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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is an explanation about Essential Air Service for those who don’t know. The airline is given federal EAS funding for each seat in the plane, whether empty or occupied. To receive EAS funding, certain criteria must be met, and an application must be submitted and approved. It is federal money put in the pocket of the airline to entice them to service the area, and it gives the city an edge to contract with a competitive air carrier. Many rural towns do not fill their seats, so it is debatable by the administration if it is considered wasteful to the taxpayers to pay for all those empty seats in the airplane. Hays has high boarding numbers, which is very good and something positive that should be pointed out by our city council. In my opinion, and according to the criteria they are stating in the budget proposal, we are being good stewards of the money given by evidence of the enplanements we have. FHSU requires their faculty/staff to fly out of Hays whenever possible because the more the community supports the airline, the more likelihood the airline will be able to receive EAS funding, and we will keep our service. Community support is also one of the criteria for receiving funding.

Everyone complains that it is so expensive to fly out of Hays. To get the best ticket price you should try being flexible on the dates you are traveling, if possible. When going to United.com, click on the “flexible dates” box and adjust how many days in your trip and the month. It will show the entire month and the ticket prices for every day. You can adjust your travel dates or number of days to get the lowest price. Also, booking on Tuesday or Wednesday could be better. On my search for Hays to Orlando, I found a roundtrip ticket price of $275 on June 27. Isn’t it much better to avoid the driving, traffic, gas, hotel, parking fees, plus just all the hassle when you can fly right out of Hays?

We could all use more positivity in our lives. Shouldn’t we try to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem?

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

LETTER: Reader wants city to find other solutions for air service

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Having just returned from a fishing trip with my son, his father-in-law and my grandson, a fishing story from my youth comes to mind. It involves a high school class mate of mine, his older brother and a muskrat. So, sit back and enjoy Larry and the Muskrat.

John and I graduated together and were just a few years out of high school at the time of the story. He and his older brother Larry both had bass boats and were avid largemouth bass fishermen who liked to spend Sunday mornings on a nice local reservoir named Clear Fork. Larry said he enjoyed the quiet time and all the wildlife he saw as much as the fishing. This particular morning, he was fishing with a spinner-bait, a large odd-shaped contraption full of hooks and shiny blades that makes the whole rig spin and chatter as it’s retrieved through the water. He was close to shore and had stopped casting to watch a muskrat putter about along the bank. A few feet of line hung from his rod with the spinner bait dangling from the end. After several minutes of being amused by the muskrat, he decided it was time to fish again, so he slapped the water with the spinner bait just to scare the muskrat. However, the line carried the lure farther than expected, mistakenly hooking the surprised muskrat, and the fight was on!

John was fishing a ways off, but the commotion caught his attention and Larry’s rod bent doubly into the water was the first thing he saw. Between chuckles, Larry quickly explained the situation and asked for his help. John got his boat as close as possible and after what must have been quite a tussle, he managed to dip the struggling muskrat from the water, but razor-sharp teeth made quick work of the net and it was in the water again, this time with Larry’s line running through a dip net sporting a huge hole in its bottom. After another lengthy scuffle they once again managed to somehow hoist the combative muskrat into the boat, and then the real rodeo began. Now John and Larry were both avid outdoorsmen and conservationists, and all they wanted to do was unhook poor muskrat Sam without harming him. Like I said before, a spinner-bait is full of sharp treble hooks, and now they had one very ticked-off, soaking wet muskrat in the boat with several sets of those hooks fastened securely to him and he evidently was not obeying their verbal commands very well. Remember, Larry’s line was still running through a ruined dip net that I’m sure was very much in the way. Somehow, he got the muskrat pulled back through the net and John was able to pounce on it, pinning the hapless critter to the floor with the rim of the net across its neck. John held it down with his foot while Larry went to work with his pliers attempting to extract the hooks. A fish with a couple hooks in its mouth is one thing, but a feisty, soaking wet rodent the size of a loaf of bread with who-knows-how-many hooks fastened securely to its fur-covered body is quite another matter.

Larry worked feverishly, noticing that the muskrat’s eyeballs were bulging slightly from the weight of John’s foot on the steel ring across its neck. Each embedded hook had to be wobbled and wiggled until the sharp barb on its tip pulled free from the muskrat’s tough hide. Finally, success as the last of the hooks came free! But then there remained the problem of how to get one still ticked-off but now absolutely free muskrat out of the boat. With that quandary swirling in their minds, both guys simultaneously stepped backwards to suddenly release the muskrat, (in their minds somehow hoping it would just launch itself over the side and back into the water) but looked at each other in disbelief as the poor luckless creature lay lifeless on the floor, evidently strangled in the process, despite their best intentions - problem solved!

Although not funny that muskrat Sammy had to give his life for this adventure, this is yet another story I’ll take with me to my grave when I sometimes can’t remember what I had for breakfast. 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=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsHaving just returned from a fishing trip with my son, his father-in-law and my grandson, a fishing story from my youth comes to mind. It involves a high school class mate of mine, his older brother and a muskrat. So, sit back and enjoy Larry and the Muskrat.John and I graduated together and were just a few years out of high school at the time of the story. He and his older brother Larry both had bass boats and were avid largemouth bass fishermen who liked to spend Sunday mornings on a nice local reservoir named Clear Fork. Larry said he enjoyed the quiet time and all the wildlife he saw as much as the fishing. This particular morning, he was fishing with a spinner-bait, a large odd-shaped contraption full of hooks and shiny blades that makes the whole rig spin and chatter as it’s retrieved through the water. He was close to shore and had stopped casting to watch a muskrat putter about along the bank. A few feet of line hung from his rod with the spinner bait dangling from the end. After several minutes of being amused by the muskrat, he decided it was time to fish again, so he slapped the water with the spinner bait just to scare the muskrat. However, the line carried the lure farther than expected, mistakenly hooking the surprised muskrat, and the fight was on!John was fishing a ways off, but the commotion caught his attention and Larry’s rod bent doubly into the water was the first thing he saw. Between chuckles, Larry quickly explained the situation and asked for his help. John got his boat as close as possible and after what must have been quite a tussle, he managed to dip the struggling muskrat from the water, but razor-sharp teeth made quick work of the net and it was in the water again, this time with Larry’s line running through a dip net sporting a huge hole in its bottom. After another lengthy scuffle they once again managed to somehow hoist the combative muskrat into the boat, and then the real rodeo began. Now John and Larry were both avid outdoorsmen and conservationists, and all they wanted to do was unhook poor muskrat Sam without harming him. Like I said before, a spinner-bait is full of sharp treble hooks, and now they had one very ticked-off, soaking wet muskrat in the boat with several sets of those hooks fastened securely to him and he evidently was not obeying their verbal commands very well. Remember, Larry’s line was still running through a ruined dip net that I’m sure was very much in the way. Somehow, he got the muskrat pulled back through the net and John was able to pounce on it, pinning the hapless critter to the floor with the rim of the net across its neck. John held it down with his foot while Larry went to work with his pliers attempting to extract the hooks. A fish with a couple hooks in its mouth is one thing, but a feisty, soaking wet rodent the size of a loaf of bread with who-knows-how-many hooks fastened securely to its fur-covered body is quite another matter.Larry worked feverishly, noticing that the muskrat’s eyeballs were bulging slightly from the weight of John’s foot on the steel ring across its neck. Each embedded hook had to be wobbled and wiggled until the sharp barb on its tip pulled free from the muskrat’s tough hide. Finally, success as the last of the hooks came free! But then there remained the problem of how to get one still ticked-off but now absolutely free muskrat out of the boat. With that quandary swirling in their minds, both guys simultaneously stepped backwards to suddenly release the muskrat, (in their minds somehow hoping it would just launch itself over the side and back into the water) but looked at each other in disbelief as the poor luckless creature lay lifeless on the floor, evidently strangled in the process, despite their best intentions - problem solved!Although not funny that muskrat Sammy had to give his life for this adventure, this is yet another story I’ll take with me to my grave when I sometimes can’t remember what I had for breakfast. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Larry and the muskrat

My mom was so allergic to poison ivy I still believe to this day she could have caught it by merely looking at the plants. I remember her being hospitalized once with poison ivy so bad on her hand that it resembled raw hamburger. My dad on the other hand could’ve rolled around in the stuff and never known it.

 One night a few years back I went to change a flat tire on our mobile deer blind which was still in the woods, and found it to be afloat in a sea of the healthiest poison ivy I’d ever seen. I chopped it down all around the tire, wore gloves and was pretty careful as I worked, but three or four days later I had a small patch of rash on one arm, the first time I ever “got” poison ivy.

Each stem of a poison ivy plant has three shiny, pointed green leaves, thus the old saying “Leaves of three, let them be.” 

The troublemaker is the oil called “Urushiol” that is found on poison ivy plants. Urushiol by itself is fairly harmless, but when absorbed by our skin, our body attacks to it as an intruder and the red, itchy rash follows. 

Urushiol is found in ALL parts of a poison ivy plant ALL year round, and has actually been found to be present in plants that have been dead for up to five years. 

Animals and pets do not react to urushiol but can carry it on their fur or hide and infect humans that way. It can also remain indefinitely on clothing and tools. 

