Fort Hays State University and two technical colleges join ranks to address rural workforce shortages and population decline

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Three higher education institutions in central and western Kansas joined forces to address the region’s workforce shortages and education gaps.

Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College created a new affiliation as a way to propel students into the region’s workforce and empower their communities to persist through hard times.

The affiliation is different from a merger or a takeover, said Tisa Mason, president of Fort Hays State, on the Kansas Reflector podcast. The two tech colleges are now under the Fort Hays brand, complete with new logos and fresh merchandise, while remaining independently accredited institutions. They were renamed Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central.

The joint venture is in its early stages, but school leaders are optimistic the education-to-profession pipeline they’re creating will have lasting impacts in their communities.

The three schools have a better chance at earning federal funding as a group to reinvest in students and their communities, Mason said.

As higher education has become more unaffordable for students, part of the affiliation initiative is focused on reducing barriers to education. That’s happening through creating new programs and bolstering existing ones to meet students where they are at.

Mason said they want to make registering for classes “as easy as Amazon.com.”

Nursing and the trades have been primary points of interest for students, especially as construction needs and health care worker shortages become more acute, said Jennifer Brown, the dean of instruction at the north-central tech college.

Students can start at either of the technical colleges and work their way toward earning a bachelor’s degree online at the university. The goal is a seamless transition, Brown said.

“They can stay in place, wherever that might be within north-central Kansas or western Kansas, and still earn that bachelor’s degree,” she said.

Brown is on some of the 14 implementation teams focused on making the new programs work. To her, a successful initiative will result in more students furthering credits toward degrees or added credentials and training, she said.

“I think sometimes it’s really hard to envision the future because we don’t even know yet,” Brown said. “One of the greatest things that I think is coming from this, from my perspective, is the relationship building that we have amongst all three institutions.”

Peter Laipson, who oversees the affiliation initiative as its director, said he hopes in the coming years students are able to move through their education and find lucrative work in western and north-central Kansas on the other side.

“I think, ultimately, that would be good for them. That would be good for the communities. That would mean that there’s a kind of robust business atmosphere,” Laipson said. “I think that would be the ultimate sign of success.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732053759102.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason, president of Fort Hays State University, and Jennifer Brown, the dean of instruction at the newly rebranded Fort Hays Tech North Central College, answer questions during a podcast interview with Kansas Reflector on Oct. 29, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason, president of Fort Hays State University, and Jennifer Brown, the dean of instruction at the newly rebranded Fort Hays Tech North Central College, answer questions during a podcast interview with Kansas Reflector on Oct. 29, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Fort Hays State University and two technical colleges join ranks to address rural workforce shortages and population decline</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Three higher education institutions in central and western Kansas joined forces to address the region’s workforce shortages and education gaps.Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College and North Central Kansas Technical College created a new affiliation as a way to propel students into the region’s workforce and empower their communities to persist through hard times.The affiliation is different from a merger or a takeover, said Tisa Mason, president of Fort Hays State, on the Kansas Reflector podcast. The two tech colleges are now under the Fort Hays brand, complete with new logos and fresh merchandise, while remaining independently accredited institutions. They were renamed Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1961135219&color=ff5500"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast" title="Reflector Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Reflector Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast/rural-kansas-education-initiative-brings-career-development-to-the-forefront" title="Rural Kansas education initiative brings career development to the forefront" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Rural Kansas education initiative brings career development to the forefront</a></div></div>The joint venture is in its early stages, but school leaders are optimistic the education-to-profession pipeline they’re creating will have lasting impacts in their communities.The three schools have a better chance at earning federal funding as a group to reinvest in students and their communities, Mason said.As higher education has become more unaffordable for students, part of the affiliation initiative is focused on reducing barriers to education. That’s happening through creating new programs and bolstering existing ones to meet students where they are at.Mason said they want to make registering for classes “as easy as Amazon.com.”Nursing and the trades have been primary points of interest for students, especially as construction needs and health care worker shortages become more acute, said Jennifer Brown, the dean of instruction at the north-central tech college.Students can start at either of the technical colleges and work their way toward earning a bachelor’s degree online at the university. The goal is a seamless transition, Brown said.“They can stay in place, wherever that might be within north-central Kansas or western Kansas, and still earn that bachelor’s degree,” she said.Brown is on some of the 14 implementation teams focused on making the new programs work. To her, a successful initiative will result in more students furthering credits toward degrees or added credentials and training, she said.“I think sometimes it’s really hard to envision the future because we don’t even know yet,” Brown said. “One of the greatest things that I think is coming from this, from my perspective, is the relationship building that we have amongst all three institutions.”Peter Laipson, who oversees the affiliation initiative as its director, said he hopes in the coming years students are able to move through their education and find lucrative work in western and north-central Kansas on the other side.“I think, ultimately, that would be good for them. That would be good for the communities. That would mean that there’s a kind of robust business atmosphere,” Laipson said. “I think that would be the ultimate sign of success.

Kansas tech colleges team with university to tackle rural economic woes

Hays, Kansas - HaysMed is proud to announce the availability of new educational opportunities for expecting and new families in Western Kansas through its Birth Center. The Birth Center at HaysMed is now offering a series of educational classes aimed at preparing families for childbirth and the early stages of parenthood.

The classes are expertly designed to benefit both first-time parents and those seeking to update their knowledge. They offer essential insights and practical skills necessary for the journey of childbirth and parenting. Topics covered include breastfeeding, newborn care, and a comprehensive overview of the childbirth process.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, HaysMed also provides virtual class options, ensuring that all families in Western Kansas have access to these vital resources. The virtual sessions are designed to mirror the in-person experience, offering high-quality, interactive education accessible from the comfort of home.

Understanding Breastfeeding Class - November 20, 2024. Register at https://www.eeds.com/symposium_registration.aspx?ConferenceID=204858

Childbirth Talk and Tour - December 3, 2024. Register at https://www.eeds.com/symposium_registration.aspx?ConferenceID=926827

Understanding Newborn Care - December 16, 2024. Register at https://www.eeds.com/symposium_registration.aspx?ConferenceID=706571

For more information and to register for any of these classes, please visit the HaysMed Birth Center website at https://www.haysmed.com/services/birth-center/.

