By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Winter weather returns to western Kansas today, although it won't be as fierce as the past weekend's blizzard.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a winter weather advisory through tonight for the region south of Ellis County. It includes as 60% chance of snow and 35 mph wind gusts out of the north.&nbsp;

Ellis County and the surrounding area are in a hazardous weather outlook with a 30% chance of snow through tonight and blustery north wind gusting up to 30 mph.

The hazardous weather outlook for far northwestern Kansas from the National Weather Service in Goodland is calling for brief bands of heavy snow moving through late this morning and&nbsp;early this afternoon. Visibility will be reduced to as low as half a mile due to northwest winds gusting 30-40 mph.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/25d77d47-ba6c-456b-bf62-636a1d8f014d">three-day weather forecast</a> for Hays calls for temperatures in the 30s through Saturday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736440140749.png" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWinter weather returns to western Kansas today, although it won't be as fierce as the past weekend's blizzard.The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a winter weather advisory through tonight for the region south of Ellis County. It includes as 60% chance of snow and 35 mph wind gusts out of the north.&nbsp;Ellis County and the surrounding area are in a hazardous weather outlook with a 30% chance of snow through tonight and blustery north wind gusting up to 30 mph.The hazardous weather outlook for far northwestern Kansas from the National Weather Service in Goodland is calling for brief bands of heavy snow moving through late this morning and&nbsp;early this afternoon. Visibility will be reduced to as low as half a mile due to northwest winds gusting 30-40 mph.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/25d77d47-ba6c-456b-bf62-636a1d8f014d">three-day weather forecast</a> for Hays calls for temperatures in the 30s through Saturday.&nbsp;

Some snow, gusty winds return to Ellis County, NW Kansas today

In observance of the National Day of Mourning for President Jimmy Carter, Fort Hays State University will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 9 per an executive order from Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, closing state offices.

In observance of the National Day of Mourning for President Jimmy Carter, Fort Hays State University will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 9 per an executive order from Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, closing state offices.

FHSU, other state offices closed today

LOGAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Suburban driven by Shane Castle, 28, Grand Island, Nebraska, was westbound on U.S. 40 three and one half miles west of U.S. 83.

The SUV traveled off the roadway onto the north shoulder. The driver attempted to regain control and crossed the center line into the eastbound lane. The vehicle then traveled back into the north ditch and rolled.

EMS transported Castle to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Suburban driven by Shane Castle, 28, Grand Island, Nebraska, was westbound on U.S. 40 three and one half miles west of U.S. 83.The SUV traveled off the roadway onto the north shoulder. The driver attempted to regain control and crossed the center line into the eastbound lane. The vehicle then traveled back into the north ditch and rolled.EMS transported Castle to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man hospitalized after NW Kansas rollover accident

The United States Post Office and other federal and state agencies are observing a National Day of Mourning in honor of former President Jimmy Carter.

The Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery and retail service on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in honor of President Carter.

USPS will provide limited package delivery service today.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719998281554.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>National Day of Mourning observed</h2>The United States Post Office and other federal and state agencies are observing a National Day of Mourning in honor of former President Jimmy Carter.The Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery and retail service on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in honor of President Carter.USPS will provide limited package delivery service today.

Why you're not getting mail today

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Ellis County Public Works crews have been busy trying
to clear the roads following the weekend winter weather system that brought ice
and snow to the region. 

Public Works Director Brendon Mackay said crews started
working to clear the roads Saturday and have worked every day since. 

Mackay said they did not treat the roads with brine before
the storm system rolled into the region because the conditions were not ideal
for its use.

"It helps to a point," Mackay said. "But when you have that
amount of freezing rain and freezing drizzle, that's water that's going to
melt. It's going to take away the brine with it."

Mackay said that the county's policy for the last four years is not pretreating the roads unless the conditions are prime for the brine treatment.

"Unless you're constantly going back after it, you're just
spinning your wheels and causing more stuff to stick to the roadways that could
potentially blow off the roadways," Mackay said.

Mackay said county workers start by clearing the hard-surface roads
and work their way through the rest of the roads. 

"Those are the roads that people are going to be on that may
not be from this community. Your hospital's not on a dirt road. It's on
paved roads," Mackay said. "We need to open up those first, and then from
there, we go to our major collector system."

Crews do not go back and open driveways that are blown shut
by the plows. Mackey said his driveway was blocked while crews were out maintaining
the roads. 

“We are to open and maintain the roadways, not to open
driveways,” Mackey said. “Our priority is to open the roads for people to
travel on them.”

On Tuesday, the Ellis County Commission thanked the crews for their work.

“Crews have put in a valiant effort to get out there and do
what they can,” Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges said. “I think our county
employees, public works, in particular, in this case, absolutely have done a
commendable job.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736123094901.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostEllis County Public Works crews have been busy trying
to clear the roads following the weekend winter weather system that brought ice
and snow to the region. Public Works Director Brendon Mackay said crews started
working to clear the roads Saturday and have worked every day since. Mackay said they did not treat the roads with brine before
the storm system rolled into the region because the conditions were not ideal
for its use."It helps to a point," Mackay said. "But when you have that
amount of freezing rain and freezing drizzle, that's water that's going to
melt. It's going to take away the brine with it."Mackay said that the county's policy for the last four years is not pretreating the roads unless the conditions are prime for the brine treatment."Unless you're constantly going back after it, you're just
spinning your wheels and causing more stuff to stick to the roadways that could
potentially blow off the roadways," Mackay said.Mackay said county workers start by clearing the hard-surface roads
and work their way through the rest of the roads. "Those are the roads that people are going to be on that may
not be from this community. Your hospital's not on a dirt road. It's on
paved roads," Mackay said. "We need to open up those first, and then from
there, we go to our major collector system."Crews do not go back and open driveways that are blown shut
by the plows. Mackey said his driveway was blocked while crews were out maintaining
the roads. “We are to open and maintain the roadways, not to open
driveways,” Mackey said. “Our priority is to open the roads for people to
travel on them.”On Tuesday, the Ellis County Commission thanked the crews for their work.“Crews have put in a valiant effort to get out there and do
what they can,” Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges said. “I think our county
employees, public works, in particular, in this case, absolutely have done a
commendable job.”

Ellis County crews working to clear roadways

FHSU crime log Dec. 27, 2024-Jan. 9, 2025

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Fort Hays State Rodeo Club and Team is gearing up for its second- annual rodeo gala, an evening of excitement and various auctioned donated items.

The gala is set for 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 25 in the Unrein Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. The event features a silent auction, live auction and buffet-style dining.

FHSU head rodeo coach Guy Forell said the gala serves as a fundraiser primarily for scholarships for rodeo athletes. Future fundraisers are planned for program and facility improvements.

"We're hopeful that we can raise more than we did last year. That's the goal," he said.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at the gate or through the Fort Hays State University Rodeo Facebook page. The attire for the event is National Finals Rodeo Formal.

The evening includes dinner provided by The Union Catering Company, a guest speaker and highlights of the program's recent achievements.

"We've won several individual events this fall, and that's been exciting for Fort Hays," Forell said. "We're currently sitting at eight for the men's team and fifth in the women's team in our region."

