By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

LARNED—Kansas Department of Health and Environment officials heard Larned residents' concerns about Innovative Livestock's permit submission for a new cattle facility on Tuesday.

The proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilsbeef.com/">Innovative Livestock Services</a>&nbsp;feedlot is designed to house 88,000 beef cattle and will feature open lot pens, storage areas, sediment basins and waste storage ponds.

The facility would be about 10 miles south of Larned.

The KDHE hosted an informational session and public hearing on Tuesday, led by Livestock Waste Management Section Chief Casey Guccione.

"Our review process involves making sure that these facilities meet the laws and regulations that have been defined by the Legislature," Guccione said.

Longtime Larned residents Merrill Cauble and Felix Revello attended the public hearing to oppose the proposed feed yard and advocate for the region.

They outlined concerns regarding water contamination, economic effects, the need for further testing and air pollution.

"To go out and have a nice evening with the family or friends out on your back porch for a barbecue... it ruins the day and evening. You have to take everything inside because it's intolerable outside," Cauble said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e5984cf6-ebee-49aa-98c3-0609ce2c4f12">SEE RELATED STORY: Innovative Livestock Services submits permit for cattle facility near Larned</a>

KDHE has drafted a proposed Kansas Water Pollution Control Permit for the facility, which is available on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/436/Livestock-Waste-Management">website</a>.

Although the facility is about 10 miles from Larned, many residents say they will still be affected, especially since other feed yards are already in operation nearby.

One attendee who lives near a feedlot north of Larned said adding another south of town would create more water issues that could affect his children.

"I have a 9-year-old. I want him to be healthy and be able to thrive in his life. If he's going to have all these water issues now, that's going to cause issues for him later," he said.

The attendee went on to share that he received a heart transplant in December and cannot afford to install a new water system.

"I cannot currently shower in my own home because of the water quality, and that's before this new feedlot," he said. "I go into town four to five times a week just to take a shower if people let me."

He adds that he cannot drink his water or wash dishes with it, forcing him to buy cases and gallons to meet basic needs. This expense is one he struggles to afford while out of work.

While many residents voiced opposition and skepticism about KDHE’s ability to protect their community, others showed confidence in the proposed facility and its potential benefits.

One attendee, a farmer who lives about eight miles from the proposed site, said past issues involving&nbsp;Innovative Livestock Services were addressed when they arose.

"When they had dust problems, they fixed it. When they needed water, they pipe water from clear across the river to water the pens down. They are good neighbors," he said.

The attendee added Larned is an agricultural community struggling due to a lack of business, and voiced support for the new feedyard, citing the jobs it would create.

"We've got to do this if we want our community to survive and grow," he said.

A farmer from Rozel who owns land near an existing&nbsp;Innovative Livestock Services facility also endorsed the project, saying he’s confident the new feed yard will implement all necessary safeguards.

"I'm familiar with the dust and smell," he said.&nbsp;"[Innovative Livestock Services] is a tremendous steward of the ground. From what I see, they do everything right. They take care of the ground and the feed yards."

A representative of the Kansas Livestock Association also appeared to show support.

Another opponent lives about a mile from the site, making him one of the closest residents to the proposed facility who attended the hearing.

A father of three, his concern is groundwater contamination. His home is not connected to a rural water district, and he says nitrate levels are allegedly already high near other feedlots.

"I just wish there was a guarantee that there would be a lot less at this new lot, but living so close, I just don't see it," he said.

Cauble and Revello took turns speaking at the hearing. They raised other concerns about the massive amount of manure the facility would produce, weak KDHE regulations, and questionable groundwater depth data and separation distances.

They urged that no permit be approved until existing environmental issues are resolved.

"Rural Kansas' rights to healthy lives and enjoyment of their homes are being sacrificed to produce enormous wealth for distant owners," Revello said.

Guccione did not address public concerns directly during the hearing. All comments were recorded for a formal written response to be released later.

During the informational session, residents were allowed to ask questions about the permit application. Guccione said KDHE’s review is limited to determining whether the application complies with existing state laws and regulations.

The current draft permit does not include groundwater monitoring. However, Guccione said KDHE, Innovative Livestock Service and the Kansas Livestock Association are discussing including it in the final permit for regular testing.

He said odor and dust fall outside the scope of the permit and are not factored into the permitting process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743094012197.jpeg" alt="Residents attending the KDHE public hearing for an Innovative Livestock permit at the Larned Community Center. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Residents attending the KDHE public hearing for an Innovative Livestock permit at the Larned Community Center. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostLARNED—Kansas Department of Health and Environment officials heard Larned residents' concerns about Innovative Livestock's permit submission for a new cattle facility on Tuesday.The proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilsbeef.com/">Innovative Livestock Services</a>&nbsp;feedlot is designed to house 88,000 beef cattle and will feature open lot pens, storage areas, sediment basins and waste storage ponds.The facility would be about 10 miles south of Larned.The KDHE hosted an informational session and public hearing on Tuesday, led by Livestock Waste Management Section Chief Casey Guccione."Our review process involves making sure that these facilities meet the laws and regulations that have been defined by the Legislature," Guccione said.Longtime Larned residents Merrill Cauble and Felix Revello attended the public hearing to oppose the proposed feed yard and advocate for the region.They outlined concerns regarding water contamination, economic effects, the need for further testing and air pollution."To go out and have a nice evening with the family or friends out on your back porch for a barbecue... it ruins the day and evening. You have to take everything inside because it's intolerable outside," Cauble said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e5984cf6-ebee-49aa-98c3-0609ce2c4f12">SEE RELATED STORY: Innovative Livestock Services submits permit for cattle facility near Larned</a>KDHE has drafted a proposed Kansas Water Pollution Control Permit for the facility, which is available on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/436/Livestock-Waste-Management">website</a>.Although the facility is about 10 miles from Larned, many residents say they will still be affected, especially since other feed yards are already in operation nearby.One attendee who lives near a feedlot north of Larned said adding another south of town would create more water issues that could affect his children."I have a 9-year-old. I want him to be healthy and be able to thrive in his life. If he's going to have all these water issues now, that's going to cause issues for him later," he said.The attendee went on to share that he received a heart transplant in December and cannot afford to install a new water system."I cannot currently shower in my own home because of the water quality, and that's before this new feedlot," he said. "I go into town four to five times a week just to take a shower if people let me."He adds that he cannot drink his water or wash dishes with it, forcing him to buy cases and gallons to meet basic needs. This expense is one he struggles to afford while out of work.While many residents voiced opposition and skepticism about KDHE’s ability to protect their community, others showed confidence in the proposed facility and its potential benefits.One attendee, a farmer who lives about eight miles from the proposed site, said past issues involving&nbsp;Innovative Livestock Services were addressed when they arose."When they had dust problems, they fixed it. When they needed water, they pipe water from clear across the river to water the pens down. They are good neighbors," he said.The attendee added Larned is an agricultural community struggling due to a lack of business, and voiced support for the new feedyard, citing the jobs it would create."We've got to do this if we want our community to survive and grow," he said.A farmer from Rozel who owns land near an existing&nbsp;Innovative Livestock Services facility also endorsed the project, saying he’s confident the new feed yard will implement all necessary safeguards."I'm familiar with the dust and smell," he said.&nbsp;"[Innovative Livestock Services] is a tremendous steward of the ground. From what I see, they do everything right. They take care of the ground and the feed yards."A representative of the Kansas Livestock Association also appeared to show support.Another opponent lives about a mile from the site, making him one of the closest residents to the proposed facility who attended the hearing.A father of three, his concern is groundwater contamination. His home is not connected to a rural water district, and he says nitrate levels are allegedly already high near other feedlots."I just wish there was a guarantee that there would be a lot less at this new lot, but living so close, I just don't see it," he said.Cauble and Revello took turns speaking at the hearing. They raised other concerns about the massive amount of manure the facility would produce, weak KDHE regulations, and questionable groundwater depth data and separation distances.They urged that no permit be approved until existing environmental issues are resolved."Rural Kansas' rights to healthy lives and enjoyment of their homes are being sacrificed to produce enormous wealth for distant owners," Revello said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743094176137.jpeg" alt="KDHE Livestock Waste Management Section Chief Casey Guccione speaking to residents at the Larned Community Center. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Livestock Waste Management Section Chief Casey Guccione speaking to residents at the Larned Community Center. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Guccione did not address public concerns directly during the hearing. All comments were recorded for a formal written response to be released later.During the informational session, residents were allowed to ask questions about the permit application. Guccione said KDHE’s review is limited to determining whether the application complies with existing state laws and regulations.The current draft permit does not include groundwater monitoring. However, Guccione said KDHE, Innovative Livestock Service and the Kansas Livestock Association are discussing including it in the final permit for regular testing.He said odor and dust fall outside the scope of the permit and are not factored into the permitting process.

