Ham Radio Field Day set for June 22 in Hays

<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/2024/5/1716743458836.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

RUSSELL COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford F250 driven by&nbsp; Ryan Knight Pickens, 22, Garden City, was eastbound on Homer Road just east of 182 Street.

The driver lost control&nbsp;due to speed. The pickup traveled into the ditch and rolled.

EMS transported&nbsp;Pickens to Russell Regional Hospital.&nbsp; A passenger Tabatha Lynn&nbsp;Yakubovich, 38, Garden City, was not transported for treatment despite a complaint of pain. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford F250 driven by&nbsp; Ryan Knight Pickens, 22, Garden City, was eastbound on Homer Road just east of 182 Street.The driver lost control&nbsp;due to speed. The pickup traveled into the ditch and rolled.EMS transported&nbsp;Pickens to Russell Regional Hospital.&nbsp; A passenger Tabatha Lynn&nbsp;Yakubovich, 38, Garden City, was not transported for treatment despite a complaint of pain. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

KHP: Speed contributed to pickup crash that injured Kansas man

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

So, have you heard or read about the big Cicada “emergence” about to happen in several other Midwest and Southern states? These are not the annual cicadas we call “locusts” that are heard every August here in Kansas, but rather some of those that have been in the ground for 13 and 17 years. Cicadas are formally identified as “broods,” and starting any day now, two of these broods, brood XIX that emerge every 13 years, and brood XIII that emerge every 17 years are set to show themselves at the same time. This is a rare occurrence that last happened in 1803, and won’t happen again until the year 2245. Their sole purpose is to breed, after which they die; eggs are laid on tree branches, and upon hatching, the young fall to the ground and burrow themselves in around the trees, to emerge again in either 13 or 17 years. It’s been estimated there could be up to half a million of the critters per acre where they will be the worst. Audiologists are worried about the noise levels of the critters screeching “love songs,” warning that the sound from this many of them at once can actually be as loud as a jackhammer or lawnmower. “Bug Doctors” and those that study this sort of thing are about to wet themselves with excitement over the rare event, which some have labeled “cicada-geddon.”

I say all this in response to a discussion I heard on the radio today about eating cicadas. Years ago, I wrote a column entitled “My Reverse Bucket List,” where I listed a few things I DO NOT ever want to do, and KNOWINGLY and PURPOSLY eating bugs was one of them. If God had wanted me to eat bugs, he would have made me an ant eater or a bird, so today I still say no, no and nope to eating bugs.

However, it seems eating cicadas is not all that far-fetched. Amazon actually lists 4 cook books completely dedicated to cooking and eating cicadas; “The Cicada Cookbook,” “Cooking with Cicadas,” “Cicada Recipes for the Zombie Apocalypse” and “The Cheeky Cicada; A Culinary Adventure with Natures Symphony.” An internet search easily provided a list of possible cicada dishes, to include pan fried cicadas, chocolate covered cicadas, boiled cicadas, crispy cicada salad, cicadas marinara, spicy popcorn cicadas, cicada chips and even a recipe for chocolate cookies, each with a toasted cicada in the middle instead of a Hershey’s Kiss. Someone even suggested gathering a bunch while they are so plentiful and available, and freezing them by the bagful for later use. I can see it all now; the wife reaches into the freezer for a bag of frozen corn or peas and comes out with a

bagful of frozen locusts instead; that should make for interesting table talk at dinner.

I also stumbled across a few little pieces of advice and ditties concerning cooking and eating the little blighters. Concerning eating them, one person said “They’re great for the summer BBQ, while they are everywhere.” Another advised “No need to tear off the legs and wings, they just add to the crispiness.” Another slogan went something like this, “If you can’t beat em’, cook em’.”

Well, there you have it, a little history lesson, a little news story and a whole lotta’ cicada 101 all rolled into one. Just to reiterate, this won’t be happening in our neck-of-the-woods…this time, but in 17 states east and south of us. Also, just to reiterate, I still say no, no and nope to eatin’ bugs. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors (cicada free.)

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 OutdoorsSo, have you heard or read about the big Cicada “emergence” about to happen in several other Midwest and Southern states? These are not the annual cicadas we call “locusts” that are heard every August here in Kansas, but rather some of those that have been in the ground for 13 and 17 years. Cicadas are formally identified as “broods,” and starting any day now, two of these broods, brood XIX that emerge every 13 years, and brood XIII that emerge every 17 years are set to show themselves at the same time. This is a rare occurrence that last happened in 1803, and won’t happen again until the year 2245. Their sole purpose is to breed, after which they die; eggs are laid on tree branches, and upon hatching, the young fall to the ground and burrow themselves in around the trees, to emerge again in either 13 or 17 years. It’s been estimated there could be up to half a million of the critters per acre where they will be the worst. Audiologists are worried about the noise levels of the critters screeching “love songs,” warning that the sound from this many of them at once can actually be as loud as a jackhammer or lawnmower. “Bug Doctors” and those that study this sort of thing are about to wet themselves with excitement over the rare event, which some have labeled “cicada-geddon.”I say all this in response to a discussion I heard on the radio today about eating cicadas. Years ago, I wrote a column entitled “My Reverse Bucket List,” where I listed a few things I DO NOT ever want to do, and KNOWINGLY and PURPOSLY eating bugs was one of them. If God had wanted me to eat bugs, he would have made me an ant eater or a bird, so today I still say no, no and nope to eating bugs.However, it seems eating cicadas is not all that far-fetched. Amazon actually lists 4 cook books completely dedicated to cooking and eating cicadas; “The Cicada Cookbook,” “Cooking with Cicadas,” “Cicada Recipes for the Zombie Apocalypse” and “The Cheeky Cicada; A Culinary Adventure with Natures Symphony.” An internet search easily provided a list of possible cicada dishes, to include pan fried cicadas, chocolate covered cicadas, boiled cicadas, crispy cicada salad, cicadas marinara, spicy popcorn cicadas, cicada chips and even a recipe for chocolate cookies, each with a toasted cicada in the middle instead of a Hershey’s Kiss. Someone even suggested gathering a bunch while they are so plentiful and available, and freezing them by the bagful for later use. I can see it all now; the wife reaches into the freezer for a bag of frozen corn or peas and comes out with abagful of frozen locusts instead; that should make for interesting table talk at dinner.I also stumbled across a few little pieces of advice and ditties concerning cooking and eating the little blighters. Concerning eating them, one person said “They’re great for the summer BBQ, while they are everywhere.” Another advised “No need to tear off the legs and wings, they just add to the crispiness.” Another slogan went something like this, “If you can’t beat em’, cook em’.”Well, there you have it, a little history lesson, a little news story and a whole lotta’ cicada 101 all rolled into one. Just to reiterate, this won’t be happening in our neck-of-the-woods…this time, but in 17 states east and south of us. Also, just to reiterate, I still say no, no and nope to eatin’ bugs. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors (cicada free.)Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: No, No and Nope

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

There’s just something about a toad that “conjures” up visions of a witch in a huge black hat with a big hairy wart on her nose mumbling spells as she stirs a bubbling pot full of potion. Toads just look creepy, and then of course there is that propensity they possess to pee on anyone picking them up. Despite having a face only a mother could love, toads are extremely important to our planet. It is reported that a toad can eat ten thousand insects in one summer and are a big part of natures pest patrol (the person who did the counting for that study really needs a life!)

Toads begin their lives as tiny swimming tadpoles and eventually crawl onto land and begin breathing air, yet another of God’s creative mysteries. Toads, like other amphibians actually absorb air through their skin as well as getting it from their lungs with occasional breaths. They also absorb water though their skin rather than drinking it through their mouths.

If you have a dog, I’m quite sure you already know that toads have a mild toxin on their skin as protection. After licking or grabbing a toad with their mouth, a dog will begin frothing-at-the-mouth uncontrollably for a few minutes. It’s very temporary but quite funny at the time. One of our two little dogs doesn’t have the sense God gave a goose, and despite this being nearly a daily occurrence, she still cruises the flower beds looking for toads, after which she emerges, slobbering and frothing like some kind of crazed beast.

Because of toxins in their environment, toad populations are said to be declining nearly to the point of crisis, and I do believe we see fewer now than we used to. Raccoons, skunks and snakes are natural predators of toads. Besides protection from these predators, toads also need cool dark places to get away from the bright sun and weather.

