Crude futures prices inched upward from seven-year highs Monday. The settlement price on Friday for Nymex benchmark crude was $86.82 per barrel.&nbsp; That's up nearly two dollars on the week and about ten dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year. The last time the international crude-oil benchmark traded above $91 a barrel was in early October 2014, at the beginning of a long slide in prices. Monday morning on the ICE in London, Brent crude was fetching $91.14 per barrel. Kansas Common crude is about $12 higher than at the first of the year and up more than $34 a barrel from a year ago. Prices at CHS in McPherson start the week at $77 a barrel. Statewide drilling activity, based on spudded wells, is slightly ahead of last year in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says the 60 wells spudded thus far in 2022 outpace last year by 21 wells. There are 30 active operators in the state, compared with 26 at this time last year. The Rig Count in Kansas is up one rig in eastern Kansas to 17, and up one west of Wichita at 26. Operators were preparing to spud one well in Barton County and two in Ellis County. Drilling was underway on a lease in Russell County. Kansas regulators approved 14 new drilling locations across the state last week. There are six new permits in eastern Kansas, and eight in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 32 newly completed wells in Kansas, 17 east of Wichita, and 15 in western Kansas. US crude inventories reached 416.2 million barrels as of January 21st, an increase of 2.4 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration said stockpiles are about eight percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government report contradicts weekly numbers from the American Petroleum Institute, which reported a drawdown in supplies. US crude production declined last week for the third consecutive week. The government reported we pumped just short of 11.65 million barrels per day in the week through January 21st, which is down about 6,000 barrels per day from the week before. Output is more than one and a half million barrels per day higher than the same period last year. Pump prices are on the rise nationally but dropping locally. The auto club AAA says the national average price for a gallon of regular rose three cents over the last a week to just over $3.36 per gallon. Prices in Kansas rose to an average just shy of $3.07. It dropped under $3.00 a gallon at several outlets across Hays and Great Bend. The average cost for a 15-gallon fill-up is &nbsp;nearly two dollars higher than a month ago. Oil-by-rail traffic last week was down amid a ten percent drop in total rail traffic. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,608 carloads of petroleum rolling the rails in the week through January 22nd.&nbsp; That's down 174 cars from the week before and more than 23% lower than a year ago. Canadian traffic we\as down more than 1,000 carloads for the week, marking an 11% drop year-over-year. Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are rolling out a project to repurpose abandoned oil and gas wells to provide geothermal energy to heat nearby public schools. Under the project funded by the Energy Department, they hope to bring hot, underground water to the surface to create steam to rotate turbines. The project still requires proof-of-concept and field work (about three years) before they can roll it out publicly. DOE awarded $1.7 million to fund the research.&nbsp; OPEC and its Russia-led partners have promised to increase oil production to pre-pandemic levels this year. But The Wall Street Journal reports they are falling short of those public commitments, and that's stoking fast-rising global crude prices. Last month, the OPEC-Plus group increased output by just 60% of what they promised for the month. The International Energy Agency reports the group is pumping 790,000 barrels per day below its publicly-stated targets.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude futures prices inched upward from seven-year highs Monday. The settlement price on Friday for Nymex benchmark crude was $86.82 per barrel.&nbsp; That's up nearly two dollars on the week and about ten dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year. The last time the international crude-oil benchmark traded above $91 a barrel was in early October 2014, at the beginning of a long slide in prices. Monday morning on the ICE in London, Brent crude was fetching $91.14 per barrel. Kansas Common crude is about $12 higher than at the first of the year and up more than $34 a barrel from a year ago. Prices at CHS in McPherson start the week at $77 a barrel. Statewide drilling activity, based on spudded wells, is slightly ahead of last year in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says the 60 wells spudded thus far in 2022 outpace last year by 21 wells. There are 30 active operators in the state, compared with 26 at this time last year. The Rig Count in Kansas is up one rig in eastern Kansas to 17, and up one west of Wichita at 26. Operators were preparing to spud one well in Barton County and two in Ellis County. Drilling was underway on a lease in Russell County. Kansas regulators approved 14 new drilling locations across the state last week. There are six new permits in eastern Kansas, and eight in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 32 newly completed wells in Kansas, 17 east of Wichita, and 15 in western Kansas. US crude inventories reached 416.2 million barrels as of January 21st, an increase of 2.4 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration said stockpiles are about eight percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government report contradicts weekly numbers from the American Petroleum Institute, which reported a drawdown in supplies. US crude production declined last week for the third consecutive week. The government reported we pumped just short of 11.65 million barrels per day in the week through January 21st, which is down about 6,000 barrels per day from the week before. Output is more than one and a half million barrels per day higher than the same period last year. Pump prices are on the rise nationally but dropping locally. The auto club AAA says the national average price for a gallon of regular rose three cents over the last a week to just over $3.36 per gallon. Prices in Kansas rose to an average just shy of $3.07. It dropped under $3.00 a gallon at several outlets across Hays and Great Bend. The average cost for a 15-gallon fill-up is &nbsp;nearly two dollars higher than a month ago. Oil-by-rail traffic last week was down amid a ten percent drop in total rail traffic. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,608 carloads of petroleum rolling the rails in the week through January 22nd.&nbsp; That's down 174 cars from the week before and more than 23% lower than a year ago. Canadian traffic we\as down more than 1,000 carloads for the week, marking an 11% drop year-over-year. Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are rolling out a project to repurpose abandoned oil and gas wells to provide geothermal energy to heat nearby public schools. Under the project funded by the Energy Department, they hope to bring hot, underground water to the surface to create steam to rotate turbines. The project still requires proof-of-concept and field work (about three years) before they can roll it out publicly. DOE awarded $1.7 million to fund the research.&nbsp; OPEC and its Russia-led partners have promised to increase oil production to pre-pandemic levels this year. But The Wall Street Journal reports they are falling short of those public commitments, and that's stoking fast-rising global crude prices. Last month, the OPEC-Plus group increased output by just 60% of what they promised for the month. The International Energy Agency reports the group is pumping 790,000 barrels per day below its publicly-stated targets.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude prices rise

<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/2022/1/1643653810369.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

Maybe someone in the family received a cast iron skillet for Christmas? Cast iron skillets are the kitchen’s most universal tool and are known for their versatility and durability, You can use your cast iron like any other pan you might have but with certain restrictions. Cast iron is multipurpose in that you can use it on the stove top as well as the oven. It can be used for frying, stews and soup, stir fry, and baking. While cast iron is multipurpose, it cannot be used efficiently on glass top stoves due to the inability to transfer heat. And it should never be used in a microwave oven.

The benefit of using a cast iron pan is that it gets very hot and stays hot. Unlike thinner pans, the heat level doesn’t fluctuate in a cast iron. This makes it an ideal choice for foods that need high heat. Meats that need a hard sear but shouldn’t be scorched, like steak, or roasts that should be browned before braising, perform beautifully in a cast iron. &nbsp;

The trouble with cast iron, though, is it takes a little effort to maintain. But the effort is well worth it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:&nbsp;

Thank you to Johnson County Extension for the information about cast iron cooking. &nbsp;

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Maybe someone in the family received a cast iron skillet for Christmas? Cast iron skillets are the kitchen’s most universal tool and are known for their versatility and durability, You can use your cast iron like any other pan you might have but with certain restrictions. Cast iron is multipurpose in that you can use it on the stove top as well as the oven. It can be used for frying, stews and soup, stir fry, and baking. While cast iron is multipurpose, it cannot be used efficiently on glass top stoves due to the inability to transfer heat. And it should never be used in a microwave oven.The benefit of using a cast iron pan is that it gets very hot and stays hot. Unlike thinner pans, the heat level doesn’t fluctuate in a cast iron. This makes it an ideal choice for foods that need high heat. Meats that need a hard sear but shouldn’t be scorched, like steak, or roasts that should be browned before braising, perform beautifully in a cast iron. &nbsp;The trouble with cast iron, though, is it takes a little effort to maintain. But the effort is well worth it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Seasoning: This term simply means there is a layer of lubricated residue on the surface of the skillet that flavors food while resisting adhesion thus creating a non-stick, but flavorful, surface. It sounds gross, but it’s actually awesome.</li><li>Do You Have to Season? : Some pans come pre-seasoned, and it should say this on the label if purchasing new. If purchasing a pan at a garage sale or thrift store, it’s best to assume you’ll need to season it yourself especially if the surface is rusty and bumpy.</li><li>How to Season: There are many ways to season; here is one way. First, give it a good scouring by scrubbing it with kosher salt and a damp sponge then thoroughly rinse the pan.&nbsp; Next, completely dry the pan in a hot oven. After it’s dried and cooled, poor a tablespoon of unsaturated oil (canola) in the skillet and rub it all over with paper towels. With fresh paper towels, remove any excess. Then, place the oiled pan upside down in a 450F oven and bake for an hour. Remove from the oven (making sure to use potholders!) and allow to cool.&nbsp;Repeat the process up to 5 times until you achieve that shiny, classic, cast iron finish. Repeat this lengthy process whenever your skillet needs to be re-seasoned, which isn’t that often if you clean it properly.</li><li>How to Clean: If seasoned well, all you’ll need to do is give your skillet a good rinse then completely dry the skillet in the oven. Do NOT let your skillet soak. And, please, do NOT put it in the dishwasher. If there are stubborn bits stuck to the skillet, heat it with kosher salt and oil, and scrub at the bits with paper towels clutched inside tongs. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Thank you to Johnson County Extension for the information about cast iron cooking. &nbsp; 	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: What is great about cast iron cooking? 

Ellis High School Wrestling Senior Night is Thursday at 5:50 p.m.  Seniors and their parents will be recognized prior to the Ellis vs. Oakley dual.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643650494208.jpeg" alt="Cale Younger, son of Aaron and Jennifer Younger; Zeke Haag, son of Ron &amp; Latisha Haag; George Crawford IV, son of Bret and Kimberly Andries and the late George Crawford III; Easton Burton, son of Corey &amp; Amy Burton; Mason Gottschalk, son of Dean and Julie Gottschalk." />
 <figcaption>Cale Younger, son of Aaron and Jennifer Younger; Zeke Haag, son of Ron &amp; Latisha Haag; George Crawford IV, son of Bret and Kimberly Andries and the late George Crawford III; Easton Burton, son of Corey &amp; Amy Burton; Mason Gottschalk, son of Dean and Julie Gottschalk.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis High School Wrestling Senior Night is Thursday at 5:50 p.m. Seniors and their parents will be recognized prior to the Ellis vs. Oakley dual.

Ellis High's senior wrestlers will be honored this week

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 86 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

There were 1,631 new coronavirus cases reported in Ellis County in January.&nbsp;

As of Monday morning, there were 27 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, including 11 active cases and 16 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 KDHE reported on Friday that 51 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (age 5 and older) are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (5 and older) is approximately 63 percent. The county-by-county vaccination rate report will no longer be published, the KDHE announced Monday.

