Kansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas suggest ways to prepare for the changes Kansas travelers will face next year.TOPEKA, Kan. – Jan. 3, 2020 – REAL ID has arrived in Kansas, and the Kansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas advise that travelers consider their options now ahead of this year’s nationwide enforcement of the federal program.&nbsp;

Beginning October 2020, all U.S. residents will need a compliant license/ID or an acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight, access a Federal facility, or enter a nuclear power plant.&nbsp;The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers a current passport or military ID acceptable identification for boarding an aircraft.“The requirement for REAL ID to fly will be here before we know it,” says Shawn Steward, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Kansas.&nbsp;“To avoid being caught off-guard, now is the time for Kansans to decide whether they’ll upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license or whether they’ll use a passport instead.”&nbsp;Since 2007, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles has been preparing for implementation of Real ID. In 2017, the Division began issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards with the Real ID symbol at the top of license or identification cards.If you provided the needed documentation since 2007, you may already be ready for Real ID. To see if you are already in the system, simply go to&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281631&amp;Action=Follow+Link">https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/DLStatus/login.aspx</a>&nbsp;to get a driver’s license status check.&nbsp;

If you don’t have the Real ID logo on your credential but it has a “yes” next to Real ID on the status check website, you are compliant and ready to&nbsp;obtain your new indicator. Take your unexpired license or identification card, two proofs of address, and if you have it your renewal card to a driver’s license office to get the Real ID.If it has a “no” next to Real ID, present the documents listed below to receive Real ID.Kansans have a choice as to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or a standard driver’s license or identification card.&nbsp;For anyone who decides to upgrade to a REAL ID, outside of their renewal period, they’ll pay a one-time fee of $8. &nbsp;Kansans have the ability to renew a license or identification card a year in advance of its expiration date.To obtain a REAL ID:

Federal regulations require that the Division of Vehicles must verify the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID-compliant product:

While AAA Kansas retail branch offices are not REAL ID centers, AAA Travel Agents are on hand to discuss any questions that AAA members or the general public may have about the program.&nbsp;AAA Kansas retail travel offices have REAL ID information cards available for travelers. Additionally, travelers can consult&nbsp;the Kansas Department of Revenue’s&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281630&amp;Action=Follow+Link">REAL ID web page</a>for additional information.AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 349,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.&nbsp;AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, non-profit corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281629&amp;Action=Follow+Link">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281628&amp;Action=Follow+Link">www.AAA.com</a>.

AAAKansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas suggest ways to prepare for the changes Kansas travelers will face next year.TOPEKA, Kan. – Jan. 3, 2020 – REAL ID has arrived in Kansas, and the Kansas Department of Revenue and AAA Kansas advise that travelers consider their options now ahead of this year’s nationwide enforcement of the federal program.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://us.vocuspr.com/Publish/523962/vcsPRAsset_523962_98601_8f5b7816-29ea-4808-9ef7-8e0363a1fe2c_0.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Beginning October 2020, all U.S. residents will need a compliant license/ID or an acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight, access a Federal facility, or enter a nuclear power plant.&nbsp;The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers a current passport or military ID acceptable identification for boarding an aircraft.“The requirement for REAL ID to fly will be here before we know it,” says Shawn Steward, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Kansas.&nbsp;“To avoid being caught off-guard, now is the time for Kansans to decide whether they’ll upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license or whether they’ll use a passport instead.”&nbsp;Since 2007, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles has been preparing for implementation of Real ID. In 2017, the Division began issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards with the Real ID symbol at the top of license or identification cards.If you provided the needed documentation since 2007, you may already be ready for Real ID. To see if you are already in the system, simply go to&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281631&amp;Action=Follow+Link">https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/DLStatus/login.aspx</a>&nbsp;to get a driver’s license status check.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://us.vocuspr.com/Publish/523962/vcsPRAsset_523962_98602_1489417b-5f36-43b6-8330-3fc937b56552_0.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you don’t have the Real ID logo on your credential but it has a “yes” next to Real ID on the status check website, you are compliant and ready to&nbsp;obtain your new indicator. Take your unexpired license or identification card, two proofs of address, and if you have it your renewal card to a driver’s license office to get the Real ID.If it has a “no” next to Real ID, present the documents listed below to receive Real ID.Kansans have a choice as to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or a standard driver’s license or identification card.&nbsp;For anyone who decides to upgrade to a REAL ID, outside of their renewal period, they’ll pay a one-time fee of $8. &nbsp;Kansans have the ability to renew a license or identification card a year in advance of its expiration date.To obtain a REAL ID:<ol>
 <li>Visit any Kansas Driver’s License Office to have documents verified and imaged.&nbsp;Then, the REAL ID will be received in the mail within 45 business days.</li>
 </ol>Federal regulations require that the Division of Vehicles must verify the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID-compliant product:<ol>
 <li>Proof of identity (Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. Passport).</li><li>Proof of Social Security number (Card must be original and the name on the S.S. card must match the identity document).</li><li>Proof of all legal name changes (Marriage certificate or court order issued by your county’s family court).</li><li>Two proofs of current, physical Kansas address (examples include a current, unexpired Kansas driver’s license or ID and a no more than 90-day-old bank statement or utility bill).</li>
 </ol>While AAA Kansas retail branch offices are not REAL ID centers, AAA Travel Agents are on hand to discuss any questions that AAA members or the general public may have about the program.&nbsp;AAA Kansas retail travel offices have REAL ID information cards available for travelers. Additionally, travelers can consult&nbsp;the Kansas Department of Revenue’s&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281630&amp;Action=Follow+Link">REAL ID web page</a>for additional information.AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 349,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.&nbsp;AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, non-profit corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281629&amp;Action=Follow+Link">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d81%3b%2f%3a6-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=4539715&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=281628&amp;Action=Follow+Link">www.AAA.com</a>.

REAL ID: Time for air travelers to get real

LOGAN COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Friday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge Caravan driven by&nbsp; Constance Hope Maier, 77, Oakley, was eastbound on U.S. 40 twenty-three miles west of Kansas Road 25.

The vehicle left the road to the right, entered the south ditch, jumped a culvert traveled through a fence and came to a stop in a field.

EMS transported Maier to Citizens Medical Center. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Friday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge Caravan driven by&nbsp; Constance Hope Maier, 77, Oakley, was eastbound on U.S. 40 twenty-three miles west of Kansas Road 25.The vehicle left the road to the right, entered the south ditch, jumped a culvert traveled through a fence and came to a stop in a field.EMS transported Maier to Citizens Medical Center. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Woman from Oakley hospitalized after violent van crash

TOPEKA - Due to increased flu activity within the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility, all weekend visitation and religious programs will be cancelled at both the Central and West units for the dates of Saturday, Jan. 4 and Sunday, Jan. 5.

The health and safety of our inmates, staff and visitors is a top priority and we appreciate the community’s cooperation during this time. 

For questions regarding visitation, please call (620) 625-7658.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575316797715.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOCTOPEKA - Due to increased flu activity within the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility, all weekend visitation and religious programs will be cancelled at both the Central and West units for the dates of Saturday, Jan. 4 and Sunday, Jan. 5.The health and safety of our inmates, staff and visitors is a top priority and we appreciate the community’s cooperation during this time. For questions regarding visitation, please call (620) 625-7658.

Flu outbreak forces cancellation of weekend visits, programs at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility

January 3, 2020 - Pre-Session Newsletter

During the past two years, while the state legislature has been on break from the legislative session, I served as a member of the Transportation Task Force. Our main mission was to create the parameters of a new plan to address the future transportation needs for the state of Kansas. We traveled the state and held meetings in regional sections accross Kansas, listening to citizens on what transportation needs they wished to be addressed in the next transportation plan.

