By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

So, I woke up this morning to the strangest sound. It’s like a constant “pattering” sound of some sort on the roof. Oh wait, it’s raining, almost forgot what that sounded like! As I sat here contemplating this week’s column, the soothing sound of the rain and the dark morning brought back memories of this deer hunt years ago on a morning just like this.

Naturally, after the driest summer on record, it started to rain when deer hunting and trapping seasons arrived. It had rained most of Friday night and was still drizzling at the crack of dawn Saturday morn. Ever the macho deer hunter, I still crawled from beneath my electric blanket at zero dark thirty to brave the elements. The problem was that either a lengthy drive or a long walk was required to get to all our stand spots but one, and after the amount of rain we had gotten, walking was the only option. Again, being the macho deer hunter, I’m not against a bit of an early morning walk, but I know each boot would have accumulated five pounds of mud and I’d have been soaked once I arrived. so, I drove to that one stand where I could park in an old farm yard and walk just behind the buildings to a nice raised stand built from an old fuel tank support. That took care of the mud part, but it was still raining, so instead of setting on top, I crawled beneath the floor of the raised blind and got comfortable in a camp chair.

The floor of the stand was about two feet above me and not totally water tight, but an occasional drip sure trumped sitting in the rain. We’d always heard a pair of great horned owls at this old farmstead, and that morning I also got to watch them as they wound down from a nights hunting and geared up to snooze the day away. The first owl sat on a power pole a couple hundred yards in front of me and called to its mate that I could hear but not yet see. Soon the mate silently flew to the top of a tall cedar so that they were just a stone’s throw away from each other. I had no idea which owl was the male and which was the female, but the calls were very different. Both calls used the same number of syllables, but one call was higher pitched like a woman’s alto tone, and the other was more of a baritone pitch. After awhile, one owl flew off, then the other and the woods was quiet again except for the slow staccato of the drizzling rain and the “plop” made by the occasional drop dripping through the “roof” onto my vinyl vest.

Then came the blackbirds; probably numbering into the tens of thousands, the flying horde actually made a low, muffled roar like the wind blowing through the trees. They landed in the wheat some ways away, but like waves in a living sea of black lapping against the shore, the huge swarm was constantly on the move. Birds from one end would fly up and move to a different spot so that the assemblage appeared to crawl slowly across the field like a giant ameba. Once in the air again, the monstrous flock swirled and twirled like a Kansas twister marching across the plains.

In the distance I began again to hear a muffled roar like the wind slowly picking up. “Was it more blackbirds” I wondered? No, this time it was a rain shower as it crawled across the field. The drone became louder and louder until it encompassed the deer stand and the occasional drip became a constant stream. I waited it out and when it had subsided some, I put my hood up and headed for the dry safety of the pickup.

Maybe these sorts of things seem to you like odd topics to write about, but not to me. I know I get so caught up and focused on shooting the deer or catching the fish that I totally miss everything around me. So, the next time you’re sitting in a deer stand or rocking with the waves on a boat in the lake, concentrate on seeing things you usually miss, then close your eyes for awhile and just listen to nature around you and learn to experience God’s marvelous creation in its entirety. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsSo, I woke up this morning to the strangest sound. It’s like a constant “pattering” sound of some sort on the roof. Oh wait, it’s raining, almost forgot what that sounded like! As I sat here contemplating this week’s column, the soothing sound of the rain and the dark morning brought back memories of this deer hunt years ago on a morning just like this.Naturally, after the driest summer on record, it started to rain when deer hunting and trapping seasons arrived. It had rained most of Friday night and was still drizzling at the crack of dawn Saturday morn. Ever the macho deer hunter, I still crawled from beneath my electric blanket at zero dark thirty to brave the elements. The problem was that either a lengthy drive or a long walk was required to get to all our stand spots but one, and after the amount of rain we had gotten, walking was the only option. Again, being the macho deer hunter, I’m not against a bit of an early morning walk, but I know each boot would have accumulated five pounds of mud and I’d have been soaked once I arrived. so, I drove to that one stand where I could park in an old farm yard and walk just behind the buildings to a nice raised stand built from an old fuel tank support. That took care of the mud part, but it was still raining, so instead of setting on top, I crawled beneath the floor of the raised blind and got comfortable in a camp chair.The floor of the stand was about two feet above me and not totally water tight, but an occasional drip sure trumped sitting in the rain. We’d always heard a pair of great horned owls at this old farmstead, and that morning I also got to watch them as they wound down from a nights hunting and geared up to snooze the day away. The first owl sat on a power pole a couple hundred yards in front of me and called to its mate that I could hear but not yet see. Soon the mate silently flew to the top of a tall cedar so that they were just a stone’s throw away from each other. I had no idea which owl was the male and which was the female, but the calls were very different. Both calls used the same number of syllables, but one call was higher pitched like a woman’s alto tone, and the other was more of a baritone pitch. After awhile, one owl flew off, then the other and the woods was quiet again except for the slow staccato of the drizzling rain and the “plop” made by the occasional drop dripping through the “roof” onto my vinyl vest.Then came the blackbirds; probably numbering into the tens of thousands, the flying horde actually made a low, muffled roar like the wind blowing through the trees. They landed in the wheat some ways away, but like waves in a living sea of black lapping against the shore, the huge swarm was constantly on the move. Birds from one end would fly up and move to a different spot so that the assemblage appeared to crawl slowly across the field like a giant ameba. Once in the air again, the monstrous flock swirled and twirled like a Kansas twister marching across the plains.In the distance I began again to hear a muffled roar like the wind slowly picking up. “Was it more blackbirds” I wondered? No, this time it was a rain shower as it crawled across the field. The drone became louder and louder until it encompassed the deer stand and the occasional drip became a constant stream. I waited it out and when it had subsided some, I put my hood up and headed for the dry safety of the pickup.Maybe these sorts of things seem to you like odd topics to write about, but not to me. I know I get so caught up and focused on shooting the deer or catching the fish that I totally miss everything around me. So, the next time you’re sitting in a deer stand or rocking with the waves on a boat in the lake, concentrate on seeing things you usually miss, then close your eyes for awhile and just listen to nature around you and learn to experience God’s marvelous creation in its entirety. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Sights and sounds from beneath a deer stand

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Alyssa Church of Hays has earned the highest award in Girl Scouting— the Gold Award, and she will be recognized this weekend in Wichita for her achievement.

Church created 100 Homework Buddy bags for children in the five elementary schools in Hays.

Church, 16, is a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian and an Ambassador-level Girl Scout.&nbsp;

The bags were filled with new and used school supplies. Some of the supplies included crayons, pencils, markers, erasers, glue, rulers, colored pencils and a homemade crayon that Church made herself.

Church also included sheets highlighting good study habits.

She also decorated the outside of the bags.

Although First Call for Help has the annual Back Pack for Kids school supply giveaway, those school supplies are meant to stay at school.

Church wanted the Hays children to have school supplies they could take home to use when they were working on homework.

"A lot of kids don't have things at home," she said. "They don't have a box of crayons or markers at home. The purpose of my project is to give them the supplies they need to successfully complete their homework at&nbsp; home."

Church conducted a drive for supplies at school and sent out a request on social media.

Church said when she was presenting her project to the awards committee, one of the members, who had been a kindergarten teacher, said one of her students tried to sneak school supplies from the classroom into his backpack because the child had nothing to use at home for homework.

Church developed the project idea because she wanted to rehome the pencils, markers and crayons her family no longer used.

"I wanted a way for the families who needed them to get them," she said.

&nbsp;Church had to complete 80 hours of volunteer service toward her project and earn a Journey badge to earn her Gold Award.

Church hopes to be a preschool teacher after she graduates high school.

"I just love being around kids. I love kids. I love being around the little ones who are preschool or kindergarten age," she said.

Church has experience babysitting and worked at Bright Minds Academy in its preschool this summer.

Church said she loves helping people, and she's been able to do that through Girl Scouts.

She and her Troop — No. 11210 — have been together since kindergarten.

Church's mother, Amy, has been her leader since the beginning.

"I'm very proud. I read that only 5.4 percent of Girl Scouts make their Gold Award. She put a lot of hard work into it," Amy said.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is often compared to the Boy Scout Eagle Award. Awardees can apply for special scholarships. They can also join the military at one rank higher, as can Eagle Scouts.

