By BECKY KISER Hays Post

In her second term as governor and final 18 months in public office, Gov. Laura Kelly has elevated water in Kansas to her highest priority, her "North Star."

"All the other issues are important as well," she said in an interview with Hays Post, "but if we don't do something about water, none of that will matter in the long run."

Some areas of western Kansas dependent on the Ogallala Aquifer have <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bf6fe01e-4e25-4800-baa9-da74384387eb">fewer than 25 years of usable water left</a>, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.

More than 150 communities are at or above the acceptable nitrate levels in their drinking water.

In the past legislative session, Kelly signed a bipartisan bill creating the Water Program Task Force. A <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7d27068a-02af-4a1e-b0bb-825c4ca501ab">ceremonial signing of House Bill 2172 was in Hays </a>on July 9 in recognition of the city's long-time leadership in water conservation programs and practices.

The new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnipVdorz2Y">task force met for the first time</a>&nbsp;on July 21 in Topeka. It is charged with developing a long-term sustainable strategy for dealing with water that also includes a dedicated funding source.

Kelly plans to spend her political capital to tackle a politically charged issue.

"This is certainly not the first time we've talked about water in Kansas," she said. "There have been many other sophisticated, thoughtful water plans put into place over the years by previous administrations. 

"But none of them really got implemented in a long-term way that makes a consistent difference. Part of that is because it is so incredibly controversial in many ways. ... You've got different sides of the state with different water issues that need different kinds of solutions and interventions. And there are so many stakeholders."

There are approximately 20 state entities involved in water regulations. That's too many, Kelly said.&nbsp;

"It's going to be painful for some people. It will be political, and it will be controversial. But it's absolutely essential we have those conversations and make those decisions going forward," she said.

The governor, who is not a member of the task force, wants to see a more efficient and streamlined process of dealing with water management in Kansas.

She likens the idea to the state's comprehensive highway program created almost 40 years ago.

"Just like roads and bridges, water is not something you can fund on a year-in and year-out basis. It's got to be a long-term guaranteed funding structure so that projects that overlap a budget year can be funded and carried through," Kelly said.

It is up to the task force to research funding possibilities, she said, and then to come up with recommendations to present to the legislature.

Members of the task force include area state representatives Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City, and Ken Rahjes, R-Agra. Minnix is a co-chair along with&nbsp;Sen. Kenny Titus, R-Wamego.

Last week's inaugural meeting agenda was intentionally broad in scope with an overview of water management, funding and planning in Kansas. The presentations then focused on evaluating future and current risks to groundwater and surface water quantity.&nbsp;

"I'm encouraged by the progress that we've made and what is to come,"&nbsp;Kelly said.&nbsp;"Now is the time to follow through and deliver a safe and resilient water supply for the generations of Kansans to come."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Future of water is Kansas governor's 'North Star' 

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

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ELLSWORTH – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will host a free four-hour public tour of a wild horse off-range pasture in Ellsworth, Saturday, August 9.

The purpose of the tour is to allow public access to the private facility and learn more about BLM’s wild horse and burro management responsibilities. 

Tour attendees will have the opportunity to view more than 220 horses roaming approximately 1,700 acres of grassland in central Kansas. These animals were gathered from overpopulated herds on western public rangelands as part of BLM’s mission to protect and manage America’s wild horse and burro herds. 

The off-range pasture, known as Svaty Ranch, is a private ranch under contract with the government to feed and care for federally protected wild horses in a natural free-roaming environment. 

No registration is needed, and parking is available on site. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Cameras and video recorders are welcomed and encouraged. Other personal items may also be brought along, including non-alcoholic drinks in sealable containers. Attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the summer season. Restrooms will be available.

Event Details Tour time: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Address and directions: Svaty Ranch, 1016 Avenue J, Ellsworth, KS 67439. From I-70 proceed south on Highway 14 into and through the town of Ellsworth (main street), cross the river bridge and take an immediate right onto Avenue K. Take Avenue K and proceed west for 3 miles, at the "T" intersection stay right at the intersection and go 1/2-mile north, bear left for 3/4 of a mile. Then, the corrals are on the left at 1016 Avenue J.

The BLM manages and protects wild horses and burros across 175 herd management areas spanning 25.5 million acres in 10 western states, aiming to maintain healthy herds and rangelands. With few natural predators, herds can double in size every four to five years, leading to overpopulation that threatens the land, wildlife and other authorized uses. 

