When people say western Kansas has nothing to offer, I shake my head. I could entertain someone for a year without repeats. Recently, an adventurous girlfriend joined me to wander Blue Highways 283 north to Highway 9, a favorite journey.

After turning onto 9, I shared details about Lenora’s role in Nex-Tech’s start up. As a result, northwest Kansas has access to internet service offering great personal and business opportunities to commune with the world. Journeying further west, I clued her to look for the site where Catholic priests performed the first Mass with a different sort of communion on the tree-lined banks of the North Solomon. Now days, the shiny steeple of New Almelo Catholic Church welcomes the faithful to an isolated but charming church.

Not far away, waited our goal--Wahlmeier Vineyard, a three-mile jaunt north of Hwy 9. Her GPS warned us to turn at an upcoming corner which happened to host a quaint white cottage. We chimed in unison, “Wouldn’t that be a great vacation rental for visitors who attend Wahlmeier Vineyards bingo, trivia, and harvest activities?”

That turn directed us down a graveled road to our destination while gale-force winds turned surrounding wheatfields into a roiling sea of green. Once inside the winery, we smoothed mussed hair and forgot nearly blowing to Oklahoma as bottles of wine, jars of jelly, and t-shirts snagged our attention. A framed architectural rendering offered building specs.

Vintner Cary Wahlmeier grew up on a nearby farm before working at IBM in Lenexa. Returning to his roots, he morphed from techie to winemaker starting in 2015 when he planted several acres to grapes. Five years later, he returned to make wine. The two-story rustic facility looks at home on the Kansas prairie and offers a cozy tasting area. Bigger parties can spread into an area filled with tables and chairs or high tops and stools.

As a boomerang Kansan, I love when ingenuity and creativity combine to return natives to their roots. Cary, good at sourcing local fruits to create wines and meads, epitomizes such talents. Our favorite was his last sample of Nick’s Plums and Kerrie’s Cherries. Apparently, others enjoy it too, and now all must wait on this year’s fruit harvest in Norton Co. before we toast with it again.

An elderberry fan, it pleased me that he sources elderberries from local John Gall. I also liked his Cherryliciousness, referred to as “Viking’s Blood,” a mead, fermented with wildflower honey. The nip in my tasting glass transported my imagination to an ancient Scandinavian mead hall lit by a giant fireplace.

The vineyard produces enough variety guests can return four different times before tasting every one based on selecting five wines per visit. This vineyard is rural so Cary’s menu offers meat/cheese trays or Brew Pub pizza to balance the wine tasting. We recommend Jalapeno Popper pizza, an added delight to our adventure. In addition to Cary’s wines, pizza, and meat trays, his daughter produces homemade jams and jellies. To support local agriculture, I took several jars home to try on homemade bread.

At WaKeeney, we left busy I-70 to find ourselves roaming a starkly beautiful, remote part of Kansas. When we mentioned the corner white house to Cary, he filled us in. That was once the site of Allison, bigger than Dodge City, and now a ghost town.

Perhaps businesspeople like Cary can banish ghosts while inviting the living to see what this vibrant landscape offers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINWhen people say western Kansas has nothing to offer, I shake my head. I could entertain someone for a year without repeats. Recently, an adventurous girlfriend joined me to wander Blue Highways 283 north to Highway 9, a favorite journey.After turning onto 9, I shared details about Lenora’s role in Nex-Tech’s start up. As a result, northwest Kansas has access to internet service offering great personal and business opportunities to commune with the world. Journeying further west, I clued her to look for the site where Catholic priests performed the first Mass with a different sort of communion on the tree-lined banks of the North Solomon. Now days, the shiny steeple of New Almelo Catholic Church welcomes the faithful to an isolated but charming church.Not far away, waited our goal--Wahlmeier Vineyard, a three-mile jaunt north of Hwy 9. Her GPS warned us to turn at an upcoming corner which happened to host a quaint white cottage. We chimed in unison, “Wouldn’t that be a great vacation rental for visitors who attend Wahlmeier Vineyards bingo, trivia, and harvest activities?”That turn directed us down a graveled road to our destination while gale-force winds turned surrounding wheatfields into a roiling sea of green. Once inside the winery, we smoothed mussed hair and forgot nearly blowing to Oklahoma as bottles of wine, jars of jelly, and t-shirts snagged our attention. A framed architectural rendering offered building specs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748974560514.jpeg" alt="Wahlmeier Vineyards. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Wahlmeier Vineyards. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Vintner Cary Wahlmeier grew up on a nearby farm before working at IBM in Lenexa. Returning to his roots, he morphed from techie to winemaker starting in 2015 when he planted several acres to grapes. Five years later, he returned to make wine. The two-story rustic facility looks at home on the Kansas prairie and offers a cozy tasting area. Bigger parties can spread into an area filled with tables and chairs or high tops and stools.As a boomerang Kansan, I love when ingenuity and creativity combine to return natives to their roots. Cary, good at sourcing local fruits to create wines and meads, epitomizes such talents. Our favorite was his last sample of Nick’s Plums and Kerrie’s Cherries. Apparently, others enjoy it too, and now all must wait on this year’s fruit harvest in Norton Co. before we toast with it again.An elderberry fan, it pleased me that he sources elderberries from local John Gall. I also liked his Cherryliciousness, referred to as “Viking’s Blood,” a mead, fermented with wildflower honey. The nip in my tasting glass transported my imagination to an ancient Scandinavian mead hall lit by a giant fireplace.The vineyard produces enough variety guests can return four different times before tasting every one based on selecting five wines per visit. This vineyard is rural so Cary’s menu offers meat/cheese trays or Brew Pub pizza to balance the wine tasting. We recommend Jalapeno Popper pizza, an added delight to our adventure. In addition to Cary’s wines, pizza, and meat trays, his daughter produces homemade jams and jellies. To support local agriculture, I took several jars home to try on homemade bread.At WaKeeney, we left busy I-70 to find ourselves roaming a starkly beautiful, remote part of Kansas. When we mentioned the corner white house to Cary, he filled us in. That was once the site of Allison, bigger than Dodge City, and now a ghost town.Perhaps businesspeople like Cary can banish ghosts while inviting the living to see what this vibrant landscape offers.

MADORIN: Day trippin' 2

This time of year, our lakes are buzzing with activity....boats launched, jet skis revving with excitement, and campers pulling into their favorite spots—ready for a season of summer fun.