Larned residents unhappy with Innovative Livestock Services feedlot permit

NUUK, Greenland (AP) — U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Friday that Denmark has "underinvested" in Greenland’s security and demanded that Denmark change its approach as President Donald Trump continues to talk of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-offshore-drilling-gulf-of-america-fa66f8d072eb39c00a8128a8941ede75">taking over the Danish territory</a>.

The pointed remarks came as Vance visited U.S. troops on Pituffik Space Base on the mineral-rich,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-trump-independence-election-denmark-china-russia-c86afc33375d0fe260f065a662e04b57">strategically critical island</a>.

“Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance said. “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.”

Vance said the U.S. has “no option” but to take a significant position to ensure the security of Greenland as he encouraged a push in Greenland for independence from Denmark.

“I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States,” Vance said. “We could make them much more secure. We could do a lot more protection. And I think they’d fare a lot better economically as well.”

Vance was joined by his wife and other senior U.S. officials for the visit to the American military base in a trip that was scaled back after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-future-trump-arctic-independence-denmark-minerals-4711a83c4490de99638db32029b668c9">an uproar among Greenlanders and Danes</a>&nbsp;who were irked that the original itinerary was planned without consulting them.

Soon after arriving, Vance briefly addressed U.S. troops stationed at the base as he and his wife sat down to lunch with them, saying that the Republican administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is very interested in “Arctic security.” He and his entourage, including national security adviser Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, then received briefings from military officials.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-greenland-trump-denmark-pituffik-base-arctic-ec5ba20a161ba52c9d664706d030b60f">revised trip</a>&nbsp;to the semi-autonomous Danish territory comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-has-scared-most-greenlanders-away-from-idea-of-close-ties-with-the-us-defense-expert-says-b41ef9f6a07a4e78868646b66eb1ca7e">relations between the U.S. and the Nordic country</a>, a traditional U.S. ally and NATO member, have soured. Trump had repeatedly suggested that the United States should in some form control the island.

During his remarks at the end of the brief visit, Vance underscored that he did not think military force was ever going to be necessary as he pressed the idea of a dramatically enhanced American position on the island.

“Because we think the people of Greenland are rational and good, we think we’re going to have to cut a deal, Donald Trump style, to ensure the security of this territory but also the United States of America,” Vance said.

In Washington, Trump on Friday said the U.S. “needs Greenland for international security.”

Trump, speaking to reporters soon after Vance’s arrival, alluded to the rising Chinese and Russian interest in the Arctic, where sea lanes have opened up because of climate change.

“Greenland’s very important for the peace of the world,” Trump said. “And I think Denmark understands, and I think the European Union understands it. And if they don’t, we’re going to have to explain it to them.”

Vance hasn't shied away from impolitic exchanges with global leaders during the early going of Trump's second White House term, in which the Republican leader has vowed dramatically shake up America’s approach on the world stage.

In his first overseas trip last month, Vance used a visit to an artificial intelligence summit in Paris to deliver an unmistakable message: The United States has room for you on the Trump train — but it also has no problem leaving you behind.

Days later at the Munich Security Conference, Vance lectured European officials on free speech and illegal migration on the continent.

Late last month, he laid into Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for being insufficiently grateful to the U.S. for its assistance since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. That disastrous Oval Office meeting led to Trump briefly cutting off military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

Friday's one-day visit to the U.S. Space Force&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-american-military-pituffik-space-base-denmark-746d67b1bc8e6681328a809787412495">outpost at Pituffik</a>, on the northwest coast of Greenland, removed the risk of potentially violating diplomatic custom by sending a delegation to another country without an official invitation. It also reduced the likelihood that Vance and his wife would cross paths with residents angered by Trump’s announcements.

It was minus-3 degrees F (minus-19 degrees C) when the delegation landed to sunny skies at the remote base 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle. “It’s cold as s—- here. Nobody told me,” Vance said, prompting laughs.

Ahead of Vance's arrival, four of the five parties elected to Greenland's parliament earlier this month signed an agreement to form a new, broad-based&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-us-trump-vance-coalition-government-7761811a2fc02d1ae86bb09e16b4bd46">coalition government</a>. The parties banded together in the face of Trump's designs on the territory.

“It is a time when we as a population are under pressure,” the prime minister-designate, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said before the accord was signed to applause and cheers in the capital, Nuuk.

He added that “we must stick together. Together we are strongest,” Greenland broadcaster KNR reported.

In a post on Instagram, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen congratulated Nielsen and his incoming government, and said, “I look forward to close cooperation in an unnecessarily conflict-filled time.”

Frederiksen said Tuesday that the U.S. visit, which was originally set for three days, created “unacceptable pressure." She has said Denmark wants to work with the U.S. on defense and security, but Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.

Initially, Vance's wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-denmark-greenland-trump-4b2a8d19cbeda770357e84aef740d4b7">Usha Vance, had announced a solo trip</a>&nbsp;to the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut. The vice president subsequently said he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-greenland-trump-e5d53819bfeb622c9e56d5fc2bcdb889">join her on that trip</a>, only to change that itinerary again — after protests from Greenland and Denmark — to a one-day visit to the military post only.

Inhabitants of Nuuk, which is about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) south of Pituffik, voiced concern about Vance's visit and the U.S. interest in their island.

Cora Høy, 22, said Vance was “welcome if he wants to see it but of course Greenland is not for sale.” She added that “it’s not normal around here” with all the attention Greenland is getting. "I feel now every day is about (Trump) and I just want to get away from it.”

“It’s all a bit crazy. Of course the population here is a bit shook up,” said 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. "My opinion is the same as everyone’s: Of course you don’t do things this way. You don’t just come here and say that you want to buy the place.”

