Some folks explore history with metal detectors. Listening to them discuss their unearthed treasures intrigues me. 

I can contribute historical facts by reading old newspapers, memorial collections, and searching archives. Often, decades pass before enough dots connect to construct a meaningful picture of a place or event. Nearly five5 decades after reading mention of Parks Fort, I’ve assembled enough info to share and see what others might add.

By 1866-67, surveyors had recorded Ellis and Trego County surveys. Lincoln had signed the 1862 Homestead Act, and the Kansas Pacific Railroad expanded West. Native people who relied on this regional hunting ground to supply food, shelter, and clothing discouraged such intrusions, leading to one cultural collision after another.

As a result, the post-Civil War Army provided protection for construction crews and settlers. This led to transitory forts that paralleled advancing track. Fort Ogallah, later called Parks Fort, was among those. 

According to sources found at the Trego County Historical Museum, Captain King, U.S. Army established an earth-work fortification six miles west of Ogallah.

In 1867, the site became Parks Fort following a conflict with native tribes. At that time, the fort was a 30' x 30' sod embankment with a deep well where approximately 300 graders under the direction of Thomas Parks and soldiers gathered for meals and water as well as protection. 

An additional source written by soldier E.S. Lane explained that Parks and fellow contractor Charles Saffel followed by a 10th Calvary Buffalo Soldier traveled north to hunt meat for camp. Another group of three also headed north driving a wagon to collect wood they’d cut on the Saline. Indians attacked, wounding Fred Dick in the thigh.

Hastily returning to camp, the three informed the military of the hunters’ danger. Parks’ dog returned to camp, wounded by an arrow, confirming this. A party of more than 50 soldiers and railroad workers set out to search for Parks and companions. They soon found signs of battle: “lances, pieces of cloth, cartridge hulls, trampled ground, and Saffel’s body, scalped and full of arrows.”

Up the ravine, trapped by a collapsed limestone slab, they found Park dead but not scalped. Upon removing the rock pinning Parks’ body, they found Beaton, the badly wounded 10th Cavalry soldier.

Lee and Raynesford’s Trails of the Smoky Hill referenced Parks Fort so nominally it wasn’t indexed. However, the 1872 attack on the Jordan hunting party did appear.

Later, Parks Fort was referenced in William D. Street’s Twenty-Five Years among the Indians and Buffalo. Street stated that 1874 hunters freighted hides at the site. According to Street, farmers, hunters, and trappers traveling throughout the region frequented it regularly.

Reading Jennie Martin’s A Brief History of the Early Days of Ellis, Kansas enriched the story. Martin, sister to Mary Jordan, who vanished in late summer of 1872 while on a buffalo hunt with her husband Dick Jordan, his 19-year-old brother George, and a 23-year-old Swede named Fred Nelson, told the story of the men’s deaths. The three were found either shot with rifles or arrows and scalped. Despite leaving a trail of fabric from her cloak, Mary vanished.

According to Martin, around 1872, prior to this event, Dick constructed a home for his new bride and himself at Parks Fort. At that time, a box car on the side of the track served as a telegraph office and the deep well remained. Dick and his bride shared their home and fixed up two dugouts once used by soldiers on the south side of the track. There he could dry buffalo meat.

Another pioneer family stayed at Parks Fort in 1879 until they could claim their land. Claire Yoxall of the Cortwright family noted that in 1879, only the deep well remained.

Visit Trego County Historical Museum to view artifacts H. and M. Newcomer found near what once served as Park’s Fort. Turn your mind loose with stories of native tribes, hunters, soldiers, railroad builders, and homesteaders. Imagine a meadowlark trill and a prairie wolf howl to complete your time travel.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINSome folks explore history with metal detectors. Listening to them discuss their unearthed treasures intrigues me. I can contribute historical facts by reading old newspapers, memorial collections, and searching archives. Often, decades pass before enough dots connect to construct a meaningful picture of a place or event. Nearly five5 decades after reading mention of Parks Fort, I’ve assembled enough info to share and see what others might add.By 1866-67, surveyors had recorded Ellis and Trego County surveys. Lincoln had signed the 1862 Homestead Act, and the Kansas Pacific Railroad expanded West. Native people who relied on this regional hunting ground to supply food, shelter, and clothing discouraged such intrusions, leading to one cultural collision after another.As a result, the post-Civil War Army provided protection for construction crews and settlers. This led to transitory forts that paralleled advancing track. Fort Ogallah, later called Parks Fort, was among those. According to sources found at the Trego County Historical Museum, Captain King, U.S. Army established an earth-work fortification six miles west of Ogallah.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742918543065.jpeg" alt="Parks Fort artifacts. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Parks Fort artifacts. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In 1867, the site became Parks Fort following a conflict with native tribes. At that time, the fort was a 30' x 30' sod embankment with a deep well where approximately 300 graders under the direction of Thomas Parks and soldiers gathered for meals and water as well as protection. An additional source written by soldier E.S. Lane explained that Parks and fellow contractor Charles Saffel followed by a 10th Calvary Buffalo Soldier traveled north to hunt meat for camp. Another group of three also headed north driving a wagon to collect wood they’d cut on the Saline. Indians attacked, wounding Fred Dick in the thigh.Hastily returning to camp, the three informed the military of the hunters’ danger. Parks’ dog returned to camp, wounded by an arrow, confirming this. A party of more than 50 soldiers and railroad workers set out to search for Parks and companions. They soon found signs of battle: “lances, pieces of cloth, cartridge hulls, trampled ground, and Saffel’s body, scalped and full of arrows.”Up the ravine, trapped by a collapsed limestone slab, they found Park dead but not scalped. Upon removing the rock pinning Parks’ body, they found Beaton, the badly wounded 10th Cavalry soldier.Lee and Raynesford’s Trails of the Smoky Hill referenced Parks Fort so nominally it wasn’t indexed. However, the 1872 attack on the Jordan hunting party did appear.Later, Parks Fort was referenced in William D. Street’s Twenty-Five Years among the Indians and Buffalo. Street stated that 1874 hunters freighted hides at the site. According to Street, farmers, hunters, and trappers traveling throughout the region frequented it regularly.Reading Jennie Martin’s A Brief History of the Early Days of Ellis, Kansas enriched the story. Martin, sister to Mary Jordan, who vanished in late summer of 1872 while on a buffalo hunt with her husband Dick Jordan, his 19-year-old brother George, and a 23-year-old Swede named Fred Nelson, told the story of the men’s deaths. The three were found either shot with rifles or arrows and scalped. Despite leaving a trail of fabric from her cloak, Mary vanished.According to Martin, around 1872, prior to this event, Dick constructed a home for his new bride and himself at Parks Fort. At that time, a box car on the side of the track served as a telegraph office and the deep well remained. Dick and his bride shared their home and fixed up two dugouts once used by soldiers on the south side of the track. There he could dry buffalo meat.Another pioneer family stayed at Parks Fort in 1879 until they could claim their land. Claire Yoxall of the Cortwright family noted that in 1879, only the deep well remained.Visit Trego County Historical Museum to view artifacts H. and M. Newcomer found near what once served as Park’s Fort. Turn your mind loose with stories of native tribes, hunters, soldiers, railroad builders, and homesteaders. Imagine a meadowlark trill and a prairie wolf howl to complete your time travel.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Fort Ogallah—Parks Fort: Early Ellis/Trego County History

Senate Passes Budget: The one constitutional responsibility the legislature must accomplish every year is to pass a balanced budget. Last week, the legislature got one step closer to the FY 2026 budget when the Senate adopted the Senate Sub for HB2007.

This marks the first year of a reformed budget process, in which the legislature takes primary control of crafting the budget, rather than merely reviewing the governor’s recommendations as in previous years. The budget includes more than $25B in expenditures, including $10.6B from the state general fund. 

Now the House and Senate positions go to conference committee to work out the differences between the two chambers’ recommendations, with a final budget to be voted on by both chambers this week.

Last week, the Senate re-adopted HCR5011 which, if adopted by a two-thirds majority of each chamber of the Kansas Legislature and approved by voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to generally limit, for property tax purposes, the growth of taxable value of any real property or residential mobile home and personal property to 3% per year. The repassage of this amendment sends it to conference committee, so the Senate can work out differences between approaches to property tax relief with the House.

Home ownership is still a core value of the American Dream, but it’s harder for people to obtain. Part of the problem lies in the fact there are simply not enough single-family homes being built. Oftentimes, the culprit is slow approval processes at the local level. The Senate approved HB2088, which would create the Fast-Track Permits Act for single family residential developments with the stated purpose of enhancing economic growth in local communities and streamlining the building permit review process.

This bill would require a local government or local governmental authority to approve or deny a building permit for improvement of single-family residential property within its jurisdiction within 60 days of receiving a completed application. If the authority fails to provide written notice of an application’s approval or denial, the application must be deemed approved by the authority.

The key to ensuring that our voter rolls are free from illegal immigrants is careful monitoring. The Senate passed HB2020, which would direct the Director of Vehicles at the Department of Revenue, to provide the Secretary of State with a list of all permanent and temporary driver’s licenses issued to noncitizens on a quarterly basis. The list of non-citizens must contain the names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, alien registration numbers, dates of birth, temporary driver’s license numbers and the expiration dates of such licenses.

