Fair Entry is open and ready for you to enter your projects for judging at the 2024 Ellis County Fair! You will enter your projects online at 2024 Ellis County Fair - FairEntry.com. The fair is not just for 4-H members but for those of the community as well. Entries for those not in 4-H will go in the Open Class Division of the fair. There are many different project areas to choose from, including but not limited to needlework, arts and crafts, fine arts, horticulture, and photography. There are certain rules entries must follow, find them in the open class fairbook at 2024-open-class-fair-book (ellisco.net).

Be sure to participate in our coloring contest sponsored by Nutrien Ag. All coloring pages will be on display during the fair and the first three places of each age division will be awarded prizes.

The Ellis County Fair is July 12 – 20, 2024. Besides the judging of entries, there is a great lineup of Grandstand events including races, rodeo, and a monster truck show. You can purchase a single pass for one low price of $35. Besides the Grandstand events, there are many free events on the midway for the family. Enjoy music, the petting zoo, pedal pull, Big Rigs and Little Kids, and face painting to name a few. There will be a Lego Bricks Building Contest open to the public as well. Food vendors will be lined up on the midway and livestock shows will be in the show arena. The inflatable carnival and games will be open Tuesday, July 16 through Saturday, July 20.

We invite the community to come support our hard working 4-H youth of Ellis County. View their livestock, or stroll through the air-conditioned Schenk building looking at entries. Our commercial vendors will be located in our building in the midway this year.

Closing out the fair will be the 4-H livestock auction. This is your chance to purchase some homegrown meat to fill your freezer. For more information, visit us at https://ellisco.net under Government, follow us on Facebook, or contact the Cottonwood Extension District or a Fairboard member.

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Ellis County Fair accepting entries

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

If I sound excited, it is because I look forward to interacting with the community and, especially, our 4-H members as they share their year-long project work with judges and all of you!

I love walking through Expo III first thing in the morning to the sound of 4-H members and their families as they begin to feed, water, and clean pens. I love when a 4-H member is so excited to tell me about their judging interaction. I love watching a 4-H youth who struggles to look a judge in the eye and has gained confidence to have that conversation and beam as they walk away. I love to sit quietly with a 4-H member who is facing the finality of a market animal project or their last fair. I love watching family members – sometimes multiple generations – work together to help with livestock projects, learn how to make that angel food cake just right, or to write a thank you note to a buyer or award sponsor.

I am so proud of the patience and perseverance they are developing! Do they get it right every time? Nope, but neither do I. I am so proud of watching skills develop in woodworking or photography or foods – these are lifetime skills that may become hobbies or careers!

4-H is the only Extension program that comes with an inherent level of competition. Competition and good sportsmanship go hand-in-hand and learning how to work hard, be a fair competitor, and humble when you win, or don’t, are life skills that are hard to measure but recognizable when they happen.

This week the weather forecast is HOT! We encourage 4-H families and all participants at the fair to stay cool….in temperature and temperament.

If you see me at the fair, ask me about my favorite thing of the day! If you see a 4-H member at the fair, ask about their favorite thing of the day also. Mostly, come out and support our 4-H members and the community who have entered open class entries. You will be amazed at the Blue Jeans and Big Dreams on display in the Expo buildings.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictIt’s Fair Time!If I sound excited, it is because I look forward to interacting with the community and, especially, our 4-H members as they share their year-long project work with judges and all of you!I love walking through Expo III first thing in the morning to the sound of 4-H members and their families as they begin to feed, water, and clean pens. I love when a 4-H member is so excited to tell me about their judging interaction. I love watching a 4-H youth who struggles to look a judge in the eye and has gained confidence to have that conversation and beam as they walk away. I love to sit quietly with a 4-H member who is facing the finality of a market animal project or their last fair. I love watching family members – sometimes multiple generations – work together to help with livestock projects, learn how to make that angel food cake just right, or to write a thank you note to a buyer or award sponsor.I am so proud of the patience and perseverance they are developing! Do they get it right every time? Nope, but neither do I. I am so proud of watching skills develop in woodworking or photography or foods – these are lifetime skills that may become hobbies or careers!4-H is the only Extension program that comes with an inherent level of competition. Competition and good sportsmanship go hand-in-hand and learning how to work hard, be a fair competitor, and humble when you win, or don’t, are life skills that are hard to measure but recognizable when they happen.This week the weather forecast is HOT! We encourage 4-H families and all participants at the fair to stay cool….in temperature and temperament.If you see me at the fair, ask me about my favorite thing of the day! If you see a 4-H member at the fair, ask about their favorite thing of the day also. Mostly, come out and support our 4-H members and the community who have entered open class entries. You will be amazed at the Blue Jeans and Big Dreams on display in the Expo buildings.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: It’s Fair Time!

<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/2024/6/1719260764715.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

Two finalists were chosen on Saturday for the&nbsp;COORS LIGHT CHILL RIDE UTV GIVEAWAY. They were Doug Pfannenstiel and Tawnya Rohr.&nbsp; A complete list of finalists is below:

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

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&nbsp;UTV will be announced at the FHSU football game on Sept. 7.

July 3 at Wild West Festival for High Plains Roofing

July 12 at &nbsp;Auto Collision Specialists from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

July 12 at the Trego County Fair that evening

August 1 at Mr. K’s Foodtown in Plainville&nbsp;from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

August 2 at the Phillipsburg Rodeo

August 3 at Ole 40 Express&nbsp;from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

August 9 at Kaiser Liquor East from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

August 30 at Doghouse Liquor&nbsp;from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716322467979.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Two finalists were chosen on Saturday for the&nbsp;COORS LIGHT CHILL RIDE UTV GIVEAWAY. They were Doug Pfannenstiel and Tawnya Rohr.&nbsp; A complete list of finalists is below: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 – 6/21Watch 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&nbsp;UTV will be announced at the FHSU football game on Sept. 7.Enter to win on one of theses dates.July 3 at Wild West Festival for High Plains RoofingJuly 12 at &nbsp;Auto Collision Specialists from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.July 12 at the Trego County Fair that eveningJuly 20 at the Ellis County FairAugust 1 at Mr. K’s Foodtown in Plainville&nbsp;from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.August 2 at the Phillipsburg RodeoAugust 3 at Ole 40 Express&nbsp;from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.August 9 at Kaiser Liquor East from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.August 30 at Doghouse Liquor&nbsp;from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Latest finalists announced for Coors Light Chill Ride UTV

By Sheldon Wickwar Special to the Hays Post

Rolling Plains Motor Speedway fired off for another weekly IMCA racing show Saturday night, and 76 race teams checked in and entertained a great crowd. 

The track ran six classes, the traditional five IMCA classes plus a cruisers class.

Three drivers pulled off weekend sweeps after picking up feature wins Friday night at either Thomas County Speedway in Colby, Salina Speedway or SaltCity Racing in Hutchinson.

Visiting Victory Lane were David Kraus in the cruisers, Brock Leibhart in the sport compacts, Zach Olmstead in the hobby stocks, Luke Stallbaumer in the sport mods, Kyle Pfeifer in the stock cars and Jake Nightingale in the modifieds.

The cruisers started the program off with one heat race won by Weston Kraus. Their 12-lap feature event started with an all-Kraus family front row, as Weston and David Kraus made up the front row.

Weston Kraus fired off with the early race lead. Meanwhile, David Kraus and Chris Lohrey would quickly get to his rear bumper. Weston was able to lead the first few laps, and then, on lap four, David Kraus was able to take the lead. Weston Kraus would make heavy contact, spinning Lohrey one lap later to bring out the first caution.

 Weston Kraus was sent to the back for causing the caution, and David Kraus would restart the field. David Kraus would run away with the remainder of the feature, and Weston was able to rebound nicely. David Kraus won picking up his first win of the season, second was Weston Kraus, third was Madelyn Kraus, fourth was Dylan Pfeifer, and fifth was Dakota Bliss. Hard chargers in the event were Madelyn Kraus, Shaun Woods and Seth Rupp, who all gained two spots each.

The sport compacts ran second on the program. They ran two heat races won by Brock Leibhart and Gage Porter. Their 15-lap feature started with a front row of Brock Leibhart and Kyle Mortensen, Leibhart took an early lead after battling three wide with Dave Kappel and Gage Porter.

Leibhart would continue to lead and would battle side-by-side with Gage Porter for a while. A few laps later, Jake Schwien got to third place after passing Kappel, and Porter continued to try to find a way around Leibhart.

Brock Leibhart picked up the race win completing a weekend sweep as he won Friday night in Colby, grabbing race wins three and four on the season. Second was Gage Porter, third was Jake Schwien, fourth was Dave Kappel and fifth was Kiowa Higdon. The hard charger in the event was Jake Schwien, who grabbed four spots.&nbsp;

In an interview with track announcer Tanner Schmidt, Leibhart said, "I've been waiting on this one for a while...winning here feels great."

The hobby stocks were third on the program. They ran three heat races, won by Cody Williams, Tyler Heath, and Trent Matson. Their 20-lap feature event started with a front row of Alec Jeske and Cody Williams; Williams gained the early lead. Meanwhile, a three—and four-wide battle would break out behind him as Zach Olmstead and Morgan Olmstead made moves to the front of the pack.

A few laps in, Tyler Heath blew a tire to bring out the event's first caution. Williams restarted the field and jumped back to a nice lead, while they ran three wide for second behind him.

Shaun Woods and Danny Schulte brought out a caution a couple of laps later as they both spun. Williams restarted the field again and led until he suffered a tire issue. Meanwhile, a group of cars tangled down the backstretch, ending several drivers' nights.

Zach Olmstead inherited the race lead and led the remainder of the feature. Zach Olmstead grabbed race win No. 3 on the season. Second was Trent Matson, third was Jonathan Saliba, fourth was Tyler Heath and fifth was Cody Ghumm. The hard charger in the event was Caleb Davis, who gained 10 spots. Other nice runs included Zach Olmstead up nine spots, Cody Ghumm up seven spots, Hayden Kelly up six spots and Jonathan Saliba up five spots.

