🎥 Green & Growing Fertilizing Buffalo Grass

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland discussed the economic wins of the Kelly administration and what the Department of Commerce plans for future development at a Chamber in Hays luncheon on Friday.

Toland also serves as the Kansas Secretary of the Department of Commerce.

Between 2019 and 2024, Gov. Kelly's administration generated 19.7 million in private business investment in Kansas and retained or created 67,912 jobs. About 15% of the jobs were retained from moving to other states or overseas.

Toland said Kansas has been on the defense to keep other states like Missouri from poaching its businesses and jobs.

"I'm not talking about federal grants or COVID money or stimulus or any of that," Toland said. "I'm talking about businesses that get to make a decision on where they invest, and in unprecedented numbers in our history, they are choosing to invest in Kansas."

He said the growth is a combination of new businesses and existing businesses expanding in the state.

The second-largest economic project in the state during the Kelly administration has been in northwest Kansas— the Amber Wave wheat protein facility in Phillipsburg. That project was a $670 million investment.

Private business investment in the state grew steadily from $1.3 billion in 2019 to $3.8 billion in 2021.

"2020 was COVID. As a state, we had a decision to make. Are we going to pause and wait and see what happens as the global economy collapses, or do we hit the gas?" Toland said. The decision we made as a state—as an administration—was to hit the gas."

Private investment peaked at $7.4 billion before settling back at $3.1 billion in 2023. The state has about $1.8 billion in private investment so far this year, but multiple major projects are in the works for this fall, Toland said.

Although unemployment has inched up across the state, including Ellis County, which was at 3.1% in June, Tolland said in an interview after his presentation that anything less than 4% is still considered low.

He said the state is closely monitoring the employment data, but there is no need for alarm.

Kansas still has 100,000 open positions—50,000 are listed on <a href="https://www.kansasworks.com/">KANSASWORKS</a>.

Although&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b6494bc6-04be-4643-a7e4-7d558c627ad2" target="_blank">EnerSys, an industrial battery manufacturer,&nbsp;</a>announced layoffs in May and&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1c08eb9c-3e48-4018-80f6-5414bb427eac" target="_blank">Amphenol</a>&nbsp;Adronics, which manufactures antennas and vehicles, closed its Hays plant earlier this year, Toland said the Microfactory is poised to bring in new manufacturing businesses and jobs to Hays.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/086b27b6-fc06-490d-91ed-833bbf3e82cd">The MicroFacroty is a $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility that was constructed to attract startup manufacturers or those wishing to expand to Hays.</a> The Kansas Department of Commerce contributed $2.6 million in a BASE grant for that project.

The ribbon was cut on the facility in March.

"[The MicroFactory's] very presence is a tangible reflection of this community's commitment to manufacturing and business development," Toland said.

He said he had personally spoken to two businesses interested in Hays. 

"I'm confident that we are going to have a win soon," Toland said.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, said the economic development organization has seven to 10 businesses in the pipeline for possible rental of the space in the Microfactory.&nbsp;He said Grow Hays wants to ensure it finds manufacturers that are the right fit for the facility and Hays.

Toland also said housing is essential to recruiting talent to Kansas, and Hays has been aggressively addressing that issue.

"With the housing shortage we're seeing in northwest Kansas and across the state getting more acute with the growth that we are seeing in this part of the state, we've got to make certain that new rooftops are going up," he said.

Other Department of Commerce investments in Ellis County have included <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9108b04d-d307-4e44-b588-f0405d5575ae">$115,000 for renovations for the Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas building in Hays</a>, $150,000 for DSNWK, $2.3 million for workforce retention through Fort Hays State University, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4493d3ca-7a48-4f10-9a84-c20923e7d68c">a $75,000 HEAL Grant for Chestnut Suites in Hays</a> and a $594,000 BASE grant for Gella's Diner.

"We have really tried to be focused and be intentional on making investments in Hays and Ellis County, knowing that this is the retail and commercial job center in this part of the state," Toland said.

When companies are looking to invest, they want to make sure there will be places for their workers to live, he said.

He said Hays also does well in investing in quality of life. This has included $6,500 in operational support for the Hays Community Theatre and $22,000 for the Hays Arts Council.

Toland gave kudos to Ellis County's work to reduce the number of needed child care slots in the county from 800 to what will soon be 330.

Sara Bloom, who is from Hays, is the child care advocate for the Kansas Department of Commerce. She said the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County, which is facilitated by the Chamber in Hays and Sarah Wasinger, deserves all the credit for reducing that care gap.

"There has been a focused effort in this county to solve the child care shortage here," Toland said, "and that matters because businesses that are trying to hire people need to be able to hire people who are often at child-bearing age. They want to know that their children are well taken care of while they are working.

"If you don't have child care slots, a lot of people choose not to work," he said.

Toland also touched on the state's new "Love, Kansas" initiative, which aims to bring workers who once lived in Kansas back home.

Hays is one of 19 cities in Kansas to pilot the program.

Toland, an Iola native, left Kansas after graduating from The University of Kansas for a job on the East Coast.&nbsp;

After he and his wife had their daughter, he decided they didn't want her to grow up playing in their 4-foot-by-4-foot front yard. The family moved back to Kansas.

"The Love, Kansas program is about taking someone who graduated from Hays High School, maybe 10 years ago or 20 years ago, you decide," Toland said, "and using local people who know those graduates to make a pitch to them—to reach out to them directly and say, 'Hey, do you know all of the great things that are happening in Hays?'"