Since reporting began, there have been 6,805 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643651870254.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 86 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.There were 1,631 new coronavirus cases reported in Ellis County in January.&nbsp;As of Monday morning, there were 27 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, including 11 active cases and 16 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 KDHE reported on Friday that 51 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (age 5 and older) are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (5 and older) is approximately 63 percent. The county-by-county vaccination rate report will no longer be published, the KDHE announced Monday.Since reporting began, there have been 6,805 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643652003646.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 86 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

BROOKFIELD, Ill. – Fort Hays State had two individuals named to the Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America Team for the 2021 season on Monday.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6130">Hunter Budke</a>&nbsp;received first-team honors at tight end, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6120">Amari Angram-Boldin</a>&nbsp;is an honorable mention selection as an offensive lineman. Budke adds this honor to four other national first team selections at tight end for the 2021 season. Budke received the same distinction from the AFCA, D2CCA, and Associated Press, while earning first-team honors on the D2Football.com Elite 100 list. He finished the 2021 season with 47 receptions for 620 yards and eight touchdowns. Angram-Boldin earns the first All-America distinction of his career with the honorable mention nod. He was a three-time All-MIAA selection for the Tigers, including first-team honors in 2021. He was also an All-Super Region 3 First Team selection by the D2CCA in 2021. He made 34 consecutive starts for the Tigers dating back to the start of his sophomore season of 2018. He helped the Tigers to back-to-back MIAA Championships in 2017 and 2018 and the Tigers had a record of 33-13 during his four years on the field. The&nbsp;Don Hansen&nbsp;team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Ill., started and published&nbsp;Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette&nbsp;for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643665798413.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>BROOKFIELD, Ill. – Fort Hays State had two individuals named to the Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America Team for the 2021 season on Monday.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6130">Hunter Budke</a>&nbsp;received first-team honors at tight end, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6120">Amari Angram-Boldin</a>&nbsp;is an honorable mention selection as an offensive lineman. Budke adds this honor to four other national first team selections at tight end for the 2021 season. Budke received the same distinction from the AFCA, D2CCA, and Associated Press, while earning first-team honors on the D2Football.com Elite 100 list. He finished the 2021 season with 47 receptions for 620 yards and eight touchdowns. Angram-Boldin earns the first All-America distinction of his career with the honorable mention nod. He was a three-time All-MIAA selection for the Tigers, including first-team honors in 2021. He was also an All-Super Region 3 First Team selection by the D2CCA in 2021. He made 34 consecutive starts for the Tigers dating back to the start of his sophomore season of 2018. He helped the Tigers to back-to-back MIAA Championships in 2017 and 2018 and the Tigers had a record of 33-13 during his four years on the field. The&nbsp;Don Hansen&nbsp;team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Ill., started and published&nbsp;Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette&nbsp;for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.FHSU Athletics

🏈 Budke and Angram-Boldin receive Don Hansen All-America honors

TOPEKA - Hello from Topeka. We are already in the fourth week of this legislative session and there has been so much going on that this is the first column of the year. I continue to serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and am a member of the Appropriations Committee and Higher Education Budget Committee.

Legislature extends protections to keep hospitals, adult care homes staffed

Early in the session, the House acted swiftly to send HB 2477 to the governor. The legislation came in response to staffing shortages and the added stresses being placed on our healthcare workers. HB 2477 temporarily suspends some of the rules and regulations for health care providers and adult care homes so they can continue to navigate staffing issues related to COVID-19. The House initially approved the bill, 115-6, with all provisions set to expire on May 15, 2022. The Senate amended the expiration date to January 20, 2023. The House agreed to those amendments, with a vote of 96-4, sending the bill to the Governor. Bottom Line: HB 2477 temporarily eases regulations on hospitals and nursing homes, increasing the number of frontline healthcare workers to help curb staffing shortages and adequately address the healthcare needs of Kansans.

Over the past almost two years, many Kansans have been struggling to make ends meet and looked to unemployment as a lifeline to help them and their families. Unfortunately, using the claims process through the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has been a nightmare. The system was slow and not easily accessed. Phone calls for information were left unanswered. Instead of getting money into the hands of Kansans, nearly $700 million went to fraudsters. 

The 2021 Legislature worked diligently to address concerns regarding the KDOL claims system and responded with 2021 HB 2196. The bill created the Unemployment Compensation Modernization and Improvement Council, which has provided necessary oversight of the unemployment system. 

Last week, the House Committee on Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development requested that the Secretary of KDOL appear and provide an update on the unemployment system. She did not show up. This week, the General Government Budget Committee received an update from the KDOL Secretary on modernization efforts. The agency indicates that it is in Step 8 of the modernization process, Agency completes RFP Process (Working). The remaining steps are Step 9 Agency completes detailed project plan with vendor (Early 2022); Step 10 CITO approves detailed project plan (Spring 2022); Step 11 Agency Begins Project (ASAP following completion of contract negotiation.

On Saturday, we celebrated Kansas Day and the 161st birthday of our state. Additionally, Kansas Tourism has launched a website, To the Stars, which is dedicated to honoring Kansas Day and our great state. The site has merchandise with the new tourism campaign, including accessories and apparel. The Kansas State Historical Society has created a webpage full of classroom resources, including a read-along&nbsp;for "S is for Sunflower: A Kansas Alphabet." There are also videos on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/kansashistorical">KSHS’s YouTube Channel</a>. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the Home on the Range cabin and song. The cabin was built on July 4, 1872. A celebration will be held July 2-4.

Legislature Approves Congressional Map

This past week, both the Senate and House passed SB 355, the “Ad Astra 2” Congressional map. Ad Astra 2 is a product of the redistricting process that started with over 20 town hall meetings and reflects the review of 2020 Census data. 2020 Census data showed that district boundary lines had to be shifted to accommodate changes in population and ensure that each district has the same number of residents. For example, the First Congressional District in Western Kansas no longer has enough people in it, while the Third District in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties has too many. Congressional maps are governed by federal law and are required to have equal population in each congressional district. Ad Astra 2 meets this requirement. Following the Senate’s vote of 26-9, the House Committee on Redistricting met to consider Ad Astra 2 and advanced its version of the bill, HB 2522. A total of eight Congressional maps were brought to the House for consideration, but those amendments failed. The House voted 79-37 to advance Ad Astra 2 to the Governor for her consideration.

It is great to have visitors back in Topeka, so far we visited with area sheriffs, county clerks, and county appraisers along with several county commissioners and city officials, members of the local Farm Bureaus, Nex-Tech, Prairie Land Electric, Western Electric, Sunflower Electric and Midwest Energy, all are members of Kansas Rural Electric Cooperative along with members of grain and feed cooperatives.

Like I said, it has been a busy start to the 2022 session. If you have a youngster that would like to ne a page for a day during the legislative session, let me or my office assistant Terry know right away, as space is limited. if you would like to contact me: my office is still located in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296- 7463 and email is: kenn.rahje@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek(part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog(part),&nbsp;Lookout(part) and Wheatland(part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City(part) and Nicodemus(part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581437076322.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>01-31-22TOPEKA - Hello from Topeka. We are already in the fourth week of this legislative session and there has been so much going on that this is the first column of the year. I continue to serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and am a member of the Appropriations Committee and Higher Education Budget Committee.Legislature extends protections to keep hospitals, adult care homes staffedEarly in the session, the House acted swiftly to send HB 2477 to the governor. The legislation came in response to staffing shortages and the added stresses being placed on our healthcare workers. HB 2477 temporarily suspends some of the rules and regulations for health care providers and adult care homes so they can continue to navigate staffing issues related to COVID-19. The House initially approved the bill, 115-6, with all provisions set to expire on May 15, 2022. The Senate amended the expiration date to January 20, 2023. The House agreed to those amendments, with a vote of 96-4, sending the bill to the Governor. Bottom Line: HB 2477 temporarily eases regulations on hospitals and nursing homes, increasing the number of frontline healthcare workers to help curb staffing shortages and adequately address the healthcare needs of Kansans.Unemployment RevisitedOver the past almost two years, many Kansans have been struggling to make ends meet and looked to unemployment as a lifeline to help them and their families. Unfortunately, using the claims process through the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has been a nightmare. The system was slow and not easily accessed. Phone calls for information were left unanswered. Instead of getting money into the hands of Kansans, nearly $700 million went to fraudsters. The 2021 Legislature worked diligently to address concerns regarding the KDOL claims system and responded with 2021 HB 2196. The bill created the Unemployment Compensation Modernization and Improvement Council, which has provided necessary oversight of the unemployment system. Last week, the House Committee on Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development requested that the Secretary of KDOL appear and provide an update on the unemployment system. She did not show up. This week, the General Government Budget Committee received an update from the KDOL Secretary on modernization efforts. The agency indicates that it is in Step 8 of the modernization process, Agency completes RFP Process (Working). The remaining steps are Step 9 Agency completes detailed project plan with vendor (Early 2022); Step 10 CITO approves detailed project plan (Spring 2022); Step 11 Agency Begins Project (ASAP following completion of contract negotiation.Happy Birthday, Kansas!On Saturday, we celebrated Kansas Day and the 161st birthday of our state. Additionally, Kansas Tourism has launched a website, To the Stars, which is dedicated to honoring Kansas Day and our great state. The site has merchandise with the new tourism campaign, including accessories and apparel. The Kansas State Historical Society has created a webpage full of classroom resources, including a read-along&nbsp;for "S is for Sunflower: A Kansas Alphabet." There are also videos on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/kansashistorical">KSHS’s YouTube Channel</a>. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the Home on the Range cabin and song. The cabin was built on July 4, 1872. A celebration will be held July 2-4.Legislature Approves Congressional MapThis past week, both the Senate and House passed SB 355, the “Ad Astra 2” Congressional map. Ad Astra 2 is a product of the redistricting process that started with over 20 town hall meetings and reflects the review of 2020 Census data. 2020 Census data showed that district boundary lines had to be shifted to accommodate changes in population and ensure that each district has the same number of residents. For example, the First Congressional District in Western Kansas no longer has enough people in it, while the Third District in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties has too many. Congressional maps are governed by federal law and are required to have equal population in each congressional district. Ad Astra 2 meets this requirement. Following the Senate’s vote of 26-9, the House Committee on Redistricting met to consider Ad Astra 2 and advanced its version of the bill, HB 2522. A total of eight Congressional maps were brought to the House for consideration, but those amendments failed. The House voted 79-37 to advance Ad Astra 2 to the Governor for her consideration.It is great to have visitors back in Topeka, so far we visited with area sheriffs, county clerks, and county appraisers along with several county commissioners and city officials, members of the local Farm Bureaus, Nex-Tech, Prairie Land Electric, Western Electric, Sunflower Electric and Midwest Energy, all are members of Kansas Rural Electric Cooperative along with members of grain and feed cooperatives.Like I said, it has been a busy start to the 2022 session. If you have a youngster that would like to ne a page for a day during the legislative session, let me or my office assistant Terry know right away, as space is limited. if you would like to contact me: my office is still located in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296- 7463 and email is: kenn.rahje@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.It is my honor to serve you.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek(part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog(part),&nbsp;Lookout(part) and Wheatland(part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City(part) and Nicodemus(part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich

RAHJES REPORT: Jan. 31, 2022

TOPEKA - First off, I would like to thank everyone who braved the cold for the Rally for Life and march held last week on the capitol steps. It was great to see so many people at this rally especially the people from the 40th District in western Kansas even when the road conditions were snow and ice. We would like to remind the voters of a very important date, August 2, 2022, the Value Them Both Constitutional Amendment will be on the ballot. You can protect the most vulnerable by voting YES on the Value Them Both Amendment.

Every ten years the legislature is required to redraw the congressional, senate and house district maps according to the growth in each district. In preparation for the congressional map our committee held 20 town hall meetings along with many opportunities to participate virtually. Much of the growth in the State of Kansas was in Wyandotte and Johnson counties. These two counties saw the largest growth in residents. By law congressional districts require the same number of residents in each district;&nbsp; therefore, Johnson and Wyandotte county could not remain in the same district. It was decided after much testimony from the people in Johnson County that Johnson County should remain whole and Wyandotte county would be split as it has been numerous times in past maps. The dividing line in Wyandotte county is along I-70 west and east to the Kansas river. The bedroom communities of Miami, Franklin, and Anderson Counties joined Johnson County in the 3rd District. With this map District 3, Congresswoman Sharica Davis, would have still won this district as would have President Biden and Governor Kelly. 