The gala's silent and live auctions will help the rodeo team compete against what Forell described as "powerhouse rodeo programs" from Oklahoma.

Attendees can bid on auction items throughout the night, including stallion breeding fees, a King Cobra revolver, cowhide rugs, cow skulls and hunting trips.

The live auction will start at 8 p.m., and donations will be accepted until the day of the event. You can contact the rodeo team on Facebook or Forell at 785-628-4010 to contribute.

In the past year, the FHSU rodeo team has celebrated success as a team and through individual achievements.

"We're hopeful that we will have somebody at nationals this year. That's our biggest goal right now," Forell said.

Forell spotlighted Cole Kerner, John Jones, Hailey Witte and Abby Olson as rodeo athletes with the potential to qualify for nationals.

Kerner recently won the bull riding and All-Around titles at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He is tied for third in bull riding and ranks fifth in bareback riding within the Central Plains Region.

Witte secured barrel racing victories at Kansas State and Colby Community College this fall, holding second place in the Central Plains Region standings. Olson, in third place, competed in December at the Junior World Finals in Las Vegas.

"Jones is setting 12th in the region in tie-down roping," Forell said. "You never know what's going to happen with him. He's electric."

The program began in 1964 when a group of students proposed the idea of a rodeo club, receiving official recognition from the FHSU Student Organizations Committee in 1965.

According to Forell, the club has 45 members and consistently grows in membership and competitive performance.

"We expect those numbers to keep increasing. We're on the recruiting trail, and we're going to continue to get bigger," he said.

After the gala, the rodeo team will focus on preparing for their annual rodeo, scheduled for April 17–19 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, which also serves as a fundraiser.

Student-athletes will compete in five regional rodeos this spring, most of which are in April.

You can follow the Fort Hay State University Rodeo Team's journey on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsurodeo">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736367703299.jpeg" alt="The Fort Hays State University Rodeo team. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>The Fort Hays State University Rodeo team. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Fort Hays State Rodeo Club and Team is gearing up for its second- annual rodeo gala, an evening of excitement and various auctioned donated items.The gala is set for 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 25 in the Unrein Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. The event features a silent auction, live auction and buffet-style dining.FHSU head rodeo coach Guy Forell said the gala serves as a fundraiser primarily for scholarships for rodeo athletes. Future fundraisers are planned for program and facility improvements."We're hopeful that we can raise more than we did last year. That's the goal," he said.Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at the gate or through the Fort Hays State University Rodeo Facebook page. The attire for the event is National Finals Rodeo Formal.The evening includes dinner provided by The Union Catering Company, a guest speaker and highlights of the program's recent achievements."We've won several individual events this fall, and that's been exciting for Fort Hays," Forell said. "We're currently sitting at eight for the men's team and fifth in the women's team in our region."The gala's silent and live auctions will help the rodeo team compete against what Forell described as "powerhouse rodeo programs" from Oklahoma.Attendees can bid on auction items throughout the night, including stallion breeding fees, a King Cobra revolver, cowhide rugs, cow skulls and hunting trips.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736367824886.jpeg" alt="Custom belts from the Fort Hays State University's Rodeo Gala silent auction. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Custom belts from the Fort Hays State University's Rodeo Gala silent auction. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736367869001.jpeg" alt="A large cow skull from the Fort Hays State University's Rodeo Gala live auction. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>A large cow skull from the Fort Hays State University's Rodeo Gala live auction. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736367904770.jpeg" alt="An authentic cowhide rug branded with Fort Hays from the Fort Hays State University's Rodeo Gala live auction. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>An authentic cowhide rug branded with Fort Hays from the Fort Hays State University's Rodeo Gala live auction. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736367938712.jpeg" alt="A handmade cedar bench from&nbsp;the Fort Hays State University's Rodeo Gala live auction. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>A handmade cedar bench from&nbsp;the Fort Hays State University's Rodeo Gala live auction. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The live auction will start at 8 p.m., and donations will be accepted until the day of the event. You can contact the rodeo team on Facebook or Forell at 785-628-4010 to contribute.In the past year, the FHSU rodeo team has celebrated success as a team and through individual achievements."We're hopeful that we will have somebody at nationals this year. That's our biggest goal right now," Forell said.Forell spotlighted Cole Kerner, John Jones, Hailey Witte and Abby Olson as rodeo athletes with the potential to qualify for nationals.Kerner recently won the bull riding and All-Around titles at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He is tied for third in bull riding and ranks fifth in bareback riding within the Central Plains Region.Witte secured barrel racing victories at Kansas State and Colby Community College this fall, holding second place in the Central Plains Region standings. Olson, in third place, competed in December at the Junior World Finals in Las Vegas."Jones is setting 12th in the region in tie-down roping," Forell said. "You never know what's going to happen with him. He's electric."The program began in 1964 when a group of students proposed the idea of a rodeo club, receiving official recognition from the FHSU Student Organizations Committee in 1965.According to Forell, the club has 45 members and consistently grows in membership and competitive performance."We expect those numbers to keep increasing. We're on the recruiting trail, and we're going to continue to get bigger," he said.After the gala, the rodeo team will focus on preparing for their annual rodeo, scheduled for April 17–19 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, which also serves as a fundraiser.Student-athletes will compete in five regional rodeos this spring, most of which are in April.You can follow the Fort Hay State University Rodeo Team's journey on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsurodeo">Facebook</a>.

2nd-annual FHSU Rodeo Gala set for Jan. 25; tickets available now

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/12/30/kansas-lawmakers-want-to-ban-gender-affirming-care-for-minors/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Grading%20Kansas%20City%20s%20health%20care&amp;utm_campaign=2024%2001%2002%20Kansas%20City%20Health">The Beacon</a> Kansas Republicans plan to try to ban gender-affirming care for minors again.&nbsp;

That means cutting off access to puberty blockers and hormone treatments for children with gender dysphoria, and banning gender-affirming surgery for minors,<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/27/kansas-may-ban-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-doctors-cite-physical-and-mental-costs-of-waiting/">&nbsp;which is incredibly rare</a>.&nbsp;

The GOP has tried and failed to pass this ban. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly consistently vetoes the proposals, and conservatives can’t rally enough support to override the veto. The 2024 election changed the political makeup of the Legislature, though, and conservatives are going to try again.&nbsp;

“We only missed that by one or two votes in the House, right?” Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article296570569.html">said to reporters</a>. “(The Senate) overrode it then and I think this caucus is probably stronger in that opinion than the prior one. So that would definitely be back.”

What has the Legislature already done?&nbsp;

A bill banning gender-affirming care for minors failed in 2023 and 2024. The bill could have cost doctors licenses for providing the care. It would also give families a path to sue for actual damages to a child and punitive damages.&nbsp;

The 2024 proposal failed when four Republicans crossed party lines and joined Democrats to kill the bill. But the political makeup of the Legislature has tilted further right.&nbsp;

The 2025 proposal will look similar to last year’s plan, said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican. He said last year’s bill scared some lawmakers because they worried it would ban mental health care and counseling for transgender minors. That’s not the goal.&nbsp;

Hawkins said he wants to stop puberty blockers and surgeries. He said this bill should move quickly.&nbsp;

“I don’t think we’re going to wait till the end (of the session),” he said. “We’re going to get a lot of this stuff done early.”