Don't miss this opportunity to prepare for one of life’s most remarkable experiences with the support of HaysMed’s expert team. We look forward to welcoming you to our community of caring healthcare professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care and education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694017880043.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHays, Kansas - HaysMed is proud to announce the availability of new educational opportunities for expecting and new families in Western Kansas through its Birth Center. The Birth Center at HaysMed is now offering a series of educational classes aimed at preparing families for childbirth and the early stages of parenthood.The classes are expertly designed to benefit both first-time parents and those seeking to update their knowledge. They offer essential insights and practical skills necessary for the journey of childbirth and parenting. Topics covered include breastfeeding, newborn care, and a comprehensive overview of the childbirth process.Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, HaysMed also provides virtual class options, ensuring that all families in Western Kansas have access to these vital resources. The virtual sessions are designed to mirror the in-person experience, offering high-quality, interactive education accessible from the comfort of home.Upcoming Classes:Understanding Breastfeeding Class - November 20, 2024. Register at https://www.eeds.com/symposium_registration.aspx?ConferenceID=204858Childbirth Talk and Tour - December 3, 2024. Register at https://www.eeds.com/symposium_registration.aspx?ConferenceID=926827Understanding Newborn Care - December 16, 2024. Register at https://www.eeds.com/symposium_registration.aspx?ConferenceID=706571For more information and to register for any of these classes, please visit the HaysMed Birth Center website at https://www.haysmed.com/services/birth-center/.Don't miss this opportunity to prepare for one of life’s most remarkable experiences with the support of HaysMed’s expert team. We look forward to welcoming you to our community of caring healthcare professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care and education.

Expanded parenting education opportunities offered at HaysMed Birth Center

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

The holiday season is around the corner, and this means that the kitchen will likely become a busy place as we prepare meals to gather around. As you prepare tasty dishes to share, be conscious of the possibility of sharing illness too. I found these tips from K-State food scientist, Karen Blakeslee, especially helpful for preventing cross-contamination:

“We use the kitchen sink for food preparation and more,” Blakeslee said. “The possibility exists for foodborne illness-causing bacteria to hang out in the sink too. These bacteria could cross-contaminate your food and make you sick.”

Blakeslee added that a recent USDA study tested surfaces where participants prepared a breakfast meal with raw sausage, shell eggs, and a fruit salad made with cut-up cantaloupe. Test results showed that 34% of the sinks were contaminated after preparing the meal.

Even more scary, 26% of the samples of cut-up cantaloupe from the fruit salad were contaminated after breakfast prep.

“The bacteria in the sink or on your hands can cross-contaminate from the sink to other items, including those you normally eat raw. This means you’ll be eating that bacteria too,” Blakeslee said.

After using your sink to wash or prepare food, clean and sanitize the sink:

1) Use warm, soapy water to wash the sink. Wipe it clean with paper towels.

2) Use a sanitizer and let air dry. Sanitizers can be homemade (1 tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) or use a commercial sanitizer or sanitizing wipe.

When the sink is used to clean and sanitize, it’s easy to forget that the sink itself can become contaminated. So, be mindful of your food prep habits to keep you and the entire family healthy this holiday season.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe holiday season is around the corner, and this means that the kitchen will likely become a busy place as we prepare meals to gather around. As you prepare tasty dishes to share, be conscious of the possibility of sharing illness too. I found these tips from K-State food scientist, Karen Blakeslee, especially helpful for preventing cross-contamination:“We use the kitchen sink for food preparation and more,” Blakeslee said. “The possibility exists for foodborne illness-causing bacteria to hang out in the sink too. These bacteria could cross-contaminate your food and make you sick.”Blakeslee added that a recent USDA study tested surfaces where participants prepared a breakfast meal with raw sausage, shell eggs, and a fruit salad made with cut-up cantaloupe. Test results showed that 34% of the sinks were contaminated after preparing the meal.Even more scary, 26% of the samples of cut-up cantaloupe from the fruit salad were contaminated after breakfast prep.“The bacteria in the sink or on your hands can cross-contaminate from the sink to other items, including those you normally eat raw. This means you’ll be eating that bacteria too,” Blakeslee said.After using your sink to wash or prepare food, clean and sanitize the sink:1) Use warm, soapy water to wash the sink. Wipe it clean with paper towels.2) Use a sanitizer and let air dry. Sanitizers can be homemade (1 tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) or use a commercial sanitizer or sanitizing wipe.When the sink is used to clean and sanitize, it’s easy to forget that the sink itself can become contaminated. So, be mindful of your food prep habits to keep you and the entire family healthy this holiday season.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Clean the kitchen sink

<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/2024/11/1732053018089.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

&nbsp;Breaks Eatery and Bar has unveiled a new seasonal menu that transports diners from the heart of Kansas to the coastal waters of New England and Florida. The restaurant launched its new seasonal menu last Friday and Saturday, featuring fresh wild-caught seafood flown in from the East Coast.

Highlighting the menu are New England lobsters, wild-caught Red Snapper, and steamer clams, prepared in a variety of ways to showcase their freshness and flavor. Guests can enjoy grilled or poached lobster, pan-seared Red Snapper and New England Clam Chowder. According to Executive Chefs Shaun Wood and Andrew Victoria, these dishes provide a unique opportunity to experience coastal flavors in Hays.

“We’re excited to offer our guests such high-quality, fresh seafood that they typically wouldn’t be able to find this far from the coast,” said Chef Wood. “It’s a treat for the senses, and we’ve loved being able to bring something new to our community.”

In addition to the seafood, the menu also includes a section of hearty non-seafood entrees such as Filet Mignon, brined and grilled double Pork Chops, Chicken Picatta, and Wagyu Chicken Fried Steak. Each dish has been crafted to deliver bold, distinctive flavors.

This week Breaks Eatery and Bar is also launching their “Easy Lunch Break” menu which allows customers to select any two items form a selection of sandwiches, soups and salads. The new menu will be available beginning November 18th, 2024.

Chefs Wood and Victoria expressed their gratitude for the community’s support during the launch of the seasonal menu &amp; their new “Easy Lunch Break” menu. “We want to thank everyone who came out last week to try our new offerings, and we invite everyone to join us again this weekend for even more fresh and exciting dishes,” said Chef Victoria.

Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar’s new seasonal menu is available for a limited time, so seafood enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike are encouraged to stop by and savor these special dishes before they’re gone. The new “Easy Lunch Break” menu is available Monday thru Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30p.m.

