<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/2023/7/1689362356064.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

COLBY - The Colby Community College Registrar's office released the names of students earning a place on the President's and Vice President's honor rolls for the spring 2023 semester. Those listed completed at least 12 credit hours with no failing grades.

The President's Honor Roll includes 99 students who earned a 4.0 grade point average. Forty-seven students on the Vice President's Honor Roll had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99.

Alexander:&nbsp;Allie Seltman.&nbsp;Bogue:&nbsp;McKenzie Tremblay.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Breon Barton, William Bradley, Kenzie Carter, Michaela Derickson, Seth Gundlach, Tabbitha Hastings, Nicole Jansonius, Maissane Jouen, Brandon Knoles, Britnee McKinney, Claire Nelson, Lydia Rinehart, Fatoumata Singhateh, Hunter Vaughn, Tyler Voss.&nbsp;Damar:&nbsp;Kirsten Marcotte.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Kylah Smith.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Valeria Almanza-Chavez, Emma Lehman.&nbsp;Grainfield:&nbsp;Livia Schultz.&nbsp;Great Bend:&nbsp;Shailey Clark.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Isabella Ostmeyer.&nbsp;Hill City:&nbsp;Stephanie Wahrman.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Emily Diercks, Reagan Koster.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Avery Porter.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Carla Johnson, Gian Ramirez, Will Schmidt.&nbsp;Park:&nbsp;Becki Sporing.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Brooke Boyington.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Amie Cheney.&nbsp;Scott City:&nbsp;Brian Galaviz-Chavez, Gabrielle Martinez, Kenlea Stegman.&nbsp;&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Lyden Lampe.&nbsp;Sharon Springs:&nbsp;Noah Van Allen.&nbsp;Winona:&nbsp;Regan Stramel.&nbsp;

Bird City:&nbsp;Rubie Yost.&nbsp;Bogue:&nbsp;Ella Hart.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Keira Bandy, Alexis Hancock, Jayla Helus, Mayola Orrantia, Ian Rosales, Jacob Sack.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Cydney Brown.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Elena Flores.&nbsp;Hill City:&nbsp;Kaylee Richmeier.&nbsp;McDonald:&nbsp;Melissa Dorn.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Eden Davis.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Gabriel Rudd.&nbsp;Quinter:&nbsp;Dominga Perez-Perez.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Jasmine Mascorro Chavez, Johanna Mascorro Chavez.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;Danyell Ashbaugh, Desiree Littlechild.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY - The Colby Community College Registrar's office released the names of students earning a place on the President's and Vice President's honor rolls for the spring 2023 semester. Those listed completed at least 12 credit hours with no failing grades.The President's Honor Roll includes 99 students who earned a 4.0 grade point average. Forty-seven students on the Vice President's Honor Roll had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99.Names are listed by hometown.&nbsp;President's Honor RollAlexander:&nbsp;Allie Seltman.&nbsp;Bogue:&nbsp;McKenzie Tremblay.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Breon Barton, William Bradley, Kenzie Carter, Michaela Derickson, Seth Gundlach, Tabbitha Hastings, Nicole Jansonius, Maissane Jouen, Brandon Knoles, Britnee McKinney, Claire Nelson, Lydia Rinehart, Fatoumata Singhateh, Hunter Vaughn, Tyler Voss.&nbsp;Damar:&nbsp;Kirsten Marcotte.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Kylah Smith.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Valeria Almanza-Chavez, Emma Lehman.&nbsp;Grainfield:&nbsp;Livia Schultz.&nbsp;Great Bend:&nbsp;Shailey Clark.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Isabella Ostmeyer.&nbsp;Hill City:&nbsp;Stephanie Wahrman.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Emily Diercks, Reagan Koster.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Avery Porter.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Carla Johnson, Gian Ramirez, Will Schmidt.&nbsp;Park:&nbsp;Becki Sporing.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Brooke Boyington.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Amie Cheney.&nbsp;Scott City:&nbsp;Brian Galaviz-Chavez, Gabrielle Martinez, Kenlea Stegman.&nbsp;&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Lyden Lampe.&nbsp;Sharon Springs:&nbsp;Noah Van Allen.&nbsp;Winona:&nbsp;Regan Stramel.&nbsp;Vice President's Honor RollBird City:&nbsp;Rubie Yost.&nbsp;Bogue:&nbsp;Ella Hart.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Keira Bandy, Alexis Hancock, Jayla Helus, Mayola Orrantia, Ian Rosales, Jacob Sack.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Cydney Brown.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Elena Flores.&nbsp;Hill City:&nbsp;Kaylee Richmeier.&nbsp;McDonald:&nbsp;Melissa Dorn.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Eden Davis.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Gabriel Rudd.&nbsp;Quinter:&nbsp;Dominga Perez-Perez.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Jasmine Mascorro Chavez, Johanna Mascorro Chavez.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;Danyell Ashbaugh, Desiree Littlechild.&nbsp;

Area students make honor rolls at Colby Community College

WALLACE COUNTY—Three people died in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Wallace County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 GMC Savana driven by Darlene A.&nbsp;Manene, 37, Spokane, Washington, was eastbound on U.S. Highway 40 eight miles east of Sharon Springs.

The van left the roadway to the south and the driver overcorrected.&nbsp; The vehicle came back on the road and the driver lost control. The van traveled into the south ditch and rolled.

EMS transported Manene to the Logan County Hospital and a passenger identified as Likbar&nbsp;Amanu, 70, Spokane, Washington, to Goodland Regional Medical Center where both were pronounced deceased.&nbsp; 

A third passenger Leilani&nbsp;Manene, 24, Spokane, Washington was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported passengers Matthias&nbsp;Manene, 26, Spokane, Washington, to the Logan County Hospital and Anneth&nbsp; Tarbiwillin, 70, Spokane, Washington, to the&nbsp;Greeley County Hospital in Tribune. The driver and identified passengers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Ten Juveniles were present in the vehicle; juvenile records are protected data.

WALLACE COUNTY—Three people died in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Wallace County.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At 10:59 AM, Wallace Co requested KHP assistance for a van rollover crash on U-40 hwy, mile post 25, just west of Sharon Springs. One confirmed fatality, several occupants are being transported to several different hospital&#39;s in the area. The KHP CHART team is on scene! <a href="https://t.co/2fKIVLhc0v">pic.twitter.com/2fKIVLhc0v</a>&mdash; Trooper Tod (@TrooperTodKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperTodKHP/status/1679912248750243878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 GMC Savana driven by Darlene A.&nbsp;Manene, 37, Spokane, Washington, was eastbound on U.S. Highway 40 eight miles east of Sharon Springs.The van left the roadway to the south and the driver overcorrected.&nbsp; The vehicle came back on the road and the driver lost control. The van traveled into the south ditch and rolled.EMS transported Manene to the Logan County Hospital and a passenger identified as Likbar&nbsp;Amanu, 70, Spokane, Washington, to Goodland Regional Medical Center where both were pronounced deceased.&nbsp; A third passenger Leilani&nbsp;Manene, 24, Spokane, Washington was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported passengers Matthias&nbsp;Manene, 26, Spokane, Washington, to the Logan County Hospital and Anneth&nbsp; Tarbiwillin, 70, Spokane, Washington, to the&nbsp;Greeley County Hospital in Tribune. The driver and identified passengers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Ten Juveniles were present in the vehicle; juvenile records are protected data.

