Ellis Art Walk set for Sept. 7

<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/2024/9/1725392711125.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

NORTON, Kansas. –&nbsp;Norton Correctional Facility inmate Joshua Wilburn, 46, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday afternoon. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived but were unsuccessful.

Wilburn was serving an 18-month sentence for five counts of violating the Kansas Offender Registration Act stemming from convictions in Wisconsin. In 2009 he was convicted of repeated acts of sexual assault against the same child, according to the Kansas Sex Offender Registry.

The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725411317129.png" alt="Wilburn photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Wilburn photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON, Kansas. –&nbsp;Norton Correctional Facility inmate Joshua Wilburn, 46, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday afternoon. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived but were unsuccessful.Wilburn was serving an 18-month sentence for five counts of violating the Kansas Offender Registration Act stemming from convictions in Wisconsin. In 2009 he was convicted of repeated acts of sexual assault against the same child, according to the Kansas Sex Offender Registry.The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Sex offender found dead in his NW Kansas prison cell

Two more finalists were chosen Friday from entries at&nbsp;Doghouse Liquor&nbsp;for the Coors Light Chill Ride UTV Giveaway.&nbsp;

The finalists are Bart Lunsford and Brian Lacy from Hays.

Watch the Hays Post and listen to Eagle Radio for your next chance to enter to win.

The Coors Light Chill Ride UTV Giveaway is courtesy of A &amp; A Coors, Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus, and Commercial Sign Company all of Hays.

The winner of the Coors Light Chill Ride UTV will be announced at the Fort Hays State University football game on Sept. 7.

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brianne Sultzer from Hays – Briney Motorsports – 6/14

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Greg Beougher from Quinter – Briney Motorsports – 6/14

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Pfannenstiel from Hays – Ellis Co Community Fair – 6/21

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tawnya Rohr from Hays – Ellis Co Community Fair – 6/21

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rene Meyers from Hays – WWF / High Plains Roofing – 7/3

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Kutina from Ellis – WWF / High Plains Roofing – 7/3

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy Schoenberger from Hays – Auto Collision Specialists 7/12

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steve Dreiling from Hays – Auto Collision Specialists 7/12

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dan Wynn from WaKeeney – Trego Co Fair 7/12

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Derek Walt from Collyer – Trego Co Fair 7/12

11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeff Ridgway from Hays – Larks Game/A &amp; A Coors 7-13

12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Koerner from Hays – Larks Game/A &amp; A Coors 7-13

13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tom Fross from Hays – Ellis Co Fair 7/20

14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dean Haselhorst from Gorham – Ellis Co Fair 7/20

15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brenda Linenberger from Russell – Bottlenecks Liquor 7/26

16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Richard Kerr from Russell – Bottlenecks Liquor 7/26

17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Bobek from Plainville – Mr. K’s Foodtown 8/1

18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jay Hrabe from Plainville – Mr. K’s Foodtown 8/1

19.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark Coomes from Phillipsburg – Phillipsburg Rodeo 8/2

20.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Becky Dougherty from Phillipsburg – Phillipsburg Rodeo 8/2

21.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lori Schmidt from Hays – Ole 40 Express 8/3

22.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gary Hammersmith from Hays – Ole 40 Express 8/3

23.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Duane Lang from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8/9

24.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chris Chrisler from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8/9

25.&nbsp; &nbsp; Alan Wahrman from Hays – Hays Chevrolet 8/16

26.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Schmeidler from Hays – Hays Chevrolet 8/16

27.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chuck White from Hays – Discount Smokes 8/23

28.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yvonne Mattheyer from Ellis – Discount Smokes 8/23

29.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bart Lunsford from Hays – Doghouse Liquor 8/30

30.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Lacy from Hays – Doghouse Liquor 8/30

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716322467979.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Two more finalists were chosen Friday from entries at&nbsp;Doghouse Liquor&nbsp;for the Coors Light Chill Ride UTV Giveaway.&nbsp;The finalists are Bart Lunsford and Brian Lacy from Hays.Watch the Hays Post and listen to Eagle Radio for your next chance to enter to win.The Coors Light Chill Ride UTV Giveaway is courtesy of A &amp; A Coors, Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus, and Commercial Sign Company all of Hays.The winner of the Coors Light Chill Ride UTV will be announced at the Fort Hays State University football game on Sept. 7.All finalists to date:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brianne Sultzer from Hays – Briney Motorsports – 6/142.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Greg Beougher from Quinter – Briney Motorsports – 6/143.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Pfannenstiel from Hays – Ellis Co Community Fair – 6/214.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tawnya Rohr from Hays – Ellis Co Community Fair – 6/215.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rene Meyers from Hays – WWF / High Plains Roofing – 7/36.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Kutina from Ellis – WWF / High Plains Roofing – 7/37.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy Schoenberger from Hays – Auto Collision Specialists 7/128.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steve Dreiling from Hays – Auto Collision Specialists 7/129.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dan Wynn from WaKeeney – Trego Co Fair 7/1210.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Derek Walt from Collyer – Trego Co Fair 7/1211.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeff Ridgway from Hays – Larks Game/A &amp; A Coors 7-1312.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Koerner from Hays – Larks Game/A &amp; A Coors 7-1313.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tom Fross from Hays – Ellis Co Fair 7/2014.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dean Haselhorst from Gorham – Ellis Co Fair 7/2015.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brenda Linenberger from Russell – Bottlenecks Liquor 7/2616.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Richard Kerr from Russell – Bottlenecks Liquor 7/2617.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Bobek from Plainville – Mr. K’s Foodtown 8/118.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jay Hrabe from Plainville – Mr. K’s Foodtown 8/119.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark Coomes from Phillipsburg – Phillipsburg Rodeo 8/220.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Becky Dougherty from Phillipsburg – Phillipsburg Rodeo 8/221.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lori Schmidt from Hays – Ole 40 Express 8/322.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gary Hammersmith from Hays – Ole 40 Express 8/323.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Duane Lang from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8/924.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chris Chrisler from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8/925.&nbsp; &nbsp; Alan Wahrman from Hays – Hays Chevrolet 8/1626.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Schmeidler from Hays – Hays Chevrolet 8/1627.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chuck White from Hays – Discount Smokes 8/2328.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yvonne Mattheyer from Ellis – Discount Smokes 8/2329.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bart Lunsford from Hays – Doghouse Liquor 8/3030.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Lacy from Hays – Doghouse Liquor 8/30