The only district that needed little or no change was District 4 which included Wichita and surrounding counties. The balance of Wyandotte County joined District 2 which it had been part of in past maps. The Second District includes several military installations, including Ft. Riley, Ft. Leavenworth, Forbes Field, and the Kansas National Guard. 

The First District needed an increase in population which required moving east to get the required number. The new map goes east and includes Lawrence, KS, the University of Kansas, Kansas State and Fort Hays State University in the 1st District. 

The challenge in redistricting is a math problem that requires that we have the same number of residents in each district.

On Thursday, the Kansas Senate adopted legislation which includes a substantial development incentive for the purpose of spurring large economic development investment in Kansas. The initial target of the incentive package is a $4.0 billion manufacturing project that would employee over 4,000 people and is one of the most significant private sector investments in Kansas history. The package, as it passed the Senate on Thursday, is known as the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act or APEX Act. APEX would establish new economic development incentives targeted at specific industries that agree to invest at least $1.0 billion within the state of Kansas. The APEX Act also targets incentives at the suppliers involved in the APEX project. The APEX Program would be under the purview of the Secretary of Commerce for the purpose of attracting large capital investments in new facilities and operations by businesses engaged in specified industries and encouraging the development of Kansas based supply chains.&nbsp;

To help drive taxes down for all who do business in Kansas, an important provision of the bill would lower the corporate income tax the year after a qualified firm or supplier receives benefits under the law. Qualified firms under the bill would be for-profit businesses subject to state income, sales, or property tax that are engaged in one or more of the following industries as determined by the Secretary of Commerce: advanced manufacturing, aerospace, distribution, logistics and transportation, food and agriculture, professional and technical services. The bill provides exceptions to the definition by stating that a for-profit business establishment in any industry is eligible as a “qualified firm” if it is seeking benefits to relocate or establish its national corporate headquarters within the state. 

Additionally, a project would need to be completed within five years. 

Incentives available under the bill would include: investment’s tax credits, reimbursement of percentage of total payroll, reimbursement of a percentage of eligible employee training and education expenses, partial real property tax exemption, sales tax exemption for construction costs of the qualified business facilities. 

Qualified firms and suppliers would not be eligible to participate in other economic development programs currently in existence, and they would be required to cooperate with any audit undertaken by the Department of Revenue. 

To ensure proper oversight, the firms and suppliers would be required to provide information required for publication in the Economic Development Incentive Database, as well as reports required to be submitted to the governor and the legislature, among other provisions to ensure property transparency and accountability. To ensure oversight occurs in the short-term, a sunset of March 31, 2023 was added to ensure that the legislature reviews the provisions of the APEX Act in just one year. The bill was rushed through the process in order the allow commerce enough time to negotiate their offer to the prospective company. I believe Kansas needs to be careful when making huge concessions to attract new businesses.

If you are interested in following the legislature you can connect to the following links:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature YouTube</a>&nbsp;- Here you can follow the legislature live as it happens, or access archives of past sessions and committee meetings.

<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20220124/-1/14088?viewMode=1#handoutFile_">Kansas Legislature Audio</a>&nbsp;- Here you can listen in on session or committees when they are in session, or access prior committee meetings.

Kansas Legislature website-&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org-/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills and past sessions.

Middle school (12 years of age or older) and high school students are invited to come to our Kansas State Capitol, to be my sponsored Senate Page for a day. The dates available are February 7 and 21 as well as March 7 and 14. There are openings for 4 pages on each day. Please contact my office, if you know a student who may have an interest in being a Senate Page.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th&nbsp;Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions and concerns, my office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office at 545-S.

Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th district senator which includes:

* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties *Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed; Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View, Solomon(part) and Towanda&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610490291573.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>January 31, 2022TOPEKA - First off, I would like to thank everyone who braved the cold for the Rally for Life and march held last week on the capitol steps. It was great to see so many people at this rally especially the people from the 40th District in western Kansas even when the road conditions were snow and ice. We would like to remind the voters of a very important date, August 2, 2022, the Value Them Both Constitutional Amendment will be on the ballot. You can protect the most vulnerable by voting YES on the Value Them Both Amendment.Every ten years the legislature is required to redraw the congressional, senate and house district maps according to the growth in each district. In preparation for the congressional map our committee held 20 town hall meetings along with many opportunities to participate virtually. Much of the growth in the State of Kansas was in Wyandotte and Johnson counties. These two counties saw the largest growth in residents. By law congressional districts require the same number of residents in each district;&nbsp; therefore, Johnson and Wyandotte county could not remain in the same district. It was decided after much testimony from the people in Johnson County that Johnson County should remain whole and Wyandotte county would be split as it has been numerous times in past maps. The dividing line in Wyandotte county is along I-70 west and east to the Kansas river. The bedroom communities of Miami, Franklin, and Anderson Counties joined Johnson County in the 3rd District. With this map District 3, Congresswoman Sharica Davis, would have still won this district as would have President Biden and Governor Kelly. The only district that needed little or no change was District 4 which included Wichita and surrounding counties. The balance of Wyandotte County joined District 2 which it had been part of in past maps. The Second District includes several military installations, including Ft. Riley, Ft. Leavenworth, Forbes Field, and the Kansas National Guard. The First District needed an increase in population which required moving east to get the required number. The new map goes east and includes Lawrence, KS, the University of Kansas, Kansas State and Fort Hays State University in the 1st District. The challenge in redistricting is a math problem that requires that we have the same number of residents in each district.On Thursday, the Kansas Senate adopted legislation which includes a substantial development incentive for the purpose of spurring large economic development investment in Kansas. The initial target of the incentive package is a $4.0 billion manufacturing project that would employee over 4,000 people and is one of the most significant private sector investments in Kansas history. The package, as it passed the Senate on Thursday, is known as the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act or APEX Act. APEX would establish new economic development incentives targeted at specific industries that agree to invest at least $1.0 billion within the state of Kansas. The APEX Act also targets incentives at the suppliers involved in the APEX project. The APEX Program would be under the purview of the Secretary of Commerce for the purpose of attracting large capital investments in new facilities and operations by businesses engaged in specified industries and encouraging the development of Kansas based supply chains.&nbsp;To help drive taxes down for all who do business in Kansas, an important provision of the bill would lower the corporate income tax the year after a qualified firm or supplier receives benefits under the law. Qualified firms under the bill would be for-profit businesses subject to state income, sales, or property tax that are engaged in one or more of the following industries as determined by the Secretary of Commerce: advanced manufacturing, aerospace, distribution, logistics and transportation, food and agriculture, professional and technical services. The bill provides exceptions to the definition by stating that a for-profit business establishment in any industry is eligible as a “qualified firm” if it is seeking benefits to relocate or establish its national corporate headquarters within the state. Additionally, a project would need to be completed within five years. Incentives available under the bill would include: investment’s tax credits, reimbursement of percentage of total payroll, reimbursement of a percentage of eligible employee training and education expenses, partial real property tax exemption, sales tax exemption for construction costs of the qualified business facilities. Qualified firms and suppliers would not be eligible to participate in other economic development programs currently in existence, and they would be required to cooperate with any audit undertaken by the Department of Revenue. To ensure proper oversight, the firms and suppliers would be required to provide information required for publication in the Economic Development Incentive Database, as well as reports required to be submitted to the governor and the legislature, among other provisions to ensure property transparency and accountability. To ensure oversight occurs in the short-term, a sunset of March 31, 2023 was added to ensure that the legislature reviews the provisions of the APEX Act in just one year. The bill was rushed through the process in order the allow commerce enough time to negotiate their offer to the prospective company. I believe Kansas needs to be careful when making huge concessions to attract new businesses.If you are interested in following the legislature you can connect to the following links:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature YouTube</a>&nbsp;- Here you can follow the legislature live as it happens, or access archives of past sessions and committee meetings.<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20220124/-1/14088?viewMode=1#handoutFile_">Kansas Legislature Audio</a>&nbsp;- Here you can listen in on session or committees when they are in session, or access prior committee meetings.Kansas Legislature website-&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org-/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills and past sessions.Middle school (12 years of age or older) and high school students are invited to come to our Kansas State Capitol, to be my sponsored Senate Page for a day. The dates available are February 7 and 21 as well as March 7 and 14. There are openings for 4 pages on each day. Please contact my office, if you know a student who may have an interest in being a Senate Page.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th&nbsp;Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions and concerns, my office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office at 545-S.Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th district senator which includes:* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties *Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed; Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View, Solomon(part) and Towanda&nbsp;

BILLINGER: Senate Update, Jan. 31, 2022

The National Weather Service is warning of dangerously cold temperatures and the potential of snow this week.

After projected highs of 61 projected Monday and 44 on Tuesday, an Arctic front is expected to blow in from the north, sending the mercury plummeting. A high of just 18 degrees is projected Wednesday and Thursday, with overnight lows dropping as low as 2 below.

The wind chill Thursday morning is expected to be 15 below zero in Hays and Ellis County, and down to 20 below zero farther west.&nbsp;

Snow is expected to begin Tuesday night and continue into Thursday morning.

While Ellis County isn't expected to receive much snow, areas to the northwest could receive 2 to 4 inches of snow, the National Weather Service in Goodland reported.&nbsp;

Skies are expected to clear Thursday afternoon and remain clear through the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643639558371.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service is warning of dangerously cold temperatures and the potential of snow this week.After projected highs of 61 projected Monday and 44 on Tuesday, an Arctic front is expected to blow in from the north, sending the mercury plummeting. A high of just 18 degrees is projected Wednesday and Thursday, with overnight lows dropping as low as 2 below.The wind chill Thursday morning is expected to be 15 below zero in Hays and Ellis County, and down to 20 below zero farther west.&nbsp;Snow is expected to begin Tuesday night and continue into Thursday morning.While Ellis County isn't expected to receive much snow, areas to the northwest could receive 2 to 4 inches of snow, the National Weather Service in Goodland reported.&nbsp;Skies are expected to clear Thursday afternoon and remain clear through the weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643639601840.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS: Dangerous cold, more snow on the way to NW Kansas

Cottonwood Extension District is hiring a part-time 4-H assistant. Up to 1,000 hours with a wage of $15/hour. Position will support 4-H and Youth programming in Ellis County. Planning for events like 4-H Day, youth judging contests, school enrichment and the Ellis County Fair. 

Includes some evenings, weekends; some outside physical labor. High school diploma required with some college preferred. Position announcement available at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

Applications due February 11th&nbsp;or until filled. &nbsp;Submit resume’, cover letter and contact information for three references to: Cottonwood Extension Office, 601 Main Street, Hays, 67601. (785) 628-9430.Or you may email information to Donna Krug, District Director, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>.

Cottonwood District and K-State Research &amp; Extension is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643643109012.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwood Extension District is hiring a part-time 4-H assistant. Up to 1,000 hours with a wage of $15/hour. Position will support 4-H and Youth programming in Ellis County. Planning for events like 4-H Day, youth judging contests, school enrichment and the Ellis County Fair. Includes some evenings, weekends; some outside physical labor. High school diploma required with some college preferred. Position announcement available at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;Applications due February 11th&nbsp;or until filled. &nbsp;Submit resume’, cover letter and contact information for three references to: Cottonwood Extension Office, 601 Main Street, Hays, 67601. (785) 628-9430.Or you may email information to Donna Krug, District Director, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>.Cottonwood District and K-State Research &amp; Extension is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and provider.

