PRATT — A three-year investigation in northwest Kansas involving Cheyenne, Sherman, Wallace and Logan counties has come to a close, thanks to numerous public tips and the diligent efforts of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens. Throughout the investigation, game wardens executed multiple physical and electronic search warrants and conducted many interviews, leading to the discovery of 25 deer — mostly mule deer — one antelope, eight turkeys and other wildlife that had been taken illegally. Many of the deer had been shot out of season and with firearms by the guilty parties who were in possession of archery permits only; Many deer were also taken without a permit. Of the 13 deer scored, game wardens were able to determine the average antler size at 173 inches.

In all, 140 charges were filed for nine individuals for violations from 2015-2019. Of the nine individuals charged, three individuals received more than four charges. The charges are as follows:

KDWPPRATT — A three-year investigation in northwest Kansas involving Cheyenne, Sherman, Wallace and Logan counties has come to a close, thanks to numerous public tips and the diligent efforts of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens. Throughout the investigation, game wardens executed multiple physical and electronic search warrants and conducted many interviews, leading to the discovery of 25 deer — mostly mule deer — one antelope, eight turkeys and other wildlife that had been taken illegally. Many of the deer had been shot out of season and with firearms by the guilty parties who were in possession of archery permits only; Many deer were also taken without a permit. Of the 13 deer scored, game wardens were able to determine the average antler size at 173 inches.In all, 140 charges were filed for nine individuals for violations from 2015-2019. Of the nine individuals charged, three individuals received more than four charges. The charges are as follows:<ul>
 <li>Tayton Weeter received 58 charges relating to the illegal take of wildlife. Tayton pled guilty to 22 charges and was ordered to pay $45,000 in fines and restitution. Tayton also received a 10-year hunting revocation.</li><li>Tracy Weeter received 46 charges relating to the illegal take of wildlife. Tracy pled guilty to 12 charges and was ordered to pay $750 in fines and $1,688 in court costs. Tracy also received a two-year hunting revocation.</li><li>Sean Winter received 18 charges relating to the illegal take of wildlife. Sean pled guilty to six charges and was ordered to pay $5,800 in fines and restitution. Sean also received a 12-month hunting revocation and forfeited a firearm.</li>
 </ul>

Fines levied, licenses stripped after NW Kan. poaching investigation

The chance of showers or thunderstorms returns to the Hays area Thursday night, the National Weather Service reported.

There is a 40 percent chance of showers or storms after 7 p.m. Thursday, with a continued 20 percent to 50 percent chance extending into the early morning hours Monday.

Thursday will bring triple-digit temperatures to the area during the day, with a high of 101 projected.

The chance of showers or thunderstorms returns to the Hays area Thursday night, the National Weather Service reported.There is a 40 percent chance of showers or storms after 7 p.m. Thursday, with a continued 20 percent to 50 percent chance extending into the early morning hours Monday.Thursday will bring triple-digit temperatures to the area during the day, with a high of 101 projected.

NWS: Storm chances return to area through the weekend

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline last week registered
at $4.90. The average price in Kansas was $4.59 per gallon. The cost to fuel a
vehicle may have some citizens looking at other means of transportation. 
Todd VanSkike, owner of Golden Belt Bicycle Company in Great Bend, said despite
the rise in gas prices, there hasn’t been a huge uptick in bicycle purchases
from people wanting to shed their vehicles for two wheels.

He does acknowledge for
the price to fill up with gas a few times, you could get around town without the worry of gas prices. 
"You want to save money on gas, you can save an infinite amount by 
getting a nice bike," joked VanSkike. "Something reliable for $500 or 
$600, just a good Trek bike. You can ride around town and that thing 
will last you 20 years."

With an increased effort to include sharrows, bicycle signs and designated bike
paths, Great Bend is becoming more navigable for bicyclists. 
"Great Bend is well-equipped for routes around town, especially with the
 Trans-America route coming through here the last couple of years," said
 VanSkike. "There's been a real eye-opening to cycling and using the 
town's infrastructure better for riding bikes." 
In 2019, Great Bend was included as a stop on the Trans-America Bicycle Trail
that stretches from coast to coast in the United States.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656537790515.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe national average for a gallon of regular gasoline last week registered
at $4.90. The average price in Kansas was $4.59 per gallon. The cost to fuel a
vehicle may have some citizens looking at other means of transportation. 
Todd VanSkike, owner of Golden Belt Bicycle Company in Great Bend, said despite
the rise in gas prices, there hasn’t been a huge uptick in bicycle purchases
from people wanting to shed their vehicles for two wheels. He does acknowledge for
the price to fill up with gas a few times, you could get around town without the worry of gas prices. 
"You want to save money on gas, you can save an infinite amount by 
getting a nice bike," joked VanSkike. "Something reliable for $500 or 
$600, just a good Trek bike. You can ride around town and that thing 
will last you 20 years."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656444234071.jpeg" alt="Golden Belt Bicycle Company, 1111 Main, Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>Golden Belt Bicycle Company, 1111 Main, Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>With an increased effort to include sharrows, bicycle signs and designated bike
paths, Great Bend is becoming more navigable for bicyclists. 
"Great Bend is well-equipped for routes around town, especially with the
 Trans-America route coming through here the last couple of years," said
 VanSkike. "There's been a real eye-opening to cycling and using the 
town's infrastructure better for riding bikes." 
In 2019, Great Bend was included as a stop on the Trans-America Bicycle Trail
that stretches from coast to coast in the United States.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Over high gas prices? Get on your bike and ride

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 22 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from June 18 and 24.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Several northwest Kansas counties (see map below) were included among those with high incidence of coronavirus. Ellis County was moved from the high incidence to the substantial incidence category.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 7,322 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656525672284.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 22 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from June 18 and 24.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Several northwest Kansas counties (see map below) were included among those with high incidence of coronavirus. Ellis County was moved from the high incidence to the substantial incidence category.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,322 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656525699950.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 22 COVID cases in Ellis Co. in past week

Advancement Director Troy Ruda has announced he will be leaving Hays Catholic Schools for a position in Albuquerque, N.M.&nbsp;

“It is with great excitement that I announce that our family has accepted a wonderful opportunity for our future. We will be relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to embark on our next journey. I have accepted a position with a funeral service corporation as the Director of Operations for the State of New Mexico which operates funeral homes and cemeteries all over the United States and Canada,” announced Ruda.

Prior to joining Hays Catholic Schools in 2017, Ruda served as a Funeral Director and Location Manager with Horan &amp; McConaty Funeral Services in Denver, Colo.&nbsp; “Funeral service, to me, has always been a tremendous calling. I am blessed to be called back to this career, to utilize my skills and abilities in one of our corporal works of mercy, and to do God's merciful work on earth,” said Ruda.

The Superintendent of the Salina Diocese Catholic Schools, Geoff Andrews, is working with Bishop Jerry Vincke and the administration of HCS to fill the role of development and fundraising according to the recently completed strategic plan for Catholic schools.&nbsp;

“I greatly appreciate Troy’s commitment to the Hays Catholic Schools and his engagement with furthering the mission of Catholic education in Ellis County and across the Diocese. While he will be missed, I look forward to working with stakeholders to explore the next steps in the growth of stewardship in our Heartland Parishes.”

In his time with Hays Catholic Schools, Ruda strived to continue the development of the St. Thomas More Society, the Auction for Christian Education, organizational fundraising, and the growth of the Endowment Foundation. In addition, he worked to unify the Catholic school mission of the Heartland Parishes through his work with marketing, donor relations, and strategic planning.

In a note to coworkers, Ruda wrote, “I have tremendous pride in the work that we have accomplished together over the last 5 years. We have come a very long way, and I can't wait to see what you do next. As a Hays native and proud 1993 alum of St. Joseph's Elementary (Holy Family Elementary) and TMP-Marian, you will always have my sincere support.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656519830270.jpeg" alt="Troy Ruda" />
 <figcaption>Troy Ruda</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Catholic Schools Advancement Director Troy Ruda has announced he will be leaving Hays Catholic Schools for a position in Albuquerque, N.M.&nbsp;“It is with great excitement that I announce that our family has accepted a wonderful opportunity for our future. We will be relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to embark on our next journey. I have accepted a position with a funeral service corporation as the Director of Operations for the State of New Mexico which operates funeral homes and cemeteries all over the United States and Canada,” announced Ruda.Prior to joining Hays Catholic Schools in 2017, Ruda served as a Funeral Director and Location Manager with Horan &amp; McConaty Funeral Services in Denver, Colo.&nbsp; “Funeral service, to me, has always been a tremendous calling. I am blessed to be called back to this career, to utilize my skills and abilities in one of our corporal works of mercy, and to do God's merciful work on earth,” said Ruda.The Superintendent of the Salina Diocese Catholic Schools, Geoff Andrews, is working with Bishop Jerry Vincke and the administration of HCS to fill the role of development and fundraising according to the recently completed strategic plan for Catholic schools.&nbsp;“I greatly appreciate Troy’s commitment to the Hays Catholic Schools and his engagement with furthering the mission of Catholic education in Ellis County and across the Diocese. While he will be missed, I look forward to working with stakeholders to explore the next steps in the growth of stewardship in our Heartland Parishes.”In his time with Hays Catholic Schools, Ruda strived to continue the development of the St. Thomas More Society, the Auction for Christian Education, organizational fundraising, and the growth of the Endowment Foundation. In addition, he worked to unify the Catholic school mission of the Heartland Parishes through his work with marketing, donor relations, and strategic planning.In a note to coworkers, Ruda wrote, “I have tremendous pride in the work that we have accomplished together over the last 5 years. We have come a very long way, and I can't wait to see what you do next. As a Hays native and proud 1993 alum of St. Joseph's Elementary (Holy Family Elementary) and TMP-Marian, you will always have my sincere support.”

Ruda will depart Hays Catholic Schools for position in N.M.

The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau is celebrating 40 years by hosting a free Hays Kite Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, 1376 U.S. 183 Bypass. 

The giant kite show will be provided by Great American Kites and Events, out of Polo, Mo. The company provides games and activities, and encourages folks to bring their own kites.

Great American Kites and Events produces events all over the country, and owner Sean Beaver has a connection to Hays. 

“My wife Stephany (Rosenholtz) attended TMP,” Beaver said, “and we are both really excited to be back in Hays for the Wild West Festival weekend.”

