A winter storm watch is in effect from late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Dodge City.

In addition, a wind chill advisory remains in effect until noon Saturday — with wind chills expected to drop as low as 25 degrees below zero.

"North winds gusting to near 30 mph will create areas of blowing and drifting snow on Sunday. ... Widespread snow will produce snow packed roadways  and reduced visibility," the NWS said. "The cold wind chills could cause  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

In Ellis County, snow is expected to begin after midnight Saturday, with 1 to 3 inches of accumulation possible. A 40 percent to 70 percent chance of snow persists into Sunday night, when the low temperature is predicted to dip to minus 12 degrees.

A high of 8 degrees on Saturday will be the warmest of the weekend, according to forecasters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613149343399.png" alt="Dodge City NWS" />
 <figcaption>Dodge City NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>A winter storm watch is in effect from late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Dodge City.In addition, a wind chill advisory remains in effect until noon Saturday — with wind chills expected to drop as low as 25 degrees below zero."North winds gusting to near 30 mph will create areas of blowing and drifting snow on Sunday. ... Widespread snow will produce snow packed roadways and reduced visibility," the NWS said. "The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.In Ellis County, snow is expected to begin after midnight Saturday, with 1 to 3 inches of accumulation possible. A 40 percent to 70 percent chance of snow persists into Sunday night, when the low temperature is predicted to dip to minus 12 degrees.A high of 8 degrees on Saturday will be the warmest of the weekend, according to forecasters.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613149451399.png" alt="Goodland NWS" />
 <figcaption>Goodland NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>

Bitter cold will be joined by snow, high winds this weekend

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 6 traffic stops Thu., Feb. 4, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Animal At
Large--5th and Allen St, Hays; 9:56 AM 
Criminal Threat—1000 block Fort St, Hays; 10:25 AM 
Criminal Trespass—500 block E 20th St, Hays; 10:32 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—3300 block Willow Rd, Hays; 11:09 AM 
Animal At Large--1400 block &nbsp;W 45th St,
Hays; 11:11 AM 
Drug Offenses—100 block W 5th St, Hays; 11:37 AM 
Domestic Disturbance—1100 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:09 PM 
Found/Lost Property—300 block W 7th St,
Hays; 3:41 PM 
Civil Dispute—1400 block W 42nd St, Hays;
6:19 PM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—4300 block
Vine St, Hays; 7:37 PM; 7:55 PM 
Found/Lost Property--32nd and Vine Roundabout, Hays; 8:01 PM 
Arson—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:18 PM; 8:23
PM 
Driving Under the Influence--100 block W
13th St, Hays; 11:18 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 13 traffic stops Fri., Feb. 5, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Theft
(general)—1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 2/4 1 PM; 4:45 PM 
Welfare Check—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 9:49 AM 
Theft (general)—3600 block Vine St, Hays; &nbsp;12/26/20 8 AM; 10 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 12/27/20 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 12/28/20 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 12/29/20 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 12/30/20 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/8/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/9/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/10/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/11/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/12/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/14/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/15/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/16/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/17/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 2/5/2021 11:08 AM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 2/5/2021 11:08 AM 
Theft of Services--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 2/5/2021 11:08 AM 
Theft of Services--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 2/5/2021 11:10 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--17th &amp; Fort St, Hays; 11:46 AM 
Drug Offenses—800 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:19 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1300 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 1:59 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--100 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:18 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 3:55 PM; 3:57 PM 
Found/Lost Property—600 block E 8th St, Hays; 4:01 PM 
Drug Offenses--700 block E 8th St, Hays; 4:43 PM 
Drug Offenses—1000 block E 15th St, Hays; 5:30 PM 
Civil Dispute—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 7:08 PM 
Theft (general)—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 11:07 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Sat., Feb. 6, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving
Under the Influence--700 block Fort St, Hays; 1:51 AM 
Battery – Domestic—300 block W 16th St, Hays; 3:45 AM 
Mental Health Call—200 block E 5th St, Hays; 5:31 AM 
Disturbance – Genera—500 block E 20th St, Hays; 5:38 AM 
Found/Lost Property—2700 block Hall St, Hays; 10:53 AM 
Mental Health Call—200 block E 5th St, Hays; 12:05 PM 
Civil Dispute—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:13 PM 
Suicidal Subject—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 12:53 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--2000 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 2:49 PM 
Battery – simple—1300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:06 PM 
Battery – Domestic—600 block E 7th St, Hays; 4 PM 
Welfare Check—600 block E 6th St, Hays; 4:54 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 5:21 PM 
Suspicious Activity—2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 8:51 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Sun., Feb. 7, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving
Under the Influence--900 block Ash St, Hays; 12:07 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--600 block Ash St, Hays; 12:46 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--800 block Main St, Hays; 1:55 AM; 3:21 AM 
Disorderly Conduct--700 block Park St, Hays; 2:16 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--300 block &nbsp;W
8th St, Hays; 2:29 AM 
Liquor Offense, sell, furnish, transport--800 block Main St, Hays; 4:30 AM 
Welfare Check--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:57 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—1200 block E 30th St, Hays; 10:29 AM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 10:53 AM 
Mental Health Call—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:33 PM 
Animal At Large—400 block E 19th St, Hays; 2:14 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—100 block W 10th St, Hays; 2:50 PM 
Domestic Disturbance—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 7:28 PM 
Welfare Check—200 block E 5th St, Hays; 9:17 PM 
Civil Dispute—600 block E 15th St, Hays; 9:57 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 6 traffic stops Thu., Feb. 4, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Animal At
Large--5th and Allen St, Hays; 9:56 AM 
Criminal Threat—1000 block Fort St, Hays; 10:25 AM 
Criminal Trespass—500 block E 20th St, Hays; 10:32 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—3300 block Willow Rd, Hays; 11:09 AM 
Animal At Large--1400 block &nbsp;W 45th St,
Hays; 11:11 AM 
Drug Offenses—100 block W 5th St, Hays; 11:37 AM 
Domestic Disturbance—1100 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:09 PM 
Found/Lost Property—300 block W 7th St,
Hays; 3:41 PM 
Civil Dispute—1400 block W 42nd St, Hays;
6:19 PM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—4300 block
Vine St, Hays; 7:37 PM; 7:55 PM 
Found/Lost Property--32nd and Vine Roundabout, Hays; 8:01 PM 
Arson—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:18 PM; 8:23
PM 
Driving Under the Influence--100 block W
13th St, Hays; 11:18 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 13 traffic stops Fri., Feb. 5, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Theft
(general)—1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 2/4 1 PM; 4:45 PM 
Welfare Check—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 9:49 AM 
Theft (general)—3600 block Vine St, Hays; &nbsp;12/26/20 8 AM; 10 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 12/27/20 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 12/28/20 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 12/29/20 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 12/30/20 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/8/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/9/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/10/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/11/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/12/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/14/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/15/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/16/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1/17/21 8 AM; 5 PM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 2/5/2021 11:08 AM 
Theft (general)--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 2/5/2021 11:08 AM 
Theft of Services--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 2/5/2021 11:08 AM 
Theft of Services--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 2/5/2021 11:10 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--17th &amp; Fort St, Hays; 11:46 AM 
Drug Offenses—800 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:19 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1300 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 1:59 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--100 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:18 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 3:55 PM; 3:57 PM 
Found/Lost Property—600 block E 8th St, Hays; 4:01 PM 
Drug Offenses--700 block E 8th St, Hays; 4:43 PM 
Drug Offenses—1000 block E 15th St, Hays; 5:30 PM 
Civil Dispute—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 7:08 PM 
Theft (general)—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 11:07 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Sat., Feb. 6, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence--700 block Fort St, Hays; 1:51 AM 
Battery – Domestic—300 block W 16th St, Hays; 3:45 AM 
Mental Health Call—200 block E 5th St, Hays; 5:31 AM 
Disturbance – Genera—500 block E 20th St, Hays; 5:38 AM 
Found/Lost Property—2700 block Hall St, Hays; 10:53 AM 
Mental Health Call—200 block E 5th St, Hays; 12:05 PM 
Civil Dispute—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:13 PM 
Suicidal Subject—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 12:53 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--2000 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 2:49 PM 
Battery – simple—1300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:06 PM 
Battery – Domestic—600 block E 7th St, Hays; 4 PM 
Welfare Check—600 block E 6th St, Hays; 4:54 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 5:21 PM 
Suspicious Activity—2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 8:51 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Sun., Feb. 7, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence--900 block Ash St, Hays; 12:07 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--600 block Ash St, Hays; 12:46 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--800 block Main St, Hays; 1:55 AM; 3:21 AM 
Disorderly Conduct--700 block Park St, Hays; 2:16 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--300 block &nbsp;W
8th St, Hays; 2:29 AM 
Liquor Offense, sell, furnish, transport--800 block Main St, Hays; 4:30 AM 
Welfare Check--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:57 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—1200 block E 30th St, Hays; 10:29 AM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 10:53 AM 
Mental Health Call—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:33 PM 
Animal At Large—400 block E 19th St, Hays; 2:14 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—100 block W 10th St, Hays; 2:50 PM 
Domestic Disturbance—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 7:28 PM 
Welfare Check—200 block E 5th St, Hays; 9:17 PM 
Civil Dispute—600 block E 15th St, Hays; 9:57 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log, Feb. 4-7

