On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Karissa Frasier about her new position as Community Health Worker with the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District in Ellis County.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Meet the new Community Health Worker for the Cottonwood Extension District" 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=c24cx-18d3283-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>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Karissa Frasier about her new position as Community Health Worker with the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District in Ellis County.

🎙 Post Podcast: Meet new Community Health Worker for Cottonwood Extension District

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

There is nothing like the taste of fresh vegetables that come straight to the table from the garden, and often when there is a produce surplus folks turn to processing options such as freezing or canning to make it last throughout the year.

In anticipation of that summer season, I would like to offer tips on how to have a successful canning experience. Preparing now can help prevent problems in the middle of canning later on this summer.

First, make sure everything is working properly. 

Canning jars and rings should be free from cracks and no rust on the rings. Hand washing the lids and rings is recommended to keep them from rusting prematurely. Lids, however, cannot be used more than once. Now is a good time to go buy them. 

Next, make sure your canner is in good working order. Dial gauge canners need their valves and gauge checked. Your local extension office can test the gauge for Presto, National, Maid of Honor and Magic Seal canners. Check the seal between the pot and lid, looking for cracks or dried rubber. If the seal isn’t good then the canner will not get to the proper pressure. The rubber plug can also wear out and sometimes need replaced.

As far as preparing the food, it is recommended to remove the peels to prevent unintended bacteria growth.

After the jars have been processed, they should be placed on a towel on the counter in an isolated place, with no drafts and allowed to cool down naturally.

Finally, write the date the food was canned on the lid before putting them in storage. It is recommended that jars be used within one year and rotate them out for next year’s supply.

And just a reminder about canning recipes. 

Information about food comes at us from many directions. We might scroll through Facebook, Pinterest or another social media platform and be attracted by a new recipe. Most of the time, recipes for main courses or desserts will not pose food safety risks. Maybe a friend told you about a new canning method. Food preservation recipes that have not been tested for safety could be harmful, or even deadly if the canned food contains the toxin that causes botulism. 

These are some questions to ask yourself:

• Who is the author of the research or publication?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and universities have conducted reputable food preservation research.

• Is the food preservation information based on current scientific research or opinion?

Outdated canning recipes should be retired. An exception: if ingredient amounts and processing times are exactly the same as current food preservation recipes, they could be used.

• Where did you find the information?

Examine the URL on the website. Does it end with “.edu” (indicating a university or other educational organization) or “.gov” (indicating a government site)? Universities and government sources are credible sources of food preservation information.

Please make sure your canning recipes are from credible sources before trying them. While home canning can be a safe and convenient way to store food, it must be done safely.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749557725355.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictThere is nothing like the taste of fresh vegetables that come straight to the table from the garden, and often when there is a produce surplus folks turn to processing options such as freezing or canning to make it last throughout the year.In anticipation of that summer season, I would like to offer tips on how to have a successful canning experience. Preparing now can help prevent problems in the middle of canning later on this summer.First, make sure everything is working properly. Canning jars and rings should be free from cracks and no rust on the rings. Hand washing the lids and rings is recommended to keep them from rusting prematurely. Lids, however, cannot be used more than once. Now is a good time to go buy them. Next, make sure your canner is in good working order. Dial gauge canners need their valves and gauge checked. Your local extension office can test the gauge for Presto, National, Maid of Honor and Magic Seal canners. Check the seal between the pot and lid, looking for cracks or dried rubber. If the seal isn’t good then the canner will not get to the proper pressure. The rubber plug can also wear out and sometimes need replaced.As far as preparing the food, it is recommended to remove the peels to prevent unintended bacteria growth.After the jars have been processed, they should be placed on a towel on the counter in an isolated place, with no drafts and allowed to cool down naturally.Finally, write the date the food was canned on the lid before putting them in storage. It is recommended that jars be used within one year and rotate them out for next year’s supply.And just a reminder about canning recipes. Information about food comes at us from many directions. We might scroll through Facebook, Pinterest or another social media platform and be attracted by a new recipe. Most of the time, recipes for main courses or desserts will not pose food safety risks. Maybe a friend told you about a new canning method. Food preservation recipes that have not been tested for safety could be harmful, or even deadly if the canned food contains the toxin that causes botulism. These are some questions to ask yourself:• Who is the author of the research or publication? The U.S. Department of Agriculture and universities have conducted reputable food preservation research.• Is the food preservation information based on current scientific research or opinion? Outdated canning recipes should be retired. An exception: if ingredient amounts and processing times are exactly the same as current food preservation recipes, they could be used.• Where did you find the information? Examine the URL on the website. Does it end with “.edu” (indicating a university or other educational organization) or “.gov” (indicating a government site)? Universities and government sources are credible sources of food preservation information.Please make sure your canning recipes are from credible sources before trying them. While home canning can be a safe and convenient way to store food, it must be done safely.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Tips for safe food canning

One of the buzzwords of the 2000’s is “hack.” Now hack can mean something very bad, like your computer getting “hacked,” meaning someone has digitally broken into your information and now everyone in the township somehow knows the secret recipe for Aunt Agnes’s famous potato salad and Uncle Oscar’s deer jerky marinade, (even though they were both written on the inside of the kitchen cabinet door.) “Hack” can also mean a DIY shortcut of some sort, like how to use a roman candle to light the neighbor’s wheat stubble on fire without even leaving your yard. But I digress, so now on to some hunter hacks I found, and some hunter hacks of my own.

More has probably been written about different ways to start a campfire than about any other outdoor subject. First off, no one in the crowd I hang with is gonna’ have need of a campfire except for rare camping trips with the family, then we’ll start our fires with those neat gizmos called matches and lighters. We all have Little Buddy propane heaters in our deer blinds, and none of us have the ambition to climb Mount Everest or do anything where emergency campfires might be needed. Never-the-less, I found hacks about using corn chips and crayons as fire starters. Sure, they work fine, but what self respecting hunter is going to waste good corn chips to start a fire. Eat the chips and light the empty bag, it works just as well. And as far as lighting crayons to start a campfire, once again it works great and they burn for a long time, but no hunter worth their jerky would dream of wasting a perfectly good crayon just to start a fire. They should be kept for things of greater importance like scribbling messages and phone numbers on the wall of your deer blind or for labeling packages of meat in the freezer so you can tell this year’s venison back strap from the muskrat meat kept for next year’s coyote bait.

 Another interesting campfire starting hack I found involves dryer lint; it seems dryer lint burns very well and starts very easily. It can be stuffed into empty toilet paper tubes or merely carried in a Ziploc bag and used right from there. Now we’re talkin’, something we all can relate to. I mean who doesn’t save all their dryer lint and empty toilet paper tubes? Instead of emptying them into the recycle container and trash every couple years, make fire starters from them! But in all my trolling of the almighty internet I did not find one reference to the most trustworthy tried-and-true method of starting a campfire ever, even used by our Native American forefathers. From anywhere in Kansas, you would have to travel forever to deer hunt where there are no cattle nearby, SO LIGHT A DRY COW TURD.

The next most talked about topic in the outdoors, especially relating to survival, is how to build a shelter. Let me offer a hillbilly hack for building a shelter. All hillbilly outdoorsmen worth their pork rinds will have a serious collection of tarps, and what a better use for a tarp than an emergency shelter. Harbor Freight has them in all sizes and you can occasionally get a small one “free with any purchase,” so there’s absolutely no excuse for not having one to carry with you on all outdoor excursions. A word of caution here; it’s not in your best interest to remove the tarp covering the hole in your trailer house roof. Anyway, there are a variety of ways to deploy your tarp/shelter. If you’re fishing, I’m sure you’ll have dynamite with you, so merely drop a stick into a small hole you dig in the ground, light her up and you’ll soon have a nice cave that you can crawl into and cover with your tarp.

No friend of mine would be caught dead on a hunting or fishing trip without a menagerie of plastic five-gallon buckets, and the uses for them as hillbilly hunter hacks are endless. You can buy kits to turn one into a “luggable loo,” and even cut a notch lengthways in a pool noodle and snap it around the top for a soft seat while you heed nature’s call. Spray paint a few more green, drill a small hole at the bottom and put them at the base of each “illegal pharmaceutical” plant you “just happened to find growing” along the river as a way to water those beauties. Five-gallon buckets make great hillbilly mouse traps too, for the deer blind or even the living room. On each side of the bucket near the top, drill a hole big enough for a broom handle to slide through and fit loosely enough to spin. Fill the bucket with water or used motor oil (which I’m sure you will have by the barrel-full,) put a glob of peanut butter in the middle of the broom handle and viola; when a mouse walks the broom handle to get the peanut butter, it will spin and dump the little blighter into the slurry below. If you keep the TV volume low enough you can hear the splash each time and reward the cat with a live mouse.

