Hays seminar will focus on 'global Islamic movement' 

Hosted by your Hays area doulas, this come-and-go event is a perfect opportunity to find local resources for your pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Participants will have a chance to "Ask The Doulas" any pregnancy and birth-related questions.

Refreshments will be served, and all guests will have a chance to win prizes.

For more information, you see the event on Facebook at Birthworker Bash! or the group's website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.westernkansasbirthkeeping.com/" target="_blank">www.westernkansasbirthkeeping.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623854886631.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hosted by your Hays area doulas, this come-and-go event is a perfect opportunity to find local resources for your pregnancy, birth and postpartum.Participants will have a chance to "Ask The Doulas" any pregnancy and birth-related questions.Refreshments will be served, and all guests will have a chance to win prizes.For more information, you see the event on Facebook at Birthworker Bash! or the group's website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.westernkansasbirthkeeping.com/" target="_blank">www.westernkansasbirthkeeping.com</a>.

Birthworker Bash to offer pregnancy resources

The Fort Hays State University Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) is offering free summer activities for Tuesday, June 22 through June 24 at 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Location:&nbsp;OUTSIDE&nbsp;Forsyth Library FHSU,&nbsp;502 S. Campus Drive, Hays, KS 67601

———————— Come and Go event ————————

You can attend any or all activities.&nbsp; No registration needed.&nbsp;Free and open to the public.&nbsp;All ages welcome and children under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sponsored by Science and Mathematics Education Institute <a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>.

For questions please contact: Ann Noble at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amnoble@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">amnoble@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4559

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623709286199.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Fort Hays State University Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) is offering free summer activities for Tuesday, June 22 through June 24 at 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Location:&nbsp;OUTSIDE&nbsp;Forsyth Library FHSU,&nbsp;502 S. Campus Drive, Hays, KS 67601———————— Come and Go event ————————You can attend any or all activities.&nbsp; No registration needed.&nbsp;Free and open to the public.&nbsp;All ages welcome and children under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sponsored by Science and Mathematics Education Institute <a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>.For questions please contact: Ann Noble at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amnoble@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">amnoble@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4559

Free Maker Van science activities by FHSU SMEI June 22-24

Are you turning 65 soon? Learn about signing up for Medicare from the comfort of your home or office. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of Medicare and avoid late enrollment penalties. Perhaps you are becoming eligible for Medicare because of a disability? This event is for you, too.&nbsp;

The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs is providing local, trusted, and unbiased Medicare help in safe and socially distanced ways. That is why Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging is partnering with the&nbsp;State Health Insurance Assistance Program National Technical Assistance Center from 2 to 6 p.m. June 23, 2021 at the Welcome to Medicare Virtual Fair.

Attend for any length of time. Visit <a href="http://www.shiphelp.org">www.shiphelp.org</a> for more details, to see the agenda, and to register. You can also find a link to this site at <a href="http://www.nwkaaa.com">www.nwkaaa.com</a>. You must register to attend.

This event is government funded, and there is no cost to attend.

You can attend part or all of this event. There will be general sessions with expert presenters on Medicare eligibility, enrollment, costs and coverage options.

In the general sessions, the event will offer subtitles in English and a live transcript in Spanish. You can visit state-specific virtual exhibits at any time during this event.

Chat with organizers about how our program can help you with your individual Medicare enrollment questions. Join the event from your computer or mobile device anytime between 2 and 6 p.m.

Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging&nbsp;is part of the national SHIP network, funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling.

In Kansas&nbsp;State Health Insurance Assistance Program goes by SHICK. Regardless of the name, the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs share a national mission: to empower, educate and assist Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers through objective outreach, counseling and training to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program&nbsp;experts will explain who is eligible for Medicare and when, how to sign up for Medicare, and what to do if you are still working when you are eligible for Medicare. They will also discuss Medicare costs, especially the importance of avoiding late enrollment penalties. You will learn how to navigate your Medicare coverage options and how Medicare works with other insurances, such as employer insurance, Medigap supplemental insurance, and retiree insurance.&nbsp;

At any time, you can visit the SHICK exhibit where organizers can help you think about what to consider when making your individual Medicare enrollment decisions or when helping a friend or loved one make their Medicare enrollment decisions. You can also watch short, pre-recorded videos on aspects of Medicare or download educational materials.&nbsp;

The event will conclude with national presenters discussing the federal government’s role in Medicare, avoiding Medicare fraud, and the available Medicare assistance programs that help with Medicare costs.&nbsp;

For more information contact Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Hays, KS 67601 at 785-628-8204 or <a href="http://www.nwkaaa.com">www.nwkaaa.com</a>.

About&nbsp;Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas

The national&nbsp;State Health Insurance Assistance Program mission is to empower, educate and assist Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers through objective outreach, counseling, and training to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits. Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas is a free program offering Kansans an opportunity to talk with trained, community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues.

The program provides you with many resources that will help you with your questions about Medicare. Our counselors receive training on Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Long-Term Care and other health insurance subjects that concern older Kansans.

Program counselors do not work for any insurance company. The goal is to educate and assist the public to make informed decisions on what's best for them.

SubmittedAre you turning 65 soon? Learn about signing up for Medicare from the comfort of your home or office. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of Medicare and avoid late enrollment penalties. Perhaps you are becoming eligible for Medicare because of a disability? This event is for you, too.&nbsp;The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs is providing local, trusted, and unbiased Medicare help in safe and socially distanced ways. That is why Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging is partnering with the&nbsp;State Health Insurance Assistance Program National Technical Assistance Center from 2 to 6 p.m. June 23, 2021 at the Welcome to Medicare Virtual Fair.Attend for any length of time. Visit <a href="http://www.shiphelp.org">www.shiphelp.org</a> for more details, to see the agenda, and to register. You can also find a link to this site at <a href="http://www.nwkaaa.com">www.nwkaaa.com</a>. You must register to attend.This event is government funded, and there is no cost to attend.You can attend part or all of this event. There will be general sessions with expert presenters on Medicare eligibility, enrollment, costs and coverage options.In the general sessions, the event will offer subtitles in English and a live transcript in Spanish. You can visit state-specific virtual exhibits at any time during this event.Chat with organizers about how our program can help you with your individual Medicare enrollment questions. Join the event from your computer or mobile device anytime between 2 and 6 p.m.Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging&nbsp;is part of the national SHIP network, funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling.In Kansas&nbsp;State Health Insurance Assistance Program goes by SHICK. Regardless of the name, the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs share a national mission: to empower, educate and assist Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers through objective outreach, counseling and training to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits.State Health Insurance Assistance Program&nbsp;experts will explain who is eligible for Medicare and when, how to sign up for Medicare, and what to do if you are still working when you are eligible for Medicare. They will also discuss Medicare costs, especially the importance of avoiding late enrollment penalties. You will learn how to navigate your Medicare coverage options and how Medicare works with other insurances, such as employer insurance, Medigap supplemental insurance, and retiree insurance.&nbsp;At any time, you can visit the SHICK exhibit where organizers can help you think about what to consider when making your individual Medicare enrollment decisions or when helping a friend or loved one make their Medicare enrollment decisions. You can also watch short, pre-recorded videos on aspects of Medicare or download educational materials.&nbsp;The event will conclude with national presenters discussing the federal government’s role in Medicare, avoiding Medicare fraud, and the available Medicare assistance programs that help with Medicare costs.&nbsp;For more information contact Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Hays, KS 67601 at 785-628-8204 or <a href="http://www.nwkaaa.com">www.nwkaaa.com</a>.<h2>About&nbsp;Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas</h2>The national&nbsp;State Health Insurance Assistance Program mission is to empower, educate and assist Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers through objective outreach, counseling, and training to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits. Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas is a free program offering Kansans an opportunity to talk with trained, community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues.The program provides you with many resources that will help you with your questions about Medicare. Our counselors receive training on Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Long-Term Care and other health insurance subjects that concern older Kansans.Program counselors do not work for any insurance company. The goal is to educate and assist the public to make informed decisions on what's best for them.

Event seeks to answer questions for those newly eligible for Medicare

PHILLIPSBURG —&nbsp;For the past 30-plus years, Ron Lower and Brett Biggs have been cooped up during the Phillipsburg rodeo, shut into an eight-by-ten room and assigned to get their work done.&nbsp;

It wasn’t jail, and actually they chose to be there.&nbsp;

They were two of the ticket sellers, the first faces fans saw as they arrived at Kansas Biggest Rodeo.&nbsp;

They retired after the 2019 rodeo, but for the previous three decades, they sold tickets at the north gate, in the ticket office.

