By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Welcome to Kansas, you’ll know when you’re here, Cause we hunt our pheasants, our quail and our deer.

But that wiley ole’ Grinch tried to spoil my deer season But he gave me no clue, not a why, not a reason.

I hunted deer high, and I hunted deer low But I left empty handed, not a buck nor a doe.

Now the Who’s down in Whoville continued to feast When that Grinch wrecked their Christmas and stole their roast beast.

But I needed a plan to show all was not lost Then I scratched on my noggin” and I thought and I thought.

So, I set out to prove I could spoil his Grinch notion, When out in the field there arose a commotion.

As I peered from my blind, what did appear, But a strange looking sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.

So, I’m thinking “Take that” Mr. Grinch you old geezer, Just one of those deer will fill my fridge and my freezer.

They landed their rig not far away, And a chubby old man tumbled out of the sleigh.

Now I’m thinkin’ it’s Grinch dressed like St Nick, Out here to fool me with some kind of trick.

To keep me from shootin’ one of these beasts, To keep me from havin’ a fine reindeer feast.

But instead of defending his steeds from my hunt, He gestured their way and said “Which one do you want?”

Now I thought this was odd for even the Grinch, That he’d let me shoot one and not even flinch.

But the deer in the front had a bright shiny nose, It’d be hard to miss that one the way that it glowed.

So, I lined up my shot, my freezer to fill When commotion again came from over the hill

It’s looked like ole’ Santa runnin’ our way, Seems the Grinch had tossed him out of his sleigh.

He tackled Ole’ Grinch and took back his red suit, Then he put on his hat, his coat and his boots.

He climbed into the sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And off they all flew like the down of a thistle.

And I heard him exclaim as they flew out of sight, “Thanks for not shootin’ Rudolph and ruining the night.”

But he also admonished to all who could hear “Keep Christ in Christmas and Happy New Year.”

Guess I’ll travel to Whoville and join in their feast, And hope that Ole’ Grinch gave them back their roast beast.

Merry Christmas from Steve and Joyce at Exploring Kansas Outdoors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsWelcome to Kansas, you’ll know when you’re here, Cause we hunt our pheasants, our quail and our deer.But that wiley ole’ Grinch tried to spoil my deer season But he gave me no clue, not a why, not a reason.I hunted deer high, and I hunted deer low But I left empty handed, not a buck nor a doe.Now the Who’s down in Whoville continued to feast When that Grinch wrecked their Christmas and stole their roast beast.But I needed a plan to show all was not lost Then I scratched on my noggin” and I thought and I thought.So, I set out to prove I could spoil his Grinch notion, When out in the field there arose a commotion.As I peered from my blind, what did appear, But a strange looking sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.So, I’m thinking “Take that” Mr. Grinch you old geezer, Just one of those deer will fill my fridge and my freezer.They landed their rig not far away, And a chubby old man tumbled out of the sleigh.Now I’m thinkin’ it’s Grinch dressed like St Nick, Out here to fool me with some kind of trick.To keep me from shootin’ one of these beasts, To keep me from havin’ a fine reindeer feast.But instead of defending his steeds from my hunt, He gestured their way and said “Which one do you want?”Now I thought this was odd for even the Grinch, That he’d let me shoot one and not even flinch.But the deer in the front had a bright shiny nose, It’d be hard to miss that one the way that it glowed.So, I lined up my shot, my freezer to fill When commotion again came from over the hillIt’s looked like ole’ Santa runnin’ our way, Seems the Grinch had tossed him out of his sleigh.He tackled Ole’ Grinch and took back his red suit, Then he put on his hat, his coat and his boots.He climbed into the sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And off they all flew like the down of a thistle.And I heard him exclaim as they flew out of sight, “Thanks for not shootin’ Rudolph and ruining the night.”But he also admonished to all who could hear “Keep Christ in Christmas and Happy New Year.”Guess I’ll travel to Whoville and join in their feast, And hope that Ole’ Grinch gave them back their roast beast.Merry Christmas from Steve and Joyce at Exploring Kansas Outdoors.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: You're a mean one Mr. Grinch

By RUSSELL FOX Insight Kansas

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article296570569.html">recently affirmed</a>&nbsp;that, with the Republican legislative majority&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article294547689.html">even stronger</a>&nbsp;after the 2024 elections, the leadership will bring back the push to ban transgender surgery on those under 18 years old. The last effort to do so ended with a veto from Governor Laura Kelly and a veto-override attempt which failed by only two votes. So it’s reasonable, now that they have additional votes on their side, that the Republicans would try again.

Reasonable, that is, in terms of signaling. Is it reasonable in terms of substance?

The role of political signaling, as opposed to the usually unglamorous work of addressing policy substance, is a complicated one in democratic governance. It is not uncommon for voters to complain that those elected to represent them are spending their time on meaningless bills or resolutions that show their support for one cause or another, instead of getting down to the business of building actually substantive legislation. It’s a fair—and not inaccurate—complaint.

Yet I sympathize with legislators who operate in a nationalized media environment, whose funding so often depends upon major interest groups and organizations that usually care little for specific budget or policy matters, and instead are focused on creating media messages which exist primarily to rile up or placate key constituencies. A reasonable politician might well conclude that have to play the signaling game, if only to make sure they have the opportunity to also focus on the difficult matters that may concern them most.

That’s not to say that there aren’t members of the Republican super-majority in Topeka who, for a variety of reasons, may well be sincerely concerned—maybe even horrified—by the prospect of someone under the age of 18 receiving gender modification surgery, and see banning such as a necessary action in the name of public health or morality. I’m sure some fit that description.

But I suspect most of our legislators actually understand that they are crusading symbolically against an almost non-existent concern. There’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/24/lawmakers-rejection-of-gender-affirming-care-ban-protects-kansas-patients-and-providers/">no evidence</a>&nbsp;of any Kansas medical center ever performing gender transition surgery on a minor, and nationally the numbers are&nbsp;<a href="https://watermark.silverchair.com/dai_2024_ld_240088_1718729289.71123.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAy8wggMrBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggMcMIIDGAIBADCCAxEGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMq2ySlf_ZCW-pvwHmAgEQgIIC4k9G2PoPW44Q7r0qvv8AfyF0kchyr9YKN9egZT5Qmd9VK62TxiYvv2LtvNOi3VnCvcVlbjXSvXRjAuGw6byQz4RcG8-FnBCjAHPwXFzSoc4zny38NPJ0fNIi8PepKwj9P-X1oTPKyoveFWZNuJlYyUgzdQc-ajmfwYzaDjYwLTWbOnuSV3I8I3EIymEhTpargG-uif_PsydOSbE1Y--l85qSsyrPcPF7ks5ubBXchNOc4QTZNi9uzrn6_rpR9AMSwuue5474-C1lrivJ3K1KAJFlOLhAWN6sr3oPhByLUusa9ofhCC0qFG9KEwaDWk7xQ0gQ77CyxFB5hd_dKNEBrNmP4Xn2WXxL_6PukPWd_wPF0UYJ0CawqJayIZs5BaB-kemVQLLKFFcDDpl3fVzszOHldLkbWWT-r2RyvFkXGU-SDkMyj3ioERPZtNI8adB2bZUHq_jaqdBejIA9Q8onSLbD8V_dfHd4GbKW2oViCGd622MwlG0YRtrplAesWfLJLqo2YtPewAAp8PE45pMHiqiGFDTP07olQpn6QHOUfS1Va2G6cuJQZPyzHtEYxdIu5QmQZ1Ka2fM-aNg034pFHNMG8KaBtiXAzZcaRtO4O4Q0H3Pw8L6Ncnd635TaWywF7Y1zdPcpm1498KLeD4xpugdjxF5AdesbmPKtnPOwPgtR2tb1Cxdg5qWoRvSotjHPodnkjq2loo1Dug1bmyetPUx6m-3LkYefFOAMQ4PSc9w10bBo3eKf4_WKVAs6P_36zQOeKDVILXMDFp4mgyjp-CFl0gJpNbrJLekDylEg2ZFUFhW1xkhlRVyfTwDUqwgcCeTYLabHuVNTrVmpwS39mjJTq6bFB2Mv8qu_eU8ONe7prWat9YAHzuNdRJetY6WuMN0q5qCeUXRhRRoG77TtQSmZ7SqGIjXJumpBcp_e3RyLyViQG8oGo0gYmhFBF6WDRRy8TVh4pK3mMR5iIF_it0MQTw">incredibly low</a>: out of all gender-affirming surgeries in the United States in recent years, perhaps 2 out of every 100,000 were performed on a person between the ages of 15 and 17, and 1 out of 1,000,000 were performed on a person between the ages of 13 and 15. Beneath that age, the number is zero.

