<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<a href="https://hayschamber.com/sites/default/files/2021_editable_golf_tournament_flyer.pdf">The registration form can be found on the Hays Chamber website</a>.

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber Golf Tournament registration deadline approaching" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ie4vi-10093b6-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a><a href="https://hayschamber.com/sites/default/files/2021_editable_golf_tournament_flyer.pdf">The registration form can be found on the Hays Chamber website</a>.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber Golf Tournament registration deadline approaching

The legislature wrapped up its work for the regular session on April 9. Lawmakers will return to Topeka on May 3 for the veto session, at which time they will finalize the budget and consider any legislation vetoed by the governor during the April break. I hope to see many of you over the next couple of weeks in person on virtually.

Some 2021 Legislative Accomplishments:

The Value Them Both constitutional amendments will allow Kansas voters to determine whether Kansas will continue to be a pro-life state. This measure will be on the ballot in August 2022.

1) Mask mandates issued by the governor revoked, and authority given to local governments. 2) Property tax transparency; requires local governments to hold public hearings on tax increases and notify taxpayers of what taxes they will actually pay from various taxing entities. 3) Kansas Promise Scholarship Act - helps prepare Kansans for today’s workforce needs through targeted scholarships. &nbsp;4) Low-interest loan assistance for communities affected by the surge in natural gas prices during the winter cold snap. &nbsp;5) Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program – a new resource for small businesses and ag producers that may have been financially impacted by the pandemic. 6) Business and healthcare COVID-related liability protections set in place.

1) Overhaul the administration’s unemployment system; set modernization requirements and oversight to ensure that hardworking Kansans can receive the assistance they need. &nbsp;2) Tax cuts for families and small businesses, including increasing the standard deduction for all Kansans. 3) Harsher penalties for criminals who stalk minors.

Unemployment Overhaul Legislation Sent to the Governor

As a reminder, the House previously passed HB 2196, which urge Governor Kelly to overhaul the Kansas Department of Labor’s (KDOL) unemployment system. It is widely known that KDOL has experienced ongoing issues in assisting Kansans who need immediate assistance. 

The goal of this bill is to remedy that, to make sure that the administration addresses the current problems and to guarantee the long-term stability of the state’s unemployment system. The main components of the bill include: A) Oversight and IT modernization B) Fraud immunity for Kansas businesses C) Rate table adjustments for employers.

This past week, House and Senate negotiators further amended the bill to increase the criminal punishment for fraudsters and prohibit unemployment modernization contracts from being entered into prior to review by the Unemployment Compensation Modernization and Improvement Council and the Legislative Coordinating Council. HB 2196 passed the House and Senate and is on its way to the governor’s desk for her consideration.

Budget Headed to the Governor, Consensus Revenue Estimates Later&nbsp;This Month

&nbsp;Last Friday, the House and Senate approved the conference committee report for House Bill 2007, which contains the budget for all state agencies minus K-12 education. K-12 funding will be determined when legislators return for the veto session.

Following Senate approval of the measure, the House voted 71-52 to send the bill to the governor for her consideration. It is likely there will be line-item vetoes for the House to consider overriding when the legislature returns on May 3.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, we will meet April 27 to begin work on the omnibus appropriations bill. 

The bill may contain positions from budget negotiations and earlier committee discussions, which deferred items to omnibus for consideration. 

The committee will be provided an update on the Consensus Revenue Estimates (CRE) and any possible Governor’s Budget Amendments (GBA). The estimates, a projection of SGF revenues, will be released on April 20 and will be a revision of the Fall 2020 estimates. A new SGF profile will be created, reflecting the new revenue estimates, along with approved expenditures from HB 2007. This profile is critical in balancing the state’s budget, protecting taxpayers, and planning for future needs.

If you would like to contact me: email is: ken.rahje@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at 785-302-8416. It is my honor to be your representative.

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/2020/2/1581437228209.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>04-13-21Hello from Agra. The legislature wrapped up its work for the regular session on April 9. Lawmakers will return to Topeka on May 3 for the veto session, at which time they will finalize the budget and consider any legislation vetoed by the governor during the April break. I hope to see many of you over the next couple of weeks in person on virtually.Some 2021 Legislative Accomplishments: The Value Them Both constitutional amendments will allow Kansas voters to determine whether Kansas will continue to be a pro-life state. This measure will be on the ballot in August 2022.Bills passed and signed into law: 1) Mask mandates issued by the governor revoked, and authority given to local governments. 2) Property tax transparency; requires local governments to hold public hearings on tax increases and notify taxpayers of what taxes they will actually pay from various taxing entities. 3) Kansas Promise Scholarship Act - helps prepare Kansans for today’s workforce needs through targeted scholarships. &nbsp;4) Low-interest loan assistance for communities affected by the surge in natural gas prices during the winter cold snap. &nbsp;5) Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program – a new resource for small businesses and ag producers that may have been financially impacted by the pandemic. 6) Business and healthcare COVID-related liability protections set in place.Bills awaiting action from the Governor: 1) Overhaul the administration’s unemployment system; set modernization requirements and oversight to ensure that hardworking Kansans can receive the assistance they need. &nbsp;2) Tax cuts for families and small businesses, including increasing the standard deduction for all Kansans. 3) Harsher penalties for criminals who stalk minors.Unemployment Overhaul Legislation Sent to the GovernorAs a reminder, the House previously passed HB 2196, which urge Governor Kelly to overhaul the Kansas Department of Labor’s (KDOL) unemployment system. It is widely known that KDOL has experienced ongoing issues in assisting Kansans who need immediate assistance. The goal of this bill is to remedy that, to make sure that the administration addresses the current problems and to guarantee the long-term stability of the state’s unemployment system. The main components of the bill include: A) Oversight and IT modernization B) Fraud immunity for Kansas businesses C) Rate table adjustments for employers.This past week, House and Senate negotiators further amended the bill to increase the criminal punishment for fraudsters and prohibit unemployment modernization contracts from being entered into prior to review by the Unemployment Compensation Modernization and Improvement Council and the Legislative Coordinating Council. HB 2196 passed the House and Senate and is on its way to the governor’s desk for her consideration.Budget Headed to the Governor, Consensus Revenue Estimates Later&nbsp;This Month&nbsp;Last Friday, the House and Senate approved the conference committee report for House Bill 2007, which contains the budget for all state agencies minus K-12 education. K-12 funding will be determined when legislators return for the veto session.Following Senate approval of the measure, the House voted 71-52 to send the bill to the governor for her consideration. It is likely there will be line-item vetoes for the House to consider overriding when the legislature returns on May 3.As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, we will meet April 27 to begin work on the omnibus appropriations bill. The bill may contain positions from budget negotiations and earlier committee discussions, which deferred items to omnibus for consideration. The committee will be provided an update on the Consensus Revenue Estimates (CRE) and any possible Governor’s Budget Amendments (GBA). The estimates, a projection of SGF revenues, will be released on April 20 and will be a revision of the Fall 2020 estimates. A new SGF profile will be created, reflecting the new revenue estimates, along with approved expenditures from HB 2007. This profile is critical in balancing the state’s budget, protecting taxpayers, and planning for future needs.If you would like to contact me: email is: ken.rahje@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at 785-302-8416. It is my honor to be your representative.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: April 13

Hays High is in search of a new assistant basketball and football coach. Trey O'Neil was officially approved as the new head boys basketball coach at Hugoton High School on Monday.

The former Fort Hays State basketball player has been an assistant with the Indians football and basketball teams for the past season seasons.

