By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Kansas continues to struggle to hire employees, not because of a lack of supply of workers, but a change in demand, a Wichita State University economist told a group in Hays on Thursday.

The Kansas economy has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, and the federal stimulus helped that happen more quickly, said Jeremy Hill, director of WSU's Center for Economic Development and Business Research at the Hays Economic Outlook Conference.

However, with that surge in the economy has come problems in the labor market.

"I have probably been to 10 communities in the last two weeks, and that's the conversation," Hill said. "I've got all this growth if I could just find another person."

Thirty-three percent of Kansas businesses report they are struggling to find workers, while 17 percent have decreased hours.

Kansas' seasonally&nbsp; adjusted unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in September. In Ellis County, it was 2.1 percent. Every county in northwest Kansas posted an unemployment rate at 3 percent or below, with some counties in the region below 2 percent.

Nationally for every job opening, there are 0.8 people available, and in Kansas it's likely closer to 0.5 people, Hill said.

This takes power from the employer and puts it back in the hands of the worker, Hill said. Workers are upwardly mobile, leaving lower paying, entry-level jobs or part-time jobs for full-time jobs that offer better pay and benefits.

National trends show the number of workers holding multiple jobs is down 16 percent. The number of part-time workers is down 10 percent, and the number of self-employed workers is down 7 percent.

"This is hard for companies, but great for households and wealth and upward mobility," Hill said. "This is a huge improvement for the economy, but that's a really big pill to swallow for businesses."

Middle class households that were lost over the last two decades are coming back, which will be an economic driver for more consumption moving forward, Hill said. 

Retail sales are expected to be up 5.3 percent next year based on increased employment and wage growth, Hill said.

"All of this is good news," he said of American households. "Cash is in their pocket. They got rid of a lot of debt."

Businesses are offering incentives for new hires or shortening hours to try to deal with labor shortages.

"People are saying, 'Where is everyone? We have all these people out there who are lazy and not working,' " Hill said. "Labor reports and employment are above 100 percent. The whole time we're cooking. The labor market has been very active and very engaged."

In Kansas, participation in the workforce compared to population is higher than before the pandemic. The employment to population ratio counts everyone from 16 years old to death even if they are no longer seeking employment.

Hill said those figures show the Kansas labor market is extremely tight. 

Labor supply issues, especially seem to be exacerbated in manufacturing, and hospitality and leisure, as people leave those jobs for other jobs, or in the case of manufacturing, choose not to enter that sector to begin with.

Some women who left the labor market to care for children during the pandemic may start re-entering the workforce as the pandemic eases and they no longer have to worry about school closings.

Some industries in Kansas have a big problem with an aging workforce. Baby boomers are retiring.

Businesses will need to look at the workers they have and decide how they can use those workers most efficiently. They may invest in technology to decrease the number of workers needed.

Some businesses may cut back on certain lines or aspects of their operations to further focus on aspects that are most profitable, Hill said.

&nbsp;Companies are also reaching out to other labor markets and hiring employees to telecommute. Some Kansas workers are continuing to telecommute even as COVID restrictions ease. About 30 percent of the Kansas workforce was telecommuting in 2020, with a about 20 percent telecommuting now, Hill said.

Offering training may be one solution for businesses. When the labor market was less tight, employers were expecting to hire workers with experience. Now they may need to hire workers with little or no experience and train them to a point where they are more productive, Hill said.

A long-term solution to the Kansas labor shortage could be a change in federal immigration policy, Hill said.&nbsp; 

"You see I'm not saying lots of heads, because we're out. The U.S is out. Heads are not going to happen. How are you going to look at it differently?" Hill said.

Hill said Kansas is not facing a labor problem — it's facing a wage problem.

Kansas has continued to fall behind the national averages for wages, which is influencing population loss, Hill said. The national annualized wage average is $64,021, while the Kansas annualized wage average is $51,490. People are moving to areas where wages are higher, Hill said.

"Kids that were graduating high school and college looked around and saw opportunities where wages were up somewhere else, so they moved," Hill said. "We're telling them that we didn't value them as much as other industries were."

Kansas wages went up this year, but the state was still slightly below the U.S. average. 

"If we really want labor, wages have to come up," Hill said, "and they have to come up after a year you did massive increases."

Forty-seven percent of Kansas businesses said they expect labor struggles to take more than six months to resolve.

Hill said the outlook for the labor market is going to be tough for businesses through the end of next year. He said it will take that long for businesses to see full employment based on pre-pandemic numbers.

A bright spot may be a new generation of workers moving up in the ranks. While millennials seemed reluctant to work during high school and college, young people now are more readily entering the workforce, Hill said.

This may not only ease some of the workforce shortage for food service and hospitality, it also means those workers will have valuable basic job skills moving forward.

It likely will not solve all of the labor shortages for eateries, which may cause price increases in the industry and a decrease in demand, Hill said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634929865152.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostKansas continues to struggle to hire employees, not because of a lack of supply of workers, but a change in demand, a Wichita State University economist told a group in Hays on Thursday. The Kansas economy has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, and the federal stimulus helped that happen more quickly, said Jeremy Hill, director of WSU's Center for Economic Development and Business Research at the Hays Economic Outlook Conference. However, with that surge in the economy has come problems in the labor market."I have probably been to 10 communities in the last two weeks, and that's the conversation," Hill said. "I've got all this growth if I could just find another person."Thirty-three percent of Kansas businesses report they are struggling to find workers, while 17 percent have decreased hours. Kansas' seasonally&nbsp; adjusted unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in September. In Ellis County, it was 2.1 percent. Every county in northwest Kansas posted an unemployment rate at 3 percent or below, with some counties in the region below 2 percent. Nationally for every job opening, there are 0.8 people available, and in Kansas it's likely closer to 0.5 people, Hill said.This takes power from the employer and puts it back in the hands of the worker, Hill said. Workers are upwardly mobile, leaving lower paying, entry-level jobs or part-time jobs for full-time jobs that offer better pay and benefits.National trends show the number of workers holding multiple jobs is down 16 percent. The number of part-time workers is down 10 percent, and the number of self-employed workers is down 7 percent."This is hard for companies, but great for households and wealth and upward mobility," Hill said. "This is a huge improvement for the economy, but that's a really big pill to swallow for businesses."Middle class households that were lost over the last two decades are coming back, which will be an economic driver for more consumption moving forward, Hill said. Retail sales are expected to be up 5.3 percent next year based on increased employment and wage growth, Hill said. "All of this is good news," he said of American households. "Cash is in their pocket. They got rid of a lot of debt." Businesses are offering incentives for new hires or shortening hours to try to deal with labor shortages."People are saying, 'Where is everyone? We have all these people out there who are lazy and not working,' " Hill said. "Labor reports and employment are above 100 percent. The whole time we're cooking. The labor market has been very active and very engaged." In Kansas, participation in the workforce compared to population is higher than before the pandemic. The employment to population ratio counts everyone from 16 years old to death even if they are no longer seeking employment.Hill said those figures show the Kansas labor market is extremely tight. Labor supply issues, especially seem to be exacerbated in manufacturing, and hospitality and leisure, as people leave those jobs for other jobs, or in the case of manufacturing, choose not to enter that sector to begin with.Some women who left the labor market to care for children during the pandemic may start re-entering the workforce as the pandemic eases and they no longer have to worry about school closings.Some industries in Kansas have a big problem with an aging workforce. Baby boomers are retiring.Businesses will need to look at the workers they have and decide how they can use those workers most efficiently. They may invest in technology to decrease the number of workers needed. Some businesses may cut back on certain lines or aspects of their operations to further focus on aspects that are most profitable, Hill said.&nbsp;Companies are also reaching out to other labor markets and hiring employees to telecommute. Some Kansas workers are continuing to telecommute even as COVID restrictions ease. About 30 percent of the Kansas workforce was telecommuting in 2020, with a about 20 percent telecommuting now, Hill said.Offering training may be one solution for businesses. When the labor market was less tight, employers were expecting to hire workers with experience. Now they may need to hire workers with little or no experience and train them to a point where they are more productive, Hill said.A long-term solution to the Kansas labor shortage could be a change in federal immigration policy, Hill said.&nbsp; "You see I'm not saying lots of heads, because we're out. The U.S is out. Heads are not going to happen. How are you going to look at it differently?" Hill said. Hill said Kansas is not facing a labor problem — it's facing a wage problem. Kansas has continued to fall behind the national averages for wages, which is influencing population loss, Hill said. The national annualized wage average is $64,021, while the Kansas annualized wage average is $51,490. People are moving to areas where wages are higher, Hill said. "Kids that were graduating high school and college looked around and saw opportunities where wages were up somewhere else, so they moved," Hill said. "We're telling them that we didn't value them as much as other industries were."Kansas wages went up this year, but the state was still slightly below the U.S. average. "If we really want labor, wages have to come up," Hill said, "and they have to come up after a year you did massive increases."Forty-seven percent of Kansas businesses said they expect labor struggles to take more than six months to resolve.Hill said the outlook for the labor market is going to be tough for businesses through the end of next year. He said it will take that long for businesses to see full employment based on pre-pandemic numbers. A bright spot may be a new generation of workers moving up in the ranks. While millennials seemed reluctant to work during high school and college, young people now are more readily entering the workforce, Hill said.This may not only ease some of the workforce shortage for food service and hospitality, it also means those workers will have valuable basic job skills moving forward.It likely will not solve all of the labor shortages for eateries, which may cause price increases in the industry and a decrease in demand, Hill said.

