GOVE COUNTY —Two people were injured in separate accidents from strong winds on Interstate 70 just after 10p.m. Saturday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Mario L. Swain, 33, Branson, Missouri,&nbsp;was parked on the on ramp to eastbound Interstate 70 at Park, when the wind blew over the truck and trailer.

EMS transported a passenger in the vehicle Darius&nbsp;Knowlton, 60, of Springfield, Missouri, to Gove County Medical Center. Swain was not injured.

Four miles east of this accident, a 2019 Freightliner driven by 39-year-old Yahannes A.&nbsp;Wedajo, 39, Denver, Colorado,&nbsp;was parked on the right shoulder of westbound Interstate 70.

Due to the storm,&nbsp; high winds blew the vehicle onto the drivers side and slid the vehicle and trailer across both lanes, where it came to rest partially in the median and in the passing lane of travel.

EMS transported&nbsp;Wedajo to the Logan County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

GOVE COUNTY —Two people were injured in separate accidents from strong winds on Interstate 70 just after 10p.m. Saturday in Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Mario L. Swain, 33, Branson, Missouri,&nbsp;was parked on the on ramp to eastbound Interstate 70 at Park, when the wind blew over the truck and trailer.EMS transported a passenger in the vehicle Darius&nbsp;Knowlton, 60, of Springfield, Missouri, to Gove County Medical Center. Swain was not injured.Four miles east of this accident, a 2019 Freightliner driven by 39-year-old Yahannes A.&nbsp;Wedajo, 39, Denver, Colorado,&nbsp;was parked on the right shoulder of westbound Interstate 70.Due to the storm,&nbsp; high winds blew the vehicle onto the drivers side and slid the vehicle and trailer across both lanes, where it came to rest partially in the median and in the passing lane of travel.EMS transported&nbsp;Wedajo to the Logan County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

2 hospitalized after winds blow trucks over on I-70

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;USD 489 Early Childhood Connections instructors Arielle Simpson and Michelle Dannels share details for Go Truck Go, set for Sept. 14 in Hays.

<div><iframe title="Go Truck Go set for Sept. 14" 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=r55wq-149ea70-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://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;USD 489 Early Childhood Connections instructors Arielle Simpson and Michelle Dannels share details for Go Truck Go, set for Sept. 14 in Hays.<figure>
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🎙 Post Podcast: Go Truck Go set for Sept. 14

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes broke its losing streak. The total count as of 9/8 was 632 active rigs, marking the first increase in total rigs, and the first increase in oil rigs, in more than two months. The count in Texas was up four. New Mexico and North Dakota were each down three. 

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was down two rigs from last week in western Kansas. The tally east of Wichita is unchanged. The count is down 40% from last year at this time. 

Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Ellis County.

So far this year, 186 oil-and-gas operators have spudded 884 wells across the state of Kansas. They've completed 1,190 wells, up seven percent over last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says spuds are down 23% from a year ago, and total footage drilled trails last year by 26%. 

Operators completed 38 new wells across Kansas last week, 13 east of Wichita and 26 in western Kansas, including two in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Kansas regulators last week approved eight new drilling locations across the state, two in eastern Kansas and six west of Wichita. That's 842 new drilling permits so far this year compared to 1,130 a year ago.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reported 83 new intent-to-drill notices in August, including one in Barton County, three in Ellis County, one in Russell County and one in Stafford County. So far this year there are 901 new intents statewide, down 280 from the count at the end of August last year.

The government reported another near-record week for crude production, over 12.8 million barrels per day for the third week in a row. U.S. weekly output has exceeded 12.8 million barrels per day only 18 times in history including this latest report from the Energy Information Administration. The record weekly tally was 13,074,000 barrels per day set during the week through February 28, 2020.

The Energy Information Administration said U.S. crude imports increased by 154,000 barrels per day to 6.8 million. The four-week average is nearly ten percent higher than a year ago. 

