By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

“Moving heaven and earth.” That’s a saying to describe doing everything possible to make something happen.&nbsp;

Today we’ll meet a Kansas company which literally follows that philosophy. This company is an earth-moving business and much more.&nbsp;

Max Jantz founded Max Jantz Excavating in 1974 with a John Deere tractor, one pull-type earth scraper, and what he called “a love of the land.” The first work headquarters for the company was the old barn on the family place north of Montezuma, Kan.&nbsp;

Max primarily did dirt work for commercial and municipal projects. He sought opportunities throughout the Midwest to grow the operation by expanding his skills, crews and equipment fleet.&nbsp;

By 2001, Max had gone from a one-man operation to managing a staff of more than 40 employees and an equipment fleet of more than 130. At that time, a strategic decision was made to focus on the development of turn-key dairy and beef cattle feedyard facilities. The company also underwent a name change and became the more inclusive MJE LLC.&nbsp;

As the business continued to grow, Max’s son and daughter joined the company.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, son Aaron Jantz is chief executive officer and daughter Heather Jantz is chief operating officer.&nbsp;

Aaron and his wife have two children, as do Heather and her husband Aaron Albers who is a project manager with the company. Megan Elsey is director of public relations.&nbsp;

The expertise that company employees gained in designing, building and installing livestock equipment created an opportunity to serve others as well. In 2018, MJE expanded into a second line of business, called MJE Livestock Equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;]Having long ago outgrown the original barn, MJE constructed a multi-million dollar production facility in Montezuma.&nbsp;

One of MJE’s customers had experienced a bad situation when a storm came through and damaged multiple calf hutches, which are small shelters for young calves. In response, the MJE staff designed a calf hutch latch and tethering system that would win them an award.&nbsp;

In addition to the calf hutch latch system, MJE Livestock Equipment produces fencing panels, gates, feeders, waterers, mineral feeders, livestock handling equipment, and more. These products are manufactured at the company facility in Montezuma.&nbsp;

Heather and Aaron are very committed to their hometown of Montezuma. “They’re super community-driven,” Megan said. MJE staff helped initiate a Chamber of Commerce in Montezuma, and Megan Elsey is the chamber president. MJE helps sponsor various worthy projects, including the Young Guns Rodeo for children and youth up to 18 years old.&nbsp;

MJE also seeks to develop homegrown talent and create opportunities for local employment.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We bring out schools for tours,” Megan said. “We can arrange for (potential workers) to job shadow, and we’ll train on the job. We’re always looking for welders, fabricators, and truck drivers.”&nbsp;

Today, MJE LLC has grown to include more than 200 employees and more than 350 pieces of equipment. “We try to work within a 500-mile radius,” Megan said.&nbsp;

However, in 2010, Max and Heather traveled to China to help with feedyard construction. MJE’s expertise has helped design a feedyard in California, and the company was recently studied by another business in Argentina. MJE Livestock Equipment products have gone as far away as Italy.&nbsp;

One of the company’s very large earth-moving projects was the construction of HorseThief Reservoir in 2010.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s an impressive record for a business in a rural community such as Montezuma, population 975 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information on MJE, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mjellc.net/">www.mjellc.net</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For information on the livestock equipment line, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mjelivestockequipment.com/">www.mjelivestockequipment.com</a>.&nbsp;

Moving heaven and earth. That saying means doing everything possible to make something happen. It applies to MJE LLC and the company’s philosophy of responding to customer needs.&nbsp;

We commend Max, Aaron and Heather Jantz and all the people of MJE for making a difference with their community service, entrepreneurship, and family-oriented business.&nbsp;&nbsp;From what I’ve seen, if there’s a project to be completed, MJE will move heaven and earth to get it done.&nbsp;

And there’s more.&nbsp;&nbsp;emember HorseThief Reservoir? We’ll learn more about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645627616720.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;“Moving heaven and earth.” That’s a saying to describe doing everything possible to make something happen.&nbsp;Today we’ll meet a Kansas company which literally follows that philosophy. This company is an earth-moving business and much more.&nbsp;Max Jantz founded Max Jantz Excavating in 1974 with a John Deere tractor, one pull-type earth scraper, and what he called “a love of the land.” The first work headquarters for the company was the old barn on the family place north of Montezuma, Kan.&nbsp;Max primarily did dirt work for commercial and municipal projects. He sought opportunities throughout the Midwest to grow the operation by expanding his skills, crews and equipment fleet.&nbsp;By 2001, Max had gone from a one-man operation to managing a staff of more than 40 employees and an equipment fleet of more than 130. At that time, a strategic decision was made to focus on the development of turn-key dairy and beef cattle feedyard facilities. The company also underwent a name change and became the more inclusive MJE LLC.&nbsp;As the business continued to grow, Max’s son and daughter joined the company.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, son Aaron Jantz is chief executive officer and daughter Heather Jantz is chief operating officer.&nbsp;Aaron and his wife have two children, as do Heather and her husband Aaron Albers who is a project manager with the company. Megan Elsey is director of public relations.&nbsp;The expertise that company employees gained in designing, building and installing livestock equipment created an opportunity to serve others as well. In 2018, MJE expanded into a second line of business, called MJE Livestock Equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;]Having long ago outgrown the original barn, MJE constructed a multi-million dollar production facility in Montezuma.&nbsp;One of MJE’s customers had experienced a bad situation when a storm came through and damaged multiple calf hutches, which are small shelters for young calves. In response, the MJE staff designed a calf hutch latch and tethering system that would win them an award.&nbsp;In addition to the calf hutch latch system, MJE Livestock Equipment produces fencing panels, gates, feeders, waterers, mineral feeders, livestock handling equipment, and more. These products are manufactured at the company facility in Montezuma.&nbsp;Heather and Aaron are very committed to their hometown of Montezuma. “They’re super community-driven,” Megan said. MJE staff helped initiate a Chamber of Commerce in Montezuma, and Megan Elsey is the chamber president. MJE helps sponsor various worthy projects, including the Young Guns Rodeo for children and youth up to 18 years old.&nbsp;MJE also seeks to develop homegrown talent and create opportunities for local employment.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We bring out schools for tours,” Megan said. “We can arrange for (potential workers) to job shadow, and we’ll train on the job. We’re always looking for welders, fabricators, and truck drivers.”&nbsp;Today, MJE LLC has grown to include more than 200 employees and more than 350 pieces of equipment. “We try to work within a 500-mile radius,” Megan said.&nbsp;However, in 2010, Max and Heather traveled to China to help with feedyard construction. MJE’s expertise has helped design a feedyard in California, and the company was recently studied by another business in Argentina. MJE Livestock Equipment products have gone as far away as Italy.&nbsp;One of the company’s very large earth-moving projects was the construction of HorseThief Reservoir in 2010.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s an impressive record for a business in a rural community such as Montezuma, population 975 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information on MJE, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mjellc.net/">www.mjellc.net</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For information on the livestock equipment line, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mjelivestockequipment.com/">www.mjelivestockequipment.com</a>.&nbsp;Moving heaven and earth. That saying means doing everything possible to make something happen. It applies to MJE LLC and the company’s philosophy of responding to customer needs.&nbsp;We commend Max, Aaron and Heather Jantz and all the people of MJE for making a difference with their community service, entrepreneurship, and family-oriented business.&nbsp;&nbsp;From what I’ve seen, if there’s a project to be completed, MJE will move heaven and earth to get it done.&nbsp;And there’s more.&nbsp;&nbsp;emember HorseThief Reservoir? We’ll learn more about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Heather, Aaron Jantz - MJE 

&nbsp;At 8:40 p.m. Saturday, officers from the Ellis Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of West 14th Street for a domestic disturbance involving a firearm.

Prior to law enforcement’s arrival on scene, the suspect who was identified as 27-year-old Mikayla McCarthy of Ellis, fled the area on foot. Officers on scene developed information that after an argument, McCarthy pointed a .45 caliber handgun at the victim who then summoned law enforcement assistance. 

Officers searched the immediate area but were unable to locate McCarthy. Through investigation and follow-up with a family member, Officers were able to locate McCarthy and negotiate a peaceful resolution to the situation. McCarthy was taken into custody in the 500 block of Dorrance Street and was transported to the Ellis County Jail without further incident.

McCarthy is being held on a requested charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. McCarthy is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

The Ellis Police Chief said he would like to thank the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and the dispatchers of the Hays Communications Center for their assistance with this case. 