As of March 2025, the on-range population was estimated at 73,130, far exceeding the appropriate management level of 25,556. To achieve balance on the range, BLM gathers and removes excess animals, placing many into private care through adoption or sale, while unadopted animals are provided space on contracted pastures like the Svaty Ranch for long-term care. Approximately 62,853 animals are in off-range corrals and pastures as of June 2025. 

For more information, please contact the Wild Horse and Burro Program National Information Center at 866-468-7826 or email wildhorse@blm.gov.&nbsp;

Free tour of wild horse off-range pasture in Ellsworth offered by Bureau of Land Management

Fort Hays State University Sigma Chi's first annual Back to School Bash on Thursday, Aug. 21,&nbsp; features an outdoor concert with Logan Mize as the headliner. 

The concert starts at 6 p.m. in the FHSU quad, and will be open to students and the general public for a $5 admission charge per head. This concert will be a dry event.

For more information, contact Hunter at htaphorn24@gmail.com.

Logan Mize featured at FHSU Sigma Chi Back to School Bash on Aug. 21 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Russell County Rural Water District 3 public water supply system located in Russell County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on July 28 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 620-653-2649, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019852f13906-7103a035-e9e9-4412-a2b9-b37f6c5b5ce2-000000/B7Jukr0PIg60Xj1doyrzAzUe7uUS_PICua6dDa8wKXQ=415">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Russell County Rural Water District 3

July 31, 2025 is a fifth Thursday; therefore, there won't be a Hays City Commission work session that day.&nbsp;

No Hays City Commission work session this week

Beginning Monday, July 28, the 13th Street intersection in the 1300 block of Walnut in Hays, will be closed to traffic for pavement repairs.

 Work is anticipated to be completed by Friday, August 1, 2025, weather permitting. Traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed. 

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

13th Street intersection at Walnut to close for pavement repairs starting Monday in Hays

As a valued contributing partner, Kansas Black Farmers Association will have events this weekend as part of the Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration with events centered on agriculture, health and community. 

 While Homecoming is organized and hosted by NHEC, the farmer's association is excited to be part of the weekend’s programming.

Saturday, July 26 – 5K Run/Walk and pancake breakfast A fun, family-friendly race followed by a free pancake breakfast sponsored by the association and Lehi Mills.

Check-in: 7:30 a.m. &nbsp;Race Start: 8 a.m. &nbsp;Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.

 Free online registration through July 25

 $25 on-site registration (waiver required)

 Donations support the farmer's association programs.

Learn more: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kbfa.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWmZXR1lyMUU4d3VEb0taTgEemkxhoCKzOWG6JdSuFMiOe4rpCw3L9EMXZxpk3msFKNrC63JcuR-jbUD2mwA_aem_o2-IQSLeOy6Ii5ytn5lchg&amp;h=AT3kS6qwt5JknlWUfYO4kN_LLOJoX38xyhHBSdHy22fBKFb5i50JZeDvh5A9jKxldcYVk3MyyvmpUa_bZx0zUWRk3VI1oE7D9gPEJUndJ2FUI-52miM8k0MRL1ttUofbtd7b9wjxGSYrIBqsuNlYcQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT1hOkzCfFmdJKX4cYAyZm163Ip4kSSI3FOBBUz4R1x-ZcaqJF4xEW1kgW7BJs2cu8cYIQlURBIoRFJUdLkpI6-pjnqUY6wjjkzFTK3vT-F9IFg0w352c4lvzEVAxSmVRiL6RWN1HwY9iuABK2ys6V4yPIGTFb8GflMkHH71b_rGbNgjSNggncApYAJYGfL_hgyKq7U96bk1cgXE1RxGTWs" target="_blank">www.kbfa.org</a>

Kansas Black Farmers Association set events during Nicodemus Homecoming this weekend

The Women Who Lead still has raffle tickets left for its 31 Days of Cash drawing in August.&nbsp;

Tickets will be on sale Saturday in downtown Hays during Bazaar on the Bricks from 7:30 a.m. to noon or until sell out.

The Women Who Lead booth will be across the street from Diamond R Jewelers, between Eighth and Ninth streets.

Tickets are $25 each. A maximum of 500 tickets will be sold.

A drawing will be conducted each day in August. 

Prizes will be $75 each day Aug. 1-15 $125 each day Aug. 16-28 $250 on Aug. 29 $500 on Aug. 30 $1,000 on Aug 31

All proceeds from the raffle will support scholarships for women in Ellis County pursuing post-secondary education.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/eb1eab34-3efe-439b-b038-a0dc1afb6465">This spring, Women Who Lead awarded eight $1,000 scholarships.</a> Help us continue to support women's education in 2026 with your generous donation and maybe win some cash in the process.