Economist: Low wages, high demand result in Kan. labor shortage

With Halloween approaching, the Hays Police Department is reminding residents that with increased activity in the community comes the risk of accidents.

But Lt. Tim Greenwood said paying closer attention while driving during the last weekend of the month could help ensure a fun and safe holiday weekend.

In recent years, he said Hays has not seen many serious incidents, but that has not always been the case.

"We have had some in my career that unfortunately didn't turn out so well," Greenwood said. "But yeah, for the most part, we do have good drivers. (We) just have that reminder every now and then."

He said the most troubling activity currently endangering drivers and pedestrians is mobile phone use while traveling.

"The big one is to put the phone down whether you're a pedestrian or whether you're out with the kids enjoying the festivities that go along with the holiday, (you've) got to put that phone down," Greenwood said. "Don't be driving and looking at the photos or calling the next house you're driving to or whatnot."

While phone usage may be a major concern, distractions in general, he said, can be detrimental.

"We do a really good job for the most part with our pedestrian staying on the sidewalk and crossing at the corners," Greenwood said.

But he asked parents to make sure to refresh the basics with children before letting them venture out on their own.

"Make sure not only looking for those cars, but make eye contact with the drivers whenever possible on that corner, so that the driver sees you," Greenwood said. "It's really easy to get distracted."

He said parents should also make sure to focus when entering and exiting driveways as well.

 "That's always a danger zone for us," Greenwood said.

Making sure children are highly visable is another way to help keep children safe, he said.

"Make sure that those costumes are brightly colored there's a lot of highly reflective costumes out there and if you're going with the traditional witch or Goblin or whatnot that's kind of dark and mysterious, make them put some of that reflective tape on their hands or ankles and a little bit around their neck so they are reflective and visible," Greenwood said.

He added glow sticks are also highly effective.

Lastly, Greenwood suggested keep faces unobstructed in order for the children to better see what is going on around them.

"If your kids are out walking, really consider not wearing masks, but going with the makeup," he said. "It's those masks often fall down and when they're all excited about the candy and their friends and whatnot, it's really easy to get distracted by a mask, whereas makeup doesn't obstruct your vision near as much and is not near as problematic when you're out trick or treating."

Overall, Greenwood said simple actions can ensure a safe holiday for all.

"We've got to do our part to help keep everybody safe," he said. "The police department's going to be out there they're going to be working. If you need something you can always holler at a police officer for some assistance. ... Do your part and help the community stay safe."

<div><iframe title="HPD reminds residents to be cautious driving on Halloween" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=69wn9-1102f86-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostWith Halloween approaching, the Hays Police Department is reminding residents that with increased activity in the community comes the risk of accidents.But Lt. Tim Greenwood said paying closer attention while driving during the last weekend of the month could help ensure a fun and safe holiday weekend.In recent years, he said Hays has not seen many serious incidents, but that has not always been the case."We have had some in my career that unfortunately didn't turn out so well," Greenwood said. "But yeah, for the most part, we do have good drivers. (We) just have that reminder every now and then."He said the most troubling activity currently endangering drivers and pedestrians is mobile phone use while traveling."The big one is to put the phone down whether you're a pedestrian or whether you're out with the kids enjoying the festivities that go along with the holiday, (you've) got to put that phone down," Greenwood said. "Don't be driving and looking at the photos or calling the next house you're driving to or whatnot."While phone usage may be a major concern, distractions in general, he said, can be detrimental."We do a really good job for the most part with our pedestrian staying on the sidewalk and crossing at the corners," Greenwood said.But he asked parents to make sure to refresh the basics with children before letting them venture out on their own."Make sure not only looking for those cars, but make eye contact with the drivers whenever possible on that corner, so that the driver sees you," Greenwood said. "It's really easy to get distracted."He said parents should also make sure to focus when entering and exiting driveways as well. "That's always a danger zone for us," Greenwood said.Making sure children are highly visable is another way to help keep children safe, he said."Make sure that those costumes are brightly colored there's a lot of highly reflective costumes out there and if you're going with the traditional witch or Goblin or whatnot that's kind of dark and mysterious, make them put some of that reflective tape on their hands or ankles and a little bit around their neck so they are reflective and visible," Greenwood said.He added glow sticks are also highly effective.Lastly, Greenwood suggested keep faces unobstructed in order for the children to better see what is going on around them."If your kids are out walking, really consider not wearing masks, but going with the makeup," he said. "It's those masks often fall down and when they're all excited about the candy and their friends and whatnot, it's really easy to get distracted by a mask, whereas makeup doesn't obstruct your vision near as much and is not near as problematic when you're out trick or treating."Overall, Greenwood said simple actions can ensure a safe holiday for all."We've got to do our part to help keep everybody safe," he said. "The police department's going to be out there they're going to be working. If you need something you can always holler at a police officer for some assistance. ... Do your part and help the community stay safe."

🎙 HPD reminds residents to be cautious during Halloween weekend

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592402847947.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

Recent obituaries

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634335244449.jpeg" alt="Thirsty's Dine Out Flyer.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Thirsty's Dine Out Flyer.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

United Way sets Dine Out Day at Thirsty's for Monday

Hays USD 489 has added a link to the district website that includes all the slide decks and information on a possible bond that has been provided to district by is architect, DLR.

