By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Downtown Hays Market has an extra reason to celebrate this week's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/983462749631404/?__cft__[0]=AZVCrxOWYZGqUs8Vv79lPMkZc8mZQStmvX12LMdivYw8N22CA31F0KSpB6Vpvu56d45Fv_R_3cvkiZDCNvOc7GqbTWsujBR6wZ3qQlJ85snK1q19zs_fHSxOxTX-gGMdvdo2DUIBig8MSik1bmbVD3n2SBHcrSY3ozm04Hoh-S9PywRtC4LjIsEa-jhPNmQ7llhtF9sCE2N9TpljC7zpaCN2xSgQxzGLz8tLNHiuMX7zzRNMlNFEyJAa3O8iYrHbVHc&amp;__tn__=-UK*F">2024 National Farmers Market Week.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Market manager Ben Dome learned Monday that the local market has been voted the No. 1 market in Kansas for the second consecutive year through America's Farmers Market Celebration-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFarmland?__cft__[0]=AZVCrxOWYZGqUs8Vv79lPMkZc8mZQStmvX12LMdivYw8N22CA31F0KSpB6Vpvu56d45Fv_R_3cvkiZDCNvOc7GqbTWsujBR6wZ3qQlJ85snK1q19zs_fHSxOxTX-gGMdvdo2DUIBig8MSik1bmbVD3n2SBHcrSY3ozm04Hoh-S9PywRtC4LjIsEa-jhPNmQ7llhtF9sCE2N9TpljC7zpaCN2xSgQxzGLz8tLNHiuMX7zzRNMlNFEyJAa3O8iYrHbVHc&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">American Farmland Trust</a>/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/fmc.org?__cft__[0]=AZVCrxOWYZGqUs8Vv79lPMkZc8mZQStmvX12LMdivYw8N22CA31F0KSpB6Vpvu56d45Fv_R_3cvkiZDCNvOc7GqbTWsujBR6wZ3qQlJ85snK1q19zs_fHSxOxTX-gGMdvdo2DUIBig8MSik1bmbVD3n2SBHcrSY3ozm04Hoh-S9PywRtC4LjIsEa-jhPNmQ7llhtF9sCE2N9TpljC7zpaCN2xSgQxzGLz8tLNHiuMX7zzRNMlNFEyJAa3O8iYrHbVHc&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">Farmers Market Coalition</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We just want to say a big thanks to our vendors and our Saturday morning shoppers," said Julie Rider, Downtown Hays Development Corporation executive director.

Dome is making special social media posts this week to celebrate the market's recognition, and there will be market merchandise giveaways this Saturday.

Mayor Shaun Musil will sign a proclamation Thursday afternoon observing Farmers Market Week.

The&nbsp; Downtown Hays Market&nbsp;is open 7:30 to 11 Saturday mornings through Oct. 19 in the downtown pavilion.&nbsp;

Be sure to follow the market page this week as they celebrate and promote the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHaysMarket?__cft__[0]=AZVCrxOWYZGqUs8Vv79lPMkZc8mZQStmvX12LMdivYw8N22CA31F0KSpB6Vpvu56d45Fv_R_3cvkiZDCNvOc7GqbTWsujBR6wZ3qQlJ85snK1q19zs_fHSxOxTX-gGMdvdo2DUIBig8MSik1bmbVD3n2SBHcrSY3ozm04Hoh-S9PywRtC4LjIsEa-jhPNmQ7llhtF9sCE2N9TpljC7zpaCN2xSgQxzGLz8tLNHiuMX7zzRNMlNFEyJAa3O8iYrHbVHc&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">Downtown Hays Market</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722958100656.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Downtown Hays Development Corporation" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Downtown Hays Development Corporation</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Downtown Hays Farmers Market voted No. 1 in Kansas for 2nd year" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=d7vyk-16929ee-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Downtown Hays Market has an extra reason to celebrate this week's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/983462749631404/?__cft__[0]=AZVCrxOWYZGqUs8Vv79lPMkZc8mZQStmvX12LMdivYw8N22CA31F0KSpB6Vpvu56d45Fv_R_3cvkiZDCNvOc7GqbTWsujBR6wZ3qQlJ85snK1q19zs_fHSxOxTX-gGMdvdo2DUIBig8MSik1bmbVD3n2SBHcrSY3ozm04Hoh-S9PywRtC4LjIsEa-jhPNmQ7llhtF9sCE2N9TpljC7zpaCN2xSgQxzGLz8tLNHiuMX7zzRNMlNFEyJAa3O8iYrHbVHc&amp;__tn__=-UK*F">2024 National Farmers Market Week.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Market manager Ben Dome learned Monday that the local market has been voted the No. 1 market in Kansas for the second consecutive year through America's Farmers Market Celebration-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFarmland?__cft__[0]=AZVCrxOWYZGqUs8Vv79lPMkZc8mZQStmvX12LMdivYw8N22CA31F0KSpB6Vpvu56d45Fv_R_3cvkiZDCNvOc7GqbTWsujBR6wZ3qQlJ85snK1q19zs_fHSxOxTX-gGMdvdo2DUIBig8MSik1bmbVD3n2SBHcrSY3ozm04Hoh-S9PywRtC4LjIsEa-jhPNmQ7llhtF9sCE2N9TpljC7zpaCN2xSgQxzGLz8tLNHiuMX7zzRNMlNFEyJAa3O8iYrHbVHc&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">American Farmland Trust</a>/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/fmc.org?__cft__[0]=AZVCrxOWYZGqUs8Vv79lPMkZc8mZQStmvX12LMdivYw8N22CA31F0KSpB6Vpvu56d45Fv_R_3cvkiZDCNvOc7GqbTWsujBR6wZ3qQlJ85snK1q19zs_fHSxOxTX-gGMdvdo2DUIBig8MSik1bmbVD3n2SBHcrSY3ozm04Hoh-S9PywRtC4LjIsEa-jhPNmQ7llhtF9sCE2N9TpljC7zpaCN2xSgQxzGLz8tLNHiuMX7zzRNMlNFEyJAa3O8iYrHbVHc&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">Farmers Market Coalition</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We just want to say a big thanks to our vendors and our Saturday morning shoppers," said Julie Rider, Downtown Hays Development Corporation executive director.Dome is making special social media posts this week to celebrate the market's recognition, and there will be market merchandise giveaways this Saturday.Mayor Shaun Musil will sign a proclamation Thursday afternoon observing Farmers Market Week.The&nbsp; Downtown Hays Market&nbsp;is open 7:30 to 11 Saturday mornings through Oct. 19 in the downtown pavilion.&nbsp;Be sure to follow the market page this week as they celebrate and promote the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHaysMarket?__cft__[0]=AZVCrxOWYZGqUs8Vv79lPMkZc8mZQStmvX12LMdivYw8N22CA31F0KSpB6Vpvu56d45Fv_R_3cvkiZDCNvOc7GqbTWsujBR6wZ3qQlJ85snK1q19zs_fHSxOxTX-gGMdvdo2DUIBig8MSik1bmbVD3n2SBHcrSY3ozm04Hoh-S9PywRtC4LjIsEa-jhPNmQ7llhtF9sCE2N9TpljC7zpaCN2xSgQxzGLz8tLNHiuMX7zzRNMlNFEyJAa3O8iYrHbVHc&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">Downtown Hays Market</a>.