We spend time getting our boats tuned up and campers stocked for weekend getaways.

But one thing we never plan for are those sudden summer storms that roll in fast and fierce. Strong wind gusts can knock jet skis clean off the trailer, or tree limbs can crash down on the roof of campers.

Take one more important step...insure your boat, jet ski and camper with Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid in Hays.

With proper coverage on your personal watercraft, camper, or boat, you won't be left high and dry with a huge repair bill.

Claims are handled quickly, so you can be back on the water very soon—less worried, and more focused on making memories.

Call or stop by Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid at 2703 Hall in Hays.

It’s important to review your policies before summer kicks into full swing.

Whether you’re hauling a camper to Cedar Bluff, launching your boat for a lazy Sunday float at Wilson, or racing across the lake on a jet ski at Webster, make sure you're protected.

It only takes a few minutes to check in—and it could save you thousands.

Farmers Insurance Agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid, 2703 Hall in Hays. 785-261-0766

<a target="_blank" href="https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/">https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748882498258.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748882453510.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This time of year, our lakes are buzzing with activity....boats launched, jet skis revving with excitement, and campers pulling into their favorite spots—ready for a season of summer fun.We spend time getting our boats tuned up and campers stocked for weekend getaways.But one thing we never plan for are those sudden summer storms that roll in fast and fierce. Strong wind gusts can knock jet skis clean off the trailer, or tree limbs can crash down on the roof of campers.Take one more important step...insure your boat, jet ski and camper with Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid in Hays.With proper coverage on your personal watercraft, camper, or boat, you won't be left high and dry with a huge repair bill.Claims are handled quickly, so you can be back on the water very soon—less worried, and more focused on making memories.Call or stop by Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid at 2703 Hall in Hays.It’s important to review your policies before summer kicks into full swing.Whether you’re hauling a camper to Cedar Bluff, launching your boat for a lazy Sunday float at Wilson, or racing across the lake on a jet ski at Webster, make sure you're protected.It only takes a few minutes to check in—and it could save you thousands.Farmers Insurance Agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid, 2703 Hall in Hays. 785-261-0766<a target="_blank" href="https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/">https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/</a>

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks travel to Dodge City

Rolling Plains Motor Speedway donated&nbsp;579 food items to the Community Assistance Center food pantry after a fan donation drive during the weekend.

Rolling Plains Motor Speedway donated&nbsp;579 food items to the Community Assistance Center food pantry after a fan donation drive during the weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749071869156.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Rolling Hills Motor Speedway fans donate to Community Assistance Center

Road closed in Russell County due to bridge collapse

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fireworks can be discharged in unincorporated areas of the county on and before Independence Day.

On Tuesday, the Ellis County Commission approved fireworks discharge times from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to 4, aligning with the City of Hays’ schedule to make enforcement easier.

The city of Ellis allows discharge from July 3 to 4, and the city of Victoria only allows it on July 4.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748631073672.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFireworks can be discharged in unincorporated areas of the county on and before Independence Day.On Tuesday, the Ellis County Commission approved fireworks discharge times from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to 4, aligning with the City of Hays’ schedule to make enforcement easier.The city of Ellis allows discharge from July 3 to 4, and the city of Victoria only allows it on July 4.&nbsp;

Ellis County sets fireworks discharge rules

On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney talks with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executive Brian Weimer and Tiffany Zimmerman about insuring boats and RVS.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: IPI - Boat, RV, Camper Coverage" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=qgzxv-18c8583-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney talks with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executive Brian Weimer and Tiffany Zimmerman about insuring boats and RVS.

🎙 Post Podcast: Insurance Planning on insuring your boat, RV

Reporter Cristina Janney discusses the new Chamber in Hays Workforce Development Committee with Leigh Purdy with the Chamber and Ben Shears with Fort Hays State University on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: The Chamber" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=gmy64-18c6c33-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney discusses the new Chamber in Hays Workforce Development Committee with Leigh Purdy with the Chamber and Ben Shears with Fort Hays State University on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Chamber in Hays discusses new Workforce Development Committee

The county administrator said the county is within .01 mill of last year as of its draft budget presented on Tuesday.

To keep the mill levy stable, commissioners would need to cut about $100,000 out of the county budget,&nbsp;Darin Myers, county administrator, said as he reviewed a draft of the budget with county commissioners on Tuesday.

County officials are projecting $30.43 million in general fund revenue and $33.33 million in expenditures, an increase from 2025.

The county is waiting for the final assessed valuation from the appraiser.

"This is very preliminary, but the good news is the budget came in at a point where it's not as concerning as originally thought," Myers said.

Myers said the proposed 2026 budget slightly exceeds the revenue-neutral rate, and to stay within the revenue-neutral rate, the county would need to cut about $750,000 from the budget.

Myers said Ellis County has the 13th lowest mill levy in Kansas.&nbsp;

The cash carryover was $4.3 million last year compared to $4.8 million this year, which Myers said will be positive for property taxes.

The current draft includes an estimated 7% increase in health insurance costs. The actual renewal rates will not be determined until after the final budget adoption in September.

Items in the 2026 Ellis County Budget draft include:

• Step wage increase for county employees with a possible cost of living increase mid-year • $1.6 million to the highway fund for road and bridge projects. • Continued funding for the asphalt road maintenance program. • Funding for staff development to attend a Certified Public Manager Course through KU. • Continued transfers to reserves for capital projects. • Finalization of a plan to absorb 911 communications positions from the city of Hays

The commission heard from a few outside agencies and will hear from more at the June 10 meeting. Myers said about 18 agencies have submitted their funding requests to the Ellis County Care Council, which will review them and likely provide recommendations before the end of July.

Some items that are not currently in the first draft budget but the commission has expressed interest in considering include:

• Funding for the law enforcement center remodel after the Hays Police Department moves into their new facility in August 2026. • Price increase request from the contract attorneys for the Ellis County District Court. • Funding for IT infrastructure for upgrades in the 911 communications center. • Staffing requests to change the sheriff's office from 8 to 12 hour shifts and adding one additional EMT medic per shift for EMS

The biggest increase in the fire district budget is due to higher insurance costs. Myers said this is because the county must insure both active fire trucks and those still being built.

The 2026 solid waste budget is balanced, and no rate increases are planned for municipal waste, Myers said.

Commissioner Michael Berges said even though the commission now has a clearer picture of the draft budget, there will be tough financial decisions to make due to state and federal funding cuts to local agencies.

