TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. 

This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.

Since May 2023&nbsp;Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.

“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie&nbsp;Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and&nbsp;the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”

Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due&nbsp;to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.

Complete Kansas labor market information for May is available here.

Technical Note:&nbsp;This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for May 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 May 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718981035315.png" alt="Kansas Department of Labor" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Labor</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOL<h2>MAY 2024</h2>TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.Since May 2023&nbsp;Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie&nbsp;Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and&nbsp;the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due&nbsp;to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.Complete Kansas labor market information for May is available here.Technical Note:&nbsp;This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for May 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 May 12.

Unemployment rate in Kansas creeps up slightly in May; Ellis County at 2.7%

By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University researchers and representatives of Kansas Wheat have published updated findings on the value of feeding wheat to pigs.

What they’ve found is good news for swine producers and wheat growers.

“Our data collected from 2014 to 2020 suggests that wheat’s mean energy content is 99% and 98% of corn for digestible energy and metabolizable energy, respectively” said Joel DeRouchey, a swine specialist for K-State Research and Extension.

Bottom line: Wheat can be used at a similar rate as corn in those areas where wheat is available, without a major decrease in the diet energy density.

“The use of wheat co-products for the milling industry is a common practice in feeding livestock,” DeRouchey said. “For wheat, there are many different classifications of co-products, such as wheat middlings, wheat millrun, wheat shorts and wheat red dog.”

K-State formed a partnership with Kansas Wheat to update what is known about the nutritional value of wheat and wheat co-products.

“Wheat milling co-products – including bran, middlings and shorts – provide good nutritional value,” said Aaron Harries, the vice president of research and operations for Kansas Wheat. “In particular, those products have high phosphorus content, which results in less supplemental phosphorus in the diet, and reduced costs for the producer.”

The two organizations have published the updated research in&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001d-6Kp2fYXxEQmV8FX-1Jm2mjuwmzBseHSCwvK0-uKwOHWcgZ2vSxuTCW-M4QBjBvTwjUlEB2mv-kuFbKomivueQeWD_WZtziiTN8xFJpxnlde0C1iJ6JBYYsXAW2fQEuSJ06raBYVRaPFTxyn5z-htcnUCqUEZiX6BHjpHiWy8_MdzwYfBeV8m0faQnoGiptCtxBfNYnK0vNv0VuBEo_ziE4-PiqdyAdNugzCKsGDCdTlR1Ihuqfzs_m-1MGFSqcQ_kNTPv0qEdm51Dj2c1_UAmO3rNkf-hR&amp;c=1FUQ6XmNdCLb37xmJqvX1EteOYiXrLDI0d2TPOzg0M6lKsH_2nYW6Q==&amp;ch=v5Q25MuOgS3l7jHD7yJvYS-jl90teh9KGMu1fzDTjUFhC4fN8AYm4g==" target="_blank">three fact sheets now available online</a>&nbsp;from Kansas State University. The three publications are:

• <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Wheat%20for%20Swine%20Nutritional%20Properties%20Factsheet.pdf">Wheat Nutritional Properties</a> • <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Wheat%20co-products%20Nutritional%20properties%20for%20swine%20diets%20Factsheet.pdf">Co-product Nutritional Properties</a> • <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Off-quality%20wheat%20Utilization%20in%20swine%20diets%20Factsheet.pdf">Off-quality utilization</a>

According to DeRouchey, key findings in the fact sheets include:

• Wheat contains higher levels of crude protein and amino acids compared to other cereal grains. “This allows for less soybean meal inclusion in the diet.

• Wheat’s standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids is similar to corn, but greater than barley and sorghum,” DeRouchey said.

• The phosphorus content of wheat is 0.27%, and has very high digestible phosphorus because it contains intrinsic phytase.

• Pelleted wheat diets have been found to have significantly greater pellet durability index, as much as 33.1% compared to corn-based diets. “Even if wheat is not used as the main cereal grain (in a swine diet), it can be incorporated into diets as a pelleting aid,” DeRouchey said.

Harries notes that the updated findings on feeding wheat to swine “provides valuable new information for swine feeders.”

“It allows farmers to consider swine feeding as an alternative marketplace for their wheat,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718897603087.jpeg" alt="Photo by KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Photo by KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News ServiceMANHATTAN — Kansas State University researchers and representatives of Kansas Wheat have published updated findings on the value of feeding wheat to pigs.What they’ve found is good news for swine producers and wheat growers.“Our data collected from 2014 to 2020 suggests that wheat’s mean energy content is 99% and 98% of corn for digestible energy and metabolizable energy, respectively” said Joel DeRouchey, a swine specialist for K-State Research and Extension.Bottom line: Wheat can be used at a similar rate as corn in those areas where wheat is available, without a major decrease in the diet energy density.“The use of wheat co-products for the milling industry is a common practice in feeding livestock,” DeRouchey said. “For wheat, there are many different classifications of co-products, such as wheat middlings, wheat millrun, wheat shorts and wheat red dog.”K-State formed a partnership with Kansas Wheat to update what is known about the nutritional value of wheat and wheat co-products.“Wheat milling co-products – including bran, middlings and shorts – provide good nutritional value,” said Aaron Harries, the vice president of research and operations for Kansas Wheat. “In particular, those products have high phosphorus content, which results in less supplemental phosphorus in the diet, and reduced costs for the producer.”The two organizations have published the updated research in&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001d-6Kp2fYXxEQmV8FX-1Jm2mjuwmzBseHSCwvK0-uKwOHWcgZ2vSxuTCW-M4QBjBvTwjUlEB2mv-kuFbKomivueQeWD_WZtziiTN8xFJpxnlde0C1iJ6JBYYsXAW2fQEuSJ06raBYVRaPFTxyn5z-htcnUCqUEZiX6BHjpHiWy8_MdzwYfBeV8m0faQnoGiptCtxBfNYnK0vNv0VuBEo_ziE4-PiqdyAdNugzCKsGDCdTlR1Ihuqfzs_m-1MGFSqcQ_kNTPv0qEdm51Dj2c1_UAmO3rNkf-hR&amp;c=1FUQ6XmNdCLb37xmJqvX1EteOYiXrLDI0d2TPOzg0M6lKsH_2nYW6Q==&amp;ch=v5Q25MuOgS3l7jHD7yJvYS-jl90teh9KGMu1fzDTjUFhC4fN8AYm4g==" target="_blank">three fact sheets now available online</a>&nbsp;from Kansas State University. The three publications are:• <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Wheat%20for%20Swine%20Nutritional%20Properties%20Factsheet.pdf">Wheat Nutritional Properties</a> • <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Wheat%20co-products%20Nutritional%20properties%20for%20swine%20diets%20Factsheet.pdf">Co-product Nutritional Properties</a> • <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Off-quality%20wheat%20Utilization%20in%20swine%20diets%20Factsheet.pdf">Off-quality utilization</a> According to DeRouchey, key findings in the fact sheets include:• Wheat contains higher levels of crude protein and amino acids compared to other cereal grains. “This allows for less soybean meal inclusion in the diet.• Wheat’s standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids is similar to corn, but greater than barley and sorghum,” DeRouchey said.• The phosphorus content of wheat is 0.27%, and has very high digestible phosphorus because it contains intrinsic phytase.• Pelleted wheat diets have been found to have significantly greater pellet durability index, as much as 33.1% compared to corn-based diets. “Even if wheat is not used as the main cereal grain (in a swine diet), it can be incorporated into diets as a pelleting aid,” DeRouchey said.Harries notes that the updated findings on feeding wheat to swine “provides valuable new information for swine feeders.”“It allows farmers to consider swine feeding as an alternative marketplace for their wheat,” he said.

Good news for swine producers and wheat growers, say updated findings by KSU, Kansas Wheat

<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/2024/6/1719171272316.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

LENEXA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy has announced that applications are open for $850 million in federal funding for projects that will help monitor, measure, quantify and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sectors as part of President Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzV5fhrD-2Bk8i9fcQa7g1AST-2BTfjZj4jGDzFWHA3xW3lduVHx1VdYLfLO2FaM9yIjdaCi7dhjCJAcL1cDgdxgXYL-2BiOh06b80z0LWe5WQwYvI0dCNEPvgAMZEV6CcoGDYieGd277iEfnB3e67ctpKhHqsUTVTGYXtzybCmrHIMjZLMHaC8mBZhQw3pWuT2YZQCxM0SE8yeaCQwwqG-2FEU1eBsJJV8Q-2Bi9BhhpEm65rg66w6tSSakRzutMNtjEzfS0tGVfZocdoTfPdALbwpuVlEJ-2FX0F1r0qCj3QI8yBR-2FMT9jaKWxPKtjAHJ0hAZ0bzuE-2BzXtafl4MM6RV8QUQCTTe-2BfPRLSX2zIQVpe3VV-2Bk9yAtBXpIvhKJFP32HlcfdJ-2BK7TKQZApQWeCDE-2BhvN5E1jzLckxNK6uYevp8xLXgWZrGwpX95bfvXCIeIDIiqK-2FFht9rpY0Jhd4zEn9CZpR9xMAFqzCVC3Qc6yIeD-2FojOWDhPJke5w_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZavmUh0SUBcECddkc1bQwdKzSY2kUdL28p48FcIyBTCbkcjhg1fTKFRBGj3uP0nASBS8rwPU679Pl8gU2xrJydkCqjSKcQ3BLc6oEdQKdJo4NE1eBwMVmRNYrB27sJCNSfvUQeypiCy-2BkSDl9GjfYasY-3D">Investing in America agenda</a>.

Oil and natural gas facilities are the nation’s largest industrial source of methane, a climate “super pollutant” that is many times more potent than carbon dioxide and is responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today.&nbsp;

This funding from the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—will help mitigate legacy air pollution, create jobs in the energy sector and disadvantaged communities, reduce waste and inefficiencies in U.S. oil and gas operations, and realize near-term emissions reductions.

The funding will specifically help small oil and natural gas operators reduce methane emissions and transition to available and innovative methane emissions reduction technologies, while also supporting partnerships that improve emissions measurement and provide accurate, transparent data to impacted communities. 