Although the current transportation plan, T-Works, did not complete all of the projects that were promoted in the plan within the last ten years, our first goal from the consultations is to complete the projects that were suspended in T-Works. These projects, nearing 25 in total and a cost of approximately $500 million, will be the first items included in the new transportation plan, called Forward.

The new plan will address all the transportation needs for the state. This program will not only focus on the state highway system, however, will also address the needs for rail, air, biking, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The program will also focus on the Federal Department of Transportation’s directive of where the state of Kansas sees our transportation needs until 2045.

As of right now, the total cost for the next ten year plan is approximately $1.2 billion. This is anticipated to be paid by the state of Kansas not retaining the transfer that should go to the Kansas Department of Transportation of approximately $230 million. I am working with the department to ensure that stable funding is in place for Forward.

During the break following the conclusion of the 2019 Legislative Session in May, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee has met numerous times to address the budgetary needs for the state of Kansas. 

We have discussed an array of issues ranging from agriculture, transportation, mental health, the board of regents, and many more. 

During the last meeting that we conducted on December 13, we had a briefing of all the requests from the departments and agencies totaling an amount of $275 million in additional spending for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. 

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee will meet again on January 9, 2020 to generate recommendations to the House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means Committee. Once the 2020 session begins, we will address these requests in the respective budget committees and then those recommendations will be reported to the full Appropriations Committee.

The 2020 Legislative Session will begin on January 13, 2020 and Governor Kelly will give her annual State of the State Address on January 15, 2020. The next morning, the House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means Committee will conduct a joint committee meeting where the Governor’s budget will be formally introduced.

Although this will set the stage for many items we will address during the 2020 Legislative session, there are some other issues that will dominate the session, as well.

· The first item will be that of Medicaid Expansion.&nbsp;Last session, the House passed a version of Medicaid Expansion, although the Senate never addressed it. The Senate has now produced their version.&nbsp;I was asked to serve on the Special Committee for Medicaid Expansion where we met for two days in November discussing the differing details of the House and Senate plans.&nbsp;Both plans come with a large price tag to the state of Kansas, with the low expected annual expense to the state being $40 million;

· As mentioned before, we will also be looking at generating a new 10-year transportation plan;

· Earlier this year, Governor Kelly created a tax commission to analyze the tax structure for the state of Kansas. Some of the discussions focused on the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund and the restoration of the food sales tax refund program. I foresee some of their discussion items to be addressed during the session.

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

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at #waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Also, if you happen to visit the statehouse, please let my office know.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

My family and I wish all of you a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2020!

Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is state representative for the 109th Kansas House.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577788125896.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, 109th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, 109th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>January 3, 2020 - Pre-Session NewsletterNew Transportation PlanDuring the past two years, while the state legislature has been on break from the legislative session, I served as a member of the Transportation Task Force. Our main mission was to create the parameters of a new plan to address the future transportation needs for the state of Kansas. We traveled the state and held meetings in regional sections accross Kansas, listening to citizens on what transportation needs they wished to be addressed in the next transportation plan.Although the current transportation plan, T-Works, did not complete all of the projects that were promoted in the plan within the last ten years, our first goal from the consultations is to complete the projects that were suspended in T-Works. These projects, nearing 25 in total and a cost of approximately $500 million, will be the first items included in the new transportation plan, called Forward.The new plan will address all the transportation needs for the state. This program will not only focus on the state highway system, however, will also address the needs for rail, air, biking, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The program will also focus on the Federal Department of Transportation’s directive of where the state of Kansas sees our transportation needs until 2045.As of right now, the total cost for the next ten year plan is approximately $1.2 billion. This is anticipated to be paid by the state of Kansas not retaining the transfer that should go to the Kansas Department of Transportation of approximately $230 million. I am working with the department to ensure that stable funding is in place for Forward.Legislative Budget CommitteeDuring the break following the conclusion of the 2019 Legislative Session in May, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee has met numerous times to address the budgetary needs for the state of Kansas. We have discussed an array of issues ranging from agriculture, transportation, mental health, the board of regents, and many more. During the last meeting that we conducted on December 13, we had a briefing of all the requests from the departments and agencies totaling an amount of $275 million in additional spending for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee will meet again on January 9, 2020 to generate recommendations to the House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means Committee. Once the 2020 session begins, we will address these requests in the respective budget committees and then those recommendations will be reported to the full Appropriations Committee.2020 Legislative SessionThe 2020 Legislative Session will begin on January 13, 2020 and Governor Kelly will give her annual State of the State Address on January 15, 2020. The next morning, the House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means Committee will conduct a joint committee meeting where the Governor’s budget will be formally introduced.Although this will set the stage for many items we will address during the 2020 Legislative session, there are some other issues that will dominate the session, as well.· The first item will be that of Medicaid Expansion.&nbsp;Last session, the House passed a version of Medicaid Expansion, although the Senate never addressed it. The Senate has now produced their version.&nbsp;I was asked to serve on the Special Committee for Medicaid Expansion where we met for two days in November discussing the differing details of the House and Senate plans.&nbsp;Both plans come with a large price tag to the state of Kansas, with the low expected annual expense to the state being $40 million;· As mentioned before, we will also be looking at generating a new 10-year transportation plan;· Earlier this year, Governor Kelly created a tax commission to analyze the tax structure for the state of Kansas. Some of the discussions focused on the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund and the restoration of the food sales tax refund program. I foresee some of their discussion items to be addressed during the session.Contact InformationAnytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at #waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Also, if you happen to visit the statehouse, please let my office know.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.My family and I wish all of you a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2020!Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is state representative for the 109th Kansas House.

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Jan. 3

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 24 traffic stops Mon., Dec. 30, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Stolen/Recovered Property--800 block Walnut, Hays;12/10 7 PM; 7:30PM

Credit Card Violations--2500 block General Lawton Rd, Hays; 9:23 AM; 9:47 AM

Animal At Large--100 block Main St, Hays; 10:17 AM

MV Accident-City Street/Alley--100 block W 8th St, Hays; 10:33 AM

Harassment, Telephone/FAX--Hays; 11:17 AM

Animal At Large--100 block E 5th St, Hays; 1:09 PM

Animal At Large--2500 block Indian Trl, Hays; 2 PM

Theft (general)--3000 block E 14th St, Hays; 2:35 PM

Lost Animals ONLY--600 block E 15th St, Hays; 2:36 PM

MV Accident-City Street/Alley--400 block E 32nd St, Hays; 5:29 PM

Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--400 block W 13th St, Hays; 8:37 PM

Suicidal Subject--2500 block Vine St, Hays; 10:35 PM

Sex Offense--1400 block S Fossil St, Russell; 11:25 PM

Lost Animals ONLY--300 block W 33rd St, Hays; 11:40 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 39 traffic stops Tue., Dec. 31, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 3:06 AM

Fraud--2500 block Felten Dr, Hays; 11:14 AM; 11:44 AM

Lost Animals ONLY--3000 block E 14th St, Hays; 1:05 PM

Lost Animals ONLY--100 block Ash St, Hays; 4:59 PM

Disturbance - General--1300 block Anthony Dr, Hays; 5:46 PM

Theft (general)--2600 block Vine St, Hays; 7 PM; 7:45 PM

Suspicious Activity--100 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:41 PM

Driving Under the Influence--27th and Hall, Hays; 11:13 PM

Battery - simple--100 block E 24th St, Hays; 11:45 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 36 traffic stops Wed., Jan. 1, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Criminal Trespass--400 block W 17th St, Hays; 12:05 AM; 12:14 AM

Assist - Other (not MV)--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:22 AM

Battery on LEO--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 12:38 AM; 1:07 AM

Driving Under the Influence--200 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:57 AM

Disturbance - General--3300 block Elm St, Hays; 1:02 AM

Battery on LEO--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:04 AM

Battery - simple--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:50 AM; 1:56 AM

Suspicious Activity--2000 block Main St, Hays; 7:55 AM

Criminal Damage to Property--300 block E 6th St, Hays; 2 AM; 10:45 AM

MV Accident-Hit and Run--2200 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 12/31/19 10:45 PM; 1/1/20 11:49 AM

Welfare Check--3300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:52 PM

Drug Offenses/DUI--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 1/1 11:59 PM; 1/2 3:35 AM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 40 traffic stops Thu., Jan. 2, 2020, according to the&nbsp;HPD Activity Log.