"I think this is going to be our toughest budget out of the three that I've been through for various reasons," Berges said, "but I appreciate what we have to start here today."

Commissioners heard from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three of the disability services organization's programs.

The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025. The nonprofit is asking for the same amount despite a local funding gap. Michaud said the agency faces ongoing staffing challenges, with 27 open positions, 12 of which are in Ellis County.

The commission reappointed Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.

The commission was notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers announced the openings and invited interested residents to apply <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/494/Citizen-Interest---Volunteer">here</a>.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, provided an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County, such as the Heart of America Development.

The commission also approved a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748874047174.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe county administrator said the county is within .01 mill of last year as of its draft budget presented on Tuesday.To keep the mill levy stable, commissioners would need to cut about $100,000 out of the county budget,&nbsp;Darin Myers, county administrator, said as he reviewed a draft of the budget with county commissioners on Tuesday.County officials are projecting $30.43 million in general fund revenue and $33.33 million in expenditures, an increase from 2025.The county is waiting for the final assessed valuation from the appraiser."This is very preliminary, but the good news is the budget came in at a point where it's not as concerning as originally thought," Myers said.Myers said the proposed 2026 budget slightly exceeds the revenue-neutral rate, and to stay within the revenue-neutral rate, the county would need to cut about $750,000 from the budget.Myers said Ellis County has the 13th lowest mill levy in Kansas.&nbsp;The cash carryover was $4.3 million last year compared to $4.8 million this year, which Myers said will be positive for property taxes.The current draft includes an estimated 7% increase in health insurance costs. The actual renewal rates will not be determined until after the final budget adoption in September.Items in the 2026 Ellis County Budget draft include:• Step wage increase for county employees with a possible cost of living increase mid-year • $1.6 million to the highway fund for road and bridge projects. • Continued funding for the asphalt road maintenance program. • Funding for staff development to attend a Certified Public Manager Course through KU. • Continued transfers to reserves for capital projects. • Finalization of a plan to absorb 911 communications positions from the city of HaysThe commission heard from a few outside agencies and will hear from more at the June 10 meeting. Myers said about 18 agencies have submitted their funding requests to the Ellis County Care Council, which will review them and likely provide recommendations before the end of July.Some items that are not currently in the first draft budget but the commission has expressed interest in considering include:• Funding for the law enforcement center remodel after the Hays Police Department moves into their new facility in August 2026. • Price increase request from the contract attorneys for the Ellis County District Court. • Funding for IT infrastructure for upgrades in the 911 communications center. • Staffing requests to change the sheriff's office from 8 to 12 hour shifts and adding one additional EMT medic per shift for EMSThe biggest increase in the fire district budget is due to higher insurance costs. Myers said this is because the county must insure both active fire trucks and those still being built.The 2026 solid waste budget is balanced, and no rate increases are planned for municipal waste, Myers said.Commissioner Michael Berges said even though the commission now has a clearer picture of the draft budget, there will be tough financial decisions to make due to state and federal funding cuts to local agencies."I think this is going to be our toughest budget out of the three that I've been through for various reasons," Berges said, "but I appreciate what we have to start here today."<h2>DSNWK budget requests</h2>Commissioners heard from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three of the disability services organization's programs.The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025. The nonprofit is asking for the same amount despite a local funding gap. Michaud said the agency faces ongoing staffing challenges, with 27 open positions, 12 of which are in Ellis County.<h2>Other business</h2>The commission reappointed Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.The commission was notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers announced the openings and invited interested residents to apply <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/494/Citizen-Interest---Volunteer">here</a>.Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, provided an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County, such as the Heart of America Development.The commission also approved a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.

Ellis County administrator says mill levy likely to be stable in 2026

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The deadline for candidates to file for the 2025 city and
school board elections has passed, and while there are several contested races,
there aren’t enough candidates vying for each position to hold a preliminary
election. 

Instead, all races will be decided in the November general
election.

Nine candidates are vying for two four-year and one two-year
term on the Hays City Commission. 

Those candidates are incumbents Reese Barrick, Shaun Musil
and Sandy Jacobs. Other candidates include David Vilaysing, Candace (CJ)
Hathaway, Samuel Allen, Justin Choitz, Kelly Ancar and David Koshiol.

There are three at-large seats open on the Ellis City
Council. Incumbent John A. Walz and Mayor David R. McDaniel will be on the
ballot along with Kevin LaBarge.

Just one person filed for the Schoenchen City Council: Jim
Mowry. There are five positions up for election.

Ryan Lichter and Matthew L Sander filed for two of the three
open seats on the Victoria City Council.

Other contested races include the contest for three seats on
the Hays USD 489 School Board. 

Ken Brooks, Curt C. Vajnar, Craig Pallister, Meagan
Zampieri-Lillpopp and Kelly Ancar all filed to run for those three seats. 

Five Victoria residents will be facing off for three spots
on the USD 432 Victoria School Board. 

Those five candidates are Shanna Dinkel, Jacob Hunter, Connie
Braun, Jeanna Wellbrock and Jennifer Berens. 

There are also four Russell residents vying for three seats
on the Russell School Board. They are Joyce Ellis, Nancy M. Schmitt, Shari
Pittenger and Many K. Troug.

There are also contested races for the Big Creek, Munjor,
Prairie Acres and Suburban Estates Improvement Districts, as well as Cottonwood
Extension District #17. 

You can find the complete list of candidates below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747840530130.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe deadline for candidates to file for the 2025 city and
school board elections has passed, and while there are several contested races,
there aren’t enough candidates vying for each position to hold a preliminary
election. Instead, all races will be decided in the November general
election.Nine candidates are vying for two four-year and one two-year
term on the Hays City Commission. Those candidates are incumbents Reese Barrick, Shaun Musil
and Sandy Jacobs. Other candidates include David Vilaysing, Candace (CJ)
Hathaway, Samuel Allen, Justin Choitz, Kelly Ancar and David Koshiol.There are three at-large seats open on the Ellis City
Council. Incumbent John A. Walz and Mayor David R. McDaniel will be on the
ballot along with Kevin LaBarge.Just one person filed for the Schoenchen City Council: Jim
Mowry. There are five positions up for election.Ryan Lichter and Matthew L Sander filed for two of the three
open seats on the Victoria City Council.Other contested races include the contest for three seats on
the Hays USD 489 School Board. Ken Brooks, Curt C. Vajnar, Craig Pallister, Meagan
Zampieri-Lillpopp and Kelly Ancar all filed to run for those three seats. Five Victoria residents will be facing off for three spots
on the USD 432 Victoria School Board. Those five candidates are Shanna Dinkel, Jacob Hunter, Connie
Braun, Jeanna Wellbrock and Jennifer Berens. There are also four Russell residents vying for three seats
on the Russell School Board. They are Joyce Ellis, Nancy M. Schmitt, Shari
Pittenger and Many K. Troug.There are also contested races for the Big Creek, Munjor,
Prairie Acres and Suburban Estates Improvement Districts, as well as Cottonwood
Extension District #17. You can find the complete list of candidates below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748987748023.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>