Hays High is in search of a new assistant basketball and football coach. Trey O'Neil was officially approved as the new head boys basketball coach at Hugoton High School on Monday.The former Fort Hays State basketball player has been an assistant with the Indians football and basketball teams for the past season seasons.

🏀 Hays High's O'Neil named head basketball coach at Hugoton

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school district announced Monday that it will ease some restrictions on wearing masks in school as of April 26.

Students will be allowed to remove their masks if they choose while they are seated in class.

Students will still be required to wear masks: • On district transportation during regular transportation routes and during transportation for activities. • When entering school buildings • When in congested hallways or confined areas • When standing in food lines.

The district continues to restrict most visitors, but any visitors to district schools would be required to wear masks.

Kansas State High School Athletics Association rules regarding masks will still apply during activities.

Temperature checks are also being eliminated.

Superintendent Ron Wilson noted that if a student has been wearing a mask, is exposed to someone who has COVID and continues to be asymptomatic, they will not be required to quarantine.

Wilson said the recommendation was a result of discussions with the local education COVID task force. That includes officials from other schools in the county, a local physician and a school nurse.&nbsp;

"Numbers districtwide have looked good for three to four weeks. We are&nbsp; very optimistic," Wilson said. "However, we know COVID is still real and COVID is still here and we take it very seriously."

No new cases of COVID were reported in Ellis County since Friday.

Two people from the public spoke at the meeting arguing for elimination to all mask requirements.

Julie Eikenberry, mother of a Hays High School sophomore, said the school year had been very hard socially and emotionally on students who had not been able to see their teachers' of their peers' faces.&nbsp;

"Take the masks away, and let the kids be free," she said.

All six board members in attendance said they supported the easing of the mask rules, but said if COVID numbers would spike they would support going back to the original mask rules. Lori Hertel was absent from the meeting.

Mike Walker, board president, said the school district is trying to create a balance.&nbsp;

"When we started talking about this what seems like five years ago, we really tried to do a balancing act between our children, our staff and our families," he said. "But also the best possible scenario for the physical health and safety, emotional well being, social growth and academic achievement of kids ... We are not making these decisions lightly."

Board member Craig Pallister said he appreciated that Dr. Heather Harris of HaysMed and USD 489 lead nurse Jessica Roe also supported the mask changes.

"Everyone is on board with this plan. This is a very good compromise," he said.

Pallister said the district still needs to monitor COVID numbers, noting that 73 people have died in Ellis County due to COVID.&nbsp;

Board member Tammy Wellbrock said one of those people was her mother.

"Sometimes we are making decision that my kid in his junior year is going to be impacted, and I maybe would have done something different as a mom as I'm voting," she said, "but I'm not, I'm voting&nbsp; as a public elected official.

"It is definitely difficult to sometimes know you're making a decision that friends and family won't always support. I think we're all trying to do our best."

Wilson said the district has been able to get through COVID because people who were on different sides of the fence on masks and COVID restrictions all worked together.&nbsp;

"With everyone working together, we can get through this. I think this is the logical next step," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618287242300.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school district announced Monday that it will ease some restrictions on wearing masks in school as of April 26.Students will be allowed to remove their masks if they choose while they are seated in class.Students will still be required to wear masks: • On district transportation during regular transportation routes and during transportation for activities. • When entering school buildings • When in congested hallways or confined areas • When standing in food lines.The district continues to restrict most visitors, but any visitors to district schools would be required to wear masks.Kansas State High School Athletics Association rules regarding masks will still apply during activities.Temperature checks are also being eliminated.Superintendent Ron Wilson noted that if a student has been wearing a mask, is exposed to someone who has COVID and continues to be asymptomatic, they will not be required to quarantine.Wilson said the recommendation was a result of discussions with the local education COVID task force. That includes officials from other schools in the county, a local physician and a school nurse.&nbsp;"Numbers districtwide have looked good for three to four weeks. We are&nbsp; very optimistic," Wilson said. "However, we know COVID is still real and COVID is still here and we take it very seriously."No new cases of COVID were reported in Ellis County since Friday.Two people from the public spoke at the meeting arguing for elimination to all mask requirements.Julie Eikenberry, mother of a Hays High School sophomore, said the school year had been very hard socially and emotionally on students who had not been able to see their teachers' of their peers' faces.&nbsp;"Take the masks away, and let the kids be free," she said.All six board members in attendance said they supported the easing of the mask rules, but said if COVID numbers would spike they would support going back to the original mask rules. Lori Hertel was absent from the meeting.Mike Walker, board president, said the school district is trying to create a balance.&nbsp;"When we started talking about this what seems like five years ago, we really tried to do a balancing act between our children, our staff and our families," he said. "But also the best possible scenario for the physical health and safety, emotional well being, social growth and academic achievement of kids ... We are not making these decisions lightly."Board member Craig Pallister said he appreciated that Dr. Heather Harris of HaysMed and USD 489 lead nurse Jessica Roe also supported the mask changes."Everyone is on board with this plan. This is a very good compromise," he said.Pallister said the district still needs to monitor COVID numbers, noting that 73 people have died in Ellis County due to COVID.&nbsp;Board member Tammy Wellbrock said one of those people was her mother."Sometimes we are making decision that my kid in his junior year is going to be impacted, and I maybe would have done something different as a mom as I'm voting," she said, "but I'm not, I'm voting&nbsp; as a public elected official."It is definitely difficult to sometimes know you're making a decision that friends and family won't always support. I think we're all trying to do our best."Wilson said the district has been able to get through COVID because people who were on different sides of the fence on masks and COVID restrictions all worked together.&nbsp;"With everyone working together, we can get through this. I think this is the logical next step," he said.

