Welcome to Cash Grab! It is your chance to win $250 on Friday's in October!

Keywords are given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!

Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and Vanderbilt’s of Hays.

Welcome to Cash Grab! It is your chance to win $250 on Friday's in October!Keywords are given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!Thanks for playing and good luck!!Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and Vanderbilt’s of Hays.<div><script src="https://xp.audience.io/widget.js"></script>
<div class="aptivada-widget" data-widget-id="1817181" data-widget-type="app" >
 <div>
 <div style="background:#ffffff url('https://cdn3.aptivada.com/images/iframeLoader.gif') no-repeat center; min-height:500px;"></div>
 <a style="display:block; max-width: fit-content; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank" href="https://xp.audience.io/countdown/1817181">Campaign not loading? Click here</a>
 </div>
</div></div>

💰 ENTER CASH GRAB HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $250!

We are looking for volunteers to help us provide shelter during the coldest nights in Hays this winter! 

The &nbsp;Ellis County Ministerial Alliance will be hosting an information session at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 for anyone interested in volunteering. 

The location of the meeting is First Baptist Church,&nbsp;1111 Fort St.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is an excellent opportunity&nbsp;to be involved with the&nbsp;Hays Community. 

To sign up for the information session please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ourecma.com/hayscoldshelter">Cold Weather Shelter | ECMA</a>

SubmittedWe are looking for volunteers to help us provide shelter during the coldest nights in Hays this winter! The &nbsp;Ellis County Ministerial Alliance will be hosting an information session at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 for anyone interested in volunteering. The location of the meeting is First Baptist Church,&nbsp;1111 Fort St.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is an excellent opportunity&nbsp;to be involved with the&nbsp;Hays Community. To sign up for the information session please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ourecma.com/hayscoldshelter">Cold Weather Shelter | ECMA</a>

Shelter volunteers needed

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

The benchmark NYMEX futures contract settled at five week highs on Friday, rising to $74.38 per barrel at the close of trading. By midday Monday crude buyers pushed that up another two dollars and change, with WTI trading over $76 a barrel and London Brent topping $80.The average price for Kansas Common crude in McPherson last month was $59.87 per barrel. That's down nearly six dollars from the average n August, five dollars lower than January, and nearly twenty dollars cheaper than a year ago. Kansas Common at CHS starts the week at sixty-four seventy-five ($64.75) per barrel, after a 75 cent increase on Friday.

The weekly rig counts from Baker Hughes show a big drop in&nbsp;oil&nbsp;rigs last week, offset in part by an increase in rigs drilling for natural gas. New Mexico was down three rigs. Texas was up two. Louisiana and Oklahoma were each down one.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;&amp; Gas Service shows 28 active rigs statewide. That's up two at eleven rigs in eastern Kansas and plus two west of Wichita at 17 rigs. This week's tally is up 12 percent from a month ago but down 24% from last year at this time. Operators were drilling on one lease in Barton County, and were about to spud new wells on leases in Ellis and Stafford counties.

Kansas regulators okayed 16 new drilling locations, including one in Ellis County out of nine in Western Kansas. That's 813 new drilling permits so far this year, down by 140 permits from a year ago.

Operators completed 33 new&nbsp;oil, gas and service wells across Kansas last week. Out of 15 in Western Kansas, there's one each in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Independent&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;and Gas Service reports 1,025 completed wells statewide so far this year, compared to 1,314 last year at this time.

Kansas regulators report 137 new intent-to-drill notices in September. That's 878 so far this year compared to 991 by the end of September last year. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports two new intents in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and three in Stafford County.

Crude-oil&nbsp;production in Kansas through the first half of this year is down from last year, and is on track for another dubious achievement. The Kansas Geological Survey pegs total output statewide in the first six months of this year at 13.2 million barrels, or nearly 73-thousand barrels per day. That's down from a year ago by more than four thousand barrels a day.&nbsp; If this keeps up, this year will &nbsp;become the latest in a string of worst-ever years for crude production. Ellis County output slipped to 56-hundred barrels per day, down 334 daily barrels. Barton County production dropped 259 barrels per day to 39-hundred.&nbsp; Operators in Russell County pumped a little over 35-hundred barrels per day, down from 37-hundred last year. Stafford County production dropped 168 barrels a day to just over 23-hundred.U.S. crude imports average 6.6 million barrels per day, up 171-thousand daily barrels from a week ago. The four week average is down nearly five percent from the same four weeks last year.&nbsp; At 3.8 million barrels per day, crude exports are down slightly from a week ago. Four-week average exports are down from a year ago by more than 360-thousand barrels a day.

The U.S. is a net crude importer by 2.75 million barrels a day. That ratio is up nearly 200,000 barrels from a week ago, and up 1.5 million from a year ago.

The latest government crude production report shows domestic output of 13,335,000 barrels per day, up 115,000 barrels a day from a week ago. Cumulative production this year is up more than six percent from a year ago. The four week average is nearly three percent from last year.

The government reported an additional 700,000 barrels added to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which now stands at 383 million barrels.&nbsp; That's an increase of more than 31 million barrels, almost nine percent, over a year ago, but down from about 600 million barrels just prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Excluding the SPR, commercial crude inventories are up 3.9 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports just under 417 million barrels as of September 29th. That's four percent below the five-year seasonal average. Commercial crude inventories are up 3.9 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports just under 17 million barrels as of September 29. That's four percent below the five year average for this time of year.