Suicidal Subject--320 block Vine St, Hays; 3:48 AM

Burglary/vehicle--200 block E 23rd St, Hays; 1/1 6:30 PM; 1/2 7:50 AM

Civil Transport--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:56 AM

Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:20 PM; 2:29 PM

Theft (general)--100 block W 33rd St, Hays; 5/12/19 12 PM;  12/23/19 2 PM

Civil Dispute--300 block W 12th St, Hays; 10/25/19 3:28 PM; 1/2/20 3:28 PM

Battery - Domestic--500 block E 20th St, Hays; 4:44 PM

Mental Health Call--1300 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:01 PM; 10:32 PM

Mental Health Call--2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 9:56 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 24 traffic stops Mon., Dec. 30, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.&nbsp;&nbsp; Stolen/Recovered Property--800 block Walnut, Hays;12/10 7 PM; 7:30PMCredit Card Violations--2500 block General Lawton Rd, Hays; 9:23 AM; 9:47 AMAnimal At Large--100 block Main St, Hays; 10:17 AMMV Accident-City Street/Alley--100 block W 8th St, Hays; 10:33 AMHarassment, Telephone/FAX--Hays; 11:17 AMAnimal At Large--100 block E 5th St, Hays; 1:09 PMAnimal At Large--2500 block Indian Trl, Hays; 2 PMTheft (general)--3000 block E 14th St, Hays; 2:35 PMLost Animals ONLY--600 block E 15th St, Hays; 2:36 PMMV Accident-City Street/Alley--400 block E 32nd St, Hays; 5:29 PMWarrant Service (Fail to Appear)--400 block W 13th St, Hays; 8:37 PMSuicidal Subject--2500 block Vine St, Hays; 10:35 PMSex Offense--1400 block S Fossil St, Russell; 11:25 PMLost Animals ONLY--300 block W 33rd St, Hays; 11:40 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 39 traffic stops Tue., Dec. 31, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log. Drug Offenses--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 3:06 AMFraud--2500 block Felten Dr, Hays; 11:14 AM; 11:44 AMLost Animals ONLY--3000 block E 14th St, Hays; 1:05 PMLost Animals ONLY--100 block Ash St, Hays; 4:59 PMDisturbance - General--1300 block Anthony Dr, Hays; 5:46 PMTheft (general)--2600 block Vine St, Hays; 7 PM; 7:45 PMSuspicious Activity--100 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:41 PMDriving Under the Influence--27th and Hall, Hays; 11:13 PMBattery - simple--100 block E 24th St, Hays; 11:45 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 36 traffic stops Wed., Jan. 1, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log. Criminal Trespass--400 block W 17th St, Hays; 12:05 AM; 12:14 AMAssist - Other (not MV)--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:22 AMBattery on LEO--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 12:38 AM; 1:07 AMDriving Under the Influence--200 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:57 AMDisturbance - General--3300 block Elm St, Hays; 1:02 AMBattery on LEO--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:04 AMBattery - simple--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:50 AM; 1:56 AMSuspicious Activity--2000 block Main St, Hays; 7:55 AMCriminal Damage to Property--300 block E 6th St, Hays; 2 AM; 10:45 AMMV Accident-Hit and Run--2200 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 12/31/19 10:45 PM; 1/1/20 11:49 AMWelfare Check--3300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:52 PMDrug Offenses/DUI--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 1/1 11:59 PM; 1/2 3:35 AMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 40 traffic stops Thu., Jan. 2, 2020, according to the&nbsp;HPD Activity Log.Suicidal Subject--320 block Vine St, Hays; 3:48 AMFound/Lost Property--Hays; 11:19 AMBurglary/vehicle--200 block E 23rd St, Hays; 1/1 6:30 PM; 1/2 7:50 AMCivil Transport--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:56 AMShoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:20 PM; 2:29 PMTheft (general)--100 block W 33rd St, Hays; 5/12/19 12 PM; 12/23/19 2 PMCivil Dispute--300 block W 12th St, Hays; 10/25/19 3:28 PM; 1/2/20 3:28 PMBattery - Domestic--500 block E 20th St, Hays; 4:44 PMMental Health Call--1300 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:01 PM; 10:32 PMMental Health Call--2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 9:56 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log Dec. 30-Jan. 2

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🎤Post Podcast: Travel Plaza TIF and CID may spur Hays economic development

GRAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Friday in Gray County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Freightliner semi driven by Jeffrey Marc Debnam, 44, Meade, was southbound on 24 Road at County Road S.

The driver failed to yield at the yield sign. An eastbound 2008 Dodge Charger driven by Jarred Leland Smith, 33, Larned, applied the brakes and collided with a fence pole and then the semi.

EMS transported Smith to the hospital in Dodge City. Debnam was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

GRAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Friday in Gray County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Freightliner semi driven by Jeffrey Marc Debnam, 44, Meade, was southbound on 24 Road at County Road S.The driver failed to yield at the yield sign. An eastbound 2008 Dodge Charger driven by Jarred Leland Smith, 33, Larned, applied the brakes and collided with a fence pole and then the semi.EMS transported Smith to the hospital in Dodge City. Debnam was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Larned man hospitalized after crash with a semi

By BECKY KISER Hays Post&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The new year starts with plenty of activities and events to attend in Hays.

Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, has some of the highlights.

For an up-to-the minute calendar of events, go to the Hays CVB website <a href="http://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.

By BECKY KISER Hays Post&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The new year starts with plenty of activities and events to attend in Hays.Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, has some of the highlights.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sjLrRzF4gUo"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For an up-to-the minute calendar of events, go to the Hays CVB website <a href="http://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.

🎥 CVB: January happenings in Hays 

&nbsp;Welcome to 2020 and join in offering Kansas lawmakers New Year’s Resolutions to guide their work in the upcoming legislative session.

Focus on Problem Solving:&nbsp;Many state lawmakers run for office in order to address issues of concern to voters, such as health care, poverty, criminal justice, and gun safety, to name but a few. Other lawmakers spend more of their time mouthing the talking points of special interests allied with their party affiliation. The difference is often obvious, and Kansans should applaud those lawmakers engaged in problem solving, rather than partisan posturing.

Keep Taxes and Spending in Balance:&nbsp;Kansas lawmakers abandoned the notorious tax experiment in 2017 and began to restore state finances. As a result, state tax revenues exceeded spending last fiscal year by $335 million. In the current year, however, spending was increased to address school finance and repair neglected state services, such as prisons and child welfare, and is now projected to exceed revenues by $428 million. Still, a healthy balance of $677 million is estimated for the beginning of the next fiscal year. The condition of state finance has not been this sound since the beginning of the Great Recession, and lawmakers should be wary of new spending&nbsp;or&nbsp;tax cuts that throw financial discipline off track.

