By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays Police officers reported witnessing an allegedly intoxicated driver traveling in the wrong direction before colliding with a parked vehicle.

At about 10:23 p.m., officers observed a black sedan traveling southbound in the opposite direction on a one-way street at the 800 block of Ash St., according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.

Someone driving another vehicle attempted to stop the sedan by blocking it and honking. Scheibler said the sedan maneuvered around the other vehicle. Officers then initiated a traffic stop.

The sedan driver then accelerated her vehicle, turned a corner and crashed into a parked car in the 400 block of West Fifth Street.

Scheibler said officers contacted the driver, 35-year-old Audrey Stuart of Clifton Hill, Missouri, and initiated a DUI investigation.

She was arrested on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude, second-time DUI, second-time possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a depressant, transporting an open container and reckless driving.

"This reinforces the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs," Scheibler said. "It's a recipe for disaster."

EMS took Stuart to Hays Medical Center, and then she was transported to the Ellis County Jail. Both vehicles involved in the accident were towed from the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721767995127.png" alt="Stuart photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Stuart photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays Police officers reported witnessing an allegedly intoxicated driver traveling in the wrong direction before colliding with a parked vehicle.At about 10:23 p.m., officers observed a black sedan traveling southbound in the opposite direction on a one-way street at the 800 block of Ash St., according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.Someone driving another vehicle attempted to stop the sedan by blocking it and honking. Scheibler said the sedan maneuvered around the other vehicle. Officers then initiated a traffic stop.The sedan driver then accelerated her vehicle, turned a corner and crashed into a parked car in the 400 block of West Fifth Street.Scheibler said officers contacted the driver, 35-year-old Audrey Stuart of Clifton Hill, Missouri, and initiated a DUI investigation.She was arrested on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude, second-time DUI, second-time possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a depressant, transporting an open container and reckless driving."This reinforces the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs," Scheibler said. "It's a recipe for disaster."EMS took Stuart to Hays Medical Center, and then she was transported to the Ellis County Jail. Both vehicles involved in the accident were towed from the scene.

Missouri woman arrested in Hays for DUI after crashing into vehicle

The Hays Police Department responded to 70 incidents July 14-20, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574697410116.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentThe Hays Police Department responded to 70 incidents July 14-20, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
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Hays Police Department activity log, July 14-20, 2024

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702995961939.png" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
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Hays Police Department arrest log, July 14-20, 2024

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.1% in June. This is an increase from 2.9% in May and an increase from 2.6% in June 2023.

The Ellis County unemployment rate was 2.7% in May and 3.1% in June.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b6494bc6-04be-4643-a7e4-7d558c627ad2">Enersys announced an undisclosed number of layoffs in mid-May in Ellis County.</a>

Decatur County had the highest jobless rate in the region at 4.2% followed by Rooks at 3.9% and Russell at 3.8%.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,600 from May. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;increased by 2,200 over the month, while government increased by 5,400.

Since June 2023&nbsp;Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 17,900. This change is due to an increase of 15,300 private sector jobs and an increase of 2,600 government jobs.

Technical Note:&nbsp;This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for June 2024, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. Data collected for this report references the week including June 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721766525564.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostPreliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.1% in June. This is an increase from 2.9% in May and an increase from 2.6% in June 2023.The Ellis County unemployment rate was 2.7% in May and 3.1% in June.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b6494bc6-04be-4643-a7e4-7d558c627ad2">Enersys announced an undisclosed number of layoffs in mid-May in Ellis County.</a>Decatur County had the highest jobless rate in the region at 4.2% followed by Rooks at 3.9% and Russell at 3.8%.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,600 from May. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;increased by 2,200 over the month, while government increased by 5,400.Since June 2023&nbsp;Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 17,900. This change is due to an increase of 15,300 private sector jobs and an increase of 2,600 government jobs.Technical Note:&nbsp;This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for June 2024, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. Data collected for this report references the week including June 12.

Ellis County, Kansas unemployment rates creep up slightly

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Ellis County fire crews responded to a semi-truck fire just
after 5 p.m. Monday on Interstate 70 west of Hays.

According to Ellis County Assistant Fire Chief Lyle Pantle, the first
crews arrived at mile marker 161 at 5:13 p.m. and found a fire on
the axle of a truck hauling antique tractors.

Pantle said the driver was able to disconnect the truck from
the trailer before crews arrived on the scene.

The fire was contained to the driver’s side rear axle of
the vehicle.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire in less than 10
minutes and Pantle said most of the damage was contained to the running gear of
the vehicle.

After monitoring hotspots and cooling the area, crews left
the scene just before 6 p.m. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721743271900.jpeg" alt="Photo by Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostEllis County fire crews responded to a semi-truck fire just
after 5 p.m. Monday on Interstate 70 west of Hays.According to Ellis County Assistant Fire Chief Lyle Pantle, the first
crews arrived at mile marker 161 at 5:13 p.m. and found a fire on
the axle of a truck hauling antique tractors.Pantle said the driver was able to disconnect the truck from
the trailer before crews arrived on the scene.The fire was contained to the driver’s side rear axle of
the vehicle.Crews were able to extinguish the fire in less than 10
minutes and Pantle said most of the damage was contained to the running gear of
the vehicle.After monitoring hotspots and cooling the area, crews left
the scene just before 6 p.m.

Ellis County fire crews put out semi fire on I-70

PHILLIPSBURG — In the early morning hours of February 14, 2021, deputies were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 600 block of 7th Street in Phillipsburg. The incident resulted in the death of Janna Lea Constable, 43.

Monday evening, July 22, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Phillips County Sheriff's office executed an arrest warrant for 37-year-old Phillipsburg resident Kevin Lee Hadley, according to Sheriff Kyle Pinkerton, in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/plsoks">social media post</a>.

Hadley was arrested on charges of second degree murder, interference with a law enforcement officer and possession of a firearm by an intoxicated person.  He remains in custody with a $125,000 bond. 

All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721730738856.png" alt="Hadley-photo Phillips County" />
 <figcaption>Hadley-photo Phillips County</figcaption>
 </figure>Phillips County SheriffPHILLIPSBURG — In the early morning hours of February 14, 2021, deputies were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 600 block of 7th Street in Phillipsburg. The incident resulted in the death of Janna Lea Constable, 43.Monday evening, July 22, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Phillips County Sheriff's office executed an arrest warrant for 37-year-old Phillipsburg resident Kevin Lee Hadley, according to Sheriff Kyle Pinkerton, in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/plsoks">social media post</a>. Hadley was arrested on charges of second degree murder, interference with a law enforcement officer and possession of a firearm by an intoxicated person. He remains in custody with a $125,000 bond. All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Phillipsburg man arrested for 2021 shooting death 

The child care subsidy can save families hundreds of dollars per month.

