By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

The last few weeks, I have had a great opportunity to work with several classes of 6th grade students using a 4-H curriculum: Mind Body Whole. There are some highlights of these lessons that are applicable to all of us!

The first week is a focus on mood and stress with a good discussion about how emotions aren’t good or bad, they just are. How we act/react to our emotions is often what gets us into trouble! Students learn and practice “box breathing” as a tool to slow down when things get hectic. Box breathing is a simple technique of taking a deep breath to the count of 4, holding that breath for a count of 4, slowing exhaling to a count of 4, and again holding to a count of 4. This is a technique that all of us can use.

Getting good sleep is the focus of Lesson 2. It includes the need of sleep for physical and mental health. Students are encouraged to develop a healthy bedtime routine which often includes keeping their phone out of their room or turning off notifications to minimize interruptions. An important activity as part of this lesson is to practice a “body scan” which involves laying quietly with eyes closed while focusing on and creating tension in your body as you take a deep breath; as you exhale, you intentionally release the tension. We start with toes, move to feet/ankles, and on through the body. By focusing your mind on the deep breathing and tension/release, the level of calm and stillness is so evident in the room!

This past week, we added the impacts of diet on our mood, stress level, and sleep. In addition to a general discussion of food and nutrition, we had good discussion about limiting the amount of sugars and caffeine in our diet, especially later in the day. I was really impressed by the wide variety of vegetables that the students eat and challenged them to try one new food this week. A good takeaway for all of us is slowing down when we eat while trying to eat from all the food groups. A funny discussion involved that there are some foods that we just don’t care for but we should try them from time to time or try them cooked a different way. I do have several volunteers to eat any pickles that I end up with!

This week, we will wrap up by adding the impacts of exercise to our mood/emotions and stress level. Different exercises work for different people. I am not a runner but I do appreciate a good stress walk. Students will work together to develop a workout plan to make sure that they are&nbsp;getting their 60 minutes of exercise at least three days per week. Changing up the types of exercise is also important. While many of the students I have been working with are involved in a sport, we discuss that playing with or walking your dog counts as does a good set of stretches, jumping jacks, or push-ups. No equipment needed! I’ll be doing some toe touches and lacing up my shoes for a walk.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe last few weeks, I have had a great opportunity to work with several classes of 6th grade students using a 4-H curriculum: Mind Body Whole. There are some highlights of these lessons that are applicable to all of us!The first week is a focus on mood and stress with a good discussion about how emotions aren’t good or bad, they just are. How we act/react to our emotions is often what gets us into trouble! Students learn and practice “box breathing” as a tool to slow down when things get hectic. Box breathing is a simple technique of taking a deep breath to the count of 4, holding that breath for a count of 4, slowing exhaling to a count of 4, and again holding to a count of 4. This is a technique that all of us can use.Getting good sleep is the focus of Lesson 2. It includes the need of sleep for physical and mental health. Students are encouraged to develop a healthy bedtime routine which often includes keeping their phone out of their room or turning off notifications to minimize interruptions. An important activity as part of this lesson is to practice a “body scan” which involves laying quietly with eyes closed while focusing on and creating tension in your body as you take a deep breath; as you exhale, you intentionally release the tension. We start with toes, move to feet/ankles, and on through the body. By focusing your mind on the deep breathing and tension/release, the level of calm and stillness is so evident in the room!This past week, we added the impacts of diet on our mood, stress level, and sleep. In addition to a general discussion of food and nutrition, we had good discussion about limiting the amount of sugars and caffeine in our diet, especially later in the day. I was really impressed by the wide variety of vegetables that the students eat and challenged them to try one new food this week. A good takeaway for all of us is slowing down when we eat while trying to eat from all the food groups. A funny discussion involved that there are some foods that we just don’t care for but we should try them from time to time or try them cooked a different way. I do have several volunteers to eat any pickles that I end up with!This week, we will wrap up by adding the impacts of exercise to our mood/emotions and stress level. Different exercises work for different people. I am not a runner but I do appreciate a good stress walk. Students will work together to develop a workout plan to make sure that they are&nbsp;getting their 60 minutes of exercise at least three days per week. Changing up the types of exercise is also important. While many of the students I have been working with are involved in a sport, we discuss that playing with or walking your dog counts as does a good set of stretches, jumping jacks, or push-ups. No equipment needed! I’ll be doing some toe touches and lacing up my shoes for a walk.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: Whole body wellness

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769784682325.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Hays Playmaker award and USD 489 selling land north of the former Hays Middle School on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=sujxh-1a31f22-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Hays Playmaker award and USD 489 selling land north of the former Hays Middle School on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams on Hays Playmaker award, USD 489 land sale

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Outdoor Kansas

Having just spent the last hour-and-a-half clearing snow from my driveways as well as the neighbors, this seems like the perfect column for this week.Show me a Midwesterner who doesn’t have some sort of love-hate relationship with snow, and I’ll show you the rock they have lived under. It seems as though a person either love it or hates it, and for some of us it depends upon the day. It’s hard to explain how something that makes the landscape suddenly seem so sparkling clean and pure can turn on you in an instant and ruin your day. I was reminded this week how much I love to watch snow fall and how beautiful it makes everything it touches, but also how much I hate removing it from my driveway. I’m kind of a purist, in that I believe God put it there and I don’t want to shovel it and take away any satisfaction He might get from taking it away Himself! Yes, to the traveler, home owner, maintenance man and commuter, snow is often an unwelcome inconvenience. To the outdoorsman, however, snow opens up a whole new world of opportunities.

For the outdoors photographer or painter there is no other canvas that compares to an outdoor scene sporting a fresh snowfall. Suddenly, as if by magic, the mundane becomes majestic, the drab becomes dynamic and the everyday becomes extraordinary. Outdoor spots we pass daily with no recognition, suddenly become scenes from a calendar. Like the lava lamps of days gone by, the look of the landscape slowly changes from hour to hour with the wind.

Obviously, skiers and snowboarders live for fresh snow. After an overnight snowfall, hills too steep to climb become mere carnival rides beneath their feet. Cross country skiers can, in one day, see country it would take them several days to see on foot without the snow. And let’s not forget the farmers; around one foot of snow equals one inch of rain and snow supposedly brings with it good nutrients too, so after dry years, all this snow is always more than welcome for our Kansas wheat and alfalfa.