Candidate field set for fall general election

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place May 21, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657276342781.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of TransportationTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place May 21, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.&nbsp;Projects include:&nbsp;District Three-Northwest<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748969347263.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays, Ellis County bridges among May bids approved by KDOT

Note: The letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, and the EAS recommended line-item cuts are attached at the end of this letter.

This is in response to the article regarding Essential Air Service funding for the Hays airport.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2730c5cd-1026-4098-9e5f-ebf15c8fd949">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays faces loss of federal airport funds</a>

After reading the article in Hays Post about the Hays airport losing its Essential Air Service (EAS) federal funding, I shared mixed feelings of panic and anger. Panic because it meant that my husband who has worked for TSA for 22 plus years would possibly need to relocate or lose his job if Hays no longer had air service. And anger at our city council for fear-mongering the public by not giving more details about the information and its source. Instead, they chose to direct us down a path of doom by making this comment about their solution of how to make up the money that would be lost: "For us, to make that up, we would have to increase our mill levy from 25 to 44. That's almost double the mills just to cover that annual subsidy," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor.

While I appreciate our city council directing us to contact our legislators about anything of concern, I am putting them on notice. Give us the facts and the source of where you are getting your information. Spend time explaining it to those who voted for you. Don’t just say “Trump’s budget” and sound the alarm, push us in a corner and leave it at that! Research some other funding options, or at least tell us you are looking into it, rather than make some crazy comment about raising our mill levy/taxes. Like we all needed to hear that right now!

I am always skeptical of both sides of the news – left and right. I think for myself. It’s sad that journalism isn’t what it used to be…when opinions of the journalists were not expressed, and all that we got were the facts. Now it’s almost like a reality show where the public feeds off the controversy.

After reading the article, I did my research. I went to the belly of the beast, the actual “Big Beautiful Bill” all 1,118 pages of it. Doing a search within the bill, I found nothing that mentions “Essential Air Service.” I dissected the table of contents and still nothing. After searching more on <a href="http://Congress.gov">Congress.gov</a>, I found that cutting EAS has not been introduced into any type of legislation. Where I did find it mentioned was at the bottom of page 23 in a letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget as a proposal to Congress for the 2026 budget. This is not written in stone legislation. It is merely a proposal to Congress. Congress is the one that needs to enact the legislation to remove EAS. Nothing in that budget proposal letter is written in stone. I encourage you to click on the bill highlighted above, which is legislation currently in the Senate, and read (or press the listen button) to be informed of what your Congress is voting on…go to the source itself instead of listening to he said, she said. Make up your own mind.

Here is an explanation about Essential Air Service for those who don’t know. The airline is given federal EAS funding for each seat in the plane, whether empty or occupied. To receive EAS funding, certain criteria must be met, and an application must be submitted and approved. It is federal money put in the pocket of the airline to entice them to service the area, and it gives the city an edge to contract with a competitive air carrier. Many rural towns do not fill their seats, so it is debatable by the administration if it is considered wasteful to the taxpayers to pay for all those empty seats in the airplane. Hays has high boarding numbers, which is very good and something positive that should be pointed out by our city council. In my opinion, and according to the criteria they are stating in the budget proposal, we are being good stewards of the money given by evidence of the enplanements we have. FHSU requires their faculty/staff to fly out of Hays whenever possible because the more the community supports the airline, the more likelihood the airline will be able to receive EAS funding, and we will keep our service. Community support is also one of the criteria for receiving funding.

Everyone complains that it is so expensive to fly out of Hays. To get the best ticket price you should try being flexible on the dates you are traveling, if possible. When going to United.com, click on the “flexible dates” box and adjust how many days in your trip and the month. It will show the entire month and the ticket prices for every day. You can adjust your travel dates or number of days to get the lowest price. Also, booking on Tuesday or Wednesday could be better. On my search for Hays to Orlando, I found a roundtrip ticket price of $275 on June 27. Isn’t it much better to avoid the driving, traffic, gas, hotel, parking fees, plus just all the hassle when you can fly right out of Hays?