Latest Coors Light Chill Ride UTV finalists announced

<a>A project to remove the railroad crossing on K-25 near Atwood is expected to start Wednesday, Sept. 4.</a>

The Kansas Department of Transportation will be working in coordination with the Nebraska, Kansas &amp; Colorado Railway on the removal of the cantilever flashing-light signals located on K-25 approximately 0.7 mile north of the U.S. 36 junction. Traffic will be reduced to one lane at the crossing and directed by flaggers.

Work to remove the signals expected to be complete in a day. KDOT plans to resurface the crossing area at a later date.

For more information, contact KDOT Area Engineer Eric Oelschlager at 785-443-1266 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:eric.oelschlager@ks.gov">eric.oelschlager@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724428131694.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOT<a>A project to remove the railroad crossing on K-25 near Atwood is expected to start Wednesday, Sept. 4.</a>The Kansas Department of Transportation will be working in coordination with the Nebraska, Kansas &amp; Colorado Railway on the removal of the cantilever flashing-light signals located on K-25 approximately 0.7 mile north of the U.S. 36 junction. Traffic will be reduced to one lane at the crossing and directed by flaggers.Work to remove the signals expected to be complete in a day. KDOT plans to resurface the crossing area at a later date.For more information, contact KDOT Area Engineer Eric Oelschlager at 785-443-1266 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:eric.oelschlager@ks.gov">eric.oelschlager@ks.gov</a>.

Crews to remove railroad crossing on K-25 near Atwood starting Wednesday

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

The Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) reports the state's operators set new records in July for the production of crude, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. 

Output in the Lone Star State has been on a roll, setting the previous record in May before dipping slightly in June. TXOGA’s projections show that Texas produced 5.76 million barrels of crude oil per day in July. 

According to the trade group, Texas now accounts for nearly 43% of all U.S. crude production.

Crude production in the United States averaged 13.3 million barrels per day in the week through August 23. That's down more than 100,000 daily barrels from a week ago and half a million barrels per day higher than a year ago. Cumulative production so far this year is nearly 13.2 million barrels per day, which is seven percent higher than a year ago.

The Energy Department continues to take delivery on large shipments of crude oil to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. In the week through August 23 the total rose by 700,000 barrels to just under 378 million.

Commercial crude inventories dropped by 800,000 barrels last week, to just over 425 million barrels. Stockpiles are about four percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

The 30th Edition of the "Red Book" is now available. 

The Independent Oil and Gas Directory of Kansas offers 464 pages of exhaustive, cross-referenced contact information for the industry across the state of Kansas. Find out more and order yours at their Web site, at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.iogsi.com/">www.iogsi.com</a>&nbsp;under "weekly news."

Regulators in the Sunflower State okayed 25 new drilling locations last week, 664 so far this year, compared to 826 a year ago. There are 12 new drilling permits east of Wichita and 13 in western Kansas, including two in Barton County, two in Ellis County, and one in Russell County.

Operators in Kansas completed 39 wells in the week through August 29, with 16 in the western half of the state including one in Stafford County. That's 901 new well-completions so far this year, down from 1,120 last year at this time.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is down 19% from a week ago, with eleven active rigs in eastern Kansas, down two, and 15 west of Wichita, down four. Drilling was underway Friday on two leases in Barton County, and was about to begin on a lease in Ellis County.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down two gas rigs last week for a total of 583 rigs. The tally for horizontal drilling were down three rigs nationwide. Pennsylvania dropped three rigs, while New Mexico and Colorado were each down one. The total was up one in both Oklahoma and Louisiana.

Crude imports surpassed exports by nearly three million barrels a day last week. Petroleum product exports outpaced imports by 4.6 million barrels a day.

EIA says crude imports averaged 6.6 million barrels a day, down by about 92,000 barrels a day from a week ago. Crude imports are up more than half a million daily barrels from two years ago.&nbsp; The four-week average is down six percent from a year ago.

Crude exports averaged 3.6 million barrels a day, which is down more than 370,000 daily barrels from a week earlier, and 850,000 barrels a day less than two years ago. Four week average exports are down nearly 200,000 barrels a day from a year ago.

Prices at the gas pump haven't been this low since March, and they're heading lower. The government says gasoline demand is up from last year, and inventories are down, but prices keep dropping. 

The national average for a gallon of regular is $3.36 a gallon, down 14 cents from a month ago, and 46 cents a gallon lower than last year at this time. 

