By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A quick summer storm Sunday in Hays dropped 1.98 inches of rain in Hays shortly afternoon.&nbsp;

According to Joe Becker, keeper of official Hays weather statistics at the K-State Agricultural Center, most of rain fell in just 40 minutes with little thunder or lightning.

The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, measured 1.43 inches of rainfall.

Until this week, Hays had recorded just 0.65 inches of rain in July.&nbsp;

The monthly total now sits at 2. 63 inches received as of July 18. The average total by the end of July is 3.36 inches.

For the year however, Hays is more than four inches ahead of normal.

To date, Hays has received 19.15 inches of moisture. The 152-average accumulation by the end of July is 14.71 inches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624632109453.jpg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA quick summer storm Sunday in Hays dropped 1.98 inches of rain in Hays shortly afternoon.&nbsp;According to Joe Becker, keeper of official Hays weather statistics at the K-State Agricultural Center, most of rain fell in just 40 minutes with little thunder or lightning.The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, measured 1.43 inches of rainfall.Until this week, Hays had recorded just 0.65 inches of rain in July.&nbsp;The monthly total now sits at 2. 63 inches received as of July 18. The average total by the end of July is 3.36 inches.For the year however, Hays is more than four inches ahead of normal.To date, Hays has received 19.15 inches of moisture. The 152-average accumulation by the end of July is 14.71 inches.

Summer storm drops nearly 2 inches of rain in Hays Sunday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Access public transportation in Hays has seen its ridership cut in half since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

The service usually provides 65,000 to 70,000 rides per year in Ellis County. It typically serves about 1,000 clients per year.

The service closed for about a month in April 2020 as a result of the statewide shutdown.

It has been operating since with COVID restrictions, which means riders must wear masks and only two riders can be on the bus at the same time to allow for social distancing.

Face masks are required regardless of vaccination status. This is a stipulation of all public transportation nationwide in accordance with federal regulations.

Access is operated by Development Services of Northwest Kansas. The service provides door-to-door transportation on a scheduled basis between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Rides cost $2 one way in town and $4 one way for out of town. You can also purchase tickets of 10 rides for $20 or tickets for 1o rides out-of-town rides for $40.

A wide range of riders use the service, including the elderly, disabled, low-income individuals, as well as college students.

Eighty percent of the program's funding comes through the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration The rest is a local match through Ellis County and the City of Hays.

As vaccinations became available, ridership increased some but not significantly over pandemic levels. The director of the program said he was not sure why ridership continues to be down.

The program director said refusal rates for the service have not increased significantly despite only being able to carry two people on buses at a time. 

Access works on a first-come, first-served basis. When call volume is high, dispatchers may have to deny a ride to an individual. This usually happens during the lunch hour. It also often happens because a rider waits to call for a ride until the last minute.

Most people who call early to schedule rides receive rides, the program director said. He said it is best for riders to schedule rides as soon as possible. The service will book rides weeks or days in advance.

"Don't call me a half hour before your appointment and say, 'Hey, I need a ride,'" he said, "because I'm not going to be able to do that."

Hays has seen taxi service as well as Uber and Lift services become available in the community. The Access director said he did not know if the availability of those service is affecting Access ridership.

Sheila Boos, office manager for BMB Taxi in Hays, said taxi ridership was consistent in 2020, but has increased during the morning and afternoon since January.

When the pandemic was at its height in 2020 in Ellis County, Boos said drivers and riders were both required to wear masks. However, the company is not requiring masks for either now. She said most of the service's drivers and regular riders are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Convenience Cab of Hays has had a decrease in ridership because of an inability to hire new employees.

Owner Dustin Boshart said he dropped evening service because he has not been able to hire enough drivers to keep his taxis running at night.

Jennie Atwell, Uber driver, said calls for rides dropped to almost nothing during the COVID shutdown. However, she said ridership has rebounded and is growing.

She has five drivers and is looking to buy a third vehicle for her Hays service. However, that effort has been hampered by a shortage of vehicles on the market.

DSNWK also contracts with the&nbsp;Partnership for a Safer Community to provide the Safe Ride service from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. with the same buses used for the Access service during the day. The program was founded in part to help address DUI rates in the community.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3c0fae6-8663-4cb3-adf1-65a7d9401a49">That program has been closed since the pandemic began in March 202o and will likely remain closed through the end of the year, the director said.</a>

Atwell said she was unsure if the Safe Ride shutdown has affected her ridership. Many of her riders are regulars, but she said she has heard some comments from people who have said they miss the Safe Ride service.

He said at $2 per ride, Access continues to be the least expensive means of transportation in the community.

"Public transportation has a vital role in society these days," he said. "You have the low income people who can't afford means of transportation on their own. ...