He added, "We have 100,000 open jobs. We have wonderful communities that offer such a high quality of life and are welcoming places, so let's go out there and bring our people back to Hays, to Ellis County, to northwest Kansas, to Kansas."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722027603784.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland at the Chamber in Hays luncheon Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland at the Chamber in Hays luncheon Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostKansas Lt. Gov. David Toland discussed the economic wins of the Kelly administration and what the Department of Commerce plans for future development at a Chamber in Hays luncheon on Friday.Toland also serves as the Kansas Secretary of the Department of Commerce.Between 2019 and 2024, Gov. Kelly's administration generated 19.7 million in private business investment in Kansas and retained or created 67,912 jobs. About 15% of the jobs were retained from moving to other states or overseas.Toland said Kansas has been on the defense to keep other states like Missouri from poaching its businesses and jobs."I'm not talking about federal grants or COVID money or stimulus or any of that," Toland said. "I'm talking about businesses that get to make a decision on where they invest, and in unprecedented numbers in our history, they are choosing to invest in Kansas."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722027687231.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland spoke to a group at a Chamber in Hays luncheon Friday about economic development in northwest Kansas. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland spoke to a group at a Chamber in Hays luncheon Friday about economic development in northwest Kansas. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>He said the growth is a combination of new businesses and existing businesses expanding in the state.The second-largest economic project in the state during the Kelly administration has been in northwest Kansas— the Amber Wave wheat protein facility in Phillipsburg. That project was a $670 million investment.Private business investment in the state grew steadily from $1.3 billion in 2019 to $3.8 billion in 2021."2020 was COVID. As a state, we had a decision to make. Are we going to pause and wait and see what happens as the global economy collapses, or do we hit the gas?" Toland said. The decision we made as a state—as an administration—was to hit the gas."Private investment peaked at $7.4 billion before settling back at $3.1 billion in 2023. The state has about $1.8 billion in private investment so far this year, but multiple major projects are in the works for this fall, Toland said.Although unemployment has inched up across the state, including Ellis County, which was at 3.1% in June, Tolland said in an interview after his presentation that anything less than 4% is still considered low.He said the state is closely monitoring the employment data, but there is no need for alarm.Kansas still has 100,000 open positions—50,000 are listed on <a href="https://www.kansasworks.com/">KANSASWORKS</a>.Although&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b6494bc6-04be-4643-a7e4-7d558c627ad2" target="_blank">EnerSys, an industrial battery manufacturer,&nbsp;</a>announced layoffs in May and&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1c08eb9c-3e48-4018-80f6-5414bb427eac" target="_blank">Amphenol</a>&nbsp;Adronics, which manufactures antennas and vehicles, closed its Hays plant earlier this year, Toland said the Microfactory is poised to bring in new manufacturing businesses and jobs to Hays.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/086b27b6-fc06-490d-91ed-833bbf3e82cd">The MicroFacroty is a $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility that was constructed to attract startup manufacturers or those wishing to expand to Hays.</a> The Kansas Department of Commerce contributed $2.6 million in a BASE grant for that project.The ribbon was cut on the facility in March."[The MicroFactory's] very presence is a tangible reflection of this community's commitment to manufacturing and business development," Toland said.He said he had personally spoken to two businesses interested in Hays. "I'm confident that we are going to have a win soon," Toland said.Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, said the economic development organization has seven to 10 businesses in the pipeline for possible rental of the space in the Microfactory.&nbsp;He said Grow Hays wants to ensure it finds manufacturers that are the right fit for the facility and Hays.Toland also said housing is essential to recruiting talent to Kansas, and Hays has been aggressively addressing that issue."With the housing shortage we're seeing in northwest Kansas and across the state getting more acute with the growth that we are seeing in this part of the state, we've got to make certain that new rooftops are going up," he said.Other Department of Commerce investments in Ellis County have included <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9108b04d-d307-4e44-b588-f0405d5575ae">$115,000 for renovations for the Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas building in Hays</a>, $150,000 for DSNWK, $2.3 million for workforce retention through Fort Hays State University, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4493d3ca-7a48-4f10-9a84-c20923e7d68c">a $75,000 HEAL Grant for Chestnut Suites in Hays</a> and a $594,000 BASE grant for Gella's Diner."We have really tried to be focused and be intentional on making investments in Hays and Ellis County, knowing that this is the retail and commercial job center in this part of the state," Toland said.When companies are looking to invest, they want to make sure there will be places for their workers to live, he said.He said Hays also does well in investing in quality of life. This has included $6,500 in operational support for the Hays Community Theatre and $22,000 for the Hays Arts Council.Toland gave kudos to Ellis County's work to reduce the number of needed child care slots in the county from 800 to what will soon be 330.Sara Bloom, who is from Hays, is the child care advocate for the Kansas Department of Commerce. She said the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County, which is facilitated by the Chamber in Hays and Sarah Wasinger, deserves all the credit for reducing that care gap."There has been a focused effort in this county to solve the child care shortage here," Toland said, "and that matters because businesses that are trying to hire people need to be able to hire people who are often at child-bearing age. They want to know that their children are well taken care of while they are working."If you don't have child care slots, a lot of people choose not to work," he said.Toland also touched on the state's new "Love, Kansas" initiative, which aims to bring workers who once lived in Kansas back home.Hays is one of 19 cities in Kansas to pilot the program.Toland, an Iola native, left Kansas after graduating from The University of Kansas for a job on the East Coast.&nbsp;After he and his wife had their daughter, he decided they didn't want her to grow up playing in their 4-foot-by-4-foot front yard. The family moved back to Kansas."The Love, Kansas program is about taking someone who graduated from Hays High School, maybe 10 years ago or 20 years ago, you decide," Toland said, "and using local people who know those graduates to make a pitch to them—to reach out to them directly and say, 'Hey, do you know all of the great things that are happening in Hays?'"He added, "We have 100,000 open jobs. We have wonderful communities that offer such a high quality of life and are welcoming places, so let's go out there and bring our people back to Hays, to Ellis County, to northwest Kansas, to Kansas."

KS Lt. Governor Toland touts economic investment in Ellis County

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

"Exciting" and "something we've been needing for a long time"

That's how Hays city commissioners described the next steps for three more housing and business/retail developments that were unanimously approved by the commission Thursday.&nbsp;

Jess Rohr, public works director, called&nbsp;approval of the final plat for the Depot Addition near 10th and Walnut a "great example of a good infill project. ... All the utilities are in place. We're not building new streets."

Hays developer Michael Graham has proposed building a multi-family apartment complex on the city-owned property, which is the site of the former train depot.

A new street will be constructed as part of the 27th and Main Street Addition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Astra Bank will move its operations to 27th and Main and develop the two lots, including residential multi-family housing and a neighborhood shopping district.

The property will have access along Fort Street, Main Street, 27th Street and from the planned extension of 26th Street through the center of the development.&nbsp;

The land was originally purchased to be the site of a future police station. However, an agreement with Astra Bank was reached to convert their existing building, 1100 Fort, into the new Hays police station and municipal court facility.

Commissioners also approved the planned development of The Grove by Grow Hays. 

The retiree-focused mixed housing will be built north of Hays Medical Center on Canterbury Drive. This is the final step before infrastructure bids can be submitted.&nbsp;

The development will also extend the city’s multiuse path network by constructing a one-mile connector from the juncture of 22nd Street and the existing HaysMed path north to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp;

"This is something new for Hays and is likely to bring in new people to the community," said Shaun Musil, mayor.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Construction of the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center </a>will start late this summer. The facility will also house the new senior center and a child care.&nbsp;

A public hearing was set for Sept. 12 to establish a reinvestment housing incentive district requested by Grow Hays. The developer has proposed that the city finance and construct the project infrastructure. The incentive district revenues would come from incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site for up to 25 years.

Local property taxes will not be affected, said Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.&nbsp;

A charter ordinance allowing the city to issue general obligation bonds to finance projects in its capital improvements plan by simple adoption of a resolution was also approved.

"It gives greater flexibility for the city to authorize certain capital improvement projects," said Kim Rupp, finance director.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commissioners also talked about sales tax collections, which are slightly down so far in 2024.

Those collections are the primary funds for the city's general fund.