Hunters and trappers can benefit greatly from a fresh snowfall. Tracks of deer, coyotes, bobcats and other game animals are tough to spot in our often-dry Kansas soil, so trying to learn their movement patterns can rely on being fortunate enough to see the animals themselves. Remember going to dances back-in-the-day when your hand was stamped with a mark that only showed up under a special “black light?” That mark was there the whole time but only became visible when put under the light. Just like the black light, snow suddenly shows tracks of wildlife that have been traveling those same paths for months, but leaving no visible signs.

After a significant snowfall a few years ago, I spent time scouting an area I still had yet to trap. It was a soybean stubble field along the river where my wife harvested her first deer several years before. Besides hordes of deer tracks, I followed 2 sets of bobcat tracks as they meandered back and forth across the field and between several freshly made brush piles. I tracked a coyote for several hundred yards and was able to observe exactly how it related to certain land features. I followed coyote tracks on a frozen drainage ditch and could see where it had stopped to nose around under logs and other attractions. Its tracks&nbsp;showed me cattle trails it had traveled along the steep banks and where it had entered and left the ditch. Closing my eyes, I could almost see these animals as they left the footprints that held my attention.

So, the next time it snows, or before this current snow all melts, after you’ve shoveled the driveway, cleaned the walks, swept the deck and cursed the weatherman, grab your camera or walking stick and head for the woods. It will definitely influence your relationship with the “white stuff” as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Outdoor KansasHaving just spent the last hour-and-a-half clearing snow from my driveways as well as the neighbors, this seems like the perfect column for this week.Show me a Midwesterner who doesn’t have some sort of love-hate relationship with snow, and I’ll show you the rock they have lived under. It seems as though a person either love it or hates it, and for some of us it depends upon the day. It’s hard to explain how something that makes the landscape suddenly seem so sparkling clean and pure can turn on you in an instant and ruin your day. I was reminded this week how much I love to watch snow fall and how beautiful it makes everything it touches, but also how much I hate removing it from my driveway. I’m kind of a purist, in that I believe God put it there and I don’t want to shovel it and take away any satisfaction He might get from taking it away Himself! Yes, to the traveler, home owner, maintenance man and commuter, snow is often an unwelcome inconvenience. To the outdoorsman, however, snow opens up a whole new world of opportunities.For the outdoors photographer or painter there is no other canvas that compares to an outdoor scene sporting a fresh snowfall. Suddenly, as if by magic, the mundane becomes majestic, the drab becomes dynamic and the everyday becomes extraordinary. Outdoor spots we pass daily with no recognition, suddenly become scenes from a calendar. Like the lava lamps of days gone by, the look of the landscape slowly changes from hour to hour with the wind.Obviously, skiers and snowboarders live for fresh snow. After an overnight snowfall, hills too steep to climb become mere carnival rides beneath their feet. Cross country skiers can, in one day, see country it would take them several days to see on foot without the snow. And let’s not forget the farmers; around one foot of snow equals one inch of rain and snow supposedly brings with it good nutrients too, so after dry years, all this snow is always more than welcome for our Kansas wheat and alfalfa.Hunters and trappers can benefit greatly from a fresh snowfall. Tracks of deer, coyotes, bobcats and other game animals are tough to spot in our often-dry Kansas soil, so trying to learn their movement patterns can rely on being fortunate enough to see the animals themselves. Remember going to dances back-in-the-day when your hand was stamped with a mark that only showed up under a special “black light?” That mark was there the whole time but only became visible when put under the light. Just like the black light, snow suddenly shows tracks of wildlife that have been traveling those same paths for months, but leaving no visible signs.After a significant snowfall a few years ago, I spent time scouting an area I still had yet to trap. It was a soybean stubble field along the river where my wife harvested her first deer several years before. Besides hordes of deer tracks, I followed 2 sets of bobcat tracks as they meandered back and forth across the field and between several freshly made brush piles. I tracked a coyote for several hundred yards and was able to observe exactly how it related to certain land features. I followed coyote tracks on a frozen drainage ditch and could see where it had stopped to nose around under logs and other attractions. Its tracks&nbsp;showed me cattle trails it had traveled along the steep banks and where it had entered and left the ditch. Closing my eyes, I could almost see these animals as they left the footprints that held my attention.So, the next time it snows, or before this current snow all melts, after you’ve shoveled the driveway, cleaned the walks, swept the deck and cursed the weatherman, grab your camera or walking stick and head for the woods. It will definitely influence your relationship with the “white stuff” as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Snow; love it or hate it

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

First Federal Bank in WaKeeney is moving forward with a long-awaited remodel while continuing to serve customers.

Aaron Satran, the bank’s branch president, said the location is undergoing its first significant renovation since 1985. Construction began Jan. 12.

"It's been long overdue," Satran said. "Things were deteriorating, and it's time for a new look."

The project includes both interior and exterior upgrades, including a new 24/7 drive-through ATM with an adjacent night deposit located behind the bank,&nbsp;229 N. Main St.

Satran said construction is expected to be completed in August and will also include an 80-person event room with a kitchen and bathroom.

"It'll mainly be for community events like chamber events or anything else going on in the community. It'll be in the back half of the bank, separated from the main part so we can use it outside of hours," he said.

During construction, the bank is operating out of a fully functional mobile trailer behind the building, with all services available except drive-through access and night deposits.

The bank is accessible via the back alley off Warren Avenue and is open during regular hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Satran said safety deposit boxes are still available by appointment, and staff will assist customers curbside if they are unable to enter the trailer.

"We appreciate our customers' patience during the construction phase. I think it'll be a great asset for our community going forward once it's done," he said.

Staff moved into the mobile trailer on Jan. 19 and reopened on Jan. 20. First Federal Bank in WaKeeney operates as a branch of Lyons Federal Bank.

You can follow the WaKeeney bank on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087909768465">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for updates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769786952910.jpeg" alt="Construction workers at First Federal Bank in Wakeeney. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Construction workers at First Federal Bank in Wakeeney. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFirst Federal Bank in WaKeeney is moving forward with a long-awaited remodel while continuing to serve customers.Aaron Satran, the bank’s branch president, said the location is undergoing its first significant renovation since 1985. Construction began Jan. 12."It's been long overdue," Satran said. "Things were deteriorating, and it's time for a new look."The project includes both interior and exterior upgrades, including a new 24/7 drive-through ATM with an adjacent night deposit located behind the bank,&nbsp;229 N. Main St.Satran said construction is expected to be completed in August and will also include an 80-person event room with a kitchen and bathroom."It'll mainly be for community events like chamber events or anything else going on in the community. It'll be in the back half of the bank, separated from the main part so we can use it outside of hours," he said.During construction, the bank is operating out of a fully functional mobile trailer behind the building, with all services available except drive-through access and night deposits.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769787025496.jpeg" alt="The mobile trailer parked behind the First Federal Bank in WaKeeney, with an accessibility ramp for customers. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The mobile trailer parked behind the First Federal Bank in WaKeeney, with an accessibility ramp for customers. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The bank is accessible via the back alley off Warren Avenue and is open during regular hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.Satran said safety deposit boxes are still available by appointment, and staff will assist customers curbside if they are unable to enter the trailer."We appreciate our customers' patience during the construction phase. I think it'll be a great asset for our community going forward once it's done," he said.Staff moved into the mobile trailer on Jan. 19 and reopened on Jan. 20. First Federal Bank in WaKeeney operates as a branch of Lyons Federal Bank.You can follow the WaKeeney bank on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087909768465">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for updates.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769787091998.jpeg" alt="A parking spot reserved for First Federal Bank customers on the north side of the mobile trailer with a call number. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A parking spot reserved for First Federal Bank customers on the north side of the mobile trailer with a call number. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