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to block a Biden administration crackdown on methane emissions from&nbsp;oil&nbsp;wells, storage tanks and pipelines. The order is a setback for&nbsp;oil&nbsp;and gas producers who say the new mandates exceed the authority of the EPA. They were hoping to put new requirements on hold while their legal challenge continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaThe benchmark NYMEX futures contract settled at five week highs on Friday, rising to $74.38 per barrel at the close of trading. By midday Monday crude buyers pushed that up another two dollars and change, with WTI trading over $76 a barrel and London Brent topping $80.The average price for Kansas Common crude in McPherson last month was $59.87 per barrel. That's down nearly six dollars from the average n August, five dollars lower than January, and nearly twenty dollars cheaper than a year ago. Kansas Common at CHS starts the week at sixty-four seventy-five ($64.75) per barrel, after a 75 cent increase on Friday.The weekly rig counts from Baker Hughes show a big drop in&nbsp;oil&nbsp;rigs last week, offset in part by an increase in rigs drilling for natural gas. New Mexico was down three rigs. Texas was up two. Louisiana and Oklahoma were each down one.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;&amp; Gas Service shows 28 active rigs statewide. That's up two at eleven rigs in eastern Kansas and plus two west of Wichita at 17 rigs. This week's tally is up 12 percent from a month ago but down 24% from last year at this time. Operators were drilling on one lease in Barton County, and were about to spud new wells on leases in Ellis and Stafford counties.Kansas regulators okayed 16 new drilling locations, including one in Ellis County out of nine in Western Kansas. That's 813 new drilling permits so far this year, down by 140 permits from a year ago.Operators completed 33 new&nbsp;oil, gas and service wells across Kansas last week. Out of 15 in Western Kansas, there's one each in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Independent&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;and Gas Service reports 1,025 completed wells statewide so far this year, compared to 1,314 last year at this time.Kansas regulators report 137 new intent-to-drill notices in September. That's 878 so far this year compared to 991 by the end of September last year. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports two new intents in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and three in Stafford County.Crude-oil&nbsp;production in Kansas through the first half of this year is down from last year, and is on track for another dubious achievement. The Kansas Geological Survey pegs total output statewide in the first six months of this year at 13.2 million barrels, or nearly 73-thousand barrels per day. That's down from a year ago by more than four thousand barrels a day.&nbsp; If this keeps up, this year will &nbsp;become the latest in a string of worst-ever years for crude production. Ellis County output slipped to 56-hundred barrels per day, down 334 daily barrels. Barton County production dropped 259 barrels per day to 39-hundred.&nbsp; Operators in Russell County pumped a little over 35-hundred barrels per day, down from 37-hundred last year. Stafford County production dropped 168 barrels a day to just over 23-hundred.U.S. crude imports average 6.6 million barrels per day, up 171-thousand daily barrels from a week ago. The four week average is down nearly five percent from the same four weeks last year.&nbsp; At 3.8 million barrels per day, crude exports are down slightly from a week ago. Four-week average exports are down from a year ago by more than 360-thousand barrels a day.The U.S. is a net crude importer by 2.75 million barrels a day. That ratio is up nearly 200,000 barrels from a week ago, and up 1.5 million from a year ago.The latest government crude production report shows domestic output of 13,335,000 barrels per day, up 115,000 barrels a day from a week ago. Cumulative production this year is up more than six percent from a year ago. The four week average is nearly three percent from last year.The government reported an additional 700,000 barrels added to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which now stands at 383 million barrels.&nbsp; That's an increase of more than 31 million barrels, almost nine percent, over a year ago, but down from about 600 million barrels just prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Excluding the SPR, commercial crude inventories are up 3.9 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports just under 417 million barrels as of September 29th. That's four percent below the five-year seasonal average. Commercial crude inventories are up 3.9 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports just under 17 million barrels as of September 29. That's four percent below the five year average for this time of year.The U.S. Supreme Court refused to block a Biden administration crackdown on methane emissions from&nbsp;oil&nbsp;wells, storage tanks and pipelines. The order is a setback for&nbsp;oil&nbsp;and gas producers who say the new mandates exceed the authority of the EPA. They were hoping to put new requirements on hold while their legal challenge continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices escalate alongside Middle East tensions

Enter to win Cash Grab

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved a $30,200 contract with Mammoth to design tennis courts at Hays High School.

The current four tennis courts at HHS will be resurfaced, and four more courts will be built. Seating and a shade structure also will be added.

The current courts are in poor repair and are in the construction zone for the new Hays High School building.

HHS has about 80 players, a combination of girls and boys, out for tennis each year.

The boys' and girls' teams play on the Fort Hays State University courts, which cost about $3,300 per year.

Having eight courts would allow HHS to host tournaments, which it can't now. Board member Ruth Ruder said this could increase the community's revenue by attracting people to eat meals, buy gas and stay in hotels in Hays.

Board members Allen Park and Derek Yarmer said they wanted the district to seek bids for the design work.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district has worked with Mammoth before and has been pleased with its work. Mammoth is a Kansas company that specializes in sports projects.

He said the design bid was in line with what would be expected for this work. Wilson said he doubted that the district would save much in searching for other designers for the project.

Board member Jayme Goetz also expressed concerns about the project being delayed by searching for other companies to bid for the design work.

The design bid was approved 5-2, with Park and Yarmer voting against it.

Mammoth will develop the project's design specs, but the construction bids will be submitted to the school board for approval.

The board also approved a bid from Nex-Tech to purchase surveillance cameras and devices for the new high school at a cost of $379,000.&nbsp;

The bid is a one-time cost. Funds will come from bond money.

Nex-Tech was the only bidder on the project. The same system already exists in all other schools in the district.

Live views from the cameras will be available in the HHS office. The video will be kept on local servers for 90 days.

The bid also includes video doorbells for entrances at the school.

"We have done a really good job of upgrading our cameras over the last three years," Wilson said.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district has had difficulty filing some classified nine-month positions, especially custodians and cooks.

On Monday night, the board voted to enter into a contract with ATS Facility Services to assist with recruiting classified staff.

ATS will recruit employees for the district at slightly higher pay but with a lesser benefits package.

The employees will be under the district's direction but will be paid and employed by ATS.

Hipp said the district still interviews and chooses which ATS candidates it would like to fill positions.

Hipp said the district's net cost is the same whether it employs the workers or ATS employs the workers.

Although ATS has worked successfully at other districts across the state, filling 12-month contract positions, this is their first time working with a district to fill nine-month positions.&nbsp;

However, Hipp said he was confident that the relationship could be beneficial, and he is hoping to work with ATS immediately to fill two cook positions that have been open for some time.

In other business, the board conducted its first readings on classified and administrator handbooks and heard an update from Doug Williams of Grow Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728352153791.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved a $30,200 contract with Mammoth to design tennis courts at Hays High School.The current four tennis courts at HHS will be resurfaced, and four more courts will be built. Seating and a shade structure also will be added.The current courts are in poor repair and are in the construction zone for the new Hays High School building.HHS has about 80 players, a combination of girls and boys, out for tennis each year.The boys' and girls' teams play on the Fort Hays State University courts, which cost about $3,300 per year.Having eight courts would allow HHS to host tournaments, which it can't now. Board member Ruth Ruder said this could increase the community's revenue by attracting people to eat meals, buy gas and stay in hotels in Hays.Board members Allen Park and Derek Yarmer said they wanted the district to seek bids for the design work.Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district has worked with Mammoth before and has been pleased with its work. Mammoth is a Kansas company that specializes in sports projects.He said the design bid was in line with what would be expected for this work. Wilson said he doubted that the district would save much in searching for other designers for the project.Board member Jayme Goetz also expressed concerns about the project being delayed by searching for other companies to bid for the design work.The design bid was approved 5-2, with Park and Yarmer voting against it.Mammoth will develop the project's design specs, but the construction bids will be submitted to the school board for approval.<h2>Cameras</h2>The board also approved a bid from Nex-Tech to purchase surveillance cameras and devices for the new high school at a cost of $379,000.&nbsp;The bid is a one-time cost. Funds will come from bond money.Nex-Tech was the only bidder on the project. The same system already exists in all other schools in the district.Live views from the cameras will be available in the HHS office. The video will be kept on local servers for 90 days.The bid also includes video doorbells for entrances at the school."We have done a really good job of upgrading our cameras over the last three years," Wilson said.<h2>Classified contracts</h2>Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district has had difficulty filing some classified nine-month positions, especially custodians and cooks.On Monday night, the board voted to enter into a contract with ATS Facility Services to assist with recruiting classified staff.ATS will recruit employees for the district at slightly higher pay but with a lesser benefits package.The employees will be under the district's direction but will be paid and employed by ATS.Hipp said the district still interviews and chooses which ATS candidates it would like to fill positions.Hipp said the district's net cost is the same whether it employs the workers or ATS employs the workers.Although ATS has worked successfully at other districts across the state, filling 12-month contract positions, this is their first time working with a district to fill nine-month positions.&nbsp;However, Hipp said he was confident that the relationship could be beneficial, and he is hoping to work with ATS immediately to fill two cook positions that have been open for some time.In other business, the board conducted its first readings on classified and administrator handbooks and heard an update from Doug Williams of Grow Hays.

