In these ridiculously partisan times,&nbsp;it may be a stretch to expect&nbsp;voters to look to the&nbsp;issues&nbsp;when&nbsp;checking a ballot&nbsp;box&nbsp;in the upcoming weeks, but that’s exactly what I’m&nbsp;asking&nbsp;you to do.

And when you look&nbsp;closely&nbsp;at&nbsp;the key issues of the economy, healthcare,&nbsp;and education, you’re going to want to vote for Ed Hammond&nbsp;to represent the 111th&nbsp;District&nbsp;(including Hays and Victoria)&nbsp;in the Kansas Legislature.

Let’s start with the economy and healthcare together since they both&nbsp;are intertwined with the issue of Medicaid&nbsp;expansion. Five years ago, a bipartisan&nbsp;Kansas Legislature passed Medicaid&nbsp;expansion, but then-Governor Brownback vetoed it.

Kansas legislators&nbsp;no doubt passed this measure&nbsp;because, quite frankly, it’s the right thing to do&nbsp;—&nbsp;and&nbsp;every surrounding state must agree:&nbsp;Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado have all passed Medicaid&nbsp;expansion, and their residents benefit, while Kansas residents do not.&nbsp;And economists note that, because of the tax benefits,&nbsp;states&nbsp;that pass expansion&nbsp;either see&nbsp;no deficit&nbsp;in&nbsp;their bottom line&nbsp;or, in some cases, even see a positive economic impact.

Without expansion, who&nbsp;even&nbsp;qualifies for Medicaid&nbsp;coverage in Kansas? Only the poorest of the poor.&nbsp;Currently,&nbsp;for a parent supporting two children,&nbsp;the salary cap&nbsp;for eligibility&nbsp;is a mere $8,500/year,&nbsp;and the wage cap is $4/hour.&nbsp;Yes, you read that right.&nbsp;It’s absurd and even negligent. This tough economy hurts&nbsp;everyone, but especially the poor—&nbsp;and without Medicaid&nbsp;expansion, they suffer even more.

“Our current representative&nbsp;[Barb Wasinger]&nbsp;has chosen not to advocate for expansion and in fact has actively participated in blocking it. The time is now to have Medicaid expansion,”&nbsp;candidate Ed Hammond says.

Were he to be elected, another&nbsp;benefit would hit close to home:&nbsp;fair and equitable state funding for Fort Hays State University, which is a&nbsp;significant&nbsp;employer and economic force in the 111th&nbsp;District.&nbsp;As a former president of FHSU, Hammond would be&nbsp;a knowledgeable and effective advocate.&nbsp;During his campaign, he has outlined&nbsp;how&nbsp;the current state-funding model is outdated and costs FHSU&nbsp;$20&nbsp;million-30 million a year.You can believe that, if elected, he will fight for our university, and the economic and educational&nbsp;boon will benefit the entire district.

Hammond will also fight for full funding for special education and K-12 schools. The current legislature, of which the incumbent is a part, has essentially robbed Peter to pay Paul. They fully funded the&nbsp;operational&nbsp;side of school budgets but then&nbsp;shortchanged the&nbsp;educational&nbsp;side, leaving special education 20% short of its necessary funding.&nbsp;So where will that money come from?&nbsp;It&nbsp;must&nbsp;come from somewhere because schools are required by law to meet the needs of disabled students.&nbsp;Hammond points out that&nbsp;this shortfall “puts pressure on local school district mill levies&nbsp;—&nbsp;equivalent to 5 mills in Hays and 3.5 in Victoria.”

Regardless of your own political party,&nbsp;if you care about the economy, the health of&nbsp;our state’s&nbsp;most vulnerable&nbsp;citizens, and&nbsp;the education of our children&nbsp;and FHSU students, then Ed Hammond deserves your vote.&nbsp;When he was president, he led Fort Hays State University&nbsp;through periods of great innovation, expansion, and financial stability. Let’s have him do the same for the State of Kansas.

In these ridiculously partisan times,&nbsp;it may be a stretch to expect&nbsp;voters to look to the&nbsp;issues&nbsp;when&nbsp;checking a ballot&nbsp;box&nbsp;in the upcoming weeks, but that’s exactly what I’m&nbsp;asking&nbsp;you to do.And when you look&nbsp;closely&nbsp;at&nbsp;the key issues of the economy, healthcare,&nbsp;and education, you’re going to want to vote for Ed Hammond&nbsp;to represent the 111th&nbsp;District&nbsp;(including Hays and Victoria)&nbsp;in the Kansas Legislature.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Let’s start with the economy and healthcare together since they both&nbsp;are intertwined with the issue of Medicaid&nbsp;expansion. Five years ago, a bipartisan&nbsp;Kansas Legislature passed Medicaid&nbsp;expansion, but then-Governor Brownback vetoed it.Kansas legislators&nbsp;no doubt passed this measure&nbsp;because, quite frankly, it’s the right thing to do&nbsp;—&nbsp;and&nbsp;every surrounding state must agree:&nbsp;Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado have all passed Medicaid&nbsp;expansion, and their residents benefit, while Kansas residents do not.&nbsp;And economists note that, because of the tax benefits,&nbsp;states&nbsp;that pass expansion&nbsp;either see&nbsp;no deficit&nbsp;in&nbsp;their bottom line&nbsp;or, in some cases, even see a positive economic impact.Without expansion, who&nbsp;even&nbsp;qualifies for Medicaid&nbsp;coverage in Kansas? Only the poorest of the poor.&nbsp;Currently,&nbsp;for a parent supporting two children,&nbsp;the salary cap&nbsp;for eligibility&nbsp;is a mere $8,500/year,&nbsp;and the wage cap is $4/hour.&nbsp;Yes, you read that right.&nbsp;It’s absurd and even negligent. This tough economy hurts&nbsp;everyone, but especially the poor—&nbsp;and without Medicaid&nbsp;expansion, they suffer even more.“Our current representative&nbsp;[Barb Wasinger]&nbsp;has chosen not to advocate for expansion and in fact has actively participated in blocking it. The time is now to have Medicaid expansion,”&nbsp;candidate Ed Hammond says.Were he to be elected, another&nbsp;benefit would hit close to home:&nbsp;fair and equitable state funding for Fort Hays State University, which is a&nbsp;significant&nbsp;employer and economic force in the 111th&nbsp;District.&nbsp;As a former president of FHSU, Hammond would be&nbsp;a knowledgeable and effective advocate.&nbsp;During his campaign, he has outlined&nbsp;how&nbsp;the current state-funding model is outdated and costs FHSU&nbsp;$20&nbsp;million-30 million a year.You can believe that, if elected, he will fight for our university, and the economic and educational&nbsp;boon will benefit the entire district.Hammond will also fight for full funding for special education and K-12 schools. The current legislature, of which the incumbent is a part, has essentially robbed Peter to pay Paul. They fully funded the&nbsp;operational&nbsp;side of school budgets but then&nbsp;shortchanged the&nbsp;educational&nbsp;side, leaving special education 20% short of its necessary funding.&nbsp;So where will that money come from?&nbsp;It&nbsp;must&nbsp;come from somewhere because schools are required by law to meet the needs of disabled students.&nbsp;Hammond points out that&nbsp;this shortfall “puts pressure on local school district mill levies&nbsp;—&nbsp;equivalent to 5 mills in Hays and 3.5 in Victoria.”Regardless of your own political party,&nbsp;if you care about the economy, the health of&nbsp;our state’s&nbsp;most vulnerable&nbsp;citizens, and&nbsp;the education of our children&nbsp;and FHSU students, then Ed Hammond deserves your vote.&nbsp;When he was president, he led Fort Hays State University&nbsp;through periods of great innovation, expansion, and financial stability. Let’s have him do the same for the State of Kansas.Cheryl Hofstetter Duffy, Hays

LETTER: Republican or Democrat, vote for Ed Hammond

Doonan Truck is seeking an individual to fill the position of Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck Technician.&nbsp;Qualified candidate would be responsible for diagnosing, repairs and maintenance of heavy-duty Class 7 and 8 diesel powered trucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Benefits include: &nbsp;Competitive pay based on experience,&nbsp;Mon-Friday work week,&nbsp;Uniforms, paid vacation,&nbsp;Paid Holidays,&nbsp;Health/Dental Insurance,&nbsp;Retirement Plan,&nbsp;Overtime,&nbsp;EOE, air-conditioned shop and heated floors.

Apply in person at dealership, 1980 W. 55th, Hays,&nbsp;Kansas, or contact Bill Rowe at 620-793-0780 or 785-621-4045.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664399164792.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Doonan Truck is seeking an individual to fill the position of Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck Technician.&nbsp;Qualified candidate would be responsible for diagnosing, repairs and maintenance of heavy-duty Class 7 and 8 diesel powered trucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits include: &nbsp;Competitive pay based on experience,&nbsp;Mon-Friday work week,&nbsp;Uniforms, paid vacation,&nbsp;Paid Holidays,&nbsp;Health/Dental Insurance,&nbsp;Retirement Plan,&nbsp;Overtime,&nbsp;EOE, air-conditioned shop and heated floors.Apply in person at dealership, 1980 W. 55th, Hays,&nbsp;Kansas, or contact Bill Rowe at 620-793-0780 or 785-621-4045.