In an interview with track announcer Tanner Schmidt, Olmstead said, "I was trying to trick him (Williams). ... He's usually pretty tough around here, but I got it done."

The sport mods ran fourth on the program. They ran two heat races won by Tracy Holloway and Luke Stallbaumer. Their 20-lap feature event started with a front row of Tracy Holloway and Preston Donovan, Holloway got the early race lead and led for a while. 

Meanwhile, Carson Lang got to second, while Donovan dropped a few spots. Luke Stallbaumer got to second place by lap two and started pressuring Holloway for the race lead. Caution came out and led to a red flag as two cars hit hard and broke their cars significantly. Both Connor Barnes and Dalton Bell were OK, but the red flag allowed track workers to clean up the wreck more easily.

Holloway would bring the field to a restart with 14 laps to go, Stallbaumer and Lang would go three wide with Holloway, and Lang grabbed the race lead.

After running side-by-side for three laps, Stallbaumer grabbed the race lead with nine laps to go. Stallbaumer entered lapped traffic and navigated a good race to pick up the race win.

Luke Stallbaumer picked up race win No. 3 on the season after picking No. 2 up Friday night in Salina. Carson Lang was second, third was Blaine Walt, fourth was Tracy Holloway and fifth was Brianna Maughlin. The hard charger in the event was Blaine Walt, who gained 10 spots; other nice runs included Luke Stallbaumer and Justin Meserve, both up six spots each, and Jack Kirchoff, who gained five spots.

In an interview with track announcer Tanner Schmidt, Stallbaumer said, "I could feel those guys on my back bumper the whole time, I was just hoping the checkered flag would come out."

The stock cars ran fifth on the program. They ran one heat race won by Mike Petersilie. Their 15-lap feature started with a front row of Mike Petersilie and George Ramey. A three-wide battle broke out as Troy Burkhart tried to grab the race lead, but Petersilie led lap one. Ramey and Troy Burkhart were right on Petersilie's bumper, meanwhile Kyle Pfeifer got to third place by lap two.

The caution came out as Pfeifer and Troy Burkhart made contact and spun, collecting the whole field except for race leader Mike Petersilie. Petersilie restarted the field and led momentarily as Tathan Burkhart grabbed the race lead, but Kyle Pfeifer would start making a run on the bottom.

With three laps to go, Kyle Pfeifer was able to get by Tathan for the race lead. Kyle Pfeifer picked up his second win of the weekend after winning Friday night in Colby, his fourth and fifth wins on the season. Second was Tathan Burkhart, third was Mike Petersilie, and fourth was Troy Burkhart. The hard chargers in the event were Kyle Pfeifer and Tathan Burkhart who both gained four spots each.

In an interview with track announcer Tanner Schmidt, Pfeifer said, "We've been pretty fortunate. Those guys work harder on their cars...been a pretty cool year."

The modifieds closed out the program. They ran two heat races won by Clay Money and Kyle Rohleder. Their 20-lap feature event started with a front row of Jake Nightingale and John Fabrizius. Nightingale grabbed the early lead, and Money quickly got to second.

Daniel Gottschalk got to second on lap two after Money had to hit the brakes in turn two. Lap three saw Rohleder head pit side with a flat tire, ending his night. Meanwhile, Nightingale was flying away with the race lead.

At the halfway point, Nightingale still held a commanding lead as Gottschalk was trying to find speed and grip to track down Nightingale. 

Jake Nightingale went on to pick up his second win of the weekend, as he won Friday night in his hometown of Hutchinson.

Nightingale grabbed wins one and two on the season this weekend. Second was Daniel Gottschalk, third was Jeremy Frenier, fourth was Clay Money and fifth was Dylan Sherfick. 

The hard charger in the event was Daniel Gottschalk, who gained five spots. Other nice runs included Kaid Calhoon and Curtis Barnes up four spots each, Dylan Sherfick and Jeremy Frenier picked up three spots each.

In an interview with track announcer Tanner Schmidt, Nightingale said, "Well, you know, winning back-to-back nights, feel like we got it figured out."

By Sheldon Wickwar Special to the Hays PostRolling Plains Motor Speedway fired off for another weekly IMCA racing show Saturday night, and 76 race teams checked in and entertained a great crowd. The track ran six classes, the traditional five IMCA classes plus a cruisers class.Three drivers pulled off weekend sweeps after picking up feature wins Friday night at either Thomas County Speedway in Colby, Salina Speedway or SaltCity Racing in Hutchinson.Visiting Victory Lane were David Kraus in the cruisers, Brock Leibhart in the sport compacts, Zach Olmstead in the hobby stocks, Luke Stallbaumer in the sport mods, Kyle Pfeifer in the stock cars and Jake Nightingale in the modifieds.The cruisers started the program off with one heat race won by Weston Kraus. Their 12-lap feature event started with an all-Kraus family front row, as Weston and David Kraus made up the front row.Weston Kraus fired off with the early race lead. Meanwhile, David Kraus and Chris Lohrey would quickly get to his rear bumper. Weston was able to lead the first few laps, and then, on lap four, David Kraus was able to take the lead. Weston Kraus would make heavy contact, spinning Lohrey one lap later to bring out the first caution. Weston Kraus was sent to the back for causing the caution, and David Kraus would restart the field. David Kraus would run away with the remainder of the feature, and Weston was able to rebound nicely. David Kraus won picking up his first win of the season, second was Weston Kraus, third was Madelyn Kraus, fourth was Dylan Pfeifer, and fifth was Dakota Bliss. Hard chargers in the event were Madelyn Kraus, Shaun Woods and Seth Rupp, who all gained two spots each.The sport compacts ran second on the program. They ran two heat races won by Brock Leibhart and Gage Porter. Their 15-lap feature started with a front row of Brock Leibhart and Kyle Mortensen, Leibhart took an early lead after battling three wide with Dave Kappel and Gage Porter.Leibhart would continue to lead and would battle side-by-side with Gage Porter for a while. A few laps later, Jake Schwien got to third place after passing Kappel, and Porter continued to try to find a way around Leibhart.Brock Leibhart picked up the race win completing a weekend sweep as he won Friday night in Colby, grabbing race wins three and four on the season. Second was Gage Porter, third was Jake Schwien, fourth was Dave Kappel and fifth was Kiowa Higdon. The hard charger in the event was Jake Schwien, who grabbed four spots.&nbsp;In an interview with track announcer Tanner Schmidt, Leibhart said, "I've been waiting on this one for a while...winning here feels great."The hobby stocks were third on the program. They ran three heat races, won by Cody Williams, Tyler Heath, and Trent Matson. Their 20-lap feature event started with a front row of Alec Jeske and Cody Williams; Williams gained the early lead. Meanwhile, a three—and four-wide battle would break out behind him as Zach Olmstead and Morgan Olmstead made moves to the front of the pack.A few laps in, Tyler Heath blew a tire to bring out the event's first caution. Williams restarted the field and jumped back to a nice lead, while they ran three wide for second behind him.Shaun Woods and Danny Schulte brought out a caution a couple of laps later as they both spun. Williams restarted the field again and led until he suffered a tire issue. Meanwhile, a group of cars tangled down the backstretch, ending several drivers' nights.Zach Olmstead inherited the race lead and led the remainder of the feature. Zach Olmstead grabbed race win No. 3 on the season. Second was Trent Matson, third was Jonathan Saliba, fourth was Tyler Heath and fifth was Cody Ghumm. The hard charger in the event was Caleb Davis, who gained 10 spots. Other nice runs included Zach Olmstead up nine spots, Cody Ghumm up seven spots, Hayden Kelly up six spots and Jonathan Saliba up five spots.In an interview with track announcer Tanner Schmidt, Olmstead said, "I was trying to trick him (Williams). ... He's usually pretty tough around here, but I got it done."The sport mods ran fourth on the program. They ran two heat races won by Tracy Holloway and Luke Stallbaumer. Their 20-lap feature event started with a front row of Tracy Holloway and Preston Donovan, Holloway got the early race lead and led for a while. Meanwhile, Carson Lang got to second, while Donovan dropped a few spots. Luke Stallbaumer got to second place by lap two and started pressuring Holloway for the race lead. Caution came out and led to a red flag as two cars hit hard and broke their cars significantly. Both Connor Barnes and Dalton Bell were OK, but the red flag allowed track workers to clean up the wreck more easily.Holloway would bring the field to a restart with 14 laps to go, Stallbaumer and Lang would go three wide with Holloway, and Lang grabbed the race lead.After running side-by-side for three laps, Stallbaumer grabbed the race lead with nine laps to go. Stallbaumer entered lapped traffic and navigated a good race to pick up the race win.Luke Stallbaumer picked up race win No. 3 on the season after picking No. 2 up Friday night in Salina. Carson Lang was second, third was Blaine Walt, fourth was Tracy Holloway and fifth was Brianna Maughlin. The hard charger in the event was Blaine Walt, who gained 10 spots; other nice runs included Luke Stallbaumer and Justin Meserve, both up six spots each, and Jack Kirchoff, who gained five spots.In an interview with track announcer Tanner Schmidt, Stallbaumer said, "I could feel those guys on my back bumper the whole time, I was just hoping the checkered flag would come out."The stock cars ran fifth on the program. They ran one heat race won by Mike Petersilie. Their 15-lap feature started with a front row of Mike Petersilie and George Ramey. A three-wide battle broke out as Troy Burkhart tried to grab the race lead, but Petersilie led lap one. Ramey and Troy Burkhart were right on Petersilie's bumper, meanwhile Kyle Pfeifer got to third place by lap two.The caution came out as Pfeifer and Troy Burkhart made contact and spun, collecting the whole field except for race leader Mike Petersilie. Petersilie restarted the field and led momentarily as Tathan Burkhart grabbed the race lead, but Kyle Pfeifer would start making a run on the bottom.With three laps to go, Kyle Pfeifer was able to get by Tathan for the race lead. Kyle Pfeifer picked up his second win of the weekend after winning Friday night in Colby, his fourth and fifth wins on the season. Second was Tathan Burkhart, third was Mike Petersilie, and fourth was Troy Burkhart. The hard chargers in the event were Kyle Pfeifer and Tathan Burkhart who both gained four spots each.In an interview with track announcer Tanner Schmidt, Pfeifer said, "We've been pretty fortunate. Those guys work harder on their cars...been a pretty cool year."The modifieds closed out the program. They ran two heat races won by Clay Money and Kyle Rohleder. Their 20-lap feature event started with a front row of Jake Nightingale and John Fabrizius. Nightingale grabbed the early lead, and Money quickly got to second.Daniel Gottschalk got to second on lap two after Money had to hit the brakes in turn two. Lap three saw Rohleder head pit side with a flat tire, ending his night. Meanwhile, Nightingale was flying away with the race lead.At the halfway point, Nightingale still held a commanding lead as Gottschalk was trying to find speed and grip to track down Nightingale. Jake Nightingale went on to pick up his second win of the weekend, as he won Friday night in his hometown of Hutchinson.Nightingale grabbed wins one and two on the season this weekend. Second was Daniel Gottschalk, third was Jeremy Frenier, fourth was Clay Money and fifth was Dylan Sherfick. The hard charger in the event was Daniel Gottschalk, who gained five spots. Other nice runs included Kaid Calhoon and Curtis Barnes up four spots each, Dylan Sherfick and Jeremy Frenier picked up three spots each.In an interview with track announcer Tanner Schmidt, Nightingale said, "Well, you know, winning back-to-back nights, feel like we got it figured out."