Area fifth graders once again called to showcase history

For the second year, Celebration Community Church hosted the Night to Shine Hays Shine Thru Parade on Saturday, showing love and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As the parade traveled Main street, attendees flew streamers, signs and cheered as they traveled by.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643507509587.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFor the second year, Celebration Community Church hosted the Night to Shine Hays Shine Thru Parade on Saturday, showing love and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.As the parade traveled Main street, attendees flew streamers, signs and cheered as they traveled by.Take a look at the event below.<figure>
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Area residents turn out to support Night to Shine parade

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Governor’s Council on Fitness presented the 2022 Kansas Health Champion Awards during the Community Health Promotion Summit on Thursday.

The Governor’s Council on Fitness developed the Health Champion Award to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. Those recognized include an individual and organization and honorable mentions in each category.

“The winners were selected for the exceptional efforts they have put forth to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said Jody Hoener, GCOF Awards Chair. “Their efforts have made a positive impact on their communities and inspired others around them to get involved.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;“Congratulations&nbsp;to this year’s Health Champions,” said Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary. “We thank you for the work you have done across Kansas to promote the importance of fitness in your communities.”

Mike Goodwin&nbsp;of Topeka is a longtime volunteer and board member with Kansas Trails Council (KTC), an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to building and maintaining natural-surface trails for public use. However, Goodwin’s commitment to ensuring that every community has access to a safe place to walk, hike or bike far transcends even KTC’s laudable mission.

Elizabeth Burger of Sunflower Foundation, who nominated Goodwin, said, “Our foundation has had the honor of working with Mike for the past nine years. During this time, I have witnessed how he has donated his time to travel the entire state of Kansas to personally mentor, guide and work along dozens of communities and nonprofits that want to build a trail in order to have a safe, accessible place to be physically active in the outdoors. Mike listens to each community and their specific needs and priorities regarding a trail and provides invaluable support and technical assistance every step of the way.”

Salud + Bienestar’s mission is to provide information to empower, lead and connect community members to live a healthier life within the traditional Spanish-speaking cultures. They provide relevant health information and education to help Spanish-speaking individuals work through the barriers they face when addressing complex issues, such as navigating the health care system, gaining access to affordable fresh and nutritious foods and bringing community members closer together.

Shelley Rich, who nominated Salud + Bienestar, said, “They are passionate about the health of residents in North Wichita and are a trusted source of information. Salud + Bienestar goes above and beyond to promote health and fitness to those they serve. Their work as a liaison between health and social services and the community has improved the access, quality control and cultural competence of the service delivery to the Spanish-speaking community.”&nbsp;

Clyde Jones&nbsp;of Manhattan turned 99 years old in December 2021. For nearly a century, he has modeled, encouraged, and promoted health, fitness, and wellness in the broadest sense. Jones was the leading force in organizing the Community Health Council, bringing community partners (city, county hospital, school board, public health, etc.). In addition, Jones wrapped up his 10th Annual C. Clyde Run last fall, which raises funds each year for Shepherd’s Crossing, a local philanthropic organization.&nbsp;

Connie Satzler, who nominated Jones, said, “Physical activity and fitness are a pillar of Clyde’s lifestyle and legacy. His efforts in developing coordination and collaboration among health care providers has had a lasting effect of making health more accessible to low-income populations and more efficiently delivered. He is always looking for new opportunities to get involved in the years ahead to better his community and to keep making new friends along the way.”&nbsp;

Colby United Methodist Church&nbsp;(UMC)&nbsp;has participated in programs that seek to address food insecurity, such as partnering with the school district and other organizations to support the Summer Food Service Program for their community. They have worked with the Thomas County Coalition to start a community garden, plus Colby UMC has worked with additional partners in the community to support a free bike-share program.

Katie Schoenhoff, who nominated Colby UMC, said, “Colby United Methodist Church has long demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment and service to the health and wellness of both congregation and community, going beyond expectations to address not only immediate needs but also the underlying social determinants of health. Their partnerships with local organizations have supported both the sustainability of their efforts and increased community engagement.”

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Governor’s Council on Fitness presented the 2022 Kansas Health Champion Awards during the Community Health Promotion Summit on Thursday.The Governor’s Council on Fitness developed the Health Champion Award to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. Those recognized include an individual and organization and honorable mentions in each category.<ul>
 <li>Individual Health Champion: Mike Goodwin, Topeka</li><li>Organizational Health Champion: Salud + Bienestar, Wichita&nbsp;</li><li>Individual Honorable Mention: C. Clyde Jones, Manhattan</li><li>Organizational Honorable Mention: Colby United Methodist Church, Colby</li>
 </ul>“The winners were selected for the exceptional efforts they have put forth to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said Jody Hoener, GCOF Awards Chair. “Their efforts have made a positive impact on their communities and inspired others around them to get involved.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“Congratulations&nbsp;to this year’s Health Champions,” said Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary. “We thank you for the work you have done across Kansas to promote the importance of fitness in your communities.”<h2>Health Champions</h2>Mike Goodwin&nbsp;of Topeka is a longtime volunteer and board member with Kansas Trails Council (KTC), an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to building and maintaining natural-surface trails for public use. However, Goodwin’s commitment to ensuring that every community has access to a safe place to walk, hike or bike far transcends even KTC’s laudable mission.Elizabeth Burger of Sunflower Foundation, who nominated Goodwin, said, “Our foundation has had the honor of working with Mike for the past nine years. During this time, I have witnessed how he has donated his time to travel the entire state of Kansas to personally mentor, guide and work along dozens of communities and nonprofits that want to build a trail in order to have a safe, accessible place to be physically active in the outdoors. Mike listens to each community and their specific needs and priorities regarding a trail and provides invaluable support and technical assistance every step of the way.”Salud + Bienestar’s mission is to provide information to empower, lead and connect community members to live a healthier life within the traditional Spanish-speaking cultures. They provide relevant health information and education to help Spanish-speaking individuals work through the barriers they face when addressing complex issues, such as navigating the health care system, gaining access to affordable fresh and nutritious foods and bringing community members closer together.Shelley Rich, who nominated Salud + Bienestar, said, “They are passionate about the health of residents in North Wichita and are a trusted source of information. Salud + Bienestar goes above and beyond to promote health and fitness to those they serve. Their work as a liaison between health and social services and the community has improved the access, quality control and cultural competence of the service delivery to the Spanish-speaking community.”&nbsp;Honorable Mentions&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643368667934.png" alt="Clyde Jones during the virtual honor ceremony&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Clyde Jones during the virtual honor ceremony&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Clyde Jones&nbsp;of Manhattan turned 99 years old in December 2021. For nearly a century, he has modeled, encouraged, and promoted health, fitness, and wellness in the broadest sense. Jones was the leading force in organizing the Community Health Council, bringing community partners (city, county hospital, school board, public health, etc.). In addition, Jones wrapped up his 10th Annual C. Clyde Run last fall, which raises funds each year for Shepherd’s Crossing, a local philanthropic organization.&nbsp;Connie Satzler, who nominated Jones, said, “Physical activity and fitness are a pillar of Clyde’s lifestyle and legacy. His efforts in developing coordination and collaboration among health care providers has had a lasting effect of making health more accessible to low-income populations and more efficiently delivered. He is always looking for new opportunities to get involved in the years ahead to better his community and to keep making new friends along the way.”&nbsp;Colby United Methodist Church&nbsp;(UMC)&nbsp;has participated in programs that seek to address food insecurity, such as partnering with the school district and other organizations to support the Summer Food Service Program for their community. They have worked with the Thomas County Coalition to start a community garden, plus Colby UMC has worked with additional partners in the community to support a free bike-share program.Katie Schoenhoff, who nominated Colby UMC, said, “Colby United Methodist Church has long demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment and service to the health and wellness of both congregation and community, going beyond expectations to address not only immediate needs but also the underlying social determinants of health. Their partnerships with local organizations have supported both the sustainability of their efforts and increased community engagement.”

NW Kan. church recognized among KDHE health champions

Jon Armstrong always looks forward to Fort Hays State University’s Student Recognition Programs. But he is especially anticipating getting back on the road for the annual Tiger Road Show this year.

Armstrong, director of Admissions at FHSU, will join 30 to 40 university personnel on the month-long, 12-city series that recognizes high school and transfer students are interested in learning more about Fort Hays State. The SRPs tour is reverting to in-person events after pivoting to an online version last year.

“We are definitely ready to be back in person,” Armstrong said. “This is a way to have personal contact and start building relationships with our students and their parents.”

The SRPs, in their 34th year, span from one end of the state to the other – and beyond. FHSU also holds SRPs in Denver and Kearney, Neb. Local COVID-19 protocols for each location will be followed.

Armstrong said that registration numbers are steady this year, and he&nbsp;encourages all juniors and seniors in high school, as well as all prospective transfer students, to attend these free events. High school juniors, seniors, and transfer students have already been invited to SRPs in their areas.&nbsp;

There is still time for students and their families to sign up, if they haven’t already, by going to&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtJQgSEc35-2FdcBL0tMQWS4czO3Q99-2FWoU2BEdmDSZhDH2YGRsKZG7-2FtQYWNAshASG-2BAYPeGBp4mq-2FBPV2nsEWdlo-3Dn5QY_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIempgJt2Jo9YwsvKYS52jbIKkFc8G-2FE3XSfn1J825sLV92njAWNA-2F7kIhnTQa0-2FQuawWgTsTmBmzIqSbA0UGJbVD1BBmh-2B2sTGEL9xCRuH6zf03v5ENxPzr31C4eKyEFiD6nPtjTAXZkk18SeUxLOX9LbJdRqpGEUUrA3-2BYCVKcW2h0Nn05d4ICj58gZu5a5-2Fu9aptUPTIMaerrfWp7fKo6kd8LvSEkiBahQpif5H5MahfuY5MPsAE5qrAx9x17GtK8wxVnMX5nQ-2BUqfl8BUlTYtA-3D-3D">www.fhsu.edu/admissions/events/srp/hays-srp-registration.</a>

The 2022 series will began Sunday, Jan. 30, in Garden City and Dodge City, and conclude in Denver on March 6. The local Hays SRP, in the university’s Memorial Union, is set for Feb. 20. Other SRP locations are Beloit, Kansas City area (Olathe), Topeka, Colby, Wichita, Salina, Great Bend, and Kearney, Neb. Time, date, and location for each event can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtJQgSEc35-2FdcBL0tMQWS4czO3Q99-2FWoU2BEdmDSZhDH2-2BiflmaYXvSelQEFO21XqWg-3D-3DkSZa_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIempgJt2Jo9YwsvKYS52jbIKkFc8G-2FE3XSfn1J825sLV92njAWNA-2F7kIhnTQa0-2FQuawWgTsTmBmzIqSbA0UGJbVD9-2FmsI9qyVcoZRehb0xHXz-2Fy11pPVA-2FaY3FIVRNsPnyGlWvhGKDlp1bjO4eVxI4propMYaz4iNoNQH846NvSzTrew1Jk5E5bZEO8lmdTVUO2GZQJcAXDEFVXRDOjRYBUYJvqClvN64wmLWp7iJEmqRmgidtMZSv9R0VQIwi4KPFaboGxB36tGBn9o71zCj-2F3jA-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/admissions/events/srp/</a>.