The two, longtime friends who are always cutting up and poking fun at each other, were in charge of general admission sales, not the assigned seats, which are taken care of by other volunteers. It is harder to mess up general admission tickets, Lower joked. “You can have a limited vocabulary (with the job.) We prefer to sell general admission. We know our place,” he quipped.&nbsp;

It can be hot work. If there’s no breeze, the air is muggy and still, and even a fan doesn’t help much. But too much wind is also a problem. “We hate a windy night,” Lower said, “because it blows the money all over hell.”&nbsp;

The men, along with other volunteers, arrived by 5:15 pm on the three nights of rodeo and started selling tickets immediately. They stayed till 9 pm.&nbsp;

They loved to see familiar and new faces among the ticket buyers. “We had regulars each year,” Biggs said. “You could plan on them.” They also got to see native Phillips Countians who were back for the rodeo. “You see a lot of kids who come back, once a year, other than Christmas. Whether they’re rodeo fans or not, they’re still (at the rodeo), because all their buddies are there. That’s just how it works.”&nbsp;

Lower and Biggs didn’t always recognize everyone who comes through the gate. “Once in a while someone would say hi to me, and start talking to me,” Lower said, “and I had no idea who it is. Then you fake it. I’ve watched Brett so I know,” he cracked.&nbsp;

They knew they were only two of the dozens of volunteers who make the rodeo successful. They were glad to not be the cotton candy person. “If you do cotton candy,” Lower said, “you end up wearing cotton candy. The rule is to stay up wind,” he quipped.&nbsp;

It takes the whole town to pull off an event that draws more than three times its population to the rodeo. “If you live here, you’re going to be asked to help,” Lower said.&nbsp;

But they didn’t mind. It helps the local economy: the restaurants and motels are full, even places like the grocery store, hardware store and laundromat are busy.

“It’s a big deal for the town, so you do what you can to help,” he said.

Kansas Biggest Rodeo celebrates its 92nd&nbsp;year August 5-7 in Phillipsburg. The rodeo starts at 8 pm each night. Tickets range in price from $16-19 for adults and $12-$15 for children. Children ages ten and under get free admittance with the purchase of an adult ticket for the August 5 rodeo.&nbsp;

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623679829211.jpeg" alt="Ron Lower, left, and Brett Biggs have volunteered to man the ticket booth at the Phillipsburg rodeo for the last 30-plus years, for all three nights of rodeo. They retired after the 2019 rodeo. " />
 <figcaption>Ron Lower, left, and Brett Biggs have volunteered to man the ticket booth at the Phillipsburg rodeo for the last 30-plus years, for all three nights of rodeo. They retired after the 2019 rodeo. </figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPSBURG —&nbsp;For the past 30-plus years, Ron Lower and Brett Biggs have been cooped up during the Phillipsburg rodeo, shut into an eight-by-ten room and assigned to get their work done.&nbsp;It wasn’t jail, and actually they chose to be there.&nbsp;They were two of the ticket sellers, the first faces fans saw as they arrived at Kansas Biggest Rodeo.&nbsp;They retired after the 2019 rodeo, but for the previous three decades, they sold tickets at the north gate, in the ticket office.The two, longtime friends who are always cutting up and poking fun at each other, were in charge of general admission sales, not the assigned seats, which are taken care of by other volunteers. It is harder to mess up general admission tickets, Lower joked. “You can have a limited vocabulary (with the job.) We prefer to sell general admission. We know our place,” he quipped.&nbsp;It can be hot work. If there’s no breeze, the air is muggy and still, and even a fan doesn’t help much. But too much wind is also a problem. “We hate a windy night,” Lower said, “because it blows the money all over hell.”&nbsp;The men, along with other volunteers, arrived by 5:15 pm on the three nights of rodeo and started selling tickets immediately. They stayed till 9 pm.&nbsp;They loved to see familiar and new faces among the ticket buyers. “We had regulars each year,” Biggs said. “You could plan on them.” They also got to see native Phillips Countians who were back for the rodeo. “You see a lot of kids who come back, once a year, other than Christmas. Whether they’re rodeo fans or not, they’re still (at the rodeo), because all their buddies are there. That’s just how it works.”&nbsp;Lower and Biggs didn’t always recognize everyone who comes through the gate. “Once in a while someone would say hi to me, and start talking to me,” Lower said, “and I had no idea who it is. Then you fake it. I’ve watched Brett so I know,” he cracked.&nbsp;They knew they were only two of the dozens of volunteers who make the rodeo successful. They were glad to not be the cotton candy person. “If you do cotton candy,” Lower said, “you end up wearing cotton candy. The rule is to stay up wind,” he quipped.&nbsp;It takes the whole town to pull off an event that draws more than three times its population to the rodeo. “If you live here, you’re going to be asked to help,” Lower said.&nbsp;But they didn’t mind. It helps the local economy: the restaurants and motels are full, even places like the grocery store, hardware store and laundromat are busy.“It’s a big deal for the town, so you do what you can to help,” he said.Kansas Biggest Rodeo celebrates its 92nd&nbsp;year August 5-7 in Phillipsburg. The rodeo starts at 8 pm each night. Tickets range in price from $16-19 for adults and $12-$15 for children. Children ages ten and under get free admittance with the purchase of an adult ticket for the August 5 rodeo.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>.

Friends work for more than three decades as ticket takers at Phillipsburg rodeo

Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers will be the guest of honor at a rally of the Ellis County Democratic Party in Hays’ Frontier Park West from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23.

Hot dogs and drinks will be provided courtesy of Ellis County Democrats.

Rogers, a businessman with 40 years of banking experience, was sworn in as the 41st&nbsp;state treasurer on Jan. 4.

“When I took office, I promised to continue working to better the lives of Kansans across the state, no matter the ZIP code,” Rogers said. “I’ve met Kansans from every corner of the state and from all walks of life. Everywhere I go, I hear the same messages — Kansans want to have the financial freedom to own a home and support their kids’ educational goals, and the infrastructure and technology to encourage a prosperous community.”

Since taking office, Treasurer Rogers’ administration has returned over $8.5 million in unclaimed property to Kansans across the state; kept the lights on for Kansans with the implementation of the City Utility Loan program, which has approved nearly $70 million in loans for Kansas municipalities; negotiated a bipartisan bill creating a low-cost loan program for struggling small businesses and agriculture operations; successfully promoted and grew by 35 percent the Kansas Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Plans, putting young Kansans on the right track to academic success and financial empowerment.

He spent more than 30 years traveling the state of Kansas as an agricultural banker. Among other accomplishments, he helped provide more than $750 million worth of leasing and financial services to farmers, ranchers, and grain cooperatives.

After retirement, he was elected to the Kansas Senate representing the 25th&nbsp;Senate District, which includes parts of Wichita, serving until 2019. He was a member of the Financial Institutions and Insurance, the Federal and State Affairs, and Agriculture committees. He also served on the Legislative Post Audit Committee.

Rogers was elected to the Wichita USD 259 Board of Education in 2001, serving as president or vice-president for seven of those years. Lynn also volunteered on his local Parent Teacher Organization and his local church.

From 2019 to 2021, he was lieutenant governor. From that position, he also led the Office of Rural Prosperity, focusing on increasing opportunities in rural communities, especially in the areas of expanding broadband and housing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623679923050.jpeg" alt="Lynn Rogers" />
 <figcaption>Lynn Rogers</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers will be the guest of honor at a rally of the Ellis County Democratic Party in Hays’ Frontier Park West from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23.Hot dogs and drinks will be provided courtesy of Ellis County Democrats.Rogers, a businessman with 40 years of banking experience, was sworn in as the 41st&nbsp;state treasurer on Jan. 4.“When I took office, I promised to continue working to better the lives of Kansans across the state, no matter the ZIP code,” Rogers said. “I’ve met Kansans from every corner of the state and from all walks of life. Everywhere I go, I hear the same messages — Kansans want to have the financial freedom to own a home and support their kids’ educational goals, and the infrastructure and technology to encourage a prosperous community.”Since taking office, Treasurer Rogers’ administration has returned over $8.5 million in unclaimed property to Kansans across the state; kept the lights on for Kansans with the implementation of the City Utility Loan program, which has approved nearly $70 million in loans for Kansas municipalities; negotiated a bipartisan bill creating a low-cost loan program for struggling small businesses and agriculture operations; successfully promoted and grew by 35 percent the Kansas Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Plans, putting young Kansans on the right track to academic success and financial empowerment.He spent more than 30 years traveling the state of Kansas as an agricultural banker. Among other accomplishments, he helped provide more than $750 million worth of leasing and financial services to farmers, ranchers, and grain cooperatives.After retirement, he was elected to the Kansas Senate representing the 25th&nbsp;Senate District, which includes parts of Wichita, serving until 2019. He was a member of the Financial Institutions and Insurance, the Federal and State Affairs, and Agriculture committees. He also served on the Legislative Post Audit Committee.Rogers was elected to the Wichita USD 259 Board of Education in 2001, serving as president or vice-president for seven of those years. Lynn also volunteered on his local Parent Teacher Organization and his local church.From 2019 to 2021, he was lieutenant governor. From that position, he also led the Office of Rural Prosperity, focusing on increasing opportunities in rural communities, especially in the areas of expanding broadband and housing.

