By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

Kansas Common crude starts the week at $67.25 per barrel at CHS in McPherson after rising a dollar and a half on Friday. That's up more than six dollars a barrel from the first of the month but down about three dollars a barrel from the first of the year. Crude futures are on a roll, gaining a dollar and a half on Friday and another dollar Monday. WTI for September delivery was fetching $78.07 per barrel in Nymex trading Monday morning. London Brent was a few cents shy of $82 a barrel. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is down seven oil rigs and two gas rigs from last week. Another seven rigs dropped off the roster in Texas. The Lone Star State has shown declines in six of the last seven weekly reports, dropping from 353 to 322 active rigs during that period. New Mexico is down four rigs from last week. Louisiana is down three. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says there are eight drilling contractors in western Kansas moving in and rigging up drilling tools, eight are about to start drilling, and another six are on site awaiting orders. That's 22 active drilling rigs, down one rig from a week ago, down seven percent from a month ago and 32% lower than a year ago. The count east of Wichita was unchanged at 16 active rigs. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Stafford County. Kansas regulators okayed 32 new drilling locations in Kansas last week, with ten in western Kansas. That's 720 new permits so far this year, compared to 910 by this time last year. Operators completed 27 new wells in Kansas last week, with 15 west of Wichita, including two in Ellis County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 959 newly-completed wells so far this year, compared to 875 a year ago.

A coalition of government officials and ranchers are once again seeking a way around new protections for the lesser prairie chicken. 

The Kansas Natural Resource Coalition and several Kansas landowners filed a federal lawsuit last week. They argue implementing new Fish and Wildlife Service rules under the Endangered Species Act would restrict land use, and force expensive changes that hurt business. The protections appear to block nearly any land-use changes for the bird's prairie habitat in four states, including oil drilling and even row-grow cultivation. The Energy Information Administration reports U.S. crude inventories dropped by 700-thousand barrels last week to just over 457 million as of July 14th. Energy Information Administration said stockpiles are about one percent above the five-year average for this time of year. The government on Wednesday said U.S. crude production remains a few barrels above 12.3 million per day, down 11,000 barrels per day from a week ago, and about 300,000 barrels per day ahead of last year at this time. U.S. crude imports increased by more than a million barrels a day last week to 7.2 million barrels per day. Over the last four weeks, imports averaged about 2.5% more than during the same four weeks last year. The operator of Kansas' third-largest refinery reported quarterly net earnings of more than $547 million, down slightly from the record quarter announced a year ago. But pretax earnings in the energy sector at CHS rose to $199 million for the quarter ending May 31st, a $35 million increase compared to a year ago. A company news release notes the increase was fueled by strong margins at its refineries, along with favorable pricing of heavy Canadian crude oil. The CHS facility in McPherson is the number-three refinery out of three in the state when ranked by capacity, but they historically lead the state in purchases of Kansas crude. Revised numbers from North Dakota's Department of Mineral Resources show they did not in fact set their all-time record with April's gas-capture rate as they had reported a month earlier. Revisions from DMR show they fell short of the record statistics reported last fall. They're still close, capturing 95% of the gas coming out of their oil wells. May crude output rose to more than 35 million barrels in North Dakota. The Financial Times cites customs data showing China imports for the first half of the year were up nearly 12% over a year ago to more than 11 million barrels per day. Despite a faltering recovery in the world's second-largest economy, economists say China is taking advantage of low Russian crude prices to build up crude stockpiles with record imports.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle CommunicationsKansas Common crude starts the week at $67.25 per barrel at CHS in McPherson after rising a dollar and a half on Friday. That's up more than six dollars a barrel from the first of the month but down about three dollars a barrel from the first of the year. Crude futures are on a roll, gaining a dollar and a half on Friday and another dollar Monday. WTI for September delivery was fetching $78.07 per barrel in Nymex trading Monday morning. London Brent was a few cents shy of $82 a barrel. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is down seven oil rigs and two gas rigs from last week. Another seven rigs dropped off the roster in Texas. The Lone Star State has shown declines in six of the last seven weekly reports, dropping from 353 to 322 active rigs during that period. New Mexico is down four rigs from last week. Louisiana is down three. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says there are eight drilling contractors in western Kansas moving in and rigging up drilling tools, eight are about to start drilling, and another six are on site awaiting orders. That's 22 active drilling rigs, down one rig from a week ago, down seven percent from a month ago and 32% lower than a year ago. The count east of Wichita was unchanged at 16 active rigs. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Stafford County. Kansas regulators okayed 32 new drilling locations in Kansas last week, with ten in western Kansas. That's 720 new permits so far this year, compared to 910 by this time last year. Operators completed 27 new wells in Kansas last week, with 15 west of Wichita, including two in Ellis County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 959 newly-completed wells so far this year, compared to 875 a year ago.A coalition of government officials and ranchers are once again seeking a way around new protections for the lesser prairie chicken. The Kansas Natural Resource Coalition and several Kansas landowners filed a federal lawsuit last week. They argue implementing new Fish and Wildlife Service rules under the Endangered Species Act would restrict land use, and force expensive changes that hurt business. The protections appear to block nearly any land-use changes for the bird's prairie habitat in four states, including oil drilling and even row-grow cultivation. The Energy Information Administration reports U.S. crude inventories dropped by 700-thousand barrels last week to just over 457 million as of July 14th. Energy Information Administration said stockpiles are about one percent above the five-year average for this time of year. The government on Wednesday said U.S. crude production remains a few barrels above 12.3 million per day, down 11,000 barrels per day from a week ago, and about 300,000 barrels per day ahead of last year at this time. U.S. crude imports increased by more than a million barrels a day last week to 7.2 million barrels per day. Over the last four weeks, imports averaged about 2.5% more than during the same four weeks last year. The operator of Kansas' third-largest refinery reported quarterly net earnings of more than $547 million, down slightly from the record quarter announced a year ago. But pretax earnings in the energy sector at CHS rose to $199 million for the quarter ending May 31st, a $35 million increase compared to a year ago. A company news release notes the increase was fueled by strong margins at its refineries, along with favorable pricing of heavy Canadian crude oil. The CHS facility in McPherson is the number-three refinery out of three in the state when ranked by capacity, but they historically lead the state in purchases of Kansas crude. Revised numbers from North Dakota's Department of Mineral Resources show they did not in fact set their all-time record with April's gas-capture rate as they had reported a month earlier. Revisions from DMR show they fell short of the record statistics reported last fall. They're still close, capturing 95% of the gas coming out of their oil wells. May crude output rose to more than 35 million barrels in North Dakota. The Financial Times cites customs data showing China imports for the first half of the year were up nearly 12% over a year ago to more than 11 million barrels per day. Despite a faltering recovery in the world's second-largest economy, economists say China is taking advantage of low Russian crude prices to build up crude stockpiles with record imports.

News from the Oil Patch: More grousing about grouses

July 24th marks International Self-Care Day. But what exactly is “self-care?” 

Many people think of a bubble bath or glass of wine when the term is brought up, but self-care can be much more than the occasional treat. When you take care of your whole self - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually - self-care is being practiced. 

It can be as simple as going on a walk each morning, making time to socialize with friends, or learning about a subject that fascinates you. Other areas involve financial self-care and environmental self-care. These can be budgeting and putting money into savings or decluttering your home and cutting back time on social media.

In today’s world, stress is around every corner. Trying to keep up with the to-do list is an evergreen task and adding self-care to the agenda may seem overwhelming. Although I challenge you to take a new perspective. 

The foundation of self-care is prioritizing your obligations beginning with you. 

This concept allows you to understand what matters most to you and gives you the ability to say yes to things that fulfill you. It creates the opportunity to achieve a healthier mind and body, and it helps you cope with daily stressors. 

In turn, you might find yourself having an easier time caring for your family, creating memories with friends, and increasing productivity at work. Just like the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so it is important to fill yours first.

So, how can you observe International Self-Care Day? 