RPM Speedway: Nightingale, Pfeifer, Leibhart pull off weekend sweeps

On Thursday, June 20 at 7:47 p.m., the Hays Police Department issued a Silver Alert for 66-year-old Randy S. Goodermuth.

 Since the Silver Alert was issued, Ellis County law enforcement members have been searching for Goodermuth.

This evening, members of the Hays Police Department, with the help of members from the Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association, located Goodermuth's body south of Hays.

 The Ellis County Coroner has ruled Goodermuth's death an accidental drowning.

On behalf of Goodermuth's family, they would like to thank everyone for their assistance.

On Thursday, June 20 at 7:47 p.m., the Hays Police Department issued a Silver Alert for 66-year-old Randy S. Goodermuth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718964286910.png" alt="Goodermuth" />
 <figcaption>Goodermuth</figcaption>
 </figure> Since the Silver Alert was issued, Ellis County law enforcement members have been searching for Goodermuth.This evening, members of the Hays Police Department, with the help of members from the Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association, located Goodermuth's body south of Hays.He was deceased. The Ellis County Coroner has ruled Goodermuth's death an accidental drowning.On behalf of Goodermuth's family, they would like to thank everyone for their assistance.

Hays man subject of silver alert found dead

The Hays Oilers cheerleading registration is open for the 2024 season.

Oilers Cheerleading is a youth cheerleading organization that was established in 2018.

This cheerleading squad stands out because it is the only youth organization in Hays that provides an authentic cheerleading experience, including cheering on the field at football games.

The&nbsp;Oilers Cheerleading  squad receives recognition for its distinctive pom performances, ripples, sharpness and spirit.

Accepting all first–sixth graders, these cheerleaders cheer for the Hays Oilers home football games.

The Oilers Cheerleading season begins in July with practices and ends in November with the end-of-the-year awards ceremony.

While experiencing authentic cheerleading, the&nbsp;Oilers Cheerleading  squad is also known for having fun, making memories and hosting cheerleading camps.

This year, the Hays Oilers cheerleaders are very excited to announce their camp with Molly Mohajir, a KU Rock Chalk Dancer.

Mohajir&nbsp;is a four-year member of the Rock Chalk Dance team. She was also on the Jonesboro High School dance team for four years.

Her team placed first at the 5A state competition and competed at the Universal Dance Association nationals twice.&nbsp;Mohajir has taken part in bowl games, March Madness, and was a representative for KU at the Big 12 Media Day in Dallas.&nbsp; The group very ecstatic to welcome her on August 6. 

The Hays Oilers squad is so delighted to announce that they are hosting their annual cheerleading camp with the Hays High School cheerleading squad. The Hays High School cheerleading squad took home a first-place trophy for the Showcase Showdown at Shrine Bowl in 2023.

The team is coached by head coach Heather Wellbrock and assistant coach Alexis Gonzalez. This year, the team consists of 23 members. Our Barbie Cheer Camp will take place on Aug. 1.

The Hays Oilers Cheerleading organization hosts annual fundraisers, participates in the Fort Hays State University Homecoming Parade and the Hays High School Homecoming Parade, and cheers at football games, performs, and has fun activities throughout their season.

By registering your child, your child will learn many cheers, chants, basic stunting techniques, sharpness, motion techniques, routines, cheer counts, cheer jumps, ripples and performance materials.

The Oilers cheerleading organization is known for providing its squad members with the necessary skills to try out and succeed in junior high and high school cheerleading squads after being involved with this organization.

The 2024 registration deadline is Friday, June 28. You can find the registration link in this article, on their Facebook page, @OilersCheerleading, or in their Instagram bio, @oilers_cheerleading.2024 

Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/KwCygKZU87fm7HfE7">https://forms.gle/KwCygKZU87fm7HfE7</a>

<a href="https://forms.gle/KwCygKZU87fm7HfE7"></a>Contact Coach Jenny or Holly at 785-259-5293 with any questions.

SubmittedThe Hays Oilers cheerleading registration is open for the 2024 season. Oilers Cheerleading is a youth cheerleading organization that was established in 2018. This cheerleading squad stands out because it is the only youth organization in Hays that provides an authentic cheerleading experience, including cheering on the field at football games.The&nbsp;Oilers Cheerleading squad receives recognition for its distinctive pom performances, ripples, sharpness and spirit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719247212290.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Accepting all first–sixth graders, these cheerleaders cheer for the Hays Oilers home football games.The Oilers Cheerleading season begins in July with practices and ends in November with the end-of-the-year awards ceremony.While experiencing authentic cheerleading, the&nbsp;Oilers Cheerleading squad is also known for having fun, making memories and hosting cheerleading camps.This year, the Hays Oilers cheerleaders are very excited to announce their camp with Molly Mohajir, a KU Rock Chalk Dancer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719247243036.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mohajir&nbsp;is a four-year member of the Rock Chalk Dance team. She was also on the Jonesboro High School dance team for four years.Her team placed first at the 5A state competition and competed at the Universal Dance Association nationals twice.&nbsp;Mohajir has taken part in bowl games, March Madness, and was a representative for KU at the Big 12 Media Day in Dallas.&nbsp; The group very ecstatic to welcome her on August 6. The Hays Oilers squad is so delighted to announce that they are hosting their annual cheerleading camp with the Hays High School cheerleading squad. The Hays High School cheerleading squad took home a first-place trophy for the Showcase Showdown at Shrine Bowl in 2023.The team is coached by head coach Heather Wellbrock and assistant coach Alexis Gonzalez. This year, the team consists of 23 members. Our Barbie Cheer Camp will take place on Aug. 1.The Hays Oilers Cheerleading organization hosts annual fundraisers, participates in the Fort Hays State University Homecoming Parade and the Hays High School Homecoming Parade, and cheers at football games, performs, and has fun activities throughout their season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719247264886.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By registering your child, your child will learn many cheers, chants, basic stunting techniques, sharpness, motion techniques, routines, cheer counts, cheer jumps, ripples and performance materials.The Oilers cheerleading organization is known for providing its squad members with the necessary skills to try out and succeed in junior high and high school cheerleading squads after being involved with this organization.The 2024 registration deadline is Friday, June 28. You can find the registration link in this article, on their Facebook page, @OilersCheerleading, or in their Instagram bio, @oilers_cheerleading.2024 Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/KwCygKZU87fm7HfE7">https://forms.gle/KwCygKZU87fm7HfE7</a><a href="https://forms.gle/KwCygKZU87fm7HfE7"></a>Contact Coach Jenny or Holly at 785-259-5293 with any questions.

Hays Oilers cheerleading accepting registration

NWS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719241729026.png" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
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Area heat advisory issued for Monday and Tuesday

LINCOLN, Neb. — More than 6,600 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have been named to the Deans' List for the spring semester of the 2023-24 academic year.

Qualification for the Deans' List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Listed below are the minimum requirements for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a minimum number of graded semester hours. Students can be on the Deans' List for more than one college.

Following is a list of area honorees, listed alphabetically by hometown, with their year in school, college(s) and major(s). Some international students are listed under their adopted hometowns in the United States. Some students chose not to be listed. Students in the University of Nebraska at Omaha's College of Public Affairs and Community Service are listed in the UNO Deans' List.

Ellis: Amelia Singleton, senior, Dean's List, College of Arts and Sciences, psychology.

Hays: Pake Dewey, freshman, Dean's List, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, PGA golf management.

Hays: Kiersten Ashley Goertzen, junior, Dean's List, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, music education.