Liquid from poison ivy blisters WILL NOT spread poison ivy; urushiol must be absorbed by our skin to cause a reaction and by the time a rash develops the oil has long since been absorbed. 

Sensitivity to poison ivy is thought to be genetic so it can run in the family; someone sensitive to poison ivy can also have a reaction from the smoke of burning poison ivy plants.

To keep this from reading like a pamphlet about poison ivy you’d pick up at the county Extension office, I’ve put together a little fun trivia about the “leaves-of-three” plant, plus few not-so-common facts and cures for poison ivy rash.

Five hundred people could itch from the amount of urushiol found on the head of a pin. It’s estimated that 85% of the world’s population would have an allergic reaction to poison ivy. Samples of urushiol several centuries old have still been found to cause skin irritation on sensitive people.

If using water to attempt to rinse urushiol off your skin before it’s absorbed, ALWAYS rinse with COOL water as hot water will actually open skin pores and speed absorption.

Capsaicin cream, labeled for arthritis pain, can suppress the itch of poison ivy rash for hours.

Apple cider vinegar, rubbing alcohol or lemon juice poured liberally over your skin can rinse off urushiol if done soon enough after contact. Either liquid can also help heal poison ivy rash if drizzled over the rash or used on a compress.

Other ways to soothe poison ivy rash include coating the rash with cucumber slices or a paste made from cucumber, and rubbing the rash with the inside of a banana peel or cool melon rind.

Witch hazel, strongly brewed tea, buttermilk or yogurt dabbed on poison ivy rash with a cotton ball can help draw toxins out of the rash and dry up seeping blisters.

Aloe Vera juice will soothe poison ivy rash like it soothes sunburn.

One cup of oatmeal ground into a fine powder, put into an old pair of pantyhose and used like a teabag in a tub of cool bathwater can provide relief from the intense itching of poison ivy rash.

Three teaspoons of baking soda mixed with one teaspoon of water makes a good paste to spread over poison ivy rash to aid in healing and offer temporary relief from itching.

In summary, lots of things can give relief from the itch of poison ivy rash, but the only sure way to prevent a reaction is to rinse off the urushiol oil before it can be absorbed into the skin. 

The opening lines of the old Coasters song “Poison Ivy” say “she comes on like a rose but everybody knows she’ll get you in dutch, you can look but you better not touch; poison ivy, poison ivy, at night when you’re sleepin’ poison ivy comes creeping around.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751278793695.jpeg" alt="Poison ivy. Photo by Alabama Cooperative Extension System&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Poison ivy. Photo by Alabama Cooperative Extension System&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILANDMy mom was so allergic to poison ivy I still believe to this day she could have caught it by merely looking at the plants. I remember her being hospitalized once with poison ivy so bad on her hand that it resembled raw hamburger. My dad on the other hand could’ve rolled around in the stuff and never known it. One night a few years back I went to change a flat tire on our mobile deer blind which was still in the woods, and found it to be afloat in a sea of the healthiest poison ivy I’d ever seen. I chopped it down all around the tire, wore gloves and was pretty careful as I worked, but three or four days later I had a small patch of rash on one arm, the first time I ever “got” poison ivy.Each stem of a poison ivy plant has three shiny, pointed green leaves, thus the old saying “Leaves of three, let them be.” The troublemaker is the oil called “Urushiol” that is found on poison ivy plants. Urushiol by itself is fairly harmless, but when absorbed by our skin, our body attacks to it as an intruder and the red, itchy rash follows. Urushiol is found in ALL parts of a poison ivy plant ALL year round, and has actually been found to be present in plants that have been dead for up to five years. Animals and pets do not react to urushiol but can carry it on their fur or hide and infect humans that way. It can also remain indefinitely on clothing and tools. Liquid from poison ivy blisters WILL NOT spread poison ivy; urushiol must be absorbed by our skin to cause a reaction and by the time a rash develops the oil has long since been absorbed. Sensitivity to poison ivy is thought to be genetic so it can run in the family; someone sensitive to poison ivy can also have a reaction from the smoke of burning poison ivy plants.To keep this from reading like a pamphlet about poison ivy you’d pick up at the county Extension office, I’ve put together a little fun trivia about the “leaves-of-three” plant, plus few not-so-common facts and cures for poison ivy rash.Five hundred people could itch from the amount of urushiol found on the head of a pin. It’s estimated that 85% of the world’s population would have an allergic reaction to poison ivy. Samples of urushiol several centuries old have still been found to cause skin irritation on sensitive people.If using water to attempt to rinse urushiol off your skin before it’s absorbed, ALWAYS rinse with COOL water as hot water will actually open skin pores and speed absorption.Capsaicin cream, labeled for arthritis pain, can suppress the itch of poison ivy rash for hours.Apple cider vinegar, rubbing alcohol or lemon juice poured liberally over your skin can rinse off urushiol if done soon enough after contact. Either liquid can also help heal poison ivy rash if drizzled over the rash or used on a compress.Other ways to soothe poison ivy rash include coating the rash with cucumber slices or a paste made from cucumber, and rubbing the rash with the inside of a banana peel or cool melon rind.Witch hazel, strongly brewed tea, buttermilk or yogurt dabbed on poison ivy rash with a cotton ball can help draw toxins out of the rash and dry up seeping blisters.Aloe Vera juice will soothe poison ivy rash like it soothes sunburn.One cup of oatmeal ground into a fine powder, put into an old pair of pantyhose and used like a teabag in a tub of cool bathwater can provide relief from the intense itching of poison ivy rash.Three teaspoons of baking soda mixed with one teaspoon of water makes a good paste to spread over poison ivy rash to aid in healing and offer temporary relief from itching.In summary, lots of things can give relief from the itch of poison ivy rash, but the only sure way to prevent a reaction is to rinse off the urushiol oil before it can be absorbed into the skin. The opening lines of the old Coasters song “Poison Ivy” say “she comes on like a rose but everybody knows she’ll get you in dutch, you can look but you better not touch; poison ivy, poison ivy, at night when you’re sleepin’ poison ivy comes creeping around.” …Continue to Explore Kansas OutdoorsSteve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Don’t scratch that itch!

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

Are Republicans the new infrequent voters?&nbsp; In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://catalist.us/whathappened2024/">new Catalist study,</a>&nbsp;researchers say yes. Big shifts may be coming in both political campaigning, and election laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Unlike&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mpsanet.org/election-2024-political-science-first-takes/">mis-reported “horse race” polls</a>&nbsp;during election season, the Catalist study is public opinion polling done right. Catalist collects comprehensive data from a sample featuring a broad cross-section of Americans.&nbsp; This includes panel data, in which the same people are repeatedly interviewed over time to see how their opinions change. Political campaigns and academics both consider the for-profit firm to be a gold standard for well-collected data.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Catalist study found that in 2024, Democratic support increased markedly among frequent voters, that is, voters who regularly participate in elections. Support for Trump surged among infrequent voters, including a growing coalition–particularly of men–that was far more diverse than Trump’s traditional base of older, white voters.

Frequent voters could also be called “self sufficient” voters. They do not need much help from campaigns or get out the vote (GOTV) drives, and are less likely to be influenced by either.&nbsp; Frequent voters are more likely to make up their minds on their own, without reference to advertising or candidate appearances and well in advance of the election. They are more likely to be abreast of any changes in election laws, to keep their voter registrations up to date, to go to the right polling place, and to have the right documentation (such as state-issued Photo ID), without needing prompts or reminders.

In recent decades, Democrats have invested heavily in GOTV efforts, otherwise known as the “ground game,” particularly in battleground states and districts.&nbsp; These target infrequent voters.&nbsp; In 2024, the Trump campaign countered with more investment of their own in GOTV, and it paid off handsomely.&nbsp; If the Democrats’ base is now made up mostly of self-sufficient, unpersuadable voters, both parties’ strategies will shift.&nbsp; Democrats will have to target infrequent voters more carefully, in order to avoid accidentally mobilizing more Republicans.

Meanwhile, Republicans will increase their investment in the ground game more generally. They face major challenges.&nbsp; This spring, I attended the post-election symposium at the Dole Institute of Politics at KU, where panelists speculated that some voters in battleground states such as Arizona and Wisconsin simply voted for Trump and then left the rest of their ballots blank, enabling Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate to win. This behavior is consistent with infrequent voting, and the election results from these states suggest that the Dole panelists were at least partially correct in both.

What about election laws? For decades, Republicans have backed new laws that may lower turnout among infrequent voters, including Photo ID and proof of citizenship laws, the latter enthusiastically championed by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. Since 2020, Republicans have added crackdowns on dropbox and mail in voting, such as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kwch.com/2025/03/25/kansas-lawmakers-end-three-day-grace-period-mail-in-ballots-override-governors-veto/">new Kansas law</a>&nbsp;eliminating the grace period for mail-in ballots.&nbsp; &nbsp;

What if the voters disenfranchised by these crackdowns are now mostly Republicans?&nbsp; Well before 2024, and despite Democrats’ objections, political science research has consistently shown that Photo ID laws have little impact on election results.&nbsp; Photo ID requirements may lower voter turnout by an average of about 2%, but those numbers include roughly equal numbers of Democratic and Republican voters. It is well-documented that these laws are unnecessary– there is no widespread election fraud.