"Cautious, but not concerned" is how Dougherty said the commission should think of the situation.

Current tax collections for July are up somewhat, Rupp said.

Musil said he didn't want the city to be too reliant on revenue from athletic teams coming to Hays to use the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex.

"Our visitors to the Sternberg Museum are up considerably in June and July compared to last year," said Commissioner Reese Barrick, museum executive director,&nbsp;"and probably 80% of them are from out of town."

&nbsp;The 2025 budget estimates sales tax revenues to bounce back a little in 2025, with a 2% increase estimated over 2024 projections.

&nbsp;• Approved proceeding with a nuisance abatement at 515 E. 11th.&nbsp; Another requested abatement for 1700 Marshall Road was moved to the next city commission meeting because "considerable progress" had been made at site as of Thursday morning.

•  Approved appointments of Patricia Makings to the Hays Housing Authority Board and the reappointment of Mark Junk to the Hays Recreation Commission Board.

• Heard the June 2024 financial report, the recent progress report for city projects and activities, and a look ahead to the Convention and Visitors Bureau calendar of events for August 2024.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722028241306.jpeg" alt="Hays City Commission at their July 25 meeting. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays City Commission at their July 25 meeting. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post"Exciting" and "something we've been needing for a long time" That's how Hays city commissioners described the next steps for three more housing and business/retail developments that were unanimously approved by the commission Thursday.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721406862631.png" alt="Depot Addition, 10th and Walnut, downtown Hays. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Depot Addition, 10th and Walnut, downtown Hays. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Jess Rohr, public works director, called&nbsp;approval of the final plat for the Depot Addition near 10th and Walnut a "great example of a good infill project. ... All the utilities are in place. We're not building new streets."Hays developer Michael Graham has proposed building a multi-family apartment complex on the city-owned property, which is the site of the former train depot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721406520997.png" alt="27th and Main final plat. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>27th and Main final plat. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>A new street will be constructed as part of the 27th and Main Street Addition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Astra Bank will move its operations to 27th and Main and develop the two lots, including residential multi-family housing and a neighborhood shopping district.The property will have access along Fort Street, Main Street, 27th Street and from the planned extension of 26th Street through the center of the development.&nbsp;The land was originally purchased to be the site of a future police station. However, an agreement with Astra Bank was reached to convert their existing building, 1100 Fort, into the new Hays police station and municipal court facility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719410122678.png" alt="The Grove planned development, north of HaysMed. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>The Grove planned development, north of HaysMed. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners also approved the planned development of The Grove by Grow Hays. The retiree-focused mixed housing will be built north of Hays Medical Center on Canterbury Drive. This is the final step before infrastructure bids can be submitted.&nbsp;The development will also extend the city’s multiuse path network by constructing a one-mile connector from the juncture of 22nd Street and the existing HaysMed path north to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp;"This is something new for Hays and is likely to bring in new people to the community," said Shaun Musil, mayor.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Construction of the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center </a>will start late this summer. The facility will also house the new senior center and a child care.&nbsp;A public hearing was set for Sept. 12 to establish a reinvestment housing incentive district requested by Grow Hays. The developer has proposed that the city finance and construct the project infrastructure. The incentive district revenues would come from incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site for up to 25 years.Local property taxes will not be affected, said Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.&nbsp;A charter ordinance allowing the city to issue general obligation bonds to finance projects in its capital improvements plan by simple adoption of a resolution was also approved."It gives greater flexibility for the city to authorize certain capital improvement projects," said Kim Rupp, finance director.&nbsp;&nbsp;Commissioners also talked about sales tax collections, which are slightly down so far in 2024.Those collections are the primary funds for the city's general fund."Cautious, but not concerned" is how Dougherty said the commission should think of the situation.Current tax collections for July are up somewhat, Rupp said.Musil said he didn't want the city to be too reliant on revenue from athletic teams coming to Hays to use the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex."Our visitors to the Sternberg Museum are up considerably in June and July compared to last year," said Commissioner Reese Barrick, museum executive director,&nbsp;"and probably 80% of them are from out of town."&nbsp;The 2025 budget estimates sales tax revenues to bounce back a little in 2025, with a 2% increase estimated over 2024 projections.In other business, commissioners:&nbsp;• Approved proceeding with a nuisance abatement at 515 E. 11th.&nbsp; Another requested abatement for 1700 Marshall Road was moved to the next city commission meeting because "considerable progress" had been made at site as of Thursday morning.• Approved appointments of Patricia Makings to the Hays Housing Authority Board and the reappointment of Mark Junk to the Hays Recreation Commission Board.• Heard the June 2024 financial report, the recent progress report for city projects and activities, and a look ahead to the Convention and Visitors Bureau calendar of events for August 2024.&nbsp;

3 new housing, business developments moving forward in Hays

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is thrilled to announce that Clifford The Big Red Dog will be at the Phillipsburg City Library during Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo on Saturday, August 3rd, from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Those in attendance will have a chance to meet Clifford The Big Red Dog in person and take pictures with him. Each child in attendance will receive a FREE book from Smoky Hills PBS.

“We are excited to bring Clifford The Big Red Dog to Phillipsburg during such a celebrated event as Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo," said Haley Gagnon, event coordinator at Smoky Hills PBS. "It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together, create lasting memories, and experience the joy that Clifford brings”

Smoky Hills PBS is dedicated to providing enriching and educational experiences for our community. We invite everyone to join us for this special day and make the most of the fun-filled activities planned for all ages.

For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://smokyhillspbs.org/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Date:&nbsp;Saturday, August 3, 2024

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time:&nbsp;10 AM - 1 PM - come and go

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Location:&nbsp;Phillipsburg City Library, Phillipsburg, KS

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost:&nbsp;Free

Family Fun Day is an educational and entertaining event that Smoky Hills PBS puts on approximately 4 times a year across Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings a special PBS character to visit and FREE books and educational gifts are distributed to those children in attendance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721757912972.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedBUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is thrilled to announce that Clifford The Big Red Dog will be at the Phillipsburg City Library during Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo on Saturday, August 3rd, from 10 AM to 1 PM.Those in attendance will have a chance to meet Clifford The Big Red Dog in person and take pictures with him. Each child in attendance will receive a FREE book from Smoky Hills PBS.“We are excited to bring Clifford The Big Red Dog to Phillipsburg during such a celebrated event as Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo," said Haley Gagnon, event coordinator at Smoky Hills PBS. "It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together, create lasting memories, and experience the joy that Clifford brings”Smoky Hills PBS is dedicated to providing enriching and educational experiences for our community. We invite everyone to join us for this special day and make the most of the fun-filled activities planned for all ages.For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://smokyhillspbs.org/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;Event Details:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Date:&nbsp;Saturday, August 3, 2024·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time:&nbsp;10 AM - 1 PM - come and go·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Location:&nbsp;Phillipsburg City Library, Phillipsburg, KS·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost:&nbsp;FreeFamily Fun Day is an educational and entertaining event that Smoky Hills PBS puts on approximately 4 times a year across Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings a special PBS character to visit and FREE books and educational gifts are distributed to those children in attendance.