Her project was approved by the Gold Award committee in spring 2023, and Church presented the bags to the schools at the beginning of this school year.

The four girls who remain in the troop also have participated in various service projects.

Although the Gold Award is an individual project, troops can do the precursors to it—the Bronze and Silver awards—with their troops.

Girl Scouts complete their Bronze Awards as Juniors in the fourth or fifth grades. Silver Awards are completed when Girl Scouts are Cadettes in middle school.

Troop 11210 members created homemade dog toys for the Humane Society of the High Plains for their Bronze Award. They made activity bags, called Kid Kits, for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County and Court Appointed Special Advocates for their Silver Award.

Church has also traveled with Girl Scouts. This summer, she went whitewater rafting in Colorado and made the cover of a Girl Scout magazine.

"Being a Girl Scout is so much fun since I started in kindergarten," Church said. "I'm really glad that I was able to be a Girl Scout this long and complete my Gold Award."

Amy said she has also enjoyed being a volunteer.

"Looking back at these girls since kindergarten and seeing how much they have matured and grown over the years and their friendships and their bonds," she said. ... We've done a lot—a lot of volunteer work, service work. We put on our church Easter egg hunt.

"I've watched them grow, and in two years, they'll be in college, and maybe they'll be a Girl Scout leader and volunteer that way and give back," she said.

Alyssa said she would like to be a Girl Scout leader as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Girl Scout or volunteering with Girl Scouts, you can call 1-888-686-6468 or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@gskh.org">info@gskh.org</a>.

Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a Girl Scout volunteer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730218132422.jpeg" alt="Girl Scout Alyssa Church of Hays with the Homework Buddy bags she made for students in Hays. Church's service project helped her earn the highest award in Girl Scouting—the Gold Award. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout Alyssa Church of Hays with the Homework Buddy bags she made for students in Hays. Church's service project helped her earn the highest award in Girl Scouting—the Gold Award. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAlyssa Church of Hays has earned the highest award in Girl Scouting— the Gold Award, and she will be recognized this weekend in Wichita for her achievement.Church created 100 Homework Buddy bags for children in the five elementary schools in Hays.Church, 16, is a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian and an Ambassador-level Girl Scout.&nbsp;The bags were filled with new and used school supplies. Some of the supplies included crayons, pencils, markers, erasers, glue, rulers, colored pencils and a homemade crayon that Church made herself.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730218404036.jpeg" alt="Girl Scout Alyssa Church with&nbsp;supplies she received from Thomas More Prep-Marian students. The students donated 475 items. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout Alyssa Church with&nbsp;supplies she received from Thomas More Prep-Marian students. The students donated 475 items. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Church also included sheets highlighting good study habits.She also decorated the outside of the bags.Although First Call for Help has the annual Back Pack for Kids school supply giveaway, those school supplies are meant to stay at school.Church wanted the Hays children to have school supplies they could take home to use when they were working on homework."A lot of kids don't have things at home," she said. "They don't have a box of crayons or markers at home. The purpose of my project is to give them the supplies they need to successfully complete their homework at&nbsp; home."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730218616491.jpeg" alt="Contents of one of Church's Homework Buddy Bags. The bags contain supplies students can use to complete homework at home.&nbsp; Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Contents of one of Church's Homework Buddy Bags. The bags contain supplies students can use to complete homework at home.&nbsp; Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Church conducted a drive for supplies at school and sent out a request on social media.Church said when she was presenting her project to the awards committee, one of the members, who had been a kindergarten teacher, said one of her students tried to sneak school supplies from the classroom into his backpack because the child had nothing to use at home for homework.Church developed the project idea because she wanted to rehome the pencils, markers and crayons her family no longer used."I wanted a way for the families who needed them to get them," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730218714621.jpeg" alt="Church delivering Homework Buddy bags to Holy Family Elementary School. Church made 100 bags. Each of the five elementary schools in Hays received bags. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Church delivering Homework Buddy bags to Holy Family Elementary School. Church made 100 bags. Each of the five elementary schools in Hays received bags. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Church had to complete 80 hours of volunteer service toward her project and earn a Journey badge to earn her Gold Award.Church hopes to be a preschool teacher after she graduates high school."I just love being around kids. I love kids. I love being around the little ones who are preschool or kindergarten age," she said.Church has experience babysitting and worked at Bright Minds Academy in its preschool this summer.Church said she loves helping people, and she's been able to do that through Girl Scouts.She and her Troop — No. 11210 — have been together since kindergarten.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730218911268.jpeg" alt="Church presenting Homework Buddy bags to O'Loughlin Elementary School Principal Rene Burns. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Church presenting Homework Buddy bags to O'Loughlin Elementary School Principal Rene Burns. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Church's mother, Amy, has been her leader since the beginning."I'm very proud. I read that only 5.4 percent of Girl Scouts make their Gold Award. She put a lot of hard work into it," Amy said.The Girl Scout Gold Award is often compared to the Boy Scout Eagle Award. Awardees can apply for special scholarships. They can also join the military at one rank higher, as can Eagle Scouts.Her project was approved by the Gold Award committee in spring 2023, and Church presented the bags to the schools at the beginning of this school year.The four girls who remain in the troop also have participated in various service projects.Although the Gold Award is an individual project, troops can do the precursors to it—the Bronze and Silver awards—with their troops.Girl Scouts complete their Bronze Awards as Juniors in the fourth or fifth grades. Silver Awards are completed when Girl Scouts are Cadettes in middle school.Troop 11210 members created homemade dog toys for the Humane Society of the High Plains for their Bronze Award. They made activity bags, called Kid Kits, for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County and Court Appointed Special Advocates for their Silver Award.Church has also traveled with Girl Scouts. This summer, she went whitewater rafting in Colorado and made the cover of a Girl Scout magazine."Being a Girl Scout is so much fun since I started in kindergarten," Church said. "I'm really glad that I was able to be a Girl Scout this long and complete my Gold Award."Amy said she has also enjoyed being a volunteer."Looking back at these girls since kindergarten and seeing how much they have matured and grown over the years and their friendships and their bonds," she said. ... We've done a lot—a lot of volunteer work, service work. We put on our church Easter egg hunt."I've watched them grow, and in two years, they'll be in college, and maybe they'll be a Girl Scout leader and volunteer that way and give back," she said.Alyssa said she would like to be a Girl Scout leader as well.If you are interested in becoming a Girl Scout or volunteering with Girl Scouts, you can call 1-888-686-6468 or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@gskh.org">info@gskh.org</a>.Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a Girl Scout volunteer.

Hays Girl Scout earns highest award in Scouting with Homework Buddy project

ACCESS General Public Transportation serving the City of Hays Kansas would like to make the public aware of a scheduling change in the operating hours of ACCESS Public Transportation.

Starting November 30, 2024, ACCESS will be changing the weekend operating hours schedule. The new hours will be from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sundays, which means the first ride for the day will be at 6:15 AM and the last available ride will be at 3:30 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

ACCESS looks forward to helping meet the transportation needs of the citizens of Hays, Kansas and of visitors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625263605210.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKACCESS General Public Transportation serving the City of Hays Kansas would like to make the public aware of a scheduling change in the operating hours of ACCESS Public Transportation.Starting November 30, 2024, ACCESS will be changing the weekend operating hours schedule. The new hours will be from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sundays, which means the first ride for the day will be at 6:15 AM and the last available ride will be at 3:30 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.ACCESS looks forward to helping meet the transportation needs of the citizens of Hays, Kansas and of visitors.

ACCESS Public Transportation announces operational hours change

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission has received a report that an individual claiming to be working with the KCC is calling utility customers and offering a 30% discount on their electric bills. 

Based on what has been reported, the caller asks about Medicare or Medicaid eligibility, then asks for a credit card so the refund can be applied.

This individual is not affiliated with the KCC and the agency urges consumers to use caution if they receive a call. 

Above all, if you receive a call like this, do not provide credit card information. 

More information will be released if it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578754176087.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Corporation CommissionTOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission has received a report that an individual claiming to be working with the KCC is calling utility customers and offering a 30% discount on their electric bills. Based on what has been reported, the caller asks about Medicare or Medicaid eligibility, then asks for a credit card so the refund can be applied.This individual is not affiliated with the KCC and the agency urges consumers to use caution if they receive a call. Above all, if you receive a call like this, do not provide credit card information. More information will be released if it becomes available.

