Mason’s Mourning Light, a Hays-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving families across Western Kansas, will host its&nbsp;3rd Annual Bowling Bingo&nbsp;fundraiser on&nbsp;Saturday, March 28, 2026, from&nbsp;2:00–4:00 PM&nbsp;at&nbsp;Playdium Bowl in Russell, Kansas.

Bowling Bingo is a relaxed, family-friendly event that combines casual bowling challenges with the fun of bingo. Participants complete bowling activities to fill their bingo cards, earning prize entries along the way. The event is designed to be inclusive and non-competitive, focusing on connection, laughter, and community.

The afternoon will include food and drinks, a bar available for purchase, prizes, and a silent auction open throughout the event. All ages are welcome.

This fundraiser marks&nbsp;Mason’s Mourning Light’s first event of 2026, with all proceeds supporting families navigating pregnancy loss, infant loss, and infertility. The organization provides free, personalized care packages and supportive resources to families during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Event Details: What:&nbsp;3rd Annual Bowling Bingo When:&nbsp;Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM Where:&nbsp;Playdium Bowl, Russell, KS

Ticket Pricing: Advance Purchase: • $25 per individual • $100 family package (up to 6 bowlers)

At the Door: • $30 per individual • $125 family package

Tickets and additional information are available at:<a target="_blank" href="https://givebutter.com/c/bowlwithMML">https://givebutter.com/c/bowlwithMML</a>

Mason’s Mourning Light serves families across Western Kansas by offering comfort, fostering connection, and creating a safe space for healing after loss. Community support through events like Bowling Bingo helps ensure these services remain free and accessible to families in need.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768850898334.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedMason’s Mourning Light, a Hays-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving families across Western Kansas, will host its&nbsp;3rd Annual Bowling Bingo&nbsp;fundraiser on&nbsp;Saturday, March 28, 2026, from&nbsp;2:00–4:00 PM&nbsp;at&nbsp;Playdium Bowl in Russell, Kansas.Bowling Bingo is a relaxed, family-friendly event that combines casual bowling challenges with the fun of bingo. Participants complete bowling activities to fill their bingo cards, earning prize entries along the way. The event is designed to be inclusive and non-competitive, focusing on connection, laughter, and community.The afternoon will include food and drinks, a bar available for purchase, prizes, and a silent auction open throughout the event. All ages are welcome.This fundraiser marks&nbsp;Mason’s Mourning Light’s first event of 2026, with all proceeds supporting families navigating pregnancy loss, infant loss, and infertility. The organization provides free, personalized care packages and supportive resources to families during some of life’s most difficult moments.Event Details: What:&nbsp;3rd Annual Bowling Bingo When:&nbsp;Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM Where:&nbsp;Playdium Bowl, Russell, KSTicket Pricing: Advance Purchase: • $25 per individual • $100 family package (up to 6 bowlers)At the Door: • $30 per individual • $125 family packageTickets and additional information are available at:<a target="_blank" href="https://givebutter.com/c/bowlwithMML">https://givebutter.com/c/bowlwithMML</a>Mason’s Mourning Light serves families across Western Kansas by offering comfort, fostering connection, and creating a safe space for healing after loss. Community support through events like Bowling Bingo helps ensure these services remain free and accessible to families in need.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768850916026.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>

Mason’s Mourning Light announces 3rd-annual bowling bingo fundraiser

By&nbsp;RUSSELL ARBEN FOX Insight Kansas

Seven months from now, on August 6, 2026, Kansas voters will see on their primary ballots an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://legiscan.com/KS/text/SCR1611/2025">amendment to the state constitution</a>&nbsp;that they can vote “yes” or “no” on:

The citizens of Kansas who are qualified electors shall elect the justices of the supreme court. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law.

The supporters of this amendment—primarily the Republican caucus in the Kansas legislature, as they were the ones who pushed to get the amendment on the ballot, but also conservative organizations like Americans for Prosperity and the Kansas Policy Institute—insist that their aim,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_fed_st_1/documents/testimony/20250225_02.pdf">in the words of Senate President Ty Masterson</a>, is to “shine the light of democracy” on the selection of state Supreme Court justices, a process that is currently, “veiled by a commission.”

Kansans love the idea of transparency and choice, at least in principle. But when it comes to extending that idea to the judiciary, this claim sometimes confuses people. 

Since those who serve as justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are, like every judge on the federal level, appointed for life rather than elected, it seems perfectly normal to many to see the judicial branch as entirely apolitical, so much so that I occasionally have students who are first-time voters ask worryingly as to why retention votes for state judges show up on their ballots. (When I tell them that Thomas Jefferson, responding to the unavoidably political nature of some Supreme Court decisions, was sympathetic to the idea that the House of Representatives should elect the justices rather than the president appointing them, they get even more perplexed.)

In truth, once one embraces the idea of a supposedly independent judiciary to interpret the law, every system for determining who will serve as those judges is a complicated compromise.

Kansas’s system for state judges is not unique, but it is a relatively rare combination of merit (nomination by a judicial commission, appointment by governor) and voting (elections to stay in office at the end of one’s term). 

It’s an approach shared, in one form or another, by 17 other states. Not that straightforward elections are employed by all the rest; only 21 states allow voters to choose their state Supreme Court justices directly. 

Ultimately, the methods of choosing justices, on any court level,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.brennancenter.org/judicial-selection-map">vary greatly from state to state</a>—and there is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://effectivegov.uchicago.edu/primers/elected-vs-appointed-judges">no clear evidence that one method is always better</a>&nbsp;in terms of judicial trust, fairness, and accountability than any other.

Former Kansas Chief Justice Lawton Nuss is one of those who has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/22/former-kansas-supreme-court-chief-justice-joins-national-alliance-to-promote-rule-of-law/">criticized the amendment</a>, calling the election of state Supreme Court justices a “<a target="_blank" href="https://otter.ai/u/P3HZPcfw2TmylZONJMx4UT-MuIs?utm_source=copy_url">really bad idea</a>.”

He is joined by numerous state organizations, many of which point out that the arguments for the amendment made by the Republican majority in Topeka often just focused on electing judges who would overturn past rulings on abortion and education, rather than principled concerns about democracy.

I would just add that it’s important to note that the amendment says nothing about the “rules” of the “elections” that “shall be provided by law.” Most of the states that hold elections for their state justices require those elections to be nonpartisan. Others require them to be held by district throughout the state. 