Crude inventories dropped another 6.3 million barrels, to 416.6 million barrels. That's the lowest tally since June of 2022.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are four percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

At least one Russia sanction is not working as planned. The G7 and its allies have shelved regular reviews of the Russian oil price-cap scheme, even though most Russian crude is trading above the limit because of a rally in global crude prices. Reuters reports Russian producers have found ways to sell oil using fewer Western ships and insurance services, making it difficult for the West to enforce the existing price cap.

Viper Energy, a Midland, Texas operator, is expanding its reach, paying out a billion dollars in cash and stock for a huge acreage stake to add to its own in the Permian Basin and other oil and gas plays. Viper said the new fields will boost its Permian acreage to 32,000 acres with output jumping to 48,000 barrels per day.

<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 Communications The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes broke its losing streak. The total count as of 9/8 was 632 active rigs, marking the first increase in total rigs, and the first increase in oil rigs, in more than two months. The count in Texas was up four. New Mexico and North Dakota were each down three. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was down two rigs from last week in western Kansas. The tally east of Wichita is unchanged. The count is down 40% from last year at this time. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Ellis County. So far this year, 186 oil-and-gas operators have spudded 884 wells across the state of Kansas. They've completed 1,190 wells, up seven percent over last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says spuds are down 23% from a year ago, and total footage drilled trails last year by 26%. Operators completed 38 new wells across Kansas last week, 13 east of Wichita and 26 in western Kansas, including two in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Kansas regulators last week approved eight new drilling locations across the state, two in eastern Kansas and six west of Wichita. That's 842 new drilling permits so far this year compared to 1,130 a year ago. The Kansas Corporation Commission reported 83 new intent-to-drill notices in August, including one in Barton County, three in Ellis County, one in Russell County and one in Stafford County. So far this year there are 901 new intents statewide, down 280 from the count at the end of August last year.The government reported another near-record week for crude production, over 12.8 million barrels per day for the third week in a row. U.S. weekly output has exceeded 12.8 million barrels per day only 18 times in history including this latest report from the Energy Information Administration. The record weekly tally was 13,074,000 barrels per day set during the week through February 28, 2020.The Energy Information Administration said U.S. crude imports increased by 154,000 barrels per day to 6.8 million. The four-week average is nearly ten percent higher than a year ago. Crude inventories dropped another 6.3 million barrels, to 416.6 million barrels. That's the lowest tally since June of 2022.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are four percent below the five-year average for this time of year.At least one Russia sanction is not working as planned. The G7 and its allies have shelved regular reviews of the Russian oil price-cap scheme, even though most Russian crude is trading above the limit because of a rally in global crude prices. Reuters reports Russian producers have found ways to sell oil using fewer Western ships and insurance services, making it difficult for the West to enforce the existing price cap.Viper Energy, a Midland, Texas operator, is expanding its reach, paying out a billion dollars in cash and stock for a huge acreage stake to add to its own in the Permian Basin and other oil and gas plays. Viper said the new fields will boost its Permian acreage to 32,000 acres with output jumping to 48,000 barrels per day.

News from the Oil Patch: Inventories plummet despite near-record production

WICHITA — The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas.&nbsp;

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for type O blood donors to make an appointment to give now to ensure patients across the country continue to receive critical medical care.&nbsp;

When Idalia slammed into the Southeast – leading to widespread power outages,&nbsp;travel hazards and flooding – the storm also forced the cancellation of over a dozen blood drives and caused hundreds of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. This compounded a shortfall of about 30,000 donations in August. Right now, blood product distributions to hospitals are outpacing the number of blood donations coming in.