KCC warns consumers to beware of electric savings scam

Colby Community College will continue to make higher education affordable for Northwest Kansas in the spring 2025 semester with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colbycc.edu/student/financial-aid/pay-for-college/scholarships/colby-commitment.html">Colby Commitment Scholarship</a>, a tuition, fees, and books benefit for students on free and reduced lunches attending high schools in the institution's 14-county service area. Additionally, all juniors and seniors at any public, private, or home school in Thomas County qualify.

Area students who do not live in Thomas County or qualify for free and reduced lunches can take classes for just $50 per credit hour, which includes tuition, fees, and books.

Students at high schools in Cheyenne, Decatur, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego, and Wallace counties may be eligible according to family-adjusted gross income in relation to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) income guidelines for Free and Reduced Meals.

The College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the extension at their Oct. 21 meeting. Trustees agreed to review the award again in the spring of 2026.

“We are so grateful to the Colby Community College Board of Trustees for extending this opportunity,” said CCC President Dr. Seth Carter. “These scholarships directly help the students who need it the most and enhance education and access in Northwest Kansas.”

The Colby Commitment Scholarship is renewed annually. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colbycc.edu/commitmento">www.colbycc.edu/commitment</a>&nbsp;or contact the Registrar's Office at (785) 460-5509 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:registrar@colbycc.edu">registrar@colbycc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedColby Community College will continue to make higher education affordable for Northwest Kansas in the spring 2025 semester with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colbycc.edu/student/financial-aid/pay-for-college/scholarships/colby-commitment.html">Colby Commitment Scholarship</a>, a tuition, fees, and books benefit for students on free and reduced lunches attending high schools in the institution's 14-county service area. Additionally, all juniors and seniors at any public, private, or home school in Thomas County qualify.Area students who do not live in Thomas County or qualify for free and reduced lunches can take classes for just $50 per credit hour, which includes tuition, fees, and books.Students at high schools in Cheyenne, Decatur, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego, and Wallace counties may be eligible according to family-adjusted gross income in relation to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) income guidelines for Free and Reduced Meals.The College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the extension at their Oct. 21 meeting. Trustees agreed to review the award again in the spring of 2026.“We are so grateful to the Colby Community College Board of Trustees for extending this opportunity,” said CCC President Dr. Seth Carter. “These scholarships directly help the students who need it the most and enhance education and access in Northwest Kansas.”The Colby Commitment Scholarship is renewed annually. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colbycc.edu/commitmento">www.colbycc.edu/commitment</a>&nbsp;or contact the Registrar's Office at (785) 460-5509 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:registrar@colbycc.edu">registrar@colbycc.edu</a>.

Colby Commitment Scholarship available for spring

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

Election Day is right around the corner. Even for non-political scientists it’s the most important day of the year. It’s the day when Kansans get to put democracy into practice and choose their elected officials.

Thanks to the efforts of IKE Lab at Wichita State University to make Kansas voter registration and election data available to the public, it’s fairly easy to track early voting data.

Early voting began 15 days before Election Day on October 21.

As of October 30, 163,634 mail ballots had been sent out statewide, and 97,634 had been returned. Of those, 43,533 were returned by Democrats, 39,460 by Republicans, and 14,140 by unaffiliated voters.

An additional 294,081 Kansans have voted early in-person — 157,567 Republicans, 93,314 Democrats, and 41,220 unaffiliated voters.

Kansans are turning out to early vote in droves, particularly voters in the state’s largest counties.

Typically, high levels of early voting means it’s going to be a high turnout election overall.

As for who is going to win…? I’m a political scientist, not a forecaster, but we do have new public opinion data to give us some insight.

Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, surveyed Kansans in mid-October.

First, Laura Kelly remains the most popular elected official in the state with a 46.4% satisfaction rating. While not on the ballot, her continued popularity does signal hope for other moderate Democrats running for office this year who have taken a leaf out of her middle-of-the-road playbook.

Second, only 29% of Kansans are satisfied with the Kansas Legislature. While Republicans are all but guaranteed to maintain the majority in both houses, Democrats are working hard to break the supermajority by flipping at least 3 seats in the Senate and 2 in the House. The legislature’s low approval rating may potentially help Democrats flip these seats.

Third, among likely voters who answered the survey, 48% said they plan to vote for Donald Trump while 43% said they plan to vote for Kamala Harris — a 5 point difference. Among all registered voters, there’s a 10 point difference.

The actual vote is likely going to be somewhere in between.

In 2020, Trump won Kansas by over 14 points and Republicans have carried the state in 19 of the last 20 presidential elections. I don’t think these polling results mean Kansas is a swing state. But they may indicate that Kansas is becoming less conservative.

Harris is polling slightly higher than Biden’s 2020 vote count, and any increase in the margins could bode well for Democrats in tight races at the state and county levels.

This is a good reminder that while 2024 is a “presidential” election year, there’s so much more on the ballot than just the president. Don’t forget to also vote in down-ballot races like US Congress; Kansas House, Senate, and Board of Education; and various judicial and county races!

These elections impact your everyday life much more than the race for president.

Check out the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, including your specific voting information on the VoterView page. VoterView shows your polling location and hours, sample ballot, and much more!

Check with your county election office for early voting hours and locations. All early in-person voting ends on Monday, November 4 at noon.

Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county election office by the close of business on Friday, November 8. Mail ballots can also be

returned in-person to a polling location, ballot drop box, or county election office on or before Election Day.

______________________________________________________________________

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasElection Day is right around the corner. Even for non-political scientists it’s the most important day of the year. It’s the day when Kansans get to put democracy into practice and choose their elected officials.Thanks to the efforts of IKE Lab at Wichita State University to make Kansas voter registration and election data available to the public, it’s fairly easy to track early voting data.Early voting began 15 days before Election Day on October 21.As of October 30, 163,634 mail ballots had been sent out statewide, and 97,634 had been returned. Of those, 43,533 were returned by Democrats, 39,460 by Republicans, and 14,140 by unaffiliated voters.An additional 294,081 Kansans have voted early in-person — 157,567 Republicans, 93,314 Democrats, and 41,220 unaffiliated voters.Kansans are turning out to early vote in droves, particularly voters in the state’s largest counties.Typically, high levels of early voting means it’s going to be a high turnout election overall.As for who is going to win…? I’m a political scientist, not a forecaster, but we do have new public opinion data to give us some insight.Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, surveyed Kansans in mid-October.First, Laura Kelly remains the most popular elected official in the state with a 46.4% satisfaction rating. While not on the ballot, her continued popularity does signal hope for other moderate Democrats running for office this year who have taken a leaf out of her middle-of-the-road playbook.Second, only 29% of Kansans are satisfied with the Kansas Legislature. While Republicans are all but guaranteed to maintain the majority in both houses, Democrats are working hard to break the supermajority by flipping at least 3 seats in the Senate and 2 in the House. The legislature’s low approval rating may potentially help Democrats flip these seats.Third, among likely voters who answered the survey, 48% said they plan to vote for Donald Trump while 43% said they plan to vote for Kamala Harris — a 5 point difference. Among all registered voters, there’s a 10 point difference.The actual vote is likely going to be somewhere in between.In 2020, Trump won Kansas by over 14 points and Republicans have carried the state in 19 of the last 20 presidential elections. I don’t think these polling results mean Kansas is a swing state. But they may indicate that Kansas is becoming less conservative.Harris is polling slightly higher than Biden’s 2020 vote count, and any increase in the margins could bode well for Democrats in tight races at the state and county levels.This is a good reminder that while 2024 is a “presidential” election year, there’s so much more on the ballot than just the president. Don’t forget to also vote in down-ballot races like US Congress; Kansas House, Senate, and Board of Education; and various judicial and county races!These elections impact your everyday life much more than the race for president.Make sure you get out and vote!Need voting information?Check out the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, including your specific voting information on the VoterView page. VoterView shows your polling location and hours, sample ballot, and much more!Check with your county election office for early voting hours and locations. All early in-person voting ends on Monday, November 4 at noon.Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county election office by the close of business on Friday, November 8. Mail ballots can also bereturned in-person to a polling location, ballot drop box, or county election office on or before Election Day.______________________________________________________________________Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Election preview from a political scientist

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730573665558.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Saturday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Freightliner semi hauling FedEx double trailers and driven by Cherrylann L. Klapp, 69, Goodland, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of U.S. 83.