Hays USD 489 to ease some mask restrictions as of April 26

Crude futures prices settled below $60 per barrel for five consecutive trading sessions last week. Friday's settlement price was $59.32 per barrel. Prices on the Nymex briefly topped $60 Monday, but by lunchtime the benchmark contract was going for $59.67 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $49.50 per barrel after dropping a quarter per barrel on Friday. Current Kansas prices are about a dollar lower than at the first of the month, but are nearly $11 higher than at the beginning of the year. Triple-A says a jump in demand and tightening supplies prompted major fluctuations in gasoline prices. The national average on Thursday was down slightly to $2.87 per gallon. That's down slightly from last week, but up a dime from a month ago, and nearly a dollar more than a year ago. Changes in weekly statewide average prices ranged from an increase of 15 cents to a decrease of three cents. The average in Kansas jumped three cents to $2.68 per gallon Thursday. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you nearly $19 more than last year at this time, but only a dime more than last week. Oilfield services employment has a long way to go to return to pre-pandemic levels, but last month's numbers are a good start. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and analysis by the Energy Workforce and Technology Council, that sector notched upwards of 102,000 pandemic-related job losses. World Oil dot com reports improvements in the fourth quarter of last year were followed by cuts in December, January and February. But the government says the sector added more than 23,000 jobs in March. Baker Hughes reported 432 active drilling rigs across the country last week, an increase of two gas rigs. The count in Oklahoma was up one for the week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, up two for the week, and 12 west of Wichita, which is down one. The inactive count across Kansas reached 145, adding ten more cold-stacked rigs to that list. Since last year, 45 rigs have gone out of state or "gone to rust." The total number of rigs in Kansas, both available and inactive, dropped from 238 a year ago to 193 last week. Of 17 new drilling permits in Kansas last week, 12 are west of Wichita and five are in the eastern half of the state. Our cumulative tally shows 212 new drilling permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports nine newly completed wells across the state last week, two of them east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas. That's 187 completions so far this year. Domestic crude inventories dropped last week by 3.5 million barrels. The US Energy Information Administration said stockpiles are just over 498 million barrels, or about 3% over the five-year seasonal average. Crude production in the US increased last week by more than 100,000 barrels per day. EIA says output for the week ending April 2 averaged nearly 10.9 million barrels per day. That's down from 12.4 million barrels per day a year ago. The government reported U.S. crude imports increased more than 100,000 barrels per day to 6.3 million. EIA said the four-week average is down about five percent from a year ago. Weekly oil-by-rail traffic declined last week by 291 carloads from the week before, to 10,403 tanker cars. The Association of America Railroads reports the year-over-year decline dropped to one tenth of one percent, the smallest such comparison in recent memory. The AAR reports a 14 percent increase in total monthly rail traffic in the U.S. in March compared to a year ago. But the trade group cautions that for some cargo categories, the changes from last year are inflated because of the widespread shutdowns last year at this time. In March 2021, oil-by-rail deliveries were down 5,073 carloads, or 8.5 percent. One of the biggest players in the Bakken is selling a big piece of the play. Hess Corporation will unload more than 78,000 acres in North Dakota to Enerplus Corporation in a deal worth $312 million, which they expect to close next month. The property is in the southernmost part of the Hess portfolio and is not connected to the pipeline and processing infrastructure of Hess Midstream. CEO John Hess says they were not planning any more drilling in the parcel for at least five years. Net production from this acreage averaged 4,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the first quarter of 2021.&nbsp; Several large oil-patch companies are going Green, even as economists warn of the impact. North America's biggest oil pipeline company is now seeking Canadian tax incentives similar to those available in the US, in an effort to become competitive in hydrogen production and renewable electricity. Enbridge last year became the first North American industry player to set a goal of eliminating all net emissions from its operations by the year 2050. Two of Canada's biggest producers are hyping their new emissions goals. But, Canadian Natural Resources and Cenovus Energy both said Tuesday they will not pivot away from their core businesses.&nbsp; A new report suggests Canada's pursuit of aggressive climate targets could cost three out of every four Canadian oil-and-gas workers their jobs. The report by TD Economics estimates that in less than thirty years, up to 450,000 of Canada’s current 600,000 direct and indirect oil and gas jobs could become casualties of falling demand, without some kind of worker-transition plan in place.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY JOHN P. TRETBARCrude futures prices settled below $60 per barrel for five consecutive trading sessions last week. Friday's settlement price was $59.32 per barrel. Prices on the Nymex briefly topped $60 Monday, but by lunchtime the benchmark contract was going for $59.67 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $49.50 per barrel after dropping a quarter per barrel on Friday. Current Kansas prices are about a dollar lower than at the first of the month, but are nearly $11 higher than at the beginning of the year. Triple-A says a jump in demand and tightening supplies prompted major fluctuations in gasoline prices. The national average on Thursday was down slightly to $2.87 per gallon. That's down slightly from last week, but up a dime from a month ago, and nearly a dollar more than a year ago. Changes in weekly statewide average prices ranged from an increase of 15 cents to a decrease of three cents. The average in Kansas jumped three cents to $2.68 per gallon Thursday. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you nearly $19 more than last year at this time, but only a dime more than last week. Oilfield services employment has a long way to go to return to pre-pandemic levels, but last month's numbers are a good start. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and analysis by the Energy Workforce and Technology Council, that sector notched upwards of 102,000 pandemic-related job losses. World Oil dot com reports improvements in the fourth quarter of last year were followed by cuts in December, January and February. But the government says the sector added more than 23,000 jobs in March. Baker Hughes reported 432 active drilling rigs across the country last week, an increase of two gas rigs. The count in Oklahoma was up one for the week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, up two for the week, and 12 west of Wichita, which is down one. The inactive count across Kansas reached 145, adding ten more cold-stacked rigs to that list. Since last year, 45 rigs have gone out of state or "gone to rust." The total number of rigs in Kansas, both available and inactive, dropped from 238 a year ago to 193 last week. Of 17 new drilling permits in Kansas last week, 12 are west of Wichita and five are in the eastern half of the state. Our cumulative tally shows 212 new drilling permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports nine newly completed wells across the state last week, two of them east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas. That's 187 completions so far this year. Domestic crude inventories dropped last week by 3.5 million barrels. The US Energy Information Administration said stockpiles are just over 498 million barrels, or about 3% over the five-year seasonal average. Crude production in the US increased last week by more than 100,000 barrels per day. EIA says output for the week ending April 2 averaged nearly 10.9 million barrels per day. That's down from 12.4 million barrels per day a year ago. The government reported U.S. crude imports increased more than 100,000 barrels per day to 6.3 million. EIA said the four-week average is down about five percent from a year ago. Weekly oil-by-rail traffic declined last week by 291 carloads from the week before, to 10,403 tanker cars. The Association of America Railroads reports the year-over-year decline dropped to one tenth of one percent, the smallest such comparison in recent memory. The AAR reports a 14 percent increase in total monthly rail traffic in the U.S. in March compared to a year ago. But the trade group cautions that for some cargo categories, the changes from last year are inflated because of the widespread shutdowns last year at this time. In March 2021, oil-by-rail deliveries were down 5,073 carloads, or 8.5 percent. One of the biggest players in the Bakken is selling a big piece of the play. Hess Corporation will unload more than 78,000 acres in North Dakota to Enerplus Corporation in a deal worth $312 million, which they expect to close next month. The property is in the southernmost part of the Hess portfolio and is not connected to the pipeline and processing infrastructure of Hess Midstream. CEO John Hess says they were not planning any more drilling in the parcel for at least five years. Net production from this acreage averaged 4,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the first quarter of 2021.&nbsp; Several large oil-patch companies are going Green, even as economists warn of the impact. North America's biggest oil pipeline company is now seeking Canadian tax incentives similar to those available in the US, in an effort to become competitive in hydrogen production and renewable electricity. Enbridge last year became the first North American industry player to set a goal of eliminating all net emissions from its operations by the year 2050. Two of Canada's biggest producers are hyping their new emissions goals. But, Canadian Natural Resources and Cenovus Energy both said Tuesday they will not pivot away from their core businesses.&nbsp; A new report suggests Canada's pursuit of aggressive climate targets could cost three out of every four Canadian oil-and-gas workers their jobs. The report by TD Economics estimates that in less than thirty years, up to 450,000 of Canada’s current 600,000 direct and indirect oil and gas jobs could become casualties of falling demand, without some kind of worker-transition plan in place.

News From the Oil Patch: Government reports uptick in oilfield service jobs

WICHITA — The Kansas Rural Center will host a virtual Local Food Connections conference on May 7 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The conference will include panelists and speakers from across the region who are actively involved in strengthening local food systems and Farm to School programs. 

Farmers, food producers, school nutrition personnel, grassroots organizers and community stakeholders in food systems are encouraged to attend this event. This virtual conference will help promote new relationships in our foodshed and increase awareness on access to healthful local foods. This conference is partially supported by a USDA Farm to School grant.

This year’s conference series theme, “Feeding Neighbors, Forging Community, Growing Together,” highlights the ways in which a robust local and regional farm and food system positively impacts and strengthens bonds within communities at all levels – from soil microbes to human beings. The Local Food Connections conference in May is the second in the conference series and focuses on how socially just local food and farm systems increase the health of Kansas communities and the environment.