"Public transportation is a vital resource for the country, especially here in Ellis County it is vital for people to get to doctor's offices or go shopping or whatever they need to do."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625263605210.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAccess public transportation in Hays has seen its ridership cut in half since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.The service usually provides 65,000 to 70,000 rides per year in Ellis County. It typically serves about 1,000 clients per year.The service closed for about a month in April 2020 as a result of the statewide shutdown.It has been operating since with COVID restrictions, which means riders must wear masks and only two riders can be on the bus at the same time to allow for social distancing.Face masks are required regardless of vaccination status. This is a stipulation of all public transportation nationwide in accordance with federal regulations.Access is operated by Development Services of Northwest Kansas. The service provides door-to-door transportation on a scheduled basis between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. seven days a week.Rides cost $2 one way in town and $4 one way for out of town. You can also purchase tickets of 10 rides for $20 or tickets for 1o rides out-of-town rides for $40.A wide range of riders use the service, including the elderly, disabled, low-income individuals, as well as college students.Eighty percent of the program's funding comes through the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration The rest is a local match through Ellis County and the City of Hays.As vaccinations became available, ridership increased some but not significantly over pandemic levels. The director of the program said he was not sure why ridership continues to be down.The program director said refusal rates for the service have not increased significantly despite only being able to carry two people on buses at a time. Access works on a first-come, first-served basis. When call volume is high, dispatchers may have to deny a ride to an individual. This usually happens during the lunch hour. It also often happens because a rider waits to call for a ride until the last minute.Most people who call early to schedule rides receive rides, the program director said. He said it is best for riders to schedule rides as soon as possible. The service will book rides weeks or days in advance."Don't call me a half hour before your appointment and say, 'Hey, I need a ride,'" he said, "because I'm not going to be able to do that."Hays has seen taxi service as well as Uber and Lift services become available in the community. The Access director said he did not know if the availability of those service is affecting Access ridership.Sheila Boos, office manager for BMB Taxi in Hays, said taxi ridership was consistent in 2020, but has increased during the morning and afternoon since January.When the pandemic was at its height in 2020 in Ellis County, Boos said drivers and riders were both required to wear masks. However, the company is not requiring masks for either now. She said most of the service's drivers and regular riders are vaccinated against COVID-19.Convenience Cab of Hays has had a decrease in ridership because of an inability to hire new employees.Owner Dustin Boshart said he dropped evening service because he has not been able to hire enough drivers to keep his taxis running at night.Jennie Atwell, Uber driver, said calls for rides dropped to almost nothing during the COVID shutdown. However, she said ridership has rebounded and is growing.She has five drivers and is looking to buy a third vehicle for her Hays service. However, that effort has been hampered by a shortage of vehicles on the market.DSNWK also contracts with the&nbsp;Partnership for a Safer Community to provide the Safe Ride service from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. with the same buses used for the Access service during the day. The program was founded in part to help address DUI rates in the community.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3c0fae6-8663-4cb3-adf1-65a7d9401a49">That program has been closed since the pandemic began in March 202o and will likely remain closed through the end of the year, the director said.</a>Atwell said she was unsure if the Safe Ride shutdown has affected her ridership. Many of her riders are regulars, but she said she has heard some comments from people who have said they miss the Safe Ride service.He said at $2 per ride, Access continues to be the least expensive means of transportation in the community."Public transportation has a vital role in society these days," he said. "You have the low income people who can't afford means of transportation on their own. ..."Public transportation is a vital resource for the country, especially here in Ellis County it is vital for people to get to doctor's offices or go shopping or whatever they need to do."

Access ridership down by half during pandemic

A proposal to turn the former St. Joseph Parish Center in Hays into apartments will come before the Hays Area Planning Commission in August.

The commission will hear a joint application from the Catholic Dioceses of Salina, which owns the property, and developer Todd Co. LLC to change the zoning on the property from public institutional zoning to multi-family residential zoning.

Developer Justin Pregont of Atchison said he is tentatively planning for 12 units in the former parish center, but that can't be confirmed until the design phase of the project is completed.

The limestone building, 210 W. 13th, was built in 1907 and was used as a school and administration building for years. The building has not been used for more than five years.

The parish center is under contract, but the developer has not closed on the sale.

"There is a reason why this building has been for sale for a year,"&nbsp;Pregont said. "Doing this type of project is extraordinary difficult. The margins are thin. Everyone is aware that construction materials are not exactly becoming more affordable."

Because the parish center is listed as a historical building, it could qualify for state tax credits.&nbsp;The property is also within the Neighborhood Revitalization Program area and is eligible for tax rebates for 10 years.

"When you access the historic tax credit programs, it's great because it provides some equity to your project and makes things possible that wouldn't normally be possible,"&nbsp;Pregont said, "but it also comes with extraordinary requirements in terms of historical preservation, construction quality and construction oversight."

Pregont said he renovated an historical building in Atchinson into the <a href="https://1913apartments.com/">1913 Apartments.</a> The building was constructed in 1913 and served as a boarding house and YMCA.&nbsp;

Today the building consists of 17 units, including studios, one bedrooms and two bedrooms. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pregont said he is unsure what size of apartments the parish center will be able to accommodate and if they will be one- or two-bedroom units.

Pregont has not determined the layout or the amenities available in the units, but he said he is planning an elevator in the three-story building. He also said he would prefer each unit to have laundry hookups.

He also has not determined the rents on the units. He will be applying for Moderate Income Housing funds through the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation. He said he can't develop the project without that funding.&nbsp;

"The reason why development doesn't happen in communities like Hays and Atchison to the same volume it does in Kansas City is because if you build a project in Kansas City or Wichita, you can get $1,900 in rent and get your money back and things work.

"In smaller communities, that is not what people can pay for apartments."

Pregont said he likes the Hays market and will be working with Grow Hays on the&nbsp;Moderate Income Housing application.

The zoning request is the first step in a significant process to develop the parish center, he said. The application window for the Moderate Income Housing funds opened Friday and ends in September. An announcement on application awards will be made in December.

"[There are] a lot of moving pieces to it,"&nbsp;Pregont said. "There's the financing side of things. There's the zoning. There's the design. There's the historic component. If all of the those circles overlap, we hope to have a project, but I don't want to over promise and under deliver."

City planning staff has recommended approval of the rezoning request.

The planning commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16 in the commission chambers of the Hays City Hall. The commission was scheduled to hear the request Monday, but the commission canceled the meeting because a quorum was not available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626378684098.jpeg" alt="A developer is requesting rezoning so it can renovate the former St. Joseph Parish Center, 210 W. 13th, Hays, into apartments. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A developer is requesting rezoning so it can renovate the former St. Joseph Parish Center, 210 W. 13th, Hays, into apartments. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA proposal to turn the former St. Joseph Parish Center in Hays into apartments will come before the Hays Area Planning Commission in August.The commission will hear a joint application from the Catholic Dioceses of Salina, which owns the property, and developer Todd Co. LLC to change the zoning on the property from public institutional zoning to multi-family residential zoning.Developer Justin Pregont of Atchison said he is tentatively planning for 12 units in the former parish center, but that can't be confirmed until the design phase of the project is completed.The limestone building, 210 W. 13th, was built in 1907 and was used as a school and administration building for years. The building has not been used for more than five years.The parish center is under contract, but the developer has not closed on the sale."There is a reason why this building has been for sale for a year,"&nbsp;Pregont said. "Doing this type of project is extraordinary difficult. The margins are thin. Everyone is aware that construction materials are not exactly becoming more affordable."Because the parish center is listed as a historical building, it could qualify for state tax credits.&nbsp;The property is also within the Neighborhood Revitalization Program area and is eligible for tax rebates for 10 years."When you access the historic tax credit programs, it's great because it provides some equity to your project and makes things possible that wouldn't normally be possible,"&nbsp;Pregont said, "but it also comes with extraordinary requirements in terms of historical preservation, construction quality and construction oversight."Pregont said he renovated an historical building in Atchinson into the <a href="https://1913apartments.com/">1913 Apartments.</a> The building was constructed in 1913 and served as a boarding house and YMCA.&nbsp;Today the building consists of 17 units, including studios, one bedrooms and two bedrooms. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Pregont said he is unsure what size of apartments the parish center will be able to accommodate and if they will be one- or two-bedroom units.Pregont has not determined the layout or the amenities available in the units, but he said he is planning an elevator in the three-story building. He also said he would prefer each unit to have laundry hookups.He also has not determined the rents on the units. He will be applying for Moderate Income Housing funds through the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation. He said he can't develop the project without that funding.&nbsp;"The reason why development doesn't happen in communities like Hays and Atchison to the same volume it does in Kansas City is because if you build a project in Kansas City or Wichita, you can get $1,900 in rent and get your money back and things work."In smaller communities, that is not what people can pay for apartments."Pregont said he likes the Hays market and will be working with Grow Hays on the&nbsp;Moderate Income Housing application.The zoning request is the first step in a significant process to develop the parish center, he said. The application window for the Moderate Income Housing funds opened Friday and ends in September. An announcement on application awards will be made in December."[There are] a lot of moving pieces to it,"&nbsp;Pregont said. "There's the financing side of things. There's the zoning. There's the design. There's the historic component. If all of the those circles overlap, we hope to have a project, but I don't want to over promise and under deliver."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626378879847.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City planning staff has recommended approval of the rezoning request.The planning commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16 in the commission chambers of the Hays City Hall. The commission was scheduled to hear the request Monday, but the commission canceled the meeting because a quorum was not available.