First Federal Bank in WaKeeney begins renovations

Fort Hays Tech | North Central<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769543713476.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Fort Hays Tech | North Central to celebrate opening of construction career center

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

It has been fourteen years since former Governor Sam Brownback’s disastrous “Great Experiment,” which cratered state revenues, slashed social services, and landed the state in court over school funding. Have policymakers already forgotten? Perhaps so.

Last year, the Kansas Legislature passed another income tax cut over Governor Laura Kelly’s veto. Like Brownback, legislators claimed that the tax cut would pay for itself with economic growth and net migration. Instead, this year, the Legislature seeks to close a $200 million shortfall by battering already hard-hit higher education and social services.

On the border, Missourians had a front-row seat to watch the Brownback experiment. Yet this year, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe proposed a near carbon copy of Brownback’s plan, including incremental reduction of the state tax rates (Brownback’s “glide path to zero”) and the false promise that lost revenues can be made up with economic growth and net migration, along with use taxes, which are sales taxes on services.

Since Kansans and their neighbors seem to have forgotten, here is a brief primer on the Great Experiment. In 2012, Brownback convinced the Legislature to incrementally lower the state income tax and replace the revenue with compensating use taxes, economic growth, and net migration. Three tax brackets were reduced to two, the top bracket was reduced from 6.45 to 4.9%, and LLCs paid no tax at all.

Public revenues plummeted by more than half a billion dollars during the first year after the tax cut. They remained at this lower level consistently until a bipartisan supermajority overrode a veto and ended the experiment in 2017. Use taxes replaced less than a quarter of the revenue lost.

No economic growth or net migration resulted from the Experiment. In fact, during this period, Kansas had lower net migration than all neighboring states– each of which has an income tax. Nor was it popular. Shortly before he resigned the governorship to become U.S. Ambassador of Religious Freedom, Brownback had the second-lowest popularity rating of any U.S. governor.

To cope with this manmade disaster, the state adjusted by cutting funding for social services so low that children were sleeping in welfare offices. The federal government threatened to pull funding from state mental health facilities due to understaffing. Prison riots broke out in overcrowded conditions. The state also borrowed over $1 billion from the highway trust fund (the “Bank of KDOT”), and eliminated funding for the arts. The state cut school funding so much that it landed in court. The Legislature’s attempt to replace the Base State Aid formula for schools with block grants was also rejected by the courts. The formula was restored the following year. During the Experiment, school districts were forced to rely more on property taxes to replace state aid.

None of this should come as a surprise. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, states without an income tax have property taxes that are 12% higher and sales taxes that are 20% higher, on average. Property taxes fall hardest on retired homeowners with fixed incomes, while sales taxes fall hardest on the poor.

They say that those who don’t learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it. This year, both the Kansas Legislature and the Missouri Governor seem bound and determined to prove this true.

Michael Smith is a professor of political science at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751494323778.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasIt has been fourteen years since former Governor Sam Brownback’s disastrous “Great Experiment,” which cratered state revenues, slashed social services, and landed the state in court over school funding. Have policymakers already forgotten? Perhaps so.Last year, the Kansas Legislature passed another income tax cut over Governor Laura Kelly’s veto. Like Brownback, legislators claimed that the tax cut would pay for itself with economic growth and net migration. Instead, this year, the Legislature seeks to close a $200 million shortfall by battering already hard-hit higher education and social services.On the border, Missourians had a front-row seat to watch the Brownback experiment. Yet this year, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe proposed a near carbon copy of Brownback’s plan, including incremental reduction of the state tax rates (Brownback’s “glide path to zero”) and the false promise that lost revenues can be made up with economic growth and net migration, along with use taxes, which are sales taxes on services.Since Kansans and their neighbors seem to have forgotten, here is a brief primer on the Great Experiment. In 2012, Brownback convinced the Legislature to incrementally lower the state income tax and replace the revenue with compensating use taxes, economic growth, and net migration. Three tax brackets were reduced to two, the top bracket was reduced from 6.45 to 4.9%, and LLCs paid no tax at all.Public revenues plummeted by more than half a billion dollars during the first year after the tax cut. They remained at this lower level consistently until a bipartisan supermajority overrode a veto and ended the experiment in 2017. Use taxes replaced less than a quarter of the revenue lost.No economic growth or net migration resulted from the Experiment. In fact, during this period, Kansas had lower net migration than all neighboring states– each of which has an income tax. Nor was it popular. Shortly before he resigned the governorship to become U.S. Ambassador of Religious Freedom, Brownback had the second-lowest popularity rating of any U.S. governor.To cope with this manmade disaster, the state adjusted by cutting funding for social services so low that children were sleeping in welfare offices. The federal government threatened to pull funding from state mental health facilities due to understaffing. Prison riots broke out in overcrowded conditions. The state also borrowed over $1 billion from the highway trust fund (the “Bank of KDOT”), and eliminated funding for the arts. The state cut school funding so much that it landed in court. The Legislature’s attempt to replace the Base State Aid formula for schools with block grants was also rejected by the courts. The formula was restored the following year. During the Experiment, school districts were forced to rely more on property taxes to replace state aid.None of this should come as a surprise. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, states without an income tax have property taxes that are 12% higher and sales taxes that are 20% higher, on average. Property taxes fall hardest on retired homeowners with fixed incomes, while sales taxes fall hardest on the poor.They say that those who don’t learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it. This year, both the Kansas Legislature and the Missouri Governor seem bound and determined to prove this true.Michael Smith is a professor of political science at Emporia State University.