The bill would direct the Secretary to compare the list provided by the Director with the voter registration rolls and investigate and then direct the county election officer to remove the names of any alleged or suspected non-citizens that appear on the voter registration rolls within five business days. The bill would require the county election officer to notify such person that they may be reinstated on the voter registration rolls by providing proof of their citizenship.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785- 296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA Senate Passes Budget: The one constitutional responsibility the legislature must accomplish every year is to pass a balanced budget. Last week, the legislature got one step closer to the FY 2026 budget when the Senate adopted the Senate Sub for HB2007. This marks the first year of a reformed budget process, in which the legislature takes primary control of crafting the budget, rather than merely reviewing the governor’s recommendations as in previous years. The budget includes more than $25B in expenditures, including $10.6B from the state general fund. Now the House and Senate positions go to conference committee to work out the differences between the two chambers’ recommendations, with a final budget to be voted on by both chambers this week.Last week, the Senate re-adopted HCR5011 which, if adopted by a two-thirds majority of each chamber of the Kansas Legislature and approved by voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to generally limit, for property tax purposes, the growth of taxable value of any real property or residential mobile home and personal property to 3% per year. The repassage of this amendment sends it to conference committee, so the Senate can work out differences between approaches to property tax relief with the House.Home ownership is still a core value of the American Dream, but it’s harder for people to obtain. Part of the problem lies in the fact there are simply not enough single-family homes being built. Oftentimes, the culprit is slow approval processes at the local level. The Senate approved HB2088, which would create the Fast-Track Permits Act for single family residential developments with the stated purpose of enhancing economic growth in local communities and streamlining the building permit review process. This bill would require a local government or local governmental authority to approve or deny a building permit for improvement of single-family residential property within its jurisdiction within 60 days of receiving a completed application. If the authority fails to provide written notice of an application’s approval or denial, the application must be deemed approved by the authority.The key to ensuring that our voter rolls are free from illegal immigrants is careful monitoring. The Senate passed HB2020, which would direct the Director of Vehicles at the Department of Revenue, to provide the Secretary of State with a list of all permanent and temporary driver’s licenses issued to noncitizens on a quarterly basis. The list of non-citizens must contain the names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, alien registration numbers, dates of birth, temporary driver’s license numbers and the expiration dates of such licenses. The bill would direct the Secretary to compare the list provided by the Director with the voter registration rolls and investigate and then direct the county election officer to remove the names of any alleged or suspected non-citizens that appear on the voter registration rolls within five business days. The bill would require the county election officer to notify such person that they may be reinstated on the voter registration rolls by providing proof of their citizenship.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785- 296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate Update, March 25, 2025

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue are among the most common grasses needing attention, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini, who shares the following maintenance calendar:

March Spot treat broadleaf weeds, if necessary. Treat on a day that is 50 degrees or warmer. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours of application will reduce effectiveness.

April Apply crabgrass preventer when redbud trees are in full bloom, usually in April. The preventer needs to be watered in before it will start to work. One-quarter inch of water will be enough to water in any of the products commonly available.

May Fertilize the lawn with a slow-release fertilizer if you water your lawn or if you normally receive enough rainfall that your turf doesn’t go drought-dormant during the summer. If there are broadleaf weeds, spot treat with a spray or use a fertilizer that includes a weed killer. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours of application will reduce effectiveness of the weed killer, but the fertilizer needs to be watered in. If you are using a product that has both fertilizer and weed killer, wait 24 hours after application before watering in.

If grubs have been a problem in the past, apply a product containing imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole during May or anytime from May through June for imidacloprid. These products work to prevent grub damage. If rainfall does not occur within 24 hours, irrigate with ¼ inch of water.

June through Mid-July Apply second round of crabgrass preventer by June 15 – unless you have used Dimension (dithiopyr) or Barricade (prodiamine) for the April application.

Late-July through August If you see grub damage, apply a grub killer that contains Dylox. Imidacloprid and chlorantraniliprole are effective against young grubs but may not be effective on late instar grubs. The grub killer containing Dylox must be watered in within 24 hours or effectiveness drops.

September Fertilize around Labor Day. This is the most important fertilization of the year. Water in the fertilizer if rainfall does not occur.

November Fertilize. This fertilizer is taken up by the roots but is not used until the following spring. Water in fertilizer. Spray for broadleaf weeds even if they are small. Broadleaf weeds are much easier to control in the fall than in the spring. Try to spray on a day that is at least 50 degrees. Use label rates for all products.

Domenghini reminds homeowners that using best practices for turf management is the most effective way to manage their lawn. “This includes watering only when needed and only applying as much as needed. Deep, infrequent watering is more efficient than frequent, shallow watering. Excessive fertilizer does not equal a healthier lawn and follow recommendations for lawn height when mowing."

 She also recommends getting the soil tested to determine nutrient levels. The best start to a healthy lawn is healthy soil.

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&nbsp;Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an&nbsp;Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictCool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue are among the most common grasses needing attention, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini, who shares the following maintenance calendar:March Spot treat broadleaf weeds, if necessary. Treat on a day that is 50 degrees or warmer. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours of application will reduce effectiveness.April Apply crabgrass preventer when redbud trees are in full bloom, usually in April. The preventer needs to be watered in before it will start to work. One-quarter inch of water will be enough to water in any of the products commonly available.May Fertilize the lawn with a slow-release fertilizer if you water your lawn or if you normally receive enough rainfall that your turf doesn’t go drought-dormant during the summer. If there are broadleaf weeds, spot treat with a spray or use a fertilizer that includes a weed killer. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours of application will reduce effectiveness of the weed killer, but the fertilizer needs to be watered in. If you are using a product that has both fertilizer and weed killer, wait 24 hours after application before watering in.If grubs have been a problem in the past, apply a product containing imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole during May or anytime from May through June for imidacloprid. These products work to prevent grub damage. If rainfall does not occur within 24 hours, irrigate with ¼ inch of water.June through Mid-July Apply second round of crabgrass preventer by June 15 – unless you have used Dimension (dithiopyr) or Barricade (prodiamine) for the April application.Late-July through August If you see grub damage, apply a grub killer that contains Dylox. Imidacloprid and chlorantraniliprole are effective against young grubs but may not be effective on late instar grubs. The grub killer containing Dylox must be watered in within 24 hours or effectiveness drops.September Fertilize around Labor Day. This is the most important fertilization of the year. Water in the fertilizer if rainfall does not occur.November Fertilize. This fertilizer is taken up by the roots but is not used until the following spring. Water in fertilizer. Spray for broadleaf weeds even if they are small. Broadleaf weeds are much easier to control in the fall than in the spring. Try to spray on a day that is at least 50 degrees. Use label rates for all products. Domenghini reminds homeowners that using best practices for turf management is the most effective way to manage their lawn. “This includes watering only when needed and only applying as much as needed. Deep, infrequent watering is more efficient than frequent, shallow watering. Excessive fertilizer does not equal a healthier lawn and follow recommendations for lawn height when mowing." She also recommends getting the soil tested to determine nutrient levels. The best start to a healthy lawn is healthy soil.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: As lawns turn green, controlling weeds, applying fertilizer is important

Following the unfortunate <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6e85435e-6359-49f9-9065-13e910c2ef48">fire that destroyed the Garden Theatre</a>, local entrepreneur Carroll Bartlett Kelly purchased two lots and rebuilt the theatre in WaKeeney.

Business sense ran in this family that arrived in the newly established community in 1879. According to the Western Kansas World, C.B.’s grandfather “engaged in the hardware business, the firm known as Kelly and Walker, one of the first business establishments in the town.”

 Prior to young C.B.’s military service in World War I and after his return, he worked in the family-owned Star Grocery. In the 1920s, he managed the Garden Theatre in addition to holding other jobs.

During his military enlistment, young Kelly served on the Mexican border and later in France as an Infantry 2nd Lieutenant. Seriously wounded in France, C.B. required four years of treatment in American service hospitals following WWI. After returning to WaKeeney, he served as postmaster from 1924 until 1936, according to his obituary. Overcoming serious injuries, he served his home community until his death in 1951.

C.B.’s can-do attitude guided the rebuild of the local movie house, renamed the Kelly Theatre. The Western Kansas World said the new facility, which officially opened on November 7, 1929 was constructed using 125 x 38 feet of fireproof brick and tile and included 540 spring-bottom upholstered seats that filled the main floor, with another 60 in the balcony. A wine-colored satin curtain fronted the 20 x 38-foot stage. The basement contained the heating and cooling system while the projection room sported Vitaphone Talking equipment. Upon completion, WaKeeney area residents again enjoyed moving pictures.

As in the present, technology continually updated. Mr. Kelly accommodated patrons with new sound equipment from Universal Television Co. The June 26, 1930 Western Kansas World mentioned the new system was “superior to the old 5 tube sets.”

During July 1931, Kelly again dealt with blue law enforcement. He responded to legal demands that he close his theatre on Sundays by closing his doors, stating, “As soon as the smoke clears, he will reopen for business.”

Though I didn’t find a specific reopening date, the October 1, 1931 Western Kansas World reported that C.B. invested in 5,000 advertising cards promoting October, November, and December show dates. The article mentioned movie patronage increased other business in town. It appears folks supported the reopened theatre.

In November of '31, Kelly advertised the Dayton Vaudeville Act between shows. Audiences got their money’s worth watching an added live show during intermission. Imagine the buzz circulating as folks exited that performance.

Kelly continued to prosper. Despite a diminishing national economy, Mr. Kelly continued improving his theatre in 1933. The June 22 paper records that he installed an “18-foot Dayton Perforated Picture Screen that permitted him to show larger, brighter pictures.” He also updated the stage curtain.

He added improvements according to the July 13, 1933 Western Kansas World. He increased the lobby room, widened aisles, and installed a partition to separate those waiting to attend the second show.