Joyce has several large flower gardens and scattered throughout each garden she has created what she calls “toad abodes.” She takes broken clay or ornamental flower pots and turns them into cool, dark, secret hideaways for the resident toads. She finds an already shady spot beneath a big perennial plant, then simply

lays the broken pot on its side to form a little round-top enclosure into which the toads can easily crawl and hide themselves away from predators, pets and the heat of the day. One such hideaway is even made from the bleached white pelvic bone of a cow, drug home from the woods by our grandson. Laid beneath a big plant with long slender leaves that hang down over it, the arched shape makes a perfect secret hideout for a toad or two. Any object that has room for a toad to crawl inside will work, and besides protecting the toads, they look very decorative and rustic in the flower bed too.

So the next time you buy your pet a new toy or treat, think about your insect removal friends too. Find a broken clay pot or bowl and place it in a new spot in the garden for yet another toad abode. And next year, when you ask yourself what in the world that broken pot is doing in your flower bed and pick it up to remove it, don’t be surprised to see a pair of dark eyes looking back at you from beneath it. If you pick up that toad, hold it out away from you or you’ll probably get your shoes wet, and if you suddenly find your dog frothing and foaming at the mouth, don’t shoot it, it just licked a toad!... Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsThere’s just something about a toad that “conjures” up visions of a witch in a huge black hat with a big hairy wart on her nose mumbling spells as she stirs a bubbling pot full of potion. Toads just look creepy, and then of course there is that propensity they possess to pee on anyone picking them up. Despite having a face only a mother could love, toads are extremely important to our planet. It is reported that a toad can eat ten thousand insects in one summer and are a big part of natures pest patrol (the person who did the counting for that study really needs a life!)Toads begin their lives as tiny swimming tadpoles and eventually crawl onto land and begin breathing air, yet another of God’s creative mysteries. Toads, like other amphibians actually absorb air through their skin as well as getting it from their lungs with occasional breaths. They also absorb water though their skin rather than drinking it through their mouths.If you have a dog, I’m quite sure you already know that toads have a mild toxin on their skin as protection. After licking or grabbing a toad with their mouth, a dog will begin frothing-at-the-mouth uncontrollably for a few minutes. It’s very temporary but quite funny at the time. One of our two little dogs doesn’t have the sense God gave a goose, and despite this being nearly a daily occurrence, she still cruises the flower beds looking for toads, after which she emerges, slobbering and frothing like some kind of crazed beast.Because of toxins in their environment, toad populations are said to be declining nearly to the point of crisis, and I do believe we see fewer now than we used to. Raccoons, skunks and snakes are natural predators of toads. Besides protection from these predators, toads also need cool dark places to get away from the bright sun and weather.Joyce has several large flower gardens and scattered throughout each garden she has created what she calls “toad abodes.” She takes broken clay or ornamental flower pots and turns them into cool, dark, secret hideaways for the resident toads. She finds an already shady spot beneath a big perennial plant, then simplylays the broken pot on its side to form a little round-top enclosure into which the toads can easily crawl and hide themselves away from predators, pets and the heat of the day. One such hideaway is even made from the bleached white pelvic bone of a cow, drug home from the woods by our grandson. Laid beneath a big plant with long slender leaves that hang down over it, the arched shape makes a perfect secret hideout for a toad or two. Any object that has room for a toad to crawl inside will work, and besides protecting the toads, they look very decorative and rustic in the flower bed too.So the next time you buy your pet a new toy or treat, think about your insect removal friends too. Find a broken clay pot or bowl and place it in a new spot in the garden for yet another toad abode. And next year, when you ask yourself what in the world that broken pot is doing in your flower bed and pick it up to remove it, don’t be surprised to see a pair of dark eyes looking back at you from beneath it. If you pick up that toad, hold it out away from you or you’ll probably get your shoes wet, and if you suddenly find your dog frothing and foaming at the mouth, don’t shoot it, it just licked a toad!... Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: The toad abode

By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays Post

It might have been surprising if Kahne Johnson had not chosen sprint car racing as his career path.

Kahne, a 2024 graduate of Quinter Junior-Senior High, is on track to make his dreams come true.

From a racing family devoted to dirt tracks on warm summer evenings, Kahne moved to Missouri this past Thursday. He began his full-time job as crew chief for Ayrton Gennetten Racing, which runs a sprint car in the World of Outlaws circuit.

“My dream always was to get a sprint car, but I fell in love with working on them,” Kahne said.

Kahne, 18, is part of a third generation of racing. He raced go-karts, as did his older brother, 20-year-old Kyler, who graduated to driving sprint cars on weekends.

His younger sister, Kendyl, 15, also used to race go-karts. His father, CJ Johnson, retired in 2015 after a long career racing sprint cars. His paternal grandfather, Jon Johnson, raced sprint cars, as did Dennis Park, stepfather of Kahne’s mom, Kayla.

The family loved the track so much that a little thing like the birth of a child wouldn’t wave the red flag. All three Johnson siblings were born in the middle of the week, and days after their birth, they were at the track that weekend. CJ won a race the weekend after each child’s birth, and after Kyler was born, CJ won 11 straight races. Other drivers jokingly pleaded with CJ that he not have any more kids.

“We’ve never been the kind of family that stays home or goes to the lake on weekends,” Johnson said. “All we’ve ever known was racing.”

Kahne moves from one family to another. Ayrton Gennetten said the racing community is close-knit.

“Racing is basically a second family to anyone involved in the sport,” Gennetten said. “You grow fond of the people you’re around.”

From the it’s-a-small-world department, Gennetten’s grandfather raced against Kahne’s grandfather, and their dads also raced against each other a few times. Gennetten also has raced against Kahne’s older brother a few times. Now, Kahne is Gennetten's crew chief.

“It’s kind of cool we get to work together,” Gennetten said.

Kahne’s grandfather raced against his mom’s stepfather, and both dads raced each other. And, Kahne’s mom met his dad at the track. Years later, decades later, they’re still at the track.

“She kind of knew what she was getting into,” Kahne said.

Kahne had no idea what was going to happen after a chance meeting with Gennetten at a race weekend a couple of years ago. They were parked together and started talking racing. Talking turned into texts, but a summer job did not work out.

However, another racer, Brian Brown, offered a summer job a year later, and Kahne worked with him last season. Kahne credited his crew chief, Chad Morgan, for showing him the ropes in the pit.

“He explained things really well,” Kahne said. “He’s definitely a mentor because he knew what he was doing.”

Over the winter, Gennetten offered Kahne a full-time position as crew chief with his racing team. So Kahne packed up and moved to Warrensburg, Mo., with the shop in nearby Knob Noster. He was helping get the car ready to race this weekend and from now until November, with race weekends scheduled in nine states.

“I’m probably one of the younger (crew chiefs) who gets this much say, what we’re doing on the car,” Kahne said. “Eighteen is kind of pretty early. I’m very blessed to have this opportunity.”

Gennetten, 24, said while it was rare to have a crew chief that young, he was confident Kahne could do the job.

“I think we will make a good combination,” Gennetten said. “I trust that he will do it right because he wants to have a career in this. Hopefully, we can build a good program and grow together.”

Typically, the season goes from March to the end of October, but graduation delayed Kahne’s involvement this year. Gennetten races on two different circuits.

“He’s not really committed to one or the other,” Kahne said. “He picks and chooses which one he wants to go to on that particular weekend.”

Kahne once wanted to be a sprint car driver like his brother, but working on cars was a better fit than driving them—literally. At 6 feet 3 inches, Johnson found the sprint car cockpit too confining.

“It’s not a real comfortable car if you’re tall,” Kahne said.

Johnson feels comfortable tinkering with cars, getting them to perform their best every weekend.

“The main goal is to work full-time World of Outlaws,” Kahne said. “That is the best of the best, coast-to-coast. Just be successful, win a bunch of races as a crew chief.”

The roar of the track, with cars racing for the checkered flag, is part of the allure.

“It’s exciting for me to just hear the sprint cars go on the track. They’re plenty loud,” Kahne said.

Now, at a young age, Kahne is making noise as a crew chief for a racing team. He remembers his reaction when he received the job offer.