You can start a list of practical ways to get into the habit of self-care, offer support to a loved one in need of self-care, or explore a few stress management techniques.

Whatever you decide to do, regularly prioritizing self-care can majorly impact your mental, physical, and emotional health.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687379885179.png" alt="Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>July 24th marks International Self-Care Day. But what exactly is “self-care?” Many people think of a bubble bath or glass of wine when the term is brought up, but self-care can be much more than the occasional treat. When you take care of your whole self - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually - self-care is being practiced. This looks different for everyone. It can be as simple as going on a walk each morning, making time to socialize with friends, or learning about a subject that fascinates you. Other areas involve financial self-care and environmental self-care. These can be budgeting and putting money into savings or decluttering your home and cutting back time on social media.In today’s world, stress is around every corner. Trying to keep up with the to-do list is an evergreen task and adding self-care to the agenda may seem overwhelming. Although I challenge you to take a new perspective. The foundation of self-care is prioritizing your obligations beginning with you. This concept allows you to understand what matters most to you and gives you the ability to say yes to things that fulfill you. It creates the opportunity to achieve a healthier mind and body, and it helps you cope with daily stressors. In turn, you might find yourself having an easier time caring for your family, creating memories with friends, and increasing productivity at work. Just like the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so it is important to fill yours first.So, how can you observe International Self-Care Day? You can start a list of practical ways to get into the habit of self-care, offer support to a loved one in need of self-care, or explore a few stress management techniques.Whatever you decide to do, regularly prioritizing self-care can majorly impact your mental, physical, and emotional health.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

WINKEL: July 24 is International Self-Care Day

Beginning Monday, July 24th, at 8:00 a.m., and continuing through Tuesday, July 25 at 5:00 p.m., the Hays street locations indicated on the map above&nbsp;will be receiving seal coating applications. 

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call Circle C Paving at 316-794-5070 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956495310.png" alt="City of&nbsp; Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>City of&nbsp; Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Monday, July 24th, at 8:00 a.m., and continuing through Tuesday, July 25 at 5:00 p.m., the Hays street locations indicated on the map above&nbsp;will be receiving seal coating applications. The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call Circle C Paving at 316-794-5070 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Seal coating continues on select Hays streets Monday, Tuesday

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the City of Hays' purchase of land near 27th and Main.&nbsp;

Find out more about the purchase at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d2112629-d845-4997-a401-f12ff7fa06e5" target="_blank">City land purchase may be home to new Hays police station.</a>

<div><iframe title="City of Hays buys land near 27th and Main" 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=vb38y-145ff6d-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>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams discusses the City of Hays' purchase of land near 27th and Main.&nbsp;Find out more about the purchase at <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d2112629-d845-4997-a401-f12ff7fa06e5" target="_blank">City land purchase may be home to new Hays police station.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: City of Hays buys land near 27th and Main

HaysMed blood drive is Tuesday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Court Appointed Special Advocates of the High Plains has a new face at the helm.

Jan Johnson was hired earlier this summer to be the executive director of the agency, which is more commonly known as CASA.

The agency, which is headquartered in Hays, provides advocates for children in need of care, many of whom have been removed from their homes for abuse or neglect.

Those advocates serve as voices in court for the children. They also regularly meet with the children while their cases progress through the court system.

Johnson, 47, has lived in Hays for about a year with her son, who will be a senior at Hays High School.

She graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor's degree in anthropology with an emphasis in sociology.

She most recently worked in the human resources department for USD 489 and in its in-school solutions program at Hays High School.

She has experience working for a non-profit grocery store in Brewster, Kan. She also directed the food program in Colby schools and worked with many elementary- and middle-school-age students.

Johnson said she applied for the CASA director position because she believes in the agency's mission to help children.

"Each CASA volunteer speaks for an individual child, what is best for that child as a stand-alone person," she said. ... "I think individuality is the key to personal growth.

"For a kid to feel they are heard individually aside from anyone else's needs or wants or values, I think that is so important for a kids' growth for them to know they count and they matter."

She said the program is very needed in the community.

"Kids who are in the system need someone to speak for them," Johnson said.

Most of the children receiving services have traditionally been from Ellis County, which is the most populated county in CASA's coverage area.

However, the agency also covers Trego, Rooks and Gove counties and she said she would like CASA to serve children in those areas, gain volunteers from those counties and spread the word to those communities about the CASA mission.

CASA is in need of volunteers. The number of children the agency can serve is directly connected to the number of advocates the agency is able to recruit and retain.

One advocate can serve a maximum of five children, often less because of the complexity of the cases.

Being an advocate requires training, a background check and regular visits with the children to which the advocate is assigned. In addition, advocates are assigned to make recommendations to the court on what they feel is the best placement for the children.

The local CASA agency and CASAs across the country lost many volunteers during the pandemic.&nbsp;

Johnson said not everyone may have the time or dedication to be an advocate. However, they can serve the agency in other ways, including being a board member.

Previous board experience is desired and board members also have to pass background checks.

CASA also is in need of volunteers to help with fundraising and events. Johnson said her son and some of his classmates helped park cars at the Ellis County Fair last week, a project which was a fundraiser for the agency.

A volunteer may be needed to do something as simple as set up a booth and hand out information flyers at a community event.&nbsp;

CASA is a non-profit. It is primarily supported through donations.

For more information about the agency, you can follow its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/district23casa">Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;

If you are interested in donating or volunteering, you can also call&nbsp;785 628-8641 or email&nbsp;casahighplains@kansascasa.org.

General information on CASA's mission can be found on the Kansas CASA webpage at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascasa.org/">kansascasa.org</a>.

"I think this a pretty fantastic community here," Johnson said, "and I think there's a lot of potential to grow this program. There's a lot of people who care about kids and what this program stands for."

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostCourt Appointed Special Advocates of the High Plains has a new face at the helm.Jan Johnson was hired earlier this summer to be the executive director of the agency, which is more commonly known as CASA.The agency, which is headquartered in Hays, provides advocates for children in need of care, many of whom have been removed from their homes for abuse or neglect.Those advocates serve as voices in court for the children. They also regularly meet with the children while their cases progress through the court system.Johnson, 47, has lived in Hays for about a year with her son, who will be a senior at Hays High School.She graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor's degree in anthropology with an emphasis in sociology.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689888244550.jpeg" alt="Jan Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Jan Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>She most recently worked in the human resources department for USD 489 and in its in-school solutions program at Hays High School.She has experience working for a non-profit grocery store in Brewster, Kan. She also directed the food program in Colby schools and worked with many elementary- and middle-school-age students.Johnson said she applied for the CASA director position because she believes in the agency's mission to help children."Each CASA volunteer speaks for an individual child, what is best for that child as a stand-alone person," she said. ... "I think individuality is the key to personal growth."For a kid to feel they are heard individually aside from anyone else's needs or wants or values, I think that is so important for a kids' growth for them to know they count and they matter."She said the program is very needed in the community."Kids who are in the system need someone to speak for them," Johnson said.Most of the children receiving services have traditionally been from Ellis County, which is the most populated county in CASA's coverage area.However, the agency also covers Trego, Rooks and Gove counties and she said she would like CASA to serve children in those areas, gain volunteers from those counties and spread the word to those communities about the CASA mission.CASA is in need of volunteers. The number of children the agency can serve is directly connected to the number of advocates the agency is able to recruit and retain.One advocate can serve a maximum of five children, often less because of the complexity of the cases.Being an advocate requires training, a background check and regular visits with the children to which the advocate is assigned. In addition, advocates are assigned to make recommendations to the court on what they feel is the best placement for the children.The local CASA agency and CASAs across the country lost many volunteers during the pandemic.&nbsp;Johnson said not everyone may have the time or dedication to be an advocate. However, they can serve the agency in other ways, including being a board member.Previous board experience is desired and board members also have to pass background checks.CASA also is in need of volunteers to help with fundraising and events. Johnson said her son and some of his classmates helped park cars at the Ellis County Fair last week, a project which was a fundraiser for the agency.A volunteer may be needed to do something as simple as set up a booth and hand out information flyers at a community event.&nbsp;CASA is a non-profit. It is primarily supported through donations.For more information about the agency, you can follow its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/district23casa">Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;If you are interested in donating or volunteering, you can also call&nbsp;785 628-8641 or email&nbsp;casahighplains@kansascasa.org.General information on CASA's mission can be found on the Kansas CASA webpage at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascasa.org/">kansascasa.org</a>."I think this a pretty fantastic community here," Johnson said, "and I think there's a lot of potential to grow this program. There's a lot of people who care about kids and what this program stands for."