The mission of the Hays CVB is to promote the City of Hays to visitors, and supporting special events fits into that mission. 

“We wanted to add another family-friendly event to the already popular Wild West Festival weekend, to see if we could encourage even more people to spend their Independence Day weekend in Hays,” said Melissa Dixon, CVB executive director.

Sunflower Kitchen food truck (Hays) and Sno White Shaved Ice (Oakley) are planning on setting up in the sports complex parking lot to provide food and beverages. Attendees are also allowed to bring their own coolers, drinks and lawn chairs into the sports complex. Glass bottles are not allowed. 

Pets on leashes are allowed at the complex, but owners must clean up after their pets.

For details and updates on this event, check the Community Events calendar at <a href="http://VisitHays.com">VisitHays.com</a> or search Facebook for the event “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1149144585881887?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Hays Kansas Kite Festival featuring Great American Kites</a>.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656427257137.jpeg" alt="Great American Kites. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Great American Kites. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays CVB The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau is celebrating 40 years by hosting a free Hays Kite Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, 1376 U.S. 183 Bypass. The giant kite show will be provided by Great American Kites and Events, out of Polo, Mo. The company provides games and activities, and encourages folks to bring their own kites.Great American Kites and Events produces events all over the country, and owner Sean Beaver has a connection to Hays. “My wife Stephany (Rosenholtz) attended TMP,” Beaver said, “and we are both really excited to be back in Hays for the Wild West Festival weekend.”The mission of the Hays CVB is to promote the City of Hays to visitors, and supporting special events fits into that mission. “We wanted to add another family-friendly event to the already popular Wild West Festival weekend, to see if we could encourage even more people to spend their Independence Day weekend in Hays,” said Melissa Dixon, CVB executive director.Sunflower Kitchen food truck (Hays) and Sno White Shaved Ice (Oakley) are planning on setting up in the sports complex parking lot to provide food and beverages. Attendees are also allowed to bring their own coolers, drinks and lawn chairs into the sports complex. Glass bottles are not allowed. Pets on leashes are allowed at the complex, but owners must clean up after their pets.For details and updates on this event, check the Community Events calendar at <a href="http://VisitHays.com">VisitHays.com</a> or search Facebook for the event “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1149144585881887?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Hays Kansas Kite Festival featuring Great American Kites</a>.”

Hays Kite Festival celebrates 40 years of CVB

At its monthly meeting Monday, the Ellis County Historical Society Board of Trustees voted unanimously to promote Amanda Rupp to executive director. Rupp has been acting as the interim director since March 2021. She has degrees from Fort Hays State University in&nbsp;Art History and Graphic Design&nbsp;and had&nbsp;worked&nbsp;in various capacities for ECHS&nbsp;from 2012 to 2015.

During her tenure, Rupp&nbsp;has led the society to new growth and reorganization. 

“We have been very impressed with the hard work, true dedication and excellent outcomes Amanda has given to the society in the past&nbsp;sixteen&nbsp;months," said Priscilla Hunt, 2021 board president. "Under her leadership, we look forward to a vibrant and flourishing future for our organization and for the people we serve."&nbsp;

Together with the ECHS Board, Rupp will guide the society in carrying out its mission. She&nbsp;has a passion for working with Ellis County communities to&nbsp;“Save Our Past’s&nbsp;Future."

“I was born in Ellis County and&nbsp;I love the people of&nbsp;western Kansas.”&nbsp;Rupp said.“I want to see the society create&nbsp;new&nbsp;community partnerships which celebrate and teach our unique history and culture to current and future generations. We have challenges in funding and a lot of work to do with our artifacts.&nbsp;But we have a plan and we&nbsp;have a golden army of volunteers who are helping us with their sweat equity and hours of personal time to meet and exceed our goals. It is very exciting, and we want everyone to join us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656448742826.jpeg" alt="Rupp" />
 <figcaption>Rupp</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseAt its monthly meeting Monday, the Ellis County Historical Society Board of Trustees voted unanimously to promote Amanda Rupp to executive director. Rupp has been acting as the interim director since March 2021. She has degrees from Fort Hays State University in&nbsp;Art History and Graphic Design&nbsp;and had&nbsp;worked&nbsp;in various capacities for ECHS&nbsp;from 2012 to 2015.During her tenure, Rupp&nbsp;has led the society to new growth and reorganization. “We have been very impressed with the hard work, true dedication and excellent outcomes Amanda has given to the society in the past&nbsp;sixteen&nbsp;months," said Priscilla Hunt, 2021 board president. "Under her leadership, we look forward to a vibrant and flourishing future for our organization and for the people we serve."&nbsp;Together with the ECHS Board, Rupp will guide the society in carrying out its mission. She&nbsp;has a passion for working with Ellis County communities to&nbsp;“Save Our Past’s&nbsp;Future."“I was born in Ellis County and&nbsp;I love the people of&nbsp;western Kansas.”&nbsp;Rupp said.“I want to see the society create&nbsp;new&nbsp;community partnerships which celebrate and teach our unique history and culture to current and future generations. We have challenges in funding and a lot of work to do with our artifacts.&nbsp;But we have a plan and we&nbsp;have a golden army of volunteers who are helping us with their sweat equity and hours of personal time to meet and exceed our goals. It is very exciting, and we want everyone to join us.”

Ellis Co. Historical Society names new executive director

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher Harvest is a farmer’s Super Bowl. It’s the culmination of a year’s work and his way to measure success. After the last load of wheat heads to town, there is a final buzz of activity. Equipment is cleaned and put away, paperwork sorted and other things neglected during harvest are checked on. The stress of constant activity, anticipation and worry, ebbs and there is room to breathe; a moment of thankfulness and rest. That brief rest is a special time for a farm family. Though a farmer’s work is never done, a fresh sense of accomplishment reminds a farmer that even God rested occasionally. The win of harvest gives farm families a small window for a holiday. Marc and I love both love to plan trips and travel to fun destinations, but he often struggles to commit to plans far enough in advance to book tickets or make firm commitments with friends. He can’t predict the weather, if irrigators will break down, when crops will be ready to harvest, if cattle fences will need unexpected mending, a storm causing damage or all the other unpredicted but steady tasks that keep farmers busy 365 days a year. But when the stars align, a brief vacation is in order. We love to grab a road map and snacks and jump in the car for a day of exploring the hidden gems of our neighboring towns in Kansas. Some people may read this and think I mean Wichita, Kansas City or one of our larger cities. Though these cities have some wonderful attractions, they are rarely the focus of our Kansas adventures. A little over a decade ago when I first moved here, the Kansas Sampler Foundation had just completed their “8 Wonders of Kansas” publications. That list joined personal recommendations from friends and our paper atlas to create ready inspiration for any of a dozen day trips we have ready for moments when the opportunity arises for us to travel this beautiful and unique state. If you have never seen the “8 Wonders of Kansas” or taken a day trip to the small towns who have pulled together resources to create museums, preserved history, share local art, or supported unique customs and businesses, you are missing out. Another joy of these day trips is that very little planning allows us to be flexible and see where the road leads us. This year our postharvest adventure started with my dad’s (a farmer who sees helping during wheat harvest as his annual vacation) interest in the Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette. Lunch at the Ranch House, an extensive and well maintained motorcycle collection and a very trendy and cool Smoky Hill Distillery awaited us on Main Street in Marquette. Next we decided to travel to neighboring Lindsborg for the view from Coronado Heights, the Old Mill Museum and the Dala Horse artists at Hemslojd. We meandered home through Lyons for a tasty dinner at the County Seat. Our day in towns with less than 4,000 people included rare items, interesting culture and history, great food and drink, and wonderful family memories. Small town Kansas may not be on the top of your vacation bucket list, but it is full of interesting people who freely share their passion with the people who step into their towns every day. That is what make traveling through our state so amazing. The next time you have a moment to pause for an adventure, I hope you will get out and see what the small towns around our state have to offer. Maybe I will see you there.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher Harvest is a farmer’s Super Bowl. It’s the culmination of a year’s work and his way to measure success. After the last load of wheat heads to town, there is a final buzz of activity. Equipment is cleaned and put away, paperwork sorted and other things neglected during harvest are checked on. The stress of constant activity, anticipation and worry, ebbs and there is room to breathe; a moment of thankfulness and rest. That brief rest is a special time for a farm family. Though a farmer’s work is never done, a fresh sense of accomplishment reminds a farmer that even God rested occasionally. The win of harvest gives farm families a small window for a holiday. Marc and I love both love to plan trips and travel to fun destinations, but he often struggles to commit to plans far enough in advance to book tickets or make firm commitments with friends. He can’t predict the weather, if irrigators will break down, when crops will be ready to harvest, if cattle fences will need unexpected mending, a storm causing damage or all the other unpredicted but steady tasks that keep farmers busy 365 days a year. But when the stars align, a brief vacation is in order. We love to grab a road map and snacks and jump in the car for a day of exploring the hidden gems of our neighboring towns in Kansas. Some people may read this and think I mean Wichita, Kansas City or one of our larger cities. Though these cities have some wonderful attractions, they are rarely the focus of our Kansas adventures. A little over a decade ago when I first moved here, the Kansas Sampler Foundation had just completed their “8 Wonders of Kansas” publications. That list joined personal recommendations from friends and our paper atlas to create ready inspiration for any of a dozen day trips we have ready for moments when the opportunity arises for us to travel this beautiful and unique state. If you have never seen the “8 Wonders of Kansas” or taken a day trip to the small towns who have pulled together resources to create museums, preserved history, share local art, or supported unique customs and businesses, you are missing out. Another joy of these day trips is that very little planning allows us to be flexible and see where the road leads us. This year our postharvest adventure started with my dad’s (a farmer who sees helping during wheat harvest as his annual vacation) interest in the Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette. Lunch at the Ranch House, an extensive and well maintained motorcycle collection and a very trendy and cool Smoky Hill Distillery awaited us on Main Street in Marquette. Next we decided to travel to neighboring Lindsborg for the view from Coronado Heights, the Old Mill Museum and the Dala Horse artists at Hemslojd. We meandered home through Lyons for a tasty dinner at the County Seat. Our day in towns with less than 4,000 people included rare items, interesting culture and history, great food and drink, and wonderful family memories. Small town Kansas may not be on the top of your vacation bucket list, but it is full of interesting people who freely share their passion with the people who step into their towns every day. That is what make traveling through our state so amazing. The next time you have a moment to pause for an adventure, I hope you will get out and see what the small towns around our state have to offer. Maybe I will see you there."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The joy of farm family day trips

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Fri Jun 17 2022 10:04:54 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Kameron Walton"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/dAtWBdcc-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/dAtWBdcc-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/dAtWBdcc-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kameron Walton" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Kameron Walton

<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/2022/6/1656443934793.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

FORT LARNED — A weekend July Fourth celebration will be July 2 to 4 at Fort Larned National Historic Site.