This pattern—when the data and the message don’t match--holds for many other issues as well. The number of transgender athletes seeking to play sports competitively in the category of their chosen gender is tiny, yet everyone seems to have a story about some transgender woman with an unfair advantage at their child’s high school. It’s the same for illegal immigrants, who are&nbsp;<a href="https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/undocumented-immigrant-offending-rate-lower-us-born-citizen-rate">far more law-abiding</a>&nbsp;than the rest of the population, yet every story about an undocumented resident who commits a crime will be shared over and over and over again.

On a certain level, one must simply accept this as a political reality: most people, lacking both the time and inclination to become experts regarding any given matter, depend upon—and make decisions upon—the conveying of key signals, whether involving law or morality or anything else. For those who do have expert information—often because they actually are one of the people being symbolically discussed (a person with sexual dysphoria, a Dreamer, or more)—the battle to call attention to the actual data, and introduce substantive arguments, is never-ending. But necessary, all the same.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL FOX Insight KansasKansas Senate President Ty Masterson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article296570569.html">recently affirmed</a>&nbsp;that, with the Republican legislative majority&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article294547689.html">even stronger</a>&nbsp;after the 2024 elections, the leadership will bring back the push to ban transgender surgery on those under 18 years old. The last effort to do so ended with a veto from Governor Laura Kelly and a veto-override attempt which failed by only two votes. So it’s reasonable, now that they have additional votes on their side, that the Republicans would try again.Reasonable, that is, in terms of signaling. Is it reasonable in terms of substance?The role of political signaling, as opposed to the usually unglamorous work of addressing policy substance, is a complicated one in democratic governance. It is not uncommon for voters to complain that those elected to represent them are spending their time on meaningless bills or resolutions that show their support for one cause or another, instead of getting down to the business of building actually substantive legislation. It’s a fair—and not inaccurate—complaint.Yet I sympathize with legislators who operate in a nationalized media environment, whose funding so often depends upon major interest groups and organizations that usually care little for specific budget or policy matters, and instead are focused on creating media messages which exist primarily to rile up or placate key constituencies. A reasonable politician might well conclude that have to play the signaling game, if only to make sure they have the opportunity to also focus on the difficult matters that may concern them most.That’s not to say that there aren’t members of the Republican super-majority in Topeka who, for a variety of reasons, may well be sincerely concerned—maybe even horrified—by the prospect of someone under the age of 18 receiving gender modification surgery, and see banning such as a necessary action in the name of public health or morality. I’m sure some fit that description.But I suspect most of our legislators actually understand that they are crusading symbolically against an almost non-existent concern. There’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/24/lawmakers-rejection-of-gender-affirming-care-ban-protects-kansas-patients-and-providers/">no evidence</a>&nbsp;of any Kansas medical center ever performing gender transition surgery on a minor, and nationally the numbers are&nbsp;<a href="https://watermark.silverchair.com/dai_2024_ld_240088_1718729289.71123.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAy8wggMrBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggMcMIIDGAIBADCCAxEGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMq2ySlf_ZCW-pvwHmAgEQgIIC4k9G2PoPW44Q7r0qvv8AfyF0kchyr9YKN9egZT5Qmd9VK62TxiYvv2LtvNOi3VnCvcVlbjXSvXRjAuGw6byQz4RcG8-FnBCjAHPwXFzSoc4zny38NPJ0fNIi8PepKwj9P-X1oTPKyoveFWZNuJlYyUgzdQc-ajmfwYzaDjYwLTWbOnuSV3I8I3EIymEhTpargG-uif_PsydOSbE1Y--l85qSsyrPcPF7ks5ubBXchNOc4QTZNi9uzrn6_rpR9AMSwuue5474-C1lrivJ3K1KAJFlOLhAWN6sr3oPhByLUusa9ofhCC0qFG9KEwaDWk7xQ0gQ77CyxFB5hd_dKNEBrNmP4Xn2WXxL_6PukPWd_wPF0UYJ0CawqJayIZs5BaB-kemVQLLKFFcDDpl3fVzszOHldLkbWWT-r2RyvFkXGU-SDkMyj3ioERPZtNI8adB2bZUHq_jaqdBejIA9Q8onSLbD8V_dfHd4GbKW2oViCGd622MwlG0YRtrplAesWfLJLqo2YtPewAAp8PE45pMHiqiGFDTP07olQpn6QHOUfS1Va2G6cuJQZPyzHtEYxdIu5QmQZ1Ka2fM-aNg034pFHNMG8KaBtiXAzZcaRtO4O4Q0H3Pw8L6Ncnd635TaWywF7Y1zdPcpm1498KLeD4xpugdjxF5AdesbmPKtnPOwPgtR2tb1Cxdg5qWoRvSotjHPodnkjq2loo1Dug1bmyetPUx6m-3LkYefFOAMQ4PSc9w10bBo3eKf4_WKVAs6P_36zQOeKDVILXMDFp4mgyjp-CFl0gJpNbrJLekDylEg2ZFUFhW1xkhlRVyfTwDUqwgcCeTYLabHuVNTrVmpwS39mjJTq6bFB2Mv8qu_eU8ONe7prWat9YAHzuNdRJetY6WuMN0q5qCeUXRhRRoG77TtQSmZ7SqGIjXJumpBcp_e3RyLyViQG8oGo0gYmhFBF6WDRRy8TVh4pK3mMR5iIF_it0MQTw">incredibly low</a>: out of all gender-affirming surgeries in the United States in recent years, perhaps 2 out of every 100,000 were performed on a person between the ages of 15 and 17, and 1 out of 1,000,000 were performed on a person between the ages of 13 and 15. Beneath that age, the number is zero.This pattern—when the data and the message don’t match--holds for many other issues as well. The number of transgender athletes seeking to play sports competitively in the category of their chosen gender is tiny, yet everyone seems to have a story about some transgender woman with an unfair advantage at their child’s high school. It’s the same for illegal immigrants, who are&nbsp;<a href="https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/undocumented-immigrant-offending-rate-lower-us-born-citizen-rate">far more law-abiding</a>&nbsp;than the rest of the population, yet every story about an undocumented resident who commits a crime will be shared over and over and over again.On a certain level, one must simply accept this as a political reality: most people, lacking both the time and inclination to become experts regarding any given matter, depend upon—and make decisions upon—the conveying of key signals, whether involving law or morality or anything else. For those who do have expert information—often because they actually are one of the people being symbolically discussed (a person with sexual dysphoria, a Dreamer, or more)—the battle to call attention to the actual data, and introduce substantive arguments, is never-ending. But necessary, all the same.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: On substance and signaling, in Topeka and beyond

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

The Environmental Protection Agency has required each state to update their certification and training plans, which outline private and commercial pesticide certification in Kansas for agricultural producers.

Starting January 1, 2025 there will be three options for applicators to receive certification. These include:

· Closed-book examination (We will still offer this option at the Extension Office)

· Attend an in-person training to obtain certification

· Complete an online training that will be released

The new options to be able to get a private pesticide certification will also be the same for a producer to recertify.

Farmers &amp; ranchers--if you need to get your private applicator license, DO NOT DELAY and get to your local County of District Extension Office before the Christmas Holiday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe Environmental Protection Agency has required each state to update their certification and training plans, which outline private and commercial pesticide certification in Kansas for agricultural producers.Starting January 1, 2025 there will be three options for applicators to receive certification. These include:· Closed-book examination (We will still offer this option at the Extension Office)· Attend an in-person training to obtain certification· Complete an online training that will be releasedThe new options to be able to get a private pesticide certification will also be the same for a producer to recertify.Farmers &amp; ranchers--if you need to get your private applicator license, DO NOT DELAY and get to your local County of District Extension Office before the Christmas Holiday.

CAMPBELL: Private pesticide applicator licensing, recertification changes announced

More than five days have passed since the murder of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson. While investigators have since apprehended a suspect, political pundits are still struggling to understand a public reaction to the killing that was widely unsympathetic and, in some cases, even jubilant.&nbsp;

Thousands of Americans took to social media with comments like “My thoughts and prayers are out of network.” referencing United Health Care’s lamentable record of denying insurance claims at rates far above the industry standard.&nbsp;

Conservative commentators like Ben Shapiro were quick to condemn these reactions, labeling them as evidence of a morally corrupt leftist philosophy that condones the murder of ideological opponents. In a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeRnWYn-GTQ&amp;t=375s">50-minute YouTube video</a>, Shapiro reminded viewers that Thompson had a family, emphasizing that the appropriate response to “bad” or “disliked” policies is democratic reform, not violence.

Shapiro is mistaken in suggesting that the positive public reaction to Thompson’s killing was unique to the left. Comments celebrating or mocking his death have come from across the political spectrum. Under Shapiro’s own video, dozens of conservatives expressed little sympathy for the CEO, reflecting widespread frustration with a health care system that prioritizes profits over people.