🎙 Downtown Hays Farmers Market voted No. 1 in Kansas for 2nd year  

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort St., will host a women’s conference Saturday, Aug. 24, whose keynote speaker address the topic of sexual exploitation.

The one-day conference will also feature a style show presented by Simply Charmed, a store in downtown Hays owned by Sarah Cearley-Windholz.

Registration for the Western Conference of Central States Women of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) is $10, which includes lunch.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. the day of the event, with a welcome at 10 a.m. Speaking will be Heidi Olson of Kansas City, Mo.

Olson is a certified pediatric nurse and certified pediatric sexual assault nurse practitioner.

According to her website, she “has a wide range of experience in pediatric and forensic nursing” and managed the sexual assault nurse examiner program at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for eight years.

Olson has served as an expert witness for the prosecution during trials for victims of sexual assault. She organized Empower KC, a community event to raise awareness about sexual exploitation in Kansas City. She has testified in favor of bills that have been passed into law on the state level and recently testified at a briefing on Capitol Hill about protecting children online.

She has presented in the U.S. and internationally about recognizing human trafficking, child-on-child sexual assault, pornography, and exploitation.

In May 2022, Olson founded Paradigm Shift Training and Consulting in Kansas City, Mo., a firm that helps train hospital personnel to identify and help sexual assault victims.

On her website, she said that her mission at Paradigm Shift “is to provide healthcare workers with the necessary skills and training to identify human trafficking and exploitation.”

In 2023 Olson won the “Cry Purple Award,” which is given to citizens who are doing “outstanding anti-trafficking work in their communities.”

Susan Schonthaler, one of the conference organizers, said Olson spoke this past spring at Hays Medical Center to healthcare workers about sex trafficking. “That’s when I heard about her and thought she would be a good conference speaker for us,” Schonthaler said. “People don’t realize what a problem we have with sex trafficking even in this part of the state.”

Schonthaler said the conference is open to any women, not just Lutheran women, but reservations are mandatory so that adequate food may be prepared.

Reservations are due by Monday, Aug. 19, to Rhonda Templing at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rtemp@russellks.net">rtemp@russellks.net</a>, or by texting or calling (785) 483-9402.

The pastor at Trinity is the Rev. Brenda Rodger.

More information about Olson is available at her website,&nbsp;<a href="http://paradigmshifttc.com/">http://paradigmshifttc.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722816024574.png" alt="Heidi Olson of Kansas City, Mo., will be speaking at a women’s conference Aug. 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays. Olson, a certified pediatric sexual assault nurse practitioner, will be speaking on the topic of sexual exploitation. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Heidi Olson of Kansas City, Mo., will be speaking at a women’s conference Aug. 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays. Olson, a certified pediatric sexual assault nurse practitioner, will be speaking on the topic of sexual exploitation. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTrinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort St., will host a women’s conference Saturday, Aug. 24, whose keynote speaker address the topic of sexual exploitation.The one-day conference will also feature a style show presented by Simply Charmed, a store in downtown Hays owned by Sarah Cearley-Windholz.Registration for the Western Conference of Central States Women of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) is $10, which includes lunch.Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. the day of the event, with a welcome at 10 a.m. Speaking will be Heidi Olson of Kansas City, Mo.Olson is a certified pediatric nurse and certified pediatric sexual assault nurse practitioner.According to her website, she “has a wide range of experience in pediatric and forensic nursing” and managed the sexual assault nurse examiner program at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for eight years.Olson has served as an expert witness for the prosecution during trials for victims of sexual assault. She organized Empower KC, a community event to raise awareness about sexual exploitation in Kansas City. She has testified in favor of bills that have been passed into law on the state level and recently testified at a briefing on Capitol Hill about protecting children online.She has presented in the U.S. and internationally about recognizing human trafficking, child-on-child sexual assault, pornography, and exploitation.In May 2022, Olson founded Paradigm Shift Training and Consulting in Kansas City, Mo., a firm that helps train hospital personnel to identify and help sexual assault victims.On her website, she said that her mission at Paradigm Shift “is to provide healthcare workers with the necessary skills and training to identify human trafficking and exploitation.”In 2023 Olson won the “Cry Purple Award,” which is given to citizens who are doing “outstanding anti-trafficking work in their communities.”Susan Schonthaler, one of the conference organizers, said Olson spoke this past spring at Hays Medical Center to healthcare workers about sex trafficking. “That’s when I heard about her and thought she would be a good conference speaker for us,” Schonthaler said. “People don’t realize what a problem we have with sex trafficking even in this part of the state.”Schonthaler said the conference is open to any women, not just Lutheran women, but reservations are mandatory so that adequate food may be prepared.Reservations are due by Monday, Aug. 19, to Rhonda Templing at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rtemp@russellks.net">rtemp@russellks.net</a>, or by texting or calling (785) 483-9402.The pastor at Trinity is the Rev. Brenda Rodger.More information about Olson is available at her website,&nbsp;<a href="http://paradigmshifttc.com/">http://paradigmshifttc.com</a>.

Hays women’s conference speaker to address sexual exploitation

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

August 1 signifies the kickoff for World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) as well as August as National Breastfeeding Month. Each year the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) requests a Congressional Proclamation to declare August as National Breastfeeding Month in the United States. In 2021, the USBC piloted a toolkit that individuals could use to urge their governor to proclaim August as "Breastfeeding Month" in their state or territory. Kansas has joined the list! Governor Kelly signed the proclamation for Kansas on July 29, 2024. The theme this year is “Nourish, Sustain, Thrive”

National Breastfeeding Month 2024 Weekly Observances

Week 1 (August 1-7): World Breastfeeding Week and National WIC Breastfeeding Week Theme: Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding support for All Week 2 (August 8-14): Indigenous Milk Medicine Week

Theme: Mind.Body, Milk Medicine. Week 3 (August 15-21): Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week

Theme: To Be Announced Week 4 (August 25-31): Black Breastfeeding Week Theme: Listen Up! Reclaiming our Narrative and Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice

Week 5 (September 1-7): Workplace Lactation Week Theme: Policy to Practice: Making Lactation Support a Reality

Week 6 (September 3-9) Semana de La Lactancia Latina

Theme: Reclaiming Culture Through Lactation

Most of us have heard about how breastfeeding positively affects the health of infants and toddlers. Breastfeeding also positively impacts families financially as well as the environment. However, many have not heard about the positive impacts on a mother’s health. Women who breastfeed their children lower their risk of breast cancer. According to an epidemiological study published in the The Lancet, breastfeeding is dose specific. For every 12 months of breastfeeding, the risk of breast cancer goes down by 4.3%. This can be for one child or a combination of children. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes as reported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Finally, studies also show that breastfeeding can help lower the risk of osteoporosis and stroke. That is a lot of health benefits that make for healthier women and society. And those are only the physical health benefits. There are also social-emotional benefits as well that help with bonding and parenting.

Just because a woman wants to breastfeed though doesn’t mean that she has the support to do so. While breastfeeding is natural, it isn’t always easy. The World Breastfeeding Week campaign this year focuses on survival, health and wellbeing. It will showcase the need to improve breastfeeding support to reduce inequalities that exist in our society with a special focus on breastfeeding in times of emergencies and crisis. A mother who is breastfeeding can continue to feed her baby without the need for clean water, formula or a way to boil water. Feeding her baby is one less thing to think about during an emergency or crisis.