Developer seeks to turn Hays parish center into apartments

People in and around Hays can attend a free cancer screening from 9 a.m. to noon July 24. The event will include prostate cancer screenings, skin cancer screenings, colon cancer screening kits, body mass index assessments and more. Masks will be required for all screening staff and screening participants.

The screening will be held at First United Methodist&nbsp;Church on Seventh street, north side.

Click <a href="http://bit.ly/HaysCancerScreening2021">HERE</a> to register.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626384062252.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>People in and around Hays can attend a free cancer screening from 9 a.m. to noon July 24. The event will include prostate cancer screenings, skin cancer screenings, colon cancer screening kits, body mass index assessments and more. Masks will be required for all screening staff and screening participants.The screening will be held at First United Methodist&nbsp;Church on Seventh street, north side.Click <a href="http://bit.ly/HaysCancerScreening2021">HERE</a> to register.

Free cancer screening event scheduled in Hays

After&nbsp; a pilot program, <a href="https://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a> will soon launch tele-counseling&nbsp; service through its website.

This will allow survivors of domestic or sexual violence to talk live face-to-face with an advocate through an online teleconferencing service.

The service will be accessible by computer, tablet or mobile device. The survivor doesn't have to have special software or an app to use the program.&nbsp;

Right now, survivors can call into Options helpline at&nbsp; 1-800-794-4624. The survivor will then be sent a link to access the service. The service is only being offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, but those hours will be expanded when the program is fully implemented.

The website link will be added within the next two weeks.

Options anticipated it would see a decrease in requests for service after the pandemic restrictions started to be lifted. However, requests for services are up 63 percent compared to 2020. Last year, requests for services were up 43 percent from 2019, Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said.

"What I think is happening is people are beginning to feel more safe coming forward," Hecker said. "There has been a lot of national media attention around domestic violence during the pandemic.&nbsp;

"I think people have begun to see, 'Wait, that may be what's happening to me. I might me experiencing that.' The general awareness has really helped make the connection with people who now feel safe to come forward."

She said the addition of new ways to access services is also allowing more people to come forward.

"Victims often have to seek help in secret because they are often living with the person who's hurting them," Hecker said.

Options chat line, which can be accessed through texting Hope to 847-411 and the chat features in Options free mobile app are seeing usage increases every month.

The tele-counseling service will also have a safe escape function, that will allow a survivor to quickly disconnect from the service if the user happens to be disturbed, Hecker said.

The service is confidential. The service does not keep a record of users.

Hecker said Options chose the Doxy.me platform because it is very user friendly.

Options launched the program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and have been running the pilot program for about six months. Hecker said the agency knew people would have difficulty traveling because of pandemic restrictions. The agency was able to use COVID relief funds to implement the new program.

"We set it up so we could continue the service even after the pandemic was over, because we know that transportation is going to continue to be an issue for victims and survivors throughout our service area," Hecker said.

Options covers 18 counties in northwest Kansas.

Hecker said she sees advantages for the new service compared to the chat and phone services the agency already offers.

"For some people texting is great," she said, "but other people find that very impersonal. They need the personal connection with someone. 

"To be able to read body language and facial expressions are all part of communication. I think having that extra level of connectedness will build a stronger relationship and bring more trust with the relationship with the advocate and the victim or survivor."

The addition of the tele-counseling service is an expansion of the agency's mobile advocacy initiative. Options brings safety and choices to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, Hecker said.

"We live in a resource desert," she said. "Public transportation is very difficult for people. If you can't figure out an easy way to get services, people often go without services."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626112639824.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter&nbsp; a pilot program, <a href="https://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a> will soon launch tele-counseling&nbsp; service through its website.This will allow survivors of domestic or sexual violence to talk live face-to-face with an advocate through an online teleconferencing service.The service will be accessible by computer, tablet or mobile device. The survivor doesn't have to have special software or an app to use the program.&nbsp;Right now, survivors can call into Options helpline at&nbsp; 1-800-794-4624. The survivor will then be sent a link to access the service. The service is only being offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, but those hours will be expanded when the program is fully implemented.The website link will be added within the next two weeks.Options anticipated it would see a decrease in requests for service after the pandemic restrictions started to be lifted. However, requests for services are up 63 percent compared to 2020. Last year, requests for services were up 43 percent from 2019, Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said."What I think is happening is people are beginning to feel more safe coming forward," Hecker said. "There has been a lot of national media attention around domestic violence during the pandemic.&nbsp;"I think people have begun to see, 'Wait, that may be what's happening to me. I might me experiencing that.' The general awareness has really helped make the connection with people who now feel safe to come forward."She said the addition of new ways to access services is also allowing more people to come forward."Victims often have to seek help in secret because they are often living with the person who's hurting them," Hecker said.Options chat line, which can be accessed through texting Hope to 847-411 and the chat features in Options free mobile app are seeing usage increases every month.The tele-counseling service will also have a safe escape function, that will allow a survivor to quickly disconnect from the service if the user happens to be disturbed, Hecker said.The service is confidential. The service does not keep a record of users.Hecker said Options chose the Doxy.me platform because it is very user friendly.Options launched the program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and have been running the pilot program for about six months. Hecker said the agency knew people would have difficulty traveling because of pandemic restrictions. The agency was able to use COVID relief funds to implement the new program."We set it up so we could continue the service even after the pandemic was over, because we know that transportation is going to continue to be an issue for victims and survivors throughout our service area," Hecker said.Options covers 18 counties in northwest Kansas.Hecker said she sees advantages for the new service compared to the chat and phone services the agency already offers."For some people texting is great," she said, "but other people find that very impersonal. They need the personal connection with someone. "To be able to read body language and facial expressions are all part of communication. I think having that extra level of connectedness will build a stronger relationship and bring more trust with the relationship with the advocate and the victim or survivor."The addition of the tele-counseling service is an expansion of the agency's mobile advocacy initiative. Options brings safety and choices to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, Hecker said."We live in a resource desert," she said. "Public transportation is very difficult for people. If you can't figure out an easy way to get services, people often go without services."