Skilled trades tech day offered free to students by Glassman Corp. in Hays

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Enter to win Eagle Radio's Cash Grab

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By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

I fully understand that drought covered a vast majority of Kansas, including Barton County and the surrounding area. But I figured it never hurts to inform farmers of this opportunity. Irrigated soybeans&nbsp;are always an option and sometimes certain areas get an extra rain or two during the growing season that might have made for an above average soybean crop.&nbsp;

The Kansas Soybean Association is calling all soybean farmers in Kansas to enter their competitive soybean crop into the Kansas Soybean Yield Contest by December 1.

New to the 2022 Yield and Value Contests, the Kansas Soybean Association will sponsor three participants to attend Commodity Classic in March 2023. First place in both contests, as well as one randomly drawn participant who entered both contests, earn the trip.

The Kansas Soybean Commission sponsors a monetary prize for the top three finishers in each district, as well as an additional $1,000 for the overall dryland and irrigated winners and any who top the 114.3 bushel-per-acre record. The amounts per district are that first place receives $300, second receives $200, and third receives $100. All participants receive a T-shirt for entering.

Districts are determined by region, tillage method, and irrigation status, with a total of 18 districts in consideration. No-till on the Plains supplies additional awards in the no-till categories. Farmers may enter multiple categories, but only one entry per field.

Eligible fields must consist of at least five contiguous acres as verified by the Farm Service Agency, GPS printout or manual measurement. A non-relative witness, either Kansas State Research and Extension personnel or a specified designee, must be present at harvest and should ensure that the combine grain hopper is empty prior to harvest. Official elevator-scale tickets with moisture percentage and foreign matter included must accompany entries to be considered.

The statewide Kansas Soybean Value Contest that analyzes protein, oil and other soybean qualities is also open for entries. Entrants submit 20-ounce samples, which are evaluated by Ag Processing, Inc. to determine the value. Monetary awards are also given to the three highest-value entries. Farmers may enter both the yield and value contests.

Results of the contests are to be shared January 11, 2023, at the Kansas Soybean Expo in Topeka.

A full guide of contest rules and regulations, as well as the digital entry form, are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansassoybeans.org/association/contests/">kansassoybeans.org/association/contests/</a>. Questions may be directed to the Kansas Soybean office by phone at 877-KS-SOYBEAN (877-577-6923) or to local KSRE offices.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictI fully understand that drought covered a vast majority of Kansas, including Barton County and the surrounding area. But I figured it never hurts to inform farmers of this opportunity. Irrigated soybeans&nbsp;are always an option and sometimes certain areas get an extra rain or two during the growing season that might have made for an above average soybean crop.&nbsp;The Kansas Soybean Association is calling all soybean farmers in Kansas to enter their competitive soybean crop into the Kansas Soybean Yield Contest by December 1.New to the 2022 Yield and Value Contests, the Kansas Soybean Association will sponsor three participants to attend Commodity Classic in March 2023. First place in both contests, as well as one randomly drawn participant who entered both contests, earn the trip.The Kansas Soybean Commission sponsors a monetary prize for the top three finishers in each district, as well as an additional $1,000 for the overall dryland and irrigated winners and any who top the 114.3 bushel-per-acre record. The amounts per district are that first place receives $300, second receives $200, and third receives $100. All participants receive a T-shirt for entering.Districts are determined by region, tillage method, and irrigation status, with a total of 18 districts in consideration. No-till on the Plains supplies additional awards in the no-till categories. Farmers may enter multiple categories, but only one entry per field.Eligible fields must consist of at least five contiguous acres as verified by the Farm Service Agency, GPS printout or manual measurement. A non-relative witness, either Kansas State Research and Extension personnel or a specified designee, must be present at harvest and should ensure that the combine grain hopper is empty prior to harvest. Official elevator-scale tickets with moisture percentage and foreign matter included must accompany entries to be considered.The statewide Kansas Soybean Value Contest that analyzes protein, oil and other soybean qualities is also open for entries. Entrants submit 20-ounce samples, which are evaluated by Ag Processing, Inc. to determine the value. Monetary awards are also given to the three highest-value entries. Farmers may enter both the yield and value contests.Results of the contests are to be shared January 11, 2023, at the Kansas Soybean Expo in Topeka.A full guide of contest rules and regulations, as well as the digital entry form, are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansassoybeans.org/association/contests/">kansassoybeans.org/association/contests/</a>. Questions may be directed to the Kansas Soybean office by phone at 877-KS-SOYBEAN (877-577-6923) or to local KSRE offices.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: 2022 Kansas Soybean Yield and Value Contests

On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown about the latest in FHSU Football.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y4JGASRaiKc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown about the latest in FHSU Football.

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

The benchmark Nymex crude futures contract settled Friday just over $85 a barrel, but by lunchtime Monday prices were down slightly. Midday prices were just over $84 a barrel in New York for the near-month contract. London Brent was just under $93. Kansas crude prices dropped a dollar Friday. Prices are about half a dollar lower on the week, but $5.50 higher than on Oct. 1. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $75.25 per barrel at CHS in McPherson. Diesel prices in Kansas average $5.14 per gallon Monday, up eleven cents from a week earlier, 46 cents from a month ago, and $1.76 more than last year at this time. Current diesel prices in Kansas are just 23 cents shy of the all-time high. Regular gasoline prices continued to drop.&nbsp; In Kansas, the average price for a gallon of regular was $3.42 according to AAA.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration last week reported an increase in diesel fuel inventories and deliveries. But, current diesel stockpiles remain 20% below the five-year seasonal average. Total gasoline stockpiles dropped by 100,000 barrels from the week before, and are about seven percent below the five-year average. EIA reported a big drop in crude stockpiles, but an increase in U.S. production. Inventories were down 1.7 million barrels to 437.4 million barrels as of October 14th. EIA reports a 76,000 barrel-per-day increase in last week's domestic crude-oil production, which is once again over 12 million barrels per day. Imports were down 200,000 barrels per day to 5.9 million.&nbsp; The Kansas Rig Count held steady at 27 active rigs east of Wichita and 32 in the western half of the state. Drilling was underway Friday on a well in Stafford County, and operators were about to spud new wells in Ellis and Russell counties. Kansas operators have spudded 1,261 wells so far this year, a 51% increase over last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 500 wells currently in various stages of drilling or completion. Kansas regulators approved 27 new drilling permits over the last week, nine in eastern Kansas and 18 west of Wichita. That's 1,333 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, compared to 869 by this point last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 37 newly completed wells for the week, 22 east of Wichita and 15 in Western Kansas. That's 1,293 so far this year compared to 697 a year ago. Crude output from the #3 producing state held steady in August at 1.07 million barrels per day. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports operators continue to exceed the state's anti-flaring standards, capturing 94% of the natural gas produced at oil wells. Texas became the first state in the nation to begin plugging abandoned oil and gas wells using federal grants from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Plugging work began last week on an abandoned oil and gas well northeast of Corpus Christi in South Texas. The state's energy regulator, the Railroad Commission of Texas, announced they will used the initial grant to plug about 800 abandoned wells statewide. That's in addition to the 1,000 wells they plan to plug in their State Managed Plugging program, which is funded with industry fees and fines. A government report shows the nation's shale producers are slowing down the completion of wells from their inventories of wells drilled but uncompleted (DUC). The Energy Information Administration says its tally of at 4,333 DUCs in the seven largest plays is down ten wells from the month before. The tally dropped in five regions. Increases were posted in the Haynesville Shale in Texas and Louisiana, and the Niobrara play in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. Government analysts use the DUC inventory as a barometer of our ability to quickly raise crude production. Exxon Mobil completes its exit from Russia, following what it calls "the expropriation." The company complains the Russians unilaterally terminated the company's interests in the Sakhalin-1 project and transferred them to a Russian operator. The project is a giant, complex operation that produced about 227,000 barrels a day last year. It has multiple records for the longest wells ever drilled, uses ice breakers to maintain exports when the sea freezes, and was regarded as an engineering marvel when it first started pumping in 2005.&nbsp; Exxon announced its intentions to withdraw shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