With <a target="_blank" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1127305/#:~:text=Exorbitant%20medical%20bills%20in%20the,according%20to%20a%20new%20study.">40% of bankruptcies</a> in the U.S. tied to medical debt, nearly every American has felt the sting of greedy insurance practices. It is no surprise that resentment toward Thompson transcends political lines.

The disproportionate moral outrage Shapiro directs at the reaction to the murder, compared to the systemic suffering caused by companies like UnitedHealthcare, is disappointing. For Shapiro and other conservative pundits, death and suffering—even on a large scale—that occurs within or because of an established system are morally excusable, worthy only of tepidly critical descriptions like “bad” or “not ideal.”

Imagine this: your child is battling cancer. Her treatment causes constant nausea and vomiting, but your insurance company refuses to cover anti-nausea medication, claiming it’s “nonessential.” They deny other critical treatments as well, leaving you unable to afford the care she needs. After months of suffering, she dies. You are left not only with unbearable grief but also with crushing medical debt.

This scenario is not hypothetical—it reflects the reality for countless families denied essential care by UnitedHealthcare, which reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2024/01/12/unitedhealth-group-profits-hit-23-billion-in-2023/">$22 billion in profits last year</a>.

Had this level of suffering been caused by a terrorist attack rather than a corporation, public celebrations of the perpetrator’s demise would likely be lauded, not condemned. Shapiro and others would likely lead the applause.

On another note, the notion that Americans can simply “change the system democratically” ignores the immense barriers to reform. Billion-dollar corporations wield disproportionate influence, drowning out the voices of ordinary people. For many, peaceful avenues for change feel inaccessible, if not impossible. The people drowning in medical debt, in other words, the people most in need of systemic change, are precisely the people with the least access to the resources needed to bring it about. Quite frankly, it is surprising that Thompson’s murder is the first of its kind in recent history.&nbsp;

Framing the killing of Thompson as "revolutionary leftist evil" ignores the broader context. It is not a rejection of democracy but an act of desperation against a system that permits the wealthiest members of our society to make a profit out of sickness and pain. If the killing and its celebration are antidemocratic, why doesn't the system that inspired it receive similar criticism?

If anything, the killing aligns with an American tradition of radical resistance against oppressive systems—an uncomfortable truth for those who romanticize acts of rebellion in the past while condemning present ones.

More than five days have passed since the murder of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson. While investigators have since apprehended a suspect, political pundits are still struggling to understand a public reaction to the killing that was widely unsympathetic and, in some cases, even jubilant.&nbsp;Thousands of Americans took to social media with comments like “My thoughts and prayers are out of network.” referencing United Health Care’s lamentable record of denying insurance claims at rates far above the industry standard.&nbsp;Conservative commentators like Ben Shapiro were quick to condemn these reactions, labeling them as evidence of a morally corrupt leftist philosophy that condones the murder of ideological opponents. In a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeRnWYn-GTQ&amp;t=375s">50-minute YouTube video</a>, Shapiro reminded viewers that Thompson had a family, emphasizing that the appropriate response to “bad” or “disliked” policies is democratic reform, not violence.Shapiro is mistaken in suggesting that the positive public reaction to Thompson’s killing was unique to the left. Comments celebrating or mocking his death have come from across the political spectrum. Under Shapiro’s own video, dozens of conservatives expressed little sympathy for the CEO, reflecting widespread frustration with a health care system that prioritizes profits over people.With <a target="_blank" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1127305/#:~:text=Exorbitant%20medical%20bills%20in%20the,according%20to%20a%20new%20study.">40% of bankruptcies</a> in the U.S. tied to medical debt, nearly every American has felt the sting of greedy insurance practices. It is no surprise that resentment toward Thompson transcends political lines.The disproportionate moral outrage Shapiro directs at the reaction to the murder, compared to the systemic suffering caused by companies like UnitedHealthcare, is disappointing. For Shapiro and other conservative pundits, death and suffering—even on a large scale—that occurs within or because of an established system are morally excusable, worthy only of tepidly critical descriptions like “bad” or “not ideal.”Imagine this: your child is battling cancer. Her treatment causes constant nausea and vomiting, but your insurance company refuses to cover anti-nausea medication, claiming it’s “nonessential.” They deny other critical treatments as well, leaving you unable to afford the care she needs. After months of suffering, she dies. You are left not only with unbearable grief but also with crushing medical debt.This scenario is not hypothetical—it reflects the reality for countless families denied essential care by UnitedHealthcare, which reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2024/01/12/unitedhealth-group-profits-hit-23-billion-in-2023/">$22 billion in profits last year</a>.Had this level of suffering been caused by a terrorist attack rather than a corporation, public celebrations of the perpetrator’s demise would likely be lauded, not condemned. Shapiro and others would likely lead the applause.On another note, the notion that Americans can simply “change the system democratically” ignores the immense barriers to reform. Billion-dollar corporations wield disproportionate influence, drowning out the voices of ordinary people. For many, peaceful avenues for change feel inaccessible, if not impossible. The people drowning in medical debt, in other words, the people most in need of systemic change, are precisely the people with the least access to the resources needed to bring it about. Quite frankly, it is surprising that Thompson’s murder is the first of its kind in recent history.&nbsp;Framing the killing of Thompson as "revolutionary leftist evil" ignores the broader context. It is not a rejection of democracy but an act of desperation against a system that permits the wealthiest members of our society to make a profit out of sickness and pain. If the killing and its celebration are antidemocratic, why doesn't the system that inspired it receive similar criticism?If anything, the killing aligns with an American tradition of radical resistance against oppressive systems—an uncomfortable truth for those who romanticize acts of rebellion in the past while condemning present ones.—&nbsp;Sam Foglesong of Hays

LETTER: Pundits fail to understand lack of sympathy for UnitedHealthCare CEO

We would like to provide an update regarding the lawsuit we filed against HaysMed concerning our noncompete agreements. After careful reflection and time spent in court, we have concluded that engaging in open dialogue with HaysMed would be more beneficial for our community, especially for the patients who rely on HaysMed and all other medical providers in the community for their medical needs.

It’s unfortunate that this dispute has spilled over into the community and affected it in the way that it has. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that we, along with HaysMed, have decided to meet and explore ways to resolve our differences. Our collective goal is to find a solution that benefits everyone involved—HaysMed, ourselves, and, most importantly, the community we serve.

We genuinely appreciate the vital role HaysMed and the other medical providers play in the community and throughout western Kansas. We want nothing more than to see HaysMed thrive. We understand that there has been some concern and frustration among community members regarding our disagreement, which has been highlighted in the media and on social platforms. We kindly ask for your patience as we work toward a resolution, and we urge everyone to refrain from expressing negative comments in the media or online. As you can well imagine, these disparaging comments are disruptive and interfere with the ability to provide patient care and recruit physicians to our community.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we and HaysMed strive to keep our community a wonderful place to live, raise families and receive quality medical care.

—&nbsp;Drs. Jerod Grove and Robert Rodriguez

Craig Uhrich, attorney for the two doctors, said today that the doctors have not dropped their lawsuits but are talking with HaysMed officials about how to resolve their dispute.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a05ca048-415e-412f-bcea-55ff325a76b9">SEE RELATED STORY: Second doctor sues HaysMed over noncompete clause in contract</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b34af9aa-1485-42c1-a272-afe7c74a36fb">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctor files lawsuit against HaysMed, seeks to continue practicing in western Kansas</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff47d31e-0893-42cc-9d64-36235a52511f">SEE RELATED STORY: LETTER: Oncologist announces resignation from HaysMed</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6dbff5d6-d29e-4959-b974-b6e39d502851">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctors share concerns on administration, future of HaysMed</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a32ac3e2-3d3b-4a77-94b3-9e455da465e1">SEE RELATED STORY: HaysMed losses $5M; current, former staff express concerns about care, administration</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a32ac3e2-3d3b-4a77-94b3-9e455da465e1"></a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2be22ca4-173c-464f-b507-918c1bbcc5a8">SEE RELATED STORY: HaysMed administrators respond to challenges facing hospital</a>