Insight Kansas: Are we already forgetting Sam Brownback's tax-cutting "great experiment"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769784455396.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Sports

PLAINVILLE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs had to wait an extra
week to try and claim their first Mid-Continent League tournament title since
2023 because of the snowstorm last Saturday and in the end they were able to
secure the victory over Plainville 57-46.

The Monarchs (10-5) opened Saturday’s game with three
straight free throws from Will Eck, sparking a 14-4 run to open the game,
before they took a 14-6 lead into quarter number two.

Plainville (8-6) closed within six to open the second
quarter and were within five when TMP put together a little 9-2 run with Ty
Schmeidler scoring five of the nine points, putting TMP up 24-12.

The Cardinals were able to chip away at the TMP lead to
close out the first half, thanks to an 11-3 run cutting the TMP lead to four at
27-23 at the break.

Eck’s first three pointer of the game opened the second half
for TMP and Jacob Seib scored six straight putting TMP up 36-29. Grant Nehls
and Schmeidler combined to score the final eight points of the quarterto put
TMP up 44-34 heading into the final quarter.

The Cardinals were able to close within four, in the fourth
quarter, but TMP make six of their final nine free throws in the final minutes
of the quarter on their way to a 57-46 victory.

It’s the six MCL tournament title for the Monarchs.

Jacob Seib and Grant Nehls led all scorers with 14 points
each. Nehls finished with 9 rebounds. Ty Schmeidler chipped in 12 points.

TMP will take on Trego Community in WaKeeney on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day the Hoxie Lady Indians clinched their
second MCL tournament title in three years with a 56-48 win over Oakley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769915354337.png" alt="The TMP boys claimed the 2026 MCL tournament title with a win over Plainville - Courtesy&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian" />
 <figcaption>The TMP boys claimed the 2026 MCL tournament title with a win over Plainville - Courtesy&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post SportsPLAINVILLE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs had to wait an extra
week to try and claim their first Mid-Continent League tournament title since
2023 because of the snowstorm last Saturday and in the end they were able to
secure the victory over Plainville 57-46.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2257858406&color=%2337669a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-31-26-tmp-vs-plainville-coach-bill-maher-interview" title="1-31-26 TMP Vs Plainville Coach Bill Meagher Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1-31-26 TMP Vs Plainville Coach Bill Meagher Interview</a></div></div>The Monarchs (10-5) opened Saturday’s game with three
straight free throws from Will Eck, sparking a 14-4 run to open the game,
before they took a 14-6 lead into quarter number two.Plainville (8-6) closed within six to open the second
quarter and were within five when TMP put together a little 9-2 run with Ty
Schmeidler scoring five of the nine points, putting TMP up 24-12.The Cardinals were able to chip away at the TMP lead to
close out the first half, thanks to an 11-3 run cutting the TMP lead to four at
27-23 at the break.Eck’s first three pointer of the game opened the second half
for TMP and Jacob Seib scored six straight putting TMP up 36-29. Grant Nehls
and Schmeidler combined to score the final eight points of the quarterto put
TMP up 44-34 heading into the final quarter.The Cardinals were able to close within four, in the fourth
quarter, but TMP make six of their final nine free throws in the final minutes
of the quarter on their way to a 57-46 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2257856870&color=%2337669a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-31-26-tmp-vs-plainville-highlights" title="1-31-26 TMP Vs Plainville Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1-31-26 TMP Vs Plainville Highlights</a></div></div>It’s the six MCL tournament title for the Monarchs.Jacob Seib and Grant Nehls led all scorers with 14 points
each. Nehls finished with 9 rebounds. Ty Schmeidler chipped in 12 points.TMP will take on Trego Community in WaKeeney on Tuesday.Earlier in the day the Hoxie Lady Indians clinched their
second MCL tournament title in three years with a 56-48 win over Oakley.

🏀 Monarchs claim MCL tournament title

TMP-Marian vs Plainville Saturday, Jan. 31st, 2:30 p.m Plainville, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys square off against the Plainville Cardinals in the championship game of the Mid-Continent League Tournament Saturday in Plainville.

Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 2:10 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian vs Plainville Saturday, Jan. 31st, 2:30 p.m Plainville, Kan.Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys square off against the Plainville Cardinals in the championship game of the Mid-Continent League Tournament Saturday in Plainville.Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 2:10 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: TMP boys take on Plainville in MCL title game

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers, who provides an update on pick-up and drop-off traffic at the new school and on upcoming testing, on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: USD 489 Report - Tom Albers" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=xyutu-1a2715a-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers, who provides an update on pick-up and drop-off traffic at the new school and on upcoming testing, on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: HMS update on traffic, testing

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Women Who Lead has started the first of four phases of improvements for Sunrise Park.

Sunrise Park is more than 60 years old and needs updated equipment and repairs. Women Who Lead has adopted the park as a service project, Nancy Jeter, president of Women Who Lead, said.

The Hays nonprofit is rallying sponsors to help improve the park at 19th and MacArthur Road.

"Now it will address people of all ages, from infants in a mommy/baby expression swing all the way up to playing a basketball game with your friends and getting these kids off their devices," Jeter said.

"It will form social bonds, and kids will play with each other and interact with each other, and develop some really neat friendships and bonding with each other."

A nine-hole disc golf course has already been completed, and Jeter said it has already been used for a tournament.

"It being used so much by parents with their kids, and kids after school," Jeter said. "There's a grandfather who goes out there and plays with his grandson."

Work on the baseball fields and the installation of a new basketball court are underway. The basketball court will be completed within the next couple of months, depending on weather conditions. The baseball field will be regraded.

Women Who Lead also paid for a new sign with lighting and landscaping.

Women Who Lead is seeking donations and sponsors for the second phase of the improvements.

These will include the purchase and installation of playground equipment, including an expression swing, spinner, typhoon slide, climbing cubes, zip line and slide with spinatorium.

Jeter said Women Who Lead, in partnership with the city parks department, selected playground equipment that is not available anywhere else in Ellis County.

"The latest, fun pieces of equipment around," she said.

The expression swing, often called a "mommy/baby swing," is for babies and their caregivers. The infant faces the adult, and they swing together.

"They've done studies on that, that it helps in the development of the child because they develop a relationship. They look in the adult's face, and they're able to talk and have focused learning there," Jeter said.

Jeter said they wanted a tall slide. They chose one 22 feet tall, with sides to provide greater safety for children.

The zip line will be slightly taller than the one at the ARC Park to accommodate children of all ages, Jeter said.

The spinner is reminiscent of a merry-go-round, but with additional safety features.