Ellis Police Department &nbsp;At 8:40 p.m. Saturday, officers from the Ellis Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of West 14th Street for a domestic disturbance involving a firearm.Prior to law enforcement’s arrival on scene, the suspect who was identified as 27-year-old Mikayla McCarthy of Ellis, fled the area on foot. Officers on scene developed information that after an argument, McCarthy pointed a .45 caliber handgun at the victim who then summoned law enforcement assistance. Officers searched the immediate area but were unable to locate McCarthy. Through investigation and follow-up with a family member, Officers were able to locate McCarthy and negotiate a peaceful resolution to the situation. McCarthy was taken into custody in the 500 block of Dorrance Street and was transported to the Ellis County Jail without further incident.McCarthy is being held on a requested charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. McCarthy is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.The Ellis Police Chief said he would like to thank the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and the dispatchers of the Hays Communications Center for their assistance with this case.

Suspect arrested in Ellis after domestic disturbance involving gun

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Teacher Erika Norris, a confirmed English nerd, will do about anything she can to get kids hooked on reading.

Norris, a fifth-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, was nominated for the February Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award by parent LaChelle Fitzmorris.

"She has turned a hesitant reader into a student that really enjoys books," Fitzmorris said, "so much so that we have had to get copies of books read at school because he wants to read them again at home.

"She encourages Kellan's interests and lets us know right away if he is struggling in any way."

Fitzmorris said Norris checked in on her student when he was home sick. 

Kellan wrote a report on puffins, so Norris was quick to send him a fun photo of one of the birds.

"Her genuine concern for her student makes her someone Kellan loves talking to and sharing with," Fitzmorris said. "Knowing he heads to a classroom where there is this type of nurturing relationship every day makes my heart smile!"

Norris, who is only in her third year of teaching, said she was honored by the nomination.

"I try to make a connection with every student that comes in the classroom no matter what their background is or what their story is. Everybody's story can change at a moment's notice."

She looks to connect with students through a book series or a common interest. 

But she said she knows not every student comes in ready to learn every single day, she said.

"You have to be able to provide a safe space or be a listening ear or give that Maslow need before the Bloom's [educational] need," she said.

Norris is a graduate of Fort Hays State University. She recently received her master's degree in building administration. She did her student teaching at Roosevelt, as well as worked in the after school program there.

However, Norris was inspired to become a teacher by her mother, Beth Norris, who is the K-8 principal in the Thunder Ridge School District.

"Just seeing her interact with students was inspiring," Norris said.

Sharing their teaching experiences is another way Erika and her mom connect. Erika said she talks to mom almost daily and her mom was thrilled to learn about her Teacher of the Month Award.

Erika said she could see herself as a principal some day, but for now she loves teaching the fifth-grade.

"They're still really eager to learn," she said. "They come everyday with stories and everything under the sun that they're willing to share. ... They're independent too. Fifth-grade's a really good fit. They're so fun."

Norris said she lives for the "light-bulb moments."

"... just watching them at the beginning of a lesson, and they think it's impossible. They think it's not going to work. I'm a growth mindset person, so we don't say can't. We don't get something yet, be we're going to get there. 

"Then you watch that light bulb come on when it finally clicks. One strategy or another finally works and you see the excitement."

Sometimes you have to take a break from academics and talk about life lessons. Last year the kids explored bullying through toothpaste. She told the kids harsh words are like squeezing out toothpaste. It's easy to get the toothpaste out, but really difficult to get it back into the tube.

She also used a lesson using a hammer, board and nails — an idea from her mother.

"You can say something awful and apologize and pull out that nail, but that hole is still there," she said. "It is very impactful for them to see it."

Recently her students have been discussing fair versus equal as part of the AmeriTowne curriculum. The students will eventually vote for elected officials for their town, be interviewed for jobs and learn about personal finance during the program. 

She explained one student might need more help on an assignment than another student who might already understand the lesson.

She said students also learn life lessons from one of her favorite books, "Home of the Brave," which is about an immigrant boy who comes to the United States and struggles to fit in. Norris said she appreciates the book because her students learn from it that everyone has their own battle.

Life lessons are important, but she also tries to keep class fun.

Norris recently taught a unit on poetry and admitted some students were not excited to find out that was the lesson for the day. However, Norris tried to make it fun even for those professed poetry haters.

She introduced a series of poems and the students had to guess what objects the poems were about. 

"I had one student who started writing his own poetry," she said. "I try to have a good time with them when learning about things that aren't the most fun."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645819497142.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645820530774.jpeg" alt="Erika Norris, fifth-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, was selected as the February Hays Post Teacher of the Month. " />
 <figcaption>Erika Norris, fifth-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, was selected as the February Hays Post Teacher of the Month. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTeacher Erika Norris, a confirmed English nerd, will do about anything she can to get kids hooked on reading.Norris, a fifth-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, was nominated for the February Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award by parent LaChelle Fitzmorris."She has turned a hesitant reader into a student that really enjoys books," Fitzmorris said, "so much so that we have had to get copies of books read at school because he wants to read them again at home."She encourages Kellan's interests and lets us know right away if he is struggling in any way."Fitzmorris said Norris checked in on her student when he was home sick. Kellan wrote a report on puffins, so Norris was quick to send him a fun photo of one of the birds."Her genuine concern for her student makes her someone Kellan loves talking to and sharing with," Fitzmorris said. "Knowing he heads to a classroom where there is this type of nurturing relationship every day makes my heart smile!"Norris, who is only in her third year of teaching, said she was honored by the nomination."I try to make a connection with every student that comes in the classroom no matter what their background is or what their story is. Everybody's story can change at a moment's notice."She looks to connect with students through a book series or a common interest. But she said she knows not every student comes in ready to learn every single day, she said."You have to be able to provide a safe space or be a listening ear or give that Maslow need before the Bloom's [educational] need," she said. Norris is a graduate of Fort Hays State University. She recently received her master's degree in building administration. She did her student teaching at Roosevelt, as well as worked in the after school program there.However, Norris was inspired to become a teacher by her mother, Beth Norris, who is the K-8 principal in the Thunder Ridge School District."Just seeing her interact with students was inspiring," Norris said.Sharing their teaching experiences is another way Erika and her mom connect. Erika said she talks to mom almost daily and her mom was thrilled to learn about her Teacher of the Month Award. Erika said she could see herself as a principal some day, but for now she loves teaching the fifth-grade."They're still really eager to learn," she said. "They come everyday with stories and everything under the sun that they're willing to share. ... They're independent too. Fifth-grade's a really good fit. They're so fun."Norris said she lives for the "light-bulb moments.""... just watching them at the beginning of a lesson, and they think it's impossible. They think it's not going to work. I'm a growth mindset person, so we don't say can't. We don't get something yet, be we're going to get there. "Then you watch that light bulb come on when it finally clicks. One strategy or another finally works and you see the excitement."Sometimes you have to take a break from academics and talk about life lessons. Last year the kids explored bullying through toothpaste. She told the kids harsh words are like squeezing out toothpaste. It's easy to get the toothpaste out, but really difficult to get it back into the tube.She also used a lesson using a hammer, board and nails — an idea from her mother. "You can say something awful and apologize and pull out that nail, but that hole is still there," she said. "It is very impactful for them to see it."Recently her students have been discussing fair versus equal as part of the AmeriTowne curriculum. The students will eventually vote for elected officials for their town, be interviewed for jobs and learn about personal finance during the program. She explained one student might need more help on an assignment than another student who might already understand the lesson. She said students also learn life lessons from one of her favorite books, "Home of the Brave," which is about an immigrant boy who comes to the United States and struggles to fit in. Norris said she appreciates the book because her students learn from it that everyone has their own battle."They grow through that book," she said.Life lessons are important, but she also tries to keep class fun. Norris recently taught a unit on poetry and admitted some students were not excited to find out that was the lesson for the day. However, Norris tried to make it fun even for those professed poetry haters.She introduced a series of poems and the students had to guess what objects the poems were about. "I had one student who started writing his own poetry," she said. "I try to have a good time with them when learning about things that aren't the most fun." <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645819497142.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Teacher of the Month offers life lesson from a tube of toothpaste

	Kansas Democrats and many Republicans finally agree on something–but is it a good deal?&nbsp; The so-called APEX deal raises more questions than answers.