Kansas treasurer to speak at Ellis Co. Democratic rally

The city of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with Midlands Contracting, a Johnson Service Company, to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations shown on the above map. Cleaning of the sanitary sewer lift station at 27th and Highway 183 Bypass will also occur during this project. 

Cleaning began Monday and should be completed by July 2.

&nbsp;Some work is expected to be completed late afternoon into the early evening hours. 

Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to cleaning. Work will begin at the north end of the project area and proceed south until completed. If you will not be home or will be on vacation during the time of cleaning, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down.

 For more information, contact Midland Contracting's project manager Josh Sasse at 308-627-9795 or the Water Resources Dept. at 785-628-7380.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623536324465.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe city of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with Midlands Contracting, a Johnson Service Company, to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations shown on the above map. Cleaning of the sanitary sewer lift station at 27th and Highway 183 Bypass will also occur during this project. Cleaning began Monday and should be completed by July 2.&nbsp;Some work is expected to be completed late afternoon into the early evening hours. Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to cleaning. Work will begin at the north end of the project area and proceed south until completed. If you will not be home or will be on vacation during the time of cleaning, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down. For more information, contact Midland Contracting's project manager Josh Sasse at 308-627-9795 or the Water Resources Dept. at 785-628-7380.

Sanitary sewer line cleaning, inspection begins on Hays bypass

The Hays Lions Club will be holding a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. on June 17th at The Press, 230 E 8th Street, Hays. &nbsp;The public is invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by the Hays Chamber of Commerce. Refreshments will be served.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hays Lions Club was chartered on October 10, 1924. The Lions Club's motto "We Serve" and it's members are how individuals join together to give their valuable time and effort to improve the community and the world. Lions Club empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding. 

To join or find more information, contact us on our Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysLionsClub" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/HaysLionsClub</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623688364954.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Lions Club will be holding a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. on June 17th at The Press, 230 E 8th Street, Hays. &nbsp;The public is invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by the Hays Chamber of Commerce. Refreshments will be served.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Hays Lions Club was chartered on October 10, 1924. The Lions Club's motto "We Serve" and it's members are how individuals join together to give their valuable time and effort to improve the community and the world. Lions Club empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding. To join or find more information, contact us on our Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysLionsClub" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/HaysLionsClub</a>

Hays Lions Club holds ribbon-cutting ceremony

CORRECTED, 9:45 a.m. Monday to clarify the time of the event.&nbsp;

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be holding an open house and ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. on June 18th at its Administrative offices, 2703 Hall St., Suite 10, in Hays.

The public is invited to attend the open house and view both its new Donor Wall and Joey Weber Tribute Wall.&nbsp; This will also be an opportunity to learn more about DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together capital campaign and their programs and services.&nbsp; The event will include a ribbon cutting by the Hays Chamber of Commerce and refreshments.&nbsp;

DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit <a href="http://www.dsnwk.org">www.dsnwk.org</a> to learn more about services and ways to support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CORRECTED, 9:45 a.m. Monday to clarify the time of the event.&nbsp;SubmittedDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be holding an open house and ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. on June 18th at its Administrative offices, 2703 Hall St., Suite 10, in Hays.The public is invited to attend the open house and view both its new Donor Wall and Joey Weber Tribute Wall.&nbsp; This will also be an opportunity to learn more about DSNWK’s Stronger Forever Together capital campaign and their programs and services.&nbsp; The event will include a ribbon cutting by the Hays Chamber of Commerce and refreshments.&nbsp;DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit <a href="http://www.dsnwk.org">www.dsnwk.org</a> to learn more about services and ways to support.

DSNWK ribbon-cutting ceremony set for this week

Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday,&nbsp; the 500 block of West Eighth in Hays will be closed to traffic from Elm to Park for pavement repairs. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day June 25.

If there are any questions, call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621458688106.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of Hays&nbsp;Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday,&nbsp; the 500 block of West Eighth in Hays will be closed to traffic from Elm to Park for pavement repairs. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day June 25.If there are any questions, call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Pavement repairs set to begin on West Eighth

BUNKER HILLS –&nbsp;The Russell County Area Community Foundation has awarded Smoky Hills PBS a grant for $1,000.&nbsp;

The grant awarded will support the Smoky Hills PBS’ literacy leadership initiative in Russell County and will support the following:&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Children’s programming on Smoky Hills PBS ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Book distribution program that will provide books to children in head start and early head start programs in Russell County

The Smoky Hills PBS Book Distribution program provides books each year to Head Start and&nbsp;other early education programs across central and western Kansas through the funding of many foundation partners throughout Kansas. Encouraging a love of reading at a young age is an important aspect of educational development and that serves as the basis of why Smoky Hills PBS provides its Book Distribution Program each year.

Since 2001, <a href="https://rcacf.net/">Russell County Area Community Foundation</a> has built stronger communities and helped donors make a difference through charitable giving in Russell County.&nbsp; Each year, the foundation distributes thousands of dollars back to our region through community grants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589894008864.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILLS –&nbsp;The Russell County Area Community Foundation has awarded Smoky Hills PBS a grant for $1,000.&nbsp;The grant awarded will support the Smoky Hills PBS’ literacy leadership initiative in Russell County and will support the following:&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Children’s programming on Smoky Hills PBS ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Book distribution program that will provide books to children in head start and early head start programs in Russell CountyThe Smoky Hills PBS Book Distribution program provides books each year to Head Start and&nbsp;other early education programs across central and western Kansas through the funding of many foundation partners throughout Kansas. Encouraging a love of reading at a young age is an important aspect of educational development and that serves as the basis of why Smoky Hills PBS provides its Book Distribution Program each year.Since 2001, <a href="https://rcacf.net/">Russell County Area Community Foundation</a> has built stronger communities and helped donors make a difference through charitable giving in Russell County.&nbsp; Each year, the foundation distributes thousands of dollars back to our region through community grants.

Russell County Area Community Foundation awards grant to SHPBS

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WKHRMA/">Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association</a>&nbsp;will hold a virtual chapter meeting at noon Wednesday, July 14.

Susan Lang, wage and hour investigator, will present up-to-date information and answer questions about the Fair Labor Standards Act and Family Medical Leave Act.&nbsp;

Registration is free. Sign up at this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://wkhrma.shrm.org/events/2021/07/flsa-and-fmla-update-online?fbclid=IwAR37fouH3eAGeTU3DDE3ZgmaANZuBx_Z4WOJlRqdcTlXZK673weyDCABxhQ" target="_blank">https://wkhrma.shrm.org/.../07/flsa-and-fmla-update-online</a>&nbsp;. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to you prior to the meeting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581962080208.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WKHRMA/">Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association</a>&nbsp;will hold a virtual chapter meeting at noon Wednesday, July 14.Susan Lang, wage and hour investigator, will present up-to-date information and answer questions about the Fair Labor Standards Act and Family Medical Leave Act.&nbsp;Registration is free. Sign up at this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://wkhrma.shrm.org/events/2021/07/flsa-and-fmla-update-online?fbclid=IwAR37fouH3eAGeTU3DDE3ZgmaANZuBx_Z4WOJlRqdcTlXZK673weyDCABxhQ" target="_blank">https://wkhrma.shrm.org/.../07/flsa-and-fmla-update-online</a>&nbsp;. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to you prior to the meeting.&nbsp;

Human resources group will host virtual meeting next month

COLBY — Colby Community College announced the names of students who earned a place on the spring 2021 honor rolls. Those listed completed 12 or more credit hours and had no failing grades.&nbsp;

The President's Honor Roll includes 83 students with a 4.0 grade point average. Thirty-seven students on the Vice President's Honor Roll had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99.