Follow them on&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbreakseatery%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjames%40hayschamber.com%7Cd1b344a63c9447adf1b208dd08e95847%7C804c0b8922b24247865351530c99b793%7C0%7C0%7C638676520509047290%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=a8ZCdze8%2FQrYEUHM4fTa7%2FN3dMqk0Ow5ZyWKZkIqdK8%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.facebook.com/breakseatery/</a>&nbsp;or Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbreakseatery%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjames%40hayschamber.com%7Cd1b344a63c9447adf1b208dd08e95847%7C804c0b8922b24247865351530c99b793%7C0%7C0%7C638676520509070275%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=a00XWjGuNWO3Ullms3mDJg97mWA1dsKw6WBIlk4gmGQ%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.instagram.com/breakseatery/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732055822195.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted&nbsp;Breaks Eatery and Bar has unveiled a new seasonal menu that transports diners from the heart of Kansas to the coastal waters of New England and Florida. The restaurant launched its new seasonal menu last Friday and Saturday, featuring fresh wild-caught seafood flown in from the East Coast.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729789071115.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Highlighting the menu are New England lobsters, wild-caught Red Snapper, and steamer clams, prepared in a variety of ways to showcase their freshness and flavor. Guests can enjoy grilled or poached lobster, pan-seared Red Snapper and New England Clam Chowder. According to Executive Chefs Shaun Wood and Andrew Victoria, these dishes provide a unique opportunity to experience coastal flavors in Hays.“We’re excited to offer our guests such high-quality, fresh seafood that they typically wouldn’t be able to find this far from the coast,” said Chef Wood. “It’s a treat for the senses, and we’ve loved being able to bring something new to our community.”In addition to the seafood, the menu also includes a section of hearty non-seafood entrees such as Filet Mignon, brined and grilled double Pork Chops, Chicken Picatta, and Wagyu Chicken Fried Steak. Each dish has been crafted to deliver bold, distinctive flavors.This week Breaks Eatery and Bar is also launching their “Easy Lunch Break” menu which allows customers to select any two items form a selection of sandwiches, soups and salads. The new menu will be available beginning November 18th, 2024.Chefs Wood and Victoria expressed their gratitude for the community’s support during the launch of the seasonal menu &amp; their new “Easy Lunch Break” menu. “We want to thank everyone who came out last week to try our new offerings, and we invite everyone to join us again this weekend for even more fresh and exciting dishes,” said Chef Victoria.Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar’s new seasonal menu is available for a limited time, so seafood enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike are encouraged to stop by and savor these special dishes before they’re gone. The new “Easy Lunch Break” menu is available Monday thru Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30p.m.Follow them on&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbreakseatery%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjames%40hayschamber.com%7Cd1b344a63c9447adf1b208dd08e95847%7C804c0b8922b24247865351530c99b793%7C0%7C0%7C638676520509047290%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=a8ZCdze8%2FQrYEUHM4fTa7%2FN3dMqk0Ow5ZyWKZkIqdK8%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.facebook.com/breakseatery/</a>&nbsp;or Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbreakseatery%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjames%40hayschamber.com%7Cd1b344a63c9447adf1b208dd08e95847%7C804c0b8922b24247865351530c99b793%7C0%7C0%7C638676520509070275%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=a00XWjGuNWO3Ullms3mDJg97mWA1dsKw6WBIlk4gmGQ%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.instagram.com/breakseatery/</a>.

Sunflower Bank announces over $9,500 donation to Hays schools

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays man and woman were arrested concerning alleged burglaries.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said stolen property was allegedly discovered on 33-year-old Steven Johnson Jr. and 31-year-old Skylar Kay Johnson.

At about 11 p.m. on Nov. 12, a police officer patrolling the 1300 block of Vine Street noticed a man and a woman walking northbound.

Scheibler said the officer believed the suspects matched the description of the suspects in a reported vehicle burglary on Nov. 7 on East 27th St. Hays Police had obtained video footage showing the suspects in the vicinity.

Steven and Skylar allegedly fled in opposite directions when the officer attempted to make contact, prompting a foot pursuit. The officer managed to apprehend Steven in a nearby trailer park.

Additional officers arrived at the scene and found Skylar hiding in a patch of overgrown weeds in the 1200 block of Vine Street, south of Burger King.

According to Scheibler, officers allegedly found stolen property in their possession, which linked Steven and Skylar to other burglaries in Hays.

Steven was arrested on charges of vehicle burglary and felony interference with a law enforcement officer. Skylar was arrested on charges of vehicle burglary, felony interference with a law enforcement officer, and possession of methamphetamines.

Skylar was also found to have an active warrant from Cheyenne County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732117563671.png" alt="Steven Johnson-photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Steven Johnson-photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays man and woman were arrested concerning alleged burglaries.Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said stolen property was allegedly discovered on 33-year-old Steven Johnson Jr. and 31-year-old Skylar Kay Johnson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732117532945.png" alt="Skylar Johnson photo Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Skylar Johnson photo Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>At about 11 p.m. on Nov. 12, a police officer patrolling the 1300 block of Vine Street noticed a man and a woman walking northbound.Scheibler said the officer believed the suspects matched the description of the suspects in a reported vehicle burglary on Nov. 7 on East 27th St. Hays Police had obtained video footage showing the suspects in the vicinity.Steven and Skylar allegedly fled in opposite directions when the officer attempted to make contact, prompting a foot pursuit. The officer managed to apprehend Steven in a nearby trailer park.Additional officers arrived at the scene and found Skylar hiding in a patch of overgrown weeds in the 1200 block of Vine Street, south of Burger King.According to Scheibler, officers allegedly found stolen property in their possession, which linked Steven and Skylar to other burglaries in Hays.Steven was arrested on charges of vehicle burglary and felony interference with a law enforcement officer. Skylar was arrested on charges of vehicle burglary, felony interference with a law enforcement officer, and possession of methamphetamines.Skylar was also found to have an active warrant from Cheyenne County.Both were booked into Ellis County Jail.

Hays man, woman arrested for alleged vehicle burglaries

The Hays High Unified Bowling team finished as state runner-up in Topeka on Tuesday. The Indians rolled a 945 for the second place score. Hays' score was 122 pins better than their regional score of 823.

The team was comprised of&nbsp;Ethan Kuhlmann, Keaton Brown, Tyler Huhyn, Ben Bergman, Lucas Miller and Loucinda Meade. Richard Hodges is the coach.

It is the second time in the three year history of the program that the Indians have qualified for state.