Without any such language, one should probably assume that whatever elections emerge from the amendment will be state-wide, majority-driven, and partisan. Something to keep in mind before next summer’s vote.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750955074364.jpeg" alt="Russell Arben Fox. Courtsy photo" />
 <figcaption>Russell Arben Fox. Courtsy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;RUSSELL ARBEN FOX Insight KansasSeven months from now, on August 6, 2026, Kansas voters will see on their primary ballots an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://legiscan.com/KS/text/SCR1611/2025">amendment to the state constitution</a>&nbsp;that they can vote “yes” or “no” on:The citizens of Kansas who are qualified electors shall elect the justices of the supreme court. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law.The supporters of this amendment—primarily the Republican caucus in the Kansas legislature, as they were the ones who pushed to get the amendment on the ballot, but also conservative organizations like Americans for Prosperity and the Kansas Policy Institute—insist that their aim,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_fed_st_1/documents/testimony/20250225_02.pdf">in the words of Senate President Ty Masterson</a>, is to “shine the light of democracy” on the selection of state Supreme Court justices, a process that is currently, “veiled by a commission.”Kansans love the idea of transparency and choice, at least in principle. But when it comes to extending that idea to the judiciary, this claim sometimes confuses people. Since those who serve as justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are, like every judge on the federal level, appointed for life rather than elected, it seems perfectly normal to many to see the judicial branch as entirely apolitical, so much so that I occasionally have students who are first-time voters ask worryingly as to why retention votes for state judges show up on their ballots. (When I tell them that Thomas Jefferson, responding to the unavoidably political nature of some Supreme Court decisions, was sympathetic to the idea that the House of Representatives should elect the justices rather than the president appointing them, they get even more perplexed.)In truth, once one embraces the idea of a supposedly independent judiciary to interpret the law, every system for determining who will serve as those judges is a complicated compromise.Kansas’s system for state judges is not unique, but it is a relatively rare combination of merit (nomination by a judicial commission, appointment by governor) and voting (elections to stay in office at the end of one’s term). It’s an approach shared, in one form or another, by 17 other states. Not that straightforward elections are employed by all the rest; only 21 states allow voters to choose their state Supreme Court justices directly. Ultimately, the methods of choosing justices, on any court level,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.brennancenter.org/judicial-selection-map">vary greatly from state to state</a>—and there is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://effectivegov.uchicago.edu/primers/elected-vs-appointed-judges">no clear evidence that one method is always better</a>&nbsp;in terms of judicial trust, fairness, and accountability than any other.Former Kansas Chief Justice Lawton Nuss is one of those who has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/22/former-kansas-supreme-court-chief-justice-joins-national-alliance-to-promote-rule-of-law/">criticized the amendment</a>, calling the election of state Supreme Court justices a “<a target="_blank" href="https://otter.ai/u/P3HZPcfw2TmylZONJMx4UT-MuIs?utm_source=copy_url">really bad idea</a>.” He is joined by numerous state organizations, many of which point out that the arguments for the amendment made by the Republican majority in Topeka often just focused on electing judges who would overturn past rulings on abortion and education, rather than principled concerns about democracy.I would just add that it’s important to note that the amendment says nothing about the “rules” of the “elections” that “shall be provided by law.” Most of the states that hold elections for their state justices require those elections to be nonpartisan. Others require them to be held by district throughout the state. Without any such language, one should probably assume that whatever elections emerge from the amendment will be state-wide, majority-driven, and partisan. Something to keep in mind before next summer’s vote.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

Insight Kansas: On state supreme court justices, and how to choose them

<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/2026/1/1769187704006.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657833314681.jpeg" alt="Family Worship Center" />
 <figcaption>Family Worship Center</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://castbox.fm/app/castbox/player/id4390834/id789149527?v=8.22.11&autoplay=0" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="500"></iframe></div>

🏀📺 Championship Saturday for Hays High basketball

ATTENTION: Downtown Snow Removal Tonight! (Jan. 24). Help us clear the way, Hays! City crews will be out tonight, Saturday, January 24, starting at about 10 p.m. to remove snow from the following areas:

 Oak to Fort Streets (7th to 13th Streets) 

 West 9th &amp; 10th Streets (100 and 200 blocks)

 A Quick Favor: Please move all vehicles from these streets and on-street parking areas by 10 p.m.

This allows our crews to plow the entire street safely and efficiently! Questions? Give the Public Works Service Division a call at 785-628-7350. Stay warm and drive safe!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769286910303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysATTENTION: Downtown Snow Removal Tonight! (Jan. 24). Help us clear the way, Hays! City crews will be out tonight, Saturday, January 24, starting at about 10 p.m. to remove snow from the following areas: Oak to Fort Streets (7th to 13th Streets) Main Street (6th to 16th Streets) West 9th &amp; 10th Streets (100 and 200 blocks) A Quick Favor: Please move all vehicles from these streets and on-street parking areas by 10 p.m.This allows our crews to plow the entire street safely and efficiently! Questions? Give the Public Works Service Division a call at 785-628-7350. Stay warm and drive safe!

Downtown snow removal Saturday night in Hays

City of Hays Water Resources crews have identified and addressed a water system issue that affected service on the north side of town earlier today.

While service has been maintained, residents may have experienced disruptions as crews worked to secure the infrastructure.

System pressure is expected to stabilize over the next few hours.

Residents and businesses may notice minor fluctuations or air in the lines as the system returns to its normal operating state.

“Our teams successfully identified the cause of the pressure drop and have implemented the necessary resolution,” said Water Resources Director Jeff Crispin. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we worked to ensure the integrity of our water system.”

With extreme cold weather currently affecting the region, the city of Hays reminds residents to remain vigilant.

While this specific issue was not related to a pipe failure, the risk of water main breaks increases during sub-freezing temperatures.

“We encourage anyone who sees evidence of a potential water main break, such as water surfacing in the street or unusual pooling, to contact the Water Resources Department immediately at 785-628-7380,” Crispin said.

Residents are also encouraged to monitor the city of Hays social media accounts, Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, Nextdoor, and LinkedIn, or visit HaysUSA.com for real-time updates and notifications regarding future service issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769275722803.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity of Hays Water Resources crews have identified and addressed a water system issue that affected service on the north side of town earlier today.While service has been maintained, residents may have experienced disruptions as crews worked to secure the infrastructure.System pressure is expected to stabilize over the next few hours.Residents and businesses may notice minor fluctuations or air in the lines as the system returns to its normal operating state.“Our teams successfully identified the cause of the pressure drop and have implemented the necessary resolution,” said Water Resources Director Jeff Crispin. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we worked to ensure the integrity of our water system.”With extreme cold weather currently affecting the region, the city of Hays reminds residents to remain vigilant.While this specific issue was not related to a pipe failure, the risk of water main breaks increases during sub-freezing temperatures.“We encourage anyone who sees evidence of a potential water main break, such as water surfacing in the street or unusual pooling, to contact the Water Resources Department immediately at 785-628-7380,” Crispin said.Residents are also encouraged to monitor the city of Hays social media accounts, Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, Nextdoor, and LinkedIn, or visit HaysUSA.com for real-time updates and notifications regarding future service issues.

City of Hays resolves water system issue in north Hays; normal pressure returning

As of about 11:15 a.m. today, the city of Hays was reporting a possible water main break north of the city.

The City of Hays Water Resources Department is currently investigating a water leak north of town. Our crews are on-site and working to locate the exact source as quickly as possible.

We need your eyes! If you live north of town or are traveling through the area and spot unusual standing water, bubbling ground, or running water where it shouldn't be, please let us know immediately.

Thank you for your patience and for helping us keep our water system running smoothly!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769275722803.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysAs of about 11:15 a.m. today, the city of Hays was reporting a possible water main break north of the city.See the City's Facebook post below.The City of Hays Water Resources Department is currently investigating a water leak north of town. Our crews are on-site and working to locate the exact source as quickly as possible.We need your eyes! If you live north of town or are traveling through the area and spot unusual standing water, bubbling ground, or running water where it shouldn't be, please let us know immediately.Who to call: The Water PlantPhone Number: 785-628-7380Thank you for your patience and for helping us keep our water system running smoothly!

WATER LEAK INVESTIGATION – NORTH HAYS

Do you have photos or videos of a news or weather event? Did you shoot a clip of a fun event in our community?

Submit your videos or photos to hayspost@eaglemedia.com for possible publication on the Hays Post.

Eagle Media ... Your Community Connected!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754066520244.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>Do you have photos or videos of a news or weather event? Did you shoot a clip of a fun event in our community?Submit your videos or photos to hayspost@eaglemedia.com for possible publication on the Hays Post.Eagle Media ... Your Community Connected!

Send Hays Post your snow videos, photos

TOPEKA — Washburn University has announced its fall 2025 Dean's List honorees. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must be enrolled in 12 hours of graded credits and earn a semester grade point average of 3.4 to 3.99.