	With Governor Kelly’s support, Republican leaders in the Kansas Legislature rushed through the most generous tax package in the state’s history, offering a previously unheard-of $1 billion in tax incentives to an unnamed company, along with a cut in the state’s corporate tax rate.&nbsp; Supporters insist that the name of the company and the type of business must be kept secret to protect the deal, and that such protocols are standard with deals like this.&nbsp; One other state–possibly Oklahoma–remains as the other finalist.&nbsp; One unverified rumor suggests that the mystery company may be manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles. Some Republican legislators did vote no, but it still passed easily.&nbsp; Four thousand jobs are promised, along with additional jobs created by suppliers.

Tax-incentive-driven development projects seem too good to be true.&nbsp; Consider the approach known as tax increment financing, or TIF.&nbsp; State and local governments issue bonds to pay for the public works improvements required to lure in new economic development, such as roads, traffic signals, land excavation, and water drainage.&nbsp; The project is built, and the tax revenue generated at the site pays off the bonds.&nbsp; Once they are paid, revenues can be redirected into general revenues to fund public works, schools, police, fire protection, and so forth. The revenue used to pay these debts appears to be free money, generated by the development itself, which in turn was built because of the incentive package.&nbsp;&nbsp;

	If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.&nbsp; TIF is not the only tax incentive scheme used in these deals, but it is a good example of the problems that occur.&nbsp; First, many of these projects would have been built anyway. The hunger of state and local governments for big-ticket projects means that they get locked in an arms race to outbid each other:&nbsp; a race to the bottom.&nbsp; If they instead agreed not to outbid each other, then the projects would still be built, but the businesses building them would pay full tax revenue from day one, just like other, more-established businesses. &nbsp; 	

	Next comes the confusion between creating and relocating jobs.&nbsp; Even when economic benefits are reported, they are often due to jobs being relocated from one state or locality to another.&nbsp; The absurd “border war” luring KC-area businesses back and forth across the state line is a particularly ridiculous example of this dysfunction.&nbsp; Sometimes, they move only a few blocks.&nbsp; In the case of the APEX project, it has already been decided that it will be built, the only question is where. Is it worth $1 billion to insure that it is in Kansas instead of another, possibly neighboring state?

	Finally, taxpayers should ask who is on the hook if the project fails.&nbsp; In TIF and many other tax-incentive packages, the issuance of bonds or other government debt is involved.&nbsp; The debts must still be paid if the project is unsuccessful.&nbsp; In such an instance, who pays for it?

	This deal is certainly the apex of Kansas tax packages–but many questions remain for the state’s taxpayers.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>	Kansas Democrats and many Republicans finally agree on something–but is it a good deal?&nbsp; The so-called APEX deal raises more questions than answers.	With Governor Kelly’s support, Republican leaders in the Kansas Legislature rushed through the most generous tax package in the state’s history, offering a previously unheard-of $1 billion in tax incentives to an unnamed company, along with a cut in the state’s corporate tax rate.&nbsp; Supporters insist that the name of the company and the type of business must be kept secret to protect the deal, and that such protocols are standard with deals like this.&nbsp; One other state–possibly Oklahoma–remains as the other finalist.&nbsp; One unverified rumor suggests that the mystery company may be manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles. Some Republican legislators did vote no, but it still passed easily.&nbsp; Four thousand jobs are promised, along with additional jobs created by suppliers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tax-incentive-driven development projects seem too good to be true.&nbsp; Consider the approach known as tax increment financing, or TIF.&nbsp; State and local governments issue bonds to pay for the public works improvements required to lure in new economic development, such as roads, traffic signals, land excavation, and water drainage.&nbsp; The project is built, and the tax revenue generated at the site pays off the bonds.&nbsp; Once they are paid, revenues can be redirected into general revenues to fund public works, schools, police, fire protection, and so forth. The revenue used to pay these debts appears to be free money, generated by the development itself, which in turn was built because of the incentive package.&nbsp;&nbsp;	If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.&nbsp; TIF is not the only tax incentive scheme used in these deals, but it is a good example of the problems that occur.&nbsp; First, many of these projects would have been built anyway. The hunger of state and local governments for big-ticket projects means that they get locked in an arms race to outbid each other:&nbsp; a race to the bottom.&nbsp; If they instead agreed not to outbid each other, then the projects would still be built, but the businesses building them would pay full tax revenue from day one, just like other, more-established businesses. &nbsp; 		Next comes the confusion between creating and relocating jobs.&nbsp; Even when economic benefits are reported, they are often due to jobs being relocated from one state or locality to another.&nbsp; The absurd “border war” luring KC-area businesses back and forth across the state line is a particularly ridiculous example of this dysfunction.&nbsp; Sometimes, they move only a few blocks.&nbsp; In the case of the APEX project, it has already been decided that it will be built, the only question is where. Is it worth $1 billion to insure that it is in Kansas instead of another, possibly neighboring state?	Finally, taxpayers should ask who is on the hook if the project fails.&nbsp; In TIF and many other tax-incentive packages, the issuance of bonds or other government debt is involved.&nbsp; The debts must still be paid if the project is unsuccessful.&nbsp; In such an instance, who pays for it?	This deal is certainly the apex of Kansas tax packages–but many questions remain for the state’s taxpayers.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Hard questions about the APEX deal

Do you support agriculture and agriculture education? If so,&nbsp;the Hays High FFA Alumni and Supporters Board would like to invite&nbsp;you&nbsp;to the inaugural FFA Alumni&nbsp;Meeting. &nbsp;This&nbsp;event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3, in the ag classroom at Hays High. &nbsp;

The meeting will include a short presentation&nbsp;by&nbsp;former National FFA President Jackie Mundt (sponsored by Farm Bureau), discussion about opportunities available through the new alumni chapter, ways to support the Hays High FFA chapter, goals for the group, and the election of three members to the executive board. &nbsp;Refreshments will be served.

Follow Hays High FFA Alumni and Supporters on Facebook for the latest information and to learn more. You do not have to be an&nbsp;alumnus&nbsp;of FFA to get involved. Anyone who supports&nbsp;agriculture and the development of future leaders is encouraged to join in and support the Hays Chapter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613769654957.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseDo you support agriculture and agriculture education? If so,&nbsp;the Hays High FFA Alumni and Supporters Board would like to invite&nbsp;you&nbsp;to the inaugural FFA Alumni&nbsp;Meeting. &nbsp;This&nbsp;event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3, in the ag classroom at Hays High. &nbsp;The meeting will include a short presentation&nbsp;by&nbsp;former National FFA President Jackie Mundt (sponsored by Farm Bureau), discussion about opportunities available through the new alumni chapter, ways to support the Hays High FFA chapter, goals for the group, and the election of three members to the executive board. &nbsp;Refreshments will be served.Follow Hays High FFA Alumni and Supporters on Facebook for the latest information and to learn more. You do not have to be an&nbsp;alumnus&nbsp;of FFA to get involved. Anyone who supports&nbsp;agriculture and the development of future leaders is encouraged to join in and support the Hays Chapter.

Inaugural Hays FFA alumni meeting set for March 3

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645821691900.jpeg" alt="" />
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Three-day weather outlook

The Walk KS program has been a signature program for K-State Research and Extension for&nbsp;more than 20 years. In fact,&nbsp;I’m guessing that many of you reading&nbsp;this column have participated&nbsp;as a team member, tracking your minutes of exercise&nbsp;during the eight-week program. I have a&nbsp;dresser drawer full of colorful Walk KS T-shirts from every year and I wear them&nbsp;proudly.&nbsp;

Three years ago, when we were walking along a Florida beach with our son,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was wearing a Walk KS T-shirt when a lady came up to&nbsp;me&nbsp;excitedly and asked,&nbsp;“Where in Kansas are you from?”&nbsp;When I said&nbsp;Great Bend, she&nbsp;said to her husband,&nbsp;“Isn’t that where&nbsp;our new neighbors are from?”&nbsp;We found&nbsp;out her new neighbor had&nbsp;taught both of our&nbsp;sons&nbsp;in&nbsp;fifth&nbsp;grade&nbsp;many years&nbsp;earlier!&nbsp;What a small world!