The average in Kansas is $3.05 per gallon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaThe Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) reports the state's operators set new records in July for the production of crude, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. Output in the Lone Star State has been on a roll, setting the previous record in May before dipping slightly in June. TXOGA’s projections show that Texas produced 5.76 million barrels of crude oil per day in July. According to the trade group, Texas now accounts for nearly 43% of all U.S. crude production.Crude production in the United States averaged 13.3 million barrels per day in the week through August 23. That's down more than 100,000 daily barrels from a week ago and half a million barrels per day higher than a year ago. Cumulative production so far this year is nearly 13.2 million barrels per day, which is seven percent higher than a year ago.The Energy Department continues to take delivery on large shipments of crude oil to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. In the week through August 23 the total rose by 700,000 barrels to just under 378 million.Commercial crude inventories dropped by 800,000 barrels last week, to just over 425 million barrels. Stockpiles are about four percent below the five-year average for this time of year.The 30th Edition of the "Red Book" is now available. The Independent Oil and Gas Directory of Kansas offers 464 pages of exhaustive, cross-referenced contact information for the industry across the state of Kansas. Find out more and order yours at their Web site, at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.iogsi.com/">www.iogsi.com</a>&nbsp;under "weekly news."Regulators in the Sunflower State okayed 25 new drilling locations last week, 664 so far this year, compared to 826 a year ago. There are 12 new drilling permits east of Wichita and 13 in western Kansas, including two in Barton County, two in Ellis County, and one in Russell County.Operators in Kansas completed 39 wells in the week through August 29, with 16 in the western half of the state including one in Stafford County. That's 901 new well-completions so far this year, down from 1,120 last year at this time.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is down 19% from a week ago, with eleven active rigs in eastern Kansas, down two, and 15 west of Wichita, down four. Drilling was underway Friday on two leases in Barton County, and was about to begin on a lease in Ellis County.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down two gas rigs last week for a total of 583 rigs. The tally for horizontal drilling were down three rigs nationwide. Pennsylvania dropped three rigs, while New Mexico and Colorado were each down one. The total was up one in both Oklahoma and Louisiana.Crude imports surpassed exports by nearly three million barrels a day last week. Petroleum product exports outpaced imports by 4.6 million barrels a day.EIA says crude imports averaged 6.6 million barrels a day, down by about 92,000 barrels a day from a week ago. Crude imports are up more than half a million daily barrels from two years ago.&nbsp; The four-week average is down six percent from a year ago.Crude exports averaged 3.6 million barrels a day, which is down more than 370,000 daily barrels from a week earlier, and 850,000 barrels a day less than two years ago. Four week average exports are down nearly 200,000 barrels a day from a year ago.Prices at the gas pump haven't been this low since March, and they're heading lower. The government says gasoline demand is up from last year, and inventories are down, but prices keep dropping. The national average for a gallon of regular is $3.36 a gallon, down 14 cents from a month ago, and 46 cents a gallon lower than last year at this time. The average in Kansas is $3.05 per gallon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Texas sets new energy production records

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to the Hays Post

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance will be opening up a cold weather shelter this fall to house the homeless and travelers stranded in Hays when the temperatures dip to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This will be the first time Ellis County has had any type of cold weather shelter.

A ministerial alliance committee has been working for two years to formulate plans and find a suitable location for the shelter. Now, the organization iscallingl for volunteers to go through the training necessary to staff the shelter when it is open.

The first informational meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at First Baptist Church, 11th&nbsp;and Fort streets. A second informational meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, at the same location. Those interested in volunteering need only attend one of the meetings. Attendees are asked to register at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ourecma.com/hayscoldshelter">www.ourecma.com/hayscoldshelter</a>.

Cheryl Glassman,&nbsp;ministerial alliance president, emphasized that these one-hour meetings do not obligate a person to sign up as a volunteer. They are informational only.

Linda Mills, co-chairwoman of the&nbsp;ministerial alliance Cold Weather Committee, said, “We would like people to sign up so we know how many people are coming.”

Those who decide to volunteer will attend a four-hour training session later in the fall. Those training dates are on the website.

No taxpayer dollars are being used to fund the shelter. It is being financed through private funding. Mills is working on a grant to help with that.

The other members of the committee are Brandon Nimz, co-chair, who is the leader of Unite Ministry in Hays; the Rev. G. Chris Prater, pastor of Hays First Baptist Church; and the Rev. Christine Wagner, transitional pastor at First Presbyterian Church.

Mills said, “At this time, we estimate there are two to five people in the community who, because of limited resources, must sleep outside or in vehicles during extreme cold weather.”

She said that estimate is based on her decade heading First Call for Help of Ellis County, an agency supported financially by the ministerial alliance. She has since retired, but she said on cold nights, it was not unusual for up to five homeless people to appear at First Call’s office asking for money to stay in a motel room for the night.

Unfortunately, First Call is not able to provide monetary assistance to homeless people in Ellis County or operate a walk-in homeless shelter.

She said the committee looked at the average temperatures in Hays over the last few years. Based on that research, the committee believes “we may need to open the shelter as many as 20 nights between November and March,” she said. The shelter hours will be 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on those nights when the temperature is forecasted to drop to 20 degrees or lower.

The shelter will be at Hays First Baptist Church, 11th&nbsp;and Fort Streets. Finding a suitable shelter location was the first challenge the committee addressed, Mills said. It had to be large enough to allow men and women to have separate sleeping areas. It had to have running water and heat, and there were liability insurance questions that had to be resolved.