I’m certain the list of hillbilly hacks, whether for hunting or not is endless, and I’ve probably just scratched the surface here. Maybe another book is in order, “Hillbilly Hunter Hacks for the Deer Blind, Boat and Living Room.” For all my loyal readers who want one, let me know and I’ll reserve you a signed copy. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="&nbsp; Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the buzzwords of the 2000’s is “hack.” Now hack can mean something very bad, like your computer getting “hacked,” meaning someone has digitally broken into your information and now everyone in the township somehow knows the secret recipe for Aunt Agnes’s famous potato salad and Uncle Oscar’s deer jerky marinade, (even though they were both written on the inside of the kitchen cabinet door.) “Hack” can also mean a DIY shortcut of some sort, like how to use a roman candle to light the neighbor’s wheat stubble on fire without even leaving your yard. But I digress, so now on to some hunter hacks I found, and some hunter hacks of my own.More has probably been written about different ways to start a campfire than about any other outdoor subject. First off, no one in the crowd I hang with is gonna’ have need of a campfire except for rare camping trips with the family, then we’ll start our fires with those neat gizmos called matches and lighters. We all have Little Buddy propane heaters in our deer blinds, and none of us have the ambition to climb Mount Everest or do anything where emergency campfires might be needed. Never-the-less, I found hacks about using corn chips and crayons as fire starters. Sure, they work fine, but what self respecting hunter is going to waste good corn chips to start a fire. Eat the chips and light the empty bag, it works just as well. And as far as lighting crayons to start a campfire, once again it works great and they burn for a long time, but no hunter worth their jerky would dream of wasting a perfectly good crayon just to start a fire. They should be kept for things of greater importance like scribbling messages and phone numbers on the wall of your deer blind or for labeling packages of meat in the freezer so you can tell this year’s venison back strap from the muskrat meat kept for next year’s coyote bait. Another interesting campfire starting hack I found involves dryer lint; it seems dryer lint burns very well and starts very easily. It can be stuffed into empty toilet paper tubes or merely carried in a Ziploc bag and used right from there. Now we’re talkin’, something we all can relate to. I mean who doesn’t save all their dryer lint and empty toilet paper tubes? Instead of emptying them into the recycle container and trash every couple years, make fire starters from them! But in all my trolling of the almighty internet I did not find one reference to the most trustworthy tried-and-true method of starting a campfire ever, even used by our Native American forefathers. From anywhere in Kansas, you would have to travel forever to deer hunt where there are no cattle nearby, SO LIGHT A DRY COW TURD.The next most talked about topic in the outdoors, especially relating to survival, is how to build a shelter. Let me offer a hillbilly hack for building a shelter. All hillbilly outdoorsmen worth their pork rinds will have a serious collection of tarps, and what a better use for a tarp than an emergency shelter. Harbor Freight has them in all sizes and you can occasionally get a small one “free with any purchase,” so there’s absolutely no excuse for not having one to carry with you on all outdoor excursions. A word of caution here; it’s not in your best interest to remove the tarp covering the hole in your trailer house roof. Anyway, there are a variety of ways to deploy your tarp/shelter. If you’re fishing, I’m sure you’ll have dynamite with you, so merely drop a stick into a small hole you dig in the ground, light her up and you’ll soon have a nice cave that you can crawl into and cover with your tarp.No friend of mine would be caught dead on a hunting or fishing trip without a menagerie of plastic five-gallon buckets, and the uses for them as hillbilly hunter hacks are endless. You can buy kits to turn one into a “luggable loo,” and even cut a notch lengthways in a pool noodle and snap it around the top for a soft seat while you heed nature’s call. Spray paint a few more green, drill a small hole at the bottom and put them at the base of each “illegal pharmaceutical” plant you “just happened to find growing” along the river as a way to water those beauties. Five-gallon buckets make great hillbilly mouse traps too, for the deer blind or even the living room. On each side of the bucket near the top, drill a hole big enough for a broom handle to slide through and fit loosely enough to spin. Fill the bucket with water or used motor oil (which I’m sure you will have by the barrel-full,) put a glob of peanut butter in the middle of the broom handle and viola; when a mouse walks the broom handle to get the peanut butter, it will spin and dump the little blighter into the slurry below. If you keep the TV volume low enough you can hear the splash each time and reward the cat with a live mouse.I’m certain the list of hillbilly hacks, whether for hunting or not is endless, and I’ve probably just scratched the surface here. Maybe another book is in order, “Hillbilly Hunter Hacks for the Deer Blind, Boat and Living Room.” For all my loyal readers who want one, let me know and I’ll reserve you a signed copy. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoor Kansas: Hillbilly hunter hacks

By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight Kansas

On April 4th, Governor Kelly vetoed a bill that asked the federal government to ban the use of SNAP, commonly called food stamps, for purchases of candy and pop. The bill instructed the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to eliminate the items.

 Curiously, Kelly’s veto message echoed the concerns of the beverage and candy industries. “This bill is wrong,” Kelly wrote. “Not only would it make it more difficult for Kansans to access the food they need to feed their families, it would also harm Kansas businesses.” Stranger, Kelly had already requested the waiver asking the federal government to exclude candy and pop – two days prior to her veto.

The request highlighted Kansas’s 12th – place ranking in obesity prevalence with roughly a third of Kansas adults considered obese, and cited studies that suggest “prohibiting the purchase of sugar-sweetened soda beverages and candy with SNAP benefits would reduce the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes.” It seems the request was submitted by mistake, though the reasons remain unclear.

The Senate then overturned Kelly’s veto, but the House did not act. So, Kelly’s veto prevailed.

However, Republicans, not willing to concede, devised a workaround, attaching the SNAP language to a budget proviso that required DCF to request the waiver. If DCF failed to act, funding for SUN Bucks, the program that provides school meals for low-income children, would be withheld. DCF promptly submitted the request and SUN Bucks funds were released.

In a rational world, Kelly backs the bill. Kansas’s troubling health outcomes should not be ignored. The science linking sugary drinks to adverse health effects is well-documented.

Democrats are in fact leaders on nutrition policy. It was New York city’s left-leaning board of health that enacted the nation’s strictest ban on trans-fat in 2006. Democrat Mayor Bloomberg then proposed a soda ban and Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign targeted childhood obesity. And now, California Democrats are nearing passage of a bill that would be the first in the nation to ban ultra-processed food in school lunches.

Democrats have also been willing to cut SNAP. In 1996, Bill Clinton signed the 1996 Welfare Reform Act that limited eligibility for food stamps, imposed significant time restrictions, and slashed overall benefits.

Improving SNAP recipient’s nutrition offered Kelly a chance for bipartisan agreement, allowing both sides to champion public health without sacrificing core values.

Instead, Kelly inexplicably submits the waiver request only to veto it, siding with Kansas’s sizeable junk food industry. She then appeared unprepared for the Republican maneuver that rendered her veto useless.

This head-scratching sequence illustrates reactive partisanship – the tendency to oppose anything the other side supports.

Republicans are on the front foot, reshaping government programs and driving policy changes. Donald Trump is pushing through his “big, beautiful bill” while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy calls for decisive action to “Make American Healthy Again.”

Democrats, playing defense, resist reforms they would otherwise support.

Ultimately, Republicans got what they wanted, and Democrats got nothing. Kelly – fair or not – comes across as champion for Coca-Cola and Mars bars.

Dr. Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight KansasOn April 4th, Governor Kelly vetoed a bill that asked the federal government to ban the use of SNAP, commonly called food stamps, for purchases of candy and pop. The bill instructed the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to eliminate the items. Curiously, Kelly’s veto message echoed the concerns of the beverage and candy industries. “This bill is wrong,” Kelly wrote. “Not only would it make it more difficult for Kansans to access the food they need to feed their families, it would also harm Kansas businesses.” Stranger, Kelly had already requested the waiver asking the federal government to exclude candy and pop – two days prior to her veto.The request highlighted Kansas’s 12th – place ranking in obesity prevalence with roughly a third of Kansas adults considered obese, and cited studies that suggest “prohibiting the purchase of sugar-sweetened soda beverages and candy with SNAP benefits would reduce the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes.” It seems the request was submitted by mistake, though the reasons remain unclear.If you think this is confusing, read on.The Senate then overturned Kelly’s veto, but the House did not act. So, Kelly’s veto prevailed.However, Republicans, not willing to concede, devised a workaround, attaching the SNAP language to a budget proviso that required DCF to request the waiver. If DCF failed to act, funding for SUN Bucks, the program that provides school meals for low-income children, would be withheld. DCF promptly submitted the request and SUN Bucks funds were released.In a rational world, Kelly backs the bill. Kansas’s troubling health outcomes should not be ignored. The science linking sugary drinks to adverse health effects is well-documented.Democrats are in fact leaders on nutrition policy. It was New York city’s left-leaning board of health that enacted the nation’s strictest ban on trans-fat in 2006. Democrat Mayor Bloomberg then proposed a soda ban and Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign targeted childhood obesity. And now, California Democrats are nearing passage of a bill that would be the first in the nation to ban ultra-processed food in school lunches.Democrats have also been willing to cut SNAP. In 1996, Bill Clinton signed the 1996 Welfare Reform Act that limited eligibility for food stamps, imposed significant time restrictions, and slashed overall benefits.Improving SNAP recipient’s nutrition offered Kelly a chance for bipartisan agreement, allowing both sides to champion public health without sacrificing core values.It was a layup.Instead, Kelly inexplicably submits the waiver request only to veto it, siding with Kansas’s sizeable junk food industry. She then appeared unprepared for the Republican maneuver that rendered her veto useless.This head-scratching sequence illustrates reactive partisanship – the tendency to oppose anything the other side supports.Republicans are on the front foot, reshaping government programs and driving policy changes. Donald Trump is pushing through his “big, beautiful bill” while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy calls for decisive action to “Make American Healthy Again.”Democrats, playing defense, resist reforms they would otherwise support.Tribal politics does that.Ultimately, Republicans got what they wanted, and Democrats got nothing. Kelly – fair or not – comes across as champion for Coca-Cola and Mars bars.Dr. Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

Insight Kansas: Why did Kelly veto the SNAP candy ban?