BY JOHN P. TRETBARThe benchmark Nymex crude futures contract settled Friday just over $85 a barrel, but by lunchtime Monday prices were down slightly. Midday prices were just over $84 a barrel in New York for the near-month contract. London Brent was just under $93. Kansas crude prices dropped a dollar Friday. Prices are about half a dollar lower on the week, but $5.50 higher than on Oct. 1. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $75.25 per barrel at CHS in McPherson. Diesel prices in Kansas average $5.14 per gallon Monday, up eleven cents from a week earlier, 46 cents from a month ago, and $1.76 more than last year at this time. Current diesel prices in Kansas are just 23 cents shy of the all-time high. Regular gasoline prices continued to drop.&nbsp; In Kansas, the average price for a gallon of regular was $3.42 according to AAA.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration last week reported an increase in diesel fuel inventories and deliveries. But, current diesel stockpiles remain 20% below the five-year seasonal average. Total gasoline stockpiles dropped by 100,000 barrels from the week before, and are about seven percent below the five-year average. EIA reported a big drop in crude stockpiles, but an increase in U.S. production. Inventories were down 1.7 million barrels to 437.4 million barrels as of October 14th. EIA reports a 76,000 barrel-per-day increase in last week's domestic crude-oil production, which is once again over 12 million barrels per day. Imports were down 200,000 barrels per day to 5.9 million.&nbsp; The Kansas Rig Count held steady at 27 active rigs east of Wichita and 32 in the western half of the state. Drilling was underway Friday on a well in Stafford County, and operators were about to spud new wells in Ellis and Russell counties. Kansas operators have spudded 1,261 wells so far this year, a 51% increase over last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 500 wells currently in various stages of drilling or completion. Kansas regulators approved 27 new drilling permits over the last week, nine in eastern Kansas and 18 west of Wichita. That's 1,333 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, compared to 869 by this point last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 37 newly completed wells for the week, 22 east of Wichita and 15 in Western Kansas. That's 1,293 so far this year compared to 697 a year ago. Crude output from the #3 producing state held steady in August at 1.07 million barrels per day. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports operators continue to exceed the state's anti-flaring standards, capturing 94% of the natural gas produced at oil wells. Texas became the first state in the nation to begin plugging abandoned oil and gas wells using federal grants from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Plugging work began last week on an abandoned oil and gas well northeast of Corpus Christi in South Texas. The state's energy regulator, the Railroad Commission of Texas, announced they will used the initial grant to plug about 800 abandoned wells statewide. That's in addition to the 1,000 wells they plan to plug in their State Managed Plugging program, which is funded with industry fees and fines. A government report shows the nation's shale producers are slowing down the completion of wells from their inventories of wells drilled but uncompleted (DUC). The Energy Information Administration says its tally of at 4,333 DUCs in the seven largest plays is down ten wells from the month before. The tally dropped in five regions. Increases were posted in the Haynesville Shale in Texas and Louisiana, and the Niobrara play in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. Government analysts use the DUC inventory as a barometer of our ability to quickly raise crude production. Exxon Mobil completes its exit from Russia, following what it calls "the expropriation." The company complains the Russians unilaterally terminated the company's interests in the Sakhalin-1 project and transferred them to a Russian operator. The project is a giant, complex operation that produced about 227,000 barrels a day last year. It has multiple records for the longest wells ever drilled, uses ice breakers to maintain exports when the sea freezes, and was regarded as an engineering marvel when it first started pumping in 2005.&nbsp; Exxon announced its intentions to withdraw shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. diesel prices near all-time high

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Ellis County has a high arrest rate for domestic violence, but domestic&nbsp; violence services advocates question if abusers are being held accountable.

Ellis County has a high arrest rate for domestic violence incidents — 70.7 percent in 2020 — compared to the state average of 48.2 percent.

In Ellis County, 167 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2020.

However, during that same time period only 59 individuals were referred to the Batterers Intervention Program in the 18-county northwest Kansas region, said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, <a href="https://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a> director of client services.

Options sponsored several events in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, including Purple Light Night, Turn the Lights SalON!, In Her Shoes and Paint the Town Purple events.

Zampieri-Lillpopp said of the reported incidents that are being referred to the court and end up in conviction, only a fraction of those convictions include required participation in Batterers Intervention.

A greater percentage of those convicted are referred to anger management classes, which Zampieri-Lillpopp said have proven to be ineffective at preventing repeat offenses.

"The perpetrators make decisions to perpetrate violence in order to gain the power and control over another person or to get things that they want," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "One of the key features of accountability is not referring them to anger management or anything like that.

"If you refer them to a Batters Intervention Program, there is actually a chance that they could stop doing things. They're self-reflective programs. They have to pay for them. Being supervised is key."

In a Chicago study from 2007, men who participated in Batterer Intervention Programs were half as likely as those who did not to be rearrested for domestic violence. Those who completed the program were also less likely than those who were jailed to re-offend.

Studies in both Massachusetts in 2004 and Maine in 2006 found anger management classes did not reduce  recidivism among batterers. Federal Office of Violence Against Women now prohibits any grant money given to the states to fund anger management programs for domestic violence offenders.

"That is a very bad practice," Zampieri-Lillpopp said of referring batterers to anger management classes. "They know exactly how to manage their anger. They use that anger as a tool, very effectively."

Options has tried to obtain conviction data in its catchment area on both domestic violence and sexual assault cases and has hit road blocks.

Either the data is difficult for prosecutors to produce from their computer systems or court records departments have been uncooperative, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director.

The consequences of not addressing domestic violence can be fatal. In 2020, the most recent year for which data is available, 38 murders in Kansas were the result of domestic violence — 20 percent of murders in the state.

Options saw an increase in domestic violence services offered during the pandemic. Those numbers have continued to stay up, Zampieri-Lillpopp said.

The agency went from 9,500 services offered per year to more than 14,000 services offered in its 18-county service area.

Zampieri-Lillpopp said she thought more requests for services was a result of survivors being more aware of the services that are available but also an increase in incidents of domestic violence in the communities Options serves.

Options is the only domestic violence services agency in the state to have a mobile app, texting service and web chat. These applications can be easily hidden if a victim is in proximity to her abuser and all are available 24/7.

Options also has two advocates who visit mobile locations two days a week.

"We've done more, but we've also seen the fallout from that closeness, where people couldn't get help," Zampieri-Lillpopp said.

"That feature of our safety planning where the app disappears ... that's because you can't necessarily seek help when your abuser is standing there."

Increasing conviction rates and referrals to Batterer Intervention Programs are system-wide means to address domestic violence, but Zampieri-Lillpopp said addressing the issue starts on a more personal level.

"Believe people," she said. "Believe the survivor when they're telling you. 'He just got mad and smashed a plate and it cut me.' He smashed it at you? That's abnormal. That sounds abusive. Not, 'I'm sure it's fine' or 'I bet you're making something out of this that's not there.' 'He was just mad.' It's the kind of thing we hear a lot."

Options tries to educate professionals, including law enforcement, social services, court services and even hair dressers on what signs to look for and how to encourage survivors to seek help.

In the salon project, cosmetologist are learning how to refer domestic violence survivors to help safely.

"Salon professionals get really close to a lot of people, and they can see things that a lot of other people can't see," she said. "To refer people safely is a special skill that can be taught."

Zampieri-Lillpopp said everyone, including families, are affected by the circle of domestic violence.

"Curing it is going to take the entire village," she said.

Ellis County Attorney responds on Batterer Intervention

In Ellis County, if a person is convicted of a domestic violence offense and goes to prison, he is not referred to a batterer intervention program, County Attorney Robert Anderson said. 

If they are convicted of a domestic violence offense and get probation, then almost certainly, they will be ordered to get a Batterer’s Intervention Evaluation and follow through with the course if screened in, he said.

The evaluation determines whether or not they will be screened in and required to complete the Batterer’s Intervention Program. So, there are some people who are convicted of a domestic violence offense who are ordered to do the evaluation, but don’t have to do the program.

Anderson said he did not know what the numbers are, but he would say a high percentage of people who are screened end up in the program. 

This does not include cases in the rest of the 17 counties that are included in Options' service area.

Anderson noted several other factors that may affect statistics on domestic violence.

You can contact Options 24/7 at its toll free helpline at 1-800-794-4624, text HOPE to 847411, download the My Mobile Options app, 24-hour live chat online at <a href="http://help4abuse.org">help4abuse.org</a> or virtually meet with an advocate at optionsdvsa.doxy.me.

All services are free and confidential.