This constitutes a key part of broader technical and financial assistance to be provided by the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5cYQnjyGLH-2Bc0H-2BPkQivqIniNCziTD5tmwvahct2R70xJ-2FsLQ8MT-2BvuSSywzR-2FTwdxfm7413SSVrNYkp3HGHPnfM247VgEy3nlNLlflRGpEjXec_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZamMCdWgncngeSf9t3p-2F-2BCOQlpK5oLhkeu3uAYUDeBexDL4xDWna8Tr-2F2JqP5GvmUocAjMot-2B-2FxpipBujEtmskBaeGtgZZkrqtamUgaGy428nf0iR5p9layM6niESrff9qXCTq9gzMpq7mKfhYqV0Szk-3D">Methane Emissions Reduction Program</a>. &nbsp;

The primary objectives of this funding opportunity announcement are to:&nbsp;

A competitive solicitation for this funding will enable a broad range of eligible U.S. entities to apply, including industry, academia, non-governmental organizations,&nbsp;Tribes and state and local governments. This funding opportunity is expected to achieve measurable outcomes for skilled workforce training, community involvement and environmental justice. 

Funding applicants are required to submit Community Benefits Plans to demonstrate meaningful engagement with and tangible benefits to the communities in which the proposed projects will be located. These plans must provide details on the applicant’s commitments to community and labor engagement, quality job creation, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and benefits to disadvantaged communities as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzV5fhrD-2Bk8i9fcQa7g1AST9L44o4KQ5LJgTUGLcefj2xCDVe7-2FTNeZ5x6Rju3nH-2Fiwo1yTRdEB8jPuQmnrGRljI-2FQtjOGj0tBlfgywDFohO-2BlR64Llk8FEwy3y-2BGQCFDIb4dKu8LPMkgQWnYHzPVNb57-2BMOZakIae-2FJ1jKydLWJe3A1w8x92tgMnTJWszJgy6IM4uXDLx8n1Hrzuti2f1XgooV7ZVxj1IYDB8mK8mOqtjdMk53PUQljwbbsBuEEn8CTNxEBp5DWMNiYpriRW2LOhktNVXnsMA7EfMUHhg7LcbhlT8lB-2FYq-2FN482FQLdItvLJYpj-2Fe2rPzwa84DZQhjuMBCkTL25fLAR-2FCRMcAulJ2B0RWI7GBGwrkyVbjEpKq9bFln1O5fZQptjlFBH2WySWt2b-2B0yVzCdB7umny5MrwXCEnWUXiGOFRO7KwD-2FqhcG6OSCwMd9nf3-2FAJOA6Hlg874o8HAievBuY6bpArRZWgqotVhc-2BD6aM8cV2uQypaWg-3D-3DnknJ_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZakeOpC4HN1lI2W640tMDwKOzaJxZcjYdU-2BxQ4GQWhKyU-2F1dhvz6kVk-2Bt0ScjkttExhVE2KpUfR8dCIjFXikWf3GHiRxd1GOysRexQS-2FKKo9BI8L7sZ62AB8KykvyyCiRL9C-2F9hfQOVmdMxjCvClBZYE-3D">the Justice40 Initiative</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read more details of this&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzbVDmlNiEtz1W0Q8uuY4PaOQLr9WmQugV58OQE3NWpD-2BFC9rgoezMXkiwuCi8b-2B6fLxE9OEjyEvalgrfKtYssR1l8b084YyyTJ1EWnee-2BPRQCnmgTveSrhi3Y4pb0GQ-2FEwNI24khyXaxjkwoKiImEMAX4jmeyzmtJkex7TPmJrfhPDhg6Y-2B84zcH0Q0TXjsgdhOGGUDPyrqZO5OMHpbct0PIry708srNivkXG6p6DZxNNsa4fUvqSP7Yd9szUdmMbHgi-2FBeqIED6Wv3BGig5LeU0ybN3N7gs9fGgMJ3N4YKojyt20kn72eKD2-2B5aoyyTiusDx-2Bfhj6pLBBN6FXZVN-2BbABu1-2FE4OPbqpqsTjMkcHgUlrbOwahDQ4uyND8Lwv34zHqR2u91DLT-2FsLslZMxKmmIIgblRKGVe-2BkUDKNrr0JkiE3-2FE6wHMprMo4BXuiG0pAPcwfMYnFgVfXIaJkAblEU-2BwYFdDNBNgZ-2BdsTOz3h-2FUg-2FRcnLIv4Szbm-2FUOGkN-2BfLRxEi3OJLZopWkNX-2Fs-2BROE-3Dhmxb_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZalH9mVxHV9ZC6Qc0XZAgA-2FG0fyj6eDeUYvBWuiNAe-2BA1CIsP0cOXStwFQgYNPRVjjXZU5wjOxVJffWwhXMoQfUm96FZXlFNNrDfZjhwjv9O1EWo0oElptIcmIPhZwji46hhDLIOktreHnVCnS4K79cU-3D">funding opportunity</a>. For any questions on the application, applicants must submit written questions through the FedConnect portal at FedConnect.net.