The vehicle veered to the left, traveled off the roadway, crossed the median and overturned onto the passenger side as it entered the eastbound lanes.&nbsp; The vehicle slid across the eastbound lanes into the west ditch and the trailer was jackknifed and partially in the roadway.

EMS transported&nbsp;Klapp to the Logan County Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Saturday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Freightliner semi hauling FedEx double trailers and driven by Cherrylann L. Klapp, 69, Goodland, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of U.S. 83.The vehicle veered to the left, traveled off the roadway, crossed the median and overturned onto the passenger side as it entered the eastbound lanes.&nbsp; The vehicle slid across the eastbound lanes into the west ditch and the trailer was jackknifed and partially in the roadway.EMS transported&nbsp;Klapp to the Logan County Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. woman hospitalized after semi pulling FedEx trailers overturns

We are honored to share that the Ellis County Historical Society has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Midwest Energy Community Fund. This generous funding will help us bring the exhibit “A Place to Call Home” to our community in the summer of 2025.

This engaging exhibit offers a window into the lives of Kansas settlers. Through diary entries, you’ll hear their inspiring stories—discovering the risks they took, the challenges they faced, and the hopes that led them to our great state. Large exhibit elements will immerse visitors in the life living out of a covered wagon, the RV camper of the day.

We sincerely thank Midwest Energy for their support of our mission and their commitment to enhancing the lives of everyone in Ellis County. Your partnership makes a difference!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503337583.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWe are honored to share that the Ellis County Historical Society has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Midwest Energy Community Fund. This generous funding will help us bring the exhibit “A Place to Call Home” to our community in the summer of 2025.This engaging exhibit offers a window into the lives of Kansas settlers. Through diary entries, you’ll hear their inspiring stories—discovering the risks they took, the challenges they faced, and the hopes that led them to our great state. Large exhibit elements will immerse visitors in the life living out of a covered wagon, the RV camper of the day.We sincerely thank Midwest Energy for their support of our mission and their commitment to enhancing the lives of everyone in Ellis County. Your partnership makes a difference!

Midwest Energy grant helps bring exhibit to Historical Society

RAWLINS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a man in connection with a shooting in rural northwest Kansas that sent a woman to the hospital. The two were in a dating relationship, according to Rawlins County Sheriff Catlyn Wahrman.

On October 27, the&nbsp; Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating that a woman had been shot at 3401 Road 17, in rural Atwood, Kansas, according to Wahrman. The woman was transported to the Rawlins County Hospital by a third-party.&nbsp; She was later flown out by Flight For Life.&nbsp; 

As Rawlins County Deputies arrived at 3401 Road 17,&nbsp; a vehicle driven by a man, later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Macrae Migchelbrink, left the scene and refused to stop for law-enforcement.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Migchelbrink&nbsp;drove the vehicle across multiple fields, trying to elude deputies. The vehicle crashed and was Migchelbrink ejected, continued to run and hid from law-enforcement officers. 

Deputies eventually took Migchelbrink&nbsp; into custody and EMS&nbsp; transported him to the Rawlins County Hospital and he was flown out by Flight For Life. 

Migchelbrink remains in the Thomas County Jail without bond on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree; Intentional;&nbsp;Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; x2 - (Cocaine and Hydrocodone);&nbsp;Possession of firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Criminal carry of weapons; brass knuckles;&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony and Possession of Marijuana, according to Sheriff Wahrman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730284348631.png" alt="Migchelbrink photo Thomas Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Migchelbrink photo Thomas Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>RAWLINS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a man in connection with a shooting in rural northwest Kansas that sent a woman to the hospital. The two were in a dating relationship, according to Rawlins County Sheriff Catlyn Wahrman.On October 27, the&nbsp; Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating that a woman had been shot at 3401 Road 17, in rural Atwood, Kansas, according to Wahrman. The woman was transported to the Rawlins County Hospital by a third-party.&nbsp; She was later flown out by Flight For Life.&nbsp; As Rawlins County Deputies arrived at 3401 Road 17,&nbsp; a vehicle driven by a man, later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Macrae Migchelbrink, left the scene and refused to stop for law-enforcement.&nbsp; &nbsp;Migchelbrink&nbsp;drove the vehicle across multiple fields, trying to elude deputies. The vehicle crashed and was Migchelbrink ejected, continued to run and hid from law-enforcement officers. Deputies eventually took Migchelbrink&nbsp; into custody and EMS&nbsp; transported him to the Rawlins County Hospital and he was flown out by Flight For Life. Migchelbrink remains in the Thomas County Jail without bond on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree; Intentional;&nbsp;Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; x2 - (Cocaine and Hydrocodone);&nbsp;Possession of firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Criminal carry of weapons; brass knuckles;&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony and Possession of Marijuana, according to Sheriff Wahrman.

Woman injured in NW Kan. shooting was dating the suspect

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Gamers from across the region gathered at Fort Hays State University for TigerLAN 50 to enjoy the most popular video games of the past 40 years.

The FHSU Esports Club has a two-day event each semester at the Memorial Union. The latest edition, open to all attendees, occurred on Oct. 26 and 27.

FHSU Esports sponsor Kevin Shaffer said TigerLAN is in its 50th iteration, which started off-campus in 2002.

"Way back, they had the event in somebody's basement. It was TigerLan zero, but soon after that, they realized they could use campus space as a club," Shaffer said.

Esports members arranged tables and chairs, organized tournaments and solicited community sponsors for prizes. Participants were also invited to bring their own gaming consoles and computer setups.

The weekend event ran from 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The event featured casual and competitive games such as League of Legends, Quake, Tetris, Rocket League, Minecraft, Warcraft and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a fighting game.

FHSU student Alan Melendez organized the Super Smash Bros. tournament to bring together players from Colorado and eastern Kansas.

"Hays is in the middle. It's five hours from Colorado and five hours from Kansas City, where they can connect and play," Melendez said.

The Smash Bros. tournament featured two smaller brackets for participants: one for individual players and another for teams of two, both structured as elimination brackets.

Supported by entry fees and sponsorships, winners of both brackets could win cash prizes, which varied based on the number of participants.

"The Midwest [competitive] scene is pretty small. I would say it's hard to find good players and to get that practice to get better. You'll want to travel," Melendez said.

Melendez is a senior and said the Esports club strives to represent FHSU at larger Smash Bros. tournaments across the country in the future.

"I want to make an impact on Fort Hays while I'm here," he said.

Shaffer said what sets TigerLAN 50 apart from previous events is the attendance of alums who were also present at the very first TigerLAN.

"They were college students at that time. Now they're bringing their kids to TigerLan," he said.

TigerLAN 50 also offered attendees door prizes such as LEGO sets, swag bags, plushies, computer accessories, a JBL speaker and a Minecraft minifridge.

Sponsors of TigerLAN 50 that contributed prizes included McDonald's, Nex-Tech, Walmart and Golden Belt Bank.