Join us to celebrate mothers and to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and human milk feeding for the 14th annual National Breastfeeding Month. In Hays and Ellis County, La Leche League of the Western Plains and the Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition will hold a celebration on August 14th, 2024 at 10 am during our regularly scheduled La Leche League meeting. Come see what in-person support is all about and help us celebrate breastfeeding in Ellis County. Refreshments will be served. https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/ https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/national-breastfeeding-month.html

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictAugust 1 signifies the kickoff for World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) as well as August as National Breastfeeding Month. Each year the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) requests a Congressional Proclamation to declare August as National Breastfeeding Month in the United States. In 2021, the USBC piloted a toolkit that individuals could use to urge their governor to proclaim August as "Breastfeeding Month" in their state or territory. Kansas has joined the list! Governor Kelly signed the proclamation for Kansas on July 29, 2024. The theme this year is “Nourish, Sustain, Thrive”National Breastfeeding Month 2024 Weekly ObservancesWeek 1 (August 1-7): World Breastfeeding Week and National WIC Breastfeeding Week Theme: Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding support for All Week 2 (August 8-14): Indigenous Milk Medicine WeekTheme: Mind.Body, Milk Medicine. Week 3 (August 15-21): Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding WeekTheme: To Be Announced Week 4 (August 25-31): Black Breastfeeding Week Theme: Listen Up! Reclaiming our Narrative and Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding JusticeWeek 5 (September 1-7): Workplace Lactation Week Theme: Policy to Practice: Making Lactation Support a RealityWeek 6 (September 3-9) Semana de La Lactancia LatinaTheme: Reclaiming Culture Through LactationMost of us have heard about how breastfeeding positively affects the health of infants and toddlers. Breastfeeding also positively impacts families financially as well as the environment. However, many have not heard about the positive impacts on a mother’s health. Women who breastfeed their children lower their risk of breast cancer. According to an epidemiological study published in the The Lancet, breastfeeding is dose specific. For every 12 months of breastfeeding, the risk of breast cancer goes down by 4.3%. This can be for one child or a combination of children. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes as reported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Finally, studies also show that breastfeeding can help lower the risk of osteoporosis and stroke. That is a lot of health benefits that make for healthier women and society. And those are only the physical health benefits. There are also social-emotional benefits as well that help with bonding and parenting.Just because a woman wants to breastfeed though doesn’t mean that she has the support to do so. While breastfeeding is natural, it isn’t always easy. The World Breastfeeding Week campaign this year focuses on survival, health and wellbeing. It will showcase the need to improve breastfeeding support to reduce inequalities that exist in our society with a special focus on breastfeeding in times of emergencies and crisis. A mother who is breastfeeding can continue to feed her baby without the need for clean water, formula or a way to boil water. Feeding her baby is one less thing to think about during an emergency or crisis.Join us to celebrate mothers and to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and human milk feeding for the 14th annual National Breastfeeding Month. In Hays and Ellis County, La Leche League of the Western Plains and the Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition will hold a celebration on August 14th, 2024 at 10 am during our regularly scheduled La Leche League meeting. Come see what in-person support is all about and help us celebrate breastfeeding in Ellis County. Refreshments will be served. https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/ https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/national-breastfeeding-month.htmlMonique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: World breastfeeding week, month

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722978070342.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Making healthy choices is something we have the opportunity to do every day. For example, the foods and exercise we choose make a difference in our health and quality of life. However, it can be challenging to achieve a healthy balance because these choices can be difficult to make among all the other commitments in life.

The good news is that not all health-related decisions have to be challenging. For example, simply walking for 30 minutes throughout the day provides promising results. In fact, walking can improve heart health, strengthen the lungs, improve quality of sleep, and fight osteoporosis! Walking is shown to improve mood by the release of endorphins, and it lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. If walking is something you are interested in, a Walk with Ease class may be for you.

Walk with Ease (WWE) is here to help people with arthritis or other related conditions reduce pain, increase balance, strength, walking pace, and improve overall health. Walk with Ease is not only an evidence-based program, but it’s also fun! Participants have the opportunity to walk, stretch, and socialize during each session. WWE is a class created by the National Arthritis Foundation, and it is offered through Kansas State Research &amp; Extension.

Walk with Ease provides pain management and physical activity education to individuals and families. The class includes an educational book that covers various topics about walking and arthritis management, and the $20 registration fee covers the price of the book. Walk with Ease classes aim to help each participant implement realistic goals, maintain a long-term physical activity routine, and help Kansans find resources to stay active.

Are you ready to make the healthy choice the easy choice? Do you want to learn how to improve mobility and decrease pain? Are you eager to learn how to develop a personal walking plan?

Join us for our next Walk with Ease series that kicks off on September 3rd! This indoor class will take place from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on MWF at the Great Bend Rec at 1214 Stone St. For more information, please contact Karissa Winkel, Family and Community Wellness Agent to register, at krwinkel@ksu.edu or 620-793-1910.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictMaking healthy choices is something we have the opportunity to do every day. For example, the foods and exercise we choose make a difference in our health and quality of life. However, it can be challenging to achieve a healthy balance because these choices can be difficult to make among all the other commitments in life.The good news is that not all health-related decisions have to be challenging. For example, simply walking for 30 minutes throughout the day provides promising results. In fact, walking can improve heart health, strengthen the lungs, improve quality of sleep, and fight osteoporosis! Walking is shown to improve mood by the release of endorphins, and it lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. If walking is something you are interested in, a Walk with Ease class may be for you.Walk with Ease (WWE) is here to help people with arthritis or other related conditions reduce pain, increase balance, strength, walking pace, and improve overall health. Walk with Ease is not only an evidence-based program, but it’s also fun! Participants have the opportunity to walk, stretch, and socialize during each session. WWE is a class created by the National Arthritis Foundation, and it is offered through Kansas State Research &amp; Extension.Walk with Ease provides pain management and physical activity education to individuals and families. The class includes an educational book that covers various topics about walking and arthritis management, and the $20 registration fee covers the price of the book. Walk with Ease classes aim to help each participant implement realistic goals, maintain a long-term physical activity routine, and help Kansans find resources to stay active.Are you ready to make the healthy choice the easy choice? Do you want to learn how to improve mobility and decrease pain? Are you eager to learn how to develop a personal walking plan?Join us for our next Walk with Ease series that kicks off on September 3rd! This indoor class will take place from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on MWF at the Great Bend Rec at 1214 Stone St. For more information, please contact Karissa Winkel, Family and Community Wellness Agent to register, at krwinkel@ksu.edu or 620-793-1910.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Keep it simple, walk for wellness

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Even though the overall voter turnover was lower than in
past years, voters in rural Ellis County and the city of Victoria overwhelmingly
approved the creation of a county public library during Tuesday’s general
election.

According to the unofficial vote totals the question of, “Shall
Ellis County, Kansas establish and maintain a county library?” was approved by
a vote of 474 in favor to 173 opposed.

Only voters who live in Victoria or outside the city limits
of Hays and Ellis were able to vote on the library question.

The overall voter turnover was less than nine percent in
Ellis County. The lack of contested races for both Republicans and Democrats
was expected to put a damper on the number of voters who cast their ballot in Tuesday’s
primary.

You can find the complete results from Tuesday <a href="https://ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/5532/unofficial-results">HERE</a>.

Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges said Tuesday after
the results were announced that he expected a low turnout and the large
number of voters who supported the question showed the voters support for the issue.