We would like to provide an update regarding the lawsuit we filed against HaysMed concerning our noncompete agreements. After careful reflection and time spent in court, we have concluded that engaging in open dialogue with HaysMed would be more beneficial for our community, especially for the patients who rely on HaysMed and all other medical providers in the community for their medical needs.It’s unfortunate that this dispute has spilled over into the community and affected it in the way that it has. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that we, along with HaysMed, have decided to meet and explore ways to resolve our differences. Our collective goal is to find a solution that benefits everyone involved—HaysMed, ourselves, and, most importantly, the community we serve.We genuinely appreciate the vital role HaysMed and the other medical providers play in the community and throughout western Kansas. We want nothing more than to see HaysMed thrive. We understand that there has been some concern and frustration among community members regarding our disagreement, which has been highlighted in the media and on social platforms. We kindly ask for your patience as we work toward a resolution, and we urge everyone to refrain from expressing negative comments in the media or online. As you can well imagine, these disparaging comments are disruptive and interfere with the ability to provide patient care and recruit physicians to our community.Thank you for your understanding and support as we and HaysMed strive to keep our community a wonderful place to live, raise families and receive quality medical care.—&nbsp;Drs. Jerod Grove and Robert RodriguezCraig Uhrich, attorney for the two doctors, said today that the doctors have not dropped their lawsuits but are talking with HaysMed officials about how to resolve their dispute.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a05ca048-415e-412f-bcea-55ff325a76b9">SEE RELATED STORY: Second doctor sues HaysMed over noncompete clause in contract</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b34af9aa-1485-42c1-a272-afe7c74a36fb">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctor files lawsuit against HaysMed, seeks to continue practicing in western Kansas</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff47d31e-0893-42cc-9d64-36235a52511f">SEE RELATED STORY: LETTER: Oncologist announces resignation from HaysMed</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6dbff5d6-d29e-4959-b974-b6e39d502851">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctors share concerns on administration, future of HaysMed</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a32ac3e2-3d3b-4a77-94b3-9e455da465e1">SEE RELATED STORY: HaysMed losses $5M; current, former staff express concerns about care, administration</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a32ac3e2-3d3b-4a77-94b3-9e455da465e1"></a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2be22ca4-173c-464f-b507-918c1bbcc5a8">SEE RELATED STORY: HaysMed administrators respond to challenges facing hospital</a>

LETTER: Former HaysMed doctors in talks with hospital to resolve contract dispute

I can’t imagine living in early times without scientific knowledge regarding the year’s shortest day and longest night, aka winter solstice. Before easy access to candles, kerosene, and electricity, this was a worrisome season. Little besides faith the sun would return comforted the ancients through increasingly long nights.

The word solstice itself comes from the Latin solstitium. Sol meant sun and stitium--stoppage. According to the Family Education Network on the Internet, the winter solstice occurs either December 21 or 22. For several days before the solstices and for several days after, it appears that time stands still. In a world bombarded with more information than it can process, it oddly reassures me to imagine, that for a moment, the sun momentarily stands in place each June and December.

It must have comforted our ancestors also. Anthropologists have found evidence that many early societies developed means to mark equinoxes and solstices. Stonehenge is one well-known example. In North America, some experts theorize Native American medicine wheels peppering our landscape may have served a similar purpose. Though I don’t recommend building a Stonehenge or a medicine wheel in the backyard, much can be said for beginning one’s day before the sun rises and making time to watch those first rays break the horizon.

Kansans have experienced some spectacular sunrises since Thanksgiving. One morning it appeared that fingers of crimson fire tore away the darkness. Other mornings reveal themselves in pastel hues gently probing their way into the eastern sky. Making a point of spending time watching sunrises and taking note of when it happens puts life in perspective. I find myself hating to sleep in. I don’t want to miss what my dad called the crack o’ dawn or the day’s shifting shadows.

In the same vein, I find it soothing to note when the sun sets on this prairie landscape. Painters, photographers, and poets recognize and celebrate the power a fiery sunset or a rosy orb gradually fading into violet darkness holds over viewers. Keeping track of evolving shadows dropping into the West connects humans to forgotten rhythms.

For those who don’t want to or can’t watch the sun rise and set, computers make it easy to track earth’s rhythms. Anyone can note sunrise and sunset times on weather pages or by installing Weather Bug on a computer.

Solstices mark a reminding, a remembering of rhythms hearts know but minds forget. They remind us to believe in rebirth. They develop faith in the unknown. They tell us darkness will descend and lengthen, but, given time and patience, longer daylight will return.

It is not a coincidence we choose to celebrate religious and secular holidays with displays of light during this dark time of year. The beckoning warmth of Christmas lights and electric candles on windowsills reminds humanity that light overcomes darkness. Stop and be still, especially at sunrise and sunset, to mark this year’s winter solstice in Hays, KS, at 3:20 a.m., December 21. Remind yourself you come from a long line of ancestors who’ve shared this experience and been blessed to celebrate nature’s rhythms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733956896734.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINI can’t imagine living in early times without scientific knowledge regarding the year’s shortest day and longest night, aka winter solstice. Before easy access to candles, kerosene, and electricity, this was a worrisome season. Little besides faith the sun would return comforted the ancients through increasingly long nights.The word solstice itself comes from the Latin solstitium. Sol meant sun and stitium--stoppage. According to the Family Education Network on the Internet, the winter solstice occurs either December 21 or 22. For several days before the solstices and for several days after, it appears that time stands still. In a world bombarded with more information than it can process, it oddly reassures me to imagine, that for a moment, the sun momentarily stands in place each June and December.It must have comforted our ancestors also. Anthropologists have found evidence that many early societies developed means to mark equinoxes and solstices. Stonehenge is one well-known example. In North America, some experts theorize Native American medicine wheels peppering our landscape may have served a similar purpose. Though I don’t recommend building a Stonehenge or a medicine wheel in the backyard, much can be said for beginning one’s day before the sun rises and making time to watch those first rays break the horizon.Kansans have experienced some spectacular sunrises since Thanksgiving. One morning it appeared that fingers of crimson fire tore away the darkness. Other mornings reveal themselves in pastel hues gently probing their way into the eastern sky. Making a point of spending time watching sunrises and taking note of when it happens puts life in perspective. I find myself hating to sleep in. I don’t want to miss what my dad called the crack o’ dawn or the day’s shifting shadows.In the same vein, I find it soothing to note when the sun sets on this prairie landscape. Painters, photographers, and poets recognize and celebrate the power a fiery sunset or a rosy orb gradually fading into violet darkness holds over viewers. Keeping track of evolving shadows dropping into the West connects humans to forgotten rhythms.For those who don’t want to or can’t watch the sun rise and set, computers make it easy to track earth’s rhythms. Anyone can note sunrise and sunset times on weather pages or by installing Weather Bug on a computer.Solstices mark a reminding, a remembering of rhythms hearts know but minds forget. They remind us to believe in rebirth. They develop faith in the unknown. They tell us darkness will descend and lengthen, but, given time and patience, longer daylight will return.It is not a coincidence we choose to celebrate religious and secular holidays with displays of light during this dark time of year. The beckoning warmth of Christmas lights and electric candles on windowsills reminds humanity that light overcomes darkness. Stop and be still, especially at sunrise and sunset, to mark this year’s winter solstice in Hays, KS, at 3:20 a.m., December 21. Remind yourself you come from a long line of ancestors who’ve shared this experience and been blessed to celebrate nature’s rhythms.

MADORIN: Marking winter solstice

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

It’s a challenging question of self-discovery, but those who can answer it tend to live longer, more satisfied lives.

Usually, physical health is the factor that comes to mind when considering life expectancy. However, a positive outlook, specifically, one that gets you out of bed in the morning can extend your life.

In the Okinawan culture, this is known as Ikigai, and it may be worthwhile to take notes from this group as a significant number of them live to see their 100th birthday. But, don’t just take it from lived experience, multiple studies have also discovered the longevity and life purpose connection.

While the relationship is fascinating, you may wonder, “What defines life purpose?”

Life purpose is broad and is defined differently by everyone. However, it generally indicates life aim and goals. One study found common themes of purpose related to:

Evaluating your beliefs and interests can help you find purpose and help you avoid the distractions of daily life. To capitalize on your personal mission, creating a list of goals can remind you about what is important in life, what you have done, and what you aim to accomplish.

In fact, having purpose extends life, but it can also be a coping mechanism that allows you to get through hard times.

Frank Martela, lead author of a recent study says it best, “A life of purpose can energize and give hope even during those moments when the conditions of one’s life leave one unsatisfied.”

Regardless of your personal mission, taking ownership of it can improve life expectancy and help you through trying times. With increased awareness and intention, it also has the potential to boost your performance in each role you take to heart.

I encourage you to develop a personal mission and to make decisions based on it. After all, you only have one life, so literally (and figuratively) make the most of it!