Concessions and beverages were available throughout both days to energize gamers all weekend.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CUi8DQikXmw?si=R8R1lt1dUziu9zmc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostGamers from across the region gathered at Fort Hays State University for TigerLAN 50 to enjoy the most popular video games of the past 40 years.The FHSU Esports Club has a two-day event each semester at the Memorial Union. The latest edition, open to all attendees, occurred on Oct. 26 and 27.FHSU Esports sponsor Kevin Shaffer said TigerLAN is in its 50th iteration, which started off-campus in 2002."Way back, they had the event in somebody's basement. It was TigerLan zero, but soon after that, they realized they could use campus space as a club," Shaffer said.Esports members arranged tables and chairs, organized tournaments and solicited community sponsors for prizes. Participants were also invited to bring their own gaming consoles and computer setups.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730223756470.jpeg" alt="Attendees at TigerLan 50 playing videogames in the Black and Gold room at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Attendees at TigerLan 50 playing videogames in the Black and Gold room at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730223909958.jpeg" alt="A custom gaming personal computer from an attendee at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A custom gaming personal computer from an attendee at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730223937693.jpeg" alt="A personal gaming computer set up by an attendee at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A personal gaming computer set up by an attendee at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730223982518.jpeg" alt="An attendee playing a video game on his setup at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An attendee playing a video game on his setup at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The weekend event ran from 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.The event featured casual and competitive games such as League of Legends, Quake, Tetris, Rocket League, Minecraft, Warcraft and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a fighting game.FHSU student Alan Melendez organized the Super Smash Bros. tournament to bring together players from Colorado and eastern Kansas."Hays is in the middle. It's five hours from Colorado and five hours from Kansas City, where they can connect and play," Melendez said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730224038451.jpeg" alt="Two teams competing against each other at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two teams competing against each other at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730224059114.jpeg" alt="Two players competing against each other on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two players competing against each other on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730224089555.jpeg" alt="An arcade-style controller being used by a player at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An arcade-style controller being used by a player at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Smash Bros. tournament featured two smaller brackets for participants: one for individual players and another for teams of two, both structured as elimination brackets.Supported by entry fees and sponsorships, winners of both brackets could win cash prizes, which varied based on the number of participants."The Midwest [competitive] scene is pretty small. I would say it's hard to find good players and to get that practice to get better. You'll want to travel," Melendez said.Melendez is a senior and said the Esports club strives to represent FHSU at larger Smash Bros. tournaments across the country in the future."I want to make an impact on Fort Hays while I'm here," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730224122531.jpeg" alt="Attendees in the Black and Gold room at TigerLan 50. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Attendees in the Black and Gold room at TigerLan 50. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730224147147.jpeg" alt="Multiple gamers playing on their personal computers at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Multiple gamers playing on their personal computers at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730224181538.jpeg" alt="A personal gaming computer at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A personal gaming computer at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730224216318.jpeg" alt="A gamer playing a fighting game at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A gamer playing a fighting game at TigerLan 50.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Shaffer said what sets TigerLAN 50 apart from previous events is the attendance of alums who were also present at the very first TigerLAN."They were college students at that time. Now they're bringing their kids to TigerLan," he said.TigerLAN 50 also offered attendees door prizes such as LEGO sets, swag bags, plushies, computer accessories, a JBL speaker and a Minecraft minifridge.Sponsors of TigerLAN 50 that contributed prizes included McDonald's, Nex-Tech, Walmart and Golden Belt Bank.Concessions and beverages were available throughout both days to energize gamers all weekend.

FHSU Esports club hosts weekend gaming event TigerLan 50

TOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis announced that USDA is awarding $1.48 million in grants to Kansas business owners to increase the availability of domestic biofuels. The grants to four Kansas businesses will expand clean energy availability and build economic benefits while combatting climate change.

“Biofuels made here in Kansas are helping to lower costs for Kansas families, strengthen our energy independence, and create new income streams for farmers,” Davis said.

Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement which includes projects in 17 other states. The details of Kansas projects are:

· A $475,000 grant will help install eleven E15 dispensers and eleven E85 dispensers at three fueling stations owned by Jump Start Stores Inc. in Wichita, Augusta, and Abilene. This project is expected to increase ethanol sales by 878,400 gallons per year.

· A $285,000 grant will help install two E15 dispensers, two E85 dispensers and one ethanol storage tank for Dara's LLC at a fueling station in Manhattan. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 343,098 gallons per year.

· A $37,500 grant will help install one E15 dispenser for The Randall Farmers Cooperative Union fueling station located in Randall. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 291,880 gallons per year.

· A $683,250 grant will help install 12 E15 dispensers, 12 E85 dispensers, seven B20 dispensers, one ethanol storage tank and one biodiesel storage tank for WWWW Inc. at a fueling station in Colby. This project is expected to increase the amount of biofuel sold by 3,815,401 gallons per year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730318930589.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>USDATOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis announced that USDA is awarding $1.48 million in grants to Kansas business owners to increase the availability of domestic biofuels. The grants to four Kansas businesses will expand clean energy availability and build economic benefits while combatting climate change.“Biofuels made here in Kansas are helping to lower costs for Kansas families, strengthen our energy independence, and create new income streams for farmers,” Davis said.Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement which includes projects in 17 other states. The details of Kansas projects are:· A $475,000 grant will help install eleven E15 dispensers and eleven E85 dispensers at three fueling stations owned by Jump Start Stores Inc. in Wichita, Augusta, and Abilene. This project is expected to increase ethanol sales by 878,400 gallons per year.· A $285,000 grant will help install two E15 dispensers, two E85 dispensers and one ethanol storage tank for Dara's LLC at a fueling station in Manhattan. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 343,098 gallons per year.· A $37,500 grant will help install one E15 dispenser for The Randall Farmers Cooperative Union fueling station located in Randall. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 291,880 gallons per year.· A $683,250 grant will help install 12 E15 dispensers, 12 E85 dispensers, seven B20 dispensers, one ethanol storage tank and one biodiesel storage tank for WWWW Inc. at a fueling station in Colby. This project is expected to increase the amount of biofuel sold by 3,815,401 gallons per year.

USDA Rural Development announces $1.48 million to increase access to clean, affordable domestic biofuels

By ALVARO PUIG Consumer Education Specialist,&nbsp;Federal Trade Commission

Hackers target your email and social media accounts to steal your personal information. Like your username and password, bank or credit card account numbers, or Social Security number. If they get it, they use it to commit&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft">identity theft</a>, spread malware, or scam other people. So, what are signs that someone hacked your account, and how can you recover a stolen account?

Here are some things that might tip you off to a problem:

If you&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;log in to your account, follow the provider’s account recovery instructions. Here are links to some of them.

<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhelp%2F105487009541643&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Facebook</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.google.com%2Faccounts%2Fanswer%2F6294825%3Fhl%3Den&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Google</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fhacked%2F&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Instagram</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fhelp%2Flinkedin%2Fanswer%2Fa1340402&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.microsoft.com%2Fen-us%2Faccount-billing%2Fhow-to-recover-a-hacked-or-compromised-microsoft-account-24ca907d-bcdf-a44b-4656-47f0cd89c245&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Microsoft</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelp.pinterest.com%2Fen%2Farticle%2Fcant-log-in-to-pinterest&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Pinterest</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.reddithelp.com%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F360045734951-My-account-has-been-disabled-or-locked-and-I-can-t-log-in%23h_01HP84MHR5SD07FNBY0YDTP83A&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Reddit</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelp.snapchat.com%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F23102718270996-I-can-t-access-my-account&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Snapchat</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.tiktok.com%2Fen%2Flog-in-troubleshoot%2Flog-in%2Fmy-account-has-been-hacked&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">TikTok</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffaq.whatsapp.com%2F1131652977717250%2F%3Fhelpref%3Dfaq_content&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">WhatsApp</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelp.x.com%2Fen%2Fsafety-and-security%2Fx-account-compromised&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">X</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelp.yahoo.com%2Fkb%2Faccount%2Freset-yahoo-password-sln27051.html&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Yahoo</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.google.com%2Fyoutube%2Fanswer%2F76187%3Fhl%3Den%26ref_topic%3D7071231%26sjid%3D2076188748261333975-NA&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">YouTube</a>

If you get a notification about activity you don’t recognize, and you&nbsp;can&nbsp;log in, here’s what to do:

Change your account password.&nbsp;Create a unique and&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/creating-strong-passwords-and-other-ways-protect-your-accounts#strong">strong password</a>&nbsp;that is hard to guess. Aim for 12 to 15 characters. Or use a passphrase — a series of words separated by spaces. Then sign out of that account on all devices. That way anyone who’s logged in to your account on another device will get kicked out.

Secure your account.&nbsp;If the account offers&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/use-two-factor-authentication-protect-your-accounts">two-factor authentication</a>&nbsp;(2FA), turn it on to add an extra layer of security. That way, a hacker with your password can’t log in to your account without a second authentication factor. Like a verification code you get by text or email, or from an authenticator app.

Update your account recovery information.&nbsp;Account recovery information helps you get back into your account if you're locked out, forgot your password, or if someone else is using it. Check your account recovery information and make sure the email address and phone number listed are correct.

Check for signs that someone had access to your account.&nbsp;Check if there are auto-forwarding rules in your email account that you didn’t set up. Hackers might create these rules to forward your emails to another address. Check your social media for messages the hacker posted or sent, or for new friends you don’t recognize.