Keynote presenters include land-based educator Brett Ramey of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, and Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri, John Ikerd. Ramey’s work sits at the intersections of ecological, cultural, and community health and includes designing courses on indigenous foodways and climate change at a tribal university, conducting community-based health research, facilitating healing retreats for cancer survivors, and advising on numerous national and tribal climate justice and conservation initiatives.

Ikerd orients his work toward agricultural and economic sustainability as a means of supporting small family farms and rural communities, has authored numerous books, and is recognized as a longtime leading voice in the sustainable agriculture movement.

Four breakout sessions will host panelists from across the state who will discuss Farm to School partnerships, community food hubs, and the status of local grocery stores in rural communities.

Over the lunch hour, Chef Rick Martin, hospitality consultant for the Lawrence Restaurant Association and co-founder of Kitchen Scratch will give a cooking demonstration. A more detailed agenda will be available on our website soon&nbsp; at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/join-us-for-krcs-local-food-connections-virtual-conference/">https://kansasruralcenter.org/join-us-for-krcs-local-food-connections-virtual-conference/</a>.

The cost of registration is $15 which helps support our panelists, speakers and includes access to recorded conference sessions. Scholarships are available to cover the cost of the conference for those who need financial assistance. Please register at <a href="https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eho1q7gr8ba840e3&amp;oseq=&amp;c=&amp;ch=">http://bit.ly/LocalFoodConnections</a>. You can reach KRC staff for scholarship information or assistance registering at info@kansasruralcenter.org or 866.579.5469 ext. 705.

For more information, please contact Kaitlin Stanley at kstanley@kansasruralcenter.org or 866-579-5469 Ext. 705.

To sponsor the conference or our conference series, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/sponsor-our-conference-2021/">https://kansasruralcenter.org/sponsor-our-conference-2021/</a>.

The mission of KRC, a non-profit organization founded in 1979, is to promote the long-term health of the land and its people through research, education and advocacy that advance an economically viable, ecologically sound, and socially just food and farming system. For more information, visit <a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/">www.kansasruralcenter.org</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587390876984.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KRCWICHITA — The Kansas Rural Center will host a virtual Local Food Connections conference on May 7 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The conference will include panelists and speakers from across the region who are actively involved in strengthening local food systems and Farm to School programs. Farmers, food producers, school nutrition personnel, grassroots organizers and community stakeholders in food systems are encouraged to attend this event. This virtual conference will help promote new relationships in our foodshed and increase awareness on access to healthful local foods. This conference is partially supported by a USDA Farm to School grant.This year’s conference series theme, “Feeding Neighbors, Forging Community, Growing Together,” highlights the ways in which a robust local and regional farm and food system positively impacts and strengthens bonds within communities at all levels – from soil microbes to human beings. The Local Food Connections conference in May is the second in the conference series and focuses on how socially just local food and farm systems increase the health of Kansas communities and the environment.Keynote presenters include land-based educator Brett Ramey of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, and Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri, John Ikerd. Ramey’s work sits at the intersections of ecological, cultural, and community health and includes designing courses on indigenous foodways and climate change at a tribal university, conducting community-based health research, facilitating healing retreats for cancer survivors, and advising on numerous national and tribal climate justice and conservation initiatives.Ikerd orients his work toward agricultural and economic sustainability as a means of supporting small family farms and rural communities, has authored numerous books, and is recognized as a longtime leading voice in the sustainable agriculture movement.Four breakout sessions will host panelists from across the state who will discuss Farm to School partnerships, community food hubs, and the status of local grocery stores in rural communities.Over the lunch hour, Chef Rick Martin, hospitality consultant for the Lawrence Restaurant Association and co-founder of Kitchen Scratch will give a cooking demonstration. A more detailed agenda will be available on our website soon&nbsp; at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/join-us-for-krcs-local-food-connections-virtual-conference/">https://kansasruralcenter.org/join-us-for-krcs-local-food-connections-virtual-conference/</a>.The cost of registration is $15 which helps support our panelists, speakers and includes access to recorded conference sessions. Scholarships are available to cover the cost of the conference for those who need financial assistance. Please register at <a href="https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eho1q7gr8ba840e3&amp;oseq=&amp;c=&amp;ch=">http://bit.ly/LocalFoodConnections</a>. You can reach KRC staff for scholarship information or assistance registering at info@kansasruralcenter.org or 866.579.5469 ext. 705.For more information, please contact Kaitlin Stanley at kstanley@kansasruralcenter.org or 866-579-5469 Ext. 705.To sponsor the conference or our conference series, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/sponsor-our-conference-2021/">https://kansasruralcenter.org/sponsor-our-conference-2021/</a>.The mission of KRC, a non-profit organization founded in 1979, is to promote the long-term health of the land and its people through research, education and advocacy that advance an economically viable, ecologically sound, and socially just food and farming system. For more information, visit <a href="https://kansasruralcenter.org/">www.kansasruralcenter.org</a>.

Local food connections conference to be hosted by Kansas Rural Center

The Summer Session of Athletic Edge at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will run from June 1 through July 29.&nbsp; This program is designed for ages 10 – 18 to increase their skills in a fun, positive environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We will be offering small group sessions held 4 times per week on Monday through Thursdays.&nbsp; Sessions will be 1 - 1.5 hours each day and include 1 hour of speed, agility, plyometrics, injury prevention training and conditioning.&nbsp; Participants will also have the option for 2 – 30-minute weight training sessions per week on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday immediately following the 1-hour gym session.&nbsp;

One on one sessions are also available.&nbsp; Any athletes interested in individual sessions should contact Shawn Landers at 785-623-8635 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:slanders2@haysmed.com">slanders2@kumc.edu</a>

Due to the safety measures in place for the COVID virus and to help decrease spread of the virus the following plans will be followed for the Athletic Edge for this summer.

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sessions will be kept smaller (10-12 kids maximum in a group)

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Weight training groups limited to 5-6 kids per session and alternating lifting days

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Temperatures will be taken at the entrance to The Center

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Masks should be worn at all times in the facility (not while exercising)

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Athletes should bring their own water bottles each session

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All equipment will be disinfected frequently throughout the day as it is used

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysmed.com/the-center/athletic-edge/">Athletic Edge – Hays Medical Center</a>&nbsp;

HaysMedThe Summer Session of Athletic Edge at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will run from June 1 through July 29.&nbsp; This program is designed for ages 10 – 18 to increase their skills in a fun, positive environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will be offering small group sessions held 4 times per week on Monday through Thursdays.&nbsp; Sessions will be 1 - 1.5 hours each day and include 1 hour of speed, agility, plyometrics, injury prevention training and conditioning.&nbsp; Participants will also have the option for 2 – 30-minute weight training sessions per week on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday immediately following the 1-hour gym session.&nbsp;One on one sessions are also available.&nbsp; Any athletes interested in individual sessions should contact Shawn Landers at 785-623-8635 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:slanders2@haysmed.com">slanders2@kumc.edu</a>Due to the safety measures in place for the COVID virus and to help decrease spread of the virus the following plans will be followed for the Athletic Edge for this summer.1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sessions will be kept smaller (10-12 kids maximum in a group)2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Weight training groups limited to 5-6 kids per session and alternating lifting days3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Temperatures will be taken at the entrance to The Center4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Masks should be worn at all times in the facility (not while exercising)5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Athletes should bring their own water bottles each session6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All equipment will be disinfected frequently throughout the day as it is usedFor more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysmed.com/the-center/athletic-edge/">Athletic Edge – Hays Medical Center</a>&nbsp;

HaysMed offers summer session of Athletic Edge

Three-day weather outlook

There are four Cottonwood Extension District Positions that will be on the November ballot. While the election is still over 6 months away, the deadline to file for a position is just around the corner.&nbsp; When the Cottonwood District formed in 2017 our eight-member board was appointed by the County Commissioners in both Barton and Ellis County. So that all positions would not come open at the same time, four members served two-year terms while the other four board members were appointed to serve four-year terms. From now on, all terms are four years in length.