The GOP has a larger majority and more margin for error. Two of the four Republicans who joined Democrats in 2024 didn’t run for reelection, and one of the newly elected lawmakers said&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/07/26/kansas-primary-ballot-here-are-the-key-races-august-6/">they don’t support gender-affirming care</a>.&nbsp;

Former Rep. Marvin Robinson, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, switched party lines to support the ban. He lost his primary election.&nbsp;

The proposal is almost entirely supported by Republicans and splits largely along party lines.&nbsp;

Sen. Beverly Gossage, a Eudora Republican, said the bill would protect children because it prevents them from making life-altering decisions they may regret. Studies have found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-treatment-regret-detransition-371e927ec6e7a24cd9c77b5371c6ba2b">1% of transgender individuals regret the choice</a>.&nbsp;

Republicans also say Kansans could get the care at 18 when they are an adult, though doctors&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/27/kansas-may-ban-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-doctors-cite-physical-and-mental-costs-of-waiting/">warn against waiting for gender-affirming care</a>.&nbsp;

“We want these children to get the caring mental therapy that they need,” Gossage said during the 2024 debate. “We often pass bills in this Legislature to protect Kansans. We’re on the right side of history on this.”

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said supportive environments and proper medical treatment are the best ways to help transgender Kansans.&nbsp;

“I have heard from hundreds of Kansans and people who had a life raft because of gender-affirming care,” Sykes said during the 2024 debate. “We are trying to rip that away from them.”&nbsp;

Democrats say delaying care increases the suicide risk for transgender teens. Kelly has a track record of vetoing anti-transgender legislation, and any bill banning this care is almost certainly to be vetoed by the Democratic governor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736268644202.png" alt="The GOP has tried and failed to ban gender-affirming care before, but Republicans have a stronger majority in the Kansas Statehouse. Photo by Trace Salzbrenner/The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>The GOP has tried and failed to ban gender-affirming care before, but Republicans have a stronger majority in the Kansas Statehouse. Photo by Trace Salzbrenner/The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/12/30/kansas-lawmakers-want-to-ban-gender-affirming-care-for-minors/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Grading%20Kansas%20City%20s%20health%20care&amp;utm_campaign=2024%2001%2002%20Kansas%20City%20Health">The Beacon</a> Kansas Republicans plan to try to ban gender-affirming care for minors again.&nbsp;That means cutting off access to puberty blockers and hormone treatments for children with gender dysphoria, and banning gender-affirming surgery for minors,<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/27/kansas-may-ban-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-doctors-cite-physical-and-mental-costs-of-waiting/">&nbsp;which is incredibly rare</a>.&nbsp;The GOP has tried and failed to pass this ban. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly consistently vetoes the proposals, and conservatives can’t rally enough support to override the veto. The 2024 election changed the political makeup of the Legislature, though, and conservatives are going to try again.&nbsp;“We only missed that by one or two votes in the House, right?” Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article296570569.html">said to reporters</a>. “(The Senate) overrode it then and I think this caucus is probably stronger in that opinion than the prior one. So that would definitely be back.”<h2>What has the Legislature already done?&nbsp;</h2>A bill banning gender-affirming care for minors failed in 2023 and 2024. The bill could have cost doctors licenses for providing the care. It would also give families a path to sue for actual damages to a child and punitive damages.&nbsp;The 2024 proposal failed when four Republicans crossed party lines and joined Democrats to kill the bill. But the political makeup of the Legislature has tilted further right.&nbsp;The 2025 proposal will look similar to last year’s plan, said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican. He said last year’s bill scared some lawmakers because they worried it would ban mental health care and counseling for transgender minors. That’s not the goal.&nbsp;Hawkins said he wants to stop puberty blockers and surgeries. He said this bill should move quickly.&nbsp;“I don’t think we’re going to wait till the end (of the session),” he said. “We’re going to get a lot of this stuff done early.”The GOP has a larger majority and more margin for error. Two of the four Republicans who joined Democrats in 2024 didn’t run for reelection, and one of the newly elected lawmakers said&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/07/26/kansas-primary-ballot-here-are-the-key-races-august-6/">they don’t support gender-affirming care</a>.&nbsp;Former Rep. Marvin Robinson, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, switched party lines to support the ban. He lost his primary election.&nbsp;<h2>Who supports the proposal?&nbsp;</h2>The proposal is almost entirely supported by Republicans and splits largely along party lines.&nbsp;Sen. Beverly Gossage, a Eudora Republican, said the bill would protect children because it prevents them from making life-altering decisions they may regret. Studies have found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-treatment-regret-detransition-371e927ec6e7a24cd9c77b5371c6ba2b">1% of transgender individuals regret the choice</a>.&nbsp;Republicans also say Kansans could get the care at 18 when they are an adult, though doctors&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/27/kansas-may-ban-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-doctors-cite-physical-and-mental-costs-of-waiting/">warn against waiting for gender-affirming care</a>.&nbsp;“We want these children to get the caring mental therapy that they need,” Gossage said during the 2024 debate. “We often pass bills in this Legislature to protect Kansans. We’re on the right side of history on this.”<h2>Who opposes the proposal?&nbsp;</h2>Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said supportive environments and proper medical treatment are the best ways to help transgender Kansans.&nbsp;“I have heard from hundreds of Kansans and people who had a life raft because of gender-affirming care,” Sykes said during the 2024 debate. “We are trying to rip that away from them.”&nbsp;Democrats say delaying care increases the suicide risk for transgender teens. Kelly has a track record of vetoing anti-transgender legislation, and any bill banning this care is almost certainly to be vetoed by the Democratic governor.

Kansas Republicans will try again to ban gender-affirming care for minors

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software is now available for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month.

Starting January 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Millions of taxpayers nationwide can access free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting IRS.gov.

“The IRS remains committed to its partnership with Free File Inc. to ensure taxpayers have free and secure options for filing their taxes electronically,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Taxpayers have multiple filing choices, including trusted tax professionals, tax software, Free File, Direct File or free preparation services through IRS partners. Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program.”

Entering its 23rd&nbsp;filing season, IRS Free File is just one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their tax returns, whether online or in person. This service is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. (formerly the Free File Alliance). As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/zi4Nriy0VyWHJqLFKKwjhwckS8oaxq70HcDH6r5tlAM=387">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.

This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.

Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies offer a similar option.

Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF) starting January 27. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.

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Taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024 can find an IRS Free File product; some providers include free state tax return preparation and filing. All partners offer active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024, free tax preparation and filing using IRS Free File.

Use IRS Free File to claim valuable tax credits if eligible

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The EITC is just one of several refundable tax credits related to family and dependent care that individuals without a filing requirement may still be eligible to claim. Refundable tax credits allow taxpayers to receive a refund even if they owe no tax, or refundable credits can reduce the amount of tax owed, potentially leading to a refund. For more details on the EITC and other tax credits, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.eitc.irs.gov%2F/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/E2PBT0FAi6uBlDRM2lW4FwgWENpyhlVsbtIMvue9ZqA=387">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>.

