Bull frog season in Kansas stirs up lots of fond memories. 

It seems bull frogs and frog hunting were a part of my summer for many years as a kid.&nbsp; When I was in grade school, there was a big drainage ditch across the road from the neighbor kids’ house. The three of them had a BB gun and there was never a shortage of frogs in the ditch. 

When we weren’t shooting at frogs in the ditch, we were behind the barn shooting their big boar hog in the butt (and elsewhere.) Anyway, each time we finally managed to kill a frog, we’d cut the thing open with our pocket knives and retrieve the BBs. (How’s that for recycling?)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

After we moved away from there, lots of my friends were city kids so my outdoor adventures consisted of me shooting blackbirds out of trees along the creek with Mom’s old fold-up .410 shotgun, catching crawdads under the bridge using forked sticks as spears and learning how to trap muskrats.&nbsp;

We moved one more time before I graduated from high school, and there all my buddies were country kids once again that trapped and hunted rabbits, deer and bull frogs. There was a farm a few miles away with two ponds, one on each side of the road, and they both teemed with bull frogs. 

Back then the hot humid summer nights didn’t bother me at all, and that was the best frog hunting weather. By then we were all in high school and one of us always had some beater of a car, so we’d don worn-out jeans and old sneakers (which was our usual attire anyway) fill the trunk with flashlights, feed sacks and frog spears and head for the ponds after dark. I can only figure the farmer only let our motley crew on his property hoping we’d all drown in the pond and never bother him again. 

Anyway, we would split up to cover both ponds at once, slowly wading around the edge knee-deep in the water until a frog was spotted ahead. Putting the flashlight beam in its eyes dazzled the frog until we could spear it and add it to the feed sack hanging around our waist.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I remember vividly returning home after one particular frog hunt at those ponds. The night was hot and steamy and the four of us went to work butchering frogs in our driveway under the security light by the barn, using an empty hay wagon for a table. Sacks were emptied and squirming bull frogs went everywhere. I also vividly remember mom hollering out her upstairs bedroom window for us to be quiet; I don’t know what her problem was, it was only 2 in the morning!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Frog meat is white and sweet, and half the fun of frog hunting is watching the legs twitch and quiver as they fry in the oil. 

One night, a girlfriend of one of the guys was there as we fried up a mess of legs. The experience was all new to her, so while she was out of the room, we propped up a big pair of the legs on the edge of the skillet as if they had climbed out. As I recall that was the last time she ever hung out with us.&nbsp;

About fifteen years ago, when my dad was still alive and was nearly 80, I took him frog hunting. We went just out of town to some of the McPherson Valley Wetland ponds. It was a slow night for harvesting frogs, but we got enough to have a “small mess” to fry. The legs still twitched and quivered as they fried, and they still tasted just as sweet as I remembered them. Thankfully, some things never change!

Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.&nbsp;

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Bull frog season in Kansas stirs up lots of fond memories. It seems bull frogs and frog hunting were a part of my summer for many years as a kid.&nbsp; When I was in grade school, there was a big drainage ditch across the road from the neighbor kids’ house. The three of them had a BB gun and there was never a shortage of frogs in the ditch. When we weren’t shooting at frogs in the ditch, we were behind the barn shooting their big boar hog in the butt (and elsewhere.) Anyway, each time we finally managed to kill a frog, we’d cut the thing open with our pocket knives and retrieve the BBs. (How’s that for recycling?)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After we moved away from there, lots of my friends were city kids so my outdoor adventures consisted of me shooting blackbirds out of trees along the creek with Mom’s old fold-up .410 shotgun, catching crawdads under the bridge using forked sticks as spears and learning how to trap muskrats.&nbsp;We moved one more time before I graduated from high school, and there all my buddies were country kids once again that trapped and hunted rabbits, deer and bull frogs. There was a farm a few miles away with two ponds, one on each side of the road, and they both teemed with bull frogs. Back then the hot humid summer nights didn’t bother me at all, and that was the best frog hunting weather. By then we were all in high school and one of us always had some beater of a car, so we’d don worn-out jeans and old sneakers (which was our usual attire anyway) fill the trunk with flashlights, feed sacks and frog spears and head for the ponds after dark. I can only figure the farmer only let our motley crew on his property hoping we’d all drown in the pond and never bother him again. Anyway, we would split up to cover both ponds at once, slowly wading around the edge knee-deep in the water until a frog was spotted ahead. Putting the flashlight beam in its eyes dazzled the frog until we could spear it and add it to the feed sack hanging around our waist.&nbsp;&nbsp;I remember vividly returning home after one particular frog hunt at those ponds. The night was hot and steamy and the four of us went to work butchering frogs in our driveway under the security light by the barn, using an empty hay wagon for a table. Sacks were emptied and squirming bull frogs went everywhere. I also vividly remember mom hollering out her upstairs bedroom window for us to be quiet; I don’t know what her problem was, it was only 2 in the morning!&nbsp;&nbsp;Frog meat is white and sweet, and half the fun of frog hunting is watching the legs twitch and quiver as they fry in the oil. One night, a girlfriend of one of the guys was there as we fried up a mess of legs. The experience was all new to her, so while she was out of the room, we propped up a big pair of the legs on the edge of the skillet as if they had climbed out. As I recall that was the last time she ever hung out with us.&nbsp;About fifteen years ago, when my dad was still alive and was nearly 80, I took him frog hunting. We went just out of town to some of the McPherson Valley Wetland ponds. It was a slow night for harvesting frogs, but we got enough to have a “small mess” to fry. The legs still twitched and quivered as they fried, and they still tasted just as sweet as I remembered them. Thankfully, some things never change!Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.&nbsp;Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;

Exploring Outdoor Kansas: Bull frogs and me  

You never need to pay to sign up for government student loan debt relief programs — but scammers will tell you otherwise. Here’s how to spot scam companies that charge illegal upfront fees for so-called help with your student loans.

The first thing to know is this: you don’t have to pay for help managing your student loans. If someone tries to charge you up front, before they’ve done anything, that’s your first clue that this is a scam.&nbsp;&nbsp;And nobody but a scammer will ever offer you quick loan forgiveness.

Take, for example,&nbsp;Apex, a company that — according to an FTC lawsuit — enrolled people in their sham student loan forgiveness program. During the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/covid-19">federal student loan pause</a>, when most borrowers weren’t in contact with their loan servicers, Apex signed people up for what they called debt relief programs.

So, how did they convince borrowers to get on board? Apex employees pretended they worked with the Department of Education (they didn’t) and told borrowers they were their new loan servicers (they weren’t). They then signed borrowers up to make automatic payments to a debt relief program that didn’t exist. The problem? Payments went to Apex’s pockets, rarely making it to actual loan servicers. And, to add insult to injury, the COVID-19 federal student loan pause meant that federal borrowers didn’t have to make any loan payments starting March 2020.