Hays USD 489 school board approves design contract for tennis courts

The Kansas Department of Transportation will host a public open house from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, for the upcoming reconstruction of 3.5 miles of U.S. 281 and replacement of the North Fork Solomon River bridge near Portis in Osborne County.

The event will be held at the Portis Community Center, located at 206 Market Street in Portis. KDOT and project staff will provide a project overview starting at 5:30 p.m. Design plans and detour information will be available for review.

The project is part of KDOT’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025.

Anyone who requires special assistance or accommodation to attend the meeting should contact KDOT Public Information Officer Lisa Mussman at 785-874-8107 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lisa.mussman@ks.gov">lisa.mussman@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;one week before the meeting date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654106292443.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation will host a public open house from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, for the upcoming reconstruction of 3.5 miles of U.S. 281 and replacement of the North Fork Solomon River bridge near Portis in Osborne County.The event will be held at the Portis Community Center, located at 206 Market Street in Portis. KDOT and project staff will provide a project overview starting at 5:30 p.m. Design plans and detour information will be available for review.The project is part of KDOT’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025.Anyone who requires special assistance or accommodation to attend the meeting should contact KDOT Public Information Officer Lisa Mussman at 785-874-8107 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lisa.mussman@ks.gov">lisa.mussman@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;one week before the meeting date.

 KDOT to hold open house for U.S. 281 project

Annual Pioneer Day Features Nicodemus Township History Trail Bike Tour&nbsp;Interview Series: &nbsp;Announcing the Newly Formed Band, “Butch Creek”&nbsp;

Chris Farrell from Hill City shared that his introduction to music was in elementary school, 5th Grade, in Mr. Warren Stafford’s band class when he tried out to be a Drummer. &nbsp;That began his musical venture.&nbsp;

Chris was influenced by 80s music and like one of his music idols, Eddie Van Halen, he progressed from drums to guitar. &nbsp;He bought a Sears, Roebuck and Company guitar and amplifier and started playing music he was listening to on cassette tapes and the radio. &nbsp;

During high school Chris played in several "garage bands" with classmates and friends. &nbsp;His biggest performance and claim to fame is when he played drums in front of thousands and thousands of people at the Air Force Academy football stadium in Colorado Springs. &nbsp;A select number of Hill City High School marching band members was granted the opportunity to play and entertain at the Air Force Academy on Band Day during halftime at a football game.&nbsp;

During Chris’ 30 year stay in Denver, at times he played with a hole in the band that consisted of friends and co-workers. &nbsp;But primarily he played at open mic nights as a one man band in the Denver Metro area. &nbsp;Chris moved back to Hill City in 2022 and connected with Chris Gansel and the guys.&nbsp;

Chris said that he likes playing both drums and guitar equally but his instrument of choice is the guitar.

&nbsp;Currently Mr. Farrell is playing in the newly formed band, “Butch Creek”. &nbsp;The Butch Creek band gets its name in honoring Butch Owen. &nbsp;The band was put together based on the “Open Mic Night” at Mikkelson’s Tavern. &nbsp;The origination of the band came together by the guys who have been dedicated to helping setup, practice and play for open mic night. &nbsp;The band’s music style is Classic Rock, Country, Blues and Alternative. &nbsp;The “Butch Creek” band members are Chris Farrell, Chris Gansel, Fred Owen, Jeramy Owen, Eric "Dok" Nevins and Rex Striggow. &nbsp;Butch Creek is the “make shift house band” for Mikkelson’s Tavern “Open Mic Night” and they also play at other events.&nbsp;

Farrell became acquainted with the Nicodemus Bike Tour through Karla Bates-Adams. &nbsp;Both were participants of Leadership Graham County and serve on the Graham County Travel and Tourism Development Committee.&nbsp;Chris said this is a beautiful time of year to ride a bike in the quiet countryside, see wildlife, fall colors and appreciate our area. &nbsp;He added that this event will also provide the opportunity to reflect on the importance of community, what this area represents and what the founders of Nicodemus went through and found in this settlement.

Chris Gansel also from Hill City had an early introduction which formed his love of music. &nbsp;Chris' mother, Kathy played piano in a bar band in Idaho to help support herself while in college and prior to marrying and moving to Hill City. &nbsp;For a few times in the early 60s she played keyboard with a local band. &nbsp;

Chris learned a "little" piano from his mom but states his true love became the guitar. &nbsp;His older brother, Steve bought a guitar and took lessons. &nbsp;When he wasn’t playing it Chris would pick it up and mess around with it. &nbsp;

Chris said his instrument of choice is the guitar.&nbsp;After Chris’ junior year of high school, his brother Steve, Jody Pembleton and Tyce Bruton were trying to form a band and needed a bass player but couldn’t find one. &nbsp;Chris agreed to play bass and bought a $50.00 used bass guitar. &nbsp;In the summer 1979 the band Legend played four dances. &nbsp;Chris along with his brother played in several "garage bands" each summer until he was out of college. &nbsp;

During the summer they would form a band and then break up during the school year.&nbsp;In 1985 Chris and his brother moved to Nashville, TN with the thought of becoming song writers. &nbsp;They had three songs published but none made it onto a record. &nbsp;In Nashville they played in the bands Starwood and Souvenirs. &nbsp;Chris got married in 1987 and played until the early 90s when his daughter was born. &nbsp;His family then moved back to Hill City. &nbsp;

He started playing with a “folk” group in church twice a month. &nbsp;After meeting Todd Toman they put together the band “Country Highway” which played classic country &amp; rock, current country songs and some bluegrass music. &nbsp;In 2008 when Country Highway was just starting Chris and the band played for his parent’s (Kathy and Frank) 50th anniversary. 

Unfortunately, his brother Steve was not able to be there.

Now, Mr. Gansel is playing in the newly formed band, “Butch Creek”. &nbsp;Chris became aware of the Nicodemus Bike Tour through fellow band member Chris Farrell. Gansel said that promoting this event is a natural fit for him with his position as Director of Graham County Recreation Commission (GCRC). &nbsp;He added that the history of Nicodemus is a very important part of the history in our area. &nbsp;

He’s encouraging people to get out, get some fresh air and get acquainted or re-acquainted with a real important part of the history in this area.&nbsp;When asked for further comment regarding this event, Mr Gansel stated, "In our current political climate and the fact that it is an election year, we are being bombarded from all sides. &nbsp;Race is still a thing: &nbsp;you can't deny it. &nbsp;Much of the intensity and volume of injustice that you see elsewhere didn't seem to be as prevalent in our county, but the black community in our area had to feel some racial tension". &nbsp;

This event continues to break through all types of boundaries.”

In Chris’ final statement he said, this is a chance to get out in our area, enjoy nature, our surroundings and also be aware of what freedom is really worth.