Clifford The Big Red Dog and Smoky Hills PBS coming to Phillipsburg

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Weather patterns can have a significant impact on grasshopper populations year to year. Hot, dry summers increase the survival of nymphs and adult grasshoppers, leading to increased egg production during the growing season. Cool, wet weather promotes fungal pathogens that can reduce egg and nymph survival, but if the following spring is warm and wet, egg hatching will increase, and more nymphs survive. So, several years of hot, dry summers followed by warm, wet springs can eventually lead to large populations of grasshoppers in some regions.

Weather patterns, along with abundant grassy and broad-leaf weeds, have supported the presence of large grasshopper populations in western and central Kansas this year. Most crops are likely mature enough to withstand some defoliation as summer continues. However, 5 to 8 grasshoppers per square yard in corn or sorghum fields may warrant treatment.

Later this season, fall-planted crops could be at risk, especially as alternate food sources are controlled or go dormant. In areas with larger grasshopper populations, seedling alfalfa and wheat could be at risk.

Before planting alfalfa, treatment should be considered if there are 15 or more grasshoppers per square yard around the planting area. Once planted and growing, consider treatment if 3-5 grasshoppers per square yard are found in the seedling alfalfa stand.

Vegetated borders around areas where wheat will be planted should be scouted 10 days before planting. Consider treating those borders if there are 7 to 12 grasshoppers per square yard. Once growing, 3 or more grasshoppers per square yard within the field can destroy seedling wheat stands. If grasshopper populations are low to moderate, seed treatments can protect emerging wheat plants for several weeks if products are applied at the highest registered rate. Seed treatments will be less effective under severe grasshopper pressure. Avoid planting too early, as this will help reduce the time that wheat will need to be protected.

In either crop, multiple applications might be necessary depending on the products used and the severity of the season’s grasshopper buildup. Please refer to the most recent Insect Management Guides for specific control information or search corn, sorghum, alfalfa, or wheat KSU insect management guide on your internet browser.

Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, Extension Entomology Associate – Garden City.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266615291.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictWeather patterns can have a significant impact on grasshopper populations year to year. Hot, dry summers increase the survival of nymphs and adult grasshoppers, leading to increased egg production during the growing season. Cool, wet weather promotes fungal pathogens that can reduce egg and nymph survival, but if the following spring is warm and wet, egg hatching will increase, and more nymphs survive. So, several years of hot, dry summers followed by warm, wet springs can eventually lead to large populations of grasshoppers in some regions.Weather patterns, along with abundant grassy and broad-leaf weeds, have supported the presence of large grasshopper populations in western and central Kansas this year. Most crops are likely mature enough to withstand some defoliation as summer continues. However, 5 to 8 grasshoppers per square yard in corn or sorghum fields may warrant treatment.Fall-planted crops: Alfalfa and wheatLater this season, fall-planted crops could be at risk, especially as alternate food sources are controlled or go dormant. In areas with larger grasshopper populations, seedling alfalfa and wheat could be at risk.Before planting alfalfa, treatment should be considered if there are 15 or more grasshoppers per square yard around the planting area. Once planted and growing, consider treatment if 3-5 grasshoppers per square yard are found in the seedling alfalfa stand.Vegetated borders around areas where wheat will be planted should be scouted 10 days before planting. Consider treating those borders if there are 7 to 12 grasshoppers per square yard. Once growing, 3 or more grasshoppers per square yard within the field can destroy seedling wheat stands. If grasshopper populations are low to moderate, seed treatments can protect emerging wheat plants for several weeks if products are applied at the highest registered rate. Seed treatments will be less effective under severe grasshopper pressure. Avoid planting too early, as this will help reduce the time that wheat will need to be protected.In either crop, multiple applications might be necessary depending on the products used and the severity of the season’s grasshopper buildup. Please refer to the most recent Insect Management Guides for specific control information or search corn, sorghum, alfalfa, or wheat KSU insect management guide on your internet browser.Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, Extension Entomology Associate – Garden City.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Grasshopper populations in Kansas remain elevated

<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/2024/7/1722026303000.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

Open a browser on your mobile device and visit the website at <a href="https://hayspost.com">https://hayspost.com</a>.&nbsp; Add it to the Home screen on your mobile device for the best possible experience.&nbsp; Here’s a screenshot that shows you how:

Open a browser on your mobile device and visit the website at <a href="https://hayspost.com">https://hayspost.com</a>.&nbsp; Add it to the Home screen on your mobile device for the best possible experience.&nbsp; Here’s a screenshot that shows you how:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722009103461.png" alt="Hays Post.png" />
 <figcaption>Hays Post.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

How to get full Hays Post experience on your mobile

Every year, custom harvesters travel the country to cut wheat and other crops for farmers who don’t have the equipment or manpower to do it themselves, a service that is vital to agriculture in America.

The new Tiger Media Network documentary, “Life On The Harvest Run,” explores the lives of two custom harvesting families from Kansas and what their summers on the harvest run are like. TMN’s latest crop of paid summer interns — Ryan Schuckman, Raegan Neufeld and John Billinger — interviewed the Befort family from Hays and the Froese family from Inman.

“Life On The Harvest Run” will premiere at 4 p.m. on July 25 on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGvxUgrFuzA">TMN YouTube page</a>. Additional videos and information can be found <a href="https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/rBjMCaxb6ND5s">here</a>.

“I think that the interviews went well,” Schuckman said. “We were able to get a really interesting perspective from everyone. I am very proud of how we made the story, took what everyone said in the interviews and made a really interesting documentary.”

The Fort Hays State University students interviewed active and retired custom harvesters to get a mix of present and past perspectives. Interviewees ranged from 20 to 91 years old.

"Not only are we learning how to work as a team, but we're also learning about events and history we wouldn't have known otherwise," Billinger said. "It helps preserve their stories and experiences for generations to come."

By participating in the internship, the students received a real-world experience of what their prospective careers in the media industry might be like.

“This is something that I think I knew beforehand, but this experience has kind of reinforced that working with other people is very beneficial,” Neufeld said. “We each have our own strengths, and it would’ve been difficult without any one of us.”

Schuckman, Neufeld and Billinger each had prior experience with creating a documentary, but this was the first time they worked with others.

“I learned a lot more about what working in a production is like, where you have multiple people and multiple cameras — working together as a team rather than working by myself,” Schuckman said.

This is the second documentary produced by TMN summer interns, following the success of last year’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLiJAbFZ2zg">“45x: A Dirt Dream.”</a>

“One goal of Tiger Media Network is to give students a look into what the real-world working environment might be,” said Nick Schwien, director of TMN. “We want our FHSU students to stand out to potential employers when they apply for jobs post-graduation. Experiences like this fit perfectly into the Department of Informatics approach to preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce.”