“I was pretty happy for it all to come together,” Johnson said. “I’d much rather do this than&nbsp;anything else, for sure.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676381401.jpeg" alt="Quinter 18-year-old Kahne Johnson, who has just graduated from high school, will be the full-time crew chief for sprint car racer Ayrton Gennetten. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Quinter 18-year-old Kahne Johnson, who has just graduated from high school, will be the full-time crew chief for sprint car racer Ayrton Gennetten. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715890703398.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays PostIt might have been surprising if Kahne Johnson had not chosen sprint car racing as his career path.Kahne, a 2024 graduate of Quinter Junior-Senior High, is on track to make his dreams come true.From a racing family devoted to dirt tracks on warm summer evenings, Kahne moved to Missouri this past Thursday. He began his full-time job as crew chief for Ayrton Gennetten Racing, which runs a sprint car in the World of Outlaws circuit.“My dream always was to get a sprint car, but I fell in love with working on them,” Kahne said.Kahne, 18, is part of a third generation of racing. He raced go-karts, as did his older brother, 20-year-old Kyler, who graduated to driving sprint cars on weekends.His younger sister, Kendyl, 15, also used to race go-karts. His father, CJ Johnson, retired in 2015 after a long career racing sprint cars. His paternal grandfather, Jon Johnson, raced sprint cars, as did Dennis Park, stepfather of Kahne’s mom, Kayla.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676438301.jpeg" alt="Part of Johnson’s duties as a crew chief is to watch the car go around the track. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Part of Johnson’s duties as a crew chief is to watch the car go around the track. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The family loved the track so much that a little thing like the birth of a child wouldn’t wave the red flag. All three Johnson siblings were born in the middle of the week, and days after their birth, they were at the track that weekend. CJ won a race the weekend after each child’s birth, and after Kyler was born, CJ won 11 straight races. Other drivers jokingly pleaded with CJ that he not have any more kids.“We’ve never been the kind of family that stays home or goes to the lake on weekends,” Johnson said. “All we’ve ever known was racing.”Kahne moves from one family to another. Ayrton Gennetten said the racing community is close-knit.“Racing is basically a second family to anyone involved in the sport,” Gennetten said. “You grow fond of the people you’re around.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676611933.jpeg" alt="Kyler Johnson, Kahne’s older brother, turns a corner in a sprint car race. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kyler Johnson, Kahne’s older brother, turns a corner in a sprint car race. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>From the it’s-a-small-world department, Gennetten’s grandfather raced against Kahne’s grandfather, and their dads also raced against each other a few times. Gennetten also has raced against Kahne’s older brother a few times. Now, Kahne is Gennetten's crew chief.“It’s kind of cool we get to work together,” Gennetten said.Kahne’s grandfather raced against his mom’s stepfather, and both dads raced each other. And, Kahne’s mom met his dad at the track. Years later, decades later, they’re still at the track.“She kind of knew what she was getting into,” Kahne said.Kahne had no idea what was going to happen after a chance meeting with Gennetten at a race weekend a couple of years ago. They were parked together and started talking racing. Talking turned into texts, but a summer job did not work out.However, another racer, Brian Brown, offered a summer job a year later, and Kahne worked with him last season. Kahne credited his crew chief, Chad Morgan, for showing him the ropes in the pit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676677350.jpeg" alt="Kahne, age 5, “works” on his dad’s sprint car while older brother Kyler, age 7, looks on. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kahne, age 5, “works” on his dad’s sprint car while older brother Kyler, age 7, looks on. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“He explained things really well,” Kahne said. “He’s definitely a mentor because he knew what he was doing.”Over the winter, Gennetten offered Kahne a full-time position as crew chief with his racing team. So Kahne packed up and moved to Warrensburg, Mo., with the shop in nearby Knob Noster. He was helping get the car ready to race this weekend and from now until November, with race weekends scheduled in nine states.“I’m probably one of the younger (crew chiefs) who gets this much say, what we’re doing on the car,” Kahne said. “Eighteen is kind of pretty early. I’m very blessed to have this opportunity.”Gennetten, 24, said while it was rare to have a crew chief that young, he was confident Kahne could do the job.“I think we will make a good combination,” Gennetten said. “I trust that he will do it right because he wants to have a career in this. Hopefully, we can build a good program and grow together.”Typically, the season goes from March to the end of October, but graduation delayed Kahne’s involvement this year. Gennetten races on two different circuits.“He’s not really committed to one or the other,” Kahne said. “He picks and chooses which one he wants to go to on that particular weekend.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676737614.jpeg" alt="Kahne works on a tire on his brother Kyler’s mud-covered sprint car. Photo courtesy of Carrie Towns Photography&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kahne works on a tire on his brother Kyler’s mud-covered sprint car. Photo courtesy of Carrie Towns Photography&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Kahne once wanted to be a sprint car driver like his brother, but working on cars was a better fit than driving them—literally. At 6 feet 3 inches, Johnson found the sprint car cockpit too confining.“It’s not a real comfortable car if you’re tall,” Kahne said.Johnson feels comfortable tinkering with cars, getting them to perform their best every weekend.“The main goal is to work full-time World of Outlaws,” Kahne said. “That is the best of the best, coast-to-coast. Just be successful, win a bunch of races as a crew chief.”The roar of the track, with cars racing for the checkered flag, is part of the allure.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716676789352.jpeg" alt="Kahne Johnson says he feels “blessed” to be a crew chief for a racing team at such a young age. Photo courtesy of Carrie Towns Photography&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kahne Johnson says he feels “blessed” to be a crew chief for a racing team at such a young age. Photo courtesy of Carrie Towns Photography&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s exciting for me to just hear the sprint cars go on the track. They’re plenty loud,” Kahne said.Now, at a young age, Kahne is making noise as a crew chief for a racing team. He remembers his reaction when he received the job offer.“I was pretty happy for it all to come together,” Johnson said. “I’d much rather do this than&nbsp;anything else, for sure.”

NWester: Quinter teenager races to top as crew chief

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to close a portion of K-9 near Logan in Phillips County starting Monday, June 10.

The closure is necessary for the demolition and replacement of the bridge spanning Crooked Creek, located 0.4 mile east of Logan. During construction, K-9 will be closed to through traffic at the bridge. Motorists should follow the signed detour around the work zone using U.S. 283, U.S. 36 and U.S. 183.

KDOT expects project work to be completed in late November, conditions permitting.

The project is the second of two bridge replacements KDOT is completing along K-9 in Phillips County this construction season. Work on the first project, which is located approximately 3.5 miles east of Logan, began in February and is also expected to be completed in November.

Bridges Inc. of Newton is the primary contractor for both projects with a combined contract cost of approximately $3.7 million. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Dan Moore at 785-302-6200 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daniel.moore@ks.gov">daniel.moore@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701368603184.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation plans to close a portion of K-9 near Logan in Phillips County starting Monday, June 10.The closure is necessary for the demolition and replacement of the bridge spanning Crooked Creek, located 0.4 mile east of Logan. During construction, K-9 will be closed to through traffic at the bridge. Motorists should follow the signed detour around the work zone using U.S. 283, U.S. 36 and U.S. 183.KDOT expects project work to be completed in late November, conditions permitting.The project is the second of two bridge replacements KDOT is completing along K-9 in Phillips County this construction season. Work on the first project, which is located approximately 3.5 miles east of Logan, began in February and is also expected to be completed in November.Bridges Inc. of Newton is the primary contractor for both projects with a combined contract cost of approximately $3.7 million. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Dan Moore at 785-302-6200 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daniel.moore@ks.gov">daniel.moore@ks.gov</a>.

Bridge project to close portion of K-9 in Phillips County

North Central Kansas Technical College

North Central Kansas Technical College is excited announce that Wyatt Varner will represent both NCK Technical College and the state of Kansas as a national competitor at the 2024 National Clash of Trades Competition! Wyatt is a student in the Welding program on the Beloit, KS campus.

The Project MFG 2023-2024 season was loaded with competitors from across the country, all battling to make it to the national competition. The season started in October 2023 and ran through May 2024, during which time 92 schools, totaling 262 students participated in the competition.

To qualify for the national competition, the students had to compete in 3 rounds. Each round presented unique challenges that required both skill and extreme attention to detail. In the first round Wyatt welded a Corsair Fighter plane using the drawings and instructions provided by Project MFG. After successfully completing the first round, the next two rounds were exponentially more difficult. In the second round he welded an SR-71 Blackbird using aluminum, and in the final round a B-2 Stealth Bomber. He completed all of the required welds with masterful precision and earned an invitation to the 2024 Project MFG National Welding Championship.