Each of our eight board members have a commitment to create a budget that is reasonable for you, the taxpayer, while still supporting the delivery of valuable Extension education materials for lifelong learners in our district. Extension board member qualifications include:

A more detailed board member position description can be viewed on the KSRE web site.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/boardleadership/board-leadership-modules/recruiting-board-and-pdc-members/Extension%2520Board%2520Member%2520Position%2520Description.pdf">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/boardleadership/board-leadership-modules/recruiting-board-and-pdc-members/Extension%20Board%20Member%20Position%20Description.pdf</a>&nbsp;

My hope is that you have utilized our services in one or many ways. Perhaps Lauren Fick, our district horticulture agent, has provided the answer to a lawn, garden or tree question. Our agriculture and natural resources agents, Stacy Campbell and Alicia Boor, are always ready to field questions about weed control, and research-based information related to crops or livestock. Our programming related to healthy families is covered by Berny Unruh and myself. We have programming in place to help people of all ages improve their lives. And 4-H and other youth in our communities are participating in learning opportunities under the direction of Susan Schlichting and Michelle Beran. Theresa Meis and Brenda Walton provide the office professional duties that keep us connected to you.&nbsp;

If you would like to get involved by running for a position on the Cottonwood Extension District Board, you will need to fill out the paperwork and pay a $20 filing fee at the County Clerks’ office where you reside. The filing deadline is Thursday, June 1st, at noon. The two candidates who receive the most votes will begin their term as soon as the November election results are certified.&nbsp;

Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions related to serving on our Extension Board!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>There are four Cottonwood Extension District Positions that will be on the November ballot. While the election is still over 6 months away, the deadline to file for a position is just around the corner.&nbsp; When the Cottonwood District formed in 2017 our eight-member board was appointed by the County Commissioners in both Barton and Ellis County. So that all positions would not come open at the same time, four members served two-year terms while the other four board members were appointed to serve four-year terms. From now on, all terms are four years in length.Each of our eight board members have a commitment to create a budget that is reasonable for you, the taxpayer, while still supporting the delivery of valuable Extension education materials for lifelong learners in our district. Extension board member qualifications include:<ul>
 <li>At least 18 years of age and a resident of the local unit</li><li>Interested in working within the mission of K-State Research and Extension.</li><li>Willing to work closely with the local unit director, regional director and other members of the board.</li><li>Sincere interest in improving the quality of life for local unit residents.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A more detailed board member position description can be viewed on the KSRE web site.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/boardleadership/board-leadership-modules/recruiting-board-and-pdc-members/Extension%2520Board%2520Member%2520Position%2520Description.pdf">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/boardleadership/board-leadership-modules/recruiting-board-and-pdc-members/Extension%20Board%20Member%20Position%20Description.pdf</a>&nbsp;My hope is that you have utilized our services in one or many ways. Perhaps Lauren Fick, our district horticulture agent, has provided the answer to a lawn, garden or tree question. Our agriculture and natural resources agents, Stacy Campbell and Alicia Boor, are always ready to field questions about weed control, and research-based information related to crops or livestock. Our programming related to healthy families is covered by Berny Unruh and myself. We have programming in place to help people of all ages improve their lives. And 4-H and other youth in our communities are participating in learning opportunities under the direction of Susan Schlichting and Michelle Beran. Theresa Meis and Brenda Walton provide the office professional duties that keep us connected to you.&nbsp;If you would like to get involved by running for a position on the Cottonwood Extension District Board, you will need to fill out the paperwork and pay a $20 filing fee at the County Clerks’ office where you reside. The filing deadline is Thursday, June 1st, at noon. The two candidates who receive the most votes will begin their term as soon as the November election results are certified.&nbsp;Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions related to serving on our Extension Board!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: Consider serving on Cottonwood Extension board

The Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct three public hearings Wednesday morning.

* Ellis County for a special use permit for a construction and demolition landfill on property at 55th Street and 240th Avenue.

* Brian M. Ralph for a two-foot side yard variance from the required 5 feet for a detached garage at 203 W. 37th.

* BJ and Dena Rupp for two additional signs on the south and north sides of their building located at 1007 Vine.

In other business, the board will hear from Werth Rentals LLC on a&nbsp; request for a public hearing for variance in setbacks and total square feet for an off-premise sign at 1007 E. 37th.

Details and the complete April 14 agenda are available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04142021-1264">here</a>.&nbsp;

The meeting begins at 8:15 a.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct three public hearings Wednesday morning.The public hearings involve:&nbsp;* Ellis County for a special use permit for a construction and demolition landfill on property at 55th Street and 240th Avenue.* Brian M. Ralph for a two-foot side yard variance from the required 5 feet for a detached garage at 203 W. 37th.* BJ and Dena Rupp for two additional signs on the south and north sides of their building located at 1007 Vine.In other business, the board will hear from Werth Rentals LLC on a&nbsp; request for a public hearing for variance in setbacks and total square feet for an off-premise sign at 1007 E. 37th. Details and the complete April 14 agenda are available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04142021-1264">here</a>.&nbsp;The meeting begins at 8:15 a.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Zoning Appeals Board to conduct public hearings Wednesday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new cases of COVID-19 were identified in Ellis County since Friday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

As of Monday,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported three COVID-19 inpatients, two active and two in recovery.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,726 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618248697119.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new cases of COVID-19 were identified in Ellis County since Friday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported three COVID-19 inpatients, two active and two in recovery.Since reporting began, there have been 3,726 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: No new cases of COVID-19 in Ellis Co. since Friday

<div><iframe title="Center for Life Experiences helps those dealing with grief and loss" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qdiec-10073d8-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Center for Life Experiences helps those dealing with grief and loss

The 55th annual Fort Hays State University NIRA Rodeo kicks off on Friday and continues through Sunday at Doug Philip Arena on Golf Course Road off the Highway 183 Bypass in Hays.

Since 1964, the FHSU Rodeo Club and team have provided students with valuable opportunities to hone their skills in an arena environment. This is an exciting intercollegiate rodeo that attracts around 600 entrants from 26 colleges and universities.

Advanced tickets are available now at Vanderbilts, Orscheln Farm &amp; Home, and in the FHSU Memorial Union.

Advanced tickets: Adults $10 Children (12 and under) $5

At the gate: Adults $12 Children (12 and under) $8

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618239910810.jpeg" alt="FHSU NIRA Rodeo action (Photo by Hays CVB)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU NIRA Rodeo action (Photo by Hays CVB)</figcaption>
 </figure>The 55th annual Fort Hays State University NIRA Rodeo kicks off on Friday and continues through Sunday at Doug Philip Arena on Golf Course Road off the Highway 183 Bypass in Hays.Since 1964, the FHSU Rodeo Club and team have provided students with valuable opportunities to hone their skills in an arena environment. This is an exciting intercollegiate rodeo that attracts around 600 entrants from 26 colleges and universities.Advanced tickets are available now at Vanderbilts, Orscheln Farm &amp; Home, and in the FHSU Memorial Union.Advanced tickets: Adults $10 Children (12 and under) $5At the gate: Adults $12 Children (12 and under) $8

55th annual FHSU NIRA Rodeo this weekend in Hays

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;

The Hays school district on Monday will hear a report on a community survey conducted by the district's architectural firm.