The shelter is non-denominational, and “no one will be preached at,” Mills said.

The committee also looked at what times the shelter will be open. The committee members decided on 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., with check-in from 8 to 10 p.m. If no guests arrive by 10 p.m., volunteers will be able to go home, she said.

Guests will not be given food, money or transportation, she said. No pets will be allowed. Guests must be 18 or older. Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Lastly, the committee looked at what training the volunteers will need. 

“The volunteers are going to be there to ensure the safety of our guests,” Mills said.

The four hours of volunteer training will include the following: learning about the shelter facility (for example, where the fuse box is if the power goes out, where cleaning supplies are located, etc.), interaction with guests, safety issues, dealing with challenging situations, de-escalation training, check-in procedures, and specific things that volunteers will need to be aware of during the night.

Mills said the committee met with Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler to make him aware of the shelter’s upcoming opening, and she described him as very helpful.

There will be two volunteers on duty at all times. Volunteers may sign up for shifts or may choose to work the entire night, Mills said. “The more volunteers we have, the less often they will have to work,” she added.

Volunteers will sign an agreement spelling out their duties and ECMA’s expectations. Guests will also sign a statement agreeing to abide by the shelter rules (no drugs, alcohol, weapons, etc.). Mills said the committee looked at other cities of a similar size and used their agreements as models.

Glassman, the&nbsp;ministerial alliance president, said setting up this type of shelter has been a long-term goal of the organization.

"When I visit my daughter in New York City, I see numerous individuals asleep on the streets. However, in Hays, Kansas, I don't think we see it, but it exists here," Glassman said. &nbsp;

“As Christians, we are called to serve those in need.&nbsp;One of the reasons we have ECMA is to address the spiritual&nbsp;issues of our community, including, but not limited to, assistance. First Call for Help, which is supported by ECMA, can provide assistance&nbsp;to&nbsp;those in need but cannot provide a place for the homeless to stay when the temperatures outside are life-threatening.”

Now the shelter will be able to do that. Questions about the shelter or the informational meetings may be directed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayscoldshelter@gmail.com">hayscoldshelter@gmail.com</a>.

The&nbsp;ministerial alliance will have its first formal meeting of fall 2024 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at The Center for Life Experience, 103C E. 27th. The&nbsp;ministerial alliance welcomes all Christians who are involved in ministry or are retired from ministry to&nbsp;attend meetings.&nbsp;

“A non-denominational organization, ECMA provides support for local organizations who care for the needy. ‘ONE Magazine’ is also part of ECMA.&nbsp;ECMA's two big projects are the annual free Thanksgiving dinner, which will be held at the Hays National Guard Armory on Thanksgiving Day, and The National&nbsp;Day of Prayer.&nbsp;The National Day of Prayer is the first Thursday of May every year and will be held again in 2025 at the Hays VFW,” Glassman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725029964108.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to the Hays PostThe Ellis County Ministerial Alliance will be opening up a cold weather shelter this fall to house the homeless and travelers stranded in Hays when the temperatures dip to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This will be the first time Ellis County has had any type of cold weather shelter.A ministerial alliance committee has been working for two years to formulate plans and find a suitable location for the shelter. Now, the organization iscallingl for volunteers to go through the training necessary to staff the shelter when it is open.The first informational meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at First Baptist Church, 11th&nbsp;and Fort streets. A second informational meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, at the same location. Those interested in volunteering need only attend one of the meetings. Attendees are asked to register at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ourecma.com/hayscoldshelter">www.ourecma.com/hayscoldshelter</a>.Cheryl Glassman,&nbsp;ministerial alliance president, emphasized that these one-hour meetings do not obligate a person to sign up as a volunteer. They are informational only.Linda Mills, co-chairwoman of the&nbsp;ministerial alliance Cold Weather Committee, said, “We would like people to sign up so we know how many people are coming.”Those who decide to volunteer will attend a four-hour training session later in the fall. Those training dates are on the website.No taxpayer dollars are being used to fund the shelter. It is being financed through private funding. Mills is working on a grant to help with that.The other members of the committee are Brandon Nimz, co-chair, who is the leader of Unite Ministry in Hays; the Rev. G. Chris Prater, pastor of Hays First Baptist Church; and the Rev. Christine Wagner, transitional pastor at First Presbyterian Church.Mills said, “At this time, we estimate there are two to five people in the community who, because of limited resources, must sleep outside or in vehicles during extreme cold weather.”She said that estimate is based on her decade heading First Call for Help of Ellis County, an agency supported financially by the ministerial alliance. She has since retired, but she said on cold nights, it was not unusual for up to five homeless people to appear at First Call’s office asking for money to stay in a motel room for the night.Unfortunately, First Call is not able to provide monetary assistance to homeless people in Ellis County or operate a walk-in homeless shelter.She said the committee looked at the average temperatures in Hays over the last few years. Based on that research, the committee believes “we may need to open the shelter as many as 20 nights between November and March,” she said. The shelter hours will be 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on those nights when the temperature is forecasted to drop to 20 degrees or lower.The shelter will be at Hays First Baptist Church, 11th&nbsp;and Fort Streets. Finding a suitable shelter location was the first challenge the committee addressed, Mills said. It had to be large enough to allow men and women to have separate sleeping areas. It had to have running water and heat, and there were liability insurance questions that had to be resolved.The shelter is non-denominational, and “no one will be preached at,” Mills said.The committee also looked at what times the shelter will be open. The committee members decided on 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., with check-in from 8 to 10 p.m. If no guests arrive by 10 p.m., volunteers will be able to go home, she said.Guests will not be given food, money or transportation, she said. No pets will be allowed. Guests must be 18 or older. Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.Lastly, the committee looked at what training the volunteers will need. “The volunteers are going to be there to ensure the safety of our guests,” Mills said.The four hours of volunteer training will include the following: learning about the shelter facility (for example, where the fuse box is if the power goes out, where cleaning supplies are located, etc.), interaction with guests, safety issues, dealing with challenging situations, de-escalation training, check-in procedures, and specific things that volunteers will need to be aware of during the night.Mills said the committee met with Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler to make him aware of the shelter’s upcoming opening, and she described him as very helpful.There will be two volunteers on duty at all times. Volunteers may sign up for shifts or may choose to work the entire night, Mills said. “The more volunteers we have, the less often they will have to work,” she added.Volunteers will sign an agreement spelling out their duties and ECMA’s expectations. Guests will also sign a statement agreeing to abide by the shelter rules (no drugs, alcohol, weapons, etc.). Mills said the committee looked at other cities of a similar size and used their agreements as models.Glassman, the&nbsp;ministerial alliance president, said setting up this type of shelter has been a long-term goal of the organization."When I visit my daughter in New York City, I see numerous individuals asleep on the streets. However, in Hays, Kansas, I don't think we see it, but it exists here," Glassman said. &nbsp;“As Christians, we are called to serve those in need.&nbsp;One of the reasons we have ECMA is to address the spiritual&nbsp;issues of our community, including, but not limited to, assistance. First Call for Help, which is supported by ECMA, can provide assistance&nbsp;to&nbsp;those in need but cannot provide a place for the homeless to stay when the temperatures outside are life-threatening.”Now the shelter will be able to do that. Questions about the shelter or the informational meetings may be directed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayscoldshelter@gmail.com">hayscoldshelter@gmail.com</a>.The&nbsp;ministerial alliance will have its first formal meeting of fall 2024 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at The Center for Life Experience, 103C E. 27th. The&nbsp;ministerial alliance welcomes all Christians who are involved in ministry or are retired from ministry to&nbsp;attend meetings.&nbsp;“A non-denominational organization, ECMA provides support for local organizations who care for the needy. ‘ONE Magazine’ is also part of ECMA.&nbsp;ECMA's two big projects are the annual free Thanksgiving dinner, which will be held at the Hays National Guard Armory on Thanksgiving Day, and The National&nbsp;Day of Prayer.&nbsp;The National Day of Prayer is the first Thursday of May every year and will be held again in 2025 at the Hays VFW,” Glassman said.

