Vecchi said, “It's going to absolutely cripple” training and investigating counterterrorism.

Roberson, who was police chief in Prairie Village before being elected sheriff, said any cuts at the Kansas City Field Office will damage local law enforcement.

“There is great leadership that could be lost in that organization that you can't just go out and reinvent and just pick that up off the street,” Roberson said.

Patel is also now in line to take over another agency in jeopardy — the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-director-kash-patel-atf-justice-department-e57250b2ac883af1c2fa7b4bf46ad876" target="_blank">according to the Associated Press</a>.

Missouri Rep. Eric Burlison from Springfield has filed a bill to abolish the agency. On social media, Burlison has said the ATF "consistently violates Second Amendment rights" and claims its functions are duplicative.

“The state of Missouri has all of the agencies that we need to regulate everything that the ATF does,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missourinet.com/2024/12/13/missouri-congressman-burlison-wants-to-get-rid-of-atf-calls-social-security-a-forced-pension/" target="_blank">he told MissouriNet in December</a>.

Rep. Mark Alford, who represents much of suburban Kansas City and mid-Missouri, has joined as a co-sponsor.

"Proud to be a cosponsor of Rep. Eric Burlison's bill, H.R. 221 — ABOLISH THE ATF!" he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile/100089595940547/search/?q=abolish%20atf" target="_blank">wrote on Facebook</a>.

The ATF investigates gun crimes and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-04-08/a-missouri-county-wont-work-with-the-atf-claiming-the-federal-agency-is-unconstitutional" target="_blank">regulates federal firearms dealers</a>. It also looks into arsons, including an arson at the Waldo Heights apartments on 81st Street and Holmes in 2021 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article260238435.html" target="_blank">one at Stonegate Meadows apartments</a>&nbsp;in 2022 that injured 15 people, including nine children.