For assistance with any technical issues with grants.gov, please contact 1-800-518-4726 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:support@grants.gov">support@grants.gov</a>. More information, including applicant eligibility, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzWwWyn5GHxar8O7msGi6-2BFYNydZNpQ12zlEGyqlPM87XwmvpFqXhJMPm8X1dmwvJxJUgJNvIcotOwgH1hxUth1pZWIBPmUp2s-2FPS5lqMSbWCbWxjOn5ej2-2FJ0Ulip87gGH9tNGjY5eDLl4cjixOuQs0quA-2FnG3Tbrw7fV5B-2F7XI7V0nBSoM0-2BTuGLFo-2Fnpz0AWlrZryuHaEjS5uGK4AfwNSJKCRtLHi7xzoQrQi6FoE-2FUZkk4rk8ncvJs1l5iUTlZyvhPkw1dVKlLYBHRN4r2p2C7ewP0RpDheazlggKDeQtJikZgP5VtzbnDv01hDKlIQ6l92lHINf9sXp-2FDSYkxCZ0DwX-2FscJOjIJsVgaOpX0t-2F18cgRnIaqPz-2FwSf2SWAweJHdreR-2BBiRcuI8htWsUG7wXFU-2BFPFoH7t3zzIpwHmyBx-2FX-2Bdc31GVJ3DHjzh-2F4AQ-3D-3DEL29_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZahV8CtbM9f9gcVQG25Rn1GKg4Pu6Dm04Q0SYf1V6UQF7L1CVC-2BFtyUZQ65kNlc72jP75Q9I7xK5wbS1lN7OH1RkSKjxImReHJwgLGS7-2BLY-2B9DiiT6exwjeBGMJPFBQ5SH03lE-2BPJrhcK5ZQNLExMzUY-3D">government grants page</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718986774743.jpeg" alt="Oil refinery. Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Oil refinery. Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;EPALENEXA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy has announced that applications are open for $850 million in federal funding for projects that will help monitor, measure, quantify and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sectors as part of President Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzV5fhrD-2Bk8i9fcQa7g1AST-2BTfjZj4jGDzFWHA3xW3lduVHx1VdYLfLO2FaM9yIjdaCi7dhjCJAcL1cDgdxgXYL-2BiOh06b80z0LWe5WQwYvI0dCNEPvgAMZEV6CcoGDYieGd277iEfnB3e67ctpKhHqsUTVTGYXtzybCmrHIMjZLMHaC8mBZhQw3pWuT2YZQCxM0SE8yeaCQwwqG-2FEU1eBsJJV8Q-2Bi9BhhpEm65rg66w6tSSakRzutMNtjEzfS0tGVfZocdoTfPdALbwpuVlEJ-2FX0F1r0qCj3QI8yBR-2FMT9jaKWxPKtjAHJ0hAZ0bzuE-2BzXtafl4MM6RV8QUQCTTe-2BfPRLSX2zIQVpe3VV-2Bk9yAtBXpIvhKJFP32HlcfdJ-2BK7TKQZApQWeCDE-2BhvN5E1jzLckxNK6uYevp8xLXgWZrGwpX95bfvXCIeIDIiqK-2FFht9rpY0Jhd4zEn9CZpR9xMAFqzCVC3Qc6yIeD-2FojOWDhPJke5w_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZavmUh0SUBcECddkc1bQwdKzSY2kUdL28p48FcIyBTCbkcjhg1fTKFRBGj3uP0nASBS8rwPU679Pl8gU2xrJydkCqjSKcQ3BLc6oEdQKdJo4NE1eBwMVmRNYrB27sJCNSfvUQeypiCy-2BkSDl9GjfYasY-3D">Investing in America agenda</a>. Oil and natural gas facilities are the nation’s largest industrial source of methane, a climate “super pollutant” that is many times more potent than carbon dioxide and is responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today.&nbsp;This funding from the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—will help mitigate legacy air pollution, create jobs in the energy sector and disadvantaged communities, reduce waste and inefficiencies in U.S. oil and gas operations, and realize near-term emissions reductions.The funding will specifically help small oil and natural gas operators reduce methane emissions and transition to available and innovative methane emissions reduction technologies, while also supporting partnerships that improve emissions measurement and provide accurate, transparent data to impacted communities. This constitutes a key part of broader technical and financial assistance to be provided by the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5cYQnjyGLH-2Bc0H-2BPkQivqIniNCziTD5tmwvahct2R70xJ-2FsLQ8MT-2BvuSSywzR-2FTwdxfm7413SSVrNYkp3HGHPnfM247VgEy3nlNLlflRGpEjXec_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZamMCdWgncngeSf9t3p-2F-2BCOQlpK5oLhkeu3uAYUDeBexDL4xDWna8Tr-2F2JqP5GvmUocAjMot-2B-2FxpipBujEtmskBaeGtgZZkrqtamUgaGy428nf0iR5p9layM6niESrff9qXCTq9gzMpq7mKfhYqV0Szk-3D">Methane Emissions Reduction Program</a>. &nbsp;The primary objectives of this funding opportunity announcement are to:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Help small operators significantly reduce methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations, using commercially available technology solutions for methane emissions monitoring, measurement, quantification and mitigation.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Accelerate the repair of methane leaks from low-producing wells&nbsp;and the deployment of early-commercial technology solutions to reduce methane emissions from new and existing equipment such as natural gas compressors, gas-fueled engines, associated gas flares, liquids unloading operations, handling of produced water and other equipment leakage.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Improve communities’ access to empirical data and participation in monitoring&nbsp;through multiple installations of monitoring and measurement technologies while establishing collaborative relationships between equipment providers and communities.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Enhance the detection and measurement of methane emissions from oil and gas operations&nbsp;at regional scale, while ensuring nationwide data consistency through the creation of collaborative partnerships. These partnerships will span the country’s oil and gas-producing regions and draw in oil and natural gas owners and operators, universities, environmental justice organizations, community leaders, unions, technology developers, Tribes, state regulatory agencies, non-governmental research organizations, federally funded research and development centers and DOE’s National Laboratories. &nbsp;</li>
 </ol>A competitive solicitation for this funding will enable a broad range of eligible U.S. entities to apply, including industry, academia, non-governmental organizations,&nbsp;Tribes and state and local governments. This funding opportunity is expected to achieve measurable outcomes for skilled workforce training, community involvement and environmental justice. Funding applicants are required to submit Community Benefits Plans to demonstrate meaningful engagement with and tangible benefits to the communities in which the proposed projects will be located. These plans must provide details on the applicant’s commitments to community and labor engagement, quality job creation, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and benefits to disadvantaged communities as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzV5fhrD-2Bk8i9fcQa7g1AST9L44o4KQ5LJgTUGLcefj2xCDVe7-2FTNeZ5x6Rju3nH-2Fiwo1yTRdEB8jPuQmnrGRljI-2FQtjOGj0tBlfgywDFohO-2BlR64Llk8FEwy3y-2BGQCFDIb4dKu8LPMkgQWnYHzPVNb57-2BMOZakIae-2FJ1jKydLWJe3A1w8x92tgMnTJWszJgy6IM4uXDLx8n1Hrzuti2f1XgooV7ZVxj1IYDB8mK8mOqtjdMk53PUQljwbbsBuEEn8CTNxEBp5DWMNiYpriRW2LOhktNVXnsMA7EfMUHhg7LcbhlT8lB-2FYq-2FN482FQLdItvLJYpj-2Fe2rPzwa84DZQhjuMBCkTL25fLAR-2FCRMcAulJ2B0RWI7GBGwrkyVbjEpKq9bFln1O5fZQptjlFBH2WySWt2b-2B0yVzCdB7umny5MrwXCEnWUXiGOFRO7KwD-2FqhcG6OSCwMd9nf3-2FAJOA6Hlg874o8HAievBuY6bpArRZWgqotVhc-2BD6aM8cV2uQypaWg-3D-3DnknJ_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZakeOpC4HN1lI2W640tMDwKOzaJxZcjYdU-2BxQ4GQWhKyU-2F1dhvz6kVk-2Bt0ScjkttExhVE2KpUfR8dCIjFXikWf3GHiRxd1GOysRexQS-2FKKo9BI8L7sZ62AB8KykvyyCiRL9C-2F9hfQOVmdMxjCvClBZYE-3D">the Justice40 Initiative</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read more details of this&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzbVDmlNiEtz1W0Q8uuY4PaOQLr9WmQugV58OQE3NWpD-2BFC9rgoezMXkiwuCi8b-2B6fLxE9OEjyEvalgrfKtYssR1l8b084YyyTJ1EWnee-2BPRQCnmgTveSrhi3Y4pb0GQ-2FEwNI24khyXaxjkwoKiImEMAX4jmeyzmtJkex7TPmJrfhPDhg6Y-2B84zcH0Q0TXjsgdhOGGUDPyrqZO5OMHpbct0PIry708srNivkXG6p6DZxNNsa4fUvqSP7Yd9szUdmMbHgi-2FBeqIED6Wv3BGig5LeU0ybN3N7gs9fGgMJ3N4YKojyt20kn72eKD2-2B5aoyyTiusDx-2Bfhj6pLBBN6FXZVN-2BbABu1-2FE4OPbqpqsTjMkcHgUlrbOwahDQ4uyND8Lwv34zHqR2u91DLT-2FsLslZMxKmmIIgblRKGVe-2BkUDKNrr0JkiE3-2FE6wHMprMo4BXuiG0pAPcwfMYnFgVfXIaJkAblEU-2BwYFdDNBNgZ-2BdsTOz3h-2FUg-2FRcnLIv4Szbm-2FUOGkN-2BfLRxEi3OJLZopWkNX-2Fs-2BROE-3Dhmxb_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZalH9mVxHV9ZC6Qc0XZAgA-2FG0fyj6eDeUYvBWuiNAe-2BA1CIsP0cOXStwFQgYNPRVjjXZU5wjOxVJffWwhXMoQfUm96FZXlFNNrDfZjhwjv9O1EWo0oElptIcmIPhZwji46hhDLIOktreHnVCnS4K79cU-3D">funding opportunity</a>. For any questions on the application, applicants must submit written questions through the FedConnect portal at FedConnect.net. For assistance with any technical issues with grants.gov, please contact 1-800-518-4726 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:support@grants.gov">support@grants.gov</a>. More information, including applicant eligibility, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzWwWyn5GHxar8O7msGi6-2BFYNydZNpQ12zlEGyqlPM87XwmvpFqXhJMPm8X1dmwvJxJUgJNvIcotOwgH1hxUth1pZWIBPmUp2s-2FPS5lqMSbWCbWxjOn5ej2-2FJ0Ulip87gGH9tNGjY5eDLl4cjixOuQs0quA-2FnG3Tbrw7fV5B-2F7XI7V0nBSoM0-2BTuGLFo-2Fnpz0AWlrZryuHaEjS5uGK4AfwNSJKCRtLHi7xzoQrQi6FoE-2FUZkk4rk8ncvJs1l5iUTlZyvhPkw1dVKlLYBHRN4r2p2C7ewP0RpDheazlggKDeQtJikZgP5VtzbnDv01hDKlIQ6l92lHINf9sXp-2FDSYkxCZ0DwX-2FscJOjIJsVgaOpX0t-2F18cgRnIaqPz-2FwSf2SWAweJHdreR-2BBiRcuI8htWsUG7wXFU-2BFPFoH7t3zzIpwHmyBx-2FX-2Bdc31GVJ3DHjzh-2F4AQ-3D-3DEL29_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZahV8CtbM9f9gcVQG25Rn1GKg4Pu6Dm04Q0SYf1V6UQF7L1CVC-2BFtyUZQ65kNlc72jP75Q9I7xK5wbS1lN7OH1RkSKjxImReHJwgLGS7-2BLY-2B9DiiT6exwjeBGMJPFBQ5SH03lE-2BPJrhcK5ZQNLExMzUY-3D">government grants page</a>.&nbsp;

EPA, DOE announce $850M to reduce methane pollution from oil and gas sector

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Spent some time with my brother recently, and we talked about a pigeon problem he has in his barn, and how he and his grandson make occasional night raids to try to get rid of them. It all reminded me of FFA pest hunts we had when we grew up. Given society’s current penchant for looking at problems through emotional eyes only, I’ll probably get roasted for this one, but here goes anyway.

Amongst all its other merits, high school FFA was OK in my book because we had pest hunts! Pest hunts started in the fall and ran for a couple months. We divided into teams of four or five and for those couple months killed all the pests we could kill. Everything had a point value; starlings and blackbirds were two points each, pigeons were five and so on and so forth, and it was a simple competition to see which team could accumulate the most points by the end of the time period. As proof of “capture,” the heads of all starlings and pigeons were kept, and the tails were kept from mice, rats, possums’ and most everything else. And since all “trophies” were accumulated until the contest was over, they naturally had to be housed in the freezer. And since most folks only had one freezer back then, it was the same freezer where all the frozen meat, vegetables and fruit were kept. Yup, more than once I remember mom screamin’ my name in capital letters when she came up with a bag full of bird heads or possum tails instead of the frozen corn or hamburgers she was after.

The pest hunting game plan was fairly straightforward. We were all farm kids, so mice and rats were killed as we saw them around the barn. We were also hunters and trappers so possums were found squashed along the road or caught in our coon’ traps. Bird hunting gigs were the trickiest. Most barns where I grew up were three or four stories tall with hay lofts on each end. There was always a window high in each end of the barn with a ladder running up the inside wall to the window. One hunter would climb each ladder up to the window, turn around and prepare to swat birds as they headed toward the window, all the while somehow holding onto the ladder for dear life. Now that doesn’t sound all that dangerous, but here’s the thing; it was all done in the dead of night.

Here’s how the process worked. Our team would quietly converge on a barn around 10pm or so. (Of the whole process, the “quietly” part was the toughest.) Remember this was winter so everyone was dressed in old army jackets and mud boots, except the designated “swatters” for that night’s offensive, who had to dress warmly but in clothing that fit loosely around the shoulders so as not to impede their swing once they got into place at the top of the ladders. Clubs for the battle ranged from top-of-the-line gear like tennis or badminton rackets to more simple weapons like a scrap board with a handle nailed to it. Once the climbing swatters were inserted and in place, the rest of the militia on the floor would turn on lights and make as much noise as possible, attempting to roust any starlings or pigeons roosted inside, which would inevitably head for the windows, now guarded by the “swatters.” Snipers (with pellet guns) would begin picking off any drowsy birds still clinging to their perches after the melee started.

Meanwhile, at the tops of the ladder’s, startled birds were flying into a trap, and the action could be fast and furious as flustered birds tried to fly out the windows, and Heaven help you if one of those birds was an owl, which we obviously did not swat, but that would ring your bell if they flew into you. For starters,

you only had one hand available to swat as the other was rather busy holding onto an old rickety ladder that you hoped would not crumble into pieces and dump you into the hay below. These were still the days of small square bales of hay and straw which might have been only a few feet below you, or twenty feet below you depending on how much the farmer had used already. It was still pretty dark up there and with birds often coming at you several at a time, it was impossible to swat them all. The ones you missed either flew around, coming back for a second try, or just hit you in the face from the get-go. In the midst of the assault, it could be raining dead bird carcasses down on the floor and it wasn’t out of the question to get “beaned” with the corpse of a deceased pigeon of starling if you were down there. We always tried to make sure the guys on the ground with the pellet guns were the most even-tempered of the group, thereby lessening the chance that one of the swatters would get shot in the butt for inadvertently beaning someone with a bird cadaver. After all forms of pest-life seemed to be vanquished from a barn, out came the flashlights and it was time to collect the spoils, leaving the neighborhood barn cats quite a feast indeed for allowing us to invade their territory.