With these recent changes, restrictive laws may hurt&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;vote share.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/28/voting-rights-advocates-pan-kansas-republicans-invite-only-stage-for-election-conspiracies/">Conspiracy theories notwithstanding</a>, GOP legislators may want to do some serious soul-searching before passing any more voting restrictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745349371713.jpeg" alt="Michael A. Smith" />
 <figcaption>Michael A. Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasAre Republicans the new infrequent voters?&nbsp; In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://catalist.us/whathappened2024/">new Catalist study,</a>&nbsp;researchers say yes. Big shifts may be coming in both political campaigning, and election laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mpsanet.org/election-2024-political-science-first-takes/">mis-reported “horse race” polls</a>&nbsp;during election season, the Catalist study is public opinion polling done right. Catalist collects comprehensive data from a sample featuring a broad cross-section of Americans.&nbsp; This includes panel data, in which the same people are repeatedly interviewed over time to see how their opinions change. Political campaigns and academics both consider the for-profit firm to be a gold standard for well-collected data.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Catalist study found that in 2024, Democratic support increased markedly among frequent voters, that is, voters who regularly participate in elections. Support for Trump surged among infrequent voters, including a growing coalition–particularly of men–that was far more diverse than Trump’s traditional base of older, white voters.Frequent voters could also be called “self sufficient” voters. They do not need much help from campaigns or get out the vote (GOTV) drives, and are less likely to be influenced by either.&nbsp; Frequent voters are more likely to make up their minds on their own, without reference to advertising or candidate appearances and well in advance of the election. They are more likely to be abreast of any changes in election laws, to keep their voter registrations up to date, to go to the right polling place, and to have the right documentation (such as state-issued Photo ID), without needing prompts or reminders.In recent decades, Democrats have invested heavily in GOTV efforts, otherwise known as the “ground game,” particularly in battleground states and districts.&nbsp; These target infrequent voters.&nbsp; In 2024, the Trump campaign countered with more investment of their own in GOTV, and it paid off handsomely.&nbsp; If the Democrats’ base is now made up mostly of self-sufficient, unpersuadable voters, both parties’ strategies will shift.&nbsp; Democrats will have to target infrequent voters more carefully, in order to avoid accidentally mobilizing more Republicans.Meanwhile, Republicans will increase their investment in the ground game more generally. They face major challenges.&nbsp; This spring, I attended the post-election symposium at the Dole Institute of Politics at KU, where panelists speculated that some voters in battleground states such as Arizona and Wisconsin simply voted for Trump and then left the rest of their ballots blank, enabling Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate to win. This behavior is consistent with infrequent voting, and the election results from these states suggest that the Dole panelists were at least partially correct in both.What about election laws? For decades, Republicans have backed new laws that may lower turnout among infrequent voters, including Photo ID and proof of citizenship laws, the latter enthusiastically championed by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. Since 2020, Republicans have added crackdowns on dropbox and mail in voting, such as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kwch.com/2025/03/25/kansas-lawmakers-end-three-day-grace-period-mail-in-ballots-override-governors-veto/">new Kansas law</a>&nbsp;eliminating the grace period for mail-in ballots.&nbsp; &nbsp;What if the voters disenfranchised by these crackdowns are now mostly Republicans?&nbsp; Well before 2024, and despite Democrats’ objections, political science research has consistently shown that Photo ID laws have little impact on election results.&nbsp; Photo ID requirements may lower voter turnout by an average of about 2%, but those numbers include roughly equal numbers of Democratic and Republican voters. It is well-documented that these laws are unnecessary– there is no widespread election fraud.With these recent changes, restrictive laws may hurt&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;vote share.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/28/voting-rights-advocates-pan-kansas-republicans-invite-only-stage-for-election-conspiracies/">Conspiracy theories notwithstanding</a>, GOP legislators may want to do some serious soul-searching before passing any more voting restrictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Are Republicans suppressing their own voters?

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension

June is the time to fertilize warm-season lawn grasses such as bermudagrass, buffalograss and zoysiagrass. These species all thrive in warmer summer weather, so this is the time they respond best to fertilization. The most important nutrient is nitrogen (N), and these three species need it in varying amounts.

Bermudagrass requires the most nitrogen. Bermudagrass used on athletic fields needs about 4 lbs. nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. during the season. High-quality home lawns are often given 3 pounds per 1000 square feet and low maintenance areas can get by on 2 lbs.. Apply this as separate applications, about 4 weeks apart consisting of 1 lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. starting in early May for athletic fields. It is already too late for the May application, but the June application is just around the corner. The nitrogen can come from either a quick- or slow-release source. So any lawn fertilizer will work. Plan the last application for no later than August 15. This helps ensure the bermudagrass is not overstimulated, making it susceptible to winter-kill.

Zoysiagrass grows more slowly than bermudagrass and is prone to develop thatch. Consequently, it does not need as much nitrogen. In fact, too much is worse than too little. One and one-half to 2 pounds N per 1,000 sq. ft. during the season is sufficient. Split the total in two and apply once in early June and again around mid-July. Slow-release nitrogen is preferable but quick-release is acceptable. Slow-release nitrogen is sometimes listed as "slowly available" or "water insoluble."

Buffalograss requires the least nitrogen of all lawn species commonly grown in Kansas. It will survive and persist with no supplemental nitrogen, but giving it one lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. will improve color and density. This application should be made in early June. For a little darker color, fertilize it as described for zoysiagrass in the previous paragraph, but do not apply more than a total of 2 lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. in one season. As with zoysia, slow-release nitrogen is preferable, but fast-release is also OK. As for all turfgrasses, phosphorus and potassium are best applied according to soil test results because many soils already have adequate amounts of these nutrients for turfgrass growth. If you need to apply phosphorus or potassium, it is best to core aerate beforehand to ensure the nutrients reach the roots.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>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. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood ExtensionJune is the time to fertilize warm-season lawn grasses such as bermudagrass, buffalograss and zoysiagrass. These species all thrive in warmer summer weather, so this is the time they respond best to fertilization. The most important nutrient is nitrogen (N), and these three species need it in varying amounts.Bermudagrass requires the most nitrogen. Bermudagrass used on athletic fields needs about 4 lbs. nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. during the season. High-quality home lawns are often given 3 pounds per 1000 square feet and low maintenance areas can get by on 2 lbs.. Apply this as separate applications, about 4 weeks apart consisting of 1 lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. starting in early May for athletic fields. It is already too late for the May application, but the June application is just around the corner. The nitrogen can come from either a quick- or slow-release source. So any lawn fertilizer will work. Plan the last application for no later than August 15. This helps ensure the bermudagrass is not overstimulated, making it susceptible to winter-kill.Zoysiagrass grows more slowly than bermudagrass and is prone to develop thatch. Consequently, it does not need as much nitrogen. In fact, too much is worse than too little. One and one-half to 2 pounds N per 1,000 sq. ft. during the season is sufficient. Split the total in two and apply once in early June and again around mid-July. Slow-release nitrogen is preferable but quick-release is acceptable. Slow-release nitrogen is sometimes listed as "slowly available" or "water insoluble."Buffalograss requires the least nitrogen of all lawn species commonly grown in Kansas. It will survive and persist with no supplemental nitrogen, but giving it one lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. will improve color and density. This application should be made in early June. For a little darker color, fertilize it as described for zoysiagrass in the previous paragraph, but do not apply more than a total of 2 lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. in one season. As with zoysia, slow-release nitrogen is preferable, but fast-release is also OK. As for all turfgrasses, phosphorus and potassium are best applied according to soil test results because many soils already have adequate amounts of these nutrients for turfgrass growth. If you need to apply phosphorus or potassium, it is best to core aerate beforehand to ensure the nutrients reach the roots.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: Fertalize warm season grasses

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about snacking and metabolism with Jessica Phelan, assistant professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: How your metabolism works" 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=ahtwi-18b721d-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about snacking and metabolism with Jessica Phelan, assistant professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance.

🎙 Post Podcast: How your metabolism works

From the first time my dad took me fishing, it enchanted me, and it’s not just catching fish. It’s like diggin’ taters; you don’t know what you’ll get 'til you’ve got it. A recent Saturday trip to a friend’s catch and release farm pond with our youngest and her eldest retrieved old memories and made new ones.

Getting ready to fish is a marathon. Thank goodness, my hubs keeps track of tackle and poles while I focus on providing sustenance to those tempting underwater denizens with lures and worms. 

Our local market stocked perfect supplies to satisfy fisher-people from a nine-year-old to Gramps: Old Trapper beef jerky, cheese curds, watermelon and strawberry chunks, yogurt raisins, water, and fruit drinks. Once I loaded the cooler and tossed in handi-wipes, paper towels, sun hat, long sleeve shirt, folding chair, and camera, we hit the road.

Our daughter lives closer to the pond, so we met her there. Upon arrival, my breathing slowed and tension seeped out of taut muscles. A perfect rippling pond surrounded by cottonwoods and other trees along with a homemade dock awaited our appearance. 

 Resident birds raised a ruckus as we settled along the bank. A sentinel--a solemn bullfrog--floated amidst knobby mosses while eye-balling invaders. Apparently, we didn’t alarm it much because it didn’t move. What a perfect model for photos once everyone else focused on serious fishing.