 Cold weather shelter to open in Hays this fall

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Monday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Acura ILX driven by&nbsp; Ralph&nbsp;Harding, 63, Colorado, was entering Interstate 70 from the on ramp at Collyer.&nbsp;The driver&nbsp;made an illegal U-turn and began driving eastbound in the westbound lanes. 

A 2016 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Dilshod&nbsp;Usmonov, 34,&nbsp; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, struck the Acura head-on.&nbsp;

EMS transported Harding to the Gove County Medical Center. Usmonov was not injured. Harding was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Monday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Acura ILX driven by&nbsp; Ralph&nbsp;Harding, 63, Colorado, was entering Interstate 70 from the on ramp at Collyer.&nbsp;The driver&nbsp;made an illegal U-turn and began driving eastbound in the westbound lanes. A 2016 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Dilshod&nbsp;Usmonov, 34,&nbsp; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, struck the Acura head-on.&nbsp;EMS transported Harding to the Gove County Medical Center. Usmonov was not injured. Harding was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver injured in head-on crash after illegal u-turn on I-70 ramp

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County appraiser's office has again hit its
mark regarding the state's appraisal numbers. 

Appraiser Eugene Rupp told the Ellis County Commission
earlier this month that his office reported final residential and commercial
ratio rates of 96%.

Rupp said the ratio is the median of the county's appraised value of the property and its sale price.

The official residential ratio was 96%, while the commercial ratio was 96.8%.

“We are still a little bit under-appraised,” Rupp said. “But
in all honesty, 96% is exactly where I would hope to be.”

According to Rupp, counties are still in compliance as long
as they fall within the 10 percent of the state’s confidence interval.

Rupp said the 96 percent value means that properties are
actually under-appraised, meaning that, on average, properties in Ellis County
are selling for more than their appraised value.

"When we set values in the market, there's always the
misconception that we're raising values to raise taxes, and that couldn't be
further from the truth," Rupp said. "What we are tasked with is setting the
market value for that property."

The appraiser's office analyzes all of the previous year's sales and, according to Rupp, determines the
most likely market value for each property based on that analysis.

There were 316 residential sales and 15 commercial sales for
2023, according to the final report.

Rupp said the 15 commercial sales are a “little bit low.”

"I would say on a really low year, we're probably down
closer to 10. A Good year, we might have 30," Rupp said. "There's just not as
much commercial businesses changing hands."

The county's final assessed value as of Nov. 1st, 2023 was $512,475,588, according to County Administrator Darin Myers.

The estimated assessed valuation as of July 1, 2024 was $536,775,865. The final valuation will be determined by Nov 1st, 2024.