For soldiers and civilians at remote frontier posts celebrating our nation’s birthday was a yearly highlight.&nbsp; Being far from home made the holiday especially poignant.&nbsp;

To celebrate this year’s Fourth of July, Fort Larned is presenting special programs all weekend starting on Saturday, July 2,&nbsp;through Monday July 4. Living history demonstrations and presentations will be ongoing throughout each day, but there will also be special scheduled programs each day.&nbsp;

The weekend’s schedule of events includes the following:&nbsp;

10:00 a.m. – Blacksmith Demonstration&nbsp;

11:00 a.m. – Small Arms and Howitzer Firing Demonstration&nbsp;

1:00 p.m. – Fort Larned Fitness: Bayonet Drill Demonstration&nbsp;

2:00 p.m. – Small Arms and Howitzer Firing Demonstration&nbsp;

4:30 p.m. – Retreat: Traditional Army Flag Lowering Ceremony&nbsp;

1:00 p.m. – Life on Officers’ Row&nbsp;

2:00 pm – Small Arms &amp; Howitzer Firing Demonstration&nbsp;

12:00 p.m. – Traditional Salute Ceremony to the Flag&nbsp;

1:00 p.m. – Infantry Weapons of the Past: Small Arms from the Revolutionary War to Fort Larned (1775 – 1878)&nbsp;

Please keep in mind that programs and events are subject to change.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.nps.gov/fols" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/fols</a>&nbsp;

Fort Larned National Historic Site is located six miles west of Larned on Kansas 156. Information on visiting is on the internet at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/fols" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/fols</a>, or by calling 620-285-6911, or email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fols_superintendent@nps.gov" target="_blank">fols_superintendent@nps.gov</a>.&nbsp;

For information on area tourism partners, lodging, dining and community services, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.larnedks.org/" target="_blank">www.larnedks.org</a>&nbsp;or call 620-285-6916.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656168049735.jpeg" alt="Howitzer firing demonstration at Fort Larned National Historic Site (Photo courtesy Fort Larned NHS)" />
 <figcaption>Howitzer firing demonstration at Fort Larned National Historic Site (Photo courtesy Fort Larned NHS)</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseFORT LARNED — A weekend July Fourth celebration will be July 2 to 4 at Fort Larned National Historic Site.For soldiers and civilians at remote frontier posts celebrating our nation’s birthday was a yearly highlight.&nbsp; Being far from home made the holiday especially poignant.&nbsp;To celebrate this year’s Fourth of July, Fort Larned is presenting special programs all weekend starting on Saturday, July 2,&nbsp;through Monday July 4. Living history demonstrations and presentations will be ongoing throughout each day, but there will also be special scheduled programs each day.&nbsp;The weekend’s schedule of events includes the following:&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;10:00 a.m. – Blacksmith Demonstration&nbsp;11:00 a.m. – Small Arms and Howitzer Firing Demonstration&nbsp;1:00 p.m. – Fort Larned Fitness: Bayonet Drill Demonstration&nbsp;2:00 p.m. – Small Arms and Howitzer Firing Demonstration&nbsp;4:30 p.m. – Retreat: Traditional Army Flag Lowering Ceremony&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;10:00 a.m. – Blacksmith Demonstration&nbsp;11:00 a.m. – Small Arms and Howitzer Firing Demonstration&nbsp;1:00 p.m. – Life on Officers’ Row&nbsp;2:00 pm – Small Arms &amp; Howitzer Firing Demonstration&nbsp;4:30 p.m. – Retreat: Traditional Army Flag Lowering Ceremony&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;10:00 a.m. – Blacksmith Demonstration&nbsp;11:00 a.m. – Small Arms and Howitzer Firing Demonstration&nbsp;12:00 p.m. – Traditional Salute Ceremony to the Flag&nbsp;1:00 p.m. – Infantry Weapons of the Past: Small Arms from the Revolutionary War to Fort Larned (1775 – 1878)&nbsp;2:00 p.m. – Small Arms and Howitzer Firing Demonstration&nbsp;4:30 p.m. – Retreat: Traditional Army Flag Lowering Ceremony&nbsp;Please keep in mind that programs and events are subject to change.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/fols" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/fols</a>&nbsp;Fort Larned National Historic Site is located six miles west of Larned on Kansas 156. Information on visiting is on the internet at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/fols" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/fols</a>, or by calling 620-285-6911, or email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fols_superintendent@nps.gov" target="_blank">fols_superintendent@nps.gov</a>.&nbsp; For information on area tourism partners, lodging, dining and community services, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.larnedks.org/" target="_blank">www.larnedks.org</a>&nbsp;or call 620-285-6916.&nbsp;

Historic Fort Larned to celebrate July 4 with three-day event

Food has always been a big part of Oktoberfest in Hays. But this year, big food will also be a feature as the event looks to create the "world's largest bierock" during the 2022 celebration.

"We kicked around different items that may create some interest or fun, like a brat eating contest," said Tom Bird, Oktoberfest vendor committee chair. "But when I started researching bierocks and found that it was more specific to the Volga Germans, in particular western Kansas ... I thought, well, that would be unique."

Key to the effort was finding a sponsor to help take on the cost of creating the monster meal.

After searching for several years, Bird said this year, Hometown Chevy Dealers are making the effort possible.

During the event, they will also be showcasing some of the Chevy 2023 lineup.

Area dealers will distribute 300 tickets to give out for the event. Bird said it was essential to find an event that adds something new to Oktoberfest and draws more people — and partnering with area dealers should do just that.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c553c764-bdfc-498c-b710-c8f12d9cd2fb">RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Hays-area residents celebrate annual tradition.</a>

"We didn't want the bierock to take away from other vendors that are at Oktoberfest to take away from their food," Bird said, adding they wanted to bring "in a whole new group of people."

Highlighting the bierock, a billboard on I-70 between Hays and Salina is already promoting the event.

"The bierock is unique to the Volga Germans," Bird said. With that heritage, it has found a second home across Kansas and is often tied to German settlements in the state.

The savory cabbage and beef-filled yeast roll is closely tied to other dishes like pierogi and fleischkuekle, but remains a symbol of the German heritage engrained in Ellis County, especially around Oktoberfest.

"I was trying to figure out in years past
you know, going by some of the vendors that made bierocks, how many are actually
sold down there," Bird said. 

With on-site and take-away, he calculated that 15,000 to 20,000 bierocks are made and sold for Oktoberfest, many as organizational fundraisers.

But despite their popularity, the close ties to the Volga German heritage limit the reach of the local favorite, which also played into the decision to attempt to create the world's largest.

"There's no provenance on anybody trying the world's largest or large bierock," Bird said. "So we are the first ones."

Being the first attempt allows the group to choose the size of the effort, he said.

"We're just making the claim to see if anybody answers it," Bird said. "We'll make the first claim and see if anybody challenges it."

He also noted that the effort would not result in an official result from an organization like Guinness World Records, as doing so requires significant investment.

But record or not, it will be a massive endeavor. Based on the number of tickets to be given out, he figured the bierock would come in at over 125 pounds.

"It'll be big enough to sack 300
servings," Bird said.&nbsp;

Tackling the attempt is local restauranteur and Oktoberfest board member, Philip Kuhn.&nbsp;

"When I first got the idea, you know, we kind of talked about it and I said, 'You think this is possible?' and so we discussed a little bit," Bird said. "Instead of trying to cook it down there on-site, he's got real big commercial ovens at The Press, that he's able to put it in, and then we'll we will transfer it down there and then reveal it."

<a href="https://www.oktoberfesthays.com/">For more about the 2022 Oktoberfest, visit oktoberfesthays.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656095420568.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFood has always been a big part of Oktoberfest in Hays. But this year, big food will also be a feature as the event looks to create the "world's largest bierock" during the 2022 celebration."We kicked around different items that may create some interest or fun, like a brat eating contest," said Tom Bird, Oktoberfest vendor committee chair. "But when I started researching bierocks and found that it was more specific to the Volga Germans, in particular western Kansas ... I thought, well, that would be unique."Key to the effort was finding a sponsor to help take on the cost of creating the monster meal.After searching for several years, Bird said this year, Hometown Chevy Dealers are making the effort possible.During the event, they will also be showcasing some of the Chevy 2023 lineup.Area dealers will distribute 300 tickets to give out for the event. Bird said it was essential to find an event that adds something new to Oktoberfest and draws more people — and partnering with area dealers should do just that.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c553c764-bdfc-498c-b710-c8f12d9cd2fb">RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Hays-area residents celebrate annual tradition.</a>"We didn't want the bierock to take away from other vendors that are at Oktoberfest to take away from their food," Bird said, adding they wanted to bring "in a whole new group of people."Highlighting the bierock, a billboard on I-70 between Hays and Salina is already promoting the event.<h2>What is a bierock?</h2>"The bierock is unique to the Volga Germans," Bird said. With that heritage, it has found a second home across Kansas and is often tied to German settlements in the state.The savory cabbage and beef-filled yeast roll is closely tied to other dishes like pierogi and fleischkuekle, but remains a symbol of the German heritage engrained in Ellis County, especially around Oktoberfest."I was trying to figure out in years past
you know, going by some of the vendors that made bierocks, how many are actually
sold down there," Bird said. With on-site and take-away, he calculated that 15,000 to 20,000 bierocks are made and sold for Oktoberfest, many as organizational fundraisers.But despite their popularity, the close ties to the Volga German heritage limit the reach of the local favorite, which also played into the decision to attempt to create the world's largest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633123921756.jpeg" alt="From left: Octoberfest Grand Marshal Nick Werth and board members John Moeder and Phillip Kuhn celebrate the tapping of the keg at Hays 2021 Oktoberfest. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>From left: Octoberfest Grand Marshal Nick Werth and board members John Moeder and Phillip Kuhn celebrate the tapping of the keg at Hays 2021 Oktoberfest. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"There's no provenance on anybody trying the world's largest or large bierock," Bird said. "So we are the first ones."Being the first attempt allows the group to choose the size of the effort, he said."We're just making the claim to see if anybody answers it," Bird said. "We'll make the first claim and see if anybody challenges it."He also noted that the effort would not result in an official result from an organization like Guinness World Records, as doing so requires significant investment.But record or not, it will be a massive endeavor. Based on the number of tickets to be given out, he figured the bierock would come in at over 125 pounds."It'll be big enough to sack 300
servings," Bird said.&nbsp;Tackling the attempt is local restauranteur and Oktoberfest board member, Philip Kuhn.&nbsp;"When I first got the idea, you know, we kind of talked about it and I said, 'You think this is possible?' and so we discussed a little bit," Bird said. "Instead of trying to cook it down there on-site, he's got real big commercial ovens at The Press, that he's able to put it in, and then we'll we will transfer it down there and then reveal it."<a href="https://www.oktoberfesthays.com/">For more about the 2022 Oktoberfest, visit oktoberfesthays.com.</a>