More than 1,050 students qualified for the Dean's List. Congratulations to all these students, Washburn University is proud of their hard work and commitment to their education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769098083157.jpeg" alt="Washburn University" />
 <figcaption>Washburn University</figcaption>
 </figure>Washburn UniversityTOPEKA — Washburn University has announced its fall 2025 Dean's List honorees. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must be enrolled in 12 hours of graded credits and earn a semester grade point average of 3.4 to 3.99.More than 1,050 students qualified for the Dean's List. Congratulations to all these students, Washburn University is proud of their hard work and commitment to their education.Area students on the Dean's List includeJordan Dale, Hays Avery Winter, Hays

Hays residents qualify for Dean's List at Washburn University 

Join the United Way of Ellis County for a special Dueling Pianos fundraiser and party with a purpose!

Enjoy&nbsp;a request-driven show where two&nbsp;talented&nbsp;pianists battle it out, playing&nbsp;all your&nbsp;favorites&nbsp;from classic rock to modern hits, ensuring a night of non-stop singing, laughing and fun!&nbsp;

Best of all, every ticket&nbsp;purchased&nbsp;goes directly to supporting vital community programs offered by our 15 non-profit partner agencies here in Ellis County.&nbsp;A&nbsp;great night out for an even greater cause!&nbsp;

This benefit event will take place on Saturday, February 7 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds,&nbsp;Unrein Building, 1344 Fairground Road, Hays.&nbsp;Doors open at&nbsp;6:00&nbsp;p.m.;&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;catered by&nbsp;Thirsty’s&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m.; pianos at 8 p.m.&nbsp;Those enjoying the pianos only may enter at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Purchase your tickets&nbsp;now online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianos-12?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2J4WmRrQVJVRXR6OHVSeXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5VT-DQtW63JqEFEafPNPRLn8dmOqyJAiyJ6xScOwneh9S2EuW5jQrpmZQOpQ_aem_8l26WJoc12s-o3VElCMdAw">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianos-12 </a>or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">www.liveunited.us</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

For more information, contact Janelle VanKooten, United Way of Ellis County executive director, at 785-628-8281 or director@liveunited.us.

A big thanks to our sponsors including&nbsp;

PREMIERE SPONSORS &nbsp;M &amp; D Excavating&nbsp;&nbsp; Commerce Bank&nbsp; Nex-Tech &nbsp; EVENT SUPPORTERS Golden Belt Bank Midwest Energy Car Zone Doghouse Liquor Emprise Bank Northwestern Printers Astra Bank PoPt! SILENT AUCTION DONOR Genuine Appliance&nbsp; Auto World Creekside Resort The Niche Chris Schmidt Ashley Furniture&nbsp; Nex-Tech Wireless Second Wind IV&nbsp; Jaren Kanak Dylan Dreiling

UNITED WAY OF ELLIS COUNTY PARTNER AGENCIES&nbsp; Big Brothers Big Sisters Ellis County&nbsp; Cancer Council of Ellis County CASA Court-Appointed Special Advocates CPRF Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas First Call for Help Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County Hays Senior Center High Plains Mental Health Center Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services PACT&nbsp;Parents and Teachers Together Salvation Army St. Michael's Episcopal Church Western Kansas Association on Concerns of the Disabled Western KS Child Advocacy Center

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769009624721.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Dueling Pianos fundraiser February 7 for United Way of Ellis County" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=73jzg-1a25143-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>United Way of Ellis CountyJoin the United Way of Ellis County for a special Dueling Pianos fundraiser and party with a purpose!Enjoy&nbsp;a request-driven show where two&nbsp;talented&nbsp;pianists battle it out, playing&nbsp;all your&nbsp;favorites&nbsp;from classic rock to modern hits, ensuring a night of non-stop singing, laughing and fun!&nbsp;Best of all, every ticket&nbsp;purchased&nbsp;goes directly to supporting vital community programs offered by our 15 non-profit partner agencies here in Ellis County.&nbsp;A&nbsp;great night out for an even greater cause!&nbsp;This benefit event will take place on Saturday, February 7 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds,&nbsp;Unrein Building, 1344 Fairground Road, Hays.&nbsp;Doors open at&nbsp;6:00&nbsp;p.m.;&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;catered by&nbsp;Thirsty’s&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m.; pianos at 8 p.m.&nbsp;Those enjoying the pianos only may enter at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Individual tickets are $60; Pianos-only tickets&nbsp;are $30. Reserved table packages are also available.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Charcuterie boards available&nbsp;for purchase&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Cash&nbsp;bar&nbsp;available.&nbsp;Must be 21 to enter&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Silent auction and cash-grab raffle</li>
 </ul>Purchase your tickets&nbsp;now online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianos-12?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2J4WmRrQVJVRXR6OHVSeXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5VT-DQtW63JqEFEafPNPRLn8dmOqyJAiyJ6xScOwneh9S2EuW5jQrpmZQOpQ_aem_8l26WJoc12s-o3VElCMdAw">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianos-12 </a>or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">www.liveunited.us</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;For more information, contact Janelle VanKooten, United Way of Ellis County executive director, at 785-628-8281 or director@liveunited.us.A big thanks to our sponsors including&nbsp; PREMIERE SPONSORS &nbsp;M &amp; D Excavating&nbsp;&nbsp; Commerce Bank&nbsp; Nex-Tech &nbsp; EVENT SUPPORTERS Golden Belt Bank Midwest Energy Car Zone Doghouse Liquor Emprise Bank Northwestern Printers Astra Bank PoPt! SILENT AUCTION DONOR Genuine Appliance&nbsp; Auto World Creekside Resort The Niche Chris Schmidt Ashley Furniture&nbsp; Nex-Tech Wireless Second Wind IV&nbsp; Jaren Kanak Dylan DreilingUNITED WAY OF ELLIS COUNTY PARTNER AGENCIES&nbsp; Big Brothers Big Sisters Ellis County&nbsp; Cancer Council of Ellis County CASA Court-Appointed Special Advocates CPRF Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas First Call for Help Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County Hays Senior Center High Plains Mental Health Center Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services PACT&nbsp;Parents and Teachers Together Salvation Army St. Michael's Episcopal Church Western Kansas Association on Concerns of the Disabled Western KS Child Advocacy Center &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙 Dueling Pianos fundraiser February 7 for United Way of Ellis County  

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Designs for Hays' and Russell's R9 water pipeline and the wellfield are complete.

Project manager John Braun made the report to the Hays City Commission on Thursday.

Braun also said 115 of 130 easements needed to build the 70-mile pipeline have been acquired.

Assuming Hays and Russell receive final water transfer approval by mid-year, Braun said bid documents would be finalized by year's end, and the project would be advertised. Early in 2027, contracts would be awarded, and construction would start in April 2027, with completion of the project in the summer 2029. "City staff is pleased with the progress and ready to proceed when we get the green light," Braun said.

The city is awaiting the ruling of the Kansas Supreme Court, which heard arguments Dec. 15, in the latest round of legal wrangling between Hays and Russell and WaterPACK, a group of central Kansas irrigators who oppose the water transfer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The arguments went very well," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "We hope the Supreme Court will give us a positive ruling, and when they do, this will put an end to that challenge."

"I think it was made clear in the testimony," said Sandy Jacobs, commissioner, "how long this has taken and what we have done to get here."

The water transfer panel has indicated it will have its hearing as soon as the Supreme Court issues its ruling.&nbsp;

Mason Ruder, mayor, said he received a phone call from Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, last week. Moran said the city's request for funds for the water project was included in the most recent federal funding bill.