Other businesses may have suffered hard times, but thanks to C.B. Kelly’s astute business sense, the Kelly Theatre thrived.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN Following the unfortunate <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6e85435e-6359-49f9-9065-13e910c2ef48">fire that destroyed the Garden Theatre</a>, local entrepreneur Carroll Bartlett Kelly purchased two lots and rebuilt the theatre in WaKeeney. Business sense ran in this family that arrived in the newly established community in 1879. According to the Western Kansas World, C.B.’s grandfather “engaged in the hardware business, the firm known as Kelly and Walker, one of the first business establishments in the town.” Prior to young C.B.’s military service in World War I and after his return, he worked in the family-owned Star Grocery. In the 1920s, he managed the Garden Theatre in addition to holding other jobs.During his military enlistment, young Kelly served on the Mexican border and later in France as an Infantry 2nd Lieutenant. Seriously wounded in France, C.B. required four years of treatment in American service hospitals following WWI. After returning to WaKeeney, he served as postmaster from 1924 until 1936, according to his obituary. Overcoming serious injuries, he served his home community until his death in 1951.C.B.’s can-do attitude guided the rebuild of the local movie house, renamed the Kelly Theatre. The Western Kansas World said the new facility, which officially opened on November 7, 1929 was constructed using 125 x 38 feet of fireproof brick and tile and included 540 spring-bottom upholstered seats that filled the main floor, with another 60 in the balcony. A wine-colored satin curtain fronted the 20 x 38-foot stage. The basement contained the heating and cooling system while the projection room sported Vitaphone Talking equipment. Upon completion, WaKeeney area residents again enjoyed moving pictures.As in the present, technology continually updated. Mr. Kelly accommodated patrons with new sound equipment from Universal Television Co. The June 26, 1930 Western Kansas World mentioned the new system was “superior to the old 5 tube sets.”During July 1931, Kelly again dealt with blue law enforcement. He responded to legal demands that he close his theatre on Sundays by closing his doors, stating, “As soon as the smoke clears, he will reopen for business.”Though I didn’t find a specific reopening date, the October 1, 1931 Western Kansas World reported that C.B. invested in 5,000 advertising cards promoting October, November, and December show dates. The article mentioned movie patronage increased other business in town. It appears folks supported the reopened theatre.In November of '31, Kelly advertised the Dayton Vaudeville Act between shows. Audiences got their money’s worth watching an added live show during intermission. Imagine the buzz circulating as folks exited that performance.Kelly continued to prosper. Despite a diminishing national economy, Mr. Kelly continued improving his theatre in 1933. The June 22 paper records that he installed an “18-foot Dayton Perforated Picture Screen that permitted him to show larger, brighter pictures.” He also updated the stage curtain.He added improvements according to the July 13, 1933 Western Kansas World. He increased the lobby room, widened aisles, and installed a partition to separate those waiting to attend the second show.Other businesses may have suffered hard times, but thanks to C.B. Kelly’s astute business sense, the Kelly Theatre thrived.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Kelly Theatre—Part 2

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of death for infants over 28 days and claim 3,500 lives each year in the United States. According to the most recent data provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas 2021 infant mortality rate was 5.3 per 1,000 live births. This means nearly 200 babies did not survive to celebrate their first birthday.

The good news is that overall, the infant rate has declined significantly from 2002 to 2021. Furthermore, the 2022 Kansas State Child Death Review Board reported that 58% of all Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths were found sleeping in an adult bed and 98% of the SIDS deaths had one or more factors contributing to an unsafe sleep environment.

“Too many babies are dying, which means too many families are grieving” says Christy Schunn,&nbsp;executive director of Kansas Infant Death and SIDS (KIDS) Network.

&nbsp;"While we have made progress over the last ten years, the KIDS Network remains committed to working with partners across Kansas to continue intervention efforts to decrease infant mortality and protect the lives of our state’s youngest and most vulnerable population."

Together with Cottonwood District and Infant Toddler Services- Kid Link, the KIDS Network will host a Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower, Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at St. Nicholas Church, 2901 E. 13th St., Hays.

Community Baby Showers are an interactive and educational event for expectant parents or new parents (under six months) and their support people to learn the ABCs of Safe Sleep—all babies should sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in Clutter-free Crib. 

The pregnant women who attend the shower and receive the safe sleep training will receive a free portable crib and a wearable blanket, based on availability. Breastfeeding, tobacco awareness, and mental health resources will be available in addition to many other vendors who will have giveaways and door prizes. Refreshments will be served. 

Do you know someone who could benefit? Encourage them to attend the Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower in either Barton or Ellis County. Educational sessions begin every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Pre- and post-surveys will be required to receive crib and wearable blanket.

To sign up for the Ellis County Community Baby Shower visit:<a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUqqdieTFCaHqrY"> bit.ly/ellisco-communitybabyshower</a>

Barton County Health Department and Kansas Children’s Services League Healthy Families will be co-hosting the Barton County Community Baby Shower on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. This event is at an indoor location this year at the Great Bend Events Center, Great Bend.&nbsp;

Over 20 different organizations will be providing information for attendees. Door prize drawings will be held during the event. Safe sleep demonstrations will be presented throughout the event. Pregnant women or those with infants 6 months of age and under who complete the safe sleep pre- and post-test as well as the safe sleep demonstration will receive a portable crib and sleep sack until supplies run out. 

We will also be providing a car seat check lane in the parking lot. Certified Car Seat Technicians are available to teach attendees to properly install car seats. Technicians can also check already installed car seats to make sure they are installed properly. 

Tdap vaccine will be available to pregnant women or caregivers to protect newborns from pertussis. Nurses will be available to check immunization records for attendees and make recommendations if vaccines are due.

Come check out the local resources for new families at the Great Bend Events Center on Thursday, April 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

The KIDS Network is a nonprofit agency serving individuals who have been touched by the tragedy of infant death or SIDS in Kansas and those individuals or organizations who strive to reduce the risk of infant deaths by providing supportive services, community education, professional training and supporting associated research.

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/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 DistrictSleep-related deaths are the leading cause of death for infants over 28 days and claim 3,500 lives each year in the United States. According to the most recent data provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas 2021 infant mortality rate was 5.3 per 1,000 live births. This means nearly 200 babies did not survive to celebrate their first birthday.The good news is that overall, the infant rate has declined significantly from 2002 to 2021. Furthermore, the 2022 Kansas State Child Death Review Board reported that 58% of all Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths were found sleeping in an adult bed and 98% of the SIDS deaths had one or more factors contributing to an unsafe sleep environment.“Too many babies are dying, which means too many families are grieving” says Christy Schunn,&nbsp;executive director of Kansas Infant Death and SIDS (KIDS) Network.&nbsp;"While we have made progress over the last ten years, the KIDS Network remains committed to working with partners across Kansas to continue intervention efforts to decrease infant mortality and protect the lives of our state’s youngest and most vulnerable population."Together with Cottonwood District and Infant Toddler Services- Kid Link, the KIDS Network will host a Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower, Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at St. Nicholas Church, 2901 E. 13th St., Hays.Community Baby Showers are an interactive and educational event for expectant parents or new parents (under six months) and their support people to learn the ABCs of Safe Sleep—all babies should sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in Clutter-free Crib. The pregnant women who attend the shower and receive the safe sleep training will receive a free portable crib and a wearable blanket, based on availability. Breastfeeding, tobacco awareness, and mental health resources will be available in addition to many other vendors who will have giveaways and door prizes. Refreshments will be served. Do you know someone who could benefit? Encourage them to attend the Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower in either Barton or Ellis County. Educational sessions begin every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Pre- and post-surveys will be required to receive crib and wearable blanket. To sign up for the Ellis County Community Baby Shower visit:<a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUqqdieTFCaHqrY"> bit.ly/ellisco-communitybabyshower</a>Barton County Health Department and Kansas Children’s Services League Healthy Families will be co-hosting the Barton County Community Baby Shower on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. This event is at an indoor location this year at the Great Bend Events Center, Great Bend.&nbsp;Over 20 different organizations will be providing information for attendees. Door prize drawings will be held during the event. Safe sleep demonstrations will be presented throughout the event. Pregnant women or those with infants 6 months of age and under who complete the safe sleep pre- and post-test as well as the safe sleep demonstration will receive a portable crib and sleep sack until supplies run out. We will also be providing a car seat check lane in the parking lot. Certified Car Seat Technicians are available to teach attendees to properly install car seats. Technicians can also check already installed car seats to make sure they are installed properly. Tdap vaccine will be available to pregnant women or caregivers to protect newborns from pertussis. Nurses will be available to check immunization records for attendees and make recommendations if vaccines are due.Come check out the local resources for new families at the Great Bend Events Center on Thursday, April 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.The KIDS Network is a nonprofit agency serving individuals who have been touched by the tragedy of infant death or SIDS in Kansas and those individuals or organizations who strive to reduce the risk of infant deaths by providing supportive services, community education, professional training and supporting associated research.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: Safe Sleep community baby showers

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

Have you ever stepped into the water on the first fishing trip of the spring only to find your waders leaked? Or lost a nice fish because the line on your reel was old and snapped? Or even found while trying to make the first cast of the year that your reel wouldn’t work at all? All of the above are scenarios that can easily be avoided with a little prior planning. So here are a few tips to help make you ready for action when your buddy calls and screams into the phone “The fish are bitin’!”

Check your gear early. We all lose tackle each year to rocks and “stick fish,” so go through your tackle box, make a list and stock up. 

Check your waders for leaks. If they didn’t leak the last time you took them off, they probably won’t leak now, but be sure; it’s better than an unexpected boot full of cold water. 

Line on fishing reels should be changed every few years; the more often you use it the more often it should be changed. You can buy spools of line and DIY, or most sporting goods stores have a machine to do it for a small fee. 