BIG addition to Hays Oktoberfest planned

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas Tourism&nbsp;has&nbsp;released&nbsp;<a href="https://vimeo.com/709668549/e6c436b931">a new&nbsp;Story Series&nbsp;episode</a>,&nbsp;this time showcasing Kansas barbecue&nbsp;pit masters&nbsp;and mouth-watering smoked meat&nbsp;from&nbsp;across the state. Viewers are advised not to watch the video hungry.&nbsp;Episode 5, “The Smoke Show: A Story of Kansas BBQ,” features&nbsp;barbecue&nbsp;made&nbsp;by&nbsp;the special people and families that&nbsp;helped&nbsp;make&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;the famous&nbsp;BBQ destination&nbsp;we are&nbsp;known for&nbsp;today.

“Kansas is known worldwide for our BBQ&nbsp;and the&nbsp;pit masters&nbsp;in “The Smoke Show”&nbsp;highlight&nbsp;some of the best our state has to offer,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “In towns of all sizes, all across our state, there are great places to visit and delicious eats to be had.The Story Series is a unique and exciting way to lift up those stories and let people know that if they aren’t exploring Kansas, they are missing out.” <a href="https://vimeo.com/709668549/e6c436b931">You can watch the video here!</a>

The&nbsp;BBQ&nbsp;pit masters&nbsp;and destinations featured in the video include: Alex Hudson&nbsp; Luther’s BBQ&nbsp; Fort Scott

Desiree Amidon&nbsp; Billy Sims BBQ Hays

Ryan&nbsp;Collum Roy’s Hickory Pit BBQ Hutchinson

Mary “Shorty” Jones &amp; Deborah “Little” Jones Jones&nbsp;Bar-B-Q Kansas City Katie Wise Bite Me Barbecue Marysville Stan Englert&nbsp; The Ole Cook Shack BBQ Syracuse

“The Story Series is about showing the faces and places that make Kansas special. BBQ is in our veins and on our fingers,”&nbsp;said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe.&nbsp;“We’re telling the story of Kansas one chapter at a time, and we think everyone in the country should discover a new favorite BBQ spot in Kansas.”

Kansas Tourism launched&nbsp;the “To the Stories” campaign in&nbsp;May of 2021.&nbsp;The&nbsp;campaign evolved from&nbsp;a desireto share the fascinating&nbsp;faces and places across&nbsp;the state.&nbsp;The videos give an inside look at attractions, locationsand people that help make Kansas a great place to live, work and explore.&nbsp;

Other episodes in the series can be found below and at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.travelks.com/things-to-do/stories-series/">TravelKS.com/things-to-do/stories-series/</a>

Kansas Department of CommerceTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas Tourism&nbsp;has&nbsp;released&nbsp;<a href="https://vimeo.com/709668549/e6c436b931">a new&nbsp;Story Series&nbsp;episode</a>,&nbsp;this time showcasing Kansas barbecue&nbsp;pit masters&nbsp;and mouth-watering smoked meat&nbsp;from&nbsp;across the state. Viewers are advised not to watch the video hungry.&nbsp;Episode 5, “The Smoke Show: A Story of Kansas BBQ,” features&nbsp;barbecue&nbsp;made&nbsp;by&nbsp;the special people and families that&nbsp;helped&nbsp;make&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;the famous&nbsp;BBQ destination&nbsp;we are&nbsp;known for&nbsp;today.“Kansas is known worldwide for our BBQ&nbsp;and the&nbsp;pit masters&nbsp;in “The Smoke Show”&nbsp;highlight&nbsp;some of the best our state has to offer,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “In towns of all sizes, all across our state, there are great places to visit and delicious eats to be had.The Story Series is a unique and exciting way to lift up those stories and let people know that if they aren’t exploring Kansas, they are missing out.” <a href="https://vimeo.com/709668549/e6c436b931">You can watch the video here!</a>The&nbsp;BBQ&nbsp;pit masters&nbsp;and destinations featured in the video include: Alex Hudson&nbsp; Luther’s BBQ&nbsp; Fort ScottDesiree Amidon&nbsp; Billy Sims BBQ HaysRyan&nbsp;Collum Roy’s Hickory Pit BBQ HutchinsonMary “Shorty” Jones &amp; Deborah “Little” Jones Jones&nbsp;Bar-B-Q Kansas City Katie Wise Bite Me Barbecue Marysville Stan Englert&nbsp; The Ole Cook Shack BBQ Syracuse “The Story Series is about showing the faces and places that make Kansas special. BBQ is in our veins and on our fingers,”&nbsp;said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe.&nbsp;“We’re telling the story of Kansas one chapter at a time, and we think everyone in the country should discover a new favorite BBQ spot in Kansas.”Kansas Tourism launched&nbsp;the “To the Stories” campaign in&nbsp;May of 2021.&nbsp;The&nbsp;campaign evolved from&nbsp;a desireto share the fascinating&nbsp;faces and places across&nbsp;the state.&nbsp;The videos give an inside look at attractions, locationsand people that help make Kansas a great place to live, work and explore.&nbsp;Other episodes in the series can be found below and at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.travelks.com/things-to-do/stories-series/">TravelKS.com/things-to-do/stories-series/</a>

Hays pitmaster featured in Kansas Tourism video

PHILLIPS COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Jeep Compass driven by Kyla Leighanne Kenney, 17, Phillipsburg, was southbound on U.S. 183 three miles north of Phillipsburg.

The Jeep crossed center line and struck the trailer of a northbound 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Marion Dewayne McCraw, 59, Hoisington.&nbsp;

After impact, the Jeep overturned and came to rest in the east ditch. 

EMS transported Kenney to Phillips County Hospital. McCraw was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

PHILLIPS COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Phillips County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Jeep Compass driven by Kyla Leighanne Kenney, 17, Phillipsburg, was southbound on U.S. 183 three miles north of Phillipsburg.The Jeep crossed center line and struck the trailer of a northbound 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Marion Dewayne McCraw, 59, Hoisington.&nbsp;After impact, the Jeep overturned and came to rest in the east ditch. EMS transported Kenney to Phillips County Hospital. McCraw was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas teen hospitalized after crash with semi's trailer

Jackie Creamer’s Vision Dance Company last week attended Spotlight Dance Cup Nationals in Branson, Mo., bringing home a number of honors.

"We are so proud of all our students and we are so happy to be able to celebrate their hard work and well deserved achievements this week," the company said in a news release. "We are excited to start a new season and keep pushing for bigger and better things. AIE!!"

• 21 dances placed in the top 10 in many different categories.

• 10 dances were showcased in the national finals in multiple categories. Vision walked away with six national championship titles. 

• Jackie Creamer’s Vision Dance Studio was awarded the “Sweepstakes Award” for having the highest percentage of diamonds awarded compared to all 20 other dance studios that attended Branson. 

• 15 dances were awarded Category Cup for being the highest scoring dance in the age group and dance style. 

• Seven dances were awarded judges choice awards describing what made them stand out from the rest.

Aye Caramba- Petite Trio (Landry Callahan, Kendall Brungardt, Tessa Washburn) National Champion

Confess To Me- Teen Solo (Adelyn Wagner) finalist placing 3rd

Until We Go Down- Teen Trio (Jaci Schmidt, Sienna Lummus, Nevaeh Weigel) finalist placing 3rd

Can You Do This- Petite Small Group (Cailynn Luck, Haley McGuire, Jaden Brull, Jessica Wright, Kendall Brungardt, Landry Callahan, Peyton Neuberger, Sabrie VanKooten, Tessa Washburn) finalist placing 2nd

Rescue- Teen Small Group (Addison Mader, Ashtyn Barrera, Jaelyn Keener, Jenny Molstad, Kate Hansen, Paxton Ostmeyer, Taryn Beiker) National Champion

Sort Of- Petite Large Group (Alexa Seib, Allie Gier, Anaya Creamer, Annistyn Edwards, Arianna Weigel, Aspen Wolf, Cailynn Luck, Haley McGuire, Jaden Brull, Jessica Wright, Kendall Brungardt, Kenley Callahan, Landry Callahan, Peyton Neuberger, Sabrie VanKooten, Tessa Washburn, Zoie Ruiz) National Champion

Quiet Uptown- Teen Large Group (Adelyn Wagner, Ava Ruiz, Delia Dixon, Jaci Schmidt, Lillian McGaughey, Makayla Koerner, Molly Buckles, Mykayla Romme, Nevaeh Weigel, Ruby Fields, Samantha Zimmerman, Sienna Lummus) National Champion

Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous- Junior Small Group (Alexa Seib, Kenley Callahan, Arianna Weigel, Anaya Creamer, Allie Gier, Ruby Fields, Adelyn Wagner, Sienna Lummus, Jaci Schmidt) National Champion

All Human Beings- Senior Large Group (Adelyn Wagner, Lauren Wagner, Aliya Seib, Ella Voth, Emma Basgall, Kassidi Yost, Shyanne Yost, Mykayla Romme, Molly Buckles, Samantha Zimmerman, Makayla Koerner, Nevaeh Weigel, Ruby Fields) National Champion 