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays Mayor Sandy Jacobs received her first of two Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations during Wednesday's clinic coordinated by the Ellis County Health Department and First Care Clinic of Hays.&nbsp;

Jacobs, and her husband Danny, are both over the age of 65, and both have had mild cases of coronavirus. They are eligible to receive the vaccine in the state's Phase 2 rollout plan targeting people 65 older.

The mayor was impressed with the clinic's efficiency as people stood in line at Big Creek Crossing - six feet apart - to get their shot.&nbsp;

Most of the staffing comes from the health department, First Care Clinic and HaysMed, who are working alongside student nurses from Fort Hays State University and NCK Technical College, and Ellis County EMS.

Employees of the Ellis County Sheriff's Department steer wheelchairs to help those who need it to get inside the storefront from their vehicles.&nbsp; They also make sure patients have their identification and then point them to the start of the line.&nbsp;

Other positions are filled by volunteers from the community.

Local businesses have donated the wheelchairs, internet access and a water cooler.

"It's a well-oiled machine," Jacobs said of the process headquartered in the former Gordmans storefront. "They are doing a wonderful job."&nbsp;

It took "just 5 or 6 minutes" from sign-in to getting the vaccine in her left arm by nurse Mary Ann Shorman, Jacobs noted.

Those who have been inoculated then must be seated in a monitored waiting area for 15 minutes so Ellis County EMS employees can be sure the person has not had an adverse reaction to the newly developed vaccine.

Jacobs was given a reminder card to return for her second shot in 24 or 28 days.

 This was the third week the clinic has operated. 

No one is being charged for the vaccines, according to Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy.

"We put this&nbsp;community coalition together to get vaccines out the door as fast as possible," he said. "This vaccine is so valuable and important in our community moving forward."

"Once we receive vaccines, people are scheduled, they come here. It's about 20 to 25 minutes for the entire process. They're in. They're out.&nbsp; And we're able to get a large part of the community vaccinated in a short amount of town."

The vaccines come from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to the state of Kansas, to Ellis County, so far in lots of just 400 or 500 at a time.

Kennedy wants more vaccines - lots more - but he has no control over the acquisition.

He got an email from the state saying another 400 doses will arrive next week.

"I don't get to change that number. I can't make it bigger."

The vaccinations have been given on Wednesdays, approximately 24 hours after they arrive in Hays. If, and when allocations increase, Kennedy says the clinic hours will expand.

Frontline healthcare workers, first responders, and long-term care residents and staff received the COVID-19 vaccine during Phase 1.

Some vaccines are now being sent by the CDC to private pharmacies in Kansas, including the Hays Walmart. Those federal programs are separate from the local clinic, with a different sign up process and potential costs.

"We encourage you to go get the vaccine wherever you can, as soon as you can," Kennedy said.

People can put their names on the Ellis County clinic list now, even as they await Phases 3 and 4.

You can sign up online on the Ellis County website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/704/COVID-19-Information">https://www.ellisco.net/704/COVID-19-Information</a>&nbsp;or call the health department at&nbsp;785-628-9440 for assistance. First Care Clinic is also taking names by calling 785-621-4990. The Hays Public Library is offering its internet service for signing up to people without internet access.

Kennedy was named the Ellis County Health Officer in January 2020. COVID-19 spread to Kansas just three months later.&nbsp;

Kennedy had to hit the ground running. The pandemic was unexpected, but actually part of his job description, he says.&nbsp;

"This is historically one of the primary functions of the health department to deal with situations like this. It's been on-job-training for having to work with a constantly moving environment. I'm glad I've been able to be an advocate for the community and be there to help the community through this."&nbsp;

Although some people refuse to be vaccinated or wear masks, Kennedy says the "community has been very supportive of the health department" and describes the community COVID coalition as "phenomenal."

Jacobs has stayed focused on information from the local medical community, including KU Medical Center, about the vaccine's efficacy.

She's encouraging all Ellis County residents to sign-up for the vaccine, even as a <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">face mask mandate</a> remains in place for the city of Hays.

"We still want people to wear a mask, to wash their hands, really avoid big gatherings, and to social distance," Jacobs stressed.&nbsp;

"If we can get everybody in Hays and Ellis County vaccinated, our community opens up that much quicker."