"That means the city of Hays will be getting about $11 million toward this project to help offset some of these costs, which is a huge deal. Russell will be getting $1 million for their share. ... We really appreciate Sen. Moran's support in securing those funds," Ruder said.&nbsp;

Chris Smith, property manager, said the walk-in hunting access on the R9 has been very successful, with hunters coming from as far away as Vermont.

"We will continue to be good stewards of the land," he said.&nbsp;

Financial management policy revisions

In other business, commissioners voted to approve recommended revisions to the comprehensive financial management policy.

Kim Rupp, finance director, presented the updates, including setting a $3 million cap on the balance of the budget&nbsp;stabilization reserve fund.

"History has proven the city’s budgeted unreserved fund balance, commission capital reserve and budget stabilization reserve have been sufficient to fund unforeseen emergency needs," Rupp said.

Other minor changes included some clarifying terminology, deleting obsolete sections, providing language for the earlier switch to a Kansas municipal audit and accounting guide audit, minor formatting and edits.

Hays named Community of the Year by Community Playmaker

Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, announced Hays won the national 2025 Community of the Year award from Community Playmaker. Hays competed against 100 towns across the country.

Community Playmaker is a media platform dedicated to empowering civic leaders and providing ideas to make their communities even better.&nbsp; 

"They were looking for impactful initiatives in areas of economic development, community engagement, public safety, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and creation of inclusive, high-quality environments," Dixon said. "Hays is doing all those things."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769182128638.jpeg" alt="Hays City Commission during its Jan. 22 meeting. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays City Commission during its Jan. 22 meeting. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: R9 pipeline, wellfield designs are complete, according to Hays water project manager" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=vm9tu-1a28838-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostDesigns for Hays' and Russell's R9 water pipeline and the wellfield are complete.Project manager John Braun made the report to the Hays City Commission on Thursday.Braun also said 115 of 130 easements needed to build the 70-mile pipeline have been acquired.Assuming Hays and Russell receive final water transfer approval by mid-year, Braun said bid documents would be finalized by year's end, and the project would be advertised. Early in 2027, contracts would be awarded, and construction would start in April 2027, with completion of the project in the summer 2029. "City staff is pleased with the progress and ready to proceed when we get the green light," Braun said.The city is awaiting the ruling of the Kansas Supreme Court, which heard arguments Dec. 15, in the latest round of legal wrangling between Hays and Russell and WaterPACK, a group of central Kansas irrigators who oppose the water transfer.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The arguments went very well," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "We hope the Supreme Court will give us a positive ruling, and when they do, this will put an end to that challenge.""I think it was made clear in the testimony," said Sandy Jacobs, commissioner, "how long this has taken and what we have done to get here."The water transfer panel has indicated it will have its hearing as soon as the Supreme Court issues its ruling.&nbsp;Mason Ruder, mayor, said he received a phone call from Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, last week. Moran said the city's request for funds for the water project was included in the most recent federal funding bill."That means the city of Hays will be getting about $11 million toward this project to help offset some of these costs, which is a huge deal. Russell will be getting $1 million for their share. ... We really appreciate Sen. Moran's support in securing those funds," Ruder said.&nbsp;Chris Smith, property manager, said the walk-in hunting access on the R9 has been very successful, with hunters coming from as far away as Vermont."We will continue to be good stewards of the land," he said.&nbsp;Financial management policy revisionsIn other business, commissioners voted to approve recommended revisions to the comprehensive financial management policy.Kim Rupp, finance director, presented the updates, including setting a $3 million cap on the balance of the budget&nbsp;stabilization reserve fund."History has proven the city’s budgeted unreserved fund balance, commission capital reserve and budget stabilization reserve have been sufficient to fund unforeseen emergency needs," Rupp said.Other minor changes included some clarifying terminology, deleting obsolete sections, providing language for the earlier switch to a Kansas municipal audit and accounting guide audit, minor formatting and edits.Hays named Community of the Year by Community PlaymakerMelissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, announced Hays won the national 2025 Community of the Year award from Community Playmaker. Hays competed against 100 towns across the country.Community Playmaker is a media platform dedicated to empowering civic leaders and providing ideas to make their communities even better.&nbsp; "They were looking for impactful initiatives in areas of economic development, community engagement, public safety, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and creation of inclusive, high-quality environments," Dixon said. "Hays is doing all those things."&nbsp;

🎙Hays water project manager: R9 pipeline, wellfield designs complete

BELOIT – Each semester Fort Hays Tech | North Central awards a member of our staff or faculty with a 212° Award. The purpose of the 212° Award is to recognize individuals who demonstrate superior dedication and the willingness to go that extra degree.

212 degrees is the boiling point of water. Everyone has watched it happen as water goes from still to rumbling when it reaches that threshold. That boiling point is a transformation point.

 Recipients of this award are employees who voluntarily go above and beyond the call of duty and are transformational leaders at the college. These employees demonstrate a positive attitude and commitment to their profession, students, fellow employees, and a loyalty to the mission of Fort Hays Tech | North Central.

The recipient of 2025 Fall 212° Award is Emma Carlin. Carlin is the student account specialist for the college and works on the Beloit campus.

Carlin exemplifies the spirit of the 212° Award. She has been with the college for over four years and during that time she has provided steadfast support in helping both students and staff. Carlin is selfless, dedicated, and dependable and always willing to go above and beyond in order to help others.

"We are blessed to have Emma Carlin on our team, and I am very pleased that she was selected by her peers for this recognition," said Fort Hays Tech | North Central's President Eric Burks.

 "Emma is an amazing person and does a fantastic job of thinking of ways to make things work better for our students and our staff. Emma's kind and caring demeanor and her outstanding work ethic are very much appreciated by students and staff. Emma is very deserving of the 212 Award as she consistently goes above and beyond to help people and fulfill the college's mission," Burks said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769103290359.jpeg" alt="Emma Carlin,&nbsp;212° Award winner, with Eric Burks,&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech | North Central president. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Emma Carlin,&nbsp;212° Award winner, with Eric Burks,&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech | North Central president. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays Tech | North CentralBELOIT – Each semester Fort Hays Tech | North Central awards a member of our staff or faculty with a 212° Award. The purpose of the 212° Award is to recognize individuals who demonstrate superior dedication and the willingness to go that extra degree.212 degrees is the boiling point of water. Everyone has watched it happen as water goes from still to rumbling when it reaches that threshold. That boiling point is a transformation point. Recipients of this award are employees who voluntarily go above and beyond the call of duty and are transformational leaders at the college. These employees demonstrate a positive attitude and commitment to their profession, students, fellow employees, and a loyalty to the mission of Fort Hays Tech | North Central.The recipient of 2025 Fall 212° Award is Emma Carlin. Carlin is the student account specialist for the college and works on the Beloit campus.About the Fall 2025 RecipientCarlin exemplifies the spirit of the 212° Award. She has been with the college for over four years and during that time she has provided steadfast support in helping both students and staff. Carlin is selfless, dedicated, and dependable and always willing to go above and beyond in order to help others."We are blessed to have Emma Carlin on our team, and I am very pleased that she was selected by her peers for this recognition," said Fort Hays Tech | North Central's President Eric Burks. "Emma is an amazing person and does a fantastic job of thinking of ways to make things work better for our students and our staff. Emma's kind and caring demeanor and her outstanding work ethic are very much appreciated by students and staff. Emma is very deserving of the 212 Award as she consistently goes above and beyond to help people and fulfill the college's mission," Burks said.

Fort Hays Tech | North Central honors staff member with Fall 2025 212° Award

<a target="_blank" href="https://communityplaymaker.com/">Community Playmaker</a>, a media platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering civic leaders, has named&nbsp;Hays, Kansas, as its 2025 Community of the Year. The annual honor recognizes cities, towns, parishes, and counties across the United States for their outstanding commitment to enhancing quality of life through innovative programs, visionary leadership, and community-driven solutions.