Because Of You- Senior Duo (Adelyn Wagner, Lauren Wagner) finalist placing 5th

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656430226752.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie Creamer’s Vision Dance Company last week attended Spotlight Dance Cup Nationals in Branson, Mo., bringing home a number of honors."We are so proud of all our students and we are so happy to be able to celebrate their hard work and well deserved achievements this week," the company said in a news release. "We are excited to start a new season and keep pushing for bigger and better things. AIE!!"• 21 dances placed in the top 10 in many different categories.• 10 dances were showcased in the national finals in multiple categories. Vision walked away with six national championship titles. • Jackie Creamer’s Vision Dance Studio was awarded the “Sweepstakes Award” for having the highest percentage of diamonds awarded compared to all 20 other dance studios that attended Branson. • 15 dances were awarded Category Cup for being the highest scoring dance in the age group and dance style. • Seven dances were awarded judges choice awards describing what made them stand out from the rest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656430263540.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Finalist and their placements:Aye Caramba- Petite Trio (Landry Callahan, Kendall Brungardt, Tessa Washburn) National ChampionConfess To Me- Teen Solo (Adelyn Wagner) finalist placing 3rdUntil We Go Down- Teen Trio (Jaci Schmidt, Sienna Lummus, Nevaeh Weigel) finalist placing 3rdCan You Do This- Petite Small Group (Cailynn Luck, Haley McGuire, Jaden Brull, Jessica Wright, Kendall Brungardt, Landry Callahan, Peyton Neuberger, Sabrie VanKooten, Tessa Washburn) finalist placing 2ndRescue- Teen Small Group (Addison Mader, Ashtyn Barrera, Jaelyn Keener, Jenny Molstad, Kate Hansen, Paxton Ostmeyer, Taryn Beiker) National ChampionSort Of- Petite Large Group (Alexa Seib, Allie Gier, Anaya Creamer, Annistyn Edwards, Arianna Weigel, Aspen Wolf, Cailynn Luck, Haley McGuire, Jaden Brull, Jessica Wright, Kendall Brungardt, Kenley Callahan, Landry Callahan, Peyton Neuberger, Sabrie VanKooten, Tessa Washburn, Zoie Ruiz) National ChampionQuiet Uptown- Teen Large Group (Adelyn Wagner, Ava Ruiz, Delia Dixon, Jaci Schmidt, Lillian McGaughey, Makayla Koerner, Molly Buckles, Mykayla Romme, Nevaeh Weigel, Ruby Fields, Samantha Zimmerman, Sienna Lummus) National ChampionLooking Good, Feeling Gorgeous- Junior Small Group (Alexa Seib, Kenley Callahan, Arianna Weigel, Anaya Creamer, Allie Gier, Ruby Fields, Adelyn Wagner, Sienna Lummus, Jaci Schmidt) National ChampionAll Human Beings- Senior Large Group (Adelyn Wagner, Lauren Wagner, Aliya Seib, Ella Voth, Emma Basgall, Kassidi Yost, Shyanne Yost, Mykayla Romme, Molly Buckles, Samantha Zimmerman, Makayla Koerner, Nevaeh Weigel, Ruby Fields) National Champion Because Of You- Senior Duo (Adelyn Wagner, Lauren Wagner) finalist placing 5th<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656430293411.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Vision Dance troupe earns six national titles in Branson

'We are asking you to help us raise your kids. There's nothing more important than that.' — Pat Schumacher, Shu's Crew Daycare

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The U.S. child care industry is at the point of market failure, a representative of Kansas' Child Care Aware program told a group of Hays Chamber members Friday.

Child care costs more to provide than families can afford to pay,&nbsp; said Jennifer Burgardt, community outreach and engagement coordinator at Child Care Aware of Kansas. 

Federal subsidies for child care providers have been available since the onset of the pandemic, but Burgardt said that money will eventually run out. A more sustainable model is needed, she said.

"For decades, providers have just been getting by," she said, "providing what parents can afford. However, with rising costs, it's just getting harder and harder. I think that has been exposed by the events of the last couple of years."

Families can also apply for subsidies through the Kansas Department of Children and Families, and Burgardt encouraged them to do so. The income ceiling for benefits has been raised.

Pat Schumacher, owner of Shu's Crew Daycare in Hays, said she cares about the children, but her job is becoming more difficult.

"We're going to have to rely on our local communities to help us with [subsidies]," she said. "Every time I write out that contract, I think to myself I have to raise my rates to meet my finances, but how do I that without pricing that for my families to the point they can no longer afford me."

Schumacher said she is concerned the federal grants will end.

"During COVID, we didn't get recognized, but we are essential workers too," she said. "Without us, the other essential workers could not go to work, could not provide the services needed at that time. ...

"We need to elevate the daycare providers and acknowledge they are more than glorified babysitters. It is time. Otherwise you are going to lose more and more of us."

A child care survey conducted by the Chamber in November 2021 found 151 of the 800 respondents said they would go back to work in some form if they had quality, affordable child care.

Chamber President Sarah Wasinger said that could have a significant effect on local employers who are trying to hire in a county with a 1.7 percent unemployment rate as of May.

Ellis County has one open child-care spot for every 10 children needing care. Ellis County is better off than many counties in northwest Kansas, which have no openings for infants or toddlers.

The lack of quality, affordable child care is costing Ellis County more than $11 million annually, according to Child Care Aware.

&nbsp;"Just like pre-K-12 education and higher education, it's becoming a necessity," Burgardt said. "It's becoming a need. It's really hard as a family just to have a one-person income family."

&nbsp;Mason Ruder, whose wife runs Ruders Rugrats Daycare, asked Burgardt if the state has considered expanding birth to kindergarten as a public education system. 

"It's not just watching your kids while you are at work," he said. "You are watching the kids while they are there, growing up and teaching them fundamentals of what they need to get into school, but not getting any of the benefits of providing that education."

Jennifer Hecker, an audience member, said a state college education costs more than child care for a child from birth to age 5.

"What's so upside down about that is that it's the most expensive when parents are at the very bottom of their careers and the bottom of their earning potential," she said. "There's no funding available. There's no support. 

"When [the children] get to college, the parents are at their highest earning potential and they are throwing scholarships at kids. ... "

Ruder said professors earn a good salary and have benefits. He said his wife can't purchase health insurance through her business or provide herself with retirement or give herself a raise.

Ruder said providers are at the breaking point and Shumacher agreed. 

"I struggle. I provide their food. I provide their hygiene. I try to teach them life skills along the way, and I try to do meaningful activities," Schumacher said. "Who would do that for less than $3 an hour? I ask you. And yet have little respect for it. That's why you're losing providers.

"It's not that we don't care," she said. "It's that we can no longer do it under these circumstances. If you want child care, you're going to have support us or you're not going to have a workforce. ...

The Ellis County Child Care Task Force has conducted a series of meetings trying to encourage people to become child care providers.

Child Care Aware provides a myriad of services to both those wishing to become child care providers and existing providers. More information can be found at <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">https://ks.childcareaware.org/</a>

The task force is conducting <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GZHFFHW">a survey of local businesses</a> about their employees' child care needs. It is also exploring a pay-to-play model in which businesses would pay to hold open child care spots for employees.

Businesses that are interested in the pay-to-play model should contact Wasinger at the Chamber at 785-628-8201.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656104449182.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay. " />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'We are asking you to help us raise your kids. There's nothing more important than that.' — Pat Schumacher, Shu's Crew Daycare </h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe U.S. child care industry is at the point of market failure, a representative of Kansas' Child Care Aware program told a group of Hays Chamber members Friday.Child care costs more to provide than families can afford to pay,&nbsp; said Jennifer Burgardt, community outreach and engagement coordinator at Child Care Aware of Kansas. Federal subsidies for child care providers have been available since the onset of the pandemic, but Burgardt said that money will eventually run out. A more sustainable model is needed, she said."For decades, providers have just been getting by," she said, "providing what parents can afford. However, with rising costs, it's just getting harder and harder. I think that has been exposed by the events of the last couple of years."Families can also apply for subsidies through the Kansas Department of Children and Families, and Burgardt encouraged them to do so. The income ceiling for benefits has been raised. Pat Schumacher, owner of Shu's Crew Daycare in Hays, said she cares about the children, but her job is becoming more difficult."We're going to have to rely on our local communities to help us with [subsidies]," she said. "Every time I write out that contract, I think to myself I have to raise my rates to meet my finances, but how do I that without pricing that for my families to the point they can no longer afford me."Schumacher said she is concerned the federal grants will end."During COVID, we didn't get recognized, but we are essential workers too," she said. "Without us, the other essential workers could not go to work, could not provide the services needed at that time. ..."We need to elevate the daycare providers and acknowledge they are more than glorified babysitters. It is time. Otherwise you are going to lose more and more of us."A child care survey conducted by the Chamber in November 2021 found 151 of the 800 respondents said they would go back to work in some form if they had quality, affordable child care.Chamber President Sarah Wasinger said that could have a significant effect on local employers who are trying to hire in a county with a 1.7 percent unemployment rate as of May.Ellis County has one open child-care spot for every 10 children needing care. Ellis County is better off than many counties in northwest Kansas, which have no openings for infants or toddlers.The lack of quality, affordable child care is costing Ellis County more than $11 million annually, according to Child Care Aware. &nbsp;"Just like pre-K-12 education and higher education, it's becoming a necessity," Burgardt said. "It's becoming a need. It's really hard as a family just to have a one-person income family." &nbsp;Mason Ruder, whose wife runs Ruders Rugrats Daycare, asked Burgardt if the state has considered expanding birth to kindergarten as a public education system. "It's not just watching your kids while you are at work," he said. "You are watching the kids while they are there, growing up and teaching them fundamentals of what they need to get into school, but not getting any of the benefits of providing that education."Jennifer Hecker, an audience member, said a state college education costs more than child care for a child from birth to age 5."What's so upside down about that is that it's the most expensive when parents are at the very bottom of their careers and the bottom of their earning potential," she said. "There's no funding available. There's no support. "When [the children] get to college, the parents are at their highest earning potential and they are throwing scholarships at kids. ... " Ruder said professors earn a good salary and have benefits. He said his wife can't purchase health insurance through her business or provide herself with retirement or give herself a raise.Ruder said providers are at the breaking point and Shumacher agreed. "I struggle. I provide their food. I provide their hygiene. I try to teach them life skills along the way, and I try to do meaningful activities," Schumacher said. "Who would do that for less than $3 an hour? I ask you. And yet have little respect for it. That's why you're losing providers."It's not that we don't care," she said. "It's that we can no longer do it under these circumstances. If you want child care, you're going to have support us or you're not going to have a workforce. ...&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Ellis County Child Care Task Force has conducted a series of meetings trying to encourage people to become child care providers.Child Care Aware provides a myriad of services to both those wishing to become child care providers and existing providers. More information can be found at <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">https://ks.childcareaware.org/</a>The task force is conducting <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GZHFFHW">a survey of local businesses</a> about their employees' child care needs. It is also exploring a pay-to-play model in which businesses would pay to hold open child care spots for employees.Businesses that are interested in the pay-to-play model should contact Wasinger at the Chamber at 785-628-8201.