Names are listed by home location or country. Some names are not published at the request of the student.&nbsp;

Axtell&nbsp;– William Enfield.&nbsp;Belleville&nbsp;– Tobi Wilber.&nbsp;Berea, Ohio&nbsp;–&nbsp;Tyler Hampu.&nbsp;Brewster&nbsp;– Weston Schmidt.&nbsp;Brighton, Colo.&nbsp;– Savanna Anderson.&nbsp;Broomfield, Colo.&nbsp;– Blake Labuda.&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;– Kyle Bloor, Matthew Dobberthien, Kyle Froehlich, Tyler McWillie, Zachary Olson,Cleary Simpson, Ataru Yamaguchi, and Tucker Zdunich.&nbsp;Cedar Rapids, Iowa&nbsp;– Erin Cervantes.&nbsp;Cheyenne Wells, Colo.&nbsp;– Kristy Ball.&nbsp;Cimarron&nbsp;– Morgan Clinesmith.&nbsp;Clayton&nbsp;– Addison Brooks.&nbsp;Codell&nbsp;– Grace Werner.&nbsp;Colby&nbsp;– Brianna Barnett, Brandon Brier,&nbsp;Wendy Chavez, Robert Cheruiyot, Samantha Coulter, Gloria Di Lauro, Lorae Hessler, Miah Jackson, Kelvin Kipchirchir, Adriana Mendez, Laurel Myers, Olivia Navarro-Alsina, Amanda Neitzel, Kaitlyn Nelson, Jillian Niblock, Aaron Platt, Landon Rinehart, Lacy Weigel, Peyton Wahlmeier, Abigail Wetter and Jacob Wetter.&nbsp;Council Grove&nbsp;– Shyanne Allen.&nbsp;Dresden&nbsp;– Candace Taylor.&nbsp;Fort Worth, Texas&nbsp;– Kiarra Henderson.&nbsp;Glade&nbsp;– Kagan Keeten.&nbsp;Goodland&nbsp;– Ellie Keen, Abigail Ordonez, Abigail Rascon-Hernandez, and Jourdan Williams.&nbsp;Grainfield&nbsp;– Jett Schmidtberger.&nbsp;Grinnell– Jordyn Vincent.&nbsp;Hoxie&nbsp;– Jennifer Hansen, Lauren Patmon, and Alayna Shepard.&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;–&nbsp;Ruxandra Flueras.&nbsp;Johnstown, Colo.&nbsp;– Sophie Supernor.&nbsp;Leoti&nbsp;– Dora Langdon-Seaton.&nbsp;Lithonia, Ga.&nbsp;– Kerrigan Johnson.&nbsp;Loveland, Colo.&nbsp;– Allison Westbrook.&nbsp;Lyman, Neb.&nbsp;– Regan Hodsden.&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;– Alyssa Troyer.&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;– Howard Owens.&nbsp;Norcatur&nbsp;– Dru Kasson.&nbsp;Norton&nbsp;– Tessa Hauser.&nbsp;Nunn, Colo.&nbsp;– Jennasi Fall.&nbsp;Osborne&nbsp;– Sarah Seifert.&nbsp;Oskaloosa&nbsp;– Megan Miller.&nbsp;Peyton, Colo.&nbsp;– Jennifer Williams.&nbsp;Phillipsburg&nbsp;– Elyzabeth Gourdon, Ethan Leidig, Anahy Sandoval-Sanchez, Ty Sides, and Kristen Wells.&nbsp;Pierce, Colo.&nbsp;– Ryleigh Carr.&nbsp;Plainville&nbsp;–&nbsp;Justina Merritt.&nbsp;Poland&nbsp;– Marta Roicka.&nbsp;Pratt&nbsp;– Jarrett Bates.&nbsp;Scott City&nbsp;–&nbsp;Charity Weeks.&nbsp;Seldon&nbsp;–&nbsp;Danica Ritter.&nbsp;Severance, Colo.&nbsp;– Macy Gurnsey.&nbsp;Smithfield, Neb.&nbsp;– Cailey Grabenstein.&nbsp;Sterling, Alaska&nbsp;– Morgan Chace.&nbsp;Strasburg, Colo.&nbsp;– Darian Riggs.&nbsp;Syracuse&nbsp;– Mazie Cole.

Ashland&nbsp;– Mary Mills and Sarah Mills.&nbsp;Atwood&nbsp;–&nbsp;Libby Mosley.&nbsp;Beloit&nbsp;– Gracie Wessling.&nbsp;Chapman&nbsp;– McKenna Kirkpatrick.&nbsp;Colby&nbsp;– Danae Berkgren, Breanna Campbell, Meghann Elling, Kourtney Finley, Danielle Isham, and Thane Wildeman.&nbsp;Fort Morgan, Colo.&nbsp;– Madison Griffith.&nbsp;Goodland&nbsp;– Mychael Allen.&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;– Shante Korbe.&nbsp;Imperial, Neb.&nbsp;– Yeraldin Almanza.&nbsp;Indianapolis, Ind.&nbsp;– Nan Lou Brown.&nbsp;Jennings&nbsp;– Luke Wahlmeier.&nbsp;Lakewood, Colo.&nbsp;– Reece Noel.&nbsp;Liberal&nbsp;– Tyrik King.&nbsp;Marysville&nbsp;– Brandi Crownover.&nbsp;North Platte, Neb.&nbsp;– Kamryn Hughes.&nbsp;Oakley&nbsp;– Kylie Park and Carla Johnson.&nbsp;Oberlin&nbsp;– Sage Lohoefener.&nbsp;Palco&nbsp;– Natalie Bollig.&nbsp;Philadelphia, Pa.&nbsp;– Christine Connolly.Richmond, Texas&nbsp;– De'Jah Vigilante.&nbsp;Rigby, Idaho&nbsp;– Taylor Sheppard.&nbsp;Saint Francis&nbsp;– Coy De Waal.&nbsp;Sharon Springs&nbsp;– Zackary Box.&nbsp;South Jordan, Utah&nbsp;– Sydnee Hoffman.&nbsp;Sterling&nbsp;– Skylar Eidson.&nbsp;Towanda&nbsp;–Michelle Gerber.&nbsp;Victoria&nbsp;– Ashley Lang.&nbsp;WaKeeney&nbsp;– Dawson Arnold.&nbsp;Wauneta, Neb.&nbsp;– Katelyn Thompson.&nbsp;Worton, Md.&nbsp;– Teira Johnson.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Colby Community College announced the names of students who earned a place on the spring 2021 honor rolls. Those listed completed 12 or more credit hours and had no failing grades.&nbsp;The President's Honor Roll includes 83 students with a 4.0 grade point average. Thirty-seven students on the Vice President's Honor Roll had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99.Names are listed by home location or country. Some names are not published at the request of the student.&nbsp;President's Honor Roll&nbsp;Axtell&nbsp;– William Enfield.&nbsp;Belleville&nbsp;– Tobi Wilber.&nbsp;Berea, Ohio&nbsp;–&nbsp;Tyler Hampu.&nbsp;Brewster&nbsp;– Weston Schmidt.&nbsp;Brighton, Colo.&nbsp;– Savanna Anderson.&nbsp;Broomfield, Colo.&nbsp;– Blake Labuda.&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;– Kyle Bloor, Matthew Dobberthien, Kyle Froehlich, Tyler McWillie, Zachary Olson,Cleary Simpson, Ataru Yamaguchi, and Tucker Zdunich.&nbsp;Cedar Rapids, Iowa&nbsp;– Erin Cervantes.&nbsp;Cheyenne Wells, Colo.&nbsp;– Kristy Ball.&nbsp;Cimarron&nbsp;– Morgan Clinesmith.&nbsp;Clayton&nbsp;– Addison Brooks.&nbsp;Codell&nbsp;– Grace Werner.&nbsp;Colby&nbsp;– Brianna Barnett, Brandon Brier,&nbsp;Wendy Chavez, Robert Cheruiyot, Samantha Coulter, Gloria Di Lauro, Lorae Hessler, Miah Jackson, Kelvin Kipchirchir, Adriana Mendez, Laurel Myers, Olivia Navarro-Alsina, Amanda Neitzel, Kaitlyn Nelson, Jillian Niblock, Aaron Platt, Landon Rinehart, Lacy Weigel, Peyton Wahlmeier, Abigail Wetter and Jacob Wetter.&nbsp;Council Grove&nbsp;– Shyanne Allen.&nbsp;Dresden&nbsp;– Candace Taylor.&nbsp;Fort Worth, Texas&nbsp;– Kiarra Henderson.&nbsp;Glade&nbsp;– Kagan Keeten.&nbsp;Goodland&nbsp;– Ellie Keen, Abigail Ordonez, Abigail Rascon-Hernandez, and Jourdan Williams.&nbsp;Grainfield&nbsp;– Jett Schmidtberger.&nbsp;Grinnell– Jordyn Vincent.&nbsp;Hoxie&nbsp;– Jennifer Hansen, Lauren Patmon, and Alayna Shepard.&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;–&nbsp;Ruxandra Flueras.&nbsp;Johnstown, Colo.&nbsp;– Sophie Supernor.&nbsp;Leoti&nbsp;– Dora Langdon-Seaton.&nbsp;Lithonia, Ga.&nbsp;– Kerrigan Johnson.&nbsp;Loveland, Colo.&nbsp;– Allison Westbrook.&nbsp;Lyman, Neb.&nbsp;– Regan Hodsden.&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;– Alyssa Troyer.&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;– Howard Owens.&nbsp;Norcatur&nbsp;– Dru Kasson.&nbsp;Norton&nbsp;– Tessa Hauser.&nbsp;Nunn, Colo.&nbsp;– Jennasi Fall.&nbsp;Osborne&nbsp;– Sarah Seifert.&nbsp;Oskaloosa&nbsp;– Megan Miller.&nbsp;Peyton, Colo.&nbsp;– Jennifer Williams.&nbsp;Phillipsburg&nbsp;– Elyzabeth Gourdon, Ethan Leidig, Anahy Sandoval-Sanchez, Ty Sides, and Kristen Wells.&nbsp;Pierce, Colo.&nbsp;– Ryleigh Carr.&nbsp;Plainville&nbsp;–&nbsp;Justina Merritt.&nbsp;Poland&nbsp;– Marta Roicka.&nbsp;Pratt&nbsp;– Jarrett Bates.&nbsp;Scott City&nbsp;–&nbsp;Charity Weeks.&nbsp;Seldon&nbsp;–&nbsp;Danica Ritter.&nbsp;Severance, Colo.&nbsp;– Macy Gurnsey.&nbsp;Smithfield, Neb.&nbsp;– Cailey Grabenstein.&nbsp;Sterling, Alaska&nbsp;– Morgan Chace.&nbsp;Strasburg, Colo.&nbsp;– Darian Riggs.&nbsp;Syracuse&nbsp;– Mazie Cole.Vice President's Honor RollAshland&nbsp;– Mary Mills and Sarah Mills.&nbsp;Atwood&nbsp;–&nbsp;Libby Mosley.&nbsp;Beloit&nbsp;– Gracie Wessling.&nbsp;Chapman&nbsp;– McKenna Kirkpatrick.&nbsp;Colby&nbsp;– Danae Berkgren, Breanna Campbell, Meghann Elling, Kourtney Finley, Danielle Isham, and Thane Wildeman.&nbsp;Fort Morgan, Colo.&nbsp;– Madison Griffith.&nbsp;Goodland&nbsp;– Mychael Allen.&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;– Shante Korbe.&nbsp;Imperial, Neb.&nbsp;– Yeraldin Almanza.&nbsp;Indianapolis, Ind.&nbsp;– Nan Lou Brown.&nbsp;Jennings&nbsp;– Luke Wahlmeier.&nbsp;Lakewood, Colo.&nbsp;– Reece Noel.&nbsp;Liberal&nbsp;– Tyrik King.&nbsp;Marysville&nbsp;– Brandi Crownover.&nbsp;North Platte, Neb.&nbsp;– Kamryn Hughes.&nbsp;Oakley&nbsp;– Kylie Park and Carla Johnson.&nbsp;Oberlin&nbsp;– Sage Lohoefener.&nbsp;Palco&nbsp;– Natalie Bollig.&nbsp;Philadelphia, Pa.&nbsp;– Christine Connolly.Richmond, Texas&nbsp;– De'Jah Vigilante.&nbsp;Rigby, Idaho&nbsp;– Taylor Sheppard.&nbsp;Saint Francis&nbsp;– Coy De Waal.&nbsp;Sharon Springs&nbsp;– Zackary Box.&nbsp;South Jordan, Utah&nbsp;– Sydnee Hoffman.&nbsp;Sterling&nbsp;– Skylar Eidson.&nbsp;Towanda&nbsp;–Michelle Gerber.&nbsp;Victoria&nbsp;– Ashley Lang.&nbsp;WaKeeney&nbsp;– Dawson Arnold.&nbsp;Wauneta, Neb.&nbsp;– Katelyn Thompson.&nbsp;Worton, Md.&nbsp;– Teira Johnson.&nbsp;