Chris and the band members of Butch Creek host an open mic night at Mikkelson’s Tavern on the second Saturday of each month. &nbsp;Everyone who wants to sing and play music is welcome. &nbsp;

They are also playing during the Inaugural Nicodemus Township History Trail Bike tour taking place on this Saturday, October 12, 2024. &nbsp;

The band will start playing in the park around 11:30 AM.&nbsp;The Nicodemus Historical Society invites your entire family including the kids to bring your bikes and ride a FREE shorter route that will take you on a tour around the historic town of Nicodemus to various silhouettes, historic building sites and a few of the historic tour signs.

Starting at 8:00 AM come for the free pancake breakfast sponsored by Kansas Black Farmers Association. &nbsp;Share a day of community history, fun and delicious food by “RC RubGrub BBQ” of Glade. &nbsp;At 11:30 AM listen to live music performed by Graham County’s local band, Butch Creek. &nbsp;A free showing of the documentary which illustrates the first settlers arriving in Nicodemus, “Ellis Trail To Nicodemus" will be featured on the big screen at 2:30 PM in the Visitor's Center. &nbsp;The day is expected to be great fun.

Whether you participate in the bike tour or not everyone is welcome to discover the rich history and learn about one of the nation's most iconic African American national sites in the West, Nicodemus.

To learn more about the ride and our history follow us on Facebook. &nbsp;Interested riders should register via the Nicodemus Historical Society’s website at: &nbsp;nicodemushistoricalsociety.org.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728328616960.png" alt="Chris Farrell and Chris Gansel with their guitars are at the park gazebo and Visitor’s Center in Nicodemus. The Butch Creek band will play during the Nicodemus Township History Trail Bike Tour. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Chris Farrell and Chris Gansel with their guitars are at the park gazebo and Visitor’s Center in Nicodemus. The Butch Creek band will play during the Nicodemus Township History Trail Bike Tour. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Annual Pioneer Day Features Nicodemus Township History Trail Bike Tour&nbsp;Interview Series: &nbsp;Announcing the Newly Formed Band, “Butch Creek”&nbsp;</h2>By ROBIN HARDMANChris Farrell from Hill City shared that his introduction to music was in elementary school, 5th Grade, in Mr. Warren Stafford’s band class when he tried out to be a Drummer. &nbsp;That began his musical venture.&nbsp;Chris was influenced by 80s music and like one of his music idols, Eddie Van Halen, he progressed from drums to guitar. &nbsp;He bought a Sears, Roebuck and Company guitar and amplifier and started playing music he was listening to on cassette tapes and the radio. &nbsp;During high school Chris played in several "garage bands" with classmates and friends. &nbsp;His biggest performance and claim to fame is when he played drums in front of thousands and thousands of people at the Air Force Academy football stadium in Colorado Springs. &nbsp;A select number of Hill City High School marching band members was granted the opportunity to play and entertain at the Air Force Academy on Band Day during halftime at a football game.&nbsp;During Chris’ 30 year stay in Denver, at times he played with a hole in the band that consisted of friends and co-workers. &nbsp;But primarily he played at open mic nights as a one man band in the Denver Metro area. &nbsp;Chris moved back to Hill City in 2022 and connected with Chris Gansel and the guys.&nbsp;Chris said that he likes playing both drums and guitar equally but his instrument of choice is the guitar.&nbsp;Currently Mr. Farrell is playing in the newly formed band, “Butch Creek”. &nbsp;The Butch Creek band gets its name in honoring Butch Owen. &nbsp;The band was put together based on the “Open Mic Night” at Mikkelson’s Tavern. &nbsp;The origination of the band came together by the guys who have been dedicated to helping setup, practice and play for open mic night. &nbsp;The band’s music style is Classic Rock, Country, Blues and Alternative. &nbsp;The “Butch Creek” band members are Chris Farrell, Chris Gansel, Fred Owen, Jeramy Owen, Eric "Dok" Nevins and Rex Striggow. &nbsp;Butch Creek is the “make shift house band” for Mikkelson’s Tavern “Open Mic Night” and they also play at other events.&nbsp;Farrell became acquainted with the Nicodemus Bike Tour through Karla Bates-Adams. &nbsp;Both were participants of Leadership Graham County and serve on the Graham County Travel and Tourism Development Committee.&nbsp;Chris said this is a beautiful time of year to ride a bike in the quiet countryside, see wildlife, fall colors and appreciate our area. &nbsp;He added that this event will also provide the opportunity to reflect on the importance of community, what this area represents and what the founders of Nicodemus went through and found in this settlement.Chris Gansel also from Hill City had an early introduction which formed his love of music. &nbsp;Chris' mother, Kathy played piano in a bar band in Idaho to help support herself while in college and prior to marrying and moving to Hill City. &nbsp;For a few times in the early 60s she played keyboard with a local band. &nbsp;Chris learned a "little" piano from his mom but states his true love became the guitar. &nbsp;His older brother, Steve bought a guitar and took lessons. &nbsp;When he wasn’t playing it Chris would pick it up and mess around with it. &nbsp;Chris said his instrument of choice is the guitar.&nbsp;After Chris’ junior year of high school, his brother Steve, Jody Pembleton and Tyce Bruton were trying to form a band and needed a bass player but couldn’t find one. &nbsp;Chris agreed to play bass and bought a $50.00 used bass guitar. &nbsp;In the summer 1979 the band Legend played four dances. &nbsp;Chris along with his brother played in several "garage bands" each summer until he was out of college. &nbsp;During the summer they would form a band and then break up during the school year.&nbsp;In 1985 Chris and his brother moved to Nashville, TN with the thought of becoming song writers. &nbsp;They had three songs published but none made it onto a record. &nbsp;In Nashville they played in the bands Starwood and Souvenirs. &nbsp;Chris got married in 1987 and played until the early 90s when his daughter was born. &nbsp;His family then moved back to Hill City. &nbsp;He started playing with a “folk” group in church twice a month. &nbsp;After meeting Todd Toman they put together the band “Country Highway” which played classic country &amp; rock, current country songs and some bluegrass music. &nbsp;In 2008 when Country Highway was just starting Chris and the band played for his parent’s (Kathy and Frank) 50th anniversary. Unfortunately, his brother Steve was not able to be there.Now, Mr. Gansel is playing in the newly formed band, “Butch Creek”. &nbsp;Chris became aware of the Nicodemus Bike Tour through fellow band member Chris Farrell. Gansel said that promoting this event is a natural fit for him with his position as Director of Graham County Recreation Commission (GCRC). &nbsp;He added that the history of Nicodemus is a very important part of the history in our area. &nbsp;He’s encouraging people to get out, get some fresh air and get acquainted or re-acquainted with a real important part of the history in this area.&nbsp;When asked for further comment regarding this event, Mr Gansel stated, "In our current political climate and the fact that it is an election year, we are being bombarded from all sides. &nbsp;Race is still a thing: &nbsp;you can't deny it. &nbsp;Much of the intensity and volume of injustice that you see elsewhere didn't seem to be as prevalent in our county, but the black community in our area had to feel some racial tension". &nbsp;This event continues to break through all types of boundaries.”In Chris’ final statement he said, this is a chance to get out in our area, enjoy nature, our surroundings and also be aware of what freedom is really worth.Chris and the band members of Butch Creek host an open mic night at Mikkelson’s Tavern on the second Saturday of each month. &nbsp;Everyone who wants to sing and play music is welcome. &nbsp;Come Join Us! &nbsp;They are also playing during the Inaugural Nicodemus Township History Trail Bike tour taking place on this Saturday, October 12, 2024. &nbsp;The band will start playing in the park around 11:30 AM.&nbsp;The Nicodemus Historical Society invites your entire family including the kids to bring your bikes and ride a FREE shorter route that will take you on a tour around the historic town of Nicodemus to various silhouettes, historic building sites and a few of the historic tour signs.Starting at 8:00 AM come for the free pancake breakfast sponsored by Kansas Black Farmers Association. &nbsp;Share a day of community history, fun and delicious food by “RC RubGrub BBQ” of Glade. &nbsp;At 11:30 AM listen to live music performed by Graham County’s local band, Butch Creek. &nbsp;A free showing of the documentary which illustrates the first settlers arriving in Nicodemus, “Ellis Trail To Nicodemus" will be featured on the big screen at 2:30 PM in the Visitor's Center. &nbsp;The day is expected to be great fun.Whether you participate in the bike tour or not everyone is welcome to discover the rich history and learn about one of the nation's most iconic African American national sites in the West, Nicodemus.To learn more about the ride and our history follow us on Facebook. &nbsp;Interested riders should register via the Nicodemus Historical Society’s website at: &nbsp;nicodemushistoricalsociety.org.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Nicodemus Township History Trail Bike Tour Interview Series: 'Butch Creek'