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictDo you know your life purpose?It’s a challenging question of self-discovery, but those who can answer it tend to live longer, more satisfied lives.Usually, physical health is the factor that comes to mind when considering life expectancy. However, a positive outlook, specifically, one that gets you out of bed in the morning can extend your life.In the Okinawan culture, this is known as Ikigai, and it may be worthwhile to take notes from this group as a significant number of them live to see their 100th birthday. But, don’t just take it from lived experience, multiple studies have also discovered the longevity and life purpose connection.While the relationship is fascinating, you may wonder, “What defines life purpose?”Life purpose is broad and is defined differently by everyone. However, it generally indicates life aim and goals. One study found common themes of purpose related to:· Family and relationships· Helping others· Learning· CommunityEvaluating your beliefs and interests can help you find purpose and help you avoid the distractions of daily life. To capitalize on your personal mission, creating a list of goals can remind you about what is important in life, what you have done, and what you aim to accomplish.In fact, having purpose extends life, but it can also be a coping mechanism that allows you to get through hard times.Frank Martela, lead author of a recent study says it best, “A life of purpose can energize and give hope even during those moments when the conditions of one’s life leave one unsatisfied.”Regardless of your personal mission, taking ownership of it can improve life expectancy and help you through trying times. With increased awareness and intention, it also has the potential to boost your performance in each role you take to heart.I encourage you to develop a personal mission and to make decisions based on it. After all, you only have one life, so literally (and figuratively) make the most of it!Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: The longevity and life purpose connection

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Are you involved in an agricultural operation, and wanting to learn more about current agricultural law and leases, cattle market trends , and Livestock Risk Protection, LRP? Make plans to attend an impactful meeting hosted by Midway and Cottonwood Extension District’s in Ellsworth Kansas on Tuesday, January 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Our keynote speaker is an expert in agricultural law, Roger McEowen, from Washburn Law School in Topeka, Kans. McEowen has taught classes across the United States…and at universities like Iowa State, University of Arkansas and Kansas State University. McEowen will cover topics like leasing arrangement considerations, estate tax planning, and potential changes to agricultural laws stemming from the recent U.S. election.

Dr. Glynn Tonsor, a professor in the Agricultural Economics department at Kansas State University, will provide attendees with a cattle market update. Producers will find this outlook useful as they continue to plan for their financial future.

Other speakers include Hi-Plains Farm Credit, and Dr. Jenny Ifft, the Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy Chair in the Kansas State Agricultural Economics Department.

Farm Credit will guide attendees through designing a budget and financial planning. Dr. Ifft will present on Livestock Risk Protection, LRP. LRP is a popular risk management tool among producers involved in the feeder cattle market.

The meeting will take place at the Ellsworth Health and Recreation Center at 221 W. Douglas Ave. Ellsworth, Kansas 67439. There is no cost to attend, but an RSVP is appreciated to gather an accurate count for the provided meal. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with registration and free coffee and doughnuts. Our first speaker will kick off the day at 9:00 a.m.

To register please call or email Alicia Boor at 620-793-1910 or aboor@sku.edu. We look forward to seeing you there for this great meeting!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682229509.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictAre you involved in an agricultural operation, and wanting to learn more about current agricultural law and leases, cattle market trends , and Livestock Risk Protection, LRP? Make plans to attend an impactful meeting hosted by Midway and Cottonwood Extension District’s in Ellsworth Kansas on Tuesday, January 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Our keynote speaker is an expert in agricultural law, Roger McEowen, from Washburn Law School in Topeka, Kans. McEowen has taught classes across the United States…and at universities like Iowa State, University of Arkansas and Kansas State University. McEowen will cover topics like leasing arrangement considerations, estate tax planning, and potential changes to agricultural laws stemming from the recent U.S. election.Dr. Glynn Tonsor, a professor in the Agricultural Economics department at Kansas State University, will provide attendees with a cattle market update. Producers will find this outlook useful as they continue to plan for their financial future.Other speakers include Hi-Plains Farm Credit, and Dr. Jenny Ifft, the Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy Chair in the Kansas State Agricultural Economics Department.Farm Credit will guide attendees through designing a budget and financial planning. Dr. Ifft will present on Livestock Risk Protection, LRP. LRP is a popular risk management tool among producers involved in the feeder cattle market.The meeting will take place at the Ellsworth Health and Recreation Center at 221 W. Douglas Ave. Ellsworth, Kansas 67439. There is no cost to attend, but an RSVP is appreciated to gather an accurate count for the provided meal. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with registration and free coffee and doughnuts. Our first speaker will kick off the day at 9:00 a.m.To register please call or email Alicia Boor at 620-793-1910 or aboor@sku.edu. We look forward to seeing you there for this great meeting!Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: KSU Extension to host financial management meeting

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Thanksgiving is over and we turn our attention to the end of the year holidays. It is important to plan ahead to avoid overspending during this time of the year so we can have a less stressful 2025! Here are some tips:

· Make a list of expected holiday expenses before the season. This includes cards, holiday gatherings, travel, gifts, holiday grocery shopping, gifts for neighbors, work parties, and donations to charities.

· Make a pre-holiday budget that is realistic and then make a plan to stay within the budget.

· Keep a record of money spent. Record keeping shows how the seemingly small purchases add up. It also becomes a reference to use when planning comes around next year.

· Have family conversations about limiting the number of gifts or limiting their cost.

· Limit the use of credit cards since they make it very easy to spend more than planned.

· Some stores offer layaway plans. Layaway helps you get the gift when you see the sale and then spread out the payments over a certain period. You must pay in full before you can pick up the item.

· Buy Now, Pay Later plans are also offered at many stores or through your credit cards. These plans allow you to take home the item today and pay in installments after purchase. Look carefully at the fees and interest rates for these plans and make sure to look at the total cost.

· Watch for sales and coupons for gifts and holiday decorations and food items. Many free shopping apps can assist in getting the latest deals.

· Challenge stores to price match when you can.

· Buy items early when you see them on sale if your spending plan allows. Or take advantage of year-end sales for gift purchases that can wait until after the holiday. This may be particularly helpful for saving money on big-ticket items.

· Homemade gifts are a great way to personalize a gift without breaking your budget.

· Give a gift to an entire family or group instead of each individual. This option may save money as well as time searching out gifts for each person.

· Gift cards can also be a welcome gift, but try to give cards for retailers that the receiver frequents.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictThanksgiving is over and we turn our attention to the end of the year holidays. It is important to plan ahead to avoid overspending during this time of the year so we can have a less stressful 2025! Here are some tips:· Make a list of expected holiday expenses before the season. This includes cards, holiday gatherings, travel, gifts, holiday grocery shopping, gifts for neighbors, work parties, and donations to charities.· Make a pre-holiday budget that is realistic and then make a plan to stay within the budget.· Keep a record of money spent. Record keeping shows how the seemingly small purchases add up. It also becomes a reference to use when planning comes around next year.· Have family conversations about limiting the number of gifts or limiting their cost.· Limit the use of credit cards since they make it very easy to spend more than planned.· Some stores offer layaway plans. Layaway helps you get the gift when you see the sale and then spread out the payments over a certain period. You must pay in full before you can pick up the item.· Buy Now, Pay Later plans are also offered at many stores or through your credit cards. These plans allow you to take home the item today and pay in installments after purchase. Look carefully at the fees and interest rates for these plans and make sure to look at the total cost.· Watch for sales and coupons for gifts and holiday decorations and food items. Many free shopping apps can assist in getting the latest deals.· Challenge stores to price match when you can.· Buy items early when you see them on sale if your spending plan allows. Or take advantage of year-end sales for gift purchases that can wait until after the holiday. This may be particularly helpful for saving money on big-ticket items.· Homemade gifts are a great way to personalize a gift without breaking your budget.· Give a gift to an entire family or group instead of each individual. This option may save money as well as time searching out gifts for each person.· Gift cards can also be a welcome gift, but try to give cards for retailers that the receiver frequents.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Holiday spending

By BILL FIANDER Insight Kansas

On the morning of his federal trial this week for raping and terrorizing vulnerable Black women in the Kansas City, Kansas neighborhoods he patrolled for 35 years, ex-cop Roger Golubski&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/us/kansas-detective-roger-golubski-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.eU4.IynZ.E1v2SUhHPHiE&amp;smid=url-share">fatally shot himself</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/overlooked">story</a>, much like last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/13/nx-s1-5073947/kansas-marion-county-record-newspaper-raid-police-chief-charged">Marion police newsroom raid</a>, is another national black eye for law enforcement in Kansas abusing the public’s trust.

In 1829, Sir Robert Peel coined the phrase “policing by consent” with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/policing-by-consent/definition-of-policing-by-consent">nine principles</a>&nbsp;for democratic policing while establishing London’s first police force. In a nutshell, we consent to the idea of trusting some members of the community to exercise powers required to keep the peace on behalf of the community. In return, we willingly pledge our cooperation. Police do not serve the state like an occupying army. They serve the people.