Although the survey touched on a variety of topics, including facilities, quality of education, the school board, the district's fiscal responsibility and student safety, Superintendent Ron Wilson said he thought this was the first step in any bond attempt.

Wilson said in an April 5 interview the results of the phone survey were not surprising and he will discuss them with the school board on Monday night.

A survey can't tell you if you'll pass a bond issue, Wilson said, but can show positive signs people are willing to look at the issue.

Hays USD 489 has not passed a major bond issue in 40 years. It has had two failed bond issues in the last five years.

The board has had limited discuss on any potential bond issue since the beginning of the pandemic, with some board members expressing concerns the community was not ready to consider a bond in the economic climate of 202o.

However, Wilson said he thought the local economy was starting to rebound and now is an appropriate time for another bond attempt.

"I think several things are in our favor right now," he said. "Interest rates are at an all-time low. If we are going to pass a bond, we are going to spend less money than we will possibly down the road.

"I look at projections in the state and even locally as they're reported and the recovery piece has been pretty good in terms of how we've rebounded. I feel we will continue to have a strong rebound."

Wilson also cited the recent jobs report, which showed the unemployment rate for Ellis County in February at 2.7 percent.

"I think people are way more willing to look at it now than they were several years ago," he said. "I think there are a lot of good signs, but I don't get to make that decision. That is a board decision."

There has been no discussion in recent months as to what improvements a bond might include or what dollar figure the board might bring to voters.

Wilson said he thought western Kansas needs a reason for people to locate here. He said there can be some reality in "if you build it, they will come."

"People make perceptions on first looks as they drive by, and if they perceive us to be a progressive community, they'll want this to be some where they want their family and kids to be a part of."

Wilson said he thought new facilities build capacity in the community's children.

"It helps them to understand that we value them," Wilson said. "It's kind of weird how kids respond to that, but when you put money into facilities, kids like that and they feel a real sense of pride.&nbsp;

"I have been in communities where we have passed bond issues, and I have seen that rebirth of kids feeling really proud in their community and in what the people in the community have done for them."

Wilson was not with USD 489 during the last two bond attempts.&nbsp;

When asked why he thought those bonds attempts failed he said, "I don't think people have realized the importance facilities play in terms of building for the future and building for the next generation.

"Sometimes it's not being forward thinking," Wilsons said,"in terms of we're building for the future. We're building for the next generation. I think sometimes people forget that people did that for them."

However, Wilson emphasized he did not want to focus on past bond attempts, but what the school district could do moving forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617915706897.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;The Hays school district on Monday will hear a report on a community survey conducted by the district's architectural firm.Although the survey touched on a variety of topics, including facilities, quality of education, the school board, the district's fiscal responsibility and student safety, Superintendent Ron Wilson said he thought this was the first step in any bond attempt.Wilson said in an April 5 interview the results of the phone survey were not surprising and he will discuss them with the school board on Monday night.A survey can't tell you if you'll pass a bond issue, Wilson said, but can show positive signs people are willing to look at the issue.Hays USD 489 has not passed a major bond issue in 40 years. It has had two failed bond issues in the last five years.The board has had limited discuss on any potential bond issue since the beginning of the pandemic, with some board members expressing concerns the community was not ready to consider a bond in the economic climate of 202o.However, Wilson said he thought the local economy was starting to rebound and now is an appropriate time for another bond attempt."I think several things are in our favor right now," he said. "Interest rates are at an all-time low. If we are going to pass a bond, we are going to spend less money than we will possibly down the road."I look at projections in the state and even locally as they're reported and the recovery piece has been pretty good in terms of how we've rebounded. I feel we will continue to have a strong rebound."Wilson also cited the recent jobs report, which showed the unemployment rate for Ellis County in February at 2.7 percent."I think people are way more willing to look at it now than they were several years ago," he said. "I think there are a lot of good signs, but I don't get to make that decision. That is a board decision."There has been no discussion in recent months as to what improvements a bond might include or what dollar figure the board might bring to voters.Wilson said he thought western Kansas needs a reason for people to locate here. He said there can be some reality in "if you build it, they will come.""People make perceptions on first looks as they drive by, and if they perceive us to be a progressive community, they'll want this to be some where they want their family and kids to be a part of."Wilson said he thought new facilities build capacity in the community's children."It helps them to understand that we value them," Wilson said. "It's kind of weird how kids respond to that, but when you put money into facilities, kids like that and they feel a real sense of pride.&nbsp;"I have been in communities where we have passed bond issues, and I have seen that rebirth of kids feeling really proud in their community and in what the people in the community have done for them."Wilson was not with USD 489 during the last two bond attempts.&nbsp;When asked why he thought those bonds attempts failed he said, "I don't think people have realized the importance facilities play in terms of building for the future and building for the next generation."Sometimes it's not being forward thinking," Wilsons said,"in terms of we're building for the future. We're building for the next generation. I think sometimes people forget that people did that for them."However, Wilson emphasized he did not want to focus on past bond attempts, but what the school district could do moving forward.

Wilson: USD 489 survey may indicate residents ready to discuss bond again 

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Mon., April 5, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Animal At
Large—1300 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 8:01 AM 
Probation/Parole Violation—200 block W 4th St, Hays; 4/4 10 PM; 4/5 8:57 AM 
Animal Bite Investigation—400 block W 8th St, Hays; 9:56 AM 
Phone/Mail Scam—2700 block Walnut St, Hays; 4/1 12:01 AM; 4/5 10:13 AM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--100 block W 38th St, Hays; 11:25 AM 
Disturbance – Noise—3400 block Vine St, Hays; 11:32 AM 
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run—400 block E 23rd St, Hays; 12:01 PM Credit
Card Violations—Hays; 1:46:28 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:47:01 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:46:39 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:47:28 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:47:53 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:47:43 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:12 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:47 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:37 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:32 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:21 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:42 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—2500 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 12 AM 
Animal At Large--15th and Main St, Hays; 4:08 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 4:26 PM 
Animal At Large—2200 &nbsp;block &nbsp;Ash St, Hays; 4:33 PM 
Suspicious Activity—2500 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 5:13 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 3/27 2:51 AM; 4/5/
7:46 PM 
MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy—100 block Ash St, Hays; 9:05 PM; 9:18 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 8 traffic stops Tue., April 6, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV
Accident-Private Property—3700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:29 AM; 3:30 AM 
Drug Offenses--2800 block Vine St, Hays; 7:29 AM 
Suspicious Person—300 block W 7th St, Hays; 8:24 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 9:33 AM 
Theft (general)—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 3/30 8 AM; 4/6 8 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1100 block E 27th St, Hay; 11:24 AM 
Drug Offenses—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 11:49 AM; 11:52 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--200 block E 20th St, Hays; 12:57 PM 
Theft (general)—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 3:31 PM 
Traffic/Driving Complaint—500 block W 16th St, Hays; 4/5 
Civil Dispute—100 block W 4th St, Hays; 7:07 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Wed., April 7, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