Hays: Madelyn Martin, junior, Dean's List, College of Business, marketing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613595283919.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UN-LLINCOLN, Neb. — More than 6,600 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have been named to the Deans' List for the spring semester of the 2023-24 academic year.Qualification for the Deans' List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Listed below are the minimum requirements for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a minimum number of graded semester hours. Students can be on the Deans' List for more than one college.<ul>
 <li>College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.</li><li>College of Architecture, 3.75; Dean Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg.</li><li>College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean Mark E. Button.</li><li>College of Business, 3.6; Dean Kathy Farrell.</li><li>College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Interim Dean Nicholas J. Pace.</li><li>College of Engineering, 3.5; Dean Lance C. Perez.</li><li>College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Dean Shari Veil.</li><li>Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Dean Andy Belser.</li><li>Explore Center for undeclared, pre-engineering, pre-health and pre-law students, 3.6; Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Undergraduate Education Amy Goodburn.</li>
 </ul>Following is a list of area honorees, listed alphabetically by hometown, with their year in school, college(s) and major(s). Some international students are listed under their adopted hometowns in the United States. Some students chose not to be listed. Students in the University of Nebraska at Omaha's College of Public Affairs and Community Service are listed in the UNO Deans' List.Ellis: Amelia Singleton, senior, Dean's List, College of Arts and Sciences, psychology.Hays: Pake Dewey, freshman, Dean's List, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, PGA golf management.Hays: Kiersten Ashley Goertzen, junior, Dean's List, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, music education.Hays: Madelyn Martin, junior, Dean's List, College of Business, marketing.

Hays, Ellis students named to UN-L spring Deans' List 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

When the Hays Lions Club was first organized on October 10, 1924, the members were primarily Fort Hays State University professors, and local doctors and attorneys, all male.

Today, 100 years later, the members include women, people from all walks of life and of varying ages.

The service group celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday evening with a dinner featuring a guest speaker who is one of the club's more prominent members and a former Hays resident, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kansas.&nbsp;

Moran served as president of the Hays Lions Club in 1990-91 and is still a member after 41 years. He is occasionally able to attend the meetings Tuesday at noon.

"I sorely miss my days as part of this club. I miss my days as part of this community," Moran said. "It's had a huge impact on my life.

"And while it's nice to know people across Kansas, you all have something special. You all have something special going on when you know what's going on in the community. You're engaged in what's going on in the community, and you make a difference."

Other special guests included state Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, Hays City Commissioner Reese Barrick, Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges and his family, and District Judge Tom Drees and his wife Patricia.

Members from several other Kansas Lions organization were also on hand to observe the Hays club's milestone.

Attendees also included representatives from several Ellis County non-profit organizations which have received grants from the Hays Lions Club.

The club's three main fundraising projects are the annual pancake feed, an Oktoberfest booth featuring German bierocks and a golf tournament, said Jim Huenergarde, club president.

One of the club's most well-known projects is free eyesight screenings for children and adults.&nbsp;

"Lions Club work for the blind and visually impaired began in 1925 when Helen Keller addressed the international Lions convention. We've taken that up ever since then," Huenergarde said. He is a board member of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation.

"We do a lot of it here in town. We do vision screenings at daycare centers. We help the schools. It's been very productive and helpful, especially getting the young children screened."&nbsp;

Scattered throughout the area where the dinner was catered in the NCK Technical College administration building were memorabilia of the 100 years of history of the Hays Lions, including the original framed International Association of Lions Clubs charter.&nbsp;

While Moran received a new Lions Club pin and an distinguished achievement recognition from the Lions Club International president, he, in turn, signed and presented service recognition certificates for three long-time Hays members, including 31 years for Warren Hall, who is 103 years old, 49 years for Roger Pruitt, and 56 years for Les Herrman.

Pruitt and Herrman both previously served as president of the Hays Lions Club.

"This is an organization that has a huge impact on people. ... I just encourage all of you to continue to care for other people and make a difference in this community and the lives of&nbsp; people you know and people you never met until you get a chance to help them," Moran said.

The club also announced Moran and his wife Robba had donated $1,000 to the club for local grant funding.

There are currently 50 members of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysLionsClub">Hays Lions Club</a>. They are soliciting new members. Anyone who is interested should call Huenergarde at 785-639-3430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719171701277.jpeg" alt="Memorabilia from the 100 years of the Hays Lions Club were displayed at the service group's centennial anniversary dinner Saturday at NCK Technical College. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Memorabilia from the 100 years of the Hays Lions Club were displayed at the service group's centennial anniversary dinner Saturday at NCK Technical College. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWhen the Hays Lions Club was first organized on October 10, 1924, the members were primarily Fort Hays State University professors, and local doctors and attorneys, all male.Today, 100 years later, the members include women, people from all walks of life and of varying ages.The service group celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday evening with a dinner featuring a guest speaker who is one of the club's more prominent members and a former Hays resident, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kansas.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LovJHb6OUrs" title="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran at Hays Lions Club 100th anniversary 062224" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Moran served as president of the Hays Lions Club in 1990-91 and is still a member after 41 years. He is occasionally able to attend the meetings Tuesday at noon."I sorely miss my days as part of this club. I miss my days as part of this community," Moran said. "It's had a huge impact on my life."And while it's nice to know people across Kansas, you all have something special. You all have something special going on when you know what's going on in the community. You're engaged in what's going on in the community, and you make a difference."Other special guests included state Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, Hays City Commissioner Reese Barrick, Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges and his family, and District Judge Tom Drees and his wife Patricia.Members from several other Kansas Lions organization were also on hand to observe the Hays club's milestone.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719182830773.png" alt="Non-profit organizations supported by the Hays Lions Club. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Non-profit organizations supported by the Hays Lions Club. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Attendees also included representatives from several Ellis County non-profit organizations which have received grants from the Hays Lions Club.The club's three main fundraising projects are the annual pancake feed, an Oktoberfest booth featuring German bierocks and a golf tournament, said Jim Huenergarde, club president.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719180876942.jpeg" alt="Jim Huenergarde, current Hays Lions Club president, also served as president in 2023-24 and 2016-17. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jim Huenergarde, current Hays Lions Club president, also served as president in 2023-24 and 2016-17. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the club's most well-known projects is free eyesight screenings for children and adults.&nbsp;"Lions Club work for the blind and visually impaired began in 1925 when Helen Keller addressed the international Lions convention. We've taken that up ever since then," Huenergarde said. He is a board member of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation."We do a lot of it here in town. We do vision screenings at daycare centers. We help the schools. It's been very productive and helpful, especially getting the young children screened."&nbsp;Scattered throughout the area where the dinner was catered in the NCK Technical College administration building were memorabilia of the 100 years of history of the Hays Lions, including the original framed International Association of Lions Clubs charter.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719182029743.jpeg" alt="The original framed charter for the Hays Lions Club from December 1924. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The original framed charter for the Hays Lions Club from December 1924. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719183290670.jpeg" alt="Hays Lions Club member Diana Baumann presented U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, with an distinguished achievement certificate signed by the Lions Club International president. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Lions Club member Diana Baumann presented U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, with an distinguished achievement certificate signed by the Lions Club International president. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719171707149.jpeg" alt="Warren Hall, 103, is the oldest member of the Hays Lions Club. He visits with fellow Hays Lion, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, during the club's 100th anniversary celebration on June 22 in Hays. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Warren Hall, 103, is the oldest member of the Hays Lions Club. He visits with fellow Hays Lion, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, during the club's 100th anniversary celebration on June 22 in Hays. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>While Moran received a new Lions Club pin and an distinguished achievement recognition from the Lions Club International president, he, in turn, signed and presented service recognition certificates for three long-time Hays members, including 31 years for Warren Hall, who is 103 years old, 49 years for Roger Pruitt, and 56 years for Les Herrman.Pruitt and Herrman both previously served as president of the Hays Lions Club."This is an organization that has a huge impact on people. ... I just encourage all of you to continue to care for other people and make a difference in this community and the lives of&nbsp; people you know and people you never met until you get a chance to help them," Moran said.The club also announced Moran and his wife Robba had donated $1,000 to the club for local grant funding.There are currently 50 members of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysLionsClub">Hays Lions Club</a>. They are soliciting new members. Anyone who is interested should call Huenergarde at 785-639-3430.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719182148709.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥Hays Lions Club celebrates 100th anniversary 

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly vetoed three tax reduction bills during the 2024 legislative session. On May 29, 2024, she vetoed the latest tax bill and called for the legislature to return and address reducing taxes for Kansans. The special session was called for June 18, 2024.

There were only two items of business that we discussed during the special session: the reduction of taxes and a proposal referred to as the major professional sports franchise STAR bond district. We debated four tax reduction bills during the regular session and of those, three were vetoed. At the latter part of session, there were meetings and discussion about a STAR bond proposal as an attempt to entice the Kansas City Chiefs and/or Royals from the state of Missouri to Kansas. I will discuss these in more detail in the newsletter.

Governor Kelly signed both bills into law Friday morning.

Senate Bill 1 was introduced early Tuesday morning at the beginning of the Special Session that Governor Kelly called for the Legislature. This bill was negotiated with the Governor and the House and Senate to ensure that this tax reduction bill would be signed by the Governor as opposed to the others in the regular session that were vetoed. Late Tuesday morning, the Senate passed SB 1, 34-4, and early in the afternoon, the House passed the measure, 102-2. I voted “yes” because as I have stated all session when speaking about the budget, when we have an ending surplus of nearly $3 billion, we need to have tax relief for Kansans. Below are the details of SB 1.

SB 1 makes vairous changes to income, sales, and property tax law. This bill restructures the Kansas Individual income tax brackets to a two-bracket system, currently at three, for tax year 2024. For married individuals filing jointly, taxable income of $0 to $46,000 is reduced to 5.2% and income of $46,001 and more will have a reduced rate of 5.58%. For single filers the income levels for these same rates are $0 to $23,000 and over $23,001 and more for the latter.

Beginning in tax year 2024, all Social Security benefits will be exempt from Kansas Income Tax.

There is an increase to the standard deduction amounts to $3,605 for single filers and $8,240 for married filers. There is also an increase to $6,180 for head-of-household filing status for tax year 2024.

The bill also increases the amount of residential property exempted from the statewide uniform school finance levy to $75,000 of the appraised value. Currently, the amount that is exempt is $42,000.

SB 1 also increases the tax credit for household and dependent care expenses from 25% to 50% of the federally allowed amount for tax year 2024.