Armstrong said he and his team learned a lot last year while transitioning to remote mode for the SRPs. His office received positive feedback with the switch, and plans are underway to furnish another virtual SRP option for other out-of-state students later in March. Nonetheless, Armstrong still favors the in-person format.

“Every student at each of the events are introduced personally, and it’s easier to speak one-on-one with them that way,” Armstrong said. “We hope that sends them a positive message that we care about them at Fort Hays State.”

Each of the 12 events will feature four scholarships with award levels ranging from $15,000 to $6,000 over four years, or $3,750 to $1,500 yearly. They are the $3,750 Tiger Pride Scholarship; the $2,750 Victor E. &nbsp;Scholarship; the $2,000 Black and Gold Scholarship; and the $1,500 Hays City Scholarship. These scholarships are not need-based, and there are no built-in award amount reduction for students who secure additional financial awards from other sources.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State’s enhanced scholarship program will include three levels of transfer scholarship awards, ranging from $500 to $1,500. &nbsp;These awards are based on the student’s cumulative GPA.&nbsp;

FHSU President Tisa Mason or another FHSU administrator will individually introduce all students attending each event. Those being awarded scholarships to Fort Hays State for the next academic year will be recognized. Other university officers, administrators, and faculty also attend the programs to answer questions and to visit with prospective students and their families and friends.

Pizza is served at each of the evening events, while the afternoon SRPs feature a dessert buffet. Students and their friends and families have the opportunity to mingle with FHSU faculty, staff, and administrators before and after the scholarship presentations.&nbsp;

Since its beginning in the 1988-89 year, Fort Hays State’s Scholarship Recognition Program – unique in higher education – has had the mission of recognizing all students interested in college, and their friends and families.&nbsp;

Each SRP event features three drawings – one for a $600 book scholarship, one for a $1,000 tuition scholarship, and another for a laptop computer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643227847113.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsJon Armstrong always looks forward to Fort Hays State University’s Student Recognition Programs. But he is especially anticipating getting back on the road for the annual Tiger Road Show this year.Armstrong, director of Admissions at FHSU, will join 30 to 40 university personnel on the month-long, 12-city series that recognizes high school and transfer students are interested in learning more about Fort Hays State. The SRPs tour is reverting to in-person events after pivoting to an online version last year.“We are definitely ready to be back in person,” Armstrong said. “This is a way to have personal contact and start building relationships with our students and their parents.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643564263321.png" alt="Armstrong" />
 <figcaption>Armstrong</figcaption>
 </figure>The SRPs, in their 34th year, span from one end of the state to the other – and beyond. FHSU also holds SRPs in Denver and Kearney, Neb. Local COVID-19 protocols for each location will be followed.Armstrong said that registration numbers are steady this year, and he&nbsp;encourages all juniors and seniors in high school, as well as all prospective transfer students, to attend these free events. High school juniors, seniors, and transfer students have already been invited to SRPs in their areas.&nbsp;There is still time for students and their families to sign up, if they haven’t already, by going to&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtJQgSEc35-2FdcBL0tMQWS4czO3Q99-2FWoU2BEdmDSZhDH2YGRsKZG7-2FtQYWNAshASG-2BAYPeGBp4mq-2FBPV2nsEWdlo-3Dn5QY_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIempgJt2Jo9YwsvKYS52jbIKkFc8G-2FE3XSfn1J825sLV92njAWNA-2F7kIhnTQa0-2FQuawWgTsTmBmzIqSbA0UGJbVD1BBmh-2B2sTGEL9xCRuH6zf03v5ENxPzr31C4eKyEFiD6nPtjTAXZkk18SeUxLOX9LbJdRqpGEUUrA3-2BYCVKcW2h0Nn05d4ICj58gZu5a5-2Fu9aptUPTIMaerrfWp7fKo6kd8LvSEkiBahQpif5H5MahfuY5MPsAE5qrAx9x17GtK8wxVnMX5nQ-2BUqfl8BUlTYtA-3D-3D">www.fhsu.edu/admissions/events/srp/hays-srp-registration.</a>The 2022 series will began Sunday, Jan. 30, in Garden City and Dodge City, and conclude in Denver on March 6. The local Hays SRP, in the university’s Memorial Union, is set for Feb. 20. Other SRP locations are Beloit, Kansas City area (Olathe), Topeka, Colby, Wichita, Salina, Great Bend, and Kearney, Neb. Time, date, and location for each event can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtJQgSEc35-2FdcBL0tMQWS4czO3Q99-2FWoU2BEdmDSZhDH2-2BiflmaYXvSelQEFO21XqWg-3D-3DkSZa_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIempgJt2Jo9YwsvKYS52jbIKkFc8G-2FE3XSfn1J825sLV92njAWNA-2F7kIhnTQa0-2FQuawWgTsTmBmzIqSbA0UGJbVD9-2FmsI9qyVcoZRehb0xHXz-2Fy11pPVA-2FaY3FIVRNsPnyGlWvhGKDlp1bjO4eVxI4propMYaz4iNoNQH846NvSzTrew1Jk5E5bZEO8lmdTVUO2GZQJcAXDEFVXRDOjRYBUYJvqClvN64wmLWp7iJEmqRmgidtMZSv9R0VQIwi4KPFaboGxB36tGBn9o71zCj-2F3jA-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/admissions/events/srp/</a>.Armstrong said he and his team learned a lot last year while transitioning to remote mode for the SRPs. His office received positive feedback with the switch, and plans are underway to furnish another virtual SRP option for other out-of-state students later in March. Nonetheless, Armstrong still favors the in-person format. “Every student at each of the events are introduced personally, and it’s easier to speak one-on-one with them that way,” Armstrong said. “We hope that sends them a positive message that we care about them at Fort Hays State.”Each of the 12 events will feature four scholarships with award levels ranging from $15,000 to $6,000 over four years, or $3,750 to $1,500 yearly. They are the $3,750 Tiger Pride Scholarship; the $2,750 Victor E. &nbsp;Scholarship; the $2,000 Black and Gold Scholarship; and the $1,500 Hays City Scholarship. These scholarships are not need-based, and there are no built-in award amount reduction for students who secure additional financial awards from other sources.&nbsp;Fort Hays State’s enhanced scholarship program will include three levels of transfer scholarship awards, ranging from $500 to $1,500. &nbsp;These awards are based on the student’s cumulative GPA.&nbsp;FHSU President Tisa Mason or another FHSU administrator will individually introduce all students attending each event. Those being awarded scholarships to Fort Hays State for the next academic year will be recognized. Other university officers, administrators, and faculty also attend the programs to answer questions and to visit with prospective students and their families and friends.Pizza is served at each of the evening events, while the afternoon SRPs feature a dessert buffet. Students and their friends and families have the opportunity to mingle with FHSU faculty, staff, and administrators before and after the scholarship presentations.&nbsp;Since its beginning in the 1988-89 year, Fort Hays State’s Scholarship Recognition Program – unique in higher education – has had the mission of recognizing all students interested in college, and their friends and families.&nbsp;Each SRP event features three drawings – one for a $600 book scholarship, one for a $1,000 tuition scholarship, and another for a laptop computer.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State back on the road for annual SRP tour

By RON FIELDS <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health challenges among young people were the leading causes of disability and poor life outcomes, <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-youth-mental-health-advisory.pdf">according to the U.S. Surgeon General. </a>

But now after almost two years of enduring a life-changing pandemic, area mental health professionals say the need for mental health services has increased dramatically — compounded by factors such as social media, political divisions in communities and an overloaded mental health care system.

"Especially toward the fall of 2020, we were starting to see an increase after kids were at home for six months," said Carie Brown of Great Bend-based <a href="https://heartofkansas.com/">Heart of Kansas Family Heath Care</a>. "Symptoms have been more exacerbated by the pandemic."

Brown, a licensed specialist clinical social worker and licensed clinical addictions counselor, said the isolation caused by stay-at-home orders was traumatic for many young people. 

"We have kids whose home lives are not good. Food is an issue or safety is an issue," said Brown, a Fort Hays State University graduate and Logan, Kan., native. "During that pandemic time, they were all alone in that."

If you’re in crisis, get immediate help: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273- 8255,&nbsp;<a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/">chat</a>&nbsp;with trained counselors 24/7, or&nbsp;<a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/">get help in other ways through the Lifeline.</a>&nbsp;You can also contact the National Crisis Textline by texting HOME to 741741.

Pediatric psychologist Matthew Wassom of <a href="https://www.katieswaymanhattan.com">Katie's Way</a> in Manhattan agreed.

"From March 2020 through the summer and into the fall of 2020 ... they were losing the routine and structure of life," he said. "And then, obviously, you take away one of the most valuable things, which is social functioning.

"Children were spending more time with family. ... That's nice for some families, but not for all families, especially in vulnerable populations," he said.

In rural northwest Nebraska, Catherine Jones-Hazledine, a psychologist with <a href="https://www.westernnebraskabehavioralhealth.com/">Western Nebraska Behavior Health</a>, said mental health issues among her patients have been magnified by current circumstances.

"We see all of the normal things that we would see, but they are just intensifying. A lot of us as providers are worried about parent-child interactions because there were no breaks, worried about parents coping and increases in maladaptive parenting," she said. "We are seeing depressed kids, really lonely kids, especially in high school, where those kids lost milestone after milestone after milestone."

School referrals make up a significant portion of the juvenile patient loads for most mental health providers. Brown said that during the early days of the pandemic, juvenile cases actually saw a slight decrease. 

"Kids with behavior or emotional issues, those issues tend to come out in a school setting, in a a structured setting," Brown said. "During that March of 2020 to the fall, there were not a lot of new referrals. But once kids got back into schools, that's when we really started seeing that influx in referrals."

Wassom said his patient load was a mixed bag during that time period.

"Some vulnerable populations had less access to care ... but kids with better resources, more involved parents, more financial resources, we saw them seeking out care for the first time," he said. 

The situation was different for Jones-Hazledine, whose practice is integrated in medical settings along with other health providers.

"The doctors are still the first person that people call when they're concerned about their kids out here, that and their pastors and priests," she said. "The kids were still finding their way to us."

Jones-Hazledine said the politics of COVID, coupled with other events on a national scale, have "coalesced into this big ball of conflict" — adding to the stressors for young people.&nbsp;

"We're in a very rural red areas, and there's a lot of division about what it all means and what to think. That's been hard for everybody, but especially to the young people. It's super confusing," she said. "There are kiddos out there whose family believes in the science, and those kids go to school and go to class with kids who believe differently. ... And can be teased or mocked.

"Bullying is always something with young people, but it's jut different now," she added. "The kids see there are adults often engaging in conflict over medical issues, issues of what students should learn."

Social media and "screens" also have played an enormous role in mental health challenges, the providers said. 

"Electronics are a huge issue. They've become the babysitter. They've become an easier method than actively engaging and trying to do things as a family," Brown said. "As parents, we all have to look at that and be honest about it. ... It creates more obstacles than people realize."

During the isolation period, young people used social media increasingly to stay connected with their peers, but also faced a heightened risk of being bullied or engaging in risky online behavior.

"Digital stuff is always worse," said Jones-Hazledine. "As a society, we'll say things to each other and treat each other on social media that we would never say in person. It's grown over time, and there is no consequence. "

One of her student patients recently paraphrased a quote from Oscar Wilde: "Give a man a mask, and he'll tell you the truth."

"Not just the positive, but the negative. ... It's more honest, but we are also more harsh," she said.