As the nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland has broader strategic value as both China and Russia seek access to its waterways and natural resources.

“We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic, because we know that if America doesn’t, other nations will fill the gap where we fall behind,” Vance said.

Grieshaber reported from Berlin and Madhani from Washington. Associated Press writers Geir Moulson in Berlin and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.

NUUK, Greenland (AP) — U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Friday that Denmark has "underinvested" in Greenland’s security and demanded that Denmark change its approach as President Donald Trump continues to talk of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-offshore-drilling-gulf-of-america-fa66f8d072eb39c00a8128a8941ede75">taking over the Danish territory</a>.The pointed remarks came as Vance visited U.S. troops on Pituffik Space Base on the mineral-rich,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-trump-independence-election-denmark-china-russia-c86afc33375d0fe260f065a662e04b57">strategically critical island</a>.“Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance said. “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: &quot;Why does Greenland matter so much? -- We know that Russia and China and other nations are taking an extraordinary interest in Arctic passageways, Arctic naval routes, and in the minerals of the Arctic territories. We need to ensure America is leading in the Arctic.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/KVZeVxTbtW">pic.twitter.com/KVZeVxTbtW</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1905686449602916696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> Vance: &quot;We want to have good relationships with everybody... but part of having good relations is showing your strength when you have to. And unfortunately, the story of Greenland over the past 20 years when it comes to security is that we&#39;ve underinvested... that has to… <a href="https://t.co/3DwgvHnk9F">pic.twitter.com/3DwgvHnk9F</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1905687853230944440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: &quot;We can&#39;t just bury our head in the sand — or, in Greenland, bury our head in the snow — and pretend that the Chinese are not interested in this very large landmass. We know that they are.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/2qzgOhL2pQ">pic.twitter.com/2qzgOhL2pQ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1905689227444322722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Vance said the U.S. has “no option” but to take a significant position to ensure the security of Greenland as he encouraged a push in Greenland for independence from Denmark.“I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States,” Vance said. “We could make them much more secure. We could do a lot more protection. And I think they’d fare a lot better economically as well.”Vance was joined by his wife and other senior U.S. officials for the visit to the American military base in a trip that was scaled back after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-future-trump-arctic-independence-denmark-minerals-4711a83c4490de99638db32029b668c9">an uproar among Greenlanders and Danes</a>&nbsp;who were irked that the original itinerary was planned without consulting them.Soon after arriving, Vance briefly addressed U.S. troops stationed at the base as he and his wife sat down to lunch with them, saying that the Republican administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is very interested in “Arctic security.” He and his entourage, including national security adviser Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, then received briefings from military officials.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-greenland-trump-denmark-pituffik-base-arctic-ec5ba20a161ba52c9d664706d030b60f">revised trip</a>&nbsp;to the semi-autonomous Danish territory comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-has-scared-most-greenlanders-away-from-idea-of-close-ties-with-the-us-defense-expert-says-b41ef9f6a07a4e78868646b66eb1ca7e">relations between the U.S. and the Nordic country</a>, a traditional U.S. ally and NATO member, have soured. Trump had repeatedly suggested that the United States should in some form control the island.During his remarks at the end of the brief visit, Vance underscored that he did not think military force was ever going to be necessary as he pressed the idea of a dramatically enhanced American position on the island.“Because we think the people of Greenland are rational and good, we think we’re going to have to cut a deal, Donald Trump style, to ensure the security of this territory but also the United States of America,” Vance said.In Washington, Trump on Friday said the U.S. “needs Greenland for international security.”Trump, speaking to reporters soon after Vance’s arrival, alluded to the rising Chinese and Russian interest in the Arctic, where sea lanes have opened up because of climate change.“Greenland’s very important for the peace of the world,” Trump said. “And I think Denmark understands, and I think the European Union understands it. And if they don’t, we’re going to have to explain it to them.”Vance hasn't shied away from impolitic exchanges with global leaders during the early going of Trump's second White House term, in which the Republican leader has vowed dramatically shake up America’s approach on the world stage.In his first overseas trip last month, Vance used a visit to an artificial intelligence summit in Paris to deliver an unmistakable message: The United States has room for you on the Trump train — but it also has no problem leaving you behind.Days later at the Munich Security Conference, Vance lectured European officials on free speech and illegal migration on the continent.Late last month, he laid into Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for being insufficiently grateful to the U.S. for its assistance since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. That disastrous Oval Office meeting led to Trump briefly cutting off military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.Friday's one-day visit to the U.S. Space Force&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-american-military-pituffik-space-base-denmark-746d67b1bc8e6681328a809787412495">outpost at Pituffik</a>, on the northwest coast of Greenland, removed the risk of potentially violating diplomatic custom by sending a delegation to another country without an official invitation. It also reduced the likelihood that Vance and his wife would cross paths with residents angered by Trump’s announcements.It was minus-3 degrees F (minus-19 degrees C) when the delegation landed to sunny skies at the remote base 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle. “It’s cold as s—- here. Nobody told me,” Vance said, prompting laughs.Ahead of Vance's arrival, four of the five parties elected to Greenland's parliament earlier this month signed an agreement to form a new, broad-based&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-us-trump-vance-coalition-government-7761811a2fc02d1ae86bb09e16b4bd46">coalition government</a>. The parties banded together in the face of Trump's designs on the territory.“It is a time when we as a population are under pressure,” the prime minister-designate, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said before the accord was signed to applause and cheers in the capital, Nuuk.He added that “we must stick together. Together we are strongest,” Greenland broadcaster KNR reported.In a post on Instagram, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen congratulated Nielsen and his incoming government, and said, “I look forward to close cooperation in an unnecessarily conflict-filled time.”Frederiksen said Tuesday that the U.S. visit, which was originally set for three days, created “unacceptable pressure." She has said Denmark wants to work with the U.S. on defense and security, but Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.Initially, Vance's wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-denmark-greenland-trump-4b2a8d19cbeda770357e84aef740d4b7">Usha Vance, had announced a solo trip</a>&nbsp;to the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut. The vice president subsequently said he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-greenland-trump-e5d53819bfeb622c9e56d5fc2bcdb889">join her on that trip</a>, only to change that itinerary again — after protests from Greenland and Denmark — to a one-day visit to the military post only.Inhabitants of Nuuk, which is about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) south of Pituffik, voiced concern about Vance's visit and the U.S. interest in their island.Cora Høy, 22, said Vance was “welcome if he wants to see it but of course Greenland is not for sale.” She added that “it’s not normal around here” with all the attention Greenland is getting. "I feel now every day is about (Trump) and I just want to get away from it.”“It’s all a bit crazy. Of course the population here is a bit shook up,” said 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. "My opinion is the same as everyone’s: Of course you don’t do things this way. You don’t just come here and say that you want to buy the place.”As the nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland has broader strategic value as both China and Russia seek access to its waterways and natural resources.“We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic, because we know that if America doesn’t, other nations will fill the gap where we fall behind,” Vance said.___Grieshaber reported from Berlin and Madhani from Washington. Associated Press writers Geir Moulson in Berlin and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.