The Project MFG National Welding Championship is held during the 2024 National Clash of Trades Competition held June 11-14th at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. Top-performing participants for the year will have the opportunity to compete head-to-head at the Project MFG National Welding Championship, where they will compete for the national title and a grand prize of $10,000 in cash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716228225460.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Central Kansas Technical CollegeNorth Central Kansas Technical College is excited announce that Wyatt Varner will represent both NCK Technical College and the state of Kansas as a national competitor at the 2024 National Clash of Trades Competition! Wyatt is a student in the Welding program on the Beloit, KS campus.The Project MFG 2023-2024 season was loaded with competitors from across the country, all battling to make it to the national competition. The season started in October 2023 and ran through May 2024, during which time 92 schools, totaling 262 students participated in the competition.To qualify for the national competition, the students had to compete in 3 rounds. Each round presented unique challenges that required both skill and extreme attention to detail. In the first round Wyatt welded a Corsair Fighter plane using the drawings and instructions provided by Project MFG. After successfully completing the first round, the next two rounds were exponentially more difficult. In the second round he welded an SR-71 Blackbird using aluminum, and in the final round a B-2 Stealth Bomber. He completed all of the required welds with masterful precision and earned an invitation to the 2024 Project MFG National Welding Championship.The Project MFG National Welding Championship is held during the 2024 National Clash of Trades Competition held June 11-14th at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. Top-performing participants for the year will have the opportunity to compete head-to-head at the Project MFG National Welding Championship, where they will compete for the national title and a grand prize of $10,000 in cash.

NCK Tech student to represent Kansas during national competiton

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

As this year’s legislative session ends, it would be easy to focus on the overwhelming partisan conflict and stalemate that has become a reality in Kansas politics. However, legislative Democrats and Republicans have been able to make progress by working together on several criminal justice policies.

In April, Governor Kelly signed into law Senate Bill 458, which implements new reforms to the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act. Efforts like this aim to establish clear and fair guidelines for law enforcement when they attempt to seize private property in the investigation of a crime. According to the Office of the Governor, these reforms require “additional steps to initiate the civil asset seizure process and requires clear and convincing evidence in order to move forward with seizure.” These measures help prevent abuses of power and safeguard citizens’ property rights.

Civil forfeiture reform often brings together unlikely allies by tapping into libertarian beliefs about reigning in government power and liberal commitment to creating a more just criminal justice system. Working across party lines, this bill was passed unanimously.

The Kansas legislature also passed into law an increase in the compensation available to crime victims in the Crime Victims Assistance Fund. The result is that victims will now be eligible for a maximum weekly compensation of $800, compared to $400 previously. Being the victim of a crime can cause many types of harm, including financial harm. State-funded assistance programs can help victims cover medical expenses, including counseling, as well as lost wages. This provides victims greater stability, which in turn can promote healing. Once again, this bill passed unanimously earning praise from both Governor Kelly and Attorney General Kris Kobach.

And finally, Governor Kelly signed a “Good Samaritan” bill into law earlier this month. Senate Bill 419 provides immunity to those seeking help for themselves or others in the event of a drug overdose. Citing the importance of addressing the fentanyl crisis, legislators on both sides of the aisle came together to pass this bill unanimously.

This law reduces the hesitation to call for assistance in the case of an overdose by eliminating the fear of legal consequences. This immunity coupled with the wide public availability of Naloxone, a medicine that reverses an opioid overdose, will save lives in Kansas. Further, “Good Samaritan” laws foster a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, potentially opening pathways to treatment and recovery, rather than punishment. Prior to this bipartisan win, Kansas was one of only two states that did not have legal protections for those reaching out for assistance in cases of overdose.

While we shouldn’t expect ideological foes to agree on much in terms of the politically controversial issues of the day such as reproductive rights and taxation, these three bills, passed unanimously by a Republican-controlled legislature and signed into law by a Democratic Governor, are proof that bipartisan progress is possible in Kansas.

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375743023.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasAs this year’s legislative session ends, it would be easy to focus on the overwhelming partisan conflict and stalemate that has become a reality in Kansas politics. However, legislative Democrats and Republicans have been able to make progress by working together on several criminal justice policies.In April, Governor Kelly signed into law Senate Bill 458, which implements new reforms to the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act. Efforts like this aim to establish clear and fair guidelines for law enforcement when they attempt to seize private property in the investigation of a crime. According to the Office of the Governor, these reforms require “additional steps to initiate the civil asset seizure process and requires clear and convincing evidence in order to move forward with seizure.” These measures help prevent abuses of power and safeguard citizens’ property rights.Civil forfeiture reform often brings together unlikely allies by tapping into libertarian beliefs about reigning in government power and liberal commitment to creating a more just criminal justice system. Working across party lines, this bill was passed unanimously.The Kansas legislature also passed into law an increase in the compensation available to crime victims in the Crime Victims Assistance Fund. The result is that victims will now be eligible for a maximum weekly compensation of $800, compared to $400 previously. Being the victim of a crime can cause many types of harm, including financial harm. State-funded assistance programs can help victims cover medical expenses, including counseling, as well as lost wages. This provides victims greater stability, which in turn can promote healing. Once again, this bill passed unanimously earning praise from both Governor Kelly and Attorney General Kris Kobach.And finally, Governor Kelly signed a “Good Samaritan” bill into law earlier this month. Senate Bill 419 provides immunity to those seeking help for themselves or others in the event of a drug overdose. Citing the importance of addressing the fentanyl crisis, legislators on both sides of the aisle came together to pass this bill unanimously.This law reduces the hesitation to call for assistance in the case of an overdose by eliminating the fear of legal consequences. This immunity coupled with the wide public availability of Naloxone, a medicine that reverses an opioid overdose, will save lives in Kansas. Further, “Good Samaritan” laws foster a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, potentially opening pathways to treatment and recovery, rather than punishment. Prior to this bipartisan win, Kansas was one of only two states that did not have legal protections for those reaching out for assistance in cases of overdose.While we shouldn’t expect ideological foes to agree on much in terms of the politically controversial issues of the day such as reproductive rights and taxation, these three bills, passed unanimously by a Republican-controlled legislature and signed into law by a Democratic Governor, are proof that bipartisan progress is possible in Kansas.Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: A sliver of bipartisanship

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

Hays, area in tornado watch until 1 a.m. Sunday

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/" target="_blank">Hays Arts Council</a> executive director Brenda Meder discusses upcoming Hays Arts Center activities with Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council sets summer activities" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=f8ade-1620bd4-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/" target="_blank">Hays Arts Council</a> executive director Brenda Meder discusses upcoming Hays Arts Center activities with Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Arts Council sets summer activities

By JULIE DEBES Kansas Wheat

The journey from a potential genetic cross to the latest released wheat variety requires years of testing by public and private wheat breeders. They keep their eye on every aspect of agronomic performance&nbsp;from&nbsp;disease resistance to standability. Equally important is the partnership between wheat breeders and the Wheat Quality Lab at Kansas State University. Researchers at the lab help streamline the wheat breeding process by ensuring only lines with acceptable or superior milling and baking performance become the varieties Kansas wheat producers eventually plant and harvest.&nbsp;

“Agronomic performance and end-use quality are both critically important when selecting wheat varieties for commercial production,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “Supported by the two-penny-per-bushel wheat checkoff, the Kansas Wheat Quality Lab provides breeders, researchers and producers with the information they need to select which wheat lines to advance and which varieties to grow.”

Breeders like Guorong Zhang, K-State wheat breeder based at the K-State Agricultural Research Center in Hays, create about 800 new experimental lines each year - the critical step in a decade-long research process.&nbsp;However, not all of these lines have acceptable flour and baking qualities. Early sorting of which lines do or do not meet those standards saves time and cost for further testing down the road.&nbsp;

“Quality is an important trait for breeders; we don’t want to release a variety with poor quality,” Zhang said. “Thanks to the lab, they can evaluate all our advanced breeding lines. Based on the lab testing, we can see the lines with poor quality, and we will not continue those lines.”

The Kansas Wheat Quality Lab&nbsp;annually&nbsp;tests 350 to 400 advanced lines from the K-State wheat breeding programs.&nbsp;It takes until year five in the breeding program to have enough seed to run preliminary quality tests like protein content and mixograph. But, as lines go through more field testing, more seeds are harvested from each line, allowing for more extensive quality evaluations.&nbsp;

“Breeders can select for factors that determine agronomic performance, but milling and baking performance has to&nbsp;be tested&nbsp;in the lab,” said Yonghui Li, director of the Wheat Quality Lab.&nbsp;“These tests require specialized equipment&nbsp;along with training&nbsp;and experience to determine milling and baking quality.”