“The idea that you would just do away with that agency for political partisanship reasons only I think is incredibly shortsighted by the congressmen,” Grissom told KCUR. “I'm really surprised that Congressman Alford would take that position.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740494555747.png" alt="The Kansas City FBI office in Kansas City north has 300 employees and covers all of Kansas and western Missouri. Photo by Sam Zeff/KCUR" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City FBI office in Kansas City north has 300 employees and covers all of Kansas and western Missouri. Photo by Sam Zeff/KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/sam-zeff">SAM ZEFF</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-02-24/if-trumps-layoffs-hit-the-kansas-city-fbi-office-job-cuts-are-only-going-to-make-us-less-safe">KCUR</a><h2>President Trump’s pick for FBI Director, Kash Patel, has been confirmed — prompting fears of possible layoffs in the bureau. Some local officials worry that a diminished FBI presence in Kansas and Missouri could harm local law enforcement.</h2>The FBI Kansas City Field Office has more than a hundred agents (the actual number is classified) but chances are you’ve never seen one. Unlike the police, they aren’t driving around in marked vehicles with lights on top. But they are there working on cases and assisting local police.“We depend on them, and they depend on us to make America safe. There is no question of that,” Johnson County Sheriff Byron Roberson said.As sweeping layoffs are announced at federal agencies under the new Trump administration, former FBI agents and top law enforcement officials worry about what will happen to the 56 field offices around the country, including Kansas City’s.The Bureau has already&nbsp;<a href="https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/01/30/politics/senior-fbi-leaders-demoted-wray" target="_blank">fired or forced six top officials to retire</a>. The administration has also gone on a binge firing federal probationary employees — something that would have a huge impact on the FBI. The F.B.I. Agents Association says 10% of the workforce is still in their probationary period.Department of Justice leadership also demanded a list of all employeeswho participated in January 6th investigations, prompting fear that those FBI employees would be targeted for firing. That would certainly include veteran agents assigned to Kansas City.“My concern is, if we lose the institutional knowledge that those individuals have in their jobs through this process of eliminating federal employees, it's only going to make us less safe,” said former Kansas U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.<h2>Why have FBI field offices?</h2>The FBI Kansas City Field Office has investigators spread across Kansas and western Missouri in eight offices called resident agencies. These small offices — often just two agents — work especially closely with local law enforcement.Grissom was appointed U.S. Attorney by President Barack Obama and served from 2010 to 2016. He is now in private practice. He says even losing a few agents could be a big problem. An agent may be working 15 to 20 cases at a time. Many of those investigations involve intense coordination between FBI agents and local law enforcement.“(Local agencies) are the eyes and ears on the ground,” Grissom told KCUR.That includes counterterrorism, even in Kansas and Missouri.“The counterterrorism problem is not just a national problem, but it's also a local problem,” said retired FBI agent Greg Vecchi, who now runs a security consulting firm in Olathe.The local field office runs several task forces that include local and state law enforcement. The most important, Vecchi said, is the Joint Terrorism Task Force.“The FBI has got to be able to have relationships with the various jurisdictions when and where the actual attacks are planned,” he said.That was the case in 2018 when resident agents in Garden City, Kansas, worked with police and sheriff’s deputies to stop a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/03/20/595163065/mosque-bombing-plot-rattles-immigrants-in-kansas-meat-triangle" target="_blank">plot to bomb a mosque and apartment complex</a>&nbsp;to kill Somali immigrants.“During my time as the U.S. attorney, we had two acts, I should say, potential acts of terrorism that the FBI was intimately involved in,” Grissom said. One stopped a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/08/31/436414417/wichita-man-sentenced-to-20-years-in-airport-bomb-plot" target="_blank">suicide car bombing at the Wichita airport&nbsp;</a>in December 2013 the other stopped another suicide car bombing in 2015&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/09/23/763544037/kansas-soldier-charged-with-teaching-bomb-making-to-far-right-extremists" target="_blank">targeting Fort Riley</a>, home to the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.In addition, the Kansas City office runs the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Safe Streets Task Force, which targets gangs and drug cartels.The office also provides training to local police and sheriff’s departments. Vecchi said when he ran the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit in Quantico, Virginia, his agents would often train local police on interrogation.“That is a huge benefit to law enforcement,” he said. The office also offers training to local SWAT teams.All of that, plus access to the FBI’s Washington lab and the Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory in Kansas City all comes at no additional cost to local governments or police departments.Vecchi believes if local field agents are fired, those working in administration will be reassigned to the street. But if the cuts go deeper, that’s a huge problem. If there are mass layoffs or firings, Vecchi said, “It's going to absolutely cripple” training and investigating counterterrorism.Roberson, who was police chief in Prairie Village before being elected sheriff, said any cuts at the Kansas City Field Office will damage local law enforcement.“There is great leadership that could be lost in that organization that you can't just go out and reinvent and just pick that up off the street,” Roberson said.<h2>The ATF also at risk</h2>Patel is also now in line to take over another agency in jeopardy — the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-director-kash-patel-atf-justice-department-e57250b2ac883af1c2fa7b4bf46ad876" target="_blank">according to the Associated Press</a>.Missouri Rep. Eric Burlison from Springfield has filed a bill to abolish the agency. On social media, Burlison has said the ATF "consistently violates Second Amendment rights" and claims its functions are duplicative.“The state of Missouri has all of the agencies that we need to regulate everything that the ATF does,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missourinet.com/2024/12/13/missouri-congressman-burlison-wants-to-get-rid-of-atf-calls-social-security-a-forced-pension/" target="_blank">he told MissouriNet in December</a>.Rep. Mark Alford, who represents much of suburban Kansas City and mid-Missouri, has joined as a co-sponsor."Proud to be a cosponsor of Rep. Eric Burlison's bill, H.R. 221 — ABOLISH THE ATF!" he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile/100089595940547/search/?q=abolish%20atf" target="_blank">wrote on Facebook</a>.The ATF investigates gun crimes and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-04-08/a-missouri-county-wont-work-with-the-atf-claiming-the-federal-agency-is-unconstitutional" target="_blank">regulates federal firearms dealers</a>. It also looks into arsons, including an arson at the Waldo Heights apartments on 81st Street and Holmes in 2021 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article260238435.html" target="_blank">one at Stonegate Meadows apartments</a>&nbsp;in 2022 that injured 15 people, including nine children.“The idea that you would just do away with that agency for political partisanship reasons only I think is incredibly shortsighted by the congressmen,” Grissom told KCUR. “I'm really surprised that Congressman Alford would take that position.”

If Trump's layoffs hit the Kansas City FBI office, job cuts are 'only going to make us less safe'

Freshly made, crispy and golden, Pecking Order is bringing a new take on fried chicken with a bold new identity to Hays.

Pecking Order, 2401 Vine St., opens Wednesday under the direction of Chef Austin Petz and the team from his other establishment, Verdant Bistro.

"We needed to come in and create a whole new identity. I find that extremely important when doing restaurants," Petz said. "This is a whole new management and whole new ball game at the end of the day."