The Red Cross needs blood donors now. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUXB8DBR7Jr5TcFyyqp8VCcULgiEk59QFPcOLTrYgBUZJ_goY_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyND1Fu5VW478t1Jo-2Ffyo6dg53vKusIS7il6ZbIXpTGwP1WrHR9QAbsQUFia4euEmFnM3fkN-2BrZX2udkcM5EJKmJ6vXpm28ehaaI8RagQ0yM-2Bhlwoipkr8wUKY-2FfdreGqGIOKdoFwxTSWNge0DKnju9KTdhIfS2nCFLoDvo80yVvwgzxh92dDK0eyJTW8LZv-2Bi27gpSzMJAlpSLvShqUylMqARl-2BywLHTmd2T5Vd-2Be6NAw-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In thanks for helping rebuild the blood supply, all who come to give Sept. 1-18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Those who come to give throughout September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts. Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience. Details are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbY1s5cgY4qtAGY7U6F9ee-2FUFf3Ui8RL3iNUhy5bthQpooFeWuMuH8SlWPLmTKvNDw-3D-3DQ5AF_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyND1Fu5VW478t1Jo-2Ffyo6dg53vKusIS7il6ZbIXpTGwP1WrHR9QAbsQUFia4euEmFnM3fkN-2BrZX2udkcM5EJKmJ-2FthAdamHo7FZUpcgNx8CvypXHZDf6aRlCGhovyLVlLxP83XdoKyhvTPHA1E98X9ZYV9uTyKZWZb5EDOrA9MWPEmch4R4zxprIdsG3yOsJGjxVTWY1re3mLmeI80uMdA3q155PrqYAxBQNjGcNdlmOM-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694443214907.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARC WICHITA — The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas.&nbsp;Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for type O blood donors to make an appointment to give now to ensure patients across the country continue to receive critical medical care.&nbsp;When Idalia slammed into the Southeast – leading to widespread power outages,&nbsp;travel hazards and flooding – the storm also forced the cancellation of over a dozen blood drives and caused hundreds of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. This compounded a shortfall of about 30,000 donations in August. Right now, blood product distributions to hospitals are outpacing the number of blood donations coming in.The Red Cross needs blood donors now. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUXB8DBR7Jr5TcFyyqp8VCcULgiEk59QFPcOLTrYgBUZJ_goY_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyND1Fu5VW478t1Jo-2Ffyo6dg53vKusIS7il6ZbIXpTGwP1WrHR9QAbsQUFia4euEmFnM3fkN-2BrZX2udkcM5EJKmJ6vXpm28ehaaI8RagQ0yM-2Bhlwoipkr8wUKY-2FfdreGqGIOKdoFwxTSWNge0DKnju9KTdhIfS2nCFLoDvo80yVvwgzxh92dDK0eyJTW8LZv-2Bi27gpSzMJAlpSLvShqUylMqARl-2BywLHTmd2T5Vd-2Be6NAw-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694443381386.png" alt="American Red Cross T-shirt" />
 <figcaption>American Red Cross T-shirt</figcaption>
 </figure>In thanks for helping rebuild the blood supply, all who come to give Sept. 1-18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Those who come to give throughout September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts. Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience. Details are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbY1s5cgY4qtAGY7U6F9ee-2FUFf3Ui8RL3iNUhy5bthQpooFeWuMuH8SlWPLmTKvNDw-3D-3DQ5AF_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyND1Fu5VW478t1Jo-2Ffyo6dg53vKusIS7il6ZbIXpTGwP1WrHR9QAbsQUFia4euEmFnM3fkN-2BrZX2udkcM5EJKmJ-2FthAdamHo7FZUpcgNx8CvypXHZDf6aRlCGhovyLVlLxP83XdoKyhvTPHA1E98X9ZYV9uTyKZWZb5EDOrA9MWPEmch4R4zxprIdsG3yOsJGjxVTWY1re3mLmeI80uMdA3q155PrqYAxBQNjGcNdlmOM-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive</a>.<figure>
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Upcoming western Kan. blood drives; national shortage caused by Hurricane Idalia

For more information contact First Call for Help at 785-623-2800 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@firstcallelliscounty.com?subject=Info">info@firstcallelliscounty.com</a>

First Call for Help is located at&nbsp;607 E. 13th St., Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694441835851.png" alt="First Call for Help is currently asking for food donations. Suggested items are listed below.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>First Call for Help is currently asking for food donations. Suggested items are listed below.&nbsp;</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694441653985.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>For more information contact First Call for Help at 785-623-2800 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@firstcallelliscounty.com?subject=Info">info@firstcallelliscounty.com</a>First Call for Help is located at&nbsp;607 E. 13th St., Hays.