If you believe someone stole your personal information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov/">IdentityTheft.gov</a>&nbsp;to report it and get a personalized recovery plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730319075460.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALVARO PUIG Consumer Education Specialist,&nbsp;Federal Trade CommissionHackers target your email and social media accounts to steal your personal information. Like your username and password, bank or credit card account numbers, or Social Security number. If they get it, they use it to commit&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft">identity theft</a>, spread malware, or scam other people. So, what are signs that someone hacked your account, and how can you recover a stolen account?Here are some things that might tip you off to a problem:<ul>
 <li>You get a notification that your email address or phone number changed. Or that your password was reset. But you didn’t make those changes.</li><li>You get a message that someone tried to log in, or did log in, and it wasn’t you.</li><li>You can’t log in to your account.</li>
 </ul>If you&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;log in to your account, follow the provider’s account recovery instructions. Here are links to some of them.<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhelp%2F105487009541643&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Facebook</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.google.com%2Faccounts%2Fanswer%2F6294825%3Fhl%3Den&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Google</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fhacked%2F&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Instagram</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fhelp%2Flinkedin%2Fanswer%2Fa1340402&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.microsoft.com%2Fen-us%2Faccount-billing%2Fhow-to-recover-a-hacked-or-compromised-microsoft-account-24ca907d-bcdf-a44b-4656-47f0cd89c245&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Microsoft</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelp.pinterest.com%2Fen%2Farticle%2Fcant-log-in-to-pinterest&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Pinterest</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.reddithelp.com%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F360045734951-My-account-has-been-disabled-or-locked-and-I-can-t-log-in%23h_01HP84MHR5SD07FNBY0YDTP83A&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Reddit</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelp.snapchat.com%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F23102718270996-I-can-t-access-my-account&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Snapchat</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.tiktok.com%2Fen%2Flog-in-troubleshoot%2Flog-in%2Fmy-account-has-been-hacked&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">TikTok</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffaq.whatsapp.com%2F1131652977717250%2F%3Fhelpref%3Dfaq_content&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">WhatsApp</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelp.x.com%2Fen%2Fsafety-and-security%2Fx-account-compromised&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">X</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelp.yahoo.com%2Fkb%2Faccount%2Freset-yahoo-password-sln27051.html&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Yahoo</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.google.com%2Fyoutube%2Fanswer%2F76187%3Fhl%3Den%26ref_topic%3D7071231%26sjid%3D2076188748261333975-NA&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F10%2Femail-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">YouTube</a>If you get a notification about activity you don’t recognize, and you&nbsp;can&nbsp;log in, here’s what to do:Change your account password.&nbsp;Create a unique and&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/creating-strong-passwords-and-other-ways-protect-your-accounts#strong">strong password</a>&nbsp;that is hard to guess. Aim for 12 to 15 characters. Or use a passphrase — a series of words separated by spaces. Then sign out of that account on all devices. That way anyone who’s logged in to your account on another device will get kicked out.Secure your account.&nbsp;If the account offers&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/use-two-factor-authentication-protect-your-accounts">two-factor authentication</a>&nbsp;(2FA), turn it on to add an extra layer of security. That way, a hacker with your password can’t log in to your account without a second authentication factor. Like a verification code you get by text or email, or from an authenticator app.Update your account recovery information.&nbsp;Account recovery information helps you get back into your account if you're locked out, forgot your password, or if someone else is using it. Check your account recovery information and make sure the email address and phone number listed are correct.Check for signs that someone had access to your account.&nbsp;Check if there are auto-forwarding rules in your email account that you didn’t set up. Hackers might create these rules to forward your emails to another address. Check your social media for messages the hacker posted or sent, or for new friends you don’t recognize.If you believe someone stole your personal information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov/">IdentityTheft.gov</a>&nbsp;to report it and get a personalized recovery plan.

Email or social media hacked? Here’s what to do

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

K-State Research and Extension and the Northwest/North Central Extension Districts are hosting two Crop Pest Management Schools in mid-November. 

The first one is set for Nov. 19 in Beloit at the Beloit Methodist Church, and the second one will take place on Nov. 20 in Dighton at the United Methodist Church. 

Both events will begin at 7:45 a.m. with registration and conclude at 5:00 p.m.

Join us in person to learn how to control the latest pests – weeds, insects, and diseases – affecting all crops in central and western Kansas!

7:45 Registration 8:05 Welcome 8:15 Weed research update for western KS - Jeremie Kouame, Weed Scientist at Hays 9:10 Row crop disease that should be on your radar – Rodrigo Onofre, Row Crop Pathologist 10:05 Break 10:20 A new corn disease that should be on your radar – Anthony Zukoff, Entomologist, Garden City 11:15 Insect outlook for 2025 – Anthony Zukoff 12:10 Lunch 12:50 Drones in agronomic pest management – Deepak Joshi, Precision Ag Specialist 1:45 Recipe for tank mixing successfully – Sarah Lancaster, Weed Science Specialist 2:40 Break 2:55 Wheat diseases to watch for next spring – Jeanne Falk Jones, Craig Dinkel, Sandra Wick 3:50 Kansas Regulation (Core Hour) – Kansas Dept. of Ag 4:45 Questions/Adjourn

Commercial Applicators will earn 1 Core Hour &amp; 7 Hours for 1A, certified by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. 

Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) will also earn 8 Pest Management Credits. 

These schools would also be an excellent educational opportunity for producers.

The cost to participate is $50 if registered by November 11; after that date, the fee is $75. To register, go to https://www.wkrec.org/events/crop-pest-management-school.html. 

You can also scan the QR code below. If you register at the door, cash and checks will be accepted. We are unable to accept credit/debit cards at the door. If inclement weather occurs, the program will be held at a later date in an online format.

For questions, please contact Jeanne Falk-Jones, Multi-County Agronomist, at 785-462-6281 or Sandra Wick, Post Rock District Crop Production Agent, at 785-282-6823.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Research and Extension and the Northwest/North Central Extension Districts are hosting two Crop Pest Management Schools in mid-November. The first one is set for Nov. 19 in Beloit at the Beloit Methodist Church, and the second one will take place on Nov. 20 in Dighton at the United Methodist Church. Both events will begin at 7:45 a.m. with registration and conclude at 5:00 p.m.Join us in person to learn how to control the latest pests – weeds, insects, and diseases – affecting all crops in central and western Kansas!Event Schedule:7:45 Registration 8:05 Welcome 8:15 Weed research update for western KS - Jeremie Kouame, Weed Scientist at Hays 9:10 Row crop disease that should be on your radar – Rodrigo Onofre, Row Crop Pathologist 10:05 Break 10:20 A new corn disease that should be on your radar – Anthony Zukoff, Entomologist, Garden City 11:15 Insect outlook for 2025 – Anthony Zukoff 12:10 Lunch 12:50 Drones in agronomic pest management – Deepak Joshi, Precision Ag Specialist 1:45 Recipe for tank mixing successfully – Sarah Lancaster, Weed Science Specialist 2:40 Break 2:55 Wheat diseases to watch for next spring – Jeanne Falk Jones, Craig Dinkel, Sandra Wick 3:50 Kansas Regulation (Core Hour) – Kansas Dept. of Ag 4:45 Questions/AdjournCommercial Applicators will earn 1 Core Hour &amp; 7 Hours for 1A, certified by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) will also earn 8 Pest Management Credits. These schools would also be an excellent educational opportunity for producers.The cost to participate is $50 if registered by November 11; after that date, the fee is $75. To register, go to https://www.wkrec.org/events/crop-pest-management-school.html. You can also scan the QR code below. If you register at the door, cash and checks will be accepted. We are unable to accept credit/debit cards at the door. If inclement weather occurs, the program will be held at a later date in an online format.For questions, please contact Jeanne Falk-Jones, Multi-County Agronomist, at 785-462-6281 or Sandra Wick, Post Rock District Crop Production Agent, at 785-282-6823.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: 2024 K-State crop pest management schools set for Nov. 19-20

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730482893815.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Oct. 16, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Atchison ‑&nbsp;73‑3 KA‑7473‑01 – U.S. 73, from the east city limits of Lancaster north to the Atchison/Brown county line, milling and overlay, 6.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,472,981.04.

Atchison ‑&nbsp;73‑3 KA‑3890‑01 – U.S. 73, bridge #016 located 0.52 mile south of the U.S. 73/U.S. 59 junction, bridge removal, Julius Kaaz Construction Co. Inc., Leavenworth, Kansas, $878,007.00.

Brown ‑&nbsp;73‑7 KA‑7474‑01 – U.S. 73, from the Atchison/Brown county line west to the east city limits of Horton, milling and overlay, 8.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,825,026.88.

Douglas ‑&nbsp;24‑23 KA‑7512‑01 – U.S. 24, from the Jefferson/Douglas county line east to the Douglas/Leavenworth county line, milling and overlay, 6.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,589,811.20.