How to find the right IRS Free File product

Taxpayers are responsible for determining their eligibility for a free federal tax return from the list of trusted partners.

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For 2025, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:

For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish.

IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and easily. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/3/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/TZv2WFhXo7WL3BjvbvSdXyUsr3TEM6ezuCnJdAqFPYA=387">IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free</a>.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software is now available for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month.Starting January 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Millions of taxpayers nationwide can access free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting IRS.gov.“The IRS remains committed to its partnership with Free File Inc. to ensure taxpayers have free and secure options for filing their taxes electronically,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Taxpayers have multiple filing choices, including trusted tax professionals, tax software, Free File, Direct File or free preparation services through IRS partners. Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program.”Entering its 23rd&nbsp;filing season, IRS Free File is just one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their tax returns, whether online or in person. This service is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. (formerly the Free File Alliance). As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/zi4Nriy0VyWHJqLFKKwjhwckS8oaxq70HcDH6r5tlAM=387">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies offer a similar option.Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF) starting January 27. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.<h2>Understanding IRS Free File</h2>Each IRS Free File trusted partner establishes its own eligibility criteria based on age, income, state residency and military status.Taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024 can find an IRS Free File product; some providers include free state tax return preparation and filing. All partners offer active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024, free tax preparation and filing using IRS Free File.<h2>Use IRS Free File to claim valuable tax credits if eligible</h2>IRS Free File offers a simple, no-cost way for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits for which they’re eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit and other valuable credits. The EITC is available to qualified taxpayers with earned income under $66,819. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit%2Fuse-the-eitc-assistant/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/Jpap18ccRBKlTFBhKtBpmb0PM7_lezuSsK89sLhTRNc=387">EITC Assistant</a>, available in English and seven other languages, can help taxpayers determine if they qualify.The EITC is just one of several refundable tax credits related to family and dependent care that individuals without a filing requirement may still be eligible to claim. Refundable tax credits allow taxpayers to receive a refund even if they owe no tax, or refundable credits can reduce the amount of tax owed, potentially leading to a refund. For more details on the EITC and other tax credits, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.eitc.irs.gov%2F/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/E2PBT0FAi6uBlDRM2lW4FwgWENpyhlVsbtIMvue9ZqA=387">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>.<h2>How to find the right IRS Free File product</h2>Taxpayers are responsible for determining their eligibility for a free federal tax return from the list of trusted partners.<ol>
 <li>Go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/2/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/XykcqQgx2Ig7fi0POacV-c_M-SLvFp3se4F80GFujjo=387">IRS.gov/freefile</a>,</li><li>Click on Explore Free Guided Tax Software button. Then select the Find a Trusted Partner tool for help in finding the right product, or</li><li>Use the Browse All Trusted Partners tool to review each offer,</li><li>Select the desired product, and</li><li>Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.</li>
 </ol>No computer? No problem. IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smart phone or tablet.<h2>IRS Free File participants</h2>For 2025, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:<ul>
 <li>1040Now</li><li>Drake (1040.com)</li><li>ezTaxReturn.com</li><li>FileYourTaxes.com</li><li>On-Line Taxes</li><li>TaxAct</li><li>TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)</li><li>TaxSlayer</li>
 </ul>For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish.IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and easily. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/3/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/TZv2WFhXo7WL3BjvbvSdXyUsr3TEM6ezuCnJdAqFPYA=387">IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free</a>.

IRS free file now open: free tax filing service available to millions

While some locals start the new year with a good Volga German wuenching with the hope of picking up not only good luck but a shiny quarter or better, I prefer celebrating with a savory Southern custom. 

Though I have Volga German ancestry, we never learned the traditional VG good wishes for health, long life, and eternity that many descendants in this area share on January 1. 

Because that grandmother married a Georgia man, and they had three sons who worked Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Montana oil patches, my family practiced the southern black-eyed pea, ham, and greens January 1 tradition. As a bonus, anytime you can add dumplings to broth, you’ve got a win-win situation. Double bonus--you don’t have to worry about mispronouncing unfamiliar German words.

When we first married, my husband didn’t immediately take to eating black-eyed peas, ham, and cabbage New Years Day. He’d gladly devour any ham put before him whether sliced, diced, or ground, but he suspiciously eyed those funny-looking legumes and insisted cooked cabbage made the kitchen stink. 

As a new bride, I sweetly ignored his protests and reminded him he had to have at least a bite to assure himself of health, wealth, and good luck in the upcoming year. Despite eating several bowls full every January 1, I couldn’t carry the entire responsibility for guaranteeing 365 days of family good fortune.

Repetition improves most anything, and after our first decade, my sweetheart looked forward to the annual new year’s menu and urged our tiny daughters to eat a spoonful as well. After a few more decades, he’d noted the merits of his bride’s happy smile as she watched him eat this once-a-year dose of good fortune. 

Sometimes, I made our Hoppin’ John with canned black-eyed peas and other years from a bag of dry B-E-Ps I’d soaked 24 hours before cooking. No matter, savory scents emanating from ham bones and meat, earthy beans, onion and garlic notes, as well as pungent cabbage filled our kitchen year after year.

We took our black-eyed peas extra seriously when the girls were young. One year, I gave them a spot in the garden to plant black-eyed peas. Imagine the surprise of local 4-H judges when they observed unusual legumes displayed during the annual Free Fair. I guess they became a more common garden item because this year, I saw B-E-Ps displayed at the Ellis Free Fair

Personally, I like black-eyed peas. I don’t care if they were originally grown in the old South as livestock feed. According to one source, humans didn’t eat them until Sherman’s troops marched through Georgia burning farm fields to induce a famine to hasten the end of that war. Surviving livestock may have starved, but, thank goodness, humans discovered this protein-packed delicacy.

I like the tiny kidney shapes sporting a black eye served in soups, as cowboy caviar with chips, and in summer salads combined with lime juice, diced peppers, red onions, and sharp vinegars. I bet they make a great hummus substitute or burrito filling. Test kitchen coming up.