The Western Athletic Conference performed well overall at state. Great Bend took the state championship over Hays. Liberal placed third and Garden City fourth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732050979611.jpeg" alt="HHS Unified Bowling State Runner-up 2024" />
 <figcaption>HHS Unified Bowling State Runner-up 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays High Unified Bowling team finished as state runner-up in Topeka on Tuesday. The Indians rolled a 945 for the second place score. Hays' score was 122 pins better than their regional score of 823.The team was comprised of&nbsp;Ethan Kuhlmann, Keaton Brown, Tyler Huhyn, Ben Bergman, Lucas Miller and Loucinda Meade. Richard Hodges is the coach.It is the second time in the three year history of the program that the Indians have qualified for state.The Western Athletic Conference performed well overall at state. Great Bend took the state championship over Hays. Liberal placed third and Garden City fourth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732051067295.jpeg" alt="Unified Bowling WAC at State" />
 <figcaption>Unified Bowling WAC at State</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎳 Hays Unified Bowling state runner-up; WAC sweeps state

Gambino's, 2102 Vine, Hays, will be donating 10% of all sales today between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. to the United Way of Ellis County.&nbsp;

No coupons or specifications are necessary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732046404178.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>United Way of Ellis CountyGambino's, 2102 Vine, Hays, will be donating 10% of all sales today between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. to the United Way of Ellis County.&nbsp;No coupons or specifications are necessary.

United Way fundraiser this evening by Gambino's Pizza of Hays 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A 57-year-old Ellis County man was recently sentenced to more
than 19 years in prison for the murder of his brother in 2022.

In September, Monte Joe Wilson pleaded no contest to voluntary
manslaughter in the death of 54-year-old Mark Wilson on Sept. 19, 2022.

Monte Wilson was initially arrested and charged with second-degree
murder and aggravated battery.

According to court documents, Mark Wilson was found beaten
to death at a home in the 200 block of West Sixth in Hays on the night of Sept. 19, 2022. 

Monte Wilson was located and arrested at the scene.

Thursday, Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun sentenced Monte Wilson to 233 months in prison for voluntary manslaughter. 

Monte Wilson’s attorney filed a motion for a downward departure at
sentencing. 

He argued&nbsp; Monte Wilson deserved a lesser sentence due to
several factors. Among those were his age, his lack of a recent criminal
history and his acceptance of responsibility in the case.

Braun called Monte Wilson an “experienced criminal defendant” with
nine prior felony convictions ranging from theft and drug possession to aggravated
battery.

The judge also said there are more aggravating factors than
what would allow the court to consider a downward departure. 

Braun said Mark Wilson’s disability was also a factor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732034618096.png" alt="Wilson photo Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Wilson photo Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA 57-year-old Ellis County man was recently sentenced to more
than 19 years in prison for the murder of his brother in 2022.In September, Monte Joe Wilson pleaded no contest to voluntary
manslaughter in the death of 54-year-old Mark Wilson on Sept. 19, 2022.Monte Wilson was initially arrested and charged with second-degree
murder and aggravated battery.According to court documents, Mark Wilson was found beaten
to death at a home in the 200 block of West Sixth in Hays on the night of Sept. 19, 2022. Monte Wilson was located and arrested at the scene.Thursday, Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun sentenced Monte Wilson to 233 months in prison for voluntary manslaughter. Monte Wilson’s attorney filed a motion for a downward departure at
sentencing. He argued&nbsp; Monte Wilson deserved a lesser sentence due to
several factors. Among those were his age, his lack of a recent criminal
history and his acceptance of responsibility in the case.Braun denied the motion.Braun called Monte Wilson an “experienced criminal defendant” with
nine prior felony convictions ranging from theft and drug possession to aggravated
battery.The judge also said there are more aggravating factors than
what would allow the court to consider a downward departure. Braun said Mark Wilson’s disability was also a factor.

Ellis County man sentenced in brother’s death

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays received 1.15 inches of rain on Monday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.&nbsp;

That brings November's rainfall total to 2.84 inches for the month compared to an average of .84 inches for November.

Year to date, Hays has received 22.99 inches of precipitation, which is just more than the average by the end of November of 22.22 inches.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8757affb-7e24-4562-8e01-7f0dc4fd5b95">As of Thursday's release of the most recent drought map, most of Ellis County was still listed as being in moderate drought.</a>

Much of western Kansas has seen the easing of drought conditions in recent weeks.

The forecast for Hays today is mostly sunny, with a high of 48. No rain is expected for the rest of the week. Highs are expected to increase into the mid-50s by the end of the week.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays received 1.15 inches of rain on Monday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.&nbsp;That brings November's rainfall total to 2.84 inches for the month compared to an average of .84 inches for November.Year to date, Hays has received 22.99 inches of precipitation, which is just more than the average by the end of November of 22.22 inches.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8757affb-7e24-4562-8e01-7f0dc4fd5b95">As of Thursday's release of the most recent drought map, most of Ellis County was still listed as being in moderate drought.</a>Much of western Kansas has seen the easing of drought conditions in recent weeks.The forecast for Hays today is mostly sunny, with a high of 48. No rain is expected for the rest of the week. Highs are expected to increase into the mid-50s by the end of the week.

Hays receives drought-easing rain Monday

The Ellis County Commission, serving as the canvassing board
for the 2024 General Election, approved more than 200 provisional ballots and
accepted write-in candidates Monday, officially certifying the election.

Ellis County Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi Dreiling
presented the canvassing board with 309 provisional ballots, of which 224 were
accepted and 81 rejected.

Dreiling said of the 224 voters, 202 had changed their
address, 12 had changed their name, and 10 were linked to various clerical errors.


All 224 were accepted and counted as part of the final
election results. 

The board rejected 81 provisional ballots because the voters
were not registered in Ellis County.

Dreiling said election workers first try to locate the voter
in the Ellis County poll books, and when they cannot, her office will attempt
to locate those voters. If they are found not to be registered in Ellis County,
the ballot is rejected.

“They now are registered to vote in all next upcoming
elections, but their ballot at that time would not count because they weren't
registered,” Dreiling said.

Four ballots were rejected because the voter does not live
in Ellis County. 

"When they filled out their voter registration, they put another
county down as their address, and so those obviously couldn't be counted
anywhere in my system," Dreiling said. 

Dreiling said that in those cases, the voters get “credit”
for voting in the election, but the vote does not count. 

None of the races were changed with the addition of the
provisional ballots.

The final voter tally in Ellis County was 13,412, with
20,431 registered voters for a turnout of 65.65%.

You can find the complete election results <a href="https://ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/5620/2024-Official-Results">HERE.&nbsp;</a>

Dreiling echoed her thoughts <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/579c67e4-5c52-4a34-a53c-254e0507d711">from election night</a>, saying she
was disappointed in the voter turnout.

Voter turnout in Ellis County surpassed the 2016 General
Election turnout of 66.52% but was still short of the 73.72% turnout in 2020.

The canvassing board also approved the write-in votes. 