New CASA director seeks to promote program that gives voice to kids in court

WICHITA –&nbsp;A new admissions partnership agreement between Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and Kansas Health Science Center – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KHSC – KansasCOM) will help address Kansas’ physician shortage.

The agreement allows a select number of Fort Hays State University students to accelerate their career path with a 3+4 program. 

Qualified students who meet<a>&nbsp;</a>admission requirements will have the opportunity to begin their first year of medical school in their senior year of undergraduate studies at Fort Hays State University. After completing their first year at KHSC – KansasCOM, they will receive their bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University, thereby completing both undergraduate work and a medical degree in seven years.

According to Dr. Grady Dixon, dean of the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, the partnership will serve as a tremendous new career option for FHSU’s top science students. “We have been working with KHSC – KansasCOM leaders on this partnership for the past several months, and I am very impressed with their new med school in downtown Wichita. Their faculty, staff, and facilities are all top-notch, and I am excited to see some of our students continue their medical education with them.”

KHSC – KansasCOM is the first private, nonprofit osteopathic medical school in Kansas. 

Partnerships like this support its mission to address the severe physician shortage across the state. 

This is the fifth partnership agreement KHSC – KansasCOM has signed in Kansas and the first with a public university. Other colleges with similar agreements include Kansas Wesleyan University, Southwestern College, Friends University, and Newman University.

“In more rural and underserved areas of our state, like Hays, we know that recruiting highly-qualified, Kansas-based students from the communities facing the greatest need for physicians is one of the best ways to train physicians who understand the unique perspective and value of rural communities,” said Tiffany Masson, Psy.D., president of&nbsp;KHSC – KansasCOM. She continued, “We are confident it will not only expediate the pace in which students can become physicians, but also increase our likelihood of retaining these physicians to go back and serve the community they call home.”

Students at Fort Hays State University who meet specific course requirements within their undergraduate program and admissions criteria at&nbsp;KHSC – KansasCOM&nbsp;will have the opportunity to transition to&nbsp;the college&nbsp;in pursuit of their medical degree beginning in the summer of 2024.

About KHSC – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KHSC – KansasCOM) KHSC – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed its inaugural class in August 2022. Implementing a curriculum that is student-focused, patient-centered, and community-based, the mission of the nonprofit institution is to train osteopathic physicians to provide effective, empathetic, and innovative care to optimize the health of patients and their communities. Located in downtown Wichita, KHSC – KansasCOM is the first osteopathic medical school in the state of Kansas. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascom.kansashsc.org/" target="_blank">KansasCOM.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689883049428.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseWICHITA –&nbsp;A new admissions partnership agreement between Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and Kansas Health Science Center – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KHSC – KansasCOM) will help address Kansas’ physician shortage.The agreement allows a select number of Fort Hays State University students to accelerate their career path with a 3+4 program. Qualified students who meet<a>&nbsp;</a>admission requirements will have the opportunity to begin their first year of medical school in their senior year of undergraduate studies at Fort Hays State University. After completing their first year at KHSC – KansasCOM, they will receive their bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University, thereby completing both undergraduate work and a medical degree in seven years.According to Dr. Grady Dixon, dean of the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, the partnership will serve as a tremendous new career option for FHSU’s top science students. “We have been working with KHSC – KansasCOM leaders on this partnership for the past several months, and I am very impressed with their new med school in downtown Wichita. Their faculty, staff, and facilities are all top-notch, and I am excited to see some of our students continue their medical education with them.”KHSC – KansasCOM is the first private, nonprofit osteopathic medical school in Kansas. Partnerships like this support its mission to address the severe physician shortage across the state. This is the fifth partnership agreement KHSC – KansasCOM has signed in Kansas and the first with a public university. Other colleges with similar agreements include Kansas Wesleyan University, Southwestern College, Friends University, and Newman University.“In more rural and underserved areas of our state, like Hays, we know that recruiting highly-qualified, Kansas-based students from the communities facing the greatest need for physicians is one of the best ways to train physicians who understand the unique perspective and value of rural communities,” said Tiffany Masson, Psy.D., president of&nbsp;KHSC – KansasCOM. She continued, “We are confident it will not only expediate the pace in which students can become physicians, but also increase our likelihood of retaining these physicians to go back and serve the community they call home.”Students at Fort Hays State University who meet specific course requirements within their undergraduate program and admissions criteria at&nbsp;KHSC – KansasCOM&nbsp;will have the opportunity to transition to&nbsp;the college&nbsp;in pursuit of their medical degree beginning in the summer of 2024.About KHSC – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KHSC – KansasCOM) KHSC – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed its inaugural class in August 2022. Implementing a curriculum that is student-focused, patient-centered, and community-based, the mission of the nonprofit institution is to train osteopathic physicians to provide effective, empathetic, and innovative care to optimize the health of patients and their communities. Located in downtown Wichita, KHSC – KansasCOM is the first osteopathic medical school in the state of Kansas. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascom.kansashsc.org/" target="_blank">KansasCOM.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New partnership launched between FHSU, KS Health Science Center–KS College of Osteopathic Medicine

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Monday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Kenworth semi driven by Brandon C. Adams, 38, Pueblo, Colorado, was&nbsp; westbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Collyer exit.

The semi traveled off the north side of the highway and came to rest in the north ditch.

EMS transported Adams to the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Monday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Kenworth semi driven by Brandon C. Adams, 38, Pueblo, Colorado, was&nbsp; westbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Collyer exit.The semi traveled off the north side of the highway and came to rest in the north ditch.EMS transported Adams to the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after Interstate 70 semi accident

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services&nbsp; Secretary Laura Howard announced the agency has reopened its shared living program, a home and community based services living option for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.&nbsp;

“The process to re-introduce this program to Kansans with such disabilities has been an important one and we are grateful to and want to acknowledge those who continuously advocated for this program across the state and for those who participated in the creation of the manual,”&nbsp; Howard said. “Our team and our partner group has implemented best practices in our state, answered questions, developed tools, and have been vital in this program’s development.”

Shared living is a nationally recognized model for habilitation or residential services for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

 In shared living, one to two participants share a home with a family or single adult's family (the contractor). The contractor lives with the participant and provides supports to them in accordance with the participant’s person-centered support plan to include social activities, companionship, teaching, daily living skills, supported employment, night supports and other needs.

“Shared living provides adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the opportunity to live in a supportive, family-like environment that promotes independence, social inclusion,&nbsp;and a sense of belonging,”&nbsp;Sunflower Health Plan’s President and CEO, Michael Stephens said. “Sunflower is proud to partner with the state and providers to reopen this program.”&nbsp;

Participants in the shared living program have the same rights, responsibilities, and assurances as other participants receiving home and community based services-intellectual and/or developmental disabilities services in other settings. All services and supports will comply with state licensing, community developmental disabilities organization quality assurance, managed care organization reviews, the person-centered support plan, and other quality assurance reviews.