Colby CC announces spring 2021 honor roll recipients

Oilers Cheerleading is excited to announce they have opened registration for their third season.

At Oilers Cheerleading, they are all about fun and fairness. Their experienced coaches train the team to reach their highest potential and to always have a great time. They have been around since 2018 and are not planning on going anywhere.

Since 2018, Oilers Cheerleading has been a youth organization in the Hays area. They welcome all children ranging from first through sixth grade. Your child will get to experience the fun of authentic cheerleading at home football games while enjoying and understanding the true love of the sport. They cheer for the local Oilers Football teams. Smiles, sharpness, and sportsmanship - those are the hallmarks of Oilers Cheerleading.

In the Oilers Cheerleading Program, cheerleaders learn cheers, cheer counts, stunts, dances, jumps and performance material. Along with this, they will learn sharpness and motion techniques. The Oilers Cheerleaders are known for their unique pom performances and ripples, sharpness, loudness, and their fullness of high energy and spirit. Cheerleaders do public performances, cheer at games and participate in parades.

The cheer squad provides the tools to increase cheerleading skills. It also provides the squad to have the opportunity to build fundamental life skills and relationships that last a lifetime, while having fun.

Because our cheer squad is all about fun, they love to have cheer parties and camps.

What makes our squad unique? They are the only cheerleading organization located in Hays that allows your child to cheer at their own home football games. They cheer for all of the traveling Oilers Football Teams, but they only cheer at their home games in Hays.&nbsp;

This will be their third season. This would have been their fourth season, but due to the COVID outbreak last year, their season was canceled. With this being said, they are very excited to start up again this year and get back on track.

They&nbsp;provide special halftime performances at our Oilers Football Championship games, which are at the Fort Hays State University Football Stadium.

Cheerleaders Safety is the top priority. They pride themselves in being fair coaches. Coach Jenny Linenberger and Holly Linenberger could not be more proud of each squad every year. Each child has a unique and important aspect that they bring to the squad. Cheerleaders are focused, hardworking, determined and their smiles are contagious and bring joy to the community and Oilers Fans. They are grateful to all of the parents who let us coach their children. They are blessed to cross paths with these children. Persistence equals excellence, and they could not be more proud of our cheerleaders and it brings them joy and excitement to see them shine and watch their faces glow as they perform and cheer while having fun.

Jenny and Holly are a mother and daughter coaching team, which makes this even better, due to the fact that they are very compatible. Their top priority is safety, fairness, and providing a fun-loving experience. You will not find any other coaches that work together so well that have such compassion and dedication towards cheerleading.

As a part of this experience, they annually participate in homecoming and holiday parades. In fact, a few of our upcoming events include the Bazaar On The Bricks Sidewalk Sale, the Fourth of July Parade, the Hays High Homecoming Parade, the FHSU Homecoming Parade, and a Hays Tree Lighting Performance.

Along with this, instead of having one cheerleading camp this year, they will have two cheerleading camps with the Hays High School Cheerleaders coached by MacKenzie James and the Ellis High School Cheerleaders coached by Kristi Bittel. They are so happy to have two awesome camps, with outstanding cheerleaders and excellent coaches.&nbsp;

Feel free to visit our new website <a href="https://hllinenberger.wixsite.com/oilerscheerleading" target="_blank">https://hllinenberger.wixsite.com/oilerscheerleading</a>

For more information visit our Facebook Page @OilersCheerleadingHays and our Instagram Page @oilers_cheerleading

Here is our 2021 Registration Link <a href="https://forms.gle/XA5uub6wxHXrdrr49" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/XA5uub6wxHXrdrr49</a> This can also be found on our Facebook and Instagram Pages!,