If you fish from a boat, hopefully you’ve gone over it by now to make sure the batteries are good, the motor starts and runs well and the trailer tires aren’t flat. Also be certain to have life preservers on board for every passenger, because if stopped by wildlife and parks on the water or at the dock, they will check that. If you hate wearing life jackets while fishing like most of us do, look into some of the new technology that now allows life jackets to be much smaller, thinner and less obstructing.

We were just leaving town the other day when my wife snapped her fingers in the air and stated “Darn, I forgot to get my new fishing license.” That excuse won’t fly with a game warden if you get checked only to discover your fishing (or hunting) license has expired, so be sure yours is up-to-date.

 If you are 65, you can purchase a lifetime combination hunting / fishing license for only $42.50. That’s good until you turn 74 and no longer need a license; it’s the deal of the century! 

Have you ever bought your hunting license late in the season, and grumbled about it only being good for a short time until New Year’s Eve? Well, grumble no more as that now has changed. Now all annual licenses (NOT special permits like deer and turkey tags and fur harvester’s permits) are valid for 365 days from the time you purchase them. So, for example, if you buy a hunting license just in time for the November pheasant opener, that license will be good until that date the following year. And to take convenience one step further, if you purchase licenses online, you can now sign up for a feature called “auto renew” that will send you a notice a few weeks before your new license is due each year, then automatically renew it and charge it to a credit or debit card.

Along with possessing the proper licenses and permits, comes knowledge of all Kansas fishing rules and regulations. 

Some regulations are statewide and apply to every cubic inch of Kansas water, whether lake, river, stream or reservoir. 

Some lakes and reservoirs, however, have length limits, etc. that are unique to that water. That’s why every Kansas fisherman’s tackle box should contain a copy of the 2025 Kansas Fishing regulations Summary, a booklet that lists all that information for all Kansas lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes, so you should never get “caught” with your hook bare, so to speak. These should be available everywhere tackle and licenses are sold.

If you’re like me, and not a died-in-the-wool fisherman, it’s handy to know what lakes and reservoirs are best for what fish species. Another handy booklet no Kansas fisherman should be without is the 2025 Fishing Forecast. 

This forecast is assembled by Kansas fisheries biologists using data gathered when they sample lakes in each of their jurisdictions. For each fish species, it rates lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes for largest fish and largest fish populations. 

These forecasts are available at all Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices and to download online from the website at <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>.

So instead of helping put the “pro” in procrastinate, take care of business by getting your fishing stuff in order, making certain your license is up-to-date, arm yourselves with all the available information readily available about Kansas fishing regulations and opportunities, and take someone along who’s new to fishing 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 GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsHave you ever stepped into the water on the first fishing trip of the spring only to find your waders leaked? Or lost a nice fish because the line on your reel was old and snapped? Or even found while trying to make the first cast of the year that your reel wouldn’t work at all? All of the above are scenarios that can easily be avoided with a little prior planning. So here are a few tips to help make you ready for action when your buddy calls and screams into the phone “The fish are bitin’!”Check your gear early. We all lose tackle each year to rocks and “stick fish,” so go through your tackle box, make a list and stock up. Check your waders for leaks. If they didn’t leak the last time you took them off, they probably won’t leak now, but be sure; it’s better than an unexpected boot full of cold water. Line on fishing reels should be changed every few years; the more often you use it the more often it should be changed. You can buy spools of line and DIY, or most sporting goods stores have a machine to do it for a small fee. If you fish from a boat, hopefully you’ve gone over it by now to make sure the batteries are good, the motor starts and runs well and the trailer tires aren’t flat. Also be certain to have life preservers on board for every passenger, because if stopped by wildlife and parks on the water or at the dock, they will check that. If you hate wearing life jackets while fishing like most of us do, look into some of the new technology that now allows life jackets to be much smaller, thinner and less obstructing.We were just leaving town the other day when my wife snapped her fingers in the air and stated “Darn, I forgot to get my new fishing license.” That excuse won’t fly with a game warden if you get checked only to discover your fishing (or hunting) license has expired, so be sure yours is up-to-date. If you are 65, you can purchase a lifetime combination hunting / fishing license for only $42.50. That’s good until you turn 74 and no longer need a license; it’s the deal of the century! Have you ever bought your hunting license late in the season, and grumbled about it only being good for a short time until New Year’s Eve? Well, grumble no more as that now has changed. Now all annual licenses (NOT special permits like deer and turkey tags and fur harvester’s permits) are valid for 365 days from the time you purchase them. So, for example, if you buy a hunting license just in time for the November pheasant opener, that license will be good until that date the following year. And to take convenience one step further, if you purchase licenses online, you can now sign up for a feature called “auto renew” that will send you a notice a few weeks before your new license is due each year, then automatically renew it and charge it to a credit or debit card.Along with possessing the proper licenses and permits, comes knowledge of all Kansas fishing rules and regulations. Some regulations are statewide and apply to every cubic inch of Kansas water, whether lake, river, stream or reservoir. Some lakes and reservoirs, however, have length limits, etc. that are unique to that water. That’s why every Kansas fisherman’s tackle box should contain a copy of the 2025 Kansas Fishing regulations Summary, a booklet that lists all that information for all Kansas lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes, so you should never get “caught” with your hook bare, so to speak. These should be available everywhere tackle and licenses are sold.If you’re like me, and not a died-in-the-wool fisherman, it’s handy to know what lakes and reservoirs are best for what fish species. Another handy booklet no Kansas fisherman should be without is the 2025 Fishing Forecast. This forecast is assembled by Kansas fisheries biologists using data gathered when they sample lakes in each of their jurisdictions. For each fish species, it rates lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes for largest fish and largest fish populations. These forecasts are available at all Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices and to download online from the website at <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>. So instead of helping put the “pro” in procrastinate, take care of business by getting your fishing stuff in order, making certain your license is up-to-date, arm yourselves with all the available information readily available about Kansas fishing regulations and opportunities, and take someone along who’s new to fishing as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Be prepared when the fish are biting

By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight Kansas

This is not a Republican illusion. The political leanings of academia are very real.

Most professors identify as liberal and Democrat. University administrators skew left as well. It’s striking how few professors are conservative or Republican. The imbalance began during the Reagan era and has accelerated since that time. It’s most severe in the social sciences and humanities, though the number of liberal professors has increased across all disciplines.

The education establishment in general stands out as a major supporter of Democrats, ranked 13th on Open Secrets’ list of top industry contributors in 2024. Several prominent universities were listed in the top 100 companies whose workforce donated the most to Joe Biden in 2020. College towns are also hotbeds of progressive culture that can deliver decisive margins for Democrats in competitive statewide races.

It’s not surprising that universities are now in the crosshairs of the Trump administration.

This isn’t the old GOP that complained about radical campus liberals while attracting sizeable shares of the college educated vote. Political tensions are much higher today, and party coalitions are divided by educational attainment. In 2024, for example, a majority of voters without a college degree supported Trump while a majority with a college degree supported Harris. As the diploma divide expands, universities are increasingly ensnared in political disputes, pressured by one side to stand up and by the other to stand aside.

This is troubling. Public confidence in higher education has reached an all-time low. The primary factor cited is political agendas.

Approximately seventy percent say higher education is headed in the wrong direction.

Understandably there is a strong desire within universities to push back against Trump.

But that would only exacerbate the situation. Consider the Marches for Science that took place following Trump’s victory in 2016.

Democrat lawmakers congratulated researchers for organizing and fighting back. Republicans charged left-wing bias.

What compels universities to enter the labyrinth of political and social issues that divide the nation? Aligning too closely with one side introduces unnecessary risks and, as we’ve seen, defeat results in serious political fallout. Instead, adopt a policy of institutional neutrality and relentlessly spotlight the value of universities to the states and communities they serve. A university’s value reaches well beyond a degree, positively impacting a region’s economic, social, and health outcomes.

Universities may also consider directing additional resources toward lobbying.

While state appropriations have dipped, they still represent a sizeable share of university revenue. Building close connections with legislators pays off in countless ways. It’s crucial to recruit and retain people that connect with legislators and appreciate their experiences regardless of party.

This isn’t about forsaking principles. It’s about necessary adjustments, a thoughtful reset to effectively respond to the new political environment. Finally, federal cutbacks impact Republicans too. This will test GOP lawmakers support for Trump. Legal battles are likely to impede Trump’s momentum as well.

And there’s the midterms. Democrats have a strong chance of reclaiming the House in 2026.

Until then, don’t make higher education an even bigger target. Recommit to core purposes of research and teaching and draw a hard line against politicization.