The&nbsp;Community of the Year Award&nbsp;highlights impactful initiatives in areas such as economic development, community engagement, public safety, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and the creation of inclusive, high-quality environments. Finalists are selected for their measurable progress, strong civic partnerships, and clear vision for the future. Hays rose to the top from a competitive field of communities nationwide, including fellow 2025 finalists: Port St. Lucie, Florida and Monessen, Pennsylvania.

“Hays is a powerful example of what happens when a community commits to long-term, balanced growth,” said Ashley Whittaker, editor-in-chief of Community Playmaker. “From protecting scarce water resources to investing in inclusive recreation, education, and public art, Hays shows how thoughtful planning and collaboration can create a place where people of all ages truly want to live, learn, work, and retire.”

Hays, Kansas, demonstrates how Midwestern hospitality can be paired with modern innovation and environmental responsibility. The city has carefully balanced infrastructure growth with a focus on sustainability, ensuring that progress never comes at the expense of its natural resources or quality of life. Its long-standing leadership in water conservation has yielded groundbreaking initiatives that protect limited water supplies while still supporting new development and community amenities.

Hays distinguished itself through several key initiatives and investments, including:

“Hays shows what it looks like when a community invests in every stage of life—from early childhood to retirement—while still protecting the environment and celebrating its culture,” added Whittaker. “Their story is a roadmap for communities that want to grow without losing their sense of place.”

Hays will be featured in upcoming Community Playmaker content highlighting its innovative strategies, partnerships, and long-term impact on residents.

Subscribe to Community Playmaker’s weekly newsletter to learn more about Hays, for updates on the 2026 Community of the Year, and for stories from communities across the United States.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769184498519.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted<a target="_blank" href="https://communityplaymaker.com/">Community Playmaker</a>, a media platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering civic leaders, has named&nbsp;Hays, Kansas, as its 2025 Community of the Year. The annual honor recognizes cities, towns, parishes, and counties across the United States for their outstanding commitment to enhancing quality of life through innovative programs, visionary leadership, and community-driven solutions.The&nbsp;Community of the Year Award&nbsp;highlights impactful initiatives in areas such as economic development, community engagement, public safety, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and the creation of inclusive, high-quality environments. Finalists are selected for their measurable progress, strong civic partnerships, and clear vision for the future. Hays rose to the top from a competitive field of communities nationwide, including fellow 2025 finalists: Port St. Lucie, Florida and Monessen, Pennsylvania.“Hays is a powerful example of what happens when a community commits to long-term, balanced growth,” said Ashley Whittaker, editor-in-chief of Community Playmaker. “From protecting scarce water resources to investing in inclusive recreation, education, and public art, Hays shows how thoughtful planning and collaboration can create a place where people of all ages truly want to live, learn, work, and retire.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769184636865.jpeg" alt="Main Street in downtown Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Main Street in downtown Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays, Kansas, demonstrates how Midwestern hospitality can be paired with modern innovation and environmental responsibility. The city has carefully balanced infrastructure growth with a focus on sustainability, ensuring that progress never comes at the expense of its natural resources or quality of life. Its long-standing leadership in water conservation has yielded groundbreaking initiatives that protect limited water supplies while still supporting new development and community amenities.Hays distinguished itself through several key initiatives and investments, including:<ul>
 <li>Balanced, sustainable growth&nbsp;– Hays continues to upgrade public services and infrastructure while centering environmental stewardship, particularly through pioneering water conservation strategies that safeguard resources in a region where water is scarce.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Education powered by local partnerships&nbsp;– The city recently celebrated the opening of a new multi-million-dollar high school, developed in close collaboration with Fort Hays State University and local businesses. This investment pairs advanced facilities with an innovative curriculum to prepare students for a dynamic, changing economy.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Inclusive, multigenerational community spaces&nbsp;– The Accessible Recreation Complex (ARC Park) welcomes children of all abilities in a universally designed environment, while the brand-new Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center bring childcare, senior services, community meals, and gathering spaces together under one roof. The center addresses a critical childcare shortage with capacity for more than 80 children—including a designated storm shelter that doubles as classroom space—while fulfilling a long-standing promise to provide a modern, dignified home for seniors.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Quality of life through recreation and events&nbsp;– Outdoor enthusiasts and families enjoy scenic parks and miles of multi-use trails, including those at Frontier Park, which promote active, healthy lifestyles. The Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex offers top-tier facilities for youth and adult sports, drawing regional tournaments that generate significant economic impact and community pride.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Robust arts, culture, and public art&nbsp;– Downtown Hays, particularly the Chestnut Street District, blends beautifully restored historic buildings with a thriving mix of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. As home to the state’s oldest arts council, Hays features world-renowned artists, vibrant public art, and signature cultural events such as the Wild West Festival and Oktoberfest that bring residents and visitors together to celebrate local heritage.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Strong connectivity and services with small-city affordability&nbsp;– Strategically located along major highways and supported by a successful regional airport, Hays connects residents and businesses to larger markets while maintaining an affordable cost of living, exceptional healthcare, and strong higher education assets.</li>
 </ul>“Hays shows what it looks like when a community invests in every stage of life—from early childhood to retirement—while still protecting the environment and celebrating its culture,” added Whittaker. “Their story is a roadmap for communities that want to grow without losing their sense of place.”Hays will be featured in upcoming Community Playmaker content highlighting its innovative strategies, partnerships, and long-term impact on residents.Subscribe to Community Playmaker’s weekly newsletter to learn more about Hays, for updates on the 2026 Community of the Year, and for stories from communities across the United States.

Community playmaker awards Hays 2025 community of the year

Coming up on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District crop production specialist, about upcoming soil fertility programs and how agriculture producers deal with winter weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Soil fertility, ag producers deal with winter weather" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=bu5yw-1a2712b-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Coming up on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District crop production specialist, about upcoming soil fertility programs and how agriculture producers deal with winter weather.

🎙 Post Podcast: Campbell: Soil fertility; ag producers deal with winter weather

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769187457444.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>

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District It is hard to prepare for extreme winter weather when December was so warm. However, variability is a characteristic of Kansas weather and a drop in temperature with above normal precipitation can create some very stressful conditions for livestock. Animals adapt to colder weather as we go through the fall into winter, but if there is an abrupt change, without acclimation, the stress is compounded.

Many of us are all too aware of the impact wind has on what it takes to keep warm in the winter. Wind speed along with temperature, humidity, and solar radiation have been combined into an animal comfort index that can be used to classify the level of weather-related stress for cattle. 

The K-State Mesonet now provides both current conditions and a 7-day forecast of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">Animal Comfort Index</a>&nbsp;that producers can use for planning.

During extreme cold, cattle need more energy just to maintain body heat. Windbreaks are a key tool in helping livestock cope with cold stress and reduce the amount of energy, and in effect cost, to maintain weight. 

Some of the best windbreaks are multiple rows of established trees, but they take years to develop and serve a fixed location. 

If building a portable windbreak or a windbreak fence, the most effective for wind protection is 75 to 80% solid to reduce wind speed but prevent snow drifting. An opening of 4 to 6” at the base will promote drying and drainage.Bedding is another tool to help livestock manage cold stress. 

Bedding provides insulation from mud and frozen ground and helps keep cattle clean. Shelter and bedded areas only calves can access will help young calves better cope with the winter weather.

 Bulls can be overlooked during the winter months; however frostbite of the scrotum can cause anywhere from short-term to permanent damage to sperm production. Windbreaks and bedding are great tools to protect your investment in bulls and their genetics.