The Ellis County Health Department in <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b46cbb49-d2fb-4601-9359-c7ff2fc2e696">Wednesday's case update</a> reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained flat at eight. Twenty-six new cases were identified.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613002723310.jpeg" alt="Hays Mayor Sandy Jacobs receives her first COVID-19 vaccine from nurse Mary Ann Shorman during Wednesday's Ellis County COVID clinic. This was the third week for clinic which is providing free vaccines for people currently eligible under Phase 2 of Gov. Laura Kelly's Kansas rollout plan." />
 <figcaption>Hays Mayor Sandy Jacobs receives her first COVID-19 vaccine from nurse Mary Ann Shorman during Wednesday's Ellis County COVID clinic. This was the third week for clinic which is providing free vaccines for people currently eligible under Phase 2 of Gov. Laura Kelly's Kansas rollout plan.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays Mayor Sandy Jacobs received her first of two Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations during Wednesday's clinic coordinated by the Ellis County Health Department and First Care Clinic of Hays.&nbsp;Jacobs, and her husband Danny, are both over the age of 65, and both have had mild cases of coronavirus. They are eligible to receive the vaccine in the state's Phase 2 rollout plan targeting people 65 older.The mayor was impressed with the clinic's efficiency as people stood in line at Big Creek Crossing - six feet apart - to get their shot.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613089932941.jpeg" alt="Dr. Christine Fisher, First Care Clinic medical director, draws up a COVID-19 Moderna vaccine." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Christine Fisher, First Care Clinic medical director, draws up a COVID-19 Moderna vaccine.</figcaption>
 </figure>Most of the staffing comes from the health department, First Care Clinic and HaysMed, who are working alongside student nurses from Fort Hays State University and NCK Technical College, and Ellis County EMS.Employees of the Ellis County Sheriff's Department steer wheelchairs to help those who need it to get inside the storefront from their vehicles.&nbsp; They also make sure patients have their identification and then point them to the start of the line.&nbsp;Other positions are filled by volunteers from the community.Local businesses have donated the wheelchairs, internet access and a water cooler."It's a well-oiled machine," Jacobs said of the process headquartered in the former Gordmans storefront. "They are doing a wonderful job."&nbsp;It took "just 5 or 6 minutes" from sign-in to getting the vaccine in her left arm by nurse Mary Ann Shorman, Jacobs noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613094183295.jpeg" alt="Patients are monitored for 15 minutes by Ellis County EMS after they receive their inoculation. Each person is given a pre-set timer to hold. The timers and chairs are wiped down as people leave.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Patients are monitored for 15 minutes by Ellis County EMS after they receive their inoculation. Each person is given a pre-set timer to hold. The timers and chairs are wiped down as people leave.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Those who have been inoculated then must be seated in a monitored waiting area for 15 minutes so Ellis County EMS employees can be sure the person has not had an adverse reaction to the newly developed vaccine.Jacobs was given a reminder card to return for her second shot in 24 or 28 days.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ihB2uZPm7A"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> This was the third week the clinic has operated. No one is being charged for the vaccines, according to Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy."We put this&nbsp;community coalition together to get vaccines out the door as fast as possible," he said. "This vaccine is so valuable and important in our community moving forward.""Once we receive vaccines, people are scheduled, they come here. It's about 20 to 25 minutes for the entire process. They're in. They're out.&nbsp; And we're able to get a large part of the community vaccinated in a short amount of town."The vaccines come from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to the state of Kansas, to Ellis County, so far in lots of just 400 or 500 at a time.Kennedy wants more vaccines - lots more - but he has no control over the acquisition.He got an email from the state saying another 400 doses will arrive next week."I don't get to change that number. I can't make it bigger."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613094632932.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy says the county is currently receiving allocations of Moderna coronavirus vaccines at a rate of 400 or 500 a week which are distributed within about 24 hours to patients.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy says the county is currently receiving allocations of Moderna coronavirus vaccines at a rate of 400 or 500 a week which are distributed within about 24 hours to patients.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The vaccinations have been given on Wednesdays, approximately 24 hours after they arrive in Hays. If, and when allocations increase, Kennedy says the clinic hours will expand.Frontline healthcare workers, first responders, and long-term care residents and staff received the COVID-19 vaccine during Phase 1.Some vaccines are now being sent by the CDC to private pharmacies in Kansas, including the Hays Walmart. Those federal programs are separate from the local clinic, with a different sign up process and potential costs."We encourage you to go get the vaccine wherever you can, as soon as you can," Kennedy said.People can put their names on the Ellis County clinic list now, even as they await Phases 3 and 4.You can sign up online on the Ellis County website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/704/COVID-19-Information">https://www.ellisco.net/704/COVID-19-Information</a>&nbsp;or call the health department at&nbsp;785-628-9440 for assistance. First Care Clinic is also taking names by calling 785-621-4990. The Hays Public Library is offering its internet service for signing up to people without internet access.Kennedy was named the Ellis County Health Officer in January 2020. COVID-19 spread to Kansas just three months later.&nbsp;Kennedy had to hit the ground running. The pandemic was unexpected, but actually part of his job description, he says.&nbsp;"This is historically one of the primary functions of the health department to deal with situations like this. It's been on-job-training for having to work with a constantly moving environment. I'm glad I've been able to be an advocate for the community and be there to help the community through this."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613094392023.jpeg" alt="Phase 2 patients enter the Ellis County Community Coalition COVID Clinic Wednesday afternoon at Big Creek Crossing in Hays." />
 <figcaption>Phase 2 patients enter the Ellis County Community Coalition COVID Clinic Wednesday afternoon at Big Creek Crossing in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>Although some people refuse to be vaccinated or wear masks, Kennedy says the "community has been very supportive of the health department" and describes the community COVID coalition as "phenomenal."Jacobs has stayed focused on information from the local medical community, including KU Medical Center, about the vaccine's efficacy.She's encouraging all Ellis County residents to sign-up for the vaccine, even as a <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">face mask mandate</a> remains in place for the city of Hays."We still want people to wear a mask, to wash their hands, really avoid big gatherings, and to social distance," Jacobs stressed.&nbsp;"If we can get everybody in Hays and Ellis County vaccinated, our community opens up that much quicker."The Ellis County Health Department in <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b46cbb49-d2fb-4601-9359-c7ff2fc2e696">Wednesday's case update</a> reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained flat at eight. Twenty-six new cases were identified.

🎥 Mayor gets her first COVID vaccine, encourages residents to sign up

FHSU Online — the distance education arm of Fort Hays State University — continues to meet the strict requirements of membership in the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). The association recently announced that Fort Hays State had earned certification for a period to run through 2021.

The USDLA is a nonprofit distance learning association whose work focuses on supporting distance learning research, development, and praxis across the complete arena of education, training, and communications.

In the fall of 2019, FHSU met the exhaustive, 120-standard assessment process for membership in USDLA and became one of only six USDLA-certified institutions in the world during 2020. Qualities that make USDLA membership so exclusive are a thorough annual review&nbsp;that requires extensive reporting on all areas of online education at the university.

“Membership in the USDLA shows that FHSU’s online programs go beyond their many accreditations to satisfy more than 100 additional standards and benchmarks,” said Dr. Greg Atkins, interim assistant director of FHSU Online. “Only a few dozen institutions in the world meet such stringent requirements. What a testimony to the caliber of dedication and skill of FHSU’s Online faculty, students, staff and alumni.”