Jackson ‑&nbsp;75‑43 KA‑7516‑01 – U.S. 75, from the Shawnee/Jackson county line north to 158th Road, milling and overlay, 8.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $6,509,385.16.

Jefferson ‑&nbsp;24‑44 KA‑7510‑01 – U.S. 24, from the Elm Street/U.S. 24 junction in the city of Perry east to the Jefferson/Douglas county line, milling and overlay, 7.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,950,850.25.

Jefferson ‑&nbsp;92‑44 KA‑7514‑01 – K‑92, from the K‑92/K‑4 junction east to the west city limits of Oskaloosa, milling and overlay, 12.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,718,791.78.

Jefferson ‑&nbsp;59‑44 KA‑7513‑01 – U.S. 59, from the U.S. 24/U.S. 59 junction, north to the south city limits of Oskaloosa, milling and overlay, 10.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,188,785.75

Jefferson ‑&nbsp;159‑44 KA‑7475‑01 – U.S. 159, from the K‑4/U.S. 159 junction north to the Jefferson/Atchison county line, milling and overlay, 0.7 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $319,864.00.

Riley ‑&nbsp;24‑81 KA‑5565‑01 – U.S. 24, junction U.S. 24/K‑13 in Riley County, roundabout, Ebert Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $4,888,945.45.

Riley ‑&nbsp;24‑81 KA‑5564‑01 – U.S. 24, junction U.S. 24/K‑113 in Riley County, roundabout, Ebert Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $3,649,412.86.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;40‑89 KA‑7504‑01 – U.S. 40, from the K‑4 westbound offramp east to 0.63 mile west of Tecumseh Road, milling and overlay, 0.5 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $500,578.44.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;70‑89 KA‑1266‑04 – I‑70 Polk/Quincy Viaduct and approach Roadway in Topeka (west phase), from 0.2 mile east of I‑70/MacVicar Avenue east and south to 0.1 mile south of I‑70/4th Street, grading, bridge and surfacing, 2.4 miles, Bettis Koss Construction Joint Venture, Topeka, Kansas, $239,178,617.48.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;75‑89 KA‑7515‑01 – U.S. 75, from 0.4 mile south of the 62nd Street/U.S. 75 intersection north to the Shawnee/Jackson county line, milling and overlay, 4.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,575,974.08.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;70‑105 KA‑6768‑01 – I‑70, bridge #027 over the railroad yard/Kansas River located at the Central Avenue/I‑70 east junction, bridge repair, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,462,492.53.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;670‑105 KA‑6748‑01 – I‑670, bridge #244 located 1.06 miles east of Mill Street, bridge repair, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $3,997,489.16.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;670‑105 KA‑6745‑01 – I‑670, bridge #243 located 1.06 miles east of Mill Street, bridge repair, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $3,817,702.88.

Ottawa ‑&nbsp;106‑72 KA‑7489‑01 – K‑106, from the east city limits of Minneapolis east to State Park, surface recycle, 1.5 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $946,547.20.

Ottawa ‑&nbsp;106‑72 KA‑6725‑01 – K‑106, bridge #045 over the Solomon River located 7.66 miles north of K‑18, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $735,403.60.

Ottawa ‑&nbsp;72 C‑5223‑01 – County bridge, over Pipe Creek located 0.03 mile west of Minneapolis, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $1,119,686.64.

Osborne ‑&nbsp;281‑71 KA‑7480‑01 – U.S. 281, from the south city limits of Portis (State Street) north to the Smith/Osborne county line, milling and overlay, 0.7 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $241,109.22.

Osborne ‑&nbsp;24‑71 KA‑7476‑01 – U.S. 24, from the north end of the Portland Cement Concrete Pavement at Osborne northeast to the U.S. 281/U.S. 24 north junction; U.S. 24, from the U.S. 281/U.S. 24 north junction east to the 2-lane/4-lane west of Downs; U.S. 24, from the 2 lane/4 lane west of Downs east to the Osborne/Mitchell county line, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 14.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,436,686.53.

Osborne ‑&nbsp;71 C‑5233‑01 – County bridge, over tributary to Covert Creek located 1.0 mile south and 0.7 mile west of Covert, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $456,638.86.