If any tickets remain, tickets can be purchased from Renee Moritz at the Bank of Hays, by calling Moritz at 785-650-1095 or emailing rmoritz@bankofhays.com.

You can also purchase tickets at the Eagle Radio Media Center, 2300 Hall St., Hays. Ask for Scarlett Deutscher or Cristina Janney. You may also contact Janney at crisksu@gmail.com or 785-301-2077.

Tickets on sale for Women Who Lead raffle Saturday at Bazaar on Bricks

WAKEENEY —&nbsp;The Hoxie Hotrodders are coming to show an outdoor movie at our location at the Trego SkyView Drive-In Theater in WaKeeney on Friday, July 25.

Mini car show, 1950s costume contest and a taste of a drive-in.&nbsp; This will be a small taste of what is to come. Join us with your own hot rod and dress the part.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gates open at 7 p.m. Movie starts at dusk. Concessions will be available.&nbsp;

Suggested donation is $5 per person.&nbsp;

&nbsp;We are still raising funds for our big projector and bathrooms.&nbsp;

Hoxie Hotrodders, 'Grease' Friday night fundraiser at Trego SkyView Drive-In Theater

FHSU crime log: July 25-31, 2025

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

KANSAS CITY – Ryan Vavricka from the Greater Kansas City office of New York Life, with offices in Ness City, has been listed on the 2025 Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals Best-in-State list. The individuals named to this list of distinguished professionals were chosen based on many criteria considered by an independent research firm.

A New York Life agent for 18 years, Vavricka received this recognition for helping his clients in a world in which wealth preservation and protection matter more than ever.

Vavricka has two B.B.A degrees from Fort Hays State University. His office is in Ness City, and he and his family are residents of Manhattan. He has multiple designations, including the CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, and CAP®.&nbsp;

“We are honored that Ryan appears on this prestigious list,” said Blake McKinney, managing partner of the Greater Kansas City general office. “New York Life has known for quite some time what a valuable asset Ryan has been to our family and to many families and businesses in our community.”

Ness City agent named to financial security professional best-in-state list

Note: This Fact Sheet has been updated July 25 by adding to the section on “No Tax on Car Loan Interest” new language describing the requirement for “Final assembly in the United States.”&nbsp;

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Below are descriptions of new provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, as Public Law 119-21, that go into effect for 2025.

If a qualifying vehicle loan is later refinanced, interest paid on the refinanced amount is generally eligible for the deduction.

IRS: One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Tax deductions for working Americans, seniors

Locals often overlook the charms of their own hometowns. I’d guess all Kansans share this guilt, me included. After several out-of-town road trips, I analyzed our village’s charms which involve more than a Christmas City of the High Plains promotion.

WaKeeney is worth a day trip and maybe an overnight stay. Start with Santa’s Village and snap a photo to reflect on small-town Christmas fun. This Main Street location leads to worthwhile stops nearby. To satisfy hunger, hit the Western Kansas Saloon for historic ambience including tin ceilings, western murals, wood floors, good food, and service.

Next door, visit Gibson’s Drug which sells medicine for what ails you, but it’s so much more. It reminds me of Grandma’s dime store with toys, household, school and office supplies, candy, greeting cards, floral arrangements, and best of all an old-fashioned soda fountain with sodas, malts, or flavored cokes.

Just north, find The Eagles Nest—a ceramic and wood working shop. Glaze a mug or trinket box or select a unique gift for someone special. Our oldest grand and I recently spent two hours creating family heirlooms.

After a paint session, cross the street to explore Queen of Stars quilt store. Quilting friends stop in regularly to purchase fabrics, talk shop, or sew in the company of like-minded souls. The building is worth a visit for sure.

Not far away, enjoy a nostalgic tour of the Trego County courthouse. The lighting and vintage woodwork link visitors to those who came before us. A peek in each office offers views of officials hard at work serving Trego County.

Pop down the west staircase and wonder whose hands that rail guided over past decades. Outside, head to the northwest corner of the square while looking for resident squirrels and birds that call this block home. Morning or evening arrivals can view one of several local buzzard flocks roosting on the water tower. Their presence inspires the annual Buzzard Bash.

Across the street, enjoy Mayberry-style shopping at Moeder Meats, Keyser Hardware, Hometown Bakery, and the recently reopened antique store. Speaking of vintage, check out the façade of the Kelly Theatre to see what changes lie in wait. While walking this street, you follow the steps of Milburn Stone of Gunsmoke fame who performed a vaudeville routine on the Kelly stage.