We could all use more positivity in our lives. Shouldn’t we try to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Note: The letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, and the EAS recommended line-item cuts are attached at the end of this letter.This is in response to the article regarding Essential Air Service funding for the Hays airport.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2730c5cd-1026-4098-9e5f-ebf15c8fd949">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays faces loss of federal airport funds</a>After reading the article in Hays Post about the Hays airport losing its Essential Air Service (EAS) federal funding, I shared mixed feelings of panic and anger. Panic because it meant that my husband who has worked for TSA for 22 plus years would possibly need to relocate or lose his job if Hays no longer had air service. And anger at our city council for fear-mongering the public by not giving more details about the information and its source. Instead, they chose to direct us down a path of doom by making this comment about their solution of how to make up the money that would be lost: "For us, to make that up, we would have to increase our mill levy from 25 to 44. That's almost double the mills just to cover that annual subsidy," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor.While I appreciate our city council directing us to contact our legislators about anything of concern, I am putting them on notice. Give us the facts and the source of where you are getting your information. Spend time explaining it to those who voted for you. Don’t just say “Trump’s budget” and sound the alarm, push us in a corner and leave it at that! Research some other funding options, or at least tell us you are looking into it, rather than make some crazy comment about raising our mill levy/taxes. Like we all needed to hear that right now!I am always skeptical of both sides of the news – left and right. I think for myself. It’s sad that journalism isn’t what it used to be…when opinions of the journalists were not expressed, and all that we got were the facts. Now it’s almost like a reality show where the public feeds off the controversy.After reading the article, I did my research. I went to the belly of the beast, the actual “Big Beautiful Bill” all 1,118 pages of it. Doing a search within the bill, I found nothing that mentions “Essential Air Service.” I dissected the table of contents and still nothing. After searching more on <a href="http://Congress.gov">Congress.gov</a>, I found that cutting EAS has not been introduced into any type of legislation. Where I did find it mentioned was at the bottom of page 23 in a letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget as a proposal to Congress for the 2026 budget. This is not written in stone legislation. It is merely a proposal to Congress. Congress is the one that needs to enact the legislation to remove EAS. Nothing in that budget proposal letter is written in stone. I encourage you to click on the bill highlighted above, which is legislation currently in the Senate, and read (or press the listen button) to be informed of what your Congress is voting on…go to the source itself instead of listening to he said, she said. Make up your own mind.Here is an explanation about Essential Air Service for those who don’t know. The airline is given federal EAS funding for each seat in the plane, whether empty or occupied. To receive EAS funding, certain criteria must be met, and an application must be submitted and approved. It is federal money put in the pocket of the airline to entice them to service the area, and it gives the city an edge to contract with a competitive air carrier. Many rural towns do not fill their seats, so it is debatable by the administration if it is considered wasteful to the taxpayers to pay for all those empty seats in the airplane. Hays has high boarding numbers, which is very good and something positive that should be pointed out by our city council. In my opinion, and according to the criteria they are stating in the budget proposal, we are being good stewards of the money given by evidence of the enplanements we have. FHSU requires their faculty/staff to fly out of Hays whenever possible because the more the community supports the airline, the more likelihood the airline will be able to receive EAS funding, and we will keep our service. Community support is also one of the criteria for receiving funding.Everyone complains that it is so expensive to fly out of Hays. To get the best ticket price you should try being flexible on the dates you are traveling, if possible. When going to United.com, click on the “flexible dates” box and adjust how many days in your trip and the month. It will show the entire month and the ticket prices for every day. You can adjust your travel dates or number of days to get the lowest price. Also, booking on Tuesday or Wednesday could be better. On my search for Hays to Orlando, I found a roundtrip ticket price of $275 on June 27. Isn’t it much better to avoid the driving, traffic, gas, hotel, parking fees, plus just all the hassle when you can fly right out of Hays?We could all use more positivity in our lives. Shouldn’t we try to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem?— Jodie J. Wear-Leiker<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979073961.jpeg" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979098644.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979120678.png" alt="Line item for recommended budget cut for Essential Air Service." />
 <figcaption>Line item for recommended budget cut for Essential Air Service.</figcaption>
 </figure>

LETTER: Reader wants city to find other solutions for air service

<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/2025/6/1749044366147.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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748983841721.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>

Nelson Painting and Coating has been quietly transforming barns, homes, and commercial buildings across our community for years—but now they’re ready to make a splash. For the month of June, all new customers receive 20% off. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a fresh coat on your farmhouse, need your business façade revitalized, or want to protect your equipment with high-quality coatings, Nelson Painting and Coating is the team you can trust.

No matter the size or style of your project, every job receives the same attention to detail: power-washing surfaces, repairing any damaged wood or trim, and using top-tier, low-VOC paints to minimize odor and environmental impact.

Why Choose Nelson Painting and Coating?

With 20% off for new customers throughout June, there’s never been a better time to refresh your property’s look and protection. Imagine pulling into a driveway lined by a home whose colors pop against the Kansas sky or driving past a gleaming barn that stands out in the morning light.

Ready to schedule your free estimate? Call Nelson Painting and Coating at 785-259-4860 today. You’ll speak directly with a local specialist who can walk you through color options, prep steps, and how to secure your June savings—because at Nelson Painting and Coating, we truly can paint anything.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084116407745">Follow&nbsp;Nelson Painting and Coating on Facebook.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748961867992.jpeg" alt="After&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>After&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748961958855.jpeg" alt="Before" />
 <figcaption>Before</figcaption>
 </figure>Nelson Painting and Coating has been quietly transforming barns, homes, and commercial buildings across our community for years—but now they’re ready to make a splash. For the month of June, all new customers receive 20% off. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a fresh coat on your farmhouse, need your business façade revitalized, or want to protect your equipment with high-quality coatings, Nelson Painting and Coating is the team you can trust.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748961890989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Their crews specialize in:<ul>
 <li>Farm &amp; Ranch Painting: Protect silos, barns, and outbuildings with durable, weather-resistant coatings designed to stand up to wind, sun, and dust, helping you preserve decades of hard work.</li><li>House Painting: From classic wood siding to modern composite exteriors, every home is treated with meticulous prep, color selection guidance, and smooth, even finishes that last.</li><li>Building Painting: Commercial properties have unique needs—Nelson Painting and Coating offers fast turnaround times, minimal disruption to your daily operations, and finishes that enhance curb appeal, whether you’re repainting an office, storefront, or warehouse.</li><li>Roof Coatings &amp; Sealants: Refresh faded shingles and add protection against leaks and UV damage with premium roof coatings. For older roofs, expert sealants can extend service life and delay costly replacements.</li>
 </ul>No matter the size or style of your project, every job receives the same attention to detail: power-washing surfaces, repairing any damaged wood or trim, and using top-tier, low-VOC paints to minimize odor and environmental impact.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748961912123.jpeg" alt="After" />
 <figcaption>After</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748962011353.jpeg" alt="Before" />
 <figcaption>Before</figcaption>
 </figure>Why Choose Nelson Painting and Coating?<ul>
 <li>Local Expertise: A homegrown business familiar with our climate and communities.</li><li>Comprehensive Services: From simple touch-ups to full-scale exterior transformations—no job is too big or too small.</li><li>Quality Materials &amp; Workmanship: Partnerships with leading paint and coating manufacturers ensure your investment pays off in longevity and appearance.</li><li>Customer-First Approach: Clear communication, punctual service, and meticulous cleanup on every project.</li>
 </ul>With 20% off for new customers throughout June, there’s never been a better time to refresh your property’s look and protection. Imagine pulling into a driveway lined by a home whose colors pop against the Kansas sky or driving past a gleaming barn that stands out in the morning light.Ready to schedule your free estimate? Call Nelson Painting and Coating at 785-259-4860 today. You’ll speak directly with a local specialist who can walk you through color options, prep steps, and how to secure your June savings—because at Nelson Painting and Coating, we truly can paint anything.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084116407745">Follow&nbsp;Nelson Painting and Coating on Facebook.</a>

Eagle Radio Auction LIVE, BID NOW!