3 women dead, 2 hospitalized after NW Kan. van rollover crash

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

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

A harmful algal bloom 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 harmful algal bloom-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MTQuNzk2NzkwMzEifQ.jhYhvcVomcAiqbbGr-SNUdvC0_XnFythNpRDl0CG4mg/s/1305913623/br/222698114098-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

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

A 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, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;

A 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, the department recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;

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

The department 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, the department 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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzE0Ljc5Njc5MDMxIn0.OGPcPwRqnYnoRFAzbxROcKBetHB7jLH9VXX_AbtGqoQ/s/1305913623/br/222698114098-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzE0Ljc5Njc5MDMxIn0.0lDLeQ3Jyw_A4uVv2jTBA-LMmEJv4PxzgPocBQLMGYw/s/1305913623/br/222698114098-l" target="_blank">interactive story</a>.

Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;A harmful algal bloom 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 harmful algal bloom-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MTQuNzk2NzkwMzEifQ.jhYhvcVomcAiqbbGr-SNUdvC0_XnFythNpRDl0CG4mg/s/1305913623/br/222698114098-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.<h2>Active advisories&nbsp;</h2>Warning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County</li><li>Lake Afton, Sedgwick County&nbsp;</li><li>Lovewell Lake (Reservoir), Jewell County&nbsp;</li><li>South Lake (Overland Park), Johnson County (Added July 14)</li>
 </ul>Watch<ul>
 <li>Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County</li><li>Hidden Woods Park Pond (Lenexa), Johnson County (Added July 14)</li><li>Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County (Added July 14)</li><li>North Park Lake (Bonner Springs), Wyandotte County (Added July 14)</li><li>Strowbridge Reservoir (Carbondale East Lake), Osage County</li>
 </ul>Lifted<ul>
 <li>Dorner Park Lake, Sedgwick County (Lifted July 14)</li><li>Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County (Lifted July 14)</li><li>Webster Lake (Reservoir), Rooks County (Lifted July 14)</li>
 </ul>The state of Kansas recognizes three advisory levels:&nbsp;A 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, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment 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 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, the department 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 lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels&nbsp;below&nbsp;the watch thresholds.The department 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, the department 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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzE0Ljc5Njc5MDMxIn0.OGPcPwRqnYnoRFAzbxROcKBetHB7jLH9VXX_AbtGqoQ/s/1305913623/br/222698114098-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzE0Ljc5Njc5MDMxIn0.0lDLeQ3Jyw_A4uVv2jTBA-LMmEJv4PxzgPocBQLMGYw/s/1305913623/br/222698114098-l" target="_blank">interactive story</a>.

Health advisory lifted for Webster Lake

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Melinda Merrill on&nbsp;Wilson's Czech Festival.

For more information about the 2023 Czech Fest, including a full calendar of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">wilsonczechfest.com.</a>

-The original version of this identified Melinda Merrill as Director of the Czech Festival.&nbsp; The festival has wonderful volunteer committee that is co-chaired by Susan Kriley and Kate Schiermeyer. 

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1JfYJm30qLA" 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 Melinda Merrill on&nbsp;Wilson's Czech Festival.For more information about the 2023 Czech Fest, including a full calendar of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">wilsonczechfest.com.</a>-The original version of this identified Melinda Merrill as Director of the Czech Festival.&nbsp; The festival has wonderful volunteer committee that is co-chaired by Susan Kriley and Kate Schiermeyer.

Correction: Forward Ever: Melinda Merrill on Wilson's Czech Fest 

Congratulations to our most recent instant finalists in the Keystone Light UTV Giveaway.

•&nbsp;Kerrie Keith from WaKeeney •&nbsp;Jared Hager from WaKeeney

&nbsp;Keith and Hager&nbsp;signed up at the Trego County Fair.

Your next chance to sign up is today at both Kaiser Liquor stores in Hays.

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

If you would like the  Keystone Light UTV to come to your business, call 785-259-8000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688389669905.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to our most recent instant finalists in the Keystone Light UTV Giveaway. •&nbsp;Kerrie Keith from WaKeeney •&nbsp;Jared Hager from WaKeeney&nbsp;Keith and Hager&nbsp;signed up at the Trego County Fair. Your next chance to sign up is today at both Kaiser Liquor stores in Hays.The Keystone Light UTV Giveaway is made possible by A&amp;A Coors and Advantage Glass Plus.If you would like the Keystone Light UTV to come to your business, call 785-259-8000.

New UTV finalists chosen; register today at Kaiser Liquor in Hays

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission agreed this week to create a committee
that will help direct funds Ellis County receives as a result of an opioid settlement
between the state of Kansas and major pharmaceutical companies and related
parties.

According to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, the funds
are a result of settlements the state of Kansas reached with several major pharmaceutical
companies, distributors and other related companies. The attorney general’s
office estimated the state will receive more than $340 million over 18 years.

A percentage of the funds is distributed directly to counties
and cities in the state.

Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said Ellis County has
received more than $46,000 over the last two years. The amount of money and the
number of payments the county receives varies.

They have not allocated any funds so far.

Ellis County District Court Administrator Mike Smith asked
the commission Tuesday to create the committee to disburse the funds.

Smith told the commission that there is a number of uses for
the funds.

“It’s county money. I don’t know that I should be solely in charge
of that,” Smith said. “I like to have a committee to make sure that we are
following the guidelines of the lawsuit.”

The committee will consist of Smith, Myers and Ellis County
Sheriff Scott Braun.

Smith said he believes there are a number of uses for
the money, including area first responders, schools and other opioid prevention services.

That includes the Ellis County Drug Court.

The drug court is funded through grant funding, but
Myers said there are some areas that could be boosted by the funding.

Smith said he has created a form that allows interested
parties to submit requests that the committee will then go over to make sure they meet the requirements. 

In other business, the commission approved purchasing a
server for the county’s computer-aided dispatch and records management system
for $49,000.

Approved the purchase of six tasers, a training suit and cartridges
for $19,000. The funds come from previously donated funds from Jack Samples who
passed away in 2023.

Approved an agreement with the Kansas Department of
Transportation to replace a bridge six miles south of Walker on 370th
Avenue over Big Creek. The local cost of the project is $43,000.

They also agreed to allow the new Western Kansas Training
Coordinator for the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute to use office
space in the Emergency Services Building in Hays.

The commission also heard a presentation in opposition to
the Biden administration's 30x30 plan and the National Trails Designation.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission agreed this week to create a committee
that will help direct funds Ellis County receives as a result of an opioid settlement
between the state of Kansas and major pharmaceutical companies and related
parties.According to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, the funds
are a result of settlements the state of Kansas reached with several major pharmaceutical
companies, distributors and other related companies. The attorney general’s
office estimated the state will receive more than $340 million over 18 years.A percentage of the funds is distributed directly to counties
and cities in the state.Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said Ellis County has
received more than $46,000 over the last two years. The amount of money and the
number of payments the county receives varies.They have not allocated any funds so far.Ellis County District Court Administrator Mike Smith asked
the commission Tuesday to create the committee to disburse the funds.Smith told the commission that there is a number of uses for
the funds.“It’s county money. I don’t know that I should be solely in charge
of that,” Smith said. “I like to have a committee to make sure that we are
following the guidelines of the lawsuit.”The committee will consist of Smith, Myers and Ellis County
Sheriff Scott Braun.Smith said he believes there are a number of uses for
the money, including area first responders, schools and other opioid prevention services.That includes the Ellis County Drug Court.The drug court is funded through grant funding, but
Myers said there are some areas that could be boosted by the funding.Smith said he has created a form that allows interested
parties to submit requests that the committee will then go over to make sure they meet the requirements. In other business, the commission approved purchasing a
server for the county’s computer-aided dispatch and records management system
for $49,000.Approved the purchase of six tasers, a training suit and cartridges
for $19,000. The funds come from previously donated funds from Jack Samples who
passed away in 2023.Approved an agreement with the Kansas Department of
Transportation to replace a bridge six miles south of Walker on 370th
Avenue over Big Creek. The local cost of the project is $43,000.They also agreed to allow the new Western Kansas Training
Coordinator for the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute to use office
space in the Emergency Services Building in Hays.The commission also heard a presentation in opposition to
the Biden administration's 30x30 plan and the National Trails Designation.