Within minutes our daughter reeled in a palm-sized blue gill that jazzed her kiddo’s desire to outfish momma. The tournament was on. That youngster, a focused fisherwoman, couldn’t wait to land a biggun’. Gramps watched and grinned.

After a spell of repeatedly casting and reeling in lures, once hopeful cast-meisters’ patience wore thin enough that hubs headed south while the blondes worked their way north through reeds and tall grass to the dock on the other side. It was me, bull frogs, and camera left to our own devices. 

Don’t get me wrong. I love tossing a line and waiting for a bite, but I hadn’t shot nature photos for months. At that moment, I had two bullfrogs, hordes of red ear sliders, and raucous birds squabbling, in addition to loved ones offering poignant candids. I settled for the great photo ops before me.

When someone caught a fish, I focused the lens that direction, but the rest of the time, I searched for rippling reflections, eye-catching compositions using critters, water, moss, logs, trees, and leaves. Temps and breezes cooled me and kept bugs away so I could immerse myself in the moment until I heard another, “Got one.”

We spent a good three-plus hours reeling in not only blue gill but also small, medium, and large bass while turtles sunbathed on banks and fallen logs. Two performed energetic breast strokes through the water. Ripples from moving front legs framed heads peeking out of the water. Frogs floated in mossy beds, absorbed golden rays heating mottled amphibian flesh. Occasionally, I noted a pulse beating in their pale throats.

Now and then, loved ones headed back to refuel. As they snacked, I shared photos I snapped of them or local wildlife. Eventually, chores called, forcing us to abandon paradise to lucky fish, frogs, and turtles.

<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 MADORINFrom the first time my dad took me fishing, it enchanted me, and it’s not just catching fish. It’s like diggin’ taters; you don’t know what you’ll get 'til you’ve got it. A recent Saturday trip to a friend’s catch and release farm pond with our youngest and her eldest retrieved old memories and made new ones.Getting ready to fish is a marathon. Thank goodness, my hubs keeps track of tackle and poles while I focus on providing sustenance to those tempting underwater denizens with lures and worms. Our local market stocked perfect supplies to satisfy fisher-people from a nine-year-old to Gramps: Old Trapper beef jerky, cheese curds, watermelon and strawberry chunks, yogurt raisins, water, and fruit drinks. Once I loaded the cooler and tossed in handi-wipes, paper towels, sun hat, long sleeve shirt, folding chair, and camera, we hit the road.Our daughter lives closer to the pond, so we met her there. Upon arrival, my breathing slowed and tension seeped out of taut muscles. A perfect rippling pond surrounded by cottonwoods and other trees along with a homemade dock awaited our appearance. Paradise.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748011543600.jpeg" alt="Western King bird. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Western King bird. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748011595593.jpeg" alt="Bullfrog. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Bullfrog. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748011980887.jpeg" alt="Red-eared slider turtles. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Red-eared slider turtles. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure> Resident birds raised a ruckus as we settled along the bank. A sentinel--a solemn bullfrog--floated amidst knobby mosses while eye-balling invaders. Apparently, we didn’t alarm it much because it didn’t move. What a perfect model for photos once everyone else focused on serious fishing.Within minutes our daughter reeled in a palm-sized blue gill that jazzed her kiddo’s desire to outfish momma. The tournament was on. That youngster, a focused fisherwoman, couldn’t wait to land a biggun’. Gramps watched and grinned.After a spell of repeatedly casting and reeling in lures, once hopeful cast-meisters’ patience wore thin enough that hubs headed south while the blondes worked their way north through reeds and tall grass to the dock on the other side. It was me, bull frogs, and camera left to our own devices. The fun began.Don’t get me wrong. I love tossing a line and waiting for a bite, but I hadn’t shot nature photos for months. At that moment, I had two bullfrogs, hordes of red ear sliders, and raucous birds squabbling, in addition to loved ones offering poignant candids. I settled for the great photo ops before me.When someone caught a fish, I focused the lens that direction, but the rest of the time, I searched for rippling reflections, eye-catching compositions using critters, water, moss, logs, trees, and leaves. Temps and breezes cooled me and kept bugs away so I could immerse myself in the moment until I heard another, “Got one.”We spent a good three-plus hours reeling in not only blue gill but also small, medium, and large bass while turtles sunbathed on banks and fallen logs. Two performed energetic breast strokes through the water. Ripples from moving front legs framed heads peeking out of the water. Frogs floated in mossy beds, absorbed golden rays heating mottled amphibian flesh. Occasionally, I noted a pulse beating in their pale throats.Now and then, loved ones headed back to refuel. As they snacked, I shared photos I snapped of them or local wildlife. Eventually, chores called, forcing us to abandon paradise to lucky fish, frogs, and turtles.

MADORIN: A good day fishin’

Do you want to know more about housing in Ellis County?

Why won't my favorite business come to Hays?

How can I qualify for help with opening a new business?

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, will answer your questions on economic development and business recruitment during his live weekly show with reporter Cristina Janney on Friday morning.&nbsp;

Send your questions to hayspost@eaglemedia.com Subject line: Doug ?s

Grow Hays is a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing Hays' economic health and vitality and the surrounding communities. Grow Hays focuses on one simple mission:&nbsp;the economic growth and well- being of the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Do you want to know more about housing in Ellis County?Why won't my favorite business come to Hays?How can I qualify for help with opening a new business?Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, will answer your questions on economic development and business recruitment during his live weekly show with reporter Cristina Janney on Friday morning.&nbsp;Send your questions to hayspost@eaglemedia.com Subject line: Doug ?sGrow Hays is a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing Hays' economic health and vitality and the surrounding communities. Grow Hays focuses on one simple mission:&nbsp;the economic growth and well- being of the community.

Send us your ?s for the Grow Hays KAYS morning show/Post Podcast

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Screens are having a profound effect on our world and our children. 

Most experts in the early childhood field recommend no screen time for children under two years old. The only screen time that would be beneficial for a young child might include video chatting with important people in their lives. 

Screen time can affect children in many ways from developmental, behaviorally, and their physical health. Screen time often gets replaced by things that are important for children to experience. 

Just 10 Minutes is an initiative aimed at helping combat the effect of screen time in our lives and our relationships.

JustTenMinutes.org is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to helping families strengthen their relationships through daily, intentional, screen-free moments. The organization encourages parents and caregivers to set aside just 10 minutes each day for focused, undistracted connection with their children. These brief interactions—such as reading together, drawing, or sharing a favorite memory—are designed to nurture emotional growth, support brain development, and create lasting memories.

The initiative emphasizes the power of small, consistent actions. It provides research-backed insights into how short, meaningful interactions can have a profound impact on a child's development and a family's well-being. The organization also offers resources and activity ideas to help families make the most of their 10-minute connections.

JustTenMinutes.org collaborates with various partners, including healthcare organizations and community groups, to promote its message and expand its reach. Community partners such as Advent Health Kansas City Foundation, Kansas Head Start Association (KHSA), Kansas Parents as Teachers Association (KPATA) and Sing Play Love indicate a broad network of support for its mission.

The website invites visitors to join its efforts by exploring activities, sharing experiences, and connecting with others who are committed to making meaningful moments a daily habit. Through its "Get Involved" section, JustTenMinutes.org provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute to its mission of fostering stronger families and communities.

"Life moves quickly, and finding time for meaningful moments can feel challenging," says the organization's mission statement. "But what if you could make a significant impact in just 10 minutes a day?"

The initiative offers a variety of simple, research-backed activities designed to nurture emotional growth and build lasting memories. From nature art bracelets to finger counting games for toddlers, the website provides resources that are easy to integrate into daily routines. For more information or to get involved, visit JustTenMinutes.org.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747158699683.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictScreens are having a profound effect on our world and our children. Most experts in the early childhood field recommend no screen time for children under two years old. The only screen time that would be beneficial for a young child might include video chatting with important people in their lives. Screen time can affect children in many ways from developmental, behaviorally, and their physical health. Screen time often gets replaced by things that are important for children to experience. Just 10 Minutes is an initiative aimed at helping combat the effect of screen time in our lives and our relationships.JustTenMinutes.org is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to helping families strengthen their relationships through daily, intentional, screen-free moments. The organization encourages parents and caregivers to set aside just 10 minutes each day for focused, undistracted connection with their children. These brief interactions—such as reading together, drawing, or sharing a favorite memory—are designed to nurture emotional growth, support brain development, and create lasting memories.The initiative emphasizes the power of small, consistent actions. It provides research-backed insights into how short, meaningful interactions can have a profound impact on a child's development and a family's well-being. The organization also offers resources and activity ideas to help families make the most of their 10-minute connections.JustTenMinutes.org collaborates with various partners, including healthcare organizations and community groups, to promote its message and expand its reach. Community partners such as Advent Health Kansas City Foundation, Kansas Head Start Association (KHSA), Kansas Parents as Teachers Association (KPATA) and Sing Play Love indicate a broad network of support for its mission.The website invites visitors to join its efforts by exploring activities, sharing experiences, and connecting with others who are committed to making meaningful moments a daily habit. Through its "Get Involved" section, JustTenMinutes.org provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute to its mission of fostering stronger families and communities."Life moves quickly, and finding time for meaningful moments can feel challenging," says the organization's mission statement. "But what if you could make a significant impact in just 10 minutes a day?"The initiative offers a variety of simple, research-backed activities designed to nurture emotional growth and build lasting memories. From nature art bracelets to finger counting games for toddlers, the website provides resources that are easy to integrate into daily routines. For more information or to get involved, visit JustTenMinutes.org.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.