Women Who Lead hopes to host a back-to-school picnic and a ribbon-cutting for phase two in late summer.

The third phase will include final improvements to the baseball field, including new fencing, backstops, benches and signs.

The Born Learning Trail, which was installed by the Women Who Lead as their first project in 2018, will be refreshed. The trail helps young children learn concepts such as shapes and colors.

Tabletop games such as chess and checkers, along with city street outlines for children to play with toy cars, will be added.

Women Who Lead also hope to add a playhouse, a small in-ground trampoline and agility workout equipment for adults.

The last phase will include lighting and security cameras. The Women Who Lead sponsored similar security improvements at the ARC Park and Hays Dog Park. Both helped reduce vandalism in those areas.&nbsp;

If you would like to donate to the Sunrise Park project, click the "Become a Sponsor" or "Directed Donation" tab on the <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">Women Who Lead website</a>. Please indicate on the form that you would like your donation directed to Sunrise Park.

You can also mail donations to Women Who Lead at&nbsp;PO Box 453, Hays, KS 67601.

Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of Women Who Lead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769712334476.png" alt="Nonprofit Women Who Lead is raising money to install new playground equipment at Sunrise Park. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Nonprofit Women Who Lead is raising money to install new playground equipment at Sunrise Park. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Women Who Lead -Sunrise Park" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=fua2d-1a25142-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWomen Who Lead has started the first of four phases of improvements for Sunrise Park.Sunrise Park is more than 60 years old and needs updated equipment and repairs. Women Who Lead has adopted the park as a service project, Nancy Jeter, president of Women Who Lead, said.The Hays nonprofit is rallying sponsors to help improve the park at 19th and MacArthur Road."Now it will address people of all ages, from infants in a mommy/baby expression swing all the way up to playing a basketball game with your friends and getting these kids off their devices," Jeter said."It will form social bonds, and kids will play with each other and interact with each other, and develop some really neat friendships and bonding with each other."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769712472910.png" alt="Women Who Lead have already installed a nine-hole disc golf course at Sunrise Park. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Women Who Lead have already installed a nine-hole disc golf course at Sunrise Park. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A nine-hole disc golf course has already been completed, and Jeter said it has already been used for a tournament."It being used so much by parents with their kids, and kids after school," Jeter said. "There's a grandfather who goes out there and plays with his grandson."Work on the baseball fields and the installation of a new basketball court are underway. The basketball court will be completed within the next couple of months, depending on weather conditions. The baseball field will be regraded.Women Who Lead also paid for a new sign with lighting and landscaping.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769712504508.png" alt="Improvements are planned for the two baseball fields at Sunrsie Park. Grading of the fields is in the works. New fencing, backstops, benches and signs are planned for the third phase of the project. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Improvements are planned for the two baseball fields at Sunrsie Park. Grading of the fields is in the works. New fencing, backstops, benches and signs are planned for the third phase of the project. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure>Women Who Lead is seeking donations and sponsors for the second phase of the improvements.These will include the purchase and installation of playground equipment, including an expression swing, spinner, typhoon slide, climbing cubes, zip line and slide with spinatorium.Jeter said Women Who Lead, in partnership with the city parks department, selected playground equipment that is not available anywhere else in Ellis County."The latest, fun pieces of equipment around," she said.The expression swing, often called a "mommy/baby swing," is for babies and their caregivers. The infant faces the adult, and they swing together."They've done studies on that, that it helps in the development of the child because they develop a relationship. They look in the adult's face, and they're able to talk and have focused learning there," Jeter said.Jeter said they wanted a tall slide. They chose one 22 feet tall, with sides to provide greater safety for children.The zip line will be slightly taller than the one at the ARC Park to accommodate children of all ages, Jeter said.The spinner is reminiscent of a merry-go-round, but with additional safety features.Women Who Lead hopes to host a back-to-school picnic and a ribbon-cutting for phase two in late summer.The third phase will include final improvements to the baseball field, including new fencing, backstops, benches and signs.The Born Learning Trail, which was installed by the Women Who Lead as their first project in 2018, will be refreshed. The trail helps young children learn concepts such as shapes and colors.Tabletop games such as chess and checkers, along with city street outlines for children to play with toy cars, will be added.Women Who Lead also hope to add a playhouse, a small in-ground trampoline and agility workout equipment for adults.The last phase will include lighting and security cameras. The Women Who Lead sponsored similar security improvements at the ARC Park and Hays Dog Park. Both helped reduce vandalism in those areas.&nbsp;If you would like to donate to the Sunrise Park project, click the "Become a Sponsor" or "Directed Donation" tab on the <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">Women Who Lead website</a>. Please indicate on the form that you would like your donation directed to Sunrise Park.You can also mail donations to Women Who Lead at&nbsp;PO Box 453, Hays, KS 67601.Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of Women Who Lead.

New playground equipment, other improvements coming to Sunrise Park

You will meet your coach and learn how the program can help you manage and lower your blood pressure. We will also have a special guest, Dr. Travis Haneke, Cardiologist.

MEETING DETAILS: February 3, 2026 6:00pm 601 Main St.-back meeting room

CONTACT: Monique Koerner Family and Community Wellness Agent moniquek@ksu.edu

Karissa Frasier Community Health Worker krfrasier@ksu.edu 785-628-9430

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769451996049.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwood Extension DistrictJoin us for the HAPp Kick-Off Meeting!You will meet your coach and learn how the program can help you manage and lower your blood pressure. We will also have a special guest, Dr. Travis Haneke, Cardiologist.MEETING DETAILS: February 3, 2026 6:00pm 601 Main St.-back meeting roomScan here or call the office to register<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769451932263.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>CONTACT: Monique Koerner Family and Community Wellness Agent moniquek@ksu.eduKarissa Frasier Community Health Worker krfrasier@ksu.edu 785-628-9430

Hypertension awareness and prevention program meeting set for Feb. 3

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Kansas State University veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek said being prepared ahead of calving season is the best way for producers to assure they will bring home the newborn calves successfully.

“We're moving into the third trimester which means the metabolic demands of that cow or heifer are going to increase tremendously,” Hanzlicek said.

A key to having a successful calving and production season is for cows and heifers to be in the appropriate body condition, which according to Hanzlicek is a score of 5-7. “We’re far enough away from calving that we can add condition to these cows and heifers without (creating) an economic burden,” he said. “It really comes down to having a formulated ration that is balanced for protein and energy.”

For those wanting to add scour vaccines to their prevention program, “it’s time to decide what vaccine they are going to use,” Hanzlicek said. “Look at the label and schedule on the calendar when they need to start vaccinating the cows and heifers.” 