<a href="https://www.usd489.com/browse/266138">Click here for a link.</a>

Hays USD 489 has added a link to the district website that includes all the slide decks and information on a possible bond that has been provided to district by is architect, DLR.<a href="https://www.usd489.com/browse/266138">Click here for a link.</a>

Bond information now available on Hays USD 489 website

November is Gove County Community Match Month

Join us for some FREE FAMILY THEATRE FUN! The Hays Arts Council presents ALICE IN WONDERLAND from Wichita Children's Theater Thursday, October 28 ~ 7:00 p.m. Beach/Schmidt PAC Off to her dream world, Alice follows a White Rabbit into a strange and silly Wonderland where she meets a caterpillar and doormouse - and the Queen of Hearts at a tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter. This delightful musical adaptation celebrates this timeless story and the power of imagination! Admission to the 45-minute family production is FREE, as memorial gifts donated in honor of Aletha Denning were assigned to this project so all could attend! Seating opens at 6:40 p.m.&nbsp; Kiddos are welcome to wear their HALLOWEEN COSTUMES!&nbsp; Cast meet and greet and Halloween treat bags after the show! Our two-day school residency sponsors are: Hays Kiwanis Club, Midwest Energy, and Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (thank you all!)&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634908178565.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HACJoin us for some FREE FAMILY THEATRE FUN! The Hays Arts Council presents ALICE IN WONDERLAND from Wichita Children's Theater Thursday, October 28 ~ 7:00 p.m. Beach/Schmidt PAC Off to her dream world, Alice follows a White Rabbit into a strange and silly Wonderland where she meets a caterpillar and doormouse - and the Queen of Hearts at a tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter. This delightful musical adaptation celebrates this timeless story and the power of imagination! Admission to the 45-minute family production is FREE, as memorial gifts donated in honor of Aletha Denning were assigned to this project so all could attend! Seating opens at 6:40 p.m.&nbsp; Kiddos are welcome to wear their HALLOWEEN COSTUMES!&nbsp; Cast meet and greet and Halloween treat bags after the show! Our two-day school residency sponsors are: Hays Kiwanis Club, Midwest Energy, and Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (thank you all!)&nbsp;

Hays Arts Council presents Alice in Wonderland from Wichita Children's Theater

The deadline for any letters to Hays Post related to the upcoming general election is 5 p.m. Friday.

Send letters to <a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

The deadline for any letters to Hays Post related to the upcoming general election is 5 p.m. Friday.Send letters to <a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

Deadline for election-related letters is Friday

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced plans to expand the Kansas Main Street Program by up to three additional communities this Winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Phillipsburg, Russell and Hoisington are current members of the program.&nbsp;

“When our main street businesses succeed, our whole economy succeeds,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly. “That’s why my administration restarted the Kansas Main Street Program in 2019 – to help our communities reinvest in our small businesses, recruit new families to our state, and grow our economy. The expansion of the program is further proof of its success, and I look forward to welcoming three additional communities this winter.”

Originally launched in 1985, Kansas Main Street has helped dozens of mostly rural communities work toward ensuring the viability of their downtown districts. During the first 27 years of the Kansas Main Street program, more than $600 million in redevelopment was invested in designated Main Street communities statewide. During that same time nearly 4,000 small businesses were started, creating over 8,600 new jobs.&nbsp;

The program was closed by the Brownback administration in 2012 and brought back in late 2019 under the directive of Governor Kelly and former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers’ Office of Rural Prosperity.

“Quality of life is key to the Kelly Administration’s economic development efforts, and we know vibrant downtowns are a key indicator of community’s overall health,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“Since Governor Kelly brought the state Main Street program back, Kansas communities once again have the resources and tools they need to breathe new life into their communities and historic commercial districts.”

Earlier this year, the governor announced the addition of Atchison, Baldwin City and Junction City, which brought the total number of designated Main Street communities in Kansas to 28. The program will now add up to three more designated communities, which are eligible for training and technical assistance designed to help them become self-sufficient in downtown revitalization, through a competitive application process.

The competitive process to become a Main Street community will begin on December 1, 2021, when online applications will be available. Those applications will be due no later than January 31, 2022, and the new communities will be announced in mid-February.

“The Main Street Approach has been around nationally since the 1980s and is a proven economic development tool, especially for small, rural communities,”&nbsp;Scott Sewell, director of the Kansas Main Street program, said.&nbsp;“Opening up the program to more communities in Kansas is yet another positive step forward for our state.”

Kansas Main Street has planned a workshop for any community interested in learning how to become a designated member of the downtown revitalization program. 

The Kansas Department of Commerce will host the virtual application workshop at 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 27. Communities wishing to submit applications will be required to first attend the virtual application workshop, which will explain the Main Street Approach and the process for successfully completing the application.

To register for this workshop, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTkuNDc1NjY5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzMDJ3ZWIuem9vbS51cy9tZWV0aW5nL3JlZ2lzdGVyL3RaMGxjdTZ2cXpzdUdOYW5rSzNBQktxdU5nS1pYdC1CM2pqcCJ9.RmrVkdZeeT6GbTuXxtM0LvSmRyy0XxxzryYkaOpwaek/s/1303161001/br/114238834031-l" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lcu6vqzsuGNankK3ABKquNgKZXt-B3jjp</a>

The Kansas Main Street program targets preservation and revitalization of downtown districts through the development of a comprehensive strategy based on the four points of Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Restructuring. See more details of current Kansas Main Street membership here:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.6hxtLVTtwFL94HN-is9mOKHlFx6pMjLBknRZ6pTpjoE/s/1303161001/br/114238834031-l" target="_blank">https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/main-street/</a>

For more information on the Kansas Main Street program, contact Scott Sewell, Director of Kansas Main Street, at (785) 296-7288, or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:scott.sewell@ks.gov" target="_blank">scott.sewell@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634664342623.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced plans to expand the Kansas Main Street Program by up to three additional communities this Winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phillipsburg, Russell and Hoisington are current members of the program.&nbsp;“When our main street businesses succeed, our whole economy succeeds,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly. “That’s why my administration restarted the Kansas Main Street Program in 2019 – to help our communities reinvest in our small businesses, recruit new families to our state, and grow our economy. The expansion of the program is further proof of its success, and I look forward to welcoming three additional communities this winter.”Originally launched in 1985, Kansas Main Street has helped dozens of mostly rural communities work toward ensuring the viability of their downtown districts. During the first 27 years of the Kansas Main Street program, more than $600 million in redevelopment was invested in designated Main Street communities statewide. During that same time nearly 4,000 small businesses were started, creating over 8,600 new jobs.&nbsp;The program was closed by the Brownback administration in 2012 and brought back in late 2019 under the directive of Governor Kelly and former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers’ Office of Rural Prosperity.“Quality of life is key to the Kelly Administration’s economic development efforts, and we know vibrant downtowns are a key indicator of community’s overall health,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“Since Governor Kelly brought the state Main Street program back, Kansas communities once again have the resources and tools they need to breathe new life into their communities and historic commercial districts.”Earlier this year, the governor announced the addition of Atchison, Baldwin City and Junction City, which brought the total number of designated Main Street communities in Kansas to 28. The program will now add up to three more designated communities, which are eligible for training and technical assistance designed to help them become self-sufficient in downtown revitalization, through a competitive application process.The competitive process to become a Main Street community will begin on December 1, 2021, when online applications will be available. Those applications will be due no later than January 31, 2022, and the new communities will be announced in mid-February.“The Main Street Approach has been around nationally since the 1980s and is a proven economic development tool, especially for small, rural communities,”&nbsp;Scott Sewell, director of the Kansas Main Street program, said.&nbsp;“Opening up the program to more communities in Kansas is yet another positive step forward for our state.”Kansas Main Street has planned a workshop for any community interested in learning how to become a designated member of the downtown revitalization program. The Kansas Department of Commerce will host the virtual application workshop at 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 27. Communities wishing to submit applications will be required to first attend the virtual application workshop, which will explain the Main Street Approach and the process for successfully completing the application.To register for this workshop, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTkuNDc1NjY5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzMDJ3ZWIuem9vbS51cy9tZWV0aW5nL3JlZ2lzdGVyL3RaMGxjdTZ2cXpzdUdOYW5rSzNBQktxdU5nS1pYdC1CM2pqcCJ9.RmrVkdZeeT6GbTuXxtM0LvSmRyy0XxxzryYkaOpwaek/s/1303161001/br/114238834031-l" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lcu6vqzsuGNankK3ABKquNgKZXt-B3jjp</a>The Kansas Main Street program targets preservation and revitalization of downtown districts through the development of a comprehensive strategy based on the four points of Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Restructuring. See more details of current Kansas Main Street membership here:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.6hxtLVTtwFL94HN-is9mOKHlFx6pMjLBknRZ6pTpjoE/s/1303161001/br/114238834031-l" target="_blank">https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/main-street/</a>For more information on the Kansas Main Street program, contact Scott Sewell, Director of Kansas Main Street, at (785) 296-7288, or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:scott.sewell@ks.gov" target="_blank">scott.sewell@ks.gov</a>.