We encourage you to call us with any questions at 785-259-5293.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623426431744.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOilers Cheerleading is excited to announce they have opened registration for their third season.At Oilers Cheerleading, they are all about fun and fairness. Their experienced coaches train the team to reach their highest potential and to always have a great time. They have been around since 2018 and are not planning on going anywhere.Since 2018, Oilers Cheerleading has been a youth organization in the Hays area. They welcome all children ranging from first through sixth grade. Your child will get to experience the fun of authentic cheerleading at home football games while enjoying and understanding the true love of the sport. They cheer for the local Oilers Football teams. Smiles, sharpness, and sportsmanship - those are the hallmarks of Oilers Cheerleading.In the Oilers Cheerleading Program, cheerleaders learn cheers, cheer counts, stunts, dances, jumps and performance material. Along with this, they will learn sharpness and motion techniques. The Oilers Cheerleaders are known for their unique pom performances and ripples, sharpness, loudness, and their fullness of high energy and spirit. Cheerleaders do public performances, cheer at games and participate in parades.The cheer squad provides the tools to increase cheerleading skills. It also provides the squad to have the opportunity to build fundamental life skills and relationships that last a lifetime, while having fun.Because our cheer squad is all about fun, they love to have cheer parties and camps.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623426474766.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>What makes our squad unique? They are the only cheerleading organization located in Hays that allows your child to cheer at their own home football games. They cheer for all of the traveling Oilers Football Teams, but they only cheer at their home games in Hays.&nbsp;This will be their third season. This would have been their fourth season, but due to the COVID outbreak last year, their season was canceled. With this being said, they are very excited to start up again this year and get back on track.They&nbsp;provide special halftime performances at our Oilers Football Championship games, which are at the Fort Hays State University Football Stadium.Cheerleaders Safety is the top priority. They pride themselves in being fair coaches. Coach Jenny Linenberger and Holly Linenberger could not be more proud of each squad every year. Each child has a unique and important aspect that they bring to the squad. Cheerleaders are focused, hardworking, determined and their smiles are contagious and bring joy to the community and Oilers Fans. They are grateful to all of the parents who let us coach their children. They are blessed to cross paths with these children. Persistence equals excellence, and they could not be more proud of our cheerleaders and it brings them joy and excitement to see them shine and watch their faces glow as they perform and cheer while having fun.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623426527500.jpeg" alt="Oiler Cheerleaders&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Oiler Cheerleaders&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Jenny and Holly are a mother and daughter coaching team, which makes this even better, due to the fact that they are very compatible. Their top priority is safety, fairness, and providing a fun-loving experience. You will not find any other coaches that work together so well that have such compassion and dedication towards cheerleading.As a part of this experience, they annually participate in homecoming and holiday parades. In fact, a few of our upcoming events include the Bazaar On The Bricks Sidewalk Sale, the Fourth of July Parade, the Hays High Homecoming Parade, the FHSU Homecoming Parade, and a Hays Tree Lighting Performance.Along with this, instead of having one cheerleading camp this year, they will have two cheerleading camps with the Hays High School Cheerleaders coached by MacKenzie James and the Ellis High School Cheerleaders coached by Kristi Bittel. They are so happy to have two awesome camps, with outstanding cheerleaders and excellent coaches.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623426590730.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Feel free to visit our new website <a href="https://hllinenberger.wixsite.com/oilerscheerleading" target="_blank">https://hllinenberger.wixsite.com/oilerscheerleading</a>For more information visit our Facebook Page @OilersCheerleadingHays and our Instagram Page @oilers_cheerleadingHere is our 2021 Registration Link <a href="https://forms.gle/XA5uub6wxHXrdrr49" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/XA5uub6wxHXrdrr49</a> This can also be found on our Facebook and Instagram Pages!,We encourage you to call us with any questions at 785-259-5293.

Oiler Cheerleaders open registration

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Country View Mobile Home Park water supply system, located in Ellis County. The advisory was issued because of a failure in the disinfection equipment, which may lead to bacterial contamination.

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

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

For consumer questions, contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MTEuNDE3OTg1MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.TUGvMx9tKHHuwL69vvw6-JSR_Bv99NDSstE0TppDo5U/s/1305913623/br/107785362970-l">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

KDHETOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Country View Mobile Home Park water supply system, located in Ellis County. The advisory was issued because of a failure in the disinfection equipment, which may lead to bacterial contamination.Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing samples collected from Country View Mobile Home Park indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;For consumer questions, contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MTEuNDE3OTg1MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.TUGvMx9tKHHuwL69vvw6-JSR_Bv99NDSstE0TppDo5U/s/1305913623/br/107785362970-l">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

Boil order rescinded for Ellis County mobile home park

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County (upgraded from watch 6/10)

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green,&nbsp;avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MTAuNDE3NzIzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvYWxnYWUtaWxsbmVzcy9pbmRleC5odG0_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.sCHENHooFUGaISP-1z_N0LMpcGwI6DbYIZBvuazefUY/s/1305914033/br/107762119308-l" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593727789226.jpeg" alt="Blue-green algae&nbsp; (Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>Blue-green algae&nbsp; (Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPTTOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.Active AdvisoriesWarningMarion Reservoir, Marion CountyKeith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County (upgraded from watch 6/10)Webster Reservoir, Rooks CountyJerry Ivey Lake, Saline CountyWatchSouth Lake, Johnson County (new)Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County (new)Marion County Lake, Marion CountyWhen a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.</li><li>Water contact should be avoided.</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.</li>
 </ul>A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage will be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid</li>
 </ul>direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.<ul>
 <li>Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.</li>
 </ul>KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.If you observe scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green,&nbsp;avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MTAuNDE3NzIzNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvYWxnYWUtaWxsbmVzcy9pbmRleC5odG0_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.sCHENHooFUGaISP-1z_N0LMpcGwI6DbYIZBvuazefUY/s/1305914033/br/107762119308-l" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm</a>.

Sebelius, Webster reservoirs under blue-green algae warning

Ellis County Knights of Columbus Councils participated in the seventh annual First Responders Appreciation Barbecue held Saturday, June 5, at the Frontier Park in Hays.&nbsp; This was the largest participation since the event started in 2015.&nbsp; Lunch was served to First Responders and their families as well as the Knights of Columbus and their families.&nbsp; This barbecue is a very small token of the heart felt appreciation for the Ellis County First Responders.&nbsp; All Ellis County Knights of Columbus and their families join together to say "thank you" for all you do. An extra special event took place at the barbecue.&nbsp; That was the presentation of the Distinguished Police Service Award presented to Ed Harbin by Brian Dawson.&nbsp; Harbin retired from the Hays Police Department in January 2021 after serving as sheriff for 25 years and serving in law enforcement for 43 plus years.&nbsp; It was an honor for the Knights of Columbus to be a part of this great celebration.&nbsp; Thank you to Ed Harbin for your many years of service as a First Responder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623171299295.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right, back row: Rocky Feltis, Ken Staab, Norbert Kuhn, Ed Harbin, Roger Rife, Dennis Hanes, Brad Stramel, Randy VonFeldt, Ed Prewo, Bill Zimmerman, Nick Leis, Jacob Meis, Karl Meis. Front Row, left to right: Mark Windholz, Bill Ring, Greg Augustine, Irvin Leiker, Paul Meis, Tim Dickman, Dan Leis." />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right, back row: Rocky Feltis, Ken Staab, Norbert Kuhn, Ed Harbin, Roger Rife, Dennis Hanes, Brad Stramel, Randy VonFeldt, Ed Prewo, Bill Zimmerman, Nick Leis, Jacob Meis, Karl Meis. Front Row, left to right: Mark Windholz, Bill Ring, Greg Augustine, Irvin Leiker, Paul Meis, Tim Dickman, Dan Leis.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedEllis County Knights of Columbus Councils participated in the seventh annual First Responders Appreciation Barbecue held Saturday, June 5, at the Frontier Park in Hays.&nbsp; This was the largest participation since the event started in 2015.&nbsp; Lunch was served to First Responders and their families as well as the Knights of Columbus and their families.&nbsp; This barbecue is a very small token of the heart felt appreciation for the Ellis County First Responders.&nbsp; All Ellis County Knights of Columbus and their families join together to say "thank you" for all you do. An extra special event took place at the barbecue.&nbsp; That was the presentation of the Distinguished Police Service Award presented to Ed Harbin by Brian Dawson.&nbsp; Harbin retired from the Hays Police Department in January 2021 after serving as sheriff for 25 years and serving in law enforcement for 43 plus years.&nbsp; It was an honor for the Knights of Columbus to be a part of this great celebration.&nbsp; Thank you to Ed Harbin for your many years of service as a First Responder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623171364343.jpeg" alt="Brian Dawson and Ed Harbin" />
 <figcaption>Brian Dawson and Ed Harbin</figcaption>
 </figure>

First responders, Harbin honored at Knights' appreciation barbecue

The city of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with Midlands Contracting of Kearney, NE to perform Cure In Place Pipe sewer lining at the locations shown on the above map and <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/3996/2021-CIPP-Lining-Map">online</a>. Lining of the sanitary sewer lines notated in red, began June 3.

 Midlands Contracting estimates the work will be completed in four weeks, weather permitting. 

Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to lining. Traffic control devices will be placed daily in the work areas. 

Should you have any questions, please contact Josh Sasse with Midlands Contracting at 1-308-627-9795 or the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623166979235.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe city of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with Midlands Contracting of Kearney, NE to perform Cure In Place Pipe sewer lining at the locations shown on the above map and <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/3996/2021-CIPP-Lining-Map">online</a>. Lining of the sanitary sewer lines notated in red, began June 3. Midlands Contracting estimates the work will be completed in four weeks, weather permitting. Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to lining. Traffic control devices will be placed daily in the work areas. Should you have any questions, please contact Josh Sasse with Midlands Contracting at 1-308-627-9795 or the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

Cure-in-place-pipe sewer lining underway in portions of Hays

Don't let your athlete miss out on a great week of volleyball camp at Hays Middle School 

Middle School: 1 :00-3 :00 pm (open to Hays Middle School athletes only) 

Elementary: 3-4 grade -9:00-10:00 am (open to anyone) 5-6 grade 10:30-12:00 pm (open to anyone) 

Deadline: Please register by June 15th to receive a camp T-shirt. You may register up until the day of camp but will not receive a shirt after June 15th.&nbsp;

See the flyer above for more information and registration information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620069233378.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Don't let your athlete miss out on a great week of volleyball camp at Hays Middle School Clinic Times: Middle School: 1 :00-3 :00 pm (open to Hays Middle School athletes only) Elementary: 3-4 grade -9:00-10:00 am (open to anyone) 5-6 grade 10:30-12:00 pm (open to anyone) Deadline: Please register by June 15th to receive a camp T-shirt. You may register up until the day of camp but will not receive a shirt after June 15th.&nbsp;See the flyer above for more information and registration information.