Hanzlicek said heifers will require two doses of the scours vaccine, while cows need one. The timing of those vaccines is “very, very important,” he said.

Also, Hanzlicek recommends establishing a clean calving area to help reduce the risk of scours. “There’s two major risk factors for scours,” he said. “One is the lack of colostrum consumption. The other is a contaminated environment that the babies are born into.”

Hanzlicek recommends having a location to move the pairs off the calving area to keep the calving facility less contaminated with the scour organisms.

Getting the calf here safely is another factor to consider, "Most operations are going to have to help at least one animal during the calving season,” Hanzlicek said. The last national survey indicated that 1 of every 100 heifers and 2 of every 100 adult cows will need assistance.

Being prepared to pull a calf is important. Hanzlicek said producers should have the following items on hand:

· Clean straps or chains. · OB sleeves. · Lube. · Working calf pullers. · Veterinarian's phone number.

Intervening at an appropriate time is important. “If we intervene too early and the cow or heifer is not dilated, we can injure the tissues and hurt the calf,” Hanzlicek said. “If we intervene too late, a lot of times that’s when we end up with stillborn calves.” 

According to Hanzlicek, once a cow has reached the second stage of labor, they should give birth within 30 minutes. A heifer should calve within an hour. Second stage labor is when the heifer or cow can be observed experiencing uterine contractions, or the water-bag or calf’s feet are visible.

If assistance from the producer is needed, and they are unable to extract the calf within 15 minutes, then help – either a veterinarian or someone with more experience -- should be called.

Following calving, the calf should be up and nursing within two hours, Hanzlicek said. If not, a colostrum replacer can be given to help get the calf started.

“Colostrum-based powders are the best way to go, and I would recommend that every producer have one or two bags of powder replacer on hand during the calving season,” Hanzlicek said.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictKansas State University veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek said being prepared ahead of calving season is the best way for producers to assure they will bring home the newborn calves successfully.“We're moving into the third trimester which means the metabolic demands of that cow or heifer are going to increase tremendously,” Hanzlicek said.A key to having a successful calving and production season is for cows and heifers to be in the appropriate body condition, which according to Hanzlicek is a score of 5-7. “We’re far enough away from calving that we can add condition to these cows and heifers without (creating) an economic burden,” he said. “It really comes down to having a formulated ration that is balanced for protein and energy.”For those wanting to add scour vaccines to their prevention program, “it’s time to decide what vaccine they are going to use,” Hanzlicek said. “Look at the label and schedule on the calendar when they need to start vaccinating the cows and heifers.” Hanzlicek said heifers will require two doses of the scours vaccine, while cows need one. The timing of those vaccines is “very, very important,” he said.Also, Hanzlicek recommends establishing a clean calving area to help reduce the risk of scours. “There’s two major risk factors for scours,” he said. “One is the lack of colostrum consumption. The other is a contaminated environment that the babies are born into.”Hanzlicek recommends having a location to move the pairs off the calving area to keep the calving facility less contaminated with the scour organisms.Getting the calf here safely is another factor to consider, "Most operations are going to have to help at least one animal during the calving season,” Hanzlicek said. The last national survey indicated that 1 of every 100 heifers and 2 of every 100 adult cows will need assistance.Being prepared to pull a calf is important. Hanzlicek said producers should have the following items on hand:· Clean straps or chains. · OB sleeves. · Lube. · Working calf pullers. · Veterinarian's phone number.Intervening at an appropriate time is important. “If we intervene too early and the cow or heifer is not dilated, we can injure the tissues and hurt the calf,” Hanzlicek said. “If we intervene too late, a lot of times that’s when we end up with stillborn calves.” According to Hanzlicek, once a cow has reached the second stage of labor, they should give birth within 30 minutes. A heifer should calve within an hour. Second stage labor is when the heifer or cow can be observed experiencing uterine contractions, or the water-bag or calf’s feet are visible.If assistance from the producer is needed, and they are unable to extract the calf within 15 minutes, then help – either a veterinarian or someone with more experience -- should be called.Following calving, the calf should be up and nursing within two hours, Hanzlicek said. If not, a colostrum replacer can be given to help get the calf started.“Colostrum-based powders are the best way to go, and I would recommend that every producer have one or two bags of powder replacer on hand during the calving season,” Hanzlicek said.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Calving issues

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Cropping systems and cow herds go&nbsp;hand-in-hand,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it is increasingly important for producers to&nbsp;properly&nbsp;manage&nbsp;their&nbsp;crop&nbsp;rotations&nbsp;to&nbsp;determine&nbsp;how they fit together&nbsp;for both enterprises.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To address the topic of&nbsp;forage&nbsp;management,&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;Extension,&nbsp;has scheduled&nbsp;six&nbsp;regional&nbsp;schools&nbsp;during the month of&nbsp;February&nbsp;2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;These schools&nbsp;have&nbsp;been designed to help producers&nbsp;incorporate annual forages into dryland cropping systems&nbsp;to achieve&nbsp;the best&nbsp;investment&nbsp;especially in this&nbsp;farm&nbsp;environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;schedule is the following:&nbsp;

February 3&nbsp;–&nbsp;Wakeeney&nbsp;– 9:30&nbsp;a.m. to NOON –&nbsp;Trego Co. Fairgrounds&nbsp;

February 3&nbsp;–&nbsp;Sylvan Grove&nbsp;–&nbsp;3:00 p.m.&nbsp;to&nbsp;5:30 p.m.–&nbsp;Livestock Commission&nbsp;

February 4&nbsp;–&nbsp;Stockton&nbsp;– 9:30&nbsp;a.m. to NOON&nbsp;–&nbsp;Harding Hall&nbsp;4-H Building&nbsp;

February 4&nbsp;–&nbsp;Atwood&nbsp;–&nbsp;5:00 p.m. to&nbsp;7:30 p.m.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Rawlins Co. 4-H Building&nbsp;

February&nbsp;5&nbsp;–&nbsp;Sharon Springs&nbsp;– 9:00&nbsp;a.m. to&nbsp;11:30 a.m.&nbsp;(MT)&nbsp;–&nbsp;Community Activity&nbsp;Building&nbsp;

February&nbsp;5&nbsp;–&nbsp;Dighton&nbsp;– 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. –&nbsp;Lane&nbsp;Co. 4-H Building&nbsp;