Food donations needed at First Call for Help; shelves nearly bare

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau hosted a free Kite Show for the community on Sunday at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

The event featured the giant kite displays of Great American Kites &amp; Events featuring some of the world’s largest kites.

<a>Great American Kites &amp; Events, based out of Missouri, produces events all over the country.</a>

Although the winds were initially light and rains came to Hays later in the afternoon, the larger kites were able to launch.

Other activities included yard games sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Ellis County, the bookmobile courtesy of the Hays Public Library, and live animals from the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694384048655.jpeg" alt="Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau hosted a free Kite Show for the community on Sunday at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.The event featured the giant kite displays of Great American Kites &amp; Events featuring some of the world’s largest kites.<a>Great American Kites &amp; Events, based out of Missouri, produces events all over the country.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694384120085.jpeg" alt="Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Although the winds were initially light and rains came to Hays later in the afternoon, the larger kites were able to launch.Other activities included yard games sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Ellis County, the bookmobile courtesy of the Hays Public Library, and live animals from the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694384185735.jpeg" alt="Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
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📷 Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show delights spectators

COLBY — The fall semester Third Thursday gallery walk opens from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, at five locations in Colby.

Pieces by Cody Beeson of St. Francis and Colby's Jeanne Cox and Madeline McCormick will be displayed at the Colby Community College Cultural Arts Center Gallery. The Detherage Trio out of Hays will perform live music.

Downtown, clay artist Zak Ashburn of Denver will be in the Jonas Gallery, and Pioneer Memorial Library features pen, pencil, and watercolor creations of St. Francis's Kary Zweygardt. Dustin Olsen, from Schoenchen, will be at the Prairie Museum of Art &amp; History, and Brown Dove Healing Arts is the site for photographer Brenton Kirkhart of Colby.

"We're starting this year with more locations and some amazing art," said CCC art instructor Rebel Mahieu. "The pieces are original, and many will be for sale."

Admission is free. Refreshments will be served at each location.

For more information, contact Mahieu at 785-460-5459 or follow her on Facebook.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694009106029.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCOLBY — The fall semester Third Thursday gallery walk opens from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, at five locations in Colby.Pieces by Cody Beeson of St. Francis and Colby's Jeanne Cox and Madeline McCormick will be displayed at the Colby Community College Cultural Arts Center Gallery. The Detherage Trio out of Hays will perform live music.Downtown, clay artist Zak Ashburn of Denver will be in the Jonas Gallery, and Pioneer Memorial Library features pen, pencil, and watercolor creations of St. Francis's Kary Zweygardt. Dustin Olsen, from Schoenchen, will be at the Prairie Museum of Art &amp; History, and Brown Dove Healing Arts is the site for photographer Brenton Kirkhart of Colby."We're starting this year with more locations and some amazing art," said CCC art instructor Rebel Mahieu. "The pieces are original, and many will be for sale."Admission is free. Refreshments will be served at each location.For more information, contact Mahieu at 785-460-5459 or follow her on Facebook.

Art gallery walk resumes Sept. 21 in Colby

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture hosted two inbound trade missions this summer focused on beef cattle genetics and livestock equipment. During trade missions, Kansas farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses work to build relationships and expand international marketing opportunities for Kansas goods and services in foreign markets.