TMN News and Sports Director Russell Heitmann said he hopes future summer interns can continue to build on the success of prior projects.

“Our first set of interns set the bar high with a quality product and gave our current students a goal of what to reach for,” he said. “Next summer’s interns should be able to look at the finished product and see something to try and emulate and learn from, just like this year’s interns did with the prior internship group.”&nbsp;

Ryan Schuckman is a junior from Hays studying Information Networking and Telecommunications: Digital Media Production and Journalism.

Raegan Neufeld is a senior from Inman studying Information Networking and Telecommunications: Digital Media Production and Journalism.

John Billinger is a senior from Ellinwood studying Information Networking and Telecommunications: Digital Media Production and Journalism.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722003924817.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tiger Media NetworkEvery year, custom harvesters travel the country to cut wheat and other crops for farmers who don’t have the equipment or manpower to do it themselves, a service that is vital to agriculture in America.The new Tiger Media Network documentary, “Life On The Harvest Run,” explores the lives of two custom harvesting families from Kansas and what their summers on the harvest run are like. TMN’s latest crop of paid summer interns — Ryan Schuckman, Raegan Neufeld and John Billinger — interviewed the Befort family from Hays and the Froese family from Inman.“Life On The Harvest Run” will premiere at 4 p.m. on July 25 on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGvxUgrFuzA">TMN YouTube page</a>. Additional videos and information can be found <a href="https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/rBjMCaxb6ND5s">here</a>.“I think that the interviews went well,” Schuckman said. “We were able to get a really interesting perspective from everyone. I am very proud of how we made the story, took what everyone said in the interviews and made a really interesting documentary.”The Fort Hays State University students interviewed active and retired custom harvesters to get a mix of present and past perspectives. Interviewees ranged from 20 to 91 years old."Not only are we learning how to work as a team, but we're also learning about events and history we wouldn't have known otherwise," Billinger said. "It helps preserve their stories and experiences for generations to come."By participating in the internship, the students received a real-world experience of what their prospective careers in the media industry might be like.“This is something that I think I knew beforehand, but this experience has kind of reinforced that working with other people is very beneficial,” Neufeld said. “We each have our own strengths, and it would’ve been difficult without any one of us.”Schuckman, Neufeld and Billinger each had prior experience with creating a documentary, but this was the first time they worked with others.“I learned a lot more about what working in a production is like, where you have multiple people and multiple cameras — working together as a team rather than working by myself,” Schuckman said.This is the second documentary produced by TMN summer interns, following the success of last year’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLiJAbFZ2zg">“45x: A Dirt Dream.”</a>“One goal of Tiger Media Network is to give students a look into what the real-world working environment might be,” said Nick Schwien, director of TMN. “We want our FHSU students to stand out to potential employers when they apply for jobs post-graduation. Experiences like this fit perfectly into the Department of Informatics approach to preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce.”TMN News and Sports Director Russell Heitmann said he hopes future summer interns can continue to build on the success of prior projects.“Our first set of interns set the bar high with a quality product and gave our current students a goal of what to reach for,” he said. “Next summer’s interns should be able to look at the finished product and see something to try and emulate and learn from, just like this year’s interns did with the prior internship group.”&nbsp;Ryan Schuckman is a junior from Hays studying Information Networking and Telecommunications: Digital Media Production and Journalism.Raegan Neufeld is a senior from Inman studying Information Networking and Telecommunications: Digital Media Production and Journalism.John Billinger is a senior from Ellinwood studying Information Networking and Telecommunications: Digital Media Production and Journalism.

TMN interns explore custom harvesting in documentary

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Bazaar on the Bricks Sidewalk Sale in the heart of Hays will be a day for vendors, businesses and nonprofits to set up shop.

The event is set for 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Executive Director of the Downtown Hays Development Corp. Julie Rider said 12 downtown businesses will have racks on the streets outside their stores, offering great deals alongside businesses from other areas.

"We've got several home-based businesses coming in from jewelry, crafts, clothing and fundraising groups," she said.

The annual sale spans Main Street from Seventh Street to 12th Street and will feature <a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org/northwest-hays">Big Brothers Big Sisters</a>, <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way of Ellis County</a>, <a href="https://hpmhc.com/our-programs/7-cups-of-tea/">High Plains Mental Health</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceenaowens.com/">Ceena's Massage</a>.

While discovering various businesses and organizations for free, grab a bite from food vendors such as the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OilersCheerleadingHays/">Oilers Cheerleaders</a>, <a href="https://paisleypear.net/">Paisley P</a>ear, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047485065448690">Feeding Hays</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://breathecoffee.com/">Breathe Coffee House</a>.

The regular Downtown Hays Market will be under the Pavilion, featuring more than 25 vendors and home-based businesses. On Saturday, the market will extend its hours from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093414399348">Jumper of Hays Rental</a> was planned to set up a jump house but needed to cancel. Next to the pavilion, young attendees can still find a fun colorful activity.

"We'll also have a chalk art station by the Convention Visitors Bureau for the kids," Rider said.

The event was previously known as Sidewalk Bazaar, starting in 1963, and has undergone several changes, Rider said. It was originally intended as an annual back-to-school clothing sale for downtown businesses.

The event now includes a broader range of businesses and charities in Ellis County and assists with inventory management as the fall season approaches.

"This is sort of a way for them to clear out their summer merchandise," Rider said. "We've also added the opportunity for nonprofits to come down."

Nonprofits could participate for free, while downtown businesses paid a $50 fee, and all other businesses paid $75. Vendor registration is now closed.

Bazaar on the Bricks starts Saturday morning and continues into the afternoon, but arriving early is recommended to make the most of the experience, Rider said.

"Come down early for the best bargains. Set your alarm and be here at seven," Rider said.