KDADS has developed the standards for the shared living program in collaboration with a group of licensed residential providers currently providing shared living services for participants. The&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va2RhZHMua3MuZ292L3Byb3ZpZGVyLWhvbWUvaG9tZS1hbmQtY29tbXVuaXR5LWJhc2VkLXNlcnZpY2VzLXByb3ZpZGVyLWluZm9ybWF0aW9uL2ludGVsbGVjdHVhbC1kZXZlbG9wbWVudGFsLWRpc2FiaWxpdHktcHJvdmlkZXItaW5mb3JtYXRpb24iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzE4Ljc5ODE4MDQxIn0.wwk0hlbXHVWo_bEGRWrxzpmcZJsOwhxJPW5CFTqBz5o/s/1303161001/br/222821759297-l" target="_blank">Shared Living Manual</a>, effective July 1, 2023, formalizes existing practices and addresses specific issues related to the home and community based services-intellectual and/or developmental disabilities services residential requirements and the expansion of the shared living program in Kansas. The Shared Living Manual may be amended based on public comment.

“We are excited to offer this high-quality service option to our Sunflower members and other adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities across Kansas.&nbsp;We appreciate the knowledge and collaboration the state and our provider partners offer to inform the future structure of this valuable service model,”&nbsp;Sunflower’s Vice President of Long-term Care and External Relations, Stephanie Rasmussen, said.

KDADS expects the shared living program to:

The entry timeline for the program is staggered to allow development and implementation to progress efficiently:

Any agency currently providing shared living or that would like to become a shared living provider can contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aaron.norris@ks.gov">Aaron Norris</a>, Kansas' intellectual and/or developmental disabilities licensing manager.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689801622302.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDADSTOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services&nbsp; Secretary Laura Howard announced the agency has reopened its shared living program, a home and community based services living option for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.&nbsp;“The process to re-introduce this program to Kansans with such disabilities has been an important one and we are grateful to and want to acknowledge those who continuously advocated for this program across the state and for those who participated in the creation of the manual,”&nbsp; Howard said. “Our team and our partner group has implemented best practices in our state, answered questions, developed tools, and have been vital in this program’s development.”Shared living is a nationally recognized model for habilitation or residential services for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. In shared living, one to two participants share a home with a family or single adult's family (the contractor). The contractor lives with the participant and provides supports to them in accordance with the participant’s person-centered support plan to include social activities, companionship, teaching, daily living skills, supported employment, night supports and other needs.“Shared living provides adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the opportunity to live in a supportive, family-like environment that promotes independence, social inclusion,&nbsp;and a sense of belonging,”&nbsp;Sunflower Health Plan’s President and CEO, Michael Stephens said. “Sunflower is proud to partner with the state and providers to reopen this program.”&nbsp;Participants in the shared living program have the same rights, responsibilities, and assurances as other participants receiving home and community based services-intellectual and/or developmental disabilities services in other settings. All services and supports will comply with state licensing, community developmental disabilities organization quality assurance, managed care organization reviews, the person-centered support plan, and other quality assurance reviews.KDADS has developed the standards for the shared living program in collaboration with a group of licensed residential providers currently providing shared living services for participants. The&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va2RhZHMua3MuZ292L3Byb3ZpZGVyLWhvbWUvaG9tZS1hbmQtY29tbXVuaXR5LWJhc2VkLXNlcnZpY2VzLXByb3ZpZGVyLWluZm9ybWF0aW9uL2ludGVsbGVjdHVhbC1kZXZlbG9wbWVudGFsLWRpc2FiaWxpdHktcHJvdmlkZXItaW5mb3JtYXRpb24iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzE4Ljc5ODE4MDQxIn0.wwk0hlbXHVWo_bEGRWrxzpmcZJsOwhxJPW5CFTqBz5o/s/1303161001/br/222821759297-l" target="_blank">Shared Living Manual</a>, effective July 1, 2023, formalizes existing practices and addresses specific issues related to the home and community based services-intellectual and/or developmental disabilities services residential requirements and the expansion of the shared living program in Kansas. The Shared Living Manual may be amended based on public comment.“We are excited to offer this high-quality service option to our Sunflower members and other adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities across Kansas.&nbsp;We appreciate the knowledge and collaboration the state and our provider partners offer to inform the future structure of this valuable service model,”&nbsp;Sunflower’s Vice President of Long-term Care and External Relations, Stephanie Rasmussen, said.KDADS expects the shared living program to:<ul>
 <li>Contribute to the development of individualized, independent daily living routines through encouragement of informed choice, creativity, and enrichment of a participant’s life.</li><li>Assist participants in contributing to Kansas as a community.</li><li>Support quality homes or apartments that are integrated into our communities.</li><li>Consistently teach new skills with evidenced-based practices.</li><li>Foster inclusion.</li><li>Gently and respectfully address inappropriate behavior, with an emphasis on prevention by teaching alternative behaviors through the provision of enriched environments, activities, and choices.</li><li>Ensure that all behavioral interventions comply with state statutes to ensure the least restrictive environment possible.</li><li>Increase a Participant’s ability to live in the least restrictive environment.</li><li>Encourage and support the development of relationships between Participants, participant peers, families, roommates, employees, friends, coworkers, roommates, and other community members.</li><li>Motivate participants to learn new skills and avoid behaviors that are stigmatizing or harmful.</li><li>Comply with federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services final rule and all local, state, federal, and program requirements.</li><li>Promote the need for choice, exercising autonomy, and control over one’s own services.</li><li>Address workforce shortages without compromising quality of services and supports.</li>
 </ul>The entry timeline for the program is staggered to allow development and implementation to progress efficiently:<ul>
 <li>July 1, 2023 – All providers currently providing shared living services can continue to do so and expand into other catchment areas. Any residential licensed provider in good standing can begin the process to provide shared living services.</li><li>January 1, 2024 – New applicants can begin the process to become a residential licensed provider to provide shared living services. New applicants can include any new or existing agency that wishes to be become licensed for residential services and offer the shared living program.</li>
 </ul>Any agency currently providing shared living or that would like to become a shared living provider can contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aaron.norris@ks.gov">Aaron Norris</a>, Kansas' intellectual and/or developmental disabilities licensing manager.&nbsp;

State reopens shared living for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. This virtual fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, will focus on employment opportunities available within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. 

Currently, there are almost 800 vacancies across the state.

“The Department of Commerce alone has 28 openings, and we want to fill these positions with skilled and professional candidates looking to secure good-paying careers with great benefits,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“All of our agency jobs offer opportunities for individuals to make a true difference in the lives of individuals and communities by serving our great state.”

Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at&nbsp;KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. 

Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

To register for the July 26 State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLnByZW1pZXJ2aXJ0dWFsLmNvbS9ldmVudHMvYTM2OGY3YWMtODc1ZS00ZjRkLWIwM2EtMmU3NGRjY2U0MDg5L3N0YXRlLW9mLWthbnNhcy1hZ2VuY2llcy1nb3Zlcm5tZW50LWpvYnMtdmlydHVhbC1qb2ItZmFpci1qdWx5LTI2LC0yMDIzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDcyMC43OTk1NzI5MSJ9.Vq0kwky__jLHuYeSX5F86v1V7ANqpNg_oRuo5xqKmCk/s/1303161001/br/222992889619-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577789937052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDCTOPEKA&nbsp;– Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. This virtual fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, will focus on employment opportunities available within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are almost 800 vacancies across the state.“The Department of Commerce alone has 28 openings, and we want to fill these positions with skilled and professional candidates looking to secure good-paying careers with great benefits,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“All of our agency jobs offer opportunities for individuals to make a true difference in the lives of individuals and communities by serving our great state.”Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at&nbsp;KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.To register for the July 26 State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLnByZW1pZXJ2aXJ0dWFsLmNvbS9ldmVudHMvYTM2OGY3YWMtODc1ZS00ZjRkLWIwM2EtMmU3NGRjY2U0MDg5L3N0YXRlLW9mLWthbnNhcy1hZ2VuY2llcy1nb3Zlcm5tZW50LWpvYnMtdmlydHVhbC1qb2ItZmFpci1qdWx5LTI2LC0yMDIzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDcyMC43OTk1NzI5MSJ9.Vq0kwky__jLHuYeSX5F86v1V7ANqpNg_oRuo5xqKmCk/s/1303161001/br/222992889619-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

Virtual job fair for Kansas state agencies Wednesday; 800 vacancies available

<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/2023/7/1689960157891.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

Whew! The Barton County Fair was a busy, fun, and successful week! Our Country Pride, County Wide was definitely on display!