This philosophy is foundational in most American police academies. At its core are accountability, transparency, and social ties. When these break, we break.&nbsp;Years of racial disparities for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/graphs.aspx">wrongful convictions</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sentencingproject.org/reports/one-in-five-ending-racial-inequity-in-incarceration/">incarcerations</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/696355#:~:text=In%20the%20century%20since%20the,2015;%20Reppetto%2C%202012).">excessive force</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1123070/police-shootings-rate-ethnicity-us/">lethal&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1123070/police-shootings-rate-ethnicity-us/" target="_blank">shootings&nbsp;</a>culminated&nbsp;in the fateful spring of 2020 when George Floyd became a tragic household name. Anti-police riots spawned a “back the blue” counter-movement.&nbsp;

People on both sides did not consent to what they were seeing.

As a result, many bipartisan reforms took place from DC to statehouses and city halls to regain the consent of the public – bans on neck restraints and no-knock warrants, body-cam proliferation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4003">de-escalation training</a>, critical response teams with mental health professionals,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.akronohio.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/citizens_police_oversight_board.php">civilian oversight boards</a>, and ramped-up community policing.&nbsp;

None of these have necessarily proven to be blanket panaceas. Amidst local success stories,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2022/fatal-police-shootings-unreported/?itid=lk_inline_enhanced-template">fatal police shootings</a>&nbsp;have risen along with&nbsp;<a href="https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/?utm_campaign=launch&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ad&amp;utm_term=mapping%20police%20violence&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoiCFvckTQymuYnbmzZFMlEI3YElA&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA0rW6BhAcEiwAQH28Ik5TnM_C-tX1_YaXZGpGDGqPLEubcB34Uev_gPl1wxtIGpghE-5nTRoCIMAQAvD_BwE">police killings</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/study-of-fatal-and-nonfatal-shootings-by-police-reveals-racial-disparities-dispatch-risks">Better data</a>&nbsp;on police incidents are shared but lack enough standardization to drive dependable policymaking.

Meanwhile, another proven reform – women in policing – careens into politically charged climates because of DEI implications and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">questioning women in combat</a>.

Part of the debate revolves around the national&nbsp;<a href="https://30x30initiative.org/">30X30</a>&nbsp;initiative. 30X30 has sparked awareness on the benefits of women in policing with a goal of increasing representation from 20% to 30% for recruits by 2030. Wichita, Overland Park, and Salina have joined over 200 localities in taking this pledge. However, Topeka’s incoming police chief recently endorsed 30X30 amidst&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2024/11/14/topeka-police-chief-finalist-wants-more-female-officers-gop-objects/76220824007/">GOP pushback on quotas for women</a>.

Given policing’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/239416_IACP_RecruitmentBR_HR_0.pdf">staffing crisis</a>, local leaders would be remiss not to make a bigger play for half of the state’s population. After 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://klcjournal.com/wichitas-police-shortage/">Wichita</a>&nbsp;was 14% below authorized full-strength,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2022/10/18/police-chief-union-disagree-on-whether-topeka-police-staffing-crisis/69569929007/">Topeka</a>&nbsp;13%, and&nbsp;<a href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2022/03/15/police-vacancies-142647/">Overland Park</a>&nbsp;11%. Also,&nbsp;<a href="https://30x30initiative.org/what-works/">research</a>&nbsp;shows women police are less apt to use excessive force, perceived as more honest and compassionate, named in fewer complaints/lawsuits and hold strong&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">communication skills</a>&nbsp;- an advantage for a job considered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">90 percent social work</a>&nbsp;today.

Nationally, 14% of sworn officers are female. Kansas is only 12% with&nbsp;<a href="https://policedata.org/report/ks">use of force incidents climbing</a>. Two jurisdictions with falling use of force incidents include Junction City and Leavenworth. Curiously, they have two of the highest female officer rates at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/stats/stats_law.shtml">27%</a>&nbsp;after hitting single digits in 2003. By contrast, the Kansas Highway Patrol added just three female officers since 2003 and currently sit at 6%.

Moving towards a 30% female recruit goal aligns with a representative bureaucracy ideal where credibility, fairness, trust, and performance are heightened as civil servant composition reflects the population composition they serve.&nbsp;

Will our consent be more about climbing 5-foot walls or breaking glass walls?

For the police are us. And we are the police.&nbsp;

Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708024541249.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BILL FIANDER Insight KansasOn the morning of his federal trial this week for raping and terrorizing vulnerable Black women in the Kansas City, Kansas neighborhoods he patrolled for 35 years, ex-cop Roger Golubski&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/us/kansas-detective-roger-golubski-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.eU4.IynZ.E1v2SUhHPHiE&amp;smid=url-share">fatally shot himself</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/overlooked">story</a>, much like last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/13/nx-s1-5073947/kansas-marion-county-record-newspaper-raid-police-chief-charged">Marion police newsroom raid</a>, is another national black eye for law enforcement in Kansas abusing the public’s trust.In 1829, Sir Robert Peel coined the phrase “policing by consent” with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/policing-by-consent/definition-of-policing-by-consent">nine principles</a>&nbsp;for democratic policing while establishing London’s first police force. In a nutshell, we consent to the idea of trusting some members of the community to exercise powers required to keep the peace on behalf of the community. In return, we willingly pledge our cooperation. Police do not serve the state like an occupying army. They serve the people.This philosophy is foundational in most American police academies. At its core are accountability, transparency, and social ties. When these break, we break.&nbsp;Years of racial disparities for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/graphs.aspx">wrongful convictions</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sentencingproject.org/reports/one-in-five-ending-racial-inequity-in-incarceration/">incarcerations</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/696355#:~:text=In%20the%20century%20since%20the,2015;%20Reppetto%2C%202012).">excessive force</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1123070/police-shootings-rate-ethnicity-us/">lethal&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1123070/police-shootings-rate-ethnicity-us/" target="_blank">shootings&nbsp;</a>culminated&nbsp;in the fateful spring of 2020 when George Floyd became a tragic household name. Anti-police riots spawned a “back the blue” counter-movement.&nbsp;People on both sides did not consent to what they were seeing.As a result, many bipartisan reforms took place from DC to statehouses and city halls to regain the consent of the public – bans on neck restraints and no-knock warrants, body-cam proliferation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4003">de-escalation training</a>, critical response teams with mental health professionals,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.akronohio.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/citizens_police_oversight_board.php">civilian oversight boards</a>, and ramped-up community policing.&nbsp;None of these have necessarily proven to be blanket panaceas. Amidst local success stories,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2022/fatal-police-shootings-unreported/?itid=lk_inline_enhanced-template">fatal police shootings</a>&nbsp;have risen along with&nbsp;<a href="https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/?utm_campaign=launch&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ad&amp;utm_term=mapping%20police%20violence&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoiCFvckTQymuYnbmzZFMlEI3YElA&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA0rW6BhAcEiwAQH28Ik5TnM_C-tX1_YaXZGpGDGqPLEubcB34Uev_gPl1wxtIGpghE-5nTRoCIMAQAvD_BwE">police killings</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/study-of-fatal-and-nonfatal-shootings-by-police-reveals-racial-disparities-dispatch-risks">Better data</a>&nbsp;on police incidents are shared but lack enough standardization to drive dependable policymaking.Meanwhile, another proven reform – women in policing – careens into politically charged climates because of DEI implications and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">questioning women in combat</a>.Part of the debate revolves around the national&nbsp;<a href="https://30x30initiative.org/">30X30</a>&nbsp;initiative. 30X30 has sparked awareness on the benefits of women in policing with a goal of increasing representation from 20% to 30% for recruits by 2030. Wichita, Overland Park, and Salina have joined over 200 localities in taking this pledge. However, Topeka’s incoming police chief recently endorsed 30X30 amidst&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2024/11/14/topeka-police-chief-finalist-wants-more-female-officers-gop-objects/76220824007/">GOP pushback on quotas for women</a>.Given policing’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/239416_IACP_RecruitmentBR_HR_0.pdf">staffing crisis</a>, local leaders would be remiss not to make a bigger play for half of the state’s population. After 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://klcjournal.com/wichitas-police-shortage/">Wichita</a>&nbsp;was 14% below authorized full-strength,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2022/10/18/police-chief-union-disagree-on-whether-topeka-police-staffing-crisis/69569929007/">Topeka</a>&nbsp;13%, and&nbsp;<a href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2022/03/15/police-vacancies-142647/">Overland Park</a>&nbsp;11%. Also,&nbsp;<a href="https://30x30initiative.org/what-works/">research</a>&nbsp;shows women police are less apt to use excessive force, perceived as more honest and compassionate, named in fewer complaints/lawsuits and hold strong&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">communication skills</a>&nbsp;- an advantage for a job considered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">90 percent social work</a>&nbsp;today.Nationally, 14% of sworn officers are female. Kansas is only 12% with&nbsp;<a href="https://policedata.org/report/ks">use of force incidents climbing</a>. Two jurisdictions with falling use of force incidents include Junction City and Leavenworth. Curiously, they have two of the highest female officer rates at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/stats/stats_law.shtml">27%</a>&nbsp;after hitting single digits in 2003. By contrast, the Kansas Highway Patrol added just three female officers since 2003 and currently sit at 6%.Moving towards a 30% female recruit goal aligns with a representative bureaucracy ideal where credibility, fairness, trust, and performance are heightened as civil servant composition reflects the population composition they serve.&nbsp;Will our consent be more about climbing 5-foot walls or breaking glass walls?For the police are us. And we are the police.&nbsp;Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Breaking the glass wall, women in policing

Water supply to rural residences and agricultural operations without rural or public water systems is usually obtained from a private well or surface water supply. In Kansas, more than 73,000 individuals rely on private wells for a water supply. When public and rural water systems that use well water are added to the private well numbers, 34.6% of the Kansas population relies on groundwater for their water supply.