You can find more information on The Bricks in Downtown Hays <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/bazaar-on-the-bricks">website</a> and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHays">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721853271802.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostBazaar on the Bricks Sidewalk Sale in the heart of Hays will be a day for vendors, businesses and nonprofits to set up shop.The event is set for 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.Executive Director of the Downtown Hays Development Corp. Julie Rider said 12 downtown businesses will have racks on the streets outside their stores, offering great deals alongside businesses from other areas."We've got several home-based businesses coming in from jewelry, crafts, clothing and fundraising groups," she said.The annual sale spans Main Street from Seventh Street to 12th Street and will feature <a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org/northwest-hays">Big Brothers Big Sisters</a>, <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way of Ellis County</a>, <a href="https://hpmhc.com/our-programs/7-cups-of-tea/">High Plains Mental Health</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceenaowens.com/">Ceena's Massage</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721853189639.jpeg" alt="Map of vendors, businesses and non-profits at the 2024 Bazaar on The Bricks (with the exception of Jumpers of Hays Rentals)." />
 <figcaption>Map of vendors, businesses and non-profits at the 2024 Bazaar on The Bricks (with the exception of Jumpers of Hays Rentals).</figcaption>
 </figure>While discovering various businesses and organizations for free, grab a bite from food vendors such as the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OilersCheerleadingHays/">Oilers Cheerleaders</a>, <a href="https://paisleypear.net/">Paisley P</a>ear, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047485065448690">Feeding Hays</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://breathecoffee.com/">Breathe Coffee House</a>.The regular Downtown Hays Market will be under the Pavilion, featuring more than 25 vendors and home-based businesses. On Saturday, the market will extend its hours from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093414399348">Jumper of Hays Rental</a> was planned to set up a jump house but needed to cancel. Next to the pavilion, young attendees can still find a fun colorful activity."We'll also have a chalk art station by the Convention Visitors Bureau for the kids," Rider said.The event was previously known as Sidewalk Bazaar, starting in 1963, and has undergone several changes, Rider said. It was originally intended as an annual back-to-school clothing sale for downtown businesses.The event now includes a broader range of businesses and charities in Ellis County and assists with inventory management as the fall season approaches."This is sort of a way for them to clear out their summer merchandise," Rider said. "We've also added the opportunity for nonprofits to come down."Nonprofits could participate for free, while downtown businesses paid a $50 fee, and all other businesses paid $75. Vendor registration is now closed.Bazaar on the Bricks starts Saturday morning and continues into the afternoon, but arriving early is recommended to make the most of the experience, Rider said."Come down early for the best bargains. Set your alarm and be here at seven," Rider said.You can find more information on The Bricks in Downtown Hays <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/bazaar-on-the-bricks">website</a> and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHays">Facebook</a>.

Bazaar on the Bricks Sidewalk Sale on Saturday in downtown Hays

The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in August. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

SubmittedThe Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in August. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those celebrating 45 years:<ul>
 <li>Judith Sprout, Senior Administrative Specialist,&nbsp;Topeka</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 40 years:<ul>
 <li>Carl Gile, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Topeka</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 35 years:<ul>
 <li>Joseph Gast, Public Service Executive II,&nbsp;Scranton</li><li>Laurence Robinson, Highway Maintenance Superintendent,&nbsp;Columbus</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 30 years:<ul>
 <li>Mark Hurt, Chief of Structures and Geotechnical Services, Lawrence&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 25 years:<ul>
 <li>Raeann Dennett, Engineering Technician Senior,&nbsp;Winfield</li><li>Jeannie Howard, Administrative Specialist,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>Curtis Huffman, Applications Developer III,&nbsp;Overland Park</li><li>Jeffrey Marks, Highway Maintenance Supervisor,&nbsp;Eureka</li><li>Richard Woodhead, Management Analyst II,&nbsp;Baldwin City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 20 years:<ul>
 <li>David Studebaker, Highway Maintenance Superintendent,&nbsp;Harveyville</li><li>Martin Volz, Equipment Operator Specialist,&nbsp;Galesburg</li><li>Donald Wiley Jr., Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Westphalia</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 10 years:<ul>
 <li>Wilbur Brown Jr., Equipment Mechanic Senior,&nbsp;Atwood</li><li>Kenneth Martin, Equipment Operator,&nbsp;Oakley</li><li>Zachary Mooney, Equipment Operator,&nbsp;Valley Falls&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

KDOT employees celebrate service anniversaries

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) invites the public to join its staff for a free, family-friendly meteor shower watch party on Friday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. 

This annual event celebrates the end of summer as the Earth passes through the dust and debris of the Swift-Tuttle comet, creating a spectacular display of meteors or “shooting stars” in the night sky.

Located northeast of Great Bend on K-156 Highway, the KWEC offers an ideal location for comfortable sky-watching. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax on the KWEC lawn while enjoying the celestial show.

In addition to meteor watching, the evening will feature s’mores making and eating and several space-themed learning stations inside the KWEC. Activities include making straw rockets, fizzing meteors, and creating a glow-in-the-dark comet. Planetarium shows will also be offered in the inflatable planetarium.

The event will proceed rain or shine, but clear skies are necessary for optimal meteor shower viewing.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms, 592 NE K-156 Hwy., Great Bend, KS 67530.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqiohrCVEzT-2Bu22yVklcaqOvmZGt05-2BeOL3r-2Flc3NH2OVEKkT_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOBnHuTzaSuoB5HB0CfX4Wf23VDbV8osYAxB1OEDSrxvtGDTmirg5Fyh-2F7yLMYJ-2BzqhVopvl0GiHOqoNDM46F06J44RqdSmhxyX3f5rJf73SDgSInl8yFABCEw6j2sVMrcCQjhDcG34l-2FjNEjU9NQI-2F2CkjxYNQ8FzrKVHYlSZeRoDFSsmGJbyMcbOs-2Bi08PBIZr34KvwvbCGFQZug-2BHd7wd6k1uB-2FL2I2BMKX6-2Bhdj-2FreZqfryc4UoY4BVZcYv7tK">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721768746057.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas Wetlands Education Center" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas Wetlands Education Center</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) invites the public to join its staff for a free, family-friendly meteor shower watch party on Friday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. This annual event celebrates the end of summer as the Earth passes through the dust and debris of the Swift-Tuttle comet, creating a spectacular display of meteors or “shooting stars” in the night sky.Located northeast of Great Bend on K-156 Highway, the KWEC offers an ideal location for comfortable sky-watching. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax on the KWEC lawn while enjoying the celestial show.In addition to meteor watching, the evening will feature s’mores making and eating and several space-themed learning stations inside the KWEC. Activities include making straw rockets, fizzing meteors, and creating a glow-in-the-dark comet. Planetarium shows will also be offered in the inflatable planetarium.The event will proceed rain or shine, but clear skies are necessary for optimal meteor shower viewing.The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms, 592 NE K-156 Hwy., Great Bend, KS 67530.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqiohrCVEzT-2Bu22yVklcaqOvmZGt05-2BeOL3r-2Flc3NH2OVEKkT_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOBnHuTzaSuoB5HB0CfX4Wf23VDbV8osYAxB1OEDSrxvtGDTmirg5Fyh-2F7yLMYJ-2BzqhVopvl0GiHOqoNDM46F06J44RqdSmhxyX3f5rJf73SDgSInl8yFABCEw6j2sVMrcCQjhDcG34l-2FjNEjU9NQI-2F2CkjxYNQ8FzrKVHYlSZeRoDFSsmGJbyMcbOs-2Bi08PBIZr34KvwvbCGFQZug-2BHd7wd6k1uB-2FL2I2BMKX6-2Bhdj-2FreZqfryc4UoY4BVZcYv7tK">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center hosts annual meteor shower watch party

At HaysMed, we proudly highlight Pre-Admission Coordinator and Operating Room Scheduler/Circulator Brian Feldt, BSN, RN for his outstanding contributions and representation on key state and nursing practice platforms.