Three Kansas Main Street towns to be added through competitive process

NAMI Hays offers support group for families of those with mental health condition

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened&nbsp;U.S. 281 to through traffic north of Russell.

The road was closed in March as part of the $9.8 million T-WORKS project to rehabilitate and reconstruct approximately 4 miles from 15th&nbsp;Street in Russell to Land Road.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened&nbsp;U.S. 281 to through traffic north of Russell.The road was closed in March as part of the $9.8 million T-WORKS project to rehabilitate and reconstruct approximately 4 miles from 15th&nbsp;Street in Russell to Land Road.

U.S. 281 reopened north of Russell

It’s always interesting to see how the Fort Hays State University shotgun team will top what it accomplished the year before.&nbsp;

FHSU finished in the top three at two different national tournaments in a span of 10 days last spring when events from the fall and spring semesters were combined into one semester because of the pandemic.

How could the fall 2021 season top that, one might ask? Consider it done.

Fort Hays State brought home its eighth national championship earlier this month by winning the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) in Columbus, Ohio, and finished with an incredible, FHSU program-record 2,953 targets out of 3,000 (.984 percentage).

It was the fourth consecutive SCTP national title for FHSU, which not only defeated all the Division II teams (with 10 to 20 shooters) at this year’s event but also outscored all the Division I squads (20-plus shooters).

One of the highlights of the meet for Fort Hays State was the perfect 200-for-200 performance of Jared Greenwood, a sophomore from Augusta. That not only earned him first-place individual honors in men’s sporting clays, it also helped FHSU win that team competition in Division II. FHSU also took first in D-II in trap singles and recorded the top score in all divisions in American skeet.&nbsp;

Dr. Duane Shepherd, an assistant professor of health and human performance and one of the team’s coaches, was pleased not only with the team’s performance but with its work ethic as well.

“These kids worked extremely hard to get where they’re at,” said Shepherd, who founded the program at FHSU in 2004. “They are very focused, and they deserved it. It’s one of the hardest working teams we’ve ever had.”

FHSU added a junior varsity program this year and also added two coaches – Jerrod Lies, an admission counselor at FHSU, and Cody Escritt, who volunteers his time. Both are former All-Americans for the FHSU shotgun team. Shepherd is in charge of skeet, Lies the trap shooting, and Escritt – sporting clays.

“This way, the kids are shooting a lot of targets every day and getting more individualized attention,” Shepherd said.

The varsity team practices every Tuesday and Thursday, with Wednesdays reserved solely for the JV squad. The coaches then select some of the JV shooters to work with the varsity on its practice days. Incorporating JV members in with the varsity benefits the entire program, as the JV team gets valuable varsity experience while being mentored by varsity members.

“This way, they know what to expect to be successful, and they are getting seasoned as they get ready for the next year,” Shepherd said. “We’re organizing them to be shooting at a level they need for the varsity experience, and we believe it will work in their favor.”

Other highlights for FHSU included six shooters finishing in the top 10 individually – Greenwood, Riley Ross, Lane Sorensen, and Brock Barton in the men’s division and Katie Petersen and Hailey Zulkoski in the women’s division. FHSU featured seven shooters who shot one or more perfect rounds of 100-of-100.

Ross, a senior from St. Paul, Neb., who has been part of several national championships during his FHSU career, was a member of all three first-place team events for FHSU en route to finishing third in high overall (HOA) for the men (590-of-600).

Petersen, a graduate student from Fremont, Neb., won the women’s skeet competition with 198-of-200 targets, which helped her claim HOA honors for the women (583-of-600). Other individual top-three efforts besides Greenwood’s perfect performance in sporting clays and Ross’ third HOA finish, were Jade Chapman, first place, women’s trap, and Sorensen, second place, men’s skeet.

National competitors for FHSU (listed in alphabetical order), and their hometowns, were:

Brock Barton, Fairbury, Neb. Zach Beers, Syracuse, Neb. Jade Chapman, Papillion, Neb. Will Dulohery, St. George Jared Greenwood, Benton Alex Hunter, Hickman, Neb. Hank McVeigh, Lincoln, Neb. Katie Petersen, Fremont, Neb. Riley Ross, St. Paul, Neb. Ryan St. Peters, Godfrey, Ill. Logan Smith, Burwell, Neb. Lane Sorensen, Hampton, Neb. Mason Weller, Palmer, Neb. Xander Winchell, Spring Hill Hailey Zulkoski, Ord, Neb.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635181402925.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsIt’s always interesting to see how the Fort Hays State University shotgun team will top what it accomplished the year before.&nbsp;FHSU finished in the top three at two different national tournaments in a span of 10 days last spring when events from the fall and spring semesters were combined into one semester because of the pandemic.How could the fall 2021 season top that, one might ask? Consider it done.Fort Hays State brought home its eighth national championship earlier this month by winning the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) in Columbus, Ohio, and finished with an incredible, FHSU program-record 2,953 targets out of 3,000 (.984 percentage).It was the fourth consecutive SCTP national title for FHSU, which not only defeated all the Division II teams (with 10 to 20 shooters) at this year’s event but also outscored all the Division I squads (20-plus shooters).One of the highlights of the meet for Fort Hays State was the perfect 200-for-200 performance of Jared Greenwood, a sophomore from Augusta. That not only earned him first-place individual honors in men’s sporting clays, it also helped FHSU win that team competition in Division II. FHSU also took first in D-II in trap singles and recorded the top score in all divisions in American skeet.&nbsp;Dr. Duane Shepherd, an assistant professor of health and human performance and one of the team’s coaches, was pleased not only with the team’s performance but with its work ethic as well.“These kids worked extremely hard to get where they’re at,” said Shepherd, who founded the program at FHSU in 2004. “They are very focused, and they deserved it. It’s one of the hardest working teams we’ve ever had.”FHSU added a junior varsity program this year and also added two coaches – Jerrod Lies, an admission counselor at FHSU, and Cody Escritt, who volunteers his time. Both are former All-Americans for the FHSU shotgun team. Shepherd is in charge of skeet, Lies the trap shooting, and Escritt – sporting clays.“This way, the kids are shooting a lot of targets every day and getting more individualized attention,” Shepherd said.The varsity team practices every Tuesday and Thursday, with Wednesdays reserved solely for the JV squad. The coaches then select some of the JV shooters to work with the varsity on its practice days. Incorporating JV members in with the varsity benefits the entire program, as the JV team gets valuable varsity experience while being mentored by varsity members.“This way, they know what to expect to be successful, and they are getting seasoned as they get ready for the next year,” Shepherd said. “We’re organizing them to be shooting at a level they need for the varsity experience, and we believe it will work in their favor.”Other highlights for FHSU included six shooters finishing in the top 10 individually – Greenwood, Riley Ross, Lane Sorensen, and Brock Barton in the men’s division and Katie Petersen and Hailey Zulkoski in the women’s division. FHSU featured seven shooters who shot one or more perfect rounds of 100-of-100.Ross, a senior from St. Paul, Neb., who has been part of several national championships during his FHSU career, was a member of all three first-place team events for FHSU en route to finishing third in high overall (HOA) for the men (590-of-600).Petersen, a graduate student from Fremont, Neb., won the women’s skeet competition with 198-of-200 targets, which helped her claim HOA honors for the women (583-of-600). Other individual top-three efforts besides Greenwood’s perfect performance in sporting clays and Ross’ third HOA finish, were Jade Chapman, first place, women’s trap, and Sorensen, second place, men’s skeet.National competitors for FHSU (listed in alphabetical order), and their hometowns, were:Brock Barton, Fairbury, Neb. Zach Beers, Syracuse, Neb. Jade Chapman, Papillion, Neb. Will Dulohery, St. George Jared Greenwood, Benton Alex Hunter, Hickman, Neb. Hank McVeigh, Lincoln, Neb. Katie Petersen, Fremont, Neb. Riley Ross, St. Paul, Neb. Ryan St. Peters, Godfrey, Ill. Logan Smith, Burwell, Neb. Lane Sorensen, Hampton, Neb. Mason Weller, Palmer, Neb. Xander Winchell, Spring Hill Hailey Zulkoski, Ord, Neb.