At the corner, turn west to sip The Well’s excellent coffee. A few steps further offers city hall, another WaKeeney architectural treasure.

South is local gold. Malay’s offers picnic basket supplies that include freshly cut fruits and veggies, deli salads, deviled eggs, lunch meats, cheeses, and homemade desserts. Before checking out, add love with a fresh bouquet. On a practical note, purchase hunting and fishing licenses before getting outdoorsy at Cedar Bluff Reservoir.

For in town picknickers, choose a park. I love the pool park where ample shade cools gramma while grandkids check out their options. To exercise dogs, head toward I-70 on Highway 283. Once there, explore local&nbsp;history, including a vintage jet, or refresh yourself at Rosie’s Bar and Grill or the nearby Brazen Bull. Go whole hog Laura Ingalls Wilder and sleep in a Conestoga.

These are only a few possibilities. A visit here is a Where’s Waldo search for charming overnight rentals, Shiloh’s stellar vineyard, wildflower loops, great fishing, car races, auctions, western and paleontological history in every direction, and welcoming locals to help tick items off your bucket list. 

I may live here, but it’s fun to play visitor.

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

MADORIN: The not a road trip

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park, 122 Burgundy Lane, Hays, public water supply system.&nbsp;

The advisory was issued due to the water supply well having to be shut down for repairs.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park, Hays, indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 308-629-7874 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001985c09e3b6-e53ee928-80a2-48ef-bce9-942021a3a8ef-000000/xy0EI6cKgCjYxJdBXoUZiZ5R6zbTTeJx_KJLChMiHtc=416">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park in Hays

By&nbsp;ZANE IRWIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2025-07-29/kansas-snap-funding-harvesters-food-banks">Kansas News Service</a>

State lawmakers must soon decide whether to cover the extra costs to provide food assistance. If they don’t, food banks and pantries alone can’t make up the difference.

On Steve Vossler’s 56th volunteer shift of the year at the Harvesters food bank distribution center in Lawrence, Kansas, he packed corn and cucumbers.

“I like the assembly line aspect of it,” he chuckled.

He was one of a dozen or so volunteers on a July morning cheerfully chatting and packing produce into red mesh bags, ready to stock the shelves at a local food pantry.

Aside from volunteer work, Vossler said, he reads the news. He knew that Congress just approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/03/nx-s1-5454841/house-republicans-trump-tax-bill-medicaid" target="_blank">historic changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>, which could cause many more low-income families to rely on food banks like Harvesters.

“I don't like it and I'm sure there will be some changes,” Vossler said. “But who knows what they’ll be.”

In a major policy shift for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, individual states will have to shoulder some of the costs to help feed low-income families.

Administrative costs will jump for every state. New work eligibility requirements will shut some recipients out, while creating more work for state agencies that run the program. And states will face steep penalties if they don’t run SNAP to a certain degree of precision.

Supporters of those measures don’t see them as “cuts,” so much as policies that force states to run SNAP more responsibly. Critics, like the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, say the changes could cause millions of low-income people to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/senate-republican-leaders-proposal-risks-deep-cuts-to-food-assistance-some#states-snap-error-rates-vary-cbpp-anchor" target="_blank">lose some or all of their food assistance.</a>

Either way, individual states must figure out how to fill significant budget holes when the policies take effect in 2028. Those decisions will affect how many of&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-state-factsheet-ks.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas’ 180,000 SNAP recipients</a>&nbsp;are able to rely on federal food assistance to get by.

Faced with steep cost-sharing expectations, some states are feeling the same kind of financial panic as families who may see their food benefits dwindle.

SNAP costs for the state of Kansas will rise against the backdrop of an uncertain fiscal future. While the state&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2025/06/02/file_attachments/3279686/11_May_Revenue_FY2025_06-02-2025_Final.pdf" target="_blank">recently took in far more tax revenues</a>&nbsp;than expected, it is still slated to spend more money each year than it raises — leaving an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/roundup-state-budgets-increasingly-strained-as-house-senate#kansas-cbpp-anchor" target="_blank">estimated $731 million shortfall by 2029</a>.

Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said changes to SNAP in President Trump’s recent tax and spending package — known as the One Big Beautiful Bill — could mean more than $50 million in extra costs.

Part of that comes from the boring stuff: administrative expenses. It costs money to hire SNAP case workers, train them and invest in technology to make sure the program is running as it should.