Drought has impacted forage availability in parts of the state and may make it harder to find sources of bedding. If needed, unrolling large round bales of good quality feed can do double duty as feed and bedding for a short-term solution. 

Feedlot calves that received bedding (4 lbs. per head per day) during a particularly cold January gained 3.33 lbs. per day compared to 2.25 lbs/day for un-bedded calves. For young or already stressed calves, bedding may minimize negative health impacts from the combined stressors.

When cold stress occurs, feeding cattle late in the day can help cattle cope with night-time temperature declines as the heat of fermentation in the rumen will peak about 6 hours after consumption.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682229509.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District It is hard to prepare for extreme winter weather when December was so warm. However, variability is a characteristic of Kansas weather and a drop in temperature with above normal precipitation can create some very stressful conditions for livestock. Animals adapt to colder weather as we go through the fall into winter, but if there is an abrupt change, without acclimation, the stress is compounded.Many of us are all too aware of the impact wind has on what it takes to keep warm in the winter. Wind speed along with temperature, humidity, and solar radiation have been combined into an animal comfort index that can be used to classify the level of weather-related stress for cattle. The K-State Mesonet now provides both current conditions and a 7-day forecast of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">Animal Comfort Index</a>&nbsp;that producers can use for planning.During extreme cold, cattle need more energy just to maintain body heat. Windbreaks are a key tool in helping livestock cope with cold stress and reduce the amount of energy, and in effect cost, to maintain weight. Some of the best windbreaks are multiple rows of established trees, but they take years to develop and serve a fixed location. If building a portable windbreak or a windbreak fence, the most effective for wind protection is 75 to 80% solid to reduce wind speed but prevent snow drifting. An opening of 4 to 6” at the base will promote drying and drainage.Bedding is another tool to help livestock manage cold stress. Bedding provides insulation from mud and frozen ground and helps keep cattle clean. Shelter and bedded areas only calves can access will help young calves better cope with the winter weather. Bulls can be overlooked during the winter months; however frostbite of the scrotum can cause anywhere from short-term to permanent damage to sperm production. Windbreaks and bedding are great tools to protect your investment in bulls and their genetics.Drought has impacted forage availability in parts of the state and may make it harder to find sources of bedding. If needed, unrolling large round bales of good quality feed can do double duty as feed and bedding for a short-term solution. Feedlot calves that received bedding (4 lbs. per head per day) during a particularly cold January gained 3.33 lbs. per day compared to 2.25 lbs/day for un-bedded calves. For young or already stressed calves, bedding may minimize negative health impacts from the combined stressors.When cold stress occurs, feeding cattle late in the day can help cattle cope with night-time temperature declines as the heat of fermentation in the rumen will peak about 6 hours after consumption.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Cold weather and livestock protection

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Liebenthal public water supply system located in Rush County. The advisory was issued because of an equipment failure resulting in the city being unable to maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Liebenthal indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-222-6122 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bed07170e-f2fd58b8-6cc1-4c4e-bc8b-691522b93c62-000000/B3Km4dpYv9o5tQ6Esmro82nCuMn1l6IlQTRvjZ22Rdk=441">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760141831361.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Liebenthal public water supply system located in Rush County. The advisory was issued because of an equipment failure resulting in the city being unable to maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Liebenthal indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-222-6122 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bed07170e-f2fd58b8-6cc1-4c4e-bc8b-691522b93c62-000000/B3Km4dpYv9o5tQ6Esmro82nCuMn1l6IlQTRvjZ22Rdk=441">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for city of Liebenthal

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Sports

PLAINVILLE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys basketball team is headed back
to the Mid-Continent League tournament championship for the first time since
2023, while the TMP girls fell short, losing in the tournament semifinals.

GIRLS: No. 1 Hoxie 54, No. 5 TMP 25 The TMP girls shot just 17 percent from the floor, and Hoxie
used a 14-3 run to close out the first quarter, and they never trailed in a
54-25 loss.

Hoxie’s Evie Schippers scored the game's first seven points
and led all scorers with 26 in the game. She scored eight in the first half and
10 total points in the second quarter.

Down 7-0, the Monarchs answered with seven straight, tying
the game at 7, but the Indians finished the first quarter on a 5-2 run and led
12-9.

The Monarchs were held to just three points, all from the free-throw
line, in the second quarter, while Hoxie outscored TMP 15-3 in the quarter and
built a 27-12 halftime lead.

Hoxie continued to build on its lead in the third quarter,
and with a running clock in the fourth quarter, it secured the 54-25 victory.

TMP’s Raegan Allen finished with eight points, and Bria
Windholz finished with seven points and seven rebounds.

Hoxie will take on Oakley in the championship game on January 31, at 1 p.m in Plainville. Oakley deafeated Trego 48-41.

BOYS: TMP 59, Phillipsburg 45 The TMP boys used a 16-6 run to end the first quarter and begin
the second quarter to secure a 59-45 victory and secure their spot in the MCL tournament
champion game for the first time since 2023.

Ty Schmeidler knocked down a three-pointer to open the game
for TMP. He went on to score a game-high 20 points to lead the way for TMP.

The Monarchs outscored Phillipsburg 21-13 in the second quarter
and had a 34-22 halftime lead.

Phillipsburg closed within three in the third quarter, but
Schmeidler connected on his fifth three-pointer of the game, giving TMP room to
breathe and a 37-33 lead.

The Monarch converted on 9-of-13 from the free line in the
final quarter on their way to the 59-45 win.

They will take on Plainville in the championship game at approximately 2:30 p.m. next Saturday, Jan. 20

The Cardinals were 63-33 winners over the top-seed Trego.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post SportsPLAINVILLE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys basketball team is headed back
to the Mid-Continent League tournament championship for the first time since
2023, while the TMP girls fell short, losing in the tournament semifinals.GIRLS: No. 1 Hoxie 54, No. 5 TMP 25 The TMP girls shot just 17 percent from the floor, and Hoxie
used a 14-3 run to close out the first quarter, and they never trailed in a
54-25 loss.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2253102911&color=%2337669a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-vs-hoxie-coach-john-linn-1" title="TMP vs Hoxie Coach John Linn Postgame Interview 01-23-2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP vs Hoxie Coach John Linn Postgame Interview 01-23-2026</a></div></div>Hoxie’s Evie Schippers scored the game's first seven points
and led all scorers with 26 in the game. She scored eight in the first half and
10 total points in the second quarter.Down 7-0, the Monarchs answered with seven straight, tying
the game at 7, but the Indians finished the first quarter on a 5-2 run and led
12-9.The Monarchs were held to just three points, all from the free-throw
line, in the second quarter, while Hoxie outscored TMP 15-3 in the quarter and
built a 27-12 halftime lead.Hoxie continued to build on its lead in the third quarter,
and with a running clock in the fourth quarter, it secured the 54-25 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2253102929&color=%2337669a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-wbkb-vs-hoxie-highlights-1" title="TMP WBKB vs Hoxie Highlights 01-23-2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP WBKB vs Hoxie Highlights 01-23-2026</a></div></div>TMP’s Raegan Allen finished with eight points, and Bria
Windholz finished with seven points and seven rebounds.Hoxie will take on Oakley in the championship game on January 31, at 1 p.m in Plainville. Oakley deafeated Trego 48-41.BOYS: TMP 59, Phillipsburg 45 The TMP boys used a 16-6 run to end the first quarter and begin
the second quarter to secure a 59-45 victory and secure their spot in the MCL tournament
champion game for the first time since 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2253102929&color=%2337669a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-wbkb-vs-hoxie-highlights-1" title="TMP WBKB vs Hoxie Highlights 01-23-2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP WBKB vs Hoxie Highlights 01-23-2026</a></div></div>Ty Schmeidler knocked down a three-pointer to open the game
for TMP. He went on to score a game-high 20 points to lead the way for TMP.The Monarchs outscored Phillipsburg 21-13 in the second quarter
and had a 34-22 halftime lead.Phillipsburg closed within three in the third quarter, but
Schmeidler connected on his fifth three-pointer of the game, giving TMP room to
breathe and a 37-33 lead.The Monarch converted on 9-of-13 from the free line in the
final quarter on their way to the 59-45 win.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2253102959&color=%2337669a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-mbkb-vs-phillipsburg" title="TMP MBKB vs Phillipsburg Highlights 01-23-2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP MBKB vs Phillipsburg Highlights 01-23-2026</a></div></div>They will take on Plainville in the championship game at approximately 2:30 p.m. next Saturday, Jan. 20The Cardinals were 63-33 winners over the top-seed Trego.