Local providers: Current child care system no longer sustainable

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Volatility ruled the crude oil markets last week. New York crude dropped nearly two dollars Thursday, adding to four-dollar losses the day before. But on Friday traders reversed course. Light sweet crude for August delivery on the Nymex was fetching more than $108 by lunchtime Friday, up more than four dollars. London Brent was up four percent at nearly $114 a barrel. Crude-oil prices for the week were down nearly eight dollars. Kansas crude prices dipped to eight-week lows last week but spiked on Friday. Thursday's price at CHS for Kansas Common crude was down to $94.50 per barrel, the lowest in McPherson since May 10th. Prices were up $3.25 on Friday, and start the week at $97.75 per barrel. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped more than eight cents in the last week, to $4.90. The auto club AAA says the average across Kansas is down six cents on the week to $4.59 per gallon.&nbsp; President Joe Biden wants Congress to suspend the national gasoline tax and urged states to cut theirs. Lawmakers of both major parties have expressed resistance to suspending federal or state gasoline taxes. The government's closely watched Weekly Petroleum Status Report and several other scheduled information releases have been delayed indefinitely. An online advisory says the delays are the result of what the Energy Information Administration described as "systems issues." Weekly data we cover include US crude-oil production and imports, as well as crude and gasoline inventories. The EIA Web site has now posted advisories about pending releases coming out later this week. Friday's Rig Count from Baker Hughes showed a spike in drilling activity. The company reported 594 active drilling rigs nationwide, up ten oil rigs and up three gas rigs. The count in Texas was up six rigs for the week. Colorado was up three rigs. Oklahoma and New Mexico were each up one. The Rig Count in Kansas is unchanged, with eastern Kansas up two at 25 rigs, and Western Kansas down two at thirty rigs. Drilling was underway Friday on a well in Barton County. Operators were about to spud a new well on a lease in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 403 wells compared with 201 at this time a year ago. Drilling activity based on 637 spuds is up 75% from a year ago. Operators completed 11 wells across Kansas last week. Ten of those were west of Wichita including one newly-completed well each in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties. The tally so far this year is up to 742 completions, compared to 358 at this time last year. Kansas regulators okayed 43 new drilling locations, 33 in eastern Kansas and ten west of Wichita. That's 759 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 467 a year ago. The Kansas Geological Survey reports Kansas crude-oil production for January and February totaled over 4.3 million barrels, or a little over 73,000 barrels per day. Output in Barton County was just shy of 4,000 barrels per day, while Ellis County averaged nearly 6,000 barrels per day. In Russell County operators pumped nearly 3,500 barrels per day. Stafford County checked in with nearly 2,400 barrels per day. Canadian oil-sands producer Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil are petitioning the US Supreme court, hoping once again to send a Colorado climate-change lawsuit from state court back to federal court. This is the latest in a tug-of-war over jurisdiction that has stymied action for years as municipalities across the country file lawsuits over the effects of emissions. Suncor is fighting an appeals court ruling sending Boulder County's case back to state court. It marks the first test of a Supreme Court decision last May that sent a slew of climate liability cases back to appellate judges. The Circuit Court rejected all six of the oil firm's claims to move the case to federal court, where the industry may face better odds.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic was down slightly from last week but up slightly from last year. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,888 tanker carloads hauling petroleum or petroleum products in the week through June 18, down 149 tanker carloads from the week before, but up one percent from the same week a year ago. Russia has overtaken Saudi Arabia as China’s top importer of crude oil as its once largest importer, the European Union, continues to shun Russian oil over the war in Ukraine. Fox Business reports China imported nearly 2 million barrels per day last month– a 55% increase from a year ago, and a nearly 20% increase from the month before. India is also scooping up Russian barrels, taking advantage of $30 discounts despite international sanctions. Iraq remains India's number-one supplier, but Russia has surpassed the Saudis to become India's second-biggest source of crude oil. Disarray continues in the Libyan oil sector, complete with conflicting news accounts and fluctuating output reports. The Libyan Oil Minister told reporters output had stalled in recent weeks, dropping from 1.2 million barrels per day last year to 100,000 barrels per day earlier this month. But some fields came back online, and output is now reportedly up to nearly 800,000 barrels per day. Libya has Africa’s largest oil reserves, but production has been volatile since mid-April amid the most recent increase in political tension and protests at energy fields and ports. Observers warn that output in eastern Libya could soon be shut down entirely again due to protests. Output in the east has already slowed dramatically because storage facilities are full and protesters are denying tankers access. Oil discoveries off the Atlantic coast of Namibia in southwestern Africa are bringing a wealth of change, and a change of wealth, to the newly independent republic. Bloomberg reports back-to-back announcements of huge offshore discoveries from Total and Shell. The finds could reach four billion barrels of recoverable crude. Explorers have drilled more than a dozen exploration wells over the last thirty years in search of oil and gas. The chairwoman of the country's state oil company says the two discoveries could bring in $5.6 billion, a boost of more than half the size of the entire economy of Namibia.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Volatility ruled the crude oil markets last week. New York crude dropped nearly two dollars Thursday, adding to four-dollar losses the day before. But on Friday traders reversed course. Light sweet crude for August delivery on the Nymex was fetching more than $108 by lunchtime Friday, up more than four dollars. London Brent was up four percent at nearly $114 a barrel. Crude-oil prices for the week were down nearly eight dollars. Kansas crude prices dipped to eight-week lows last week but spiked on Friday. Thursday's price at CHS for Kansas Common crude was down to $94.50 per barrel, the lowest in McPherson since May 10th. Prices were up $3.25 on Friday, and start the week at $97.75 per barrel. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped more than eight cents in the last week, to $4.90. The auto club AAA says the average across Kansas is down six cents on the week to $4.59 per gallon.&nbsp; President Joe Biden wants Congress to suspend the national gasoline tax and urged states to cut theirs. Lawmakers of both major parties have expressed resistance to suspending federal or state gasoline taxes. The government's closely watched Weekly Petroleum Status Report and several other scheduled information releases have been delayed indefinitely. An online advisory says the delays are the result of what the Energy Information Administration described as "systems issues." Weekly data we cover include US crude-oil production and imports, as well as crude and gasoline inventories. The EIA Web site has now posted advisories about pending releases coming out later this week. Friday's Rig Count from Baker Hughes showed a spike in drilling activity. The company reported 594 active drilling rigs nationwide, up ten oil rigs and up three gas rigs. The count in Texas was up six rigs for the week. Colorado was up three rigs. Oklahoma and New Mexico were each up one. The Rig Count in Kansas is unchanged, with eastern Kansas up two at 25 rigs, and Western Kansas down two at thirty rigs. Drilling was underway Friday on a well in Barton County. Operators were about to spud a new well on a lease in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 403 wells compared with 201 at this time a year ago. Drilling activity based on 637 spuds is up 75% from a year ago. Operators completed 11 wells across Kansas last week. Ten of those were west of Wichita including one newly-completed well each in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties. The tally so far this year is up to 742 completions, compared to 358 at this time last year. Kansas regulators okayed 43 new drilling locations, 33 in eastern Kansas and ten west of Wichita. That's 759 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 467 a year ago. The Kansas Geological Survey reports Kansas crude-oil production for January and February totaled over 4.3 million barrels, or a little over 73,000 barrels per day. Output in Barton County was just shy of 4,000 barrels per day, while Ellis County averaged nearly 6,000 barrels per day. In Russell County operators pumped nearly 3,500 barrels per day. Stafford County checked in with nearly 2,400 barrels per day. Canadian oil-sands producer Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil are petitioning the US Supreme court, hoping once again to send a Colorado climate-change lawsuit from state court back to federal court. This is the latest in a tug-of-war over jurisdiction that has stymied action for years as municipalities across the country file lawsuits over the effects of emissions. Suncor is fighting an appeals court ruling sending Boulder County's case back to state court. It marks the first test of a Supreme Court decision last May that sent a slew of climate liability cases back to appellate judges. The Circuit Court rejected all six of the oil firm's claims to move the case to federal court, where the industry may face better odds.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic was down slightly from last week but up slightly from last year. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,888 tanker carloads hauling petroleum or petroleum products in the week through June 18, down 149 tanker carloads from the week before, but up one percent from the same week a year ago. Russia has overtaken Saudi Arabia as China’s top importer of crude oil as its once largest importer, the European Union, continues to shun Russian oil over the war in Ukraine. Fox Business reports China imported nearly 2 million barrels per day last month– a 55% increase from a year ago, and a nearly 20% increase from the month before. India is also scooping up Russian barrels, taking advantage of $30 discounts despite international sanctions. Iraq remains India's number-one supplier, but Russia has surpassed the Saudis to become India's second-biggest source of crude oil. Disarray continues in the Libyan oil sector, complete with conflicting news accounts and fluctuating output reports. The Libyan Oil Minister told reporters output had stalled in recent weeks, dropping from 1.2 million barrels per day last year to 100,000 barrels per day earlier this month. But some fields came back online, and output is now reportedly up to nearly 800,000 barrels per day. Libya has Africa’s largest oil reserves, but production has been volatile since mid-April amid the most recent increase in political tension and protests at energy fields and ports. Observers warn that output in eastern Libya could soon be shut down entirely again due to protests. Output in the east has already slowed dramatically because storage facilities are full and protesters are denying tankers access. Oil discoveries off the Atlantic coast of Namibia in southwestern Africa are bringing a wealth of change, and a change of wealth, to the newly independent republic. Bloomberg reports back-to-back announcements of huge offshore discoveries from Total and Shell. The finds could reach four billion barrels of recoverable crude. Explorers have drilled more than a dozen exploration wells over the last thirty years in search of oil and gas. The chairwoman of the country's state oil company says the two discoveries could bring in $5.6 billion, a boost of more than half the size of the entire economy of Namibia.