Kansas-based nonprofit promotes family connection through just 10 minutes a day

I work at Hays Regional Airport, and I’m proud of it. But I’m also deeply concerned because the federal funding that keeps our airport operational is under threat, and not enough people are talking about it.

Small airports like ours are often taken for granted by those in power. They’re dismissed as luxuries or “non-essential” in the grand scheme of federal spending. That’s a dangerous and misguided view. Hays Regional Airport is not a luxury, it is an essential infrastructure. Its existence supports commercial air service, emergency medical flights, mail and cargo delivery, and economic activity across our region. It provides so much more than people realize and is a staple for the community to work.&nbsp;

Federal funding doesn’t just keep the lights on. It pays for critical infrastructure upkeep, runway repairs, snow and ice removal, safety, and communications systems. It ensures we have trained staff and emergency preparedness. Most importantly, it keeps the Essential Air Service (EAS) program running, which is the only reason we have regular commercial flights in and out of Hays. Without EAS funding, our airport would likely lose its airline service altogether, cutting us off from the rest of the country. Cutting jobs and putting livelihoods, including mine, at risk.&nbsp;

This isn’t just about convenience. If we lose flights in Hays, it means longer drives for medical appointments, fewer options for students and professionals traveling for school and work, and real consequences for local businesses that rely on air connections. It means losing jobs, not just at the airport, but in all the industries that benefit from it. The hospital and the college rely on our air services.

It also sends a message that rural communities like Hays don’t matter.

We’ve seen time and again how rural Kansas gets overlooked by policymakers until it’s time to campaign. We hear a lot about “supporting rural America,” but when push comes to shove, too many of our leaders are silent when federal support is pulled away from critical services in towns like ours. That silence speaks volumes. Are we great again yet? No, because this isn't about helping small rural America be great.&nbsp;

Let me be clear. Defunding our airport is not a budget cut. It’s a betrayal.

If you care about Hays and the future of our region, I urge you to speak up! Call your representatives. Write letters and emails. Demand answers. Our airport is too important to let it quietly disappear under the weight of political indifference.

We deserve better. Hays deserves better. And it’s time we all made that known loud and clear!&nbsp;

— Joy Marok-Schmeidler, resident of Hays and an employee at Hays Regional Airport

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2730c5cd-1026-4098-9e5f-ebf15c8fd949">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays faces loss of federal airport funds</a>I work at Hays Regional Airport, and I’m proud of it. But I’m also deeply concerned because the federal funding that keeps our airport operational is under threat, and not enough people are talking about it.Small airports like ours are often taken for granted by those in power. They’re dismissed as luxuries or “non-essential” in the grand scheme of federal spending. That’s a dangerous and misguided view. Hays Regional Airport is not a luxury, it is an essential infrastructure. Its existence supports commercial air service, emergency medical flights, mail and cargo delivery, and economic activity across our region. It provides so much more than people realize and is a staple for the community to work.&nbsp;Federal funding doesn’t just keep the lights on. It pays for critical infrastructure upkeep, runway repairs, snow and ice removal, safety, and communications systems. It ensures we have trained staff and emergency preparedness. Most importantly, it keeps the Essential Air Service (EAS) program running, which is the only reason we have regular commercial flights in and out of Hays. Without EAS funding, our airport would likely lose its airline service altogether, cutting us off from the rest of the country. Cutting jobs and putting livelihoods, including mine, at risk.&nbsp;This isn’t just about convenience. If we lose flights in Hays, it means longer drives for medical appointments, fewer options for students and professionals traveling for school and work, and real consequences for local businesses that rely on air connections. It means losing jobs, not just at the airport, but in all the industries that benefit from it. The hospital and the college rely on our air services.It also sends a message that rural communities like Hays don’t matter.We’ve seen time and again how rural Kansas gets overlooked by policymakers until it’s time to campaign. We hear a lot about “supporting rural America,” but when push comes to shove, too many of our leaders are silent when federal support is pulled away from critical services in towns like ours. That silence speaks volumes. Are we great again yet? No, because this isn't about helping small rural America be great.&nbsp;Let me be clear. Defunding our airport is not a budget cut. It’s a betrayal.If you care about Hays and the future of our region, I urge you to speak up! Call your representatives. Write letters and emails. Demand answers. Our airport is too important to let it quietly disappear under the weight of political indifference.We deserve better. Hays deserves better. And it’s time we all made that known loud and clear!&nbsp;— Joy Marok-Schmeidler, resident of Hays and an employee at Hays Regional Airport

LETTER: Hays Regional Airport is a community necessity

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/032dc57b-89f7-4905-ba23-e72dd8543a9a">SEE RELATED STORY: Ransom couple enters pleas on mistreatment of adult charges</a>

On May 28 at 2 p.m. at the Ness County Courthouse in Ness City, Kansas, I would greatly appreciate as many veterans and concerned citizens as are able to come help me fight for justice for a retired Major of the United States Air Force, the 92-year-old retired major was an OR nurse in Vietnam.

A Ransom couple was arrested in July 2024 on charges of mistreatment of an elderly person, a level 5 felony, and a class A misdemeanor of criminal restraint, as well as a class A misdemeanor of endangerment. As of March 2025, the charges of mistreatment of an elderly person, a level 5 felony is what the charges are against the woman. Her husband is still charged with the level 5 felony of mistreatment of an elderly person and the two class A misdemeanors of criminal restraint and endangerment. They both entered a plea of no contest to their charges.

In Kansas (K.S.A. 21-5417), mistreatment of a dependent adult or elder person can be a level 5 felony if the aggregated value of the resources taken is at least $25,000 but less than $100,000. This type of mistreatment includes inflicting physical abuse, unreasonable confinement or punishment, taking personal property or financial resources, depriving treatment, or neglecting their case. A level 5 felony carries a sentence ranging from 1 to 10 years in prison. The sentencing judge will be the person to determine the actual sentencing.

When you look at your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I'd like you to think about the face, if not for those OR nurses, nurses, Naval corpsman, medics and doctors, those children might not exist. It's our turn. We must fight for one of those veterans that fought for the freedom's that we all have and are blessed with in the United States!!!

"If you disrespect one veteran, you are disrespecting every single veteran!"

I would like to thank all the many people that have helped in so many ways over the last year to right for justice with me in one way or another. No human being let alone a United States veteran should ever be mistreated or disresepected in the way that my friend was.

— Renata Kraft,&nbsp; victim's friend

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748363664661.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/032dc57b-89f7-4905-ba23-e72dd8543a9a">SEE RELATED STORY: Ransom couple enters pleas on mistreatment of adult charges</a>On May 28 at 2 p.m. at the Ness County Courthouse in Ness City, Kansas, I would greatly appreciate as many veterans and concerned citizens as are able to come help me fight for justice for a retired Major of the United States Air Force, the 92-year-old retired major was an OR nurse in Vietnam.A Ransom couple was arrested in July 2024 on charges of mistreatment of an elderly person, a level 5 felony, and a class A misdemeanor of criminal restraint, as well as a class A misdemeanor of endangerment. As of March 2025, the charges of mistreatment of an elderly person, a level 5 felony is what the charges are against the woman. Her husband is still charged with the level 5 felony of mistreatment of an elderly person and the two class A misdemeanors of criminal restraint and endangerment. They both entered a plea of no contest to their charges.In Kansas (K.S.A. 21-5417), mistreatment of a dependent adult or elder person can be a level 5 felony if the aggregated value of the resources taken is at least $25,000 but less than $100,000. This type of mistreatment includes inflicting physical abuse, unreasonable confinement or punishment, taking personal property or financial resources, depriving treatment, or neglecting their case. A level 5 felony carries a sentence ranging from 1 to 10 years in prison. The sentencing judge will be the person to determine the actual sentencing.When you look at your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I'd like you to think about the face, if not for those OR nurses, nurses, Naval corpsman, medics and doctors, those children might not exist. It's our turn. We must fight for one of those veterans that fought for the freedom's that we all have and are blessed with in the United States!!!"If you disrespect one veteran, you are disrespecting every single veteran!"I would like to thank all the many people that have helped in so many ways over the last year to right for justice with me in one way or another. No human being let alone a United States veteran should ever be mistreated or disresepected in the way that my friend was.— Renata Kraft,&nbsp; victim's friend

LETTER: Pack the court for sentencing of couple who mistreated elder vet

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension

Many of my most recent home visits have been centered around tree health and subsequently around trees experiencing dieback or death from drought stress. 

The past several years has been very dry and it typically it takes a few years for a tree to show stress from an event. If you take a good look at your tree, you can begin to analyze the overall health and take steps to keep them healthy. 

To&nbsp;determine the health of your trees, looking at the amount of new growth each year will show you how healthy they are. Observe the tips of the branches that are exposed (not shaded). A tree that grows less than four inches from the previous year is likely under stress and considered unhealthy.