Petz emphasized a new era for the establishment as he takes it under his wing with a complete interior and menu transformation.

The interior has been reimagined, moving from the previous bright pink and green color scheme to a fresh, modern design that better reflects the new brand.

Petz said he is bringing to Pecking Order a menu expansion to include high-quality ingredients and chef-curated recipes.

"All of our chicken sandwiches are going to be really great, but what is going to stand out very differently than all the others is going to be our Pecking chicken roll," he said.

The Pecking chicken roll is a chicken tender in a hot dog bun that Petz said is more affordable for customers.

Other menu items include classic chicken sandwiches, Pecking chicken sandwiches, fancy chicken sandwiches, jumbo nuggets, wings and drumsticks. Spice options range from mild to extra hot.

Other plans for Pecking Orders include 50-cent wing deals, limited-time offers to keep things fresh, student discounts and an in-store kiosk for quicker service.

Petz said preparing to open Pecking Orders has been challenging, with delays due to weather conditions and tight budgeting. With the numerous changes, he hopes to change how customers approach the chicken joint.

"I hear tremendously that there's not a lot of parking here and that's absolutely true. What we're trying to do is push people more towards carry out, delivery and take out," Petz said.

Petz is striving to distinguish Pecking Order from past ownership and Kluckin' Chicken but acknowledges the contributions of Jacob Proffitt.

"I want to give him a lot of credit. He's been a great guy through this entire process, and he's done a lot for this community," he said.

In addition to Pecking Order and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Verdant.Bistro">Verdant Bistro</a>, Petz also owns <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565800494586">Tiger Station</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555862908901">Shirley’s German To Go</a>, which he acquired in a package deal.

Kluckin’ Chicken closed on Jan. 1 due to financial struggles, declining customer interest and branding challenges, prompting a complete rebrand that Petz aims to establish as a standout in Hays.

Pecking Order is open&nbsp;from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.&nbsp;

You can order online at Pecking Order's <a href="https://peckingorderchicken.square.site/">website </a>and follow the restaurant on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572178404623">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740086569785.jpeg" alt="Seating and interior of Pecking Order in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Seating and interior of Pecking Order in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFreshly made, crispy and golden, Pecking Order is bringing a new take on fried chicken with a bold new identity to Hays.Pecking Order, 2401 Vine St., opens Wednesday under the direction of Chef Austin Petz and the team from his other establishment, Verdant Bistro."We needed to come in and create a whole new identity. I find that extremely important when doing restaurants," Petz said. "This is a whole new management and whole new ball game at the end of the day."Petz emphasized a new era for the establishment as he takes it under his wing with a complete interior and menu transformation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740086599196.jpeg" alt="The front counter of Pecking Order in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The front counter of Pecking Order in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The interior has been reimagined, moving from the previous bright pink and green color scheme to a fresh, modern design that better reflects the new brand.Petz said he is bringing to Pecking Order a menu expansion to include high-quality ingredients and chef-curated recipes."All of our chicken sandwiches are going to be really great, but what is going to stand out very differently than all the others is going to be our Pecking chicken roll," he said.The Pecking chicken roll is a chicken tender in a hot dog bun that Petz said is more affordable for customers.Other menu items include classic chicken sandwiches, Pecking chicken sandwiches, fancy chicken sandwiches, jumbo nuggets, wings and drumsticks. Spice options range from mild to extra hot.Other plans for Pecking Orders include 50-cent wing deals, limited-time offers to keep things fresh, student discounts and an in-store kiosk for quicker service.Petz said preparing to open Pecking Orders has been challenging, with delays due to weather conditions and tight budgeting. With the numerous changes, he hopes to change how customers approach the chicken joint."I hear tremendously that there's not a lot of parking here and that's absolutely true. What we're trying to do is push people more towards carry out, delivery and take out," Petz said.Petz is striving to distinguish Pecking Order from past ownership and Kluckin' Chicken but acknowledges the contributions of Jacob Proffitt."I want to give him a lot of credit. He's been a great guy through this entire process, and he's done a lot for this community," he said.In addition to Pecking Order and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Verdant.Bistro">Verdant Bistro</a>, Petz also owns <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565800494586">Tiger Station</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555862908901">Shirley’s German To Go</a>, which he acquired in a package deal.Kluckin’ Chicken closed on Jan. 1 due to financial struggles, declining customer interest and branding challenges, prompting a complete rebrand that Petz aims to establish as a standout in Hays.Pecking Order is open&nbsp;from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.&nbsp;You can order online at Pecking Order's <a href="https://peckingorderchicken.square.site/">website </a>and follow the restaurant on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572178404623">Facebook</a>.