Thomas ‑&nbsp;70‑97 KA‑7445‑01 – I‑70, from just east of County Road K southeast 11.96 miles to the Thomas/Logan county line, milling and overlay, 12.0 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $9,009,553.76.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724428131694.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Oct. 16, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastAtchison ‑&nbsp;73‑3 KA‑7473‑01 – U.S. 73, from the east city limits of Lancaster north to the Atchison/Brown county line, milling and overlay, 6.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,472,981.04.Atchison ‑&nbsp;73‑3 KA‑3890‑01 – U.S. 73, bridge #016 located 0.52 mile south of the U.S. 73/U.S. 59 junction, bridge removal, Julius Kaaz Construction Co. Inc., Leavenworth, Kansas, $878,007.00.Brown ‑&nbsp;73‑7 KA‑7474‑01 – U.S. 73, from the Atchison/Brown county line west to the east city limits of Horton, milling and overlay, 8.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,825,026.88.Douglas ‑&nbsp;24‑23 KA‑7512‑01 – U.S. 24, from the Jefferson/Douglas county line east to the Douglas/Leavenworth county line, milling and overlay, 6.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,589,811.20.Jackson ‑&nbsp;75‑43 KA‑7516‑01 – U.S. 75, from the Shawnee/Jackson county line north to 158th Road, milling and overlay, 8.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $6,509,385.16.Jefferson ‑&nbsp;24‑44 KA‑7510‑01 – U.S. 24, from the Elm Street/U.S. 24 junction in the city of Perry east to the Jefferson/Douglas county line, milling and overlay, 7.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,950,850.25.Jefferson ‑&nbsp;92‑44 KA‑7514‑01 – K‑92, from the K‑92/K‑4 junction east to the west city limits of Oskaloosa, milling and overlay, 12.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,718,791.78.Jefferson ‑&nbsp;59‑44 KA‑7513‑01 – U.S. 59, from the U.S. 24/U.S. 59 junction, north to the south city limits of Oskaloosa, milling and overlay, 10.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,188,785.75Jefferson ‑&nbsp;159‑44 KA‑7475‑01 – U.S. 159, from the K‑4/U.S. 159 junction north to the Jefferson/Atchison county line, milling and overlay, 0.7 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $319,864.00.Riley ‑&nbsp;24‑81 KA‑5565‑01 – U.S. 24, junction U.S. 24/K‑13 in Riley County, roundabout, Ebert Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $4,888,945.45.Riley ‑&nbsp;24‑81 KA‑5564‑01 – U.S. 24, junction U.S. 24/K‑113 in Riley County, roundabout, Ebert Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $3,649,412.86.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;40‑89 KA‑7504‑01 – U.S. 40, from the K‑4 westbound offramp east to 0.63 mile west of Tecumseh Road, milling and overlay, 0.5 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $500,578.44.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;70‑89 KA‑1266‑04 – I‑70 Polk/Quincy Viaduct and approach Roadway in Topeka (west phase), from 0.2 mile east of I‑70/MacVicar Avenue east and south to 0.1 mile south of I‑70/4th Street, grading, bridge and surfacing, 2.4 miles, Bettis Koss Construction Joint Venture, Topeka, Kansas, $239,178,617.48.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;75‑89 KA‑7515‑01 – U.S. 75, from 0.4 mile south of the 62nd Street/U.S. 75 intersection north to the Shawnee/Jackson county line, milling and overlay, 4.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,575,974.08.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;70‑105 KA‑6768‑01 – I‑70, bridge #027 over the railroad yard/Kansas River located at the Central Avenue/I‑70 east junction, bridge repair, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,462,492.53.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;670‑105 KA‑6748‑01 – I‑670, bridge #244 located 1.06 miles east of Mill Street, bridge repair, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $3,997,489.16.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;670‑105 KA‑6745‑01 – I‑670, bridge #243 located 1.06 miles east of Mill Street, bridge repair, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $3,817,702.88.District Two — North CentralOttawa ‑&nbsp;106‑72 KA‑7489‑01 – K‑106, from the east city limits of Minneapolis east to State Park, surface recycle, 1.5 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $946,547.20.Ottawa ‑&nbsp;106‑72 KA‑6725‑01 – K‑106, bridge #045 over the Solomon River located 7.66 miles north of K‑18, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $735,403.60.Ottawa ‑&nbsp;72 C‑5223‑01 – County bridge, over Pipe Creek located 0.03 mile west of Minneapolis, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $1,119,686.64.District Three — NorthwestOsborne ‑&nbsp;281‑71 KA‑7480‑01 – U.S. 281, from the south city limits of Portis (State Street) north to the Smith/Osborne county line, milling and overlay, 0.7 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $241,109.22.Osborne ‑&nbsp;24‑71 KA‑7476‑01 – U.S. 24, from the north end of the Portland Cement Concrete Pavement at Osborne northeast to the U.S. 281/U.S. 24 north junction; U.S. 24, from the U.S. 281/U.S. 24 north junction east to the 2-lane/4-lane west of Downs; U.S. 24, from the 2 lane/4 lane west of Downs east to the Osborne/Mitchell county line, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 14.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,436,686.53.Osborne ‑&nbsp;71 C‑5233‑01 – County bridge, over tributary to Covert Creek located 1.0 mile south and 0.7 mile west of Covert, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $456,638.86.Thomas ‑&nbsp;70‑97 KA‑7445‑01 – I‑70, from just east of County Road K southeast 11.96 miles to the Thomas/Logan county line, milling and overlay, 12.0 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $9,009,553.76.District Four — SoutheastBourbon ‑&nbsp;69‑6 KA‑6967‑01 – U.S. 69, bridge #009 over U.S. 54 located at the U.S. 54/U.S. 69 south junction in Fort Scott, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $1,552,793.79.Cherokee ‑&nbsp;11 TE‑0510‑01 – West Maple Street, from Sunset Avenue to High School Avenue and East Sycamore Street from U.S. 69 to 7th Avenue in Columbus, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.8 mile, Heck &amp; Wicker Inc., Parsons, Kansas, $355,559.20.Coffey ‑&nbsp;75‑16 KA‑7486‑01 – U.S. 75, from 0.06 mile north of the K‑58/U.S. 75 north junction north to 0.31 mile north of the south city limits of Burlington, sealing, 8.0 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. And Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $318,180.00.Elk ‑&nbsp;160‑25 KA‑6969‑01 – U.S. 160, bridge #008 over the Elk River located 5.86 miles east of the U.S. 160/K‑99 east junction, bridge repair, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $1,177,742.55.Franklin ‑&nbsp;169‑30 KA‑7482‑01 – U.S. 169, from the Anderson/Franklin county line north to the Franklin/Miami county line, milling and overlay, 2.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $407,791.83.Miami ‑&nbsp;169‑61 KA‑7483‑01 – U.S. 169, from the Franklin/Miami county line north to 0.77 mile south of the K‑7/U.S. 169 south junction, milling and overlay, 6.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,131,034.70.Montgomery ‑&nbsp;166‑63 KA‑6466‑01 – U.S. 166, six locations beginning 0.21 mile east of 1900 Road east to 0.47 mile east of County Road 3950, guard fence, 11.0 miles, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,394,407.21.Montgomery ‑&nbsp;63 C‑5226‑01 – County bridge, over Pumpkin Creek located 1.5 miles east of Coffeyville, bridge replacement, 0.3 mile, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $1,774,971.60.Woodson ‑&nbsp;75‑104 KA‑7487‑01 – U.S. 75, from the Wilson/Woodson county line north to the south city limits of Yates Center, sealing, 10.7 miles, Circle C Paving And Construction LLC, Goddard, Kansas, $710,273.18.District Five — South CentralCowley ‑&nbsp;18 TE‑0471‑01 – Paris Park Pool to West Lincoln Avenue to Cowley Sports Complex in Arkansas City, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.6 miles, Prado Construction LLC, Valley Center, Kansas, $1,345,884.20Harper ‑&nbsp;2‑39 KA‑7396‑01 – K‑2 from the south end of bridge #033 northeast to the Harper/Kingman county line, milling and overlay, 10.0 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,622,381.93.Kingman ‑&nbsp;42‑48 KA‑7395‑01 – K‑42, from the K‑14/K‑42 junction east to the Sumner/Kingman county line, overlay, 15.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,917,319.60.Kingman ‑&nbsp;2‑48 KA‑7397‑01 – K‑2, from the Harper/Kingman county line northeast to the Kingman/Sumner county line, milling and overlay, 5.6 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $785,096.50.Pawnee ‑&nbsp;183‑73 KA‑7380‑01 – U.S. 183, from the U.S. 183/K‑56 junction north to the U.S. 183/K‑156 junction, milling and overlay, 12.3 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,269,583.80.Reno ‑&nbsp;78 C‑5229‑01 – County bridge, over Little Arkansas River located 0.5 mile east and 2.0 miles south of Buhler, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $738,711.49.Rush ‑&nbsp;96‑83 KA‑7488‑01 – K‑96, from the Ness/Rush county line east to the U.S. 183/K‑96 junction, milling and overlay, 15.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,777,443.64.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;49‑87 KA‑7379‑01 – K‑49, from the Sumner/Sedgwick county line north to the K‑49/K‑42 junction, milling and overlay, 1.0 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $188,073.34.Sumner ‑&nbsp;49‑96 KA‑7378‑01 – K‑49, from the K‑49/U.S. 160 junction north to the Sumner/Sedgwick county line, milling and overlay, 14.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,028,883.75.Sumner ‑&nbsp;81‑96 KA‑5768‑01 – U.S. 81, bridge #047 over Spring Creek located 4.84 miles north of U.S. 166, bridge replacement, Dondlinger &amp; Sons Construction Co Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,363,991.30Sumner ‑&nbsp;42‑96 KA‑7394‑01 – K‑42, from the Sumner/Kingman county line east to the K‑42/K‑2 junction, overlay, 1.0 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $133,330.80Sumner ‑&nbsp;2‑96 KA‑7398‑01 – K‑2, from the Harper/Kingman county line northeast to the Kingman/Sumner county line, milling and overlay, 1.4 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $228,936.55.District Six — SouthwestGrant ‑&nbsp;25‑34 KA‑7499‑01 – K‑25, from the Grant/Stevens county line north to the south city limits of Ulysses, milling and overlay, 13.4 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,303,462.00.Haskell ‑&nbsp;83‑41 KA‑7500‑01 – U.S. 83, from the Haskell/Seward county line north to the U.S. 56/U.S. 83 junction, milling and overlay, 6.0 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,052,824.11.Haskell ‑&nbsp;83‑41 KA‑1008‑02 – U.S. 83, from 0.19 mile north of the U.S. 83/U.S. 56 junction north to 1.75 mile south of the U.S. 83/U.S. 160 junction, grading and surfacing, 4.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $15,545,585.53.Meade ‑&nbsp;54‑60 KA‑7558‑01 – U.S. 54, from the Meade/Seward county line east 0.103 mile, milling and overlay, 0.1 mile, J &amp; R Sand Company Inc., Liberal, Kansas, $42,251.40.Stevens ‑&nbsp;56‑95 KA‑7497‑01 – U.S. 56, from the U.S. 56/K‑51 junction east&nbsp;to the K‑25/U.S. 56 east junction, milling and overlay, 2.2 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,078,907.00.Stevens ‑&nbsp;25‑95 KA‑7498‑01 – K‑25, from the U.S. 56/K‑25 east junction north to the Grant/Stevens county line, milling and overlay, 13.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,772,246.50.The following projects were approved from the Sept. 18, 2024, letting.Chase ‑&nbsp;9 TE‑0533‑01 ‑ Cottonwood Street, from 4th Street to U.S. 50 in Strong City, landscaping and beautification, 0.3 mile, Killough Construction, Inc., Ottawa, Kansas, $872,916.56.Geary ‑&nbsp;31 C‑5231‑01 – County road, bridge over Tributary of Republican River located 3.0 miles north and 1.0 mile west of Junction City, bridge replacement, Bayer Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $536,461.18.Butler ‑&nbsp;54‑8 TE‑0508‑01 ‑ Along the old BNSF Railway grade/Redbud Trail rail corridor over U.S. 54 in Augusta, pedestrian and bicycle paths, Dondlinger &amp; Sons Construction Co. Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,533,312.95.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;15‑87 N‑0727‑01 ‑ Nelson Drive, between Patriot and just south of Red Powell in Derby, grading and surfacing, 0.6 mile, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $7,318,642.00.

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