🎥Vice President visits Greenland amid U.S. takeover controversy

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks agriculture in the spring growing season with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agriculture agent.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Cottonwood Extension agriculture agent Stacy Campbell" 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=bm6vc-1863b3a-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 agriculture in the spring growing season with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agriculture agent.

🎙 POST PODCAST: Extension agriculture agent on spring growing season

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Ransom couple who were arrested in July each on a charge of mistreatment of a dependent adult entered pleas in Ness County District Court on March 20.

Lynn Schmidt, 66, and Opal Schmidt, 71, were both charged with mistreatment of a dependent elder adult, criminal restraint and endangerment,&nbsp; according to court records.

Lynn Schmidt pleaded no contest to all counts as he was originally charged, according to court records.

Opal Schmidt pleaded no contest to the felony charge of mistreatment of a dependent adult, according to court records.

The felony charge of mistreatment of a dependent person carries a sentence of 32 to 136 months and a maximum fine of $300,000. Criminal restraint and endangerment are both misdemeanor charges.

Ness County Attorney Jacob Gayer declined to release the terms of the plea agreement or any other information on the case.

Lynn and Opal Schmidt's sentencings have been set for 2 p.m. May 28 in Ness County District Court.&nbsp;

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Ransom couple who were arrested in July each on a charge of mistreatment of a dependent adult entered pleas in Ness County District Court on March 20.Lynn Schmidt, 66, and Opal Schmidt, 71, were both charged with mistreatment of a dependent elder adult, criminal restraint and endangerment,&nbsp; according to court records.Lynn Schmidt pleaded no contest to all counts as he was originally charged, according to court records.Opal Schmidt pleaded no contest to the felony charge of mistreatment of a dependent adult, according to court records.The felony charge of mistreatment of a dependent person carries a sentence of 32 to 136 months and a maximum fine of $300,000. Criminal restraint and endangerment are both misdemeanor charges.Ness County Attorney Jacob Gayer declined to release the terms of the plea agreement or any other information on the case.Lynn and Opal Schmidt's sentencings have been set for 2 p.m. May 28 in Ness County District Court.&nbsp;

Ransom couple enter pleas on mistreatment of adult charges

BANGKOK (AP) — A powerful earthquake&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/shock-and-surprise-at-strong-earthquake-that-shook-capital-of-thailand-d2d9d690b92b4f62bded074235e31969">rocked Myanmar and neighboring Thailand</a>&nbsp;on Friday, destroying buildings, a bridge and a dam. At least 144 people were killed in Myanmar, where photos and video from two hard-hit cities showed extensive damage. At least eight died in the Thai capital, where a high-rise under construction collapsed.

The 7.7 magnitude quake, with an epicenter near Mandalay,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/scenes-of-damage-caused-by-strong-earthquake-in-myanmar-capital-of-naypyitaw-6eb56cd6144b4c9f8acf7c369590ee57">Myanmar</a>&nbsp;'s second largest city, struck at midday and was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock.

The full extent of death, injury and destruction was not immediately clear — particularly in Myanmar, one of the world's poorest countries. It is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/myanmar-civil-war-militia-1027-offensive-takeaways-63b33397204b8ff78ede24f1e699ceef">embroiled in a civil war</a>&nbsp;and information is tightly controlled.

The head of Myanmar’s military government said in the televised speech on Friday evening that at least 144 people were killed and 730 others were injured.

“The death toll and injuries are expected to rise,” Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said.

Photos from the capital of Naypyidaw showed multiple buildings used to house civil servants destroyed by the quake, and rescue crews pulling victims from the rubble.

Myanmar's government said blood was in high demand in the hardest-hit areas. Images of buckled and cracked roads in Mandalay and damaged highways as well as the collapse of a bridge and dam raised further concerns about how rescuers would even reach some areas in a country already enduring a widespread humanitarian crisis.

Near Bangkok’s popular Chatuchak market, a 33-story building under construction, with a crane on top, crumpled into a cloud of dust, and onlookers could be seen screaming and running in a video posted on social media.

The sound of sirens echoed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/deaths-reported-as-building-collapses-during-strong-earthquake-in-thailand-capital-f5607688885b46a4a685275e44bf851e">throughout central Bangkok</a>&nbsp;and vehicles filled the streets, leaving some of the city’s already congested streets gridlocked. The elevated rapid transit system and subway shut down.

While the area where the quake struck is prone to earthquakes, they are usually not so big and it is rare for them to be felt in the Thai capital, which sits on a river delta and is at moderate risk for quakes.

April Kanichawanakul, who works in an office building in Bangkok, initially didn’t even realize it was an earthquake, the first she’d ever experienced. “I just thought I was dizzy,” she said.

She and her colleagues ran downstairs from the 10th floor of their building and waited outside for a signal that it was safe to go back in.

Crane-topped building collapsed in a cloud of dust

In Bangkok, at least three people were killed in the building collapse and 90 were missing, according to Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He offered no more details about the ongoing rescue efforts but first responders said that seven people had been rescued so far from the area.

At least two of the dead were construction workers who were killed by falling rubble or debris, rescue worker Songwut Wangpon told reporters. The building was being built by the China Railway Construction Corporation for Thailand’s government auditor general.

Elsewhere, people in Bangkok evacuated from their buildings were cautioned to stay outside in case there were more aftershocks.

The U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences said the earthquake was a shallow 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to preliminary reports. Shallower earthquakes tend to cause more damage.

Bangkok's city hall declared the city a disaster area to facilitate the response. The greater metropolitan area is home to more than 17 million people, many of whom live in high-rise apartments.

“All of a sudden the whole building began to move. Immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic,” said Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, who was in one of Bangkok's many malls.

“I just started walking calmly at first but then the building started really moving, yeah, a lot of screaming, a lot of panic, people running the wrong way down the escalators.”

Like Morton, thousands of people poured into Benjasiri Park from nearby shopping malls, high rises and apartment buildings along Bangkok’s busy Sukhumvit Road.

Many were on phones trying to reach loved ones as others sought shade from the hot early afternoon sun.

Voranoot Thirawat, a lawyer working in central Bangkok, said her first indication that something was wrong came when she saw a light swinging back and forth. Then she heard the building creaking as it moved back and forth.

She and her colleagues ran down 12 flights of stairs. “In my lifetime, there was no earthquake like this in Bangkok,” she said.

Paul Vincent, a tourist visiting from England, was at a streetside bar when the quake struck.

As he came onto the street himself, he said he saw a high-rise building swaying and water falling from a rooftop pool.

“There was people crying in the streets and, you know, the panic was horrendous really,” he said.

Bridge and monastery collapse and dam bursts in Myanmar

In Mandalay, the earthquake reportedly brought down multiple buildings, including the Ma Soe Yane monastery, one of the largest in the city, and damaged the former royal palace. Meanwhile, Christian Aid said its partners and colleagues on the ground reported that a dam burst in the city, causing water levels to rise in the lowland areas in the area.

A video posted online showed robed monks in the street shooting video of the multistory monastery before it suddenly fell into the ground. It was not immediately clear whether anyone was harmed.

In the Sagaing region just southwest of the city, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and some sections of the highway connecting Mandalay and Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, were also damaged.

The military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, and is now involved in a bloody civil war with long-established militias and newly formed pro-democracy ones.