🏀 TMP boys advance to MCL tournament finals; girls fall short

The Wild West Festival announced on Facebook Wednesday that Steel Skarecrow will open for Jackson Dean on Thursday, July 2, during this year's festival.

The festival said on Facebook: Thursday night just got louder!

Joining <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheJacksonDean?__cft__[0]=AZa9l3cgEV0fFJ6zJAXHfLz-8N06q7Wza-QL8Af7vyLLi_sVmWJY6-D6NmF94zXVa9Cyt2V8xUX5HzMTwtVGnHAd3fbHnCZJclHPllNV-gUkxpUg8gF5jZIpEZ-p4RxAVHI3Qjx-rmLn8vR4M5bM0htj&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Jackson Dean</a>on July 2, please welcome <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SteelSkarecrow1?__cft__[0]=AZa9l3cgEV0fFJ6zJAXHfLz-8N06q7Wza-QL8Af7vyLLi_sVmWJY6-D6NmF94zXVa9Cyt2V8xUX5HzMTwtVGnHAd3fbHnCZJclHPllNV-gUkxpUg8gF5jZIpEZ-p4RxAVHI3Qjx-rmLn8vR4M5bM0htj&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Steel Skarecrow</a> to the Wild West Festival stage! They’ll be kicking things into high gear at 7:30 p.m., right before our headliner takes the mic. Get your boots ready, this is going to be a party!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769198233048.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Wild West Festival announced on Facebook Wednesday that Steel Skarecrow will open for Jackson Dean on Thursday, July 2, during this year's festival.The festival said on Facebook: Thursday night just got louder! Joining <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheJacksonDean?__cft__[0]=AZa9l3cgEV0fFJ6zJAXHfLz-8N06q7Wza-QL8Af7vyLLi_sVmWJY6-D6NmF94zXVa9Cyt2V8xUX5HzMTwtVGnHAd3fbHnCZJclHPllNV-gUkxpUg8gF5jZIpEZ-p4RxAVHI3Qjx-rmLn8vR4M5bM0htj&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Jackson Dean</a>on July 2, please welcome <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SteelSkarecrow1?__cft__[0]=AZa9l3cgEV0fFJ6zJAXHfLz-8N06q7Wza-QL8Af7vyLLi_sVmWJY6-D6NmF94zXVa9Cyt2V8xUX5HzMTwtVGnHAd3fbHnCZJclHPllNV-gUkxpUg8gF5jZIpEZ-p4RxAVHI3Qjx-rmLn8vR4M5bM0htj&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Steel Skarecrow</a> to the Wild West Festival stage! They’ll be kicking things into high gear at 7:30 p.m., right before our headliner takes the mic. Get your boots ready, this is going to be a party!

Wild West Festival announces another act for 2026

NASA’s giant new moon rocket, Artemis II, moved to the launch pad Jan. 17, in preparation for astronauts’ first fly-around the moon in more than half a century. The out-and-back trip could blast off as early as February.

The trip will send astronauts farther than any crew has traveled.  Last spring we visited with the pilot of the mission, Victor Glover.

He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and most recently served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft which flew to the International Space Station.  Here is our interview with NASA astronaut Victor Glover.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome again to "Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times" with a special guest from Houston, astronaut Victor.&nbsp;Thanks for being on our program today.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Thanks, Gary, great to be here. Thanks for&nbsp;having me.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;You know, one of the things I know that we talk about on this program is leadership. You have walked in space four times. I believe you've been on the space station. You've lived up there for a while. What puts you in position?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;You know, from a leadership, from a career standpoint, to be in the astronaut program, I love talking about leadership.&nbsp;I love the subject and, well, I think a part of it would be following having a bunch of great leaders to work with and look up to. 

Initially, when you're put into a leadership position, you can freestyle it, or you can mimic what you've seen. So I would say some great leaders do imitate. 

I worked for some amazing people. My squadron commanders, I worked for John McCain for almost a year. Charlie Bolden, who ran NASA, but he was a Marine Corps general when I worked for him the first time, and so I think that's a big part of it, having some really amazing leaders to look up to in the beginning.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Were there some key moments in your career that kind of turned you towards being an astronaut?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Key moments? Wow. I was in college, tutoring for a program, and loved working with kids, teaching engineering, and felt like I really had found my calling. I was considering the military and teaching at the time.

So my boss in that program, thinking she was going to help, really set the hook for being an educator, had me meet the executive director of this program.

I went up to the University of California office, and I walk in his office, and there's a constellation of our solar system and a rocket. And he sees me, leans back in his chair, he takes his glasses off and sets it on a book.

I shake his hand, and sit down, and he taps on that book. And he says, you see that right there? That's how I live my dreams of space exploration and flying. And he says, You have a chance to go fly in the Navy. Go do it, and if anything else, it'll make you a better educator. 

That conversation, which was that quick, really turned my thinking. I've always loved education and the impact we can have on young people, but that really helped me get comfortable with the idea of going and starting this Navy journey, which, you know, lots of other decisions on the way, but that was the big one, whether or not to leave college and go be an educator or to go serve in the military.

Gary Shorman: In our story, you talk to students about that. I'm sure you make those choices, make those things that can change your life. You've done that.

You had a chance to be at the space station, walk in space. Let's talk a little bit about that. What did it feel like to step outside the spaceship and just go shooting? I see space right there that has to be a breathtaking experience.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;That is it? It is breathtaking because you don't know what it's going to feel like when you first get out there. The advice I received that really just kept repeating in my head was, "Keep your world small."

 One of my classmates said to me, and so I just focused on right what was in front of my face, my hands and the handrail, where I'm going next. And so it took me about three hours before I felt like, OK.

I kind of got the hang of this. I'm going to start looking around and maybe taking some pictures. Actually, on my first spacewalk, I did not take a single picture. There were no selfies to be taken on. it, but it was busy. 

I'll tell you, that's what it is. You're busy. When you're outside, there's a lot to be done, and it all requires intense focus. 

I&nbsp;wrestled in college, and I think space walking has a lot in common with wrestling, even though it may be physical in a different way. It's very physical. It's very three-dimensional.

Your success requires you to integrate the three dimensions and to think about what's coming next. And that's very true in wrestling and space walks. It's so challenging. It's busy physically and mentally.

But most importantly, you're working with a team. And that team, Mike Hopkins, who had been out on a spacewalk before, and led our first one, the first one I went on, and also the ground team, they all helped to make that possible. 

But that first moment when you look out, and you can see that for real, there are just no words to describe it. We train in a pool where you can see the bottom of the pool. When you look out, and it's 250 miles straight down, you go, "Wow! this is amazing and special. But also, what am I doing?"