A family of four making less than $6,966 a month could earn child care subsidies. Children must be under 13. Call&nbsp;<a href="tel:18883694777" target="_blank">1-888-369-4777</a>&nbsp;to learn more. Subsidies are run by DCF and applications can be picked up at any agency office.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">Blaise Mesa</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/">The Beacon</a>

The families of nearly 100,000 children in Kansas were potentially eligible for child care subsidies in 2020. Yet barely more than one in eight got the federal benefit designed to make child care more affordable.&nbsp;

That happened even as Kansas has been expanding its child care subsidy and has more room for families to apply.&nbsp;

The federal child care subsidy can be the difference between paying for child care and not being able to afford it, said Emily Barnes, education policy adviser with Kansas Action for Children. Families who get the benefits save hundreds of dollars a month and thousands per year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.clasp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024_Ineq.-Access-Factsheet_KS.pdf">A report</a>&nbsp;from the Center of Law and Social Policy found that families nationwide struggled to access child care support they were entitled to — only 14% of eligible families nationwide receive the benefit. In Kansas, about 12% likely to qualify got that help paying for child care.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/pages/child_care/childcaresubsidy.aspx">child care subsidy</a>&nbsp;offsets the sometimes-burdensome child care costs to a more reasonable number. Barnes said families often devote 20% of their income to child care.&nbsp;

“It’s a resource that’s available to us,” Barnes said. “We will see improvements when we utilize the resource to its best extent.”&nbsp;

But some providers don’t accept the subsidies because payments come in too slowly. Some families struggle to sort out the application process that triggers those payments, Barnes said.&nbsp;

And some families may simply not know they’re eligible for help.&nbsp;

Stephanie Schmit, director of child care and early education with the Center for Law and Social Policy, worked on the study.&nbsp;

She is frustrated that families nationwide are paying more out of pocket for care when they don’t have to, especially with child care costs so high.&nbsp;

“On the federal level, we need more money and better policy. And then at the state level, we need more money and better policy,” Schmit said. “It’s pretty straightforward.”&nbsp;

For starters, she said, the program could be&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/01/22/kansas-business-child-care-tax-credit-goes-unused-2/">more widely publicized</a>&nbsp;and the application could be simpler. But those are small fixes, Schmit said, and child care access in general needs larger fixes.&nbsp;

People of color disproportionately need child care subsidies. In Kansas, Black children between birth and 13 years old are only 5% of the population but are 11% of the potentially eligible population. Hispanic/Latino children make up 19% of the population but 28% of eligible families.&nbsp;

Addressing those disparities is not simple.&nbsp;

Schmit wants to see more serious investment in child care. More money has been put into these programs, she said, but those funds haven’t kept up with inflation, which means fewer children are being helped.&nbsp;

In fiscal year 2020, Kansas spent $51 million to help just over 10,000 kids on average. In fiscal year 2024, the state spent $84.7 million to help an average of around 13,500 kids.&nbsp;

“We do not have a max caseload at this time and we have the capacity to serve more families,” a Kansas Department for Children and Families spokesperson said. “So we encourage families to apply to see if they’re eligible.”&nbsp;

In Kansas, Barnes has been lobbying lawmakers to expand the child care subsidy. The Child Care and Development Fund is federal money, but it is handed down to the states to divvy up. The subsidy does work but needs some improvements, she said.&nbsp;

One statewide survey said that families who get the federal money don’t always get enough to make child care affordable. And other families who make too much to qualify don’t make nearly enough to afford the thousands of dollars that monthly care can cost.&nbsp;

Barnes is hoping the next legislative session brings more substantial change, but she expects major reform is years down the road.&nbsp;

“We are at a place where robust investment in child care is the option that we can and should consider,” she said. “I would love to see that commitment to bold steps that support our families who are working very hard.”

<h2>The child care subsidy can save families hundreds of dollars per month.</h2>A family of four making less than $6,966 a month could earn child care subsidies. Children must be under 13. Call&nbsp;<a href="tel:18883694777" target="_blank">1-888-369-4777</a>&nbsp;to learn more. Subsidies are run by DCF and applications can be picked up at any agency office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721664742589.png" alt="A study of 2020 data found that only 12% of eligible families got subsidies they qualify for. Credit: Courtesy of Gov. Laura Kelly's office" />
 <figcaption>A study of 2020 data found that only 12% of eligible families got subsidies they qualify for. Credit: Courtesy of Gov. Laura Kelly's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">Blaise Mesa</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/">The Beacon</a>The families of nearly 100,000 children in Kansas were potentially eligible for child care subsidies in 2020. Yet barely more than one in eight got the federal benefit designed to make child care more affordable.&nbsp;That happened even as Kansas has been expanding its child care subsidy and has more room for families to apply.&nbsp;The federal child care subsidy can be the difference between paying for child care and not being able to afford it, said Emily Barnes, education policy adviser with Kansas Action for Children. Families who get the benefits save hundreds of dollars a month and thousands per year.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clasp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024_Ineq.-Access-Factsheet_KS.pdf">A report</a>&nbsp;from the Center of Law and Social Policy found that families nationwide struggled to access child care support they were entitled to — only 14% of eligible families nationwide receive the benefit. In Kansas, about 12% likely to qualify got that help paying for child care.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/pages/child_care/childcaresubsidy.aspx">child care subsidy</a>&nbsp;offsets the sometimes-burdensome child care costs to a more reasonable number. Barnes said families often devote 20% of their income to child care.&nbsp;“It’s a resource that’s available to us,” Barnes said. “We will see improvements when we utilize the resource to its best extent.”&nbsp;But some providers don’t accept the subsidies because payments come in too slowly. Some families struggle to sort out the application process that triggers those payments, Barnes said.&nbsp;And some families may simply not know they’re eligible for help.&nbsp;Stephanie Schmit, director of child care and early education with the Center for Law and Social Policy, worked on the study.&nbsp;She is frustrated that families nationwide are paying more out of pocket for care when they don’t have to, especially with child care costs so high.&nbsp;“On the federal level, we need more money and better policy. And then at the state level, we need more money and better policy,” Schmit said. “It’s pretty straightforward.”&nbsp;For starters, she said, the program could be&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/01/22/kansas-business-child-care-tax-credit-goes-unused-2/">more widely publicized</a>&nbsp;and the application could be simpler. But those are small fixes, Schmit said, and child care access in general needs larger fixes.&nbsp;People of color disproportionately need child care subsidies. In Kansas, Black children between birth and 13 years old are only 5% of the population but are 11% of the potentially eligible population. Hispanic/Latino children make up 19% of the population but 28% of eligible families.&nbsp;Addressing those disparities is not simple.&nbsp;Schmit wants to see more serious investment in child care. More money has been put into these programs, she said, but those funds haven’t kept up with inflation, which means fewer children are being helped.&nbsp;In fiscal year 2020, Kansas spent $51 million to help just over 10,000 kids on average. In fiscal year 2024, the state spent $84.7 million to help an average of around 13,500 kids.&nbsp;“We do not have a max caseload at this time and we have the capacity to serve more families,” a Kansas Department for Children and Families spokesperson said. “So we encourage families to apply to see if they’re eligible.”&nbsp;In Kansas, Barnes has been lobbying lawmakers to expand the child care subsidy. The Child Care and Development Fund is federal money, but it is handed down to the states to divvy up. The subsidy does work but needs some improvements, she said.&nbsp;One statewide survey said that families who get the federal money don’t always get enough to make child care affordable. And other families who make too much to qualify don’t make nearly enough to afford the thousands of dollars that monthly care can cost.&nbsp;Barnes is hoping the next legislative session brings more substantial change, but she expects major reform is years down the road.&nbsp;“We are at a place where robust investment in child care is the option that we can and should consider,” she said. “I would love to see that commitment to bold steps that support our families who are working very hard.”