How many times have you looked back upon crazy things you did as a kid and wondered how in blazes you ever survived past the age of nine? Every time I drive past a tall barn with windows in each end, I stare up at the windows and ask myself “Did we really used to do that?” Well, I’ve lived well past the age of nine and another part of me has to wonder if the world would be a better place today if we just had more pest hunts. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsSpent some time with my brother recently, and we talked about a pigeon problem he has in his barn, and how he and his grandson make occasional night raids to try to get rid of them. It all reminded me of FFA pest hunts we had when we grew up. Given society’s current penchant for looking at problems through emotional eyes only, I’ll probably get roasted for this one, but here goes anyway.Amongst all its other merits, high school FFA was OK in my book because we had pest hunts! Pest hunts started in the fall and ran for a couple months. We divided into teams of four or five and for those couple months killed all the pests we could kill. Everything had a point value; starlings and blackbirds were two points each, pigeons were five and so on and so forth, and it was a simple competition to see which team could accumulate the most points by the end of the time period. As proof of “capture,” the heads of all starlings and pigeons were kept, and the tails were kept from mice, rats, possums’ and most everything else. And since all “trophies” were accumulated until the contest was over, they naturally had to be housed in the freezer. And since most folks only had one freezer back then, it was the same freezer where all the frozen meat, vegetables and fruit were kept. Yup, more than once I remember mom screamin’ my name in capital letters when she came up with a bag full of bird heads or possum tails instead of the frozen corn or hamburgers she was after.The pest hunting game plan was fairly straightforward. We were all farm kids, so mice and rats were killed as we saw them around the barn. We were also hunters and trappers so possums were found squashed along the road or caught in our coon’ traps. Bird hunting gigs were the trickiest. Most barns where I grew up were three or four stories tall with hay lofts on each end. There was always a window high in each end of the barn with a ladder running up the inside wall to the window. One hunter would climb each ladder up to the window, turn around and prepare to swat birds as they headed toward the window, all the while somehow holding onto the ladder for dear life. Now that doesn’t sound all that dangerous, but here’s the thing; it was all done in the dead of night.Here’s how the process worked. Our team would quietly converge on a barn around 10pm or so. (Of the whole process, the “quietly” part was the toughest.) Remember this was winter so everyone was dressed in old army jackets and mud boots, except the designated “swatters” for that night’s offensive, who had to dress warmly but in clothing that fit loosely around the shoulders so as not to impede their swing once they got into place at the top of the ladders. Clubs for the battle ranged from top-of-the-line gear like tennis or badminton rackets to more simple weapons like a scrap board with a handle nailed to it. Once the climbing swatters were inserted and in place, the rest of the militia on the floor would turn on lights and make as much noise as possible, attempting to roust any starlings or pigeons roosted inside, which would inevitably head for the windows, now guarded by the “swatters.” Snipers (with pellet guns) would begin picking off any drowsy birds still clinging to their perches after the melee started.Meanwhile, at the tops of the ladder’s, startled birds were flying into a trap, and the action could be fast and furious as flustered birds tried to fly out the windows, and Heaven help you if one of those birds was an owl, which we obviously did not swat, but that would ring your bell if they flew into you. For starters,you only had one hand available to swat as the other was rather busy holding onto an old rickety ladder that you hoped would not crumble into pieces and dump you into the hay below. These were still the days of small square bales of hay and straw which might have been only a few feet below you, or twenty feet below you depending on how much the farmer had used already. It was still pretty dark up there and with birds often coming at you several at a time, it was impossible to swat them all. The ones you missed either flew around, coming back for a second try, or just hit you in the face from the get-go. In the midst of the assault, it could be raining dead bird carcasses down on the floor and it wasn’t out of the question to get “beaned” with the corpse of a deceased pigeon of starling if you were down there. We always tried to make sure the guys on the ground with the pellet guns were the most even-tempered of the group, thereby lessening the chance that one of the swatters would get shot in the butt for inadvertently beaning someone with a bird cadaver. After all forms of pest-life seemed to be vanquished from a barn, out came the flashlights and it was time to collect the spoils, leaving the neighborhood barn cats quite a feast indeed for allowing us to invade their territory.How many times have you looked back upon crazy things you did as a kid and wondered how in blazes you ever survived past the age of nine? Every time I drive past a tall barn with windows in each end, I stare up at the windows and ask myself “Did we really used to do that?” Well, I’ve lived well past the age of nine and another part of me has to wonder if the world would be a better place today if we just had more pest hunts. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Oh, for pest hunts again!

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays Pride sponsored a Pride in the Park event on Saturday at Frontier Park to celebrate Pride Month.

People gathered to socialize and eat pizza despite balmy temperatures.

"We are incredibly thankful for the community support we have," said Anniston Weber, Hays Pride board member. "We have a fantastic LGBTQ community here in Hays. Having events like this just shows we are here to support people, and we love you and you should be welcome in Hays."

She said it's important to have a support event that is out in the open.

"I am proud of the community we have here," she said.

Hays Pride has just become a nonprofit. The group is completely funded through donations.&nbsp;

If people want to become involved, they can message a Hays Pride board member or message them on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093822706186">Facebook</a> or Instagram pages.

The board meetings are open, and community members are welcome to attend the meetings, she said.

Hays Pride is also sponsoring a Pride Prom for all ages from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. for those 18 and older at Arcade 11 in Hays.

Pearl Oden of Russell attended the event representing Equality Kansas.

The organization is on a tour in an attempt to attend as many Pride events in Kansas as possible.

Equality Kansas lobbies the Kansas Legislature for LGBTQ-friendly Legislation and against legislation that would restrict LGBTQ rights.

The group also participates in political action and community organizing.

"The Legislature is not favorable to us as a community," Oden said. "They try to pass bills that harm our community. Therefore, we need the community to get up and fight against the bills they try to pass, and we can make our voices heard."

Oden said Pride events show support.&nbsp;

"Without Pride events, a lot of people wouldn't think twice about us," Oden said. "It gets us out there, shows that we're here. We're not going to leave, and we're staying."

The group will renew its lobbying efforts once the session starts again in the spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719105669036.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays Pride sponsored a Pride in the Park event on Saturday at Frontier Park to celebrate Pride Month.People gathered to socialize and eat pizza despite balmy temperatures."We are incredibly thankful for the community support we have," said Anniston Weber, Hays Pride board member. "We have a fantastic LGBTQ community here in Hays. Having events like this just shows we are here to support people, and we love you and you should be welcome in Hays."She said it's important to have a support event that is out in the open."I am proud of the community we have here," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719105853923.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Pride has just become a nonprofit. The group is completely funded through donations.&nbsp;If people want to become involved, they can message a Hays Pride board member or message them on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093822706186">Facebook</a> or Instagram pages.The board meetings are open, and community members are welcome to attend the meetings, she said.Hays Pride is also sponsoring a Pride Prom for all ages from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. for those 18 and older at Arcade 11 in Hays.Pearl Oden of Russell attended the event representing Equality Kansas.The organization is on a tour in an attempt to attend as many Pride events in Kansas as possible.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719105910151.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Equality Kansas lobbies the Kansas Legislature for LGBTQ-friendly Legislation and against legislation that would restrict LGBTQ rights.The group also participates in political action and community organizing."The Legislature is not favorable to us as a community," Oden said. "They try to pass bills that harm our community. Therefore, we need the community to get up and fight against the bills they try to pass, and we can make our voices heard."Oden said Pride events show support.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719106109285.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Without Pride events, a lot of people wouldn't think twice about us," Oden said. "It gets us out there, shows that we're here. We're not going to leave, and we're staying."The group will renew its lobbying efforts once the session starts again in the spring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719106169657.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Pride event celebrated in park

COLBY — Colby Community College conferred 260 degrees and certificates on May 17 during the 59th&nbsp;annual commencement ceremony at the Colby Event Center.

Hometowns are published as indicated by the student. Kansas residents are arranged by city, out-of-state residents are listed by city and state, and international students by country. Some names are not disclosed per student request.

Alexander:&nbsp;Allie Seltman.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Liliana Borders, Kenzie Carter, Corbin Jay, Liv Tubbs.&nbsp;Collyer:&nbsp;Cristina Walt, Kaitlyn Williams.&nbsp;Glade:&nbsp;Madison Solida.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Kamely Brito Brenes Emmi Ensign, Abbigayle Rickard.&nbsp;Gove:&nbsp;Hailee Bingham.&nbsp;Hays:&nbsp;Julie Rummel.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Jayden Fenner, Reagan Koster, Avery Reuber.&nbsp;Oberlin:&nbsp;Angela Davis, Sierra Davis, Tod Mastin.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Rojelio Loya, Kendra Moon.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Cutter Neitzel.&nbsp;Salina:&nbsp;Courtney McCullough.&nbsp;

Atwood:&nbsp;Conner Finley, Ericka Herrera Castro.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Sarah Berst, Kasandra Blackhart, Tess Brittain, Jennifer Carter, Alexis Hancock, Nicole Jansonius, Taitym Knott, Nikki Murphy, Postenea Louisjeune.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Emily Wilms.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Xochitl Rodriguez.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Jeremy Sekavec.&nbsp;Larned:&nbsp;Andrea Buhler.&nbsp;Long Island:&nbsp;Savannah Rose.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Clint Hammond, Jessica Porter.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Kerstin Decker.&nbsp;Osborne:&nbsp;Gabriel Pasilas.&nbsp;Park:&nbsp;Jonathan Sturgeon.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Natasha Craig, April Gendoes, Cassandra Walker.&nbsp;Quinter:&nbsp;Dominga Perez-Perez.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Ashley Stickley.&nbsp;Scott City:&nbsp;Gabrielle Martinez.&nbsp;