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 Joslyn. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mark Joslyn. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight Kansas This is not a Republican illusion. The political leanings of academia are very real.Most professors identify as liberal and Democrat. University administrators skew left as well. It’s striking how few professors are conservative or Republican. The imbalance began during the Reagan era and has accelerated since that time. It’s most severe in the social sciences and humanities, though the number of liberal professors has increased across all disciplines.The education establishment in general stands out as a major supporter of Democrats, ranked 13th on Open Secrets’ list of top industry contributors in 2024. Several prominent universities were listed in the top 100 companies whose workforce donated the most to Joe Biden in 2020. College towns are also hotbeds of progressive culture that can deliver decisive margins for Democrats in competitive statewide races.It’s not surprising that universities are now in the crosshairs of the Trump administration.This isn’t the old GOP that complained about radical campus liberals while attracting sizeable shares of the college educated vote. Political tensions are much higher today, and party coalitions are divided by educational attainment. In 2024, for example, a majority of voters without a college degree supported Trump while a majority with a college degree supported Harris. As the diploma divide expands, universities are increasingly ensnared in political disputes, pressured by one side to stand up and by the other to stand aside.This is troubling. Public confidence in higher education has reached an all-time low. The primary factor cited is political agendas.Approximately seventy percent say higher education is headed in the wrong direction.Understandably there is a strong desire within universities to push back against Trump.But that would only exacerbate the situation. Consider the Marches for Science that took place following Trump’s victory in 2016.Democrat lawmakers congratulated researchers for organizing and fighting back. Republicans charged left-wing bias.Politicization increased.What compels universities to enter the labyrinth of political and social issues that divide the nation? Aligning too closely with one side introduces unnecessary risks and, as we’ve seen, defeat results in serious political fallout. Instead, adopt a policy of institutional neutrality and relentlessly spotlight the value of universities to the states and communities they serve. A university’s value reaches well beyond a degree, positively impacting a region’s economic, social, and health outcomes.Universities may also consider directing additional resources toward lobbying.While state appropriations have dipped, they still represent a sizeable share of university revenue. Building close connections with legislators pays off in countless ways. It’s crucial to recruit and retain people that connect with legislators and appreciate their experiences regardless of party.This isn’t about forsaking principles. It’s about necessary adjustments, a thoughtful reset to effectively respond to the new political environment. Finally, federal cutbacks impact Republicans too. This will test GOP lawmakers support for Trump. Legal battles are likely to impede Trump’s momentum as well.And there’s the midterms. Democrats have a strong chance of reclaiming the House in 2026.The pendulum then swings back.Until then, don’t make higher education an even bigger target. Recommit to core purposes of research and teaching and draw a hard line against politicization.Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Reject politicization, emphasize the value of universities

TOPEKA — Senate Committees continued to review bills which have been sent over from the House. As we work though committee bills on the floor, we will also begin to have Conference Committee reports to vote on as well. A Conference Committee is a small, bipartisan and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House’s and Senate’s version of a similar bill. Once the Conference Committee comes to a compromise, the committee’s version of the bill will be sent to both the House and the Senate for a final vote, before advancing the bill to the Governor’s desk.

By a vote of 38-2, Steven Anderson was confirmed to the Office of Inspector General.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb14/">SB14</a>&nbsp;would prevent the state government from shutting down in the event the governor and legislature can’t come to an agreement on a budget prior to the end of the fiscal year. In such an event, the bill would provide for continuing appropriations at the same level as the previous fiscal year. This would ensure that schools would never close and that state government operations would continue. Both the House and Senate have passed SB 14 and the differences are being worked out in conference committee. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2062/">HB 2062</a> would make amendments to law regarding child support guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to require the guidelines to consider the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother. The Senate amended the bill to also include a personal exemption of $2,320 for any unborn child, as defined by the bill, starting in tax year 2025. HB 2062 passed 30-9. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2029/">HB 2029</a> would designate as the Rep Marvin S Robinson Memorial Highway a portion of K-5 in Wyandotte County, from North 18th Street to North 38th Street and would remove the portion of I-635 that shares a route with K-5 from designation as the Harry Darby Memorial Highway. HB 2029 passed 37-2. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2092/">HB 2092</a> would modify the automatic expiration date of professional employer organization (PEO) registrations and filing of annual audits and would modify surety bond requirements for those PEOs with insufficient working capital. HB 2092 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2117/">HB 2117</a> would modify business filing requirements for certain entities, authorize certain entities rendering a professional service to participate in transactions under the Business Entity Transactions Act, and make certain information provided by a covered entity’s former registered agent a public record. HB 2117 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2166/">HB 2166</a> would continue in existence certain exceptions to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). HB 2166 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2027/">HB 2027</a> would reorganize subsections within the public assistance statute pertaining to eligibility requirements for the cash assistance program (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF), the food assistance program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP), and the child care subsidy program; general requirements related to drug screenings and convictions; assignment of support rights to the Secretary for Children and Families and limited power of attorney; and provisions related to fraud investigations. HB 2027 passed 31-8. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2124/">HB 2124</a> would designate two portions of highway and one bridge in honor of military service members: The CPL Monte Wayne Forrest Memorial Highway would be a portion of US-160 in Sumner County, from the eastern city limits of Argonia east to Eden Road, The POW MIA Memorial Highway&nbsp;would be US-77 from I-70 in Geary County north to US-24 in Riley County and from its eastern intersection with US24 in Riley County north to the junction with K-16, also in Riley County and The POW MIA Memorial Bridge would be Bridge No. 82-14-6.88 (026) on K-82 in Clay County. HB 2124 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2155/">HB 2155</a> would specify that sheriffs have liability for official acts of the sheriff and sheriff’s sureties related to the charge and custody of county jails. HB 2155 passed 30-9. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2347/">HB 2347</a> would amend the required culpability of a person obtaining control over stolen property or services and would make the theft of certain motor vehicles a felony. The bill would also make theft of a motor vehicle that is valued between $500 and $1,500 a severity level 10 nonperson felony. HB 2347 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb213/">SB 213</a> would prohibit non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and places and change the fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps. SB 213 passed 38-1. I voted yes.

HB 2042 would amend law related to title insurance agent audits, surety bonds, and controlled business. HB 2042 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb20https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2043/43/">HB 2043</a> would allow an insurer or producer to request an extension of a pilot or testing program for a value-added product or service beyond a one-year period for any additional time needed to determine whether the value-added product or service meets the criteria in the case the insurer or producer is unable to determine sufficient evidence within the first year. The bill would clarify the time period for an agent or insurer to respond to an inquiry concerning a consumer complaint from the Insurance Department to be within 14 calendar days of receipt of the inquiry The bill would add the failure of an insurer to respond to an inquiry from the Department to the list of actions that could lead the Commissioner of Insurance to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse a new license or application for license. HB 2043 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2045/">HB 2045</a> would grant the Commissioner of Insurance the ability to decrease the number of appointed board members on certain boards that fall under the Commissioner’s appointing authority. The bill would remove the requirements for the Committee on Surety Bonds and Insurance to meet at least once per month and that the meetings be held in the office of the Commissioner. HB 2045 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2106/">HB 2106</a> would amend the Campaign Finance Act to add additional certification requirements to persons promoting or opposing the adoption or repeal of any provision of the Kansas Constitution; prohibit any person that engages in activity promoting or opposing the adoption or repeal of any provision of the Kansas Constitution from accepting contributions or expenditures from a foreign national; and define “foreign national.” HB 2106 passed 39-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1611/">SCR 1611</a>, a constitutional amendment giving Kansans the right to elect justices to the Kansas Supreme Court. If also adopted by the House, it would go to the ballot in August of 2026 for a vote of the people. If passed on the ballot with a simple majority, elections for the Kansas Supreme Court would begin in 2028. SCR1611 passed with a vote of 27-13. I voted no.

Explanation of vote - "I voted against SCR 1611 because, while I acknowledge that the current method of selecting judicial candidates through a nominating committee is not without its flaws, this resolution does not offer a sound alternative. I have previously supported a system that more closely mirrors the federal model (Senate confirmation) but SCR 1611 fails to establish essential safeguards for judicial selection. One of my concerns is the lack of parameters for candidacy. The judiciary requires expertise, impartiality, and a deep understanding of the law, and SCR 1611 does not ensure that these critical qualities are upheld in the selection process. A Senate confirmation process in Kansas would allow for more thorough vetting of a candidate. Additionally, I am concerned about the impact this resolution&nbsp;would have on rural representation. Larger population centers, with greater resources and voting power, would have the ability to dominate the selection of Supreme Court justices, leaving rural communities with little to no voice in the process. Ensuring a fair and balanced judiciary requires a system that protects representation for all Kansans, not just those in high-population areas."

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2145/">HB 2145</a> would amend law regarding county fair association boards to establish membership of the Butler County fair board. The bill would also move similar provisions regarding membership of the Cloud County fair board into the underlying county fair association board statute. Passed 39-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb4/">SB 4 </a>Requires the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election. The deadline for all ballots to be cast and/or received would be 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. The legislation would take effect on January 1, 2026, meaning 2025 local elections would be the last year in which the current “grace period” is in effect. SB4 passed 30-10 and is now headed to the Governor. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb237/">SB 237</a> would require courts to consider the value of a qualified retirement account in determination of child support orders and eliminate the exemption of such accounts from claims to collect child support. SB 237 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb269/">SB 269</a> would prohibit the Board of Tax Appeals from charging a filing fee to a taxpayer who has an appeal from a previous year still pending before BOTA. SB 269 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2261/">HB 2261</a> would add majors of the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) as being in unclassified service under the Kansas Civil Service Act. The bill also would provide permanent status for a person returning to a classified KHP position at the end of a term in an unclassified KHP position. HB 2261 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb194/">SB 194</a> would void any provision of a covenant or other restriction established or amended between January 1, 1948, and December 31, 1958. The bill would declare covenants prohibiting other than single-family residence use and containing discriminatory provisions to be against public policy and to be void and unenforceable. SB 194 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

JUDICIAL BRANCH INFORMATION – Websites for questions about Judges and rulings and elections · Kansas Courts website (<a href="https://kscourts.gov/">https://kscourts.gov/</a> ) - you will find a map of Kansas where you can click on any of the 31 judicial districts. On a judicial district page, you can see all the judges of that judicial district and find their local website where their local judges are listed.

· To learn more about the current Kansas Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals judges, the Kansas Courts website provides background information on all the justices and court of appeals judges. <a href="https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts">https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts</a>

· Decisions made by the appellate courts are posted on the Kansas Courts website. All decisions made by the courts are explained here: <a href="https://searchdro.kscourts.gov/Documents/LoadPage">https://searchdro.kscourts.gov/Documents/LoadPage</a>

· For the most recent retention elections, the Kansas Bar Association has posted judge ratings. The last retention election was for some court of appeals judges: <a href="https://ksbar.org/?pg=your-kansas-judges">https://ksbar.org/?pg=your-kansas-judges</a>. For the next retention election for appellate court judges and justices, these surveys will be taken for those members.