Options to launch tele-counseling; demand for services still increasing

K-State family resource specialist shares tips on building emergency saving fund&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Saving money to get through emergencies has always been a sound financial strategy, but the COVID-19 pandemic reminded many just how crucial a financial cushion can be.&nbsp;

Elizabeth Kiss, a family resource management specialist with K-State Research and Extension, said the pinch of the pandemic forced many Americans to dip into their reserve funds in order to get through it.&nbsp;

Others, she added, may have actually saved money during the pandemic because they were not able to travel, eat out or attend their favorite events.&nbsp;

In either case – and in light of communities opening up again -- “it’s time to think about our budget,” Kiss said.&nbsp;

“If we step back and think about our budget and how our income and expenses flow, we need to first cover our weekly and monthly expenses,” she said. “The next step is to think about whether we have money for next month’s expenses.”&nbsp;

Once the weekly and monthly bills are accounted for, Kiss urges consumers to think about building an emergency savings fund, or money set aside to cover urgent or unanticipated expenses – such as a surprise medical bill, major car repair or even sudden unemployment.&nbsp;

Building an emergency fund could be as easy as setting aside $5 a week. “Slow and steady wins the race,” she said.&nbsp;

Kiss points to a recent publication, titled ‘<a href="https://www.consumer-action.org/english/articles/saving_COVID">Establishing or replenishing emergency savings</a>,’ that indicates if consumers had saved just $5 a week since the end of the Great Recession (June 2009), they would have accumulated $2,600 by March 2020 – the beginning of the pandemic-related shutdown.&nbsp;

While more is always better when it comes to an emergency fund, any amount you can save is helpful. America Saves, a campaign managed by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America, outlines&nbsp;<a href="https://americasaves.org/blog/1727-38-reasons-you-need-at-least-a-500-emergency-fund">38 reasons you need at least a $500 emergency fund</a>.&nbsp;

“I’m not saying all of this can be accomplished overnight because I recognize that everyone’s situation is different and it can be a challenge,” Kiss said.&nbsp;

One strategy, though, is to “pay yourself first” when the paycheck arrives.&nbsp;

“Take money off the top, before you pay your bills,” Kiss said. “You can automate that payment, or simply have it transferred from your bank account. Or as you do your routine financial tasks, you transfer the money to yourself.”&nbsp;

Kiss then recommends having a plan for the rest of the money, to include paying bills and entertainment or other expenses. “Other goals you may have could be saving to buy a home or car or putting money aside long-term for retirement,” Kiss said.&nbsp;

Watch out for pandemic-related scams&nbsp;

Kiss also is urging consumers to be on the lookout for scams related to the pandemic.&nbsp;

“We always need to be on our guard for the hook,” she said. “The pandemic is the hook for these scams, so we want to watch for unsolicited offers or emails or other communication from people we don’t recognize, but who act like they know us.”&nbsp;

“If it doesn’t sound interesting or doesn’t apply to you, just hang up. We all want to be polite, but you also have to look out for yourself.”&nbsp;

Some ways to protect yourself from scams include:&nbsp;

Many more tips are available online in the publication,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer-action.org/english/articles/Scams_COVID">Steering clear of pandemic-related scams</a>.&nbsp;

Kiss also noted that many seem to be receiving more spam calls these days. To reduce these calls, consumers can register their number in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donotcall.gov/">National Do Not Call registry</a>&nbsp;(<a href="http://donotcall.gov/">DoNotCall.gov</a>).&nbsp;

Kiss reminded consumers to protect their personal information. “Never give your social security number, driver’s license or credit card numbers” to someone who contacts you by phone, text or email with an unsolicited offer.&nbsp;

And, she notes: “Remember the old adage: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”&nbsp;