The real luck might be dining on this little protein pack year-round.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736261784989.jpeg" alt="Black-eyed peas. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Black-eyed peas. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINWhile some locals start the new year with a good Volga German wuenching with the hope of picking up not only good luck but a shiny quarter or better, I prefer celebrating with a savory Southern custom. Though I have Volga German ancestry, we never learned the traditional VG good wishes for health, long life, and eternity that many descendants in this area share on January 1. Because that grandmother married a Georgia man, and they had three sons who worked Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Montana oil patches, my family practiced the southern black-eyed pea, ham, and greens January 1 tradition. As a bonus, anytime you can add dumplings to broth, you’ve got a win-win situation. Double bonus--you don’t have to worry about mispronouncing unfamiliar German words.When we first married, my husband didn’t immediately take to eating black-eyed peas, ham, and cabbage New Years Day. He’d gladly devour any ham put before him whether sliced, diced, or ground, but he suspiciously eyed those funny-looking legumes and insisted cooked cabbage made the kitchen stink. As a new bride, I sweetly ignored his protests and reminded him he had to have at least a bite to assure himself of health, wealth, and good luck in the upcoming year. Despite eating several bowls full every January 1, I couldn’t carry the entire responsibility for guaranteeing 365 days of family good fortune.Repetition improves most anything, and after our first decade, my sweetheart looked forward to the annual new year’s menu and urged our tiny daughters to eat a spoonful as well. After a few more decades, he’d noted the merits of his bride’s happy smile as she watched him eat this once-a-year dose of good fortune. Sometimes, I made our Hoppin’ John with canned black-eyed peas and other years from a bag of dry B-E-Ps I’d soaked 24 hours before cooking. No matter, savory scents emanating from ham bones and meat, earthy beans, onion and garlic notes, as well as pungent cabbage filled our kitchen year after year.We took our black-eyed peas extra seriously when the girls were young. One year, I gave them a spot in the garden to plant black-eyed peas. Imagine the surprise of local 4-H judges when they observed unusual legumes displayed during the annual Free Fair. I guess they became a more common garden item because this year, I saw B-E-Ps displayed at the Ellis Free FairPersonally, I like black-eyed peas. I don’t care if they were originally grown in the old South as livestock feed. According to one source, humans didn’t eat them until Sherman’s troops marched through Georgia burning farm fields to induce a famine to hasten the end of that war. Surviving livestock may have starved, but, thank goodness, humans discovered this protein-packed delicacy.I like the tiny kidney shapes sporting a black eye served in soups, as cowboy caviar with chips, and in summer salads combined with lime juice, diced peppers, red onions, and sharp vinegars. I bet they make a great hummus substitute or burrito filling. Test kitchen coming up.The real luck might be dining on this little protein pack year-round.

MADORIN: New Year’s tradition — Protein-packed luck

<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/2025/1/1736188242930.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

The&nbsp;Ten-Minute Trainer Network,&nbsp;(an Eagle Media Company) has teamed up with The Chamber in Hays, Kansas to share with their members a powerful tool designed to help Hays businesses hire, train, and retain top talent effectively and efficiently.

The Ten-Minute Trainer Network is more than just training—it’s a strategic advantage for building stronger teams and driving success in your business.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://p1learning.ac-page.com/tmt-chamber-member-discount">Click here to learn more about the covered topics</a>.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VM5i7fmH7AU?si=-BVgq36uvI_Zdouc" 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>The&nbsp;Ten-Minute Trainer Network,&nbsp;(an Eagle Media Company) has teamed up with The Chamber in Hays, Kansas to share with their members a powerful tool designed to help Hays businesses hire, train, and retain top talent effectively and efficiently.<ol>
 <li>Training Under 10 Minutes:&nbsp;Easy-to-digest courses fit into even the busiest schedules.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Mobile Friendly:&nbsp;Your team can learn anytime, anywhere—on their phone, tablet or computer.</li><li>Curated Learning Options:&nbsp;Choose pre-built curriculums or tailor courses to meet your team’s needs.</li><li>Fun and Engaging Content:&nbsp;Dynamic video-based training replaces outdated, boring manuals.</li><li>Wide Range of Topics:&nbsp;Covering sales, leadership, compliance, workplace safety and more.</li><li>Special Pricing for Hays Businesses:&nbsp;Packages start at just $249.99/year for Chamber in Hays businesses.</li>
 </ol>The Ten-Minute Trainer Network is more than just training—it’s a strategic advantage for building stronger teams and driving success in your business.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://p1learning.ac-page.com/tmt-chamber-member-discount">Click here to learn more about the covered topics</a>.

NW Kansas family displaced after house fire

Hays experienced its first major snowstorm of the year, which led the Hays Police Department to respond to 65 disabled vehicles over the weekend.

Hays Police Lieutenant Tim Greenwood reported 15 accidents, most of which were non-injury and resulted from sliding on icy roads.

Greenwood recommends warming up vehicles, thoroughly clearing windshields of ice and driving cautiously, even when using four-wheel drive.

By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays experienced its first major snowstorm of the year, which led the Hays Police Department to respond to 65 disabled vehicles over the weekend.Hays Police Lieutenant Tim Greenwood reported 15 accidents, most of which were non-injury and resulted from sliding on icy roads.Greenwood recommends warming up vehicles, thoroughly clearing windshields of ice and driving cautiously, even when using four-wheel drive.

Weekend snowstorm leads to disabled vehicles, accidents in Hays

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/01/03/kansas-lawmakers-could-consider-medical-marijuana-in-2025/">The Beacon</a>

Kansas lawmakers are likely going to act on medical marijuana in the 2025 session. Maybe.&nbsp;

Medical marijuana is becoming a perennial debate in Topeka, and it’s annually unclear how likely it is for a bill to pass.&nbsp;

“I have sat through, I don’t know, three interim committee meetings,” said Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, at an interim committee on medical marijuana. “We keep rehashing this information. We keep hearing the same debunked theories over and over.”

That was in October. Holscher made a motion for the committee to support the passage of medical marijuana. The committee — made up of Senate and House members, Republicans and Democrats — rejected that motion.&nbsp;

“I just feel like we keep circling here by doing interim committees and never really moving forward on the issue,” Holscher said in October.&nbsp;

Instead, they made a motion to schedule another meeting in January to again debate medical marijuana.&nbsp;

That would imply that medical marijuana is of interest to lawmakers in 2025. But Kansas legislators have debated medical cannabis during the session or in a special committee in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Yet weed is still illegal.&nbsp;

The Kansas House first approved a medical marijuana plan in 2021. It was a&nbsp;<a href="https://klrd.gov/publications/medical-marijuana/#:~:text=Legislation%20that%20would%20legalize%20medical,out%20of%20the%20Kansas%20House.&amp;text=Medical%20Use.">historic vote</a>.&nbsp;

It was the first time the chamber ever gave medical marijuana a floor vote, and it passed 79-42. Republicans and Democrats had mostly come together on an issue to pass it and send the proposal to the Senate.&nbsp;

It’s the Senate where all the issues remain.&nbsp;

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, wants a limited program to avoid the pitfalls other states have seen.&nbsp;

“I have consistently maintained that this is a serious topic,”<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/15/medical-weed-could-be-coming-to-kansas-why-has-it-failed-before/">&nbsp;Masterson previously told The Beacon</a>, “which requires due diligence to determine if a better model is possible that achieves the goal of delivering real medicine while avoiding the myriad problems those other states have experienced.”&nbsp;

Take Oklahoma, for example. The state passed its medical marijuana program through a ballot initiative. It was the public who approved the measure and brought medical weed to the state. That meant lawmakers have been passing laws to regulate the industry on the fly.&nbsp;

Some conservatives say Oklahoma has an industry so unregulated that it has essentially become a recreational weed program with a thriving black market. Masterson has no desire for Kansas to go down that path.&nbsp;

Lawmakers did have a medical marijuana proposal in 2024, but the program was so strict that it scared away longtime advocates.&nbsp;

Support doesn’t fall along partisan lines.&nbsp;