“Building trade is all about building relationships, and that’s exactly what Kansas cattlemen have had the opportunity to do over the past few months,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, KDA international trade director. “Through these recent trade missions, Kansans have had the opportunity to market purebred beef cattle genetics and livestock equipment while building their global networks.”

The week of August 28, KDA hosted six cattlemen from Chile who were looking for purebred beef cattle genetics. While in Kansas, the team visited Ohlde Cattle Company, Palmer; Fink Beef Genetics, Randolph; Mill Brae Ranch, Maple Hill; Mushrush Ranches, Strong City; Geiger Cattle, Troy; and the American Angus Association in St. Joseph, Missouri.

“These trade mission participants have progressive operations and are continually working to improve their herds through improved genetics. We were honored to host them in Kansas during their search for high-quality beef genetics,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.

KDA also hosted a beef genetics trade team from Argentina in June 2023. During their two-week tour through America’s heartland, the trade team spent three days in Kansas visiting No-Bull Enterprises and Callicrate Cattle Co., St. Francis; Mushrush Ranches, Strong City; and Kansas State University, Manhattan. The trade team’s ranch visits allowed them to look for beef genetics that would fit across a variety of environments in Argentina. “They are looking for cattle that are easy fleshing and low maintenance while providing calving ease and eye appeal,” stated Santiago Debernardi, Select Sires Argentina, who helped select producers to bring to Kansas.

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 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture hosted two inbound trade missions this summer focused on beef cattle genetics and livestock equipment. During trade missions, Kansas farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses work to build relationships and expand international marketing opportunities for Kansas goods and services in foreign markets.“Building trade is all about building relationships, and that’s exactly what Kansas cattlemen have had the opportunity to do over the past few months,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, KDA international trade director. “Through these recent trade missions, Kansans have had the opportunity to market purebred beef cattle genetics and livestock equipment while building their global networks.”The week of August 28, KDA hosted six cattlemen from Chile who were looking for purebred beef cattle genetics. While in Kansas, the team visited Ohlde Cattle Company, Palmer; Fink Beef Genetics, Randolph; Mill Brae Ranch, Maple Hill; Mushrush Ranches, Strong City; Geiger Cattle, Troy; and the American Angus Association in St. Joseph, Missouri.“These trade mission participants have progressive operations and are continually working to improve their herds through improved genetics. We were honored to host them in Kansas during their search for high-quality beef genetics,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.KDA also hosted a beef genetics trade team from Argentina in June 2023. During their two-week tour through America’s heartland, the trade team spent three days in Kansas visiting No-Bull Enterprises and Callicrate Cattle Co., St. Francis; Mushrush Ranches, Strong City; and Kansas State University, Manhattan. The trade team’s ranch visits allowed them to look for beef genetics that would fit across a variety of environments in Argentina. “They are looking for cattle that are easy fleshing and low maintenance while providing calving ease and eye appeal,” stated Santiago Debernardi, Select Sires Argentina, who helped select producers to bring to Kansas.

St. Francis group among hosts of international beef genetics tour

Summer is filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, from watermelon to tomatoes to fresh corn on the cob. It’s the season to indulge in foods that are tasty and good for you, too!

We all know that it’s important to include fruits and vegetables in our diets. Here are a few key factors to encourage you to opt for produce. 

The fiber in fruits and veggies helps keep you full, helps improve digestion, and helps reduce the risks and effects of several diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Many fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that our bodies can't produce on their own. This is why experts recommend filling half of your plate during meals with fruits and vegetables.

By consuming more fruits and vegetables, you fill up faster on low-calorie foods. This can help reduce weight and reduce cravings for sugary and fatty foods. This is because your body is likely getting the nutrients it needs and filling up on fiber. The good news is that whether produce is fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, fruits and vegetables can be consumed year-round.

National Fruits and Veggies Month also comes with a reminder to cut food waste in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that nearly 40% of food waste occurs at home.