Now, states will pay 75% of those costs rather than half — raising Kansas’ obligation by $15 million.

The bill also expands the range of people who must work or attend training programs for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.

Before, certain able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs, were exempt. Now, people in that category who are aged 55 to 64, parents with children aged 14 or older, veterans, former foster children and people experiencing homelessness must prove they meet new requirements — or lose access to food assistance.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/snap/characteristics-fy23" target="_blank">over two-thirds of recipients are children, elderly or disabled.</a>

Some analyses suggest stricter work requirements do not lead to increased work or earnings. Rather, such restrictions often keep eligible individuals from starting or remaining on food assistance,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20250407_THP_SNAPWorkRequirements_Paper.pdf" target="_blank">according to the center-left Brookings Institute</a>.

Work requirements do, however, create more work for state agencies. Kelly estimates Kansas will have to hire and train 40 new employees to keep up with new reporting requirements.

Of all the changes to SNAP, the most difficult to plan for involves payment error rates.

States sometimes overpay or underpay SNAP recipients. That’s usually due to incorrect applications or administrative mistakes.

Payment error rates surged throughout the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, topping 12% in Kansas and reaching as high as 60% in Alaska.

The problem has since eased. The 2024 error rate in Kansas dropped under 10%,&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-fy24QC-PER.pdf" target="_blank">below the national average</a>. But many state and federal officials remain dissatisfied, and Congress used its latest budget bill to penalize payment inaccuracies.

Now, states with error rates above 6% must pay anywhere from 5% to 15% of the cost of SNAP benefits themselves, on top of regular administrative expenses.

If Kansas keeps its current error rate when the penalty takes effect in 2028, it will need to pay an extra $41 million per year to operate SNAP at the same level. That would bring the total increased cost to $56 million — a total that could vary widely based on the error rate.

“It is part of the state having skin in the game,” said Republican Ty Masterson, president of the Kansas Senate.

He said the panic over added SNAP costs for states is overwrought, and that the Kansas Legislature can easily account for added costs — so long as the state gets its payment error rate down.

Kelly said Kansas has until October 2026 to reduce errors and avoid penalties.

“We are all hands on deck out there right now,” she said. “Hiring, training our folks, working on our technology systems, our computer systems, programming, to bring that down.

“Because if we don't, it'll just cost us so much more,” she said.

Stephen Davis, who is president and CEO of the food bank Harvesters, said his family relied on food assistance when he was young.

“We struggled the way that many other families struggle on a daily basis,” he said. “So I know firsthand what it means to be food insecure.”

Harvesters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harvesters.org/learn-about-hunger/hunger-in-our-region" target="_blank">defines food insecurity</a>&nbsp;as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.”

In the 17 counties that Harvesters serves in Kansas, Davis said 375,000 people, or 1 in 7 individuals, are food insecure.

Davis is concerned cuts to SNAP will make the state’s hunger problem more severe. Even if Kansas finds the funds to continue operating as before, he worries that work requirements will strip people of their benefits.

There’s only so much his organization can do to help. For every meal Harvesters provides, Davis said, SNAP provides nine.

At the same time, the Trump administration has scaled back federal assistance for food banks, in one recent instance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-03-28/harvesters-food-bank-deliveries-trump-administration-missouri-kansas" target="_blank">canceling dozens of truckloads of expected food shipments</a>&nbsp;for Harvesters.

Davis said all of those policies combined will result in more people going hungry.

“Those families that lose their SNAP benefits ... will likely try to turn to the charitable food system,” he said. “And we already don't have the capacity to meet the current need.”

Kansas could lose millions after Congress cut SNAP funds. Thousands may go hungry

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has announced $25 million for 30 projects to improve intersections and roads across the state. The projects were selected for funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP).&nbsp;

“Enhancing the safety and accessibility of our local highways is made possible by grants through this essential program,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“In turn, these roadway improvements help bring in resources and improve connectivity in various regions of the state.”&nbsp;

CCLIP provides funds for cities to make improvements on city connecting links that are on state highways. Selected projects are funded for the state fiscal years 2027 and 2028 selection cycle.&nbsp;

Under CCLIP, cities with populations above 2,500 have local minimum contribution requirements, and cities with populations over 100,000 are required to have a 25% match. Local contributions significantly expanded the scope and total impact of the selected projects, bringing their combined value to over $39 million.&nbsp;

“The essence of the City Connecting Links program lies in the shared commitment between KDOT and our communities,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.&nbsp;“It's through this vital partnership that we can address both state and local transportation needs, fostering economic growth and connectivity across Kansas.”&nbsp;