· Some local districts, like Johnson County, perform their own ratings on their judges. <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-sLaAnG53Jf39PCk7oZCsmA_3D_3D/">https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-sLaAnG53Jf39PCk7oZCsmA_3D_3D/</a>

WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A"> Kansas Legislature YouTube</a> – Here you can follow the legislature live as it happens, or access archives of past sessions and committee meetings. <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/">Kansas Legislature Audio </a>– Here you can listen in on session or committees when they are in session, or access prior committee meetings, as well. Kansas Legislature website – <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> - has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, and past sessions.

FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE – Scott Schwab

March is Women’s History Month – an opportunity to recognize women’s contributions to our state and nation. Kansas women were at the frontlines of the suffrage movement and helped to secure voting rights for women in Kansas before the national movement. Elwill M. Shanahan was the first female Kansas Secretary of State from 1966 to 1978. Secretary Shanahan was the first woman to hold a position in the constitutionally elected branch of Kansas government and the second female president of the National Association of Secretaries of State in 1975. Learn more about the women who paved the way for us through the <a href="https://www.kansashistory.gov/kansapedia/woman-s-suffrage/14524">Kansas Historical Society</a> and <a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-F-L/History-Government-and-Social-Studies/Womens-History-Month">Kansas State Department of Education</a>.

The newest mural was unveiled in the State Capitol on Kansas Day this year celebrates the suffragist movement with a painting named “Rebel Women” by Kansas artist Phyllis Garibay-Coon. The oil painting is 18-feet-by 8-feet and was approved in 2023 after SB 479 passed the Kansas Legislature unanimously in 2022. In total, there are 13 Kansas Suffragists depicted in the painting. The mural is located on the 1st floor east wing near the cage elevator and is the only mural in the Capitol painted by a woman – another first. One of the best ways to celebrate the suffrage movement is to register to vote. The following links are available to ensure you are prepared to participate in the upcoming municipal elections: <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/home/index">Register to vote</a> <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">Check your voter information</a>

Several legislative town halls have already taken place across the 36th Kansas Senate District, with more scheduled in the coming weeks.

· March 22 at 8:30 a.m. – Representative Lisa Mosher and I will host a Legislative Coffee at the Cuba Community Hall, sponsored by Farm Bureau. Later that morning, we will meet with constituents in Washington County at the Sale Barn Café at 11:00 a.m..

· April 1 at 1:00 p.m. – Senator Billinger, Representative Rahjes, and I will be in Stockton for a Legislative Coffee at the Stockton City Building. Later that afternoon at 2:15, we will be in Phillipsburg at the Huck Boyd Community Center. Both Legislative Coffees are sponsored by Farm Bureau.

· April 5 at 3:00 p.m. – Representative Bill Bloom and I will participate in the Farm Bureau Clay County Forum at the Happy Hippie in Clay Center.

· April 29 at 10:00 a.m. – Representative Troy Waymaster and I will be in Smith County for the VA Town Hall &amp; Health Fair at the American Legion Hall in Kensington.

We look forward to connecting with you, sharing legislative updates, and discussing the issues that matter most. Hope to see you there!

Thank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300SW 10th St. Topeka, KS&nbsp;66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785-296-7389 <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a> <a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Senate Committees continued to review bills which have been sent over from the House. As we work though committee bills on the floor, we will also begin to have Conference Committee reports to vote on as well. A Conference Committee is a small, bipartisan and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House’s and Senate’s version of a similar bill. Once the Conference Committee comes to a compromise, the committee’s version of the bill will be sent to both the House and the Senate for a final vote, before advancing the bill to the Governor’s desk.SENATE CONFIRMATIONBy a vote of 38-2, Steven Anderson was confirmed to the Office of Inspector General.SENATE FLOOR ACTION<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb14/">SB14</a>&nbsp;would prevent the state government from shutting down in the event the governor and legislature can’t come to an agreement on a budget prior to the end of the fiscal year. In such an event, the bill would provide for continuing appropriations at the same level as the previous fiscal year. This would ensure that schools would never close and that state government operations would continue. Both the House and Senate have passed SB 14 and the differences are being worked out in conference committee. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2062/">HB 2062</a> would make amendments to law regarding child support guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to require the guidelines to consider the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother. The Senate amended the bill to also include a personal exemption of $2,320 for any unborn child, as defined by the bill, starting in tax year 2025. HB 2062 passed 30-9. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2029/">HB 2029</a> would designate as the Rep Marvin S Robinson Memorial Highway a portion of K-5 in Wyandotte County, from North 18th Street to North 38th Street and would remove the portion of I-635 that shares a route with K-5 from designation as the Harry Darby Memorial Highway. HB 2029 passed 37-2. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2092/">HB 2092</a> would modify the automatic expiration date of professional employer organization (PEO) registrations and filing of annual audits and would modify surety bond requirements for those PEOs with insufficient working capital. HB 2092 passed 39-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2117/">HB 2117</a> would modify business filing requirements for certain entities, authorize certain entities rendering a professional service to participate in transactions under the Business Entity Transactions Act, and make certain information provided by a covered entity’s former registered agent a public record. HB 2117 passed 39-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2166/">HB 2166</a> would continue in existence certain exceptions to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). HB 2166 passed 39-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2027/">HB 2027</a> would reorganize subsections within the public assistance statute pertaining to eligibility requirements for the cash assistance program (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF), the food assistance program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP), and the child care subsidy program; general requirements related to drug screenings and convictions; assignment of support rights to the Secretary for Children and Families and limited power of attorney; and provisions related to fraud investigations. HB 2027 passed 31-8. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2124/">HB 2124</a> would designate two portions of highway and one bridge in honor of military service members: The CPL Monte Wayne Forrest Memorial Highway would be a portion of US-160 in Sumner County, from the eastern city limits of Argonia east to Eden Road, The POW MIA Memorial Highway&nbsp;would be US-77 from I-70 in Geary County north to US-24 in Riley County and from its eastern intersection with US24 in Riley County north to the junction with K-16, also in Riley County and The POW MIA Memorial Bridge would be Bridge No. 82-14-6.88 (026) on K-82 in Clay County. HB 2124 passed 39-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2155/">HB 2155</a> would specify that sheriffs have liability for official acts of the sheriff and sheriff’s sureties related to the charge and custody of county jails. HB 2155 passed 30-9. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2347/">HB 2347</a> would amend the required culpability of a person obtaining control over stolen property or services and would make the theft of certain motor vehicles a felony. The bill would also make theft of a motor vehicle that is valued between $500 and $1,500 a severity level 10 nonperson felony. HB 2347 passed 39-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb213/">SB 213</a> would prohibit non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and places and change the fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps. SB 213 passed 38-1. I voted yes.HB 2042 would amend law related to title insurance agent audits, surety bonds, and controlled business. HB 2042 passed 39-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb20https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2043/43/">HB 2043</a> would allow an insurer or producer to request an extension of a pilot or testing program for a value-added product or service beyond a one-year period for any additional time needed to determine whether the value-added product or service meets the criteria in the case the insurer or producer is unable to determine sufficient evidence within the first year. The bill would clarify the time period for an agent or insurer to respond to an inquiry concerning a consumer complaint from the Insurance Department to be within 14 calendar days of receipt of the inquiry The bill would add the failure of an insurer to respond to an inquiry from the Department to the list of actions that could lead the Commissioner of Insurance to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse a new license or application for license. HB 2043 passed 39-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2045/">HB 2045</a> would grant the Commissioner of Insurance the ability to decrease the number of appointed board members on certain boards that fall under the Commissioner’s appointing authority. The bill would remove the requirements for the Committee on Surety Bonds and Insurance to meet at least once per month and that the meetings be held in the office of the Commissioner. HB 2045 passed 39-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2106/">HB 2106</a> would amend the Campaign Finance Act to add additional certification requirements to persons promoting or opposing the adoption or repeal of any provision of the Kansas Constitution; prohibit any person that engages in activity promoting or opposing the adoption or repeal of any provision of the Kansas Constitution from accepting contributions or expenditures from a foreign national; and define “foreign national.” HB 2106 passed 39-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1611/">SCR 1611</a>, a constitutional amendment giving Kansans the right to elect justices to the Kansas Supreme Court. If also adopted by the House, it would go to the ballot in August of 2026 for a vote of the people. If passed on the ballot with a simple majority, elections for the Kansas Supreme Court would begin in 2028. SCR1611 passed with a vote of 27-13. I voted no.Explanation of vote - "I voted against SCR 1611 because, while I acknowledge that the current method of selecting judicial candidates through a nominating committee is not without its flaws, this resolution does not offer a sound alternative. I have previously supported a system that more closely mirrors the federal model (Senate confirmation) but SCR 1611 fails to establish essential safeguards for judicial selection. One of my concerns is the lack of parameters for candidacy. The judiciary requires expertise, impartiality, and a deep understanding of the law, and SCR 1611 does not ensure that these critical qualities are upheld in the selection process. A Senate confirmation process in Kansas would allow for more thorough vetting of a candidate. Additionally, I am concerned about the impact this resolution&nbsp;would have on rural representation. Larger population centers, with greater resources and voting power, would have the ability to dominate the selection of Supreme Court justices, leaving rural communities with little to no voice in the process. Ensuring a fair and balanced judiciary requires a system that protects representation for all Kansans, not just those in high-population areas."<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2145/">HB 2145</a> would amend law regarding county fair association boards to establish membership of the Butler County fair board. The bill would also move similar provisions regarding membership of the Cloud County fair board into the underlying county fair association board statute. Passed 39-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb4/">SB 4 </a>Requires the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election. The deadline for all ballots to be cast and/or received would be 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. The legislation would take effect on January 1, 2026, meaning 2025 local elections would be the last year in which the current “grace period” is in effect. SB4 passed 30-10 and is now headed to the Governor. I voted yes.<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb237/">SB 237</a> would require courts to consider the value of a qualified retirement account in determination of child support orders and eliminate the exemption of such accounts from claims to collect child support. SB 237 passed 40-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb269/">SB 269</a> would prohibit the Board of Tax Appeals from charging a filing fee to a taxpayer who has an appeal from a previous year still pending before BOTA. SB 269 passed 40-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2261/">HB 2261</a> would add majors of the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) as being in unclassified service under the Kansas Civil Service Act. The bill also would provide permanent status for a person returning to a classified KHP position at the end of a term in an unclassified KHP position. HB 2261 passed 40-0. I voted yes.<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb194/">SB 194</a> would void any provision of a covenant or other restriction established or amended between January 1, 1948, and December 31, 1958. The bill would declare covenants prohibiting other than single-family residence use and containing discriminatory provisions to be against public policy and to be void and unenforceable. SB 194 passed 40-0. I voted yes.JUDICIAL BRANCH INFORMATION – Websites for questions about Judges and rulings and elections · Kansas Courts website (<a href="https://kscourts.gov/">https://kscourts.gov/</a> ) - you will find a map of Kansas where you can click on any of the 31 judicial districts. On a judicial district page, you can see all the judges of that judicial district and find their local website where their local judges are listed.· To learn more about the current Kansas Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals judges, the Kansas Courts website provides background information on all the justices and court of appeals judges. <a href="https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts">https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts</a>· Decisions made by the appellate courts are posted on the Kansas Courts website. All decisions made by the courts are explained here: <a href="https://searchdro.kscourts.gov/Documents/LoadPage">https://searchdro.kscourts.gov/Documents/LoadPage</a>· For the most recent retention elections, the Kansas Bar Association has posted judge ratings. The last retention election was for some court of appeals judges: <a href="https://ksbar.org/?pg=your-kansas-judges">https://ksbar.org/?pg=your-kansas-judges</a>. For the next retention election for appellate court judges and justices, these surveys will be taken for those members.· Some local districts, like Johnson County, perform their own ratings on their judges. <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-sLaAnG53Jf39PCk7oZCsmA_3D_3D/">https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-sLaAnG53Jf39PCk7oZCsmA_3D_3D/</a>WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A"> Kansas Legislature YouTube</a> – Here you can follow the legislature live as it happens, or access archives of past sessions and committee meetings. <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/">Kansas Legislature Audio </a>– Here you can listen in on session or committees when they are in session, or access prior committee meetings, as well. Kansas Legislature website – <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> - has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, and past sessions.FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE – Scott SchwabWOMEN'S HISTORY MONTHMarch is Women’s History Month – an opportunity to recognize women’s contributions to our state and nation. Kansas women were at the frontlines of the suffrage movement and helped to secure voting rights for women in Kansas before the national movement. Elwill M. Shanahan was the first female Kansas Secretary of State from 1966 to 1978. Secretary Shanahan was the first woman to hold a position in the constitutionally elected branch of Kansas government and the second female president of the National Association of Secretaries of State in 1975. Learn more about the women who paved the way for us through the <a href="https://www.kansashistory.gov/kansapedia/woman-s-suffrage/14524">Kansas Historical Society</a> and <a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-F-L/History-Government-and-Social-Studies/Womens-History-Month">Kansas State Department of Education</a>.Rebel WomenThe newest mural was unveiled in the State Capitol on Kansas Day this year celebrates the suffragist movement with a painting named “Rebel Women” by Kansas artist Phyllis Garibay-Coon. The oil painting is 18-feet-by 8-feet and was approved in 2023 after SB 479 passed the Kansas Legislature unanimously in 2022. In total, there are 13 Kansas Suffragists depicted in the painting. The mural is located on the 1st floor east wing near the cage elevator and is the only mural in the Capitol painted by a woman – another first. One of the best ways to celebrate the suffrage movement is to register to vote. The following links are available to ensure you are prepared to participate in the upcoming municipal elections: <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/home/index">Register to vote</a> <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">Check your voter information</a>LEGISLATIVE TOWNHALLSSeveral legislative town halls have already taken place across the 36th Kansas Senate District, with more scheduled in the coming weeks.· March 22 at 8:30 a.m. – Representative Lisa Mosher and I will host a Legislative Coffee at the Cuba Community Hall, sponsored by Farm Bureau. Later that morning, we will meet with constituents in Washington County at the Sale Barn Café at 11:00 a.m..· April 1 at 1:00 p.m. – Senator Billinger, Representative Rahjes, and I will be in Stockton for a Legislative Coffee at the Stockton City Building. Later that afternoon at 2:15, we will be in Phillipsburg at the Huck Boyd Community Center. Both Legislative Coffees are sponsored by Farm Bureau.· April 5 at 3:00 p.m. – Representative Bill Bloom and I will participate in the Farm Bureau Clay County Forum at the Happy Hippie in Clay Center.· April 29 at 10:00 a.m. – Representative Troy Waymaster and I will be in Smith County for the VA Town Hall &amp; Health Fair at the American Legion Hall in Kensington.We look forward to connecting with you, sharing legislative updates, and discussing the issues that matter most. Hope to see you there!THANK YOU FOR ENGAGINGThank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300SW 10th St. Topeka, KS&nbsp;66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785-296-7389 <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a> <a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a>