<h2>K-State family resource specialist shares tips on building emergency saving fund&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN — Saving money to get through emergencies has always been a sound financial strategy, but the COVID-19 pandemic reminded many just how crucial a financial cushion can be.&nbsp;Elizabeth Kiss, a family resource management specialist with K-State Research and Extension, said the pinch of the pandemic forced many Americans to dip into their reserve funds in order to get through it.&nbsp;Others, she added, may have actually saved money during the pandemic because they were not able to travel, eat out or attend their favorite events.&nbsp;In either case – and in light of communities opening up again -- “it’s time to think about our budget,” Kiss said.&nbsp;“If we step back and think about our budget and how our income and expenses flow, we need to first cover our weekly and monthly expenses,” she said. “The next step is to think about whether we have money for next month’s expenses.”&nbsp;Once the weekly and monthly bills are accounted for, Kiss urges consumers to think about building an emergency savings fund, or money set aside to cover urgent or unanticipated expenses – such as a surprise medical bill, major car repair or even sudden unemployment.&nbsp;Building an emergency fund could be as easy as setting aside $5 a week. “Slow and steady wins the race,” she said.&nbsp;Kiss points to a recent publication, titled ‘<a href="https://www.consumer-action.org/english/articles/saving_COVID">Establishing or replenishing emergency savings</a>,’ that indicates if consumers had saved just $5 a week since the end of the Great Recession (June 2009), they would have accumulated $2,600 by March 2020 – the beginning of the pandemic-related shutdown.&nbsp;While more is always better when it comes to an emergency fund, any amount you can save is helpful. America Saves, a campaign managed by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America, outlines&nbsp;<a href="https://americasaves.org/blog/1727-38-reasons-you-need-at-least-a-500-emergency-fund">38 reasons you need at least a $500 emergency fund</a>.&nbsp;“I’m not saying all of this can be accomplished overnight because I recognize that everyone’s situation is different and it can be a challenge,” Kiss said.&nbsp;One strategy, though, is to “pay yourself first” when the paycheck arrives.&nbsp;“Take money off the top, before you pay your bills,” Kiss said. “You can automate that payment, or simply have it transferred from your bank account. Or as you do your routine financial tasks, you transfer the money to yourself.”&nbsp;Kiss then recommends having a plan for the rest of the money, to include paying bills and entertainment or other expenses. “Other goals you may have could be saving to buy a home or car or putting money aside long-term for retirement,” Kiss said.&nbsp;Watch out for pandemic-related scams&nbsp;Kiss also is urging consumers to be on the lookout for scams related to the pandemic.&nbsp;“We always need to be on our guard for the hook,” she said. “The pandemic is the hook for these scams, so we want to watch for unsolicited offers or emails or other communication from people we don’t recognize, but who act like they know us.”&nbsp;“If it doesn’t sound interesting or doesn’t apply to you, just hang up. We all want to be polite, but you also have to look out for yourself.”&nbsp;Some ways to protect yourself from scams include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>The person in communication with you says you qualify for a program, but you have to pay money to access more money. “That’s likely a scam,” Kiss said. “And especially if they claim to be from the government. You don’t ever have to pay money to get money from the federal government.” &nbsp;</li><li>If the product or service sounds useful to you, but you’re not sure if it’s a scam, use a form of payment that gives you some protection – such as a credit card. Many companies provide protection against liability for unauthorized charges, and payments are traceable. &nbsp;</li><li>Use a separate Internet browser to research the product or service online. You can often find out if it’s a legitimate offer or not. Also, the Better Business Bureau or Federal Trade Commission can be resources for helping consumers.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Many more tips are available online in the publication,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer-action.org/english/articles/Scams_COVID">Steering clear of pandemic-related scams</a>.&nbsp;Kiss also noted that many seem to be receiving more spam calls these days. To reduce these calls, consumers can register their number in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donotcall.gov/">National Do Not Call registry</a>&nbsp;(<a href="http://donotcall.gov/">DoNotCall.gov</a>).&nbsp;Kiss reminded consumers to protect their personal information. “Never give your social security number, driver’s license or credit card numbers” to someone who contacts you by phone, text or email with an unsolicited offer.&nbsp;And, she notes: “Remember the old adage: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”&nbsp;

Plan now for future emergency 

Three-day weather outlook

By
NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A group looking at Kansas graduation requirements is still relatively early in the process.

"Their goal is to have recommendations developed by the end of next spring, basically to take proposals to the State Board of Education next summer," said Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards.

The group will have to weigh several things when shaping requirement recommendations.

"What should every student who graduates have and know?", Tallman asked. "What's kind of the minimum that we want every student to have, balanced with how much flexibility or how much variation should be allowed based on different students interests? I think the dilemma is, both of those are important."

It's also hard because if you tailor graduation requirements to specific non college preparatory credentials, then if the student decides they want to go on to college, it may be difficult for them to do so, or conversely, if they thought they were interested in college, then they might have to take additional time to get a skills-based credential that they could have had straight out of high school if they had made different earlier choices.

"How can we make education seem more relevant?" Tallman asked. "How can we make it seem more personalized? How do we ensure that students have the skills that employers and parents and others are saying they want, that in many cases aren't related to academics?"

Agreement about what goals are, how they are measured and who is accountable will be the policy questions that the group hopes to answer as they make their recommendations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A group looking at Kansas graduation requirements is still relatively early in the process."Their goal is to have recommendations developed by the end of next spring, basically to take proposals to the State Board of Education next summer," said Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards.The group will have to weigh several things when shaping requirement recommendations."What should every student who graduates have and know?", Tallman asked. "What's kind of the minimum that we want every student to have, balanced with how much flexibility or how much variation should be allowed based on different students interests? I think the dilemma is, both of those are important."It's also hard because if you tailor graduation requirements to specific non college preparatory credentials, then if the student decides they want to go on to college, it may be difficult for them to do so, or conversely, if they thought they were interested in college, then they might have to take additional time to get a skills-based credential that they could have had straight out of high school if they had made different earlier choices."How can we make education seem more relevant?" Tallman asked. "How can we make it seem more personalized? How do we ensure that students have the skills that employers and parents and others are saying they want, that in many cases aren't related to academics?"Agreement about what goals are, how they are measured and who is accountable will be the policy questions that the group hopes to answer as they make their recommendations.

Tallman: Graduation requirement group early in its work

SCOTT COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 5a.m. Sunday in Scott County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Dodge Ram driven by&nbsp; Yovanni&nbsp;Galaviz-Chavez, 19, Scott City, was&nbsp;eastbound on Kansas 96 at Modoc Lane and traveled off the right side of the road.&nbsp; The pickup hit a culvert in the ditch.&nbsp; The driver overcorrected and the pickup rolled in the north ditch.

EMS transported&nbsp;Galaviz-Chavez to Wesley Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SCOTT COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 5a.m. Sunday in Scott County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Dodge Ram driven by&nbsp; Yovanni&nbsp;Galaviz-Chavez, 19, Scott City, was&nbsp;eastbound on Kansas 96 at Modoc Lane and traveled off the right side of the road.&nbsp; The pickup hit a culvert in the ditch.&nbsp; The driver overcorrected and the pickup rolled in the north ditch.EMS transported&nbsp;Galaviz-Chavez to Wesley Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after pickup rollover accident

The future of an Ellis County landmark remains uncertain after sustaining severe damage during area storms in May.

A large white cross, located near Yocemento on Old Highway 40, has been a silent witness to those traveling the road since the '50s, but following heavy rains, a significant portion of the ground on which the cross was placed shifted, exposing the limestone underneath.

And in the intervening months, the shifting has continued, effectively destroying the iconic landmark.

"Whatever is underneath, what the dirt and everything is sitting on, is just shifting with all the heavy rain," said landowner Troy Robinson.