Walk Kansas is a team-based&nbsp;program that will help you and others lead a healthier life. When you&nbsp;join this&nbsp;program,&nbsp;you can:

➢Bemore active with friends and family➢Make better nutrition choices➢Walk away your stress

&nbsp;​As a fitness&nbsp;challenge, Walk Kansas invites friends, neighbors,&nbsp;family,&nbsp;and co-workers to form teams of six to cover the equivalent of the&nbsp;423-mile&nbsp;distance from Kansas’ east to west borders during the eight-week program. &nbsp;A number of years ago, the reporting was simplified as participants turned in minutes of exercise each week.&nbsp;The goal is to encourage at least 30 minutes of aerobic heart-healthy&nbsp;physical activity five or more days a week. &nbsp;Knowing that others are counting on you to contribute can be a motivator. &nbsp;Other plusses for the program include encouragement and practical ideas for healthy living through newsletters,&nbsp;recipes,&nbsp;educational&nbsp;programs,&nbsp;and special events.

​The cost to register&nbsp;for&nbsp;Walk KS is $10.&nbsp;This covers the&nbsp;cost&nbsp;to produce a weekly newsletter and the&nbsp;administration of the program. Registration also covers the&nbsp;cost of a box meal that will be provided at a Walk KS celebration event held at the Jack Kilby Square&nbsp;in Great Bend on&nbsp;Wednesday, May 25th.&nbsp;Ordering a t-shirt is optional&nbsp;and can be done on-line. This year the t-shirt colors are&nbsp;heather clay&nbsp;and heather teal.​

​Our goal is to&nbsp;get everyone who is interested to register during the first three weeks in&nbsp;March.&nbsp;So, get your team organized, come up with a catchy team name and get those walking shoes dusted off. &nbsp;Walk KS 2022&nbsp;is just around the corner!

Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District. &nbsp;You may reach her&nbsp;at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Walk KS program has been a signature program for K-State Research and Extension for&nbsp;more than 20 years. In fact,&nbsp;I’m guessing that many of you reading&nbsp;this column have participated&nbsp;as a team member, tracking your minutes of exercise&nbsp;during the eight-week program. I have a&nbsp;dresser drawer full of colorful Walk KS T-shirts from every year and I wear them&nbsp;proudly.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645734974921.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Three years ago, when we were walking along a Florida beach with our son,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was wearing a Walk KS T-shirt when a lady came up to&nbsp;me&nbsp;excitedly and asked,&nbsp;“Where in Kansas are you from?”&nbsp;When I said&nbsp;Great Bend, she&nbsp;said to her husband,&nbsp;“Isn’t that where&nbsp;our new neighbors are from?”&nbsp;We found&nbsp;out her new neighbor had&nbsp;taught both of our&nbsp;sons&nbsp;in&nbsp;fifth&nbsp;grade&nbsp;many years&nbsp;earlier!&nbsp;What a small world!Walk Kansas is a team-based&nbsp;program that will help you and others lead a healthier life. When you&nbsp;join this&nbsp;program,&nbsp;you can:➢Bemore active with friends and family➢Make better nutrition choices➢Walk away your stress&nbsp;​As a fitness&nbsp;challenge, Walk Kansas invites friends, neighbors,&nbsp;family,&nbsp;and co-workers to form teams of six to cover the equivalent of the&nbsp;423-mile&nbsp;distance from Kansas’ east to west borders during the eight-week program. &nbsp;A number of years ago, the reporting was simplified as participants turned in minutes of exercise each week.&nbsp;The goal is to encourage at least 30 minutes of aerobic heart-healthy&nbsp;physical activity five or more days a week. &nbsp;Knowing that others are counting on you to contribute can be a motivator. &nbsp;Other plusses for the program include encouragement and practical ideas for healthy living through newsletters,&nbsp;recipes,&nbsp;educational&nbsp;programs,&nbsp;and special events.​The cost to register&nbsp;for&nbsp;Walk KS is $10.&nbsp;This covers the&nbsp;cost&nbsp;to produce a weekly newsletter and the&nbsp;administration of the program. Registration also covers the&nbsp;cost of a box meal that will be provided at a Walk KS celebration event held at the Jack Kilby Square&nbsp;in Great Bend on&nbsp;Wednesday, May 25th.&nbsp;Ordering a t-shirt is optional&nbsp;and can be done on-line. This year the t-shirt colors are&nbsp;heather clay&nbsp;and heather teal.​​Our goal is to&nbsp;get everyone who is interested to register during the first three weeks in&nbsp;March.&nbsp;So, get your team organized, come up with a catchy team name and get those walking shoes dusted off. &nbsp;Walk KS 2022&nbsp;is just around the corner!Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District. &nbsp;You may reach her&nbsp;at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Walk Kansas program set to begin in March

NORTON COUNTY—A driver fleeing law enforcement died in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Saturday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Trooper attempted to stop a 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Derek D.&nbsp;Stortzum, 29, Brooksville, Florida, for erratic driving on U.S. 283 fourteen miles south of Phillipsburg.

The pickup ran from the Trooper who used a successful tactical vehicle intervention (TVI).&nbsp; The pickup ended up in the north ditch facing northeast on its wheels.

Stortzum was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Brock's-Keithley Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NORTON COUNTY—A driver fleeing law enforcement died in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Saturday in Norton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Trooper attempted to stop a 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Derek D.&nbsp;Stortzum, 29, Brooksville, Florida, for erratic driving on U.S. 283 fourteen miles south of Phillipsburg.The pickup ran from the Trooper who used a successful tactical vehicle intervention (TVI).&nbsp; The pickup ended up in the north ditch facing northeast on its wheels.Stortzum was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Brock's-Keithley Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Driver fleeing KHP Trooper dies after tactical vehicle intervention

&nbsp;GRAHAM COUNTY—A Kansas State Trooper was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Saturday in Graham County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a trooper identified as Michael L. Tucker, 33, Lebanon, was actively pursuing a suspect vehicle on a dirt road when he lost control of his 2021 Dodge Charger on a curve at the Intersection of EE Road and 330 Avenue six miles east of U.S. 283.

The Dodge Charger left the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.&nbsp; EMS transported Tucker for treatment of serious injuries.

&nbsp;GRAHAM COUNTY—A Kansas State Trooper was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Saturday in Graham County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a trooper identified as Michael L. Tucker, 33, Lebanon, was actively pursuing a suspect vehicle on a dirt road when he lost control of his 2021 Dodge Charger on a curve at the Intersection of EE Road and 330 Avenue six miles east of U.S. 283.The Dodge Charger left the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.&nbsp; EMS transported Tucker for treatment of serious injuries.

Kansas Trooper hospitalized after crash during chase

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A mother/daughter duo is opening a new barbershop in Hays and each cut comes with a complimentary beer.

Don't like beer? Have a Truly or pop. Ladies you are welcome too.

Sara and Emma Humphrey are the creative team behind Blue Moon Barber Lounge.

Hair and beard services are all beer themed. A beard trim (the light) starts at $15. Services range up to $50 for the Blue Moon, which is the works, and includes hot towel, beard trim, warm neck shave, shampoo, haircut and scalp massage.

Women's cuts are $35. Brylee Rupp will also be doing eyelashes.

All services come with a beverage. The coolers are stocked with Bud Light, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Miller Light, Coors original, Truly, O'Doul's, Boulevard, seltzer, water and assorted pops. Coffee is also available. Sara said she hopes to eventually add a Defiance beer to the fridges.

Sara, Emma's mom, has been a stylist for 22 years. She has primarily worked from a home-based studio. Emma has been working as a stylist for three years and just moved back to Hays from Kansas City where she was working at a salon there.

Sara cuts both men's and women's hair. Emma specializes in men's cuts and shaves. Sara's younger daughter, Sophie, will be graduating from the Hays Academy of Hair Design in April and plans to join Blue Moon. She's interested in working with color.

The barbershop has a special room set up in the back just for women. The shop has four styling stations in the front of the shop and two in the back.

With Emma moving back to Hays, Sara said now was the right time to open a store front, which is at 119 E. Eighth in Hays.

"Just for me, the timing was OK," Sara said. "I just never wanted to have my own salon. There are a lot of hours that go into it, so I was never ready to do that. I never wanted to do it alone. Her and I doing it together, it's exciting."

The name Blue Moon came from an illustration of a blue moon that hung in Sara's home studio for years. It now graces the downtown barbershop.

The lounge commissioned local artist Dennis Schiel to paint three murals for the shop's rear wall. The first image is of a moon. The second is of a man getting a cut and shave, the third is a night scene of downtown Hays from the perspective of the barbershop window.