BOWERS: 2025 Senate Scene, Weeks 8 & 9

News reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; talks with Brenda Meder, executive director of the Hays Arts Council on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.&nbsp;

Meder's the winner of the Arts Advocacy Award recently presented at the 2025 Kansas Governor's Arts Awards in Topeka.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Brenda Meder, Governor's Arts Advocacy Award winner" 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=ssbrb-18570a0-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>News reporter Becky Kiser&nbsp; talks with Brenda Meder, executive director of the Hays Arts Council on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.&nbsp;Meder's the winner of the Arts Advocacy Award recently presented at the 2025 Kansas Governor's Arts Awards in Topeka.&nbsp;

🎙POST PODCAST: Brenda Meder, Governor's Arts Advocacy Award winner

HOUSE PASSES LEGISLATION TO CONTROL PROPERTY TAX INCREASES

TOPEKA — Even though it was passed out of the House chamber last week, by a final action vote of 115 to 6 and I voted yes, I would be remiss to not dedicate considerable space to House Bill (HB) 2396 to you, the constituents of House District 109. In response to growing concerns of rising property tax costs from across Kansas the House Committee on Taxation developed HB 2396, after considerable work and thought.

HB 2396 answers those concerns through several means. First is that it establishes a protest petition for voters in the event that property tax revenues, within the governing jurisdiction and current year, exceed past property tax revenues adjusted by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), for the Midwest Region as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The protest petition would require signatures from 10 percent of the qualified voters in the governing jurisdiction and need to be filed within 30 days of the certification of the property tax revenue increase taking effect.

If those requirements were met the property tax in the jurisdiction would be reduced by the corresponding difference between the previous year and the current year, adusted by the forementioned CPI. Second is that the legislation creates the Acknowledging Stewardship of Tax Revenue and Appropriations (ASTRA) Fund. The fund would receive an initial transfer of $60 million from the State General Fund in Fiscal Year 2026 and then an ongoing transfer of the same amount compounded by two percent for future fiscal years.

The fund would be administered by the State Treasurer and its monies distributable to any county or city whose property tax revenues did not exceed the prior mentioned annual CPI adjusted increase. Apportionment of the distributable fund would be calculated by the State Treasurer, with 65 percent based on population and 35 percent on assessed property valuations; said apportionment would also be certified by the Director of Property Tax Valuation within the Department of Revenue. Funds would be administered to recipients by January 15 of each new calendar year.

School districts and the State of Kansas would be the only governing districts exempt under the bill. 

Lastly the bill would eliminate property tax neutral rate requirements and the Taxpayer Notification Costs Fund.

House Appropriations (HAPP) was busy again this week, as the session nears first adjournment. The committee held two informational hearings on important topics in the state and acted on several bills in committee.

On Tuesday, the committee first held a hearing on House Bill (HB) 2398, which would appropriate state general funds to create a master plan for renovating the Quindaro ruins into an archaeological park. Testimony, ranging from proponent to neutral, was provided by several individuals regarding the site’s history and the best means to renovate it. After that the committee received an informational briefing from the Department of Commerce regarding the STAR Bonds program and then an informational briefing from Kansas State University, Wichita State University, and the University of Kansas on projects in need of bonding, within the respective university campuses.

Wednesday saw HAPP hold both an informational hearing on HB 2402 and work Senate Bill (SB) 125. 

The informational hearing for HB 2402, creating a blue-ribbon commission on higher education and requiring new reports, had proponent and neutral testimony received testimony from both the Kansas Association of Community Colleges and the Kansas Board of Regents.

SB 125, Claims against the State, was amended into a trailer appropriations bill, in order to address recent agency concerns, and was passed out of committee after lengthy discussion.

The committee on Thursday worked HB 2237 and HB 2402. 

HB 2237, which increases the maximum limit on recruitment and retention bonuses for state agencies and requires new annual reporting, was passed out of committee with no changes.

HB 2402 was likewise passed out of committee.

Last week the Kansas House of Representatives worked 28 pieces of legislation. Below is a selection of four from that list of bills. 