ELLLIS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has now canceled the Kansas Blue Alert that was issued after law enforcement were searching for a suspect believed to have shot a Lee’s Summit police officer Sunday night, according to a media release from the KBI.

The alert was canceled Tuesday morning, June 3, after Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27, was located and apprehended in Ellis, Kansas.

In the early morning hours of June 3, 2025, at approximately 0204, the Ellis Police Department received a tip via CrimeStoppers that the suspect, identified as Thomas Tolbert, was staying at the Day’s Inn Hotel, located at 205 Washington Street in Ellis, according to a press release from the Ellis Police Department.

The Ellis Police officer on duty requested that the CrimeStoppers tip line get in contact with Ellis County Communications, in order to gather the most accurate information and broadcast it out to area law enforcement units. All available units were requested to respond to the city of Ellis so that a plan could be devised to verify the integrity of the tip that was received, the release said.

At about 2:42 a.m., Ellis County Communications received additional information from witnesses who reported giving Tolbert a ride from the Kansas City, Missouri area. They stated they were en route to Colorado and had been asked by a third party to transport Tolbert, unaware of his connection to the Blue Alert, the release said.

According to the witnesses, Tolbert provided a false name and began acting suspiciously during the trip. Upon stopping to rest for the night, one of the witnesses saw the Blue Alert on social media featuring Tolbert’s image and immediately contacted law enforcement, the Ellis release said.

At 2:45 a.m., the Ellis Police Department requested activation of the Hays Police Department’s Special Situation Response Team (SSRT). Members of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation also responded to the scene. At 4:39 a.m., SSRT began evacuating adjacent hotel rooms.

Officers from the Hays Police Department, deputies from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and KBI agents arrived at the hotel and safely took Tolbert into custody at around 4:50 a.m., the KBI said.

Tolbert was arrested on a Missouri warrant for assault first-degree or attempted serious physical injury, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest or detention by fleeing, and second-degree domestic assault.

He was booked into the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office Jail.

"I’d like to applaud the exemplary teamwork that went into resolving this incident. The professionalism of Ellis County Communications, the Hays Police Department, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation led to the best possible outcome in this incident. We thank them for their assistance. We also extend our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the Lee’s Summit Officer that was injured in the line of duty," Ellis Police Chief Avery Smith said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748958751939.jpeg" alt="Tolbert photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Tolbert photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Updated: 12:20 p.m. June 3ELLLIS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has now canceled the Kansas Blue Alert that was issued after law enforcement were searching for a suspect believed to have shot a Lee’s Summit police officer Sunday night, according to a media release from the KBI.The alert was canceled Tuesday morning, June 3, after Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27, was located and apprehended in Ellis, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748872142987.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the early morning hours of June 3, 2025, at approximately 0204, the Ellis Police Department received a tip via CrimeStoppers that the suspect, identified as Thomas Tolbert, was staying at the Day’s Inn Hotel, located at 205 Washington Street in Ellis, according to a press release from the Ellis Police Department.The Ellis Police officer on duty requested that the CrimeStoppers tip line get in contact with Ellis County Communications, in order to gather the most accurate information and broadcast it out to area law enforcement units. All available units were requested to respond to the city of Ellis so that a plan could be devised to verify the integrity of the tip that was received, the release said.At about 2:42 a.m., Ellis County Communications received additional information from witnesses who reported giving Tolbert a ride from the Kansas City, Missouri area. They stated they were en route to Colorado and had been asked by a third party to transport Tolbert, unaware of his connection to the Blue Alert, the release said.According to the witnesses, Tolbert provided a false name and began acting suspiciously during the trip. Upon stopping to rest for the night, one of the witnesses saw the Blue Alert on social media featuring Tolbert’s image and immediately contacted law enforcement, the Ellis release said.At 2:45 a.m., the Ellis Police Department requested activation of the Hays Police Department’s Special Situation Response Team (SSRT). Members of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation also responded to the scene. At 4:39 a.m., SSRT began evacuating adjacent hotel rooms.Officers from the Hays Police Department, deputies from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and KBI agents arrived at the hotel and safely took Tolbert into custody at around 4:50 a.m., the KBI said.Tolbert was arrested on a Missouri warrant for assault first-degree or attempted serious physical injury, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest or detention by fleeing, and second-degree domestic assault.He was booked into the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office Jail."I’d like to applaud the exemplary teamwork that went into resolving this incident. The professionalism of Ellis County Communications, the Hays Police Department, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation led to the best possible outcome in this incident. We thank them for their assistance. We also extend our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the Lee’s Summit Officer that was injured in the line of duty," Ellis Police Chief Avery Smith said.

UPDATE: Suspect who shot KC area officer multiple times captured in Ellis Co.

The 2025 Ellis County Community Fair will unite health and support services under one roof in Hays.

The Ellis County Health Department will host this year’s fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., offering attendees a chance to discover local resources.

"Our greatest mission is bridging the gap between public services and people who need them," Ellis County Health Department director, Mellisa Miller, said.

The third-annual fair will feature booths from organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, Catholic Charities, Cottonwood Extension District, Hays Recreation Commission, High Plains Mental Health, United Way of Ellis County and USD 489.

The event is free to attend, but the health department will also provide $25 sports physicals for the upcoming school year with no appointment required.

Activities will include cornhole, balloon pop, prize wheels, face painting, ring toss and a bingo-style raffle with a $450 prize.

"Each vendor will have a stamp for the attendees' bingo card. And then when their bingo card is full, we'll draw a card and the winner will be notified," Miller said.

In addition to booths inside the mall, outdoor vendors and organizations will feature the Hays Public Library bookmobile, KansasWorks Mobile Center and Chick-fil-A.

The first 50 attendees will get free hot dogs and popcorn.

"We just wanted to create an inviting environment with a carnival theme, so a little less like a resource fair and more like a celebration of the community and what it has to offer," Miller said.