Alexander:&nbsp;Allie Seltman.&nbsp;Cawker City:&nbsp;Carter Walsh.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Sarah Berst, Kenzie Carter, Maissane Jouen, Oliwia Malinowska, Kirsten Miessler, Liv Tubbs, Kaitlyn Williams.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Emily Wilms.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Carli Nieman.&nbsp;Glade:&nbsp;Madison Solida.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Kamely Brito Brenes, Emmi Ensign, Abbigayle Rickard.&nbsp;Gove:&nbsp;Hailee Bingham.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Avery Reuber.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Jessica Porter.&nbsp;Quinter:&nbsp;Kaylee Knouf.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Kendra Moon.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Lyden Lampe.&nbsp;Victoria:&nbsp;Vance Hockersmith.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Almena:&nbsp;Andromeda Haussermann, Aurora Haussermann, Katherine Stanley.&nbsp;Atwood:&nbsp;Conner Finley.&nbsp;Axtell, Neb.:&nbsp;Bryce Runge.&nbsp;Bogue:&nbsp;McKenzie Tremblay.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Kaylyn Atkinson, Tyler Faber, Tabbitha Hastings, Haydin Litsinberger, Aden Reilley, Ryker Schmidtberger, Emma Wright.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Emily Wilms.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Rocio Flores-Pierce.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Anabel Cano.&nbsp;Hays:&nbsp;Julie Rummel, Samantha Staples.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Julie Schindler.&nbsp;Jennings:&nbsp;McHaley Carter.&nbsp;Larned:&nbsp;Andrea Buhler.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Daniella Arndt, Hunter Craft, Nathaniel Craft, Reagan Musquiz, Amber Peterson, Fayth Smith.&nbsp;Park:&nbsp;Becki Sporing. Quinter:&nbsp;Dominga Perez-Perez.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Rojelio Loya.&nbsp;Winona:&nbsp;Catherine Hodges.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Colby Community College conferred 260 degrees and certificates on May 17 during the 59th&nbsp;annual commencement ceremony at the Colby Event Center.Hometowns are published as indicated by the student. Kansas residents are arranged by city, out-of-state residents are listed by city and state, and international students by country. Some names are not disclosed per student request.Regional graduates include:&nbsp;Associate of ArtsAlexander:&nbsp;Allie Seltman.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Liliana Borders, Kenzie Carter, Corbin Jay, Liv Tubbs.&nbsp;Collyer:&nbsp;Cristina Walt, Kaitlyn Williams.&nbsp;Glade:&nbsp;Madison Solida.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Kamely Brito Brenes Emmi Ensign, Abbigayle Rickard.&nbsp;Gove:&nbsp;Hailee Bingham.&nbsp;Hays:&nbsp;Julie Rummel.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Jayden Fenner, Reagan Koster, Avery Reuber.&nbsp;Oberlin:&nbsp;Angela Davis, Sierra Davis, Tod Mastin.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Rojelio Loya, Kendra Moon.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Cutter Neitzel.&nbsp;Salina:&nbsp;Courtney McCullough.&nbsp;Associate of Applied ScienceAtwood:&nbsp;Conner Finley, Ericka Herrera Castro.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Sarah Berst, Kasandra Blackhart, Tess Brittain, Jennifer Carter, Alexis Hancock, Nicole Jansonius, Taitym Knott, Nikki Murphy, Postenea Louisjeune.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Emily Wilms.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Xochitl Rodriguez.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Jeremy Sekavec.&nbsp;Larned:&nbsp;Andrea Buhler.&nbsp;Long Island:&nbsp;Savannah Rose.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Clint Hammond, Jessica Porter.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Kerstin Decker.&nbsp;Osborne:&nbsp;Gabriel Pasilas.&nbsp;Park:&nbsp;Jonathan Sturgeon.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Natasha Craig, April Gendoes, Cassandra Walker.&nbsp;Quinter:&nbsp;Dominga Perez-Perez.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Ashley Stickley.&nbsp;Scott City:&nbsp;Gabrielle Martinez.&nbsp;Associate of ScienceAlexander:&nbsp;Allie Seltman.&nbsp;Cawker City:&nbsp;Carter Walsh.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Sarah Berst, Kenzie Carter, Maissane Jouen, Oliwia Malinowska, Kirsten Miessler, Liv Tubbs, Kaitlyn Williams.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Emily Wilms.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Carli Nieman.&nbsp;Glade:&nbsp;Madison Solida.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Kamely Brito Brenes, Emmi Ensign, Abbigayle Rickard.&nbsp;Gove:&nbsp;Hailee Bingham.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Avery Reuber.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Jessica Porter.&nbsp;Quinter:&nbsp;Kaylee Knouf.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Kendra Moon.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Lyden Lampe.&nbsp;Victoria:&nbsp;Vance Hockersmith.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CertificatesAlmena:&nbsp;Andromeda Haussermann, Aurora Haussermann, Katherine Stanley.&nbsp;Atwood:&nbsp;Conner Finley.&nbsp;Axtell, Neb.:&nbsp;Bryce Runge.&nbsp;Bogue:&nbsp;McKenzie Tremblay.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Kaylyn Atkinson, Tyler Faber, Tabbitha Hastings, Haydin Litsinberger, Aden Reilley, Ryker Schmidtberger, Emma Wright.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Emily Wilms.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Rocio Flores-Pierce.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Anabel Cano.&nbsp;Hays:&nbsp;Julie Rummel, Samantha Staples.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Julie Schindler.&nbsp;Jennings:&nbsp;McHaley Carter.&nbsp;Larned:&nbsp;Andrea Buhler.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Daniella Arndt, Hunter Craft, Nathaniel Craft, Reagan Musquiz, Amber Peterson, Fayth Smith.&nbsp;Park:&nbsp;Becki Sporing. Quinter:&nbsp;Dominga Perez-Perez.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Rojelio Loya.&nbsp;Winona:&nbsp;Catherine Hodges.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Area Spring 2024 graduates announced at Colby Community College

BUNKER HILL – The much anticipated 51st annual Kansas Shrine Bowl is set to take place at Emporia State University’s Welch Stadium on June 29 at 7 p.m.&nbsp; This iconic event, showcasing the best high school football talent from across the state, will be broadcast live on Smoky Hills PBS for fans to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.&nbsp; The game will bring top eastern and western Kansas players to compete for the coveted title.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl is more than just a football game; it is a tradition steeped in history and community spirit, bringing together athletes, families, and supporters from all over Kansas. The event not only highlights the athleticism and dedication of the players but also serves a greater cause, supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

"We are thrilled to bring live coverage of the 51st annual Kansas Shrine Bowl to our viewers," said Betsy Schwien, Smoky Hills PBS general manager. "This event is a testament to the hard work and talent of the young athletes all across our coverage area, and we are proud to support the noble mission of the Shriners."

Tune in on June 29 at 7 p.m. for live coverage of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and join us in celebrating the exceptional talents of these young athletes and the enduring legacy of the Shrine Bowl.

Local sports coverage like this is made possible by&nbsp;Nex-Tech, viewers like you, and many local businesses who support Smoky Hills PBS.

For more information, visit<a href="http://smokyhillspbs.org/">&nbsp;SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or call 1-800-337-4788.

Smoky Hills PBS is broadcasting to viewers in our coverage area (Central and Western Kansas) through antenna, on many cable systems, Smoky Hills PBS&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/">LLS Channel</a>, DirecTV, Dish Network, LocalNow app, YouTube TV, and HULU+LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718820558990.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>SHPBSBUNKER HILL – The much anticipated 51st annual Kansas Shrine Bowl is set to take place at Emporia State University’s Welch Stadium on June 29 at 7 p.m.&nbsp; This iconic event, showcasing the best high school football talent from across the state, will be broadcast live on Smoky Hills PBS for fans to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.&nbsp; The game will bring top eastern and western Kansas players to compete for the coveted title.The Kansas Shrine Bowl is more than just a football game; it is a tradition steeped in history and community spirit, bringing together athletes, families, and supporters from all over Kansas. The event not only highlights the athleticism and dedication of the players but also serves a greater cause, supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children."We are thrilled to bring live coverage of the 51st annual Kansas Shrine Bowl to our viewers," said Betsy Schwien, Smoky Hills PBS general manager. "This event is a testament to the hard work and talent of the young athletes all across our coverage area, and we are proud to support the noble mission of the Shriners."Tune in on June 29 at 7 p.m. for live coverage of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and join us in celebrating the exceptional talents of these young athletes and the enduring legacy of the Shrine Bowl.Local sports coverage like this is made possible by&nbsp;Nex-Tech, viewers like you, and many local businesses who support Smoky Hills PBS.For more information, visit<a href="http://smokyhillspbs.org/">&nbsp;SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or call 1-800-337-4788.Smoky Hills PBS is broadcasting to viewers in our coverage area (Central and Western Kansas) through antenna, on many cable systems, Smoky Hills PBS&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/">LLS Channel</a>, DirecTV, Dish Network, LocalNow app, YouTube TV, and HULU+LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Kansas Shrine Bowl live on Smoky Hills PBS

By RUSSELL FOX Insight Kansas

People constantly complain about political parties. And yet, in a society where people are free to express themselves and assemble together, forming parties is both logical and a valuable way to organize disagreements into choices that can be voted on. What most people dislike, I think, aren’t the parties themselves, but the way they shape and are shaped by how those elections actually operate. Which is why what United Kansas is trying to do deserves attention.

United Kansas is a new party in Kansas, and its main aim is to bring back fusion voting. Sometimes called multi-party nomination voting, it simply means that different parties, representing different sets of voters, can nominate the same person as a candidate for political office. Everyone who pays attention to politics is aware there are parties besides the Democrats and Republicans out there; we somewhat regularly see Libertarian party candidates, Green party candidates, and more on our ballots. Fusion voting allows that two parties—say the Republicans and the Libertarians—could choose to back the same person, and the same candidate would then be presented on the ballot with the endorsement of both.

Fusion voting was commonplace in the first half of American history, before the electoral practices which invariably privilege two dominant parties became so entrenched. During the 19th&nbsp;century dozens of smaller parties regularly challenged or fused their nominees with those of other, larger parties, and by so doing obliged those major party organizations to embrace—or at least recognize—the priorities of various groups of voters. All of that made 19th-century elections, for all their racism, sexism, and corruption, in some important ways somewhat more representative than modern contests are (as the high voter turnouts a century ago demonstrate).

Unfortunately, Kansas made fusion voting illegal over a hundred years ago, mostly because Republican legislators wanted to prevent populist candidates from winning with the support of both Democratic and People’s party voters. Most other states banned fusion voting in the early 20th&nbsp;century for similar reasons, with New York and a few other states remaining as exceptions.