Only 12% of eligible Kansas families signed up for programs to make child care cheaper

Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College recently secured a $461,840 grant from Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) to help fund start-up costs associated with the implementation of the three institutions’ strategic affiliation. Grant funding will be distributed over the next two years.

FHSU President Tisa Mason sees this grant as a major boost for the affiliation partnership as it transitions from concept to implementation.

“We are incredibly grateful for the investment the ECMC Foundation has made in our affiliation initiative," Mason said. "Our collective dedication to serving the students, communities, and businesses of Western Kansas is unwavering. This shared commitment is our guiding 'North Star,' mirroring the ECMC Foundation's focus on closing equity gaps in higher education."

Northwest Kansas Technical College President Ben Schears, who crafted the grant proposal, &nbsp;stated that the timeliness of this grant will help the three institutions keep to a very aggressive plan and timeline to implement our affiliation plan.

“Upon our initial submission, it became rapidly apparent there was considerable interest by ECMC in the broader goals and outcomes detailed in our strategic affiliation plan,” Schears said.

The ECMC grant will help the three institutions pursue the stated goals of the affiliation, including:

• Developing ways to better meet students where they are in their academic journey. • Identifying innovative and flexible educational pathways between the three institutions. • Creating new programs and degrees that help students acquire the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers. • Expanding relationships with regional employers that allow students to acquire real-world experience and cultivate opportunities in the local job market.&nbsp; • Honoring a shared commitment to providing unparalleled access and affordability.

ECMC President Jacob Fraire saw in this grant proposal an outstanding opportunity to support these three institutions and move this historic affiliation forward.

“This collaboration supports three institutions in realizing their goal of uniting under an integrated governance structure to better serve the postsecondary education needs of rural students in Western Kansas,” Fraire said.

The strategic affiliation initiative created by the presidents of FHSU, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College is a powerful step toward addressing an ongoing exodus of professionals from rural Western Kansas.&nbsp;

“For rural Kansas to prosper into the future, every individual needs the opportunity to develop their skills and interests. It is through education that talent and grit connect with professional opportunities to&nbsp;build the workforce needed for economic growth,” said NCK Tech President&nbsp;Eric&nbsp;Burks. “We are honored that ECMC has invested in our affiliation, which ultimately is an investment in our students and our region.”

Learn more about the strategic affiliation initiative at <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation/">https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation</a>/

ECMC Foundation&nbsp;is&nbsp;a national foundation&nbsp;whose North Star goal is to eliminate equity gaps in postsecondary completion by 2040 so that underserved learners have greater opportunities for social and economic mobility. The Foundation’s mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. 

ECMC Foundation makes strategic grants and program-related investments to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, guided by a strategic framework that aims to advance systemic change by removing barriers to postsecondary completion, building the capacity of organizations, institutions, and systems, and transforming the postsecondary ecosystem. 

Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0ZUd5vu727uY7OB4cqHBzt04reZgimHR1X3KThfxSIkq7y8V61XhXo3VDvxxjchTwiTz7FkmwoiqCvb2WRM3xyMpjqdajq38h6mHr2xAD5PszBSC2RLiJbx93U6gmDFK2DO-2FXawmnKQOiowYXFpYzB7Bas1z30jEafsvuKuuJ5mdoGumSVv-2FHylNncjXXncWAao9Jkgzm-2BFKhvX-2Fx5BK8Obp80-2B-2BiooXI-2FBYL810AFIGo4oeQmr8ZGxoMMUt1YbhUg6wFl083ejcwIC10KjZX3g-3DYAyx_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOOJEQfPenJ4K1ZbBgOcf-2Bm1KVXl8Cp9FysqN811AbV6ayY91y8RdOzP8rzfDW78YPr2IqkWF9gJmq5EBxE5OVy-2FxGeA6L2npAAlO-2BJbjXgiRjCSf2jzu8-2Fix1UCDXcxi2DrXPVRr9i8b1FsGymaim6VCq7QGHi4tcVFEwv0Hf-2BRHkTkIRlZ-2B2KXo8Xz00Sr5JepFg76yrmsGN9py6wopuq-2BdOdn6MDYJGTD-2Bt6rb7-2F2b9zzUjpvzoGj8X3q3zLEBK">www.ecmcfoundation.org</a>&nbsp;and our parent company, ECMC Group, by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0ZUd5vu727uY7OB4cqHBzt04reZgimHR1X3KThfxSIkq7y8V61XhXo3VDvxxjchTwnkNjhf-2Bi5wJ9-2FPKbAEEJZAemU2ix-2BIk840PkhTE-2FLzfkOAkiOTDlUDJW3W1UVsP577jmh-2FtYi6zk9LoACYibmK9ix1qZfLQjgkszz3TlSCyE02nBiHgG-2FwDM96NpuoI8XnC0-2FahuN3EWPasDCIbB9Mr0h7NgXXmNfXZndQnsYq-2F2fW-2FZK9GeCQ7G-2FYWdRGnrw-3D-3DixJ0_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOOJEQfPenJ4K1ZbBgOcf-2Bm1KVXl8Cp9FysqN811AbV6ayY91y8RdOzP8rzfDW78YPr2IqkWF9gJmq5EBxE5OVy09DiXFetkDxi7-2B3b-2BydQ1SheOcFupiWlNnof0br7KIJmGTwp1yW-2FwSJJB3VEylvBof3wnTvka7om9n-2BHMdcazmtw4GtRBT-2BQxxWs9YLjfc0ZmMpeA4G7bICDwCOtT9i6IaVoW3tGLjVomIDXn8OqqwSpEldkZJV2dLN2nnGVS8c">www.ecmcgroup.org</a>.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721315414882.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College recently secured a $461,840 grant from Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) to help fund start-up costs associated with the implementation of the three institutions’ strategic affiliation. Grant funding will be distributed over the next two years.FHSU President Tisa Mason sees this grant as a major boost for the affiliation partnership as it transitions from concept to implementation.“We are incredibly grateful for the investment the ECMC Foundation has made in our affiliation initiative," Mason said. "Our collective dedication to serving the students, communities, and businesses of Western Kansas is unwavering. This shared commitment is our guiding 'North Star,' mirroring the ECMC Foundation's focus on closing equity gaps in higher education."Northwest Kansas Technical College President Ben Schears, who crafted the grant proposal, &nbsp;stated that the timeliness of this grant will help the three institutions keep to a very aggressive plan and timeline to implement our affiliation plan.“Upon our initial submission, it became rapidly apparent there was considerable interest by ECMC in the broader goals and outcomes detailed in our strategic affiliation plan,” Schears said.The ECMC grant will help the three institutions pursue the stated goals of the affiliation, including:• Developing ways to better meet students where they are in their academic journey. • Identifying innovative and flexible educational pathways between the three institutions. • Creating new programs and degrees that help students acquire the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers. • Expanding relationships with regional employers that allow students to acquire real-world experience and cultivate opportunities in the local job market.&nbsp; • Honoring a shared commitment to providing unparalleled access and affordability. ECMC President Jacob Fraire saw in this grant proposal an outstanding opportunity to support these three institutions and move this historic affiliation forward.“This collaboration supports three institutions in realizing their goal of uniting under an integrated governance structure to better serve the postsecondary education needs of rural students in Western Kansas,” Fraire said.The strategic affiliation initiative created by the presidents of FHSU, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College is a powerful step toward addressing an ongoing exodus of professionals from rural Western Kansas.&nbsp;“For rural Kansas to prosper into the future, every individual needs the opportunity to develop their skills and interests. It is through education that talent and grit connect with professional opportunities to&nbsp;build the workforce needed for economic growth,” said NCK Tech President&nbsp;Eric&nbsp;Burks. “We are honored that ECMC has invested in our affiliation, which ultimately is an investment in our students and our region.”Learn more about the strategic affiliation initiative at <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation/">https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation</a>/About ECMCECMC Foundation&nbsp;is&nbsp;a national foundation&nbsp;whose North Star goal is to eliminate equity gaps in postsecondary completion by 2040 so that underserved learners have greater opportunities for social and economic mobility. The Foundation’s mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. ECMC Foundation makes strategic grants and program-related investments to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, guided by a strategic framework that aims to advance systemic change by removing barriers to postsecondary completion, building the capacity of organizations, institutions, and systems, and transforming the postsecondary ecosystem. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0ZUd5vu727uY7OB4cqHBzt04reZgimHR1X3KThfxSIkq7y8V61XhXo3VDvxxjchTwiTz7FkmwoiqCvb2WRM3xyMpjqdajq38h6mHr2xAD5PszBSC2RLiJbx93U6gmDFK2DO-2FXawmnKQOiowYXFpYzB7Bas1z30jEafsvuKuuJ5mdoGumSVv-2FHylNncjXXncWAao9Jkgzm-2BFKhvX-2Fx5BK8Obp80-2B-2BiooXI-2FBYL810AFIGo4oeQmr8ZGxoMMUt1YbhUg6wFl083ejcwIC10KjZX3g-3DYAyx_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOOJEQfPenJ4K1ZbBgOcf-2Bm1KVXl8Cp9FysqN811AbV6ayY91y8RdOzP8rzfDW78YPr2IqkWF9gJmq5EBxE5OVy-2FxGeA6L2npAAlO-2BJbjXgiRjCSf2jzu8-2Fix1UCDXcxi2DrXPVRr9i8b1FsGymaim6VCq7QGHi4tcVFEwv0Hf-2BRHkTkIRlZ-2B2KXo8Xz00Sr5JepFg76yrmsGN9py6wopuq-2BdOdn6MDYJGTD-2Bt6rb7-2F2b9zzUjpvzoGj8X3q3zLEBK">www.ecmcfoundation.org</a>&nbsp;and our parent company, ECMC Group, by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0ZUd5vu727uY7OB4cqHBzt04reZgimHR1X3KThfxSIkq7y8V61XhXo3VDvxxjchTwnkNjhf-2Bi5wJ9-2FPKbAEEJZAemU2ix-2BIk840PkhTE-2FLzfkOAkiOTDlUDJW3W1UVsP577jmh-2FtYi6zk9LoACYibmK9ix1qZfLQjgkszz3TlSCyE02nBiHgG-2FwDM96NpuoI8XnC0-2FahuN3EWPasDCIbB9Mr0h7NgXXmNfXZndQnsYq-2F2fW-2FZK9GeCQ7G-2FYWdRGnrw-3D-3DixJ0_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOOJEQfPenJ4K1ZbBgOcf-2Bm1KVXl8Cp9FysqN811AbV6ayY91y8RdOzP8rzfDW78YPr2IqkWF9gJmq5EBxE5OVy09DiXFetkDxi7-2B3b-2BydQ1SheOcFupiWlNnof0br7KIJmGTwp1yW-2FwSJJB3VEylvBof3wnTvka7om9n-2BHMdcazmtw4GtRBT-2BQxxWs9YLjfc0ZmMpeA4G7bICDwCOtT9i6IaVoW3tGLjVomIDXn8OqqwSpEldkZJV2dLN2nnGVS8c">www.ecmcgroup.org</a>.”

FHSU, strategic affiliation partners secure major grant funding

EDWARDS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Monday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Toyota Camry driven by Ronald R&nbsp;Crabb, 41, Raton, New Mexico, was eastbound on U.S. 50 five miles east of the U.S. 183 Junction.

The car traveled left of center and struck a westbound 2022 Peterbilt semi driven by Trenton C.&nbsp;Winter, 36, Mount Hope.

Crabb was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;McKillip Funeral Home. Winter was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

EDWARDS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Monday in Edwards County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Toyota Camry driven by Ronald R&nbsp;Crabb, 41, Raton, New Mexico, was eastbound on U.S. 50 five miles east of the U.S. 183 Junction.The car traveled left of center and struck a westbound 2022 Peterbilt semi driven by Trenton C.&nbsp;Winter, 36, Mount Hope.Crabb was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;McKillip Funeral Home. Winter was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man dies after car, semi crash with Kansas driver

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines- Stroke Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care

HaysMed has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“HaysMed is one of 18 hospitals in the state of Kansas receiving this award, showcasing that HaysMed is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Eddie Herrman, HaysMed President and CEO. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the Hays and surrounding communities can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get

With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize HaysMed for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

HaysMed also received two Honor Roll awards including the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.