You can support options with monetary donations. You can donate using a credit or debit card at <a href="https://help4abuse.org/donate/">https://help4abuse.org/donate/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666291612092.jpeg" alt="This poster that says "He beat her 150 times. She only got flowers once" was part of the role-playing activity, In Her Shoes, sponsored by Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services on Oct. 11 at the Hays Public Library as a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>This poster that says "He beat her 150 times. She only got flowers once" was part of the role-playing activity, In Her Shoes, sponsored by Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services on Oct. 11 at the Hays Public Library as a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEllis County has a high arrest rate for domestic violence, but domestic&nbsp; violence services advocates question if abusers are being held accountable. Ellis County has a high arrest rate for domestic violence incidents — 70.7 percent in 2020 — compared to the state average of 48.2 percent.In Ellis County, 167 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2020.However, during that same time period only 59 individuals were referred to the Batterers Intervention Program in the 18-county northwest Kansas region, said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, <a href="https://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a> director of client services.Options sponsored several events in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, including Purple Light Night, Turn the Lights SalON!, In Her Shoes and Paint the Town Purple events. Zampieri-Lillpopp said of the reported incidents that are being referred to the court and end up in conviction, only a fraction of those convictions include required participation in Batterers Intervention.A greater percentage of those convicted are referred to anger management classes, which Zampieri-Lillpopp said have proven to be ineffective at preventing repeat offenses."The perpetrators make decisions to perpetrate violence in order to gain the power and control over another person or to get things that they want," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "One of the key features of accountability is not referring them to anger management or anything like that."If you refer them to a Batters Intervention Program, there is actually a chance that they could stop doing things. They're self-reflective programs. They have to pay for them. Being supervised is key."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666292022226.jpeg" alt="A woman participates in the "In Her Shoes" role-playing activity sponsored by Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. The headline on top of the poster says "Hays man arrested in homicide," illustrating that not all domestic violence victims make it out of their abusive relationships. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A woman participates in the "In Her Shoes" role-playing activity sponsored by Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. The headline on top of the poster says "Hays man arrested in homicide," illustrating that not all domestic violence victims make it out of their abusive relationships. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>In a Chicago study from 2007, men who participated in Batterer Intervention Programs were half as likely as those who did not to be rearrested for domestic violence. Those who completed the program were also less likely than those who were jailed to re-offend.Studies in both Massachusetts in 2004 and Maine in 2006 found anger management classes did not reduce recidivism among batterers. Federal Office of Violence Against Women now prohibits any grant money given to the states to fund anger management programs for domestic violence offenders."That is a very bad practice," Zampieri-Lillpopp said of referring batterers to anger management classes. "They know exactly how to manage their anger. They use that anger as a tool, very effectively." Options has tried to obtain conviction data in its catchment area on both domestic violence and sexual assault cases and has hit road blocks.Either the data is difficult for prosecutors to produce from their computer systems or court records departments have been uncooperative, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director. The consequences of not addressing domestic violence can be fatal. In 2020, the most recent year for which data is available, 38 murders in Kansas were the result of domestic violence — 20 percent of murders in the state.Options saw an increase in domestic violence services offered during the pandemic. Those numbers have continued to stay up, Zampieri-Lillpopp said.The agency went from 9,500 services offered per year to more than 14,000 services offered in its 18-county service area.Zampieri-Lillpopp said she thought more requests for services was a result of survivors being more aware of the services that are available but also an increase in incidents of domestic violence in the communities Options serves.Options is the only domestic violence services agency in the state to have a mobile app, texting service and web chat. These applications can be easily hidden if a victim is in proximity to her abuser and all are available 24/7.Options also has two advocates who visit mobile locations two days a week. "We've done more, but we've also seen the fallout from that closeness, where people couldn't get help," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "That feature of our safety planning where the app disappears ... that's because you can't necessarily seek help when your abuser is standing there."Increasing conviction rates and referrals to Batterer Intervention Programs are system-wide means to address domestic violence, but Zampieri-Lillpopp said addressing the issue starts on a more personal level."Believe people," she said. "Believe the survivor when they're telling you. 'He just got mad and smashed a plate and it cut me.' He smashed it at you? That's abnormal. That sounds abusive. Not, 'I'm sure it's fine' or 'I bet you're making something out of this that's not there.' 'He was just mad.' It's the kind of thing we hear a lot."Options tries to educate professionals, including law enforcement, social services, court services and even hair dressers on what signs to look for and how to encourage survivors to seek help.In the salon project, cosmetologist are learning how to refer domestic violence survivors to help safely."Salon professionals get really close to a lot of people, and they can see things that a lot of other people can't see," she said. "To refer people safely is a special skill that can be taught." Zampieri-Lillpopp said everyone, including families, are affected by the circle of domestic violence."Curing it is going to take the entire village," she said.<h2>Ellis County Attorney responds on Batterer Intervention</h2>In Ellis County, if a person is convicted of a domestic violence offense and goes to prison, he is not referred to a batterer intervention program, County Attorney Robert Anderson said. If they are convicted of a domestic violence offense and get probation, then almost certainly, they will be ordered to get a Batterer’s Intervention Evaluation and follow through with the course if screened in, he said.The evaluation determines whether or not they will be screened in and required to complete the Batterer’s Intervention Program. So, there are some people who are convicted of a domestic violence offense who are ordered to do the evaluation, but don’t have to do the program.Anderson said he did not know what the numbers are, but he would say a high percentage of people who are screened end up in the program. This does not include cases in the rest of the 17 counties that are included in Options' service area.Anderson noted several other factors that may affect statistics on domestic violence.<ol>
 <li>Not every person Options provides services to will report to law enforcement.</li><li>When cases are reported and/or arrests are made, a case may or may not get filed by the county attorney's office. There are a lot of factors that come into play, but not every arrest and not every report results in charges being filed.</li><li>When charges are filed, not all of those people are convicted – some cases are dismissed; some case are diverted; some cases are still pending; etc.</li><li>When people are convicted, it may not be the case that they are convicted of a domestic violence offense. There are many instances where a charge of domestic battery” is plead to battery.&nbsp; Although I don’t think this happens very often, a charge of domestic battery may be reduced to disorderly conduct (as an example), Anderson said. </li>
 </ol><h2>How to get help</h2>You can contact Options 24/7 at its toll free helpline at 1-800-794-4624, text HOPE to 847411, download the My Mobile Options app, 24-hour live chat online at <a href="http://help4abuse.org">help4abuse.org</a> or virtually meet with an advocate at optionsdvsa.doxy.me.All services are free and confidential. <h2>Donate</h2>You can support options with monetary donations. You can donate using a credit or debit card at <a href="https://help4abuse.org/donate/">https://help4abuse.org/donate/</a>.

Advocate expresses need for more domestic violence offender accountability

LOGAN — A well-used,&nbsp;personalized&nbsp;easel, numerous paint brushes,&nbsp;handmade greeting cards, original oil paintings, and more&nbsp;await you at the Hansen Museum.&nbsp;These&nbsp;magnificent&nbsp;artifacts in&nbsp;our&nbsp;current&nbsp;exhibit,&nbsp;Jerry &amp; Cat’s Collection of Bob Ross Memorabilia,&nbsp;on display until&nbsp;Nov. 6 enthralls&nbsp;visitors&nbsp;from the moment they step through&nbsp;the door.

As unique as it is fascinating,&nbsp;this exhibition&nbsp;gives&nbsp;viewers a rare glimpse inside&nbsp;the life&nbsp;of pop&nbsp;icon,&nbsp;the late Bob Ross. &nbsp;This personal collection began with an original painting and grew to&nbsp;include all&nbsp;manner of artifacts, including a pair of Ross’ blue jeans. &nbsp;Born of love,&nbsp;owners,&nbsp;Jerry and Cat Nibarger (Acworth, Georgia),&nbsp;grew up watching&nbsp;Ross’&nbsp;Joy of Painting&nbsp;PBS&nbsp;television program&nbsp;and began collecting&nbsp;Ross artifacts&nbsp;in 2016&nbsp;(before the resurgence of Bob Ross popularity). &nbsp;It is the Hansen Museum’s distinct pleasure to debut this never-before-seen collection.

The Museum is open Monday through Friday 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 &amp; 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5.&nbsp;

News releaseLOGAN — A well-used,&nbsp;personalized&nbsp;easel, numerous paint brushes,&nbsp;handmade greeting cards, original oil paintings, and more&nbsp;await you at the Hansen Museum.&nbsp;These&nbsp;magnificent&nbsp;artifacts in&nbsp;our&nbsp;current&nbsp;exhibit,&nbsp;Jerry &amp; Cat’s Collection of Bob Ross Memorabilia,&nbsp;on display until&nbsp;Nov. 6 enthralls&nbsp;visitors&nbsp;from the moment they step through&nbsp;the door.As unique as it is fascinating,&nbsp;this exhibition&nbsp;gives&nbsp;viewers a rare glimpse inside&nbsp;the life&nbsp;of pop&nbsp;icon,&nbsp;the late Bob Ross. &nbsp;This personal collection began with an original painting and grew to&nbsp;include all&nbsp;manner of artifacts, including a pair of Ross’ blue jeans. &nbsp;Born of love,&nbsp;owners,&nbsp;Jerry and Cat Nibarger (Acworth, Georgia),&nbsp;grew up watching&nbsp;Ross’&nbsp;Joy of Painting&nbsp;PBS&nbsp;television program&nbsp;and began collecting&nbsp;Ross artifacts&nbsp;in 2016&nbsp;(before the resurgence of Bob Ross popularity). &nbsp;It is the Hansen Museum’s distinct pleasure to debut this never-before-seen collection.The Museum is open Monday through Friday 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 &amp; 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5.&nbsp;

Bob Ross artifact exhibition in display at Hansen Museum

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

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 </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 Police Department responded to 88 calls from Oct. 2 through Oct. 8, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.

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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 88 calls from Oct. 2 through Oct. 8, 2022 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
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Hays PD Activity Log, Oct. 2-8 

In the Oct. 12 forum between Rep. Barb Wasinger and challenger Ed Hammond, Rep. Wasinger advocated for a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would give the Legislature the authority to revoke or suspend regulations adopted by state agencies.&nbsp; She said this amendment is meant to keep unelected bureaucrats from creating unnecessary or overreaching regulations.&nbsp; However, this amendment is an unnecessary power grab by the Legislature.

Remember, the executive branch agencies develop regulations based on laws passed by the Legislature.&nbsp; There is already a well-established process for developing regulations, which requires approvals from the Director of the Budget, Secretary of Administration, and the Attorney General, followed by public comment at a hearing.&nbsp; Rep. Wasinger’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations can also provide comments on proposed regulations, which have equal weight to those provided at the public hearing.&nbsp; This regulatory process is much more transparent than the Legislature’s and doesn’t involve the sneaky tactics of “Gut and Go” and votes after midnight, commonly used by the Legislature.

Rep. Wasinger’s example of regulations that went too far were new Workers Compensation regulations proposed by the Department of Labor.&nbsp; She asked the Attorney General to review them a second time, but didn’t say whether the regulations eventually were adopted.&nbsp; If they weren’t, that would show the current regulatory process worked and that the constitutional amendment is unnecessary.&nbsp; If they were, then shame on Attorney General Derek Schmidt for doing a poor job of reviewing them during the formal regulatory process.