In October 2023, Feldt was appointed to the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) Practice Committee. This committee, composed of KSBN Board Members and nursing professionals, reviews and recommends revisions to nursing statutes and regulations. They provide guidance on nursing and mental health technician practices and address evolving needs through research and education.

In November 2023, Feldt joined the inaugural cohort of the Association of Operating Room Nurse’s (AORN) Journal Peer Reviewer Academy. This program equips dedicated nurses to review scholarly, evidence-based articles, ensuring the quality and relevance of content published in the AORN Journal. Their work supports the advancement of perioperative nursing practices and patient care.

Feldt's active involvement reflect HaysMed’s commitment to excellence in healthcare. His leadership enhances nursing standards and patient care at both the state and national levels.

Join us in congratulating Brian Feldt for his accomplishments and continued representation of HaysMed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721851073688.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAt HaysMed, we proudly highlight Pre-Admission Coordinator and Operating Room Scheduler/Circulator Brian Feldt, BSN, RN for his outstanding contributions and representation on key state and nursing practice platforms.In October 2023, Feldt was appointed to the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) Practice Committee. This committee, composed of KSBN Board Members and nursing professionals, reviews and recommends revisions to nursing statutes and regulations. They provide guidance on nursing and mental health technician practices and address evolving needs through research and education.In November 2023, Feldt joined the inaugural cohort of the Association of Operating Room Nurse’s (AORN) Journal Peer Reviewer Academy. This program equips dedicated nurses to review scholarly, evidence-based articles, ensuring the quality and relevance of content published in the AORN Journal. Their work supports the advancement of perioperative nursing practices and patient care.Feldt's active involvement reflect HaysMed’s commitment to excellence in healthcare. His leadership enhances nursing standards and patient care at both the state and national levels.Join us in congratulating Brian Feldt for his accomplishments and continued representation of HaysMed.

Feldt appointed to state board and peer reviewer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721931014552.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>

Calling Young Sluggers! Rampage Team Softball Tryouts!

Get ready to swing for the fences, Hays! The new, local 10-and-under softball team, Rampage, is on the hunt for young talent. If you have a young athlete with a passion for the sport, now is the time to shine! &nbsp;

When:&nbsp;Monday, July 29 and Tuesday, July 30, from 7:00-8:30pm

Where:&nbsp;Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex at Field 4.&nbsp;

No experience? No problem! We’re looking for enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Come dressed in comfortable attire and bring your glove and bat if you have one.&nbsp;

Head coach Sheri Bittel grew up playing softball, watching softball and baseball, and raising children with a baseball coach. This 10U Rampage team was created out of the desire to help young girls develop their softball skills in a fun, but competitive environment. Overall player development is key. Teamwork, softball fundamentals, and player integrity are important characteristics of this team and will be evaluated at these tryouts.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Parents, join us to learn about the benefits of youth sports, including improved physical fitness, increased self-confidence, and of course, new friendships! Assistant coach is Marlana Radke. If you are interested in participating as a coach, please reach out with questions.

&nbsp;For more information, contact Sheri at (785)259-3128 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:littlebittel@gmail.com">littlebittel@gmail.com</a>.

You can fill out the registration form online by visiting the Hays Rampage Softball Facebook page or X @RampageHays.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721658052028.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Calling Young Sluggers! Rampage Team Softball Tryouts!Get ready to swing for the fences, Hays! The new, local 10-and-under softball team, Rampage, is on the hunt for young talent. If you have a young athlete with a passion for the sport, now is the time to shine! &nbsp;When:&nbsp;Monday, July 29 and Tuesday, July 30, from 7:00-8:30pmWhere:&nbsp;Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex at Field 4.&nbsp;No experience? No problem! We’re looking for enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Come dressed in comfortable attire and bring your glove and bat if you have one.&nbsp;Head coach Sheri Bittel grew up playing softball, watching softball and baseball, and raising children with a baseball coach. This 10U Rampage team was created out of the desire to help young girls develop their softball skills in a fun, but competitive environment. Overall player development is key. Teamwork, softball fundamentals, and player integrity are important characteristics of this team and will be evaluated at these tryouts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Parents, join us to learn about the benefits of youth sports, including improved physical fitness, increased self-confidence, and of course, new friendships! Assistant coach is Marlana Radke. If you are interested in participating as a coach, please reach out with questions.&nbsp;For more information, contact Sheri at (785)259-3128 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:littlebittel@gmail.com">littlebittel@gmail.com</a>.You can fill out the registration form online by visiting the Hays Rampage Softball Facebook page or X @RampageHays.&nbsp;

1 hospitalized after pickup strikes semi involved in I-70 crash

Victoria girls basketball will be hosting a 3v3 tournament as part of Herzogfest activities on Aug. 10 in Victoria.

Play will start at 10 a.m. at the courts next to the elementary school. Cost will be $15 per person with a minimum of three games.

Teams from surrounding areas are welcome.

Please complete team registrations by Saturday, Aug. 3.

1. We will follow MAYB/KSHSAA rules on grades. The grade you were in May 2024 - you will be that grade for the tournament.

2. Registration forms are attached below and also linked.

3. A couple of the rules differ slightly from the March 3v3 Hays Youth Basketball tournament, so please review.

4. You can pay via Cash, check (please make out to Victoria Girls' Basketball/Conor Nicholl) or Venmo @Conor-Nicholl-1You can also drop off payment to Jenny Nicholl between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Coldwell Banker, 2201 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

5. If you have questions, contact Conor Nicholl, Victoria head girls' basketball coach, 785-639-7230 or <a href="mailto:cnicholl1@gmail.com">cnicholl1@gmail.com</a>.

Scroll down to basketball:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://theherzogfest.com/applications/">https://theherzogfest.com/applications/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721924210103.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Victoria girls basketball will be hosting a 3v3 tournament as part of Herzogfest activities on Aug. 10 in Victoria.Play will start at 10 a.m. at the courts next to the elementary school. Cost will be $15 per person with a minimum of three games.Teams from surrounding areas are welcome.Please complete team registrations by Saturday, Aug. 3.A couple of notes:1. We will follow MAYB/KSHSAA rules on grades. The grade you were in May 2024 - you will be that grade for the tournament.2. Registration forms are attached below and also linked.3. A couple of the rules differ slightly from the March 3v3 Hays Youth Basketball tournament, so please review.4. You can pay via Cash, check (please make out to Victoria Girls' Basketball/Conor Nicholl) or Venmo @Conor-Nicholl-1You can also drop off payment to Jenny Nicholl between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Coldwell Banker, 2201 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.5. If you have questions, contact Conor Nicholl, Victoria head girls' basketball coach, 785-639-7230 or <a href="mailto:cnicholl1@gmail.com">cnicholl1@gmail.com</a>.Scroll down to basketball:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://theherzogfest.com/applications/">https://theherzogfest.com/applications/</a>

Victoria basketball to host 3 on 3 basketball tournament

FHSU crime log July 18-25

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Advanced voting got underway Monday in Ellis County and a
group of voters in the rural areas of the county and Victoria have an extra
question, regarding a county library, on their ballot.