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Letting go to actually float would have to be one of those experiences that you can think about, and I can say, "Boy, that'd be hard to do." But letting go when you're out there, and you see that space out there, that's amazing. What did it feel like when you were named to be on the Artemis mission?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769203436542.png" alt="The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right):NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen- Credits: NASA" />
 <figcaption>The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right):NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen- Credits: NASA</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YJ_Q6DXnnVo?si=gvZ1wvb7HSk3HYnX" 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>NASA’s giant new moon rocket, Artemis II, moved to the launch pad Jan. 17, in preparation for astronauts’ first fly-around the moon in more than half a century. The out-and-back trip could blast off as early as February.The trip will send astronauts farther than any crew has traveled. Last spring we visited with the pilot of the mission, Victor Glover.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661448577852.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and most recently served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft which flew to the International Space Station. Here is our interview with NASA astronaut Victor Glover.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome again to "Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times" with a special guest from Houston, astronaut Victor.&nbsp;Thanks for being on our program today. Victor Glover:&nbsp;Thanks, Gary, great to be here. Thanks for&nbsp;having me. Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;You know, one of the things I know that we talk about on this program is leadership. You have walked in space four times. I believe you've been on the space station. You've lived up there for a while. What puts you in position? Victor Glover:&nbsp;You know, from a leadership, from a career standpoint, to be in the astronaut program, I love talking about leadership.&nbsp;I love the subject and, well, I think a part of it would be following having a bunch of great leaders to work with and look up to. Initially, when you're put into a leadership position, you can freestyle it, or you can mimic what you've seen. So I would say some great leaders do imitate. I worked for some amazing people. My squadron commanders, I worked for John McCain for almost a year. Charlie Bolden, who ran NASA, but he was a Marine Corps general when I worked for him the first time, and so I think that's a big part of it, having some really amazing leaders to look up to in the beginning.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Were there some key moments in your career that kind of turned you towards being an astronaut?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Key moments? Wow. I was in college, tutoring for a program, and loved working with kids, teaching engineering, and felt like I really had found my calling. I was considering the military and teaching at the time. So my boss in that program, thinking she was going to help, really set the hook for being an educator, had me meet the executive director of this program.I went up to the University of California office, and I walk in his office, and there's a constellation of our solar system and a rocket. And he sees me, leans back in his chair, he takes his glasses off and sets it on a book.I shake his hand, and sit down, and he taps on that book. And he says, you see that right there? That's how I live my dreams of space exploration and flying. And he says, You have a chance to go fly in the Navy. Go do it, and if anything else, it'll make you a better educator. That conversation, which was that quick, really turned my thinking. I've always loved education and the impact we can have on young people, but that really helped me get comfortable with the idea of going and starting this Navy journey, which, you know, lots of other decisions on the way, but that was the big one, whether or not to leave college and go be an educator or to go serve in the military.Gary Shorman: In our story, you talk to students about that. I'm sure you make those choices, make those things that can change your life. You've done that. You had a chance to be at the space station, walk in space. Let's talk a little bit about that. What did it feel like to step outside the spaceship and just go shooting? I see space right there that has to be a breathtaking experience.Victor Glover:&nbsp;That is it? It is breathtaking because you don't know what it's going to feel like when you first get out there. The advice I received that really just kept repeating in my head was, "Keep your world small." One of my classmates said to me, and so I just focused on right what was in front of my face, my hands and the handrail, where I'm going next. And so it took me about three hours before I felt like, OK.I kind of got the hang of this. I'm going to start looking around and maybe taking some pictures. Actually, on my first spacewalk, I did not take a single picture. There were no selfies to be taken on. it, but it was busy. I'll tell you, that's what it is. You're busy. When you're outside, there's a lot to be done, and it all requires intense focus. I&nbsp;wrestled in college, and I think space walking has a lot in common with wrestling, even though it may be physical in a different way. It's very physical. It's very three-dimensional.Your success requires you to integrate the three dimensions and to think about what's coming next. And that's very true in wrestling and space walks. It's so challenging. It's busy physically and mentally.But most importantly, you're working with a team. And that team, Mike Hopkins, who had been out on a spacewalk before, and led our first one, the first one I went on, and also the ground team, they all helped to make that possible. But that first moment when you look out, and you can see that for real, there are just no words to describe it. We train in a pool where you can see the bottom of the pool. When you look out, and it's 250 miles straight down, you go, "Wow! this is amazing and special. But also, what am I doing?"Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Letting go to actually float would have to be one of those experiences that you can think about, and I can say, "Boy, that'd be hard to do." But letting go when you're out there, and you see that space out there, that's amazing. What did it feel like when you were named to be on the Artemis mission?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Ah, wow. It's interesting, because people ask about the excitement, and excitement is a part of it. But the professionals who do what I do, understand the risks associated with this. There's a lot of software, a lot of pieces and parts to this, hardware, lots of people. This is made all over the country, in all 50 states of the Union, and then also parts overseas. And it all has to work flawlessly the first time for the duration of the mission. So we understand the risk. And so I would say the overriding feeling was, first of all shocked, because I didn't expect to be on this mission, so I was a little shocked. But then also, I know focus isn't a feeling, but the seriousness, that's my overriding feeling, was the seriousness of this. This means a lot for our country, for our agency, for our Artemis Accords, international partners, and it's risky. My family is going to have to go on this journey with&nbsp;me. We have a lot to get done in the next couple of years. And so, yeah, profundity, if it's a if that's an emotion, it was profundity.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;If you look at 50 years since we've had a mission like this, and you'll be the first one to head to the moon, there's more to it than just circling the moon, though. Tell us a little bit more about the long-term plans for the Artemis mission.Victor Glover:&nbsp;Artemis is our generation's deep-space exploration program. It's not just the Moon Program. We're going to make sure this Orion capsule is safe for humans to fly, so that we can fly it to eventually dock to a lunar lander.That will get us to the surface of the moon, or to a gateway space station that's orbiting the moon. Both of those things are going to enable future technologies and future techniques and future teams to go beyond the moon on to Mars.And continue to understand, maybe, how the Earth looked in its past, or where we may be headed in the future, if we don't take better care of our planet. So the Artemis program is a big campaign. The moon is just one destination, and that's our mission. Our mission is to do the free return trajectory around the moon, but really to test out Orion as one big step on this journey that's going to eventually get humans to Mars.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Orion is your spaceship, and you'll be the pilot of that as you approach the moon and circle the moon. What are you going to be looking for?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Oh, wow. So there's a potential. The region of the moon, what we would call the Western Hemisphere, looking at it from Earth on the far side. That part has not been completely seen by human eyes, and I just learned that recently. So the fact that there's a potential for us to see something that's never been seen before, that's amazing. But no matter what, even if it's completely dark, to look out the window of the spacecraft and to look at the moon in the foreground, and then see the Earth in the background, in the distance, a quarter of a million miles away, with my crewmates, Reed, Cristina, and Jeremy. I don't know what that's going to feel like, but I'm looking forward to that. That's going to be amazing.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I hope you send us pictures back, Victor.&nbsp; I know you're short on time because you have a lot of people and you have a lot of training to do. That has to be intense training, because there are so many moving parts, as you say, that intensity, that focus it takes. How many hours a day do you train?Victor Glover:&nbsp;So we will start training next month, and I imagine it's going to be chock full. I think they're going to schedule our days full. And you know, while some of it will be technical training, some of it will be continuing to engage the public, like we are now.But also, we will be engaging the team that's developing the hardware or building hardware and software, and thanking them for their hard work and letting them know how much we count on their technical expertise. And so they're going to keep us busy. Gary, you can be best believe we'll have some full days until launch.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I can't wait to see how this all develops. Look forward to it, and maybe again later on, once you're back, get a chance to follow up on that. But Victor, thanks for being on our program.

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