Ellis County Commission approves creation of opioid settlement committee

On Friday, July 14, 2023, a contractor for the city of Hays will begin layout for restriping the pavement markings from the current four-lane configuration to three lanes on Canterbury Drive between 13th&nbsp;and 27th&nbsp;Streets. &nbsp;

Traffic may be pushed to the outside lanes while the contractor is working in the inside lanes. &nbsp;

While there may be some restriction of traffic, Canterbury will remain open and access to all residences and businesses will be maintained. &nbsp;

Work will take approximately one week to complete, weather pending. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Questions may be directed to the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689285405847.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysOn Friday, July 14, 2023, a contractor for the city of Hays will begin layout for restriping the pavement markings from the current four-lane configuration to three lanes on Canterbury Drive between 13th&nbsp;and 27th&nbsp;Streets. &nbsp;Traffic may be pushed to the outside lanes while the contractor is working in the inside lanes. &nbsp;While there may be some restriction of traffic, Canterbury will remain open and access to all residences and businesses will be maintained. &nbsp;Work will take approximately one week to complete, weather pending. &nbsp;&nbsp;Questions may be directed to the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350. &nbsp;

Canterbury Drive lane diet restriping begins Friday in Hays

This is day 11 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Northwest Kansas has been struggling to get into a harvest rhythm. With high humidity and scattered showers, combines can’t begin rolling until mid-afternoon in most cases. Overall, harvest is getting started about 10 days to two weeks later than normal. Multiple thunderstorms have come through the area, bringing with them large hail and causing significant losses in wheat fields that are just teetering on being dry enough to harvest.

Lisa Schemm from Sharon Springs reports that their harvest started on July 4, about 10 days later than normal. They still have about six days of harvest left when fields dry out, but they’ve been struggling with high moisture and finding fields that are ready.&nbsp;

“This has been one of the latest harvests to get started,” Schemm said, noting it will be, by far, the latest to finish.

Yields have ranged from 30 bushels per acre on fields with hail damage to 55 bushels per acre on dryland to 87 bushels per acre on irrigated land. Test weights have held steady at 60 to 61 pounds, for now. Protein is 12 percent and better.

The Schemm family is fighting weeds and suckerheads, which have been continuing to stall their harvest. Their harvest crew is test cutting several fields but finding moisture is still too high. While annual rainfall averages 18 to 20 inches in their area, they have received all of that average rainfall since mid-May. However, when it comes as quickly as it has, the soils can’t absorb it and benefit as much as they would if it came a little at a time.

Schemm says they planted a little later than others in the area, which may be contributing to their late harvest, but mostly it is caused by the late suckerheads, which are now even taller than the rest of the field, and the high humidity in the area. Their custom harvest crew is strung out across Kansas, with some in Ulysses and others in Sharon Springs. But both crews are struggling to find wheat that’s dry enough to cut. They are scheduled to move on to Montana at the end of next week.

“Why would harvesters want to stay here and wait for it to dry out when there’s good wheat to cut in Montana?” Schemm asked. Even their best wheat has five-foot tall kochia to go along with it. Farmers are having a hard time getting the weeds under control.

In Dodge City, Mike Schmidt, operations manager for Pride Ag Resources, reports harvest started a week late on June 20, but the first big day of cutting was June 26. They received a rain on July 4 and ever since then, harvest has been slow to pick up the pace.&nbsp;

Proteins have been all over the board, reaching as low as 7 to 11 percent, and as high as 14 percent. Test weights started out strong, reaching as high as 63 to 64 pounds per bushel; however, as harvest progresses, the test weights have gone down and they are now seeing test weights around 59 to 60 pounds per bushel.&nbsp;

Back in April around Easter, the area received rain in the northern portion of their territory. This saved some fields and got the crop over the hump to potentially be harvested. The southern half was not as fortunate and missed those rain events.&nbsp;

Some farmers in the area have had to control weeds, which not only pushes off harvest, but is yet another costly input to apply to a very short crop.&nbsp;

Although they have not reached Schmidt’s projection yet, he anticipates seeing a third of the wheat they usually bring in. It is still early yet, however, since there are lots of acres left to be cut.&nbsp;

Wheat that comes into the Dodge City facility usually goes to the gulf for export, but not currently. Instead, this wheat will be loaded onto trains to either go to Wichita mills, terminals or off to California.&nbsp;

In north central Kansas, Mike Jordan from Mitchell County reports that they finished up their harvest on July 4.

“We were some of the last to finish; everybody around us was done around the 4 and 5 of July,” he explained. Jordan says that about one-third of all the fields in his area were abandoned due to thin and weedy wheat. They did not see any hail damage on their crop.&nbsp;

Jordan reports that he was getting good proteins on his wheat, ranging from 13 to 16 percent. They sacrificed yields for this high protein; however, those being just about 12 bushels per acre. His whole farm average landed in the teens this year, unable to pull through the abnormal weather and the effects of these changing patterns.&nbsp;

All of Jordan’s fields are no-till, and he said that some in the area have had continuous wheat yielding in the 30’s, with some even breaking 40 bushels per acre.

“If you wanted to walk across the fields stepping on the wheat plants along the way, you would be doing a lot of jumping,” Jordan notes. In Jordan’s years of farming, he says that he hasn’t experienced a wheat crop this bad since 1989.

“We are really just living rain to rain at this point,” he laments. He continues to say that, although their wheat crop struggled, there is corn in the area that could turn out well. Jordan is quick to acknowledge that, despite this discouraging wheat crop, there is hope for this year for surrounding farmers.

The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. 

To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. 

Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tWbdFVo7xwMQkKtT6aWcV_x7VQUjoYmp13_Ynsq9AcuBArMrRkz-gCMxpSLsI3KM8StiA8-l9PZM_ugNNiUJaIss_NU1PoPPABF2r8xPoO7_Oa7vHDQztLM7D__UAOzeREBVKEfew9j2kJ34xLA4ZQXRO_toAlAV&amp;c=nFiy0bBWIy5473Cbq8qGjJ0zlOl7S2gYaagGzgv9N6V_S2jjEnLzfA==&amp;ch=soXUbuEdzMBnpK63-hZwIBd6WadtdlvZSOc7OXzqr7J42YDRQ2xWGw==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tWbdFVo7xwMQkKtT6aWcV_x7VQUjoYmp13_Ynsq9AcuBArMrRkz-gAiN2xqCmdyzpMr0gVDXTVOiAcmej9_1G0G3XG942Ps4nXnrQ30CAQXY5KmZvRzyL5Gtesttc45h1Y9Hr8a-deEwOyXtAgEEEObc4Y8VJMay&amp;c=nFiy0bBWIy5473Cbq8qGjJ0zlOl7S2gYaagGzgv9N6V_S2jjEnLzfA==&amp;ch=soXUbuEdzMBnpK63-hZwIBd6WadtdlvZSOc7OXzqr7J42YDRQ2xWGw==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tWbdFVo7xwMQkKtT6aWcV_x7VQUjoYmp13_Ynsq9AcuBArMrRkz-gADsKq_abayykAwss3G3qW5d10yE1GCaadcHFhAAijMULJBpq0x1h8l01zKAdxaugrLySHtT0-SZaxcFsm4_yKw1xkldnv17twxdQkirdDCa&amp;c=nFiy0bBWIy5473Cbq8qGjJ0zlOl7S2gYaagGzgv9N6V_S2jjEnLzfA==&amp;ch=soXUbuEdzMBnpK63-hZwIBd6WadtdlvZSOc7OXzqr7J42YDRQ2xWGw==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689326498563.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wheat This is day 11 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Northwest Kansas has been struggling to get into a harvest rhythm. With high humidity and scattered showers, combines can’t begin rolling until mid-afternoon in most cases. Overall, harvest is getting started about 10 days to two weeks later than normal. Multiple thunderstorms have come through the area, bringing with them large hail and causing significant losses in wheat fields that are just teetering on being dry enough to harvest.Lisa Schemm from Sharon Springs reports that their harvest started on July 4, about 10 days later than normal. They still have about six days of harvest left when fields dry out, but they’ve been struggling with high moisture and finding fields that are ready.&nbsp;“This has been one of the latest harvests to get started,” Schemm said, noting it will be, by far, the latest to finish.Yields have ranged from 30 bushels per acre on fields with hail damage to 55 bushels per acre on dryland to 87 bushels per acre on irrigated land. Test weights have held steady at 60 to 61 pounds, for now. Protein is 12 percent and better.The Schemm family is fighting weeds and suckerheads, which have been continuing to stall their harvest. Their harvest crew is test cutting several fields but finding moisture is still too high. While annual rainfall averages 18 to 20 inches in their area, they have received all of that average rainfall since mid-May. However, when it comes as quickly as it has, the soils can’t absorb it and benefit as much as they would if it came a little at a time.Schemm says they planted a little later than others in the area, which may be contributing to their late harvest, but mostly it is caused by the late suckerheads, which are now even taller than the rest of the field, and the high humidity in the area. Their custom harvest crew is strung out across Kansas, with some in Ulysses and others in Sharon Springs. But both crews are struggling to find wheat that’s dry enough to cut. They are scheduled to move on to Montana at the end of next week.“Why would harvesters want to stay here and wait for it to dry out when there’s good wheat to cut in Montana?” Schemm asked. Even their best wheat has five-foot tall kochia to go along with it. Farmers are having a hard time getting the weeds under control.In Dodge City, Mike Schmidt, operations manager for Pride Ag Resources, reports harvest started a week late on June 20, but the first big day of cutting was June 26. They received a rain on July 4 and ever since then, harvest has been slow to pick up the pace.&nbsp;Proteins have been all over the board, reaching as low as 7 to 11 percent, and as high as 14 percent. Test weights started out strong, reaching as high as 63 to 64 pounds per bushel; however, as harvest progresses, the test weights have gone down and they are now seeing test weights around 59 to 60 pounds per bushel.&nbsp;Back in April around Easter, the area received rain in the northern portion of their territory. This saved some fields and got the crop over the hump to potentially be harvested. The southern half was not as fortunate and missed those rain events.&nbsp;Some farmers in the area have had to control weeds, which not only pushes off harvest, but is yet another costly input to apply to a very short crop.&nbsp;Although they have not reached Schmidt’s projection yet, he anticipates seeing a third of the wheat they usually bring in. It is still early yet, however, since there are lots of acres left to be cut.&nbsp;Wheat that comes into the Dodge City facility usually goes to the gulf for export, but not currently. Instead, this wheat will be loaded onto trains to either go to Wichita mills, terminals or off to California.&nbsp;In north central Kansas, Mike Jordan from Mitchell County reports that they finished up their harvest on July 4.“We were some of the last to finish; everybody around us was done around the 4 and 5 of July,” he explained. Jordan says that about one-third of all the fields in his area were abandoned due to thin and weedy wheat. They did not see any hail damage on their crop.&nbsp;Jordan reports that he was getting good proteins on his wheat, ranging from 13 to 16 percent. They sacrificed yields for this high protein; however, those being just about 12 bushels per acre. His whole farm average landed in the teens this year, unable to pull through the abnormal weather and the effects of these changing patterns.&nbsp;All of Jordan’s fields are no-till, and he said that some in the area have had continuous wheat yielding in the 30’s, with some even breaking 40 bushels per acre.“If you wanted to walk across the fields stepping on the wheat plants along the way, you would be doing a lot of jumping,” Jordan notes. In Jordan’s years of farming, he says that he hasn’t experienced a wheat crop this bad since 1989.“We are really just living rain to rain at this point,” he laments. He continues to say that, although their wheat crop struggled, there is corn in the area that could turn out well. Jordan is quick to acknowledge that, despite this discouraging wheat crop, there is hope for this year for surrounding farmers.The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tWbdFVo7xwMQkKtT6aWcV_x7VQUjoYmp13_Ynsq9AcuBArMrRkz-gCMxpSLsI3KM8StiA8-l9PZM_ugNNiUJaIss_NU1PoPPABF2r8xPoO7_Oa7vHDQztLM7D__UAOzeREBVKEfew9j2kJ34xLA4ZQXRO_toAlAV&amp;c=nFiy0bBWIy5473Cbq8qGjJ0zlOl7S2gYaagGzgv9N6V_S2jjEnLzfA==&amp;ch=soXUbuEdzMBnpK63-hZwIBd6WadtdlvZSOc7OXzqr7J42YDRQ2xWGw==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tWbdFVo7xwMQkKtT6aWcV_x7VQUjoYmp13_Ynsq9AcuBArMrRkz-gAiN2xqCmdyzpMr0gVDXTVOiAcmej9_1G0G3XG942Ps4nXnrQ30CAQXY5KmZvRzyL5Gtesttc45h1Y9Hr8a-deEwOyXtAgEEEObc4Y8VJMay&amp;c=nFiy0bBWIy5473Cbq8qGjJ0zlOl7S2gYaagGzgv9N6V_S2jjEnLzfA==&amp;ch=soXUbuEdzMBnpK63-hZwIBd6WadtdlvZSOc7OXzqr7J42YDRQ2xWGw==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tWbdFVo7xwMQkKtT6aWcV_x7VQUjoYmp13_Ynsq9AcuBArMrRkz-gADsKq_abayykAwss3G3qW5d10yE1GCaadcHFhAAijMULJBpq0x1h8l01zKAdxaugrLySHtT0-SZaxcFsm4_yKw1xkldnv17twxdQkirdDCa&amp;c=nFiy0bBWIy5473Cbq8qGjJ0zlOl7S2gYaagGzgv9N6V_S2jjEnLzfA==&amp;ch=soXUbuEdzMBnpK63-hZwIBd6WadtdlvZSOc7OXzqr7J42YDRQ2xWGw==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

Wet weather in Sharon Springs area slows wheat harvest

On Friday, July 14th, 2023, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the new roundabout at the intersection of&nbsp;27th Street and Canterbury&nbsp;will be complete and open to public traffic. &nbsp;

Please remember these tips when navigating a roundabout:

Questions may be directed to the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689285753883.png" alt="City of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysOn Friday, July 14th, 2023, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the new roundabout at the intersection of&nbsp;27th Street and Canterbury&nbsp;will be complete and open to public traffic. &nbsp;Please remember these tips when navigating a roundabout:<ul>
 <li>Slow down when approaching the roundabout.</li><li>Look left before entering the roundabout and yield to motorists in the roundabout.</li><li>You do not need to stop before entering the roundabout if the vehicular path is clear.</li><li>Do not stop once in the roundabout, except to avoid an accident or pedestrian. &nbsp;Motorists in the roundabout have the right of way.</li><li>Use your turn signal indicators.</li><li>Do not be distracted. &nbsp; Pay attention to other drivers and watch for pedestrians.</li>
 </ul>Questions may be directed to the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

New Hays roundabout at 27th St. and Canterbury opens Friday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The First Care Express Care Clinic opened to the public Wednesday in its new location, 1301 Main.