Assure School Funding Reaches At-Risk Children:&nbsp;Public education represents the state’s highest priority but still falls short in reaching students disadvantaged by poverty, race, and ethnicity. Last year, lawmakers boosted school funding to comply with constitutional requirements and should now turn their attention to assuring that added funds reach children at risk. They represent the next generation of Kansans, and their success is essential to the state’s future.

Leverage Available Federal Dollars:&nbsp;Kansans and Kansas businesses send over $25 billion in taxes each year to the U.S. treasury and benefit from that outflow in multiple ways. However, Kansas state government ranks near the top among the 50 states in refusing available federal dollars. For example, state lawmakers’ refusal to extend Medicaid coverage to 130,000 low-income working Kansans and their children has cost the state $3.8 billion over the last five years. Kansas should take advantage of federal dollars and extend Medicaid.

Protect Vulnerable Children:&nbsp;In 2011 state lawmakers began restricting federal assistance to the state’s poorest families, and as a result vulnerable children became their victims. Three-fourths of the 70 percent cut in income assistance fell upon children. Half of the 30 percent reduction in food assistance hit children. Lawmakers should rethink these ill-advised restrictions to protect those children least able to help themselves.

Keep Politics Out of State Courts:&nbsp;Kansas voters have repeatedly shown their preference for keeping partisan politics out of state courts. Over 60 years ago they adopted constitutional provisions providing for the selection of Supreme Court justices based on qualifications not politics. Further, they have consistently voted to retain justices appointed through nonpartisan selection. Strong voter preference has not stopped special interest groups from trying to politicize state courts, and lawmakers should remain vigilant in preserving nonpartisan judicial selection and protecting an independent judiciary.

Use Caution before Issuing New Debt:&nbsp;Kansas taxpayers are currently paying down over $4 billion in state debt that was pushed to record levels in 2016. Tax-supported state debt as a percent of personal income continues at a level three times that of surrounding states. State lawmakers should avoid borrowing that pushes current obligations onto future generations and exercise caution before issuing new state debt.

These resolutions represent a challenging agenda for lawmakers and should give Kansas voters a scorecard for assessing legislative performance in upcoming elections.

H. Edward Flentje is professor emeritus at Wichita State University and served with former Kansas Governors Bennett and Hayden.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574793049080.png" alt="H. Edward Flentje is professor emeritus at Wichita State University and served with former Kansas Governors Bennett and Hayden." />
 <figcaption>H. Edward Flentje is professor emeritus at Wichita State University and served with former Kansas Governors Bennett and Hayden.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Welcome to 2020 and join in offering Kansas lawmakers New Year’s Resolutions to guide their work in the upcoming legislative session.Focus on Problem Solving:&nbsp;Many state lawmakers run for office in order to address issues of concern to voters, such as health care, poverty, criminal justice, and gun safety, to name but a few. Other lawmakers spend more of their time mouthing the talking points of special interests allied with their party affiliation. The difference is often obvious, and Kansans should applaud those lawmakers engaged in problem solving, rather than partisan posturing.Keep Taxes and Spending in Balance:&nbsp;Kansas lawmakers abandoned the notorious tax experiment in 2017 and began to restore state finances. As a result, state tax revenues exceeded spending last fiscal year by $335 million. In the current year, however, spending was increased to address school finance and repair neglected state services, such as prisons and child welfare, and is now projected to exceed revenues by $428 million. Still, a healthy balance of $677 million is estimated for the beginning of the next fiscal year. The condition of state finance has not been this sound since the beginning of the Great Recession, and lawmakers should be wary of new spending&nbsp;or&nbsp;tax cuts that throw financial discipline off track.Assure School Funding Reaches At-Risk Children:&nbsp;Public education represents the state’s highest priority but still falls short in reaching students disadvantaged by poverty, race, and ethnicity. Last year, lawmakers boosted school funding to comply with constitutional requirements and should now turn their attention to assuring that added funds reach children at risk. They represent the next generation of Kansans, and their success is essential to the state’s future.Leverage Available Federal Dollars:&nbsp;Kansans and Kansas businesses send over $25 billion in taxes each year to the U.S. treasury and benefit from that outflow in multiple ways. However, Kansas state government ranks near the top among the 50 states in refusing available federal dollars. For example, state lawmakers’ refusal to extend Medicaid coverage to 130,000 low-income working Kansans and their children has cost the state $3.8 billion over the last five years. Kansas should take advantage of federal dollars and extend Medicaid.Protect Vulnerable Children:&nbsp;In 2011 state lawmakers began restricting federal assistance to the state’s poorest families, and as a result vulnerable children became their victims. Three-fourths of the 70 percent cut in income assistance fell upon children. Half of the 30 percent reduction in food assistance hit children. Lawmakers should rethink these ill-advised restrictions to protect those children least able to help themselves.Keep Politics Out of State Courts:&nbsp;Kansas voters have repeatedly shown their preference for keeping partisan politics out of state courts. Over 60 years ago they adopted constitutional provisions providing for the selection of Supreme Court justices based on qualifications not politics. Further, they have consistently voted to retain justices appointed through nonpartisan selection. Strong voter preference has not stopped special interest groups from trying to politicize state courts, and lawmakers should remain vigilant in preserving nonpartisan judicial selection and protecting an independent judiciary.Use Caution before Issuing New Debt:&nbsp;Kansas taxpayers are currently paying down over $4 billion in state debt that was pushed to record levels in 2016. Tax-supported state debt as a percent of personal income continues at a level three times that of surrounding states. State lawmakers should avoid borrowing that pushes current obligations onto future generations and exercise caution before issuing new state debt.These resolutions represent a challenging agenda for lawmakers and should give Kansas voters a scorecard for assessing legislative performance in upcoming elections.H. Edward Flentje is professor emeritus at Wichita State University and served with former Kansas Governors Bennett and Hayden.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Make New Year’s Resolutions for State Lawmakers

The Hays City Commission Thursday night heard details on the first in a package of incentives for a proposed travel plaza north of Hays.

The commission will consider setting a public hearing on a Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) district at its next meeting on Jan. 9. That hearing is being proposed for Feb. 13.

The TIF will be pay-as-you-go. The city will not be issuing any bonds for the project.

Through a TIF future increases in property tax are used to pay back the the developer for infrastructure improvements for a project. The developers estimated the TIF will generate $14.9 million in revenue over its 20-year term.

The first phase of the 55-acre development at exit 157 of Interstate 70 would include a travel plaza and truck wash. The travel plaza will include a restaurant inside the plaza, a convenience store, scales and hygiene amenities. 

Other lots in phase one will be available to for sale or lease to other developers for restaurants, hotels or other commercial uses.

Phase two of the project is anticipated to include construction of retail and commercial uses, including an RV park, all to be located on an approximately 15-acre site located immediately north of phase one. 

D&amp;J Land Development is proposing an incentive package that also includes a Community Improvement District (CID, assignment of a grant made by the Kansas Department of Transportation to Ellis County,&nbsp; and the conveyance to the developer of a 4.611-acre tract currently owned by the city at no cost to the developer.

The incentive package would be worth a maximum of $16.8 million, according to materials in the commission's agenda packet.

D&amp;J estimated phase one of the development once fully developed could generate as much as $38.7 million in taxable sales annually and the businesses could employ as many as&nbsp;263 full-time equivalent employees.

The city annexed the land owned by D&amp;J in December, and dirt work is underway at the site.

However, the process to approve the incentive package and project plans are estimated to take until May.

"I will say this probably many times until May, I am very excited about this happening," said Shaun Musil, vice mayor. "We have got a lot of work to do. It's exciting and thank you to the developer."