Before shopping at the store, shop your kitchen first. Plan meals and snacks based on what you have available, and make a meal schedule to help use up produce before it spoils. This will help cut your grocery bill and minimize food waste.

Other tips for reducing food waste include: • Add perishable foods to a casserole, salad or soup. •&nbsp;Freeze fresh produce to use later. • Don’t buy in bulk if it’s not an item you can use quickly. • Prepare fresh produce so that it’s easy to grab and go for easy snacks. • If food is spoiled, consider composting if you have space available.

More information on incorporating fruits and vegetables into your daily diet plan – not just in September – is available from several sources, including:

• K-State Research and Extension food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/humannutrition/">ksre.ksu.edu/humannutrition</a> • Produce for a Better Health Foundation: <a href="https://fruitsandveggies.org/">https://fruitsandveggies.org&nbsp;</a> • USDA MyPlate:<a href="https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate"> https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate</a>

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.

<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>Summer is filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, from watermelon to tomatoes to fresh corn on the cob. It’s the season to indulge in foods that are tasty and good for you, too!We all know that it’s important to include fruits and vegetables in our diets. Here are a few key factors to encourage you to opt for produce. The fiber in fruits and veggies helps keep you full, helps improve digestion, and helps reduce the risks and effects of several diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.Many fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that our bodies can't produce on their own. This is why experts recommend filling half of your plate during meals with fruits and vegetables.By consuming more fruits and vegetables, you fill up faster on low-calorie foods. This can help reduce weight and reduce cravings for sugary and fatty foods. This is because your body is likely getting the nutrients it needs and filling up on fiber. The good news is that whether produce is fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, fruits and vegetables can be consumed year-round.National Fruits and Veggies Month also comes with a reminder to cut food waste in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that nearly 40% of food waste occurs at home.Before shopping at the store, shop your kitchen first. Plan meals and snacks based on what you have available, and make a meal schedule to help use up produce before it spoils. This will help cut your grocery bill and minimize food waste.Other tips for reducing food waste include: • Add perishable foods to a casserole, salad or soup. •&nbsp;Freeze fresh produce to use later. • Don’t buy in bulk if it’s not an item you can use quickly. • Prepare fresh produce so that it’s easy to grab and go for easy snacks. • If food is spoiled, consider composting if you have space available. More information on incorporating fruits and vegetables into your daily diet plan – not just in September – is available from several sources, including:• K-State Research and Extension food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/humannutrition/">ksre.ksu.edu/humannutrition</a> • Produce for a Better Health Foundation: <a href="https://fruitsandveggies.org/">https://fruitsandveggies.org&nbsp;</a> • USDA MyPlate:<a href="https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate"> https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate</a> 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.

WINKEL: September is National Fruits and Vegetables Month

<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/2023/9/1694183771830.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

TOPEKA — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis announced that USDA is investing $49.1 million to help rural utilities build and improve clean drinking water and sanitary wastewater systems in rural Kansas.

• A $2,225,000 loan will help rehabilitate 39,000 feet of the sewer collection system in Mankato. It will correct existing deficiencies and help provide a safe and reliable sewer system

USDA is making the investments through the <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program">Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan and Grant Program</a> and the <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-loan-guarantees">Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees Program</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601160917468.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USDATOPEKA — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis announced that USDA is investing $49.1 million to help rural utilities build and improve clean drinking water and sanitary wastewater systems in rural Kansas.Included in the Kansas projects is:• A $2,225,000 loan will help rehabilitate 39,000 feet of the sewer collection system in Mankato. It will correct existing deficiencies and help provide a safe and reliable sewer systemUSDA is making the investments through the <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program">Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan and Grant Program</a> and the <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-loan-guarantees">Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees Program</a>.