While Wassom said he doesn't have "blanket hate" for screens and social media, he agreed the isolation drove more kids to increased screen time, often to the detriment of those children.

"If a family system doesn't have a good process set up, then you see the negative side of social media and the internet," he said. "We've seen a higher rate of tech addiction-type behaviors and a lot of issues of negative side effects of social media platforms."

Wassom compared device use among young people to driver's education. 

"It's about social media literacy, trying to teach children before they ever lay hands on a device how to use that device in an healthy manner," he said, noting no one would give the keys to a car to an untrained child an expect them to drive safely away.

While those in junior high and high school are experiencing a "new normal," some younger children will retain little, if any, recollection of what life was like pre-COVID — which could be a positive, Wassom said. 

"If you have a 5- or 6-year-old who is now 8 or 9, they have a good stretch of their early elementary development done during a pandemic," he said. "They may not have a clear picture of how things are when there is not a pandemic, and maybe some of them are doing a bit better, and they've adapted in their resilience."

In Jones-Hazledine's area of western Nebraska, one of the most troubling aspects of COVID is what she is hearing from teachers and schools.

"We have heard over and over again that the kids they're teaching right now are a good year behind socio-emotionally. The year of isolation really took a toll on everything," she said. "Kids are resilient, but to hear that across the board in all different kinds of schools, it's kind of mind-blowing.

In a June 2021 study, the U.S. Surgeon General's office reported depressive and anxiety symptoms double during the pandemic, with 25 percent of young people experiencing depressive symptoms and 20 percent experiencing anxiety. Suspected suicide attempts increased 51 percent for girls and 4 percent for boys compared to 2019.

"It's a combination of everything we've talked about — feelings of isolation, exposure to things through screen time, this extremely difficult situation for kids and for parents," Brown said. "There's been an increase in suicidal behaviors and that is very concerning."

Like most every sector in the U.S. economy, mental health health providers are struggling with staffing issues in their clinics.

"We are absolutely overwhelmed, much more so than we were in the first year of the pandemic. The need is through the roof," Jones-Hazledine said. "Most practices out here, there are two- to three-month waiting lists. This is source of great stress to the providers in my practice."

Wassom said Katie's Way sees patients from eastern to far western Kansas.

"It speaks to the shortage of certain types of providers across the whole state," he said. 

Brown agreed, noting her clinic is seeking an additional behavior health professional, as well a additional nursing staff.

Jones-Hazledine said she had to enforce a mandated break over the holidays. Her staff is actively doing things to prevent what she called "compassion fatigue" and burnout. &nbsp;

The U.S. Surgeon General's office said "there is much to be done" to support the mental health of children, including:

•&nbsp;Recognizing mental health is an essential part of overall health. •&nbsp;Empowering youth and their families to recognize, manage and learn from difficult emotions. •&nbsp;Ensuring every child has access to high-quality, affordable and culturally competent mental health care. •&nbsp;Supporting the mental health of children in educational, community and child care settings. •&nbsp;Addressing economic and social barriers to care. •&nbsp;Increasing data collection to more rapidly identify mental health needs.

Brown said access to services is crucial, as well as shaking the concept that mental health concerns is viewed through a stigmatized lens.

"Mental health has been seen like it's something to be ashamed of forever. The reality is it's nothing to be ashamed of," she said. "Everyone has felt sad, anxious, depressed —&nbsp;but there is help. It's important for people not to enter with that bias that it's something wrong.

"The more open people are to getting help, the more likely it is that it can be overcome and it can get better."

Wassom said there might be a silver lining in the pandemic for some children.

"I've got some hopeful optimism. When you look at research of adverse events, there are still a lot of kids out there who have good resiliency, good support and positive relationships," he said. "They can come through fairly stressful situations fairly well developed. They could be strengthened and have developed new skills that other generations don't have."

<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-youth-mental-health-advisory.pdf">The U.S. Surgeon General's report</a> issued a series of recommendations for schools, families, communities, the media, providers and others to help more young people navigate mental health issues.

"If we each start reorienting our priorities to create accessible space in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities for seeking and giving assistance, we can all start building a culture that normalizes and promotes mental health care," the report said. "This is the moment to demand change — with our voices and with our actions. Only when we do will we be able to protect, strengthen, and support the health and safety of all children, adolescents, and young adults — and ensure everyone has a platform to thrive."

Cover image by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@vesky?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Vesky</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/teen-depression?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

By RON FIELDS <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a>Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health challenges among young people were the leading causes of disability and poor life outcomes, <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-youth-mental-health-advisory.pdf">according to the U.S. Surgeon General. </a>But now after almost two years of enduring a life-changing pandemic, area mental health professionals say the need for mental health services has increased dramatically — compounded by factors such as social media, political divisions in communities and an overloaded mental health care system."Especially toward the fall of 2020, we were starting to see an increase after kids were at home for six months," said Carie Brown of Great Bend-based <a href="https://heartofkansas.com/">Heart of Kansas Family Heath Care</a>. "Symptoms have been more exacerbated by the pandemic."Brown, a licensed specialist clinical social worker and licensed clinical addictions counselor, said the isolation caused by stay-at-home orders was traumatic for many young people. "We have kids whose home lives are not good. Food is an issue or safety is an issue," said Brown, a Fort Hays State University graduate and Logan, Kan., native. "During that pandemic time, they were all alone in that."If you’re in crisis, get immediate help: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273- 8255,&nbsp;<a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/">chat</a>&nbsp;with trained counselors 24/7, or&nbsp;<a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/">get help in other ways through the Lifeline.</a>&nbsp;You can also contact the National Crisis Textline by texting HOME to 741741.Pediatric psychologist Matthew Wassom of <a href="https://www.katieswaymanhattan.com">Katie's Way</a> in Manhattan agreed."From March 2020 through the summer and into the fall of 2020 ... they were losing the routine and structure of life," he said. "And then, obviously, you take away one of the most valuable things, which is social functioning."Children were spending more time with family. ... That's nice for some families, but not for all families, especially in vulnerable populations," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643306004920.png" alt="Wassom" />
 <figcaption>Wassom</figcaption>
 </figure>In rural northwest Nebraska, Catherine Jones-Hazledine, a psychologist with <a href="https://www.westernnebraskabehavioralhealth.com/">Western Nebraska Behavior Health</a>, said mental health issues among her patients have been magnified by current circumstances. "We see all of the normal things that we would see, but they are just intensifying. A lot of us as providers are worried about parent-child interactions because there were no breaks, worried about parents coping and increases in maladaptive parenting," she said. "We are seeing depressed kids, really lonely kids, especially in high school, where those kids lost milestone after milestone after milestone."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643306047888.jpeg" alt="Brown" />
 <figcaption>Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>School referrals make up a significant portion of the juvenile patient loads for most mental health providers. Brown said that during the early days of the pandemic, juvenile cases actually saw a slight decrease. "Kids with behavior or emotional issues, those issues tend to come out in a school setting, in a a structured setting," Brown said. "During that March of 2020 to the fall, there were not a lot of new referrals. But once kids got back into schools, that's when we really started seeing that influx in referrals."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643306132278.png" alt="U.S. Surgeon General" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Surgeon General</figcaption>
 </figure>Wassom said his patient load was a mixed bag during that time period."Some vulnerable populations had less access to care ... but kids with better resources, more involved parents, more financial resources, we saw them seeking out care for the first time," he said. The situation was different for Jones-Hazledine, whose practice is integrated in medical settings along with other health providers."The doctors are still the first person that people call when they're concerned about their kids out here, that and their pastors and priests," she said. "The kids were still finding their way to us."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643306082797.jpeg" alt="Jones-Hazledine" />
 <figcaption>Jones-Hazledine</figcaption>
 </figure>Jones-Hazledine said the politics of COVID, coupled with other events on a national scale, have "coalesced into this big ball of conflict" — adding to the stressors for young people.&nbsp;"We're in a very rural red areas, and there's a lot of division about what it all means and what to think. That's been hard for everybody, but especially to the young people. It's super confusing," she said. "There are kiddos out there whose family believes in the science, and those kids go to school and go to class with kids who believe differently. ... And can be teased or mocked."Bullying is always something with young people, but it's jut different now," she added. "The kids see there are adults often engaging in conflict over medical issues, issues of what students should learn."<h2>Social media</h2>Social media and "screens" also have played an enormous role in mental health challenges, the providers said. "Electronics are a huge issue. They've become the babysitter. They've become an easier method than actively engaging and trying to do things as a family," Brown said. "As parents, we all have to look at that and be honest about it. ... It creates more obstacles than people realize."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643306305522.png" alt="U.S. Surgeon General" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Surgeon General</figcaption>
 </figure>During the isolation period, young people used social media increasingly to stay connected with their peers, but also faced a heightened risk of being bullied or engaging in risky online behavior."Digital stuff is always worse," said Jones-Hazledine. "As a society, we'll say things to each other and treat each other on social media that we would never say in person. It's grown over time, and there is no consequence. "One of her student patients recently paraphrased a quote from Oscar Wilde: "Give a man a mask, and he'll tell you the truth.""Not just the positive, but the negative. ... It's more honest, but we are also more harsh," she said. While Wassom said he doesn't have "blanket hate" for screens and social media, he agreed the isolation drove more kids to increased screen time, often to the detriment of those children."If a family system doesn't have a good process set up, then you see the negative side of social media and the internet," he said. "We've seen a higher rate of tech addiction-type behaviors and a lot of issues of negative side effects of social media platforms."Wassom compared device use among young people to driver's education. "It's about social media literacy, trying to teach children before they ever lay hands on a device how to use that device in an healthy manner," he said, noting no one would give the keys to a car to an untrained child an expect them to drive safely away.<h2>Outcomes</h2>While those in junior high and high school are experiencing a "new normal," some younger children will retain little, if any, recollection of what life was like pre-COVID — which could be a positive, Wassom said. "If you have a 5- or 6-year-old who is now 8 or 9, they have a good stretch of their early elementary development done during a pandemic," he said. "They may not have a clear picture of how things are when there is not a pandemic, and maybe some of them are doing a bit better, and they've adapted in their resilience."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643306361441.png" alt="U.S. Surgeon General" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Surgeon General</figcaption>
 </figure>In Jones-Hazledine's area of western Nebraska, one of the most troubling aspects of COVID is what she is hearing from teachers and schools."We have heard over and over again that the kids they're teaching right now are a good year behind socio-emotionally. The year of isolation really took a toll on everything," she said. "Kids are resilient, but to hear that across the board in all different kinds of schools, it's kind of mind-blowing.In a June 2021 study, the U.S. Surgeon General's office reported depressive and anxiety symptoms double during the pandemic, with 25 percent of young people experiencing depressive symptoms and 20 percent experiencing anxiety. Suspected suicide attempts increased 51 percent for girls and 4 percent for boys compared to 2019."It's a combination of everything we've talked about — feelings of isolation, exposure to things through screen time, this extremely difficult situation for kids and for parents," Brown said. "There's been an increase in suicidal behaviors and that is very concerning."<h2>Staffing </h2>Like most every sector in the U.S. economy, mental health health providers are struggling with staffing issues in their clinics."We are absolutely overwhelmed, much more so than we were in the first year of the pandemic. The need is through the roof," Jones-Hazledine said. "Most practices out here, there are two- to three-month waiting lists. This is source of great stress to the providers in my practice."Wassom said Katie's Way sees patients from eastern to far western Kansas."It speaks to the shortage of certain types of providers across the whole state," he said. Brown agreed, noting her clinic is seeking an additional behavior health professional, as well a additional nursing staff.Jones-Hazledine said she had to enforce a mandated break over the holidays. Her staff is actively doing things to prevent what she called "compassion fatigue" and burnout. &nbsp;<h2>Solutions</h2>The U.S. Surgeon General's office said "there is much to be done" to support the mental health of children, including:•&nbsp;Recognizing mental health is an essential part of overall health. •&nbsp;Empowering youth and their families to recognize, manage and learn from difficult emotions. •&nbsp;Ensuring every child has access to high-quality, affordable and culturally competent mental health care. •&nbsp;Supporting the mental health of children in educational, community and child care settings. •&nbsp;Addressing economic and social barriers to care. •&nbsp;Increasing data collection to more rapidly identify mental health needs.Brown said access to services is crucial, as well as shaking the concept that mental health concerns is viewed through a stigmatized lens."Mental health has been seen like it's something to be ashamed of forever. The reality is it's nothing to be ashamed of," she said. "Everyone has felt sad, anxious, depressed —&nbsp;but there is help. It's important for people not to enter with that bias that it's something wrong."The more open people are to getting help, the more likely it is that it can be overcome and it can get better."Wassom said there might be a silver lining in the pandemic for some children."I've got some hopeful optimism. When you look at research of adverse events, there are still a lot of kids out there who have good resiliency, good support and positive relationships," he said. "They can come through fairly stressful situations fairly well developed. They could be strengthened and have developed new skills that other generations don't have."<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-youth-mental-health-advisory.pdf">The U.S. Surgeon General's report</a> issued a series of recommendations for schools, families, communities, the media, providers and others to help more young people navigate mental health issues."If we each start reorienting our priorities to create accessible space in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities for seeking and giving assistance, we can all start building a culture that normalizes and promotes mental health care," the report said. "This is the moment to demand change — with our voices and with our actions. Only when we do will we be able to protect, strengthen, and support the health and safety of all children, adolescents, and young adults — and ensure everyone has a platform to thrive."Cover image by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@vesky?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Vesky</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/teen-depression?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