The commission will have its annual reorganization meeting at its first regular meeting of the year on Jan. 9. New commissioners will be sworn in at that time.

Mason Ruder and Michael Berges were newly elected to the board in November. Incumbent Commissioner Ron Mellick will be continuing on the board.

Commissioners thanked commissioner Eber Phelps for his service. Phelps was appointed to serve out an unexpired term. Outgoing commissioner and Mayor Henry Schwaller was not at the meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576702411072.jpeg" alt="The Hays City Commission is set to schedule a public hearing for a&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) district for a proposed travel plaza at exit 157 of Interstate&nbsp; 70 at its first meeting of the year on Jan. 9." />
 <figcaption>The Hays City Commission is set to schedule a public hearing for a&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) district for a proposed travel plaza at exit 157 of Interstate&nbsp; 70 at its first meeting of the year on Jan. 9.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEYHays PostThe Hays City Commission Thursday night heard details on the first in a package of incentives for a proposed travel plaza north of Hays.The commission will consider setting a public hearing on a Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) district at its next meeting on Jan. 9. That hearing is being proposed for Feb. 13.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578017579515.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The TIF will be pay-as-you-go. The city will not be issuing any bonds for the project.Through a TIF future increases in property tax are used to pay back the the developer for infrastructure improvements for a project. The developers estimated the TIF will generate $14.9 million in revenue over its 20-year term.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578017451623.png" alt="Phase one of the proposed travel plaza." />
 <figcaption>Phase one of the proposed travel plaza.</figcaption>
 </figure>The first phase of the 55-acre development at exit 157 of Interstate 70 would include a travel plaza and truck wash. The travel plaza will include a restaurant inside the plaza, a convenience store, scales and hygiene amenities. Other lots in phase one will be available to for sale or lease to other developers for restaurants, hotels or other commercial uses.Phase two of the project is anticipated to include construction of retail and commercial uses, including an RV park, all to be located on an approximately 15-acre site located immediately north of phase one. D&amp;J Land Development is proposing an incentive package that also includes a Community Improvement District (CID, assignment of a grant made by the Kansas Department of Transportation to Ellis County,&nbsp; and the conveyance to the developer of a 4.611-acre tract currently owned by the city at no cost to the developer.The incentive package would be worth a maximum of $16.8 million, according to materials in the commission's agenda packet.D&amp;J estimated phase one of the development once fully developed could generate as much as $38.7 million in taxable sales annually and the businesses could employ as many as&nbsp;263 full-time equivalent employees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578017637464.png" alt="Projected economic impact of phase one of the development." />
 <figcaption>Projected economic impact of phase one of the development.</figcaption>
 </figure>The city annexed the land owned by D&amp;J in December, and dirt work is underway at the site.However, the process to approve the incentive package and project plans are estimated to take until May."I will say this probably many times until May, I am very excited about this happening," said Shaun Musil, vice mayor. "We have got a lot of work to do. It's exciting and thank you to the developer."<h2>Commissioner reorganization</h2>The commission will have its annual reorganization meeting at its first regular meeting of the year on Jan. 9. New commissioners will be sworn in at that time.Mason Ruder and Michael Berges were newly elected to the board in November. Incumbent Commissioner Ron Mellick will be continuing on the board.Commissioners thanked commissioner Eber Phelps for his service. Phelps was appointed to serve out an unexpired term. Outgoing commissioner and Mayor Henry Schwaller was not at the meeting.

Hays travel plaza developer seeks incentive package worth $16.8M

The Hays Middle School seventh grade girls' basketball, both A &amp; B teams are league champs. A team finished with a 16-0 record; B team finished with a 14-2 record.

The eighth grade girls B team also league champs with a record of 12-4. 

The seventh graders are coached by Miah Haynes and Alana Budke. The eighth graders are coached by Dustin Dreher and Katelynn&nbsp;Kieswetter.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577986750261.jpeg" alt="HMS seventh-grade girls basketball teams" />
 <figcaption>HMS seventh-grade girls basketball teams</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 489The Hays Middle School seventh grade girls' basketball, both A &amp; B teams are league champs. A team finished with a 16-0 record; B team finished with a 14-2 record.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577986797546.jpeg" alt="HMS eighth-grade girls basketball B team" />
 <figcaption>HMS eighth-grade girls basketball B team</figcaption>
 </figure>The eighth grade girls B team also league champs with a record of 12-4. The seventh graders are coached by Miah Haynes and Alana Budke. The eighth graders are coached by Dustin Dreher and Katelynn&nbsp;Kieswetter.&nbsp;

HMS seventh-, eighth-grade girls basketball teams league champs

Few topics in rural Kansas life are more filled with fact and fiction than Kansas Fence Law. Yes, we have a fence law in Kansas. We have had for a long time. It specifies who is and isn’t responsible for building and maintaining a fence and it even gives specifics on what qualifies for a legal fence including stone walls and hedge fences!

Kansas is considered a fence in state. In other words, we are not “open range." The owner of the livestock is responsible for keeping them “fenced in.” With that said, a public road MAY go through private property where the cattle are not restricted from access to the road, so be alert to this fact in the more rural areas of the state. In general, livestock are to be kept behind a fence.

Kansas law states that adjoining property owners are equally responsible for maintaining a fence, or as the statute is written, “in equal shares”. Unless the adjoining owners agree otherwise. Contrary to what many landowners practice, the right-hand or left-hand rule is convention, not statute. What this means is that where two properties adjoin, the two property owners are responsible for building or maintaining that fence. What often happens is that the two owners will agree that if they meet at the middle of the fence, each will take the half of the fence to the right or left. This works fine when the entire length of the fence is on fairly level land. However, if there is a big difference in the lay of the land (flat vs. hilly) then one property owner is being taken advantage of. For this reason, the law states that each owner is equally responsible so that the added cost of the adverse terrain is not wholly on just one owner. If a fence is along a county road though, the full cost of the fence is on the sole property owner. There is a special provision in the statutes however, that pertain to fences along state highways.

Most partition fences, as these are called, are constructed of barbed wire. What constitutes a legal barbed wire partition fence is actually far less than what most cattle producers would ever consider building! A legal barbed wire partition fence must be at least three wires. The third wire from the ground not less than 44 inches nor more than 48 inches from the ground; bottom wire must be between 18 and 24 inches from the gound; center wire must be equidistant between the upper and lower wires; all wires must be well stretched and barbed; barbs must average not more than 9 inches apart; all wires must be securely fastened to the posts. Posts must not be more than two rods apart (a rod is an old surveyor’s measurement and is 16.5 feet in length so two rods is 33 feet) and not less than 20 inches in the ground. There are even requirements of size of wire, but that is too complex to include here!

Occasionally the question comes up by owners of small rural residential properties if an adjoining property owner can force them to pay for half of the fence. The answer to that is a gray area. There is a provision in the law that states non-livestock owners who do not want their land enclosed cannot be forced to pay for an equal share of the partition fence. There are several conditions to that exception, it can get quite complex, and the statute has never been interpreted by an appellate court in Kansas. It might be beneficial in these situations that adjoining landowners share in the costs, if they can afford to do so, to maintain good neighborly relations.

Good fences do make good neighbors. However, make sure that you fully understand the fence law so that you are following legal statutes, not long standing tradition that may or may not be factual!