The U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted state bans on fusion voting as not violating any constitutional freedoms. But as party primaries have become ever more controlling, with small factions of extreme activists within a party frequently defining the options for all of the party’s supporters, essentially robbing certain voters of any effective voice, that ruling is due some reconsideration. 

United Kansas is preparing their legal arguments for when state ban comes down on their nominees, with the hope that the Kansas Supreme Court, which has not been shy in the past when it comes to articulating a higher, state-specific reading of constitutional rights, might see the value of what they’re doing, and thus begin some much-needed rethinking.

It's a long-shot, of course. But the need is real. State elections in Kansas today rarely provide much opportunity for that former mainstay of Kansas voters: the moderate Republican. United Kansas believes they still exist and want to find a way to give their views an electoral outlet which is currently denied them by the Republican leadership. (It’s not a surprise that most of the candidates which United Kansas is looking to nominate in order to challenge Kansas’s ban are Democrats).

Bringing back fusion voting alone won’t result in the structural and financial changes which American politics desperately needs. But it might be an important step in that direction. Here’s hoping the Kansas Supreme Court recognizes the freedoms which our state parties today aren’t serving particularly well, and leads us, and thus the country, in a better direction.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt="Russell Fox" />
 <figcaption>Russell Fox</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL FOX Insight KansasPeople constantly complain about political parties. And yet, in a society where people are free to express themselves and assemble together, forming parties is both logical and a valuable way to organize disagreements into choices that can be voted on. What most people dislike, I think, aren’t the parties themselves, but the way they shape and are shaped by how those elections actually operate. Which is why what United Kansas is trying to do deserves attention.United Kansas is a new party in Kansas, and its main aim is to bring back fusion voting. Sometimes called multi-party nomination voting, it simply means that different parties, representing different sets of voters, can nominate the same person as a candidate for political office. Everyone who pays attention to politics is aware there are parties besides the Democrats and Republicans out there; we somewhat regularly see Libertarian party candidates, Green party candidates, and more on our ballots. Fusion voting allows that two parties—say the Republicans and the Libertarians—could choose to back the same person, and the same candidate would then be presented on the ballot with the endorsement of both.Fusion voting was commonplace in the first half of American history, before the electoral practices which invariably privilege two dominant parties became so entrenched. During the 19th&nbsp;century dozens of smaller parties regularly challenged or fused their nominees with those of other, larger parties, and by so doing obliged those major party organizations to embrace—or at least recognize—the priorities of various groups of voters. All of that made 19th-century elections, for all their racism, sexism, and corruption, in some important ways somewhat more representative than modern contests are (as the high voter turnouts a century ago demonstrate).Unfortunately, Kansas made fusion voting illegal over a hundred years ago, mostly because Republican legislators wanted to prevent populist candidates from winning with the support of both Democratic and People’s party voters. Most other states banned fusion voting in the early 20th&nbsp;century for similar reasons, with New York and a few other states remaining as exceptions.The U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted state bans on fusion voting as not violating any constitutional freedoms. But as party primaries have become ever more controlling, with small factions of extreme activists within a party frequently defining the options for all of the party’s supporters, essentially robbing certain voters of any effective voice, that ruling is due some reconsideration. United Kansas is preparing their legal arguments for when state ban comes down on their nominees, with the hope that the Kansas Supreme Court, which has not been shy in the past when it comes to articulating a higher, state-specific reading of constitutional rights, might see the value of what they’re doing, and thus begin some much-needed rethinking.It's a long-shot, of course. But the need is real. State elections in Kansas today rarely provide much opportunity for that former mainstay of Kansas voters: the moderate Republican. United Kansas believes they still exist and want to find a way to give their views an electoral outlet which is currently denied them by the Republican leadership. (It’s not a surprise that most of the candidates which United Kansas is looking to nominate in order to challenge Kansas’s ban are Democrats).Bringing back fusion voting alone won’t result in the structural and financial changes which American politics desperately needs. But it might be an important step in that direction. Here’s hoping the Kansas Supreme Court recognizes the freedoms which our state parties today aren’t serving particularly well, and leads us, and thus the country, in a better direction.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Why bringing back fusion voting makes sense

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719090449463.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>

MANHATTAN — A record-breaking number of Kansas service animals are now cleared for their vital work, thanks to the work of Kansas State University veterinarians.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/services/specialty-services/ophthalmology/" target="_blank">ophthalmology team</a>&nbsp;at K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;saw a record number of patients during the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists/Epicur Pharma National Service Animal Eye Exam event in May. This was the service’s 15th year participating in the national event, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acvoeyeexam.org/#about" target="_blank">provides complimentary eye exams for service and working animals</a>&nbsp;each May.

The team — which included professors of ophthalmology Jessica Meekins and Amy Rankin, veterinary nurse Jennifer Klingele and veterinary assistant Jordyn Orrison — saw a total of 77 service and working military dogs at appointments in the health center and off site.

Off-site visits included Kansas Specialty Dog Service, or KSDS, in Washington, Sedgwick County Emergency Management Search and Rescue, Wichita Police Department, McConnell Air Force Base and Fort Riley. The team evaluated 13 dogs at the Sedgwick County location alone.

"While our dogs' sense of smell is important, their eyesight is incredibly important as well," said Shannon Jacobs, a team lead for the Sedgwick County Emergency Management K-9 Search all-volunteer team. "These dogs are not only part of a team, but they are also loved members of their families, so knowing if there is a problem early on will help us address the issue sooner versus later.

"During the complete eye exams, Meekins and Rankin looked for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/services/specialty-services/ophthalmology/owners.html" target="_blank">Early detection and treatment</a>&nbsp;are vital for these animals.

"It's an honor to provide screening eye exams to the animals that give so much to their owners and handlers," Meekins said. "We look forward to providing this service every year and are very excited that the word is spreading in the community to increase registration. It was a record year, and we look forward to even more exams next year.

"Those interested in scheduling an appointment during next year's event should watch for registration to open in April 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718889025489.jpeg" alt="Amy Rankin, professor of ophthalmology, performs an eye exam on a service animal. Rankin was a member of a Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine outreach team that performed nearly 80 eye exams for service and working military dogs around the state this May. Photo courtesy K-State" />
 <figcaption>Amy Rankin, professor of ophthalmology, performs an eye exam on a service animal. Rankin was a member of a Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine outreach team that performed nearly 80 eye exams for service and working military dogs around the state this May. Photo courtesy K-State</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State News ServiceMANHATTAN — A record-breaking number of Kansas service animals are now cleared for their vital work, thanks to the work of Kansas State University veterinarians.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/services/specialty-services/ophthalmology/" target="_blank">ophthalmology team</a>&nbsp;at K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;saw a record number of patients during the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists/Epicur Pharma National Service Animal Eye Exam event in May. This was the service’s 15th year participating in the national event, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acvoeyeexam.org/#about" target="_blank">provides complimentary eye exams for service and working animals</a>&nbsp;each May.The team — which included professors of ophthalmology Jessica Meekins and Amy Rankin, veterinary nurse Jennifer Klingele and veterinary assistant Jordyn Orrison — saw a total of 77 service and working military dogs at appointments in the health center and off site.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718889107770.jpeg" alt="Jordyn Orrison, veterinary assistant in ophthalmology, right, administers eye drops on a service dog prior to an eye exam. Photo courtesy K-State" />
 <figcaption>Jordyn Orrison, veterinary assistant in ophthalmology, right, administers eye drops on a service dog prior to an eye exam. Photo courtesy K-State</figcaption>
 </figure>Off-site visits included Kansas Specialty Dog Service, or KSDS, in Washington, Sedgwick County Emergency Management Search and Rescue, Wichita Police Department, McConnell Air Force Base and Fort Riley. The team evaluated 13 dogs at the Sedgwick County location alone."While our dogs' sense of smell is important, their eyesight is incredibly important as well," said Shannon Jacobs, a team lead for the Sedgwick County Emergency Management K-9 Search all-volunteer team. "These dogs are not only part of a team, but they are also loved members of their families, so knowing if there is a problem early on will help us address the issue sooner versus later."During the complete eye exams, Meekins and Rankin looked for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/services/specialty-services/ophthalmology/owners.html" target="_blank">Early detection and treatment</a>&nbsp;are vital for these animals."It's an honor to provide screening eye exams to the animals that give so much to their owners and handlers," Meekins said. "We look forward to providing this service every year and are very excited that the word is spreading in the community to increase registration. It was a record year, and we look forward to even more exams next year."Those interested in scheduling an appointment during next year's event should watch for registration to open in April 2025.

K-State veterinarians perform eye exams for service animals in record numbers

KU Alzheimer’s study uses blood biomarker testing for dementia diagnosis 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Outside non-profit agencies representing social service, economic development, and quality of life programs in Hays have requested $599,772 in funding from the city in 2025.&nbsp;

The total is $31,156 more than requested in 2024.

"We won't be able to fund it all," said Mayor Shaun Musil during the Hays City Commission work session Thursday.&nbsp;

"As we know, sales tax has been down a little bit or flat."

Similar to the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/467407ed-5020-4f7d-b843-d6d4ec49c1c8">request made to the Ellis County Commission</a>, the Ellis County Historical Society asked the Hays City Commission for the biggest increase of any agency - $21,156. That's slightly more than double the request made in 2024.

Also asking for an increase is the CARE Council. It is $10,000 more than last year.

"These social service funds support programs and&nbsp;services provided by health and human service organizations that compliment services provided&nbsp;by the City of Hays," said Erica Berges, executive director of the United Way of Ellis County.

"All of these agencies are very good," said Cindy Strube, CARE Council chairperson. 

"They all work well together for persons in need. Unfortunately, the need is getting higher and the programs' services are costing more."

"Out of all the outside agencies we fund," said Musil, "I personally think CARE Council is one of the most important groups in our community.&nbsp; We need it."

"I think we always need to keep looking at our community," said Reese Barrick, city commissioner.&nbsp;

"Sure, we want to tout all the great things but we also want to look at and figure out why there are certain things that are not."

The city commission will be asked to specifically assess the outside agency funding allocations during the 2025 budget process in the coming months.&nbsp;

• Agreed to proceed with a request from local veterans organizations to declare Hays a "Purple Heart City."