The Hays Chamber and the Downtown Hays Development Corps. sponsored a ribbon cutting and brick presentation Tuesday to honor the opening of express care in its new building.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/db133474-6b2a-4bb4-96aa-175a62bbb50e">The renovation was a $1.3 million project.</a>

In addition to housing <a href="https://www.firstcareclinic.com/">First Care Clinic's</a> new express care services, the newly renovated building also will house a pharmacy.

Work is still being finished on the pharmacy. It is supposed to be open within the next two months, pending state certification, Eric Flax, First Care CEO, said Tuesday.

"We are so close to the finish line," Flax said, "I'm so happy for this because it's been a real labor of love."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cc70064a-1c00-4aac-ad22-402971792745">Cammi Williby</a> and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e97ca96-3a6f-407e-9b89-c3aa2fabbe71">Tiffany DeWitt</a> will anchor the Express Care team.&nbsp;

Examples of conditions that can be addressed at express care include: • Cold/flu • Ear infections • Eye irritation • Headaches • Mild abdominal pain • Minor cuts and burns • Rashes • STDs • Sprains and strains • Urinary problems

Established First Care patients can make their own express care appointments online. Express care also accepts walk-ins.

Hours of operation for the express care clinic are 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

To schedule an appointment, visit the clinic's website at<a href="http://www.firstcareclinic.com/">&nbsp;firstcareclinic.com</a>&nbsp;or call 785-621-4990.

"Come in. We have some excellent providers—primary care providers and express care providers. All of our folks are great. Come and see us. We'll do good work for you," Flax said.

The renovated building was once Ann's Dress Shop and is in the historic district of downtown Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689107382818.jpeg" alt="Eric Flax, First Care Clinic CEO, cuts the ribbon on the newly renovated First Care Express Clinic building at 1301 Main in Hays. Renovating the building, which is the Hays historic district, was a $1.3 million project. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Eric Flax, First Care Clinic CEO, cuts the ribbon on the newly renovated First Care Express Clinic building at 1301 Main in Hays. Renovating the building, which is the Hays historic district, was a $1.3 million project. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe First Care Express Care Clinic opened to the public Wednesday in its new location, 1301 Main.The Hays Chamber and the Downtown Hays Development Corps. sponsored a ribbon cutting and brick presentation Tuesday to honor the opening of express care in its new building.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/db133474-6b2a-4bb4-96aa-175a62bbb50e">The renovation was a $1.3 million project.</a>In addition to housing <a href="https://www.firstcareclinic.com/">First Care Clinic's</a> new express care services, the newly renovated building also will house a pharmacy.Work is still being finished on the pharmacy. It is supposed to be open within the next two months, pending state certification, Eric Flax, First Care CEO, said Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689107766732.jpeg" alt="The First Care Pharmacy is still under construction but should be open to the public within the next two months, pending state certification, First Care Clinic CEO Eric Flax said. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The First Care Pharmacy is still under construction but should be open to the public within the next two months, pending state certification, First Care Clinic CEO Eric Flax said. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"We are so close to the finish line," Flax said, "I'm so happy for this because it's been a real labor of love."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cc70064a-1c00-4aac-ad22-402971792745">Cammi Williby</a> and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e97ca96-3a6f-407e-9b89-c3aa2fabbe71">Tiffany DeWitt</a> will anchor the Express Care team.&nbsp;Examples of conditions that can be addressed at express care include: • Cold/flu • Ear infections • Eye irritation • Headaches • Mild abdominal pain • Minor cuts and burns • Rashes • STDs • Sprains and strains • Urinary problems<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689108032891.jpeg" alt="An exam room at the new First Care Express Clinic, 1031 Main, Hays. You can make an appointment, walk in or schedule online if you are an existing First Care Clinic patient. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An exam room at the new First Care Express Clinic, 1031 Main, Hays. You can make an appointment, walk in or schedule online if you are an existing First Care Clinic patient. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Established First Care patients can make their own express care appointments online. Express care also accepts walk-ins.Hours of operation for the express care clinic are 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.To schedule an appointment, visit the clinic's website at<a href="http://www.firstcareclinic.com/">&nbsp;firstcareclinic.com</a>&nbsp;or call 785-621-4990."Come in. We have some excellent providers—primary care providers and express care providers. All of our folks are great. Come and see us. We'll do good work for you," Flax said.The renovated building was once Ann's Dress Shop and is in the historic district of downtown Hays.

First Care Clinic opens Express Care in new home on Main St. in Hays

The Hays Post will be publishing a series of profiles introducing the community to the 10 candidates who are running for Hays USD 489 school board.&nbsp;

Those candidates are&nbsp;David Clingan,&nbsp;James Feyerherm,&nbsp;Jayme Goetz,&nbsp;Lori Hertel,&nbsp;Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson,&nbsp;Dennis Wilkie and&nbsp;Derek Yarmer.

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information and why they chose to run for school board.

Not enough candidates filed for the school board to require a primary. The general election will be Nov. 7. The voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 17.

Profession: Newly retired in October 2022. Prior to that worked as an evaluation therapist for many years.

Are you an incumbent? Yes If so, years served? Four Years

Do you have children or grandchildren who attend Hays public school? I am blessed to have had two children that attended USD 489 schools. My daughter had a physical disability and participated in the special education program as well as the regular classroom. Unfortunately, my daughter, Ana, passed away at the age of 17 and never got the chance to finish her education.

Please give a brief bio on yourself in one hundred words or less. For the most part, I grew up in Garden City, Kan., completing my high school education at Goodland, where my father took a job as a police chief. I recall that my sister and I were very close, and I often refer to my father as my hero. My husband and I were married in 1991 and we were blessed to have three children. Sadly, two of our children are now deceased.

My education includes a doctor of philosophy, with a major in health psychology. My career has included working as a court service officer, director of two court programs, prevention specialist and evaluation therapist.

Please explain why you are running for school board in 500 words or less. My first and foremost reason for running for a second term for the school board is that I want strongly to make a difference for the students at USD 489. Throughout my career, I have either worked directly with children and youth or have been called upon to do so. I have not only enjoyed doing so but felt that I was making a difference at the same time. I like being involved in the administrative part of the school system for the purpose of checks and balances as well as sharing ideas that in the daily routine of activities, school officials may not have thought of/or considered. My experience brings ideas to the schools that could benefit not only students but also staff. Most importantly, I also fully enjoy being a member of the school board.

I had the wonderful opportunity to serve on the USD 489 school board when the school bond was passed, and the school district was able to benefit from that bond. I love being a part of approving numerous designs and technical/mechanical recommendations for future opportunities for students and staff. It has been an honor to be a part of the future of the Hays school district. I have great hopes for how the new buildings will positively affect the overall environment of the school, which in turn will brighten the students' learning experiences. The remodeling of the current buildings is spectacular and should have the same effect on students and staff. The whole planning process was completed by experts who are well experienced and know what is needed to make a positive environment for USD 489. I have loved being a part of that process and would like to continue to witness and be an active part of the overall results of a plan well fit for our school district. I would like to be re-elected to the USD 489 school board to continue to be a part of this historical event in our district.

I believe I can continue to be a benefit to the school board. With my education and experience, I believe I can offer the school district and community expertise that is helpful when assessing the needs of students and community members. I believe strongly that when making decisions as a board member it is essential that the needs of students are the No. 1 consideration. It is essential that the board always consider the needs of USD 489 staff members and the community that trusts the board to make decisions that are not only competent but also are efficient and effective, made with extensive knowledge. I believe I am that person who is well-prepared when entering a board meeting and understands the importance of the decisions made during those meetings. Lastly, I believe my passion as well as my educational and occupational experiences, prepare me to continue serving as a competent member of the school board.