The&nbsp;schools&nbsp;will be presented by&nbsp;Augustine Obour,&nbsp;K-State Soils Specialist&nbsp;(Hays)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Logan Simon,&nbsp;K-State SW Area Agronomist.&nbsp;Forages can fit in&nbsp;many&nbsp;operations&nbsp;so join us to learn about current research in winter and summer forages. Be sure&nbsp;and bring&nbsp;all your questions with you!&nbsp;&nbsp;2.5&nbsp;CCA&nbsp;credits&nbsp;have been&nbsp;applied for.&nbsp;

There is no cost for the&nbsp;schools,&nbsp;however, pre-registration is&nbsp;requestedby&nbsp;Monday,&nbsp;February 2,&nbsp;for all schools either online,&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ForageSchools">https://bit.ly/ForageSchools</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;at&nbsp;your local Extension Office.&nbsp;For the WaKeeney location contact Kelsi Luman&nbsp;at 785-673-4805.&nbsp;A minimum of 10 pre-registered producers&nbsp;are&nbsp;needed to hold&nbsp;each of the schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hope&nbsp;to see you there!&nbsp;

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agriculture agent Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agriculture agent Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictCropping systems and cow herds go&nbsp;hand-in-hand,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it is increasingly important for producers to&nbsp;properly&nbsp;manage&nbsp;their&nbsp;crop&nbsp;rotations&nbsp;to&nbsp;determine&nbsp;how they fit together&nbsp;for both enterprises.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To address the topic of&nbsp;forage&nbsp;management,&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;Extension,&nbsp;has scheduled&nbsp;six&nbsp;regional&nbsp;schools&nbsp;during the month of&nbsp;February&nbsp;2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;These schools&nbsp;have&nbsp;been designed to help producers&nbsp;incorporate annual forages into dryland cropping systems&nbsp;to achieve&nbsp;the best&nbsp;investment&nbsp;especially in this&nbsp;farm&nbsp;environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;schedule is the following:&nbsp;February 3&nbsp;–&nbsp;Wakeeney&nbsp;– 9:30&nbsp;a.m. to NOON –&nbsp;Trego Co. Fairgrounds&nbsp;February 3&nbsp;–&nbsp;Sylvan Grove&nbsp;–&nbsp;3:00 p.m.&nbsp;to&nbsp;5:30 p.m.–&nbsp;Livestock Commission&nbsp;February 4&nbsp;–&nbsp;Stockton&nbsp;– 9:30&nbsp;a.m. to NOON&nbsp;–&nbsp;Harding Hall&nbsp;4-H Building&nbsp;February 4&nbsp;–&nbsp;Atwood&nbsp;–&nbsp;5:00 p.m. to&nbsp;7:30 p.m.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Rawlins Co. 4-H Building&nbsp;February&nbsp;5&nbsp;–&nbsp;Sharon Springs&nbsp;– 9:00&nbsp;a.m. to&nbsp;11:30 a.m.&nbsp;(MT)&nbsp;–&nbsp;Community Activity&nbsp;Building&nbsp;February&nbsp;5&nbsp;–&nbsp;Dighton&nbsp;– 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. –&nbsp;Lane&nbsp;Co. 4-H Building&nbsp;The&nbsp;schools&nbsp;will be presented by&nbsp;Augustine Obour,&nbsp;K-State Soils Specialist&nbsp;(Hays)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Logan Simon,&nbsp;K-State SW Area Agronomist.&nbsp;Forages can fit in&nbsp;many&nbsp;operations&nbsp;so join us to learn about current research in winter and summer forages. Be sure&nbsp;and bring&nbsp;all your questions with you!&nbsp;&nbsp;2.5&nbsp;CCA&nbsp;credits&nbsp;have been&nbsp;applied for.&nbsp;There is no cost for the&nbsp;schools,&nbsp;however, pre-registration is&nbsp;requestedby&nbsp;Monday,&nbsp;February 2,&nbsp;for all schools either online,&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ForageSchools">https://bit.ly/ForageSchools</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;at&nbsp;your local Extension Office.&nbsp;For the WaKeeney location contact Kelsi Luman&nbsp;at 785-673-4805.&nbsp;A minimum of 10 pre-registered producers&nbsp;are&nbsp;needed to hold&nbsp;each of the schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hope&nbsp;to see you there!&nbsp;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: K-State NW KS forage schools 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769784223580.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Hays High vs Great Bend Friday, Jan. 30 - 6:00 Colby, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3483609">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

Hays High takes to the court for the first time since winning the Orange &amp; Black Classic in Colby on Saturday. The Indians resume Western Athletic Conference play by hosting Great Bend.

The #3-5A Hays (13-1, 2-0) girls face a Great Bend (3-11, 0-1) team that lost their only conference game to Garden City.

The #10-5A Hays boys (11-3) fell two spots in the most recent KBCA poll despite winning five straight games. Great Bend (8-6, 1-0) started the year 4-0 before an injury to Notre Dame football signee Ian Premer.

Hertz pregame will begin at 5:40 on 96.9 KFIX.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Great Bend Friday, Jan. 30 - 6:00 Colby, Kan.Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3483609">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;Hays High takes to the court for the first time since winning the Orange &amp; Black Classic in Colby on Saturday. The Indians resume Western Athletic Conference play by hosting Great Bend.The #3-5A Hays (13-1, 2-0) girls face a Great Bend (3-11, 0-1) team that lost their only conference game to Garden City.The #10-5A Hays boys (11-3) fell two spots in the most recent KBCA poll despite winning five straight games. Great Bend (8-6, 1-0) started the year 4-0 before an injury to Notre Dame football signee Ian Premer.Hertz pregame will begin at 5:40 on 96.9 KFIX.&nbsp;Video is available at the above link.

🏀📺 Hays High resumes WAC play versus Great Bend

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Terry Siek, clinical services director, and&nbsp;Cindy Samuelson, senior vice president of public relations, for the Kansas Hospital Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661448577852.jpeg" alt="FE Forward Ever correct 082522" />
 <figcaption>FE Forward Ever correct 082522</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0jOIC9wa-1o?si=Mza6ewY09Qqlq_Yw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Terry Siek, clinical services director, and&nbsp;Cindy Samuelson, senior vice president of public relations, for the Kansas Hospital Association.

🎥  Forward Ever: Kansas Hospital Association representatives 

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a cold weather advisory for Hays.

The advisory runs from midnight until 10 a.m. on Saturday and covers Ellis, Rush, Russell, Lincoln, Ellsworth and Barton counties.

A slight chance of snow is forecast today, with a high of 28 and a low of -3.