Government forces have lost control of much of Myanmar, and many places are incredibly dangerous to access or simply out of reach for aid groups. More than 3 million people have been displaced by the fighting and nearly 20 million are in need, according to the United Nations.

The Red Cross said downed power lines added to challenges for their teams trying to reach several hard-hit areas.

“This disaster will have left people devastated and in need of drinking water, food and shelter," said Julie Mehigan, head of Asia, Middle East &amp; Europe for Christian Aid. “Myanmar is one of the least developed countries in the world. Even before this heartbreaking earthquake, we know conflict and displacement has left countless people in real need.”

Myanmar’s government declared a state of emergency in six regions and states including the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay. It was not clear what the declaration meant since the entire country has been under a state of emergency since 2021.

Residents in Yangon rushed out of their homes when the quake struck. In the capital Naypyitaw, the quake damaged some homes and religious shrines, sending parts toppling to the ground.

To the northeast, the earthquake was felt in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China and caused damage to houses and injuries in the city of Ruili on the border with Myanmar, according to Chinese media reports.

Videos that one outlet said it had received from a person in Ruili showed building debris littering a street and a person being wheeled in a stretcher toward an ambulance.

The shaking in Mangshi, a Chinese city about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of Ruili, was so strong that people couldn’t stand, one resident told The Paper, an online media outlet.

Adam Schreck, Haruka Naga, Jerry Harmer, Grant Peck and Penny Wang in Bangkok, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743173070607.png" alt="USGS image of the location of the quake" />
 <figcaption>USGS image of the location of the quake</figcaption>
 </figure>BANGKOK (AP) — A powerful earthquake&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/shock-and-surprise-at-strong-earthquake-that-shook-capital-of-thailand-d2d9d690b92b4f62bded074235e31969">rocked Myanmar and neighboring Thailand</a>&nbsp;on Friday, destroying buildings, a bridge and a dam. At least 144 people were killed in Myanmar, where photos and video from two hard-hit cities showed extensive damage. At least eight died in the Thai capital, where a high-rise under construction collapsed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A powerful earthquake rocked Myanmar and neighboring Thailand on Friday, killing at least three people in Bangkok and burying dozens when a high-rise building under construction collapsed. <a href="https://t.co/wOb65quagE">pic.twitter.com/wOb65quagE</a>&mdash; The Associated Press (@AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AP/status/1905635759484198924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 7.7 magnitude quake, with an epicenter near Mandalay,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/scenes-of-damage-caused-by-strong-earthquake-in-myanmar-capital-of-naypyitaw-6eb56cd6144b4c9f8acf7c369590ee57">Myanmar</a>&nbsp;'s second largest city, struck at midday and was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743174433121.jpeg" alt="Rescuers work at the site a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)" />
 <figcaption>Rescuers work at the site a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)</figcaption>
 </figure>The full extent of death, injury and destruction was not immediately clear — particularly in Myanmar, one of the world's poorest countries. It is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/myanmar-civil-war-militia-1027-offensive-takeaways-63b33397204b8ff78ede24f1e699ceef">embroiled in a civil war</a>&nbsp;and information is tightly controlled.The head of Myanmar’s military government said in the televised speech on Friday evening that at least 144 people were killed and 730 others were injured.“The death toll and injuries are expected to rise,” Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said.Photos from the capital of Naypyidaw showed multiple buildings used to house civil servants destroyed by the quake, and rescue crews pulling victims from the rubble.Myanmar's government said blood was in high demand in the hardest-hit areas. Images of buckled and cracked roads in Mandalay and damaged highways as well as the collapse of a bridge and dam raised further concerns about how rescuers would even reach some areas in a country already enduring a widespread humanitarian crisis.Near Bangkok’s popular Chatuchak market, a 33-story building under construction, with a crane on top, crumpled into a cloud of dust, and onlookers could be seen screaming and running in a video posted on social media.The sound of sirens echoed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/deaths-reported-as-building-collapses-during-strong-earthquake-in-thailand-capital-f5607688885b46a4a685275e44bf851e">throughout central Bangkok</a>&nbsp;and vehicles filled the streets, leaving some of the city’s already congested streets gridlocked. The elevated rapid transit system and subway shut down.While the area where the quake struck is prone to earthquakes, they are usually not so big and it is rare for them to be felt in the Thai capital, which sits on a river delta and is at moderate risk for quakes.April Kanichawanakul, who works in an office building in Bangkok, initially didn’t even realize it was an earthquake, the first she’d ever experienced. “I just thought I was dizzy,” she said.She and her colleagues ran downstairs from the 10th floor of their building and waited outside for a signal that it was safe to go back in.<h2>Crane-topped building collapsed in a cloud of dust</h2>In Bangkok, at least three people were killed in the building collapse and 90 were missing, according to Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He offered no more details about the ongoing rescue efforts but first responders said that seven people had been rescued so far from the area.At least two of the dead were construction workers who were killed by falling rubble or debris, rescue worker Songwut Wangpon told reporters. The building was being built by the China Railway Construction Corporation for Thailand’s government auditor general.Elsewhere, people in Bangkok evacuated from their buildings were cautioned to stay outside in case there were more aftershocks.The U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences said the earthquake was a shallow 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to preliminary reports. Shallower earthquakes tend to cause more damage.<h2>Screaming and panic as buildings swayed</h2>Bangkok's city hall declared the city a disaster area to facilitate the response. The greater metropolitan area is home to more than 17 million people, many of whom live in high-rise apartments.“All of a sudden the whole building began to move. Immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic,” said Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, who was in one of Bangkok's many malls.“I just started walking calmly at first but then the building started really moving, yeah, a lot of screaming, a lot of panic, people running the wrong way down the escalators.”Like Morton, thousands of people poured into Benjasiri Park from nearby shopping malls, high rises and apartment buildings along Bangkok’s busy Sukhumvit Road.Many were on phones trying to reach loved ones as others sought shade from the hot early afternoon sun.Voranoot Thirawat, a lawyer working in central Bangkok, said her first indication that something was wrong came when she saw a light swinging back and forth. Then she heard the building creaking as it moved back and forth.She and her colleagues ran down 12 flights of stairs. “In my lifetime, there was no earthquake like this in Bangkok,” she said.Paul Vincent, a tourist visiting from England, was at a streetside bar when the quake struck.As he came onto the street himself, he said he saw a high-rise building swaying and water falling from a rooftop pool.“There was people crying in the streets and, you know, the panic was horrendous really,” he said.<h2>Bridge and monastery collapse and dam bursts in Myanmar</h2>In Mandalay, the earthquake reportedly brought down multiple buildings, including the Ma Soe Yane monastery, one of the largest in the city, and damaged the former royal palace. Meanwhile, Christian Aid said its partners and colleagues on the ground reported that a dam burst in the city, causing water levels to rise in the lowland areas in the area.A video posted online showed robed monks in the street shooting video of the multistory monastery before it suddenly fell into the ground. It was not immediately clear whether anyone was harmed.In the Sagaing region just southwest of the city, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and some sections of the highway connecting Mandalay and Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, were also damaged.The military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, and is now involved in a bloody civil war with long-established militias and newly formed pro-democracy ones.Government forces have lost control of much of Myanmar, and many places are incredibly dangerous to access or simply out of reach for aid groups. More than 3 million people have been displaced by the fighting and nearly 20 million are in need, according to the United Nations.The Red Cross said downed power lines added to challenges for their teams trying to reach several hard-hit areas.“This disaster will have left people devastated and in need of drinking water, food and shelter," said Julie Mehigan, head of Asia, Middle East &amp; Europe for Christian Aid. “Myanmar is one of the least developed countries in the world. Even before this heartbreaking earthquake, we know conflict and displacement has left countless people in real need.”Myanmar’s government declared a state of emergency in six regions and states including the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay. It was not clear what the declaration meant since the entire country has been under a state of emergency since 2021.Residents in Yangon rushed out of their homes when the quake struck. In the capital Naypyitaw, the quake damaged some homes and religious shrines, sending parts toppling to the ground.<h2>Injuries reported in China</h2>To the northeast, the earthquake was felt in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China and caused damage to houses and injuries in the city of Ruili on the border with Myanmar, according to Chinese media reports.Videos that one outlet said it had received from a person in Ruili showed building debris littering a street and a person being wheeled in a stretcher toward an ambulance.The shaking in Mangshi, a Chinese city about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of Ruili, was so strong that people couldn’t stand, one resident told The Paper, an online media outlet._____Adam Schreck, Haruka Naga, Jerry Harmer, Grant Peck and Penny Wang in Bangkok, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report.