 Many people had thought the worst and feared the damage was intentional, but Robinson said the soil had just given way following severe storms in late May.

"The dirt just slid," Robinson said.&nbsp;

He recently had a local dirt work company survey the hill, and while the commitment to restore or rebuild the cross remains, he said the current location might remain unsuitable as dirt on the hill sits atop limestone rock, giving little anchor to the soil.

"Unfortunately, until everything stops moving, there is really not much we can do right now," Robinson said.

He said further rain would likely push the dirt down the hill again.

"Unfortunately, you go pile dirt back up there (and) the next rain, it might shift again," Robinson said. "So, we are trying to come up with some other ideas."

He said moving the icon is an option if a safe location on the same hill can be identified.

Another location nearby might also be suitable.

"I'd hate to move it too far from that area," he said, but if the current hill cannot be secured Robinson said that may be the best option.

Another solution proposed is a rock border around the cross after the soil is secured that might keep the dirt and the cross in place, he said.

"It's up in the air right now what we can do to fix it," Robinson said.

But he said the icon will be restored one way or another, carrying on a tradition of area residents caring for the landmark.

After the initial landslide was noticed, many on social media said they had been part of teams over the years that helped maintain the cross, with many offering to help.

In the last few years, Robinson said an individual from Ellis had increased the cross's visibility by installing lights and applying highly reflective paint to the cross.

But while the dirt remains unstable, he is asking people to stay off the hill for safety.

But he said it will return, one way or another.

"We are going to do something because it has to be fixed," he said.

Robinson has owned the land since around 1992. Before that, he said the land was a part of the Rupp family farmstead, owners of the land when the cross first appeared.

Their old stone farmhouse still stands on his property.

The origins of the cross still carry some mystique, with no one since its initial construction taking credit for the icon that appeared one Easter Sunday morning in the 1950s, he said.

Even then, people were curious as to who and why the cross had been built.

"There were a number of rumors," Robinson said.

The cross has been attributed to a memorial for plane crash victims, victims of the 1951 area flood, among other speculation, but to his knowledge, the intent of the original builders is lost to history.

"It just appeared," Robinson said. "No one ever claimed it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626472279311.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe future of an Ellis County landmark remains uncertain after sustaining severe damage during area storms in May.A large white cross, located near Yocemento on Old Highway 40, has been a silent witness to those traveling the road since the '50s, but following heavy rains, a significant portion of the ground on which the cross was placed shifted, exposing the limestone underneath.And in the intervening months, the shifting has continued, effectively destroying the iconic landmark."Whatever is underneath, what the dirt and everything is sitting on, is just shifting with all the heavy rain," said landowner Troy Robinson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626472315894.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Many people had thought the worst and feared the damage was intentional, but Robinson said the soil had just given way following severe storms in late May."The dirt just slid," Robinson said.&nbsp;He recently had a local dirt work company survey the hill, and while the commitment to restore or rebuild the cross remains, he said the current location might remain unsuitable as dirt on the hill sits atop limestone rock, giving little anchor to the soil."Unfortunately, until everything stops moving, there is really not much we can do right now," Robinson said.He said further rain would likely push the dirt down the hill again."Unfortunately, you go pile dirt back up there (and) the next rain, it might shift again," Robinson said. "So, we are trying to come up with some other ideas."He said moving the icon is an option if a safe location on the same hill can be identified.Another location nearby might also be suitable."I'd hate to move it too far from that area," he said, but if the current hill cannot be secured Robinson said that may be the best option.Another solution proposed is a rock border around the cross after the soil is secured that might keep the dirt and the cross in place, he said."It's up in the air right now what we can do to fix it," Robinson said.But he said the icon will be restored one way or another, carrying on a tradition of area residents caring for the landmark.After the initial landslide was noticed, many on social media said they had been part of teams over the years that helped maintain the cross, with many offering to help.In the last few years, Robinson said an individual from Ellis had increased the cross's visibility by installing lights and applying highly reflective paint to the cross.But while the dirt remains unstable, he is asking people to stay off the hill for safety.But he said it will return, one way or another."We are going to do something because it has to be fixed," he said.Robinson has owned the land since around 1992. Before that, he said the land was a part of the Rupp family farmstead, owners of the land when the cross first appeared.Their old stone farmhouse still stands on his property.The origins of the cross still carry some mystique, with no one since its initial construction taking credit for the icon that appeared one Easter Sunday morning in the 1950s, he said.Even then, people were curious as to who and why the cross had been built."There were a number of rumors," Robinson said.The cross has been attributed to a memorial for plane crash victims, victims of the 1951 area flood, among other speculation, but to his knowledge, the intent of the original builders is lost to history."It just appeared," Robinson said. "No one ever claimed it."

Beloved Ellis Co. landmark continues to deteriorate; landowner commits to rebuild

Hays USD 489 hopes to save money by purchasing student and staff computers using federal funds.

The Hays school board will hear a proposal Monday night to use&nbsp;Federal Emergency Connectivity Funding to purchase 900 student computers and 200 staff computers.&nbsp;

The federal funds will cover $400 for each student and staff computer. The savings will be $440,000. The district's cost will be $296,000.

The school district has a computer replacement schedule, which calls for replacing student computers every four years. Staff computers are replaced every five years.

All of the computers that will be purchased with the federal funds were scheduled to be replaced at the end of the coming school year. This will allow the computers to be replaced six months early.

The computers that are being replaced will be sold. How much the school district receives for each computer will depend on its condition.

The board is set to vote on the replacement of the district network. The cost of the replacement will be&nbsp;$384,000. However, the school qualifies for E-rate funds, which means the district's cost will be reduced to $135,000.

The E-rate program provides discounts to assist schools to obtain affordable internet access and telecommunications services.

Replacing the network will increase security, coverage and the district's ability to manage the system.

This will also be the school board's annual reorganization meeting. The board will elect a new president and vice-president, as well make a variety of appointments.

Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, will present a report on summer school.