• Heard a recommendation to renew the city's property/liability insurance coverage with Midwest Public Risk for 2025.&nbsp; MPR offered the lowest cost option for the renewal of the city’s package. There is a&nbsp; 22.6% increase or $83,720 more than the prior period. Insurance Planning Inc., Hays, provides oversight as the city's insurance broker.  &nbsp;

• Agreed to consider a resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Grove Community Center. The approval will allow Grow Hays to obtain a sales tax exemption certificate for purchases related to the construction of the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Heard a detailed recommendation for a bid award for new advanced water metering infrastucture.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718987141003.jpeg" alt="Cindy Strube, CARE Council Chair, and Erica Berges, United Way of Ellis County executive director, asked for $10,000 more in funding from the city of Hays in 2025. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Cindy Strube, CARE Council Chair, and Erica Berges, United Way of Ellis County executive director, asked for $10,000 more in funding from the city of Hays in 2025. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostOutside non-profit agencies representing social service, economic development, and quality of life programs in Hays have requested $599,772 in funding from the city in 2025.&nbsp;The total is $31,156 more than requested in 2024."We won't be able to fund it all," said Mayor Shaun Musil during the Hays City Commission work session Thursday.&nbsp;"As we know, sales tax has been down a little bit or flat."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719000621923.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Similar to the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/467407ed-5020-4f7d-b843-d6d4ec49c1c8">request made to the Ellis County Commission</a>, the Ellis County Historical Society asked the Hays City Commission for the biggest increase of any agency - $21,156. That's slightly more than double the request made in 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719001593185.png" alt="CARE Council funding request from the City of Hays in 2025. CARE Council" />
 <figcaption>CARE Council funding request from the City of Hays in 2025. CARE Council</figcaption>
 </figure>Also asking for an increase is the CARE Council. It is $10,000 more than last year."These social service funds support programs and&nbsp;services provided by health and human service organizations that compliment services provided&nbsp;by the City of Hays," said Erica Berges, executive director of the United Way of Ellis County."All of these agencies are very good," said Cindy Strube, CARE Council chairperson. "They all work well together for persons in need. Unfortunately, the need is getting higher and the programs' services are costing more.""Out of all the outside agencies we fund," said Musil, "I personally think CARE Council is one of the most important groups in our community.&nbsp; We need it.""I think we always need to keep looking at our community," said Reese Barrick, city commissioner.&nbsp;"Sure, we want to tout all the great things but we also want to look at and figure out why there are certain things that are not."The city commission will be asked to specifically assess the outside agency funding allocations during the 2025 budget process in the coming months.&nbsp;In other business, the commission:• Agreed to proceed with a request from local veterans organizations to declare Hays a "Purple Heart City."• Heard a recommendation to renew the city's property/liability insurance coverage with Midwest Public Risk for 2025.&nbsp; MPR offered the lowest cost option for the renewal of the city’s package. There is a&nbsp; 22.6% increase or $83,720 more than the prior period. Insurance Planning Inc., Hays, provides oversight as the city's insurance broker. &nbsp;• Agreed to consider a resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Grove Community Center. The approval will allow Grow Hays to obtain a sales tax exemption certificate for purchases related to the construction of the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;• Heard a detailed recommendation for a bid award for new advanced water metering infrastucture.

Outside agencies request $600,000 in Hays city funds for 2025 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718901501753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted

Hays Optimist Club blood drive held in memory of Sternberg's Curtis Schmidt

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

When thinking about weed control in wheat stubble, there are two priorities – controlling already emerged weeds and preventing later flushes. Making applications before weeds exceed 4 to 6 inches is necessary for good control of already emerged weeds, in an idea situation, which is hard to come by. Residual herbicides are needed to reduce the number of herbicide applications needed to control multiple flushes of weeds.

Gramoxone (paraquat) is a non-selective, contact herbicide that can be used in fallow fields. It should be applied at 0.5 to 1.0 pounds of paraquat/A, which is equal to 2 to 4 pints of GramoxoneSL 2.0 or 1.3 to 2.7 pints of GramoxoneSL 3.0. Thorough spray coverage is important for good control, which means medium to coarse droplet sizes and greater spray volumes (20 GPA or more). Gramoxone should be applied with NIS, COC, or MSO. Because paraquat is a contact herbicide regrowth is common, especially of large weeds. Adding a Group 5 herbicide, such as atrazine or metribuzin can enhance control of larger weeds and add some residual activity. Atrazine will also help control volunteer wheat. It’s also important to remember that paraquat is a restricted use pesticide that requires additional training for handling.

Sharpen (saflufenacil) is a Group 14 herbicide that is a primarily a contact herbicide but also provides some residual activity. Use 2 to 3 oz/A for larger weeds and residual activity. Sharpen works best with the addition of methylated seed oil. Sharpen requires complete coverage so using 15 to 20 gallons/acre spray solution is important.

Valor (flumioxazin) can provide contact and residual activity of key species like pigweeds. Valor EZ can be applied at 2 to 4 fl oz/A. Crop rotation should be considered when selecting the application rate. The 4 fl oz rate has a 4-month rotation interval for corn, cotton, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, and wheat; but lower rates have fewer restrictions. If targeting emerged weeds, NIS or COC should be included in the application.

All herbicides are most effective when applied to weeds that are actively growing. This means it is necessary to wait for a at least 2-3 inches of regrowth if weeds were cut off by the combine. It may be tempting to wait and delay applications for later weed flushes; however, consider including a product with residual activity, rather than waiting, in order to prevent poor control of large weeds. Additional information can be found in the 2024 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland, K-State publication SRP-1183.

The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.

Stacy Campbell is a crop production 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 calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictWhen thinking about weed control in wheat stubble, there are two priorities – controlling already emerged weeds and preventing later flushes. Making applications before weeds exceed 4 to 6 inches is necessary for good control of already emerged weeds, in an idea situation, which is hard to come by. Residual herbicides are needed to reduce the number of herbicide applications needed to control multiple flushes of weeds.Gramoxone (paraquat) is a non-selective, contact herbicide that can be used in fallow fields. It should be applied at 0.5 to 1.0 pounds of paraquat/A, which is equal to 2 to 4 pints of GramoxoneSL 2.0 or 1.3 to 2.7 pints of GramoxoneSL 3.0. Thorough spray coverage is important for good control, which means medium to coarse droplet sizes and greater spray volumes (20 GPA or more). Gramoxone should be applied with NIS, COC, or MSO. Because paraquat is a contact herbicide regrowth is common, especially of large weeds. Adding a Group 5 herbicide, such as atrazine or metribuzin can enhance control of larger weeds and add some residual activity. Atrazine will also help control volunteer wheat. It’s also important to remember that paraquat is a restricted use pesticide that requires additional training for handling.Sharpen (saflufenacil) is a Group 14 herbicide that is a primarily a contact herbicide but also provides some residual activity. Use 2 to 3 oz/A for larger weeds and residual activity. Sharpen works best with the addition of methylated seed oil. Sharpen requires complete coverage so using 15 to 20 gallons/acre spray solution is important.Valor (flumioxazin) can provide contact and residual activity of key species like pigweeds. Valor EZ can be applied at 2 to 4 fl oz/A. Crop rotation should be considered when selecting the application rate. The 4 fl oz rate has a 4-month rotation interval for corn, cotton, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, and wheat; but lower rates have fewer restrictions. If targeting emerged weeds, NIS or COC should be included in the application.All herbicides are most effective when applied to weeds that are actively growing. This means it is necessary to wait for a at least 2-3 inches of regrowth if weeds were cut off by the combine. It may be tempting to wait and delay applications for later weed flushes; however, consider including a product with residual activity, rather than waiting, in order to prevent poor control of large weeds. Additional information can be found in the 2024 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland, K-State publication SRP-1183.The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.Stacy Campbell is a crop production 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 calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Considerations for weed control following wheat harvest

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718986562304.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>

HAYS – Law enforcement officials in Ellis County continue to
search for a missing 66 year-old Hays man.

Friday afternoon the Hays Police Department said on social
media that 66 year-old Randy S. Goodermuth is still missing.

Goodermuth has schizophrenia and was hallucinating and ran
from his home the last time he was seen. He has yet to return home.

He is 5'8" tall and weighs around 180 pounds. He has
grey hair but is balding and has blue eyes.

Goodermuth does not have a vehicle or a cellphone. 

He was
last seen wearing a red Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce Jersey and khaki pant.

Anyone with information on Goodermuth’s disappearance or his
location is asked to immediately call 911.

Hays Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719007707315.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS – Law enforcement officials in Ellis County continue to
search for a missing 66 year-old Hays man.Friday afternoon the Hays Police Department said on social
media that 66 year-old Randy S. Goodermuth is still missing.Goodermuth has schizophrenia and was hallucinating and ran
from his home the last time he was seen. He has yet to return home.He is 5'8" tall and weighs around 180 pounds. He has
grey hair but is balding and has blue eyes.Goodermuth does not have a vehicle or a cellphone. He was
last seen wearing a red Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce Jersey and khaki pant.Anyone with information on Goodermuth’s disappearance or his
location is asked to immediately call 911.

Search continues for missing Hays man

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.iLyn9JYszrzkQFqifQKqJNUzr1WNHk1Wfgdm_tDKCwE/s/1305913623/br/244581164858-l">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist.&nbsp;

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

A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.&nbsp; Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.

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

A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

&nbsp;During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.