Fort Hays State, founded in 1902, entered into distance education in 1911 when faculty voted to offer courses free by mail so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to pursue the continuing education required to teach. The distance education department created then evolved continuously with changing technology and culture. In 1997, the Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College, which was renamed FHSU Online in 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612976284816.jpeg" alt="Hammond Hall" />
 <figcaption>Hammond Hall</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFHSU Online — the distance education arm of Fort Hays State University — continues to meet the strict requirements of membership in the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). The association recently announced that Fort Hays State had earned certification for a period to run through 2021.The USDLA is a nonprofit distance learning association whose work focuses on supporting distance learning research, development, and praxis across the complete arena of education, training, and communications.In the fall of 2019, FHSU met the exhaustive, 120-standard assessment process for membership in USDLA and became one of only six USDLA-certified institutions in the world during 2020. Qualities that make USDLA membership so exclusive are a thorough annual review&nbsp;that requires extensive reporting on all areas of online education at the university.“Membership in the USDLA shows that FHSU’s online programs go beyond their many accreditations to satisfy more than 100 additional standards and benchmarks,” said Dr. Greg Atkins, interim assistant director of FHSU Online. “Only a few dozen institutions in the world meet such stringent requirements. What a testimony to the caliber of dedication and skill of FHSU’s Online faculty, students, staff and alumni.”<h2>About FHSU Online</h2>Fort Hays State, founded in 1902, entered into distance education in 1911 when faculty voted to offer courses free by mail so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to pursue the continuing education required to teach. The distance education department created then evolved continuously with changing technology and culture. In 1997, the Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College, which was renamed FHSU Online in 2020.

FHSU one of only 6 USDLA-certified institutions worldwide

Pedro Flores, RN, ICU nurse, was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.

This award is presented to an RN in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people. Flores was nominated by a one of his patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Flores&nbsp;was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of Staff and Supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed.&nbsp; Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient and clinic settings.&nbsp;

“We are proud to be among the hospital systems participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides another way for us to do that.”

The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to&nbsp;<a href="file://hmcfile_svnt/docs/Nursing/Nursing%20Services/Daisy%20Award/Brochures/www.haysmed.com/daisyaward">www.haysmed.com/daisyaward</a>.&nbsp;For more information, call (785) 623-2388.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613068154230.jpeg" alt="Flores" />
 <figcaption>Flores</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedPedro Flores, RN, ICU nurse, was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.This award is presented to an RN in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people. Flores was nominated by a one of his patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;Flores&nbsp;was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of Staff and Supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed.&nbsp; Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient and clinic settings.&nbsp;“We are proud to be among the hospital systems participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides another way for us to do that.”The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp;To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to&nbsp;<a href="file://hmcfile_svnt/docs/Nursing/Nursing%20Services/Daisy%20Award/Brochures/www.haysmed.com/daisyaward">www.haysmed.com/daisyaward</a>.&nbsp;For more information, call (785) 623-2388.

HaysMed nurse recognized with Daisy Award

YODER — Twenty-eight new law enforcement officers, including one in Ellis County, graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on Feb. 5 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.

Shannon Kratt of the Augusta Department of Public Safety was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was the sheriff for Wyandotte County, Donald Ash. Steve McCorkill, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 273rd Basic Training Class. Jarin Watkins from the Coffeyville Police Department was recognized for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot.”

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of the University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in September 2020, represented 17 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:

• Shannon Kratt, Augusta Department of Public Safety

• Amanda Cole, Augusta Department of Public Safety

• Michael Wigart, Augusta Department of Public Safety

• Arlo Leuke, Columbus Police Department

• Cory Johnson, Cowley County Sheriff’s Office

• Esther Law, Arkansas City Police Department

• Spencer Warren, Arkansas City Police Department

• William Wollard, Winfield Police Department

• Brennon Marcotte, Winfield Police Department

• Braden Parke, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office

• Adam Granatowski, Dodge City Police Department

• William Bishop, Harper County Sheriff’s Office

• Brad Crochet, Newton Police Department

• Michael Tedder, Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office

• Austin Watts, Marysville Police Department

• Bryant Jones, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office

• Robert McAnany, Miami County Sheriff’s Office

• Dallas Onions, Miami County Sheriff’s Office

• Tristan Geiger Osawatomie Department of Public Safety

• Jarin Watkins, Coffeyville Police Department

• Chance March, Coffeyville Police Department

• Kalen Ingalsbe, Saline County Sheriff's Office

• Alycia Buchanan, Saline County Sheriff's Office

• Luis Garcia, Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office

• Amber Freeman, Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office

• Jared McGrew, Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office

• Michael Morse, Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office

• Brian Warczkoski, Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444921352.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KLETCYODER — Twenty-eight new law enforcement officers, including one in Ellis County, graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on Feb. 5 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.Shannon Kratt of the Augusta Department of Public Safety was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was the sheriff for Wyandotte County, Donald Ash. Steve McCorkill, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 273rd Basic Training Class. Jarin Watkins from the Coffeyville Police Department was recognized for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot.”Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of the University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in September 2020, represented 17 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:Butler• Shannon Kratt, Augusta Department of Public Safety• Amanda Cole, Augusta Department of Public Safety• Michael Wigart, Augusta Department of Public SafetyCherokee• Arlo Leuke, Columbus Police DepartmentCowley• Cory Johnson, Cowley County Sheriff’s Office• Esther Law, Arkansas City Police Department• Spencer Warren, Arkansas City Police Department• William Wollard, Winfield Police Department• Brennon Marcotte, Winfield Police DepartmentEllis• Braden Parke, Ellis County Sheriff’s OfficeFord• Adam Granatowski, Dodge City Police DepartmentHarper• William Bishop, Harper County Sheriff’s OfficeHarvey• Brad Crochet, Newton Police DepartmentKiowa• Michael Tedder, Kiowa County Sheriff’s OfficeMarshall• Austin Watts, Marysville Police Department• Bryant Jones, Marshall County Sheriff’s OfficeMiami• Robert McAnany, Miami County Sheriff’s Office• Dallas Onions, Miami County Sheriff’s Office• Tristan Geiger Osawatomie Department of Public SafetyMontgomery• Jarin Watkins, Coffeyville Police Department• Chance March, Coffeyville Police DepartmentSaline• Kalen Ingalsbe, Saline County Sheriff's Office• Alycia Buchanan, Saline County Sheriff's OfficeWyandotte• Luis Garcia, Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office• Amber Freeman, Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office• Jared McGrew, Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office• Michael Morse, Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office• Brian Warczkoski, Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office.

Ellis County Sheriff's officer graduates from KLETC

Rural Hospital Innovation Grant Fund

On Wednesday, February 10, the House Appropriations Committee conducted a hearing on House Bill 2174 which would establish the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant Program with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).&nbsp; All counties would be able to participate in this particular grant program with the exception of Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte county.&nbsp;

The bill creates the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant Fund with KDHE and, if passed, effective July 1, 2021 there will be a transfer from the state general fund to the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant Fund.&nbsp; This particular fund would be in place and would expire on June 30, 2025 and any monies in the fund at that time would transfer back to the state general fund.