A sample consists of 1,000 grams of wheat. The lab first looks at the sample using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technology. These tests allow researchers to examine protein quantity and test the moisture content of the grain.&nbsp;

Researchers then temper the grain - or add a little bit of water to help make the milling process easier. Then, the sample&nbsp;is milled&nbsp;to separate the bran - the external coating of the wheat kernel - from the endosperm - the white part of the wheat kernel that becomes white flour. This resulting flour sample&nbsp;is tested&nbsp;too&nbsp;- looking at color and how much flour can&nbsp;be produced&nbsp;from the sample - the higher the amount, the better for millers.&nbsp;

The testing then progresses to looking at protein quantity and quality and dough properties. Tests like the mixograph and farinograph determine dough-mixing properties like water absorbance, mixing stability and more.&nbsp;

The final step is to take the flour, add water, yeast, sugar and salt and bake a pup loaf of bread, following standard protocols. Researchers then examine the quality of that bread - from the volume of the loaf to the crumb.&nbsp;

The combined results of these tests&nbsp;are given&nbsp;back to K-State wheat breeders, who use the information to help determine which lines to advance in their breeding programs. The milling and baking tests&nbsp;are repeated&nbsp;each year as lines are in the advanced stages of the program, meaning by the time a variety is released, breeders have four to five years of quality data available.&nbsp;

In addition to experimental lines, the lab tests 30 to 40 samples each year as a final evaluation before they are released by public and private wheat breeders throughout the Great Plains.&nbsp;The results are submitted&nbsp;back&nbsp;to the Wheat Quality Council, which compiles the results into an annual report.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;main&nbsp;funding for the lab’s operations - necessary equipment&nbsp;maintenance along with a&nbsp;full-time staff member and a team of undergraduate student workers - comes from the Kansas wheat checkoff.&nbsp;In turn, the lab helps support the reputation of Kansas wheat as having high-quality wheat, creating more opportunities in domestic and international markets.&nbsp;

“With those checkoff dollars, we can evaluate quality each year and work with our breeders to create those best-performing varieties for Kansas,” Li said.&nbsp;“In turn, when producers choose varieties with better end-use quality, it improves&nbsp;the&nbsp;overall quality and marketability&nbsp;of Kansas wheat.”&nbsp;

Learn more about the K-State Wheat Quality Lab at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ei9KAVE6goTagmwp98l5wK7cqRdgS0E416LOV6gLQruEVdlJTyGBIcNPFAX1AXcsgXs5NIqMtVZEXFqb8FB50hdxGwKCNFywohaBZ8zbdfWOlvfH9Kx20E8OqSyEAWWz8ZyM4WbUvZbsW_ELimN2SViUvwY_Bd-RQDWt7E6FO0oL26ZgDSwvDnHcIVC1uR0PqjtRCH-4hb0=&amp;c=6nXHEU0nk8eI_T6GfgT8XmQxZEeKvE6NPDBKaRsDuu64gtSqh00X0A==&amp;ch=hwTyCQ3VoTI9_9NftZIlcBO280K_-QxXCXbwM-2DqlmqCX39FqMcCA==" target="_blank">https://www.grains.k-state.edu/facilities/wheatqualitylab/.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702568130125.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIE DEBES Kansas WheatThe journey from a potential genetic cross to the latest released wheat variety requires years of testing by public and private wheat breeders. They keep their eye on every aspect of agronomic performance&nbsp;from&nbsp;disease resistance to standability. Equally important is the partnership between wheat breeders and the Wheat Quality Lab at Kansas State University. Researchers at the lab help streamline the wheat breeding process by ensuring only lines with acceptable or superior milling and baking performance become the varieties Kansas wheat producers eventually plant and harvest.&nbsp;“Agronomic performance and end-use quality are both critically important when selecting wheat varieties for commercial production,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “Supported by the two-penny-per-bushel wheat checkoff, the Kansas Wheat Quality Lab provides breeders, researchers and producers with the information they need to select which wheat lines to advance and which varieties to grow.”Breeders like Guorong Zhang, K-State wheat breeder based at the K-State Agricultural Research Center in Hays, create about 800 new experimental lines each year - the critical step in a decade-long research process.&nbsp;However, not all of these lines have acceptable flour and baking qualities. Early sorting of which lines do or do not meet those standards saves time and cost for further testing down the road.&nbsp;“Quality is an important trait for breeders; we don’t want to release a variety with poor quality,” Zhang said. “Thanks to the lab, they can evaluate all our advanced breeding lines. Based on the lab testing, we can see the lines with poor quality, and we will not continue those lines.”The Kansas Wheat Quality Lab&nbsp;annually&nbsp;tests 350 to 400 advanced lines from the K-State wheat breeding programs.&nbsp;It takes until year five in the breeding program to have enough seed to run preliminary quality tests like protein content and mixograph. But, as lines go through more field testing, more seeds are harvested from each line, allowing for more extensive quality evaluations.&nbsp;“Breeders can select for factors that determine agronomic performance, but milling and baking performance has to&nbsp;be tested&nbsp;in the lab,” said Yonghui Li, director of the Wheat Quality Lab.&nbsp;“These tests require specialized equipment&nbsp;along with training&nbsp;and experience to determine milling and baking quality.”A sample consists of 1,000 grams of wheat. The lab first looks at the sample using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technology. These tests allow researchers to examine protein quantity and test the moisture content of the grain.&nbsp;Researchers then temper the grain - or add a little bit of water to help make the milling process easier. Then, the sample&nbsp;is milled&nbsp;to separate the bran - the external coating of the wheat kernel - from the endosperm - the white part of the wheat kernel that becomes white flour. This resulting flour sample&nbsp;is tested&nbsp;too&nbsp;- looking at color and how much flour can&nbsp;be produced&nbsp;from the sample - the higher the amount, the better for millers.&nbsp;The testing then progresses to looking at protein quantity and quality and dough properties. Tests like the mixograph and farinograph determine dough-mixing properties like water absorbance, mixing stability and more.&nbsp;The final step is to take the flour, add water, yeast, sugar and salt and bake a pup loaf of bread, following standard protocols. Researchers then examine the quality of that bread - from the volume of the loaf to the crumb.&nbsp;The combined results of these tests&nbsp;are given&nbsp;back to K-State wheat breeders, who use the information to help determine which lines to advance in their breeding programs. The milling and baking tests&nbsp;are repeated&nbsp;each year as lines are in the advanced stages of the program, meaning by the time a variety is released, breeders have four to five years of quality data available.&nbsp;In addition to experimental lines, the lab tests 30 to 40 samples each year as a final evaluation before they are released by public and private wheat breeders throughout the Great Plains.&nbsp;The results are submitted&nbsp;back&nbsp;to the Wheat Quality Council, which compiles the results into an annual report.&nbsp;The&nbsp;main&nbsp;funding for the lab’s operations - necessary equipment&nbsp;maintenance along with a&nbsp;full-time staff member and a team of undergraduate student workers - comes from the Kansas wheat checkoff.&nbsp;In turn, the lab helps support the reputation of Kansas wheat as having high-quality wheat, creating more opportunities in domestic and international markets.&nbsp;“With those checkoff dollars, we can evaluate quality each year and work with our breeders to create those best-performing varieties for Kansas,” Li said.&nbsp;“In turn, when producers choose varieties with better end-use quality, it improves&nbsp;the&nbsp;overall quality and marketability&nbsp;of Kansas wheat.”&nbsp;Learn more about the K-State Wheat Quality Lab at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ei9KAVE6goTagmwp98l5wK7cqRdgS0E416LOV6gLQruEVdlJTyGBIcNPFAX1AXcsgXs5NIqMtVZEXFqb8FB50hdxGwKCNFywohaBZ8zbdfWOlvfH9Kx20E8OqSyEAWWz8ZyM4WbUvZbsW_ELimN2SViUvwY_Bd-RQDWt7E6FO0oL26ZgDSwvDnHcIVC1uR0PqjtRCH-4hb0=&amp;c=6nXHEU0nk8eI_T6GfgT8XmQxZEeKvE6NPDBKaRsDuu64gtSqh00X0A==&amp;ch=hwTyCQ3VoTI9_9NftZIlcBO280K_-QxXCXbwM-2DqlmqCX39FqMcCA==" target="_blank">https://www.grains.k-state.edu/facilities/wheatqualitylab/.&nbsp;</a>

K-State Wheat Quality Lab boosts milling, baking quality of varieties from Hays

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Asymbiotic or non-symbiotic N-Fixing organisms, usually species of bacteria, have the ability to ‘fix’ nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere where it is abundant as N2 gas, and produce NH3 without being associated with plant or fungi.