Some of my favorite moments were watching big kids help small ones and when fierce competitors were teaching one another how to show their animals so that they are all better. Listening to 4-H members talk to judges about their projects with the successes and learning moments from less than successful is always great to hear.

We had several youth step into bigger leadership roles from presenting learning activities about water to serving as co-superintendents or assistant superintendents.

If you happened to be in the buildings on judging days, you probably saw 4-H members sitting down to review their projects with a judge. Consultative judging is an important aspect of the learning process for 4-H.&nbsp;Judges consider the project itself based on a project standard along with the learning opportunities that led to a fair entry. 

For our youth in the Foods and Nutrition project, they are hopefully sharing about helping with meals during the year, learning new cooking techniques and skills, or learning about nutrition. All of that goes into a judge’s decision when determining a ribbon placing. 

4-H uses the Danish System of ribbon placement which means:

Purple – Outstanding on all standards Blue – Exceeds minimum standards, minor improvements can be made Red – Meets minimum standards, needs improvements White – Fails to meet minimum standards

An important skill for a judge is to be able to give feedback to the youth that is both constructive and encouraging.

For youth nine and older who receive a purple ribbon (in most cases), they have the opportunity to enter that exhibit at the Kansas State Fair. I am excited to see all of the entries we will have!

I want to say Thank You to the Barton County Fair Association, the Friends of the Fair group, and superintendents for their countless hours! Families of 4-H members who volunteer for set up and clean up, and jump in to help whenever and wherever are invaluable!

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="Michelle Beran,&nbsp;4-H Youth Development Agent,&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran,&nbsp;4-H Youth Development Agent,&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Whew! The Barton County Fair was a busy, fun, and successful week! Our Country Pride, County Wide was definitely on display!Some of my favorite moments were watching big kids help small ones and when fierce competitors were teaching one another how to show their animals so that they are all better. Listening to 4-H members talk to judges about their projects with the successes and learning moments from less than successful is always great to hear.We had several youth step into bigger leadership roles from presenting learning activities about water to serving as co-superintendents or assistant superintendents.If you happened to be in the buildings on judging days, you probably saw 4-H members sitting down to review their projects with a judge. Consultative judging is an important aspect of the learning process for 4-H.&nbsp;Judges consider the project itself based on a project standard along with the learning opportunities that led to a fair entry. For our youth in the Foods and Nutrition project, they are hopefully sharing about helping with meals during the year, learning new cooking techniques and skills, or learning about nutrition. All of that goes into a judge’s decision when determining a ribbon placing. 4-H uses the Danish System of ribbon placement which means:Purple – Outstanding on all standards Blue – Exceeds minimum standards, minor improvements can be made Red – Meets minimum standards, needs improvements White – Fails to meet minimum standards An important skill for a judge is to be able to give feedback to the youth that is both constructive and encouraging.For youth nine and older who receive a purple ribbon (in most cases), they have the opportunity to enter that exhibit at the Kansas State Fair. I am excited to see all of the entries we will have!I want to say Thank You to the Barton County Fair Association, the Friends of the Fair group, and superintendents for their countless hours! Families of 4-H members who volunteer for set up and clean up, and jump in to help whenever and wherever are invaluable!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: Barton County Fair Week wrap-up

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

Fort Hays State University recently celebrated its
expanded partnerships in China with visits to commencement ceremonies as
students wrapped up their academic year.

The four-stop tour also marked the first trip to the
partner schools since 2019.

The FHSU delegation included President Tisa Mason and
Provost Jill Arensdorf along with Joe Bain, FHSU general council, Phil
Whittkorn, academic partnership director, Haley Williams, global affairs
operations director, and Jing Wang, Sias-FHSU presidential scholar.

“We were able to visit our two longest and largest
partnership schools there, which is where we held the commencements at Sias
University and Shenyang Normal University,” Williams said.

They also made a stop at a brand-new partner school, Wuxi
University.

Altogether Williams said the Chinese partnership programs
serve about 4,000 students in various fields.

“Many of them are business majors,” she said. “We also have
Organizational Leadership, Health Studies and Global Business English. (They)
were primarily the ones that we saw graduate when we were there this spring.”

The majority of those students at Sias and Shenyang University
receive lessons from FHSU instructors in person for a third of their academic journey
while at their home university.

“I think something else that's really profound and is a kind
of a trademark thing for Fort Hays is we send about 40 faculty to live and
teach in China every year,” Williams said. “And so that's a huge part of what
our office does in supporting them just through the visa process and
integrating into living in teaching in China.”

“Of course, their academic department plays a huge role as
well as in supporting them. It is a really unique model that we have, and
it's had a huge impact.”

“That's all by design,” said FHSU chief communications
officer Scott Cason. “Since the inception of this program, what they have
wanted was American-style education in the classroom.”

“So our model, when it was developed, was pretty unique.
It's still kind of, I think, the standard model for how you deliver courses in a
country like China. These are not courses out of a box. This is an emulation of
the FHSU experience that they would get on our campus here.”

“Really, the vision of that…was East Meets West education,”
Williams said. “It's fulfilling the Fort Hays mission statement to develop,
engage global citizen leaders. And so, we're doing that in a very unique way.”

FHSU’s partnerships in China date back 23 years with Sias University.


The partnership with Wuxi University is just getting started
with 73 students with recruitment for next year underway.

Students from that program will spend their fourth year on
the FHSU campus.

“Hays is such a wonderful, small, safe community that a lot
of times when Chinese students come here, they really find Hays to bring a new
sense of home for them,” Williams said. “And they really enjoy their experience
of living and learning in our community and on our campus.

Along with the universities, the delegation met with Educare International
Incorporated.

“This partnership began about five years ago and is really a
unique model that has been just a wonderful working relationship and
partnership for Fort Hays,” Williams said.

Their model is non-degree seeking and helps expedite degrees
from other English-speaking universities around the world.

“They recruit these students to Fort Hays to take a couple
of courses to help save money,” Williams said.

During the trip, the delegation also attended a residential
life conference and visited the Soybean Innovation Center, which receives soybeans
directly from Kansas.

“It was cool to be able to support what the commerce in
Kansas is doing there,” Williams said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689802890642.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostFort Hays State University recently celebrated its
expanded partnerships in China with visits to commencement ceremonies as
students wrapped up their academic year.The four-stop tour also marked the first trip to the
partner schools since 2019.<div><iframe title="East meets West: FHSU celebrates, expands global partnerships during commencement trip to China" 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=isiuh-145ff43-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>The FHSU delegation included President Tisa Mason and
Provost Jill Arensdorf along with Joe Bain, FHSU general council, Phil
Whittkorn, academic partnership director, Haley Williams, global affairs
operations director, and Jing Wang, Sias-FHSU presidential scholar.“We were able to visit our two longest and largest
partnership schools there, which is where we held the commencements at Sias
University and Shenyang Normal University,” Williams said.They also made a stop at a brand-new partner school, Wuxi
University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689802992907.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Altogether Williams said the Chinese partnership programs
serve about 4,000 students in various fields.“Many of them are business majors,” she said. “We also have
Organizational Leadership, Health Studies and Global Business English. (They)
were primarily the ones that we saw graduate when we were there this spring.”The majority of those students at Sias and Shenyang University
receive lessons from FHSU instructors in person for a third of their academic journey
while at their home university.“I think something else that's really profound and is a kind
of a trademark thing for Fort Hays is we send about 40 faculty to live and
teach in China every year,” Williams said. “And so that's a huge part of what
our office does in supporting them just through the visa process and
integrating into living in teaching in China.”“Of course, their academic department plays a huge role as
well as in supporting them. It is a really unique model that we have, and
it's had a huge impact.”“That's all by design,” said FHSU chief communications
officer Scott Cason. “Since the inception of this program, what they have
wanted was American-style education in the classroom.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689803011071.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“So our model, when it was developed, was pretty unique.
It's still kind of, I think, the standard model for how you deliver courses in a
country like China. These are not courses out of a box. This is an emulation of
the FHSU experience that they would get on our campus here.”“Really, the vision of that…was East Meets West education,”
Williams said. “It's fulfilling the Fort Hays mission statement to develop,
engage global citizen leaders. And so, we're doing that in a very unique way.”FHSU’s partnerships in China date back 23 years with Sias University.
The partnership with Wuxi University is just getting started
with 73 students with recruitment for next year underway.Students from that program will spend their fourth year on
the FHSU campus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689803029700.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Hays is such a wonderful, small, safe community that a lot
of times when Chinese students come here, they really find Hays to bring a new
sense of home for them,” Williams said. “And they really enjoy their experience
of living and learning in our community and on our campus.Along with the universities, the delegation met with Educare International
Incorporated.“This partnership began about five years ago and is really a
unique model that has been just a wonderful working relationship and
partnership for Fort Hays,” Williams said.Their model is non-degree seeking and helps expedite degrees
from other English-speaking universities around the world.“They recruit these students to Fort Hays to take a couple
of courses to help save money,” Williams said.During the trip, the delegation also attended a residential
life conference and visited the Soybean Innovation Center, which receives soybeans
directly from Kansas.“It was cool to be able to support what the commerce in
Kansas is doing there,” Williams said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689803048363.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 East meets West: FHSU celebrates, expands global partnerships during commencement trip to China