The board is also set to consider approval of the student and classified handbooks, as well as the application for a new building number for The Learning Center.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays USD 489 hopes to save money by purchasing student and staff computers using federal funds.The Hays school board will hear a proposal Monday night to use&nbsp;Federal Emergency Connectivity Funding to purchase 900 student computers and 200 staff computers.&nbsp;The federal funds will cover $400 for each student and staff computer. The savings will be $440,000. The district's cost will be $296,000.The school district has a computer replacement schedule, which calls for replacing student computers every four years. Staff computers are replaced every five years.All of the computers that will be purchased with the federal funds were scheduled to be replaced at the end of the coming school year. This will allow the computers to be replaced six months early.The computers that are being replaced will be sold. How much the school district receives for each computer will depend on its condition.<h2>Network replacement</h2>The board is set to vote on the replacement of the district network. The cost of the replacement will be&nbsp;$384,000. However, the school qualifies for E-rate funds, which means the district's cost will be reduced to $135,000.The E-rate program provides discounts to assist schools to obtain affordable internet access and telecommunications services.Replacing the network will increase security, coverage and the district's ability to manage the system.<h2>Other business</h2>This will also be the school board's annual reorganization meeting. The board will elect a new president and vice-president, as well make a variety of appointments.Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, will present a report on summer school.The board is also set to consider approval of the student and classified handbooks, as well as the application for a new building number for The Learning Center.

Hays USD 489 hopes to save $440,000 on computer purchase

ALDEN, Iowa — Summit Agricultural Group, through its investment 
affiliate Summit Ag Investors, has announced the acquisition of Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy, a biorefinery in Phillipsburg.


 Summit will construct a state-of-the-art wheat protein ingredients 
facility and retrofit the existing corn-based ethanol plant to produce 
ethanol from wheat starch. Upon completion of the ingredients plant and 
final conversion, the company will be the largest wheat protein producer
 in North America and will generate low carbon intensity renewable fuel. 

"Recognizing the rising demand for high protein ingredients and 
innovative feed products, coupled with renewable fuels that reduce our 
carbon footprint, this investment fits with what we have successfully 
done many times in Summit's history. We evaluated several sites in 
various wheat-growing areas and Prairie Horizon is ideally located. The 
wheat protein we will produce is a healthy ingredient used widely within
 baked goods, pet food and growing aquaculture feed markets. Today, 
wheat protein demand in the US is heavily reliant on imports and with 
consumers demanding more transparency about the origins of the food they
 eat, we see a real opportunity," said Bruce Rastetter, Chief Executive Officer of Summit Agricultural Group.

Summit will utilize best-in-class construction and engineering providers for the project which will total more than $200 million. The ingredients plant will be operational within two years and will be the largest wheat protein facility in North America. 

"We ran a thorough search across the US to identify the best site to 
execute on this strategy around plant proteins, which leverages Summit's
 legacy operating in the biofuels and agriculture sectors. Given Prairie
 Horizon's direct access to abundant local wheat production and Kansas'
 business-friendly environment, we believe we have a significant 
advantage. Our investment will bring additional jobs to rural America, 
increase the domestic supply of sustainable protein ingredients, reduce 
reliance on imports, and further reduce our carbon footprint through 
this proven process," said Justin Kirchhoff, President of Summit Ag Investors.

This project is another example of Summit's innovative approach and 
focus on decarbonization at the intersection of the agriculture and 
energy industries. Summit Carbon Solutions, a separate portfolio company
 of Summit Agricultural Group, is pioneering the development of the 
world's largest carbon capture and storage infrastructure project.

About&nbsp;Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy, LLC Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy is a Phillipsburg, Kansas-based
 renewable fuel corn ethanol producer that has been in operation since 
2006. The plant was designed and built by ICM Inc. of Colwich, KS, and has a nameplate production capacity today of 40 million gallons per year and employs approximately 30 people.

About Summit Agricultural Group Summit Agricultural Group is a diversified agribusiness operator and investment manager with operations in the United States and Brazil.
 Summit deploys capital across the agricultural supply chain with a 
particular focus at the intersection of agriculture and renewable 
energy. For more information, visit: <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3225149-1&amp;h=2189366775&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.summitag.com%2F&amp;a=www.summitag.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.summitag.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626367923735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PRNewswireALDEN, Iowa — Summit Agricultural Group, through its investment 
affiliate Summit Ag Investors, has announced the acquisition of Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy, a biorefinery in Phillipsburg.
 Summit will construct a state-of-the-art wheat protein ingredients 
facility and retrofit the existing corn-based ethanol plant to produce 
ethanol from wheat starch. Upon completion of the ingredients plant and 
final conversion, the company will be the largest wheat protein producer
 in North America and will generate low carbon intensity renewable fuel. "Recognizing the rising demand for high protein ingredients and 
innovative feed products, coupled with renewable fuels that reduce our 
carbon footprint, this investment fits with what we have successfully 
done many times in Summit's history. We evaluated several sites in 
various wheat-growing areas and Prairie Horizon is ideally located. The 
wheat protein we will produce is a healthy ingredient used widely within
 baked goods, pet food and growing aquaculture feed markets. Today, 
wheat protein demand in the US is heavily reliant on imports and with 
consumers demanding more transparency about the origins of the food they
 eat, we see a real opportunity," said Bruce Rastetter, Chief Executive Officer of Summit Agricultural Group.Summit will utilize best-in-class construction and engineering providers for the project which will total more than $200 million. The ingredients plant will be operational within two years and will be the largest wheat protein facility in North America. "We ran a thorough search across the US to identify the best site to 
execute on this strategy around plant proteins, which leverages Summit's
 legacy operating in the biofuels and agriculture sectors. Given Prairie
 Horizon's direct access to abundant local wheat production and Kansas'
 business-friendly environment, we believe we have a significant 
advantage. Our investment will bring additional jobs to rural America, 
increase the domestic supply of sustainable protein ingredients, reduce 
reliance on imports, and further reduce our carbon footprint through 
this proven process," said Justin Kirchhoff, President of Summit Ag Investors.This project is another example of Summit's innovative approach and 
focus on decarbonization at the intersection of the agriculture and 
energy industries. Summit Carbon Solutions, a separate portfolio company
 of Summit Agricultural Group, is pioneering the development of the 
world's largest carbon capture and storage infrastructure project.About&nbsp;Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy, LLC Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy is a Phillipsburg, Kansas-based
 renewable fuel corn ethanol producer that has been in operation since 
2006. The plant was designed and built by ICM Inc. of Colwich, KS, and has a nameplate production capacity today of 40 million gallons per year and employs approximately 30 people. About Summit Agricultural Group Summit Agricultural Group is a diversified agribusiness operator and investment manager with operations in the United States and Brazil.
 Summit deploys capital across the agricultural supply chain with a 
particular focus at the intersection of agriculture and renewable 
energy. For more information, visit: <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3225149-1&amp;h=2189366775&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.summitag.com%2F&amp;a=www.summitag.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.summitag.com</a>.