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

A clean stock tank with high-quality water promotes healthy livestock. 

Nursing calves have a nine percent higher weight gain when drinking water from a trough rather than from a pond. Poor tasting water can influence forage intake. Drinking more water can mean more efficient forage consumption. 

Viruses, parasites, and bacteria thrive in tanks that are not properly cleaned.&nbsp;

Keeping your stock tank clean can be a challenge in the summer. Warm summer temperatures, abundant sunlight, and nutrients mix together to create ideal conditions for algae growth. Nutrients from slobber, excrement, leaves, or other debris can stimulate harmful algae growth. Algae changes the taste of water, and some types are even toxic, like blue-green algae, which is toxic to livestock. 

Using fencing or other barriers to limit livestock access to ponds can mitigate nutrient introduction. Barriers should be low enough that critters won’t slip underneath.

Most tanks should be drained and cleaned once or twice a year. 

Add one part of household chlorine bleach for 32 parts of water. Let the water sit for 15 minutes. Drain and scrub the tank well. Keep livestock away from the tank for at least 30 minutes after cleaning. Getting the tank empty can be difficult unless the tank has a built-in drain. In the case of no drain, turn the water off and let the livestock drink the water down to a point where it can be managed.

Once the tank is cleaned, there are a few ways to keep it clean. 

First, keep debris (leaves, dead plants) out of the tank. Two ounces of household chlorine bleach to fifty gallons of water weekly will help regulate algae growth. Or, use copper sulfate, an eighth of a teaspoon per hundred gallons.

Goldfish are also an option for algae control. Add four to six goldfish per 100 gallons of tank capacity. Goldfish survive best when the temperature is at least sixty degrees. They need bricks, rocks, or some structure to hide from predators like birds or raccoons. Fish kills are a concern if the water level gets too low and there is not enough oxygen or in the winter when it’s too cold.&nbsp;

Keeping the troughs out of direct sunlight can also help minimize algae growth. 

Freeze-proof troughs, such as floating ball top waterers, work well in cold weather and work to keep water cool in the summer.

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/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictA clean stock tank with high-quality water promotes healthy livestock. Nursing calves have a nine percent higher weight gain when drinking water from a trough rather than from a pond. Poor tasting water can influence forage intake. Drinking more water can mean more efficient forage consumption. Viruses, parasites, and bacteria thrive in tanks that are not properly cleaned.&nbsp;Keeping your stock tank clean can be a challenge in the summer. Warm summer temperatures, abundant sunlight, and nutrients mix together to create ideal conditions for algae growth. Nutrients from slobber, excrement, leaves, or other debris can stimulate harmful algae growth. Algae changes the taste of water, and some types are even toxic, like blue-green algae, which is toxic to livestock. Using fencing or other barriers to limit livestock access to ponds can mitigate nutrient introduction. Barriers should be low enough that critters won’t slip underneath.Most tanks should be drained and cleaned once or twice a year. Add one part of household chlorine bleach for 32 parts of water. Let the water sit for 15 minutes. Drain and scrub the tank well. Keep livestock away from the tank for at least 30 minutes after cleaning. Getting the tank empty can be difficult unless the tank has a built-in drain. In the case of no drain, turn the water off and let the livestock drink the water down to a point where it can be managed.Once the tank is cleaned, there are a few ways to keep it clean. First, keep debris (leaves, dead plants) out of the tank. Two ounces of household chlorine bleach to fifty gallons of water weekly will help regulate algae growth. Or, use copper sulfate, an eighth of a teaspoon per hundred gallons.Goldfish are also an option for algae control. Add four to six goldfish per 100 gallons of tank capacity. Goldfish survive best when the temperature is at least sixty degrees. They need bricks, rocks, or some structure to hide from predators like birds or raccoons. Fish kills are a concern if the water level gets too low and there is not enough oxygen or in the winter when it’s too cold.&nbsp;Keeping the troughs out of direct sunlight can also help minimize algae growth. Freeze-proof troughs, such as floating ball top waterers, work well in cold weather and work to keep water cool in the summer.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: Cleaning stock tanks 

I love entrepreneurs who creatively meet local needs. A history group friend recently mentioned a service that supports individuals many don’t think about—elderly or disabled folks who once lived vibrant lives growing gardens, taking walks, and riding bikes around neighborhoods.

She described attending an event where Gay Flax, a clever Hays woman with a mission, showed up with adapted bicycles built for two. Keep in mind, these are not the style built for Daisy who pedaled behind her sweetheart as they fell in love. No, one bike is a side-by side-bike that permits the passenger to ride in something like a side car. The other version has a bicycle-powered wheelchair attached to the front. Naturally, driver and passengers sport protective head gear. Is your mind going where mine went?

I immediately thought of nursing home residents or loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other disabilities who can no longer bike or walk distances. Many would love to buzz through nearby neighborhoods, looking at flowers and other landscaping or noticing flitting birds. My mom would have thrilled to feel sunshine warming her face, wind blowing her hair, all while checking out pretties local green-thumbs grew. She’d let me know which ones she loved most.

Owner/operator Gay Flax is a bike rider and so was her mother before Alzheimer’s interfered with this activity. While Gay originally altered the bikes to permit her to continuing bicycling with her mother, she expanded her target audience.

She now goes to area nursing homes taking residents on rides as well. She calls her business Sunny Cycling and designed an interesting and informative <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575750135078">Facebook </a>page to promote it. She describes her service as “companion rides through parks and scenic spots allowing individuals to reconnect with the world one ride at a time.” She’s also willing to meet near a passenger’s former home so they could revisit an old neighborhood. As I explored her many options, my heart smiled, thinking about the joy she brings her clients and their loved ones.

Rates are $50 an hour, but users can choose one 60-minute ride,&nbsp; two 30-minute rides, three 20-minute rides, or four 15-minute rides for one or multiple passengers. Using her pick-up and trailer, Gay will take her service to nearby communities. Long-term care facilities can arrange several short rides for multiple residents. An online photo revealed one of her passenger’s grandkids biking alongside their loved one. Think of the laughter everyone experienced making memories during that adventure.

It's more than just a bike ride. Gay said she thoroughly enjoys visiting with each passenger. They talk about spouses, children, grandchildren, jobs, relocating, and memories of the area. She genuinely loves the relationships she builds with each rider.

In another post, I noted Hays Recreation Commission added this as an option people over 55 can sign up to enjoy. This makes it easy to involve either elders or the disabled in a laughter-filled outdoor activity that will generate great family stories around holiday tables.