“I think it does give us some confidence that the voters did
understand it,” Berges said. “They want to see a different direction and how
their library services tax dollars are being used and would like it to stay
closer to home.” 

Berges said the next step in the process, after the election
is certified in two weeks, is to begin the process of putting together the
five-member county public library board.

“Our task now is to put together a board, so (the commission
will) put out a call for those that want to volunteer and be a part of this
county library board,” Berges said.

The commission will also work to create a taxing district
that will collect the ¼ mill in taxes over the next two years. He said they
will work with their attorney to complete that step.

The newly created county public library board will then be
allowed to partner with existing public libraries to provide services to the
city of Victoria and rural Ellis County.

Property taxes currently collected from residents living in
those areas for library services fund the Central Kansas Library System (CKLS).

According to the CKLS, the taxes collected from Ellis County
in 2023 was more than $292,000. That funding was then distributed to member
libraries across the 17-county area that is served by the CKLS.

The funding the Hays and Ellis public libraries and the
three public school libraries receives from the CKLS has continued to decline
in recent years and according to County Administrator Darin Myers, by 2027 less
than 25% of the taxes paid from Ellis County will be returned to Ellis County. 

Now that the voters have approved the library question a petition
to withdraw the taxing district from the regional library system may be
submitted to the State Library of Kansas Board. If approved the taxes would no
longer by assessed for the CKLS.

Berges did issue a word of caution, that even though it was
approved by the voters, the state of Kansas could still step in over the next
two years and block Ellis County’s efforts. 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostEven though the overall voter turnover was lower than in
past years, voters in rural Ellis County and the city of Victoria overwhelmingly
approved the creation of a county public library during Tuesday’s general
election.According to the unofficial vote totals the question of, “Shall
Ellis County, Kansas establish and maintain a county library?” was approved by
a vote of 474 in favor to 173 opposed.Only voters who live in Victoria or outside the city limits
of Hays and Ellis were able to vote on the library question.The overall voter turnover was less than nine percent in
Ellis County. The lack of contested races for both Republicans and Democrats
was expected to put a damper on the number of voters who cast their ballot in Tuesday’s
primary.You can find the complete results from Tuesday <a href="https://ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/5532/unofficial-results">HERE</a>.Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges said Tuesday after
the results were announced that he expected a low turnout and the large
number of voters who supported the question showed the voters support for the issue.“I think it does give us some confidence that the voters did
understand it,” Berges said. “They want to see a different direction and how
their library services tax dollars are being used and would like it to stay
closer to home.” Berges said the next step in the process, after the election
is certified in two weeks, is to begin the process of putting together the
five-member county public library board.“Our task now is to put together a board, so (the commission
will) put out a call for those that want to volunteer and be a part of this
county library board,” Berges said.The commission will also work to create a taxing district
that will collect the ¼ mill in taxes over the next two years. He said they
will work with their attorney to complete that step.The newly created county public library board will then be
allowed to partner with existing public libraries to provide services to the
city of Victoria and rural Ellis County.Property taxes currently collected from residents living in
those areas for library services fund the Central Kansas Library System (CKLS).According to the CKLS, the taxes collected from Ellis County
in 2023 was more than $292,000. That funding was then distributed to member
libraries across the 17-county area that is served by the CKLS.The funding the Hays and Ellis public libraries and the
three public school libraries receives from the CKLS has continued to decline
in recent years and according to County Administrator Darin Myers, by 2027 less
than 25% of the taxes paid from Ellis County will be returned to Ellis County. Now that the voters have approved the library question a petition
to withdraw the taxing district from the regional library system may be
submitted to the State Library of Kansas Board. If approved the taxes would no
longer by assessed for the CKLS.Berges did issue a word of caution, that even though it was
approved by the voters, the state of Kansas could still step in over the next
two years and block Ellis County’s efforts.

Ellis County voters overwhelmingly approve creation of county public library

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney discusses changes to the emergency communications across Ellis County with County Administrator Darin Myers and Communications Director Jeff Ridgway.

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. officials discuss changes to emergency communications" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ptgpd-16929bd-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney discusses changes to the emergency communications across Ellis County with County Administrator Darin Myers and Communications Director Jeff Ridgway.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. officials discuss changes to emergency communications

The Hays Police Department responded to 81 incidents July 28-August 3, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.

<figure>
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 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentThe Hays Police Department responded to 81 incidents July 28-August 3, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
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Hays Police Department activity log, July 28-August 3, 2024

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Hays Police Department arrest log, July 29-Aug. 3, 2024

HaysMed is proud to announce that it has earned the prestigious five-star designation in the latest Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for 2024. This recognition reflects the unwavering hard work and commitment to excellence in patient care demonstrated by all HaysMed Associates.&nbsp;

“Achieving this milestone is no small feat. It represents a collective effort from every department, every team, and every associate working together towards a common goal – to provide the best possible care for our patients. Our tireless efforts have placed us among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide, a testament to the high standards HaysMed upholds.” praised Heather Harris, D.O., HaysMed medical director.

CMS implemented the star ratings in 2016 to evaluate hospital performance based on a set of quality measures, including mortality, safety of care, readmissions, patient experience and timely/effective care.&nbsp;

Only six other hospitals in Kansas have achieved this prestigious recognition. Compared to 2023, CMS has awarded its 2024 five-star quality rating to 102 fewer hospitals. HaysMed has distinguished itself by ranking in the top 10% nationally in several key areas:

This outstanding ranking not only highlights our exceptional quality care but also positively impacts the CMS In-Patient Value-Based Quality Program and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Quality-Based Program.

Thank you to the HaysMed Associates and leadership team for making HaysMed a five-star hospital. HaysMed’s commitment to excellence truly makes a difference to Hays and the western Kansas community.

HaysMedHaysMed is proud to announce that it has earned the prestigious five-star designation in the latest Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for 2024. This recognition reflects the unwavering hard work and commitment to excellence in patient care demonstrated by all HaysMed Associates.&nbsp;“Achieving this milestone is no small feat. It represents a collective effort from every department, every team, and every associate working together towards a common goal – to provide the best possible care for our patients. Our tireless efforts have placed us among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide, a testament to the high standards HaysMed upholds.” praised Heather Harris, D.O., HaysMed medical director.CMS implemented the star ratings in 2016 to evaluate hospital performance based on a set of quality measures, including mortality, safety of care, readmissions, patient experience and timely/effective care.&nbsp;Only six other hospitals in Kansas have achieved this prestigious recognition. Compared to 2023, CMS has awarded its 2024 five-star quality rating to 102 fewer hospitals. HaysMed has distinguished itself by ranking in the top 10% nationally in several key areas:<ul>
 <li>Median time for patients from ED arrival to departure: Demonstrating our efficiency and responsiveness.</li><li>No elective deliveries: Reflecting our commitment to safe, evidence-based practices.</li><li>Rapid interpretation of head CT or MRI scans within 45 minutes of ED arrival: Ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses.</li><li>Appropriate follow-up for normal colonoscopies in average-risk patients: Exemplifying our dedication to preventive care.</li><li>Low Clostridium difficile rate: Showcasing our rigorous infection control measures.</li>
 </ul>This outstanding ranking not only highlights our exceptional quality care but also positively impacts the CMS In-Patient Value-Based Quality Program and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Quality-Based Program.Thank you to the HaysMed Associates and leadership team for making HaysMed a five-star hospital. HaysMed’s commitment to excellence truly makes a difference to Hays and the western Kansas community.