The balance of the fund would be generated from every $1 of state funds that could be awarded, a $2 match must be provided from private stakeholders.&nbsp; The private stakeholders may specify a certain county to receive a grant using the private stakeholder’s contribution.

Assuming sufficient private stakeholder funds are raised under this contribution model, a maximum of $30 million would be available under this bill for the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant Fund, $10 million from the state of Kansas and $20 million from private contributions.

We have not scheduled a time to work this bill at this time, although this would greatly benefit our rural hospitals throughout the state of Kansas.

This week the House Appropriations Committee continued the discussion for the state budget for fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023.&nbsp; We continued the discussion with over twenty budget recommendations to be included in the state of Kansas budget.&nbsp; The budget outlook is much better than what we had anticipated when the revenue estimates were revised in November.&nbsp; This will allow us to formulate a balanced budget and will not have to rely on the creative accounting methods that the Governor had proposed in her budget.&nbsp; We also had an update on the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Plan (IKE) that passed last legislative session. The Secretary of Transportation noted in her remarks that IKE is identifying new transportation projects throughout the state and completing the delayed projects for the last ten-year transportation program; TWORKS.

<a></a><a>On Wednesday, February 10, the Kansas House of Representatives debated and voted on eleven bills, passing all of those bills to the Kansas State Senate.</a>

One of those bills that we debated and voted on is House Bill 2030, which extends the terminal medical release to inmates in custody of the Department of Corrections with a health condition likely to cause death within 120 days.&nbsp; This bill passed the House with a vote of 94-29 and I voted, “no.”

Another bill is House Bill 2081.&nbsp; It would allow a court to direct a person convicted of a crime committed while on release for a felony to serve the sentence concurrently or consecutively.&nbsp; Under current law, the sentence is served consecutively.&nbsp; This bill passed the House, 69-56, and, again, I voted “no.”&nbsp;

On Thursday, we held debate on nine additional bills.&nbsp; The first bill was Senate Bill 15 and it would establish the Kansas Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program.&nbsp; The bill also amends requirements on state-chartered credit unions to increase the geographic area for a credit union’s membership.&nbsp; The bill also allows national banking associations, state banks, trust companies, and savings and loan associations to deduct from the net interest income received from qualified agricultural real estate and single-family residence loans to the extent that the interest is included in the Kansas taxable income of the corporation.&nbsp; The bill passed and I voted, “yes.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov" target="_blank">troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp; Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions.&nbsp; I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the 1<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/s/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_109.pdf">09th Kansas House District</a> state representative and chairman of the Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577788173848.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th District" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th District</figcaption>
 </figure>February 12, 2021Rural Hospital Innovation Grant FundOn Wednesday, February 10, the House Appropriations Committee conducted a hearing on House Bill 2174 which would establish the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant Program with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).&nbsp; All counties would be able to participate in this particular grant program with the exception of Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte county.&nbsp;The bill creates the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant Fund with KDHE and, if passed, effective July 1, 2021 there will be a transfer from the state general fund to the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant Fund.&nbsp; This particular fund would be in place and would expire on June 30, 2025 and any monies in the fund at that time would transfer back to the state general fund.The balance of the fund would be generated from every $1 of state funds that could be awarded, a $2 match must be provided from private stakeholders.&nbsp; The private stakeholders may specify a certain county to receive a grant using the private stakeholder’s contribution.Assuming sufficient private stakeholder funds are raised under this contribution model, a maximum of $30 million would be available under this bill for the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant Fund, $10 million from the state of Kansas and $20 million from private contributions.We have not scheduled a time to work this bill at this time, although this would greatly benefit our rural hospitals throughout the state of Kansas.Appropriations CommitteeThis week the House Appropriations Committee continued the discussion for the state budget for fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023.&nbsp; We continued the discussion with over twenty budget recommendations to be included in the state of Kansas budget.&nbsp; The budget outlook is much better than what we had anticipated when the revenue estimates were revised in November.&nbsp; This will allow us to formulate a balanced budget and will not have to rely on the creative accounting methods that the Governor had proposed in her budget.&nbsp; We also had an update on the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Plan (IKE) that passed last legislative session. The Secretary of Transportation noted in her remarks that IKE is identifying new transportation projects throughout the state and completing the delayed projects for the last ten-year transportation program; TWORKS.Bills Passed the House<a></a><a>On Wednesday, February 10, the Kansas House of Representatives debated and voted on eleven bills, passing all of those bills to the Kansas State Senate.</a>One of those bills that we debated and voted on is House Bill 2030, which extends the terminal medical release to inmates in custody of the Department of Corrections with a health condition likely to cause death within 120 days.&nbsp; This bill passed the House with a vote of 94-29 and I voted, “no.”Another bill is House Bill 2081.&nbsp; It would allow a court to direct a person convicted of a crime committed while on release for a felony to serve the sentence concurrently or consecutively.&nbsp; Under current law, the sentence is served consecutively.&nbsp; This bill passed the House, 69-56, and, again, I voted “no.”&nbsp;On Thursday, we held debate on nine additional bills.&nbsp; The first bill was Senate Bill 15 and it would establish the Kansas Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program.&nbsp; The bill also amends requirements on state-chartered credit unions to increase the geographic area for a credit union’s membership.&nbsp; The bill also allows national banking associations, state banks, trust companies, and savings and loan associations to deduct from the net interest income received from qualified agricultural real estate and single-family residence loans to the extent that the interest is included in the Kansas taxable income of the corporation.&nbsp; The bill passed and I voted, “yes.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contact InformationAnytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov" target="_blank">troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp; Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions.&nbsp; I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the 1<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/s/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_109.pdf">09th Kansas House District</a> state representative and chairman of the Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Feb. 12

Three-day weather outlook

Last week, I shared the importance of putting more plants on your plate as you work toward improving heart health. Hopefully my advice to eat more nutrient dense food that has not been highly processed with added sugar or fat has encouraged you to pay attention to what you eat. Today I want to focus on another component of heart health; exercise. A benefit of an active life is a healthier heart. Your heart is a muscle and it gets stronger with exercise, just like any other muscle. It is never too late to start exercising and reaping the benefits.

An article from a past Walk Kansas newsletter titled, “Sitting is the New Smoking” really makes you stop and think. Most of us live and work in a sedentary culture and studies show that sitting too much is taking a toll on our health. A study by Dr. James Levine, director of the May Clinic – Arizona State University, has been studying the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle for years. and sums up his findings in this way. “Sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV and is more treacherous than parachuting. We are sitting ourselves to death.”

Many other researchers agree with Dr. Levine, and continue to find the evidence that prolonged sitting increases the risk of developing serious illnesses that include heart disease, various types of cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.

It appears that the impact of movement, even leisurely movement, is profound. In addition to burning more calories when you move, the muscle activity needed for standing and other movement seems to trigger the process where the body breaks down fats and sugars. When you sit, these processes stall and your health risks increase.