The second Honor Roll award that HaysMed received was the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

<h2>The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines- Stroke Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care</h2>SubmittedHaysMed has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.“HaysMed is one of 18 hospitals in the state of Kansas receiving this award, showcasing that HaysMed is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Eddie Herrman, HaysMed President and CEO. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the Hays and surrounding communities can experience longer, healthier lives.”Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, GetWith The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.“We are incredibly pleased to recognize HaysMed for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”HaysMed also received two Honor Roll awards including the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.The second Honor Roll award that HaysMed received was the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

HaysMed nationally recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality stroke care

TOPEKA — Representative Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, one of Kansas' top fiscal leaders, will serve as co-chair of a binational, nonpartisan forum of Midwestern legislators that will explore a wide range of issues related to state fiscal conditions and the development and management of state budgets.

The Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) Fiscal Affairs Forum will provide members with a forum for the exchange of information, ideas and strategies related to current revenue trends, spending needs and the critical fiscal and budgetary challenges facing states and provinces across the Midwest.

The forum will also address issues related to state tax policy, revenue estimating, budget making procedures and more.

“I am pleased to take on this role, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and counterparts across the Midwest,” said Rep. Waymaster. “States and provinces throughout this region face similar challenges and opportunities on the fiscal front, and there is much that we can learn from each other.”

In his role as co-chair, Waymaster will help guide the work of the forum in its effort to share information and best practices among states and provinces throughout the Midwest.

The committee will meet for the first time this summer during the 78th annual meeting of the Midwestern Legislative Conference, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio on July 21-24.

Waymaster has served as chair of the Kansas House Appropriations Committee since 2017.

All legislators from the following Midwestern states and Canadian provinces are members of the MLC: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio,&nbsp;Saskatchewan, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition, members of the legislative assemblies in three Canadian provinces — Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario — are MLC affiliates.

The Fiscal Affairs Forum is one of seven interstate and binational committees of the MLC, which receives staff support from the Midwestern Office of The Council of State Governments (CSG).

CSG is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that champions excellence in state government by sharing innovative solutions to common problems facing state-level policymakers nationwide.

Waymaster was appointed to serve as committee co-chair by the 2021 chair of the Midwestern Legislative Conference, South Dakota Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack.

Minnesota Representative Fue Lee will serve as the committee's other co-chair with Co-Vice Chairs, Representative Sarah Anthony, Michigan, and Senator Jerry Cirino, Ohio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621346439026.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Rep. WaymasterTOPEKA — Representative Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, one of Kansas' top fiscal leaders, will serve as co-chair of a binational, nonpartisan forum of Midwestern legislators that will explore a wide range of issues related to state fiscal conditions and the development and management of state budgets.The Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) Fiscal Affairs Forum will provide members with a forum for the exchange of information, ideas and strategies related to current revenue trends, spending needs and the critical fiscal and budgetary challenges facing states and provinces across the Midwest.The forum will also address issues related to state tax policy, revenue estimating, budget making procedures and more.“I am pleased to take on this role, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and counterparts across the Midwest,” said Rep. Waymaster. “States and provinces throughout this region face similar challenges and opportunities on the fiscal front, and there is much that we can learn from each other.”In his role as co-chair, Waymaster will help guide the work of the forum in its effort to share information and best practices among states and provinces throughout the Midwest.The committee will meet for the first time this summer during the 78th annual meeting of the Midwestern Legislative Conference, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio on July 21-24.Waymaster has served as chair of the Kansas House Appropriations Committee since 2017.All legislators from the following Midwestern states and Canadian provinces are members of the MLC: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio,&nbsp;Saskatchewan, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition, members of the legislative assemblies in three Canadian provinces — Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario — are MLC affiliates.The Fiscal Affairs Forum is one of seven interstate and binational committees of the MLC, which receives staff support from the Midwestern Office of The Council of State Governments (CSG).CSG is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that champions excellence in state government by sharing innovative solutions to common problems facing state-level policymakers nationwide.Waymaster was appointed to serve as committee co-chair by the 2021 chair of the Midwestern Legislative Conference, South Dakota Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack.Minnesota Representative Fue Lee will serve as the committee's other co-chair with Co-Vice Chairs, Representative Sarah Anthony, Michigan, and Senator Jerry Cirino, Ohio.

Rep. Waymaster to lead regional state/provincial legislators on fiscal policy

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

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 </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

&nbsp;By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

Statewide crude production in Kansas rebounded in February, but dropped in March. 

The Kansas Geological Survey reports average crude production dropped statewide in January, joining a national decline attributed largely to severe winter weather. Output rebounded the following month, but dropped again in March, the latest numbers available from KGS. 

Statewide production dipped to just under 73,000 daily barrels in March. The quarterly average, January through March, is 69,746 barrels per day, compared to 76,756 barrels per day in Q1 2023.

County production figures followed the statewide lead, dropping in January, ramping up dramatically in February, then falling back in March.

Ellis County dips to 5,524 barrels per day on production of 502,000 barrels for the first quarter. That's down from 543,000 barrels at 6,040 barrels per day during the first quarter of last year.

Barton County drops from 4,100 barrels per day last year to 3,700 through March this year, and drops to fourth in the county rankings behind Haskell and Finney counties.

Russell County pumped 3,400 barrels per day, compared to 3,666 barrels per day in the first three months of last year.

Stafford County weighs in with 2,200 barrels per day, down from 2,466 barrels per day a year ago.

The Energy Information Administration reports crude production last week increased 38,000 barrels a day in Alaska, and held steady in the lower 48 states, for a total of 13,322,000 barrels per day. EIA says cumulative production so far this year is up more than seven percent from a year ago.

EIA reports a big drawdown in U.S. commercial crude supplies. Inventories dropped by nearly five million barrels to just over 440 million. Commercial stockpiles are down nearly four percent from a year ago and five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

Weekly inventory reporting shows the government added another 700,000 barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Price markdowns in refilling the SPR have saved the U.S. Treasury $132 million since April.

Rig counts are dropping despite steady production. The latest Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 586 active rigs nationwide.&nbsp; The tally has steadily declined each week since reaching the high point for the year of 629 active rigs on March 15. 

Crude production in the United States has held steady for six weeks at just over 13.2 million barrels per day, despite the rig count declining 12 rigs over the same six weeks.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was down 13% from last week, dropping two rigs to eleven in eastern Kansas, and down two rigs west of Wichita to 15 active rigs. The tally is down seven percent from a month ago and 32% lower than last year at this time. 

Drilling continued this week on a lease in Barton County.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 19 newly-completed wells in the week through July 18. That's 713 new well-completions this year, compared to 959 a year ago. Operators completed 11 new wells in western Kansas, including one in Ellis County.