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Musk thistle is one of 12 noxious weeds in Kansas, infesting over 420,000 acres. It has been reported in nearly every county in Kansas and is found primarily in pastures, rangeland, hay meadows, alfalfa, fallow, roadsides, and waste areas. Under the new Noxious Weed Law, musk thistle is considered a Category C weed. That means it is well established within the state and has an extensive population.&nbsp;

Control efforts should be aimed at reducing or eliminating new populations, and established stands should be managed with any accepted control method.&nbsp; These include mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches.&nbsp; Mechanical control involves removing the entire plant or just the reproductive parts to prevent the plants from producing flowers/seeds.&nbsp; 

Mowing, digging, and hoeing are common mechanical methods of controlling musk thistle. Several herbicides are labeled for musk thistle control and are discussed below.&nbsp; Biological control requires a permit and needs to be integrated with other methods.&nbsp; Head and crown weevils are found in the state but cannot be transported across state lines.&nbsp; A flower fly is a new candidate species for biological control of musk thistle.

Musk thistle is primarily a biennial or winter annual species. Biennials take two growing seasons to complete their life cycle. Thistles germinating in the spring will spend the entire summer as a rosette, live through the winter, and bolt the next year in May and June. Winter annual plants will germinate with moisture and warm temperatures in the fall, live through the winter, and bolt the following year.

Most people recognize musk thistle during the early summer when the plants are actively blooming. However, musk thistle control is easiest as a rosette.

Fall is an excellent time to spray musk thistle as all are in the rosette growth stage. Another advantage of treatment in the fall is reduced risk of off-target drift. Waiting until most deciduous trees have lost their leaves and most crops are harvested will greatly reduce the likelihood of damage from herbicide drift. A wider window of opportunity for treating musk thistle also exists in the fall. The spraying window in the fall probably extends until the ground is frozen, and the musk thistle plants have shut down activity until warmer temperatures in the spring. Freezing temperatures will start to damage musk thistle plants, with some yellowing and curling of leaves. However, the plants are susceptible to herbicides as long as green tissue exists.

Dry conditions in the fall can reduce control of musk thistle with certain herbicides. Still, studies in Kansas indicated that a fall application of 2,4-D LVE at 2 lbs per acre was more effective (80% control) than a similar rate of 2,4-D amine (49% control). Dicamba + 2,4-D amine at 0.25 + 0.75 lbs per acre and picloram at 0.125 lbs per acre were also effective (&gt;90% control) on musk thistle treated in the fall.&nbsp; Other herbicides that have proven effective include 3-5&nbsp; fl oz/acre aminopyralid (Milestone) and aminopyralid + metsulfuron (Chaparral at 1.5 oz/acre).&nbsp; Products containing picloram and aminopyralid will not only control rosettes treated in the fall but will have enough carryover to control emerging seedlings the following spring.

If you need to treat musk thistle this fall, select the proper herbicide for the job.&nbsp; If possible, select a warm, sunny day to spray. Scattered rosettes can be mechanically removed by digging below the crown. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictMusk thistle is one of 12 noxious weeds in Kansas, infesting over 420,000 acres. It has been reported in nearly every county in Kansas and is found primarily in pastures, rangeland, hay meadows, alfalfa, fallow, roadsides, and waste areas. Under the new Noxious Weed Law, musk thistle is considered a Category C weed. That means it is well established within the state and has an extensive population.&nbsp;Control efforts should be aimed at reducing or eliminating new populations, and established stands should be managed with any accepted control method.&nbsp; These include mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches.&nbsp; Mechanical control involves removing the entire plant or just the reproductive parts to prevent the plants from producing flowers/seeds.&nbsp; Mowing, digging, and hoeing are common mechanical methods of controlling musk thistle. Several herbicides are labeled for musk thistle control and are discussed below.&nbsp; Biological control requires a permit and needs to be integrated with other methods.&nbsp; Head and crown weevils are found in the state but cannot be transported across state lines.&nbsp; A flower fly is a new candidate species for biological control of musk thistle.Musk thistle is primarily a biennial or winter annual species. Biennials take two growing seasons to complete their life cycle. Thistles germinating in the spring will spend the entire summer as a rosette, live through the winter, and bolt the next year in May and June. Winter annual plants will germinate with moisture and warm temperatures in the fall, live through the winter, and bolt the following year.Most people recognize musk thistle during the early summer when the plants are actively blooming. However, musk thistle control is easiest as a rosette.Fall is an excellent time to spray musk thistle as all are in the rosette growth stage. Another advantage of treatment in the fall is reduced risk of off-target drift. Waiting until most deciduous trees have lost their leaves and most crops are harvested will greatly reduce the likelihood of damage from herbicide drift. A wider window of opportunity for treating musk thistle also exists in the fall. The spraying window in the fall probably extends until the ground is frozen, and the musk thistle plants have shut down activity until warmer temperatures in the spring. Freezing temperatures will start to damage musk thistle plants, with some yellowing and curling of leaves. However, the plants are susceptible to herbicides as long as green tissue exists.Dry conditions in the fall can reduce control of musk thistle with certain herbicides. Still, studies in Kansas indicated that a fall application of 2,4-D LVE at 2 lbs per acre was more effective (80% control) than a similar rate of 2,4-D amine (49% control). Dicamba + 2,4-D amine at 0.25 + 0.75 lbs per acre and picloram at 0.125 lbs per acre were also effective (&gt;90% control) on musk thistle treated in the fall.&nbsp; Other herbicides that have proven effective include 3-5&nbsp; fl oz/acre aminopyralid (Milestone) and aminopyralid + metsulfuron (Chaparral at 1.5 oz/acre).&nbsp; Products containing picloram and aminopyralid will not only control rosettes treated in the fall but will have enough carryover to control emerging seedlings the following spring.If you need to treat musk thistle this fall, select the proper herbicide for the job.&nbsp; If possible, select a warm, sunny day to spray. Scattered rosettes can be mechanically removed by digging below the crown. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Musk thistle control

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728327628867.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

LARNED—The grounds of the Santa Fe Trail Center Museum will soon be filled with the rumbling of the sounds of antique and vintage farm equipment.