FHSU shotgun team claims eighth national crown

By JOHN P. TRETBAR The near-month light sweet crude contract in New York settled at $83.76 Friday, above $83 per barrel for only the second time in seven years. In London, Brent crude was also on the rise, approaching $86. Kansas Common crude at CHS was priced at $74 per barrel on Monday, the best price in McPherson since October 9, 2014. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service shows a ten percent increase in drilling activity. There are 19 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up four from a week earlier. The count in Western Kansas was unchanged at 23 active rigs. Drilling continued on leases in Russell and Stafford counties, and operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County. Based solely on the number of wells spudded, Independent reports drilling activity in Kansas increasing more than 142% from a year ago. The number of operators searching for oil and gas is up 36% year over year. Baker Hughes reported 542 active U.S. drilling rigs Friday, marking a decline of two oil rigs but a gain of one exploring for natural gas. The count in Wyoming was down three rigs, New Mexico was up two, and Texas was down one. Kansas regulators authorized 24 new drilling locations last week, ten of them east of Wichita and 14 in the western half of the state including one new permit each in Barton and Stafford counties. That's 869 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 358 at this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 17 new well completions for the week. That's 697 newly-completed wells statewide so far this year, just three wells ahead of that total a year ago. Operators in Ellis and Stafford counties completed wells among the 14 in Western Kansas. The sole trade group representing producers, operators and owners of marginally-producing wells announced five new board members including four from Kansas. Nicole Koelsch of Adams/Brown in Great Bend joins the board of directors of the National Stripper Well Association. In a news release, Koelsch said the association has proven to be a valuable resource for their industry. Other new board members include Nick Powell of Mission, Kansas, Dave Murfin and Will Darrah of Wichita, and Sam Bradley of Loveland, Colorado. U.S. operators produced over eleven million barrels of crude oil per day for the fourth week in a row. For the week through October 15th, The Energy Information Administration reports output of just over 11.3 million barrels per day, a slight decrease from the week before. Domestic crude-oil inventories dropped slightly last week. The government reports stockpiles of 426.5 million barrels of crude oil as of October 15th, down 400,000 barrels from a week earlier, and about six percent below the five year average for this time of year. Crude imports dropped by 169,000 barrels per day last week to about 5.8 million. Imports over the last four weeks averaged nearly 20% more than during the same period a year ago. A Canadian company is planning to build North Dakota's first factory designed to turn natural gas into liquid fuels. Supporters say the new plant will produce low-sulfur diesel fuel and military-grade jet fuel. It will also help curb the venting or flaring of natural gas at oil wells. State officials say the $2.8 billion project in Trenton, North Dakota will convert natural gas into about 1 million gallons of liquid fuels per day. Compared to a year ago, Americans are paying about $17 more to fill up our vehicles with gasoline. Analysts at Triple-A say it doesn't look like we'll find relief at the gas pump any time soon. The national average price for a gallon of regular is now just over $3.38. That's up a six cents from a week ago and more than $1.20 higher than a year ago. The average here in Kansas is up nearly eight cents from a week ago.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic is on the increase across the U.S. and Canada. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports 9,901 American petroleum carloads for the week ending October 16th. That's up 506 tankers from the week before but down 3.6% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments in Canada are up more than 18% year over year according to weekly AAR data. The newly-remade board of directors at Exxon Mobil is debating whether to continue with several major oil and gas projects. People familiar with the matter say the energy giant is reconsidering its investment strategy amid the quickly-changing energy landscape. The Wall Street Journal reports Exxon board members, many installed last year by an activist investor, are weighing the fate of many future projects. The company is facing pressure from investors to restrain fossil-fuel investment to limit carbon emissions and return more cash to shareholders. With crude prices surging, oil output in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico is getting closer to levels seen before the pandemic-driven market crash. While total production in the U.S. is still lagging, The government reports the Permian is increasing output to an average of over 4.8 million barrels a day in October. That’s close to the record set in March of 2020. Bloomberg reports a global supply deficit and high prices are prompting rising production. Private drillers in the basin have been seeking to capitalize on the surge in oil prices, ramping up volumes steadily, while public companies are under shareholder pressure to keep spending in check. In other shale plays, the recovery has been slow. In the Bakken of North Dakota, where the shale boom began, and in the Eagle Ford of southern Texas, the number of wells drilled but uncompleted are at their lowest on record.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR The near-month light sweet crude contract in New York settled at $83.76 Friday, above $83 per barrel for only the second time in seven years. In London, Brent crude was also on the rise, approaching $86. Kansas Common crude at CHS was priced at $74 per barrel on Monday, the best price in McPherson since October 9, 2014. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service shows a ten percent increase in drilling activity. There are 19 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up four from a week earlier. The count in Western Kansas was unchanged at 23 active rigs. Drilling continued on leases in Russell and Stafford counties, and operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County. Based solely on the number of wells spudded, Independent reports drilling activity in Kansas increasing more than 142% from a year ago. The number of operators searching for oil and gas is up 36% year over year. Baker Hughes reported 542 active U.S. drilling rigs Friday, marking a decline of two oil rigs but a gain of one exploring for natural gas. The count in Wyoming was down three rigs, New Mexico was up two, and Texas was down one. Kansas regulators authorized 24 new drilling locations last week, ten of them east of Wichita and 14 in the western half of the state including one new permit each in Barton and Stafford counties. That's 869 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 358 at this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 17 new well completions for the week. That's 697 newly-completed wells statewide so far this year, just three wells ahead of that total a year ago. Operators in Ellis and Stafford counties completed wells among the 14 in Western Kansas. The sole trade group representing producers, operators and owners of marginally-producing wells announced five new board members including four from Kansas. Nicole Koelsch of Adams/Brown in Great Bend joins the board of directors of the National Stripper Well Association. In a news release, Koelsch said the association has proven to be a valuable resource for their industry. Other new board members include Nick Powell of Mission, Kansas, Dave Murfin and Will Darrah of Wichita, and Sam Bradley of Loveland, Colorado. U.S. operators produced over eleven million barrels of crude oil per day for the fourth week in a row. For the week through October 15th, The Energy Information Administration reports output of just over 11.3 million barrels per day, a slight decrease from the week before. Domestic crude-oil inventories dropped slightly last week. The government reports stockpiles of 426.5 million barrels of crude oil as of October 15th, down 400,000 barrels from a week earlier, and about six percent below the five year average for this time of year. Crude imports dropped by 169,000 barrels per day last week to about 5.8 million. Imports over the last four weeks averaged nearly 20% more than during the same period a year ago. A Canadian company is planning to build North Dakota's first factory designed to turn natural gas into liquid fuels. Supporters say the new plant will produce low-sulfur diesel fuel and military-grade jet fuel. It will also help curb the venting or flaring of natural gas at oil wells. State officials say the $2.8 billion project in Trenton, North Dakota will convert natural gas into about 1 million gallons of liquid fuels per day. Compared to a year ago, Americans are paying about $17 more to fill up our vehicles with gasoline. Analysts at Triple-A say it doesn't look like we'll find relief at the gas pump any time soon. The national average price for a gallon of regular is now just over $3.38. That's up a six cents from a week ago and more than $1.20 higher than a year ago. The average here in Kansas is up nearly eight cents from a week ago.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic is on the increase across the U.S. and Canada. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports 9,901 American petroleum carloads for the week ending October 16th. That's up 506 tankers from the week before but down 3.6% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments in Canada are up more than 18% year over year according to weekly AAR data. The newly-remade board of directors at Exxon Mobil is debating whether to continue with several major oil and gas projects. People familiar with the matter say the energy giant is reconsidering its investment strategy amid the quickly-changing energy landscape. The Wall Street Journal reports Exxon board members, many installed last year by an activist investor, are weighing the fate of many future projects. The company is facing pressure from investors to restrain fossil-fuel investment to limit carbon emissions and return more cash to shareholders. With crude prices surging, oil output in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico is getting closer to levels seen before the pandemic-driven market crash. While total production in the U.S. is still lagging, The government reports the Permian is increasing output to an average of over 4.8 million barrels a day in October. That’s close to the record set in March of 2020. Bloomberg reports a global supply deficit and high prices are prompting rising production. Private drillers in the basin have been seeking to capitalize on the surge in oil prices, ramping up volumes steadily, while public companies are under shareholder pressure to keep spending in check. In other shale plays, the recovery has been slow. In the Bakken of North Dakota, where the shale boom began, and in the Eagle Ford of southern Texas, the number of wells drilled but uncompleted are at their lowest on record.