The bill also prohibits the sale price at which a property sells in an IRS Code Section 1031 exchange from being considered an indicator of fair market value or used in arriving at fair market value for property tax purposes. The bill excludes such sales from being considered valid sales for purposes of the sales ratio study used for measuring tax appraisal accuracy.

At the end of the regular session, especially after the failed sales tax extension vote in Jackson County, Missouri, there was an attempt to lure the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals to Kansas by altering our Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds for the construction of new stadiums. When Governor Kelly called the special session for tax relief, it also allowed for more discussion with the two teams and interest in these alterations to the current STAR Bonds.

The modifications made in House Bill 2001 are an attempt to attract the Chiefs and Royal to Kansas. These changes are only valid for one year and it is specific to a stadium that is constructed with 30,000 or more seats for the purpose of holding a national football league or major league baseball team. The bill also stipulates that there can only be two stadiums that will qualify.

The bonds are generated by private investors and not the financial responsibility of the state or local governments where the stadiums are constructed. The bonds are paid back by the generation of sales, including alcohol, and transient guest taxes and franchise fees for the course of the length of the bond, which the bill states could be 30 years. The bill passed the House, 84-38 and the Senate, 27-8. I voted “yes.”

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of interim committee hearings, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-324-1822, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Kansas House. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Kansas House. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Special Session</h2>TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly vetoed three tax reduction bills during the 2024 legislative session. On May 29, 2024, she vetoed the latest tax bill and called for the legislature to return and address reducing taxes for Kansans. The special session was called for June 18, 2024.There were only two items of business that we discussed during the special session: the reduction of taxes and a proposal referred to as the major professional sports franchise STAR bond district. We debated four tax reduction bills during the regular session and of those, three were vetoed. At the latter part of session, there were meetings and discussion about a STAR bond proposal as an attempt to entice the Kansas City Chiefs and/or Royals from the state of Missouri to Kansas. I will discuss these in more detail in the newsletter.Governor Kelly signed both bills into law Friday morning.<h2>Senate Bill 1: Tax Bill</h2>Senate Bill 1 was introduced early Tuesday morning at the beginning of the Special Session that Governor Kelly called for the Legislature. This bill was negotiated with the Governor and the House and Senate to ensure that this tax reduction bill would be signed by the Governor as opposed to the others in the regular session that were vetoed. Late Tuesday morning, the Senate passed SB 1, 34-4, and early in the afternoon, the House passed the measure, 102-2. I voted “yes” because as I have stated all session when speaking about the budget, when we have an ending surplus of nearly $3 billion, we need to have tax relief for Kansans. Below are the details of SB 1.SB 1 makes vairous changes to income, sales, and property tax law. This bill restructures the Kansas Individual income tax brackets to a two-bracket system, currently at three, for tax year 2024. For married individuals filing jointly, taxable income of $0 to $46,000 is reduced to 5.2% and income of $46,001 and more will have a reduced rate of 5.58%. For single filers the income levels for these same rates are $0 to $23,000 and over $23,001 and more for the latter.Beginning in tax year 2024, all Social Security benefits will be exempt from Kansas Income Tax.There is an increase to the standard deduction amounts to $3,605 for single filers and $8,240 for married filers. There is also an increase to $6,180 for head-of-household filing status for tax year 2024.The bill also increases the amount of residential property exempted from the statewide uniform school finance levy to $75,000 of the appraised value. Currently, the amount that is exempt is $42,000.SB 1 also increases the tax credit for household and dependent care expenses from 25% to 50% of the federally allowed amount for tax year 2024.The bill also prohibits the sale price at which a property sells in an IRS Code Section 1031 exchange from being considered an indicator of fair market value or used in arriving at fair market value for property tax purposes. The bill excludes such sales from being considered valid sales for purposes of the sales ratio study used for measuring tax appraisal accuracy.<h2>Professional Sports STAR Bonds Proposal</h2>At the end of the regular session, especially after the failed sales tax extension vote in Jackson County, Missouri, there was an attempt to lure the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals to Kansas by altering our Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds for the construction of new stadiums. When Governor Kelly called the special session for tax relief, it also allowed for more discussion with the two teams and interest in these alterations to the current STAR Bonds.The modifications made in House Bill 2001 are an attempt to attract the Chiefs and Royal to Kansas. These changes are only valid for one year and it is specific to a stadium that is constructed with 30,000 or more seats for the purpose of holding a national football league or major league baseball team. The bill also stipulates that there can only be two stadiums that will qualify.The bonds are generated by private investors and not the financial responsibility of the state or local governments where the stadiums are constructed. The bonds are paid back by the generation of sales, including alcohol, and transient guest taxes and franchise fees for the course of the length of the bond, which the bill states could be 30 years. The bill passed the House, 84-38 and the Senate, 27-8. I voted “yes.”Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of interim committee hearings, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-324-1822, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home; Special session

TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. 

This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.

Since May 2023&nbsp;Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.

“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie&nbsp;Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and&nbsp;the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”

Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due&nbsp;to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.

Complete Kansas labor market information for May is available here.

Technical Note:&nbsp;This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for May 2024, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. Data collected for this report references the week including May 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718981035315.png" alt="Kansas Department of Labor" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Labor</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOL<h2>MAY 2024</h2>TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.Since May 2023&nbsp;Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie&nbsp;Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and&nbsp;the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due&nbsp;to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.Complete Kansas labor market information for May is available here.Technical Note:&nbsp;This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for May 2024, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. Data collected for this report references the week including May 12.

Unemployment rate in Kansas creeps up slightly in May; Ellis County at 2.7%

By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University researchers and representatives of Kansas Wheat have published updated findings on the value of feeding wheat to pigs.

What they’ve found is good news for swine producers and wheat growers.

“Our data collected from 2014 to 2020 suggests that wheat’s mean energy content is 99% and 98% of corn for digestible energy and metabolizable energy, respectively” said Joel DeRouchey, a swine specialist for K-State Research and Extension.

Bottom line: Wheat can be used at a similar rate as corn in those areas where wheat is available, without a major decrease in the diet energy density.

“The use of wheat co-products for the milling industry is a common practice in feeding livestock,” DeRouchey said. “For wheat, there are many different classifications of co-products, such as wheat middlings, wheat millrun, wheat shorts and wheat red dog.”

K-State formed a partnership with Kansas Wheat to update what is known about the nutritional value of wheat and wheat co-products.

“Wheat milling co-products – including bran, middlings and shorts – provide good nutritional value,” said Aaron Harries, the vice president of research and operations for Kansas Wheat. “In particular, those products have high phosphorus content, which results in less supplemental phosphorus in the diet, and reduced costs for the producer.”

The two organizations have published the updated research in&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001d-6Kp2fYXxEQmV8FX-1Jm2mjuwmzBseHSCwvK0-uKwOHWcgZ2vSxuTCW-M4QBjBvTwjUlEB2mv-kuFbKomivueQeWD_WZtziiTN8xFJpxnlde0C1iJ6JBYYsXAW2fQEuSJ06raBYVRaPFTxyn5z-htcnUCqUEZiX6BHjpHiWy8_MdzwYfBeV8m0faQnoGiptCtxBfNYnK0vNv0VuBEo_ziE4-PiqdyAdNugzCKsGDCdTlR1Ihuqfzs_m-1MGFSqcQ_kNTPv0qEdm51Dj2c1_UAmO3rNkf-hR&amp;c=1FUQ6XmNdCLb37xmJqvX1EteOYiXrLDI0d2TPOzg0M6lKsH_2nYW6Q==&amp;ch=v5Q25MuOgS3l7jHD7yJvYS-jl90teh9KGMu1fzDTjUFhC4fN8AYm4g==" target="_blank">three fact sheets now available online</a>&nbsp;from Kansas State University. The three publications are:

• <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Wheat%20for%20Swine%20Nutritional%20Properties%20Factsheet.pdf">Wheat Nutritional Properties</a> • <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Wheat%20co-products%20Nutritional%20properties%20for%20swine%20diets%20Factsheet.pdf">Co-product Nutritional Properties</a> • <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Off-quality%20wheat%20Utilization%20in%20swine%20diets%20Factsheet.pdf">Off-quality utilization</a>

According to DeRouchey, key findings in the fact sheets include:

• Wheat contains higher levels of crude protein and amino acids compared to other cereal grains. “This allows for less soybean meal inclusion in the diet.

• Wheat’s standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids is similar to corn, but greater than barley and sorghum,” DeRouchey said.

• The phosphorus content of wheat is 0.27%, and has very high digestible phosphorus because it contains intrinsic phytase.

• Pelleted wheat diets have been found to have significantly greater pellet durability index, as much as 33.1% compared to corn-based diets. “Even if wheat is not used as the main cereal grain (in a swine diet), it can be incorporated into diets as a pelleting aid,” DeRouchey said.

Harries notes that the updated findings on feeding wheat to swine “provides valuable new information for swine feeders.”