Prepare for a carnival-like atmosphere, and join the crowd as everyone enjoys the weekend of farming, food and fun on October 12 and 13 for the 24th Annual Tired Iron Show.

This year’s event will highlight John Deere.

Upon arrival, visitors will enter through the Peddlers Market gateway to see the booths of various arts, crafts and collectibles. There will be several food concession trucks as well.

One of the many returning activities at this year’s event includes the ever-popular Anvil Shoot.

The Kansas Anvil Shooters will shoot the anvil three times each day.

On both Saturday and Sunday, there will be scheduled demonstrations of wheat threshing, corn shelling, and blacksmithing.There will also be a working miniature farm equipment display.The tractor pull will begin Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/santafetrailcenter/">A full schedule can be found on Facebook.</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/santafetrailcenter/"></a>Those interested in either a booth for the Peddlers Market or for exhibiting an antique tractor, gas engine, antique or classic vehicle may call (620) 285-2054 for more information.

The Santa Fe Trail Center is located 2 miles west of Larned on K-156.To reduce traffic, the main entrance is reserved for general admission, and all oversized vehicles are asked to use the new west entrance.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696962033604.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LARNED—The grounds of the Santa Fe Trail Center Museum will soon be filled with the rumbling of the sounds of antique and vintage farm equipment.Prepare for a carnival-like atmosphere, and join the crowd as everyone enjoys the weekend of farming, food and fun on October 12 and 13 for the 24th Annual Tired Iron Show.This year’s event will highlight John Deere.Upon arrival, visitors will enter through the Peddlers Market gateway to see the booths of various arts, crafts and collectibles. There will be several food concession trucks as well.One of the many returning activities at this year’s event includes the ever-popular Anvil Shoot.The Kansas Anvil Shooters will shoot the anvil three times each day.On both Saturday and Sunday, there will be scheduled demonstrations of wheat threshing, corn shelling, and blacksmithing.There will also be a working miniature farm equipment display.The tractor pull will begin Sunday at 10:00 a.m.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/santafetrailcenter/">A full schedule can be found on Facebook.</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/santafetrailcenter/"></a>Those interested in either a booth for the Peddlers Market or for exhibiting an antique tractor, gas engine, antique or classic vehicle may call (620) 285-2054 for more information.The Santa Fe Trail Center is located 2 miles west of Larned on K-156.To reduce traffic, the main entrance is reserved for general admission, and all oversized vehicles are asked to use the new west entrance.

United Way of Ellis Co. to host informational meeting

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;American Red Cross communication manager Logan Wright.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dobDNgOSMGA?si=lCBhPu7U5MDOzuTO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;American Red Cross communication manager Logan Wright.

🎤Forward Ever: American Red Cross communication manager Logan Wright

🎥🏈 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week HHS vs Junction City

🎥🏈 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week TMP vs Smith Center

A 16 year-old was killed in a rollover accident southwest of
Hays in the early morning hours Saturday.

In a press release Monday, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said that the accident was reported at approximately 12:30 a.m. near 230th
Ave. and Spring Hill Rd.

Braun said the teen was one of four teenagers in the car
that left the roadway and rolled.

The unidentified 16-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt and
was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Braun.

A second passenger was transported to the emergency room,
treated and has been released.

"Alcohol was suspected to be Involved, but deputies
will await lab reports before issuing any further details,” Braun said.

Braun added, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the
tragic news of losing a teenager from our community in a devastating accident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Hays PostA 16 year-old was killed in a rollover accident southwest of
Hays in the early morning hours Saturday.In a press release Monday, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said that the accident was reported at approximately 12:30 a.m. near 230th
Ave. and Spring Hill Rd.Braun said the teen was one of four teenagers in the car
that left the roadway and rolled.The unidentified 16-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt and
was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Braun.A second passenger was transported to the emergency room,
treated and has been released."Alcohol was suspected to be Involved, but deputies
will await lab reports before issuing any further details,” Braun said.Braun added, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the
tragic news of losing a teenager from our community in a devastating accident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Teen killed in Ellis County accident

Ellis Co. Fire Department plans fundraiser Oct. 19

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Tax filing season is still months away, but volunteers are now being sought in Hays for the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/get-involved/tax-aide/">AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chuck Henry, Kansas Foundation state coordinator in Manhattan, said Tax-Aide focuses on serving older adults with low to moderate incomes and helping them secure much-needed tax refunds.

The service is free. Although the focus is on elderly taxpayers, anyone is welcome to have their taxes prepared, and there are no income limitations.

Volunteers are being recruited in Hays to provide tax preparation and filing services and tech support. The site will be the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.&nbsp;

"Volunteers are trained, and classes are generally held in December or January," Henry said. "The amount of training required depends on the position."

Volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. 

Several volunteer positions are available. They include an intake greeter who ensures the taxpayer's paperwork is in order. Another person prepares the tax return, which is then reviewed by a second, more knowledgeable volunteer to ensure its accuracy before it's filed.&nbsp;

At least three volunteers are needed at each site.&nbsp;

"Typically, an appointment at the AARP site will last an hour to 90 minutes," Henry said. "You'll get it prepared, reviewed, filed and a paper copy, and then you're on your way.

"Our Tax-Aide volunteers make sure they don't miss out on the credits and deductions they have earned and need."

Volunteers are able to prepare most federal and Kansas filing paperwork.

You don't necessarily need a financial background to be a Tax-Aide volunteer.&nbsp;

"All levels and types of experience are welcome," Henry said. "Volunteers come from a variety of job experiences and range from retirees to college students."

Anyone interested in volunteering should call Henry at 785-236-0382 or email him at dcchuck@yahoo.com.