The Legislature can already revoke regulations by passing laws, but this Constitutional amendment would just make it easier for them – no need to come up with the votes for a veto-proof majority if the Governor disagrees with them.

Giving the Legislature the power to revoke regulations by a simple majority would create regulatory uncertainty.&nbsp; What would happen if the Legislature revoked a regulation?&nbsp; The constitutional amendment on the ballot doesn’t address this.&nbsp; Would the previous regulation be in effect?&nbsp; Or, would there be no regulations in that area?&nbsp; If the latter, that could be dangerous and chaotic.

So, please vote no on this constitutional amendment.

In the Oct. 12 forum between Rep. Barb Wasinger and challenger Ed Hammond, Rep. Wasinger advocated for a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would give the Legislature the authority to revoke or suspend regulations adopted by state agencies.&nbsp; She said this amendment is meant to keep unelected bureaucrats from creating unnecessary or overreaching regulations.&nbsp; However, this amendment is an unnecessary power grab by the Legislature.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Remember, the executive branch agencies develop regulations based on laws passed by the Legislature.&nbsp; There is already a well-established process for developing regulations, which requires approvals from the Director of the Budget, Secretary of Administration, and the Attorney General, followed by public comment at a hearing.&nbsp; Rep. Wasinger’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations can also provide comments on proposed regulations, which have equal weight to those provided at the public hearing.&nbsp; This regulatory process is much more transparent than the Legislature’s and doesn’t involve the sneaky tactics of “Gut and Go” and votes after midnight, commonly used by the Legislature.Rep. Wasinger’s example of regulations that went too far were new Workers Compensation regulations proposed by the Department of Labor.&nbsp; She asked the Attorney General to review them a second time, but didn’t say whether the regulations eventually were adopted.&nbsp; If they weren’t, that would show the current regulatory process worked and that the constitutional amendment is unnecessary.&nbsp; If they were, then shame on Attorney General Derek Schmidt for doing a poor job of reviewing them during the formal regulatory process.The Legislature can already revoke regulations by passing laws, but this Constitutional amendment would just make it easier for them – no need to come up with the votes for a veto-proof majority if the Governor disagrees with them.Giving the Legislature the power to revoke regulations by a simple majority would create regulatory uncertainty.&nbsp; What would happen if the Legislature revoked a regulation?&nbsp; The constitutional amendment on the ballot doesn’t address this.&nbsp; Would the previous regulation be in effect?&nbsp; Or, would there be no regulations in that area?&nbsp; If the latter, that could be dangerous and chaotic.So, please vote no on this constitutional amendment.Helen Hands, Hays

LETTER: Amendment an unnecessary power grab by Legislature

A mailer that arrived in Hays-area mailboxes this weekend has drawn the ire of 111th House challenger Ed Hammond.

The mailer, paid for by Topeka-based PAC Kansas Family Voice, misnamed Hammond as "Tom."

In a statement, Hammond said&nbsp; he the use of the name — the name of his deceased brother — could be "confusing" to voters.

“I loved my brother Tom very much, and still do 12 years after his passing. It was very disturbing and immensely sad to see his name invoked in a political context, especially in relation to divisive, culture-war issues," Hammond said in the statement. "The mailer is potentially confusing to voters, and though I doubt that the mistake is a deliberate attempt to create confusion, it is necessary to point out and correct the mistake."

“At the very least, the mistake highlights the disconnect between my opponent’s campaign and the major issues facing voters from the 111th&nbsp;District. Those are the important economic issues of support for three of the district’s major industries: health care; K-12 education; and Fort Hays State University," he continued. "They are not the culture-war subjects of this mailer, or the national issues highlighted in other mailers funded by outside interest groups and PACS who support my opponent. The error in this instance also puts front and center the fact that those outside interest groups have very little interest in our district, but a very large interest in my opponent’s candidacy.”

The incorrect name is also the name of incumbent state Rep. Barb Wasinger's husband.

Kansas Family Voice apologized for the "typographical" error, repeating portions of the message on the flyers.&nbsp;

“Kansas Family Voice is an outside group who legally cannot and does not coordinate with the candidates and our unfortunate typographical error, for which we sincerely apologize, is ours alone," the organization said in a statement to Hays Post. "Nothing changes the fact that Barb Wasinger has been on the frontlines in Topeka protecting Hays families, girls’ opportunities, and your tax dollars from being used to fund abortion. Ed Hammond has no such track record.”

Wasinger noted the mailer originated not from her campaign, but from the PAC.&nbsp;

"I had no idea the ad was coming and had no part in it.  Additionally, because this is an independent expenditure supporting my campaign, I legally cannot know about it ahead of time," she said in a statement to Hays Post. "I do know that Kansas Family Voice is a Christian organization and they would never intentionally hurt anyone, nor would I.  I’m sure it was an honest mistake on their part, and I look forward to continuing to address the issues of concern for my district."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666636512773.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostA mailer that arrived in Hays-area mailboxes this weekend has drawn the ire of 111th House challenger Ed Hammond.The mailer, paid for by Topeka-based PAC Kansas Family Voice, misnamed Hammond as "Tom."In a statement, Hammond said&nbsp; he the use of the name — the name of his deceased brother — could be "confusing" to voters.“I loved my brother Tom very much, and still do 12 years after his passing. It was very disturbing and immensely sad to see his name invoked in a political context, especially in relation to divisive, culture-war issues," Hammond said in the statement. "The mailer is potentially confusing to voters, and though I doubt that the mistake is a deliberate attempt to create confusion, it is necessary to point out and correct the mistake."“At the very least, the mistake highlights the disconnect between my opponent’s campaign and the major issues facing voters from the 111th&nbsp;District. Those are the important economic issues of support for three of the district’s major industries: health care; K-12 education; and Fort Hays State University," he continued. "They are not the culture-war subjects of this mailer, or the national issues highlighted in other mailers funded by outside interest groups and PACS who support my opponent. The error in this instance also puts front and center the fact that those outside interest groups have very little interest in our district, but a very large interest in my opponent’s candidacy.”The incorrect name is also the name of incumbent state Rep. Barb Wasinger's husband.Kansas Family Voice apologized for the "typographical" error, repeating portions of the message on the flyers.&nbsp;“Kansas Family Voice is an outside group who legally cannot and does not coordinate with the candidates and our unfortunate typographical error, for which we sincerely apologize, is ours alone," the organization said in a statement to Hays Post. "Nothing changes the fact that Barb Wasinger has been on the frontlines in Topeka protecting Hays families, girls’ opportunities, and your tax dollars from being used to fund abortion. Ed Hammond has no such track record.”Wasinger noted the mailer originated not from her campaign, but from the PAC.&nbsp;"I had no idea the ad was coming and had no part in it. Additionally, because this is an independent expenditure supporting my campaign, I legally cannot know about it ahead of time," she said in a statement to Hays Post. "I do know that Kansas Family Voice is a Christian organization and they would never intentionally hurt anyone, nor would I. I’m sure it was an honest mistake on their part, and I look forward to continuing to address the issues of concern for my district."

111th House race flyer draws statement from Hammond

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5:42 a.m. Monday UPDATE from&nbsp;the Ellis County Fire Department

At approximately 3:20 pm Sunday, the Ellis County Fire Department
was requested for mutual aid for a large grass fire approaching Ellis County from Ness County.
Shortly after arriving on scene, fire crews identified the fire had already entered Ellis County. Many
of the fire companies in Ellis County were already responding to three other fire calls for service. As
fire crews arrived on scene in southwest Ellis County, crews were met with 60+ MPH winds and low
visibility due to smoke and dust. The location of the fire was in a remote area where the fire was
difficult to access as it is open range with very limited county roads.

At 5:47 pm, the Ellis County Commission Chair Butch Schlyer
approved a disaster declaration due to the size of the fire, and its movement to more populated
areas of Ellis County. This process allows for more resources from the State to be requested for assistance.

All the Ellis County Fire Department was on scene, to
include over 20 fire apparatus and 52 firefighters. The fire department was supported by the Ellis
County EMS, Public Works, and Sheriff’s office. Mutual aid assistance was also used from the Hays
Fire Department and the Trego, Ness, and Rush County Fire Departments, as well as the Kansas
Forestry Service.

Contact was made with the Office of the State Fire Marshall
to request a fire investigation to the cause and origin of the fire. Due to the fire’s origin in
Ness County, no further information is available. Current estimates show about 8,500 acres burnt in
Ellis County. It is also not yet currently known how much burned in Ness and Trego Counties.

In addition to the efforts of the firefighters, a great
impact to the success of extinguishing the fire was from the many different farmers on scene with farm
implements and local business who hauled water to the fire department. Preliminary damage assessments
show that no homes were lost in the fire. One firefighter was treated by Ellis County EMS and
transported to Hays Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

A majority of the fire crews were released just after
midnight; however, some fire crews and sheriff deputies remain on scene to monitor the area for any flare
ups. Additional fire crews will be back on scene on Monday to continue with extinguishing hot spots.

At around 8:00 p.m. a wildfire continued tracking along the southwest corner of Ellis County and heading northeasterly.

Efforts have been underway since around 4 p.m. to protect life and property in the area including efforts by fire fighting crews and area farmers as they plow in front of the fire line.

Strong winds have quickly push the fireline across the area.