Children's mental health an increasing concern as COVID lingers

A couple winters ago, I was given the opportunity to do some nuisance beaver trapping at Turkey Creek Golf Course in McPherson. I’d been helping a local lad, Jared Austin learn the do’s and don’ts, and the in’s and out’s of trapping as I knew them, and he became a constant companion as the very first morning we caught what I hoped was the only beaver left there on the golf course. But, as is usually the case, more damage appeared in the form of chewed trees and shrubs, so our quest was not over.

For starters, it’s difficult enough to catch every single beaver on any given property, and when the water source is a stream or a river that obviously runs for miles, it’s nearly impossible. Turkey Creek Golf Course is named for Turkey Creek which runs completely through the course and for miles in each direction, plus the grounds also sports several acres of pond water to boot, so there can theoretically be a constant supply of predators and beavers. &nbsp;

The new chewing was on the opposite end of the creek from where our first beaver was caught, so we began by scouting there. Most beaver dwellings in our part of the country are dens in the bank of a pond, river or stream, and are often hard to spot because beavers attempt to conceal openings to their dens by placing them where they’ll be under water except during very dry times. We walked the creek bank for a time but spotted no den openings, so a couple traps were placed at points where the creek narrowed down, theorizing the beavers would encounter the traps as they cruised up and down through their neighborhood. Jared lived just a hop, skip and a jump from the golf course, so he checked the traps each morning, saving me lots of time and miles. After a week of checking empty traps, he was on the phone with me one afternoon as he had donned waders and was in the creek checking under every tree stump and looking under every single wad of overhanging grass, searching for a beaver den entrance (I vaguely remember when I still had that kind of exuberance.) Catching your quarry the first day like we had that first beaver is great, especially for building enthusiasm in a youthful apprentice like it had in Jared. But it also offers a teaching moment for the mentor to impress upon their apprentice how success in hunting, fishing and trapping is often not immediate. He found a couple likely looking locations, and although I silently thought them “iffy” at best, I encouraged him to move traps there and see what happened (yet another learning opportunity.) The next couple days he caught raccoons but no beavers, then a rain and ice storm raised the water level in the creek too high to find the traps for a day or so. The following Thursday morning I set several traps around the biggest pond on the golf course and the two of us made plans to meet early Friday to check them all.

I remember Friday morning was foggy with a light mist falling as we commandeered a golf cart to make our rounds. Our first stop was where he had moved traps a few days prior, and we parked the cart beside a chewed-up tree the beaver had cut completely down. I think the cart was still moving when Jared dove out and all-but-sprinted down the bank. I was still stumbling around trying to wipe the mist and fog from my glasses when I heard him splashing across the creek, followed by hoots of “Got one, alright, finally!” The traps we use kill a beaver very quickly, so with my glasses still foggy and propped onto my nose, I blundered across the creek to find a kid with a smile on his face the size of a crescent moon holding up a gigantic old beaver. I estimated the old monster to weigh 45 – 50 pounds with immense front incisor teeth an inch long and as wide as my thumb nails. No wonder it had caused so much damage and was capable of completely toppling trees. Who knows how long that old rascal had lived there and how many of the problem beavers we were after it had apprenticed itself. We continued on, checking traps I had set around the pond and were rewarded with one more average sized beaver. I explained to Jared why I’d put each trap where I had, and he helped me set a couple more. He also got to sense my frustration with not catching as many as I’d hoped in the traps I had set.&nbsp;

Beavers are amazing critters that get themselves in trouble just doin’ what God created them to do. Beaver colonies cutting down trees to dam up streams in mountain meadows somewhere create ponds that actually do Nature a favor by providing homes for trout, ducks and other wildlife. But here in Midwestern farm country, beavers damming up streams and rivers that flood productive farm land, or chewing and cutting down trees on the local pristine golf course are not going to be tolerated. It’s kind of ironic that my apprentice’s first beaver was so big, as the first beaver I ever caught was just as large and required my wife and I hauling it up a steep river bank, through a briar patch and a couple hundred yards to the waiting pickup. I don’t know the average life span of a Kansas beaver, but thanks to the exuberance of my young friend, that one won’t be cluttering the golf course any more. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>A couple winters ago, I was given the opportunity to do some nuisance beaver trapping at Turkey Creek Golf Course in McPherson. I’d been helping a local lad, Jared Austin learn the do’s and don’ts, and the in’s and out’s of trapping as I knew them, and he became a constant companion as the very first morning we caught what I hoped was the only beaver left there on the golf course. But, as is usually the case, more damage appeared in the form of chewed trees and shrubs, so our quest was not over.For starters, it’s difficult enough to catch every single beaver on any given property, and when the water source is a stream or a river that obviously runs for miles, it’s nearly impossible. Turkey Creek Golf Course is named for Turkey Creek which runs completely through the course and for miles in each direction, plus the grounds also sports several acres of pond water to boot, so there can theoretically be a constant supply of predators and beavers. &nbsp;The new chewing was on the opposite end of the creek from where our first beaver was caught, so we began by scouting there. Most beaver dwellings in our part of the country are dens in the bank of a pond, river or stream, and are often hard to spot because beavers attempt to conceal openings to their dens by placing them where they’ll be under water except during very dry times. We walked the creek bank for a time but spotted no den openings, so a couple traps were placed at points where the creek narrowed down, theorizing the beavers would encounter the traps as they cruised up and down through their neighborhood. Jared lived just a hop, skip and a jump from the golf course, so he checked the traps each morning, saving me lots of time and miles. After a week of checking empty traps, he was on the phone with me one afternoon as he had donned waders and was in the creek checking under every tree stump and looking under every single wad of overhanging grass, searching for a beaver den entrance (I vaguely remember when I still had that kind of exuberance.) Catching your quarry the first day like we had that first beaver is great, especially for building enthusiasm in a youthful apprentice like it had in Jared. But it also offers a teaching moment for the mentor to impress upon their apprentice how success in hunting, fishing and trapping is often not immediate. He found a couple likely looking locations, and although I silently thought them “iffy” at best, I encouraged him to move traps there and see what happened (yet another learning opportunity.) The next couple days he caught raccoons but no beavers, then a rain and ice storm raised the water level in the creek too high to find the traps for a day or so. The following Thursday morning I set several traps around the biggest pond on the golf course and the two of us made plans to meet early Friday to check them all.I remember Friday morning was foggy with a light mist falling as we commandeered a golf cart to make our rounds. Our first stop was where he had moved traps a few days prior, and we parked the cart beside a chewed-up tree the beaver had cut completely down. I think the cart was still moving when Jared dove out and all-but-sprinted down the bank. I was still stumbling around trying to wipe the mist and fog from my glasses when I heard him splashing across the creek, followed by hoots of “Got one, alright, finally!” The traps we use kill a beaver very quickly, so with my glasses still foggy and propped onto my nose, I blundered across the creek to find a kid with a smile on his face the size of a crescent moon holding up a gigantic old beaver. I estimated the old monster to weigh 45 – 50 pounds with immense front incisor teeth an inch long and as wide as my thumb nails. No wonder it had caused so much damage and was capable of completely toppling trees. Who knows how long that old rascal had lived there and how many of the problem beavers we were after it had apprenticed itself. We continued on, checking traps I had set around the pond and were rewarded with one more average sized beaver. I explained to Jared why I’d put each trap where I had, and he helped me set a couple more. He also got to sense my frustration with not catching as many as I’d hoped in the traps I had set.&nbsp;Beavers are amazing critters that get themselves in trouble just doin’ what God created them to do. Beaver colonies cutting down trees to dam up streams in mountain meadows somewhere create ponds that actually do Nature a favor by providing homes for trout, ducks and other wildlife. But here in Midwestern farm country, beavers damming up streams and rivers that flood productive farm land, or chewing and cutting down trees on the local pristine golf course are not going to be tolerated. It’s kind of ironic that my apprentice’s first beaver was so big, as the first beaver I ever caught was just as large and required my wife and I hauling it up a steep river bank, through a briar patch and a couple hundred yards to the waiting pickup. I don’t know the average life span of a Kansas beaver, but thanks to the exuberance of my young friend, that one won’t be cluttering the golf course any more. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Oh, for the exuberance of youth

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser recaps this week's Hays city commission meeting with vice-mayor Michael Burgess and city manager Toby Dougherty.&nbsp;

Infrastructure in Hays was on the agenda during this week's
City Commission meeting. Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Vice Mayor Michael
Burgess as well as city manager Toby Doherty, about that on this episode of the Post Podcast.

Congratulations, Michael, on being the vice mayor. What are
your duties as Vice Mayor? People want to know.

To pick on Mason to make sure he's at all the meetings so
that way he can run them? Because if he's not at the meeting that I go to the
gavel, and I'm not sure I prepared to do that. Oh, I'm sure there. Other than
that, it's kind of just succession, you just kind of take your tournament in
the seat next to you.

Well, we're glad to have you in that seat. Let's talk a
little bit about some of the agenda items at last night's meeting several of
them regarding development in Hays and one of the big ones. And we'll I'm going
to ask Toby a question about this too. But first of all, let's talk about a pre
annexation agreement with property owner of four tracts of land Michael, just
north of I 70. Near the exit 157. There's a lot of stuff that's already
happened up there. And this will help with continued growth. 

That's the same exit that on the west side of that property
that we annexed last night is where the the truckstop and hopefully hotels,
restaurants and truck washes going in the counties already. We've already done
some road repair in that area. Now the county is also doing their their bypass
construction out there. So this kind of fits with that whole puzzle of
developing that area, hopefully more industry to track more trucks and kind of
grow that area.