You can find more information on the Ellis County Health Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">here&nbsp;</a>and follow it on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscokshealth/">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748888082139.jpeg" alt="2023 Ellis County Community Fair at Big Creek Crossing in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>2023 Ellis County Community Fair at Big Creek Crossing in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe 2025 Ellis County Community Fair will unite health and support services under one roof in Hays.The Ellis County Health Department will host this year’s fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., offering attendees a chance to discover local resources. "Our greatest mission is bridging the gap between public services and people who need them," Ellis County Health Department director, Mellisa Miller, said.The third-annual fair will feature booths from organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, Catholic Charities, Cottonwood Extension District, Hays Recreation Commission, High Plains Mental Health, United Way of Ellis County and USD 489.The event is free to attend, but the health department will also provide $25 sports physicals for the upcoming school year with no appointment required.Activities will include cornhole, balloon pop, prize wheels, face painting, ring toss and a bingo-style raffle with a $450 prize."Each vendor will have a stamp for the attendees' bingo card. And then when their bingo card is full, we'll draw a card and the winner will be notified," Miller said.In addition to booths inside the mall, outdoor vendors and organizations will feature the Hays Public Library bookmobile, KansasWorks Mobile Center and Chick-fil-A.The first 50 attendees will get free hot dogs and popcorn."We just wanted to create an inviting environment with a carnival theme, so a little less like a resource fair and more like a celebration of the community and what it has to offer," Miller said.You can find more information on the Ellis County Health Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">here&nbsp;</a>and follow it on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscokshealth/">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2025 Ellis County Community Fair set for Thursday in Hays

Beginning Wednesday, the south side of 33rd Street between Willow Street and Vine Street will be closed to through traffic for road replacement. Westbound traffic in this area is allowed only.

It is anticipated that this shutdown will be until September 2025 or until further notice.

There will be no street parking permitted adjacent to the project during construction. The map provided shows the section of 33rd St. that will be under construction.

Motorists should use caution and allow more time for travel.

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. For questions, please contact the Project Contractor, Vogts-Parga Construction LLC, at 316-320-6650 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Wednesday, the south side of 33rd Street between Willow Street and Vine Street will be closed to through traffic for road replacement. Westbound traffic in this area is allowed only.It is anticipated that this shutdown will be until September 2025 or until further notice.There will be no street parking permitted adjacent to the project during construction. The map provided shows the section of 33rd St. that will be under construction.Motorists should use caution and allow more time for travel.The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. For questions, please contact the Project Contractor, Vogts-Parga Construction LLC, at 316-320-6650 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

South side of 33rd to close between Willow and Vine in Hays

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Freightliner semi driven by Adedapo A.&nbsp;Adewuyi, 47, Dacula, Georgia, was eastbound on Interstate 70 three miles east of Oakley.&nbsp; The vehicle overturned onto drivers side and came to rest partly in the median and partly in the passing lane.

EMS transported&nbsp;Adewuyi to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Freightliner semi driven by Adedapo A.&nbsp;Adewuyi, 47, Dacula, Georgia, was eastbound on Interstate 70 three miles east of Oakley.&nbsp; The vehicle overturned onto drivers side and came to rest partly in the median and partly in the passing lane.EMS transported&nbsp;Adewuyi to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns on I-70

Trinity Lutheran Church sponsored a benefit barbecue for First Call for Help on April 6 at the VFW. 

Thank you to Ron Nelson, a church member, who provided the meat and sides. Also, thank you to Dale "Schmitty" Schmidt and the VFW for hosting and helping with preparation, serving, and cleanup. 

Thank you to the church volunteers for assisting and providing desserts, and to all who generously contributed to this amazing organization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748894980216.png" alt="Back row: Pastor Brenda Rodger (Trinity Lutheran Church), Dean Stramel (Trinity Lutheran Church), Dale "Schmitty" Schmidt (VFW), Joe Leiker (VFW) Front row: Noalee McDonald-Augustine (Trinity Lutheran Church), Laura Shoaff (First Call for Help), Ron Nelson (Trinity Lutheran Church)" />
 <figcaption>Back row: Pastor Brenda Rodger (Trinity Lutheran Church), Dean Stramel (Trinity Lutheran Church), Dale "Schmitty" Schmidt (VFW), Joe Leiker (VFW) Front row: Noalee McDonald-Augustine (Trinity Lutheran Church), Laura Shoaff (First Call for Help), Ron Nelson (Trinity Lutheran Church)</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTrinity Lutheran Church sponsored a benefit barbecue for First Call for Help on April 6 at the VFW. Donations totaled $4,842.86. Thank you to Ron Nelson, a church member, who provided the meat and sides. Also, thank you to Dale "Schmitty" Schmidt and the VFW for hosting and helping with preparation, serving, and cleanup. Thank you to the church volunteers for assisting and providing desserts, and to all who generously contributed to this amazing organization.

Trinity Lutheran, VFW barbecue raises funds for First Call for Help

The <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">Heartland Community Foundation</a> is kicking off a summer adventure like no other! Introducing the Heartland No Bummer Summer — a creative challenge dreamed up by members of the Trego County Youth Action Council to help kids and teens get out, explore, and have fun this summer — without spending a fortune or staying glued to their phones.

From June 1 through July 31, teens and kids of all ages, living in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties are invited to complete fun, quirky and community-centered challenges — all designed to make the most of summer. From ice cream taste tests and sidewalk chalk art to choreographed dance videos and backyard obstacle courses, these activities are anything but boring. Maybe you can even get a local elected official to join in on a TikTok dance!

Participants simply complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with their name and hometown to 785-639-2003. Each completed challenge earns one entry into the end-of-summer prize drawings, with winners announced in August! Participants can complete as many challenges as they like — more entries mean more chances to win.

Core Challenges: 21 fun and free ideas you can do anywhere

Bonus Challenges: 23 location-based activities that showcase projects supported by past Heartland grant dollars -- from murals and splash pads to trails and campsites and more. Summer in our Heartland communities is made sweeter, thanks in part to Heartland grant dollars! Get out and explore the Heartland-area communities.

Special thanks to Nex-Tech Wireless, proud sponsor of the 2025 Heartland No Bummer Summer for prizes and for facilitating the dedicated phone number for this challenge! Flyers with full challenge lists are available on the Heartland Community Foundation’s Facebook page, online at <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, or stop by a local HCF office.

“This is such a fun way to celebrate all the great things our communities already have,” said Sarah Meitner, Executive Director of Heartland Community Foundation. “We’re proud to support local youth leadership and community engagement in such a creative way.”


Let’s make it a No Bummer Summer in the Heartland — and don’t forget take photos along the way and text them to 785-639-2003 for a chance to WIN!


Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge Rules:

Open to children and teens who live in Ellis, Rooks, or Trego counties.

The Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge runs from June 1 to July 31, 2025.

Complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with your NAME and HOMETOWN to 785-639-2003.

Each completed challenge = 1 entry in the end-of-summer prize drawing.