The paintings contain eight hidden images — Mickey Mouse, a rocket ship, tornado, Where's Waldo, Abraham Lincoln, a scoop, a ruby red slipper and a fly.

Sara said she hasn't been able to find the fly or the ruby red slipper yet.

For men's hair services, the lounge will be using STMNT products, and for the women the lounge will use Morocccanoil.

The barbershop's hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Satrudays. The stylists are willing to consider times outside of regular hours by appointment.

Appointments can be made on the <a href="http://bluemoonbarberlounge.com/">babershop's website</a> or by calling or texting 785-639-7656. Walk-ins are also welcome. Watch for the barber poll to be spinning in the front window, and you'll know the shop is open, Sara said.

You can also follow the lounge on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bluemoonbarberlounge">Facebook </a>and Instagram.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645649514016.jpeg" alt="Sara and Emma Humphrey are the stylists behind Blue Moon Barber Lounge. Every service comes with a complimentary beer or other beverage. " />
 <figcaption>Sara and Emma Humphrey are the stylists behind Blue Moon Barber Lounge. Every service comes with a complimentary beer or other beverage. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post A mother/daughter duo is opening a new barbershop in Hays and each cut comes with a complimentary beer.Don't like beer? Have a Truly or pop. Ladies you are welcome too.Sara and Emma Humphrey are the creative team behind Blue Moon Barber Lounge.Hair and beard services are all beer themed. A beard trim (the light) starts at $15. Services range up to $50 for the Blue Moon, which is the works, and includes hot towel, beard trim, warm neck shave, shampoo, haircut and scalp massage.Women's cuts are $35. Brylee Rupp will also be doing eyelashes. All services come with a beverage. The coolers are stocked with Bud Light, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Miller Light, Coors original, Truly, O'Doul's, Boulevard, seltzer, water and assorted pops. Coffee is also available. Sara said she hopes to eventually add a Defiance beer to the fridges. Sara, Emma's mom, has been a stylist for 22 years. She has primarily worked from a home-based studio. Emma has been working as a stylist for three years and just moved back to Hays from Kansas City where she was working at a salon there.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645649555746.jpeg" alt="Emma and Sara Humphrey will serve both men and women in their new barbershop, Blue Moon Barber Lounge in downtown Hays. The leather shaving straps on the wall in the background belonged to Sara's grandpas. " />
 <figcaption>Emma and Sara Humphrey will serve both men and women in their new barbershop, Blue Moon Barber Lounge in downtown Hays. The leather shaving straps on the wall in the background belonged to Sara's grandpas. </figcaption>
 </figure>Sara cuts both men's and women's hair. Emma specializes in men's cuts and shaves. Sara's younger daughter, Sophie, will be graduating from the Hays Academy of Hair Design in April and plans to join Blue Moon. She's interested in working with color.The barbershop has a special room set up in the back just for women. The shop has four styling stations in the front of the shop and two in the back. With Emma moving back to Hays, Sara said now was the right time to open a store front, which is at 119 E. Eighth in Hays."Just for me, the timing was OK," Sara said. "I just never wanted to have my own salon. There are a lot of hours that go into it, so I was never ready to do that. I never wanted to do it alone. Her and I doing it together, it's exciting." The name Blue Moon came from an illustration of a blue moon that hung in Sara's home studio for years. It now graces the downtown barbershop.The lounge commissioned local artist Dennis Schiel to paint three murals for the shop's rear wall. The first image is of a moon. The second is of a man getting a cut and shave, the third is a night scene of downtown Hays from the perspective of the barbershop window.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645649596687.jpeg" alt="Blue Moon Barber Lounge is at 119 E. Eighth in Hays and will be open starting Monday by appointment and to walk-ins. " />
 <figcaption>Blue Moon Barber Lounge is at 119 E. Eighth in Hays and will be open starting Monday by appointment and to walk-ins. </figcaption>
 </figure>The paintings contain eight hidden images — Mickey Mouse, a rocket ship, tornado, Where's Waldo, Abraham Lincoln, a scoop, a ruby red slipper and a fly.Sara said she hasn't been able to find the fly or the ruby red slipper yet. For men's hair services, the lounge will be using STMNT products, and for the women the lounge will use Morocccanoil.The barbershop's hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Satrudays. The stylists are willing to consider times outside of regular hours by appointment.Appointments can be made on the <a href="http://bluemoonbarberlounge.com/">babershop's website</a> or by calling or texting 785-639-7656. Walk-ins are also welcome. Watch for the barber poll to be spinning in the front window, and you'll know the shop is open, Sara said. You can also follow the lounge on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bluemoonbarberlounge">Facebook </a>and Instagram.

Cut, shave and a beer: Blue Moon Barber Lounge set to open Monday in Hays

By&nbsp;<a href="https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&amp;bin=wpcom_email_click&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fdenaweigelbell%2F&amp;sr=1&amp;signature=70b5025880579e0dfaa613ac9b9a8e8c&amp;user=27015677&amp;_e=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&amp;_z=z" target="_blank">DENA WEIGEL BELL</a> WaKeeney Travel Blog

<a href="https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&amp;bin=wpcom_email_click&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fdenaweigelbell%2F&amp;sr=1&amp;signature=70b5025880579e0dfaa613ac9b9a8e8c&amp;user=27015677&amp;_e=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&amp;_z=z" target="_blank"></a>WAKEENEY — Two hundred years ago, a loose collection of native trails were mapped out to be used as a main thoroughfare from Missouri to the southwest territory in what was to become New Mexico. The route became known as the Santa Fe Trail and over the next century it established itself as America's first commercial highway.

On Sunday, the Trego Historical Society will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail through the experiences of three women in a presentation from Marla Matkin. She will examine the history of the trail, the daily life of a traveler, their motivations for taking the 900-mile journey, and the dangers the faced along the way.

The first recorded journey on the Santa Fe Trail took place in 1821, and a year later the route was officially mapped out to connect its starting point in Franklin, Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. The route followed portions of older Native American trails, the Osage Trace and Medicine Trail and eventually joined the Arkansas River, branching off to follow both sides of the river upstream to Dodge City and Garden City. West of Garden City the branch was known as the Mountain Route, and the Dodge City route became the Cimarron Cutoff or Crossing, or the Middle Crossing. The two branches reconnected near the trail's conclusion at Fort Union, New Mexico. 

Today's U.S. Route 24 and Highway 56 loosely follow the trail and ruts in the earth made from the many wagons and carriages are still visible in several locations along the way, including a place near Great Bend, Kansas.

The long, arduous journey posed many challenges that are unimaginable to us today. Wild animals, dry, barren deserts and steep, rocky mountains, attacks from Comanche and Apache tribes, and scorching summers and bitter cold winter weather made every journey potentially deadly.

To get a better understanding of life on the trail the Trego County Historical Society will be welcoming back independent scholar and living history performer, Marla Matkin. Her depiction of "Women on the Santa Fe Trail" is presented through first-person portrayals of three women who spent up to three months on the trail, providing reminisces of a bygone era and sharing their adventures on the Santa Fe Trails.

Marla Matkin has spent her life studying the history of the Old West and now she shares these stories through the many characters she creates on stage. With a twinkle in her eye and a tantalizing sense of humor, she describes a world where grit and determination won the day.

Matkin traces her roots back to southwest Kansas where in 1877 her great-grandparents claimed a homestead near the legendary pillar of western lore, Dodge City, Kansas. 

Today, Matkin calls WaKeeney's northern neighbor, Hill City, her home and for twenty years she has performed historical program across the United States, including at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, as well as at several National Park Service sites around the nation. She currently serves on the Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays and the Smoky Hill Trail Association and was an appointee on the Arts and Entertainment Committee for the 200th celebration of the Santa Few Trail.