New growth is often identifiable by the color. The new twig emerging from the bud may be greener but the leaves are often a brighter shade as well. You'll notice the leaves attached directly to these new stems rather than lateral branches. New growth may also look more compressed than growth from previous years.&nbsp;

Though evaluating the amount of growth can help you determine if your tree is healthy, it does not tell you what may be the cause of an unhealthy tree. 

The effects of stress accumulate year after year. A drought two years ago can have an impact on growth of a recovering tree. The root growth may have been stunted and roots could struggle to take in enough water to support the tree as temperatures rise. 

When possible, ensure trees are receiving water to a depth of 12 inches every couple of weeks during the summer either from rain or supplemental watering.

One of the more common means of watering trees is the use of soaker hoses, but they are notorious for non-uniform watering. 

On small trees, circling the tree several times with the soaker hose will even out the amount of water applied but this isn't practical for larger trees. On larger trees, hooking both the beginning and the end of the soaker hose to a Y-adapter helps equalize the pressure and therefore provide a more uniform watering. The specific parts you need include the soaker hose, Y-adapter and female to female connector.&nbsp;

The soaker hose can circle the trunk at a distance within the dripline of the tree but at least ½ the distance to the dripline. The dripline of the tree is outermost reach of the branches.

Soil should be wet at least 12 inches deep as 80% of a tree’s roots are in the top foot of soil.&nbsp; Use a metal rod, wooden dowel, electric fence post or something similar to check depth. Dry soil is much harder to push through than wet and your probe will stop when it hits dry soil.&nbsp;

How long it takes water to reach a 12-inch depth varies depending on the rate of water flow and soil.&nbsp; Record the amount of time it takes to reach 12 inches the first time the tree is watered. After that, simply water for that same amount of time.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="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. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>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. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood ExtensionMany of my most recent home visits have been centered around tree health and subsequently around trees experiencing dieback or death from drought stress. The past several years has been very dry and it typically it takes a few years for a tree to show stress from an event. If you take a good look at your tree, you can begin to analyze the overall health and take steps to keep them healthy. To&nbsp;determine the health of your trees, looking at the amount of new growth each year will show you how healthy they are. Observe the tips of the branches that are exposed (not shaded). A tree that grows less than four inches from the previous year is likely under stress and considered unhealthy.New growth is often identifiable by the color. The new twig emerging from the bud may be greener but the leaves are often a brighter shade as well. You'll notice the leaves attached directly to these new stems rather than lateral branches. New growth may also look more compressed than growth from previous years.&nbsp;Though evaluating the amount of growth can help you determine if your tree is healthy, it does not tell you what may be the cause of an unhealthy tree. The effects of stress accumulate year after year. A drought two years ago can have an impact on growth of a recovering tree. The root growth may have been stunted and roots could struggle to take in enough water to support the tree as temperatures rise. When possible, ensure trees are receiving water to a depth of 12 inches every couple of weeks during the summer either from rain or supplemental watering.One of the more common means of watering trees is the use of soaker hoses, but they are notorious for non-uniform watering. On small trees, circling the tree several times with the soaker hose will even out the amount of water applied but this isn't practical for larger trees. On larger trees, hooking both the beginning and the end of the soaker hose to a Y-adapter helps equalize the pressure and therefore provide a more uniform watering. The specific parts you need include the soaker hose, Y-adapter and female to female connector.&nbsp;The soaker hose can circle the trunk at a distance within the dripline of the tree but at least ½ the distance to the dripline. The dripline of the tree is outermost reach of the branches.Soil should be wet at least 12 inches deep as 80% of a tree’s roots are in the top foot of soil.&nbsp; Use a metal rod, wooden dowel, electric fence post or something similar to check depth. Dry soil is much harder to push through than wet and your probe will stop when it hits dry soil.&nbsp;How long it takes water to reach a 12-inch depth varies depending on the rate of water flow and soil.&nbsp; Record the amount of time it takes to reach 12 inches the first time the tree is watered. After that, simply water for that same amount of time.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Tree health, drought stress

Over the years I’ve had many encounters with those jaunty little stilt-legged birds known as Killdeers.

 As a midwestern farm kid I can’t count the number of times the little beggars ran ahead of the tractor in the middle of a field full of absolutely nothing but bare soil, never once hesitating to take on the big green behemoth invading their space. 

And that broken wings thing they do to lead you away from their nest; seriously? Occasionally I’d stop to chase one around and the minute I’d start to gain on it those wings that looked broken to the point of dragging uselessly in the dirt would miraculously heal and those tiny stick legs would propel it well out of reach again.

 I suppose Killdeer are named partly for the loud “KILL DEER” call they use, especially after they’ve fooled you again with the broken wing thing.

Killdeers migrate south for the winter, and are probably the first sign of spring each year, often arriving back in Kansas in mid-February. 

Killdeer are members of the plover family which includes several other cousins that also look a lot like Killdeers.

 I learned that baby birds are divided into two distinct groups.

 Birds that hatch blind, naked and helpless are known as altricial, (Greek for “wet nurse.”) This group includes robins, blue jays and most other backyard birds whose hatchlings lie helplessly in their nest utterly relying on the parents to bring them food and push it down their throats. It's two weeks or more before altricial hatchlings mature enough to leave the nest, and even then, they rely completely on the parents for food. 

The other group is known as precocial, (Latin for “ripened beforehand,”) and includes ducks, geese, pheasants, quail and killdeer. These hatchlings remain in the nest only long enough for their feathers to dry, then they are already out following their parents about, learning the ropes of life. Precocial birds remain in the egg twice as long as altricial birds to give them more time to develop. 

So, for example, a one-day old killdeer chick is at least two weeks older than a one-day old robin hatchling. And along with this, Killdeer eggs are twice as big as robin eggs to allow for more nourishment to be built into the egg to sustain the chick for its longer time “behind the shell;” yet another “God Thing” found in nature. 

Killdeers almost always lay four eggs but none of the eggs start to develop until the last egg is laid and the parent begins to sit on the nest. When the embryos feel the warmth of the adult Killdeer on the nest, they all start to develop at the same time, meaning that even though three of the eggs are older than the last one laid, all chicks will still be the same age when hatched; yup, you guessed it, another God Thing!

The thing about Killdeers that has always baffled me is why on earth they nest in the places they do. 

Although technically in the family known as shorebirds, their nests will usually be found about as far away from water as they can get; often in the middle of a plowed field or in the gravel of a busy parking lot; places with absolutely no cover whatsoever. As far as no-frill nests go, they rank right up there with turkey vultures. They’ll use a slight depression, if there happens to be one, to hold the eggs, but that’s about as fancy as it gets.&nbsp;

They make up for all this by laying eggs that blend in so well with their chosen locations, it’s a fortunate person indeed who ever actually spots a Killdeer nest and eggs in the wild. 

And from those humble nests hatch some of the cutest chicks there can be, looking for all the world like fuzzy little ping pong balls on toothpick legs. Killdeers are very tolerant of us humans; there are numerous examples of them nesting and hatching families along busy sidewalks or next to tennis courts.

Like I said, when I was a kid, I had dozens of encounters with those cute little birds with the stick legs known as Killdeers, but never once did I ever find a nest. In fact, I don’t think it ever occurred to me to search for one.&nbsp;The actor with the broken wing would drag its apparently poor dilapidated body out of my way and the tractor would steam past.

Now as I think about it, it kind of bothers me thinking about all the Killdeer nests I probably unknowingly disked under. 

To Killdeers everywhere, can you find it in your heart to forgive me? And maybe next time rethink the whole nest location thing. 