“It allows farmers to consider swine feeding as an alternative marketplace for their wheat,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718897603087.jpeg" alt="Photo by KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Photo by KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News ServiceMANHATTAN — Kansas State University researchers and representatives of Kansas Wheat have published updated findings on the value of feeding wheat to pigs.What they’ve found is good news for swine producers and wheat growers.“Our data collected from 2014 to 2020 suggests that wheat’s mean energy content is 99% and 98% of corn for digestible energy and metabolizable energy, respectively” said Joel DeRouchey, a swine specialist for K-State Research and Extension.Bottom line: Wheat can be used at a similar rate as corn in those areas where wheat is available, without a major decrease in the diet energy density.“The use of wheat co-products for the milling industry is a common practice in feeding livestock,” DeRouchey said. “For wheat, there are many different classifications of co-products, such as wheat middlings, wheat millrun, wheat shorts and wheat red dog.”K-State formed a partnership with Kansas Wheat to update what is known about the nutritional value of wheat and wheat co-products.“Wheat milling co-products – including bran, middlings and shorts – provide good nutritional value,” said Aaron Harries, the vice president of research and operations for Kansas Wheat. “In particular, those products have high phosphorus content, which results in less supplemental phosphorus in the diet, and reduced costs for the producer.”The two organizations have published the updated research in&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001d-6Kp2fYXxEQmV8FX-1Jm2mjuwmzBseHSCwvK0-uKwOHWcgZ2vSxuTCW-M4QBjBvTwjUlEB2mv-kuFbKomivueQeWD_WZtziiTN8xFJpxnlde0C1iJ6JBYYsXAW2fQEuSJ06raBYVRaPFTxyn5z-htcnUCqUEZiX6BHjpHiWy8_MdzwYfBeV8m0faQnoGiptCtxBfNYnK0vNv0VuBEo_ziE4-PiqdyAdNugzCKsGDCdTlR1Ihuqfzs_m-1MGFSqcQ_kNTPv0qEdm51Dj2c1_UAmO3rNkf-hR&amp;c=1FUQ6XmNdCLb37xmJqvX1EteOYiXrLDI0d2TPOzg0M6lKsH_2nYW6Q==&amp;ch=v5Q25MuOgS3l7jHD7yJvYS-jl90teh9KGMu1fzDTjUFhC4fN8AYm4g==" target="_blank">three fact sheets now available online</a>&nbsp;from Kansas State University. The three publications are:• <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Wheat%20for%20Swine%20Nutritional%20Properties%20Factsheet.pdf">Wheat Nutritional Properties</a> • <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Wheat%20co-products%20Nutritional%20properties%20for%20swine%20diets%20Factsheet.pdf">Co-product Nutritional Properties</a> • <a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/swine/swinenutritionguide/general_nutrition_principles/Off-quality%20wheat%20Utilization%20in%20swine%20diets%20Factsheet.pdf">Off-quality utilization</a> According to DeRouchey, key findings in the fact sheets include:• Wheat contains higher levels of crude protein and amino acids compared to other cereal grains. “This allows for less soybean meal inclusion in the diet.• Wheat’s standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids is similar to corn, but greater than barley and sorghum,” DeRouchey said.• The phosphorus content of wheat is 0.27%, and has very high digestible phosphorus because it contains intrinsic phytase.• Pelleted wheat diets have been found to have significantly greater pellet durability index, as much as 33.1% compared to corn-based diets. “Even if wheat is not used as the main cereal grain (in a swine diet), it can be incorporated into diets as a pelleting aid,” DeRouchey said.Harries notes that the updated findings on feeding wheat to swine “provides valuable new information for swine feeders.”“It allows farmers to consider swine feeding as an alternative marketplace for their wheat,” he said.

Good news for swine producers and wheat growers, say updated findings by KSU, Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719171272316.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>

LENEXA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy has announced that applications are open for $850 million in federal funding for projects that will help monitor, measure, quantify and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sectors as part of President Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzV5fhrD-2Bk8i9fcQa7g1AST-2BTfjZj4jGDzFWHA3xW3lduVHx1VdYLfLO2FaM9yIjdaCi7dhjCJAcL1cDgdxgXYL-2BiOh06b80z0LWe5WQwYvI0dCNEPvgAMZEV6CcoGDYieGd277iEfnB3e67ctpKhHqsUTVTGYXtzybCmrHIMjZLMHaC8mBZhQw3pWuT2YZQCxM0SE8yeaCQwwqG-2FEU1eBsJJV8Q-2Bi9BhhpEm65rg66w6tSSakRzutMNtjEzfS0tGVfZocdoTfPdALbwpuVlEJ-2FX0F1r0qCj3QI8yBR-2FMT9jaKWxPKtjAHJ0hAZ0bzuE-2BzXtafl4MM6RV8QUQCTTe-2BfPRLSX2zIQVpe3VV-2Bk9yAtBXpIvhKJFP32HlcfdJ-2BK7TKQZApQWeCDE-2BhvN5E1jzLckxNK6uYevp8xLXgWZrGwpX95bfvXCIeIDIiqK-2FFht9rpY0Jhd4zEn9CZpR9xMAFqzCVC3Qc6yIeD-2FojOWDhPJke5w_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZavmUh0SUBcECddkc1bQwdKzSY2kUdL28p48FcIyBTCbkcjhg1fTKFRBGj3uP0nASBS8rwPU679Pl8gU2xrJydkCqjSKcQ3BLc6oEdQKdJo4NE1eBwMVmRNYrB27sJCNSfvUQeypiCy-2BkSDl9GjfYasY-3D">Investing in America agenda</a>.

Oil and natural gas facilities are the nation’s largest industrial source of methane, a climate “super pollutant” that is many times more potent than carbon dioxide and is responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today.&nbsp;

This funding from the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—will help mitigate legacy air pollution, create jobs in the energy sector and disadvantaged communities, reduce waste and inefficiencies in U.S. oil and gas operations, and realize near-term emissions reductions.

The funding will specifically help small oil and natural gas operators reduce methane emissions and transition to available and innovative methane emissions reduction technologies, while also supporting partnerships that improve emissions measurement and provide accurate, transparent data to impacted communities. 

This constitutes a key part of broader technical and financial assistance to be provided by the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5cYQnjyGLH-2Bc0H-2BPkQivqIniNCziTD5tmwvahct2R70xJ-2FsLQ8MT-2BvuSSywzR-2FTwdxfm7413SSVrNYkp3HGHPnfM247VgEy3nlNLlflRGpEjXec_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZamMCdWgncngeSf9t3p-2F-2BCOQlpK5oLhkeu3uAYUDeBexDL4xDWna8Tr-2F2JqP5GvmUocAjMot-2B-2FxpipBujEtmskBaeGtgZZkrqtamUgaGy428nf0iR5p9layM6niESrff9qXCTq9gzMpq7mKfhYqV0Szk-3D">Methane Emissions Reduction Program</a>. &nbsp;

The primary objectives of this funding opportunity announcement are to:&nbsp;

A competitive solicitation for this funding will enable a broad range of eligible U.S. entities to apply, including industry, academia, non-governmental organizations,&nbsp;Tribes and state and local governments. This funding opportunity is expected to achieve measurable outcomes for skilled workforce training, community involvement and environmental justice. 

Funding applicants are required to submit Community Benefits Plans to demonstrate meaningful engagement with and tangible benefits to the communities in which the proposed projects will be located. These plans must provide details on the applicant’s commitments to community and labor engagement, quality job creation, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and benefits to disadvantaged communities as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzV5fhrD-2Bk8i9fcQa7g1AST9L44o4KQ5LJgTUGLcefj2xCDVe7-2FTNeZ5x6Rju3nH-2Fiwo1yTRdEB8jPuQmnrGRljI-2FQtjOGj0tBlfgywDFohO-2BlR64Llk8FEwy3y-2BGQCFDIb4dKu8LPMkgQWnYHzPVNb57-2BMOZakIae-2FJ1jKydLWJe3A1w8x92tgMnTJWszJgy6IM4uXDLx8n1Hrzuti2f1XgooV7ZVxj1IYDB8mK8mOqtjdMk53PUQljwbbsBuEEn8CTNxEBp5DWMNiYpriRW2LOhktNVXnsMA7EfMUHhg7LcbhlT8lB-2FYq-2FN482FQLdItvLJYpj-2Fe2rPzwa84DZQhjuMBCkTL25fLAR-2FCRMcAulJ2B0RWI7GBGwrkyVbjEpKq9bFln1O5fZQptjlFBH2WySWt2b-2B0yVzCdB7umny5MrwXCEnWUXiGOFRO7KwD-2FqhcG6OSCwMd9nf3-2FAJOA6Hlg874o8HAievBuY6bpArRZWgqotVhc-2BD6aM8cV2uQypaWg-3D-3DnknJ_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZakeOpC4HN1lI2W640tMDwKOzaJxZcjYdU-2BxQ4GQWhKyU-2F1dhvz6kVk-2Bt0ScjkttExhVE2KpUfR8dCIjFXikWf3GHiRxd1GOysRexQS-2FKKo9BI8L7sZ62AB8KykvyyCiRL9C-2F9hfQOVmdMxjCvClBZYE-3D">the Justice40 Initiative</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read more details of this&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzbVDmlNiEtz1W0Q8uuY4PaOQLr9WmQugV58OQE3NWpD-2BFC9rgoezMXkiwuCi8b-2B6fLxE9OEjyEvalgrfKtYssR1l8b084YyyTJ1EWnee-2BPRQCnmgTveSrhi3Y4pb0GQ-2FEwNI24khyXaxjkwoKiImEMAX4jmeyzmtJkex7TPmJrfhPDhg6Y-2B84zcH0Q0TXjsgdhOGGUDPyrqZO5OMHpbct0PIry708srNivkXG6p6DZxNNsa4fUvqSP7Yd9szUdmMbHgi-2FBeqIED6Wv3BGig5LeU0ybN3N7gs9fGgMJ3N4YKojyt20kn72eKD2-2B5aoyyTiusDx-2Bfhj6pLBBN6FXZVN-2BbABu1-2FE4OPbqpqsTjMkcHgUlrbOwahDQ4uyND8Lwv34zHqR2u91DLT-2FsLslZMxKmmIIgblRKGVe-2BkUDKNrr0JkiE3-2FE6wHMprMo4BXuiG0pAPcwfMYnFgVfXIaJkAblEU-2BwYFdDNBNgZ-2BdsTOz3h-2FUg-2FRcnLIv4Szbm-2FUOGkN-2BfLRxEi3OJLZopWkNX-2Fs-2BROE-3Dhmxb_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZalH9mVxHV9ZC6Qc0XZAgA-2FG0fyj6eDeUYvBWuiNAe-2BA1CIsP0cOXStwFQgYNPRVjjXZU5wjOxVJffWwhXMoQfUm96FZXlFNNrDfZjhwjv9O1EWo0oElptIcmIPhZwji46hhDLIOktreHnVCnS4K79cU-3D">funding opportunity</a>. For any questions on the application, applicants must submit written questions through the FedConnect portal at FedConnect.net.