Kansas regulators okayed 18 permits for drilling at new locations, with seven in western Kansas including one in Barton County. That's 537 new drilling locations approved so far this year, compared to 720 by this time last year.

Crude oil imports outpaced crude exports by more than three million barrels a day last week. Petroleum product exports exceeded imports by more than four million barrels a day. At nearly four million barrels a day, crude exports were down 35,000 barrels a day from a week earlier, but are up from a year ago, and up from two years ago. Four-week average exports are up seven percent from a year ago.&nbsp;

 U.S. crude imports increased to seven million barrels per day, up 277,000&nbsp; barrels per day. Average imports over the last four weeks are up just over one percent from the same four weeks last year.

Government regulators are asking for more information about ConocoPhillips' pursuit of Marathon Oil. Company officials were hoping to close the $22 billion deal by the end of this year, but this request could push that back. 

The merger would increase production to 2.26 million barrels per day and raise ConocoPhillips' proved reserves to 6.8 billion barrels.&nbsp; Reuters reports both companies received the requests on July 11 and are collaborating with the FTC to review the merger.

Dozens of wildfires continued to plague the oil sands region of Alberta, Canada. The Alberta-Wildfire web site shows 161 active wildfires in the province Monday, including eight listed as out of control encircling Fort McMurray in northeastern Alberta in what is roughly the center of Canada's oil sands operations. Firefighters have already put out 764 wildfires across Alberta so far this year.&nbsp; 

An industry analyst suggests that just one of those fires is already curtailing production of nearly 200,000 barrels per day at a Suncor operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle CommunicationsStatewide crude production in Kansas rebounded in February, but dropped in March. The Kansas Geological Survey reports average crude production dropped statewide in January, joining a national decline attributed largely to severe winter weather. Output rebounded the following month, but dropped again in March, the latest numbers available from KGS. County breakouts also show declines. Statewide production dipped to just under 73,000 daily barrels in March. The quarterly average, January through March, is 69,746 barrels per day, compared to 76,756 barrels per day in Q1 2023.County production figures followed the statewide lead, dropping in January, ramping up dramatically in February, then falling back in March.Ellis County dips to 5,524 barrels per day on production of 502,000 barrels for the first quarter. That's down from 543,000 barrels at 6,040 barrels per day during the first quarter of last year.Barton County drops from 4,100 barrels per day last year to 3,700 through March this year, and drops to fourth in the county rankings behind Haskell and Finney counties.Russell County pumped 3,400 barrels per day, compared to 3,666 barrels per day in the first three months of last year.Stafford County weighs in with 2,200 barrels per day, down from 2,466 barrels per day a year ago.The Energy Information Administration reports crude production last week increased 38,000 barrels a day in Alaska, and held steady in the lower 48 states, for a total of 13,322,000 barrels per day. EIA says cumulative production so far this year is up more than seven percent from a year ago.EIA reports a big drawdown in U.S. commercial crude supplies. Inventories dropped by nearly five million barrels to just over 440 million. Commercial stockpiles are down nearly four percent from a year ago and five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.Weekly inventory reporting shows the government added another 700,000 barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Price markdowns in refilling the SPR have saved the U.S. Treasury $132 million since April.Rig counts are dropping despite steady production. The latest Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 586 active rigs nationwide.&nbsp; The tally has steadily declined each week since reaching the high point for the year of 629 active rigs on March 15. Crude production in the United States has held steady for six weeks at just over 13.2 million barrels per day, despite the rig count declining 12 rigs over the same six weeks.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was down 13% from last week, dropping two rigs to eleven in eastern Kansas, and down two rigs west of Wichita to 15 active rigs. The tally is down seven percent from a month ago and 32% lower than last year at this time. Drilling continued this week on a lease in Barton County.Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 19 newly-completed wells in the week through July 18. That's 713 new well-completions this year, compared to 959 a year ago. Operators completed 11 new wells in western Kansas, including one in Ellis County.Kansas regulators okayed 18 permits for drilling at new locations, with seven in western Kansas including one in Barton County. That's 537 new drilling locations approved so far this year, compared to 720 by this time last year.Crude oil imports outpaced crude exports by more than three million barrels a day last week. Petroleum product exports exceeded imports by more than four million barrels a day. At nearly four million barrels a day, crude exports were down 35,000 barrels a day from a week earlier, but are up from a year ago, and up from two years ago. Four-week average exports are up seven percent from a year ago.&nbsp; U.S. crude imports increased to seven million barrels per day, up 277,000&nbsp; barrels per day. Average imports over the last four weeks are up just over one percent from the same four weeks last year.Government regulators are asking for more information about ConocoPhillips' pursuit of Marathon Oil. Company officials were hoping to close the $22 billion deal by the end of this year, but this request could push that back. The merger would increase production to 2.26 million barrels per day and raise ConocoPhillips' proved reserves to 6.8 billion barrels.&nbsp; Reuters reports both companies received the requests on July 11 and are collaborating with the FTC to review the merger.Dozens of wildfires continued to plague the oil sands region of Alberta, Canada. The Alberta-Wildfire web site shows 161 active wildfires in the province Monday, including eight listed as out of control encircling Fort McMurray in northeastern Alberta in what is roughly the center of Canada's oil sands operations. Firefighters have already put out 764 wildfires across Alberta so far this year.&nbsp; An industry analyst suggests that just one of those fires is already curtailing production of nearly 200,000 barrels per day at a Suncor operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Kansas Q1 production lags behind last year

Ellis County Fair barrel racing results

SMITH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Monday in Smith County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Fiesta driven by Miranda&nbsp;Stovall, 49, Scandia, was northbound on U.S. 281 nine miles north of U.S. 36.

The car struck car deer in the road. EMS transported Stovall to the Smith County Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SMITH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Monday in Smith County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Fiesta driven by Miranda&nbsp;Stovall, 49, Scandia, was northbound on U.S. 281 nine miles north of U.S. 36.The car struck car deer in the road. EMS transported Stovall to the Smith County Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after car strikes a deer

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 267&nbsp; incidents July 14-20, 2024, according to the activity report.

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 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 267&nbsp; incidents July 14-20, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff activity log, July 14-20, 2024

The Plainville community continues to respond to the death of a fifth-grader in Plainville last week.

How the youth, Aiden Sherraden, died has not been released.

Crisis counselors met with youth and caregivers during the weekend.

Multiple fundraisers for the family have been set.