Because of a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/964bb9e1-dd2e-4772-a039-75832b1094a6">Kansas law </a>that requires write-in
candidates at the county, district, state and federal levels to file an
affidavit with the secretary of state’s office, only 12 write-in votes were counted.
They were all in the race for president.

Dreiling said that in a follow-up meeting with the secretary of state’s office, they commended the county election officers for the way the election was run.

"The secretary of state's office did comment to us that it
was probably one of the best run presidential elections that he's seen since
he's been with the office," Dreiling said.

She added the same is true for the election in Ellis County.


"You're on pins and needles as an election official, hoping
that there are no problems, and that dream came true for me that day we had no
problems that made me run out to a polling site to see what was going on,"
Dreiling said. "Everything ran great."

Dreiling said her poll workers are a big reason everything
ran smoothly.

"I'm going to always give a shout-out to them because
they're the ones that make Election Day happen," Dreiling said. 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission, serving as the canvassing board
for the 2024 General Election, approved more than 200 provisional ballots and
accepted write-in candidates Monday, officially certifying the election.Ellis County Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi Dreiling
presented the canvassing board with 309 provisional ballots, of which 224 were
accepted and 81 rejected.Dreiling said of the 224 voters, 202 had changed their
address, 12 had changed their name, and 10 were linked to various clerical errors.
All 224 were accepted and counted as part of the final
election results. The board rejected 81 provisional ballots because the voters
were not registered in Ellis County.Dreiling said election workers first try to locate the voter
in the Ellis County poll books, and when they cannot, her office will attempt
to locate those voters. If they are found not to be registered in Ellis County,
the ballot is rejected.“They now are registered to vote in all next upcoming
elections, but their ballot at that time would not count because they weren't
registered,” Dreiling said.Four ballots were rejected because the voter does not live
in Ellis County. "When they filled out their voter registration, they put another
county down as their address, and so those obviously couldn't be counted
anywhere in my system," Dreiling said. Dreiling said that in those cases, the voters get “credit”
for voting in the election, but the vote does not count. None of the races were changed with the addition of the
provisional ballots.The final voter tally in Ellis County was 13,412, with
20,431 registered voters for a turnout of 65.65%.You can find the complete election results <a href="https://ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/5620/2024-Official-Results">HERE.&nbsp;</a>Dreiling echoed her thoughts <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/579c67e4-5c52-4a34-a53c-254e0507d711">from election night</a>, saying she
was disappointed in the voter turnout. Voter turnout in Ellis County surpassed the 2016 General
Election turnout of 66.52% but was still short of the 73.72% turnout in 2020.The canvassing board also approved the write-in votes. Because of a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/964bb9e1-dd2e-4772-a039-75832b1094a6">Kansas law </a>that requires write-in
candidates at the county, district, state and federal levels to file an
affidavit with the secretary of state’s office, only 12 write-in votes were counted.
They were all in the race for president. Dreiling said that in a follow-up meeting with the secretary of state’s office, they commended the county election officers for the way the election was run."The secretary of state's office did comment to us that it
was probably one of the best run presidential elections that he's seen since
he's been with the office," Dreiling said.She added the same is true for the election in Ellis County.
"You're on pins and needles as an election official, hoping
that there are no problems, and that dream came true for me that day we had no
problems that made me run out to a polling site to see what was going on,"
Dreiling said. "Everything ran great."Dreiling said her poll workers are a big reason everything
ran smoothly."I'm going to always give a shout-out to them because
they're the ones that make Election Day happen," Dreiling said.

No changes after Ellis County general election canvass

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of oil industry executive Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy. Wright is the CEO of Colorado-based Liberty Energy. If confirmed, he takes over a department that oversees the country's energy supplies, research and development of nuclear power, 17 national laboratories and the cleanup of Cold War-era nuclear efforts.

The Energy Department added 600,000 barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, raising the total to nearly 388 million barrels, down about ten percent from a year ago.

The government reports commercial crude inventories rose by more than two million barrels last week to nearly 430 million barrels. Stockpiles are four percent below the five-year seasonal average.

U.S. crude production dipped by 96,000 barrels a day in the week through November 8. Stockpiles are over 13.4 million barrels for only the eighth time in history. Four-week average production is down about two percent from a year ago. Cumulative production so far this year is up nearly six percent at over 13.2 million barrels per day.

The nation's inventory of shale wells drilled but uncompleted dropped by 19 wells nationwide. The Energy Information Administration reports the list went up in the Permian basin and the Haynesville shale basin in Louisiana. The tallies all dropped from last month in the Eagle Ford play in Texas, The Bakken shale in North Dakota and across Appalachia in the northeastern United States.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down four rigs in the western half of the state at 15 rigs. The tally is down nine percent from a month ago and 23% lower than last year at this time. Drilling was underway on Friday on a least in Barton County. Operators were preparing to spud new wells on one lease in Barton County and another in Ellis County.

The count in eastern Kansas is unchanged at 15 rigs.

Operators in Kansas completed 26 wells last week, bringing the total this year to 1,163 wells. That's down 322 wells from last year at this time. The tally of completions rose by 19 in Western Kansas, adding one well in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and one in Stafford County.

Kansas regulators gave their okay to 20 new drilling locations across the state, with 13 east of Wichita and seven in western Kansas, including one in Barton County and two in Ellis County. That's 1,005 new drilling permits so far this year, down 166 permits from a year ago.

The rig counts from Baker Hughes dropped by one gas rig and one oil rig for a total of 584 active drilling rigs nationwide.&nbsp; Texas was up two while New Mexico dropped by two. Oklahoma and Pennsylvania were each up one rig. Utah was down one.

In response tightened sanctions on Russia, Iran and Venezuela, the OPEC-Plus producers are amassing a huge fleet of shadow tankers to bypass trade restrictions and continue seaborne oil shipments. The so-called shadow fleet now makes up nearly 20% of the global tanker fleet. They tend to be poorly maintained, under-insured, and dangerous at sea due to manipulated tracking signals. 

Analysis by S&amp;P Global suggests there are 889 illicit tankers worldwide moving sanctioned oil.&nbsp; They're mostly controlled by Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan state interests that have been able to acquire a large amount of vintage ships in secondhand transactions.

The government now says more than one-third of US natural gas production does not come from gas wells. A new report shows that natural gas produced at oil-wells, so-called "associated natural gas," now accounts for 36.7 of all natural gas produced in the US. Te Energy Information Administration reports associated natural gas production is up nearly eight percent.&nbsp;

 The Permian Basin in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico accounts for 46% of US crude production and roughly two-thirds of the associated natural gas produced nationwide.