News From the Oil Patch: 'Systems issues' delay energy reports

AdventHealth has named Denyse Bales-Chubb president/CEO for 
AdventHealth Palm Coast. Additionally, Bales-Chubb will serve as market 
CEO for AdventHealth’s Flagler and St. Johns market in the 
organization’s Central Florida Division. She will step into this role on
 June 19.

“Denyse has a natural bias for action and throughout her career has 
demonstrated her ability to grow the markets she’s served in,” said 
AdventHealth president/CEO Terry Shaw. “These qualities, coupled with 
her commitment to our mission, will serve her well as AdventHealth 
continues to advance the delivery of faith-based, whole-person care to 
communities we serve.”

In her new role, Bales-Chubb will report to Audrey Gregory, PhD, RN, 
president/CEO for AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division – North 
Region. Bales-Chubb will provide market leadership for AdventHealth Palm
 Coast, a Leapfrog A rated hospital in Flagler County. Additionally, she
 will be responsible for the strategic planning, market growth and 
overall operational performance of the network of care.

“Denyse is a champion of innovation and committed to establishing 
services to better serve community needs,” said Gregory. “Flagler County
 is a growing community and I’m delighted that Denyse will be joining 
our team to help strengthen AdventHealth’s presence in Flagler and St. 
Johns counties so those communities can experience better access to 
quality care that helps them feel whole.”

AdventHealth is currently building a <a href="https://www.adventhealth.com/business/adventhealth-central-florida-media-resources/news/adventhealth-tops-out-palm-coast-parkway-hospital?listFilters=page%3D2">new 100-bed hospital in Palm Coast</a>,
 marking the single largest health care investment in Flagler County. 
Bales-Chubb will lead the ongoing construction of the four-story 
hospital, which joins AdventHealth Palm Coast in providing additional 
convenience and comprehensive care to Flagler County residents.

“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate with the leaders, 
clinicians and team members at AdventHealth Palm Coast in extending our 
mission to those we serve,” said Bales-Chubb. “With the addition of 
AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway, we will have the opportunity to provide
 access to world-class services and whole-person care to this growing 
community.”

Bales-Chubb has served in health care for over 27 years. She first 
joined AdventHealth in 2014, serving as president/CEO of AdventHealth 
Wesley Chapel. Most recently, she served as president/CEO of 
AdventHealth Tampa, where she maintained a strong focus on the quality 
of care and patient experience. Prior to joining AdventHealth, 
Bales-Chubb served as senior vice president at Adventist Health Central 
Valley Network in California, where she oversaw two hospital campuses in
 addition to lab and imaging services for the entire network. She was 
also highly involved in the successful transition of new hospitals into 
their system.

Bales-Chubb earned a master’s degree in health care administration 
from Wichita State University and a Bachelor of Science from Fort Hays 
State University. Bales-Chubb and her husband of 22 years, Jack, are 
parents to three adult children. She enjoys running, outdoor activities,
 traveling and exploring new areas with her family. Originally from 
Bison, she still owns land in Kansas and is involved with the family farm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656187562142.jpeg" alt="Denyse Bales-Chubb" />
 <figcaption>Denyse Bales-Chubb</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseAdventHealth has named Denyse Bales-Chubb president/CEO for 
AdventHealth Palm Coast. Additionally, Bales-Chubb will serve as market 
CEO for AdventHealth’s Flagler and St. Johns market in the 
organization’s Central Florida Division. She will step into this role on
 June 19.“Denyse has a natural bias for action and throughout her career has 
demonstrated her ability to grow the markets she’s served in,” said 
AdventHealth president/CEO Terry Shaw. “These qualities, coupled with 
her commitment to our mission, will serve her well as AdventHealth 
continues to advance the delivery of faith-based, whole-person care to 
communities we serve.”In her new role, Bales-Chubb will report to Audrey Gregory, PhD, RN, 
president/CEO for AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division – North 
Region. Bales-Chubb will provide market leadership for AdventHealth Palm
 Coast, a Leapfrog A rated hospital in Flagler County. Additionally, she
 will be responsible for the strategic planning, market growth and 
overall operational performance of the network of care.“Denyse is a champion of innovation and committed to establishing 
services to better serve community needs,” said Gregory. “Flagler County
 is a growing community and I’m delighted that Denyse will be joining 
our team to help strengthen AdventHealth’s presence in Flagler and St. 
Johns counties so those communities can experience better access to 
quality care that helps them feel whole.”AdventHealth is currently building a <a href="https://www.adventhealth.com/business/adventhealth-central-florida-media-resources/news/adventhealth-tops-out-palm-coast-parkway-hospital?listFilters=page%3D2">new 100-bed hospital in Palm Coast</a>,
 marking the single largest health care investment in Flagler County. 
Bales-Chubb will lead the ongoing construction of the four-story 
hospital, which joins AdventHealth Palm Coast in providing additional 
convenience and comprehensive care to Flagler County residents.“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate with the leaders, 
clinicians and team members at AdventHealth Palm Coast in extending our 
mission to those we serve,” said Bales-Chubb. “With the addition of 
AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway, we will have the opportunity to provide
 access to world-class services and whole-person care to this growing 
community.”Bales-Chubb has served in health care for over 27 years. She first 
joined AdventHealth in 2014, serving as president/CEO of AdventHealth 
Wesley Chapel. Most recently, she served as president/CEO of 
AdventHealth Tampa, where she maintained a strong focus on the quality 
of care and patient experience. Prior to joining AdventHealth, 
Bales-Chubb served as senior vice president at Adventist Health Central 
Valley Network in California, where she oversaw two hospital campuses in
 addition to lab and imaging services for the entire network. She was 
also highly involved in the successful transition of new hospitals into 
their system.Bales-Chubb earned a master’s degree in health care administration 
from Wichita State University and a Bachelor of Science from Fort Hays 
State University. Bales-Chubb and her husband of 22 years, Jack, are 
parents to three adult children. She enjoys running, outdoor activities,
 traveling and exploring new areas with her family. Originally from 
Bison, she still owns land in Kansas and is involved with the family farm.

Bison native, FHSU alum assumes leadership position for Fla. hospital  group

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Fri Jun 17 2022 10:04:54 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Hunter Parker"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/JXE5Tx6B-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/JXE5Tx6B-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/JXE5Tx6B-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Hunter Parker" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Hunter Parker

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656376121403.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>

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Plant analysis is an excellent in-season “quality control” tool. It can be especially valuable for managing secondary and micronutrients that do not have high-quality, reliable soil tests available, and for providing insight into how efficiently you are using applied nutrients.

Plant analysis can be used by Kansas farmers in two basic ways: for diagnostic purposes, and for monitoring nutrient levels at a common growth stage. Diagnostics can be done any time and is especially valuable early in the season when corrective actions can easily be taken. Monitoring is generally done at the beginning of reproductive growth.

•Plants are less than 12 inches tall: Collect the whole plant; cut the plant off at ground level.•Plants more than 12 inches tall and until reproductive growth begins: Collect the top fully developed leaves (those which show leaf collars).•After reproductive growth starts: Collect the ear leaves (below the uppermost developing ear), samples should be collected at random from the field at silk emergence.

Plant analysis for nutrient monitoring&nbsp;- for general monitoring or quality control purposes, plant leaves should be collected as the plant enters reproductive growth. Sampling under stress conditions for monitoring purposes can give misleading results, and is not recommended. Stresses such as drought or saturated soils will generally limit nutrient uptake, and result in a general reduction in nutrient content in the plant.

What nutrients should be included in the plant analysis?&nbsp;In Kansas, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), chloride (Cl), and iron (Fe) are the nutrients most likely to be found deficient. Recently, questions have been raised concerning copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo), though widespread deficiencies of those micronutrients have not been found in the state. Normally the best values are the “bundles” or “packages” of tests offered through many of the labs. They can be as simple as N, P and K, or can be all the mineral elements considered essential to plants. K-State offers a package which includes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn.

What will you get back from the lab?&nbsp;The data returned from the lab will be reported as the concentration of nutrient elements, or potentially toxic elements, in the plants. Units reported will normally be in “percent” for the primary and secondary nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and&nbsp;Cl) and “ppm” (parts per million) for most of the micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B, Mo, and Al).

Most labs/agronomists compare plant nutrient concentrations to published&nbsp;sufficiency ranges. A sufficiency range is simply the range of concentrations normally found in healthy, productive plants during surveys. It can be thought of as the range of values optimum for plant growth. The medical profession uses a similar range of normal values to evaluate blood work. The sufficiency ranges change with plant age (generally being higher in young plants), vary between plant parts, and can differ between hybrids. A value slightly below the sufficiency range does not always mean the plant is deficient in that nutrient. It is an indication that the nutrient is relatively low. Values on the low end of the range are common in extremely high-yielding crops. However, if that nutrient is significantly below the sufficiency range, you should ask some serious questions about the availability and supply of that nutrient.