In March the Ellis County Commission approved placing the
question, “Shall Ellis County, Kansas establish and maintain a county library?”
on the August 6 primary ballot.

Voters within the city limits of Hays and Ellis will not have
the option to vote on the question. Both the Hays and Ellis Public libraries
are funded by local taxes collected within each city’s limits.

A 1.5 mil tax is collected by the state of Kansas, for the
Central Kansas Library System (CKLS) based in Great Bend, from residents in
Victoria and rural Ellis County.

The taxes collected in Ellis County by the CKLS total nearly $300,000 annually and that money is distributed among a 17-county
area of north and central Kansas. 

Hays Public Library Director Brandon Hines recently told the
Ellis County Commission that most of the people who have asked questions surrounding
the ballot question don’t know that they are being taxed for libraries and that
the money collected doesn’t all stay in Ellis County. 

“This has been good for an education for just having these
discussions,” Hines said.

Supporters of the ballot question, and the creation of an
Ellis County Library, say that the funding gap between the amount of funds that
leave Ellis County and those that return is widening and the creation of the
county library would allow those taxpayers' funds to stay local.

The $300,000 would be distributed by the local county
library board and could be given to both the Hays and Ellis Public Libraries as
well as the three public school libraries in the county.

Ellis County Commission Michael Berges urged voters to cast
their vote whether they support the measure or not.

“I'm just here to encourage people to vote on it and make
their decision on what direction they want,” Berges. “If they want the current
direction as to how their tax dollars are spent, supplementing other county
libraries, that's fine. If they want to make a decision about where their tax
dollars are spent locally, then vote that direction.”

<div><iframe title="Victoria, rural Ellis County voters to decide on county library monies" 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=ap57g-167c2fb-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 JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAdvanced voting got underway Monday in Ellis County and a
group of voters in the rural areas of the county and Victoria have an extra
question, regarding a county library, on their ballot.In March the Ellis County Commission approved placing the
question, “Shall Ellis County, Kansas establish and maintain a county library?”
on the August 6 primary ballot.Voters within the city limits of Hays and Ellis will not have
the option to vote on the question. Both the Hays and Ellis Public libraries
are funded by local taxes collected within each city’s limits.A 1.5 mil tax is collected by the state of Kansas, for the
Central Kansas Library System (CKLS) based in Great Bend, from residents in
Victoria and rural Ellis County.The taxes collected in Ellis County by the CKLS total nearly $300,000 annually and that money is distributed among a 17-county
area of north and central Kansas. Hays Public Library Director Brandon Hines recently told the
Ellis County Commission that most of the people who have asked questions surrounding
the ballot question don’t know that they are being taxed for libraries and that
the money collected doesn’t all stay in Ellis County. “This has been good for an education for just having these
discussions,” Hines said.Supporters of the ballot question, and the creation of an
Ellis County Library, say that the funding gap between the amount of funds that
leave Ellis County and those that return is widening and the creation of the
county library would allow those taxpayers' funds to stay local.The $300,000 would be distributed by the local county
library board and could be given to both the Hays and Ellis Public Libraries as
well as the three public school libraries in the county.Ellis County Commission Michael Berges urged voters to cast
their vote whether they support the measure or not.“I'm just here to encourage people to vote on it and make
their decision on what direction they want,” Berges. “If they want the current
direction as to how their tax dollars are spent, supplementing other county
libraries, that's fine. If they want to make a decision about where their tax
dollars are spent locally, then vote that direction.”Voters do not have to declare a party affiliation to vote on
the question, the only requirement is that they live in Victoria or outside the city limits of Hays and Ellis.Hines told the commission they are continuing to see a
decline in the amount of funding Ellis County is receiving from CKLS and they
believe that trend will continue.According to Hines, in 2023, Ellis County received $100,000
from the CKLS. He said in 2024 the funding was cut to $90,000 and they have
budgeted only $80,000 next year. “We anticipate that to diminish for the next two years,”
Hines said. “So, by 2027, the entire amount of money to the Hays public library
would be $60,000 with an additional about $10,000 to the other libraries in the
county. So, it would be $70,000.”As members of the CKLS, the Hays Public Library, the Ellis
Public Library and the public school libraries in Ellis, Hays and Victoria all
receive funding from the CKLS annually. The local public school district
libraries receive $500 each.If the voters approve creation of the Ellis County Library
it would set off a series of actions.First, it would be up to the Ellis County Commission to
create a library board and appoint five members to that board. Those members can only live in the city of Victoria or in
rural Ellis County. No residents from Ellis or Hays would be allowed to serve
on that board.“The board itself would be its own taxing district; the
county would not get the money,” Berges said. “This library board would also be
its own entity, with the ability to set their own levy up to a certain point.”It would then be up to that board to decide on which libraries to contract with to provide services to local library patrons. If the voters approve the creation of a county library, it
does not mean that there will be a new library built in Ellis County. Berges said Ellis County already has physical library
locations. “We're not going to build a library; we're going to contract
(with other physical libraries), so those libraries can provide those services,”
Berges said. “We're going to provide, ideally, more funding, because we have
that pot of money that the taxpayers are already paying, but right now it's
going to Central Kansas Library System and then they're divvying that pot of
money back out at a less and less amount.”He said he believes the board would contract with both Hays
and Ellis Public Libraries to provide services throughout the county similar to
how they operate now but there would be more money to provide to the local
libraries.Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the county library could be as
much as an office inside of a school library.The board would also be required to serve as the taxing
entity for the local library tax.“The tax can't just go away. The county residents still have
to pay a levy for library services and that's where this decision is coming, is
how do they want those library services provided,” Berges said. “As a local
board, potentially, they're the ones establishing that levy.”The county library board would still have to adhere to the
state’s revenue neutral rate and present and pass a public budget, “just like
other cemetery boards, rural fire, other kinds of taxing and governmental
entities,” Berges said.Berges, Leiker and County Administrator Darin Meyers all
agreed that there are some questions that cannot be answered until voters weigh
in on the issue.“That's why it's hard to explain how it works, if there's no
board appointed yet,” Meyers said. “They're the ones that would make those
decisions on what's best for that money being collected and staying in Ellis
County for our local tax purposes (and) for our local residents.”The county commission and Hines all encouraged residents
that still have questions to reach out to members of the Ellis County
Commission, county administrator or representatives from either the Hays Public
Library or the Ellis Public Library for more information.