Pecking Order brings chef-driven fried chicken to Hays

TOPEKA — A documentary about a local central Kansas attraction received a 2nd place award in the recently announced Festival of Media Arts competition. 

The Garden of Eden, located in Lucas earned this prestigious award in the short form documentary category. 

The awards were announced by the Broadcast Education Association (Washington, DC) for projects completed in 2024. The BEA Festival is the preeminent international media competition focused on student and faculty creative endeavors. Over 1,700 submissions were entered in 60 different categories ranging from audio, video, interactive multimedia, news, scriptwriting and sports. 

Ryan Schuckman, a graduate of Hays High School and a junior in the Department of Informatics at Fort Hays State University created the documentary by researching the project, shooting the rough footage, obtaining supplemental historical images, editing the footage and mixing the final audio/video piece.&nbsp;He also arranged and conducted the interview with Ericka Nelson, the Cultural Resources Director for the Garden of Eden.

The documentary has been featured on Smoky Hills PBS, Bunker Hill, Tiger Media Network and various other social media sites. 

The Broadcast Education Association (BEA) is an international academic media organization promoting excellence in media production and career advancement for educators, students and professionals. The BEA is devoted to multimedia research and teaching, and retains the historical purpose to prepare college students interested in telecommunications and electronic mass media for careers in radio and television.&nbsp;

Links: <a href="https://beaweb.org/festival/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-student-win.pdf">https://beaweb.org/festival/wp-ontent/uploads/2025/02/2025-student-win.pdf</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORGRlYFpL_o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORGRlYFpL_o</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://beaweb.org/wp">https://beaweb.org/wp</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740072510439.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Discover KSTOPEKA — A documentary about a local central Kansas attraction received a 2nd place award in the recently announced Festival of Media Arts competition. The Garden of Eden, located in Lucas earned this prestigious award in the short form documentary category. The awards were announced by the Broadcast Education Association (Washington, DC) for projects completed in 2024. The BEA Festival is the preeminent international media competition focused on student and faculty creative endeavors. Over 1,700 submissions were entered in 60 different categories ranging from audio, video, interactive multimedia, news, scriptwriting and sports. Ryan Schuckman, a graduate of Hays High School and a junior in the Department of Informatics at Fort Hays State University created the documentary by researching the project, shooting the rough footage, obtaining supplemental historical images, editing the footage and mixing the final audio/video piece.&nbsp;He also arranged and conducted the interview with Ericka Nelson, the Cultural Resources Director for the Garden of Eden.The documentary has been featured on Smoky Hills PBS, Bunker Hill, Tiger Media Network and various other social media sites. The Broadcast Education Association (BEA) is an international academic media organization promoting excellence in media production and career advancement for educators, students and professionals. The BEA is devoted to multimedia research and teaching, and retains the historical purpose to prepare college students interested in telecommunications and electronic mass media for careers in radio and television.&nbsp;Links: <a href="https://beaweb.org/festival/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-student-win.pdf">https://beaweb.org/festival/wp-ontent/uploads/2025/02/2025-student-win.pdf</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORGRlYFpL_o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORGRlYFpL_o</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://beaweb.org/wp">https://beaweb.org/wp</a>

National award for FHSU student for Garden of Eden documentary

Ellis County has been hosting annual Severe Weather/Storm Spotter Preparedness Presentations for staff and the general public to attend and it is that time of year again.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City will be putting on the presentations at the Ellis County Emergency Services Building, located at 1105 E. 22nd St., Hays, KS 67601, in the basement training/EOC room. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740163356856.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County has been hosting annual Severe Weather/Storm Spotter Preparedness Presentations for staff and the general public to attend and it is that time of year again.The National Weather Service in Dodge City will be putting on the presentations at the Ellis County Emergency Services Building, located at 1105 E. 22nd St., Hays, KS 67601, in the basement training/EOC room. The presentations will be on Thursday, March 6. There will be two times available for personnel and the public to attend. The first presentation will begin at 3 p.m. with the next beginning at 6 p.m.There is no registration necessary and those interested need only report to the above location prior to either start time. The presentations will be approximately one hour in length and cover the basics of Kansas weather. These preparedness talks are great for the seasoned storm chaser and those who are new to Kansas weather. Please consider attending if the weather has ever interested you!