🎥Dozens dead: Powerful earthquake rocks Myanmar and Thailand

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A new record high was set in Hays on Thursday.

The mercury soared to 93 degrees according to the K-State Agriculture Research Center south of town.

The old record high for March 27 was 90 degrees in 1986.

A year ago on March 27 the high was 57 degrees.

An early evening thunderstorm passed through Hays, bringing some thunder, lightning, 0.05 inches of rain, and finally, a rainbow.&nbsp;

So far in March, Hays has received 0.55 inches of precipitation. The cumulative average is 1.27 inches by the end of the month.

Although moisture conditions improved slightly after last week's blizzard, Ellis County remains in moderate drought or abnormally dry.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623793306978.jpeg" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA new record high was set in Hays on Thursday.The mercury soared to 93 degrees according to the K-State Agriculture Research Center south of town.The old record high for March 27 was 90 degrees in 1986.A year ago on March 27 the high was 57 degrees.An early evening thunderstorm passed through Hays, bringing some thunder, lightning, 0.05 inches of rain, and finally, a rainbow.&nbsp;So far in March, Hays has received 0.55 inches of precipitation. The cumulative average is 1.27 inches by the end of the month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743175268968.png" alt="U.S. Drought Monitor&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Drought Monitor&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Although moisture conditions improved slightly after last week's blizzard, Ellis County remains in moderate drought or abnormally dry.&nbsp;

New record high set in Hays Thursday 

The Hays High girls' soccer team ran its record to 2-0 to start the season with a 1-0 win on Thursday at Wichita East.

Dani Willeford recorded the Indians goal.

The Indians travel to McPherson on Monday.

Hays Post SportsThe Hays High girls' soccer team ran its record to 2-0 to start the season with a 1-0 win on Thursday at Wichita East.Dani Willeford recorded the Indians goal.The Indians travel to McPherson on Monday.

⚽Lady Indians improve to 2-0 to open season

Editor's note: After board member Derek Yarmer said he thought the community was not getting everything residents expected out of the bond projects during a school board meeting on Monday, the Hays Post asked him to elaborate with more specifics.

Yarmer responded with the following written statement via email. It is included here in its entirety.

We are using money out of the capital outlay fund (which is meant to maintain our facilities) for things that should be covered under the bond.

Looking at the bond project on the large scale:

The bond was passed for $143.5 million with the promise to completely build, equip, and furnish a new high school campus. The bond also promised to renovate, make additions to, equip, and furnish the other buildings in the district (O’Loughlin, Roosevelt, Wilson, the current Hays Middle School and the current Hays High School).

The bond money is now projected to be $164.9 million after accruing interest, collecting returns on investments, and the sales of district property. Even after the additional $21.5 million, we are spending millions of dollars out of other funds and will still not address some of the major concerns brought forward by the bond planning committee.

1. The current Hays High School is a 124,000-square-foot structure that was found to be in poor condition prior to passing the bond.

• Planned renovations through the bond are $7 million.&nbsp; • The current plans don’t address the plumbing, which received a 1/5 score from the Planning Committee • The current 5-year capital outlay plan calls for spending money in addition to the bond of: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. $645,000 for roofing &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b. $710,000 for classroom/bathroom updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c. $500,000 for parking lot (a large new parking lot already exists there, and as a new middle school, the building will not require as many parking spots) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;d. $75,000 for lockers and paint

2. The current Hays Middle School is a 102,730-square-foot structure that was found to have multiple deficiencies prior to passing the bond.

• Planned renovations through the bond are $3.8 million • The current 5-year capital outlay plan calls for spending money in addition to the bond of: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. $175,000 for asbestos removal &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b. $260,000 for roofing &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c. $175,000 for furniture &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;d. $660,000 for room renovation &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;e. $150,000 for playground relocation

3. Wilson Elementary is a 40,206-square-foot structure found to be in poor condition prior to passing the bond.

• The initial bond called for the renovation of Wilson, but currently, there are no funds allocated for the building through the bond. • The current 5-year capital outlay plan calls for spending:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. $1.5 million to remodel rooms &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b. $150,000 for A/V renovations &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c. $30,000 for tuck point &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;d. $500,000 for warehouse/maintenance shop &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;e. $160,000 for roofing

The 3-year average of expenditures from the capital outlay fund prior to starting the bond was $3.5 million per year.

Since passing the bond, we are projected to spend $6.4 million in 2024-25, $5.3 million in 2025-26, and $5.5 million in 2026-27, respectively.

It is my opinion that the school’s administration has failed to follow through on its promise to the taxpayers of USD 489 regarding its use of the bond money. 

I have spoken to members of the bond planning committees, and there was supposed to be an oversight committee to make sure that the funds were being used properly. 

Ron Wilson lacks the capability to effectively manage the bond project, and I believe he has poor judgment regarding spending priorities for the district. 

We are spending $753,700 for a concession stand, $777,680 for digital score boards, $687,937 for tennis courts, and $66,364 for a marquee sign this year, while putting off roofing projects and classroom remodeling for years to come. 

After the taxpayers graciously approved a bond which gave the administration $164.9 million to improve the school district, we are still taxing citizens at the highest rate possible and spending over $2 million more each year from the capital outlay fund than before the bond passed. 

The school board is also to blame for this reckless spending by failing to provide proper oversight of the school administration, and for this I am sorry.