 North Dakota skies used to light up at night, as producers in the Bakken play burning off natural gas created a spectacle visible from space. A government initiative to reduce flaring in North Dakota has created a different kind of spectacle: a massive profit center. Associated gas accounts for 70% of the natural gas produced in North Dakota.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaPresident-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of oil industry executive Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy. Wright is the CEO of Colorado-based Liberty Energy. If confirmed, he takes over a department that oversees the country's energy supplies, research and development of nuclear power, 17 national laboratories and the cleanup of Cold War-era nuclear efforts.The Energy Department added 600,000 barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, raising the total to nearly 388 million barrels, down about ten percent from a year ago.The government reports commercial crude inventories rose by more than two million barrels last week to nearly 430 million barrels. Stockpiles are four percent below the five-year seasonal average.U.S. crude production dipped by 96,000 barrels a day in the week through November 8. Stockpiles are over 13.4 million barrels for only the eighth time in history. Four-week average production is down about two percent from a year ago. Cumulative production so far this year is up nearly six percent at over 13.2 million barrels per day.The nation's inventory of shale wells drilled but uncompleted dropped by 19 wells nationwide. The Energy Information Administration reports the list went up in the Permian basin and the Haynesville shale basin in Louisiana. The tallies all dropped from last month in the Eagle Ford play in Texas, The Bakken shale in North Dakota and across Appalachia in the northeastern United States.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down four rigs in the western half of the state at 15 rigs. The tally is down nine percent from a month ago and 23% lower than last year at this time. Drilling was underway on Friday on a least in Barton County. Operators were preparing to spud new wells on one lease in Barton County and another in Ellis County. The count in eastern Kansas is unchanged at 15 rigs.Operators in Kansas completed 26 wells last week, bringing the total this year to 1,163 wells. That's down 322 wells from last year at this time. The tally of completions rose by 19 in Western Kansas, adding one well in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and one in Stafford County.Kansas regulators gave their okay to 20 new drilling locations across the state, with 13 east of Wichita and seven in western Kansas, including one in Barton County and two in Ellis County. That's 1,005 new drilling permits so far this year, down 166 permits from a year ago.The rig counts from Baker Hughes dropped by one gas rig and one oil rig for a total of 584 active drilling rigs nationwide.&nbsp; Texas was up two while New Mexico dropped by two. Oklahoma and Pennsylvania were each up one rig. Utah was down one.In response tightened sanctions on Russia, Iran and Venezuela, the OPEC-Plus producers are amassing a huge fleet of shadow tankers to bypass trade restrictions and continue seaborne oil shipments. The so-called shadow fleet now makes up nearly 20% of the global tanker fleet. They tend to be poorly maintained, under-insured, and dangerous at sea due to manipulated tracking signals. Analysis by S&amp;P Global suggests there are 889 illicit tankers worldwide moving sanctioned oil.&nbsp; They're mostly controlled by Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan state interests that have been able to acquire a large amount of vintage ships in secondhand transactions.The government now says more than one-third of US natural gas production does not come from gas wells. A new report shows that natural gas produced at oil-wells, so-called "associated natural gas," now accounts for 36.7 of all natural gas produced in the US. Te Energy Information Administration reports associated natural gas production is up nearly eight percent.&nbsp; The Permian Basin in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico accounts for 46% of US crude production and roughly two-thirds of the associated natural gas produced nationwide. North Dakota skies used to light up at night, as producers in the Bakken play burning off natural gas created a spectacle visible from space. A government initiative to reduce flaring in North Dakota has created a different kind of spectacle: a massive profit center. Associated gas accounts for 70% of the natural gas produced in North Dakota.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News From the Oil Patch: Colorado oil exec gets Energy Secretary nod

TOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis announced today that Rural Development is investing $2,665,042 to lower costs, expand clean energy production and strengthen Kansas farms and small businesses. USDA is making the investments through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

“Rural Development is ensuring farmers and rural small business owners have the resources they need for the future,” Davis said. “These investments will help Kansas communities with lower costs and better availability of clean energy.”

Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes projects in 39 other states. The details of the Kansas Projects are:

· A $42,500 grant will help install a 15 kilowatt (kW) wind turbine for Mark Eitel, an ag producer in Lane County. This project is expected to generate 40,464 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, enough energy to power three homes.

· A $54,750 grant will help S&amp;K Agronomy, of Hiawatha, purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine. The project is expected to generate 38,831 kWh of electricity per year, which is all the company's electricity use and enough to power three homes.

· A $57,250 grant will help Junior Nelson Farms Inc. purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine to support their agricultural operation in Troy. The project is expected to generate 33,593 kWh of electricity per year, which is all the company's electricity use and enough to power three homes.

· A $57,250 grant will help Johnson Farms Inc. purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine to support their agricultural operation in Bendena. The project is expected to replace 35,804 kWh of electricity per year, which is all the company's electricity use and enough to power three homes.

· A $57,250 grant will help Gerald Boos purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine to support his agricultural operation in Denton. The project is expected to

generate 32,066 kWh of electricity per year, which is all the company's electricity use and enough to power three homes.

· A $77,047 grant will help update refrigeration equipment for Kiers Thriftway, a grocery store in Clay Center. The project will save 74,076 kWh annually and lower the business's annual energy usage by 13 percent.

· A $60,359 grant will help purchase and install a 27.5 kW solar array for Business Logistics LLC, a lessor of nonresidential buildings in Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 40,319 kWh per year, enough energy to power three homes.

· A $54,941 grant will help purchase and install a 31.395 kW solar array for Clay County Lumber and Supply LLC of Clay Center. The project is estimated to replace 40,117 kWh per year, enough energy to power three homes.

· A $144,675 grant will help purchase and install a 130 kW solar array for Waltons Inc., a merchant wholesaler in Bel Aire. The project is estimated to replace 182,617 kWh per year, enough energy to power 17 homes.

· A $71,408 grant will help purchase and install a 50.4 kW solar array for Bender Steel and Repair Inc., a building architectural and metal work business in Valley Center. The project is estimated to replace 77,289 kWh per year, enough energy to power seven homes.

· A $27,504 grant will help purchase and install two photo voltaic solar systems with a total system size of 12.64 kW for Re:Done LLC, a residential home remodeling contractor located in Manhattan. The project is estimated to generate 18,833 kWh annually and replace 85 percent of the business's annual energy needs.

· A $64,974 grant will help purchase and install a 40.74 kW solar array for TK Investment Group LLC, a lessor of non-residential buildings in Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 62,395 kWh per year, enough energy to power five homes.