I didn’t realize this was an option in this area until a couple of weeks ago. Now that I know, I’m telling our daughters to sign me up when that day comes and to tell Gay I want to go past houses with the most flowers and birds.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749049102813.jpeg" alt="Sunny Cycling. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sunny Cycling. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINI love entrepreneurs who creatively meet local needs. A history group friend recently mentioned a service that supports individuals many don’t think about—elderly or disabled folks who once lived vibrant lives growing gardens, taking walks, and riding bikes around neighborhoods.She described attending an event where Gay Flax, a clever Hays woman with a mission, showed up with adapted bicycles built for two. Keep in mind, these are not the style built for Daisy who pedaled behind her sweetheart as they fell in love. No, one bike is a side-by side-bike that permits the passenger to ride in something like a side car. The other version has a bicycle-powered wheelchair attached to the front. Naturally, driver and passengers sport protective head gear. Is your mind going where mine went?I immediately thought of nursing home residents or loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other disabilities who can no longer bike or walk distances. Many would love to buzz through nearby neighborhoods, looking at flowers and other landscaping or noticing flitting birds. My mom would have thrilled to feel sunshine warming her face, wind blowing her hair, all while checking out pretties local green-thumbs grew. She’d let me know which ones she loved most.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749049279589.jpeg" alt="Sunny Cycling. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sunny Cycling. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Owner/operator Gay Flax is a bike rider and so was her mother before Alzheimer’s interfered with this activity. While Gay originally altered the bikes to permit her to continuing bicycling with her mother, she expanded her target audience.She now goes to area nursing homes taking residents on rides as well. She calls her business Sunny Cycling and designed an interesting and informative <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575750135078">Facebook </a>page to promote it. She describes her service as “companion rides through parks and scenic spots allowing individuals to reconnect with the world one ride at a time.” She’s also willing to meet near a passenger’s former home so they could revisit an old neighborhood. As I explored her many options, my heart smiled, thinking about the joy she brings her clients and their loved ones.Rates are $50 an hour, but users can choose one 60-minute ride,&nbsp; two 30-minute rides, three 20-minute rides, or four 15-minute rides for one or multiple passengers. Using her pick-up and trailer, Gay will take her service to nearby communities. Long-term care facilities can arrange several short rides for multiple residents. An online photo revealed one of her passenger’s grandkids biking alongside their loved one. Think of the laughter everyone experienced making memories during that adventure.It's more than just a bike ride. Gay said she thoroughly enjoys visiting with each passenger. They talk about spouses, children, grandchildren, jobs, relocating, and memories of the area. She genuinely loves the relationships she builds with each rider.In another post, I noted Hays Recreation Commission added this as an option people over 55 can sign up to enjoy. This makes it easy to involve either elders or the disabled in a laughter-filled outdoor activity that will generate great family stories around holiday tables.I didn’t realize this was an option in this area until a couple of weeks ago. Now that I know, I’m telling our daughters to sign me up when that day comes and to tell Gay I want to go past houses with the most flowers and birds.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Sunny cycling, peddling blessings in Hays

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

While I spent 20 years in banking in a previous career, I would never claim to be an expert on investing. Melissa Schrag, Family and Community Wellness agent from the Central Kansas District, focuses on Family Resource Management and shared some great information, including definitions, about navigating investment markets and, with her permission, I’d like to share it with you.

Navigating Bear Markets: Tips for Staying Composed During Downturns

Wall Street may be nearing a bear market, as concerns grow that tariffs on imported goods could impact global economic stability. But what exactly is a bear market, and how can investors stay steady when markets dip?

A bear market is a period when the prices of securities, like stocks, fall by 20% or more from recent highs. It’s marked by widespread pessimism, negative investor sentiment, and selling pressure.

The term comes from the bear’s behavior—hibernation—symbolizing a market retreat. Conversely, a rising market is called a bull market, because bulls charge forward, representing upward momentum.

1. Keep Emotions in Check - Bear markets can be nerve-wracking. Fear and negative headlines can overwhelm you, but reacting emotionally often leads to poor decisions.

2. Don’t Try to Outrun the Bear - Avoid jumping in and out of the market. Selling during declines may cause you to miss the recovery. Remember: time in the market beats timing the market.

3. Stick to Your Long-Term Strategy - Focus on your long-term goals. Review your portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your objectives but avoid drastic changes based on short-term market swings.

4. Use the Downturn to Your Advantage - Bear markets offer opportunities to buy quality investments at lower prices. Consider rebalancing your portfolio to maintain your target asset allocation.

5. Adjust If You’re Taking Income - If you rely on investment income, consider reducing withdrawals temporarily. This helps your portfolio recover when markets rebound.

6. Stay Calm and Ignore the Noise - Bear markets come with plenty of doom-and-gloom headlines. Staying calm and sticking to your strategy usually leads to better outcomes.

If you found this article useful, Melissa would appreciate your follow up so take a moment and provide feedback at <a href="https://pears.io/engage/programs/responses/358797/?access_key=wS9Iut9">https://bit.ly/49SMXra</a>.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictWhile I spent 20 years in banking in a previous career, I would never claim to be an expert on investing. Melissa Schrag, Family and Community Wellness agent from the Central Kansas District, focuses on Family Resource Management and shared some great information, including definitions, about navigating investment markets and, with her permission, I’d like to share it with you.Navigating Bear Markets: Tips for Staying Composed During DownturnsWall Street may be nearing a bear market, as concerns grow that tariffs on imported goods could impact global economic stability. But what exactly is a bear market, and how can investors stay steady when markets dip?What is a Bear Market?A bear market is a period when the prices of securities, like stocks, fall by 20% or more from recent highs. It’s marked by widespread pessimism, negative investor sentiment, and selling pressure.Why the name “bear market?”The term comes from the bear’s behavior—hibernation—symbolizing a market retreat. Conversely, a rising market is called a bull market, because bulls charge forward, representing upward momentum.6 Tips to Navigate Bear Markets1. Keep Emotions in Check - Bear markets can be nerve-wracking. Fear and negative headlines can overwhelm you, but reacting emotionally often leads to poor decisions.2. Don’t Try to Outrun the Bear - Avoid jumping in and out of the market. Selling during declines may cause you to miss the recovery. Remember: time in the market beats timing the market.3. Stick to Your Long-Term Strategy - Focus on your long-term goals. Review your portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your objectives but avoid drastic changes based on short-term market swings.4. Use the Downturn to Your Advantage - Bear markets offer opportunities to buy quality investments at lower prices. Consider rebalancing your portfolio to maintain your target asset allocation.5. Adjust If You’re Taking Income - If you rely on investment income, consider reducing withdrawals temporarily. This helps your portfolio recover when markets rebound.6. Stay Calm and Ignore the Noise - Bear markets come with plenty of doom-and-gloom headlines. Staying calm and sticking to your strategy usually leads to better outcomes.If you found this article useful, Melissa would appreciate your follow up so take a moment and provide feedback at <a href="https://pears.io/engage/programs/responses/358797/?access_key=wS9Iut9">https://bit.ly/49SMXra</a>.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Navigating bear markets, staying composed during downturns

Changes to your eyesight are normal with age.

 You may be less able to see up close without reading glasses. It may take your eyes longer to adjust to changing light levels. These problems can usually be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or improved lighting.

 But some changes can be a sign of disease.

A condition called age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults in the U.S. It’s caused by light-sensing tissue in the back of your eye, or retina, deteriorating. The deterioration happens in the center of the retina, called the macula. In advanced stages, AMD can make it hard to see things clearly when you look straight ahead. You may not be able to recognize faces, read, drive, or do certain household tasks independently.

You’re more likely to have AMD at age 55 and older. Smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure increase your risk for AMD. So does having a family history of the disease.

Dry AMD, also called atrophic AMD, is more common. This condition progresses through several stages. Early AMD has no symptoms. In intermediate AMD, you might notice mild blurriness or have trouble seeing in low light. Late AMD usually causes a blurry area or blank spots in or near the center of your vision. Colors may appear faded.

The other type is called neovascular, or wet, AMD. It can cause fast vision loss if not treated promptly. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye. These can bleed and leak fluid that damages the macula. A telltale sign is when straight lines appear wavy or crooked. Dry AMD can also turn into wet AMD.

It can take years for AMD to progress. When you detect it early, you can take steps to delay its progress.

An eye doctor can detect AMD using a dilated eye exam. In the exam, they dilate (or widen) your pupils using special eye drops. This allows them to see inside your eyes. They may also take pictures of the inside of your eye using a technique called optical coherence tomography.

If you are diagnosed with AMD, there are several things you can do to slow its progression. “For those early and intermediate stages, it’s all about a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Tiarnán Keenan, an ophthalmologist at NIH. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough physical activity,&nbsp;and not smoking. A healthy lifestyle may also lower your chances of getting AMD in the first place.

· Eat a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables (especially dark leafy greens like spinach or kale) and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon or tuna).

· Get regular physical activity. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.

· Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

· Don’t smoke, or quit if you do. Get free help to quit smoking at smokefree.gov, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or by texting QUIT to 47848.