Travel in the area is advised against, especially in the area from 140th to 180th and Antonino.

Houses that are being threatened are being evacuated. The sheriff's department is updating residents in the area as needed.

6:11 p..m. UPDATE: Fire is now in the area of 150th and Grants Villa in Ellis County. The area is being disked. A structure is under threat.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0b80696e-43cf-4328-8418-7aaa892544d2">RELATED: Winds fan Sunday wildfires across western Kansas</a>

At 4:12 p.m. Sunday, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office reported a large fire in the southwest part of Ellis County.

The public has been asked to avoid the area near Ellis Avenue and the Rush County line.

Antonio Road has also been identified as an area to avoid.

The fire was reported to be moving very fast, according to Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666574261994.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> 5:42 a.m. Monday UPDATE from&nbsp;the Ellis County Fire DepartmentAt approximately 3:20 pm Sunday, the Ellis County Fire Department
was requested for mutual aid for a large grass fire approaching Ellis County from Ness County.
Shortly after arriving on scene, fire crews identified the fire had already entered Ellis County. Many
of the fire companies in Ellis County were already responding to three other fire calls for service. As
fire crews arrived on scene in southwest Ellis County, crews were met with 60+ MPH winds and low
visibility due to smoke and dust. The location of the fire was in a remote area where the fire was
difficult to access as it is open range with very limited county roads.At 5:47 pm, the Ellis County Commission Chair Butch Schlyer
approved a disaster declaration due to the size of the fire, and its movement to more populated
areas of Ellis County. This process allows for more resources from the State to be requested for assistance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666574239123.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All the Ellis County Fire Department was on scene, to
include over 20 fire apparatus and 52 firefighters. The fire department was supported by the Ellis
County EMS, Public Works, and Sheriff’s office. Mutual aid assistance was also used from the Hays
Fire Department and the Trego, Ness, and Rush County Fire Departments, as well as the Kansas
Forestry Service.Contact was made with the Office of the State Fire Marshall
to request a fire investigation to the cause and origin of the fire. Due to the fire’s origin in
Ness County, no further information is available. Current estimates show about 8,500 acres burnt in
Ellis County. It is also not yet currently known how much burned in Ness and Trego Counties.In addition to the efforts of the firefighters, a great
impact to the success of extinguishing the fire was from the many different farmers on scene with farm
implements and local business who hauled water to the fire department. Preliminary damage assessments
show that no homes were lost in the fire. One firefighter was treated by Ellis County EMS and
transported to Hays Medical Center for smoke inhalation.A majority of the fire crews were released just after
midnight; however, some fire crews and sheriff deputies remain on scene to monitor the area for any flare
ups. Additional fire crews will be back on scene on Monday to continue with extinguishing hot spots.-----At around 8:00 p.m. a wildfire continued tracking along the southwest corner of Ellis County and heading northeasterly.Efforts have been underway since around 4 p.m. to protect life and property in the area including efforts by fire fighting crews and area farmers as they plow in front of the fire line.Strong winds have quickly push the fireline across the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666574378695.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Travel in the area is advised against, especially in the area from 140th to 180th and Antonino.Houses that are being threatened are being evacuated. The sheriff's department is updating residents in the area as needed.-----6:11 p..m. UPDATE: Fire is now in the area of 150th and Grants Villa in Ellis County. The area is being disked. A structure is under threat. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0b80696e-43cf-4328-8418-7aaa892544d2">RELATED: Winds fan Sunday wildfires across western Kansas</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666566987331.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666574293392.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostAt 4:12 p.m. Sunday, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office reported a large fire in the southwest part of Ellis County.The public has been asked to avoid the area near Ellis Avenue and the Rush County line.Antonio Road has also been identified as an area to avoid.The fire was reported to be moving very fast, according to Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun.This story will be updated as more information becomes available. <figure>
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 </figure><figure>
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 </figure>

UPDATE: About 8,500 acres burned in Ellis Co. during Sunday wildfire

The Hays school district received several awards under the Kansans Can Star Recognition.

These recognitions are based on state accreditation standards.

USD 489 was honored with a silver award for post-secondary effectiveness and social emotional growth, a bronze award for kindergarten readiness and a copper award for academic preparedness for post-secondary education. 

Post-secondary effective measures the number of students who have received certificates or degrees or are attending post-secondary education two years after graduation.

It does not include students who enter the workforce directly or join the military.

In addition, the school district was honored with an Education Commissioner's Award with Honors.

Administrators will discuss the awards more in depth at the school board meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today at the Rockwell Administration Center. 

The board is also set to take a final vote on a policy to make available Narcan, a drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, in USD 489 schools.

Kyle Carlin, West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative director, will give a report on the cooperative, including a budget outlook.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school district received several awards under the Kansans Can Star Recognition.These recognitions are based on state accreditation standards.USD 489 was honored with a silver award for post-secondary effectiveness and social emotional growth, a bronze award for kindergarten readiness and a copper award for academic preparedness for post-secondary education. Post-secondary effective measures the number of students who have received certificates or degrees or are attending post-secondary education two years after graduation.It does not include students who enter the workforce directly or join the military. In addition, the school district was honored with an Education Commissioner's Award with Honors.Administrators will discuss the awards more in depth at the school board meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today at the Rockwell Administration Center. The board is also set to take a final vote on a policy to make available Narcan, a drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, in USD 489 schools.Kyle Carlin, West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative director, will give a report on the cooperative, including a budget outlook.

Hays school district receives Kansans Can Star recognitions

A record high temperature was set for the second straight day Sunday in Hays.

The K-State Ag Research Center reported a high of 91 degrees Sunday, tying the record set in 1921. A new record high of 90 was set Saturday.

After Sunday's strong front, which produced wind gusts of more than 60 mph, the mercury is expected to drop for the next week, with highs ranging from the upper-50s to mid-60s. Overnight lows will dip into the mid-30s, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.

There is a 20 percent to 40 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms beginning Thursday and into Friday morning.

A record high temperature was set for the second straight day Sunday in Hays.The K-State Ag Research Center reported a high of 91 degrees Sunday, tying the record set in 1921. A new record high of 90 was set Saturday.After Sunday's strong front, which produced wind gusts of more than 60 mph, the mercury is expected to drop for the next week, with highs ranging from the upper-50s to mid-60s. Overnight lows will dip into the mid-30s, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.There is a 20 percent to 40 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms beginning Thursday and into Friday morning.

After record weekend heat, mercury will drop this week in NW Kan.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Even if you missed the filing deadline for taxes this year, as long as you are due a refund, there is no penalty, and you can even still file for free, if you fit the income guidelines.

"All of the penalties that the IRS talks about are all on an unpaid balance," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "If you filed your tax return and didn't pay what you owed, then penalties and interest are going to be compounding on that. But, if you're due a refund, there's no penalty for you not filing your tax return, but there is a three year statute of limitations in order to file the return and get your money back."

There is a lot of free tax credit money that hasn't been distributed to those who qualify for it, because they have not filed their taxes at all.

"That is critically important to people who may not have filed for the past couple of years," Devine said. "We're talking about 2019 and 2020. There were a lot of credits that were increased because of COVID. The only way to get those is to file the tax return. We're talking about the Child Tax Credit, which could be $3600, the Recovery Rebate Credit, which would be $1400 per adult and child, the Earned Income Tax Credit, if you have three children, almost $7000. If you didn't file, because you're not required to, this is the time to go ahead and get that done."

The IRS is actually sending out reminder letters to those who might qualify.

"We are sending out letters to about 9 million households," Devine said. "These are people that are normally not required to file a return, because they don't make enough money to have to file, but they may be eligible to claim those credits and thousands of dollars in refunds. If you do it yourself, you can go and get the tax form on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">IRS.gov</a>. Or, for 2019 and 2020, you can go to a registered tax professional and they can file it electronically."

For more information go to <a href="http://irs.gov">irs.gov</a> or call (800) 829-1040.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600360924825.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Even if you missed the filing deadline for taxes this year, as long as you are due a refund, there is no penalty, and you can even still file for free, if you fit the income guidelines."All of the penalties that the IRS talks about are all on an unpaid balance," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "If you filed your tax return and didn't pay what you owed, then penalties and interest are going to be compounding on that. But, if you're due a refund, there's no penalty for you not filing your tax return, but there is a three year statute of limitations in order to file the return and get your money back."There is a lot of free tax credit money that hasn't been distributed to those who qualify for it, because they have not filed their taxes at all."That is critically important to people who may not have filed for the past couple of years," Devine said. "We're talking about 2019 and 2020. There were a lot of credits that were increased because of COVID. The only way to get those is to file the tax return. We're talking about the Child Tax Credit, which could be $3600, the Recovery Rebate Credit, which would be $1400 per adult and child, the Earned Income Tax Credit, if you have three children, almost $7000. If you didn't file, because you're not required to, this is the time to go ahead and get that done."The IRS is actually sending out reminder letters to those who might qualify. "We are sending out letters to about 9 million households," Devine said. "These are people that are normally not required to file a return, because they don't make enough money to have to file, but they may be eligible to claim those credits and thousands of dollars in refunds. If you do it yourself, you can go and get the tax form on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">IRS.gov</a>. Or, for 2019 and 2020, you can go to a registered tax professional and they can file it electronically."For more information go to <a href="http://irs.gov">irs.gov</a> or call (800) 829-1040.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

IRS: Several million people with credits unclaimed for COVID years

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🏈 WINNERS EVERY WEEK! CERVs Football Matchup

The Hays Art Center is featuring three exhibits now through Nov. 22.