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141087694.png" alt="Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Few topics in rural Kansas life are more filled with fact and fiction than Kansas Fence Law. Yes, we have a fence law in Kansas. We have had for a long time. It specifies who is and isn’t responsible for building and maintaining a fence and it even gives specifics on what qualifies for a legal fence including stone walls and hedge fences!Kansas is considered a fence in state. In other words, we are not “open range." The owner of the livestock is responsible for keeping them “fenced in.” With that said, a public road MAY go through private property where the cattle are not restricted from access to the road, so be alert to this fact in the more rural areas of the state. In general, livestock are to be kept behind a fence.Kansas law states that adjoining property owners are equally responsible for maintaining a fence, or as the statute is written, “in equal shares”. Unless the adjoining owners agree otherwise. Contrary to what many landowners practice, the right-hand or left-hand rule is convention, not statute. What this means is that where two properties adjoin, the two property owners are responsible for building or maintaining that fence. What often happens is that the two owners will agree that if they meet at the middle of the fence, each will take the half of the fence to the right or left. This works fine when the entire length of the fence is on fairly level land. However, if there is a big difference in the lay of the land (flat vs. hilly) then one property owner is being taken advantage of. For this reason, the law states that each owner is equally responsible so that the added cost of the adverse terrain is not wholly on just one owner. If a fence is along a county road though, the full cost of the fence is on the sole property owner. There is a special provision in the statutes however, that pertain to fences along state highways.Most partition fences, as these are called, are constructed of barbed wire. What constitutes a legal barbed wire partition fence is actually far less than what most cattle producers would ever consider building! A legal barbed wire partition fence must be at least three wires. The third wire from the ground not less than 44 inches nor more than 48 inches from the ground; bottom wire must be between 18 and 24 inches from the gound; center wire must be equidistant between the upper and lower wires; all wires must be well stretched and barbed; barbs must average not more than 9 inches apart; all wires must be securely fastened to the posts. Posts must not be more than two rods apart (a rod is an old surveyor’s measurement and is 16.5 feet in length so two rods is 33 feet) and not less than 20 inches in the ground. There are even requirements of size of wire, but that is too complex to include here!Occasionally the question comes up by owners of small rural residential properties if an adjoining property owner can force them to pay for half of the fence. The answer to that is a gray area. There is a provision in the law that states non-livestock owners who do not want their land enclosed cannot be forced to pay for an equal share of the partition fence. There are several conditions to that exception, it can get quite complex, and the statute has never been interpreted by an appellate court in Kansas. It might be beneficial in these situations that adjoining landowners share in the costs, if they can afford to do so, to maintain good neighborly relations.Good fences do make good neighbors. However, make sure that you fully understand the fence law so that you are following legal statutes, not long standing tradition that may or may not be factual!Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Kansas fence law — fact and fiction

MILFORD, Ind. — Eric Werth, a native and resident of Hays, has been named a district manager 
for Brock Grain Systems, according to John Tuttle, director of sales for
 the CTB Inc. business unit. In his new position, Werth will be working 
closely with Brock’s dealers in the Western Corn Belt and Pacific 
Northwest regions of the United States to help them grow their 
businesses and increase their familiarity with Brock’s line of storage, 
handling, conditioning and structural products for grain. 

Prior 
to joining Brock, Werth gained more than 23 years of experience in grain
 operations and transportation, including over 20 years of supervisory 
and management positions at grain elevators in Kansas and Nebraska. 
Through his deep experience in the grain industry, Werth has completed 
numerous courses in grain operations, as well as safety and health 
trainings for OSHA compliance. 

He has been actively involved in 
the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS, including serving as 
president for the Greater Nebraska chapter of GEAPS.

ABOUT BROCK Part
 of the CTB, Inc. family of companies, Brock Grain Systems 
(www.brockgrain.com) is a global provider of grain storage, handling, 
conditioning and structural systems. Brock has a long tradition of 
developing industry-leading, innovative products and a reputation for 
delivering BROCK SOLID® reliability and durability. Founded in 1957, 
Brock offers systems under the Brock®, LeMar® and Riley® brands. The 
company operates facilities in Indiana, Iowa and Missouri and features 
an extensive dealer network.

ABOUT CTB CTB, 
Inc. (www.ctbinc.com) is a leading global designer and maker of systems 
and solutions for storing, conveying and preserving grain; producing 
poultry, pigs and eggs; and processing poultry, fish, vegetables and 
other foods. The company also produces buildings, stables, software 
solutions for food processing and products for various other 
applications. CTB’s strategy for growth includes best cost 
manufacturing, a product-driven focus, expanded global physical 
presence, strategic acquisitions and enhanced financial strength. The 
Berkshire Hathaway-owned company serves its customers through a 
worldwide distribution network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577977994494.jpeg" alt="Eric Werth" />
 <figcaption>Eric Werth</figcaption>
 </figure>MILFORD, Ind. — Eric Werth, a native and resident of Hays, has been named a district manager 
for Brock Grain Systems, according to John Tuttle, director of sales for
 the CTB Inc. business unit. In his new position, Werth will be working 
closely with Brock’s dealers in the Western Corn Belt and Pacific 
Northwest regions of the United States to help them grow their 
businesses and increase their familiarity with Brock’s line of storage, 
handling, conditioning and structural products for grain. Prior 
to joining Brock, Werth gained more than 23 years of experience in grain
 operations and transportation, including over 20 years of supervisory 
and management positions at grain elevators in Kansas and Nebraska. 
Through his deep experience in the grain industry, Werth has completed 
numerous courses in grain operations, as well as safety and health 
trainings for OSHA compliance. He has been actively involved in 
the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS, including serving as 
president for the Greater Nebraska chapter of GEAPS.ABOUT BROCK Part
 of the CTB, Inc. family of companies, Brock Grain Systems 
(www.brockgrain.com) is a global provider of grain storage, handling, 
conditioning and structural systems. Brock has a long tradition of 
developing industry-leading, innovative products and a reputation for 
delivering BROCK SOLID® reliability and durability. Founded in 1957, 
Brock offers systems under the Brock®, LeMar® and Riley® brands. The 
company operates facilities in Indiana, Iowa and Missouri and features 
an extensive dealer network.ABOUT CTB CTB, 
Inc. (www.ctbinc.com) is a leading global designer and maker of systems 
and solutions for storing, conveying and preserving grain; producing 
poultry, pigs and eggs; and processing poultry, fish, vegetables and 
other foods. The company also produces buildings, stables, software 
solutions for food processing and products for various other 
applications. CTB’s strategy for growth includes best cost 
manufacturing, a product-driven focus, expanded global physical 
presence, strategic acquisitions and enhanced financial strength. The 
Berkshire Hathaway-owned company serves its customers through a 
worldwide distribution network.— News release

Hays native named district manager for global grain company

<a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.&nbsp;</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577994605372.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

TOPEKA&nbsp; – The 14th&nbsp;class of the Kansas Livestock Association Young Stockmen’s Academy graduated last month at the close of the KLA Convention.&nbsp;Merck Animal Health again partnered with KLA to host 20 members for a series of four seminars throughout 2019. This class brings the total number of YSA alumni to 280.

Attending the KLA Convention was the final session for this year’s class. 

The three-day event provided participants the opportunity to gain additional industry knowledge and interact with other KLA members from across the state. 

YSA members got a firsthand look at the inner workings of the association by attending the KLA Chairmen’s Circle meeting. The group also participated in the policy-making process by attending committee and council meetings where members discussed issues affecting their business interests, including labeling of meat alternatives, animal disease control, traceability and mandatory price reporting.

Immediately prior to the convention, the YSA class participated in an in-depth spokesperson training session with&nbsp;<a>National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Director of Organizational Communications Kate Maher</a>. The group also heard from NCBA President Jennifer Houston of Sweetwater, TN.