Now that the return to repayment is coming up, start at&nbsp;<a href="http://studentaid.gov/repay">StudentAid.gov/repay</a>&nbsp;to look at the status of your federal student loans. You’ll find, among other things, information on income-driven repayment plans that adjust your monthly payment based on your income. If your loans are private, go directly to your loan servicer.&nbsp;And if you spot a scam, the FTC wants to know about it:&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692717024908.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ARI LAZARUS FTCYou never need to pay to sign up for government student loan debt relief programs — but scammers will tell you otherwise. Here’s how to spot scam companies that charge illegal upfront fees for so-called help with your student loans.The first thing to know is this: you don’t have to pay for help managing your student loans. If someone tries to charge you up front, before they’ve done anything, that’s your first clue that this is a scam.&nbsp;&nbsp;And nobody but a scammer will ever offer you quick loan forgiveness.Take, for example,&nbsp;Apex, a company that — according to an FTC lawsuit — enrolled people in their sham student loan forgiveness program. During the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/covid-19">federal student loan pause</a>, when most borrowers weren’t in contact with their loan servicers, Apex signed people up for what they called debt relief programs.So, how did they convince borrowers to get on board? Apex employees pretended they worked with the Department of Education (they didn’t) and told borrowers they were their new loan servicers (they weren’t). They then signed borrowers up to make automatic payments to a debt relief program that didn’t exist. The problem? Payments went to Apex’s pockets, rarely making it to actual loan servicers. And, to add insult to injury, the COVID-19 federal student loan pause meant that federal borrowers didn’t have to make any loan payments starting March 2020.Now that the return to repayment is coming up, start at&nbsp;<a href="http://studentaid.gov/repay">StudentAid.gov/repay</a>&nbsp;to look at the status of your federal student loans. You’ll find, among other things, information on income-driven repayment plans that adjust your monthly payment based on your income. If your loans are private, go directly to your loan servicer.&nbsp;And if you spot a scam, the FTC wants to know about it:&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: Don’t pay for help with your federal student loans

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to offer a new service called Shared Living. Shared Living is a nationally recognized model for residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

In Shared Living, one or two individuals share a home with a family or single adult’s family. The family (or contractor) provides support to individual(s) in accordance with their person-centered support plan. 

The agency provides training and ongoing support every step of the way by ensuring a good and rewarding experience.&nbsp;

This newly-opened Shared Living model is an individualized Family-style form of residential services. This extended family atmosphere plays a significant role in supporting people with special needs in their everyday lives.

 “DSNWK will work to match individuals with a family who have similar interests and lifestyles,” states Sara Biggs, director of programs and services. “Our goal is to now offer persons with disabilities this model of individualized support, love, and learning in a family environment.”&nbsp;

Shared Living homes give people (contractors) the opportunity to earn a living while helping someone else live their best life. 

This opportunity will also give these independent contractors the ability to be home more, spend more time with family, and make a meaningful difference in their community and in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.&nbsp;

If you are interested in becoming a Shared Living contractor or if you would like more information about Developmental Services’ Shared Living program, contact Sara Biggs at 785-621-5329 or <a href="mailto:sara_biggs@mydsnwk.org" target="_blank">sara_biggs@mydsnwk.org</a> or Scott Stults at 785-621-5328 or <a href="mailto:scott_stults@mydsnwk.org" target="_blank">scott_stults@mydsnwk.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261714960.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to offer a new service called Shared Living. Shared Living is a nationally recognized model for residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In Shared Living, one or two individuals share a home with a family or single adult’s family. The family (or contractor) provides support to individual(s) in accordance with their person-centered support plan. The agency provides training and ongoing support every step of the way by ensuring a good and rewarding experience.&nbsp;This newly-opened Shared Living model is an individualized Family-style form of residential services. This extended family atmosphere plays a significant role in supporting people with special needs in their everyday lives. “DSNWK will work to match individuals with a family who have similar interests and lifestyles,” states Sara Biggs, director of programs and services. “Our goal is to now offer persons with disabilities this model of individualized support, love, and learning in a family environment.”&nbsp;Shared Living homes give people (contractors) the opportunity to earn a living while helping someone else live their best life. This opportunity will also give these independent contractors the ability to be home more, spend more time with family, and make a meaningful difference in their community and in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.&nbsp;If you are interested in becoming a Shared Living contractor or if you would like more information about Developmental Services’ Shared Living program, contact Sara Biggs at 785-621-5329 or <a href="mailto:sara_biggs@mydsnwk.org" target="_blank">sara_biggs@mydsnwk.org</a> or Scott Stults at 785-621-5328 or <a href="mailto:scott_stults@mydsnwk.org" target="_blank">scott_stults@mydsnwk.org</a>.&nbsp;

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas now offering Shared Living 

In a report published earlier this month by the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the state’s maternal outcomes have worsened in recent years. Both pregnancy-related deaths and illnesses increased between 2016 and 2020.&nbsp;

According to the report, about two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths were among women of color.&nbsp;

Just over a year ago, Kansas passed an expansion to postpartum coverage under KanCare, allowing mothers to be covered by the state’s Medicaid program for up to a year after giving birth. While it is too early to see the impact of this expansion on maternal outcomes in Kansas, a study of Texas’ expansion suggests there will be many benefits — women take advantage of mental health and substance abuse programs in addition to postpartum care under the state’s one year extension.&nbsp;

However, the reality is that expanding postpartum coverage will have significantly less impact on Kansas mothers who live in maternity deserts.&nbsp;

A maternity desert is defined as a county with no hospital obstetrics care and no obstetricians or gynecologists (OBGYNs).&nbsp;

According to a 2022 March of Dimes report, 48% of Kansas’ counties are maternity deserts and 24% of counties have low access to maternity care.&nbsp;

Concerningly, Kansas’ maternity deserts are expected to grow.&nbsp;

In an investigation by Wichita’s KWCH Factfinder 12 team earlier this year, over half of the state’s rural hospitals are at risk of closing. These hospitals provide critical care and services for people in their communities, including maternity care.&nbsp;

Of 104 rural hospitals, 60 are at risk of closing, including 29 facing immediate risk.&nbsp;

Rural hospitals are more vulnerable to financial pressures due to low occupancy rates, high levels of uncompensated care, competition from other hospitals, and weak local economies.&nbsp;

But without these hospitals, there are very limited options for care in the state’s rural areas. Most patients would be forced to travel long distances to more populated counties, which is less than ideal in most circumstances and incredibly dangerous in emergency situations.&nbsp;

According to the KMMRC report, two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths are among women on Medicaid or without insurance.&nbsp;

Full Medicaid expansion would go a long way in keeping hospitals open and expanding maternity care across rural Kansas.&nbsp;

The good news is Medicaid expansion is popular in Kansas.&nbsp;

According to the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, nearly 76% of Kansans support KanCare — Kansas’ Medicaid program — expansion. Support has increased about 11 points since 2015.&nbsp;

The bad news is there’s long been a lack of political will to pass full KanCare expansion in the state legislature, despite public support and federal funds to subsidize the expansion.&nbsp;

But legislators can be swayed by loud and participatory groups of citizens. In fact, it was grassroots advocacy that led to the expansion of postpartum coverage during the 2022 legislative session.&nbsp;

If citizens decide to advocate for Medicaid expansion it would go a long way towards keeping rural hospitals open to provide care to their communities, including care to expecting and postpartum mothers.&nbsp;

Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D., is the interim department chair and Model United Nations Advisor in the Dept. of Political Science at Wichita State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692868290471.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood</figcaption>
 </figure>In a report published earlier this month by the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the state’s maternal outcomes have worsened in recent years. Both pregnancy-related deaths and illnesses increased between 2016 and 2020.&nbsp;According to the report, about two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths were among women of color.&nbsp;Just over a year ago, Kansas passed an expansion to postpartum coverage under KanCare, allowing mothers to be covered by the state’s Medicaid program for up to a year after giving birth. While it is too early to see the impact of this expansion on maternal outcomes in Kansas, a study of Texas’ expansion suggests there will be many benefits — women take advantage of mental health and substance abuse programs in addition to postpartum care under the state’s one year extension.&nbsp;However, the reality is that expanding postpartum coverage will have significantly less impact on Kansas mothers who live in maternity deserts.&nbsp;A maternity desert is defined as a county with no hospital obstetrics care and no obstetricians or gynecologists (OBGYNs).&nbsp;According to a 2022 March of Dimes report, 48% of Kansas’ counties are maternity deserts and 24% of counties have low access to maternity care.&nbsp;Concerningly, Kansas’ maternity deserts are expected to grow.&nbsp;In an investigation by Wichita’s KWCH Factfinder 12 team earlier this year, over half of the state’s rural hospitals are at risk of closing. These hospitals provide critical care and services for people in their communities, including maternity care.&nbsp;Of 104 rural hospitals, 60 are at risk of closing, including 29 facing immediate risk.&nbsp;Rural hospitals are more vulnerable to financial pressures due to low occupancy rates, high levels of uncompensated care, competition from other hospitals, and weak local economies.&nbsp;But without these hospitals, there are very limited options for care in the state’s rural areas. Most patients would be forced to travel long distances to more populated counties, which is less than ideal in most circumstances and incredibly dangerous in emergency situations.&nbsp;According to the KMMRC report, two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths are among women on Medicaid or without insurance.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Full Medicaid expansion would go a long way in keeping hospitals open and expanding maternity care across rural Kansas.&nbsp;The good news is Medicaid expansion is popular in Kansas.&nbsp;According to the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, nearly 76% of Kansans support KanCare — Kansas’ Medicaid program — expansion. Support has increased about 11 points since 2015.&nbsp;The bad news is there’s long been a lack of political will to pass full KanCare expansion in the state legislature, despite public support and federal funds to subsidize the expansion.&nbsp;But legislators can be swayed by loud and participatory groups of citizens. In fact, it was grassroots advocacy that led to the expansion of postpartum coverage during the 2022 legislative session.&nbsp;If citizens decide to advocate for Medicaid expansion it would go a long way towards keeping rural hospitals open to provide care to their communities, including care to expecting and postpartum mothers.&nbsp;Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D., is the interim department chair and Model United Nations Advisor in the Dept. of Political Science at Wichita State University.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Rural hospitals at-risk of closing threaten women’s lives, Medicaid expansion would help 

<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/2023/8/1692992192720.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

Hays PD activity log, Aug. 13-19

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/">USD 489</a> Hays Superintendent Ron Wilson discusses the first Board of Education meeting for the year with Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ace54708-472b-4f11-88c8-05a7043dd089" target="_blank">Read more about the meeting at Hays USD 489 BOE approves improvements to baseball field.</a>

<div><iframe title="Felten selected as name for USD 489 elementary school" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:450px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vjz3g-148cc20-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/">USD 489</a> Hays Superintendent Ron Wilson discusses the first Board of Education meeting for the year with Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ace54708-472b-4f11-88c8-05a7043dd089" target="_blank">Read more about the meeting at Hays USD 489 BOE approves improvements to baseball field.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Felten selected as name for USD 489 elementary school

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>---------------------------------------------------------<figure>
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Hays PD arrest log, Aug. 13-19, 2023

Beginning Tuesday at 8 a.m. through Wednesday at 5 p.m. Proseal Inc., Augusta, will begin application of an asphalt rejuvenator on various streets throughout the city. 

"No streets will be completely closed," Jesse Rohr, public works director, said Friday. "Traffic will be reduced and slowed to one lane at times."

 The two-day project is part of the Hays' 2023 street maintenance plan.

The asphalt rejuvenator application is a preservative seal that is used on newer asphalt streets that do not yet warrant more advanced treatment. 

On the date scheduled for treatment, all cars need to be moved from the street by 8:00 a.m. Streets being sealed will be partially closed for a short duration during the time of the application. Access can be achieved in cases of emergency. Parking on adjacent streets is recommended during the daytime.&nbsp;  Parking in driveways is okay if you DO NOT plan on moving the vehicle during the daytime hours.

After application, the surface should not be driven on until the fine overlay of sand is applied.&nbsp; 

If tracked upon before curing is complete, the product may stain surfaces such as concrete, carpet, or flooring if tracked from construction areas.&nbsp; 

Please have all lawn watering devices turned off the evening before the scheduled date.&nbsp; Please help keep the streets clean and dry for a smooth and lasting project.&nbsp; 

Traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed and picked up by the end of the work day.&nbsp;

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public.&nbsp; If there are any questions, please call the contractor Proseal, Inc. at 877- 650-9805 or the Hays Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693059526697.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Tuesday at 8 a.m. through Wednesday at 5 p.m. Proseal Inc., Augusta, will begin application of an asphalt rejuvenator on various streets throughout the city. See above map for street locations."No streets will be completely closed," Jesse Rohr, public works director, said Friday. "Traffic will be reduced and slowed to one lane at times." The two-day project is part of the Hays' 2023 street maintenance plan.The asphalt rejuvenator application is a preservative seal that is used on newer asphalt streets that do not yet warrant more advanced treatment. On the date scheduled for treatment, all cars need to be moved from the street by 8:00 a.m. Streets being sealed will be partially closed for a short duration during the time of the application. Access can be achieved in cases of emergency. Parking on adjacent streets is recommended during the daytime.&nbsp; Parking in driveways is okay if you DO NOT plan on moving the vehicle during the daytime hours.After application, the surface should not be driven on until the fine overlay of sand is applied.&nbsp; If tracked upon before curing is complete, the product may stain surfaces such as concrete, carpet, or flooring if tracked from construction areas.&nbsp; Please have all lawn watering devices turned off the evening before the scheduled date.&nbsp; Please help keep the streets clean and dry for a smooth and lasting project.&nbsp; Traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed and picked up by the end of the work day.&nbsp;The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public.&nbsp; If there are any questions, please call the contractor Proseal, Inc. at 877- 650-9805 or the Hays Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

Asphalt rejuvenator to be applied on several Hays streets Tuesday, Wednesday

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After a 40-minute discussion Thursday and three previous meetings, the Hays City Commission unanimously approved two ordinances creating a common consumption area downtown to allow outdoor possession and drinking of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverages.

Commissioner Mason Ruder was absent from the meeting.

Commissioners heard from the owners of Chuck's bar and On The Rocks restaurant, 507 W. Seventh, who wanted to be included in the area but were ultimately turned down.&nbsp;The two businesses share a building near residential neighborhoods and across the street from Fort Hays State University. 