HaysMed achieves prestigious 5-Star rating in CMS hospital quality star ratings

I’m sure you all have seen Hay Post story on your decision to renew Eddie's position. If any of you haven't, I would encourage you to go to Hays Post to learn about what people are saying about your&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;at Hays Medical Center.

Unfortunately, the readers of this Post extend to the entire western part of our state. All of my referrals and all of the referrals to Hays Medical Center are in the zone.

The whole reason I started writing letters, taking time to address issues to the board, was to make sure all you board members were&nbsp;aware&nbsp;of what was happening. It was my sincere hope and prayer that this would not become a public event.

Despite repeated urgings to go public with my concerns, I never did so, as this reflects negatively on our hospital, the administration and most importantly you board members. Don't blame Dr. Curry for his post that went viral. He is not the one who&nbsp;voted. 

Just read the numbers of people who agree with and supported everything he was saying. Like it or not, you board members have been charged with overseeing the administration and making sure that the hospital is moving in the right direction.

Hays will be a much different place with a hospital that soon will have to lay off even more people due to the enormous loss of several of your most productive departments.

I can’t imagine any physician wanting to come to a place that has such unaddressed&nbsp;turmoil. The only physicians, nurses or staff members who would work in such a chaotic, oppressive and hostile environment are those who come only for the&nbsp;Money!

These are not the physicians I would choose to go to, nor is it the reflection of high-quality care that we have so long been accustomed to.&nbsp;Your&nbsp;decision to let the OB department crumble with no one held accountable will cost tens of millions of dollars in revenue and take decades to rebuild.

You have been warned that other departments are also fragmented and crumbling, and still voted to maintain the&nbsp;status quo. I expect moving forward with his poor leadership will result in even more departments crumbling.

Hays will be a much different place. The decision was&nbsp;yours. Rumors and perceptions would've been much different had you elected to fire Eddie Herrman, HaysMed CEO, instead of renewing his contract.

Clearly financial struggles would have continued to exist. New problems would arise, but you would have had the respect and support of those staff members who have given their heart and soul to Hays Medical Center.

I can assure you, they would've worked diligently to try to rebuild Hays Medical Center under new leadership.&nbsp;People in Hays, would be willing to make concessions if they saw leaderships doing the same.

A leader that would value people and not announce EVERYONE is REPLACEABLE.&nbsp; What in the world did you see in Eddie that would blind you to such a&nbsp;catastrophic&nbsp;decision? Was it your fear of having to work as a board choosing a new administrator? How in the world do you think the morale and the support of those lifers will be regained after turning your back on them in favor of Eddie?

No, I don't have all the facts, so I hope you have Great reasons and a Solid plan in effect to rebuild departments, staff members and others who will be affected in the short term….next 5 to 10 years.

In the last six weeks, I have personally witnessed the incredible struggles with health care. Losing any physician, experienced staff member or other members of our hospital WILL be very difficult to replace.

The decisions were yours. The consequences will also be yours and Will affect everyone in Hays. I hope I'm incredibly wrong in my assessment of this current debacle. This is the first time in 30 years that I have been practicing in Hays that I have been so disappointed in the leadership of Hays Medical Center.

Regretfully, Don Tillman, Hays dermatologist

Editor's note: Dr. Tillman is not employed by HaysMed.

I’m sure you all have seen Hay Post story on your decision to renew Eddie's position. If any of you haven't, I would encourage you to go to Hays Post to learn about what people are saying about your&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;at Hays Medical Center.Unfortunately, the readers of this Post extend to the entire western part of our state. All of my referrals and all of the referrals to Hays Medical Center are in the zone.The whole reason I started writing letters, taking time to address issues to the board, was to make sure all you board members were&nbsp;aware&nbsp;of what was happening. It was my sincere hope and prayer that this would not become a public event.Despite repeated urgings to go public with my concerns, I never did so, as this reflects negatively on our hospital, the administration and most importantly you board members. Don't blame Dr. Curry for his post that went viral. He is not the one who&nbsp;voted. Just read the numbers of people who agree with and supported everything he was saying. Like it or not, you board members have been charged with overseeing the administration and making sure that the hospital is moving in the right direction.Hays will be a much different place with a hospital that soon will have to lay off even more people due to the enormous loss of several of your most productive departments.I can’t imagine any physician wanting to come to a place that has such unaddressed&nbsp;turmoil. The only physicians, nurses or staff members who would work in such a chaotic, oppressive and hostile environment are those who come only for the&nbsp;Money!These are not the physicians I would choose to go to, nor is it the reflection of high-quality care that we have so long been accustomed to.&nbsp;Your&nbsp;decision to let the OB department crumble with no one held accountable will cost tens of millions of dollars in revenue and take decades to rebuild.You have been warned that other departments are also fragmented and crumbling, and still voted to maintain the&nbsp;status quo. I expect moving forward with his poor leadership will result in even more departments crumbling.Hays will be a much different place. The decision was&nbsp;yours. Rumors and perceptions would've been much different had you elected to fire Eddie Herrman, HaysMed CEO, instead of renewing his contract.Clearly financial struggles would have continued to exist. New problems would arise, but you would have had the respect and support of those staff members who have given their heart and soul to Hays Medical Center.I can assure you, they would've worked diligently to try to rebuild Hays Medical Center under new leadership.&nbsp;People in Hays, would be willing to make concessions if they saw leaderships doing the same.A leader that would value people and not announce EVERYONE is REPLACEABLE.&nbsp; What in the world did you see in Eddie that would blind you to such a&nbsp;catastrophic&nbsp;decision? Was it your fear of having to work as a board choosing a new administrator? How in the world do you think the morale and the support of those lifers will be regained after turning your back on them in favor of Eddie?No, I don't have all the facts, so I hope you have Great reasons and a Solid plan in effect to rebuild departments, staff members and others who will be affected in the short term….next 5 to 10 years.In the last six weeks, I have personally witnessed the incredible struggles with health care. Losing any physician, experienced staff member or other members of our hospital WILL be very difficult to replace.The decisions were yours. The consequences will also be yours and Will affect everyone in Hays. I hope I'm incredibly wrong in my assessment of this current debacle. This is the first time in 30 years that I have been practicing in Hays that I have been so disappointed in the leadership of Hays Medical Center.Regretfully, Don Tillman, Hays dermatologistEditor's note: Dr. Tillman is not employed by HaysMed.

Letter: Local doctor shares concern on HaysMed

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Russell County commissioner candidate has a history of misdemeanors arrests, including charges of driving under the influence, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and battery on a law enforcement officer.

According to court records, Republican Jamie Gage, a candidate for Russell County commissioner in District 5, was involved in a September 2019 incident where she faced charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement by obstructing, resisting, or opposing misdemeanor warrant service or execution, according to court records.

She pleaded no contest to one count of interference with a law enforcement officer. A count of battery on a law enforcement officer was dropped. Gage pleaded guilty to a second count of interference with a law enforcement officer.

In February 2014, Gage was arrested for alleged possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia intended for use. The case resulted in a diversion.

In November 2005, Gage faced her second conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Gage pleaded guilty. She was ordered to serve 12 months of probation.

The Russell County Sheriff's Office was unavailable for a statement.