Rupp said that if anyone has a question about their
appraisal values, they can reach out to the county appraiser’s office, and they can
explain how they arrived at the values.

"It's buyers and
sellers that determine what market value is," Rupp said. "What a willing buyer
and a willing seller agree to is market value."

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County appraiser's office has again hit its
mark regarding the state's appraisal numbers. Appraiser Eugene Rupp told the Ellis County Commission
earlier this month that his office reported final residential and commercial
ratio rates of 96%.Rupp said the ratio is the median of the county's appraised value of the property and its sale price.The official residential ratio was 96%, while the commercial ratio was 96.8%.“We are still a little bit under-appraised,” Rupp said. “But
in all honesty, 96% is exactly where I would hope to be.”According to Rupp, counties are still in compliance as long
as they fall within the 10 percent of the state’s confidence interval.Rupp said the 96 percent value means that properties are
actually under-appraised, meaning that, on average, properties in Ellis County
are selling for more than their appraised value."When we set values in the market, there's always the
misconception that we're raising values to raise taxes, and that couldn't be
further from the truth," Rupp said. "What we are tasked with is setting the
market value for that property."The appraiser's office analyzes all of the previous year's sales and, according to Rupp, determines the
most likely market value for each property based on that analysis.There were 316 residential sales and 15 commercial sales for
2023, according to the final report.Rupp said the 15 commercial sales are a “little bit low.”"I would say on a really low year, we're probably down
closer to 10. A Good year, we might have 30," Rupp said. "There's just not as
much commercial businesses changing hands."The county's final assessed value as of Nov. 1st, 2023 was $512,475,588, according to County Administrator Darin Myers.The estimated assessed valuation as of July 1, 2024 was $536,775,865. The final valuation will be determined by Nov 1st, 2024.Rupp said that if anyone has a question about their
appraisal values, they can reach out to the county appraiser’s office, and they can
explain how they arrived at the values."It's buyers and
sellers that determine what market value is," Rupp said. "What a willing buyer
and a willing seller agree to is market value."

Ellis County appraisal values just under sale prices

What’s in a name? We want you to tell us! The Ellis County Historical Society (ECHS) is excited to announce a naming contest for our new center at St. John’s Place in Victoria. We’ve been calling it our sister-site and our heritage center, but we’re looking for a name that truly captures the imagination—and we need your help!

This center will be a vibrant tribute to our rich history, highlighting our Volga German Heritage, all immigrants to Ellis County, area churches and villages, Walker Army Airfield, Angus cattle ranching in the U.S., the oil industry in Ellis County, and Western Kansas agriculture. As we continue the redevelopment of this site, we want a name that grabs the attention of both locals and tourists, conveying the importance of our history and culture.

Think you’ve got the perfect name? We’d love to hear it! Join us in making history by contributing a name that will represent the heart and soul of our community.

Submit your ideas and let’s create something memorable together!

<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ECHSvictoriaSITEname">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ECHSvictoriaSITEname</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Historical Society asks public to help name new heritage center" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9h9t4-16bfc22-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>SubmittedWhat’s in a name? We want you to tell us! The Ellis County Historical Society (ECHS) is excited to announce a naming contest for our new center at St. John’s Place in Victoria. We’ve been calling it our sister-site and our heritage center, but we’re looking for a name that truly captures the imagination—and we need your help!This center will be a vibrant tribute to our rich history, highlighting our Volga German Heritage, all immigrants to Ellis County, area churches and villages, Walker Army Airfield, Angus cattle ranching in the U.S., the oil industry in Ellis County, and Western Kansas agriculture. As we continue the redevelopment of this site, we want a name that grabs the attention of both locals and tourists, conveying the importance of our history and culture.Think you’ve got the perfect name? We’d love to hear it! Join us in making history by contributing a name that will represent the heart and soul of our community.Submit your ideas and let’s create something memorable together!<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ECHSvictoriaSITEname">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ECHSvictoriaSITEname</a>

🎙 Ellis Co. Historical Society asks public to help name new heritage center

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725298182443.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>

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

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses organization's mission" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=i6ecz-16bfc5d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the mission of Grow Hays in Ellis County.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses organization's mission

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

After many years as a cook, Patsy Denault, a Russell native, has finally realized her dream of having her barbecue sauce on store shelves.

Patsy D's BBQ sauce in hot and regular hit stores in June.

Denault, 56, said she doesn't like to categorize her sauce.&nbsp;

"People say it's a Kansas City style. I say it's a Russell, Kansas, style," she said. "You try it. It just lights your mouth up. I couldn't be prouder."

She said you don't have to season your meat because she covered that in her sauce.

"I'd toss my sauce in the barbecue ring anytime," she said.

Her sauce was rated 8.6 by<a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/JackstacksEats-100085357067268/"> jackstacks.eats</a>, a food reviewer.

Denault worked for 20 years as a cook at Meridy's Restaurant in Russell.

She struggled with health issues and was forced to have three rotator cuff surgeries.

After she left Meridy's, Denault operated a catering business and two food trailers.

"Now my barbecue sauce is my vision, and that's what I'm following," she said.

The first time Denault barbecued was for a friend's graduation party.&nbsp;

"I forgot that I had never touched a barbecue grill, and I had to borrow four barbecue grills," she said. "But they said it was awesome."

In the beginning, she didn't use her own sauce recipe.

"There was a guy that asked me yesterday, Patsy, don't tell me that you got this recipe for this barbecue sauce overnight," she said.