<div><iframe title="Additional development north of I-70 in Hays approved" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mk54r-11901a1-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser recaps this week's Hays city commission meeting with vice-mayor Michael Burgess and city manager Toby Dougherty.&nbsp;<h2>Transcript</h2>James Bell&nbsp; Infrastructure in Hays was on the agenda during this week's
City Commission meeting. Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Vice Mayor Michael
Burgess as well as city manager Toby Doherty, about that on this episode of the Post Podcast.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; Congratulations, Michael, on being the vice mayor. What are
your duties as Vice Mayor? People want to know.Michael Burgess&nbsp; To pick on Mason to make sure he's at all the meetings so
that way he can run them? Because if he's not at the meeting that I go to the
gavel, and I'm not sure I prepared to do that. Oh, I'm sure there. Other than
that, it's kind of just succession, you just kind of take your tournament in
the seat next to you.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; Well, we're glad to have you in that seat. Let's talk a
little bit about some of the agenda items at last night's meeting several of
them regarding development in Hays and one of the big ones. And we'll I'm going
to ask Toby a question about this too. But first of all, let's talk about a pre
annexation agreement with property owner of four tracts of land Michael, just
north of I 70. Near the exit 157. There's a lot of stuff that's already
happened up there. And this will help with continued growth. Michael Burgess&nbsp; That's the same exit that on the west side of that property
that we annexed last night is where the the truckstop and hopefully hotels,
restaurants and truck washes going in the counties already. We've already done
some road repair in that area. Now the county is also doing their their bypass
construction out there. So this kind of fits with that whole puzzle of
developing that area, hopefully more industry to track more trucks and kind of
grow that area.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; And Toby, you talked last night and also the week before
about this is a little bit different type of pre annexation agreement between
the property owner BBj and the city of Hays, How's it different.Toby Dougherty&nbsp; It's a little bit different, because development typically
happens, likes what's happening on the west side there, we have an undeveloped
piece of property. developer comes in in and the city gave some financial
incentives in order to help subsidize the water and sewer and road
infrastructure to serve the development and then stuff is built. Well, this is
a little different, because the Peterbilt dealership located out there before
there was any infrastructure at all. So they were on real water, they are on a
septic system. And they existed in the in the unincorporated area in the county
outside the city. And so at that time, it was cost prohibitive for the
infrastructure to be extended for a Peterbilt dealership. But with the infrastructure
being pushed on to the north side of the interstate, the intersection being
rebuilt, essentially, the fronted a lot of this property. That's when we took
the opportunity entered into negotiations with the property owner and said, You
know, it's just a couple short extensions, if you're willing to call share a
couple short extensions of infrastructure, we can get your property's ready to
develop, and then we could annex the dealership into the city and get the
property tax and sales tax off of that. So that's how we resulted in the in the
agreement last night. So it was a little bit atypical, but I think it was
advantageous for everybody.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; And there's one other thing that you pointed out a couple of
scenarios that might delay the annexation of at least one of those tracks.
There is actually a CID out there that the county has imposed.Toby Dougherty&nbsp; Yeah, the property owner asked the county to institute a CID
which the Community Improvement District and they're charging an extra two
cents. And that's to help offset some of the development costs initially when
the Peterbilt dealership was put there. So the property owner has no problem
coming into the city. But wanted a little bit of time to collect that Tucson Cid
before asking the city to consider lowering it to make sure they're they're
competitive. So that's why we we settled on three years after the the
infrastructures put in to annex. But then there was a couple a couple ways in
which the developer could push that back a year or two, if other properties are
developed, or if the infrastructure cost comes in lower than we planned.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; And how soon might this infrastructure get underway? Is
there more steps? Yeah, this is kind of just the start.Toby Dougherty&nbsp; So according to the agreement that was adopted last night by
the Commission, we have 12 months from the date of adoption, before we issue
the no later than 12 months where we issue the request for proposals to put the
infrastructure in. And then we give some, the developer the actual property
owner some latitude to tell us go ahead and issue the RFP. So if the developer
wants to do it tomorrow, then we'll get it out as soon as possible. So Nobel
Prize says let's wait 10 months and then get it out, then we're going to show
some deference to them.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; Alright, Michael, let's talk about another area actually
down at South Hayes. We had some interest for a relocation of a metal recycling
facility which has not been in Hays all that long, but they're looking at
growth and they want to go down to the south part of Hays doing that has
enabled has required a rezoning request in the area from egg to head heavy
industrial and then also the final plat that the commissioner approved last
night.Michael Burgess&nbsp; Yeah, this is another development, as you said that hadn't
been in haze too long, but they're looking to expand their operation. And
that's kind of the exciting thing about being on the commission and seeing
these things. That's what we talked about for years is to try to attract
businesses, and that will grow and add employment. So this made a lot of sense.
It's, it's in the industrial part of town already. So yes, it's, from our standpoint,
a fairly simple just change from AG. I don't know what was out there. We fields
in hay and whatnot to do allow them to build onto and build buildings for
recycling. And I think they have some plans to put in a rail routes, spikes, so
that way they can ship out and allow and that was kind of the nice thing, the
last meeting, and they did talk about allowing other businesses to use that
railroad spike to help their operations. So this is going to be a very
symbiotic relationship. I think of the community.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; Yes. And now we're talking about property on estab. 16 At
ease 10th With Langar, industrials solutions, I think, is the proper name. And
they've been there for the past two meetings, told me what that seems like a really
big deal to have a new railroad spur, and then actually they're willing to have
other people utilize that. Does the city get involved with that?Toby Dougherty&nbsp; At all? No, not No. Actually, the city's involvements done.
Now, once the Platina zoning was adopted, the city's involvement is done. It's
not in the city, right. So this will take place outside of the city limits in
the in the, in the, in the county as as the the other entities along there are
not in the city limits either. So it's maintaining consistency with the
development that's there. The railroad spur is a big deal. And it's it's fairly
costly to construct. And so I think, you know, Mr. Langer wants to generate
some revenue with the construction by letting other people utilize it. But you
also need a big piece of property adjacent to railroad tracks. So you're very
limited of how you can put a spring in this property actually worked out
perfect for it. So we're we're pretty happy for him and we think it's going to
be a good asset.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; And this is actually a Hays. Hays Post reporter Christina
Janney did a story with Mr. Langer when it when they first opened up their
facility much closer to I 70. East 37th Street near the intersection up there.
And this is not really a they're more I guess, more of a storage of big metal
pieces that will get shipped outToby Dougherty&nbsp; They are commercial recycler. But I mean, if you're old
enough to remember the year gave you the words junkyard or scrap yards, you
know, that's not what they are. They are commercial recycler. But they get
product in and out very quickly, they collect different types of metals. And
then they they process them, they get them out very quickly. That's how they
make their monies, they turn those, they get them to the the to the venues
where they sell them. And so the property haven't been 37th it just isn't big
enough for the scale they want. And so ever since I located on 37th, they've
been looking for a larger property because they want to operate at a at a much
larger scale than they are now.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; Exciting. Let's talk a little bit about the airport we had
some information and actually approval Michael have more land has that the city
purchase the opportunity came up to do that it's just east of the airport. And
this is fitting in extremely, perfectly I should have to say with the airport
growth plan. Tell us a little bit about it.Michael Burgess&nbsp; It'ss a piece that the property owner approached us. It is a
piece that makes a lot of sense because on three, three of the four sides
already it it already abuts airport property. So this just squares it off
another 20 acres, that at this point, there's certainly no plans on what to do
with it. But again, it squares it off with the property that we purchased last
year. For future development the airport I know there's going to be some talk
about expanding hangars or adding hangars and fuel farm and some of those. So
this just allows allows the airport and the city to to continue to build on
those ideas.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; And then Toby last night some good news was shared about the
number of employments passengers we had out at the airport last year maybe a
little surprising.Toby Dougherty&nbsp; It was the rebound came, came back fairly quickly and fairly
steady throughout the year. We flew a little over 11,000 passengers in 2021.
And that was slightly higher than I thought we would we would get but our
employments have have remained steady and steadily grown throughout 2021 So we
see no sign of that slacking off in 22.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; And there is a benchmark that pays tries to reach and has
over the years with at least 10,000 boardings. Why is that important to us?Toby Dougherty&nbsp; It's it's a part of the FA entitlement program. Your your
entitlement monies, which is your grant Is that you you have entitled us to and
they can't give them to somebody else, are based off of boardings and so 10,000
boardings, we receive an a guaranteed million dollars in FAA grant funds every
year. And we have to match that at 10%. And so we spend, we spent $100,000, to
get a million dollars worth of benefit from FAA for and it's for FAA authorized
projects, so airfield, things that have to do with the planes actually taking
off and landing and the safety of it. And then like snow equipment and RF stuff
and things like that. So, it's really important for us to get that 10,000
boardings otherwise, we are completely subject to the whim of FAA for funding.
And am I like, yeah, we're competing with everybody else's projects. And we may
not, you know, be able to align the projects up the way we want them to.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; And airport director, Jamie Salter, was neat to see a
picture of the new snow removal equipment that was approved by the commission a
while back. And it apparently made a huge difference in the amount of time they
have to spend working out there.Toby Dougherty&nbsp; Yeah, absolutely. And that's one of the things FAA does call
Cherian is a lot of that snow removal equipment. And, you know, it did, it's
expected by our airlines, you know, you don't have to go back too far where we
had I'm not gonna say sketchy but very non consistent service in the
wintertime, if there were snow events, and that's part of that is because we
didn't have adequate snow removal equipment to address things like we needed
to. But the expectation of like, the current care we have right now is you're
going to have a ready to go, we're we're gonna come in, we're gonna land we're
gonna let our people off, get our people and we're gonna, we're gonna take off.
And so we have to have adequate equipment to do that. And, and I think we have
it now.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; And Michael, finally, we wanted to touch base and let people
know that the wealth rehabilitation program continues, Jeff Crispin has been
working on this started back in 2019. This is the fourth consecutive year and
water wills are very important. But at some point, they become a little bit
more than city workers than our can handle as far as rehab and keeping it
clean, got to call them the professional.Michael Burgess&nbsp; Professionals, we've done six to eight, I think every for
every year for the last 40 years, I think that'll continue. And that's, that's
part of it just getting deep clean, to keep our water flowing efficiently,
which then, you know, we just pass those efficiencies on throughout the system.
So it makes a lot of sense, it's easier to budget as well, you don't have to
wait for wells to go down and then repair it. SoHays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; Is less expensive planning ahead.Michael Burgess&nbsp; &nbsp;So get the deep
cleaning and work on the wells and and then that does allow our city staff
between, you know, four or five years to go in there and do regular routine
maintenance.Hays Post Reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; It's been working out well for us. And real quickly, Toby,
we're gonna haveToby Dougherty&nbsp; Can I add one thing to that do that? I really want to stress
the importance of this because those people that around the 1991 may remember
the drought that caused us to get into the water conservation world, that we've
been pretty much leading in Kansas ever since. That, well, that was a drought,
it wasn't a severe drought. The issue upon upon reflection, the issue was, we
weren't taking care of our wells the way we needed to. They weren't as
efficient as they should be. We weren't doing stuff like this to have them
either rehabbing in the house or professionally rehabbing them. And so it
wasn't so much the drought but more of the fact that our wells were only
producing at you know, 30 40% capacity. And so then when the drought hit it
compounded that. So it's extremely important to do stuff like this because when
we do hit a drought, we want those wells as efficient as possible. We don't
want to have any self inflicted wounds.