911 Hangup
Call—2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 1:23 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 4/6 11:25:00 PM; 11:35
PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--3200 block Vine St, Hays; 10:17 AM 
Criminal Trespass—800 block Main St, Hays; 10:37 AM 
Animal Cruelty/Neglect—2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 10:46 AM 
Dead Animal Call--200 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:03 AM 
Counterfeit currency/documents—800 block Main St, Hays; 11:22 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1100 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 12:43 PM 
Theft (general)—1100 block E 43rd St, Hays; 4/6 11:36 AM; 11:45 AM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX--4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 7:30 AM; 7:50 AM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen—400 block W 7th St, Hays; 4:36 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—400 block E 15th St, Hays; 10:30 PM; 10:48 PM 
Suspicious Activity—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 11:46 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Mon., April 5, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Animal At
Large—1300 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 8:01 AM 
Probation/Parole Violation—200 block W 4th St, Hays; 4/4 10 PM; 4/5 8:57 AM 
Animal Bite Investigation—400 block W 8th St, Hays; 9:56 AM 
Phone/Mail Scam—2700 block Walnut St, Hays; 4/1 12:01 AM; 4/5 10:13 AM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--100 block W 38th St, Hays; 11:25 AM 
Disturbance – Noise—3400 block Vine St, Hays; 11:32 AM 
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run—400 block E 23rd St, Hays; 12:01 PM Credit
Card Violations—Hays; 1:46:28 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:47:01 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:46:39 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:47:28 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:47:53 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:47:43 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:12 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:47 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:37 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:32 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:21 PM 
Credit Card Violations—Hays; 1:48:42 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—2500 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 12 AM 
Animal At Large--15th and Main St, Hays; 4:08 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 4:26 PM 
Animal At Large—2200 &nbsp;block &nbsp;Ash St, Hays; 4:33 PM 
Suspicious Activity—2500 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 5:13 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 3/27 2:51 AM; 4/5/
7:46 PM 
MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy—100 block Ash St, Hays; 9:05 PM; 9:18 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 8 traffic stops Tue., April 6, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.MV
Accident-Private Property—3700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:29 AM; 3:30 AM 
Drug Offenses--2800 block Vine St, Hays; 7:29 AM 
Suspicious Person—300 block W 7th St, Hays; 8:24 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 9:33 AM 
Theft (general)—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 3/30 8 AM; 4/6 8 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1100 block E 27th St, Hay; 11:24 AM 
Drug Offenses—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 11:49 AM; 11:52 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--200 block E 20th St, Hays; 12:57 PM 
Theft (general)—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 3:31 PM 
Traffic/Driving Complaint—500 block W 16th St, Hays; 4/5 
Civil Dispute—100 block W 4th St, Hays; 7:07 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Wed., April 7, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.911 Hangup
Call—2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 1:23 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 4/6 11:25:00 PM; 11:35
PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--3200 block Vine St, Hays; 10:17 AM 
Criminal Trespass—800 block Main St, Hays; 10:37 AM 
Animal Cruelty/Neglect—2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 10:46 AM 
Dead Animal Call--200 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:03 AM 
Counterfeit currency/documents—800 block Main St, Hays; 11:22 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1100 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 12:43 PM 
Theft (general)—1100 block E 43rd St, Hays; 4/6 11:36 AM; 11:45 AM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX--4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 7:30 AM; 7:50 AM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen—400 block W 7th St, Hays; 4:36 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—400 block E 15th St, Hays; 10:30 PM; 10:48 PM 
Suspicious Activity—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 11:46 PM<figure>
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HPD Activity Log, April 5-7

COLBY — The annual National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association rodeo is returning to Colby April 30 through May 2 in the E.L. Garrett Arena at the Thomas County Fairgrounds.&nbsp;

More than 500 contestants from 24 Kansas and Oklahoma colleges will compete in the event, which typically occurs in the fall semester but was delayed last year because of Covid-19.

Performances on Friday and Saturday will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday, the finals with the top 10 in each event start at 1 p.m.

Men’s events include bareback bronc riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping&nbsp;and&nbsp;bull riding.

The women will compete in breakaway roping, goat tying, team roping and barrel racing.

Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Rodeo fans under five years old will&nbsp;be admitted&nbsp;free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Masks are strongly encouraged.

Colby Community CollegeCOLBY — The annual National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association rodeo is returning to Colby April 30 through May 2 in the E.L. Garrett Arena at the Thomas County Fairgrounds.&nbsp;More than 500 contestants from 24 Kansas and Oklahoma colleges will compete in the event, which typically occurs in the fall semester but was delayed last year because of Covid-19.Performances on Friday and Saturday will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday, the finals with the top 10 in each event start at 1 p.m.Men’s events include bareback bronc riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping&nbsp;and&nbsp;bull riding.The women will compete in breakaway roping, goat tying, team roping and barrel racing.Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Rodeo fans under five years old will&nbsp;be admitted&nbsp;free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Masks are strongly encouraged.

Intercollegiate rodeo returns to Colby 

High Plains Mental Health is pleased to announce its staff office building at 1412 E. 29th, has been named the Spec and Peg Woods Office Building. The late Spec Woods was a longtime Hays architect and co-founder of Woods &amp; Starr Architects. He and his late wife, Peg, were staunch supporters of community mental health services in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;

“Spec and Peg were great champions of helping High Plains build residential services in Hays and Colby,” Executive Director Walt Hill said. “The couple worked tirelessly to build and support mental health services in northwest Kansas.”

Naming the building in their honor is intended to pay tribute to the Woods family’s lasting contributions to regional mental health services and community supports for clients.

High Plains has partnerships with facilities in Hays and Colby to provide subsidized housing for those with a diagnosis of Serious Mental Illness. The Spec and Peg Woods Office Building is adjacent to Woodhaven Apartments LP, the housing complex in Hays.&nbsp;

High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed community mental health center dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of northwest Kansas. Embodied in this pursuit are fundamental principles of establishing quality services as close to home as possible, at an affordable fee, and delivered in the least disruptive manner available. Such services will offer a continuum of care so that treatment can be individualized, and our staff can respond quickly and compassionately to those reaching out to us. We’re Here for You!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617995984507.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHigh Plains Mental Health is pleased to announce its staff office building at 1412 E. 29th, has been named the Spec and Peg Woods Office Building. The late Spec Woods was a longtime Hays architect and co-founder of Woods &amp; Starr Architects. He and his late wife, Peg, were staunch supporters of community mental health services in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;“Spec and Peg were great champions of helping High Plains build residential services in Hays and Colby,” Executive Director Walt Hill said. “The couple worked tirelessly to build and support mental health services in northwest Kansas.”Naming the building in their honor is intended to pay tribute to the Woods family’s lasting contributions to regional mental health services and community supports for clients.High Plains has partnerships with facilities in Hays and Colby to provide subsidized housing for those with a diagnosis of Serious Mental Illness. The Spec and Peg Woods Office Building is adjacent to Woodhaven Apartments LP, the housing complex in Hays.&nbsp;High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed community mental health center dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of northwest Kansas. Embodied in this pursuit are fundamental principles of establishing quality services as close to home as possible, at an affordable fee, and delivered in the least disruptive manner available. Such services will offer a continuum of care so that treatment can be individualized, and our staff can respond quickly and compassionately to those reaching out to us. We’re Here for You!

High Plains Mental Health names building after late Hays architect

HaysMed has continued its commitment to improving infant and maternal health by earning recognition&nbsp;through High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby Premier, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.