Iowa company acquires Phillipsburg ethanol plant

Gas prices are up and the politics industry in Kansas and nationally is spinning the issue for political gain, often with little regard for the truth.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Per the U.S. Energy Information Association, the average national price of a regular gallon of gasoline has risen seventy-three cents since January to $3.06/gallon by July. That price is fifteen cents higher than the peak under the Trump Administration but substantially lower than recent historical highs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Enter politics. Republicans are blaming Democrats. Some Republicans are even falsely implying that President Joe Biden increased gas prices to discourage carbon emissions (He didn’t and presidents don’t control gas prices). And Democrats are blaming Republicans in return.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bipartisan politics industry—from cable infotainment peddling daily victimhood narratives to partisan spokespeople manufacturing truth-stretched outrage for a living—turns issues like this into blame games for political profit, imprinting politics onto issues where sometimes politics isn’t the whole story.&nbsp;

Most honest economists agree that the economic recovery has driven gas prices higher.&nbsp;

Crude oil is the majority component of gas prices. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that global oil demand dropped 9 percent in 2020, the biggest decline in decades. Oil producers decreased production and prices fell. As the economy recovers, oil demand is increasing faster than production can increase, raising oil prices and ultimately gas prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Blaming capitalism for gas prices isn’t as sexy, cathartic, or simplistic as blaming politicians or parties for our immediate woes. And that kind of banal reality doesn’t keep the politics industry financially afloat. Alas, truth is sometimes dull.&nbsp;

Speaking of truths, one common lie circulating on social media about this issue is that some politician wronged you by raising your gas taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The federal gas tax, which funds highways as a “user fee,” is 18.4 cents/gallon and hasn’t increased since 1993. The Kansas gas tax is 24 cents/gallon and hasn’t increased since 2003 even as other states, red and blue alike, raised theirs. Kansas had the thirty-seventh lowest gas tax in America in 2020.&nbsp;

Gas taxes have been in the news, but neither Kansas nor the federal government have raised theirs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Republican Governor Mike Parson of Missouri just signed a 12.5 cent/gallon tax increase. But that’s not Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas legislature, with bipartisan and cross-ideological curiosity, entertained three proposals in 2017 to increase the state gas tax five to eleven cents to compensate for then-Governor Sam Brownback raiding highway funds to pay for his tax cuts. Those proposals didn’t pass.&nbsp;

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran recently participated in a bipartisan group of senators working on infrastructure funding. Two Republicans in that group have outlined a proposal to raise the federal gas tax, possibly gauging it to inflation, and levy a “vehicle miles traveled” tax that would tax drivers based on mileage driven. Despite some bipartisan curiosity, that Republican tax increase has gone nowhere, and President Biden opposes raising the gas tax.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As the economy recovers, the effects of the last year are evident in work mobility, wage and benefit expectations, housing, and even gas prices. Those prices rise and will eventually fall. So goes the market. Unfortunately, capitalism in all its complexity doesn’t care about being simple enough to promote honest or informed public dialogue, which leaves citizens vulnerable to opportunistically oversimplified political messaging and the misinformation that often accompanies it.&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas. " />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas. </figcaption>
 </figure>Gas prices are up and the politics industry in Kansas and nationally is spinning the issue for political gain, often with little regard for the truth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Per the U.S. Energy Information Association, the average national price of a regular gallon of gasoline has risen seventy-three cents since January to $3.06/gallon by July. That price is fifteen cents higher than the peak under the Trump Administration but substantially lower than recent historical highs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enter politics. Republicans are blaming Democrats. Some Republicans are even falsely implying that President Joe Biden increased gas prices to discourage carbon emissions (He didn’t and presidents don’t control gas prices). And Democrats are blaming Republicans in return.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The bipartisan politics industry—from cable infotainment peddling daily victimhood narratives to partisan spokespeople manufacturing truth-stretched outrage for a living—turns issues like this into blame games for political profit, imprinting politics onto issues where sometimes politics isn’t the whole story.&nbsp;Most honest economists agree that the economic recovery has driven gas prices higher.&nbsp;Crude oil is the majority component of gas prices. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that global oil demand dropped 9 percent in 2020, the biggest decline in decades. Oil producers decreased production and prices fell. As the economy recovers, oil demand is increasing faster than production can increase, raising oil prices and ultimately gas prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;Blaming capitalism for gas prices isn’t as sexy, cathartic, or simplistic as blaming politicians or parties for our immediate woes. And that kind of banal reality doesn’t keep the politics industry financially afloat. Alas, truth is sometimes dull.&nbsp;Speaking of truths, one common lie circulating on social media about this issue is that some politician wronged you by raising your gas taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The federal gas tax, which funds highways as a “user fee,” is 18.4 cents/gallon and hasn’t increased since 1993. The Kansas gas tax is 24 cents/gallon and hasn’t increased since 2003 even as other states, red and blue alike, raised theirs. Kansas had the thirty-seventh lowest gas tax in America in 2020.&nbsp;Gas taxes have been in the news, but neither Kansas nor the federal government have raised theirs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Republican Governor Mike Parson of Missouri just signed a 12.5 cent/gallon tax increase. But that’s not Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas legislature, with bipartisan and cross-ideological curiosity, entertained three proposals in 2017 to increase the state gas tax five to eleven cents to compensate for then-Governor Sam Brownback raiding highway funds to pay for his tax cuts. Those proposals didn’t pass.&nbsp;Kansas Senator Jerry Moran recently participated in a bipartisan group of senators working on infrastructure funding. Two Republicans in that group have outlined a proposal to raise the federal gas tax, possibly gauging it to inflation, and levy a “vehicle miles traveled” tax that would tax drivers based on mileage driven. Despite some bipartisan curiosity, that Republican tax increase has gone nowhere, and President Biden opposes raising the gas tax.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the economy recovers, the effects of the last year are evident in work mobility, wage and benefit expectations, housing, and even gas prices. Those prices rise and will eventually fall. So goes the market. Unfortunately, capitalism in all its complexity doesn’t care about being simple enough to promote honest or informed public dialogue, which leaves citizens vulnerable to opportunistically oversimplified political messaging and the misinformation that often accompanies it.&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

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