During their first session in Topeka last February, attendees were exposed to advocacy training, the legislative process and services provided by KLA and NCBA. The second installment took the group to Kansas City in May, where they learned about beef marketing and agribusiness. YSA members visited central and western Kansas in September to tour beef and dairy operations representing various segments of each industry.

Members of the 2019 YSA class are Bryce Barnett, Muscotah, Hannah Brass, Medicine Lodge; Carl Clawson, Ulysses; Ashley Fitzsimmons, Pratt; Heather Gibson, Satanta; Grace Hammer, Sharon Springs; Jamie Holeman, Bronson; Taylor Hughes, Pratt; Clayton Jarnagin, Protection; Reed Koop, Abilene; Clinton Laflin, Russell; Socorro Martinez, Liberal; Garrett McKinney, Walton; Michaela Peterson, Dodge City; Cami Roth, Sterling; Dalton Rutledge, Plains; Jessalyn Strahm, Sabetha; Thomas Thayer, LaCygne; Patrick Turner, Ingalls; and Evan Woodbury, Quenemo.&nbsp;

KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at both the state and federal&nbsp;levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers are used for programs that benefit KLA members in the areas of legislative representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, communications and the advancement of youth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578093999170.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Members of the 2019 YSA class included (back row, L to R) Bryce Barnett, Muscotah; Taylor Hughes, Pratt; Evan Woodbury, Quenemo; Reed Koop, Abilene; Clayton Jarnagin, Protection; Garrett McKinney, Walton; (middle row, L to R) Socorro Martinez, Liberal; Cami Roth, Sterling; Patrick Turner, Ingalls; Carl Clawson, Ulysses; Thomas Thayer, LaCygne; Dalton Rutledge, Plains; Michaela Peterson, Dodge City; (front row, L to R)&nbsp;Clinton Laflin, Russell; Grace Hammer, Sharon Springs; Hannah Brass, Medicine Lodge; Ashley Fitzsimmons, Longmont, CO; Jamie Holeman, Bronson; Jessalyn Strahm, Sabetha; and Heather Hill, Satanta.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Members of the 2019 YSA class included (back row, L to R) Bryce Barnett, Muscotah; Taylor Hughes, Pratt; Evan Woodbury, Quenemo; Reed Koop, Abilene; Clayton Jarnagin, Protection; Garrett McKinney, Walton; (middle row, L to R) Socorro Martinez, Liberal; Cami Roth, Sterling; Patrick Turner, Ingalls; Carl Clawson, Ulysses; Thomas Thayer, LaCygne; Dalton Rutledge, Plains; Michaela Peterson, Dodge City; (front row, L to R)&nbsp;Clinton Laflin, Russell; Grace Hammer, Sharon Springs; Hannah Brass, Medicine Lodge; Ashley Fitzsimmons, Longmont, CO; Jamie Holeman, Bronson; Jessalyn Strahm, Sabetha; and Heather Hill, Satanta.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KLATOPEKA&nbsp; – The 14th&nbsp;class of the Kansas Livestock Association Young Stockmen’s Academy graduated last month at the close of the KLA Convention.&nbsp;Merck Animal Health again partnered with KLA to host 20 members for a series of four seminars throughout 2019. This class brings the total number of YSA alumni to 280.Attending the KLA Convention was the final session for this year’s class. The three-day event provided participants the opportunity to gain additional industry knowledge and interact with other KLA members from across the state. YSA members got a firsthand look at the inner workings of the association by attending the KLA Chairmen’s Circle meeting. The group also participated in the policy-making process by attending committee and council meetings where members discussed issues affecting their business interests, including labeling of meat alternatives, animal disease control, traceability and mandatory price reporting. Immediately prior to the convention, the YSA class participated in an in-depth spokesperson training session with&nbsp;<a>National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Director of Organizational Communications Kate Maher</a>. The group also heard from NCBA President Jennifer Houston of Sweetwater, TN.During their first session in Topeka last February, attendees were exposed to advocacy training, the legislative process and services provided by KLA and NCBA. The second installment took the group to Kansas City in May, where they learned about beef marketing and agribusiness. YSA members visited central and western Kansas in September to tour beef and dairy operations representing various segments of each industry.Members of the 2019 YSA class are Bryce Barnett, Muscotah, Hannah Brass, Medicine Lodge; Carl Clawson, Ulysses; Ashley Fitzsimmons, Pratt; Heather Gibson, Satanta; Grace Hammer, Sharon Springs; Jamie Holeman, Bronson; Taylor Hughes, Pratt; Clayton Jarnagin, Protection; Reed Koop, Abilene; Clinton Laflin, Russell; Socorro Martinez, Liberal; Garrett McKinney, Walton; Michaela Peterson, Dodge City; Cami Roth, Sterling; Dalton Rutledge, Plains; Jessalyn Strahm, Sabetha; Thomas Thayer, LaCygne; Patrick Turner, Ingalls; and Evan Woodbury, Quenemo.&nbsp;KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at both the state and federal&nbsp;levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers are used for programs that benefit KLA members in the areas of legislative representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, communications and the advancement of youth.

Russell, Sharon Springs young stockmen graduate at KLA Convention

<div><iframe title="FHSU implements new strategic enrollment plan" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/u53mp-cd8843?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a>

🎤Post Podcast: FHSU implements new strategic enrollment plan

NORTON — The Norton Police Department has reported that two teens missing since Dec. 27 have been located and are safe.

NORTON — The Norton Police Department has reported that two teens missing since Dec. 27 have been located and are safe.<figure>
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UPDATE: Norton police report missing teens located

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Grain marketing is no easy task, the more information one has can be useful in making those difficult marketing decisions. One mission of any land grant university such as K-State is to provide unbiased research based information.&nbsp;

K-State grain market economist Dan O’Brien will discuss the current market overview and price prospects of corn, sorghum, wheat and soybeans; and the 2020 marketing strategies and opportunities – from USDA January 10th and forward. Then local elevator merchandisers will have a panel presentation and discussion on basis trends and local market factors. As always there will be time for questions and answers from the audience during the program.&nbsp;

Two of these programs will be offered by the Cottonwood Extension District in Hays and Great Bend on Jan. 7. In Hays at the Agricultural Research Center, 1232 240th Ave. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. the program will run from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m. A complimentary noon meal will be provided by sponsors.&nbsp;

Following in Great Bend at American Ag Credit, 5634 10th Street. Registration at 5:30 p.m. (complimentary supper) program starts at 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.&nbsp;

RSVP is requested for meal count by Friday, Jan. 3, for either location at 785-628-9430 or email Stacy Campbell <a href="mailto:scampbel@ksu.edu">scampbel@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

Cover Your Acres Winter Conference&nbsp;

Mark your calendars for the 17th Annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference! It will be held on January 14 and 15th at the Gateway in Oberlin.&nbsp;

A research based educational conference for producers and industry. It's a conference for new ideas and updates in crop production practices relevant to the Central Plains. This is a producer driven conference program resulting from a partnership of K-State Research and Extension and the Northwest Kansas Crop Residue Alliance.