<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 Over the years I’ve had many encounters with those jaunty little stilt-legged birds known as Killdeers. As a midwestern farm kid I can’t count the number of times the little beggars ran ahead of the tractor in the middle of a field full of absolutely nothing but bare soil, never once hesitating to take on the big green behemoth invading their space. And that broken wings thing they do to lead you away from their nest; seriously? Occasionally I’d stop to chase one around and the minute I’d start to gain on it those wings that looked broken to the point of dragging uselessly in the dirt would miraculously heal and those tiny stick legs would propel it well out of reach again. I suppose Killdeer are named partly for the loud “KILL DEER” call they use, especially after they’ve fooled you again with the broken wing thing.Killdeers migrate south for the winter, and are probably the first sign of spring each year, often arriving back in Kansas in mid-February. Killdeer are members of the plover family which includes several other cousins that also look a lot like Killdeers. I learned that baby birds are divided into two distinct groups. Birds that hatch blind, naked and helpless are known as altricial, (Greek for “wet nurse.”) This group includes robins, blue jays and most other backyard birds whose hatchlings lie helplessly in their nest utterly relying on the parents to bring them food and push it down their throats. It's two weeks or more before altricial hatchlings mature enough to leave the nest, and even then, they rely completely on the parents for food. The other group is known as precocial, (Latin for “ripened beforehand,”) and includes ducks, geese, pheasants, quail and killdeer. These hatchlings remain in the nest only long enough for their feathers to dry, then they are already out following their parents about, learning the ropes of life. Precocial birds remain in the egg twice as long as altricial birds to give them more time to develop. So, for example, a one-day old killdeer chick is at least two weeks older than a one-day old robin hatchling. And along with this, Killdeer eggs are twice as big as robin eggs to allow for more nourishment to be built into the egg to sustain the chick for its longer time “behind the shell;” yet another “God Thing” found in nature. Killdeers almost always lay four eggs but none of the eggs start to develop until the last egg is laid and the parent begins to sit on the nest. When the embryos feel the warmth of the adult Killdeer on the nest, they all start to develop at the same time, meaning that even though three of the eggs are older than the last one laid, all chicks will still be the same age when hatched; yup, you guessed it, another God Thing!The thing about Killdeers that has always baffled me is why on earth they nest in the places they do. Although technically in the family known as shorebirds, their nests will usually be found about as far away from water as they can get; often in the middle of a plowed field or in the gravel of a busy parking lot; places with absolutely no cover whatsoever. As far as no-frill nests go, they rank right up there with turkey vultures. They’ll use a slight depression, if there happens to be one, to hold the eggs, but that’s about as fancy as it gets.&nbsp;They make up for all this by laying eggs that blend in so well with their chosen locations, it’s a fortunate person indeed who ever actually spots a Killdeer nest and eggs in the wild. And from those humble nests hatch some of the cutest chicks there can be, looking for all the world like fuzzy little ping pong balls on toothpick legs. Killdeers are very tolerant of us humans; there are numerous examples of them nesting and hatching families along busy sidewalks or next to tennis courts.Like I said, when I was a kid, I had dozens of encounters with those cute little birds with the stick legs known as Killdeers, but never once did I ever find a nest. In fact, I don’t think it ever occurred to me to search for one.&nbsp;The actor with the broken wing would drag its apparently poor dilapidated body out of my way and the tractor would steam past.Now as I think about it, it kind of bothers me thinking about all the Killdeer nests I probably unknowingly disked under. To Killdeers everywhere, can you find it in your heart to forgive me? And maybe next time rethink the whole nest location thing. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Killdeers and that broken wing thing

Every day, courtrooms across the United States are filled with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders.&nbsp;Without treatment to address the underlying cause of criminal behavior, many will continue to cycle in and out of the justice system, burdening law enforcement and at tremendous expense to taxpayers.

Treatment courts break this cycle by holding individuals accountable through a combination of treatment and rigorous supervision and returning them to the community as healthy, productive citizens. 

Today, approximately 4,000 treatment courts across the nation are now considered the most successful justice intervention in our nation’s history, proving that when one person, family, and community rises, we all rise. 

Kansas has 33 specialty courts serving 37 counties. 

Ellis County Recovery Court, formerly Ellis County Drug Court, has helped justice involved individuals with substance use disorder since 2018, graduating 65 community members to date. 

Approximately 65% of the U.S. prison population has a substance use disorder, and another 20% were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their crime. 

The largest and most comprehensive multi-site study ever conducted on treatment courts found reductions in crime averaging 58% and savings of more than $6,000 for every individual served. Further benefits include improved education, employment, housing, financial stability, and family reunification. 

Ellis County and the surrounding communities are very fortunate to have this program available. 

Treatment courts are our most effective approach to the devastation of addiction and justice involvement. Collaboration between corrections, court, treatment, mental health and law enforcement allow us to support those in addiction and help them manage their recovery while providing resources and tools for long term success. This leads to a stronger community of productive, law-abiding citizens. 

This National Treatment Court Month, The Ellis County Recovery Court thanks the community for its continued support of our efforts to make a difference in Ellis County and the 23rd Judicial District.&nbsp;

Ellis County Recovery Court Team&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="Image by Pixabay&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Every day, courtrooms across the United States are filled with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders.&nbsp;Without treatment to address the underlying cause of criminal behavior, many will continue to cycle in and out of the justice system, burdening law enforcement and at tremendous expense to taxpayers.Treatment courts break this cycle by holding individuals accountable through a combination of treatment and rigorous supervision and returning them to the community as healthy, productive citizens. Today, approximately 4,000 treatment courts across the nation are now considered the most successful justice intervention in our nation’s history, proving that when one person, family, and community rises, we all rise. Kansas has 33 specialty courts serving 37 counties. Ellis County Recovery Court, formerly Ellis County Drug Court, has helped justice involved individuals with substance use disorder since 2018, graduating 65 community members to date. Approximately 65% of the U.S. prison population has a substance use disorder, and another 20% were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their crime. The largest and most comprehensive multi-site study ever conducted on treatment courts found reductions in crime averaging 58% and savings of more than $6,000 for every individual served. Further benefits include improved education, employment, housing, financial stability, and family reunification. Ellis County and the surrounding communities are very fortunate to have this program available. Treatment courts are our most effective approach to the devastation of addiction and justice involvement. Collaboration between corrections, court, treatment, mental health and law enforcement allow us to support those in addiction and help them manage their recovery while providing resources and tools for long term success. This leads to a stronger community of productive, law-abiding citizens. This National Treatment Court Month, The Ellis County Recovery Court thanks the community for its continued support of our efforts to make a difference in Ellis County and the 23rd Judicial District.&nbsp;Ellis County Recovery Court Team&nbsp;

LETTER: May is National Treatment Court Month

It all seemed so easy back in January.

Delivering property tax relief and reform for Kansan homeowners was atop every Kansas legislator’s list as if Moses himself was delivering them on stone tablets from Mount Sinai.&nbsp;An expanded Republican supermajority riding high off November’s victory party rhetoric blustered that property taxes were job #1, #2, and #3.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/edwDjlQFHGw?si=uT38_mwTRaphZbQP">Senate President Ty Masterson</a>&nbsp;chiseled it to the very top of his GOP tablets daring Governor Kelly’s compliance. And when three property tax bills passed out of committee within the first weeks of the session, it appeared the mountain was moving to Moses just as promised.

Three months later, Moses came back down with broken tablets and a t-shirt, “I went to the mountain top and all I got were these crummy 1.5 mills.”&nbsp;So, what in the holy land happened?

·&nbsp; &nbsp; Lawmakers grossly oversold their agency.&nbsp;It shouldn’t be a big secret by now that the State can only be so transformative with property taxes. They controlled a miniscule one percent (1.5 mills) portion of your property tax bill for state and university building maintenance. In the end, it was the only unilateral thing they could play with and eliminated it to their credit. The fact it only saves $35 on a $200,000 house is a kick in the shins to vulnerable homeowners. Other bills like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2011/">HB 2011</a>&nbsp;and the Dems&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb217/">SB 217</a>&nbsp;targeted the other portion of your bill under State auspices - 20 mills for local schools – but the juice was not worth the squeeze.

·&nbsp; &nbsp;Dueling chambers&nbsp;– For some reason, the Senate revived the same 3% cap on property value increases the House rejected last year. House leaders rejected it again calling the constitutional amendment&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/25/kansas-property-tax-where-do-tax-cuts-stand-so-far/#:~:text=inbox%20%E2%80%94%20for%20free.-,Kansas%20Statehouse,exemptions%20from%20$75%2C000%20to%20$125%2C000.">gimmicky</a>&nbsp;given it doesn’t force cities to cut any property tax. Instead, the House deftly proposed an innovative $60 million fund to incentivize local governments to lower property taxes (<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2396/">HB 2396/ASTRA fund</a>). One stick. One carrot. One philosophical logjam.

·&nbsp; &nbsp; The well is running dry&nbsp;– As time wore on, enough lawmakers realized they were either not willing, or unable, to cash checks they’d have to write for property tax relief. This session came on the heels of a massive signature $1.3 billion tax cut in 2024 including twice as much property tax relief. Don’t forget, for every dollar of property tax relief they had to backfill with an equal dollar of income/sales tax revenue so schools and public building maintenance didn’t’ suffer. With the specter of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2025/04/17/kansas-faces-budget-shortfall-after-cutting-taxes-while-spending-more/83140051007/">state coffers going red by 2028</a>, the well is drying up like an Ogallala aquifer.

·&nbsp; &nbsp; The flat tax “okey doke”.&nbsp;With everyone spellbound on property taxes, Republican leaders pulled a classic&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/ppHRs0qKw5U?si=H5ckHnvlS9iZLz5T">“okey doke” ball fake</a>&nbsp;very late in the session by slipping past a Kelly veto block to deliver a phased-in 4% flat income tax. Talk about deep fakes. Kelly proclaimed it the “<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/19/gov-laura-kelly-warns-of-undercutting-kansas-schools-judicial-independence-budget-stability/?emci=bb6f7748-3335-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=96fe52d4-5835-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&amp;ceid=125005">kiss of death for the Kansas budget</a>” as it sucked the well even drier for property tax relief and unmasked conservatives true colors putting income tax cuts first.

In the end, there was no Promise Land. But maybe that’s the lesson. The State will not part the Red Sea meddling with mill rates. Not now. The real issue, and their real power, lies in property assessment reform which they control through Kansas statutes and the county appraisal system. That’s a talk they could walk.

Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708024541249.jpeg" alt="Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>It all seemed so easy back in January.Delivering property tax relief and reform for Kansan homeowners was atop every Kansas legislator’s list as if Moses himself was delivering them on stone tablets from Mount Sinai.&nbsp;An expanded Republican supermajority riding high off November’s victory party rhetoric blustered that property taxes were job #1, #2, and #3.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/edwDjlQFHGw?si=uT38_mwTRaphZbQP">Senate President Ty Masterson</a>&nbsp;chiseled it to the very top of his GOP tablets daring Governor Kelly’s compliance. And when three property tax bills passed out of committee within the first weeks of the session, it appeared the mountain was moving to Moses just as promised.Three months later, Moses came back down with broken tablets and a t-shirt, “I went to the mountain top and all I got were these crummy 1.5 mills.”&nbsp;So, what in the holy land happened?·&nbsp; &nbsp; Lawmakers grossly oversold their agency.&nbsp;It shouldn’t be a big secret by now that the State can only be so transformative with property taxes. They controlled a miniscule one percent (1.5 mills) portion of your property tax bill for state and university building maintenance. In the end, it was the only unilateral thing they could play with and eliminated it to their credit. The fact it only saves $35 on a $200,000 house is a kick in the shins to vulnerable homeowners. Other bills like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2011/">HB 2011</a>&nbsp;and the Dems&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb217/">SB 217</a>&nbsp;targeted the other portion of your bill under State auspices - 20 mills for local schools – but the juice was not worth the squeeze.·&nbsp; &nbsp;Dueling chambers&nbsp;– For some reason, the Senate revived the same 3% cap on property value increases the House rejected last year. House leaders rejected it again calling the constitutional amendment&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/25/kansas-property-tax-where-do-tax-cuts-stand-so-far/#:~:text=inbox%20%E2%80%94%20for%20free.-,Kansas%20Statehouse,exemptions%20from%20$75%2C000%20to%20$125%2C000.">gimmicky</a>&nbsp;given it doesn’t force cities to cut any property tax. Instead, the House deftly proposed an innovative $60 million fund to incentivize local governments to lower property taxes (<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2396/">HB 2396/ASTRA fund</a>). One stick. One carrot. One philosophical logjam.·&nbsp; &nbsp; The well is running dry&nbsp;– As time wore on, enough lawmakers realized they were either not willing, or unable, to cash checks they’d have to write for property tax relief. This session came on the heels of a massive signature $1.3 billion tax cut in 2024 including twice as much property tax relief. Don’t forget, for every dollar of property tax relief they had to backfill with an equal dollar of income/sales tax revenue so schools and public building maintenance didn’t’ suffer. With the specter of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2025/04/17/kansas-faces-budget-shortfall-after-cutting-taxes-while-spending-more/83140051007/">state coffers going red by 2028</a>, the well is drying up like an Ogallala aquifer.·&nbsp; &nbsp; The flat tax “okey doke”.&nbsp;With everyone spellbound on property taxes, Republican leaders pulled a classic&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/ppHRs0qKw5U?si=H5ckHnvlS9iZLz5T">“okey doke” ball fake</a>&nbsp;very late in the session by slipping past a Kelly veto block to deliver a phased-in 4% flat income tax. Talk about deep fakes. Kelly proclaimed it the “<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/19/gov-laura-kelly-warns-of-undercutting-kansas-schools-judicial-independence-budget-stability/?emci=bb6f7748-3335-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=96fe52d4-5835-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&amp;ceid=125005">kiss of death for the Kansas budget</a>” as it sucked the well even drier for property tax relief and unmasked conservatives true colors putting income tax cuts first.In the end, there was no Promise Land. But maybe that’s the lesson. The State will not part the Red Sea meddling with mill rates. Not now. The real issue, and their real power, lies in property assessment reform which they control through Kansas statutes and the county appraisal system. That’s a talk they could walk.Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: What happened to property tax cuts? 

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension

The Department of Agronomy and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will host several winter wheat variety plot tours in different regions of the state. Please make plans to attend a plot tour near you to see and learn about the newest available and upcoming wheat varieties, their agronomics, and their disease reactions. 

Below is a preliminary list of plot tour dates, times, and locations with directions. 

This list will be continuously added to and updated in the K-State Agronomy eUpdates in the coming weeks. To subscribe to the <a href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/extension/eupdates/">K-State Agronomy eUpdates</a>, simply google it in your internet browser. It only takes seconds to do and your email is never shared with anyone.

Some of the upcoming wheat plot tours in our area are:

May 28: 7:30 a.m. - Phillipsburg 1:00 p.m. - Plainville. For more information, contact Cody Miller at 785-543-6845. 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Ellis County, at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays across from the main buildings on the west side of 240th Avenue. RSVP is greatly appreciated for the meal count at&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_brT0WxfHCBxXZJk">bit.ly/KSRECottonwoodDistrictWheatPlotTours</a> or by calling our office 785-628-9430 or email Theresa tam3@ksu.edu.

May 29: 9:30 a.m. Rush County 2:00 p.m. Ness County 6:00 p.m. Lane County. For more information contact Lacey Noterman at 785-798-3921.

Plots tours scheduled after May 29 are being finalized, and details will be updated soon. Stay tuned to the eUpdate for any changes to this schedule.

If you would like to start receiving the Cottonwood Extension District monthly newsletter, send us your email to receive an email notification and link when it comes out each month. Send your email to Theresa Meis tam3@ksu.edu.

 The newsletter can contain information on lawn, garden, and tree care, agronomic and livestock production information for producers, family and community health information, 4-H &amp; Youth Development and upcoming Cottonwood District events.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620850316151.png" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood ExtensionThe Department of Agronomy and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will host several winter wheat variety plot tours in different regions of the state. Please make plans to attend a plot tour near you to see and learn about the newest available and upcoming wheat varieties, their agronomics, and their disease reactions. Below is a preliminary list of plot tour dates, times, and locations with directions. This list will be continuously added to and updated in the K-State Agronomy eUpdates in the coming weeks. To subscribe to the <a href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/extension/eupdates/">K-State Agronomy eUpdates</a>, simply google it in your internet browser. It only takes seconds to do and your email is never shared with anyone.Some of the upcoming wheat plot tours in our area are:May 28: 7:30 a.m. - Phillipsburg 1:00 p.m. - Plainville. For more information, contact Cody Miller at 785-543-6845. 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Ellis County, at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays across from the main buildings on the west side of 240th Avenue. RSVP is greatly appreciated for the meal count at&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_brT0WxfHCBxXZJk">bit.ly/KSRECottonwoodDistrictWheatPlotTours</a> or by calling our office 785-628-9430 or email Theresa tam3@ksu.edu.May 29: 9:30 a.m. Rush County 2:00 p.m. Ness County 6:00 p.m. Lane County. For more information contact Lacey Noterman at 785-798-3921.Plots tours scheduled after May 29 are being finalized, and details will be updated soon. Stay tuned to the eUpdate for any changes to this schedule.<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Wheat variety plots and the wheat streak mosaic virus" 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=rtpzc-18b71f1-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>If you would like to start receiving the Cottonwood Extension District monthly newsletter, send us your email to receive an email notification and link when it comes out each month. Send your email to Theresa Meis tam3@ksu.edu. The newsletter can contain information on lawn, garden, and tree care, agronomic and livestock production information for producers, family and community health information, 4-H &amp; Youth Development and upcoming Cottonwood District events.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

🎙CAMPBELL: 2025 Kansas wheat plot tours

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension

There are lots of ways for you to be involved in the Barton County Fair!

The theme for the 2025 Barton County Fair is Barnyard Mardi Gras and it will be happening June 25-29.

 Exhibits are due to the fairgrounds for most categories on Wednesday, June 25. Our 4-H members must pre-enter their exhibits while Open Class entries can be entered online ahead of time or on-site on the 25th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood ExtensionThere are lots of ways for you to be involved in the Barton County Fair!The theme for the 2025 Barton County Fair is Barnyard Mardi Gras and it will be happening June 25-29. Exhibits are due to the fairgrounds for most categories on Wednesday, June 25. Our 4-H members must pre-enter their exhibits while Open Class entries can be entered online ahead of time or on-site on the 25th.We have a couple of 4-H pre-fair judging events for Sewing &amp; Textiles, Shopping In Style, and Fiber Arts, as well as the 4-H Dog Show. However, these results will be on display in Expo II throughout the fair week.Judging is handled a bit differently for 4-H and Open Class. Consultative judging is used to provide one-on-one feedback about project learning, and the exhibit, as an important part of the learning opportunity for the 4-H member and all members receive a ribbon on their entry. We use the Danish system for 4-H exhibits which defines a Purple as exemplary, a Blue as above average, a Red as average, and a White as having substantial deficiencies. For Open Class, the judge will evaluate the exhibit item and determine if it receives one of the top three placings awarded per class.Each year, the Barton County Fair Association has several special award categories for Open Class which tie to the theme. Be on the lookout for the announcements about these and all Open Class opportunities. Open Class offers a youth (16 and younger), Adult (17-65), Senior (65 and better), and a Professional class for those who teach about or make a practice of selling their work.Online entries aren’t open just yet for 4-H or Open Class but keep an eye on <a href="https://www.bartoncountyfair.com/">bartoncountyfair.com</a> for updates, schedules, and entry information.Come join us June 25-29 to watch the livestock shows, check out 4-H and Open Class exhibits, listen to a concert, share a meal with friends, and support all ages across our community as they showcase their interests from art to woodworking!We look forward to seeing your entry for the Barnyard Mardi Gras!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.

Opinion