The process used to fix N by asymbiotic organisms is highly energy intensive. The enzyme that serves as the fixation facilitator in bacteria is nitrogenase. To convert on molecule of N2 to one molecule of NH3, this required 16 ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules (the chemical fuel for many biological reactions) and 8 electrons. This compares to only 5 ATP to produce one peptide bond in the production amino acids, which is classified itself as a ‘high energy requirement’ (Smercina et al., 2019).

The energy required by asymbiotic organisms to fix N may come from a variety of sources depending on their spatial presence in the surface soil biome. The sources may consist of soil organic matter, and intermediary compounds during the process of plant/animal decay, or the decay of other microorganisms. A rich source of energy also comes from root exudates of growing plants. If N-fixing organisms are active inside living plant tissue, the energy for N-fixation has to come from the plant itself.

Lately, biological-based products have been marketed to enhance crop production. One class of products essentially consists of seed inoculants whose marketers claim they will either infect the seed, which enables them to perform N-Fixation functions similar to Rhizobia in legumes, or to inhabit the immediate soil outside the root (the rhizosphere) and use plant-root exudates as food-stuffs, enabling the N-fixing organisms to fix N from the air. There is much more marketing information available to corn growers on these products than there is availability of published unbiased data from the North Central Region (NCR) of the U.S.

Trials to determine the yield benefit from one or more of these products added to different rates of N fertilizer were conducted by researchers from most of the land-grant universities in the NCR through the 2022 growing season to determine their possible value to farmers.

Overall summary – sixty-one site years of N rate trials with and without the use of biological N fixing products were conducted in corn, spring wheat, sugar beet and canola in 10 states including Kansas within the NCR. Of the 61 site-years, 59 site-years had no yield increase with use of the product over N rate alone. Two site-years in corn had yield increases due to product use over the N rates alone. Given the low rate of positive benefits to the use of these products, growers should be skeptical of products that claim to provide asymbiotic/nonsymbiotic N-fixation for the purpose of allowing a farmer to decrease fertilizer N rate. It is good for farmers to be curious; however, the wise grower needs to test products of interest on their own farm in a replicated manner and search for unbiased data on product performance before using them on whole fields. There is a recently published primer on how one might conduct on-farm research. Titled “Promoting adoption of precision nitrogen management technologies through on-farm research” by Thompson et al., 2022.

This information came from NDSU Extension publication SF2080 (April 2023).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictAsymbiotic or non-symbiotic N-Fixing organisms, usually species of bacteria, have the ability to ‘fix’ nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere where it is abundant as N2 gas, and produce NH3 without being associated with plant or fungi.The process used to fix N by asymbiotic organisms is highly energy intensive. The enzyme that serves as the fixation facilitator in bacteria is nitrogenase. To convert on molecule of N2 to one molecule of NH3, this required 16 ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules (the chemical fuel for many biological reactions) and 8 electrons. This compares to only 5 ATP to produce one peptide bond in the production amino acids, which is classified itself as a ‘high energy requirement’ (Smercina et al., 2019).The energy required by asymbiotic organisms to fix N may come from a variety of sources depending on their spatial presence in the surface soil biome. The sources may consist of soil organic matter, and intermediary compounds during the process of plant/animal decay, or the decay of other microorganisms. A rich source of energy also comes from root exudates of growing plants. If N-fixing organisms are active inside living plant tissue, the energy for N-fixation has to come from the plant itself.Lately, biological-based products have been marketed to enhance crop production. One class of products essentially consists of seed inoculants whose marketers claim they will either infect the seed, which enables them to perform N-Fixation functions similar to Rhizobia in legumes, or to inhabit the immediate soil outside the root (the rhizosphere) and use plant-root exudates as food-stuffs, enabling the N-fixing organisms to fix N from the air. There is much more marketing information available to corn growers on these products than there is availability of published unbiased data from the North Central Region (NCR) of the U.S.Trials to determine the yield benefit from one or more of these products added to different rates of N fertilizer were conducted by researchers from most of the land-grant universities in the NCR through the 2022 growing season to determine their possible value to farmers.Overall summary – sixty-one site years of N rate trials with and without the use of biological N fixing products were conducted in corn, spring wheat, sugar beet and canola in 10 states including Kansas within the NCR. Of the 61 site-years, 59 site-years had no yield increase with use of the product over N rate alone. Two site-years in corn had yield increases due to product use over the N rates alone. Given the low rate of positive benefits to the use of these products, growers should be skeptical of products that claim to provide asymbiotic/nonsymbiotic N-fixation for the purpose of allowing a farmer to decrease fertilizer N rate. It is good for farmers to be curious; however, the wise grower needs to test products of interest on their own farm in a replicated manner and search for unbiased data on product performance before using them on whole fields. There is a recently published primer on how one might conduct on-farm research. Titled “Promoting adoption of precision nitrogen management technologies through on-farm research” by Thompson et al., 2022.This information came from NDSU Extension publication SF2080 (April 2023).Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Performance of N-fixing products in crop production

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📷 Walker barrel racing results 

ELLIS — Emily Whyte of Ellis was named the 2A State Champion in prose in forensics earlier this month at Bishop Carroll in Wichita.&nbsp;

Kinzie Sunley received a No. 1 Rating at State Festival.

Ava Reed of Ellis also made the state semi-final round in prose.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716303732780.jpeg" alt="Emily Whyte" />
 <figcaption>Emily Whyte</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS — Emily Whyte of Ellis was named the 2A State Champion in prose in forensics earlier this month at Bishop Carroll in Wichita.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716303846995.jpeg" alt="Kinzie Sunley&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kinzie Sunley&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Kinzie Sunley received a No. 1 Rating at State Festival.Ava Reed of Ellis also made the state semi-final round in prose.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716303788114.jpeg" alt="Ellis High School forensics team at state." />
 <figcaption>Ellis High School forensics team at state.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis has state 2A champ in forensics

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Kansas Tourism has announced the 2024 Sunflower Summer program will be open for Kansas families on Saturday, May 25. Designed for Kansas students and their families, the Sunflower Summer program provides complimentary access to over 220 tourism attractions across the state. The 2024 Sunflower Summer season will run through August 11.

To participate, Kansas families with school-age children can download the Sunflower Summer app at the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXBwcy5hcHBsZS5jb20vdXMvYXBwL3N1bmZsb3dlci1zdW1tZXIvaWQxNTc0MjY4ODIxIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDUyMS45NTEwOTAzMSJ9.WScmTQPA8CtFRZCyfRDaWozLTCgOY2s5s3LHMSj84S0/s/1303179659/br/242808314936-l">Apple App Store</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcGxheS5nb29nbGUuY29tL3N0b3JlL2FwcHMvZGV0YWlscz9pZD1jb20uc2xja2V0LnN1bmZsb3dlciZobD1lbl9VUyZnbD1VUyZwbGk9MSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA1MjEuOTUxMDkwMzEifQ.zsapC8QgR9g8Pq2XBg_wm-Z4_2M3AP0-gyvQASRvJxM/s/1303179659/br/242808314936-l">Google Play Store</a>, or at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3VuZmxvd2Vyc3VtbWVyLm9yZy8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNTIxLjk1MTA5MDMxIn0.4YyCdvaqmptuPMF4uv1zc29iMVXkqMlbt1HTkOt0_Lw/s/1303179659/br/242808314936-l">SunflowerSummer.org</a>&nbsp;to claim tickets to attraction venues. These digital tickets are redeemed upon arrival at the participating venue. Each user can only use tickets once per venue during the 2024 season.

“We’re excited to make this year’s growing Sunflower Summer program available to Kansas families,”&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Our aim is to encourage Kansans’ to embark on unforgettable journeys and create lasting memories in their home state.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Exclusive to Kansas families, the Sunflower Summer program is open to all Kansas families with school-aged students, pre-K through 12th grade, including public, private, and homeschooled.

Out-of-state students and families are not eligible to participate in Sunflower Summer.

Participating attractions include museums, discovery centers, historic sites, arboretums, water parks, amusement parks, zoos, guided trolley tours, live theater events and professional sports events. A comprehensive list of attractions participating in the 2024 Sunflower Summer program can be found on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3VuZmxvd2Vyc3VtbWVyLm9yZy8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNTIxLjk1MTA5MDMxIn0.TjrwTgf6XdWeawZi8rc19se1wlyR4xU890t46eHIyVs/s/1303179659/br/242808314936-l">SunflowerSummer.org</a>&nbsp;and on the mobile app.&nbsp;

To share your Sunflower Summer experiences on social media, use the hashtags #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer as you post your travels. For more travel inspiration and tips about exploring Kansas, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRyYXZlbGtzLmNvbS8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNTIxLjk1MTA5MDMxIn0.btzsV4HdgoPvNJOVbmcslwyo4EjbbL4oq2OutCPDsWA/s/1303179659/br/242808314936-l">TravelKS.com</a>.