A sampling of some of the speakers and what they plan to discuss are:

Alternative Crops-What We Know, Don’t Know, and Should Be Thinking About by Lucas Haag, NW Extension regional agronomist.&nbsp;

Cover Crops as a Weed Mgt. Tool by K-State agronomy graduate students.&nbsp;

Insect Mgt. in Dryland Corn by Sarah Zukoff, SW Extension entomologist.&nbsp;

Planter Technology Advancements by Ajay Sharda, K-State Ag Engineer.&nbsp;

Soil Testing- Interpretations Matter by Dorivar Ruiz-Diaz, Extension soil fertility specialist.&nbsp;

The War on Weeds by Jeanne Falk Jones, Extension agronomist.&nbsp;

What Drives Efficiency and Profitability in Irrigated Corn? Lessons Learned From the TAPS Grower Competition by Daran Rudnik, UNL Irrigation Management specialist.&nbsp;

Why Does a Food Company Care About Soil? An intro to General Mills’ Ag Commitment by Steve Rosenzweig, soil scientist General Mills.&nbsp;

And the always popular producer panel will discuss various alternative crop options in the region. Potentially included in the discussion will be winter canola, dry edible beans, field peas, barley, and triticale.&nbsp;

There will be equipment displays, vendor booths to view and to visit with the company’s representatives.&nbsp;

For further information and the registration information will soon be available go to <a href="https://www.northwest.k-state.edu/events/cover-your-acres/">https://www.northwest.k-state.edu/events/cover-your-acres/</a>

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictGrain marketing is no easy task, the more information one has can be useful in making those difficult marketing decisions. One mission of any land grant university such as K-State is to provide unbiased research based information.&nbsp;K-State grain market economist Dan O’Brien will discuss the current market overview and price prospects of corn, sorghum, wheat and soybeans; and the 2020 marketing strategies and opportunities – from USDA January 10th and forward. Then local elevator merchandisers will have a panel presentation and discussion on basis trends and local market factors. As always there will be time for questions and answers from the audience during the program.&nbsp;Two of these programs will be offered by the Cottonwood Extension District in Hays and Great Bend on Jan. 7. In Hays at the Agricultural Research Center, 1232 240th Ave. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. the program will run from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m. A complimentary noon meal will be provided by sponsors.&nbsp;Following in Great Bend at American Ag Credit, 5634 10th Street. Registration at 5:30 p.m. (complimentary supper) program starts at 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.&nbsp;RSVP is requested for meal count by Friday, Jan. 3, for either location at 785-628-9430 or email Stacy Campbell <a href="mailto:scampbel@ksu.edu">scampbel@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;Cover Your Acres Winter Conference&nbsp;Mark your calendars for the 17th Annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference! It will be held on January 14 and 15th at the Gateway in Oberlin.&nbsp;A research based educational conference for producers and industry. It's a conference for new ideas and updates in crop production practices relevant to the Central Plains. This is a producer driven conference program resulting from a partnership of K-State Research and Extension and the Northwest Kansas Crop Residue Alliance.A sampling of some of the speakers and what they plan to discuss are:Alternative Crops-What We Know, Don’t Know, and Should Be Thinking About by Lucas Haag, NW Extension regional agronomist.&nbsp;Cover Crops as a Weed Mgt. Tool by K-State agronomy graduate students.&nbsp;Insect Mgt. in Dryland Corn by Sarah Zukoff, SW Extension entomologist.&nbsp;Planter Technology Advancements by Ajay Sharda, K-State Ag Engineer.&nbsp;Soil Testing- Interpretations Matter by Dorivar Ruiz-Diaz, Extension soil fertility specialist.&nbsp;The War on Weeds by Jeanne Falk Jones, Extension agronomist.&nbsp;What Drives Efficiency and Profitability in Irrigated Corn? Lessons Learned From the TAPS Grower Competition by Daran Rudnik, UNL Irrigation Management specialist.&nbsp;Why Does a Food Company Care About Soil? An intro to General Mills’ Ag Commitment by Steve Rosenzweig, soil scientist General Mills.&nbsp;And the always popular producer panel will discuss various alternative crop options in the region. Potentially included in the discussion will be winter canola, dry edible beans, field peas, barley, and triticale.&nbsp;There will be equipment displays, vendor booths to view and to visit with the company’s representatives.&nbsp;For further information and the registration information will soon be available go to <a href="https://www.northwest.k-state.edu/events/cover-your-acres/">https://www.northwest.k-state.edu/events/cover-your-acres/</a>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Grain market outlook and strategies for 2020

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announces its merger with Mid-Kansas Electric Company Inc. effective Jan.1, 2020. The merger of the two cooperatively operated, wholesale electric utilities incorporates Mid-Kansas into Sunflower.&nbsp;

Regulatory filings for the merger were submitted in August 2018 to the Kansas Corporation Commission, which approved the merger in March 2019. Sunflower and Mid-Kansas also filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to obtain approval to combine transmission zones and rates.&nbsp;

Sunflower is owned by six distribution cooperatives that serve in western Kansas. In 2005, Sunflower’s members formed Mid-Kansas to bid on the sale of Aquila’s Kansas Electric Network properties. Member-owners of Mid-Kansas include five distribution cooperatives and one wholly owned subsidiary of a distribution cooperative that serve in central and western Kansas. Mid-Kansas began operation on April 1, 2007.&nbsp;

“The formation of Mid-Kansas by the Sunflower members gave more Kansans the opportunity to be served by the cooperative business model,” said Stuart Lowry, president and CEO of Sunflower and Mid-Kansas. “The success of Mid-Kansas has benefitted everyone—the members of Sunflower and Mid-Kansas and the thousands of Kansans they serve.”&nbsp;

Since 2007, the intent of Sunflower’s and Mid-Kansas’ member-owners has been to merge the two generation and transmission providers to capitalize on synergies and offer added value to their members.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577976961564.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announces its merger with Mid-Kansas Electric Company Inc. effective Jan.1, 2020. The merger of the two cooperatively operated, wholesale electric utilities incorporates Mid-Kansas into Sunflower.&nbsp;Regulatory filings for the merger were submitted in August 2018 to the Kansas Corporation Commission, which approved the merger in March 2019. Sunflower and Mid-Kansas also filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to obtain approval to combine transmission zones and rates.&nbsp;Sunflower is owned by six distribution cooperatives that serve in western Kansas. In 2005, Sunflower’s members formed Mid-Kansas to bid on the sale of Aquila’s Kansas Electric Network properties. Member-owners of Mid-Kansas include five distribution cooperatives and one wholly owned subsidiary of a distribution cooperative that serve in central and western Kansas. Mid-Kansas began operation on April 1, 2007.&nbsp;“The formation of Mid-Kansas by the Sunflower members gave more Kansans the opportunity to be served by the cooperative business model,” said Stuart Lowry, president and CEO of Sunflower and Mid-Kansas. “The success of Mid-Kansas has benefitted everyone—the members of Sunflower and Mid-Kansas and the thousands of Kansans they serve.”&nbsp;Since 2007, the intent of Sunflower’s and Mid-Kansas’ member-owners has been to merge the two generation and transmission providers to capitalize on synergies and offer added value to their members.&nbsp;“Merging Sunflower and Mid-Kansas results in a single wholesale rate that can better sustain our recent rate decreases for our end-users,” said Steve Epperson, Mid-Kansas’ board chairman.&nbsp;Savings will result from operational efficiencies and access to lower financial lending rates due greater financial stability of the merged entities.&nbsp;“In addition to simplifying the two companies into one, there are multiple ways we will save costs,” said Davis Rooney, vice president and CFO of the two utilities. “The merged entity will be both operationally and financially stronger.”&nbsp;About Mid-Kansas—Mid-Kansas Electric Company Inc is a coalition of five rural electric cooperatives and one wholly owned subsidiary of a distribution cooperative. Mid-Kansas’ members include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative Inc., Dighton; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative Inc., Norton; Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Ulysses; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc., Scott City, Kan.&nbsp;About Sunflower— Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative Inc., Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative Inc., Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative Inc., Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc., Scott City, Kan. For more information, please visit Sunflower’s website at http://www.sunflower.net. Sunflower is an equal opportunity provider and employer.&nbsp;