"Intuitive" features the work of former Fort Hays State University art instructor Kathleen Kuchar and Ron Michael, FHSU grad and director of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg.

Meder said she thought the energy and process of both artists is very similar.

Kuchar's art consists of large color abstract canvasses. Whereas Michael's pieces are earthenware pots and sculptures using wood, stone and metal.

"When you look at some of the patterning and shapes and that organic and very intuitive style, from the title, this is something they both have," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Center director, said. "I love the way it works together."

Michael's sculptures, vessels and disks are inspired by surfaces, forms, and other stuff found in nature. When creating pieces, he embraces an organic quality, weathered aesthetic, imperfection, texture, asymmetry, sense of mystery and humor, he said in his artist's statement.

"You can see his shapes are very of the earth and organic," Meder said.

His ceramic pieces include a high percentage of Kansas clay formed using hand-built or wheel-thrown techniques. He often brushes or sifts a colored Mason stain on the wet clay to add differing colors.

"Intuitive&nbsp;is the perfect title for this show," Kuchar said in her artist's statement. "That’s how I work!  Typically, I start out with a general idea and let it go from there.

"The work takes on a life of its own as I add, subtract and make changes. When to stop is the question. Usually, the painting tells me it is finished when the colors work together, the shapes are just right, and I like the way it looks."

&nbsp;Kuchar is also a member of the Society of Layerist in Multi-Media, and pieces created by her and other society members for the "About Trees" project are also on display at the art center in the gallery hallway.

Thirty-three small canvases from Kansas and regional members are on display. As the title indicates, all of the artists have depicted trees on small canvases in different ways.

The purpose of the society is to serve as a network for artists who express a holistic perspective, in which everything relates to everything else, across time and space. Layered art can be done in any medium, but it shares a unifying intention, according to the society.

Konnor Splichal, senior in ceramics at FHSU, is exhibiting "Beyond Dusk," his BFA exhibition in the art center's rear gallery.

In addition to ceramic vessels, Splichal has created several electrified pieces from small table lamps, to hanging fixtures, to 3-foot tall luminaries.

Splichal, who is a Thomas More Prep-Marian graduate, said in his artists statement "By exploring the connection between ceramics and interior design, I see how they affect our everyday lives. Bringing both natural and man-made elements into my work, I form relationships between nature and fine art."

The subtle contrast of color and light reflect the Kansas landscape, he said.

"I strive to remind my audience of the world around them, as well as the natural beauty that God has created in his eyes," Splichal said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/622ae520-cc6e-4ae6-8c74-8f551869cc69">The Hays Arts Center will accept entries for the 5 State Photography exhibit until Nov. 8. </a>The fine art competition will accept 8-by-10 photographs from artists from Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado created during the last three years.

Follow the link below for this year's competition details, entry forms, 
and the complete gallery of last year’s exhibited photographs - <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fhaysartscouncil.org%2Ffive-state%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1gGkjiEgaug4f1FZ_2yM0VZuyk_QkXkbrur1b3b-YRScceEBxd5OeHaHY&amp;h=AT1ZSJHM2IT8MIExXJlJxUYHHJQMgXVcdmjzfepPg96vt_wPH8jKTiaZNutGOzaxo4BXpe9L55HHnm-msvuEwy0SZSyV2Y50GUdQbBsbmihc2X_Pl6Lf5HRk8rCsLKCa0aAI&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0aUk8qdsXfVhflsvXrCybSGzmH-vn03OI12IitM_xMW_cDV3DDOcNA1l1GSUV-1wmkxHla5Zfi6ps2MPccTW2WZ3jtzoGIFbAgoOLAtPehFhwgs24YX7qeM_09xBSXYzZ_AAYZrrWkYuSUrFbmh1VJwNOmHuuECcNxOPKlvM_in09hBdCAabz-6FvbjuWJqn7MG8Bjz1GvZw" target="_blank">https://haysartscouncil.org/five-state</a>

The exhibition will anchor the Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk on Dec. 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666300983020.jpeg" alt="Paintings by Kathleen Kuchar and sculptures and vessels by Ron Michael are part of the "Intuitive" exhibit featured now at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Paintings by Kathleen Kuchar and sculptures and vessels by Ron Michael are part of the "Intuitive" exhibit featured now at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Art Center is featuring three exhibits now through Nov. 22. "Intuitive" features the work of former Fort Hays State University art instructor Kathleen Kuchar and Ron Michael, FHSU grad and director of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg.Meder said she thought the energy and process of both artists is very similar. Kuchar's art consists of large color abstract canvasses. Whereas Michael's pieces are earthenware pots and sculptures using wood, stone and metal.<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Center features 3 exhibits, including ceramics, multi-media art" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jut5k-12f4a2e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>"When you look at some of the patterning and shapes and that organic and very intuitive style, from the title, this is something they both have," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Center director, said. "I love the way it works together."Michael's sculptures, vessels and disks are inspired by surfaces, forms, and other stuff found in nature. When creating pieces, he embraces an organic quality, weathered aesthetic, imperfection, texture, asymmetry, sense of mystery and humor, he said in his artist's statement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666301166666.jpeg" alt="Ron Michael of Lindsborg uses a mix of native Kansas clay for his vessels. Photo By Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Center " />
 <figcaption>Ron Michael of Lindsborg uses a mix of native Kansas clay for his vessels. Photo By Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Center </figcaption>
 </figure>"You can see his shapes are very of the earth and organic," Meder said. His ceramic pieces include a high percentage of Kansas clay formed using hand-built or wheel-thrown techniques. He often brushes or sifts a colored Mason stain on the wet clay to add differing colors."Intuitive&nbsp;is the perfect title for this show," Kuchar said in her artist's statement. "That’s how I work! Typically, I start out with a general idea and let it go from there."The work takes on a life of its own as I add, subtract and make changes. When to stop is the question. Usually, the painting tells me it is finished when the colors work together, the shapes are just right, and I like the way it looks."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666301302230.jpeg" alt="The Society of Layerist in Multi-Media's "About Trees" project. Photo by Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Council " />
 <figcaption>The Society of Layerist in Multi-Media's "About Trees" project. Photo by Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Council </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'About Trees'</h2>&nbsp;Kuchar is also a member of the Society of Layerist in Multi-Media, and pieces created by her and other society members for the "About Trees" project are also on display at the art center in the gallery hallway.Thirty-three small canvases from Kansas and regional members are on display. As the title indicates, all of the artists have depicted trees on small canvases in different ways. The purpose of the society is to serve as a network for artists who express a holistic perspective, in which everything relates to everything else, across time and space. Layered art can be done in any medium, but it shares a unifying intention, according to the society.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666301743774.jpeg" alt="Lamps and wall vases are a part of Konnor Splichal's BFA exhibit "Beyond Dusk." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Lamps and wall vases are a part of Konnor Splichal's BFA exhibit "Beyond Dusk." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'Beyond Dusk'</h2>Konnor Splichal, senior in ceramics at FHSU, is exhibiting "Beyond Dusk," his BFA exhibition in the art center's rear gallery.In addition to ceramic vessels, Splichal has created several electrified pieces from small table lamps, to hanging fixtures, to 3-foot tall luminaries.Splichal, who is a Thomas More Prep-Marian graduate, said in his artists statement "By exploring the connection between ceramics and interior design, I see how they affect our everyday lives. Bringing both natural and man-made elements into my work, I form relationships between nature and fine art."The subtle contrast of color and light reflect the Kansas landscape, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666301873961.jpeg" alt="A lamp and vessels in Konnor Splichal's exhibit "Beyond Dusk." Photo by Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Council. " />
 <figcaption>A lamp and vessels in Konnor Splichal's exhibit "Beyond Dusk." Photo by Brenda Meder/Hays Arts Council. </figcaption>
 </figure>"I strive to remind my audience of the world around them, as well as the natural beauty that God has created in his eyes," Splichal said.Splichal will graduate in December.<h2>5 State Photography contest</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/622ae520-cc6e-4ae6-8c74-8f551869cc69">The Hays Arts Center will accept entries for the 5 State Photography exhibit until Nov. 8. </a>The fine art competition will accept 8-by-10 photographs from artists from Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado created during the last three years.Follow the link below for this year's competition details, entry forms, 
and the complete gallery of last year’s exhibited photographs - <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fhaysartscouncil.org%2Ffive-state%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1gGkjiEgaug4f1FZ_2yM0VZuyk_QkXkbrur1b3b-YRScceEBxd5OeHaHY&amp;h=AT1ZSJHM2IT8MIExXJlJxUYHHJQMgXVcdmjzfepPg96vt_wPH8jKTiaZNutGOzaxo4BXpe9L55HHnm-msvuEwy0SZSyV2Y50GUdQbBsbmihc2X_Pl6Lf5HRk8rCsLKCa0aAI&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0aUk8qdsXfVhflsvXrCybSGzmH-vn03OI12IitM_xMW_cDV3DDOcNA1l1GSUV-1wmkxHla5Zfi6ps2MPccTW2WZ3jtzoGIFbAgoOLAtPehFhwgs24YX7qeM_09xBSXYzZ_AAYZrrWkYuSUrFbmh1VJwNOmHuuECcNxOPKlvM_in09hBdCAabz-6FvbjuWJqn7MG8Bjz1GvZw" target="_blank">https://haysartscouncil.org/five-state</a>The exhibition will anchor the Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk on Dec. 3.