Tax-Aide is funded by grants from the AARP Foundation and the IRS.&nbsp;

Last year, 27,771 volunteers at 3,600 sites across the country helped 1.7 million taxpayers receive $1.2 billion in tax refunds.&nbsp;

Since 1968, Tax-Aide has been the nation's largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727714340010.png" alt="AARP Foundation Tax Aide volunteers. Photo courtesy AARP" />
 <figcaption>AARP Foundation Tax Aide volunteers. Photo courtesy AARP</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostTax filing season is still months away, but volunteers are now being sought in Hays for the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/get-involved/tax-aide/">AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chuck Henry, Kansas Foundation state coordinator in Manhattan, said Tax-Aide focuses on serving older adults with low to moderate incomes and helping them secure much-needed tax refunds.The service is free. Although the focus is on elderly taxpayers, anyone is welcome to have their taxes prepared, and there are no income limitations.Volunteers are being recruited in Hays to provide tax preparation and filing services and tech support. The site will be the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.&nbsp;"Volunteers are trained, and classes are generally held in December or January," Henry said. "The amount of training required depends on the position."Volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. Several volunteer positions are available. They include an intake greeter who ensures the taxpayer's paperwork is in order. Another person prepares the tax return, which is then reviewed by a second, more knowledgeable volunteer to ensure its accuracy before it's filed.&nbsp;At least three volunteers are needed at each site.&nbsp;"Typically, an appointment at the AARP site will last an hour to 90 minutes," Henry said. "You'll get it prepared, reviewed, filed and a paper copy, and then you're on your way."Our Tax-Aide volunteers make sure they don't miss out on the credits and deductions they have earned and need."Volunteers are able to prepare most federal and Kansas filing paperwork.You don't necessarily need a financial background to be a Tax-Aide volunteer.&nbsp;"All levels and types of experience are welcome," Henry said. "Volunteers come from a variety of job experiences and range from retirees to college students."Anyone interested in volunteering should call Henry at 785-236-0382 or email him at dcchuck@yahoo.com.Tax-Aide is funded by grants from the AARP Foundation and the IRS.&nbsp;Last year, 27,771 volunteers at 3,600 sites across the country helped 1.7 million taxpayers receive $1.2 billion in tax refunds.&nbsp;Since 1968, Tax-Aide has been the nation's largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program.

Local volunteers needed to help taxpayers for AARP program  

&nbsp;Catholic Charities invites the community to a Volunteer Roundup Meeting for those interested in joining its mission at their new facility located at 1011 Centennial in Hays. This new facility will house the Catholic Charities offices and a new thrift store onsite. The meeting will take place on October 29 at 11:00 AM at the current office location, downstairs at 122 E. 12th St., Hays, KS 67601 (please note, this is not the new Centennial location).

"Our team is eagerly anticipating the completion of our new facility this fall," said Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. "While we don't have an exact opening date yet due to ongoing construction, our contractors are working hard to get everything finished up within the next several weeks. We're confident and excited to welcome our wonderful community members who want to join us in this mission of serving Hays and the surrounding area."

The new thrift store will be open to the public, accepting donations of clothing, household items, and other miscellaneous goods. The organization anticipates being able to start accepting donations in late November or early December.

At this time, there is a need to fill the thrift store volunteer schedule. Volunteers will play a vital role in the operations of the thrift store, which includes running the register, receiving and sorting donations, and assisting on the sales floor.

Community members interested in volunteering at the new Catholic Charities facility are encouraged to attend this important meeting. Those unable to attend may contact Shannon Werth, Hays Thrift Store Manager, at swerth@ccnks.org or call 785-625-2644.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582085227559.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted&nbsp;Catholic Charities invites the community to a Volunteer Roundup Meeting for those interested in joining its mission at their new facility located at 1011 Centennial in Hays. This new facility will house the Catholic Charities offices and a new thrift store onsite. The meeting will take place on October 29 at 11:00 AM at the current office location, downstairs at 122 E. 12th St., Hays, KS 67601 (please note, this is not the new Centennial location)."Our team is eagerly anticipating the completion of our new facility this fall," said Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. "While we don't have an exact opening date yet due to ongoing construction, our contractors are working hard to get everything finished up within the next several weeks. We're confident and excited to welcome our wonderful community members who want to join us in this mission of serving Hays and the surrounding area."The new thrift store will be open to the public, accepting donations of clothing, household items, and other miscellaneous goods. The organization anticipates being able to start accepting donations in late November or early December.At this time, there is a need to fill the thrift store volunteer schedule. Volunteers will play a vital role in the operations of the thrift store, which includes running the register, receiving and sorting donations, and assisting on the sales floor.Community members interested in volunteering at the new Catholic Charities facility are encouraged to attend this important meeting. Those unable to attend may contact Shannon Werth, Hays Thrift Store Manager, at swerth@ccnks.org or call 785-625-2644.

Catholic Charities invites community to Volunteer Roundup meeting on Oct. 29

Despite being surrounded by farmland, school districts in western Kansas struggle to source local food options to feed kids. But farm tours given by the state’s Child Nutrition and Wellness program can establish new pathways to keep kids healthy

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/calen-moore">CALEN MOORE</a> Kansas News Service

<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/calen-moore"></a>GARDEN CITY&nbsp;—&nbsp;Deep into western Kansas, there’s an abundance of corn and cattle. But there aren’t as many juicy tomatoes, crisp apples or fresh squash.

That has left residents in vast pockets of the state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2023-03-22/rural-grocery-stores-are-dying-off-heres-what-some-communities-are-doing-to-save-them" target="_blank">without access to nutritious foods</a>. For these communities, finding produce may be inconvenient at best, despite being surrounded by farms.

And schools are no exception in the search for healthy food. That’s why staff from the Kansas Department of Education are trying to find solutions by connecting school districts to local farms to benefit both parties.

As part of that effort, a busload of school district nutrition directors recently drove out to western Kansas farms so that schools could have more options to access local food.

But Eryn Davis, the state’s Farm to Plate program coordinator, said in this part of Kansas, finding food for humans rather than livestock is a challenge.

“From my research, it was limited on what I could find in western Kansas, both in Garden City, and even north in Colby,” Davis said.

Even though rural Kansas has direct access to agriculture, most farms in Kansas grow commodity crops such as soybeans, wheat and corn. That limits the access rural Kansans could have to other healthy foods.

The 2008 farm bill encouraged institutions operating&nbsp;<a href="https://cnw.ksde.org/f2p/program-overview" target="_blank">child nutrition programs</a>&nbsp;to purchase unprocessed locally grown and locally raised agricultural products.

This in theory would benefit the health of rural children and boost the ag economy of local farmers, lawmakers said.

As a result, the Farm to School program was established in Kansas to provide grants, materials and connections to local producers and gardening education for schools.

Davis said locally sourced food not only provides more nutrient-dense options, but it also has economic benefits.

“It’s supporting the economy of our Kansas communities that we have here, keeping our dollars. Repurchasing from Kansas producers is a big push for local foods,” Davis said.

Most school district leaders on the tour said they rely on trucking in their food from eastern Kansas, although they each had the same locally sourced foods in common: beef, dairy and tortillas.

But the need for vegetables and fruit in southwest Kansas remains.

The first stop on the tour was connecting districts from Dodge City, Garden City and Sublette to a poultry farm outside of Lakin.

As soon as everyone made their way off the bus, the chickens timidly surrounded the group of outsiders.

The Diamond W Farm and Ranch is a family operation specializing in egg production, owned by Samantha Williams with her husband and three sons.

“I started with 15 chicks, and I said, ‘It’s just as much work (with) 15 chicks as 100 chicks,’ so I got 100, then 200, and now we have anywhere from 300 to 500 chickens laying eggs at a given time,” Williams said.

The Williams family are one of the largest egg producers in southwest Kansas, and they deliver to nearby towns.

Williams initially got her egg license to provide eggs to the day care her boys attended. The operation grew so they could provide eggs to feed more children in the surrounding towns.

“I love getting up and seeing the chickens’ fluffy butts every morning; it's like my form of therapy,” Williams said.