Saturday is expected to be cloudy, with a high of 26 and a low of 15. The weather service said in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1829FtMvBL/">Facebook post</a> that wind chills could dip to -10 or colder.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/184UV73sBc/">Light snow is also expected tonight in northwest Kansas, with the potential to spread into parts of southwest Kansas.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769793023347.jpeg" alt="Cold weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>Cold weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a cold weather advisory for Hays.The advisory runs from midnight until 10 a.m. on Saturday and covers Ellis, Rush, Russell, Lincoln, Ellsworth and Barton counties.A slight chance of snow is forecast today, with a high of 28 and a low of -3.Saturday is expected to be cloudy, with a high of 26 and a low of 15. The weather service said in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1829FtMvBL/">Facebook post</a> that wind chills could dip to -10 or colder.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/184UV73sBc/">Light snow is also expected tonight in northwest Kansas, with the potential to spread into parts of southwest Kansas.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769793173307.jpeg" alt="Small chance of snow expected in western Kansas, forecasted by the National Weather Service in Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>Small chance of snow expected in western Kansas, forecasted by the National Weather Service in Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>

Cold weather advisory issued for Hays, surrounding areas

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WICHITA – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman with illegally taking controlled substances from her employer’s inventory.

According to court documents, Janice Mae Brown, 39, of Russell was indicted on one count of acquiring a controlled substance by deception.

Beginning at a date unknown and continuing through March 2025, Brown is accused of using her position as a pharmacy technician to remove amphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) from a pharmacy without proper authorization.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737601384869.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Attorney GeneralWICHITA – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman with illegally taking controlled substances from her employer’s inventory.According to court documents, Janice Mae Brown, 39, of Russell was indicted on one count of acquiring a controlled substance by deception.Beginning at a date unknown and continuing through March 2025, Brown is accused of using her position as a pharmacy technician to remove amphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) from a pharmacy without proper authorization.The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case.

Technician from Russell indicted for stealing controlled substances from pharmacy

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755180860320.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769783828414.png" alt=" " />
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FHSU daily crime log: Jan. 25-31, 2026

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A passion discovered in college turned into a 15 year-career for Nicole Brungardt, who now helps prepare local children for kindergarten from home.

"I was in elementary education as a freshman in college. I started working at a preschool here in Hays, and as I worked more with kids that age, I started to realize I loved working with this age group," she said.

Brungardt completed her degrees in elementary and early childhood education from Fort Hays State University in 2010 and has since operated an in-home preschool called Kinder Kollege.

Brungardt said her program focuses on children ages 3 to 5, offering a structured curriculum in a family-centered setting. The child care space is in her basement.

"I essentially created a preschool classroom. I have different tables, separate areas, a circle time rug. It's all downstairs," he said.

Brungardt has four children of her own and typically cares for about six to eight others. The daily schedule includes letters, shapes, colors and books, along with worksheets, basic science activities, and arts and crafts.

Brungardt said she intentionally keeps her group sizes small to minimize stress and ensure every child receives the attention they deserve. She operates from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Brungardt said the most challenging part of the job is maintaining a boundary between her work and personal life.

"Trying to balance this being my home and also my business," she said. "Downstairs is my business, and then my family is upstairs. Just trying to keep it that way."

On the flip side, Brungardt said the most rewarding part of her work is watching children grow and succeed as they prepare for kindergarten.

If there's anything Brungardt hopes children leave her care with, it's the love of learning. She describes them as a second family.

"Child care is a passion profession. I do it because I love it, not because it pays well," she said.

Brungardt said other obstacles include rising food and supply costs and the lack of health care benefits or a retirement plan.

"The benefits of child care are that I have gotten to spend quality time with my own children while still making a living. It’s important to me not to miss all the little moments, especially when they are young," she said.

Brungardt said families often remain connected through school activities involving her own children and personal relationships, with occasional invitations to birthday parties.

Brungardt said she was surprised to be awarded January’s Child Care Champion, but described the honor as meaningful.

"It's humbling to know that people really do appreciate everything I do for their kids," she said.

Brungardt credited her husband as her biggest source of support, saying he has sacrificed space in their home and helps care for their children while she works.

Brungardt also credited mentors Brenda Porter and Tara Simmons, who she said took her under their wing and helped her learn to run Kinder Kollege like a business.

You can follow Kinder Kollege on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057635762072">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769631488627.jpeg" alt="January's Child Care Champion Nicole Brungardt of Hays with her family. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>January's Child Care Champion Nicole Brungardt of Hays with her family. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA passion discovered in college turned into a 15 year-career for Nicole Brungardt, who now helps prepare local children for kindergarten from home."I was in elementary education as a freshman in college. I started working at a preschool here in Hays, and as I worked more with kids that age, I started to realize I loved working with this age group," she said.Brungardt completed her degrees in elementary and early childhood education from Fort Hays State University in 2010 and has since operated an in-home preschool called Kinder Kollege.Brungardt said her program focuses on children ages 3 to 5, offering a structured curriculum in a family-centered setting. The child care space is in her basement."I essentially created a preschool classroom. I have different tables, separate areas, a circle time rug. It's all downstairs," he said.Brungardt has four children of her own and typically cares for about six to eight others. The daily schedule includes letters, shapes, colors and books, along with worksheets, basic science activities, and arts and crafts.Brungardt said she intentionally keeps her group sizes small to minimize stress and ensure every child receives the attention they deserve. She operates from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday.Brungardt said the most challenging part of the job is maintaining a boundary between her work and personal life."Trying to balance this being my home and also my business," she said. "Downstairs is my business, and then my family is upstairs. Just trying to keep it that way."On the flip side, Brungardt said the most rewarding part of her work is watching children grow and succeed as they prepare for kindergarten.If there's anything Brungardt hopes children leave her care with, it's the love of learning. She describes them as a second family."Child care is a passion profession. I do it because I love it, not because it pays well," she said.Brungardt said other obstacles include rising food and supply costs and the lack of health care benefits or a retirement plan."The benefits of child care are that I have gotten to spend quality time with my own children while still making a living. It’s important to me not to miss all the little moments, especially when they are young," she said.Brungardt said families often remain connected through school activities involving her own children and personal relationships, with occasional invitations to birthday parties.Brungardt said she was surprised to be awarded January’s Child Care Champion, but described the honor as meaningful."It's humbling to know that people really do appreciate everything I do for their kids," she said.Brungardt credited her husband as her biggest source of support, saying he has sacrificed space in their home and helps care for their children while she works.Brungardt also credited mentors Brenda Porter and Tara Simmons, who she said took her under their wing and helped her learn to run Kinder Kollege like a business.You can follow Kinder Kollege on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057635762072">Facebook</a>.

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