Denault had a catering job for her long-time bank in Russell and wanted it to be special.

Her uncle and brother had their own barbecue sauce recipes, but Denault said she preferred to make her own sauce from the ground up.

"I went into the kitchen and threw 32 ingredients together. I tried it and said it's an amazing sauce, and here we are today, three years later," she said.

Denault said she had a hard life growing up.

Denault faced more health problems, including a broken leg and knee replacement, but she was determined to realize her dream of selling her barbecue sauce.

She worked for a time for Bricks Rockin' BBQ in downtown Hays, which is now closed.

However, she faced more tragedy when her husband of 30 years died during the pandemic. She also lost two lifelong friends back to back.

She struggled with alcohol, but she has been more than 800 days sober.

"I had so many deaths that I jumped into the bottle," she said.

She added, "I finally learned what it was through God and faith."

Because of her struggles, seeing her barbecue sauce on store shelves was a great accomplishment.

"The first time I saw my barbecue sauce on the shelf ... a lot of tears, you know," she said. "It was my vision."

You can purchase her sauce at • Klema Apple Market in Russell • Encore Antiques &amp; Collectables in Russell • Woelk's House of Diamonds in Russell • T-Ray's BBQ food trailer • 24/7 Travel Store in Russell • Brant's Market in Plainville • Pat's Beef Jerky in Liebenthal • B's Hometown Market in LaCrosse • Eldridge Fencing in Great Bend • Kansas Originals Market in Wilson • 8th Street Liquor in Hays • Centennial Salon in Hays • Bigg E Meats in Hays • Paisley Pear in Hays • Hildebrand Farms Dairy in Junction City

You can also purchase directly from Denualt. Call 785-324-1852, email her at saucemaster55@yahoo.com or message her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/patsy.prim">Facebook</a>.

"If I can do this, anyone can do it," she said. "I like to see people open some doors. I know a lot of people will tell you can't,&nbsp; but I'm here to tell you can if it's your dream."

She said a Steve Harvey motivational video inspired her.

"He said you just find something that you're really good at. You sell it to 100 of your friends. Then you sell it to 1,000 people, then 10,000, 100,000, then you're on your way," she said. "And I did that."

Denault said she is happy with where the barbecue sauce is going.&nbsp;

"It's been my dream. This is probably the first time I've ever dreamed anything," she said. "To see it on a plate is just a wonderful thing. "

"I know this is not the end. It's just the beginning. It's going to be a wonderful thing," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724966195100.jpeg" alt="Patsy Denualt of Russell recently released her homemade Patsy D's BBQ sauce for sale in local stores. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Patsy Denualt of Russell recently released her homemade Patsy D's BBQ sauce for sale in local stores. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter many years as a cook, Patsy Denault, a Russell native, has finally realized her dream of having her barbecue sauce on store shelves.Patsy D's BBQ sauce in hot and regular hit stores in June.Denault, 56, said she doesn't like to categorize her sauce.&nbsp;"People say it's a Kansas City style. I say it's a Russell, Kansas, style," she said. "You try it. It just lights your mouth up. I couldn't be prouder."She said you don't have to season your meat because she covered that in her sauce."I'd toss my sauce in the barbecue ring anytime," she said.Her sauce was rated 8.6 by<a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/JackstacksEats-100085357067268/"> jackstacks.eats</a>, a food reviewer.Denault worked for 20 years as a cook at Meridy's Restaurant in Russell.She struggled with health issues and was forced to have three rotator cuff surgeries.After she left Meridy's, Denault operated a catering business and two food trailers."Now my barbecue sauce is my vision, and that's what I'm following," she said.The first time Denault barbecued was for a friend's graduation party.&nbsp;"I forgot that I had never touched a barbecue grill, and I had to borrow four barbecue grills," she said. "But they said it was awesome."In the beginning, she didn't use her own sauce recipe."There was a guy that asked me yesterday, Patsy, don't tell me that you got this recipe for this barbecue sauce overnight," she said.But that's how it happened.Denault had a catering job for her long-time bank in Russell and wanted it to be special.Her uncle and brother had their own barbecue sauce recipes, but Denault said she preferred to make her own sauce from the ground up."I went into the kitchen and threw 32 ingredients together. I tried it and said it's an amazing sauce, and here we are today, three years later," she said.Denault said she had a hard life growing up.Denault faced more health problems, including a broken leg and knee replacement, but she was determined to realize her dream of selling her barbecue sauce.She worked for a time for Bricks Rockin' BBQ in downtown Hays, which is now closed.However, she faced more tragedy when her husband of 30 years died during the pandemic. She also lost two lifelong friends back to back.She struggled with alcohol, but she has been more than 800 days sober."I had so many deaths that I jumped into the bottle," she said.She added, "I finally learned what it was through God and faith."Because of her struggles, seeing her barbecue sauce on store shelves was a great accomplishment."The first time I saw my barbecue sauce on the shelf ... a lot of tears, you know," she said. "It was my vision."You can purchase her sauce at • Klema Apple Market in Russell • Encore Antiques &amp; Collectables in Russell • Woelk's House of Diamonds in Russell • T-Ray's BBQ food trailer • 24/7 Travel Store in Russell • Brant's Market in Plainville • Pat's Beef Jerky in Liebenthal • B's Hometown Market in LaCrosse • Eldridge Fencing in Great Bend • Kansas Originals Market in Wilson • 8th Street Liquor in Hays • Centennial Salon in Hays • Bigg E Meats in Hays • Paisley Pear in Hays • Hildebrand Farms Dairy in Junction CityPrices might vary depending on location.You can also purchase directly from Denualt. Call 785-324-1852, email her at saucemaster55@yahoo.com or message her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/patsy.prim">Facebook</a>."If I can do this, anyone can do it," she said. "I like to see people open some doors. I know a lot of people will tell you can't,&nbsp; but I'm here to tell you can if it's your dream."She said a Steve Harvey motivational video inspired her."He said you just find something that you're really good at. You sell it to 100 of your friends. Then you sell it to 1,000 people, then 10,000, 100,000, then you're on your way," she said. "And I did that."Denault said she is happy with where the barbecue sauce is going.&nbsp;"It's been my dream. This is probably the first time I've ever dreamed anything," she said. "To see it on a plate is just a wonderful thing. ""I know this is not the end. It's just the beginning. It's going to be a wonderful thing," she said.