Matlin's program will be part of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tregohistorical.org/" target="_blank">Trego County Historical Society's</a>&nbsp;annual Kansas Day celebration program (postponed from January due to COVID). During your visit you can also explore the museum's large collection of Western artifacts, many of which have been donated by local families to give guests of the museum deeper insight into the history of Trego County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645656084088.jpeg" alt="Santa Fe National Historic Trail (Photo courtesy Trego County Historial Society)" />
 <figcaption>Santa Fe National Historic Trail (Photo courtesy Trego County Historial Society)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&amp;bin=wpcom_email_click&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fdenaweigelbell%2F&amp;sr=1&amp;signature=70b5025880579e0dfaa613ac9b9a8e8c&amp;user=27015677&amp;_e=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&amp;_z=z" target="_blank">DENA WEIGEL BELL</a> WaKeeney Travel Blog<a href="https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&amp;bin=wpcom_email_click&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fdenaweigelbell%2F&amp;sr=1&amp;signature=70b5025880579e0dfaa613ac9b9a8e8c&amp;user=27015677&amp;_e=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&amp;_z=z" target="_blank"></a>WAKEENEY — Two hundred years ago, a loose collection of native trails were mapped out to be used as a main thoroughfare from Missouri to the southwest territory in what was to become New Mexico. The route became known as the Santa Fe Trail and over the next century it established itself as America's first commercial highway.On Sunday, the Trego Historical Society will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail through the experiences of three women in a presentation from Marla Matkin. She will examine the history of the trail, the daily life of a traveler, their motivations for taking the 900-mile journey, and the dangers the faced along the way.<h2>The Santa Fe Trail</h2>The first recorded journey on the Santa Fe Trail took place in 1821, and a year later the route was officially mapped out to connect its starting point in Franklin, Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. The route followed portions of older Native American trails, the Osage Trace and Medicine Trail and eventually joined the Arkansas River, branching off to follow both sides of the river upstream to Dodge City and Garden City. West of Garden City the branch was known as the Mountain Route, and the Dodge City route became the Cimarron Cutoff or Crossing, or the Middle Crossing. The two branches reconnected near the trail's conclusion at Fort Union, New Mexico. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645656242385.jpeg" alt="Map of the Santa Fe Trail (Courtesy image)" />
 <figcaption>Map of the Santa Fe Trail (Courtesy image)</figcaption>
 </figure>Today's U.S. Route 24 and Highway 56 loosely follow the trail and ruts in the earth made from the many wagons and carriages are still visible in several locations along the way, including a place near Great Bend, Kansas.The long, arduous journey posed many challenges that are unimaginable to us today. Wild animals, dry, barren deserts and steep, rocky mountains, attacks from Comanche and Apache tribes, and scorching summers and bitter cold winter weather made every journey potentially deadly.<h2>"Women on the Santa Fe Trail"</h2>To get a better understanding of life on the trail the Trego County Historical Society will be welcoming back independent scholar and living history performer, Marla Matkin. Her depiction of "Women on the Santa Fe Trail" is presented through first-person portrayals of three women who spent up to three months on the trail, providing reminisces of a bygone era and sharing their adventures on the Santa Fe Trails.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645655915597.jpeg" alt="Marla Matkin (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Marla Matkin (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Marla Matkin has spent her life studying the history of the Old West and now she shares these stories through the many characters she creates on stage. With a twinkle in her eye and a tantalizing sense of humor, she describes a world where grit and determination won the day.Matkin traces her roots back to southwest Kansas where in 1877 her great-grandparents claimed a homestead near the legendary pillar of western lore, Dodge City, Kansas. Today, Matkin calls WaKeeney's northern neighbor, Hill City, her home and for twenty years she has performed historical program across the United States, including at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, as well as at several National Park Service sites around the nation. She currently serves on the Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays and the Smoky Hill Trail Association and was an appointee on the Arts and Entertainment Committee for the 200th celebration of the Santa Few Trail.Matlin's program will be part of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tregohistorical.org/" target="_blank">Trego County Historical Society's</a>&nbsp;annual Kansas Day celebration program (postponed from January due to COVID). During your visit you can also explore the museum's large collection of Western artifacts, many of which have been donated by local families to give guests of the museum deeper insight into the history of Trego County.

'Women on the Santa Fe Trail' to be presented by living history performer

LOGAN — The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has announced that funding is secured for the construction of the proposed Logan Intergenerational Facility, known as the LIFE project.&nbsp;

The project is a unique conceptual idea that will integrate several community facilities into one structure. The basic elements of this facility include a new 36-bed nursing home, a new Pre-K through 4thgrade elementary school, a new gymnasium with associated locker room complex (which will also serve as a community storm shelter), a weight room and wellness facility which would be open and available to the public, a community room and gathering place, all of which will be connected to the existing high school building via an indoor corridor. All elements of the facility will allow residents from the nursing home to attend events and participate in school functions and activities, including a special music room designed to allow the residents to watch and listen to band or music practices. Finally, the new facility will be located immediately adjacent to Logan’s child care facility, making for a unique, one-of-a-kind intergenerational “campus” located in the heart of rural America.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Both the existing nursing home and elementary school are old buildings and need significant repair or replacement.&nbsp; By combining the two, the planning team believes the intergenerational nature of the facility will be advantageous to young and old alike.&nbsp;

Additional benefits will be the opportunity to restructure the Manor to better meet the needs of today’s senior population. The modern “small house” design will be more homelike, providing private rooms, a centralized home-style kitchen in each 12-room pod, better internet access, etc. The residents will also be able to head down to the gym to watch ballgames, watch band/music practice, attend special senior exercise classes or simply watch children playing on the playground without leaving the building. Likewise, the children can visit the senior residents, forming important relationships that may be harder to come by with families often living farther from grandparents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The LIFE project is designed to be a huge boost for Logan, where Dane G. Hansen was born and lived his entire life. At his death in 1965, He created a trust for his hometown of Logan and the surrounding Northwest Kansas community.

The trust became the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Grants from the foundation are awarded in 26 counties. The main office remains in Logan. The Trustees consider Mr. Hansen’s own actions and final requests when they review grant requests small and large. They believe this project to be both a way to honor Mr. Hansen, and also a way to recognize his testamentary desire to specifically benefit the town of Logan.

The LIFE project has been in the works for nearly six years. It was announced to the public in 2019, just prior to news about one of the major health concerns of our time. Like many things, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the fundraising and timeline for the project.&nbsp;

As the pandemic endured, the facilities continued to decline and the need for replacing them only magnified. Had the new facility been in existence pre-pandemic, it would have been possible to quarantine certain pods of residents, without isolating an entire facility. Even in a total lockdown scenario, there would have been far more flexibility in allowing the residents to see and observe children playing and allowing them to engage in “window” interactions from the safe confines of their rooms.&nbsp;

The pandemic and related supply chain challenges has also meant that construction costs have increased significantly. The estimated cost of the project has risen to approximately $18 million. Traditional sources of funding from a variety of other charitable foundations also ground to a halt.&nbsp;

With all these challenges and considerations, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation Trustees recently voted to drastically alter the original challenge grant of $7.5 million that was to be matched from the community and other sources to cover what was originally estimated to be a $15 million facility. The community had set a local fundraising goal of $1 million, with the hopes that other charitable organizations would help make up the remainder of the challenge grant. Those efforts resulted in more than $450,000 being raised thus far.&nbsp;

In light of all that has transpired, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation has agreed that if the local fundraising match of $1 million can be reached, it will cover all remaining costs of the facility so that design plans can be finished, and a construction schedule can commence.

“We are hearing from local residents that they want to contribute but have been waiting to see if the project is really moving forward,” said Hansen Trustee Brien Stockman. “The board wants to ensure the project will happen and have voted to cover the construction costs. The local campaign will provide for various interior furnishings and finishes for the project.”