— Derek Yarmer, Hays USD 489 school board member

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706030081038.jpeg" alt="Board members Derek Yarmer, left, and Jayme Goetz, right, at a past school board meeting. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Board members Derek Yarmer, left, and Jayme Goetz, right, at a past school board meeting. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: After board member Derek Yarmer said he thought the community was not getting everything residents expected out of the bond projects during a school board meeting on Monday, the Hays Post asked him to elaborate with more specifics.Yarmer responded with the following written statement via email. It is included here in its entirety.We are using money out of the capital outlay fund (which is meant to maintain our facilities) for things that should be covered under the bond.Looking at the bond project on the large scale:The bond was passed for $143.5 million with the promise to completely build, equip, and furnish a new high school campus. The bond also promised to renovate, make additions to, equip, and furnish the other buildings in the district (O’Loughlin, Roosevelt, Wilson, the current Hays Middle School and the current Hays High School).The bond money is now projected to be $164.9 million after accruing interest, collecting returns on investments, and the sales of district property. Even after the additional $21.5 million, we are spending millions of dollars out of other funds and will still not address some of the major concerns brought forward by the bond planning committee.1. The current Hays High School is a 124,000-square-foot structure that was found to be in poor condition prior to passing the bond.• Planned renovations through the bond are $7 million.&nbsp; • The current plans don’t address the plumbing, which received a 1/5 score from the Planning Committee • The current 5-year capital outlay plan calls for spending money in addition to the bond of: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. $645,000 for roofing &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b. $710,000 for classroom/bathroom updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c. $500,000 for parking lot (a large new parking lot already exists there, and as a new middle school, the building will not require as many parking spots) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;d. $75,000 for lockers and paint2. The current Hays Middle School is a 102,730-square-foot structure that was found to have multiple deficiencies prior to passing the bond.• Planned renovations through the bond are $3.8 million • The current 5-year capital outlay plan calls for spending money in addition to the bond of: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. $175,000 for asbestos removal &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b. $260,000 for roofing &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c. $175,000 for furniture &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;d. $660,000 for room renovation &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;e. $150,000 for playground relocation3. Wilson Elementary is a 40,206-square-foot structure found to be in poor condition prior to passing the bond.• The initial bond called for the renovation of Wilson, but currently, there are no funds allocated for the building through the bond. • The current 5-year capital outlay plan calls for spending:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a. $1.5 million to remodel rooms &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b. $150,000 for A/V renovations &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c. $30,000 for tuck point &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;d. $500,000 for warehouse/maintenance shop &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;e. $160,000 for roofingThe 3-year average of expenditures from the capital outlay fund prior to starting the bond was $3.5 million per year.Since passing the bond, we are projected to spend $6.4 million in 2024-25, $5.3 million in 2025-26, and $5.5 million in 2026-27, respectively.It is my opinion that the school’s administration has failed to follow through on its promise to the taxpayers of USD 489 regarding its use of the bond money. I have spoken to members of the bond planning committees, and there was supposed to be an oversight committee to make sure that the funds were being used properly. Ron Wilson lacks the capability to effectively manage the bond project, and I believe he has poor judgment regarding spending priorities for the district. We are spending $753,700 for a concession stand, $777,680 for digital score boards, $687,937 for tennis courts, and $66,364 for a marquee sign this year, while putting off roofing projects and classroom remodeling for years to come. After the taxpayers graciously approved a bond which gave the administration $164.9 million to improve the school district, we are still taxing citizens at the highest rate possible and spending over $2 million more each year from the capital outlay fund than before the bond passed. The school board is also to blame for this reckless spending by failing to provide proper oversight of the school administration, and for this I am sorry.— Derek Yarmer, Hays USD 489 school board member

Opinion: Hays USD 489 board member critical of use of bond, capital funds

Board member alleges 'mistakes' in bond projects, declines to offer specifics or sources

The Hays USD 489 school board voted against hiring a project manager who would answer specifically to the school board at its meeting on Monday night.

The district is in the middle of construction projects funded by a $143 million bond issue.

The largest project is a new $100 million high school, which is set to open in August. Roosevelt Elementary School's addition and expansion are complete, and renovations at O'Loughlin Elementary School are ongoing.

The current Hays High School will be renovated into a middle school, and the former middle school will be renovated into an elementary school.

Board members Allen Park and Derek Yarmer have expressed concerns about bond spending.

Board President Curt Vajnar said he thought hiring a project manager was too late in the construction process.

Board member Ruth Ruder said she didn't think it would be effective to hire a project manager now that the district's largest bond-funded project—Hays High—is almost complete and the O'Loughlin project is underway.

Board Vice President Jayme Goetz said a significant portion of what a project manager would do is already done. The contracts on the projects have already been signed.&nbsp;

Yarmer said, "We have $61 [million], $62 million still out that is not spent at this point. That's a good chunk of money that could be some potential saving in that. I don't know how much a project manager would cost. I think it is worth looking into."

Park said, "I talked to a couple of superintendents, who said, 'If I was starting it, I would not do it. It's hard for me to do my job and be a project manager.' Really, it should be a separate job."

Park suggested a project manager not only look at projects that are underway, but Roosevelt, which is finished.&nbsp;

"Was it all done the right way?" Park said.

Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson explained Nabholz Construction, the district's construction manager at risk, was providing project management. A construction manager at risk takes on the financial risk. They provide a guaranteed maximum price, which means they are responsible for any costs exceeding that price.

They are responsible for making sure projects stay on budget and schedule.

Project managers alone similarly deal with budgets and scheduling, but they don't assume any financial responsibility.

"They have the district's best interest," Wilson said of Nabholz. "I can tell you 25, 30, 40 times where they have looked at projects and [said] we can't do it this way, we need to go back and figure out how to do it cheaper. 

"They have been tremendous. That is what they are. They are project managers. You have a project manager. You have a project manager who you are paying already."

"You are not quite understanding what Nabholz's role is," Wilson said. "They are an incredible organization that really is looking out for the best interest of the district because their reputation is on the line," Wilson said.

Nabholz's fee is set. They can't earn any more money. Savings go back to the school district, Wilson said.

Wilson said he and the other members of the administration team, including Chris Hipp, director of finance, Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, and Scott Summers, technology director, were serving as owner representatives.&nbsp;

They are working with Nabholz and the design team and reporting back to the board and the community on the projects' progress, Wilson said.

"You are paying us as well to be representatives for the school district because we do care about this school district as well," Wilson said.

Park said he did not think Wilson had the expertise to handle the bond-funded projects.&nbsp;

This is the third bond Wilson has been involved in his education career, he said.

Yarmer challenged the spending on the bond projects.

"The people I talked to think we just got a high school out of this. I think I agree with them," Yarmer said.&nbsp;

"We're spending $164 million with the money we're making off the bond money," Yarmer said, "and we are still not getting all of the things that we expected out of the entire project."

The Hays Post contacted Yarmer after the meeting and asked him to elaborate on this comment. He responded by email. Because of the length of his response, it has been posted separately. See the link below.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52e53c90-5182-42f0-919e-2c7dc145305b">SEE RELATED STORY: Opinion: Hays USD 489 board member critical of use of bond, capital funds</a>

Yarmer continued to push for a project manager who would answer directly to the board.

"While contracts are signed for three of the projects, there is probably money we could still save on the other ones," Yarmer said. "I think it would be wise to get somebody to take a look at the books and the project to try to figure out what we can do to maximize what we have left."

"I have no idea what it will cost. $200,000?" Yarmer said of hiring another project manager.

Ruder said, "We should have looked at this beforehand, not when we are almost done with the bond. Folks, we are almost done with the bond."

Ruder also noted that it would take time to launch a search for a project manager, which means the district would be even deeper into its projects. Hiring a headhunter to perform a search for another manager would cost additional funds, she said.