After seeing what the Williams family could offer school districts, everyone filed back onto the bus and started brainstorming ways they would like to use local eggs.

The bus then traveled back to Garden City to the only produce farm in town, Prairie Wind Produce.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727471604150.png" alt="Kandy Michel, co-owner of Prairie Wind Produce in Garden City, holds up a fresh tomato to school district leaders in her farm’s greenhouse. The tour helped to show off the fruits grown in nearby towns that could be available for schools. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kandy Michel, co-owner of Prairie Wind Produce in Garden City, holds up a fresh tomato to school district leaders in her farm’s greenhouse. The tour helped to show off the fruits grown in nearby towns that could be available for schools. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Despite being surrounded by farmland, school districts in western Kansas struggle to source local food options to feed kids. But farm tours given by the state’s Child Nutrition and Wellness program can establish new pathways to keep kids healthy</h2>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/calen-moore">CALEN MOORE</a> Kansas News Service<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/calen-moore"></a>GARDEN CITY&nbsp;—&nbsp;Deep into western Kansas, there’s an abundance of corn and cattle. But there aren’t as many juicy tomatoes, crisp apples or fresh squash.That has left residents in vast pockets of the state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2023-03-22/rural-grocery-stores-are-dying-off-heres-what-some-communities-are-doing-to-save-them" target="_blank">without access to nutritious foods</a>. For these communities, finding produce may be inconvenient at best, despite being surrounded by farms.And schools are no exception in the search for healthy food. That’s why staff from the Kansas Department of Education are trying to find solutions by connecting school districts to local farms to benefit both parties.As part of that effort, a busload of school district nutrition directors recently drove out to western Kansas farms so that schools could have more options to access local food.But Eryn Davis, the state’s Farm to Plate program coordinator, said in this part of Kansas, finding food for humans rather than livestock is a challenge.“From my research, it was limited on what I could find in western Kansas, both in Garden City, and even north in Colby,” Davis said.Feeding kids locallyEven though rural Kansas has direct access to agriculture, most farms in Kansas grow commodity crops such as soybeans, wheat and corn. That limits the access rural Kansans could have to other healthy foods.The 2008 farm bill encouraged institutions operating&nbsp;<a href="https://cnw.ksde.org/f2p/program-overview" target="_blank">child nutrition programs</a>&nbsp;to purchase unprocessed locally grown and locally raised agricultural products.This in theory would benefit the health of rural children and boost the ag economy of local farmers, lawmakers said.As a result, the Farm to School program was established in Kansas to provide grants, materials and connections to local producers and gardening education for schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727471713234.png" alt="State employees and local school leaders from southwest Kansas squeeze by the mini jungle growing fresh produce at a local farm. The plants can grow as tall as 10 feet. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>State employees and local school leaders from southwest Kansas squeeze by the mini jungle growing fresh produce at a local farm. The plants can grow as tall as 10 feet. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Davis said locally sourced food not only provides more nutrient-dense options, but it also has economic benefits.“It’s supporting the economy of our Kansas communities that we have here, keeping our dollars. Repurchasing from Kansas producers is a big push for local foods,” Davis said.Most school district leaders on the tour said they rely on trucking in their food from eastern Kansas, although they each had the same locally sourced foods in common: beef, dairy and tortillas.But the need for vegetables and fruit in southwest Kansas remains.Connecting farms and schoolsThe first stop on the tour was connecting districts from Dodge City, Garden City and Sublette to a poultry farm outside of Lakin.As soon as everyone made their way off the bus, the chickens timidly surrounded the group of outsiders.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727471811162.png" alt="Hundreds of chickens roam freely at Diamond W Farm and Ranch. They surrounded the school leaders who were touring the operation as the farmers explained their egg washing process. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Hundreds of chickens roam freely at Diamond W Farm and Ranch. They surrounded the school leaders who were touring the operation as the farmers explained their egg washing process. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The Diamond W Farm and Ranch is a family operation specializing in egg production, owned by Samantha Williams with her husband and three sons.“I started with 15 chicks, and I said, ‘It’s just as much work (with) 15 chicks as 100 chicks,’ so I got 100, then 200, and now we have anywhere from 300 to 500 chickens laying eggs at a given time,” Williams said.The Williams family are one of the largest egg producers in southwest Kansas, and they deliver to nearby towns.Williams initially got her egg license to provide eggs to the day care her boys attended. The operation grew so they could provide eggs to feed more children in the surrounding towns.“I love getting up and seeing the chickens’ fluffy butts every morning; it's like my form of therapy,” Williams said.After seeing what the Williams family could offer school districts, everyone filed back onto the bus and started brainstorming ways they would like to use local eggs.The bus then traveled back to Garden City to the only produce farm in town, Prairie Wind Produce.Steven Michel runs the produce farm with his wife. One thing about Michel – he’s passionate about produce.“Me and the wife had a seniors meal the other day. It had two cherry tomatoes; they were mushy and had no flavor. People come try our tomatoes and they’re back three days later,” Michel said.Standing in a greenhouse forest of tomatoes, school district leaders in Garden City said they hadn’t known about this produce farm in their own town. They passed around fruits and vegetables, marveling at each one.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727471913080.png" alt="Fresh produce sprawls in every direction in handmade greenhouses in north Garden City. It’s the only produce farm for miles in southwest Kansas. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Fresh produce sprawls in every direction in handmade greenhouses in north Garden City. It’s the only produce farm for miles in southwest Kansas. Photo by Calen Moore/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Limitations to local foodsThe Michels are the exception rather than the rule in western Kansas. Michel serves as the vice president for the Kansas Specialty Crop Growers Association.“We are the only ones that grow more than two or three vegetables in at least a 60-mile radius – it’s just us,” Michel said.That’s part of the limitation to a Farm to School program like the one in Kansas. For some school districts, there just is not a lot of local produce to source.Michel said some of this is a lack of growers and education. Western Kansas no longer has horticulture expertise from Kansas State University, which Michel believes has discouraged the growth of gardens.Most of the produce consumed by Kansans – 95% – is grown outside of the state. Schools are the only place for some kids to get nutritious meals from local sources.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/rural-kansas-food-deserts.html" target="_blank">Those living in the breadbasket</a>&nbsp;have significantly higher rates of diabetes, colon cancer and heart disease, according to the University of Kansas Medical Center.Experts say for the Farm to School program to be successful in a place like western Kansas, there will need to be more produce growers.But specialty crops aren’t covered as well by crop insurance that guarantees against drought or hail storms, which have become staples of western Kansas’ climate.Plus, growing produce is labor intensive, Michel said. And rural Kansas has made its claim to fame being able to grow more with fewer workers thanks to technology advancements and large-scale grain.But Davis, the coordinator of the Farm to Plate program, is optimistic that these farm tours help make the connections both farmers and school districts need. By giving producers a wholesale market, and schoolchildren fresh produce grown down the road, she thinks that this is a program that can chip away at both problems.“It's a good way to bring nutritious local foods to the community, and that partnership with the producer is important, too, to support their business,” Davis said.Calen Moore covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can email him at&nbsp;cmoore@hppr.org.The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.