It mostly does, but a swatch of Republicans support a medical marijuana proposal. There is also a chunk of lawmakers unsure about the idea.&nbsp;

Last session, the medical marijuana bill was stalling out. So a group of senators tried to force a vote on the issue. They needed 24 out of 40 senators to bring the bill up for a vote.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240426102652_311430/">They got 12</a>. Of the 12 senators, 10 were Democrats and two were Republicans. Both those Republicans didn’t run for reelection.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Conservatives generally oppose the bill. Republicans control the House and Senate, and Republican leadership could likely pass a medical cannabis bill whenever it desires. Yet the idea has stalled.&nbsp;

Law enforcement is also wary of medical marijuana.&nbsp;

“You drive by Blackwell, Oklahoma, and you get hit with that odor,” Kechi Chief of Police Braden Moore told lawmakers in October. “That’s a quality of life thing. … I don’t want that in my home state, too.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736267264686.png" alt="Kansas lawmakers might take another crack at legalizing medical marijuana. The state Senate has been the roadblock to passage for years. File photo/The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>Kansas lawmakers might take another crack at legalizing medical marijuana. The state Senate has been the roadblock to passage for years. File photo/The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/01/03/kansas-lawmakers-could-consider-medical-marijuana-in-2025/">The Beacon</a>Kansas lawmakers are likely going to act on medical marijuana in the 2025 session. Maybe.&nbsp;Medical marijuana is becoming a perennial debate in Topeka, and it’s annually unclear how likely it is for a bill to pass.&nbsp;“I have sat through, I don’t know, three interim committee meetings,” said Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, at an interim committee on medical marijuana. “We keep rehashing this information. We keep hearing the same debunked theories over and over.”That was in October. Holscher made a motion for the committee to support the passage of medical marijuana. The committee — made up of Senate and House members, Republicans and Democrats — rejected that motion.&nbsp;“I just feel like we keep circling here by doing interim committees and never really moving forward on the issue,” Holscher said in October.&nbsp;Instead, they made a motion to schedule another meeting in January to again debate medical marijuana.&nbsp;That would imply that medical marijuana is of interest to lawmakers in 2025. But Kansas legislators have debated medical cannabis during the session or in a special committee in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Yet weed is still illegal.&nbsp;<h2>What has the Legislature already done?&nbsp;</h2>The Kansas House first approved a medical marijuana plan in 2021. It was a&nbsp;<a href="https://klrd.gov/publications/medical-marijuana/#:~:text=Legislation%20that%20would%20legalize%20medical,out%20of%20the%20Kansas%20House.&amp;text=Medical%20Use.">historic vote</a>.&nbsp;It was the first time the chamber ever gave medical marijuana a floor vote, and it passed 79-42. Republicans and Democrats had mostly come together on an issue to pass it and send the proposal to the Senate.&nbsp;It’s the Senate where all the issues remain.&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, wants a limited program to avoid the pitfalls other states have seen.&nbsp;“I have consistently maintained that this is a serious topic,”<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/15/medical-weed-could-be-coming-to-kansas-why-has-it-failed-before/">&nbsp;Masterson previously told The Beacon</a>, “which requires due diligence to determine if a better model is possible that achieves the goal of delivering real medicine while avoiding the myriad problems those other states have experienced.”&nbsp;Take Oklahoma, for example. The state passed its medical marijuana program through a ballot initiative. It was the public who approved the measure and brought medical weed to the state. That meant lawmakers have been passing laws to regulate the industry on the fly.&nbsp;Some conservatives say Oklahoma has an industry so unregulated that it has essentially become a recreational weed program with a thriving black market. Masterson has no desire for Kansas to go down that path.&nbsp;Lawmakers did have a medical marijuana proposal in 2024, but the program was so strict that it scared away longtime advocates.&nbsp;<h2>Who supports the proposal?&nbsp;</h2>Support doesn’t fall along partisan lines.&nbsp;It mostly does, but a swatch of Republicans support a medical marijuana proposal. There is also a chunk of lawmakers unsure about the idea.&nbsp;Last session, the medical marijuana bill was stalling out. So a group of senators tried to force a vote on the issue. They needed 24 out of 40 senators to bring the bill up for a vote.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240426102652_311430/">They got 12</a>. Of the 12 senators, 10 were Democrats and two were Republicans. Both those Republicans didn’t run for reelection.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Who opposes the proposal?&nbsp;</h2>Conservatives generally oppose the bill. Republicans control the House and Senate, and Republican leadership could likely pass a medical cannabis bill whenever it desires. Yet the idea has stalled.&nbsp;Law enforcement is also wary of medical marijuana.&nbsp;“You drive by Blackwell, Oklahoma, and you get hit with that odor,” Kechi Chief of Police Braden Moore told lawmakers in October. “That’s a quality of life thing. … I don’t want that in my home state, too.”

Kansas lawmakers consider medical weed again. Is the fifth time the charm?

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/frank-morris">FRANK MORRIS</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-06/mass-deportations-could-cripple-kansas-meat-economy-it-would-be-a-ghost-town">KCUR</a>

The price of beef is at all-time highs, but a major policy initiative of the incoming Trump Administration could drive them higher. In an industry that's already strapped for workers, mass deportations could put some ranchers and feedlots out of business.

Raising cattle is tough. Nearly every day, Kansas ranchers and feedlot operators have to wrestle with drought, disease or blizzards. But the biggest problem is labor — the industry is chronically short-handed. That is especially true in southwest Kansas.

“If the immigrants weren't there to help out, there wouldn't be an operation functional in any of those places,” said Micheal Feltman, an immigration attorney in Cimarron, Kansas, just west of Dodge City.

Feltman helps the feedlots and mega dairy farms near there find workers. He said people funneling into southwest Kansas, from at least 40 countries, are the lifeblood of the beef industry and the regional economy.

Close to half the people who process meat in the U.S. were born someplace else, and immigrants do much of the work feeding and tending animals. Most of these workers are here legally, but a significant percentage aren’t, and documented immigrants often support close family members living with them illegally.

That’s why President-elect Donald Trump’s promises of a sweeping crackdown on immigration, sealing the border, and deporting 11 million people have many people in the meat industry worried.

Mass deportations would trigger a cascade of hardships across the chronically short-staffed meat industry, Feltman said. Processing plants would slow down, causing meat shortages that economists worry would drive consumer prices to record highs. Farmers would find themselves with more livestock than they could sell or care for, and the value of their animals would plummet.

“If every immigrant … over the last 20 years disappeared immediately, it would be a ghost town,” Feltman said. “I don't know how the businesses would survive.”

For one recent Haitian immigrant, who said she was afraid to divulge her name because she fled hunger and horrific violence at home, the stakes seem like life and death. The woman and her 4-year-old daughter made their way to Garden City three months ago. They’re here on temporary humanitarian parole. That gives her two years to apply for asylum.

She’s still waiting to be granted a work permit, but said she’d be willing to do any kind of labor, including the dangerous, uncomfortable, smelly jobs at the Tyson packing plant on the outskirts of town. Through an interpreter, she said she’s following the letter of the law to stay in the U.S., and has an appointment for a screening that should clear the way for her work visa, and financial independence.