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

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

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ2NjMDIuc2FmZWxpbmtzLnByb3RlY3Rpb24ub3V0bG9vay5jb20vP2RhdGE9MDUlN0MwMiU3Q01pdGNoZWxsLk9zdGVybHVuZCU0MGtzLmdvdiU3QzFjZDNhOTM2NTM2YjRlNTllOWUxMDhkYzU0ZTc5ZjVmJTdDZGNhZTgxMDFjOTJkNDgwY2JjNDNjNjc2MWNjY2NjNWElN0MwJTdDMCU3QzYzODQ3ODYwMDk4NjkwNjg5NyU3Q1Vua25vd24lN0NUV0ZwYkdac2IzZDhleUpXSWpvaU1DNHdMakF3TURBaUxDSlFJam9pVjJsdU16SWlMQ0pCVGlJNklrMWhhV3dpTENKWFZDSTZNbjAlM0QlN0MwJTdDJTdDJTdDJnJlc2VydmVkPTAmc2RhdGE9dSUyQmJMRUpVZGhZb2RlTjVEdkVwakVBMUhva3cyMEowazFGVjNsd0d6MVNFJTNEJnVybD1odHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdiUyRjc3NyUyRkhhcm1mdWwtQWxnYWwtQmxvb21zJTNGdXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzRGdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA2MjEuOTY2MDEyNjEifQ.WYCLu_b49wI9ixlcju67P8GO6D3To7Z-7WP5OCu4QaU/s/1305913623/br/244581164858-l">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.d9VgljZEYRij_RWheWyLBnWQm0mE0Em2hOsC-cR8UG4/s/1305913623/br/244581164858-l">interactive story</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.tCMlPF5Ik9enrmgrVxQtJsdG_jekpltY31xRHkHDOWE/s/1305913623/br/244581164858-l">informative video</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653671935575.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ2NjMDIuc2FmZWxpbmtzLnByb3RlY3Rpb24ub3V0bG9vay5jb20vP2RhdGE9MDUlN0MwMiU3Q01pdGNoZWxsLk9zdGVybHVuZCU0MGtzLmdvdiU3QzFjZDNhOTM2NTM2YjRlNTllOWUxMDhkYzU0ZTc5ZjVmJTdDZGNhZTgxMDFjOTJkNDgwY2JjNDNjNjc2MWNjY2NjNWElN0MwJTdDMCU3QzYzODQ3ODYwMDk4Njg5OTQ4OSU3Q1Vua25vd24lN0NUV0ZwYkdac2IzZDhleUpXSWpvaU1DNHdMakF3TURBaUxDSlFJam9pVjJsdU16SWlMQ0pCVGlJNklrMWhhV3dpTENKWFZDSTZNbjAlM0QlN0MwJTdDJTdDJTdDJnJlc2VydmVkPTAmc2RhdGE9Z2gwVU92Znd1aTBjZjNTWVklMkZ0U3liZUR0emFQMFMwczMwbVNuTFNaV0xvJTNEJnVybD1odHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdiUyRjExNjMlMkZSZXBvcnQtYW4tSWxsbmVzcy1vci1IZWFsdGgtSW5jaWRlbnQlM0Z1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fc291cmNlJTNEZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDYyMS45NjYwMTI2MSJ9.iLyn9JYszrzkQFqifQKqJNUzr1WNHk1Wfgdm_tDKCwE/s/1305913623/br/244581164858-l">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.Active AdvisoriesWarning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County</li><li>Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County</li><li>Webster Lake, Rooks County</li>
 </ul>Watch&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>King Lake, Lyon County (Added June 21)</li><li>Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County</li><li>Lovewell Lake, Jewell County</li><li>Rooks Co. SFL, Rooks County (Added June 21)</li><li>Woodland Park Pond (Mount Hope), Sedgwick County</li>
 </ul>Lifted&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Overbrook City Lake, Osage County</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist.&nbsp;When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.</li><li>In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.</li><li>When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.&nbsp; Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.</li><li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.&nbsp;</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.&nbsp;</li><li>Water contact should be avoided.&nbsp;</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.&nbsp;</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.&nbsp;</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.</li><li>Clean fish thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.</li>
 </ul>Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.&nbsp;If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.WYCLu_b49wI9ixlcju67P8GO6D3To7Z-7WP5OCu4QaU/s/1305913623/br/244581164858-l">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.d9VgljZEYRij_RWheWyLBnWQm0mE0Em2hOsC-cR8UG4/s/1305913623/br/244581164858-l">interactive story</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.tCMlPF5Ik9enrmgrVxQtJsdG_jekpltY31xRHkHDOWE/s/1305913623/br/244581164858-l">informative video</a>.

KDHE public health advisories for 3 Rooks County lakes due to blue-green algae

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Fort Hays State leads surge at 5.2%; followed by a 5% increase at KU

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents unanimously voted Thursday to raise tuition and fees an average of 3.9% for full-time, in-state undergraduate students at the five state public universities requesting revenue enhancements from that source.

Members of the Board of Regents defended the increases by touting a report showing the result would be that raises to tuition and fees for resident undergraduates in the university system ranged from 4.4% to 22.2% since 2020. The national consumer price index, known as CPI-U, went up 22.5% from 2020 to 2024. The Higher Education Price Index, issued by Commonfund Institute, grew 15.7% over those years.

“We’re all aware of the need to keep higher education affordable, but also understand the pressure that inflationary factors are placing on every enterprise, including higher education,” said Blake Benson, a Board of Regents member from Pittsburg.

The Board of Regents released a document indicating overall state university tuition and fee increases for undergraduate in-state students over a five-year period, including the 2025 adjustments, would average 11.8%. Decisions of the Board of Regents pushed up tuition and fees through those years by 10% at University of Kansas, 7.5% at Kansas State University, 22.2% at Wichita State University, 4.4% at Emporia State University, 14.5% at Pittsburg State University and 12.4% at Fort Hays State University.

Wint Winter, a Lawrence member of the Board of Regents, said his support for the latest tuition and fee changes was influenced by action of the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to expand student financial aid from $24 million annually to $97 million annually since 2021.

He said the six state universities also reduced operating costs during the past five years by $219 million and eliminated the equivalent of 675 full-time job positions.

“This is one of the most important and powerful decisions that this board has to make,” Winter said. “If you want to talk about net student financial load, I think the regents institutions, the governor and the Legislature have done a great job in the last five years in holding tuition down much below inflation.”

The average 3.9% adjustment this fall in state university tuition and fees reflected increases at five of the six state universities. Emporia State settled on a 3.4% reduction in tuition and fees attained by diminishing student fees and holding tuition flat.

In May, ESU administrators put forward a plan to raise tuition by 4%. That idea was dropped to zero before the Board of Regents convened for its June meeting. If ESU’s reduction in the combined tuition and fees figure was included in statistics covering all six universities, the average increase in tuition and fees at the universities would be 2.7%.

Enrollment at ESU spiraled the past couple years as administrators dismissed tenured faculty, realigned course offerings and sought to “right-size” the university in exchange for special funding from the Legislature. An extraordinary $9 million earmark that inflated state funding to ESU last year was renewed because the governor declined to veto for a second time during the 2024 legislative session a Republican-driven provision appropriating the $9 million in this year’s state spending bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718919593168.png" alt=" The Kansas Board of Regents agreed to increase student tuition and fees at Kansas Board of Regents universities. Richard Linton, president at Kansas State University, received permission to hike tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students by 2.5%, or $139 per semester, to $5,610. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Board of Regents’ YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> The Kansas Board of Regents agreed to increase student tuition and fees at Kansas Board of Regents universities. Richard Linton, president at Kansas State University, received permission to hike tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students by 2.5%, or $139 per semester, to $5,610. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Board of Regents’ YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Fort Hays State leads surge at 5.2%; followed by a 5% increase at KU</h2>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents unanimously voted Thursday to raise tuition and fees an average of 3.9% for full-time, in-state undergraduate students at the five state public universities requesting revenue enhancements from that source.Members of the Board of Regents defended the increases by touting a report showing the result would be that raises to tuition and fees for resident undergraduates in the university system ranged from 4.4% to 22.2% since 2020. The national consumer price index, known as CPI-U, went up 22.5% from 2020 to 2024. The Higher Education Price Index, issued by Commonfund Institute, grew 15.7% over those years.“We’re all aware of the need to keep higher education affordable, but also understand the pressure that inflationary factors are placing on every enterprise, including higher education,” said Blake Benson, a Board of Regents member from Pittsburg.The Board of Regents released a document indicating overall state university tuition and fee increases for undergraduate in-state students over a five-year period, including the 2025 adjustments, would average 11.8%. Decisions of the Board of Regents pushed up tuition and fees through those years by 10% at University of Kansas, 7.5% at Kansas State University, 22.2% at Wichita State University, 4.4% at Emporia State University, 14.5% at Pittsburg State University and 12.4% at Fort Hays State University.Wint Winter, a Lawrence member of the Board of Regents, said his support for the latest tuition and fee changes was influenced by action of the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to expand student financial aid from $24 million annually to $97 million annually since 2021.He said the six state universities also reduced operating costs during the past five years by $219 million and eliminated the equivalent of 675 full-time job positions.“This is one of the most important and powerful decisions that this board has to make,” Winter said. “If you want to talk about net student financial load, I think the regents institutions, the governor and the Legislature have done a great job in the last five years in holding tuition down much below inflation.”The average 3.9% adjustment this fall in state university tuition and fees reflected increases at five of the six state universities. Emporia State settled on a 3.4% reduction in tuition and fees attained by diminishing student fees and holding tuition flat.In May, ESU administrators put forward a plan to raise tuition by 4%. That idea was dropped to zero before the Board of Regents convened for its June meeting. If ESU’s reduction in the combined tuition and fees figure was included in statistics covering all six universities, the average increase in tuition and fees at the universities would be 2.7%.Enrollment at ESU spiraled the past couple years as administrators dismissed tenured faculty, realigned course offerings and sought to “right-size” the university in exchange for special funding from the Legislature. An extraordinary $9 million earmark that inflated state funding to ESU last year was renewed because the governor declined to veto for a second time during the 2024 legislative session a Republican-driven provision appropriating the $9 million in this year’s state spending bill.Here are the per semester, full-time undergraduate tuition and fee rates for 2024-2025 and what those changes mean compared last year’s rates: KU, $6,141, up $291 or 5%; KSU, $5,610, up $139 or 2.5%; WSU, $4,841, up $180 or 3.9%; PSU, $4,200, up $122 or 3%; ESU, $3,547, down $125 or 3.4%; FHSU, $2,964, up $147 or 5.2%.Nonresident undergraduate tuition and fees — there are a variety of programs to waive the out-of-state premium — were increased at the same five universities and reduced at ESU by 1.6% to $7,704.Undergraduate students from other states attending KU would pay $15,306 per semester this fall, which would be a $600 increase of 4.1%. K-State intends to charge $14,283 for nonresident undergraduate students, an amount $375 or 2.7% greater than last fall. Here are the other figures: WSU, $9,994, up $374 or 3.9%; PSU, $9,872, up $122 or 1.3%; and FHSU, $8,888, up $482 or 5.7%.The Board of Regents adopted comparable increases for graduate students that was sought by the universities and unanimously approved by the board’s fiscal affairs subcommittee.