Take a moment to analyze your typical day. How much time do you spend sitting? Think about time spent at the computer, watching TV, and driving or riding in a vehicle. Also consider time you sit enjoying hobbies, such as sewing, knitting, crafting, watching a ballgame or reading. So, how can we sit less and move more? Here are some tips:

Hopefully you are finding an indoor place to exercise during this extremely cold weather. Be safe and get moving. And have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension, Cottonwood District. " />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension, Cottonwood District. </figcaption>
 </figure>Last week, I shared the importance of putting more plants on your plate as you work toward improving heart health. Hopefully my advice to eat more nutrient dense food that has not been highly processed with added sugar or fat has encouraged you to pay attention to what you eat. Today I want to focus on another component of heart health; exercise. A benefit of an active life is a healthier heart. Your heart is a muscle and it gets stronger with exercise, just like any other muscle. It is never too late to start exercising and reaping the benefits.An article from a past Walk Kansas newsletter titled, “Sitting is the New Smoking” really makes you stop and think. Most of us live and work in a sedentary culture and studies show that sitting too much is taking a toll on our health. A study by Dr. James Levine, director of the May Clinic – Arizona State University, has been studying the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle for years. and sums up his findings in this way. “Sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV and is more treacherous than parachuting. We are sitting ourselves to death.”Many other researchers agree with Dr. Levine, and continue to find the evidence that prolonged sitting increases the risk of developing serious illnesses that include heart disease, various types of cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.It appears that the impact of movement, even leisurely movement, is profound. In addition to burning more calories when you move, the muscle activity needed for standing and other movement seems to trigger the process where the body breaks down fats and sugars. When you sit, these processes stall and your health risks increase.Take a moment to analyze your typical day. How much time do you spend sitting? Think about time spent at the computer, watching TV, and driving or riding in a vehicle. Also consider time you sit enjoying hobbies, such as sewing, knitting, crafting, watching a ballgame or reading. So, how can we sit less and move more? Here are some tips:<ul>
 <li>Stand while you talk on the phone and when reading the mail.&nbsp;</li><li>Stand during webinars and Zoom meetings.</li><li>Use a standing desk for office work and other desk activities.</li><li>Put the remote control next to the TV instead of next to you and stand up during commercial breaks.</li><li>Walk to visit a neighbor instead of calling them.</li><li>Take meetings out of the conference room – talk while you walk.</li><li>Move the printer away from your desk so you need to stand and walk to retrieve copies.</li><li>For every 30 minutes you sit, stand for 5 minutes. Set an alarm to remind you, or at the very minimum move every 60 minutes.</li><li>Stand often while you watch a live sports event – get up and cheer for your team!</li>
 </ul>Hopefully you are finding an indoor place to exercise during this extremely cold weather. Be safe and get moving. And have a Happy Valentine’s Day!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Heart health advice continued

HILL CITY — Paradise Roots Pharmacy in Hill City received COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday.

"We are a small pharmacy, but we will be vaccinating over 100 patients in the next week," Kylee Shae, owner, said ... "Graham County patients, Rooks County patients, Ellis County patients, Ellis school staff members and many others as soon as we can get them scheduled." She added via email, "We are small, but our waitlist is smaller and our ability to get people vaccinations is not hindered by our location or size."

The pharmacy will be giving vaccinations to those people who qualify in phase one or two of the vaccination rollout.

To schedule an appointment, call the pharmacy at&nbsp;785-421-5632 or&nbsp;785-421-5751. Patients can also text 785-675-0509 or email them at paradiserootspharmacy@gmail.com.

SubmittedHILL CITY — Paradise Roots Pharmacy in Hill City received COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday."We are a small pharmacy, but we will be vaccinating over 100 patients in the next week," Kylee Shae, owner, said ... "Graham County patients, Rooks County patients, Ellis County patients, Ellis school staff members and many others as soon as we can get them scheduled." She added via email, "We are small, but our waitlist is smaller and our ability to get people vaccinations is not hindered by our location or size."The pharmacy will be giving vaccinations to those people who qualify in phase one or two of the vaccination rollout.To schedule an appointment, call the pharmacy at&nbsp;785-421-5632 or&nbsp;785-421-5751. Patients can also text 785-675-0509 or email them at paradiserootspharmacy@gmail.com.

Paradise Roots Pharmacy receives COVID vaccines

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Tuesday results of testing revealed no spread in a COVID-19 variant identified in the Ellis County last week, but the county is still not in the clear.

Dr. Lee Norman,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KDHEnews/?__tn__=kK-R">Kansas Department of Health and Environment</a>&nbsp;secretary, was on the University of Kansas Medical Center morning media update Tuesday and discussed the COVID-19 variant that was found in Ellis County.

Norman said health care professionals knew it was only a matter of time before one of the COVID-19 variants was identified in the state.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8bd6c354-592d-47f0-97e9-a5e103f3988d">Last week, the B117 variant, the United Kingdom variant, was discovered during routine testing in a Fort Hays University student athlete.</a>

The state came to Hays at the end of last week with one of its brand-new mobile testing laboratories and a "strike team" to test about 200 people.

Scott Cason, FHSU's chief communications officer, clarified Thursday afternoon that those 200 included people from FHSU and the public — very few of whom were close contacts of the student-athlete. CLARIFIED, 3:20 p.m. Thursday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1a46ce0f-0f53-4b97-bfb3-93c2d719fb92">Only one person in the 200 tested positive for COVID-19. That test was sequenced at the state lab and was determined not to be related to the variant.</a>

Wastewater testing for COVID-19 is being done statewide. Norman said there was an uptick in the presence of the virus in the wastewater in Ellis County during the week prior to the variant being found.

"On balance, I think everything came out pretty well, but there is a long period of time until we breathe a sigh of relief in this particular county," Norman said.

The state has doubled its capacity for genomic testing, analyzing about 350 samples from all over the state every week for the presence of COVID-19 variants.

Norman said statewide the numbers of new COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths are coming down.

"We still have our hands full, but the vaccine is rolling out, and I think in a very good way," Norman said.

Norman said 82 percent of residents in skilled nursing facilities have had at least received their first doses. Those clinics will continue through March as the residents receive their second doses.

Norman encouraged Kansas residents to go to the Kansas Department of Health website to the <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Find My Vaccine </a>webpage to locate a vaccination site.&nbsp;

<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccination in Ellis County.

However, he said right now the state has more sites than it has vaccines.

Norman said he anticipated the vaccination rate will jump as more vaccinations are approved for use, especially the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which only requires one dose.

An audience member asked if the state will be getting back to "normal" anytime soon to an environment in which community festivals and weddings can be celebrated.

Norman said the state needs about five times more vaccine than it is currently receiving to do that any time soon.