News From the Oil Patch: Prices from London to McPherson at 7-year highs

Twenty-four new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas 
Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on October 22nd at a ceremony 
held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;

Officer Justin Atchison of the Wellsville Police Department was the 
graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Jeff 
Hooper, Chief of Police for the Hutchinson Police Department. James 
Buettgenbach, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class 
Coordinator for the 284th Basic Training Class.

Deputy Francisco Guerrero of the Meade County Sheriff’s Office was 
honored with KLETC’s Fitness Award. Officer Justin Dutcher of the Sac 
&amp; Fox Tribal Police Department was also recognized during the 
ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”.

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and 
Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace
 Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing
 authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law 
enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help 
train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in 
the line of duty. 
 
Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority
 of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and 
oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and 
certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies 
and the Kansas Highway Patrol. 
 
About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training 
programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to 
over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west 
and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of the 
University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in July 2021, represented 19 
municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across 
Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:

Brown 
Justin Dutcher - Sac &amp; Fox Tribal Police Department

Butler 
Neil Kline - Andover Police Department 
James Nelson - Andover Police Department 
Barbara Altier-Riera - El Dorado Police Department

Cherokee 
Saul Farfan-Ulloa - Columbus Police Department

Coffey 
Alliccia Breeze - Coffey County Sheriff's Office

Crawford 
Seirra Roberts - Arma Police Department

Douglas 
John Matthews - Eudora Police Department

Ellis 
Erin Lokke - Hays Police Department

Finney 
Crystal Lopez - Finney County Sheriff’s Office 
Edwardo Valdez - Garden City Police Department 
Randy Cole - Garden City Police Department 
Jacob Erickson - Garden City Police Department

Franklin 
Justin Atchison - Wellsville Police Department

Jackson 
Maverick Ohlde - Prairie Band Pottawatomi Tribal Police

Lyon 
Collin Brozek - Lyon County Sheriff’s Office

Meade 
Francisco Guerrero - Meade County Sheriff’s Office

Pratt 
Dennis Zoglmann - Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Reno 
Dalton Leonard - Hutchinson Police Department 
Stephen Jackson - Hutchinson Police Department

Riley 
Jennifer Pepe - Riley County Police Department 
Gage Whitmore - Riley County Police Department

Trego 
Liam Kieft- WaKeeney Police Department

Wilson 
Louis Cottrell-D’Esposito - Wilson County Sheriff’s Office

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625261126965.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KLETCTwenty-four new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas 
Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on October 22nd at a ceremony 
held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;Officer Justin Atchison of the Wellsville Police Department was the 
graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Jeff 
Hooper, Chief of Police for the Hutchinson Police Department. James 
Buettgenbach, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class 
Coordinator for the 284th Basic Training Class.Deputy Francisco Guerrero of the Meade County Sheriff’s Office was 
honored with KLETC’s Fitness Award. Officer Justin Dutcher of the Sac 
&amp; Fox Tribal Police Department was also recognized during the 
ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”.Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and 
Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace
 Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing
 authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law 
enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help 
train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in 
the line of duty. 
 
Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority
 of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and 
oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and 
certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies 
and the Kansas Highway Patrol. 
 
About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training 
programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to 
over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west 
and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of the 
University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in July 2021, represented 19 
municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across 
Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:Brown 
Justin Dutcher - Sac &amp; Fox Tribal Police DepartmentButler 
Neil Kline - Andover Police Department 
James Nelson - Andover Police Department 
Barbara Altier-Riera - El Dorado Police DepartmentCherokee 
Saul Farfan-Ulloa - Columbus Police DepartmentCoffey 
Alliccia Breeze - Coffey County Sheriff's OfficeCrawford 
Seirra Roberts - Arma Police DepartmentDouglas 
John Matthews - Eudora Police DepartmentEllis 
Erin Lokke - Hays Police DepartmentFinney 
Crystal Lopez - Finney County Sheriff’s Office 
Edwardo Valdez - Garden City Police Department 
Randy Cole - Garden City Police Department 
Jacob Erickson - Garden City Police DepartmentFranklin 
Justin Atchison - Wellsville Police DepartmentJackson 
Maverick Ohlde - Prairie Band Pottawatomi Tribal PoliceLyon 
Collin Brozek - Lyon County Sheriff’s OfficeMeade 
Francisco Guerrero - Meade County Sheriff’s OfficePratt 
Dennis Zoglmann - Kansas Department of Wildlife and ParksReno 
Dalton Leonard - Hutchinson Police Department 
Stephen Jackson - Hutchinson Police DepartmentRiley 
Jennifer Pepe - Riley County Police Department 
Gage Whitmore - Riley County Police DepartmentTrego 
Liam Kieft- WaKeeney Police DepartmentWilson 
Louis Cottrell-D’Esposito - Wilson County Sheriff’s Office