<a href="https://facebook.com/events/s/ride-for-aiden/1129820271456830/">https://facebook.com/events/s/ride-for-aiden/1129820271456830/</a>

Hays PostThe Plainville community continues to respond to the death of a fifth-grader in Plainville last week.How the youth, Aiden Sherraden, died has not been released.Crisis counselors met with youth and caregivers during the weekend.Multiple fundraisers for the family have been set.See below.<figure>
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 </figure><a href="https://facebook.com/events/s/ride-for-aiden/1129820271456830/">https://facebook.com/events/s/ride-for-aiden/1129820271456830/</a>

Fundraisers set for family of fifth-grader who died in Plainville

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Ellis County Jail bookings, July 15-22, 2024

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Two groups of Hays Boy Scouts scaled mountains and tromped through the desert during more than 50-mile hiking excursions in <a href="https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/">Philmont Scout Ranch High Adventure</a>&nbsp;in Cimarron, New Mexico, June 9-18.

Groups of boys from Troop 101 and girls from Troop 1o1G made the trip. However, the boys and girls went on different routes.

The Scouts were selected for a hike at Philmont through a lottery system. For all the teens who participated, this was their first such hike and first trip to Philmont.

The Scouts trained for about 10 months before their hikes. They learned how to pack their backpacks and adjust the harnesses so they wouldn't rub. They also took practice hikes.

Other skills in their years of Scouting helped them during their journey, including camping, knots, using a camp stove, first aid, navigating and leadership.

To pay their way, the Scouts sold tickets for a gun raffle and sold lots of popcorn.

Asher Haag, 15, Ellis, said the Scouts saw many beautiful views along their hike.

Each day, a navigator from the groups was designated. That Scout had to read topographical maps, set the pace and guide the group through the area.

The girls said it was important to work together and keep each other's spirits up. That camaraderie was their favorite part of the trip.

"The day we got a little lost was my favorite," Rebekah Schroeder, 19, Paradise, said. "Everyone stepped up. We rearranged weight to help people out. We worked together to keep up morale. It was fun. This is the adventure I came here for."

On the day the girls thought they were lost, they were taking a shortcut, but it ended up being a switchback. They were only about 500 feet off the main trail, but it was impossible to tell from the map.

Alexis Bigge, 14, Plainville, said she enjoyed hanging out with her crew of people.&nbsp;

"I didn't have to worry about talking to other people much. They knew exactly what I was thinking," she said.

Delilah Meyers, 16, said by the fifth day, everyone was so comfortable with each other that they were all cracking jokes. The girls also played games. They competed to see who could spot the most animals or wildflowers.

They created fun twists to their calls and responses on the trail. Instead of saying, "Is everyone ready?" they would say, "Party on Wayne," "Party on Garth," or "Punch it Chewy."

Rowan Neeley, 13, of Hays  was dubbed Siren because she liked to sing on the trail.

The Scouts carried their food with them. They ate dehydrated meals and a lot of peanuts. There were boxes at staff camps where other hikers would leave unwanted food that Scouts could be swapped.

The girls said they were surprised they could receive so much energy on so little food.

After the second day on the trail, Bigge said everything hurt, and they were tired.

"One of the biggest challenges was everything hurt, and you're tired and done and hungry, and you just want to sit down and not get back up, and you have to get back up and keep going," she said.

Eli Dreiling, 15, Hays, said his favorite day was the ascent of Mount Baldy. He said the group played music, making the hiking more fun.

"We got to see a nice view, and it was just fun to be up there," he said.

The boys' group worked on a conservation project on the mountain, which involved building a trail. The girls' conservation project was similar but rained out.

However, they had to book it down the mountain when a thunderstorm rolled in.

"The 14- and 15-year-olds tracked the weather and were asking the adult in charge—the rangers. It was all good. It was all good. Then boom! It was not all good," a Scout's mother said.

The boys were among the first groups to be allowed to hike through Ute Park, an area that had been scorched by wildfire six years ago.

Earlier in the hike, the boys' group had been hiking through forested areas and had shade.

"Once we reached the burn area, you had the sun beating down on you, so it was really hot, so it wasn't the funnest."

Finding the trail was also difficult in this desolate landscape.

"There were no live trees," Dreiling said. "The whole area just didn't look right. There were spots that were supposed to have water, but there was none of that. It didn't look very alive like the rest of the park. ... It looked kind of dead and open."

Dreiling said he was surprised that much devastation remained years after the fire.

"It was just some grasses and dead trees," he said.

The day the boys hiked the burn area, temperatures were in the 90s. 

Because certain areas had no water sources, the Scouts had to carry two-and-a-half gallon jugs of water suspended between poles. They also had to purify their water with chlorine tablets or boil it for cooking.

Along the hike, the Scouts stopped at various staff camps. There, they could participate in activities such as blacksmithing, pole climbing, gold panning, trap shooting, and a campfire and learn about logging, which is part of Philmont's history.

Cayden Eaton and Neeley both said they enjoyed the Clark's Fork Ranch, where they had a campfire, learned to lasso and rode horses.