The state is administering about 80,000 doses a week, but has about 1.7 million people who need the vaccine, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613068307675.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman speaks on the Kansas University Health System morning media update on Tuesday about the COVID-19 variant found in a student athlete at Fort Hays State University." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman speaks on the Kansas University Health System morning media update on Tuesday about the COVID-19 variant found in a student athlete at Fort Hays State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Tuesday results of testing revealed no spread in a COVID-19 variant identified in the Ellis County last week, but the county is still not in the clear.Dr. Lee Norman,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KDHEnews/?__tn__=kK-R">Kansas Department of Health and Environment</a>&nbsp;secretary, was on the University of Kansas Medical Center morning media update Tuesday and discussed the COVID-19 variant that was found in Ellis County.Norman said health care professionals knew it was only a matter of time before one of the COVID-19 variants was identified in the state.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8bd6c354-592d-47f0-97e9-a5e103f3988d">Last week, the B117 variant, the United Kingdom variant, was discovered during routine testing in a Fort Hays University student athlete.</a>The state came to Hays at the end of last week with one of its brand-new mobile testing laboratories and a "strike team" to test about 200 people.Scott Cason, FHSU's chief communications officer, clarified Thursday afternoon that those 200 included people from FHSU and the public — very few of whom were close contacts of the student-athlete. CLARIFIED, 3:20 p.m. Thursday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1a46ce0f-0f53-4b97-bfb3-93c2d719fb92">Only one person in the 200 tested positive for COVID-19. That test was sequenced at the state lab and was determined not to be related to the variant.</a>Wastewater testing for COVID-19 is being done statewide. Norman said there was an uptick in the presence of the virus in the wastewater in Ellis County during the week prior to the variant being found."On balance, I think everything came out pretty well, but there is a long period of time until we breathe a sigh of relief in this particular county," Norman said.The state has doubled its capacity for genomic testing, analyzing about 350 samples from all over the state every week for the presence of COVID-19 variants.<h2>Vaccine rollout</h2>Norman said statewide the numbers of new COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths are coming down."We still have our hands full, but the vaccine is rolling out, and I think in a very good way," Norman said.Norman said 82 percent of residents in skilled nursing facilities have had at least received their first doses. Those clinics will continue through March as the residents receive their second doses.Norman encouraged Kansas residents to go to the Kansas Department of Health website to the <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Find My Vaccine </a>webpage to locate a vaccination site.&nbsp;<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccination in Ellis County.However, he said right now the state has more sites than it has vaccines.Norman said he anticipated the vaccination rate will jump as more vaccinations are approved for use, especially the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which only requires one dose.An audience member asked if the state will be getting back to "normal" anytime soon to an environment in which community festivals and weddings can be celebrated.Norman said the state needs about five times more vaccine than it is currently receiving to do that any time soon.The state is administering about 80,000 doses a week, but has about 1.7 million people who need the vaccine, he said.

Norman: Ellis Co. can't 'breathe sigh of relief' yet after COVID variant ID'd

The Ellis County Health Department in Wednesday's case update reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained flat at eight.

<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1a46ce0f-0f53-4b97-bfb3-93c2d719fb92">RELATED:&nbsp;196 tests, just one additional unrelated positive ID'd after emergency testing</a>

There were 26 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 101 active cases, including five active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,477 recovered cases.

As of Wednesday, there were 19 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 20 on Tuesday, with nine of those active patients and 10 in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 9.4 percent on Monday to 7.2 percent on Wednesday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,578 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including&nbsp;67 coronavirus-related deaths.

NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so KDHE figures might not necessarily correspond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612980476919.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department in Wednesday's case update reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained flat at eight.<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1a46ce0f-0f53-4b97-bfb3-93c2d719fb92">RELATED:&nbsp;196 tests, just one additional unrelated positive ID'd after emergency testing</a>There were 26 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 101 active cases, including five active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,477 recovered cases.As of Wednesday, there were 19 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 20 on Tuesday, with nine of those active patients and 10 in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 9.4 percent on Monday to 7.2 percent on Wednesday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,578 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including&nbsp;67 coronavirus-related deaths.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so KDHE figures might not necessarily correspond.

Per-day virus rate flat in Ellis Co.; 26 new cases identifed

<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>

<div><iframe title="FHSU career services helps alumni connect with employers" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/5d9rc-fa69bd?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></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: FHSU career services helps alumni connect with employers

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/how-search-water-pitting-farmers-against-cities-western-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>

KINSLEY — In the late 1980s, drought left 
the wells that supply water to the city of Hays and Russell in western 
Kansas precariously low. The near-catastrophe sent city leaders on the 
hunt for more water.

“We were just trying to survive from one year to the next,” former Hays mayor and city councilman Eber Phelps said.

The cities researched their options, including looking into purchasing water from several nearby reservoirs.

But ultimately in 1995, they <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change-and-water-transfer" target="_blank">bought the </a><a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change-and-water-transfer" target="_blank">R9 Ranch </a><a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change-and-water-transfer" target="_blank">in Edwards County</a> about 70 miles south of Hays.

It
 looked like foresight. The two cities had locked in water rights that 
would allow them to grow in a relatively parched part of the world. It 
may yet prove to be just that — if years of fighting with the farming 
neighbors of the R9 end in a win.

Standing atop one of the sandy hills on the property, <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/directory.aspx?eid=6" target="_blank">Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty</a>
 pointed to the fading circle outlines of irrigated crop fields and 
explained how those fields are now being turned into native prairie.

“The
 most important aspect of this property wasn’t the 6,800 acres that was 
purchased by Hays and Russell,” he said. “It was the nearly 8,000 acre 
feet of water rights that came with it.”

For decades, the ranch 
remained an unused investment in water. But after several years of 
drought in the early 2010s, city leaders decided to cash in.

“We 
have pushed our existing sources to the max,” Dougherty said. “We don’t 
have a lot of years left for them to be considered viable.”

In 2015, <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/HaysRussellTransfer" target="_blank">the cities moved to change the water use permit</a> tied to the ranch from irrigation to municipal use and get permission to pump the water across the state.

“This is a problem across the West that we know as ‘buy and dry,’ ” said <a href="https://washburnlaw.edu/profiles/griggs-burke.html" target="_blank">Burke Griggs</a>,
 a water lawyer and law professor at Washburn University. “You purchase 
the water right, you sever the water right from the land, and you dry 
that land up.”

He said the movement of water from rural areas to cities has been a <a href="https://www.watereducation.org/topic-water-transfers" target="_blank">longstanding drama in the West</a>. It’s the source of lawsuits and deep resentments.

It’s usually legal, if nearly always controversial.

“Rural
 communities depend upon the added value of irrigation,” he said. “In 
western Kansas, an irrigated acre is worth two to three times what a 
dryland acre is.”

In Kansas, transfering water can be as simple as filing an application.

“What’s
 really important when we convert irrigation to any other beneficial 
use, is we apply a consumptive use factor,” Lane Letourneau with the 
Kansas Division of Water Resources said.

That “consumptive use 
factor” means that when someone uses water for irrigation, not all of it
 is used, or consumed, by crops. Some soaks back into the ground. But 
when you ship the water away — say, that 70 miles to Hays — none of it 
will return to the local system.

To make sure that kind of change doesn’t dry up the neighbors, the state limits how much can be pumped away.

In the R9 Ranch case, that’s the conflict.

The
 state’s consumptive use calculation found that the city would need to 
leave about 15 percent of its water on the ranch. But the state asked 
the two cities to leave behind even more to make sure the supply would 
still be going strong in 50 years.