Gage said her promotional materials, which include yard signs and large banners, have allegedly been stolen or defaced in the past month.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6d760c7d-1b24-41bf-a1bc-14bc4ac9c970">SEE RELATED STORY: Russell County commissioner campaign signs stolen; candidate alleges death threats</a>

Republicans Mitch Driscoll, Kevin Mravinec, Alan Kuntzsch, Anthony Mahoney and Jamie Gage, along with Democrat Tom Mahoney, are running for Russell County commissioner in District 5 in the Kansas primary election today.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722556443947.jpeg" alt="Candidate for Russell County Commissioner in District 5 Jamie Gage. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Candidate for Russell County Commissioner in District 5 Jamie Gage. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Russell County commissioner candidate has a history of misdemeanors arrests, including charges of driving under the influence, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and battery on a law enforcement officer.According to court records, Republican Jamie Gage, a candidate for Russell County commissioner in District 5, was involved in a September 2019 incident where she faced charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement by obstructing, resisting, or opposing misdemeanor warrant service or execution, according to court records.She pleaded no contest to one count of interference with a law enforcement officer. A count of battery on a law enforcement officer was dropped. Gage pleaded guilty to a second count of interference with a law enforcement officer.She paid $403 in fines.In February 2014, Gage was arrested for alleged possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia intended for use. The case resulted in a diversion.In November 2005, Gage faced her second conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Gage pleaded guilty. She was ordered to serve 12 months of probation.The Russell County Sheriff's Office was unavailable for a statement.Gage said her promotional materials, which include yard signs and large banners, have allegedly been stolen or defaced in the past month.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6d760c7d-1b24-41bf-a1bc-14bc4ac9c970">SEE RELATED STORY: Russell County commissioner campaign signs stolen; candidate alleges death threats</a>Republicans Mitch Driscoll, Kevin Mravinec, Alan Kuntzsch, Anthony Mahoney and Jamie Gage, along with Democrat Tom Mahoney, are running for Russell County commissioner in District 5 in the Kansas primary election today.

Russell County commissioner history of misdemeanors

Join Girl Scouts for S'mores Day Saturday in Hays 

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Crude prices are dropping from six-month lows. 

Friday's (8/2) settlement price for light sweet near-month NYMEX crude was $73.52 per barrel, marking a weekly loss of more than four dollars a barrel. Prices are down ten dollars from the first of July. By midday Monday the benchmark contract in New York was down another half dollar, dipping below $73 for the first time since February.

Kansas Common crude dropped nearly three dollars Friday (8/2), and will start the week at $63.75 per barrel at CHS in McPherson. That's down ten dollars from the first of July and more than seven dollars below the average price last month.

Commercial crude inventories last week dropped by 3.4 million barrels to 433 million according to a report from the Energy Information Administration. Industry reports showed an even larger draw on stockpiles. The weekly inventory report from the government also shows another 700-thousand barrels of crude added to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Total U.S. crude-oil production averaged 13,295,000 barrels per day, down slightly from a week earlier. Output in Alaska dropped by 19-thousand barrels a day, while the lower-48 states remained unchanged for a third week in a row.

U.S. crude imports outpaced exports last week by more than two million barrels a day. But we exported more petroleum products than we imported, by more than four million barrels a day. Crude imports averaged seven million barrels per day last week, up 82,000 daily barrels from a week earlier. The four-week average is nearly six percent higher than a year ago. Crude exports jumped by nearly 800,000 barrels a day from a week ago, to 4.9 million. Four week average exports are up nearly eight percent or 309,000 daily barrels from a year ago.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down three gas rigs for a total of 586 rigs. The count in Texas is down two, while Colorado, Louisiana and Pennsylvania were each down one.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rose by two rigs in western Kansas for a statewide total of 29 active rigs. The tally is up seven percent from a month ago, but down 26% from last year at this time. In Ellis County last week, operators reached total depth on one lease and drilling continued on Friday on another.

Operators in the Sunflower State completed 18 wells last week, with nine east of Wichita and nine in the western half of the state. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 745 new well completions so far this year, compared to 994 by this time last year.

Kansas regulators approved 21 new drilling locations last week, with 12 in western Kansas, including one in Stafford County. So far this year there are 591 permits for drilling at new locations, compared to 744 a year ago at this time.

The Kansas Geological Society recognized and named five new fields in Kansas.&nbsp; The operator American Warrior, based in Garden City, hit newly-named pay dirt once in Graham County and twice in Thomas County.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 139 new intent-to-drill notices in July, 655 so far this year, compared to 817 through July last year. 

The KCC web site shows Barton County with four new intents, 18 thus far this year.&nbsp; Ellis County notches two for the month and seven year-to-date. Russell County adds one for a 2024 total of seven. Stafford County adds one more for a total of nine intents through July.

The question of earthquake prevention returns to the Texas oil patch, with a cluster of felt earthquakes in just the last couple of weeks. Bloomberg reports the state's top oil and gas regulator is investigating wastewater disposal operations northeast of Midland, the unofficial Permian capital. 

This comes after at least five temblors rumbled through the region with a magnitude of four or greater since July 23. The U.S. Geological Survey confirms hundreds of quakes in the area centered around Hermleigh and Camp Springs, Texas, including one of a magnitude 5.1 on the Richter scale. 

This marks a step back for the Lone Star State, where the frequency of earthquakes dropped last year for the first time in five years after the Commission cracked down on wastewater disposal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaCrude prices are dropping from six-month lows. Friday's (8/2) settlement price for light sweet near-month NYMEX crude was $73.52 per barrel, marking a weekly loss of more than four dollars a barrel. Prices are down ten dollars from the first of July. By midday Monday the benchmark contract in New York was down another half dollar, dipping below $73 for the first time since February.Kansas Common crude dropped nearly three dollars Friday (8/2), and will start the week at $63.75 per barrel at CHS in McPherson. That's down ten dollars from the first of July and more than seven dollars below the average price last month.Commercial crude inventories last week dropped by 3.4 million barrels to 433 million according to a report from the Energy Information Administration. Industry reports showed an even larger draw on stockpiles. The weekly inventory report from the government also shows another 700-thousand barrels of crude added to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.Total U.S. crude-oil production averaged 13,295,000 barrels per day, down slightly from a week earlier. Output in Alaska dropped by 19-thousand barrels a day, while the lower-48 states remained unchanged for a third week in a row.U.S. crude imports outpaced exports last week by more than two million barrels a day. But we exported more petroleum products than we imported, by more than four million barrels a day. Crude imports averaged seven million barrels per day last week, up 82,000 daily barrels from a week earlier. The four-week average is nearly six percent higher than a year ago. Crude exports jumped by nearly 800,000 barrels a day from a week ago, to 4.9 million. Four week average exports are up nearly eight percent or 309,000 daily barrels from a year ago.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down three gas rigs for a total of 586 rigs. The count in Texas is down two, while Colorado, Louisiana and Pennsylvania were each down one.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rose by two rigs in western Kansas for a statewide total of 29 active rigs. The tally is up seven percent from a month ago, but down 26% from last year at this time. In Ellis County last week, operators reached total depth on one lease and drilling continued on Friday on another.Operators in the Sunflower State completed 18 wells last week, with nine east of Wichita and nine in the western half of the state. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 745 new well completions so far this year, compared to 994 by this time last year.Kansas regulators approved 21 new drilling locations last week, with 12 in western Kansas, including one in Stafford County. So far this year there are 591 permits for drilling at new locations, compared to 744 a year ago at this time.The Kansas Geological Society recognized and named five new fields in Kansas.&nbsp; The operator American Warrior, based in Garden City, hit newly-named pay dirt once in Graham County and twice in Thomas County.The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 139 new intent-to-drill notices in July, 655 so far this year, compared to 817 through July last year. The KCC web site shows Barton County with four new intents, 18 thus far this year.&nbsp; Ellis County notches two for the month and seven year-to-date. Russell County adds one for a 2024 total of seven. Stafford County adds one more for a total of nine intents through July.The question of earthquake prevention returns to the Texas oil patch, with a cluster of felt earthquakes in just the last couple of weeks. Bloomberg reports the state's top oil and gas regulator is investigating wastewater disposal operations northeast of Midland, the unofficial Permian capital. This comes after at least five temblors rumbled through the region with a magnitude of four or greater since July 23. The U.S. Geological Survey confirms hundreds of quakes in the area centered around Hermleigh and Camp Springs, Texas, including one of a magnitude 5.1 on the Richter scale. This marks a step back for the Lone Star State, where the frequency of earthquakes dropped last year for the first time in five years after the Commission cracked down on wastewater disposal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News From the Oil Patch: Crude prices tumble