Russell native launches homemade BBQ sauce in stores

&nbsp;The WPAA (Western Plains Arts Association) will be starting our ’24-’25 season off at the Oakley High School Auditorium on Sunday, September 15 at 3:00 p.m.

The first program,&nbsp; “Blackwater Draw”, a new cutting edge group of young musicians/singers from Texas will open our season with a bang!

Admission is by season ticket or at the door. Special discount for groups of ten or more students:&nbsp; $5 per student.

This season’s programs are made possible through the generosity of area businesses, individual donors and a season grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Submitted&nbsp;The WPAA (Western Plains Arts Association) will be starting our ’24-’25 season off at the Oakley High School Auditorium on Sunday, September 15 at 3:00 p.m.The first program,&nbsp; “Blackwater Draw”, a new cutting edge group of young musicians/singers from Texas will open our season with a bang!Admission is by season ticket or at the door. Special discount for groups of ten or more students:&nbsp; $5 per student.This season’s programs are made possible through the generosity of area businesses, individual donors and a season grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Western Plains Arts Association kicks off season Sept. 15

Go Truck Go set for Sept. 5

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Most folks generally accept that maintaining good health includes an annual visit to the doctor to check their heart, teeth, ears and more.

But there’s more to personal health than some may realize.

“The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has done quite a bit of research over the years that affirms that a little over 50% of our overall health is related to the places that we live, learn, work, play and pray,” said Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University.

Research indicates that engaging in one’s community is connected to living longer and healthier.

“So,” she says, “we should look for opportunities to be civically engaged, and be aware of opportunities to volunteer, be involved in clubs and organizations, vote and contribute to local community improvement projects. That’s part of civic health.”

The National Conference on Citizenship, which has studied civic life for ten years, reports that communities with higher employment rates, stronger schools and more responsive governments have better health among its residents.

Civic health reflects the opportunities people have to participate in their communities, and can be summed up in three areas:

· Places – Healthy communities have places where people can get together formally or informally, such as festivals in a city park; or a library with extended hours.

· Processes – Healthy communities make it easier for residents to have their voices heard. Some examples: Are voting processes easily understood? Do people know how to voice their support for new projects or changes in

ordinances? Can people participate in local city or county meetings in-person and online?

· People – In healthy communities, people get involved as volunteers and in other roles. People are socially engaged and active.

“When social capital is in place – places, processes, and people – the community is stronger,” Johannes said. “Then, the overall health of the people in the community improves. And there’s research that shows that civic health matters to our physical and mental health.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictMost folks generally accept that maintaining good health includes an annual visit to the doctor to check their heart, teeth, ears and more.But there’s more to personal health than some may realize.“The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has done quite a bit of research over the years that affirms that a little over 50% of our overall health is related to the places that we live, learn, work, play and pray,” said Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University.Research indicates that engaging in one’s community is connected to living longer and healthier.“So,” she says, “we should look for opportunities to be civically engaged, and be aware of opportunities to volunteer, be involved in clubs and organizations, vote and contribute to local community improvement projects. That’s part of civic health.”The National Conference on Citizenship, which has studied civic life for ten years, reports that communities with higher employment rates, stronger schools and more responsive governments have better health among its residents.Civic health reflects the opportunities people have to participate in their communities, and can be summed up in three areas:· Places – Healthy communities have places where people can get together formally or informally, such as festivals in a city park; or a library with extended hours.· Processes – Healthy communities make it easier for residents to have their voices heard. Some examples: Are voting processes easily understood? Do people know how to voice their support for new projects or changes inordinances? Can people participate in local city or county meetings in-person and online?· People – In healthy communities, people get involved as volunteers and in other roles. People are socially engaged and active.“When social capital is in place – places, processes, and people – the community is stronger,” Johannes said. “Then, the overall health of the people in the community improves. And there’s research that shows that civic health matters to our physical and mental health.”The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute annually publishes the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps for every county in the United States. Johannes said the report provides data and evidence that reveals overall community health improvements due to community-led health equity and access efforts.The yearly report includes links to information specific to Kansas counties, rating each according to such health outcomes as length of life and quality of life; and such health factors as adult smoking, obesity, physical activity and more.Johannes said the recent report includes information about the civic health of states and counties. She said Kansas is among 16 states that have more structural barriers to civic health.“Research shows that states with well-resourced civic infrastructure have more civic participation, which is tied to how well and how long we live,” she said.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

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