The two cities eventually agreed to a 30% reduction in their water 
rights. Dougherty, the Hays city manager, said if they had been any 
other kind of business, the state would have applied the formula, they 
would have accepted it and everybody would have walked away without 
another word.

“Hays went over and above when they agreed to these numbers,” Letourneau said.

But even agreeing to the increased reduction wasn’t enough for some of the ranch’s neighbors.

Led by a group known as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WaterPACK1/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">Water </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WaterPACK1/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">PACK</a>,
 that advocates for the water rights of farmers in central Kansas, the 
R9’s neighbors challenged the state’s order in court. It contends the 
state is still letting the cities pump away too much water.

“There
 is a number out there that is sustainable that would meet the needs of 
both parties,” said Water PACK President Kent Moore.

The group 
has been following the issue since shortly after Hays and Russell 
applied for the water use change in 2015. Moore said the group 
participated in the public information meetings and <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/dwr-water-appropriation-documents/waterpack_kent_moore_haysr9comment_20180716.pdf?sfvrsn=805187c1_0" target="_blank">petitioned the state and local groundwater management district</a>, but he said “I don’t really think it mattered a lot.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612809980009.png" alt=" Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty at the R9 Ranch in Edwards County, Kansas. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty at the R9 Ranch in Edwards County, Kansas. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/how-search-water-pitting-farmers-against-cities-western-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>KINSLEY — In the late 1980s, drought left 
the wells that supply water to the city of Hays and Russell in western 
Kansas precariously low. The near-catastrophe sent city leaders on the 
hunt for more water.“We were just trying to survive from one year to the next,” former Hays mayor and city councilman Eber Phelps said.The cities researched their options, including looking into purchasing water from several nearby reservoirs.But ultimately in 1995, they <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change-and-water-transfer" target="_blank">bought the </a><a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change-and-water-transfer" target="_blank">R9 Ranch </a><a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change-and-water-transfer" target="_blank">in Edwards County</a> about 70 miles south of Hays.It
 looked like foresight. The two cities had locked in water rights that 
would allow them to grow in a relatively parched part of the world. It 
may yet prove to be just that — if years of fighting with the farming 
neighbors of the R9 end in a win.Standing atop one of the sandy hills on the property, <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/directory.aspx?eid=6" target="_blank">Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty</a>
 pointed to the fading circle outlines of irrigated crop fields and 
explained how those fields are now being turned into native prairie.“The
 most important aspect of this property wasn’t the 6,800 acres that was 
purchased by Hays and Russell,” he said. “It was the nearly 8,000 acre 
feet of water rights that came with it.”For decades, the ranch 
remained an unused investment in water. But after several years of 
drought in the early 2010s, city leaders decided to cash in.“We 
have pushed our existing sources to the max,” Dougherty said. “We don’t 
have a lot of years left for them to be considered viable.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612810044079.png" alt=" Irrigation equipment and pumps have all been removed from the R9 Ranch in Edwards County, Kansas. What used to be fields of crops, are now patches of native grasses and weeds. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Irrigation equipment and pumps have all been removed from the R9 Ranch in Edwards County, Kansas. What used to be fields of crops, are now patches of native grasses and weeds. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2015, <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/HaysRussellTransfer" target="_blank">the cities moved to change the water use permit</a> tied to the ranch from irrigation to municipal use and get permission to pump the water across the state.“This is a problem across the West that we know as ‘buy and dry,’ ” said <a href="https://washburnlaw.edu/profiles/griggs-burke.html" target="_blank">Burke Griggs</a>,
 a water lawyer and law professor at Washburn University. “You purchase 
the water right, you sever the water right from the land, and you dry 
that land up.”He said the movement of water from rural areas to cities has been a <a href="https://www.watereducation.org/topic-water-transfers" target="_blank">longstanding drama in the West</a>. It’s the source of lawsuits and deep resentments.It’s usually legal, if nearly always controversial.“Rural
 communities depend upon the added value of irrigation,” he said. “In 
western Kansas, an irrigated acre is worth two to three times what a 
dryland acre is.”In Kansas, transfering water can be as simple as filing an application.“What’s
 really important when we convert irrigation to any other beneficial 
use, is we apply a consumptive use factor,” Lane Letourneau with the 
Kansas Division of Water Resources said.That “consumptive use 
factor” means that when someone uses water for irrigation, not all of it
 is used, or consumed, by crops. Some soaks back into the ground. But 
when you ship the water away — say, that 70 miles to Hays — none of it 
will return to the local system.To make sure that kind of change doesn’t dry up the neighbors, the state limits how much can be pumped away.In the R9 Ranch case, that’s the conflict.The
 state’s consumptive use calculation found that the city would need to 
leave about 15 percent of its water on the ranch. But the state asked 
the two cities to leave behind even more to make sure the supply would 
still be going strong in 50 years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612810082566.png" alt="A map of proposed locations for water wells on the R9 Ranch." />
 <figcaption>A map of proposed locations for water wells on the R9 Ranch.</figcaption>
 </figure>The two cities eventually agreed to a 30% reduction in their water 
rights. Dougherty, the Hays city manager, said if they had been any 
other kind of business, the state would have applied the formula, they 
would have accepted it and everybody would have walked away without 
another word.“Hays went over and above when they agreed to these numbers,” Letourneau said.But even agreeing to the increased reduction wasn’t enough for some of the ranch’s neighbors.Led by a group known as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WaterPACK1/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">Water </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WaterPACK1/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">PACK</a>,
 that advocates for the water rights of farmers in central Kansas, the 
R9’s neighbors challenged the state’s order in court. It contends the 
state is still letting the cities pump away too much water.“There
 is a number out there that is sustainable that would meet the needs of 
both parties,” said Water PACK President Kent Moore.The group 
has been following the issue since shortly after Hays and Russell 
applied for the water use change in 2015. Moore said the group 
participated in the public information meetings and <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/dwr-water-appropriation-documents/waterpack_kent_moore_haysr9comment_20180716.pdf?sfvrsn=805187c1_0" target="_blank">petitioned the state and local groundwater management district</a>, but he said “I don’t really think it mattered a lot.”Meanwhile, city leaders in Hays and Russell are getting impatient.“If there’s going to be aquifer decline, it’s not us that’s going to cause it,” Dougherty said.A ruling in the challenge will likely come within a few months.If Hays and Russell win, the next step will be getting approval under the <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/statues-water/water_transfer_act.pdf?sfvrsn=1a6633c8_2#:~:text=2012-,K.S.A.,Water%20transfer%20act%3B%20definitions.&amp;text=(a)(1)%20%22Water,of%20diversion%20of%20such%20water." target="_blank">Kansas Water Transfer Act</a>.
 That kicks in if water will be moved more than 35 miles. The Hays case 
will be the first-ever test of the law the Legislature created out of 
fears that Wichita would begin to monopolize nearby reservoirs.The outcome will likely have long-lasting consequences for the next city that goes looking to buy water in rural Kansas.“There
 may be a political reaction to this, but water generally flows uphill 
to money,” Griggs said. “And that’s what we’re seeing here.”Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.