"We weren't trying to exclude anyone," said Mayor Shaun Musil, "just trying not to go through any neighborhoods."

The city will apply to the state for the one-year common consumption license. Businesses within that area or immediately adjacent to it wishing to participate must also apply to the state for a license.&nbsp;

Containers, which shall not be glass, must display the name or logo of the participating business.&nbsp;

Year-round hours of operation will be from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., which aligns with state law for the consumption or selling of alcohol.

The area of jurisdiction will be from Seventh and 13th streets to Oak and Ash streets, with a smaller slice between Ninth and 10th streets to Fort Street.

Signs and lines of demarcation will be installed to alert the public they are entering or exiting the common consumption area. Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, estimated the cost for signs, posts and paint would be between $10,000 and $15,000.

City Manager Toby Dougherty said Friday morning he expects it will be about a month before the common consumption area is in effect.&nbsp;

Currently, Hays city ordinances allow public consumption only in a park&nbsp; or approved sidewalk dining location.&nbsp;

• Approved annexation of property at 2520 Canterbury for the future proposed housing development of The Grove by Grow Hays. Grow Hays and McGinnis Revocable Trust No. 1 own the&nbsp;property and the vacant lots surrounding this address.

• Approved annexation of property at 4945 General Hays Road north of Interstate 70, the former Hays Livestock Commission sale barn. It's owned by Vernie’s Trux-N-Equip, Inc., which plans to relocate its facility to this property.

• Approved the 2023 Uniform Public Offense Code and 2023 Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities to reflect changes and updates made by the state legislature

• Approved a bid of $25,590 from Primary Painting &amp; Remodeling, Russell, for the staining of wood structures at the Hays Aquatic Park. The bid is below the budget.&nbsp;

• Reviewed changes in the 2024 draft budget as a result of Monday's joint county/city meeting in which it was agreed that <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5fc5d52a-d5a7-4efd-a03f-cc6c92df28cc">Ellis County will take over operations of the emergency dispatch center </a>beginning Jan. 1. The city plans to build its own police station/municipal court facility in 2025. As part of the agreement, Hays will take over the maintenance of seven roads adjacent to the city limits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692998123622.png" alt="The area in blue will be marked with signage and painted lines to indicate it is a common consumption area in downtown Hays. City of Hays map" />
 <figcaption>The area in blue will be marked with signage and painted lines to indicate it is a common consumption area in downtown Hays. City of Hays map</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter a 40-minute discussion Thursday and three previous meetings, the Hays City Commission unanimously approved two ordinances creating a common consumption area downtown to allow outdoor possession and drinking of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverages.Commissioner Mason Ruder was absent from the meeting.Commissioners heard from the owners of Chuck's bar and On The Rocks restaurant, 507 W. Seventh, who wanted to be included in the area but were ultimately turned down.&nbsp;The two businesses share a building near residential neighborhoods and across the street from Fort Hays State University. "We weren't trying to exclude anyone," said Mayor Shaun Musil, "just trying not to go through any neighborhoods."The city will apply to the state for the one-year common consumption license. Businesses within that area or immediately adjacent to it wishing to participate must also apply to the state for a license.&nbsp;Containers, which shall not be glass, must display the name or logo of the participating business.&nbsp;Year-round hours of operation will be from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., which aligns with state law for the consumption or selling of alcohol.The area of jurisdiction will be from Seventh and 13th streets to Oak and Ash streets, with a smaller slice between Ninth and 10th streets to Fort Street.Signs and lines of demarcation will be installed to alert the public they are entering or exiting the common consumption area. Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, estimated the cost for signs, posts and paint would be between $10,000 and $15,000.City Manager Toby Dougherty said Friday morning he expects it will be about a month before the common consumption area is in effect.&nbsp;Currently, Hays city ordinances allow public consumption only in a park&nbsp; or approved sidewalk dining location.&nbsp;In other business, commissioners:• Approved annexation of property at 2520 Canterbury for the future proposed housing development of The Grove by Grow Hays. Grow Hays and McGinnis Revocable Trust No. 1 own the&nbsp;property and the vacant lots surrounding this address.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693002219581.png" alt="Google/City of Hays map" />
 <figcaption>Google/City of Hays map</figcaption>
 </figure>• Approved annexation of property at 4945 General Hays Road north of Interstate 70, the former Hays Livestock Commission sale barn. It's owned by Vernie’s Trux-N-Equip, Inc., which plans to relocate its facility to this property.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693002350727.png" alt="Google/City of Hays map" />
 <figcaption>Google/City of Hays map</figcaption>
 </figure>• Approved the 2023 Uniform Public Offense Code and 2023 Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities to reflect changes and updates made by the state legislature• Approved a bid of $25,590 from Primary Painting &amp; Remodeling, Russell, for the staining of wood structures at the Hays Aquatic Park. The bid is below the budget.&nbsp;• Reviewed changes in the 2024 draft budget as a result of Monday's joint county/city meeting in which it was agreed that <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5fc5d52a-d5a7-4efd-a03f-cc6c92df28cc">Ellis County will take over operations of the emergency dispatch center </a>beginning Jan. 1. The city plans to build its own police station/municipal court facility in 2025. As part of the agreement, Hays will take over the maintenance of seven roads adjacent to the city limits.

City approves common consumption area in downtown Hays 

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Hays High School will have a Back-to-School Party from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the football field on the Hays High campus.

Speaking will be Pastor Russell Kirkpatrick from High Plains Baptist Church and Vinny Walker, the Indians’ football running backs coach.

The event will also feature games and, from 7 to 8 p.m., free sno-cones. Food will be available for purchase from The Local Food Truck. Prayer tents will also be set up, said the club’s sponsor, Dave Buller.

Buller said churches are being asked to bring and distribute water bottles at the event. Churches willing to do this may contact him at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:davebuller28@yahoo.com">davebuller28@yahoo.com</a>.

The group’s regular meeting time during the school year will be at 7:15 a.m. every Thursday in the school’s library. “You do not have to be an athlete to attend,” he emphasized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692872660208.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Hays High School will have a Back-to-School Party from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the football field on the Hays High campus.Speaking will be Pastor Russell Kirkpatrick from High Plains Baptist Church and Vinny Walker, the Indians’ football running backs coach.The event will also feature games and, from 7 to 8 p.m., free sno-cones. Food will be available for purchase from The Local Food Truck. Prayer tents will also be set up, said the club’s sponsor, Dave Buller.Buller said churches are being asked to bring and distribute water bottles at the event. Churches willing to do this may contact him at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:davebuller28@yahoo.com">davebuller28@yahoo.com</a>.The group’s regular meeting time during the school year will be at 7:15 a.m. every Thursday in the school’s library. “You do not have to be an athlete to attend,” he emphasized.

Hays High Fellowship of Christian Athletes plans event Sunday

Wheat planting is just around the corner in Kansas, so now is the time to get your soil sampling done to have good information on which to base your fertilizer inputs. This is particularly important after drought and lower-than-expected yields for the previous crops in parts of the state.