NW Kan. officers among newest police academy graduates

Three-day weather outlook

&nbsp;One particular landowner who allowed me to trap for several years always asked me where on his land I would be trapping, and my answer was always “Wherever your crops and cattle will allow it; I will always work around you.” A couple years ago, however, he asked his son that was taking over the farming, who told me he wanted no traps on the place, period. I was a bit stunned as he had never faltered in giving me permission before, and I would probably have been justified in trying to pin him down about his decision. But I chatted with the father awhile, thanked him and drove away.&nbsp;

Very few farmers deny trapping on their land unless they do hunt or trap themselves, or unless they’ve had a bad experience with another trapper, but it is their land and they do have the right to control access to it. The point I want this column to drive home is how important it is to us hunters and trappers and to the future of our sports to create and to maintain a good relationship with the farmers and ranchers on whose land we hunt and trap. Hunting and trapping should be seen by us as a privilege, and with privileges come certain responsibilities. Here are a few suggestions that will help create and maintain good relationships with the farmers and ranchers who own the land where you hunt and trap.

&nbsp;Landowners should be contacted each year no matter how long you have been granted access to their land. Stop and see them in person when possible. There are landowners that are just fine with a phone call and you will learn who they are with time, but if in doubt, see them in person. I traded pickups a couple years ago, so I have tried to stop and see all landowners just to show them what truck I would now be driving.

Pay special attention to any specific requests by the landowner. I accidentally left an electric fence hotwire unhooked one time and a few of the owners cows got out. He was none-too-happy, but we are friends and I apologized profusely and all was well. Make certain to close all gates, stay off the property if it’s wet enough to make ruts where you drive, and always leave the property as you found it.&nbsp;

Offering to help a landowner with a project like building fence or clearing trees goes a long way toward assuring permission to hunt or trap his land. You can also give them a pheasant or some fresh venison now and then. Some hunters even send thank you cards to landowners each year. I recently read how one professional trapper out west once stopped to help a farmer get freshly baled hay into the barn just before a rain and because of his kindness was eventually granted sole permission to trap on over 15,000 acres of New Mexico land owned by the farmer’s cousin.

God is not making any more land these days, and good recreational land is often leased or purchased by wealthy groups or individuals for their own use. That leaves most of us outdoorsmen dependant on gaining permission to hunt and trap on privately owned land. So, obey the game laws, obey the landowner’s rules and by-all-means close the gates unless you’d rather chase cattle than hunt. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;One particular landowner who allowed me to trap for several years always asked me where on his land I would be trapping, and my answer was always “Wherever your crops and cattle will allow it; I will always work around you.” A couple years ago, however, he asked his son that was taking over the farming, who told me he wanted no traps on the place, period. I was a bit stunned as he had never faltered in giving me permission before, and I would probably have been justified in trying to pin him down about his decision. But I chatted with the father awhile, thanked him and drove away.&nbsp;Very few farmers deny trapping on their land unless they do hunt or trap themselves, or unless they’ve had a bad experience with another trapper, but it is their land and they do have the right to control access to it. The point I want this column to drive home is how important it is to us hunters and trappers and to the future of our sports to create and to maintain a good relationship with the farmers and ranchers on whose land we hunt and trap. Hunting and trapping should be seen by us as a privilege, and with privileges come certain responsibilities. Here are a few suggestions that will help create and maintain good relationships with the farmers and ranchers who own the land where you hunt and trap.&nbsp;Landowners should be contacted each year no matter how long you have been granted access to their land. Stop and see them in person when possible. There are landowners that are just fine with a phone call and you will learn who they are with time, but if in doubt, see them in person. I traded pickups a couple years ago, so I have tried to stop and see all landowners just to show them what truck I would now be driving.Pay special attention to any specific requests by the landowner. I accidentally left an electric fence hotwire unhooked one time and a few of the owners cows got out. He was none-too-happy, but we are friends and I apologized profusely and all was well. Make certain to close all gates, stay off the property if it’s wet enough to make ruts where you drive, and always leave the property as you found it.&nbsp;Offering to help a landowner with a project like building fence or clearing trees goes a long way toward assuring permission to hunt or trap his land. You can also give them a pheasant or some fresh venison now and then. Some hunters even send thank you cards to landowners each year. I recently read how one professional trapper out west once stopped to help a farmer get freshly baled hay into the barn just before a rain and because of his kindness was eventually granted sole permission to trap on over 15,000 acres of New Mexico land owned by the farmer’s cousin.God is not making any more land these days, and good recreational land is often leased or purchased by wealthy groups or individuals for their own use. That leaves most of us outdoorsmen dependant on gaining permission to hunt and trap on privately owned land. So, obey the game laws, obey the landowner’s rules and by-all-means close the gates unless you’d rather chase cattle than hunt. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Getting permission should be your mission

RUSSELL — At 8:43 p.m. Sunday, the Russell Fire Department was paged for a structure fire involving a garage and a residence at 1709 N. Maple in Russell.

First-arriving fire personnel observed a garage that was fully engulfed and the back southeast corner of the residence on fire. The residence next door was also taking damage due to the extreme heat.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire on the side of the house before it entered the residence. Crews were also able to extinguish the garage fire and kept minimal damage to the neighbor's house. The garage was a total loss, the residence had minor damage to the roof and siding, and the neighbor's house had melted siding along with cracked windows from the heat. The fire was ruled under control at 9:44 p.m., and crews remained on scene until 10:26 p.m. looking for extension and hot spots.

The City of Russell Fire Department would like to thank the Russell Police Department, Russell County EMS, Russell County Sheriff's Office, Russell Electric Department, Russell County Emergency Management and Russell County 911.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188784214.jpeg" alt="Russell emergency responders were called to a fully engulfed garage fire Sunday night at&nbsp; 1709 North Maple Street, which also burned a portion of the adjacent house. (Photos courtesy Russell Fire Department)" />
 <figcaption>Russell emergency responders were called to a fully engulfed garage fire Sunday night at&nbsp; 1709 North Maple Street, which also burned a portion of the adjacent house. (Photos courtesy Russell Fire Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Russell Fire DepartmentRUSSELL — At 8:43 p.m. Sunday, the Russell Fire Department was paged for a structure fire involving a garage and a residence at 1709 N. Maple in Russell.First-arriving fire personnel observed a garage that was fully engulfed and the back southeast corner of the residence on fire. The residence next door was also taking damage due to the extreme heat.Crews were able to extinguish the fire on the side of the house before it entered the residence. Crews were also able to extinguish the garage fire and kept minimal damage to the neighbor's house. The garage was a total loss, the residence had minor damage to the roof and siding, and the neighbor's house had melted siding along with cracked windows from the heat. The fire was ruled under control at 9:44 p.m., and crews remained on scene until 10:26 p.m. looking for extension and hot spots.The City of Russell Fire Department would like to thank the Russell Police Department, Russell County EMS, Russell County Sheriff's Office, Russell Electric Department, Russell County Emergency Management and Russell County 911.The cause of the fire remains under investigation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188982409.jpeg" alt="The cause of a garage fire in Russell Oct. 24 is under investigation. (Photo courtesy Russell Fire Department)" />
 <figcaption>The cause of a garage fire in Russell Oct. 24 is under investigation. (Photo courtesy Russell Fire Department)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635189061963.jpeg" alt="A corner of the house near the garage was also burned in the blaze. (Photo courtesy Russell Fire Department)" />
 <figcaption>A corner of the house near the garage was also burned in the blaze. (Photo courtesy Russell Fire Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Russell FD responds to garage and house fire Sunday

Correction: The board self-evaluation scores listed in the board packet were examples. The self-evaluation has not yet been completed.