Hays PostThe Hays Post will be publishing a series of profiles introducing the community to the 10 candidates who are running for Hays USD 489 school board.&nbsp;Those candidates are&nbsp;David Clingan,&nbsp;James Feyerherm,&nbsp;Jayme Goetz,&nbsp;Lori Hertel,&nbsp;Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson,&nbsp;Dennis Wilkie and&nbsp;Derek Yarmer.The Hays Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information and why they chose to run for school board.Not enough candidates filed for the school board to require a primary. The general election will be Nov. 7. The voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 17.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689021654300.png" alt="Lori Hertel" />
 <figcaption>Lori Hertel</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lori Hertel</h2>Age: 62Profession: Newly retired in October 2022. Prior to that worked as an evaluation therapist for many years.Are you an incumbent? Yes If so, years served? Four YearsDo you have children or grandchildren who attend Hays public school? I am blessed to have had two children that attended USD 489 schools. My daughter had a physical disability and participated in the special education program as well as the regular classroom. Unfortunately, my daughter, Ana, passed away at the age of 17 and never got the chance to finish her education.Please give a brief bio on yourself in one hundred words or less. For the most part, I grew up in Garden City, Kan., completing my high school education at Goodland, where my father took a job as a police chief. I recall that my sister and I were very close, and I often refer to my father as my hero. My husband and I were married in 1991 and we were blessed to have three children. Sadly, two of our children are now deceased.My education includes a doctor of philosophy, with a major in health psychology. My career has included working as a court service officer, director of two court programs, prevention specialist and evaluation therapist.Please explain why you are running for school board in 500 words or less. My first and foremost reason for running for a second term for the school board is that I want strongly to make a difference for the students at USD 489. Throughout my career, I have either worked directly with children and youth or have been called upon to do so. I have not only enjoyed doing so but felt that I was making a difference at the same time. I like being involved in the administrative part of the school system for the purpose of checks and balances as well as sharing ideas that in the daily routine of activities, school officials may not have thought of/or considered. My experience brings ideas to the schools that could benefit not only students but also staff. Most importantly, I also fully enjoy being a member of the school board.I had the wonderful opportunity to serve on the USD 489 school board when the school bond was passed, and the school district was able to benefit from that bond. I love being a part of approving numerous designs and technical/mechanical recommendations for future opportunities for students and staff. It has been an honor to be a part of the future of the Hays school district. I have great hopes for how the new buildings will positively affect the overall environment of the school, which in turn will brighten the students' learning experiences. The remodeling of the current buildings is spectacular and should have the same effect on students and staff. The whole planning process was completed by experts who are well experienced and know what is needed to make a positive environment for USD 489. I have loved being a part of that process and would like to continue to witness and be an active part of the overall results of a plan well fit for our school district. I would like to be re-elected to the USD 489 school board to continue to be a part of this historical event in our district.I believe I can continue to be a benefit to the school board. With my education and experience, I believe I can offer the school district and community expertise that is helpful when assessing the needs of students and community members. I believe strongly that when making decisions as a board member it is essential that the needs of students are the No. 1 consideration. It is essential that the board always consider the needs of USD 489 staff members and the community that trusts the board to make decisions that are not only competent but also are efficient and effective, made with extensive knowledge. I believe I am that person who is well-prepared when entering a board meeting and understands the importance of the decisions made during those meetings. Lastly, I believe my passion as well as my educational and occupational experiences, prepare me to continue serving as a competent member of the school board.

Hays USD 489 school board candidate: Lori Hertel

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It's time to saddle up for fun at the Ellis County Fair Saturday through July 22.

The annual event offers fun for everyone with car races at the RPM Speedway, Kansas Pro Rodeo Association action plus mutton bustin' and junior bulls for the younger contestants, barrel racing, an outlaw truck and tractor pull, and lots of live music, from country to rock to children's music.

Then there's the inflatable carnival, laser tag, face painting and games, axe throwing, the exotic petting zoo, commercial exhibits, and a Lego bricks building contest.

Even with all that, the focus of the fair, which started in the late 1800s, said Jill Pfannenstiel, fair association president, remains on youth and 4-H.&nbsp;&nbsp;

No longer do you have to be a farm kid to participate, Pfannenstiel said.

"Lots of Ellis County kids are in 4-H and they don't live on a farm.&nbsp;It's not just about the animals," she said.

"There are lots of building entries that come in. There are arts and crafts, food, needlework, clothing construction, style revue, geology, rocketry, so many different categories."&nbsp;

There's also an open class for the public, "so you don't have to be in 4-H to enter at the fair. If you're good at gardening, maybe bring it out and enter it."&nbsp;

Fair board members are volunteers, with some, including Pfannenstiel, using vacation from their jobs to help out during the week.

"We don't get paid. We're out here year-round, working lots of volunteer hours," Pfannenstiel said. 

She estimated there are more than 100 volunteers for the fair.&nbsp;Many people also bring out family members to work the event.

Pfannenstiel's husband, Clint, works the fair and her 13-year-old daughter, Kinley, is in 4-H. Son, Lane, has moved away but comes back to help with shows.

Pfannenstiel became interested in serving on the fair board because her grandfather Paul Baier served on the board. Baier, who passed away in 2015, was on the board for 13 years, 11 of those as chairman. Pfannenstiel said she's now served on the board "more years than I can remember."

In addition to the volunteers, another important component of the fair is the sponsors.

"We've had some that have been with us a couple decades."

The fair also receives funding from Ellis County and appoints board members.

Neal Younger, Ellis County Commission chairman, said the fair is good for the community.

"It's something to do, and the young kids can get involved," Younger said.

There is a special category for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and another for kids who completed a stepping-stone project at the Hays Public Library.&nbsp;

Advance tickets for all events at the Ellis County Fairgrounds are $30 each. A single-night gate admission ticket is $15. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.&nbsp;

Armbands for the inflatable carnival are $10.

Detailed information about the fair schedule and where to purchase tickets is available on the Ellis County website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">https://www.ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658518458879.jpeg" alt="A boy rides a mechanical bull at the 2022 Ellis County Fair. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A boy rides a mechanical bull at the 2022 Ellis County Fair. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post It's time to saddle up for fun at the Ellis County Fair Saturday through July 22.The annual event offers fun for everyone with car races at the RPM Speedway, Kansas Pro Rodeo Association action plus mutton bustin' and junior bulls for the younger contestants, barrel racing, an outlaw truck and tractor pull, and lots of live music, from country to rock to children's music.Then there's the inflatable carnival, laser tag, face painting and games, axe throwing, the exotic petting zoo, commercial exhibits, and a Lego bricks building contest.Even with all that, the focus of the fair, which started in the late 1800s, said Jill Pfannenstiel, fair association president, remains on youth and 4-H.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/QHgl5Wty-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="El Co Fair Preview" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>No longer do you have to be a farm kid to participate, Pfannenstiel said."Lots of Ellis County kids are in 4-H and they don't live on a farm.&nbsp;It's not just about the animals," she said."There are lots of building entries that come in. There are arts and crafts, food, needlework, clothing construction, style revue, geology, rocketry, so many different categories."&nbsp;There's also an open class for the public, "so you don't have to be in 4-H to enter at the fair. If you're good at gardening, maybe bring it out and enter it."&nbsp;Fair board members are volunteers, with some, including Pfannenstiel, using vacation from their jobs to help out during the week."We don't get paid. We're out here year-round, working lots of volunteer hours," Pfannenstiel said. She estimated there are more than 100 volunteers for the fair.&nbsp;Many people also bring out family members to work the event.Pfannenstiel's husband, Clint, works the fair and her 13-year-old daughter, Kinley, is in 4-H. Son, Lane, has moved away but comes back to help with shows.Pfannenstiel became interested in serving on the fair board because her grandfather Paul Baier served on the board. Baier, who passed away in 2015, was on the board for 13 years, 11 of those as chairman. Pfannenstiel said she's now served on the board "more years than I can remember."In addition to the volunteers, another important component of the fair is the sponsors."We've had some that have been with us a couple decades."The fair also receives funding from Ellis County and appoints board members.Neal Younger, Ellis County Commission chairman, said the fair is good for the community."It's something to do, and the young kids can get involved," Younger said.There is a special category for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and another for kids who completed a stepping-stone project at the Hays Public Library.&nbsp;Advance tickets for all events at the Ellis County Fairgrounds are $30 each. A single-night gate admission ticket is $15. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.&nbsp;Armbands for the inflatable carnival are $10.Detailed information about the fair schedule and where to purchase tickets is available on the Ellis County website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">https://www.ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair</a>.