The Trustees hope that fundraising can again begin in earnest with this announcement.&nbsp; There will be opportunities for donors to have naming rights for spaces as well as the ability for smaller donations to be recognized. All fundraising for the LIFE Project is being coordinated by a fundraising committee working with the Logan Community Development Foundation, Inc. (“LCDF”)

For more information on the project, or to make a donation or major gift to the campaign, contact Max Lowry, President of LCDF, at (785) 689-8333 or email the Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:loganlifecenter@gmail.com">loganlifecenter@gmail.com</a>. Donations can also be made through the LIFE Project website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.loganlifeproject.com/">www.loganlifecenter.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575649739391.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseLOGAN — The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has announced that funding is secured for the construction of the proposed Logan Intergenerational Facility, known as the LIFE project.&nbsp;The project is a unique conceptual idea that will integrate several community facilities into one structure. The basic elements of this facility include a new 36-bed nursing home, a new Pre-K through 4thgrade elementary school, a new gymnasium with associated locker room complex (which will also serve as a community storm shelter), a weight room and wellness facility which would be open and available to the public, a community room and gathering place, all of which will be connected to the existing high school building via an indoor corridor. All elements of the facility will allow residents from the nursing home to attend events and participate in school functions and activities, including a special music room designed to allow the residents to watch and listen to band or music practices. Finally, the new facility will be located immediately adjacent to Logan’s child care facility, making for a unique, one-of-a-kind intergenerational “campus” located in the heart of rural America.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Both the existing nursing home and elementary school are old buildings and need significant repair or replacement.&nbsp; By combining the two, the planning team believes the intergenerational nature of the facility will be advantageous to young and old alike.&nbsp;Additional benefits will be the opportunity to restructure the Manor to better meet the needs of today’s senior population. The modern “small house” design will be more homelike, providing private rooms, a centralized home-style kitchen in each 12-room pod, better internet access, etc. The residents will also be able to head down to the gym to watch ballgames, watch band/music practice, attend special senior exercise classes or simply watch children playing on the playground without leaving the building. Likewise, the children can visit the senior residents, forming important relationships that may be harder to come by with families often living farther from grandparents.&nbsp;&nbsp;The LIFE project is designed to be a huge boost for Logan, where Dane G. Hansen was born and lived his entire life. At his death in 1965, He created a trust for his hometown of Logan and the surrounding Northwest Kansas community.The trust became the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Grants from the foundation are awarded in 26 counties. The main office remains in Logan. The Trustees consider Mr. Hansen’s own actions and final requests when they review grant requests small and large. They believe this project to be both a way to honor Mr. Hansen, and also a way to recognize his testamentary desire to specifically benefit the town of Logan.The LIFE project has been in the works for nearly six years. It was announced to the public in 2019, just prior to news about one of the major health concerns of our time. Like many things, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the fundraising and timeline for the project.&nbsp;As the pandemic endured, the facilities continued to decline and the need for replacing them only magnified. Had the new facility been in existence pre-pandemic, it would have been possible to quarantine certain pods of residents, without isolating an entire facility. Even in a total lockdown scenario, there would have been far more flexibility in allowing the residents to see and observe children playing and allowing them to engage in “window” interactions from the safe confines of their rooms.&nbsp;The pandemic and related supply chain challenges has also meant that construction costs have increased significantly. The estimated cost of the project has risen to approximately $18 million. Traditional sources of funding from a variety of other charitable foundations also ground to a halt.&nbsp;With all these challenges and considerations, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation Trustees recently voted to drastically alter the original challenge grant of $7.5 million that was to be matched from the community and other sources to cover what was originally estimated to be a $15 million facility. The community had set a local fundraising goal of $1 million, with the hopes that other charitable organizations would help make up the remainder of the challenge grant. Those efforts resulted in more than $450,000 being raised thus far.&nbsp;In light of all that has transpired, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation has agreed that if the local fundraising match of $1 million can be reached, it will cover all remaining costs of the facility so that design plans can be finished, and a construction schedule can commence.“We are hearing from local residents that they want to contribute but have been waiting to see if the project is really moving forward,” said Hansen Trustee Brien Stockman. “The board wants to ensure the project will happen and have voted to cover the construction costs. The local campaign will provide for various interior furnishings and finishes for the project.”The Trustees hope that fundraising can again begin in earnest with this announcement.&nbsp; There will be opportunities for donors to have naming rights for spaces as well as the ability for smaller donations to be recognized. All fundraising for the LIFE Project is being coordinated by a fundraising committee working with the Logan Community Development Foundation, Inc. (“LCDF”)For more information on the project, or to make a donation or major gift to the campaign, contact Max Lowry, President of LCDF, at (785) 689-8333 or email the Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:loganlifecenter@gmail.com">loganlifecenter@gmail.com</a>. Donations can also be made through the LIFE Project website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.loganlifeproject.com/">www.loganlifecenter.com</a>.

Hansen announces funding for intergenerational facility in Logan

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645821631944.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>

EMPORIA&nbsp;– Many advances in technology arise out of a desire to improve output and efficiency, and the fishing industry is no exception. One such advancement that has many anglers “picking sides” is the introduction, and proliferation, of live-imaging sonar (LIS) – sonar that allows anglers to view fish and structure, below and around their vessel, in real time and often with great clarity. While some believe LIS adds immense value to the overall fishing experience, others believe it poses an ethical dilemma, blurring the lines of “fair chase.” So, when is an advancement too advanced? That’s the data Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Fisheries staff sought but couldn’t find; so, they developed it themselves in a first-of-its-kind study.

“As a conservation-based organization, we always want to look to science and ask ourselves, ‘What is the data telling us?’” said KDWP Fisheries biologist, Ben Neely. “But this technology is just new enough, that these data really didn’t exist. That’s when we decided we needed to explore this further and develop the study. It’s taken off like wildfire in the conservation community ever since.”

KDWP Fisheries staff opted to conduct a controlled and replicated experiment to assess the influence of LIS on catch of winter crappie ­– Kansas’ second-most sought-after sportfish. Specifically, the project was designed to examine LIS impacts on “casual weekend anglers” fishing unfamiliar water on a weekend trip.

In early December 2021, a total of 32 individuals from KDWP’s Fisheries and Wildlife divisions, and Kansas State University took part in a two-week experiment at Cedar Bluff Reservoir. Anglers were randomly partnered up and instructed to fish for seven hours on either the north or south sides of the lake, and either with or without the aid of LIS. The next day, each team switched sides and use of equipment; This resulted in a total of 16 controlled “samples.” The results were unexpected.

Ultimately, the data collected demonstrated that while LIS may improve angler catch and size of crappie by casual weekend anglers, overall differences were statistically minimal. And maybe more importantly, the data suggests an overall low risk of long-term damage to crappie populations as a result of LIS. However, anglers with more experience and expertise using LIS to target crappie were not considered in this study. Future studies are being discussed that can leverage the abilities of more LIS-experienced anglers to further inform future management of crappie in Kansas.

“Balancing sociological needs with biological needs is at the heart of nearly everything we do at KDWP,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless. “This study is a fine example of how our staff continue to operate off of the best-available data to make science-based decisions that benefit not only the resource, but our users. I’m confident this study will be just one of many that the conservation industry looks to, as our talented staff in Kansas continue to pave the way in fisheries research and management.”

To learn more about this study, watch an audio/video presentation by Neely below.

For more on fishing in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAyMTcuNTM2MTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0Zpc2hpbmcifQ.qgFHGNzBH3KhCEE-B-T8-3W0LgCo32id7yxZPRI-bbE/s/1303161001/br/126825049705-l" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Fishing</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645183617579.png" alt="(Kansas Department of Wildlif and Parks)" />
 <figcaption>(Kansas Department of Wildlif and Parks)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPEMPORIA&nbsp;– Many advances in technology arise out of a desire to improve output and efficiency, and the fishing industry is no exception. One such advancement that has many anglers “picking sides” is the introduction, and proliferation, of live-imaging sonar (LIS) – sonar that allows anglers to view fish and structure, below and around their vessel, in real time and often with great clarity. While some believe LIS adds immense value to the overall fishing experience, others believe it poses an ethical dilemma, blurring the lines of “fair chase.” So, when is an advancement too advanced? That’s the data Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Fisheries staff sought but couldn’t find; so, they developed it themselves in a first-of-its-kind study.“As a conservation-based organization, we always want to look to science and ask ourselves, ‘What is the data telling us?’” said KDWP Fisheries biologist, Ben Neely. “But this technology is just new enough, that these data really didn’t exist. That’s when we decided we needed to explore this further and develop the study. It’s taken off like wildfire in the conservation community ever since.”KDWP Fisheries staff opted to conduct a controlled and replicated experiment to assess the influence of LIS on catch of winter crappie ­– Kansas’ second-most sought-after sportfish. Specifically, the project was designed to examine LIS impacts on “casual weekend anglers” fishing unfamiliar water on a weekend trip.In early December 2021, a total of 32 individuals from KDWP’s Fisheries and Wildlife divisions, and Kansas State University took part in a two-week experiment at Cedar Bluff Reservoir. Anglers were randomly partnered up and instructed to fish for seven hours on either the north or south sides of the lake, and either with or without the aid of LIS. The next day, each team switched sides and use of equipment; This resulted in a total of 16 controlled “samples.” The results were unexpected.<ul>
 <li>Participating anglers who did not use LIS averaged 6.3 crappie per day, while anglers who used LIS caught 7.3 crappie per day.</li><li>When other species of fish were counted in the study, teams not using LIS averaged 12.9 fish per day, compared to 14.4 per fish per day when LIS was used.</li><li>And, anglers also caught slightly larger crappie on average (10.8 inches) when using LIS, compared to the fish (10.5 inches) caught by anglers not using LIS.</li>
 </ul>Ultimately, the data collected demonstrated that while LIS may improve angler catch and size of crappie by casual weekend anglers, overall differences were statistically minimal. And maybe more importantly, the data suggests an overall low risk of long-term damage to crappie populations as a result of LIS. However, anglers with more experience and expertise using LIS to target crappie were not considered in this study. Future studies are being discussed that can leverage the abilities of more LIS-experienced anglers to further inform future management of crappie in Kansas.“Balancing sociological needs with biological needs is at the heart of nearly everything we do at KDWP,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless. “This study is a fine example of how our staff continue to operate off of the best-available data to make science-based decisions that benefit not only the resource, but our users. I’m confident this study will be just one of many that the conservation industry looks to, as our talented staff in Kansas continue to pave the way in fisheries research and management.”To learn more about this study, watch an audio/video presentation by Neely below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XEiP0_PMjjg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For more on fishing in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAyMTcuNTM2MTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0Zpc2hpbmcifQ.qgFHGNzBH3KhCEE-B-T8-3W0LgCo32id7yxZPRI-bbE/s/1303161001/br/126825049705-l" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Fishing</a>.