“It will bring me a lot of joy,” she said. “Because I have a kid to take care of, I have myself, and if I could invest in the country, it would bring me a lot of joy.”

Given Trump’s rhetoric during the election and since, she now fears she’ll be sent back to the violent chaos in Haiti instead of joining a workforce that badly needs her.

“It’s not safe. The gangs are killing people,” she said.

Despite hefty pay hikes for meat processing workers in recent years, the industry cannot hire people fast enough. In places like southwest Kansas, employers say there aren’t nearly enough native-born people willing to show up reliably and do the hard, dirty work necessary in the meat industry.

The complicated immigration system doesn’t allow in enough legal immigrants to make up the difference, so some companies turn to undocumented workers to get by.

University of Arkansas economist Jada Thompson said mass deportations would exacerbate the problem, sending shockwaves up and down the meat supply chain. For one thing, deporting meat-packing workers would slow down the plants, triggering shortages.

“I think we're going to see higher prices (for) the retail (customer),” said Thompson.

But farmers wouldn’t see any gains from soaring retail prices, she said, because there would be too many animals in the system for the meat processors to use, a glut building daily as more pigs and cows mature.

“I think you'll end up eventually seeing lower prices (for) farmers,” said Thompson, “because it will eventually be oversupply because, effectively, they just can't harvest that many animals.”

Thompson said the same thing happened a few years ago, but it wasn’t an immigration crackdown causing the labor shortage — it was the COVID pandemic.

“And what happened in that supply chain?” Thompson asked. “It backed it up. Prices went up. All of a sudden, you had people with pigs and cows that could not go to market because there was nowhere for them to be slaughtered.”

Those animals still had to be fed, and they still needed space to live in, but nobody wanted to buy them for meat, meaning farmers were spending extra money every day to keep more pigs and cows alive. Eventually, some farmers had to cut their losses, shoot their livestock and bury it. Everybody loses.

Kansas State University economist Glynn Tonsor said losses like those would spread broadly through southwest Kansas towns that depend on big feedlots, dairies and packing houses.

“They very often are one of the largest employers and local tax generators, so there's relevant implications for funding of schools, funding of libraries, funding of anything you want to talk about that's publicly funded in local areas,” said Tonsor.

It’s not clear yet how Trump administration deportations will work, if they happen at all, but Kansas Livestock Association CEO Matt Teagarden hopes they move slowly, and that they somehow shield the immigrant-dependent meat industry.

Teagarden said he believes border security should be tightened, but he’d like the system of granting work visas streamlined, not shackled. It’s either import people or import food.

“One of the alternatives is our food production goes overseas or moves outside the country,” said Teagarden. “If we don't have an adequate workforce, can't produce the food that we all want each day, each week, each month, that food production will go elsewhere.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736268185597.png" alt="Nearly half the people processing meat in the United States were born in another country, and the industry struggles consistently to find enough labor. U.S. Government Accountability Office/Wikipedia" />
 <figcaption>Nearly half the people processing meat in the United States were born in another country, and the industry struggles consistently to find enough labor. U.S. Government Accountability Office/Wikipedia</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/frank-morris">FRANK MORRIS</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-06/mass-deportations-could-cripple-kansas-meat-economy-it-would-be-a-ghost-town">KCUR</a><h2>The price of beef is at all-time highs, but a major policy initiative of the incoming Trump Administration could drive them higher. In an industry that's already strapped for workers, mass deportations could put some ranchers and feedlots out of business.</h2>Raising cattle is tough. Nearly every day, Kansas ranchers and feedlot operators have to wrestle with drought, disease or blizzards. But the biggest problem is labor — the industry is chronically short-handed. That is especially true in southwest Kansas.“If the immigrants weren't there to help out, there wouldn't be an operation functional in any of those places,” said Micheal Feltman, an immigration attorney in Cimarron, Kansas, just west of Dodge City.Feltman helps the feedlots and mega dairy farms near there find workers. He said people funneling into southwest Kansas, from at least 40 countries, are the lifeblood of the beef industry and the regional economy.Close to half the people who process meat in the U.S. were born someplace else, and immigrants do much of the work feeding and tending animals. Most of these workers are here legally, but a significant percentage aren’t, and documented immigrants often support close family members living with them illegally.That’s why President-elect Donald Trump’s promises of a sweeping crackdown on immigration, sealing the border, and deporting 11 million people have many people in the meat industry worried.Mass deportations would trigger a cascade of hardships across the chronically short-staffed meat industry, Feltman said. Processing plants would slow down, causing meat shortages that economists worry would drive consumer prices to record highs. Farmers would find themselves with more livestock than they could sell or care for, and the value of their animals would plummet.“If every immigrant … over the last 20 years disappeared immediately, it would be a ghost town,” Feltman said. “I don't know how the businesses would survive.”<h2>The beef industry runs on imported labor</h2>For one recent Haitian immigrant, who said she was afraid to divulge her name because she fled hunger and horrific violence at home, the stakes seem like life and death. The woman and her 4-year-old daughter made their way to Garden City three months ago. They’re here on temporary humanitarian parole. That gives her two years to apply for asylum.She’s still waiting to be granted a work permit, but said she’d be willing to do any kind of labor, including the dangerous, uncomfortable, smelly jobs at the Tyson packing plant on the outskirts of town. Through an interpreter, she said she’s following the letter of the law to stay in the U.S., and has an appointment for a screening that should clear the way for her work visa, and financial independence.“It will bring me a lot of joy,” she said. “Because I have a kid to take care of, I have myself, and if I could invest in the country, it would bring me a lot of joy.”Given Trump’s rhetoric during the election and since, she now fears she’ll be sent back to the violent chaos in Haiti instead of joining a workforce that badly needs her.“It’s not safe. The gangs are killing people,” she said.Despite hefty pay hikes for meat processing workers in recent years, the industry cannot hire people fast enough. In places like southwest Kansas, employers say there aren’t nearly enough native-born people willing to show up reliably and do the hard, dirty work necessary in the meat industry.The complicated immigration system doesn’t allow in enough legal immigrants to make up the difference, so some companies turn to undocumented workers to get by.University of Arkansas economist Jada Thompson said mass deportations would exacerbate the problem, sending shockwaves up and down the meat supply chain. For one thing, deporting meat-packing workers would slow down the plants, triggering shortages.“I think we're going to see higher prices (for) the retail (customer),” said Thompson.But farmers wouldn’t see any gains from soaring retail prices, she said, because there would be too many animals in the system for the meat processors to use, a glut building daily as more pigs and cows mature.“I think you'll end up eventually seeing lower prices (for) farmers,” said Thompson, “because it will eventually be oversupply because, effectively, they just can't harvest that many animals.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736267973702.png" alt="Feedlots increasingly turn to immigrants, legal or otherwise, willing to do the hard, often uncomfortable work of caring for large animals. File photo/KCUR" />
 <figcaption>Feedlots increasingly turn to immigrants, legal or otherwise, willing to do the hard, often uncomfortable work of caring for large animals. File photo/KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>Thompson said the same thing happened a few years ago, but it wasn’t an immigration crackdown causing the labor shortage — it was the COVID pandemic.“And what happened in that supply chain?” Thompson asked. “It backed it up. Prices went up. All of a sudden, you had people with pigs and cows that could not go to market because there was nowhere for them to be slaughtered.”Those animals still had to be fed, and they still needed space to live in, but nobody wanted to buy them for meat, meaning farmers were spending extra money every day to keep more pigs and cows alive. Eventually, some farmers had to cut their losses, shoot their livestock and bury it. Everybody loses.Kansas State University economist Glynn Tonsor said losses like those would spread broadly through southwest Kansas towns that depend on big feedlots, dairies and packing houses.“They very often are one of the largest employers and local tax generators, so there's relevant implications for funding of schools, funding of libraries, funding of anything you want to talk about that's publicly funded in local areas,” said Tonsor.It’s not clear yet how Trump administration deportations will work, if they happen at all, but Kansas Livestock Association CEO Matt Teagarden hopes they move slowly, and that they somehow shield the immigrant-dependent meat industry.Teagarden said he believes border security should be tightened, but he’d like the system of granting work visas streamlined, not shackled. It’s either import people or import food.“One of the alternatives is our food production goes overseas or moves outside the country,” said Teagarden. “If we don't have an adequate workforce, can't produce the food that we all want each day, each week, each month, that food production will go elsewhere.”