· A $189,950 grant will help purchase and install a 93.5 kW solar array for Nation Inc., a specialized design services company in Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 144,047 kWh per year, enough energy to power 13 homes.

· A $551,684 grant will help purchase and install a 648.6 kW solar array for Kejr Inc., a fabricated metal manufacturer in Salina. The project is estimated to replace 842,241 kWh per year, enough energy to power 77 homes.

· A $126,000 grant will help purchase and install a 150 kW solar array for Carrico Implement Co Inc., a farm and garden wholesaler in Beloit. The project is estimated to replace 221,226 kWh per year, enough energy to power 20 homes.

· A $27,500 grant will help purchase and install a 9.12 kW solar array for Advance Seal Kansas LLC, a drywall and insulation company in Pratt. The project is estimated to generate 12,845 kWh per year, enough energy to power one home.

· A $1,000,000 grant will help purchase and install a 1,499 kW solar array for Crestwood Inc., a kitchen cabinet and countertop manufacturer in Salina. The project is estimated to replace 2,166,776 kWh per year, enough energy to power 196 homes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621676876229.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>USDATOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis announced today that Rural Development is investing $2,665,042 to lower costs, expand clean energy production and strengthen Kansas farms and small businesses. USDA is making the investments through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.“Rural Development is ensuring farmers and rural small business owners have the resources they need for the future,” Davis said. “These investments will help Kansas communities with lower costs and better availability of clean energy.”Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes projects in 39 other states. The details of the Kansas Projects are:· A $42,500 grant will help install a 15 kilowatt (kW) wind turbine for Mark Eitel, an ag producer in Lane County. This project is expected to generate 40,464 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, enough energy to power three homes.· A $54,750 grant will help S&amp;K Agronomy, of Hiawatha, purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine. The project is expected to generate 38,831 kWh of electricity per year, which is all the company's electricity use and enough to power three homes.· A $57,250 grant will help Junior Nelson Farms Inc. purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine to support their agricultural operation in Troy. The project is expected to generate 33,593 kWh of electricity per year, which is all the company's electricity use and enough to power three homes.· A $57,250 grant will help Johnson Farms Inc. purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine to support their agricultural operation in Bendena. The project is expected to replace 35,804 kWh of electricity per year, which is all the company's electricity use and enough to power three homes.· A $57,250 grant will help Gerald Boos purchase and install a 15 kW wind turbine to support his agricultural operation in Denton. The project is expected togenerate 32,066 kWh of electricity per year, which is all the company's electricity use and enough to power three homes.· A $77,047 grant will help update refrigeration equipment for Kiers Thriftway, a grocery store in Clay Center. The project will save 74,076 kWh annually and lower the business's annual energy usage by 13 percent.· A $60,359 grant will help purchase and install a 27.5 kW solar array for Business Logistics LLC, a lessor of nonresidential buildings in Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 40,319 kWh per year, enough energy to power three homes.· A $54,941 grant will help purchase and install a 31.395 kW solar array for Clay County Lumber and Supply LLC of Clay Center. The project is estimated to replace 40,117 kWh per year, enough energy to power three homes.· A $144,675 grant will help purchase and install a 130 kW solar array for Waltons Inc., a merchant wholesaler in Bel Aire. The project is estimated to replace 182,617 kWh per year, enough energy to power 17 homes.· A $71,408 grant will help purchase and install a 50.4 kW solar array for Bender Steel and Repair Inc., a building architectural and metal work business in Valley Center. The project is estimated to replace 77,289 kWh per year, enough energy to power seven homes.· A $27,504 grant will help purchase and install two photo voltaic solar systems with a total system size of 12.64 kW for Re:Done LLC, a residential home remodeling contractor located in Manhattan. The project is estimated to generate 18,833 kWh annually and replace 85 percent of the business's annual energy needs.· A $64,974 grant will help purchase and install a 40.74 kW solar array for TK Investment Group LLC, a lessor of non-residential buildings in Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 62,395 kWh per year, enough energy to power five homes.· A $189,950 grant will help purchase and install a 93.5 kW solar array for Nation Inc., a specialized design services company in Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 144,047 kWh per year, enough energy to power 13 homes.· A $551,684 grant will help purchase and install a 648.6 kW solar array for Kejr Inc., a fabricated metal manufacturer in Salina. The project is estimated to replace 842,241 kWh per year, enough energy to power 77 homes.· A $126,000 grant will help purchase and install a 150 kW solar array for Carrico Implement Co Inc., a farm and garden wholesaler in Beloit. The project is estimated to replace 221,226 kWh per year, enough energy to power 20 homes.· A $27,500 grant will help purchase and install a 9.12 kW solar array for Advance Seal Kansas LLC, a drywall and insulation company in Pratt. The project is estimated to generate 12,845 kWh per year, enough energy to power one home.· A $1,000,000 grant will help purchase and install a 1,499 kW solar array for Crestwood Inc., a kitchen cabinet and countertop manufacturer in Salina. The project is estimated to replace 2,166,776 kWh per year, enough energy to power 196 homes.

USDA Rural Development invests in 17 clean energy projects

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Dr. Jerod Grove has sued HaysMed in U.S. District Court to stop the hospital from enforcing a noncompete clause that he says prevents him from practicing medicine in western Kansas.

Grove, a general surgeon, resigned from the hospital on Nov. 12. HaysMed has employed him for nine years.

Grove has signed a contract with Greeley Health to practice at Tribune Medical Center in Tribune, Kansas.&nbsp;

The hospital administration indicated they were under a board directive to enforce Grove's noncompete clause, prohibiting him from practicing at Tribune Medical Center and most of western Kansas.

The noncompete stipulates Grove can't practice medicine within 110 miles of the city of Hays and within 30 miles in any direction from the city limits of any other city or town where the physician performs services on behalf of the hospital for two years.

Grove's attorney argues in the lawsuit the noncompete:

• Interferes with Grove's ability to make a living.• Constitues HaysMed operating a monopoly• Creates a health care access issue in western Kansas in which Grove is only one of 10 general surgeons in the region.

"... the prevention of Dr. Grove from providing his services in western Kansas is likely to significantly reduce access to medical care in western Kansas, and more specifically may cost someone their life," the lawsuit said.

Grove is seeking an injunction to allow him to continue practicing medicine in Tribune while the lawsuit is being resolved. He is also requesting unspecified damages to be determined at trial.