The Hays USD 489 school board during its meeting Monday will consider a proposal to conduct community strategic planning.

The board will meet at 6:30 Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.

These sessions typically include up to 25 to 40&nbsp;participants, consisting mostly of community members along with the school board and some&nbsp;district representation. The work is generally accomplished over the course of two separate meeting times&nbsp;each lasting 2.5 to three hours.

The objectives of strategic planning process are as follows: • Strategic objective&nbsp;planning for&nbsp;the next three to five years in Hays USD 489 • Focusing on&nbsp;district&nbsp;efforts to maintain a&nbsp;focused mission, vision and core values objectives when making decisions • Full&nbsp;community engagement&nbsp;in the strategic process

The Kansas Association of School Boards would help coordinate the process. The cost would be $5,715.

The board will also discuss its self-evaluation.

The board scores will&nbsp; be based on an average of the six board members plus the superintendent. The individual scores are kept anonymous. 

The board will also hear reports on district custodial supply purchasing, the WEKAN Center and an update on the special education co-op.

Correction: The board self-evaluation scores listed in the board packet were examples. The self-evaluation has not yet been completed. By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board during its meeting Monday will consider a proposal to conduct community strategic planning.The board will meet at 6:30 Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.These sessions typically include up to 25 to 40&nbsp;participants, consisting mostly of community members along with the school board and some&nbsp;district representation. The work is generally accomplished over the course of two separate meeting times&nbsp;each lasting 2.5 to three hours.The objectives of strategic planning process are as follows: • Strategic objective&nbsp;planning for&nbsp;the next three to five years in Hays USD 489 • Focusing on&nbsp;district&nbsp;efforts to maintain a&nbsp;focused mission, vision and core values objectives when making decisions • Full&nbsp;community engagement&nbsp;in the strategic processThe Kansas Association of School Boards would help coordinate the process. The cost would be $5,715.<h2>Board evaluation</h2>The board will also discuss its self-evaluation.The board scores will&nbsp; be based on an average of the six board members plus the superintendent. The individual scores are kept anonymous. The board will also hear reports on district custodial supply purchasing, the WEKAN Center and an update on the special education co-op.

Update: Hays USD 489 school board to discuss strategic planning

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

——————————————

Brian Richard Cummings, 23, was arrested at 11:58 a.m. Oct. 14 in the 200 block of West Eighth on suspicion of drug distribution, cultivating a controlled substance, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alyvia Anna Zeigler, 19, was arrested at 11:09 p.m. Oct. 15 in the 400 block of Ash on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, transporting an open container of alcohol and underage consumption of alcohol.

Chase Edward Havens Pabst, 20, was arrested at 9:49 p.m. Oct. 15 in the 800 block of Ash on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

James Drew Epke, 33, was arrested at 1:30 a.m. Oct. 16 in the 1900 block of Vine on suspicion of failure to appear.

Matthew William Blanchard, 35, was arrested at 3:27 p.m. Oct. 15 in the 1600 block of Allen on suspicion of battery on a law enforcement official, domestic battery, assault on a law enforcement official and interference with a law enforcement official.

Jadon Trinity Ward, 20, was arrested at 1:56 a.m. Oct. 17 in the 1000 block of West 27th on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Ryan Keith Winter, 42, was arrested at 10:14 p.m. Oct. 17 in the 200 block of West 12th on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Ethan Tyler Haase, 24, was arrested at 2:51 a.m. Oct. 20 in the 200 block of West 10th on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>——————————————Brian Richard Cummings, 23, was arrested at 11:58 a.m. Oct. 14 in the 200 block of West Eighth on suspicion of drug distribution, cultivating a controlled substance, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.Alyvia Anna Zeigler, 19, was arrested at 11:09 p.m. Oct. 15 in the 400 block of Ash on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, transporting an open container of alcohol and underage consumption of alcohol.Chase Edward Havens Pabst, 20, was arrested at 9:49 p.m. Oct. 15 in the 800 block of Ash on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.James Drew Epke, 33, was arrested at 1:30 a.m. Oct. 16 in the 1900 block of Vine on suspicion of failure to appear.Matthew William Blanchard, 35, was arrested at 3:27 p.m. Oct. 15 in the 1600 block of Allen on suspicion of battery on a law enforcement official, domestic battery, assault on a law enforcement official and interference with a law enforcement official.Jadon Trinity Ward, 20, was arrested at 1:56 a.m. Oct. 17 in the 1000 block of West 27th on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Ryan Keith Winter, 42, was arrested at 10:14 p.m. Oct. 17 in the 200 block of West 12th on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Ethan Tyler Haase, 24, was arrested at 2:51 a.m. Oct. 20 in the 200 block of West 10th on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

HPD arrest log, Oct. 14 to 20

An early morning fire in south Hays destroyed a storage building Monday.

According to a news release from Assistant Fire Chief Shane Preston, the Hays Fire Department was dispatched at 12:36 a.m. to a structure fire at 1011 Reservation Road.

The blaze could be seen as firefighters deployed two handlines.&nbsp;

Preston said it took fire crews "several hours to fully extinguish the fire due to the amount of storage inside the building."

"Fire investigators were unable to determine the cause and origin of the fire due to the extensive damage and amount of materials stored in the building," Preston said.

Also responding to the scene were the Ellis County Fire Department, EMS and sheriff's department, along with the Hays Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634928306670.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostAn early morning fire in south Hays destroyed a storage building Monday.According to a news release from Assistant Fire Chief Shane Preston, the Hays Fire Department was dispatched at 12:36 a.m. to a structure fire at 1011 Reservation Road.The blaze could be seen as firefighters deployed two handlines.&nbsp;Preston said it took fire crews "several hours to fully extinguish the fire due to the amount of storage inside the building.""Fire investigators were unable to determine the cause and origin of the fire due to the extensive damage and amount of materials stored in the building," Preston said.Also responding to the scene were the Ellis County Fire Department, EMS and sheriff's department, along with the Hays Police Department.

Storage unit in south Hays destroyed by early morning fire

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is warning of a slight risk of severe weather in Ellis County on Tuesday evening.

Hays is on the projected western line of the front. As of Monday afternoon, there was a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Tuesday, increasing to 50 percent into Tuesday night.

The skies are expected to clear after 1 p.m. Wednesday, according to the NWS, although a north-northwest wind of 22 to 25 mph is projected, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

After a high of 80 on Tuesday, the rest of the week will see highs in the low-60s.

Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635186016256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City is warning of a slight risk of severe weather in Ellis County on Tuesday evening.Hays is on the projected western line of the front. As of Monday afternoon, there was a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Tuesday, increasing to 50 percent into Tuesday night.The skies are expected to clear after 1 p.m. Wednesday, according to the NWS, although a north-northwest wind of 22 to 25 mph is projected, with gusts as high as 36 mph.After a high of 80 on Tuesday, the rest of the week will see highs in the low-60s.Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.

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