For assistance with any technical issues with grants.gov, please contact 1-800-518-4726 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:support@grants.gov">support@grants.gov</a>. More information, including applicant eligibility, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzWwWyn5GHxar8O7msGi6-2BFYNydZNpQ12zlEGyqlPM87XwmvpFqXhJMPm8X1dmwvJxJUgJNvIcotOwgH1hxUth1pZWIBPmUp2s-2FPS5lqMSbWCbWxjOn5ej2-2FJ0Ulip87gGH9tNGjY5eDLl4cjixOuQs0quA-2FnG3Tbrw7fV5B-2F7XI7V0nBSoM0-2BTuGLFo-2Fnpz0AWlrZryuHaEjS5uGK4AfwNSJKCRtLHi7xzoQrQi6FoE-2FUZkk4rk8ncvJs1l5iUTlZyvhPkw1dVKlLYBHRN4r2p2C7ewP0RpDheazlggKDeQtJikZgP5VtzbnDv01hDKlIQ6l92lHINf9sXp-2FDSYkxCZ0DwX-2FscJOjIJsVgaOpX0t-2F18cgRnIaqPz-2FwSf2SWAweJHdreR-2BBiRcuI8htWsUG7wXFU-2BFPFoH7t3zzIpwHmyBx-2FX-2Bdc31GVJ3DHjzh-2F4AQ-3D-3DEL29_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZahV8CtbM9f9gcVQG25Rn1GKg4Pu6Dm04Q0SYf1V6UQF7L1CVC-2BFtyUZQ65kNlc72jP75Q9I7xK5wbS1lN7OH1RkSKjxImReHJwgLGS7-2BLY-2B9DiiT6exwjeBGMJPFBQ5SH03lE-2BPJrhcK5ZQNLExMzUY-3D">government grants page</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718986774743.jpeg" alt="Oil refinery. Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Oil refinery. Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;EPALENEXA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy has announced that applications are open for $850 million in federal funding for projects that will help monitor, measure, quantify and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sectors as part of President Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzV5fhrD-2Bk8i9fcQa7g1AST-2BTfjZj4jGDzFWHA3xW3lduVHx1VdYLfLO2FaM9yIjdaCi7dhjCJAcL1cDgdxgXYL-2BiOh06b80z0LWe5WQwYvI0dCNEPvgAMZEV6CcoGDYieGd277iEfnB3e67ctpKhHqsUTVTGYXtzybCmrHIMjZLMHaC8mBZhQw3pWuT2YZQCxM0SE8yeaCQwwqG-2FEU1eBsJJV8Q-2Bi9BhhpEm65rg66w6tSSakRzutMNtjEzfS0tGVfZocdoTfPdALbwpuVlEJ-2FX0F1r0qCj3QI8yBR-2FMT9jaKWxPKtjAHJ0hAZ0bzuE-2BzXtafl4MM6RV8QUQCTTe-2BfPRLSX2zIQVpe3VV-2Bk9yAtBXpIvhKJFP32HlcfdJ-2BK7TKQZApQWeCDE-2BhvN5E1jzLckxNK6uYevp8xLXgWZrGwpX95bfvXCIeIDIiqK-2FFht9rpY0Jhd4zEn9CZpR9xMAFqzCVC3Qc6yIeD-2FojOWDhPJke5w_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZavmUh0SUBcECddkc1bQwdKzSY2kUdL28p48FcIyBTCbkcjhg1fTKFRBGj3uP0nASBS8rwPU679Pl8gU2xrJydkCqjSKcQ3BLc6oEdQKdJo4NE1eBwMVmRNYrB27sJCNSfvUQeypiCy-2BkSDl9GjfYasY-3D">Investing in America agenda</a>. Oil and natural gas facilities are the nation’s largest industrial source of methane, a climate “super pollutant” that is many times more potent than carbon dioxide and is responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today.&nbsp;This funding from the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—will help mitigate legacy air pollution, create jobs in the energy sector and disadvantaged communities, reduce waste and inefficiencies in U.S. oil and gas operations, and realize near-term emissions reductions.The funding will specifically help small oil and natural gas operators reduce methane emissions and transition to available and innovative methane emissions reduction technologies, while also supporting partnerships that improve emissions measurement and provide accurate, transparent data to impacted communities. This constitutes a key part of broader technical and financial assistance to be provided by the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5cYQnjyGLH-2Bc0H-2BPkQivqIniNCziTD5tmwvahct2R70xJ-2FsLQ8MT-2BvuSSywzR-2FTwdxfm7413SSVrNYkp3HGHPnfM247VgEy3nlNLlflRGpEjXec_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZamMCdWgncngeSf9t3p-2F-2BCOQlpK5oLhkeu3uAYUDeBexDL4xDWna8Tr-2F2JqP5GvmUocAjMot-2B-2FxpipBujEtmskBaeGtgZZkrqtamUgaGy428nf0iR5p9layM6niESrff9qXCTq9gzMpq7mKfhYqV0Szk-3D">Methane Emissions Reduction Program</a>. &nbsp;The primary objectives of this funding opportunity announcement are to:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Help small operators significantly reduce methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations, using commercially available technology solutions for methane emissions monitoring, measurement, quantification and mitigation.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Accelerate the repair of methane leaks from low-producing wells&nbsp;and the deployment of early-commercial technology solutions to reduce methane emissions from new and existing equipment such as natural gas compressors, gas-fueled engines, associated gas flares, liquids unloading operations, handling of produced water and other equipment leakage.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Improve communities’ access to empirical data and participation in monitoring&nbsp;through multiple installations of monitoring and measurement technologies while establishing collaborative relationships between equipment providers and communities.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Enhance the detection and measurement of methane emissions from oil and gas operations&nbsp;at regional scale, while ensuring nationwide data consistency through the creation of collaborative partnerships. These partnerships will span the country’s oil and gas-producing regions and draw in oil and natural gas owners and operators, universities, environmental justice organizations, community leaders, unions, technology developers, Tribes, state regulatory agencies, non-governmental research organizations, federally funded research and development centers and DOE’s National Laboratories. &nbsp;</li>
 </ol>A competitive solicitation for this funding will enable a broad range of eligible U.S. entities to apply, including industry, academia, non-governmental organizations,&nbsp;Tribes and state and local governments. This funding opportunity is expected to achieve measurable outcomes for skilled workforce training, community involvement and environmental justice. Funding applicants are required to submit Community Benefits Plans to demonstrate meaningful engagement with and tangible benefits to the communities in which the proposed projects will be located. These plans must provide details on the applicant’s commitments to community and labor engagement, quality job creation, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and benefits to disadvantaged communities as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzV5fhrD-2Bk8i9fcQa7g1AST9L44o4KQ5LJgTUGLcefj2xCDVe7-2FTNeZ5x6Rju3nH-2Fiwo1yTRdEB8jPuQmnrGRljI-2FQtjOGj0tBlfgywDFohO-2BlR64Llk8FEwy3y-2BGQCFDIb4dKu8LPMkgQWnYHzPVNb57-2BMOZakIae-2FJ1jKydLWJe3A1w8x92tgMnTJWszJgy6IM4uXDLx8n1Hrzuti2f1XgooV7ZVxj1IYDB8mK8mOqtjdMk53PUQljwbbsBuEEn8CTNxEBp5DWMNiYpriRW2LOhktNVXnsMA7EfMUHhg7LcbhlT8lB-2FYq-2FN482FQLdItvLJYpj-2Fe2rPzwa84DZQhjuMBCkTL25fLAR-2FCRMcAulJ2B0RWI7GBGwrkyVbjEpKq9bFln1O5fZQptjlFBH2WySWt2b-2B0yVzCdB7umny5MrwXCEnWUXiGOFRO7KwD-2FqhcG6OSCwMd9nf3-2FAJOA6Hlg874o8HAievBuY6bpArRZWgqotVhc-2BD6aM8cV2uQypaWg-3D-3DnknJ_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZakeOpC4HN1lI2W640tMDwKOzaJxZcjYdU-2BxQ4GQWhKyU-2F1dhvz6kVk-2Bt0ScjkttExhVE2KpUfR8dCIjFXikWf3GHiRxd1GOysRexQS-2FKKo9BI8L7sZ62AB8KykvyyCiRL9C-2F9hfQOVmdMxjCvClBZYE-3D">the Justice40 Initiative</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read more details of this&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzbVDmlNiEtz1W0Q8uuY4PaOQLr9WmQugV58OQE3NWpD-2BFC9rgoezMXkiwuCi8b-2B6fLxE9OEjyEvalgrfKtYssR1l8b084YyyTJ1EWnee-2BPRQCnmgTveSrhi3Y4pb0GQ-2FEwNI24khyXaxjkwoKiImEMAX4jmeyzmtJkex7TPmJrfhPDhg6Y-2B84zcH0Q0TXjsgdhOGGUDPyrqZO5OMHpbct0PIry708srNivkXG6p6DZxNNsa4fUvqSP7Yd9szUdmMbHgi-2FBeqIED6Wv3BGig5LeU0ybN3N7gs9fGgMJ3N4YKojyt20kn72eKD2-2B5aoyyTiusDx-2Bfhj6pLBBN6FXZVN-2BbABu1-2FE4OPbqpqsTjMkcHgUlrbOwahDQ4uyND8Lwv34zHqR2u91DLT-2FsLslZMxKmmIIgblRKGVe-2BkUDKNrr0JkiE3-2FE6wHMprMo4BXuiG0pAPcwfMYnFgVfXIaJkAblEU-2BwYFdDNBNgZ-2BdsTOz3h-2FUg-2FRcnLIv4Szbm-2FUOGkN-2BfLRxEi3OJLZopWkNX-2Fs-2BROE-3Dhmxb_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZalH9mVxHV9ZC6Qc0XZAgA-2FG0fyj6eDeUYvBWuiNAe-2BA1CIsP0cOXStwFQgYNPRVjjXZU5wjOxVJffWwhXMoQfUm96FZXlFNNrDfZjhwjv9O1EWo0oElptIcmIPhZwji46hhDLIOktreHnVCnS4K79cU-3D">funding opportunity</a>. For any questions on the application, applicants must submit written questions through the FedConnect portal at FedConnect.net. For assistance with any technical issues with grants.gov, please contact 1-800-518-4726 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:support@grants.gov">support@grants.gov</a>. More information, including applicant eligibility, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxP8xS49akJRZDixlHWHRrNJGfiJQmrf29ZQWcp6ndzRbdZIgu-2BTDm7J-2B8PVNgvwzWwWyn5GHxar8O7msGi6-2BFYNydZNpQ12zlEGyqlPM87XwmvpFqXhJMPm8X1dmwvJxJUgJNvIcotOwgH1hxUth1pZWIBPmUp2s-2FPS5lqMSbWCbWxjOn5ej2-2FJ0Ulip87gGH9tNGjY5eDLl4cjixOuQs0quA-2FnG3Tbrw7fV5B-2F7XI7V0nBSoM0-2BTuGLFo-2Fnpz0AWlrZryuHaEjS5uGK4AfwNSJKCRtLHi7xzoQrQi6FoE-2FUZkk4rk8ncvJs1l5iUTlZyvhPkw1dVKlLYBHRN4r2p2C7ewP0RpDheazlggKDeQtJikZgP5VtzbnDv01hDKlIQ6l92lHINf9sXp-2FDSYkxCZ0DwX-2FscJOjIJsVgaOpX0t-2F18cgRnIaqPz-2FwSf2SWAweJHdreR-2BBiRcuI8htWsUG7wXFU-2BFPFoH7t3zzIpwHmyBx-2FX-2Bdc31GVJ3DHjzh-2F4AQ-3D-3DEL29_Fv8ztqy4N6v5mSHn3IC12POcfMADnYQcgayMRAqoOA8BbEH-2FhvL1t3FUHFUCWDXRle-2FflzQfOBnXsJbH2716m2WQ8qlMTXcci9ZY3fRl07tdNsovpIAjS-2FWdXS795nahMdwIC7hFg24lCWtdmTQj7YO2hmBmajQgoIlFhau-2FEwD7KxVdPG5NlneS-2F4s05S9sK73c8sRsHR-2BojLjOXPZZahV8CtbM9f9gcVQG25Rn1GKg4Pu6Dm04Q0SYf1V6UQF7L1CVC-2BFtyUZQ65kNlc72jP75Q9I7xK5wbS1lN7OH1RkSKjxImReHJwgLGS7-2BLY-2B9DiiT6exwjeBGMJPFBQ5SH03lE-2BPJrhcK5ZQNLExMzUY-3D">government grants page</a>.&nbsp;