The 145th Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration looks good. We have a dedicated homecoming committee that is working hard. There is a little something for everyone.

Come learn about “specialty crops” from the Kansas Black Farmers Association. KBFA will conduct their quarterly meeting from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Specialty Crops Dr. Gail Meyers, Oakland, CA and Dr. Martha Mamo, Department Chair University of Nebraska Lincoln, Agronomy are the guest speakers. Register for free at <a href="https://kbfa.org/">www.kbfa.org</a>.

The Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration Committee, LLC and the Nicodemus Historical Society will both host their annual meetings later that afternoon.

Start your morning off with a good old “cowboy breakfast.” The afternoon will be full of music, games, kids activities and genealogy. Spinning the music is our very own native from Hill City, Troy Chapman aka “D.J. Storytella.” Participate in the Dominions Tournament, play some cards, horseshoes, etc. If you’re a Nicodemus Descendant, come learn about your history from the "Live Family Tree.” In the evening come participate in the corn hole tournament.

Returning back home from California don’t miss the special event hosted by a native from Hill City, Frankie “Cooper” Bates. He will perform his award winning one-man show, “Black When I Was A Boy.” Performance time starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Hill City High School auditorium. Get your tickets and come support Cooper in this powerful coming of age story. All proceeds will be given back to the community.

Then come on back to Nicodemus for the afterparty. Come hear D.J. Storytella spinning sounds, hear some live music and if you’re so inclined you can sing too during karaoke.

Start the day off with a little physical activity and then another good breakfast. Join the 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser where all proceeds will go to help Will Clark participate in the European Band Trip. Register at <a href="https://kbfa.org/">www.kbfa.org</a>. Afterwards eat a hearty breakfast. Sponsored by the Kansas Black Farmers Association this is their 12th annual “FREE Pancake Feed.”

Starting at 11:00 a.m., be there and don’t miss the event that draws the crowd, the Nicodemus Homecoming Parade.

So much going on in the afternoon you may have to pick and choose what you want to do. There will be games, kids activities, fashion show, watermelon feed and even a tent where a Master American Straw and Wheat Artist will do live hands-on demonstrations.

From 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. in the Kids Corner, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will join us again this year and set up their amazing traveling kids activities and games.

Don’t forget the Smithsonian Exhibit, “Voices and Votes: Democracy In America” is on display at the Visitor’s Center along with the companion exhibit “Nicodemus Politicians.” There will be history programs and presentations hosted by the Nicodemus Historical Society and the National Park Service. Julie Clover with Robert J. Dole Institute will be the guest speaker to talk about the designation of Nicodemus becoming a National Historic Site.

Bert Brogden will show his Award Winning Documentary “Robert &amp; Billie” A Nicodemus Love Story. We also anticipate the showing of the introduction of our new documentary that’s in the making, “Ellis Trail To Nicodemus.”

The Gospel Extravaganza in Nicodemus featuring Rev. Venson Quarels, Sr. and his family are coming all the way from California. He is the grandson of Rev. Daniel Hickman.

On the big stage enjoy the party with our live music headliner from L.A. He plays soul, R&amp;B, pop and is a smooth-jazz instrumentalist, Fernando Harkless. Then D.J. Storytella will keep the afterparty groove going.

Friday and Saturday, July 28th and 29th

The American Red Cross Sickle Cell Blood Drive will be set up at the Villa from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. both days.

Come explore the magical world of the Nicodemus “Kids Corner.” Get ready for an extraordinary journey in the historic town of Nicodemus KS, where history, culture and wonder await you at the Kids Corner. There will be games (potato sack race, Minute to Win It, three-legged race, scavenger hunt, Transfer the Cotton Balls, Cookie Challenge, watermelon eating contest); activities (Bouncy House, arts, crafts, story time, books giveaway, and the kids will learn to plant a garden). Food, prizes, giveaways, and so much more. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to experience the magic of Nicodemus at Kids Corner.

Start your morning with praise. Church service will be held at the First Baptist Church then following will be lunch under the big tent. D.J. Storytella will be in the park spinning those sounds.

For more information and details check out our website at <a href="https://www.nicodemushomecoming.org/">www.nicodemushomecoming.org</a>. Also, like and follow us on Facebook, <a href="https://www.nicodemushomecoming.org/nicodemus-kansas-homecoming-2023-events?fbclid=IwAR2StlSEn_aVRzkWdzdB_7l71nJrID9TPuOExBmXXzkmkpxgLF7_Flo7JoE">Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration</a>.