The most important tests and nutrients to focus on this year depend in part on where you are located, the choices you make when applying nitrogen, and your tillage system.

The nutrients for which wheat is most likely to show responses statewide are nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Wheat is the most P-responsive crop we grow in Kansas, and while P removal with wheat may be less than with corn or soybeans, the relative yield response is often the highest. Therefore, knowledge of P soil test levels and fertilizer needs will be valuable

A standard 0-6 inch surface sample is normally used to test for pH and the non-mobile nutrients such as P and potassium (K). Growers might also want to check for the micronutrient of zinc (Zn). Zinc is not a nutrient commonly found deficient in wheat production. However, it is important for corn and grain sorghum. Thus including it in your sample package would be helpful for planning for these rotation crops.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is an important source of nutrients such as N and sulfur (S). When calculating the fertilizer needs for both these nutrients, SOM is taken into consideration. For wheat production, 10 pounds of available N and 2.5 pounds of S are credited for every 1% SOM in the soil.

In addition to pH, SOM, P, K, and Zn -- all of which are non-mobile in soils and accumulate in the surface – the mobile nutrients N, S, and chloride can provide significant yield responses when deficient in soils. Since all three of these nutrients are mobile in soils and tend to accumulate in the subsoil, it is strongly recommended to use a 24-inch profile soil sample prior to growing wheat, corn, or grain sorghum.

In summary, wheat producers in Kansas should consider soil testing to help in making accurate fertilizer decisions. 

Accurate decisions are especially important during years with falling grain prices and tight budgets. Furthermore, after variable conditions and yield levels across the state, fertilizer needs may require adjustments based on soil tests. 

Wheat producers specifically, should use surface 0-6 inch samples to determine the need for lime on low pH soils, P, K, Zn, and soil organic matter. They also should be using 24-inch profile soil tests for N, S, and Cl. 

Now is the time to get those samples taken, to ensure there will be enough time to consider those test results when planning your fall fertilizer programs.

For more information on soil sampling and submitting samples to the K-State Soil Testing Laboratory, visit their website at <a href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/soil-testing-lab/">http://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/services/soiltesting/ </a>or stop into the Cottonwood District offices in Great Bend and Hays. We have soil sample probes to loan out and can mail off your soil samples and help you with interpreting the results and recommendations.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Wheat planting is just around the corner in Kansas, so now is the time to get your soil sampling done to have good information on which to base your fertilizer inputs. This is particularly important after drought and lower-than-expected yields for the previous crops in parts of the state.The most important tests and nutrients to focus on this year depend in part on where you are located, the choices you make when applying nitrogen, and your tillage system.The nutrients for which wheat is most likely to show responses statewide are nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Wheat is the most P-responsive crop we grow in Kansas, and while P removal with wheat may be less than with corn or soybeans, the relative yield response is often the highest. Therefore, knowledge of P soil test levels and fertilizer needs will be valuableA standard 0-6 inch surface sample is normally used to test for pH and the non-mobile nutrients such as P and potassium (K). Growers might also want to check for the micronutrient of zinc (Zn). Zinc is not a nutrient commonly found deficient in wheat production. However, it is important for corn and grain sorghum. Thus including it in your sample package would be helpful for planning for these rotation crops.Soil organic matter (SOM) is an important source of nutrients such as N and sulfur (S). When calculating the fertilizer needs for both these nutrients, SOM is taken into consideration. For wheat production, 10 pounds of available N and 2.5 pounds of S are credited for every 1% SOM in the soil.In addition to pH, SOM, P, K, and Zn -- all of which are non-mobile in soils and accumulate in the surface – the mobile nutrients N, S, and chloride can provide significant yield responses when deficient in soils. Since all three of these nutrients are mobile in soils and tend to accumulate in the subsoil, it is strongly recommended to use a 24-inch profile soil sample prior to growing wheat, corn, or grain sorghum.In summary, wheat producers in Kansas should consider soil testing to help in making accurate fertilizer decisions. Accurate decisions are especially important during years with falling grain prices and tight budgets. Furthermore, after variable conditions and yield levels across the state, fertilizer needs may require adjustments based on soil tests. Wheat producers specifically, should use surface 0-6 inch samples to determine the need for lime on low pH soils, P, K, Zn, and soil organic matter. They also should be using 24-inch profile soil tests for N, S, and Cl. Now is the time to get those samples taken, to ensure there will be enough time to consider those test results when planning your fall fertilizer programs.For more information on soil sampling and submitting samples to the K-State Soil Testing Laboratory, visit their website at <a href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/soil-testing-lab/">http://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/services/soiltesting/ </a>or stop into the Cottonwood District offices in Great Bend and Hays. We have soil sample probes to loan out and can mail off your soil samples and help you with interpreting the results and recommendations.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Planning your wheat fertility program: Start now by soil testing

HaysMed Hospice will be conducting a volunteer training session on Wednesday, September 20 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at HaysMed, 2220 Canterbury Drive, Hays, (Entrance C).&nbsp; 

Volunteers must complete the entire session to meet the volunteer requirements.

Hospice offers comfort care through supportive services and pain and symptom management.&nbsp; Hospice volunteer duties may office tasks, baking, putting mailings together, companionship, doing crafts and bereavement projects.&nbsp; We are looking for people who enjoy helping others.

Volunteers are the heart of hospice work, and without volunteers HaysMed Hospice could not provide the many facets of physical, social, psychological and spiritual care that make hospice so special.

Registration for training is required and participants need to register by September 8.&nbsp;&nbsp; To register or for more information call&nbsp;please contact us at 785-623-6200 or toll-free at 800-990-0731&nbsp;or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hospice@haysmed.com">hospice@haysmed.com</a>.

HaysMed Hospice has been dedicated to serving the communities of Ellis, Rooks, Rush, and Russell counties, offering compassionate care for individuals of all ages and illnesses. As a trusted resource, HaysMed Hospice is committed to supporting individuals and families during their most challenging times.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692892302336.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed Hospice will be conducting a volunteer training session on Wednesday, September 20 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at HaysMed, 2220 Canterbury Drive, Hays, (Entrance C).&nbsp; Volunteers must complete the entire session to meet the volunteer requirements.Hospice offers comfort care through supportive services and pain and symptom management.&nbsp; Hospice volunteer duties may office tasks, baking, putting mailings together, companionship, doing crafts and bereavement projects.&nbsp; We are looking for people who enjoy helping others.Volunteers are the heart of hospice work, and without volunteers HaysMed Hospice could not provide the many facets of physical, social, psychological and spiritual care that make hospice so special.Registration for training is required and participants need to register by September 8.&nbsp;&nbsp; To register or for more information call&nbsp;please contact us at 785-623-6200 or toll-free at 800-990-0731&nbsp;or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hospice@haysmed.com">hospice@haysmed.com</a>.HaysMed Hospice has been dedicated to serving the communities of Ellis, Rooks, Rush, and Russell counties, offering compassionate care for individuals of all ages and illnesses. As a trusted resource, HaysMed Hospice is committed to supporting individuals and families during their most challenging times.

HaysMed to provide hospice volunteer training

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692992144654.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>

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. 

Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. 

These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

 If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. 

Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MjUuODE2Njg1NjEifQ.7qaFyvZlGfmZmPyi8zkPp6wVaVEahDq4Zm3d-I4iw6Y/s/1305913623/br/224827672662-l">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

The state of Kansas recognizes three advisory levels:&nbsp;

A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist. &nbsp;

A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. &nbsp;Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.&nbsp;

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;

A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;

Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels&nbsp;below&nbsp;the Watch thresholds.

KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. 

Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions. &nbsp;

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. 

These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present.

 Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.&nbsp;

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODI1LjgxNjY4NTYxIn0.LsT_fNLDdFyaVDI8DtLRFp3jHKWHa098e0pprGW1q9M/s/1305913623/br/224827672662-l">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODI1LjgxNjY4NTYxIn0.A3nasO3mzuwTv1xsfvJCPKLCb53jc9OU1V01yXuAEZE/s/1305913623/br/224827672662-l">interactive story</a>.

Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MjUuODE2Njg1NjEifQ.7qaFyvZlGfmZmPyi8zkPp6wVaVEahDq4Zm3d-I4iw6Y/s/1305913623/br/224827672662-l">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.<h2>Active Advisories&nbsp;</h2>Warning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County</li><li>Lake Afton, Sedgwick County&nbsp;</li><li>Lovewell Lake (Reservoir), Jewell County&nbsp;</li><li>River Pond (Tuttle Creek State Park), Pottawatomie and Riley County</li><li>Rock Garden Pond, Shawnee County&nbsp;</li><li>South Lake (Overland Park), Johnson County&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Watch&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Fossil Lake, Russell County (Added August 25)&nbsp;</li><li>Jeffrey Energy Center Make Up Lake, Pottawatomie County (Added August 25)</li><li>Lake Parsons, Neosho County</li><li>Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Lifted<ul>
 <li>Kingston Lake, Johnson County (Lifted August 25)</li>
 </ul>The state of Kansas recognizes three advisory levels:&nbsp;A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist. &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.</li><li>In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.</li><li>When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. &nbsp;Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.&nbsp;When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.</li><li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock. &nbsp;</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans. &nbsp;</li><li>Water contact should be avoided. &nbsp;</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded. &nbsp;</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae. &nbsp;</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible. &nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.&nbsp;</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.&nbsp;</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.&nbsp;</li><li>Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels&nbsp;below&nbsp;the Watch thresholds.KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions. &nbsp;If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.&nbsp;For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODI1LjgxNjY4NTYxIn0.LsT_fNLDdFyaVDI8DtLRFp3jHKWHa098e0pprGW1q9M/s/1305913623/br/224827672662-l">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODI1LjgxNjY4NTYxIn0.A3nasO3mzuwTv1xsfvJCPKLCb53jc9OU1V01yXuAEZE/s/1305913623/br/224827672662-l">interactive story</a>.

Russell County lake placed in blue-green algae watch

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Jason Sims, Motorcycle Cannonball organizer, about the upcoming event

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cm_Q9p6k63E?si=uFztXVOfOP5pEXoH" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Jason Sims, Motorcycle Cannonball organizer, about the upcoming event

🎤 Forward Ever: Mr. Motorcycle Cannonball, Jason Sims

The next opportunity to become a finalist for the Keystone UTV will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Doghouse Liquor, 2522 Vine in Hays.

Keystone 30 packs are $19.99 today only. No loyalty offers with this offer.

The winner of the UTV will be drawn at the first home Fort Hays State University football game, but there's still time to join the fun and have an Eagle Radio live UTV signup event at your location. 

If you would like the Keystone Light UTV to come to your business, call 785-301-2211.

The Keystone Light UTV Giveaway is made possible by A&amp;A Coors and Advantage Glass Plus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688389669905.jpeg" alt="UTV full ad.jpg" />
 <figcaption>UTV full ad.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>The next opportunity to become a finalist for the Keystone UTV will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Doghouse Liquor, 2522 Vine in Hays.Keystone 30 packs are $19.99 today only. No loyalty offers with this offer.The winner of the UTV will be drawn at the first home Fort Hays State University football game, but there's still time to join the fun and have an Eagle Radio live UTV signup event at your location. If you would like the Keystone Light UTV to come to your business, call 785-301-2211.The Keystone Light UTV Giveaway is made possible by A&amp;A Coors and Advantage Glass Plus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690219942184.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Become UTV finalist today in Hays

GREAT BEND - The Shafer Art Gallery at Barton Community College will unveil a sculpture to add to its permanent collection by world-renowned artist Kris Kuksi of Lawrence as well as its next exhibit “Posters: A Shafer Gallery Retrospective” at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 1 in the Shafer Gallery and will feature light refreshments and comments from retiring Gallery Director Dave Barnes.

Barnes said adding a piece from Kuksi, a Fort Hays State University graduate, to the gallery’s collection is the perfect way to cap off his time as the director.

“In the words of world renown filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, Kris Kuksi is ‘a post-industrial Rococo master, (who) obsessively arranges characters and architecture with an exquisite sense of drama,’” he said. “Over the span of Kuksi’s career, his works have been featured in many magazine publications such as Hi Fructose, Juxtapoz, Wild, and many others. Kuksi’s art has attracted many public and private collectors in the United States, Europe, The Middle East, and Australia. Kuksi received an Emmy for his work on the main title sequence for the series ‘Black Sails.’"

Barnes said he is excited because this is a one-of-a-kind piece of art in every way.

“Kuksi has made a piece of art dedicated to, inspired by, and designed expressly for the Shafer Art Gallery,” he said. “The piece is called ‘Where the Old West Meets the Future’ and will be unveiled for the first time at the ribbon cutting. I am very excited to have this piece enter our permeant collection. I can’t think of a finer, more meaningful way to end my time at the Gallery. Like the Gus Shafer bronzes, this work is a defining benchmark in the Gallery's public evolution and growing prestige.”

Barnes said the “Posters” exhibit will showcase selected posters that were designed to advertise some of the exhibits the gallery has had during his 13-year tenure.&nbsp;

“A poster can also document the journey and progress of an institution,” he said. “A really good poster makes us curious and stimulates our critical thinking, but it also moves us on an unconscious emotional level. You see, a poster is also a work of work.”