She also questioned Yarmer and Park's estimates of the cost of hiring a new and separate project manager.

Multiple sources, including a source from Wayne State University, quoted project manager fees from 1.5% to 5% of the project's total cost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743098984199.jpeg" alt="The new $100 million Hays High School is under construction and is scheduled to open in August. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The new $100 million Hays High School is under construction and is scheduled to open in August. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Board member alleges 'mistakes' in bond projects, declines to offer specifics or sources</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board voted against hiring a project manager who would answer specifically to the school board at its meeting on Monday night.The district is in the middle of construction projects funded by a $143 million bond issue.The largest project is a new $100 million high school, which is set to open in August. Roosevelt Elementary School's addition and expansion are complete, and renovations at O'Loughlin Elementary School are ongoing.The current Hays High School will be renovated into a middle school, and the former middle school will be renovated into an elementary school.Board members Allen Park and Derek Yarmer have expressed concerns about bond spending.Board President Curt Vajnar said he thought hiring a project manager was too late in the construction process.Board member Ruth Ruder said she didn't think it would be effective to hire a project manager now that the district's largest bond-funded project—Hays High—is almost complete and the O'Loughlin project is underway.Board Vice President Jayme Goetz said a significant portion of what a project manager would do is already done. The contracts on the projects have already been signed.&nbsp;Yarmer said, "We have $61 [million], $62 million still out that is not spent at this point. That's a good chunk of money that could be some potential saving in that. I don't know how much a project manager would cost. I think it is worth looking into."Park said, "I talked to a couple of superintendents, who said, 'If I was starting it, I would not do it. It's hard for me to do my job and be a project manager.' Really, it should be a separate job."Park suggested a project manager not only look at projects that are underway, but Roosevelt, which is finished.&nbsp;"Was it all done the right way?" Park said.Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson explained Nabholz Construction, the district's construction manager at risk, was providing project management. A construction manager at risk takes on the financial risk. They provide a guaranteed maximum price, which means they are responsible for any costs exceeding that price.They are responsible for making sure projects stay on budget and schedule.Project managers alone similarly deal with budgets and scheduling, but they don't assume any financial responsibility."They have the district's best interest," Wilson said of Nabholz. "I can tell you 25, 30, 40 times where they have looked at projects and [said] we can't do it this way, we need to go back and figure out how to do it cheaper. "They have been tremendous. That is what they are. They are project managers. You have a project manager. You have a project manager who you are paying already.""You are not quite understanding what Nabholz's role is," Wilson said. "They are an incredible organization that really is looking out for the best interest of the district because their reputation is on the line," Wilson said.Nabholz's fee is set. They can't earn any more money. Savings go back to the school district, Wilson said.Wilson said he and the other members of the administration team, including Chris Hipp, director of finance, Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, and Scott Summers, technology director, were serving as owner representatives.&nbsp;They are working with Nabholz and the design team and reporting back to the board and the community on the projects' progress, Wilson said."You are paying us as well to be representatives for the school district because we do care about this school district as well," Wilson said.Park said he did not think Wilson had the expertise to handle the bond-funded projects.&nbsp;This is the third bond Wilson has been involved in his education career, he said.Yarmer challenged the spending on the bond projects."The people I talked to think we just got a high school out of this. I think I agree with them," Yarmer said.&nbsp;"We're spending $164 million with the money we're making off the bond money," Yarmer said, "and we are still not getting all of the things that we expected out of the entire project."The Hays Post contacted Yarmer after the meeting and asked him to elaborate on this comment. He responded by email. Because of the length of his response, it has been posted separately. See the link below.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52e53c90-5182-42f0-919e-2c7dc145305b">SEE RELATED STORY: Opinion: Hays USD 489 board member critical of use of bond, capital funds</a>Yarmer continued to push for a project manager who would answer directly to the board."While contracts are signed for three of the projects, there is probably money we could still save on the other ones," Yarmer said. "I think it would be wise to get somebody to take a look at the books and the project to try to figure out what we can do to maximize what we have left.""I have no idea what it will cost. $200,000?" Yarmer said of hiring another project manager.Ruder said, "We should have looked at this beforehand, not when we are almost done with the bond. Folks, we are almost done with the bond."Ruder also noted that it would take time to launch a search for a project manager, which means the district would be even deeper into its projects. Hiring a headhunter to perform a search for another manager would cost additional funds, she said.She also questioned Yarmer and Park's estimates of the cost of hiring a new and separate project manager.Multiple sources, including a source from Wayne State University, quoted project manager fees from 1.5% to 5% of the project's total cost.At 1.5 %, that would have added more than $1.4 million to the total cost of the bond projects and at least $900,000 to the remaining $60 million in projects to have a separate liaison specifically for the school board.Wilson said the project has a third party, Kaw Valley, which periodically inspects the projects, providing additional oversight.Yarmer said to Wilson, "I have talked to people who worked for Nabholz or subcontractors who say you really don't know what you're doing. ... You have no idea."Wilson said, "I disagree with you that I do know what I'm doing, and we've done a great job, tremendous job."&nbsp;"On a $100 million high school, we've had $400,000 in change orders," Wilson said. "That's amazing."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7b2976df-a6d0-4414-bce5-d81cae678365">$400,000 is well under the contingency that was established for the high school project.</a>Yarmer said the district is not taking care of the middle schoolers and elementary school students.Wilson said he disagreed.Yarmer said, "I have heard multiple things that have gone wrong step-wise throughout the project, and they got swept under the rug and money moved to other things."After the meeting, the Hays Post asked Yarmer to elaborate on what specific problems had occurred on the new Hays High School project and where he received his information.&nbsp;He refused to answer, saying that he wanted a copy of his quote before he would discuss it further with the Hays Post.The Hays Post contacted Yarmer on Wednesday by email, asking him what specific proof he had of malfeasance on the Hays High project. He again did not give specific instances of mistakes or who had made the allegations.His response is below: "I spoke to several people who have worked on the bond project in different capacities. The people I have spoken with have expressed concerns about the management of the project and gave me several examples of mistakes that were made and not brought to the board’s attention. I am keeping the people’s names and the information that I have received confidential at this time because I promised them I would. I was only given 24 hours to respond to these questions and due to my busy schedule, I was unable to speak to all the individuals involved prior to giving my response.""The common theme expressed by the people I spoke with is that Ron Wilson is not qualified to oversee the bond project. It was stated by multiple people that he is in over his head and says 'yes' to everything. The comments I made at the meeting were in response to the lack of forethought, planning, and responsible allocation of resources to the different components of the bond project."Wilson said after the meeting on Monday there was no malfeasance in the Hays High project, noting that Yarmer had no proof of any major issues or errors in the Hays High project.At the meeting on Monday, Park continued to push for hiring another project manager.Park said, "We have half of the bond left. I agree we are way late. It doesn't hurt. Let's see what we can do. ... It is something fiscally important that we do so we are accountable to our taxpayers."Although most of the members on the school board now were elected after the bond issue was passed, Park was a part of the board when the bond plan was created.Yarmer made a motion to look into hiring a project manager for the remainder of the bond and interview a prospective manager under the guise of the board.Yarmer's motion failed on a vote of 3-4. Yarmer, Park and Vajnar voted in favor of the motion, with the remaining board members voting against.