You can complete as many challenges, in any order, as you want — more challenges = more chances to win!

Entries are counted per child, not per family/group. Each participant submits their own photos to earn entries.

By submitting a photo, you give permission for it to be shared on our social media or in promotional materials.

Winners will be announced in August and contacted by text.

Keep it safe, respectful, and fun — be creative! 

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 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationThe <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">Heartland Community Foundation</a> is kicking off a summer adventure like no other! Introducing the Heartland No Bummer Summer — a creative challenge dreamed up by members of the Trego County Youth Action Council to help kids and teens get out, explore, and have fun this summer — without spending a fortune or staying glued to their phones.From June 1 through July 31, teens and kids of all ages, living in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties are invited to complete fun, quirky and community-centered challenges — all designed to make the most of summer. From ice cream taste tests and sidewalk chalk art to choreographed dance videos and backyard obstacle courses, these activities are anything but boring. Maybe you can even get a local elected official to join in on a TikTok dance!Participants simply complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with their name and hometown to 785-639-2003. Each completed challenge earns one entry into the end-of-summer prize drawings, with winners announced in August! Participants can complete as many challenges as they like — more entries mean more chances to win.Two challenge lists are available:Core Challenges: 21 fun and free ideas you can do anywhereBonus Challenges: 23 location-based activities that showcase projects supported by past Heartland grant dollars -- from murals and splash pads to trails and campsites and more. Summer in our Heartland communities is made sweeter, thanks in part to Heartland grant dollars! Get out and explore the Heartland-area communities.Special thanks to Nex-Tech Wireless, proud sponsor of the 2025 Heartland No Bummer Summer for prizes and for facilitating the dedicated phone number for this challenge! Flyers with full challenge lists are available on the Heartland Community Foundation’s Facebook page, online at <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, or stop by a local HCF office.“This is such a fun way to celebrate all the great things our communities already have,” said Sarah Meitner, Executive Director of Heartland Community Foundation. “We’re proud to support local youth leadership and community engagement in such a creative way.”
Let’s make it a No Bummer Summer in the Heartland — and don’t forget take photos along the way and text them to 785-639-2003 for a chance to WIN!
Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge Rules:Open to children and teens who live in Ellis, Rooks, or Trego counties.The Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge runs from June 1 to July 31, 2025.Complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with your NAME and HOMETOWN to 785-639-2003.Each completed challenge = 1 entry in the end-of-summer prize drawing.You can complete as many challenges, in any order, as you want — more challenges = more chances to win!Entries are counted per child, not per family/group. Each participant submits their own photos to earn entries.By submitting a photo, you give permission for it to be shared on our social media or in promotional materials.Winners will be announced in August and contacted by text.Keep it safe, respectful, and fun — be creative!

Heartland launches “No Bummer Summer” challenge for teens and kids across Ellis, Rooks, Trego counties

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By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

US energy exploration drops for a fifth consecutive week, according to a key forecast metric. Horizontal drillers account for the lion's share of that.&nbsp; The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops by three to 563 rigs, its lowest tally since November of 2021. The count of rigs drilling for oil drops for the fifth week in a row, down four rigs this week and 24 rigs since the beginning of April. The gas tally is up one rig this week.&nbsp; The number of active horizontal drilling rigs is down by three. That count is 19 rigs lower than on April 25, before five consecutive weekly declines.

At 16 active rigs, the Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down 16 percent from last week, 24 percent from last month and 47 percent from last year. The tally west of Wichita is unchanged at eleven active rigs.

Regulators in the Sunflower State okayed a dozen new oil-and-gas drilling locations last week, all of them in eastern Kansas. The tally so far this year east of Wichita is up 12 at 142 permits. The total in Western Kansas is unchanged at 141. There are 283 new drilling locations so far this year statewide, compared to 385 by this time last year.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 21 new well-completions for a total of 506 so far this year, down 40 wells from a year ago. The list includes three wells in Finney County and one in Haskell County.

US crude imports outpaced exports by more than two million barrels a day, according to weekly reporting from the Energy Information Administration. Imports averaged 6.3 million barrels a day last week, which is down nearly half a million daily barrels from a year ago, and almost a million barrels a day lower than two years ago. Crude exports averaged 4.3 million barrels a day.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685114004842.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
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 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaUS energy exploration drops for a fifth consecutive week, according to a key forecast metric. Horizontal drillers account for the lion's share of that.&nbsp; The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops by three to 563 rigs, its lowest tally since November of 2021. The count of rigs drilling for oil drops for the fifth week in a row, down four rigs this week and 24 rigs since the beginning of April. The gas tally is up one rig this week.&nbsp; The number of active horizontal drilling rigs is down by three. That count is 19 rigs lower than on April 25, before five consecutive weekly declines.At 16 active rigs, the Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down 16 percent from last week, 24 percent from last month and 47 percent from last year. The tally west of Wichita is unchanged at eleven active rigs.Regulators in the Sunflower State okayed a dozen new oil-and-gas drilling locations last week, all of them in eastern Kansas. The tally so far this year east of Wichita is up 12 at 142 permits. The total in Western Kansas is unchanged at 141. There are 283 new drilling locations so far this year statewide, compared to 385 by this time last year.Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 21 new well-completions for a total of 506 so far this year, down 40 wells from a year ago. The list includes three wells in Finney County and one in Haskell County.US crude imports outpaced exports by more than two million barrels a day, according to weekly reporting from the Energy Information Administration. Imports averaged 6.3 million barrels a day last week, which is down nearly half a million daily barrels from a year ago, and almost a million barrels a day lower than two years ago. Crude exports averaged 4.3 million barrels a day.US crude production tops 13.4 million barrels per day, the first weekly output report to surpass that level this month. EIA reports cumulative output this year and the four-week average are both up two percent from a year ago.After rising more than five million barrels in two weeks, US crude inventories dropped by more than half of that this week. EIA reports commercial stockpiles total just over 440 million barrels as of May 23rd. That's about six percent below the five-year seasonal average.Reuters published a survey of refiners who are suggesting Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter, could soon cut prices to their lowest level in six months. Prices have tumbled since the Saudis and their partners in OPEC-Plus announced a production increase for April, May and June.Russia's oil-patch tax policy, along with tanking crude prices, are making the country's critical export unprofitable. Newsweek reports their oil and gas revenue in May has fallen by one third from a year ago to just under $6.5 BILLION, the lowest level since July of 2023.