· Get regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can tell you how often you need an exam based on your age and other risk factors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictChanges to your eyesight are normal with age. You may be less able to see up close without reading glasses. It may take your eyes longer to adjust to changing light levels. These problems can usually be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or improved lighting. But some changes can be a sign of disease.A condition called age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults in the U.S. It’s caused by light-sensing tissue in the back of your eye, or retina, deteriorating. The deterioration happens in the center of the retina, called the macula. In advanced stages, AMD can make it hard to see things clearly when you look straight ahead. You may not be able to recognize faces, read, drive, or do certain household tasks independently.You’re more likely to have AMD at age 55 and older. Smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure increase your risk for AMD. So does having a family history of the disease.There are two types of AMD. Dry AMD, also called atrophic AMD, is more common. This condition progresses through several stages. Early AMD has no symptoms. In intermediate AMD, you might notice mild blurriness or have trouble seeing in low light. Late AMD usually causes a blurry area or blank spots in or near the center of your vision. Colors may appear faded.The other type is called neovascular, or wet, AMD. It can cause fast vision loss if not treated promptly. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye. These can bleed and leak fluid that damages the macula. A telltale sign is when straight lines appear wavy or crooked. Dry AMD can also turn into wet AMD.It can take years for AMD to progress. When you detect it early, you can take steps to delay its progress.An eye doctor can detect AMD using a dilated eye exam. In the exam, they dilate (or widen) your pupils using special eye drops. This allows them to see inside your eyes. They may also take pictures of the inside of your eye using a technique called optical coherence tomography.If you are diagnosed with AMD, there are several things you can do to slow its progression. “For those early and intermediate stages, it’s all about a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Tiarnán Keenan, an ophthalmologist at NIH. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough physical activity,&nbsp;and not smoking. A healthy lifestyle may also lower your chances of getting AMD in the first place.Lower Your Risk of AMD· Eat a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables (especially dark leafy greens like spinach or kale) and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon or tuna).· Get regular physical activity. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.· Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.· Don’t smoke, or quit if you do. Get free help to quit smoking at smokefree.gov, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or by texting QUIT to 47848.· Get regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can tell you how often you need an exam based on your age and other risk factors.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Healthy lifestyle can protect eye health

Unlike hunting seasons, fishing never really ends here in Kansas. Yes, different times of the year bring with them differing success rates for different species, but there is good fishing to be had year around here in the sunflower state if you know where to go and how to do it. 

The Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) puts together and maintains fishing reports and fishing forecasts to help you with that. I spoke with the KDWPT Fisheries Biologist in my area and got a crash course in reading and interpreting their fishing reports and forecasts and learned more about how they put them together.

Kansas fishing reports and forecasts are found on the website, <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>.

FISHING REPORTS are simply information gathered by biologists from fisherman, marinas etc. at each lake and reservoir about how best to catch each species of fish in that impoundment. Fishing reports are updated weekly from March through October as information is received.

Fish sampling occurs on all federal reservoirs and state lakes, and on some community owned lakes and ponds, and annual FISHING FORECASTS are generated from that data. These forecasts predict fishing success for each species at all Kansas federal reservoirs and state lakes and rank each water impoundment for these species.

To access fishing REPORTS, go to the <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Reports">website, click on fishing, then on reports</a>. From the list of regions, choose the region that contains the lake or reservoir you want to check, then click on the appropriate lake.

To view fishing FORECASTS, <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast">click on forecasts</a>, then from the list of fish species shown, click on the species you want to know about, then you will be given a choice of all lakes, ponds and reservoirs sampled for that species.

Down the left side of the forecast is displayed a list of all lakes or reservoirs sampled for the species you chose. 

The first category will be “Density Rating” and is the number or fish over 8 inches found in each net or trap. 

The next two categories are “Preferred Rating “and “Lunker Rating,” and display the number of fish over 10 inches and over 12 inches respectively found when sampling. 

The next category called “Biggest Fish” is simply the weight of the largest fish caught in the sample. 

The next category called “Biologists Rating” rates the&nbsp;impoundment as Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor according to information available to the biologist, and it may not reflect all the other categories if information is known about the fish populations there that weren’t necessarily reflected in the samples captured.

The last category is “3 Year Average,” and is the average number of fish over eight inches captured over the last three years of sampling. The lakes are listed by the density rating; the more fish over eight inches captured in sampling, the higher that lake is ranked.

Fishing reports and forecasts are obviously not infallible, but are both good tools to help fishermen decide where and how they might want to spend their time and efforts. Remember, fishing success also depends on weather, which includes a myriad of different factors. So, grab a kid, a spouse or a friend and take someone fishing this year as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILANDUnlike hunting seasons, fishing never really ends here in Kansas. Yes, different times of the year bring with them differing success rates for different species, but there is good fishing to be had year around here in the sunflower state if you know where to go and how to do it. The Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) puts together and maintains fishing reports and fishing forecasts to help you with that. I spoke with the KDWPT Fisheries Biologist in my area and got a crash course in reading and interpreting their fishing reports and forecasts and learned more about how they put them together.Kansas fishing reports and forecasts are found on the website, <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>. FISHING REPORTS are simply information gathered by biologists from fisherman, marinas etc. at each lake and reservoir about how best to catch each species of fish in that impoundment. Fishing reports are updated weekly from March through October as information is received. Fish sampling occurs on all federal reservoirs and state lakes, and on some community owned lakes and ponds, and annual FISHING FORECASTS are generated from that data. These forecasts predict fishing success for each species at all Kansas federal reservoirs and state lakes and rank each water impoundment for these species.To access fishing REPORTS, go to the <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Reports">website, click on fishing, then on reports</a>. From the list of regions, choose the region that contains the lake or reservoir you want to check, then click on the appropriate lake. To view fishing FORECASTS, <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast">click on forecasts</a>, then from the list of fish species shown, click on the species you want to know about, then you will be given a choice of all lakes, ponds and reservoirs sampled for that species.Down the left side of the forecast is displayed a list of all lakes or reservoirs sampled for the species you chose. The first category will be “Density Rating” and is the number or fish over 8 inches found in each net or trap. The next two categories are “Preferred Rating “and “Lunker Rating,” and display the number of fish over 10 inches and over 12 inches respectively found when sampling. The next category called “Biggest Fish” is simply the weight of the largest fish caught in the sample. The next category called “Biologists Rating” rates the&nbsp;impoundment as Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor according to information available to the biologist, and it may not reflect all the other categories if information is known about the fish populations there that weren’t necessarily reflected in the samples captured.The last category is “3 Year Average,” and is the average number of fish over eight inches captured over the last three years of sampling. The lakes are listed by the density rating; the more fish over eight inches captured in sampling, the higher that lake is ranked.Fishing reports and forecasts are obviously not infallible, but are both good tools to help fishermen decide where and how they might want to spend their time and efforts. Remember, fishing success also depends on weather, which includes a myriad of different factors. So, grab a kid, a spouse or a friend and take someone fishing this year as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Reading, interpreting Kansas fishing reports, forecasts

By ALEXANDRA&nbsp; MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

In 2021, Kansas Tourism launched the Sunflower Summer program, opening the doors to our state’s zoos, museums, nature centers, and historical sites to Kansas families — for free! Designed to help young Kansans explore and fall in love with their home state, the program has quickly proven to be much more than a feel-good initiative.

It’s a smart investment in our children’s learning and our state’s economic vitality.

Over the past four years, the program has grown dramatically. In 2024, it offered free access to more than 200 attractions across Kansas. Over 154,000 families participated — and nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed, a 55% increase over the previous year — bringing families into local communities, supporting tourism, and enriching the summer experiences of thousands of children.

In fact, 76% of participating families purchased meals, 72% shopped at local stores, and 20% stayed overnight, underscoring the program’s significant contribution to local economies across the state. Every dollar spent on Sunflower Summer returns multiple dollars to local communities, from ticket-adjacent spending at restaurants to increased visibility for small attractions. 

In Abilene alone, the 2024 Sunflower Summer program generated the equivalent of $114,945 in ticket revenue for the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, $34,395 for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and $10,176 for the Dickinson County Heritage Center — providing a substantial boost to the city’s cultural and historical attractions.

The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In April, the Sunflower Summer program was named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTourism Summit’s eTSY Awards — national recognition for a uniquely Kansas initiative. As Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe notes, no other state offers a program quite like it.

Yet despite its growing popularity, proven success, and bipartisan support, Sunflower Summer saw its funding significantly reduced during this year’s legislative session. As a result, the 2025 program will run for just three weeks — from July 12 to August 3 — down from a full summer season. That timeline may be cut even shorter, depending on participation and amount of use.

This is not just a scheduling change. It’s a step backward for a program that brings real returns for students, for families, and for local economies across the state.

Cuts to Sunflower Summer come at a time when federal funding cuts to similar initiatives — including National Parks and the Institute of Museum and Library Services — is being reduced. These losses compound one another, with real and lasting consequences for K-12 students, especially those from low-income families. Research consistently shows that summer&nbsp;educational programs help narrow the reading achievement gap by keeping students engaged and learning when school is out. Without them, many children risk falling further behind.

The Sunflower Summer program is a powerful example of the kind of initiative Kansas should champion — one that reflects our values, strengthens our communities, and demonstrates what it looks like to put our money where our mouths are.

For a fraction of the state’s budget, Sunflower Summer delivers outsized returns. When we invest in programs like this we’re putting resources behind our priorities. We’re not just funding summer activities, we’re investing in Kansas, in our kids’ educational enrichment, and local economic opportunity.

If we want to continue building a Kansas where families thrive and kids grow up proud of where they’re from, we need to fight for programs like this. The legislature should restore full funding to Sunflower Summer and Kansans should make sure lawmakers know how much it matters.

Programs like Sunflower Summer don’t just create memories, they connect kids to the places, people, and history that shape our state. That connection is what builds future citizens who care about Kansas.