High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby Premier provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals and birth facilities implement ten evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improving maternal and infant health outcomes while also reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To obtain High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby Premier recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and to follow all ten of the evidence-based practices:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Facility will have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all ten High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby practices supporting breastfeeding

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Facility will maintain staff competency in lactation support

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All pregnant women will receive information and instruction on breastfeeding

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All families will receive individualized infant feeding counseling

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Practice “rooming in” -allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Families will be encouraged to feed their babies when the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Provide mothers options for breastfeeding support in the community (such as a telephone number, walk-in clinic information, support groups, etc.) upon discharge

“Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” stated Katie Schoenhoff, Director of Programs at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Following the ten High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby practices demonstrates HaysMed’s commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 60% of mothers stopped breastfeeding sooner than they planned. Some factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include: hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace, and access to community support – which is why High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby facilities are committed to helping women breastfeed successfully, through staff trained in breastfeeding best practices and policies to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals.

Along with the recognition of being named a High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby Premier facility, HaysMed also receives on-going education and training opportunities, support and resources through a community of delivery centers, and scholarship opportunities to further staff education.

“Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, and we’re honored to receive this recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund for our efforts to support successful breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. As a facility committed to providing the very highest quality of care, we have found the High 5 practices and resources to not only improve health outcomes but also increase patient satisfaction,” said Terry Siek,&nbsp;MSN, RN, NEA-BC,&nbsp;Vice President of Patient Care/Chief Nursing Officer.

For more information on High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby Premier, contact Gwen Whittit, Program Coordinator:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:coordinator@high5kansas.org">coordinator@high5kansas.org</a>, or visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.high5kansas.org/">https://www.high5kansas.org/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617731973411.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed has continued its commitment to improving infant and maternal health by earning recognition&nbsp;through High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby Premier, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby Premier provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals and birth facilities implement ten evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improving maternal and infant health outcomes while also reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.&nbsp;&nbsp;To obtain High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby Premier recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and to follow all ten of the evidence-based practices:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Facility will have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all ten High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby practices supporting breastfeeding2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Facility will maintain staff competency in lactation support3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All pregnant women will receive information and instruction on breastfeeding4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All families will receive individualized infant feeding counseling6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Practice “rooming in” -allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Families will be encouraged to feed their babies when the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Provide mothers options for breastfeeding support in the community (such as a telephone number, walk-in clinic information, support groups, etc.) upon discharge“Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” stated Katie Schoenhoff, Director of Programs at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Following the ten High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby practices demonstrates HaysMed’s commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 60% of mothers stopped breastfeeding sooner than they planned. Some factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include: hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace, and access to community support – which is why High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby facilities are committed to helping women breastfeed successfully, through staff trained in breastfeeding best practices and policies to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals.Along with the recognition of being named a High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby Premier facility, HaysMed also receives on-going education and training opportunities, support and resources through a community of delivery centers, and scholarship opportunities to further staff education.“Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, and we’re honored to receive this recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund for our efforts to support successful breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. As a facility committed to providing the very highest quality of care, we have found the High 5 practices and resources to not only improve health outcomes but also increase patient satisfaction,” said Terry Siek,&nbsp;MSN, RN, NEA-BC,&nbsp;Vice President of Patient Care/Chief Nursing Officer.For more information on High 5 for Mom &amp; Baby Premier, contact Gwen Whittit, Program Coordinator:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:coordinator@high5kansas.org">coordinator@high5kansas.org</a>, or visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.high5kansas.org/">https://www.high5kansas.org/</a>.

HaysMed earns high marks for infant, maternal care

SENATE HIGHLIGHTS -&nbsp;WEEKLY OVERVIEWS

This week was the last week of legislative activity before VETO session.&nbsp; Late Friday afternoon, the Senate gaveled out for adjournment and will reconvene on May 3 for VETO Session.&nbsp; The Senate voted on numerous conference committee reports and also debated bills on the Senate Floor the last few short weeks.&nbsp; A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill.&nbsp; Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk.&nbsp;

The Senate voted to confirm ten appointments: Daniel Klucas to the Office of the State Securities Commissioner; Amber Shultz, new Secretary of Labor; Steven Anderson, Office of Inspector General; Rebecca Dickinson, Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board; Sheryl Gilchrist and Tom Phillips to the State Civil Service Board; Brandon Jones, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission; Suchitra Padmanabhan, Kansas Development Finance Authority; Mark Uhlig, University of Kansas Hospital Authority; and Kristen Wheeler to the State Board of Tax Appeals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SB 50&nbsp;- Marketplace Facilitators and Income Tax Deductions and Exemptions.&nbsp; It would&nbsp; require the collection and remittance of taxes by marketplace facilitators.&nbsp; The bill also amends income tax law regarding fraudulent unemployment benefits, itemized and standard deductions, business income related to 2017 federal legislation, corporation return filing, net operating losses, and the business expensing deduction.

HB 2332 &amp; S Sub for HB 2183 –&nbsp;would require any third-party who sends out advance voting applications to identify who they are, who the head of their organization is, and a clear statement indicating it is not mailed from the government.&nbsp; It would also prevent the Governor, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch from altering election laws, as occurred last year.&nbsp; It also broadened the definition of election tampering.

HB 2039&nbsp;- Civics Education bill - would require, beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, students enrolled in an accredited public, private, or parochial high school to pass a civics test, or series of tests, as part of the Kansas required courses of instruction for graduation.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2074/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2074</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) - Fiduciary Financial Institutions Act (Act), Kansas trusts will be established by investors across the United States to hold their alternative asset investments with the goal to provide cash flow to Kansas “economic growth zones,” which largely overlap Rural Opportunity Zones.

SB 199&nbsp;would amend law in the Insurance Code governing specially designed policies and short-term policies to update references to short-term limited duration up to a maximum policy period of 36 months total in duration.&nbsp; <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb100/" target="_blank">SB 100</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;would amend a statute requiring suspension of a driver’s license for driving when the person’s driving privileges are canceled, suspended, or revoked, a provision requiring the Division of Vehicles to extend a period of suspension or revocation an additional 90 days.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb265/" target="_blank">SB 265</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Governor’s allotment for the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) Death and Disability Program and institute a moratorium on all payments made by KPERS employers for Fiscal Year 2021.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb304/" target="_blank">SB 304</a>&nbsp;would remove the expiration date of May 1, 2021, contained in the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Privacy Act.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2064/" target="_blank">HB 2064</a>&nbsp;would amend provisions in the Kansas Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) Act relating to participating members’ election and extension of their DROP periods.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2077/" target="_blank">HB 2077</a>&nbsp;would amend law related to the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission and the Kansas Closed Case Task Force.&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2079/" target="_blank">HB 2079</a>&nbsp;would transfer certain duties from the Secretary of State to the Attorney General. It would also amend statutes to transfer responsibility for administering the Safe at Home program from the Secretary of State to the Attorney General.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2085/" target="_blank">HB 2085</a>&nbsp;would create the Students’ Right to Know Act. It would require the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) to ensure the distribution, electronic or otherwise, of certain information to all students in grades 7 through 12.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2101/" target="_blank">HB 2101</a>&nbsp;extend the current transfer of the first $10.5 million credited to the Expanded Lottery Act Revenues Fund (ELARF) from ELARF to the Kangrow engineering fund - KU, the Kan-grow engineering fund - KSU, and the Kan-grow engineering fund - WSU with each such engineering fund.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2106/" target="_blank">HB 2106</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;expends the dates when corporate tax returns are required to be filed.&nbsp; It would clarify that victims of identity theft would not owe Kansas individual income tax on any compensation that was fraudulently obtained by another.