EPA, DOE announce $850M to reduce methane pollution from oil and gas sector

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Spent some time with my brother recently, and we talked about a pigeon problem he has in his barn, and how he and his grandson make occasional night raids to try to get rid of them. It all reminded me of FFA pest hunts we had when we grew up. Given society’s current penchant for looking at problems through emotional eyes only, I’ll probably get roasted for this one, but here goes anyway.

Amongst all its other merits, high school FFA was OK in my book because we had pest hunts! Pest hunts started in the fall and ran for a couple months. We divided into teams of four or five and for those couple months killed all the pests we could kill. Everything had a point value; starlings and blackbirds were two points each, pigeons were five and so on and so forth, and it was a simple competition to see which team could accumulate the most points by the end of the time period. As proof of “capture,” the heads of all starlings and pigeons were kept, and the tails were kept from mice, rats, possums’ and most everything else. And since all “trophies” were accumulated until the contest was over, they naturally had to be housed in the freezer. And since most folks only had one freezer back then, it was the same freezer where all the frozen meat, vegetables and fruit were kept. Yup, more than once I remember mom screamin’ my name in capital letters when she came up with a bag full of bird heads or possum tails instead of the frozen corn or hamburgers she was after.

The pest hunting game plan was fairly straightforward. We were all farm kids, so mice and rats were killed as we saw them around the barn. We were also hunters and trappers so possums were found squashed along the road or caught in our coon’ traps. Bird hunting gigs were the trickiest. Most barns where I grew up were three or four stories tall with hay lofts on each end. There was always a window high in each end of the barn with a ladder running up the inside wall to the window. One hunter would climb each ladder up to the window, turn around and prepare to swat birds as they headed toward the window, all the while somehow holding onto the ladder for dear life. Now that doesn’t sound all that dangerous, but here’s the thing; it was all done in the dead of night.

Here’s how the process worked. Our team would quietly converge on a barn around 10pm or so. (Of the whole process, the “quietly” part was the toughest.) Remember this was winter so everyone was dressed in old army jackets and mud boots, except the designated “swatters” for that night’s offensive, who had to dress warmly but in clothing that fit loosely around the shoulders so as not to impede their swing once they got into place at the top of the ladders. Clubs for the battle ranged from top-of-the-line gear like tennis or badminton rackets to more simple weapons like a scrap board with a handle nailed to it. Once the climbing swatters were inserted and in place, the rest of the militia on the floor would turn on lights and make as much noise as possible, attempting to roust any starlings or pigeons roosted inside, which would inevitably head for the windows, now guarded by the “swatters.” Snipers (with pellet guns) would begin picking off any drowsy birds still clinging to their perches after the melee started.

Meanwhile, at the tops of the ladder’s, startled birds were flying into a trap, and the action could be fast and furious as flustered birds tried to fly out the windows, and Heaven help you if one of those birds was an owl, which we obviously did not swat, but that would ring your bell if they flew into you. For starters,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsSpent some time with my brother recently, and we talked about a pigeon problem he has in his barn, and how he and his grandson make occasional night raids to try to get rid of them. It all reminded me of FFA pest hunts we had when we grew up. Given society’s current penchant for looking at problems through emotional eyes only, I’ll probably get roasted for this one, but here goes anyway.Amongst all its other merits, high school FFA was OK in my book because we had pest hunts! Pest hunts started in the fall and ran for a couple months. We divided into teams of four or five and for those couple months killed all the pests we could kill. Everything had a point value; starlings and blackbirds were two points each, pigeons were five and so on and so forth, and it was a simple competition to see which team could accumulate the most points by the end of the time period. As proof of “capture,” the heads of all starlings and pigeons were kept, and the tails were kept from mice, rats, possums’ and most everything else. And since all “trophies” were accumulated until the contest was over, they naturally had to be housed in the freezer. And since most folks only had one freezer back then, it was the same freezer where all the frozen meat, vegetables and fruit were kept. Yup, more than once I remember mom screamin’ my name in capital letters when she came up with a bag full of bird heads or possum tails instead of the frozen corn or hamburgers she was after.The pest hunting game plan was fairly straightforward. We were all farm kids, so mice and rats were killed as we saw them around the barn. We were also hunters and trappers so possums were found squashed along the road or caught in our coon’ traps. Bird hunting gigs were the trickiest. Most barns where I grew up were three or four stories tall with hay lofts on each end. There was always a window high in each end of the barn with a ladder running up the inside wall to the window. One hunter would climb each ladder up to the window, turn around and prepare to swat birds as they headed toward the window, all the while somehow holding onto the ladder for dear life. Now that doesn’t sound all that dangerous, but here’s the thing; it was all done in the dead of night.Here’s how the process worked. Our team would quietly converge on a barn around 10pm or so. (Of the whole process, the “quietly” part was the toughest.) Remember this was winter so everyone was dressed in old army jackets and mud boots, except the designated “swatters” for that night’s offensive, who had to dress warmly but in clothing that fit loosely around the shoulders so as not to impede their swing once they got into place at the top of the ladders. Clubs for the battle ranged from top-of-the-line gear like tennis or badminton rackets to more simple weapons like a scrap board with a handle nailed to it. Once the climbing swatters were inserted and in place, the rest of the militia on the floor would turn on lights and make as much noise as possible, attempting to roust any starlings or pigeons roosted inside, which would inevitably head for the windows, now guarded by the “swatters.” Snipers (with pellet guns) would begin picking off any drowsy birds still clinging to their perches after the melee started.Meanwhile, at the tops of the ladder’s, startled birds were flying into a trap, and the action could be fast and furious as flustered birds tried to fly out the windows, and Heaven help you if one of those birds was an owl, which we obviously did not swat, but that would ring your bell if they flew into you. For starters,you only had one hand available to swat as the other was rather busy holding onto an old rickety ladder that you hoped would not crumble into pieces and dump you into the hay below. These were still the days of small square bales of hay and straw which might have been only a few feet below you, or twenty feet below you depending on how much the farmer had used already. It was still pretty dark up there and with birds often coming at you several at a time, it was impossible to swat them all. The ones you missed either flew around, coming back for a second try, or just hit you in the face from the get-go. In the midst of the assault, it could be raining dead bird carcasses down on the floor and it wasn’t out of the question to get “beaned” with the corpse of a deceased pigeon of starling if you were down there. We always tried to make sure the guys on the ground with the pellet guns were the most even-tempered of the group, thereby lessening the chance that one of the swatters would get shot in the butt for inadvertently beaning someone with a bird cadaver. After all forms of pest-life seemed to be vanquished from a barn, out came the flashlights and it was time to collect the spoils, leaving the neighborhood barn cats quite a feast indeed for allowing us to invade their territory.How many times have you looked back upon crazy things you did as a kid and wondered how in blazes you ever survived past the age of nine? Every time I drive past a tall barn with windows in each end, I stare up at the windows and ask myself “Did we really used to do that?” Well, I’ve lived well past the age of nine and another part of me has to wonder if the world would be a better place today if we just had more pest hunts. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

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