🎥 'Saddle Up For Fun' at the 2023 Ellis County Fair

KANSAS CITY - During their June 22, 2023, public hearing, members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved staff recommendations to initiate a lottery draw system for distribution of non-resident turkey permits set to begin in 2024.

The recommendation was introduced as part of a larger strategy by the Department to reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest in Kansas in response to declining turkey populations nationwide.

In a 7-0 vote, Commissioners passed amendments to K.A.R. 115-4-11 which will implement an application period for non-resident turkey hunters to apply for a specific hunt unit (Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6) in early January thru mid-February. Similar to Kansas’ lottery draw for non-resident deer permits, any leftover non-resident turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Staff first recommended to Commissioners a lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits in September 2022, after which time it remained a regular public meeting agenda item until voted on by the Commission on June 22, 2023 – the group’s sixth meeting to examine and discuss the recommendation.

To watch recorded video/audio stream of the Commission’s June 22, 2023, meeting, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL3dhdGNoP3Y9bkU1UDRaUnYxbk0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzA3Ljc5MzcwMzAxIn0.besvJh1ZiR1rPysaA2pKW-jLzNKKlXNKHN347uJkG8M/s/1303161001/br/222381352441-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

The next Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting will take place on August 17, 2023, in hybrid format at Pittsburg State University’s Bicknell Center VIP Room, Pittsburg.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575650573142.jpeg" alt="Photo by Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks</figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPKANSAS CITY - During their June 22, 2023, public hearing, members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved staff recommendations to initiate a lottery draw system for distribution of non-resident turkey permits set to begin in 2024.The recommendation was introduced as part of a larger strategy by the Department to reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest in Kansas in response to declining turkey populations nationwide.In a 7-0 vote, Commissioners passed amendments to K.A.R. 115-4-11 which will implement an application period for non-resident turkey hunters to apply for a specific hunt unit (Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6) in early January thru mid-February. Similar to Kansas’ lottery draw for non-resident deer permits, any leftover non-resident turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.Staff first recommended to Commissioners a lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits in September 2022, after which time it remained a regular public meeting agenda item until voted on by the Commission on June 22, 2023 – the group’s sixth meeting to examine and discuss the recommendation.To watch recorded video/audio stream of the Commission’s June 22, 2023, meeting, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL3dhdGNoP3Y9bkU1UDRaUnYxbk0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzA3Ljc5MzcwMzAxIn0.besvJh1ZiR1rPysaA2pKW-jLzNKKlXNKHN347uJkG8M/s/1303161001/br/222381352441-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>.The next Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting will take place on August 17, 2023, in hybrid format at Pittsburg State University’s Bicknell Center VIP Room, Pittsburg.

KDWPC approves lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689261488139.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Roger Leigleiter and Allen Mccoy speak with the KAYS Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker about the&nbsp;McCracken Rodeo.

<div><iframe title="McCracken Rodeo underway" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=muhff-14561c7-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=600" 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;Roger Leigleiter and Allen Mccoy speak with the KAYS Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker about the&nbsp;McCracken Rodeo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689023935974.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Post Podcast: McCracken Rodeo underway

Even the extreme heat bearing down on Kansas could not stop
the smiles and laughter as student-athletes, cheerleaders, band members and
staff descended upon Hays in anticipation of the 50th-annual Shrine Bowl.

The football game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Lewis Field
Stadium on the Fort Hays State University campus, but events will begin long
before, with a Hays Chamber and Nex Tech Wireless event planned to open the
weekend at 9 a.m. Friday at the Nex-Tech Wireless office at 1101 E. 43rd

“We really want to bring the locals out and let them know
what we're doing and kind of get everything cranked up a little bit here in
Hays,” said Shrine Bowl of Kansas executive director B.J. Harris.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Golf Tournament also will begin at 9
a.m. Friday.

“That's one of our big events,” Harris said. 

More than 1,200 people will then attend a sold-out Birthday
Banquetat 5:30 p.m. in the FHSU Memorial Union.

“Our keynote speaker will be Paul Coffman,” Harris said. “He's
a western Kansas guy who went on to have a lot of success in the NFL and is in
the Ring of Honor for the Green Bay Packers. In fact, he can't stay for the
game because he's got to go play golf in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Golf
Tournament on Sunday.”

Along with his notable football career, Coffman participated
in the first Shrine Bowl in 1974.

Saturday morning events will start with a Shriner's Parade on
Main from 17th to Fourth Street.

“The Parade Marshal for that parade will be Barry Sanders,
who was going into the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame later that night,” Harris
said. “We're very excited to have Barry in town. He played the 1986 Kansas Shrine
Bowl and then obviously went on to have an NFL Hall of Fame career.”

Outside of the well-known participant, he said a Shrine
Parade is “something to behold.”

“Everything you think about the Shrine, you get to see in
action,” Harris said. “In that parade, the funny cars, the little things they
do. Guys spraying people with water. It's just a completely different parade
than kind of your typical parade.”

Following the parade, a pep rally is planned in Municipal Park.

“We want to encourage people to come down there,” Harris said.
“The boys will be signing autographs for the fans and for their families, and
we'll sell them programs and things.”

That afternoon an alumni kickoff event is planned at the
Fort Tavern and Patio Bar, 109 W. Seventh.

“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back, a couple of NFL
players that have played in our game that are coming back for this game, and an
NFL coach is going to be attending this who played their game as well,” Harris said.

“We're trying to get them to come back and share that with
us. Because when you live it at 18 years old, you kind of forget about it. And
we want those guys to understand we're still doing it 50 years later. We're
still doing what you did in 1973.”

The last event before kickoff is tailgating on the east lawn
outside the stadium and will feature family-friendly activities.

“And then in the pregame festivities, we will induct Barry
Sanders and coach Doug Burkholder in the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame right
before kickoff, and then the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl will be underway,” Harris
said.

While the community events will center around the game, the larger
goal is one of philanthropy.

“We try to say we want to have fun and help kids while
having fun,” Harris said. “That's what Shriners have been doing for a long,
long time. Over 100 years, actually, as in philanthropy.”

“Ultimately, the background and the foundation of everything
we do is for the kids, and you'll hear that if you're out in the game, you'll
hear it from the kids from our band, you'll hear it from the kids, from our
cheerleaders, you'll hear it on breakdowns from our football players.”

And he said the game has a larger mission than just the
events.

“We try to make sure that they understand that it's for
bigger than them,” Harris said. “One of the things I love about our game is
it's one of the few times that you're going to play a football game where the
outcome really doesn't matter. In fact, last year we ended in a tie. And
that was a good example of it really is just for the kids who are out there to
play and put on a show and raise as much money as possible.”

Making it all possible are players, students and staff from
around the state after year-long planning.