Mass deportations could endanger Kansas’ meat economy: ‘It would be a ghost town’

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/06/new-republican-kansas-senators-say-tax-concerns-led-to-larger-supermajorities/">Kansas Reflector</a>

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/"></a>TOPEKA — Two Republican Senate newcomers say the main reason they beat their Democratic incumbent opponents — and the reason behind the expanded Republican supermajorities in the Legislature — was constituents’ concerns about taxes.

Brad Starnes, who will represent Riley County, is the first Republican to win the seat since 2008. Jeff Klemp, who will represent Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties, won his election by 31 votes — the smallest margin this election season. The two talked about their campaigns and the upcoming legislative session on the Kansas Reflector podcast.

“People are hurting. It’s evident when you go to doorsteps. The No. 1 concern is the amount of taxations,” Starnes said.

Both senators-elect are set to be on the tax committee, and they predict property tax relief will be a Day 1 priority.

Klemp credits Democratic incumbent Sen. Jeff Pittman’s voting record on taxes as a reason for his loss. Klemp referenced how Pittman voted to uphold&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/09/gov-laura-kelly-affirms-plan-to-veto-bipartisan-2-3-billion-five-year-tax-reform-bill/">Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto on a bipartisan $2.3 billion five-year tax cut plan</a>, which Kelly vetoed because of concerns that it would harm the state’s financial foundation.

“When you have truly bipartisan legislation that we know is good for Kansans and we choose to play politics at the expense of Kansans, I think we start making bad decisions,” Klemp said. “Kansans should expect more out of us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736267686210.jpeg" alt="The Ad Astra statue stands atop the Kansas Statehouse on a rainy afternoon on Nov. 2, 2024.&nbsp; Photo by Grace Hills/ Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>The Ad Astra statue stands atop the Kansas Statehouse on a rainy afternoon on Nov. 2, 2024.&nbsp; Photo by Grace Hills/ Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/06/new-republican-kansas-senators-say-tax-concerns-led-to-larger-supermajorities/">Kansas Reflector</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/"></a>TOPEKA — Two Republican Senate newcomers say the main reason they beat their Democratic incumbent opponents — and the reason behind the expanded Republican supermajorities in the Legislature — was constituents’ concerns about taxes.Brad Starnes, who will represent Riley County, is the first Republican to win the seat since 2008. Jeff Klemp, who will represent Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties, won his election by 31 votes — the smallest margin this election season. The two talked about their campaigns and the upcoming legislative session on the Kansas Reflector podcast.“People are hurting. It’s evident when you go to doorsteps. The No. 1 concern is the amount of taxations,” Starnes said.Both senators-elect are set to be on the tax committee, and they predict property tax relief will be a Day 1 priority.Klemp credits Democratic incumbent Sen. Jeff Pittman’s voting record on taxes as a reason for his loss. Klemp referenced how Pittman voted to uphold&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/09/gov-laura-kelly-affirms-plan-to-veto-bipartisan-2-3-billion-five-year-tax-reform-bill/">Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto on a bipartisan $2.3 billion five-year tax cut plan</a>, which Kelly vetoed because of concerns that it would harm the state’s financial foundation.“When you have truly bipartisan legislation that we know is good for Kansans and we choose to play politics at the expense of Kansans, I think we start making bad decisions,” Klemp said. “Kansans should expect more out of us.”The governor called a special session in June, where lawmakers, including Pittman, adopted a $2 billion five-year tax cut plan.Klemp and Starnes said their Democratic opponents also were voting out of alignment with their constituents’ beliefs.For example, Starnes pointed to Democratic incumbent Sen. Usha Reddi’s vote against the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/10/kansas-governor-vetoes-foreign-threat-land-ownership-bill/">“foreign threat” land ownership bill</a>, which would have restricted “countries of concern” from purchasing real estate within a 100-mile radius of Kansas military installations.But Starnes said in the district, which has a high number of military members associated with Fort Riley, protections like that are “paramount” to people.Democrats campaigned to break the Republican supermajorities in both chambers, arguing the imbalance of power harmed the legislative process.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/01/kansas-republican-committees-democratic-governors-pac-spend-big-on-battleground-races/">Kelly ran a $2 million PAC</a>&nbsp;in hopes of electing more Democrats.Voters instead elected more Republicans in both the House and Senate, expanding GOP ranks beyond the two-thirds threshold needed to override the governor’s vetoes.Starnes said he doesn’t see this as a concern.“When we have a much stronger supermajority, that puts more pressure on the entire Legislature — there’s more energy that needs to be on the decisions we make and how we pay for them,” Starnes said.Kelly has said she will continue to advocate for Medicaid expansion this session, as she has done throughout her administration. Klemp and Starnes both want medical care to be affordable but are wary of expansion. Starnes says improving Medicaid reimbursement rates would be a better solution than expanding eligibility.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/09/23/kansas-abortion-rights-activists-breaking-gop-supermajority-at-statehouse-could-safeguard-access/">Abortion-rights activists</a>&nbsp;also warned against a Republican supermajority this year, in fear of further abortion restrictions. Both Klemp and Starnes were endorsed by Kansans for Life, the largest anti-abortion PAC in Kansas.Klemp says the issue of abortion was “overplayed” this election. Starnes says he knocked on 9,000 doors and had four people bring up abortion. Both said they see abortion as a “decided issue.” They said they want more options for pregnant people before birth and for the adoption process to be less expensive.Starnes said after talking with the four constituents who were concerned about abortion, two decided to vote for him.“Personally pro-life, I support giving women more options through things like pregnancy crisis centers, ensuring child support is paid prior to birth,” Starnes said. “I think that’s going to be important in the conversation as we go forward in providing more choices for women.”

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