Sunflower Summer is more than a program — it’s a promise to Kansas’ future. Let’s keep that promise.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740007073583.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood, PhD, is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, PhD, is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA&nbsp; MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasIn 2021, Kansas Tourism launched the Sunflower Summer program, opening the doors to our state’s zoos, museums, nature centers, and historical sites to Kansas families — for free! Designed to help young Kansans explore and fall in love with their home state, the program has quickly proven to be much more than a feel-good initiative.It’s a smart investment in our children’s learning and our state’s economic vitality.Over the past four years, the program has grown dramatically. In 2024, it offered free access to more than 200 attractions across Kansas. Over 154,000 families participated — and nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed, a 55% increase over the previous year — bringing families into local communities, supporting tourism, and enriching the summer experiences of thousands of children.In fact, 76% of participating families purchased meals, 72% shopped at local stores, and 20% stayed overnight, underscoring the program’s significant contribution to local economies across the state. Every dollar spent on Sunflower Summer returns multiple dollars to local communities, from ticket-adjacent spending at restaurants to increased visibility for small attractions. In Abilene alone, the 2024 Sunflower Summer program generated the equivalent of $114,945 in ticket revenue for the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, $34,395 for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and $10,176 for the Dickinson County Heritage Center — providing a substantial boost to the city’s cultural and historical attractions.The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In April, the Sunflower Summer program was named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTourism Summit’s eTSY Awards — national recognition for a uniquely Kansas initiative. As Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe notes, no other state offers a program quite like it.Yet despite its growing popularity, proven success, and bipartisan support, Sunflower Summer saw its funding significantly reduced during this year’s legislative session. As a result, the 2025 program will run for just three weeks — from July 12 to August 3 — down from a full summer season. That timeline may be cut even shorter, depending on participation and amount of use.This is not just a scheduling change. It’s a step backward for a program that brings real returns for students, for families, and for local economies across the state.Cuts to Sunflower Summer come at a time when federal funding cuts to similar initiatives — including National Parks and the Institute of Museum and Library Services — is being reduced. These losses compound one another, with real and lasting consequences for K-12 students, especially those from low-income families. Research consistently shows that summer&nbsp;educational programs help narrow the reading achievement gap by keeping students engaged and learning when school is out. Without them, many children risk falling further behind.The Sunflower Summer program is a powerful example of the kind of initiative Kansas should champion — one that reflects our values, strengthens our communities, and demonstrates what it looks like to put our money where our mouths are.For a fraction of the state’s budget, Sunflower Summer delivers outsized returns. When we invest in programs like this we’re putting resources behind our priorities. We’re not just funding summer activities, we’re investing in Kansas, in our kids’ educational enrichment, and local economic opportunity.If we want to continue building a Kansas where families thrive and kids grow up proud of where they’re from, we need to fight for programs like this. The legislature should restore full funding to Sunflower Summer and Kansans should make sure lawmakers know how much it matters.Programs like Sunflower Summer don’t just create memories, they connect kids to the places, people, and history that shape our state. That connection is what builds future citizens who care about Kansas.Sunflower Summer is more than a program — it’s a promise to Kansas’ future. Let’s keep that promise.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Sunflower Summer builds more than memories

Cattle incapable of relieving themselves of high temperatures experience heat stress. Humans alleviate overheating through sweating, but Kansas State University beef extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said cattle do not have that option.

“Heat stress coping behaviors is what we see when cattle are adapting to warmer temperatures,” he said. “Whenever we get hot, we sweat to maintain homeostasis. For livestock species, and especially cattle, that capability gets overwhelmed. They dissipate heat in other ways like increasing their respiratory rate (breathing) by panting.”&nbsp;

Besides panting, producers identify heat stress by their increased standing, large groups of animals bunching up close to water tanks and crowding in shaded areas.

“They're trying to get increased airflow by standing, but they actually end up using each other as shade which is counter-productive,” Tarpoff said.

High temperatures and humidity, slow wind speeds and increased solar radiation comprise the four weather conditions contributing to heat stress.

“When we're comfortable, cattle might not be and vice versa. We really need to consider those four key parameters,” Tarpoff said. “We have an animal comfort index that uses the four of them to get a feel on how cattle are experiencing their environment.”

Monitor the animal comfort index in Kansas through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">K-State Mesonet</a>.

Correctly managing heat stress has proven to be essential for maximizing animal wellbeing and performance, according to Tarpoff.

“It is one of those critical chores just as important as feeding or making sure the animals have water. Whether we are asking them to be good cows or an animal to produce beef in a feedlot, we need to put them in scenarios where they’re more comfortable because then they are more productive,” he said.

Tarpoff urges operations housing their cattle in dry lots to keep it simple when developing a plan to lessen the consequences of heat stress.“

Whenever it comes to heat stress, it's back to the basics: feed and water. Water intake can nearly double as temperatures rise from 70 to 90 degrees (Fahrenheit). We need more water access, flow and availability for those animals,” he said. “We might be able to modify our feeding times to alleviate some of these stressors. Whenever we feed cattle, we feed the rumen microbes, and that comes at a cost called the heat of fermentation. We can feed later in the evening, so the digestion happens during the cooler nighttime hours.”

Producers often construct shades to cool off cattle in times of unrelenting heat. A recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol9/iss1/3/">study</a>&nbsp;conducted by K-State researchers looking at effects of shade on heat stress revealed that shade structures can impact more than just animal temperature.

“They are a piece of infrastructure,” Tarpoff said. “That two-year trial showed added benefits of investing in shades. We saw increased feed efficiency, increased growth rate and increased average daily gain. We also saw reduced panting rates and water consumption needs by over a gallon per head per day.”

Additionally, bedding pens with straw can reduce the pen floor temperature by 25 degrees and fence-line sprinklers help lower ground temperatures and keep cattle cool if used in the overnight hours, according to Tarpoff.

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.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.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 DistrictCattle incapable of relieving themselves of high temperatures experience heat stress. Humans alleviate overheating through sweating, but Kansas State University beef extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said cattle do not have that option.“Heat stress coping behaviors is what we see when cattle are adapting to warmer temperatures,” he said. “Whenever we get hot, we sweat to maintain homeostasis. For livestock species, and especially cattle, that capability gets overwhelmed. They dissipate heat in other ways like increasing their respiratory rate (breathing) by panting.”&nbsp;Besides panting, producers identify heat stress by their increased standing, large groups of animals bunching up close to water tanks and crowding in shaded areas.“They're trying to get increased airflow by standing, but they actually end up using each other as shade which is counter-productive,” Tarpoff said.High temperatures and humidity, slow wind speeds and increased solar radiation comprise the four weather conditions contributing to heat stress.“When we're comfortable, cattle might not be and vice versa. We really need to consider those four key parameters,” Tarpoff said. “We have an animal comfort index that uses the four of them to get a feel on how cattle are experiencing their environment.”Monitor the animal comfort index in Kansas through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">K-State Mesonet</a>.Correctly managing heat stress has proven to be essential for maximizing animal wellbeing and performance, according to Tarpoff.“It is one of those critical chores just as important as feeding or making sure the animals have water. Whether we are asking them to be good cows or an animal to produce beef in a feedlot, we need to put them in scenarios where they’re more comfortable because then they are more productive,” he said.Tarpoff urges operations housing their cattle in dry lots to keep it simple when developing a plan to lessen the consequences of heat stress.“Whenever it comes to heat stress, it's back to the basics: feed and water. Water intake can nearly double as temperatures rise from 70 to 90 degrees (Fahrenheit). We need more water access, flow and availability for those animals,” he said. “We might be able to modify our feeding times to alleviate some of these stressors. Whenever we feed cattle, we feed the rumen microbes, and that comes at a cost called the heat of fermentation. We can feed later in the evening, so the digestion happens during the cooler nighttime hours.”Producers often construct shades to cool off cattle in times of unrelenting heat. A recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol9/iss1/3/">study</a>&nbsp;conducted by K-State researchers looking at effects of shade on heat stress revealed that shade structures can impact more than just animal temperature.“They are a piece of infrastructure,” Tarpoff said. “That two-year trial showed added benefits of investing in shades. We saw increased feed efficiency, increased growth rate and increased average daily gain. We also saw reduced panting rates and water consumption needs by over a gallon per head per day.”Additionally, bedding pens with straw can reduce the pen floor temperature by 25 degrees and fence-line sprinklers help lower ground temperatures and keep cattle cool if used in the overnight hours, according to Tarpoff.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.&nbsp;

BOOR: Heat stress in cattle

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

In times of crisis, true character is revealed. And once again, Fort Hays State University students have shown that our Tiger Nation is defined by compassion, leadership, and service to others.

When an EF3 tornado tore through the town of Grinnell on May 18, the destruction left behind was almost beyond comprehension. Everyday life was upended in moments. Homes were gone. Machinery was broken and twisted. As images and stories of the devastation circulated, a group of our students, the brothers of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, decided they couldn’t simply watch from afar. They would go. They would help.