Municipal and rural water systems must maintain water quality standards specified by local, state, or federal requirements; however, owners of private wells are responsible for the water quality of their wells. Permanent contamination of groundwater can decrease property values, affect human and animal health, and involve legal liability.

Testing water from private wells has shown that some wells do not meet the safe drinking water standards used for public water systems. The primary reasons for this reduction in water quality from private wells include:

· contamination sources upslope or near the well;

· failure to construct the well in accordance with current standards;

· inadequate well maintenance and service; and

· lack of protection from activities that risk contamination.

Following the guidelines for recommended separation distance and direction from potential contamination sources when locating a well can help protect private well water quality. When private wells are appropriately sited and constructed, routine maintenance is required to ensure wells continue to be safe. Wells that do not receive regular maintenance are more likely to produce unsafe water.

Detailed information about properly constructing a well in a safe location and maintenance guidelines for existing wells can be found in two recently updated publications from K-State Research and Extension, says Stacie Minson, Extension Watershed Specialist. Private Wells – Safe Location MF3667 https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/private-wells-safe-location_MF3667 Private Well Maintenance and Protection MF3666 https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/private-well-maintenance-and-protection_MF3666

Ellis County residents with a private well could be eligible for private well testing by scanning the QR Code.

This project has received funding
and support from K-State 105, Kansas State University’s economic growth and
advancement initiative for all 105 counties in Kansas. Learn more at k-state.edu/105.

Information provided by Stacie
Minson, Extension Watershed Specialist, KCARE
<a href="mailto:sedgett@ksu.edu">sedgett@ksu.edu</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictWater supply to rural residences and agricultural operations without rural or public water systems is usually obtained from a private well or surface water supply. In Kansas, more than 73,000 individuals rely on private wells for a water supply. When public and rural water systems that use well water are added to the private well numbers, 34.6% of the Kansas population relies on groundwater for their water supply.Municipal and rural water systems must maintain water quality standards specified by local, state, or federal requirements; however, owners of private wells are responsible for the water quality of their wells. Permanent contamination of groundwater can decrease property values, affect human and animal health, and involve legal liability.Testing water from private wells has shown that some wells do not meet the safe drinking water standards used for public water systems. The primary reasons for this reduction in water quality from private wells include:· contamination sources upslope or near the well;· failure to construct the well in accordance with current standards;· inadequate well maintenance and service; and· lack of protection from activities that risk contamination.Following the guidelines for recommended separation distance and direction from potential contamination sources when locating a well can help protect private well water quality. When private wells are appropriately sited and constructed, routine maintenance is required to ensure wells continue to be safe. Wells that do not receive regular maintenance are more likely to produce unsafe water.Detailed information about properly constructing a well in a safe location and maintenance guidelines for existing wells can be found in two recently updated publications from K-State Research and Extension, says Stacie Minson, Extension Watershed Specialist. Private Wells – Safe Location MF3667 https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/private-wells-safe-location_MF3667 Private Well Maintenance and Protection MF3666 https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/private-well-maintenance-and-protection_MF3666Ellis County residents with a private well could be eligible for private well testing by scanning the QR Code.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733507731146.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This project has received funding
and support from K-State 105, Kansas State University’s economic growth and
advancement initiative for all 105 counties in Kansas. Learn more at k-state.edu/105.Information provided by Stacie
Minson, Extension Watershed Specialist, KCARE
<a href="mailto:sedgett@ksu.edu">sedgett@ksu.edu</a>Stacy Campbell is a Crop
Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton
and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by
e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Private wells in Kansas: Safe location and maintenance guidelines

This letter is to the board of Hays Medical Center regarding their recent response to the staffing issues at the hospital.

While I and others appreciate you speaking out to the public, I believe you are missing the point. The people who post on social media are not interested in your data or accolades; they are, however, interested in whether or not they will have a doctor tomorrow morning when they wake up.

I would take the time to fact-check you if I weren’t spending all of my time looking for a new surgeon, oncologist, pulmonologist and OB-GYN.

If you cared so much about our local health care system, perhaps you would spend more time perfecting your art of negotiation rather than the art of saving face.

A mediator could be a solution to the problem instead of spending more valuable dollars (of which you claim to be short) on a lawsuit just to prove a point.

As you put it, you “do not have the luxury of making decisions based on the wants or needs of a particular individual." I am an INDIVIDUAL, and I have wants and needs as well. I guess the luxury to make a decision based on my needs does not count.

Numerous staff have been let go at the hospital – not just physicians. I remember calling to schedule a PET scan in January/February earlier this year, and the gal who helped me said that she was so overwhelmed by all the work she had because of the layoffs.

When my mother was in the hospital around that same time, we were told that nursing staff had been laid off and the nurses were overwhelmed with the number of patients they had to take care of. 

Patients were being discharged as quickly as possible because they simply did not have the staff. 

Nurses also had the added responsibility for cleaning patient rooms because the cleaning staff were also being laid off. (That is interesting that a hospital of all places would lay off cleaning staff.)

If you actually truly care about our local health care and the patients in the area, you would make the effort to keep your staff.

It is no wonder that you are getting back on your feet financially. You have just recovered salaries totaling millions of dollars from those who no longer work there.

Is that your idea of “creating greater efficiencies and reducing costs”? These would not be challenges if you worked harder to keep the great staff you had! Efficiency would be higher, and you would most likely make more money, not less. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that if you have enough staff to give quality care then you can give MORE of that care and not LESS and in turn will make more money.

Hospital billing has now been outsourced overseas. Be sure to save your proof of payment as I have been told that patients are being billed for services they have already paid for. Scheduling tests in a Manhattan hospital are now being outsourced overseas. Is that coming here?

I see a lot of words on paper but have yet to receive a personal letter from the hospital addressing me as a patient who has now lost all of my doctors.

Instead, I have to read it on Hays Post. How caring is that? I also see more notices of doctors leaving than coming on board. Where is the hospital in the recruitment process? Why are we not hearing more about that? I am not going to feel sorry for the board and all of its hard work when their salaries are evident of a self-service.

Physicians who are truly passionate about their work are those who walk the walk and do not need to talk the talk. The physicians, MY physicians who are no longer here, were exactly that! Maybe the board should take some lessons.

This letter is to the board of Hays Medical Center regarding their recent response to the staffing issues at the hospital.While I and others appreciate you speaking out to the public, I believe you are missing the point. The people who post on social media are not interested in your data or accolades; they are, however, interested in whether or not they will have a doctor tomorrow morning when they wake up.I would take the time to fact-check you if I weren’t spending all of my time looking for a new surgeon, oncologist, pulmonologist and OB-GYN.If you cared so much about our local health care system, perhaps you would spend more time perfecting your art of negotiation rather than the art of saving face.A mediator could be a solution to the problem instead of spending more valuable dollars (of which you claim to be short) on a lawsuit just to prove a point.As you put it, you “do not have the luxury of making decisions based on the wants or needs of a particular individual." I am an INDIVIDUAL, and I have wants and needs as well. I guess the luxury to make a decision based on my needs does not count.Numerous staff have been let go at the hospital – not just physicians. I remember calling to schedule a PET scan in January/February earlier this year, and the gal who helped me said that she was so overwhelmed by all the work she had because of the layoffs.When my mother was in the hospital around that same time, we were told that nursing staff had been laid off and the nurses were overwhelmed with the number of patients they had to take care of. Patients were being discharged as quickly as possible because they simply did not have the staff. Nurses also had the added responsibility for cleaning patient rooms because the cleaning staff were also being laid off. (That is interesting that a hospital of all places would lay off cleaning staff.)If you actually truly care about our local health care and the patients in the area, you would make the effort to keep your staff.It is no wonder that you are getting back on your feet financially. You have just recovered salaries totaling millions of dollars from those who no longer work there.Is that your idea of “creating greater efficiencies and reducing costs”? These would not be challenges if you worked harder to keep the great staff you had! Efficiency would be higher, and you would most likely make more money, not less. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that if you have enough staff to give quality care then you can give MORE of that care and not LESS and in turn will make more money.Hospital billing has now been outsourced overseas. Be sure to save your proof of payment as I have been told that patients are being billed for services they have already paid for. Scheduling tests in a Manhattan hospital are now being outsourced overseas. Is that coming here?I see a lot of words on paper but have yet to receive a personal letter from the hospital addressing me as a patient who has now lost all of my doctors.Instead, I have to read it on Hays Post. How caring is that? I also see more notices of doctors leaving than coming on board. Where is the hospital in the recruitment process? Why are we not hearing more about that? I am not going to feel sorry for the board and all of its hard work when their salaries are evident of a self-service.Physicians who are truly passionate about their work are those who walk the walk and do not need to talk the talk. The physicians, MY physicians who are no longer here, were exactly that! Maybe the board should take some lessons.— Jodie J Wear-Leiker

LETTER: Reader cares about her doctors, not hospital accolades

I am writing on behalf of my husband and myself in regard to the recent loss of doctors and medical personnel at Hays Medical Center, specifically, in our case, Dr. Robert Rodriquez.