The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact the new Shafer Gallery Director Alyssa Bliven at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:blivena@bartonccc.edu">blivena@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692794240498.jpeg" alt="A poster for the Shafer Art Gallery at Barton Community College created by artist Kris Kuksi, a Fort Hays State University graduate and Lawrence resident. Photo courtesy Shafter Art Gallery" />
 <figcaption>A poster for the Shafer Art Gallery at Barton Community College created by artist Kris Kuksi, a Fort Hays State University graduate and Lawrence resident. Photo courtesy Shafter Art Gallery</figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND - The Shafer Art Gallery at Barton Community College will unveil a sculpture to add to its permanent collection by world-renowned artist Kris Kuksi of Lawrence as well as its next exhibit “Posters: A Shafer Gallery Retrospective” at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 1 in the Shafer Gallery and will feature light refreshments and comments from retiring Gallery Director Dave Barnes.Barnes said adding a piece from Kuksi, a Fort Hays State University graduate, to the gallery’s collection is the perfect way to cap off his time as the director.“In the words of world renown filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, Kris Kuksi is ‘a post-industrial Rococo master, (who) obsessively arranges characters and architecture with an exquisite sense of drama,’” he said. “Over the span of Kuksi’s career, his works have been featured in many magazine publications such as Hi Fructose, Juxtapoz, Wild, and many others. Kuksi’s art has attracted many public and private collectors in the United States, Europe, The Middle East, and Australia. Kuksi received an Emmy for his work on the main title sequence for the series ‘Black Sails.’"Barnes said he is excited because this is a one-of-a-kind piece of art in every way.“Kuksi has made a piece of art dedicated to, inspired by, and designed expressly for the Shafer Art Gallery,” he said. “The piece is called ‘Where the Old West Meets the Future’ and will be unveiled for the first time at the ribbon cutting. I am very excited to have this piece enter our permeant collection. I can’t think of a finer, more meaningful way to end my time at the Gallery. Like the Gus Shafer bronzes, this work is a defining benchmark in the Gallery's public evolution and growing prestige.”Barnes said the “Posters” exhibit will showcase selected posters that were designed to advertise some of the exhibits the gallery has had during his 13-year tenure.&nbsp;“A poster can also document the journey and progress of an institution,” he said. “A really good poster makes us curious and stimulates our critical thinking, but it also moves us on an unconscious emotional level. You see, a poster is also a work of work.”The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact the new Shafer Gallery Director Alyssa Bliven at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:blivena@bartonccc.edu">blivena@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.

World-renowned, FHSU grad Kris Kuksi art exhibit opens at Barton Community College 

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly has sent a letter to U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland requesting that the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnVzYnIuZ292L2xjL0xDQkNvbnNlcnZhdGlvbi5odG1sIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgyMS44MTQ0OTU2MSJ9.DumtSeljx8uqr5bNbd1dQNj_NYv7X8dftwwWMPXO7qQ/s/1303161001/br/224590139380-l" target="_blank">Lower Colorado River Basin Conservation and Efficiency Program</a>&nbsp;(the LC Program) be expanded to Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The program, part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, provides funding for water management and conservation efforts in the Colorado River Basin and other basins experiencing similar levels of long-term drought. 

Much of Kansas has experienced some of the worst drought conditions in the country over the past year, impacting the state’s agricultural industry and accelerating the need to find economically viable solutions that improve access to water long-term.&nbsp;

“Expanding the program is a vital part of our efforts to mitigate economic impacts to communities in this region, including our critical agriculture industry,” Kelly wrote. “A timely expansion of this program could help Kansas family farms and ranches, small towns, and wildlife avoid the worst of the severe and potentially irreversible short and long-term repercussions that are predicted.”&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/high-plains-aquifer">High Plains Aquifer</a>, interconnected with the Ogallala, lies beneath most western Kansas communities. The High Plains Aquifer is also the primary source of water for western Kansas and economically the most important groundwater resource in Kansas.&nbsp;

Dry years lead to increased pumping demands, primarily for irrigation, which typically cause more significant water level declines. Such declines can impact vulnerable areas like the Rattlesnake Creek sub-basin, a part of the High Plains Aquifer, which provides water to the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.&nbsp;

“Water is critical for farmers and ranchers across Kansas, where agriculture is an essential part of the local economy,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “Extending the Lower Colorado Program beyond the Colorado Basin would provide funding that could be instrumental in mitigating the effects of drought and helping pivot the state to a more sustainable future.”&nbsp;

“The Kansas Corn Growers Association is pleased and thankful for Governor Kelly recognizing the importance of requesting expansion of this federal funding for water conservation projects in Kansas,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Kent Moore, Kansas Corn Growers Association&nbsp; treasurer and farmer from Iuka. “These funds will provide key components in resolving the Quivira Impairment. We look forward to continuing to work with the Kelly administration in facilitating and implementing needed water conservation projects that benefit Kansas farmers, our environment,&nbsp;and our state’s economy.”

Read the letter&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMy8wOC9MZXR0ZXItb2YtU3VwcG9ydC1MQy1Qcm9ncmFtLTguMTguMjAyMy0wMDIucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgyMS44MTQ0OTU2MSJ9.K5BD5-Q1FtQC7S97lOe6Edg5dJjYEnp_bESt0-vZONg/s/1303161001/br/224590139380-l" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691082131085.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension, Colby" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension, Colby</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov.&nbsp;TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly has sent a letter to U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland requesting that the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnVzYnIuZ292L2xjL0xDQkNvbnNlcnZhdGlvbi5odG1sIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgyMS44MTQ0OTU2MSJ9.DumtSeljx8uqr5bNbd1dQNj_NYv7X8dftwwWMPXO7qQ/s/1303161001/br/224590139380-l" target="_blank">Lower Colorado River Basin Conservation and Efficiency Program</a>&nbsp;(the LC Program) be expanded to Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The program, part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, provides funding for water management and conservation efforts in the Colorado River Basin and other basins experiencing similar levels of long-term drought. Much of Kansas has experienced some of the worst drought conditions in the country over the past year, impacting the state’s agricultural industry and accelerating the need to find economically viable solutions that improve access to water long-term.&nbsp;“Expanding the program is a vital part of our efforts to mitigate economic impacts to communities in this region, including our critical agriculture industry,” Kelly wrote. “A timely expansion of this program could help Kansas family farms and ranches, small towns, and wildlife avoid the worst of the severe and potentially irreversible short and long-term repercussions that are predicted.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578406941603.png" alt="High Plains Aquifer&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>High Plains Aquifer&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/high-plains-aquifer">High Plains Aquifer</a>, interconnected with the Ogallala, lies beneath most western Kansas communities. The High Plains Aquifer is also the primary source of water for western Kansas and economically the most important groundwater resource in Kansas.&nbsp;Dry years lead to increased pumping demands, primarily for irrigation, which typically cause more significant water level declines. Such declines can impact vulnerable areas like the Rattlesnake Creek sub-basin, a part of the High Plains Aquifer, which provides water to the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.&nbsp;“Water is critical for farmers and ranchers across Kansas, where agriculture is an essential part of the local economy,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “Extending the Lower Colorado Program beyond the Colorado Basin would provide funding that could be instrumental in mitigating the effects of drought and helping pivot the state to a more sustainable future.”&nbsp;“The Kansas Corn Growers Association is pleased and thankful for Governor Kelly recognizing the importance of requesting expansion of this federal funding for water conservation projects in Kansas,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Kent Moore, Kansas Corn Growers Association&nbsp; treasurer and farmer from Iuka. “These funds will provide key components in resolving the Quivira Impairment. We look forward to continuing to work with the Kelly administration in facilitating and implementing needed water conservation projects that benefit Kansas farmers, our environment,&nbsp;and our state’s economy.”Read the letter&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMy8wOC9MZXR0ZXItb2YtU3VwcG9ydC1MQy1Qcm9ncmFtLTguMTguMjAyMy0wMDIucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgyMS44MTQ0OTU2MSJ9.K5BD5-Q1FtQC7S97lOe6Edg5dJjYEnp_bESt0-vZONg/s/1303161001/br/224590139380-l" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly advocates for federal water funding to be extended to Kansas

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that $275,000 will be available through a second round of Strategic Economic Expansion and Development grants. The&nbsp; program supports economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller counties across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives. &nbsp;

“SEED grants help improve community appeal and have already been game-changing for more than 60 cities across the state,”&nbsp;said Toland.&nbsp;“The Kelly Administration is committed to developing community assets and investing in new opportunities that will support growth in rural areas throughout Kansas.”