To read the full article on how to&nbsp;how best take and ship the plant leaves, more about plant stress and nutrient uptake, extreme levels of nutrients&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a></a>the&nbsp;range of&nbsp;nutrient contents considered “normal” or “sufficient” at two growth stages in corn&nbsp;go to &nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656344643819.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictPlant analysis is an excellent in-season “quality control” tool. It can be especially valuable for managing secondary and micronutrients that do not have high-quality, reliable soil tests available, and for providing insight into how efficiently you are using applied nutrients.Plant analysis can be used by Kansas farmers in two basic ways: for diagnostic purposes, and for monitoring nutrient levels at a common growth stage. Diagnostics can be done any time and is especially valuable early in the season when corrective actions can easily be taken. Monitoring is generally done at the beginning of reproductive growth.General sampling guidelines:•Plants are less than 12 inches tall: Collect the whole plant; cut the plant off at ground level.•Plants more than 12 inches tall and until reproductive growth begins: Collect the top fully developed leaves (those which show leaf collars).•After reproductive growth starts: Collect the ear leaves (below the uppermost developing ear), samples should be collected at random from the field at silk emergence.Plant analysis for nutrient monitoring&nbsp;- for general monitoring or quality control purposes, plant leaves should be collected as the plant enters reproductive growth. Sampling under stress conditions for monitoring purposes can give misleading results, and is not recommended. Stresses such as drought or saturated soils will generally limit nutrient uptake, and result in a general reduction in nutrient content in the plant.What nutrients should be included in the plant analysis?&nbsp;In Kansas, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), chloride (Cl), and iron (Fe) are the nutrients most likely to be found deficient. Recently, questions have been raised concerning copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo), though widespread deficiencies of those micronutrients have not been found in the state. Normally the best values are the “bundles” or “packages” of tests offered through many of the labs. They can be as simple as N, P and K, or can be all the mineral elements considered essential to plants. K-State offers a package which includes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn.What will you get back from the lab?&nbsp;The data returned from the lab will be reported as the concentration of nutrient elements, or potentially toxic elements, in the plants. Units reported will normally be in “percent” for the primary and secondary nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and&nbsp;Cl) and “ppm” (parts per million) for most of the micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B, Mo, and Al).Most labs/agronomists compare plant nutrient concentrations to published&nbsp;sufficiency ranges. A sufficiency range is simply the range of concentrations normally found in healthy, productive plants during surveys. It can be thought of as the range of values optimum for plant growth. The medical profession uses a similar range of normal values to evaluate blood work. The sufficiency ranges change with plant age (generally being higher in young plants), vary between plant parts, and can differ between hybrids. A value slightly below the sufficiency range does not always mean the plant is deficient in that nutrient. It is an indication that the nutrient is relatively low. Values on the low end of the range are common in extremely high-yielding crops. However, if that nutrient is significantly below the sufficiency range, you should ask some serious questions about the availability and supply of that nutrient.To read the full article on how to&nbsp;how best take and ship the plant leaves, more about plant stress and nutrient uptake, extreme levels of nutrients&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a></a>the&nbsp;range of&nbsp;nutrient contents considered “normal” or “sufficient” at two growth stages in corn&nbsp;go to &nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>

CAMPBELL: Plant analysis for testing nutrient levels in corn

WICHITA – The Kansas Sports Hall of
Fame has announced their induction class of 2022 Monday. 

There will be 10 new members that
will be inducted this year, bringing the total number of people in the Kansas
Sports Hall of Fame to 317.

WICHITA – The Kansas Sports Hall of
Fame has announced their induction class of 2022 Monday. There will be 10 new members that
will be inducted this year, bringing the total number of people in the Kansas
Sports Hall of Fame to 317.The Induction Ceremony will take
place on Sunday, October 2nd at the Kansas Star Casino. Tickets go on sale
August 1st on the <a href="https://www.kshof.org/">Kansas Sports Hall of Fame website</a>.The Induction Class of 2022 includes
the following:Clint Bowyer – Emporia HS, 1997 | Flint Hills
Technical College 
Began racing motocross in 1985. Won over 200 races in motocross as an amateur.
Began racing street stocks and modified in 1996. Won the Modified championship
in 2000. Won the 2002 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Midwest Championship, Signed
with Richard Childress Racing in 2003. Finished second in NASCAR Xfinity Series
in 2005; finished third in NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2006. Became a full-time
NASCAR Cup Series driver in 2006. Won the 2008 NASCAR Xfinity Series
Championship in 2008. NASCAR Truck Series career: three wins, ten top-ten in
fourten races. NASCAR Xfinity Series career: eight wins, 116 top-ten finishes in
181 races. NASCAR Cup Series career: 10 wins, 226 top-ten finishes in 541
races. Retired from racing in 2020. Currently works as a full-time analyst for
Fox NASCAR.Emily Bloss Carpenter – Wellsville HS, 1997 / Emporia
State, 2001 
All-state basketball selection at Wellsville. Four-year letterwinner in basketball
at Emporia State. All-American selection in 2001. Three-time All-MIAA
selection. Led Lady Hornets to four straight MIAA regular season and tournament
championships and four straight NCAA Division II Tournament appearances. NCAA
Division II National Player of the Year and MIAA MVP in 2001. Won the Ken B.
Jones Award from the MIAA as the conference’s top female athlete in 2001. Named
NCAA Top VIII Student-Athlete in 2001. Finished Emporia State career as the
school’s all-time leader in points scored and steals and fourth in rebounds.
Also earned All-America honors as part of the Emporia State 1600 relay team in
1998. Three-time Academic All-American selection. Inducted into the Emporia State
Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and the MIAA Hall of Fame in 2012.Tara Holloway Churchill – Moundridge HS, 1996 | Emporia
State, 2000 
All-state basketball selection at Moundridge. Led Wildcats to a state
championship during her senior season. Four-year letterwinner in basketball at
Emporia State. All-American selection in 2000. NCAA Division II National Player
of the Year and MIAA MVP in 2000. Two-time All-MIAA selection. Finished Emporia
State career as the school’s second all-time leader in points scored, fourth in
rebounds and leader in steals. Led the Hornets to four-straight NCAA Tournament
appearances, three regular season MIAA titles, three MIAA Tournament titles, two
NCAA II Final Four appearances and one NCAA II Elite Eight appearance. Inducted
into the Emporia State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.Elwood “BINGO” DeMoss – Born in Topeka, 1889 
Negro League Baseball player, Played shortstop for the Topeka Giants in 1905.
Also played for the Indianapolis ABC’s before moving on to the Chicago American
Giants. Played second base for Chicago from 1917-1925. Named captain of the
team in 1919, serving in that role for six seasons. Hit over .300 for times
during his career. Coached the Detroit Stars for six seasons as player-manager.
Also served as coach for the Indianapolis ABC’s, Brown Bombers and the Brooklyn
Brown Dodgers. One of three finalists at second base for the Negro League Baseball
Museum Gold Glove Award. Inducted to the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012
and the Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013Kendall Gammon – Rose Hill HS, 1988 / Pittsburg
State, 1991 
Three-time All-MIAA football player at Pittsburg State. First-team All-American
selection in 1991. Member of the 1991 NCAA Division II national championship
football team. Won three MIAA titles in football. Played for KSHOF inductee
Chuck Broyles at Pitt State. Drafted in the 11th round of the 1992 NFL Draft by
the Pittsburgh Steelers. Played 15 NFL seasons as a long-snapper and lineman
for the Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs. Won Super Bowl XXX
with the Steelers. Named to the 2004 NFL Pro Bowl. Named to the Pittsburg State
100th Anniversary Team in 2003. Inducted into the Pittsburg State Athletic Hall
of Fame in 2007 and the MIAA Hall of Fame in 2014. 
 
Bill James – Mayetta HS, 1967 / Kansas,
1971 (Contributor) 
Baseball writer, historian and researcher. Wrote and published the Bill
James Baseball Abstract in 1977-98, which presented an in-depth analysis of
baseball statistics from the proceeding season. Wrote several other baseball
books and abstracts including The Baseball Book, the Bill James Historical
Baseball Abstract, The Bill James Handbook. Created new statistical
categories including Runs Created, Win Shares and Major League Equivalency for minor
league players. Coined the team “sabermetrics” for his statistical analysis and
to honor the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR). Served as senior
advisor for baseball operations for the Boston Red Sox from 2002-19, winning
four World Series titles.Jesse Nelson – Emporia HS, 1970 / Emporia
State, 1974 (Coach) 
Four-year letterwinner in basketball at Emporia State under KSHOF inductee Ron
Slaymaker. Scored 640 points in 98 career games for the Hornets. Named head
coach of Olpe girls basketball in 1978. Finished career as the all-time
winningest coach in Kansas high school basketball history, girls or boys, with 951
wins. Career win percentage of 89.5% (951-111). Won four state championships at
Olpe in 1981, 2010, 2011 and 2021. Made the state tournament 30 times. Named
the 2014 USA Today America’s Girls Basketball Coach National Champion,
2016 McDonald’s All-American head coach and the 2021 National Federation of
High School Associations (NFHS) girls basketball Coach of the Year. Inducted
into the Emporia State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.George Toma – Edwardsville (PA) HS 1947
(Contributor) 
Groundskeeper over seven decades in professional sports. Groundskeeper for the Kansas
City Athletics 1957-67; Kansas Cit Royals 1969-99; Kansas City Chiefs 1963-91. Has
worked the grounds for over 50 Super Bowls, two U.S. hosted Olympic games and
37 Pro Bowls. One of four that founded the Sports Turf Managers Association
(STMA) in 1981; namesake of STMA’s George Toma Golden Rake Award, NFL Dan
Reeves Pioneer Award recipient in 2001. Inducted into the MLB Groundskeepers
Hall of Fame in 2012, Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Missouri
Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.Gordan Vadakin – Wichita Southeast HS, 1971 /
Wichita State, 1982 (Coach) 
Head bowling coach at Wichita State 1977-2019. Won 18 bowling national
championships at WSU; 11 men’s team titles and seven women’s team titles.
Coaches men’s and/or women’s team to the Intercollegiate Bowling Championships
every year as a coach. Coached nine individual national champions; four men and
five women. Member of the Team USA bowling coaching staff 1991-2008. Namesake
of the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association Men’s Coach of the Year
Award. Inducted as a competitor to the Great Plains Bowling Association Hall of
Fame in 2004, the United State Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2007 and the
Bowling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012.Roy Williams – T.C. Roberson (NC) HS, 1968 / North
Carolina, 1972 (Coach) 
Began coaching career at Charles D. Owen (NC) High School in 1973 before being
hired as an assistant coach for KSHOF inductee Dean Smith at the University of
North Carolina in 1978. Helped the Tar Heels win the 1982 NCAA national
championship. Named head coach at the University of Kansas in 1988 where he coached
for 15 years. KU coaches record: 418-101. Won five Big Eight and four Big 12
regular season titles; four NCAA Final Four appearances. Coached KSHOF inductees
Nick Collison, Drew Gooden, Raef LaFrentz and Wayne Simien. Named the head
coach at the University of North Carolina in 2003. Won three NCAA national championships;
made five NCAA Final Four appearances. Career coaching record: 903-264. Only
coach in NCAA history to win 400 or more games at two different schools.
Inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Basketball
Hall of Fame in 2007.