Projects in this program may fall into one of three categories: Surface Preservation (SP), Pavement Restoration (PR), or Geometric Improvement (GI).&nbsp;

SP projects extend the life of the driving surface, such as overlays or joint repair, and are funded up to $400,000 per project. PR projects typically involve extensive pavement rehabilitation or full-depth pavement. GI projects focus on roadway geometrics that address safety, capacity, or operational needs, such as adding turn lanes or improving intersections. The PR and GI categories are funded up to $1.5 million per project.&nbsp;

New road improvement state projects planned for the region

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

If you think you want to leave your business anytime soon, you need to start now, according to an economic specialist.

Michael Aumack,&nbsp;economic specialist and public information officer with the U.S. Small Business Administration Wichita District, spoke at a Chamber in Hays luncheon on Friday.

He said it might take years for a business owner to develop a succession plan.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6b771370-52d1-4f43-ae23-a9eab000691f">More than half of business owners are 55 years or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey. The youngest Baby Boomers are set to reach retirement age in 2030.</a>

Aumack echoed in his talk on Friday the importance of succession planning during a time when many business owners are aging and looking toward retirement.

&nbsp;"Succession, think of it as keeping your success rolling," Aumack said.

"Your entity, your business, is always growing, and the world is always changing," he said. ... "You need to look at your business as nothing remains the same. 

"Everything is dynamic. It is a way to look at all of the critical things: your key employees, your markets, key roles in your business and your role in your business. What happens if one of those things changes?"

He said business owners need to have plans to keep their businesses rolling through market fluctuations or unforeseen incidents.

The other aspect of succession is plans to leave a business, hopefully, voluntarily.

"It's never too early to start, and it sometimes takes years to get things lined up, so your business is at its greatest valuation," Aumack said.

"And you as a business owner can walk away and say, 'This baby is going to hum, and keep growing without me like a turn-key business," he said. "The closer you get it to turn-key, the more valuable it is.

"If you are the magic that keeps it going, and the magic walks out the door, so does the business."

Reasons owners are forced to quit: • Distress-financial or personal • Disability-physical or mental impairment • Divorce-full of consequences for all parties • Dynamics-changing markets, models and technology • Disputes-between partners • Death-of principal owner

Aumack said there are trade-offs and rarely win-wins.

"It's you getting a really good idea of just how valuable the business is and how much someone is willing to pay for it," he said.

Aumack provided worksheets available through the Small Business Administration that business owners can use to calculate an approximate value for their businesses.

He said it's essential for business owners to separate themselves from their businesses, both on paper and in terms of labor.

He said business owners need to consider if they want to leave their businesses intact for their neighbors, and then what they need financially to carry on after they leave those businesses.

There are three ways to exit a business: Liquidate-No planning needed, yields the least value Sell-Understanding how the business will be valued at exit is essential to this plan. Continue as an absentee owner-Seller financed-exit in stages

Aumack said you need to look at your employees and identify the key employees who drive results.&nbsp;

"How can I incentivize them to keep doing what they're doing and keep them happy and productive?" he said.

Business owners might need to reconsider their debt structure. Service-based business owners might consider purchasing instead of leasing their buildings. This will allow them to build equity in real property.

You could also acquire a smaller competitor or initiate a merger.

Documenting procedures will also help you show value to potential buyers.

He also recommended developing an advisory team. This could include your banker, accountant, CPA or a close friend who can advise you.

You can access more resources through the Small Business Administration at <a href="http://www.sba.gov/ks">www.sba.gov/ks</a>.

As Boomers retire, economist says plan now for future of your business

WICHITA – Due to continuing thunder and lightning Wednesday the
6 p.m. single elimination game between Derby and Junction City and the 8:30
p.m. matchup between San Diego and Lonestar have been moved to Thursday.

Now the San Diego and Lonestar game will be play at 9 a.m. Thursday.
The winner will play the Hays Larks in the final game of the day Thursday, scheduled
for approximately 9:30 p.m.

Thursday’s NBC schedule can be found below: 9:00 a.m. San Diego vs. Lonestar 11:30 a.m. Junction City vs. Derby continuation 1:00 p.m. &nbsp;Santa
Barbara vs. Kraken 4:00 p.m. &nbsp;Alaska
Goldpanners vs. Hutchinson Monarchs 7:00 p.m. &nbsp;Seattle vs.
winner of Junction City-Derby

⚾Updated NBC World Series schedule

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

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