SubmittedTOPEKA –&nbsp;Kansas Tourism has announced the 2024 Sunflower Summer program will be open for Kansas families on Saturday, May 25. Designed for Kansas students and their families, the Sunflower Summer program provides complimentary access to over 220 tourism attractions across the state. The 2024 Sunflower Summer season will run through August 11.To participate, Kansas families with school-age children can download the Sunflower Summer app at the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXBwcy5hcHBsZS5jb20vdXMvYXBwL3N1bmZsb3dlci1zdW1tZXIvaWQxNTc0MjY4ODIxIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDUyMS45NTEwOTAzMSJ9.WScmTQPA8CtFRZCyfRDaWozLTCgOY2s5s3LHMSj84S0/s/1303179659/br/242808314936-l">Apple App Store</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcGxheS5nb29nbGUuY29tL3N0b3JlL2FwcHMvZGV0YWlscz9pZD1jb20uc2xja2V0LnN1bmZsb3dlciZobD1lbl9VUyZnbD1VUyZwbGk9MSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA1MjEuOTUxMDkwMzEifQ.zsapC8QgR9g8Pq2XBg_wm-Z4_2M3AP0-gyvQASRvJxM/s/1303179659/br/242808314936-l">Google Play Store</a>, or at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3VuZmxvd2Vyc3VtbWVyLm9yZy8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNTIxLjk1MTA5MDMxIn0.4YyCdvaqmptuPMF4uv1zc29iMVXkqMlbt1HTkOt0_Lw/s/1303179659/br/242808314936-l">SunflowerSummer.org</a>&nbsp;to claim tickets to attraction venues. These digital tickets are redeemed upon arrival at the participating venue. Each user can only use tickets once per venue during the 2024 season.“We’re excited to make this year’s growing Sunflower Summer program available to Kansas families,”&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Our aim is to encourage Kansans’ to embark on unforgettable journeys and create lasting memories in their home state.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exclusive to Kansas families, the Sunflower Summer program is open to all Kansas families with school-aged students, pre-K through 12th grade, including public, private, and homeschooled.Out-of-state students and families are not eligible to participate in Sunflower Summer.Participating attractions include museums, discovery centers, historic sites, arboretums, water parks, amusement parks, zoos, guided trolley tours, live theater events and professional sports events. A comprehensive list of attractions participating in the 2024 Sunflower Summer program can be found on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3VuZmxvd2Vyc3VtbWVyLm9yZy8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNTIxLjk1MTA5MDMxIn0.TjrwTgf6XdWeawZi8rc19se1wlyR4xU890t46eHIyVs/s/1303179659/br/242808314936-l">SunflowerSummer.org</a>&nbsp;and on the mobile app.&nbsp;To share your Sunflower Summer experiences on social media, use the hashtags #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer as you post your travels. For more travel inspiration and tips about exploring Kansas, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRyYXZlbGtzLmNvbS8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNTIxLjk1MTA5MDMxIn0.btzsV4HdgoPvNJOVbmcslwyo4EjbbL4oq2OutCPDsWA/s/1303179659/br/242808314936-l">TravelKS.com</a>.

2024 Sunflower Summer Program to run May 25-Aug.11; free activities for kids

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716571231076.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>

Green & Growing Soil Testing

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about retail recruitment in Hays.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses retail recruitment in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=marec-1620237-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about retail recruitment in Hays.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses retail recruitment in Hays

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp; Medical Foster Home Program coordinator Amy Adams.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T3lyU_3rNfM?si=oAweCkNXxMo7Iubc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp; Medical Foster Home Program coordinator Amy Adams.

🎤Forward Ever: Veterans Administration social worker Amy Adams

TMP-Marian vs&nbsp; Thursday, May 23– 11:00 a.m. Great Bend, Kan. - Great Bend Sports Complex

Radio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1091380">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a> 3rd Place/Championship:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1091381">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs go in search of their eighth state title game appearance in school history Friday as they take on the Medicine Lodge Indians in the state semifinals with a trip to the state championship game on the line.

TMP upset the No. 2 seed Marion in the first round Thursday afternoon while Medicine Lodge upended the No. 3 seed Valley Falls.

The winner will take on the winner of the 1:15 p.m. game between Mission Valley and St. Marys Colgan iin the title game at approximately 5:45 p.m.

The losers play in the 3rd place game at 3:30 p.m.

First pitch for the first semifinal game is set for 11 a.m. with on the Great Bend Sports Compex on the Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian vs&nbsp; Thursday, May 23– 11:00 a.m. Great Bend, Kan. - Great Bend Sports ComplexRadio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1091380">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a> 3rd Place/Championship:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1091381">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs go in search of their eighth state title game appearance in school history Friday as they take on the Medicine Lodge Indians in the state semifinals with a trip to the state championship game on the line.TMP upset the No. 2 seed Marion in the first round Thursday afternoon while Medicine Lodge upended the No. 3 seed Valley Falls.The winner will take on the winner of the 1:15 p.m. game between Mission Valley and St. Marys Colgan iin the title game at approximately 5:45 p.m.The losers play in the 3rd place game at 3:30 p.m.First pitch for the first semifinal game is set for 11 a.m. with on the Great Bend Sports Compex on the Monarchs Sports Network.

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian at 2-1A state

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

VICTORIA—The Ellis County Historical Society broke ground Thursday on a satellite location in the former St. John's Nursing Home in Victoria.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ef333ba-9b6f-4f12-88ea-0e385dfb7c94">The building is being developed by the Victoria Community Coalition. Work on senior apartments has begun on the north side of the former nursing home.</a>

The historical society will occupy 10,000 square feet on the south side of the building. The first phase of the project, which will cost about $175,000, will be storage on the second floor of the building.&nbsp;

The south portion of the building used to house the dining room, kitchen and original chapel. The second floor also once housed the living quarters for the nuns and other nursing home staff.

The second phase of the renovation will cost about $500,000 to $750,000 and include gallery space and perhaps a children's discovery center.

The former nursing home is very close to St. Fedlis Basilica, which 15,000 to 18,000 people visit annually. The historical society board members hope to lure some of the visitors to the new museum gallery in St. John's Place.

The storage area will open first. Work is set to start next week on the roof.

The historical society hopes to finish the gallery space by 2026 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the first farmers settling in Ellis County.

Ellis County will also be hosting a national convention of the Germans from Russia in 2026.

The historical society does not have space in its old stone church or the former brick Presbyterian Church to tell the full story of Ellis County, Amanda Rupp, historical society executive director, said.

The satellite location in Victoria will focus on the histories of the agricultural and oil industries in Ellis County.

The discovery center would offer hands-on learning activities for children centered on farming or the oil industry.

Rupp said the museum also hopes to have a display on the <a href="https://www.travelks.com/listing/walker-air-base-display/40220/">Walker Army Air Base</a>, which was about 2 and 1/2 miles northwest of Walker. The base was constructed during WWII to handle&nbsp;B-29 Bombers.

"It was only in operation for a couple of years, but it has a cult following on Facebook, and people still come in and say, 'Hey, my grandparents were stationed there.' They want to know about it and learn about it," Rupp said.

The historical society hopes to have a naming contest or survey to solicit input from the community on the name of the new museum site.

"We really want to be a resource for the entire county, but that brings visitors through Victoria and celebrates the heritage of the people who started this area and continued to stay here," Rupp said.

The historical society will apply for state grants and is&nbsp;looking for individual donors to support the second phase of the Victoria project.

Don Bickle, John O. Farmer and two anonymous donors have donated significantly to the project.

The new museum site will also have a gallery wall dedicated to the early families of Ellis County. Individuals or families can purchase plaques to honor these early settlers.

"Everybody wants to see their family up there. It's not a national museum. It's a county museum. We have a lot of stories to tell," Rupp said.

You can learn more about donating to the Ellis County Historical Society on its website by selecting the <a href="https://www.echshays.org/support-us-1">"Support Us"</a> tab.