My husband was diagnosed three years ago with stage 4 metastatic melanoma and is under the care of Dr. Rodriquez, but I consider him to be our doctor.

If you’ve had a family member diagnosed with cancer, you’ll realize it affects the entire family. Dr. Rodriquez understands this and treats my husband and myself like members of his family.

My husband's cancer is not curable. He will require scans, lab work, biopsies and treatments for life. The confident, truthful and speedy diagnosis, as well as efficient treatments, from Dr. Rodriquez has made this difficult phase of our life more bearable.

Dr. Rodriquez is my husband's primary doctor, but he has also seen radiologists, surgeons, dermatologists, and pain management doctors, most of whom have been in Hays, as well as doctors from outside of the Hays area.

In every situation, the appointments were scheduled efficiently and quickly. I must stress that the care my husband has received at HMC has been exemplary, from the first receptionist he sees to every nurse, technician, PA, or doctor we encounter.

My thought is, when you have a staff and facility of this caliber that fights so hard to keep their patients alive, why wouldn't the Board of Directors and CEO not fight to keep their staff in Hays? I find this deeply disturbing.

My husband and I live in western rural Kansas and drive 100 miles to Hays. We do this willingly, but the thought of having to go farther, look for a new support team and doctor, and basically start over is more than daunting.

It adds a level of stress I can't begin to explain. There are also so many other people who travel to Hays from surrounding smaller communities, who also need the level of care that Dr. Rodriquez and the other doctors there can give.

I hope that the Hays Medical Center's Board of Directors and CEO can do what is right for the Hays community, its staff members, and the countless patients who depend&nbsp;on them.

— Cynthia Scheuerman of Scott City

I am writing on behalf of my husband and myself in regard to the recent loss of doctors and medical personnel at Hays Medical Center, specifically, in our case, Dr. Robert Rodriquez.My husband was diagnosed three years ago with stage 4 metastatic melanoma and is under the care of Dr. Rodriquez, but I consider him to be our doctor.If you’ve had a family member diagnosed with cancer, you’ll realize it affects the entire family. Dr. Rodriquez understands this and treats my husband and myself like members of his family.My husband's cancer is not curable. He will require scans, lab work, biopsies and treatments for life. The confident, truthful and speedy diagnosis, as well as efficient treatments, from Dr. Rodriquez has made this difficult phase of our life more bearable.Dr. Rodriquez is my husband's primary doctor, but he has also seen radiologists, surgeons, dermatologists, and pain management doctors, most of whom have been in Hays, as well as doctors from outside of the Hays area.In every situation, the appointments were scheduled efficiently and quickly. I must stress that the care my husband has received at HMC has been exemplary, from the first receptionist he sees to every nurse, technician, PA, or doctor we encounter.My thought is, when you have a staff and facility of this caliber that fights so hard to keep their patients alive, why wouldn't the Board of Directors and CEO not fight to keep their staff in Hays? I find this deeply disturbing.My husband and I live in western rural Kansas and drive 100 miles to Hays. We do this willingly, but the thought of having to go farther, look for a new support team and doctor, and basically start over is more than daunting.It adds a level of stress I can't begin to explain. There are also so many other people who travel to Hays from surrounding smaller communities, who also need the level of care that Dr. Rodriquez and the other doctors there can give.I hope that the Hays Medical Center's Board of Directors and CEO can do what is right for the Hays community, its staff members, and the countless patients who depend&nbsp;on them.— Cynthia Scheuerman of Scott City

LETTER: Cancer patient's wife upset at loss of HaysMed doctor

As a semi-retired physician in WaKeeney, Kansas, I feel compelled to address a critical situation that is currently impacting our community's health and well-being.

I have practiced medicine for over 40 years in the area and have become concerned by the current trends in health care access for the patients of this community.

Hays Medical Center serves as our regional medical facility in western Kansas, and its success is vital for us. Simply put, our health depends on it.

Recently, our community faced a significant setback with the resignation of the surgeon who has provided care for us for the past eight years. This departure is part of a troubling trend as Hays Medical Center has lost multiple physicians across various specialties in the past six months.

The implications of these losses are profound given the growing physician shortage in our region.

One particular concern involves Dr. Grove, the surgeon who has been instrumental in serving our hospital and community.

Dr. Grove traveled to our hospital twice monthly to perform essential procedures and consult on the health care of patients in WaKeeney and surrounding counties. If Dr. Grove did not come directly to our hospital, many of our patients, because of poor health or travel issues, would not have had access to these surgical services.

Life-saving cancer screening tests, cancerous skin lesion removals and many other consultations would have been delayed or, worse yet, not done at all.

Dr. Grove also allowed the local physicians and providers to consult him by phone anytime, day or night. Patients in WaKeeney and the surrounding area were well cared for (from a surgical standpoint) because of Dr. Groves’ commitment to our community.

As a semi-retired physician in WaKeeney, Kansas, I feel compelled to address a critical situation that is currently impacting our community's health and well-being.I have practiced medicine for over 40 years in the area and have become concerned by the current trends in health care access for the patients of this community.Hays Medical Center serves as our regional medical facility in western Kansas, and its success is vital for us. Simply put, our health depends on it.Recently, our community faced a significant setback with the resignation of the surgeon who has provided care for us for the past eight years. This departure is part of a troubling trend as Hays Medical Center has lost multiple physicians across various specialties in the past six months.The implications of these losses are profound given the growing physician shortage in our region.One particular concern involves Dr. Grove, the surgeon who has been instrumental in serving our hospital and community.Dr. Grove traveled to our hospital twice monthly to perform essential procedures and consult on the health care of patients in WaKeeney and surrounding counties. If Dr. Grove did not come directly to our hospital, many of our patients, because of poor health or travel issues, would not have had access to these surgical services.Life-saving cancer screening tests, cancerous skin lesion removals and many other consultations would have been delayed or, worse yet, not done at all.Dr. Grove also allowed the local physicians and providers to consult him by phone anytime, day or night. Patients in WaKeeney and the surrounding area were well cared for (from a surgical standpoint) because of Dr. Groves’ commitment to our community.Due to restrictive covenants enforced by Hays Medical Center, Dr. Grove is now unable to continue his practice in WaKeeney and much of western Kansas.This, unfortunately, comes at a time when we desperately need access to surgical care. Dr. Grove does not want to leave western Kansas.Hays Medical Center is enforcing its contract with Dr. Grove to prohibit him from the practice of surgery in WaKeeney and western Kansas. This might be understandable if we had multiple surgeons requesting privileges at our hospital.That, however, is just the opposite of what we find in western Kansas. There is a significant surgeon shortage. Pushing these restrictive policies will potentially harm our community and may exacerbate the existing healthcare crisis.I urge Hays Medical Center to reconsider enforcing its restrictive covenants and allow Dr. Grove (and other physicians who have been employed by HMC) to practice in WaKeeney and throughout western Kansas.Permitting Dr. Grove to practice in western Kansas will help secure surgical services in our area and ultimately strengthen Hays Medical Center. We want and we need Hays Medical Center to be successful and strong.Granting this flexibility is not merely a matter of convenience. It is a matter of providing essential health care services to our patients and safeguarding the health of our community.Everything Hays Medical Center has done regarding the enforcement of the many restricted covenants are undoubtedly legal.However, is doing so in the best interests of the many patients they serve? Finding high-quality physicians to practice medicine IN western Kansas is difficult at best. Can we please find a way to help the Doctors who want to stay? Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue.Gordon Lang, MD WaKeeney Medical Group WaKeeney

Opinion