🎙 Hays Arts Center features 3 exhibits, including ceramics, multi-media art

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

VICTORIA — This month, Victoria residents heard updates
from the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">Victoria
Community Coalition as they continue in their effort to repurpose the former St.
John’s Rest Home.</a>

Coalition chair and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">building owner Jeff Pfeifer </a>opened
the meeting by highlighting progress already been made to bring the
beloved building back to life under the proposed name St. John’s Place.

<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">The
Heartland Community Foundation</a>, Pfeifer said, awarded the project a $5,000
grant for architectural work and set up an account for the organization to accept
tax-deductible donations. An application that would secure the organization as
a not-for-profit 501(c)3 is also underway and associated media explaining the
project has been developed, including the launch of a <a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">coalition website.</a>

During the meeting, the coalition also shared the results
of a completed survey that would qualify the project for grants. They
reported responses from 73 percent of homes in the city with active meters.

The survey highlighted the city’s largest
employers out of the 49 listed — the Victoria school district, Nex-Tech and
Frank’s Oilfield Service — and other economic data, but some of the most telling data centered around the workforce in the city.

“We are a retirement community,”
said Victoria Community Coalition Treasurer Marilyn Braun. “Out of the 979 people that we actually surveyed,
there are 228 that are 66-plus years of age. Out of those 228, 226 are actually
retired, doing nothing. They are retired.”

Further, they found a significant portion
of the available Victoria workforce works outside the city.

“Of that percentage that we
talked to, 50 percent had a worker in Hays,” Pfeifer said. “Of that, 25 percent
had two or more people working in Hays.”

He said that amounts to 70
percent of homes with working individuals are working in Hays.

“Basically, what it told me
was, Victoria provides housing for Hays employers, and Hays provides employment
for Victoria residents,” Pfeifer said.

He said those findings reflect
a mutually beneficial situation.

“I don't see any reason not
to reach out to Hays and see how we can work together,” Pfeifer said. “And I've
been trying to do that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666403002211.jpeg" alt="Victoria Community Coalition chair Jeff Pfeifer and treasurer Marilyn Braun share information developed from a recent community survey during a recent community on Oct. 5. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>Victoria Community Coalition chair Jeff Pfeifer and treasurer Marilyn Braun share information developed from a recent community survey during a recent community on Oct. 5. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostVICTORIA — This month, Victoria residents heard updates
from the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">Victoria
Community Coalition as they continue in their effort to repurpose the former St.
John’s Rest Home.</a>Coalition chair and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/20265d70-4cca-400e-9a7e-69323db9d166">building owner Jeff Pfeifer </a>opened
the meeting by highlighting progress already been made to bring the
beloved building back to life under the proposed name St. John’s Place.<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">The
Heartland Community Foundation</a>, Pfeifer said, awarded the project a $5,000
grant for architectural work and set up an account for the organization to accept
tax-deductible donations. An application that would secure the organization as
a not-for-profit 501(c)3 is also underway and associated media explaining the
project has been developed, including the launch of a <a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">coalition website.</a>During the meeting, the coalition also shared the results
of a completed survey that would qualify the project for grants. They
reported responses from 73 percent of homes in the city with active meters.The survey highlighted the city’s largest
employers out of the 49 listed — the Victoria school district, Nex-Tech and
Frank’s Oilfield Service — and other economic data, but some of the most telling data centered around the workforce in the city.“We are a retirement community,”
said Victoria Community Coalition Treasurer Marilyn Braun. “Out of the 979 people that we actually surveyed,
there are 228 that are 66-plus years of age. Out of those 228, 226 are actually
retired, doing nothing. They are retired.”Children in the city totaled
218.Further, they found a significant portion
of the available Victoria workforce works outside the city.“Of that percentage that we
talked to, 50 percent had a worker in Hays,” Pfeifer said. “Of that, 25 percent
had two or more people working in Hays.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="The former St. John's Rest Home in Victoria. File Photo" />
 <figcaption>The former St. John's Rest Home in Victoria. File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>He said that amounts to 70
percent of homes with working individuals are working in Hays.“Basically, what it told me
was, Victoria provides housing for Hays employers, and Hays provides employment
for Victoria residents,” Pfeifer said.He said those findings reflect
a mutually beneficial situation.“I don't see any reason not
to reach out to Hays and see how we can work together,” Pfeifer said. “And I've
been trying to do that.”He noted the coalition has
been working with Hays-based economic development organizations such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a> and the <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Hays Chamber,</a> along with their continued work
with the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/93f2e61e-a2e0-43d8-9f38-f7beacb841b5">after the
city of Victoria signed up earlier this year.</a> “We're a bedroom community to
Hays,” Braun said. “We are a retirement community, and we got to do something to
bring families in and make housing available for them. It was very clear in the
interviews with the employers that finding housing within Victoria is problematic.
That was stated by a couple of the employers interviewed. But that's where we
are.”Outside of giving the coalition
a clear view of the housing and workforce needs in the city, the survey allows
the coalition to apply for Moderate Income Housing program grants available
for cities with populations under 60,000 in Kansas.“This will be our foundation
for when we apply to the MIH grant,” Pfeifer said. “We're going to ask for
$650,000 from the state that is for housing.”Homes owned in the community
totaled 321, with 117 above the median home value of $172,700 — 204 homes were
below the median.The survey found 71 renters in
the city, paying an average rent of $730 monthly. Eighty-three percent reported rent
under that amount.“So, the rent in town is fairly
low,” Braun said.The survey also
reported that many currently living in the community would qualify for housing
developed in the facility.“We did find out that for the MIH grant that we were looking at, for 100 percent of income, one person could
have $60,600 income, two people could have $69,300 in income and still qualify
to live in an MIH moderate-income housing facility,” Braun said.She said 171 Victoria
households are under that threshold.“What this did was support
the need for affordable housing,” Pfeifer said. “So, that leads us to our plan.”As envisioned currently, the
former rest home would include 20 rental units, comprised of studio, one- and
two-bedroom apartments, a childcare center large enough for 20-25 children and open
community space. Rent is being roughly projected at $1 per square foot for the
apartments.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4e8ad16c-9ee2-43ac-bfc0-857f715636e6">The Ellis
County Historical Society had previously announced they would create a satellite
museum in the building as well and would occupy around 9,000 square feet of the around 40,000 square foot facility.</a>In the proposed agreement, currently being finalized, the society will receive 10 years
of free rent. At the same time, they are responsible for the cost of repairing and updating
their portion of the building.“It's
good for them, and it's good for our community, good for Ellis County,” Pfeifer
said. “They want to focus on the church, the history of the Church, on the
artifacts of the church, and they want to focus on the Volga German heritage.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666403285864.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Next Steps</h2>Moving forward, Pfeifer said the
most pressing issue is repairing the aging roof of the entire facility. Due to
its current state and the building’s design, nearly all of the whole top will need to be replaced at one time.He estimates $500,000 to $650,000
would be needed to repair the roof entirely. Once the roof is secured, Pfeifer said
the project would be split into phases, with the total project expected to cost less than $3 million.Phase
one would include the construction of 11 apartments in the newest part of
the building, along with the child care center.But everything is dependent on the
current ability of the coalition to raise funds, and while much of the project
cost is hoped to be covered by grant and organizational funding, community
efforts will be important to demonstrate “buy-in” from Victoria residents.“They want to see what you're
bringing to the table with what you're requesting,” said Heartland Community
Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner. “They'll see the time that the
community has put in the time and it counts for something.”Time and effort, along with the influx of community dollars
into a project, project the overall desire of residents to see a project
completed, she said.“And that's why we're here,”
Pfeifer said. “The last piece tonight is, 'How do we do that?' ”He said currently the coalition
has three efforts underway, including a donor campaign, physical work at the facility
and fundraisers.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9020a3c3-5787-4198-8ef6-638ce2acd105">One
fundraiser has been planned featuring homemade popcorn balls.</a>While those fundraisers might generate relatively small amounts compared to the total project cost, Hansen
Foundation Facilitator Betty Johnson said it demonstrates more than just a financial
commitment.“It's important for even a Hanson or Schmidt Foundation or Patterson Foundation that the residents of Victoria
have financially invested,” Johnson said. But she said a long list of
small contributions matters far more than just a few very large ones.And it can help leverage the support
of the community.“All
you're doing is presenting an opportunity,” Johnson said. “We have an
opportunity to talk to them about what's going on in their community, letting
them know, and giving them an opportunity to invest and be a part of some great
things going on.“It [shows]
the community cares, and that they believe, and they care and lead by putting
dollars in,” she continued. “That's the way Hansen looks at it, is that there's
other skin in the game.”And with
the holiday season being a typically more fruitful time for philanthropic
giving, Meitner said the push to the end of the year to raise funds for the
roof can be successful with a high level of involvement.“Something
like 80-ish percent of charitable giving happens during the month of November
and December,” she said. “So, it's the time to get this project out in the
community and abroad and even further through alumni or through even into Hays
or rural areas and start telling them why this is important and how this
benefits the community.”

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