Warren's Meat Market Father's Day sweepstakes

Ellis County Drug Court graduation set for next week

GREAT BEND - The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the city of Great Bend, will welcome drag racers to town this weekend for Rocky Mountain Race Week. The public is invited to a special welcome event at Jack Kilby Square starting at 4 p.m. Friday.

This family-friendly event will bring together the community with the racers as they kick off their annual race week in Great Bend with races starting Saturday. Drag racers will have vehicles staged around Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend for the public to view.

Chamber President Megan Barfield hopes the community gets involved this race week. 

“We really encourage the community to come and help make Great Bend a memorable and welcoming stop for our out-of-town guests," Barfield said.&nbsp;"They’re driving hundreds of miles along their seven-day race period. Having them start and stop in Great Bend is a huge win for the SRCA Dragstrip.”

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Ambassador Club will also be in the square from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. serving popcorn and passing out special race week promo books, while supplies last. Visit with the drivers, check out their cars, welcome the drivers, and then do some downtown shopping while redeeming the special race week-only promos.

The SRCA dragstrip has strong appeal to racers across the country and having this series in Great Bend bodes well for local businesses and hotels. “Most of them (racers) will get here the Friday before the event. We’ll start racing on Saturday and we don’t leave for the next track until Sunday,” said SRCA volunteer and local car enthusiast Chad Ehrlich.

Racers will arrive back in Great Bend on June 18 with many staying overnight in local hotels. Ehrlich added, “We have a great opportunity to show how great Great Bend is, how awesome our track is and the support our racetrack has from the city of the Great Bend which is something a lot of people don’t have.”

Over 250 racers will make the trip to Great Bend for days one and seven of racing at the newly resurfaced SRCA Dragstrip located at 455 W. Barton County Road, Great Bend. 

Races will take place June 12 and again June 18. Spectator tickets are available at the gate for $15 each. Children 12 and under are free. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. Racing starts at 3:00 p.m. Visit <a href="https://rockymountainraceweek.com/">rockymountainraceweek.com</a> for a full schedule including stops in Colorado and Nebraska.

For more information, contact the chamber at 620-792-2401 or find them on Facebook at @gbcoc.

In the grand tradition of Funny Car Summer, Two Lane Blacktop, and Hot Rod Magazine’s Drag Week, the Rocky Mountain Race Week competition spans seven days and four racetracks. Competitors must drive their cars between tracks without the help of support vehicles or chase vehicles. Multiple classes fit a large variety of cars from 6 second bruisers to rat rods and everything in between.

Rocky Mountain Race Week (RMRW) is the ultimate test of drag racers, competing on quarter mile strips every day for a week in CO, NE and KS in mid-July! Learn more and view the schedule at http://www.rockymountainraceweek.com/. You can also follow them on Facebook at @rockymountainraceweek.

The city of Great Bend acquired the B29 Army Air Force Base from the military after it was declared surplus in 1946. The first race was held May 12, 1953. Sunflower Rod and Custom Association (SRCA) was formed January 19, 1954 and joined NHRA in April 1955.

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce on behalf of SRCA wrote a letter to Wally Parks requesting that Great Bend, KS be the site for the first national event. NHRA said yes and this race would establish the official acceleration records for stand and start quarter mile racing.

The first nationals started with 219 cars and 15,000 spectators. Art Chrisman ran 146.16 mph and Lloyd Scott set a new speed record for American drag racing at 151 mph. In 1956, the one-year-old AHRA said they would like to have their first National event at Great Bend on the 8,000-foot-long track and did so until 1959. In 1960 the president of AHRA moved the event to Kansas City International Raceway.

The club ran races after that and as time went on they slowly fell away from running the track and disbanded.

 In 1993 the club reorganized and went back to the original name of Sunflower Rod and Custom Association. They did this to help in maintaining the track. It was pursued to have it recognized as a Kansas Historical Site and in 1994 was successful. At the same time the track went back to its original name of SRCA Dragstrip, for which it is registered. The facility is now eligible to be registered nationally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623166328760.jpeg" alt="Great Bend's&nbsp;SRCA track will host Rocky Mountain Race Week June 11 and June 18.&nbsp; (Photo courtesy Rocky Mountain Race Week)" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend's&nbsp;SRCA track will host Rocky Mountain Race Week June 11 and June 18.&nbsp; (Photo courtesy Rocky Mountain Race Week)</figcaption>
 </figure>GBCCGREAT BEND - The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the city of Great Bend, will welcome drag racers to town this weekend for Rocky Mountain Race Week. The public is invited to a special welcome event at Jack Kilby Square starting at 4 p.m. Friday.This family-friendly event will bring together the community with the racers as they kick off their annual race week in Great Bend with races starting Saturday. Drag racers will have vehicles staged around Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend for the public to view.Chamber President Megan Barfield hopes the community gets involved this race week. “We really encourage the community to come and help make Great Bend a memorable and welcoming stop for our out-of-town guests," Barfield said.&nbsp;"They’re driving hundreds of miles along their seven-day race period. Having them start and stop in Great Bend is a huge win for the SRCA Dragstrip.”The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Ambassador Club will also be in the square from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. serving popcorn and passing out special race week promo books, while supplies last. Visit with the drivers, check out their cars, welcome the drivers, and then do some downtown shopping while redeeming the special race week-only promos.The SRCA dragstrip has strong appeal to racers across the country and having this series in Great Bend bodes well for local businesses and hotels. “Most of them (racers) will get here the Friday before the event. We’ll start racing on Saturday and we don’t leave for the next track until Sunday,” said SRCA volunteer and local car enthusiast Chad Ehrlich.Racers will arrive back in Great Bend on June 18 with many staying overnight in local hotels. Ehrlich added, “We have a great opportunity to show how great Great Bend is, how awesome our track is and the support our racetrack has from the city of the Great Bend which is something a lot of people don’t have.”Over 250 racers will make the trip to Great Bend for days one and seven of racing at the newly resurfaced SRCA Dragstrip located at 455 W. Barton County Road, Great Bend. Races will take place June 12 and again June 18. Spectator tickets are available at the gate for $15 each. Children 12 and under are free. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. Racing starts at 3:00 p.m. Visit <a href="https://rockymountainraceweek.com/">rockymountainraceweek.com</a> for a full schedule including stops in Colorado and Nebraska.For more information, contact the chamber at 620-792-2401 or find them on Facebook at @gbcoc.About Rocky Mountain Race WeekIn the grand tradition of Funny Car Summer, Two Lane Blacktop, and Hot Rod Magazine’s Drag Week, the Rocky Mountain Race Week competition spans seven days and four racetracks. Competitors must drive their cars between tracks without the help of support vehicles or chase vehicles. Multiple classes fit a large variety of cars from 6 second bruisers to rat rods and everything in between.Rocky Mountain Race Week (RMRW) is the ultimate test of drag racers, competing on quarter mile strips every day for a week in CO, NE and KS in mid-July! Learn more and view the schedule at http://www.rockymountainraceweek.com/. You can also follow them on Facebook at @rockymountainraceweek.About SRCAThe city of Great Bend acquired the B29 Army Air Force Base from the military after it was declared surplus in 1946. The first race was held May 12, 1953. Sunflower Rod and Custom Association (SRCA) was formed January 19, 1954 and joined NHRA in April 1955.The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce on behalf of SRCA wrote a letter to Wally Parks requesting that Great Bend, KS be the site for the first national event. NHRA said yes and this race would establish the official acceleration records for stand and start quarter mile racing.The first nationals started with 219 cars and 15,000 spectators. Art Chrisman ran 146.16 mph and Lloyd Scott set a new speed record for American drag racing at 151 mph. In 1956, the one-year-old AHRA said they would like to have their first National event at Great Bend on the 8,000-foot-long track and did so until 1959. In 1960 the president of AHRA moved the event to Kansas City International Raceway.The club ran races after that and as time went on they slowly fell away from running the track and disbanded. In 1993 the club reorganized and went back to the original name of Sunflower Rod and Custom Association. They did this to help in maintaining the track. It was pursued to have it recognized as a Kansas Historical Site and in 1994 was successful. At the same time the track went back to its original name of SRCA Dragstrip, for which it is registered. The facility is now eligible to be registered nationally.