So many exciting things are happening that you don’t want to miss it. Come participate in the 2023 145th Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration! See you there!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689605419121.png" alt="145th Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration is July 27-30. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>145th Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration is July 27-30. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe 145th Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration looks good. We have a dedicated homecoming committee that is working hard. There is a little something for everyone.Thursday, July 27thCome learn about “specialty crops” from the Kansas Black Farmers Association. KBFA will conduct their quarterly meeting from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Specialty Crops Dr. Gail Meyers, Oakland, CA and Dr. Martha Mamo, Department Chair University of Nebraska Lincoln, Agronomy are the guest speakers. Register for free at <a href="https://kbfa.org/">www.kbfa.org</a>.The Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration Committee, LLC and the Nicodemus Historical Society will both host their annual meetings later that afternoon.Friday, July 28thStart your morning off with a good old “cowboy breakfast.” The afternoon will be full of music, games, kids activities and genealogy. Spinning the music is our very own native from Hill City, Troy Chapman aka “D.J. Storytella.” Participate in the Dominions Tournament, play some cards, horseshoes, etc. If you’re a Nicodemus Descendant, come learn about your history from the "Live Family Tree.” In the evening come participate in the corn hole tournament.Returning back home from California don’t miss the special event hosted by a native from Hill City, Frankie “Cooper” Bates. He will perform his award winning one-man show, “Black When I Was A Boy.” Performance time starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Hill City High School auditorium. Get your tickets and come support Cooper in this powerful coming of age story. All proceeds will be given back to the community.Then come on back to Nicodemus for the afterparty. Come hear D.J. Storytella spinning sounds, hear some live music and if you’re so inclined you can sing too during karaoke.Saturday, July 29thStart the day off with a little physical activity and then another good breakfast. Join the 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser where all proceeds will go to help Will Clark participate in the European Band Trip. Register at <a href="https://kbfa.org/">www.kbfa.org</a>. Afterwards eat a hearty breakfast. Sponsored by the Kansas Black Farmers Association this is their 12th annual “FREE Pancake Feed.”Starting at 11:00 a.m., be there and don’t miss the event that draws the crowd, the Nicodemus Homecoming Parade.So much going on in the afternoon you may have to pick and choose what you want to do. There will be games, kids activities, fashion show, watermelon feed and even a tent where a Master American Straw and Wheat Artist will do live hands-on demonstrations.From 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. in the Kids Corner, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will join us again this year and set up their amazing traveling kids activities and games.Don’t forget the Smithsonian Exhibit, “Voices and Votes: Democracy In America” is on display at the Visitor’s Center along with the companion exhibit “Nicodemus Politicians.” There will be history programs and presentations hosted by the Nicodemus Historical Society and the National Park Service. Julie Clover with Robert J. Dole Institute will be the guest speaker to talk about the designation of Nicodemus becoming a National Historic Site.Bert Brogden will show his Award Winning Documentary “Robert &amp; Billie” A Nicodemus Love Story. We also anticipate the showing of the introduction of our new documentary that’s in the making, “Ellis Trail To Nicodemus.”The Gospel Extravaganza in Nicodemus featuring Rev. Venson Quarels, Sr. and his family are coming all the way from California. He is the grandson of Rev. Daniel Hickman.On the big stage enjoy the party with our live music headliner from L.A. He plays soul, R&amp;B, pop and is a smooth-jazz instrumentalist, Fernando Harkless. Then D.J. Storytella will keep the afterparty groove going.Friday and Saturday, July 28th and 29thThe American Red Cross Sickle Cell Blood Drive will be set up at the Villa from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. both days.Come explore the magical world of the Nicodemus “Kids Corner.” Get ready for an extraordinary journey in the historic town of Nicodemus KS, where history, culture and wonder await you at the Kids Corner. There will be games (potato sack race, Minute to Win It, three-legged race, scavenger hunt, Transfer the Cotton Balls, Cookie Challenge, watermelon eating contest); activities (Bouncy House, arts, crafts, story time, books giveaway, and the kids will learn to plant a garden). Food, prizes, giveaways, and so much more. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to experience the magic of Nicodemus at Kids Corner.Sunday, July 30thStart your morning with praise. Church service will be held at the First Baptist Church then following will be lunch under the big tent. D.J. Storytella will be in the park spinning those sounds.For more information and details check out our website at <a href="https://www.nicodemushomecoming.org/">www.nicodemushomecoming.org</a>. Also, like and follow us on Facebook, <a href="https://www.nicodemushomecoming.org/nicodemus-kansas-homecoming-2023-events?fbclid=IwAR2StlSEn_aVRzkWdzdB_7l71nJrID9TPuOExBmXXzkmkpxgLF7_Flo7JoE">Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration</a>.So many exciting things are happening that you don’t want to miss it. Come participate in the 2023 145th Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration! See you there!

145th Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration set for last week of July

OktoberfestHays is now accepting vendor registrations for the upcoming regional celebration on Friday and Saturday, September 29 and 30. Registration is online at <a href="https://www.oktoberfesthays.com/">oktoberfesthays.com</a>.

The celebration which commemorates the Volga German heritage of our region's hardy early settlers will coincide with both Hays High’s Homecoming on Friday night and FHSU’s Homecoming parade and 7 p.m. game on Saturday.

Oktoberfest 2023 will once again feature the “World’s Largest Bierock,” prepared by Phil Kuhn and his team, and sponsored by Lewis Automotive Group of Hays. 

“There is such great enthusiasm surrounding the ‘World’s Largest Bierock’, and this year it will be even larger,” said Kuhn. Bierocks, whether large or small, are a crowd favorite at Oktoberfest, with thousands consumed down at the park each year, and many taken home and frozen for a later meal.

New at this year’s Oktoberfest is the Fest Market operating 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday.

The Fest Market is a large tent (pictured above) on the Oktoberfest grounds that will provide ten banquet-table sized booths for commercial businesses looking to reach an estimated 7,000 fest goers. OktoberfestHays vendor committee chair Tom Bird says, “the Fest Market booths can sell anything from jeans to jewelry and blouses to bagels. I think it will be a great addition, especially for businesses that typically are not our traditional vendors.”

Two vendors already secured are Everlasting Links offering permanent jewelry and Second Wind IV, ready to hydrate and energize Oktoberfest-goers with vitamin injections and IV drips.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629473292311.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOktoberfestHays is now accepting vendor registrations for the upcoming regional celebration on Friday and Saturday, September 29 and 30. Registration is online at <a href="https://www.oktoberfesthays.com/">oktoberfesthays.com</a>.The celebration which commemorates the Volga German heritage of our region's hardy early settlers will coincide with both Hays High’s Homecoming on Friday night and FHSU’s Homecoming parade and 7 p.m. game on Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665261553077.jpeg" alt="Phil Kuhn with the 'World's Largest Bierock' at the 2022 Oktoberfest in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Phil Kuhn with the 'World's Largest Bierock' at the 2022 Oktoberfest in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Oktoberfest 2023 will once again feature the “World’s Largest Bierock,” prepared by Phil Kuhn and his team, and sponsored by Lewis Automotive Group of Hays. “There is such great enthusiasm surrounding the ‘World’s Largest Bierock’, and this year it will be even larger,” said Kuhn. Bierocks, whether large or small, are a crowd favorite at Oktoberfest, with thousands consumed down at the park each year, and many taken home and frozen for a later meal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689715292730.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>New at this year’s Oktoberfest is the Fest Market operating 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday.The Fest Market is a large tent (pictured above) on the Oktoberfest grounds that will provide ten banquet-table sized booths for commercial businesses looking to reach an estimated 7,000 fest goers. OktoberfestHays vendor committee chair Tom Bird says, “the Fest Market booths can sell anything from jeans to jewelry and blouses to bagels. I think it will be a great addition, especially for businesses that typically are not our traditional vendors.”Two vendors already secured are Everlasting Links offering permanent jewelry and Second Wind IV, ready to hydrate and energize Oktoberfest-goers with vitamin injections and IV drips.

OktoberfestHays now accepting vendor registrations for Sept. 29-30

By MICHAEL SMITH Emporia State University

Do we need to re-learn how we merge on the freeway?&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Transportation says yes.&nbsp; But are we open to re-thinking something we have done the same way for years?

Since 2016, KDOT has been promoting the “<a href="https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/kcmetro/zipper-merge.asp" target="_blank">zipper merge</a>” for the construction zones along US 69 in Johnson County.&nbsp; Now, they also want us to use it along sections of K-10 that are under construction between Olathe and Lawrence, near Eudora.&nbsp; They may expand it further.

Around here, most use the early merge.&nbsp; When we see that a lane is closed, we move over into the open lane as quickly as possible.&nbsp; We treat drivers that do not do this as “cheaters.”&nbsp; Any attempt to cut in line may be met with a refusal to open a space, dirty looks, or even a famous, obscene hand gesture. Once, in construction around Olathe, I saw a semi truck driver steer his truck so it was straddling both lanes, just to block these line cutters. Didn’t the teachers in elementary school teach us not to cut in line?&nbsp;

They did, but they also taught us to take turns. The early merge is fine if there is not much traffic, but when things get busy, drivers may slow down looking for a chance to merge early, slowing traffic further or even causing accidents.&nbsp; The zipper merge calls for drivers to stay in their lane until the merge point, and then take turns, one car from each lane at a time, so that the traffic closes up like the teeth of a zipper.&nbsp; No more viewing drivers who stay in the to-be-closed lane as “cheaters,” no more blocking, no more gesturing.&nbsp; Signs warn drivers “Stay in your lane,” and “Take turns merging.”