The grants will be administered through the Kansas Department of Commerce to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants up to $25,000 will be available in the following categories:

Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10 percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance upon successful completion of the project.

Funding for the program is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.

Grant applications will open Monday, August 28, and close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 27. Grant awardees will be announced mid-December.

An informational webinar on the grant program will be available to the public 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 28. Registration for the webinar, guidelines for the grant application and a list of eligible counties can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vdXMwMndlYi56b29tLnVzL3dlYmluYXIvcmVnaXN0ZXIvV05fZkEzZ1VVRC1TOHlsdkZVTjdPazZHQSMvcmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgyMi44MTUwNTAyMSJ9.fYKwcV-_hbd3soO4IKcYIwXE9t24GMv5TQhx4R85gPw/s/1303161001/br/224653937351-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681311272013.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that $275,000 will be available through a second round of Strategic Economic Expansion and Development grants. The&nbsp; program supports economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller counties across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives. &nbsp;“SEED grants help improve community appeal and have already been game-changing for more than 60 cities across the state,”&nbsp;said Toland.&nbsp;“The Kelly Administration is committed to developing community assets and investing in new opportunities that will support growth in rural areas throughout Kansas.”The grants will be administered through the Kansas Department of Commerce to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants up to $25,000 will be available in the following categories:<ul>
 <li>Childcare and senior programming&nbsp;– projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment;</li><li>Community vibrancy&nbsp;– projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage;</li><li>Food retail&nbsp;– projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion; and</li><li>Libraries&nbsp;– projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements.</li>
 </ul>Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10 percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance upon successful completion of the project.Funding for the program is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.Grant applications will open Monday, August 28, and close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 27. Grant awardees will be announced mid-December.An informational webinar on the grant program will be available to the public 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 28. Registration for the webinar, guidelines for the grant application and a list of eligible counties can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vdXMwMndlYi56b29tLnVzL3dlYmluYXIvcmVnaXN0ZXIvV05fZkEzZ1VVRC1TOHlsdkZVTjdPazZHQSMvcmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgyMi44MTUwNTAyMSJ9.fYKwcV-_hbd3soO4IKcYIwXE9t24GMv5TQhx4R85gPw/s/1303161001/br/224653937351-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

SEED grants available for small counties to invest in rural quality-of-life initiatives

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692888820338.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Municipal Park in downtown Hays will once again be the site
of the annual Thunder on The Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show as car
enthusiasts from across the region come together to raise money to benefit
local causes.

This year’s car show, the eighth year of the event, will
start with the cruise night on Sept. 15 and then the car show on Sept. 16.

The cruise night that gets everything started Friday at 6
p.m. will start at Big Creek Crossing and the group will go downtown and join
in with the Thomas More Prep-Marian homecoming parade. 

Following the cruise there will be a barbecue, a DJ, a beer
garden manned by the Knights of Columbus and socializing at the park until 9
p.m.

Anyone who preregisters for the car show by today will get
a free T-shirt and two tickets to the barbecue. Tickets for the barbecue also are available for purchase. Preregistration is also open during Friday night’s
events.

Registration Saturday morning begins at 8 a.m. and continues
through 11 a.m. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663611676406.jpeg" alt="Thunder on the Plains. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Thunder on the Plains. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Eighth annual Thunder on the Plains Car, Truck, Tractor and Cycle show returns to Hays Sept. 15" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=imjah-148b8d1-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostMunicipal Park in downtown Hays will once again be the site
of the annual Thunder on The Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show as car
enthusiasts from across the region come together to raise money to benefit
local causes.This year’s car show, the eighth year of the event, will
start with the cruise night on Sept. 15 and then the car show on Sept. 16.The cruise night that gets everything started Friday at 6
p.m. will start at Big Creek Crossing and the group will go downtown and join
in with the Thomas More Prep-Marian homecoming parade. Following the cruise there will be a barbecue, a DJ, a beer
garden manned by the Knights of Columbus and socializing at the park until 9
p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663611646279.jpeg" alt="Thunder on the Plains. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Thunder on the Plains. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Anyone who preregisters for the car show by today will get
a free T-shirt and two tickets to the barbecue. Tickets for the barbecue also are available for purchase. Preregistration is also open during Friday night’s
events.Registration Saturday morning begins at 8 a.m. and continues
through 11 a.m. Thunder on The Plains secretary and treasurer Jackie Lang
said after having 230 entries in last year’s show, they are
hoping to see the event grow.“This year we have included tractors,” Lang said, “so we're
hoping that we get at least a good turnout for the very first year
for that.”They will once again have awards for Best of Show ($500),
Best of Show Motorcycle ($300) and Best of Show Tractor ($100). Lang
said they will give out 50 awards this year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663611687611.jpeg" alt="Thunder on the Plains, Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Thunder on the Plains, Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Organizers are hoping that they can encourage people to get
their vehicles out of the garage and take part in this year’s event.“We know that there are so many cars in town that people
have in their garages [and they] are put away and they never get them out,” Lang said. “That's
one thing we really want to encourage people to do is to bring their cars out.”Organization President Rod Roy said the event is a great opportunity
for everyone to get out and enjoy the vehicles.“It's a way for people to talk about cars and share stories,”
Roy said. “There's a lot of cars out there that just sit in the garage and they
probably feel that they're not showroom show ready, but that's OK. People will appreciate seeing them.”The Thunder on the Plains car show is not only an
opportunity for car enthusiasts to get together but they also raise money for
local organizations and charities.The car club, a 501(c)3 organization, has donated
more than $80,000 since 2016.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663611625755.jpeg" alt="Thunder on the Plains. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Thunder on the Plains. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“One of the whole reasons we do this, besides just loving
cars,” Lang said, “is we raise money for local charities.”Last year alone, they donated more than $25,000.They have also created a scholarship at North Central Kansas
Technical College for three Ellis County residents who are interested in the
automotive field. The proceeds from this year’s 50/50 raffle will go to the
Kansas Honor Flight.“We do this because we love cars and we want to
get people out there, but we do it for the community to give back," Lang said, Also during Saturday’s event, there will be a bounce house
for the kids, food trucks, a beer garden and an auction.The live auction will be at 12:30 p.m. with the
awards presentation at 2 p.m.Lang also said starting in 2024 the event will be moving
permanently to the second Saturday in June at Municipal Park.You can find more on Thunder on the Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show on their <a href="https://www.thunderontheplainsks.com/">website </a>or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thunderontheplainsks/">Facebook page.</a>