First is House Bill (HB) 2111. This piece of legislation would increase the aggregate acreage enrollment limit in Kansas from 40,000 to 60,000 for Conservation Reservation Enhancement Programs (CREP), set the county enrollment limit for CREP at 25 percent of the state acreage cap and establish new CREP classifications for water conservation.

Second is Senate Bill (SB) 88. This bill would add new requirements in training for state long-term care ombudsmen, specifically towards memory care.

Third is HB 2329. This legislation would amend the Kansas Juvenile Justice Code’s sentencing alternatives, detention length limit, and placement matrix.

Fourth, and last, is Substitute for HB 2149; the bill would add new disclosure requirements for distributed energy retailers offering installation, require the Attorney General to revise disclosure standards, and establish standards and limitations for distributed energy systems connected to utility grids.

All of these bills passed, and I voted yes on each.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Contact My Office Representative Troy L. Waymaster 300 SW 10th&nbsp;Street Topeka,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;66612 troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> www.troywaymaster.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSE PASSES LEGISLATION TO CONTROL PROPERTY TAX INCREASESTOPEKA — Even though it was passed out of the House chamber last week, by a final action vote of 115 to 6 and I voted yes, I would be remiss to not dedicate considerable space to House Bill (HB) 2396 to you, the constituents of House District 109. In response to growing concerns of rising property tax costs from across Kansas the House Committee on Taxation developed HB 2396, after considerable work and thought.HB 2396 answers those concerns through several means. First is that it establishes a protest petition for voters in the event that property tax revenues, within the governing jurisdiction and current year, exceed past property tax revenues adjusted by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), for the Midwest Region as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The protest petition would require signatures from 10 percent of the qualified voters in the governing jurisdiction and need to be filed within 30 days of the certification of the property tax revenue increase taking effect.If those requirements were met the property tax in the jurisdiction would be reduced by the corresponding difference between the previous year and the current year, adusted by the forementioned CPI. Second is that the legislation creates the Acknowledging Stewardship of Tax Revenue and Appropriations (ASTRA) Fund. The fund would receive an initial transfer of $60 million from the State General Fund in Fiscal Year 2026 and then an ongoing transfer of the same amount compounded by two percent for future fiscal years.The fund would be administered by the State Treasurer and its monies distributable to any county or city whose property tax revenues did not exceed the prior mentioned annual CPI adjusted increase. Apportionment of the distributable fund would be calculated by the State Treasurer, with 65 percent based on population and 35 percent on assessed property valuations; said apportionment would also be certified by the Director of Property Tax Valuation within the Department of Revenue. Funds would be administered to recipients by January 15 of each new calendar year.School districts and the State of Kansas would be the only governing districts exempt under the bill. Lastly the bill would eliminate property tax neutral rate requirements and the Taxpayer Notification Costs Fund.COMMITTEE HAPPENINGSHouse Appropriations (HAPP) was busy again this week, as the session nears first adjournment. The committee held two informational hearings on important topics in the state and acted on several bills in committee.On Tuesday, the committee first held a hearing on House Bill (HB) 2398, which would appropriate state general funds to create a master plan for renovating the Quindaro ruins into an archaeological park. Testimony, ranging from proponent to neutral, was provided by several individuals regarding the site’s history and the best means to renovate it. After that the committee received an informational briefing from the Department of Commerce regarding the STAR Bonds program and then an informational briefing from Kansas State University, Wichita State University, and the University of Kansas on projects in need of bonding, within the respective university campuses.Wednesday saw HAPP hold both an informational hearing on HB 2402 and work Senate Bill (SB) 125. The informational hearing for HB 2402, creating a blue-ribbon commission on higher education and requiring new reports, had proponent and neutral testimony received testimony from both the Kansas Association of Community Colleges and the Kansas Board of Regents. SB 125, Claims against the State, was amended into a trailer appropriations bill, in order to address recent agency concerns, and was passed out of committee after lengthy discussion.The committee on Thursday worked HB 2237 and HB 2402. HB 2237, which increases the maximum limit on recruitment and retention bonuses for state agencies and requires new annual reporting, was passed out of committee with no changes. HB 2402 was likewise passed out of committee.HOUSE DELIBERATIONS Last week the Kansas House of Representatives worked 28 pieces of legislation. Below is a selection of four from that list of bills. First is House Bill (HB) 2111. This piece of legislation would increase the aggregate acreage enrollment limit in Kansas from 40,000 to 60,000 for Conservation Reservation Enhancement Programs (CREP), set the county enrollment limit for CREP at 25 percent of the state acreage cap and establish new CREP classifications for water conservation. Second is Senate Bill (SB) 88. This bill would add new requirements in training for state long-term care ombudsmen, specifically towards memory care. Third is HB 2329. This legislation would amend the Kansas Juvenile Justice Code’s sentencing alternatives, detention length limit, and placement matrix. Fourth, and last, is Substitute for HB 2149; the bill would add new disclosure requirements for distributed energy retailers offering installation, require the Attorney General to revise disclosure standards, and establish standards and limitations for distributed energy systems connected to utility grids. All of these bills passed, and I voted yes on each.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Contact My Office Representative Troy L. Waymaster 300 SW 10th&nbsp;Street Topeka,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;66612 troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> www.troywaymaster.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, March 18, 2025

TOPEKA — The Senate completed their 2026 budget last week, which will be debated on the floor Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Both the Senate and the House passed SB14, which would prevent the state government from shutting down in the event the governor and legislature cannot come to an agreement on a budget prior to the end of the fiscal year. The bill would provide for continuing appropriations at the same level as the previous fiscal year. This bill would ensure that schools would never close and that state government operations would continue.

HB2043 passed and would allow an insurer or producer to request an extension of a pilot or testing program for a value-added product or service beyond a one-year period for any additional time needed to determine whether the value-added product or service meets the criteria in the case the insurer or producer is unable to determine sufficient evidence within the first year. The bill would clarify the time for an agent or insurer to respond to an inquiry concerning a consumer complaint from the Insurance Department to be within 14 calendar days of receipt of the inquiry, and the response time for all other inquiries from the Department would be within 15 business days. The bill would add the failure of an insurer to respond to an inquiry from the Department to the list of actions that could lead the Commissioner of Insurance to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse a new license or application for license.

SB213 was passed by the Senate. It would prohibit non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and in certain places. It changes the fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps.

Last week, the Kansas Senate took a bold step to ensure pregnant women receive child support. HB2062&nbsp;would make amendments to law regarding child support guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to require the guidelines to consider the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother. Expenses for children begin early in pregnancy, expenses that a woman might need to undertake prior to the birth of the child. Part of being pro-life means ensuring that pregnant women need and deserve the most support. HB2062 recognizes that fathers are still fathers even when a child is not born yet and would bring consistency to our child support laws by recognizing this reality. The Senate amended the bill to also include a personal exemption of $2,320 for any unborn child, as defined by the bill, starting in tax year 2025.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and families who have been deeply affected by the recent tragedies in western Kansas. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts are with you, and we share in your sorrow. We also extend our profound gratitude&nbsp;to the first responders, nurses, and doctors whose dedication and tireless efforts have been a beacon of hope and care for those impacted. Your strength and compassion are truly inspiring, and we stand with you all as we navigate this painful moment together.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785- 899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610490291573.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — The Senate completed their 2026 budget last week, which will be debated on the floor Tuesday, March 18, 2025.Both the Senate and the House passed SB14, which would prevent the state government from shutting down in the event the governor and legislature cannot come to an agreement on a budget prior to the end of the fiscal year. The bill would provide for continuing appropriations at the same level as the previous fiscal year. This bill would ensure that schools would never close and that state government operations would continue.HB2043 passed and would allow an insurer or producer to request an extension of a pilot or testing program for a value-added product or service beyond a one-year period for any additional time needed to determine whether the value-added product or service meets the criteria in the case the insurer or producer is unable to determine sufficient evidence within the first year. The bill would clarify the time for an agent or insurer to respond to an inquiry concerning a consumer complaint from the Insurance Department to be within 14 calendar days of receipt of the inquiry, and the response time for all other inquiries from the Department would be within 15 business days. The bill would add the failure of an insurer to respond to an inquiry from the Department to the list of actions that could lead the Commissioner of Insurance to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse a new license or application for license.SB213 was passed by the Senate. It would prohibit non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and in certain places. It changes the fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps.Last week, the Kansas Senate took a bold step to ensure pregnant women receive child support. HB2062&nbsp;would make amendments to law regarding child support guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to require the guidelines to consider the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother. Expenses for children begin early in pregnancy, expenses that a woman might need to undertake prior to the birth of the child. Part of being pro-life means ensuring that pregnant women need and deserve the most support. HB2062 recognizes that fathers are still fathers even when a child is not born yet and would bring consistency to our child support laws by recognizing this reality. The Senate amended the bill to also include a personal exemption of $2,320 for any unborn child, as defined by the bill, starting in tax year 2025.My heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and families who have been deeply affected by the recent tragedies in western Kansas. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts are with you, and we share in your sorrow. We also extend our profound gratitude&nbsp;to the first responders, nurses, and doctors whose dedication and tireless efforts have been a beacon of hope and care for those impacted. Your strength and compassion are truly inspiring, and we stand with you all as we navigate this painful moment together.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785- 899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate Update March 18, 2025

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

We often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran, 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran, 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictWe often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.This past Friday, 4-H members from seven counties gathered at Great Bend High School for Regional 4-H Day. Each participant was the top placing individual or group in a variety of categories from club skits to project talks to public speaking. Preparing for their local event requires good preparation and planning, as well as a lot of practice as they improve their communication skills about a topic important to the individual youth.Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project!&nbsp;These are lifetime skills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development 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.

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