Polls are open today for the August primary election in Kansas.&nbsp;

In Ellis County, the regular polling locations are open until 7 p.m.

Election workers at the Hays Recreation Center polling location said they were expecting a slow day with low turnout.

All advance ballots by mail must be postmarked by election day and received by Friday, August 9

Be sure to check Hays Post for the local results, including a ballot question for residents of Victoria, Ellis, and rural Ellis County about whether to establish a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d4cd415-10df-4079-8cb1-422ab78bf4cb">county library</a>.

All Kansas state senate and house seats are up for election.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709323737405.png" alt=" File photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption> File photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostPolls are open today for the August primary election in Kansas.&nbsp;In Ellis County, the regular polling locations are open until 7 p.m.Election workers at the Hays Recreation Center polling location said they were expecting a slow day with low turnout.All advance ballots by mail must be postmarked by election day and received by Friday, August 9Be sure to check Hays Post for the local results, including a ballot question for residents of Victoria, Ellis, and rural Ellis County about whether to establish a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d4cd415-10df-4079-8cb1-422ab78bf4cb">county library</a>.All Kansas state senate and house seats are up for election.&nbsp;

It's primary election day in Kansas; polls open until 7 p.m.

The Ellis County Commission will consider putting the final
touches on the 2025 budget Tuesday at its first meeting of August.

The commission will consider a final draft budget at the
Aug. 13 meeting.

According to Tuesday’s Aug. 6&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062024-612">meeting agend</a>a,
the budget includes several additions following the July 18 budget
hearing with county department heads.

Among those additions are funding for public works to hire
two additional employees, 48th Street and Vineyard and 270th
Avenue improvements to the road and bridge replacement program and funding for
Rural Opportunity Zone Program and the scholarship program for area high school
students.

In the agenda information provided to the commission, County
Administrator Darin Myers said the mill levy would slightly decrease under the current budget proposal.

In other business, the commission will review updated county
road design and construction standards, approve weight restrictions for several
county bridges and give the go-ahead for an engineering firm to begin negotiations for right-of-way acquisition for the bridge on 370th Avenue over Big
Creek south of Walker.

The county was awarded funding to replace the bridge through
the 2024 Off System Bridge Program from the Kansas Department of
Transportation.

Tuesday’s county commission meeting is set for 8:30 a.m. at
the County Administrative Center at 718 Main St. in Hays.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will consider putting the final
touches on the 2025 budget Tuesday at its first meeting of August.The commission will consider a final draft budget at the
Aug. 13 meeting.According to Tuesday’s Aug. 6&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062024-612">meeting agend</a>a,
the budget includes several additions following the July 18 budget
hearing with county department heads.Among those additions are funding for public works to hire
two additional employees, 48th Street and Vineyard and 270th
Avenue improvements to the road and bridge replacement program and funding for
Rural Opportunity Zone Program and the scholarship program for area high school
students.In the agenda information provided to the commission, County
Administrator Darin Myers said the mill levy would slightly decrease under the current budget proposal.In other business, the commission will review updated county
road design and construction standards, approve weight restrictions for several
county bridges and give the go-ahead for an engineering firm to begin negotiations for right-of-way acquisition for the bridge on 370th Avenue over Big
Creek south of Walker.The county was awarded funding to replace the bridge through
the 2024 Off System Bridge Program from the Kansas Department of
Transportation.Tuesday’s county commission meeting is set for 8:30 a.m. at
the County Administrative Center at 718 Main St. in Hays.

Ellis County Commission in final stages of 2025 budget work

Correction: A comma was left out of the quote below that made it appear that Bryan Brady was the CFO of HaysMed. Bryan Brady is the vice president of physician practice administration and ancillary services.&nbsp;Michelle M. Beckner is the CFO. <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/about-us/#/administrative-team">See a complete list of the administrative staff HERE</a>.

&nbsp;"I think, in my opinion, the overall consensus is that we need to eliminate the entire administrative hierarchy of the top five with the CFO, Bryan Brady, but at the top of that food chain is Eddie Herrman," he said. By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Several current and former doctors have come forward with criticism of the HaysMed administration.

Former HaysMed Dr. Wallace Michael Curry started a string of social media comments from concerned employees and patients after he shared his criticism of the HaysMed administration and the board for retaining CEO Edward Herrman.

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9b9e56ce-abb6-46b3-b2de-6eb1ce011e7a">SEE RELATED STORY: HaysMed issues statement on financial losses.</a>

Other doctors and staff have joined the discord, saying the hospital is being mismanaged and that it does not have the staff needed to provide quality care.

Four doctors have recently left the hospital, including Dr. Wallace Michael Curry, longtime OBGYNs Drs. Lee Hodny and Joel Fort, and oncologist Dr. Anthony Acursso.

HaysMed has imposed noncompete contracts with its doctors, so if the doctors want to leave, for all intents and purposes, they have to leave the state. All four of the physicians above have left the state.

A physician who did not want his name published said he was considering leaving the hospital due to the lack of leadership from the administration and inadequate staffing.

He said HaysMed is a great hospital, but the current administration is putting making money over patient care and its staff. He said the entire executive staff needed to be fired.

The physician said the administration has slashed his staff in half despite increased cases.&nbsp;

Veteran nurses are leaving because of the poor treatment and pay, he said.

The hospital is staffing wards with caregivers who barely speak English or are right out of school, he said.

As doctors and other medical staff leave the hospital, the doctor said it may not close but will lose its ability to provide key services.

HaysMed is filling gaps with traveling nurses and locum&nbsp;tenens, which are temporary physicians.&nbsp;

He said those temporary staff don't have the same relationship with their patients.

"The HaysMed people who are still here care so much," he said. "This is the public outcry."

&nbsp;A second Hays physician, who did not want his name published, also expressed concern about the hospital's direction.

He said he is also considering leaving the hospital.

"My biggest concern is that we are concentrating on the financial aspects when the care of the patient is not even second. It's third, fourth or fifth, even further down the line," he said.

"I am concerned that they are expecting much more revenue with less and less resources every day," he said.

Treatment that once took a week to schedule is now taking two or three weeks because the hospital has not been able to retain the staff to provide that treatment.

"We are talking about doubling and tripling time they have to wait for very sick and anxious people," he said.