Great Bend to host Rocky Mountain Racer Week drivers 

MANHATTAN -&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;has announced that the deadline to register for the 2021 session has been extended until Wednesday, June 30. Individuals can continue to register after that date, but only on a space-available basis. The 2021 ALBSK session will be held Sunday, August 1, through Saturday, August 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. The program, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be in its 83rd year. This year’s session was originally scheduled to be held next week (June 6-12), but earlier this year, Kansas Boys State leadership made a decision to move from its traditional early June event to the first week of August to allow time for the coronavirus vaccine to be fully available to the general public. “We did not want to cancel the event a second year in a row,” said Tom Wierman, Kansas Boys State executive director. “After consulting with numerous individuals, we decided holding a virtual event was not feasible nor of interest to potential delegates after having spent most of the last 15 months going to school virtually. With the assistance and blessing of Kansas State University officials, it became clear that moving the date was in the best interest of the delegates, staff/volunteers and the University.” Traditionally, Kansas Boys State is for individuals who have completed their junior year of high school. With last year’s cancellation, the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/general/2021-registration/" target="_blank">ALBSK program announced in January</a>&nbsp;that it was expanding the pool of registrants for this year’s session to include those who have completed their senior year of high school (those who missed out on last year’s event due to the coronavirus pandemic), as well as individuals who have completed their sophomore year of high school. The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy. Those wishing to attend the program should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to register. In addition, anyone can nominate individuals to attend Kansas Boys State by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;and submitting the person’s name, mailing address, e-mail address, high school and phone number. You can also submit nominees for future years as well. The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $350; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. In addition, those who attend this year’s session can apply to win a Samsung American Legion College Scholarship valued at $1,250 as an American Legion Department of Kansas finalist. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/program-information/samsung-scholarship/" target="_blank">ksbstate.org/program-information/samsung-scholarship/</a>&nbsp;to view eligibility requirements and information to apply. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should contact Troy Fowler, ALBSK director of operations, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:troy.fowler@ksbstate.org" target="_blank">troy.fowler@ksbstate.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610815339550.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseMANHATTAN -&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;has announced that the deadline to register for the 2021 session has been extended until Wednesday, June 30. Individuals can continue to register after that date, but only on a space-available basis. The 2021 ALBSK session will be held Sunday, August 1, through Saturday, August 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. The program, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be in its 83rd year. This year’s session was originally scheduled to be held next week (June 6-12), but earlier this year, Kansas Boys State leadership made a decision to move from its traditional early June event to the first week of August to allow time for the coronavirus vaccine to be fully available to the general public. “We did not want to cancel the event a second year in a row,” said Tom Wierman, Kansas Boys State executive director. “After consulting with numerous individuals, we decided holding a virtual event was not feasible nor of interest to potential delegates after having spent most of the last 15 months going to school virtually. With the assistance and blessing of Kansas State University officials, it became clear that moving the date was in the best interest of the delegates, staff/volunteers and the University.” Traditionally, Kansas Boys State is for individuals who have completed their junior year of high school. With last year’s cancellation, the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/general/2021-registration/" target="_blank">ALBSK program announced in January</a>&nbsp;that it was expanding the pool of registrants for this year’s session to include those who have completed their senior year of high school (those who missed out on last year’s event due to the coronavirus pandemic), as well as individuals who have completed their sophomore year of high school. The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy. Those wishing to attend the program should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to register. In addition, anyone can nominate individuals to attend Kansas Boys State by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;and submitting the person’s name, mailing address, e-mail address, high school and phone number. You can also submit nominees for future years as well. The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $350; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. In addition, those who attend this year’s session can apply to win a Samsung American Legion College Scholarship valued at $1,250 as an American Legion Department of Kansas finalist. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/program-information/samsung-scholarship/" target="_blank">ksbstate.org/program-information/samsung-scholarship/</a>&nbsp;to view eligibility requirements and information to apply. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should contact Troy Fowler, ALBSK director of operations, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:troy.fowler@ksbstate.org" target="_blank">troy.fowler@ksbstate.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Boys State of Kansas extends deadline for 2021 session

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann will host town hall meetings this week. Below are the meeting dates, times and locations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611836622184.jpeg" alt="U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, Kansas First District" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, Kansas First District</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann will host town hall meetings this week. Below are the meeting dates, times and locations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623170898891.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Mann to hold town hall meetings Friday in Stockton, Natoma

MANHATTAN — The beauty of Kansas agriculture has been celebrated throughout the state’s ag industry, and we encourage photographers to capture that beauty and share it with others through the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s annual photo contest. KDA began accepting photos on June 7, and will continue accepting entries through August 16.

This year’s KDA Photo Contest categories were selected to promote different aspects of Kansas agriculture.

&nbsp;Kansas Weather, Celebrating Local Foods, Water in Kansas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rural Kansas&nbsp;categories will showcase the many places and ways we experience agriculture across the state of Kansas — from the beauty of the Flint Hills and the western plains to the family-run local ranches and colorful farmers’ markets, and the many ways that weather and water have an impact on Kansas agriculture. 

And for the first time ever, we have added a&nbsp;video&nbsp;category to showcase drone footage, harvest videos, or other short clips of under 30 seconds. 

As always, there will be a separate&nbsp;Youth&nbsp;category, for young photographers under age 19. 

Prizes will be awarded to the top two winners in each of the six categories.

KDA serves to advocate for agriculture, the state’s largest industry and economic driver. Photos which best capture the categories will be used throughout the year as we tell the story of Kansas agriculture. After submission, KDA is granted permission to use any photograph for publications, social media, websites, displays, etc. without payment or other consideration from the photographer.

Photo entries should be sent in .jpg format to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDA.PhotoContest@ks.gov" target="_blank">KDA.PhotoContest@ks.gov</a>. Videos should be sent in .mp4 or .mov format. Entries must include a title and brief description, where and when the photo/video was taken, the photographer’s full name and age, entry category hometown and email address.

Guidelines for the KDA Photo Contest, including deadlines, categories and prizes, can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MDcuNDE1ODA2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9waG90b2NvbnRlc3Q_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.f4fk5qlLjPYtVWsrefEmBzkecyAv0ZYdYNO8grN2uHk/s/1377890880/br/107539792798-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/photocontest</a>.

Voting to select finalists will begin on KDA’s social media sites in late August. For more information, contact Heather Lansdowne, KDA director of communications, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Heather.Lansdowne@ks.gov" target="_blank">Heather.Lansdowne@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6706.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623165655917.jpeg" alt="Previous winner "For Amber Waves of Grain" by Samantha Rutter" />
 <figcaption>Previous winner "For Amber Waves of Grain" by Samantha Rutter</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — The beauty of Kansas agriculture has been celebrated throughout the state’s ag industry, and we encourage photographers to capture that beauty and share it with others through the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s annual photo contest. KDA began accepting photos on June 7, and will continue accepting entries through August 16.This year’s KDA Photo Contest categories were selected to promote different aspects of Kansas agriculture.&nbsp;Kansas Weather, Celebrating Local Foods, Water in Kansas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rural Kansas&nbsp;categories will showcase the many places and ways we experience agriculture across the state of Kansas — from the beauty of the Flint Hills and the western plains to the family-run local ranches and colorful farmers’ markets, and the many ways that weather and water have an impact on Kansas agriculture. And for the first time ever, we have added a&nbsp;video&nbsp;category to showcase drone footage, harvest videos, or other short clips of under 30 seconds. As always, there will be a separate&nbsp;Youth&nbsp;category, for young photographers under age 19. Prizes will be awarded to the top two winners in each of the six categories.KDA serves to advocate for agriculture, the state’s largest industry and economic driver. Photos which best capture the categories will be used throughout the year as we tell the story of Kansas agriculture. After submission, KDA is granted permission to use any photograph for publications, social media, websites, displays, etc. without payment or other consideration from the photographer.Photo entries should be sent in .jpg format to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDA.PhotoContest@ks.gov" target="_blank">KDA.PhotoContest@ks.gov</a>. Videos should be sent in .mp4 or .mov format. Entries must include a title and brief description, where and when the photo/video was taken, the photographer’s full name and age, entry category hometown and email address.Guidelines for the KDA Photo Contest, including deadlines, categories and prizes, can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA2MDcuNDE1ODA2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9waG90b2NvbnRlc3Q_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.f4fk5qlLjPYtVWsrefEmBzkecyAv0ZYdYNO8grN2uHk/s/1377890880/br/107539792798-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/photocontest</a>. Voting to select finalists will begin on KDA’s social media sites in late August. For more information, contact Heather Lansdowne, KDA director of communications, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Heather.Lansdowne@ks.gov" target="_blank">Heather.Lansdowne@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6706.

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