Sig Epp Cade Becker, a junior from Hays, heard about the damage through family and friends. Moved by what he learned, he rallied his fraternity brothers to gather tools and supplies—rakes, shovels, contractor bags—and head to Grinnell on May 31. What they encountered was, in the words of junior Anthony Arial of Hays, “like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet hole.”

In addition to Cade and Anthony, Sig Ep brothers Ryan Oglesby, Wichita, and Micah Von Stroh, Wichita, along with Sig Ep alum Julian Bixenman of Colby, Cade’s dad, Nathan Houser, and grandpa Lynn Houser, both of Plainville, pitched in to help.

They got to work in a nearby wheat field, just half a mile from town, near a farmhouse that had been reduced to rubble. A church nearby stood without its roof. The brothers cleared debris—metal, wood, fragments of lives interrupted—so the community could begin harvesting again in a few weeks. Their work didn’t erase the damage, but it moved Grinnell one step closer to recovery.

What struck me most about Cade and Anthony’s reflections wasn’t the magnitude of the task but the altruistic mindset they brought with them. They weren’t looking for recognition. They were guided by the core values of their fraternity—virtue, diligence, and brotherly love—and by the culture of care we strive to nurture in our Tiger Nation.

“If you don’t put action behind the words, what does it mean?” Anthony asked. That’s a question all of us should take to heart.

At FHSU, we talk often about our deep connection to western Kansas. Many of our students come from rural communities. Many of our alumni return to those communities as leaders, educators, builders, and changemakers. What these young men demonstrated in Grinnell is the very spirit of western Kansas—neighbors helping neighbors, showing up when it matters most, and choosing community over convenience.

Cade said it best: “Helping your neighbor is the Kansas heart. That’s what we are known for.”

Indeed, it is. And this group of young men showed that being a Tiger means more than academic success or personal growth. It means rising to the moment, responding with empathy, and making a difference in the lives of others.

To Cade, Anthony, and all the Sig Ep brothers who stepped up: thank you for reminding us what it means to live the Tiger Pact. You are building more than balanced men—you are building hope, one act of service at a time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason, FHSU president. Photo by Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason, FHSU president. Photo by Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentIn times of crisis, true character is revealed. And once again, Fort Hays State University students have shown that our Tiger Nation is defined by compassion, leadership, and service to others.When an EF3 tornado tore through the town of Grinnell on May 18, the destruction left behind was almost beyond comprehension. Everyday life was upended in moments. Homes were gone. Machinery was broken and twisted. As images and stories of the devastation circulated, a group of our students, the brothers of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, decided they couldn’t simply watch from afar. They would go. They would help.Sig Epp Cade Becker, a junior from Hays, heard about the damage through family and friends. Moved by what he learned, he rallied his fraternity brothers to gather tools and supplies—rakes, shovels, contractor bags—and head to Grinnell on May 31. What they encountered was, in the words of junior Anthony Arial of Hays, “like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet hole.”In addition to Cade and Anthony, Sig Ep brothers Ryan Oglesby, Wichita, and Micah Von Stroh, Wichita, along with Sig Ep alum Julian Bixenman of Colby, Cade’s dad, Nathan Houser, and grandpa Lynn Houser, both of Plainville, pitched in to help.They got to work in a nearby wheat field, just half a mile from town, near a farmhouse that had been reduced to rubble. A church nearby stood without its roof. The brothers cleared debris—metal, wood, fragments of lives interrupted—so the community could begin harvesting again in a few weeks. Their work didn’t erase the damage, but it moved Grinnell one step closer to recovery.What struck me most about Cade and Anthony’s reflections wasn’t the magnitude of the task but the altruistic mindset they brought with them. They weren’t looking for recognition. They were guided by the core values of their fraternity—virtue, diligence, and brotherly love—and by the culture of care we strive to nurture in our Tiger Nation.“If you don’t put action behind the words, what does it mean?” Anthony asked. That’s a question all of us should take to heart.At FHSU, we talk often about our deep connection to western Kansas. Many of our students come from rural communities. Many of our alumni return to those communities as leaders, educators, builders, and changemakers. What these young men demonstrated in Grinnell is the very spirit of western Kansas—neighbors helping neighbors, showing up when it matters most, and choosing community over convenience.Cade said it best: “Helping your neighbor is the Kansas heart. That’s what we are known for.”Indeed, it is. And this group of young men showed that being a Tiger means more than academic success or personal growth. It means rising to the moment, responding with empathy, and making a difference in the lives of others.To Cade, Anthony, and all the Sig Ep brothers who stepped up: thank you for reminding us what it means to live the Tiger Pact. You are building more than balanced men—you are building hope, one act of service at a time.

Heart of a Tiger: Sig Ep Tigers step up to lend a helping hand in Grinnell

When people say western Kansas has nothing to offer, I shake my head. I could entertain someone for a year without repeats. Recently, an adventurous girlfriend joined me to wander Blue Highways 283 north to Highway 9, a favorite journey.

After turning onto 9, I shared details about Lenora’s role in Nex-Tech’s start up. As a result, northwest Kansas has access to internet service offering great personal and business opportunities to commune with the world. Journeying further west, I clued her to look for the site where Catholic priests performed the first Mass with a different sort of communion on the tree-lined banks of the North Solomon. Now days, the shiny steeple of New Almelo Catholic Church welcomes the faithful to an isolated but charming church.

Not far away, waited our goal--Wahlmeier Vineyard, a three-mile jaunt north of Hwy 9. Her GPS warned us to turn at an upcoming corner which happened to host a quaint white cottage. We chimed in unison, “Wouldn’t that be a great vacation rental for visitors who attend Wahlmeier Vineyards bingo, trivia, and harvest activities?”

That turn directed us down a graveled road to our destination while gale-force winds turned surrounding wheatfields into a roiling sea of green. Once inside the winery, we smoothed mussed hair and forgot nearly blowing to Oklahoma as bottles of wine, jars of jelly, and t-shirts snagged our attention. A framed architectural rendering offered building specs.

Vintner Cary Wahlmeier grew up on a nearby farm before working at IBM in Lenexa. Returning to his roots, he morphed from techie to winemaker starting in 2015 when he planted several acres to grapes. Five years later, he returned to make wine. The two-story rustic facility looks at home on the Kansas prairie and offers a cozy tasting area. Bigger parties can spread into an area filled with tables and chairs or high tops and stools.

As a boomerang Kansan, I love when ingenuity and creativity combine to return natives to their roots. Cary, good at sourcing local fruits to create wines and meads, epitomizes such talents. Our favorite was his last sample of Nick’s Plums and Kerrie’s Cherries. Apparently, others enjoy it too, and now all must wait on this year’s fruit harvest in Norton Co. before we toast with it again.

An elderberry fan, it pleased me that he sources elderberries from local John Gall. I also liked his Cherryliciousness, referred to as “Viking’s Blood,” a mead, fermented with wildflower honey. The nip in my tasting glass transported my imagination to an ancient Scandinavian mead hall lit by a giant fireplace.

The vineyard produces enough variety guests can return four different times before tasting every one based on selecting five wines per visit. This vineyard is rural so Cary’s menu offers meat/cheese trays or Brew Pub pizza to balance the wine tasting. We recommend Jalapeno Popper pizza, an added delight to our adventure. In addition to Cary’s wines, pizza, and meat trays, his daughter produces homemade jams and jellies. To support local agriculture, I took several jars home to try on homemade bread.

At WaKeeney, we left busy I-70 to find ourselves roaming a starkly beautiful, remote part of Kansas. When we mentioned the corner white house to Cary, he filled us in. That was once the site of Allison, bigger than Dodge City, and now a ghost town.