You can also contact the museum at 785-628-2624.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716497947557.jpeg" alt="From left: Amanda Rupp, executive director of the Ellis County Historical Society; historical society board members Priscilla Hunt, Brad Ricke and Mary Kay Schippers; donor Don Bickle; and Victoria Community Coalition board member Jeff Pfeifer break ground on the Ellis County Historical Society Victoria satellite location on Thursday at St. John's Place. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>From left: Amanda Rupp, executive director of the Ellis County Historical Society; historical society board members Priscilla Hunt, Brad Ricke and Mary Kay Schippers; donor Don Bickle; and Victoria Community Coalition board member Jeff Pfeifer break ground on the Ellis County Historical Society Victoria satellite location on Thursday at St. John's Place. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Ellis County Historical Society breaks ground on Victoria satellite location" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=km5vy-161ee43-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostVICTORIA—The Ellis County Historical Society broke ground Thursday on a satellite location in the former St. John's Nursing Home in Victoria.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ef333ba-9b6f-4f12-88ea-0e385dfb7c94">The building is being developed by the Victoria Community Coalition. Work on senior apartments has begun on the north side of the former nursing home.</a>The historical society will occupy 10,000 square feet on the south side of the building. The first phase of the project, which will cost about $175,000, will be storage on the second floor of the building.&nbsp;The south portion of the building used to house the dining room, kitchen and original chapel. The second floor also once housed the living quarters for the nuns and other nursing home staff.The second phase of the renovation will cost about $500,000 to $750,000 and include gallery space and perhaps a children's discovery center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716496652651.jpeg" alt="Development plan for St. John's Place in Victoria. The section in blue is being developed by the Ellis County Historical Society." />
 <figcaption>Development plan for St. John's Place in Victoria. The section in blue is being developed by the Ellis County Historical Society.</figcaption>
 </figure>The former nursing home is very close to St. Fedlis Basilica, which 15,000 to 18,000 people visit annually. The historical society board members hope to lure some of the visitors to the new museum gallery in St. John's Place.The storage area will open first. Work is set to start next week on the roof.The historical society hopes to finish the gallery space by 2026 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the first farmers settling in Ellis County.Ellis County will also be hosting a national convention of the Germans from Russia in 2026.The historical society does not have space in its old stone church or the former brick Presbyterian Church to tell the full story of Ellis County, Amanda Rupp, historical society executive director, said.The satellite location in Victoria will focus on the histories of the agricultural and oil industries in Ellis County.The discovery center would offer hands-on learning activities for children centered on farming or the oil industry.Rupp said the museum also hopes to have a display on the <a href="https://www.travelks.com/listing/walker-air-base-display/40220/">Walker Army Air Base</a>, which was about 2 and 1/2 miles northwest of Walker. The base was constructed during WWII to handle&nbsp;B-29 Bombers."It was only in operation for a couple of years, but it has a cult following on Facebook, and people still come in and say, 'Hey, my grandparents were stationed there.' They want to know about it and learn about it," Rupp said.The historical society hopes to have a naming contest or survey to solicit input from the community on the name of the new museum site."We really want to be a resource for the entire county, but that brings visitors through Victoria and celebrates the heritage of the people who started this area and continued to stay here," Rupp said.The historical society will apply for state grants and is&nbsp;looking for individual donors to support the second phase of the Victoria project.Don Bickle, John O. Farmer and two anonymous donors have donated significantly to the project.The new museum site will also have a gallery wall dedicated to the early families of Ellis County. Individuals or families can purchase plaques to honor these early settlers."Everybody wants to see their family up there. It's not a national museum. It's a county museum. We have a lot of stories to tell," Rupp said.You can learn more about donating to the Ellis County Historical Society on its website by selecting the <a href="https://www.echshays.org/support-us-1">"Support Us"</a> tab.You can also contact the museum at 785-628-2624.

🎙Ellis County Historical Society breaks ground on Victoria satellite location

Sternberg Museum of Natural History will host another blockbuster dinosaur exhibit set to open on May 25 and run through Aug. 17.

Exhibition: Dinosaur turns back the clock 165 million years to the Jurassic Period and combines life-sized animatronic dinosaurs with educational interactive experiences.

The exhibit, which is curated by renowned working paleontologist, Thomas Williamson, was created by Stage 9 Exhibits and is distributed by Exhibits Development Group.

“I'm extremely enthusiastic about bringing this exhibit featuring a wide variety of dinosaur species and the features that allowed them to survive,” said museum director Reese Barrick. “In addition to dinosaurs, visitors will discover how early paleontologists unearthed fossils and see examples of today’s cutting-edge technology.”

Occupying a large portion of the second floor and spilling over to the main lobby, the exhibition features displays and interactive stations grouped thematically.

The exhibit comprises two main areas. The first is the “Bone Wars” era of the late 1800s, and the second focuses on the present-day, featuring fossil neutron scanning, 3D modeling, and other technologies.

Visitors will learn about early fieldwork and fossil extraction, including a recreation of a field tent complete with period tools and furnishings. Brief and informative videos tell the stories of how dinosaur fossil hunters conducted their work, how fossils were transported (including by helicopter), and which field work tools and methods have changed and which have remained the same.

The exhibit features 11 animatronic dinosaurs and provides the features of each dinosaur, including size, behavior, diet and when it lived.

Interactive displays and information highlight the structure of dinosaur eggs, jaws, skulls, and tails and how they played an important role in dinosaur behavior and survival. Cases display artifacts, such as a T-rex skull replica, and a Triceratops skull model with cutouts for size reference to a Model T car and an elephant. Through an interactive display, visitors will also learn about the function of the gizzard, an organ shared by modern chickens and some dinosaurs.

Focusing on present-day paleontology, visitors will learn about current technologies and how they are being deployed to help scientists learn more about dinosaurs.

Visitors can create changing landscapes by manipulating the sand to create peaks and valleys and the projector will create geologic features like hills and rivers in real time.

3-Finger Robotic Arm Dinosaur Egg Challenge and Interactive Video

Visitors can attempt to turn dinosaur eggs with a robotic arm. The display also features “eggs” that can be used to activate videos about the clues paleontologists look for on dinosaur eggs and the natural objects that get mistaken for fossilized eggs.

Sternberg Museum is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716404516010.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSternberg Museum of Natural History will host another blockbuster dinosaur exhibit set to open on May 25 and run through Aug. 17.Exhibition: Dinosaur turns back the clock 165 million years to the Jurassic Period and combines life-sized animatronic dinosaurs with educational interactive experiences.The exhibit, which is curated by renowned working paleontologist, Thomas Williamson, was created by Stage 9 Exhibits and is distributed by Exhibits Development Group.“I'm extremely enthusiastic about bringing this exhibit featuring a wide variety of dinosaur species and the features that allowed them to survive,” said museum director Reese Barrick. “In addition to dinosaurs, visitors will discover how early paleontologists unearthed fossils and see examples of today’s cutting-edge technology.”Occupying a large portion of the second floor and spilling over to the main lobby, the exhibition features displays and interactive stations grouped thematically.The exhibit comprises two main areas. The first is the “Bone Wars” era of the late 1800s, and the second focuses on the present-day, featuring fossil neutron scanning, 3D modeling, and other technologies.EXHIBIT FEATURESThe Campaign TentVisitors will learn about early fieldwork and fossil extraction, including a recreation of a field tent complete with period tools and furnishings. Brief and informative videos tell the stories of how dinosaur fossil hunters conducted their work, how fossils were transported (including by helicopter), and which field work tools and methods have changed and which have remained the same.Animatronic DinosaursThe exhibit features 11 animatronic dinosaurs and provides the features of each dinosaur, including size, behavior, diet and when it lived.Dinosaur Anatomy and EggsInteractive displays and information highlight the structure of dinosaur eggs, jaws, skulls, and tails and how they played an important role in dinosaur behavior and survival. Cases display artifacts, such as a T-rex skull replica, and a Triceratops skull model with cutouts for size reference to a Model T car and an elephant. Through an interactive display, visitors will also learn about the function of the gizzard, an organ shared by modern chickens and some dinosaurs.The “Modern Era”Focusing on present-day paleontology, visitors will learn about current technologies and how they are being deployed to help scientists learn more about dinosaurs.Interactive Topographic SandboxVisitors can create changing landscapes by manipulating the sand to create peaks and valleys and the projector will create geologic features like hills and rivers in real time.3-Finger Robotic Arm Dinosaur Egg Challenge and Interactive VideoVisitors can attempt to turn dinosaur eggs with a robotic arm. The display also features “eggs” that can be used to activate videos about the clues paleontologists look for on dinosaur eggs and the natural objects that get mistaken for fossilized eggs.Sternberg Museum is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

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