Traffic is an excellent example of how what we think is intuitively right, is often wrong.&nbsp; It reminds me of a debate I had with a family member when they were younger.&nbsp; Frustrated that we were running late, they suggested that the city needed to re-time the traffic light where we were waiting.&nbsp; I replied that a citywide traffic study might be in order.&nbsp; Baffled, they replied that no such thing was necessary–this particular traffic light need only be reprogrammed.&nbsp; I disagreed.&nbsp; After all,&nbsp; re-timing just&nbsp; one traffic light could cause traffic to back up on the feeder streets, which in turn could cause traffic to back up on the feeder streets to those streets, and so on–a ripple effect that could be felt for many miles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This complexity is why study of traffic is an academic subject in its own right– just ask the experts at K-State’s&nbsp;<a href="https://transport.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">University Transportation Center.</a>&nbsp; Traffic flows are complicated, and easing congestion often calls on drivers to re-learn what we think we know, among other changes.

This is policymaking in the real world– complicated, sometimes counterintuitive challenges to our established ways of thinking and doing,&nbsp; which rely on the assumption that people are ready to make the change.&nbsp; Sometimes, half of us embrace the change and half of us do not, creating further confusion if not outright chaos, and making us angry with one another.&nbsp; This helps explain how issues that should not be part of the culture war get sucked into it–issues like gas stoves or Covid-19 protocols.

There are bigger problems in the world today than how we merge at construction sites, but few have such a direct, immediate impact on our everyday lives–or exemplify just how difficult policy change is.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL SMITH Emporia State UniversityDo we need to re-learn how we merge on the freeway?&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Transportation says yes.&nbsp; But are we open to re-thinking something we have done the same way for years?Since 2016, KDOT has been promoting the “<a href="https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/kcmetro/zipper-merge.asp" target="_blank">zipper merge</a>” for the construction zones along US 69 in Johnson County.&nbsp; Now, they also want us to use it along sections of K-10 that are under construction between Olathe and Lawrence, near Eudora.&nbsp; They may expand it further.Around here, most use the early merge.&nbsp; When we see that a lane is closed, we move over into the open lane as quickly as possible.&nbsp; We treat drivers that do not do this as “cheaters.”&nbsp; Any attempt to cut in line may be met with a refusal to open a space, dirty looks, or even a famous, obscene hand gesture. Once, in construction around Olathe, I saw a semi truck driver steer his truck so it was straddling both lanes, just to block these line cutters. Didn’t the teachers in elementary school teach us not to cut in line?&nbsp;They did, but they also taught us to take turns. The early merge is fine if there is not much traffic, but when things get busy, drivers may slow down looking for a chance to merge early, slowing traffic further or even causing accidents.&nbsp; The zipper merge calls for drivers to stay in their lane until the merge point, and then take turns, one car from each lane at a time, so that the traffic closes up like the teeth of a zipper.&nbsp; No more viewing drivers who stay in the to-be-closed lane as “cheaters,” no more blocking, no more gesturing.&nbsp; Signs warn drivers “Stay in your lane,” and “Take turns merging.”Traffic is an excellent example of how what we think is intuitively right, is often wrong.&nbsp; It reminds me of a debate I had with a family member when they were younger.&nbsp; Frustrated that we were running late, they suggested that the city needed to re-time the traffic light where we were waiting.&nbsp; I replied that a citywide traffic study might be in order.&nbsp; Baffled, they replied that no such thing was necessary–this particular traffic light need only be reprogrammed.&nbsp; I disagreed.&nbsp; After all,&nbsp; re-timing just&nbsp; one traffic light could cause traffic to back up on the feeder streets, which in turn could cause traffic to back up on the feeder streets to those streets, and so on–a ripple effect that could be felt for many miles.&nbsp;&nbsp;This complexity is why study of traffic is an academic subject in its own right– just ask the experts at K-State’s&nbsp;<a href="https://transport.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">University Transportation Center.</a>&nbsp; Traffic flows are complicated, and easing congestion often calls on drivers to re-learn what we think we know, among other changes.This is policymaking in the real world– complicated, sometimes counterintuitive challenges to our established ways of thinking and doing,&nbsp; which rely on the assumption that people are ready to make the change.&nbsp; Sometimes, half of us embrace the change and half of us do not, creating further confusion if not outright chaos, and making us angry with one another.&nbsp; This helps explain how issues that should not be part of the culture war get sucked into it–issues like gas stoves or Covid-19 protocols.There are bigger problems in the world today than how we merge at construction sites, but few have such a direct, immediate impact on our everyday lives–or exemplify just how difficult policy change is.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: KDOT’s zipper merge is policymaking in the real world

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689960128300.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>

Barton Community College area students named to President’s List for spring 2023

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/" target="_blank">Hays Arts Council</a> executive director Brenda Meder discusses current happenings at the Hays Arts Center as preparations begin for the Fall Art Walk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council begins Fall Art Walk preparations" 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=kztav-145fed2-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>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/" target="_blank">Hays Arts Council</a> executive director Brenda Meder discusses current happenings at the Hays Arts Center as preparations begin for the Fall Art Walk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Arts Council begins Fall Art Walk preparations

Jay Harris, K-State Cottonwood Extension District director,
recently added new responsibilities to his position after accepting the duties
of Horticulture Agent filling the long-time role for the first time in two
years.

He said the district board of directors were “pretty excited”
to have someone in the position after they were unable to fill the job with an
outside hire.

In the new job, Harris will serve the community with their
questions on trees, lawns and gardens.

He will also serve as the coordinator for the Extension Master Gardener Program. The program
has been serving area residents since 1996.

“Master gardeners do a lot of
good things for the public,” Harris said. “These are volunteers that take the
time to do some pretty extensive training.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689958422362.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostJay Harris, K-State Cottonwood Extension District director,
recently added new responsibilities to his position after accepting the duties
of Horticulture Agent filling the long-time role for the first time in two
years.He said the district board of directors were “pretty excited”
to have someone in the position after they were unable to fill the job with an
outside hire.In the new job, Harris will serve the community with their
questions on trees, lawns and gardens.<div><iframe title="Cottonwood director assumes horticulture agent, Master Gardener coordinator position" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5ewcw-145ed33-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=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>He will also serve as the coordinator for the Extension Master Gardener Program. The program
has been serving area residents since 1996.“Master gardeners do a lot of
good things for the public,” Harris said. “These are volunteers that take the
time to do some pretty extensive training.”The next round of training is
set to begin in September.“The
biggest thing is being there for people,” Harris said.Since
assuming the position, he said he has been educating residents on their
trees in the midst of the ongoing excessive drought.“We've
been in such a drought for a couple of years,” Harris said. “And even though
we've been getting rain, our trees are so far behind in the growth they're
showing dead spots and some fertility issues.”The
Master Gardener program also maintains demonstration gardens throughout the
area. There are
two located at the Ag Experiment Station and one at the Old Fort Hays, he said.Year-round the program helps residents with questions and provides assistance to all
types of horticulture issues with participants required to complete 40 hours of
volunteer service the first year and 20 each year after.“The
volunteer service needs to be educational,” Harris said. “It's not truly labor
hours going out and working in the gardens. It is actually helping do some of
the educational part of extensions’ goal and our mission.”Two
upcoming events will highlight that educational mission.Today Iris Day will be during Bazaar on the Bricks. They will be providing Iris
bulbs for a suggested donation of $1.On Aug.
23, the Master Gardeners will conduct a garden tour from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in conjunction with the
Hays Art Council’s Fall Art Walk at the demonstration gardens and at their
perennial garden at the district office at 601 Main.It is a “good way for the
public to come out and see what Master Gardeners are doing,” Harris said.An ice cream truck also will be on site.Following
the events in September, training for the newest Master Gardeners will begin and
include people from all walks of life, Harris said.“They do this extensive
training,” he said, in order to help out people with all sorts of questions and
assist with projects throughout the community.To become a Master Gardner,
Harris said requirements include a high school diploma a desire to “get their
hands dirty” and “a love of gardening.” For more information about the Master Gardner program, visit the Cottonwood Extension District's website,<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/MasterGardeners.html">&nbsp;cottonwood.k-state.edu</a>.

Local