“It actually starts during the football season,” Harris
said. “As far as our players are concerned, in about week five, coaches can start
nominating the players they think are worthy for the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”

“We'll do all those nominations, usually at around 400 to
450 nominations from across the state,” Harris said. “We narrow that down to 80
players, 40 on the west and 40 on the east.”

Those selections are made up of choices from 30-50 media outlets
throughout the state before a selection committee narrows the field further.

“It's kind of convoluted, but I think it gives us the best
spread,” Harris said. “We look at it geographically as much as possible to try
to get good representation throughout the state of Kansas as well. But it
really does come down to the media selection and then the coaches making their
picks.”

Alongside the players, students also gather to perform in
band and cheerleading.

We have an 185-strong band and an almost 200-strong
cheerleading squad, Harris said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176149142.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Football and more: Students and staff arrive in Hays for 50th Shrine Bowl" 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=armub-1454ad1-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 JAMES BELL Hays PostEven the extreme heat bearing down on Kansas could not stop
the smiles and laughter as student-athletes, cheerleaders, band members and
staff descended upon Hays in anticipation of the 50th-annual Shrine Bowl.The football game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Lewis Field
Stadium on the Fort Hays State University campus, but events will begin long
before, with a Hays Chamber and Nex Tech Wireless event planned to open the
weekend at 9 a.m. Friday at the Nex-Tech Wireless office at 1101 E. 43rd“We really want to bring the locals out and let them know
what we're doing and kind of get everything cranked up a little bit here in
Hays,” said Shrine Bowl of Kansas executive director B.J. Harris.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176280334.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Shrine Bowl Golf Tournament also will begin at 9
a.m. Friday.“That's one of our big events,” Harris said. More than 1,200 people will then attend a sold-out Birthday
Banquetat 5:30 p.m. in the FHSU Memorial Union.“Our keynote speaker will be Paul Coffman,” Harris said. “He's
a western Kansas guy who went on to have a lot of success in the NFL and is in
the Ring of Honor for the Green Bay Packers. In fact, he can't stay for the
game because he's got to go play golf in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Golf
Tournament on Sunday.”Along with his notable football career, Coffman participated
in the first Shrine Bowl in 1974.Saturday morning events will start with a Shriner's Parade on
Main from 17th to Fourth Street.“The Parade Marshal for that parade will be Barry Sanders,
who was going into the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame later that night,” Harris
said. “We're very excited to have Barry in town. He played the 1986 Kansas Shrine
Bowl and then obviously went on to have an NFL Hall of Fame career.”Outside of the well-known participant, he said a Shrine
Parade is “something to behold.”“Everything you think about the Shrine, you get to see in
action,” Harris said. “In that parade, the funny cars, the little things they
do. Guys spraying people with water. It's just a completely different parade
than kind of your typical parade.”Following the parade, a pep rally is planned in Municipal Park.“We want to encourage people to come down there,” Harris said.
“The boys will be signing autographs for the fans and for their families, and
we'll sell them programs and things.”That afternoon an alumni kickoff event is planned at the
Fort Tavern and Patio Bar, 109 W. Seventh.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176288703.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back, a couple of NFL
players that have played in our game that are coming back for this game, and an
NFL coach is going to be attending this who played their game as well,” Harris said.“We're trying to get them to come back and share that with
us. Because when you live it at 18 years old, you kind of forget about it. And
we want those guys to understand we're still doing it 50 years later. We're
still doing what you did in 1973.”The last event before kickoff is tailgating on the east lawn
outside the stadium and will feature family-friendly activities.“And then in the pregame festivities, we will induct Barry
Sanders and coach Doug Burkholder in the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame right
before kickoff, and then the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl will be underway,” Harris
said.While the community events will center around the game, the larger
goal is one of philanthropy.“We try to say we want to have fun and help kids while
having fun,” Harris said. “That's what Shriners have been doing for a long,
long time. Over 100 years, actually, as in philanthropy.”“Ultimately, the background and the foundation of everything
we do is for the kids, and you'll hear that if you're out in the game, you'll
hear it from the kids from our band, you'll hear it from the kids, from our
cheerleaders, you'll hear it on breakdowns from our football players.”And he said the game has a larger mission than just the
events.“We try to make sure that they understand that it's for
bigger than them,” Harris said. “One of the things I love about our game is
it's one of the few times that you're going to play a football game where the
outcome really doesn't matter. In fact, last year we ended in a tie. And
that was a good example of it really is just for the kids who are out there to
play and put on a show and raise as much money as possible.”Making it all possible are players, students and staff from
around the state after year-long planning.“It actually starts during the football season,” Harris
said. “As far as our players are concerned, in about week five, coaches can start
nominating the players they think are worthy for the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”Players are 2023 high school graduates.“We'll do all those nominations, usually at around 400 to
450 nominations from across the state,” Harris said. “We narrow that down to 80
players, 40 on the west and 40 on the east.”Those selections are made up of choices from 30-50 media outlets
throughout the state before a selection committee narrows the field further.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176131919.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“It's kind of convoluted, but I think it gives us the best
spread,” Harris said. “We look at it geographically as much as possible to try
to get good representation throughout the state of Kansas as well. But it
really does come down to the media selection and then the coaches making their
picks.”Alongside the players, students also gather to perform in
band and cheerleading.We have an 185-strong band and an almost 200-strong
cheerleading squad, Harris said.“When they perform at halftime, there'll be almost 400 high
school band and cheerleaders on the field performing a joint routine which is
just very special and a nice example of the arts in our state of Kansas,” he
said.With participants from across Kansas set to participate in
the events, Hays will be well represented.“We've got a couple of players from Hays High School,”
Harris said, “and we also got the head coach from Hays High School.”Tony Crough will serve as head coach for the West squad
after serving as an assistant coach last year.“That was voted on by the guys who are with him all year
last year,” Harris said. “They felt that he would be the best leader, and it
was very serendipitous it was in his hometown here, where he's coaching.”“And Tony played in our game in 1999, as well, so he's a
former player, and now he's going to be a former head coach.”Thomas More Prep-Marian Kade Harris also&nbsp;will help as
manager this year after suffering a knee injury that sidelined him from the
game.While the organization does much of the leg work to bring
the events to their host communities, Harris said city and FHSU officials have
been instrumental in planning and organizing this year’s event.“We rely a lot on our local host cities,” Harris said.He said Janet Kuhn, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, along
with executive director Melissa Dixon were key to this year’s events.“They got us here,” Harris said.He also noted FHSU officials were vital to the effort.“It's an intimate enough campus that everything's fairly
close, and it allows us to put a lot more stuff on campus this year because of
that,” Harris said.While the weekend exhibition is for a good cause, for the
coaches and players, the game is serious business for those players and coaches
involved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176259206.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“You get football coaches around a football field, they're
going to be football coaches,” Harris said. “So that first, and that's fine.
That's what we want them to do.”But it’s all in good fun, he said, with lots of good-natured
heckling behind the scenes as they prepare for the game.“When they get here on Saturday, and the ball goes up the
air, it's a football game. They want to win, and they want to put the best
product forward,” Harris said. “It's real football when it comes to Saturday,
for sure.”Most importantly, everyone involved is part of a long-term
legacy of giving to children in need.“We're celebrating a big, big moment this year with our 50th,”
Harris said. “Since 1974, they've been playing a football game to raise money
for Shriners Children's (hospital), and since that time, we've raised over $3.7
million for the hospital system, and getting Kansas kids to the hospital to get
treatment.”“And we'll see some of those patients throughout the week
here and see the impact that we're making on those lives and try to convey that
to our players as well. But ultimately, our goal is to raise and make the
biggest impact possible.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d2adea0-5fc9-44d5-81c0-eb0b59f14a2b">RELATED STORY: Hays High, TMP well represented at Shrine Bowl</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689176164049.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

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