Camden Luck said he enjoyed the blacksmithing experience, where the boys helped make a butter scraper. The blacksmith offered cookies for every bucket of water the boys hauled from the stream up the 30 stairs to the blacksmith at the main lodge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720561032132.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTwo groups of Hays Boy Scouts scaled mountains and tromped through the desert during more than 50-mile hiking excursions in <a href="https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/">Philmont Scout Ranch High Adventure</a>&nbsp;in Cimarron, New Mexico, June 9-18.Groups of boys from Troop 101 and girls from Troop 1o1G made the trip. However, the boys and girls went on different routes.The Scouts were selected for a hike at Philmont through a lottery system. For all the teens who participated, this was their first such hike and first trip to Philmont.The Scouts trained for about 10 months before their hikes. They learned how to pack their backpacks and adjust the harnesses so they wouldn't rub. They also took practice hikes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721417972736.jpeg" alt="Scout Troop 101G in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/">Philmont</a>, including Rebekah Schroeder, Alexis Bigge, Delilah Meyers, Rowan Neeley, Cayden Eaton, chaperones Gordon Schroeder, Hillary Newell and Chris Neeley and Topeka Scout Maurine Waudley and her dad, Dan. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Scout Troop 101G in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/">Philmont</a>, including Rebekah Schroeder, Alexis Bigge, Delilah Meyers, Rowan Neeley, Cayden Eaton, chaperones Gordon Schroeder, Hillary Newell and Chris Neeley and Topeka Scout Maurine Waudley and her dad, Dan. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Other skills in their years of Scouting helped them during their journey, including camping, knots, using a camp stove, first aid, navigating and leadership.To pay their way, the Scouts sold tickets for a gun raffle and sold lots of popcorn.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720561391371.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Asher Haag, 15, Ellis, said the Scouts saw many beautiful views along their hike.Each day, a navigator from the groups was designated. That Scout had to read topographical maps, set the pace and guide the group through the area.The girls said it was important to work together and keep each other's spirits up. That camaraderie was their favorite part of the trip."The day we got a little lost was my favorite," Rebekah Schroeder, 19, Paradise, said. "Everyone stepped up. We rearranged weight to help people out. We worked together to keep up morale. It was fun. This is the adventure I came here for."On the day the girls thought they were lost, they were taking a shortcut, but it ended up being a switchback. They were only about 500 feet off the main trail, but it was impossible to tell from the map.Alexis Bigge, 14, Plainville, said she enjoyed hanging out with her crew of people.&nbsp;"I didn't have to worry about talking to other people much. They knew exactly what I was thinking," she said.Delilah Meyers, 16, said by the fifth day, everyone was so comfortable with each other that they were all cracking jokes. The girls also played games. They competed to see who could spot the most animals or wildflowers.They created fun twists to their calls and responses on the trail. Instead of saying, "Is everyone ready?" they would say, "Party on Wayne," "Party on Garth," or "Punch it Chewy."Rowan Neeley, 13, of Hays was dubbed Siren because she liked to sing on the trail.The Scouts carried their food with them. They ate dehydrated meals and a lot of peanuts. There were boxes at staff camps where other hikers would leave unwanted food that Scouts could be swapped.The girls said they were surprised they could receive so much energy on so little food.After the second day on the trail, Bigge said everything hurt, and they were tired."One of the biggest challenges was everything hurt, and you're tired and done and hungry, and you just want to sit down and not get back up, and you have to get back up and keep going," she said.Eli Dreiling, 15, Hays, said his favorite day was the ascent of Mount Baldy. He said the group played music, making the hiking more fun."We got to see a nice view, and it was just fun to be up there," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720561421938.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The boys' group worked on a conservation project on the mountain, which involved building a trail. The girls' conservation project was similar but rained out.However, they had to book it down the mountain when a thunderstorm rolled in."The 14- and 15-year-olds tracked the weather and were asking the adult in charge—the rangers. It was all good. It was all good. Then boom! It was not all good," a Scout's mother said.The boys were among the first groups to be allowed to hike through Ute Park, an area that had been scorched by wildfire six years ago.Earlier in the hike, the boys' group had been hiking through forested areas and had shade."Once we reached the burn area, you had the sun beating down on you, so it was really hot, so it wasn't the funnest."Finding the trail was also difficult in this desolate landscape."There were no live trees," Dreiling said. "The whole area just didn't look right. There were spots that were supposed to have water, but there was none of that. It didn't look very alive like the rest of the park. ... It looked kind of dead and open."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720561517856.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Dreiling said he was surprised that much devastation remained years after the fire."It was just some grasses and dead trees," he said.The day the boys hiked the burn area, temperatures were in the 90s. Because certain areas had no water sources, the Scouts had to carry two-and-a-half gallon jugs of water suspended between poles. They also had to purify their water with chlorine tablets or boil it for cooking.Along the hike, the Scouts stopped at various staff camps. There, they could participate in activities such as blacksmithing, pole climbing, gold panning, trap shooting, and a campfire and learn about logging, which is part of Philmont's history.Cayden Eaton and Neeley both said they enjoyed the Clark's Fork Ranch, where they had a campfire, learned to lasso and rode horses.Camden Luck said he enjoyed the blacksmithing experience, where the boys helped make a butter scraper. The blacksmith offered cookies for every bucket of water the boys hauled from the stream up the 30 stairs to the blacksmith at the main lodge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720561545890.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Camden hauled six buckets of water in about 45 minutes.Haag said his favorite part of the trip was their hike to the peak of Mount Baldy.&nbsp;In one day, the Scouts ascended about 3,600 feet to the top of Mount Baldy, which is 12,441 feet above sea level. The peak is the second-highest point in New Mexico. From the summit, the group could see Colorado.The girls also gained about 3,000 feet in their ascent of Phillip's Peak, 11,700 feet above sea level. Some of the boys' group along the trail made their ascents of the peak with 10-pound day packs, while the girls carried their full 40-pound packs the entire climb.Bryson Dumler said his favorite day of the trip was their longest hike—15 miles.&nbsp;"We saw a lot more things," he said. "We went under a bridge and over a river.&nbsp;The Scouts struggled with blisters and had to adjust their packs on the trail. Ill-fitting packs resulted in sore shoulders, the Scouts said.Over the almost 60 miles the boys hiked, the Scouts had to learn to set a pace. They hiked too fast the first day, and the excursion required them to take more breaks. This resulted in them arriving at camp late.The hikers saw many deer, and one of the boys' chaperones called in a wild turkey one night. Bears had been sighted in the area. The boys did not encounter any bears, but the girls did.Neeley said she was excited when she saw the bear.Rebekah Schroeder, 19, of Paradise, said she was so shocked the bear seemed out of place, and Delilah Meyers, 16, of Ellis, said she thought it was so cute she just wanted to cuddle the animal.The girls said one of their chaperones also almost stepped on a snake.They had to take bear precautions, including tying a line to their food and hoisting it about 10 feet off the ground."I think we smelled bad enough they knew we were there," Matt Dumler, volunteer, said.The boys had no access to showers for the entirety of their trip, just an occasional stream bath.The girls took a very brief shower at one of the staff camps.Meyers said after nine days with no showers, "I wanted to die."Members of both groups said they learned and grew during their trip.&nbsp;Schroeder, who is now in college, said the trip marked her transition from being a girl to an adult.Neeley said," I learned that you don't have to do things alone. You have people who can help you. If you put in the work and the time to help others, they also can help you. You need to have that support system."Meyers said, "We would not have survived without each other."The boys and girls both earned a 50-miler badge for their hikes."I think it is important to hit on this," Dumler, boys volunteer, said. "The boys led all of this. The adults were there to just make sure they all came back home. We were told to step back and make sure the boys make all of the decisions, and they did."The Scouts had the compass and maps for navigating. They decided their schedule and what they ate."They are the ones that got us through this," he said.Gordon Schroeder, girls volunteer, said he admired the girls for finishing the hike, as there were boys' troops who did not."I admire the girls for not stopping and giving up," he said. "They are remarkable."Meyers said, "It's the hardest thing a Scout can do."Although the boys don't have any big trips planned in the near future, many of them are beginning to work on their Eagle Scout projects.Bryson Dumler plans to install obstacles at the Hays dog park.Dreiling is considering helping make stand for the law enforcement shooting range.Some of the girls are eager to try backcountry hiking again. Rebekah Schroeder has completed her Eagle Scout award and is looking forward to being an adult leader when she turns 21.Three of the other four girls have their sights set on Eagle Awards. Meyers is planning a project with Bethesda Place.Chaperones Hillary Newell and Chris Neeley, scout Maurine Waudley, 17, of Topeka, and her father, Dan Waudley, also accompanied the girls' group.&nbsp;

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