Perhaps businesspeople like Cary can banish ghosts while inviting the living to see what this vibrant landscape offers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINWhen people say western Kansas has nothing to offer, I shake my head. I could entertain someone for a year without repeats. Recently, an adventurous girlfriend joined me to wander Blue Highways 283 north to Highway 9, a favorite journey.After turning onto 9, I shared details about Lenora’s role in Nex-Tech’s start up. As a result, northwest Kansas has access to internet service offering great personal and business opportunities to commune with the world. Journeying further west, I clued her to look for the site where Catholic priests performed the first Mass with a different sort of communion on the tree-lined banks of the North Solomon. Now days, the shiny steeple of New Almelo Catholic Church welcomes the faithful to an isolated but charming church.Not far away, waited our goal--Wahlmeier Vineyard, a three-mile jaunt north of Hwy 9. Her GPS warned us to turn at an upcoming corner which happened to host a quaint white cottage. We chimed in unison, “Wouldn’t that be a great vacation rental for visitors who attend Wahlmeier Vineyards bingo, trivia, and harvest activities?”That turn directed us down a graveled road to our destination while gale-force winds turned surrounding wheatfields into a roiling sea of green. Once inside the winery, we smoothed mussed hair and forgot nearly blowing to Oklahoma as bottles of wine, jars of jelly, and t-shirts snagged our attention. A framed architectural rendering offered building specs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748974560514.jpeg" alt="Wahlmeier Vineyards. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Wahlmeier Vineyards. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Vintner Cary Wahlmeier grew up on a nearby farm before working at IBM in Lenexa. Returning to his roots, he morphed from techie to winemaker starting in 2015 when he planted several acres to grapes. Five years later, he returned to make wine. The two-story rustic facility looks at home on the Kansas prairie and offers a cozy tasting area. Bigger parties can spread into an area filled with tables and chairs or high tops and stools.As a boomerang Kansan, I love when ingenuity and creativity combine to return natives to their roots. Cary, good at sourcing local fruits to create wines and meads, epitomizes such talents. Our favorite was his last sample of Nick’s Plums and Kerrie’s Cherries. Apparently, others enjoy it too, and now all must wait on this year’s fruit harvest in Norton Co. before we toast with it again.An elderberry fan, it pleased me that he sources elderberries from local John Gall. I also liked his Cherryliciousness, referred to as “Viking’s Blood,” a mead, fermented with wildflower honey. The nip in my tasting glass transported my imagination to an ancient Scandinavian mead hall lit by a giant fireplace.The vineyard produces enough variety guests can return four different times before tasting every one based on selecting five wines per visit. This vineyard is rural so Cary’s menu offers meat/cheese trays or Brew Pub pizza to balance the wine tasting. We recommend Jalapeno Popper pizza, an added delight to our adventure. In addition to Cary’s wines, pizza, and meat trays, his daughter produces homemade jams and jellies. To support local agriculture, I took several jars home to try on homemade bread.At WaKeeney, we left busy I-70 to find ourselves roaming a starkly beautiful, remote part of Kansas. When we mentioned the corner white house to Cary, he filled us in. That was once the site of Allison, bigger than Dodge City, and now a ghost town.Perhaps businesspeople like Cary can banish ghosts while inviting the living to see what this vibrant landscape offers.

MADORIN: Day trippin' 2

Open a browser on your mobile device and visit the website at <a href="https://hayspost.com">https://hayspost.com</a>.&nbsp; Add it to the Home screen on your mobile device for the best possible experience.&nbsp; Here’s a screenshot that shows you how:

Open a browser on your mobile device and visit the website at <a href="https://hayspost.com">https://hayspost.com</a>.&nbsp; Add it to the Home screen on your mobile device for the best possible experience.&nbsp; Here’s a screenshot that shows you how:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722009103461.png" alt="Hays Post.png" />
 <figcaption>Hays Post.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

How to get full Hays Post experience on your mobile

Note: The letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, and the EAS recommended line-item cuts are attached at the end of this letter.

This is in response to the article regarding Essential Air Service funding for the Hays airport.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2730c5cd-1026-4098-9e5f-ebf15c8fd949">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays faces loss of federal airport funds</a>

After reading the article in Hays Post about the Hays airport losing its Essential Air Service (EAS) federal funding, I shared mixed feelings of panic and anger. Panic because it meant that my husband who has worked for TSA for 22 plus years would possibly need to relocate or lose his job if Hays no longer had air service. And anger at our city council for fear-mongering the public by not giving more details about the information and its source. Instead, they chose to direct us down a path of doom by making this comment about their solution of how to make up the money that would be lost: "For us, to make that up, we would have to increase our mill levy from 25 to 44. That's almost double the mills just to cover that annual subsidy," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor.

While I appreciate our city council directing us to contact our legislators about anything of concern, I am putting them on notice. Give us the facts and the source of where you are getting your information. Spend time explaining it to those who voted for you. Don’t just say “Trump’s budget” and sound the alarm, push us in a corner and leave it at that! Research some other funding options, or at least tell us you are looking into it, rather than make some crazy comment about raising our mill levy/taxes. Like we all needed to hear that right now!

I am always skeptical of both sides of the news – left and right. I think for myself. It’s sad that journalism isn’t what it used to be…when opinions of the journalists were not expressed, and all that we got were the facts. Now it’s almost like a reality show where the public feeds off the controversy.

After reading the article, I did my research. I went to the belly of the beast, the actual “Big Beautiful Bill” all 1,118 pages of it. Doing a search within the bill, I found nothing that mentions “Essential Air Service.” I dissected the table of contents and still nothing. After searching more on <a href="http://Congress.gov">Congress.gov</a>, I found that cutting EAS has not been introduced into any type of legislation. Where I did find it mentioned was at the bottom of page 23 in a letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget as a proposal to Congress for the 2026 budget. This is not written in stone legislation. It is merely a proposal to Congress. Congress is the one that needs to enact the legislation to remove EAS. Nothing in that budget proposal letter is written in stone. I encourage you to click on the bill highlighted above, which is legislation currently in the Senate, and read (or press the listen button) to be informed of what your Congress is voting on…go to the source itself instead of listening to he said, she said. Make up your own mind.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Note: The letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, and the EAS recommended line-item cuts are attached at the end of this letter.This is in response to the article regarding Essential Air Service funding for the Hays airport.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2730c5cd-1026-4098-9e5f-ebf15c8fd949">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays faces loss of federal airport funds</a>After reading the article in Hays Post about the Hays airport losing its Essential Air Service (EAS) federal funding, I shared mixed feelings of panic and anger. Panic because it meant that my husband who has worked for TSA for 22 plus years would possibly need to relocate or lose his job if Hays no longer had air service. And anger at our city council for fear-mongering the public by not giving more details about the information and its source. Instead, they chose to direct us down a path of doom by making this comment about their solution of how to make up the money that would be lost: "For us, to make that up, we would have to increase our mill levy from 25 to 44. That's almost double the mills just to cover that annual subsidy," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor.While I appreciate our city council directing us to contact our legislators about anything of concern, I am putting them on notice. Give us the facts and the source of where you are getting your information. Spend time explaining it to those who voted for you. Don’t just say “Trump’s budget” and sound the alarm, push us in a corner and leave it at that! Research some other funding options, or at least tell us you are looking into it, rather than make some crazy comment about raising our mill levy/taxes. Like we all needed to hear that right now!I am always skeptical of both sides of the news – left and right. I think for myself. It’s sad that journalism isn’t what it used to be…when opinions of the journalists were not expressed, and all that we got were the facts. Now it’s almost like a reality show where the public feeds off the controversy.After reading the article, I did my research. I went to the belly of the beast, the actual “Big Beautiful Bill” all 1,118 pages of it. Doing a search within the bill, I found nothing that mentions “Essential Air Service.” I dissected the table of contents and still nothing. After searching more on <a href="http://Congress.gov">Congress.gov</a>, I found that cutting EAS has not been introduced into any type of legislation. Where I did find it mentioned was at the bottom of page 23 in a letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget as a proposal to Congress for the 2026 budget. This is not written in stone legislation. It is merely a proposal to Congress. Congress is the one that needs to enact the legislation to remove EAS. Nothing in that budget proposal letter is written in stone. I encourage you to click on the bill highlighted above, which is legislation currently in the Senate, and read (or press the listen button) to be informed of what your Congress is voting on…go to the source itself instead of listening to he said, she said. Make up your own mind.Here is an explanation about Essential Air Service for those who don’t know. The airline is given federal EAS funding for each seat in the plane, whether empty or occupied. To receive EAS funding, certain criteria must be met, and an application must be submitted and approved. It is federal money put in the pocket of the airline to entice them to service the area, and it gives the city an edge to contract with a competitive air carrier. Many rural towns do not fill their seats, so it is debatable by the administration if it is considered wasteful to the taxpayers to pay for all those empty seats in the airplane. Hays has high boarding numbers, which is very good and something positive that should be pointed out by our city council. In my opinion, and according to the criteria they are stating in the budget proposal, we are being good stewards of the money given by evidence of the enplanements we have. FHSU requires their faculty/staff to fly out of Hays whenever possible because the more the community supports the airline, the more likelihood the airline will be able to receive EAS funding, and we will keep our service. Community support is also one of the criteria for receiving funding.Everyone complains that it is so expensive to fly out of Hays. To get the best ticket price you should try being flexible on the dates you are traveling, if possible. When going to United.com, click on the “flexible dates” box and adjust how many days in your trip and the month. It will show the entire month and the ticket prices for every day. You can adjust your travel dates or number of days to get the lowest price. Also, booking on Tuesday or Wednesday could be better. On my search for Hays to Orlando, I found a roundtrip ticket price of $275 on June 27. Isn’t it much better to avoid the driving, traffic, gas, hotel, parking fees, plus just all the hassle when you can fly right out of Hays?We could all use more positivity in our lives. Shouldn’t we try to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem?— Jodie J. Wear-Leiker<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979073961.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979098644.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979120678.png" alt="Line item for recommended budget cut for Essential Air Service." />
 <figcaption>Line item for recommended budget cut for Essential Air Service.</figcaption>
 </figure>

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