According to the lawsuit, during his time at Hays Med, "Dr. Grove began to notice certain troubling aspects of the treatment of HaysMed staff. Various issues were brought to his attention, and ultimately, he felt the best course of action was to resign his employment."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72d9adfa-8b21-4d60-bd8c-049da4c03137">SEE RELATED STORY: LETTER: HaysMed surgeon announces departure</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6dbff5d6-d29e-4959-b974-b6e39d502851">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctors share concerns on administration, future of HaysMed</a>

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

Grove attempted to resign in August. However, the HaysMed administration brought the noncompete clause of his contract to his attention. According to the lawsuit, Grove was told the hospital would file an injunction against him practicing in western Kansas if he resigned.

The lawsuit states, "His concern regarding rural access to critical services was ignored and disregarded."

Grove is not the first physician to leave HaysMed in recent years. According to the lawsuit, HaysMed has lost 12 physicians, two certified registered nurse anesthetists, and three midlevel providers. None of these have remained in the region and provide services to the residents of the state's western half.

Services impacts include cardiology, urology, orthopedics, OB/GYN, hospitalists, oncology, nephrology and general family medicine, the lawsuit said.

The Federal Trade Commission recently issued a final Non-Compete Rule banning most non-compete agreements between an employer and its workers. The commission said noncompete clauses were an unfair method of competition.

However, that rule was overturned by a U.S. District Court ruling in Texas, which said the&nbsp;Federal Trade Commission had no authority to make such a rule.

Grove's lawsuits cited several findings from the Federal Trade Commission specifically related to the harms that noncompete clauses can cause in health care, including:

•&nbsp; Hundreds of physicians and other commenters in the health care industry stated noncompetes negatively affect physicians’ ability to provide quality care and limit patient access to care.• Noncompetes increase retaliation if physicians object to the practices' operations, poor care or services.• Noncompetes limit access to care or patient choice.&nbsp;• Noncompetes resulted in physicians leaving the area and severing patient relationships, and this caused a loss of knowledge, trust and compatibility in physician-patient relationships.

HaysMed issued a written statement to the Hays Post via email Monday afternoon.

“We have received and reviewed Dr. Grove’s complaint. We disagree with his allegations and look forward to responding through the appropriate legal process.

Noncompete agreements are standard practice in health care and provide assurance to our patients that the hospital and its clinics have the medical staff and expertise to provide for their oftentimes complex medical needs.

HaysMed remains dedicated to providing specialty care for the residents of Hays and Western Kansas, just as we have for many decades.”

The case was filed on Nov. 12. No dates for hearings had been set as of this post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592337955905.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDr. Jerod Grove has sued HaysMed in U.S. District Court to stop the hospital from enforcing a noncompete clause that he says prevents him from practicing medicine in western Kansas.Grove, a general surgeon, resigned from the hospital on Nov. 12. HaysMed has employed him for nine years.Grove has signed a contract with Greeley Health to practice at Tribune Medical Center in Tribune, Kansas.&nbsp;The hospital administration indicated they were under a board directive to enforce Grove's noncompete clause, prohibiting him from practicing at Tribune Medical Center and most of western Kansas.The noncompete stipulates Grove can't practice medicine within 110 miles of the city of Hays and within 30 miles in any direction from the city limits of any other city or town where the physician performs services on behalf of the hospital for two years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731958608513.png" alt="Map showing the area that Dr. Jerod Grove cannot practice in according to his noncompete contract with HaysMed. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Map showing the area that Dr. Jerod Grove cannot practice in according to his noncompete contract with HaysMed. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Grove's attorney argues in the lawsuit the noncompete:• Interferes with Grove's ability to make a living.• Constitues HaysMed operating a monopoly• Creates a health care access issue in western Kansas in which Grove is only one of 10 general surgeons in the region."... the prevention of Dr. Grove from providing his services in western Kansas is likely to significantly reduce access to medical care in western Kansas, and more specifically may cost someone their life," the lawsuit said.Grove is seeking an injunction to allow him to continue practicing medicine in Tribune while the lawsuit is being resolved. He is also requesting unspecified damages to be determined at trial.According to the lawsuit, during his time at Hays Med, "Dr. Grove began to notice certain troubling aspects of the treatment of HaysMed staff. Various issues were brought to his attention, and ultimately, he felt the best course of action was to resign his employment."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72d9adfa-8b21-4d60-bd8c-049da4c03137">SEE RELATED STORY: LETTER: HaysMed surgeon announces departure</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6dbff5d6-d29e-4959-b974-b6e39d502851">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctors share concerns on administration, future of HaysMed</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a32ac3e2-3d3b-4a77-94b3-9e455da465e1">SEE RELATED STORY: HaysMed losses $5M; current, former staff express concerns about care, administration</a>Grove attempted to resign in August. However, the HaysMed administration brought the noncompete clause of his contract to his attention. According to the lawsuit, Grove was told the hospital would file an injunction against him practicing in western Kansas if he resigned.The lawsuit states, "His concern regarding rural access to critical services was ignored and disregarded."Grove is not the first physician to leave HaysMed in recent years. According to the lawsuit, HaysMed has lost 12 physicians, two certified registered nurse anesthetists, and three midlevel providers. None of these have remained in the region and provide services to the residents of the state's western half.Services impacts include cardiology, urology, orthopedics, OB/GYN, hospitalists, oncology, nephrology and general family medicine, the lawsuit said.The Federal Trade Commission recently issued a final Non-Compete Rule banning most non-compete agreements between an employer and its workers. The commission said noncompete clauses were an unfair method of competition.However, that rule was overturned by a U.S. District Court ruling in Texas, which said the&nbsp;Federal Trade Commission had no authority to make such a rule.Grove's lawsuits cited several findings from the Federal Trade Commission specifically related to the harms that noncompete clauses can cause in health care, including:•&nbsp; Hundreds of physicians and other commenters in the health care industry stated noncompetes negatively affect physicians’ ability to provide quality care and limit patient access to care.• Noncompetes increase retaliation if physicians object to the practices' operations, poor care or services.• Noncompetes limit access to care or patient choice.&nbsp;• Noncompetes resulted in physicians leaving the area and severing patient relationships, and this caused a loss of knowledge, trust and compatibility in physician-patient relationships.HaysMed issued a written statement to the Hays Post via email Monday afternoon.“We have received and reviewed Dr. Grove’s complaint. We disagree with his allegations and look forward to responding through the appropriate legal process.Noncompete agreements are standard practice in health care and provide assurance to our patients that the hospital and its clinics have the medical staff and expertise to provide for their oftentimes complex medical needs.HaysMed remains dedicated to providing specialty care for the residents of Hays and Western Kansas, just as we have for many decades.”The case was filed on Nov. 12. No dates for hearings had been set as of this post.

Local