His nursing staff also has been slashed even though his department is seeing more patients. He said nurses with specialized training have been replaced with nurses who do not have that special certification.

"The problem that we are having is when you have a nurse who is not certified and doesn't know our system, they don't know when bad is bad," he said.

"What ends up happening is you hire a nurse from the outside that has half the ability and costs twice the rate," he said.

He said it causes low morale among the permanent certified nurses because they already have issues with their pay, and the hospital is hiring someone for more with half the skills.

After a consultant observed and made recommendations to the hospital, the physicians were reprimanded for referring patients outside HaysMed for procedures despite the delays in treatment in the HaysMed system.

The doctors were also told they had to cut their clinic appointments from 30 minutes to 15 minutes.

"As a physician, I'm not going to let the buzzer roll over and say I'm not going to talk about this," he said. "We are going to spend the time that we need, which is going to put us 30 or 45 minutes or an hour behind. [Patients] are reasonably frustrated because they had to wait an hour."

"This is a conversation I have had with multiple other physicians. I think, in my opinion, the overall consensus is that we need to eliminate the entire administrative hierarchy of the top five with the CFO, Bryan Brady, but at the top of that food chain is Eddie Herrman," he said.

The doctor said he has been bringing similar concerns to the administration for years and has been disregarded.

He said he wants to see leadership that is responsive to the medical staff's concerns and will be strong leaders.

"I think if you take care of patients, the financial aspect will take care of its self."

He added, "I can't continue to do what I love and what I think I do best without significant resources, and those resources come in the way of people. It comes in the way of nurses, CNAs, everything—from the people who help shovel the snow on a bad day to our highest administrative sites. We are in really dire, dire circumstances right now."

Dr. Curry sent the following comments to the Hays Post from an outside hospital administrator, who he said summed up his concerns.

I just wonder about your CEO and his credentials because some of the policies and attitudes he apparently has strike me as the opposite of what an educated administrator would likely have.

Any administrator should have some knowledge in human relations and should share the attitude that employees are NOT replaceable at any level.

Correction: A comma was left out of the quote below that made it appear that Bryan Brady was the CFO of HaysMed. Bryan Brady is the vice president of physician practice administration and ancillary services.&nbsp;Michelle M. Beckner is the CFO. <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/about-us/#/administrative-team">See a complete list of the administrative staff HERE</a>. &nbsp;"I think, in my opinion, the overall consensus is that we need to eliminate the entire administrative hierarchy of the top five with the CFO, Bryan Brady, but at the top of that food chain is Eddie Herrman," he said. By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSeveral current and former doctors have come forward with criticism of the HaysMed administration.Former HaysMed Dr. Wallace Michael Curry started a string of social media comments from concerned employees and patients after he shared his criticism of the HaysMed administration and the board for retaining CEO Edward Herrman.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a32ac3e2-3d3b-4a77-94b3-9e455da465e1">SEE RELATED STORY: HaysMed losses $5M; current, former staff express concerns about care, administration</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9b9e56ce-abb6-46b3-b2de-6eb1ce011e7a">SEE RELATED STORY: HaysMed issues statement on financial losses.</a>Other doctors and staff have joined the discord, saying the hospital is being mismanaged and that it does not have the staff needed to provide quality care.Four doctors have recently left the hospital, including Dr. Wallace Michael Curry, longtime OBGYNs Drs. Lee Hodny and Joel Fort, and oncologist Dr. Anthony Acursso.HaysMed has imposed noncompete contracts with its doctors, so if the doctors want to leave, for all intents and purposes, they have to leave the state. All four of the physicians above have left the state.A physician who did not want his name published said he was considering leaving the hospital due to the lack of leadership from the administration and inadequate staffing.He said HaysMed is a great hospital, but the current administration is putting making money over patient care and its staff. He said the entire executive staff needed to be fired.The physician said the administration has slashed his staff in half despite increased cases.&nbsp;Veteran nurses are leaving because of the poor treatment and pay, he said.The hospital is staffing wards with caregivers who barely speak English or are right out of school, he said.As doctors and other medical staff leave the hospital, the doctor said it may not close but will lose its ability to provide key services.HaysMed is filling gaps with traveling nurses and locum&nbsp;tenens, which are temporary physicians.&nbsp;He said those temporary staff don't have the same relationship with their patients."The HaysMed people who are still here care so much," he said. "This is the public outcry."&nbsp;A second Hays physician, who did not want his name published, also expressed concern about the hospital's direction.He said he is also considering leaving the hospital."My biggest concern is that we are concentrating on the financial aspects when the care of the patient is not even second. It's third, fourth or fifth, even further down the line," he said."I am concerned that they are expecting much more revenue with less and less resources every day," he said.Treatment that once took a week to schedule is now taking two or three weeks because the hospital has not been able to retain the staff to provide that treatment."We are talking about doubling and tripling time they have to wait for very sick and anxious people," he said.His nursing staff also has been slashed even though his department is seeing more patients. He said nurses with specialized training have been replaced with nurses who do not have that special certification."The problem that we are having is when you have a nurse who is not certified and doesn't know our system, they don't know when bad is bad," he said."What ends up happening is you hire a nurse from the outside that has half the ability and costs twice the rate," he said.He said it causes low morale among the permanent certified nurses because they already have issues with their pay, and the hospital is hiring someone for more with half the skills.After a consultant observed and made recommendations to the hospital, the physicians were reprimanded for referring patients outside HaysMed for procedures despite the delays in treatment in the HaysMed system.The doctors were also told they had to cut their clinic appointments from 30 minutes to 15 minutes."As a physician, I'm not going to let the buzzer roll over and say I'm not going to talk about this," he said. "We are going to spend the time that we need, which is going to put us 30 or 45 minutes or an hour behind. [Patients] are reasonably frustrated because they had to wait an hour.""This is a conversation I have had with multiple other physicians. I think, in my opinion, the overall consensus is that we need to eliminate the entire administrative hierarchy of the top five with the CFO, Bryan Brady, but at the top of that food chain is Eddie Herrman," he said.The doctor said he has been bringing similar concerns to the administration for years and has been disregarded.He said he wants to see leadership that is responsive to the medical staff's concerns and will be strong leaders."I think if you take care of patients, the financial aspect will take care of its self."He added, "I can't continue to do what I love and what I think I do best without significant resources, and those resources come in the way of people. It comes in the way of nurses, CNAs, everything—from the people who help shovel the snow on a bad day to our highest administrative sites. We are in really dire, dire circumstances right now."Dr. Curry sent the following comments to the Hays Post from an outside hospital administrator, who he said summed up his concerns.I just wonder about your CEO and his credentials because some of the policies and attitudes he apparently has strike me as the opposite of what an educated administrator would likely have.Any administrator should have some knowledge in human relations and should share the attitude that employees are NOT replaceable at any level.It should be obvious to anyone in rural medicine that physicians are not easy to replace! More than that, any quality employees at any level or position are hard to find, and when we do find them, it is important that we keep them.Any good CEO and administration would implement a program to make sure that all employees feel valued. This, in turn, should help all employees make their patients feel valued.This is the approach of an educated and intelligent CEO. Any administrator that tells employees that they can be replaced, should be the one replaced!Hays Dr. Don Tillman is not employed by HaysMed but said he has been sending letters to the board expressing his concern about the hospital's leadership and direction. His letter can be read on the Hays Post <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0396c2ea-565d-482c-92f7-12bbb547acf7">HERE</a>.