Winter crappie at Cedar Bluff part of groundbreaking experiment

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Friday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp;Jeffrey Perkins, 62, Houston, TX, was westbound on Interstate 70 twelve miles west of WaKeeney.

The semi drifted onto the north shoulder, continued on into the ditch and overturned.

EMS transported Perkins to Trego County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Friday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp;Jeffrey Perkins, 62, Houston, TX, was westbound on Interstate 70 twelve miles west of WaKeeney.The semi drifted onto the north shoulder, continued on into the ditch and overturned.EMS transported Perkins to Trego County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns in Trego Co.

RUSSELL COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Friday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Jeep Renegade driven by Danielle&nbsp;Homeier, 23, Dorrance, was eastbound in the 19000 Block Mitchell Road.

As the roadway began to curve, the jeep traveled off the roadway to the right and came to rest after striking the ditch.

EMS transported&nbsp;Homeier to the hospital in Russell. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Friday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Jeep Renegade driven by Danielle&nbsp;Homeier, 23, Dorrance, was eastbound in the 19000 Block Mitchell Road.As the roadway began to curve, the jeep traveled off the roadway to the right and came to rest after striking the ditch.EMS transported&nbsp;Homeier to the hospital in Russell. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Russell County woman hospitalized after Jeep strikes ditch

At 10:11 p.m. Thursday, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the 1000 block of 280th Avenue for a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident. 

When deputies and first responders arrived on scene, 27-year-old Brandon Silva of Plainville was unresponsive on the roadway.

Silva was transported to Hays Medical Center in critical condition. 

The driver 33-year-old Alec Waelchli of Hays was arrested at the scene and booked into the Ellis County Jail on suspicion of&nbsp; driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Ellis County Sheriff At 10:11 p.m. Thursday, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the 1000 block of 280th Avenue for a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident. When deputies and first responders arrived on scene, 27-year-old Brandon Silva of Plainville was unresponsive on the roadway.Silva was transported to Hays Medical Center in critical condition. The driver 33-year-old Alec Waelchli of Hays was arrested at the scene and booked into the Ellis County Jail on suspicion of&nbsp; driving under the influence of alcohol. Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Hays resident arrested on suspicion of DUI after pedestrian accident

After noon on Friday, firefighters were called to a blaze at 1702 Eisenhower in Hays.

No one was home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

A fire official said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

No damages estimates were available at the time of this post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645818003457.jpeg" alt="Fire crews survey the damage to a house at 1702 Eisenhower in Hays on Friday. " />
 <figcaption>Fire crews survey the damage to a house at 1702 Eisenhower in Hays on Friday. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter noon on Friday, firefighters were called to a blaze at 1702 Eisenhower in Hays.No one was home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.A fire official said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.No damages estimates were available at the time of this post. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645818119449.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Crews called to house fire Friday afternoon in Hays

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 12 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, including six active cases and six recovering cases.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f061b1-d7f1-4dba-ad9d-36bcbccc8ee8">RELATED: Drive-through testing site returns to Big Creek Crossing</a>

The Kansas Hospital Organization reported last week that 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are fully vaccinated.&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 7,105 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 80 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645830496723.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.As of Wednesday morning, there were 12 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, including six active cases and six recovering cases.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f061b1-d7f1-4dba-ad9d-36bcbccc8ee8">RELATED: Drive-through testing site returns to Big Creek Crossing</a>The Kansas Hospital Organization reported last week that 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are fully vaccinated.&nbsp;Since reporting began, there have been 7,105 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 80 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645830559167.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 10 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

This week in the House of Representatives we debated nearly forty bills before we adjourned for the midpoint of the session, commonly referred to as Turnaround. This is the time during session where we pass many bills out of the House and forward those bills to the Senate.

Here is a list of some of the bills that we debated this week in the House:

House Bill 2456 would establish the Kansas kids lifetime combination of hunting and fishing licenses. This bill passed 117 to 4 and I voted, “yes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House, R-Bunker Hill" />
 <figcaption>Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House, R-Bunker Hill</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA February 25, 2022Floor Action in the HouseThis week in the House of Representatives we debated nearly forty bills before we adjourned for the midpoint of the session, commonly referred to as Turnaround. This is the time during session where we pass many bills out of the House and forward those bills to the Senate.Here is a list of some of the bills that we debated this week in the House:House Bill 2456 would establish the Kansas kids lifetime combination of hunting and fishing licenses. This bill passed 117 to 4 and I voted, “yes.”House Concurrent Resolution 5022 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require a sheriff to be elected in each county. This resolution passed&nbsp;with a vote of 97-24. I voted, “yes.”With cotton starting to be grown more in the state of Kansas, we needed to create the Kansas Cotton Boll Weevil program. The creation of the program is in House Bill 2559. It would levy an assessment on cotton produced in Kansas and it would also monitor and mitigate the risk of boll weevils. This bill passed the House, 83-37, and I voted, “yes.”House Bill 2386 establishes requirements for the payment and reimbursement of dental services through a dental benefit plan. This bill passed the House with a vote of 118-3. I voted in favor of this bill.We will return from Turnaround on March 1, 2022.Appropriations CommitteeDue to the time that was spent on the House Floor debating bills, this week in Appropriations we only met on Monday morning. We did have the recommendations from the House Social Services Budget Committee regarding the budgets of the state hospitals for mental health and the state hospitals for intellectual disabilities.When we return on Tuesday, March 2, we will continue to deliberate budgets for the state of Kansas budget. Those budgets that we will discuss are the Kansas Department of Revenue, Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Water Office. We will also hold hearings on House Bills 2588 and 2592 and these bills are the bills we will use when constructing the budget for the state of Kansas.Bills, Bills, and More BillsAs I mentioned before, we debated nearly forty bills this week. Here are details of some of the other bills that we discussed:House Bill 2595 makes certain antique vehicle titling procedures applicable to vehicles having a model year of 1960 or later instead of 1950 or later. This bill passed, 121-0.House Bill 2574 establishes a time limitation for awarding compensation for mental health counseling and increases certain compensation amounts by the Crime Victims Compensation Board. This bill passed, 121-0.House Bill 2567 overall decreases registration and title fees on vehicles for services performed by county treasurers. It also decreases certain fees with the Division of Vehicles. More importantly, which was added as an amendment, it eliminates the $4 Modernization Fee that one has been paying when titling their vehicle. This bill passed, 114-6.House Bill 2594 exempts certain modifications that have been made to antique vehicles from vehicle identification number offenses, seizures and dispositions. The vehicle can be seized if the owner knows or has reason to know that the vehicle was stolen. This bill derives from a case where the Kansas Highway Patrol seized a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette from an innocent owner and they will not release the vehicle back to him. The bill passed the house, 120-0.Contact InformationAnytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at www.kslegislature.org.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes: * Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities:Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens,Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center,Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa,Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center(part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver(part), Cedron, Elkhorn(part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner,Center,Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

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