Mankato awarded rural utility funds for sewer collection system rehab

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams shares information on upcoming events at Brief Space.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays plans fall events" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:450px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yynw7-149ea49-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams shares information on upcoming events at Brief Space.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays plans fall events 

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College has teamed up with the CKP Suicide Prevention Task Force to bring author, actor, and international public speaker Josh Rivedal to the Barton County campus to entertain and educate about the importance of mental health and wellbeing. 

His program, “How to Live Mentally Well and Crush it During Difficult Times,” will be free and open to the public from 7-8:30 p.m. Tue., Oct. 10 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. It will also be live streamed from Barton’s YouTube&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/BaCOUGARnKS" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">page</a>.

Barton Community College Mental Health Counselor Jakki Maser said she is excited to bring Josh Rivedal to the community to expand the conversations around mental health and wellness.

“It’s important that people know that wellbeing does not mean being happy all the time or that there won’t be stress, difficult periods, or emotional discomfort,” she said. 

“Mental wellness encompasses all emotions, and we want to bring awareness to the fact that all people struggle and have experiences that are really hard to talk about. Nobody is alone in that. It is by having those hard conversations that we learn how to cope, adapt, connect, and grow from those difficult experiences, and that is what creates resiliency and wellness. In his presentation, Josh inspires and challenges people to do those very things,”&nbsp;Maser said.

According to his <a href="http://www.joshuarivedal.com/">website</a>, Josh Rivedal is the founder and creative director of The i'Mpossible Project.

This organization creates workshops, seminars, curriculum, continuing education, books, and multimedia on suicide prevention and mental health in workplaces, campuses, school districts, communities, professional organizations, and more. A project born out of his own personal struggle with mental health and the loss of his father to suicide, Rivedal creates content that is relatable and that inspires, educates, entertains, and transforms.

Admission is free. Content is recommended for ages 12+. For more information, contact Maser at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maserj@bartonccc.edu">maserj@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or 620-792-9295.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695758987994.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND — Barton Community College has teamed up with the CKP Suicide Prevention Task Force to bring author, actor, and international public speaker Josh Rivedal to the Barton County campus to entertain and educate about the importance of mental health and wellbeing. His program, “How to Live Mentally Well and Crush it During Difficult Times,” will be free and open to the public from 7-8:30 p.m. Tue., Oct. 10 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. It will also be live streamed from Barton’s YouTube&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/BaCOUGARnKS" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">page</a>.Barton Community College Mental Health Counselor Jakki Maser said she is excited to bring Josh Rivedal to the community to expand the conversations around mental health and wellness.“It’s important that people know that wellbeing does not mean being happy all the time or that there won’t be stress, difficult periods, or emotional discomfort,” she said. “Mental wellness encompasses all emotions, and we want to bring awareness to the fact that all people struggle and have experiences that are really hard to talk about. Nobody is alone in that. It is by having those hard conversations that we learn how to cope, adapt, connect, and grow from those difficult experiences, and that is what creates resiliency and wellness. In his presentation, Josh inspires and challenges people to do those very things,”&nbsp;Maser said.According to his <a href="http://www.joshuarivedal.com/">website</a>, Josh Rivedal is the founder and creative director of The i'Mpossible Project. This organization creates workshops, seminars, curriculum, continuing education, books, and multimedia on suicide prevention and mental health in workplaces, campuses, school districts, communities, professional organizations, and more. A project born out of his own personal struggle with mental health and the loss of his father to suicide, Rivedal creates content that is relatable and that inspires, educates, entertains, and transforms.Admission is free. Content is recommended for ages 12+. For more information, contact Maser at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maserj@bartonccc.edu">maserj@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or 620-792-9295.&nbsp;

Living mentally well in difficult times to be presented at Barton Community College

Once upon a time near a sleepy little town called Inman, in a land far, far away known as Kansas, a legend was born; a legend that would bring this quiet town notoriety for a time those 100 years ago. The legend became that of Sink Hole Sam.

Believe it or not, prior to the 1920s, a string of small freshwater lakes stretched across part of central Kansas, coming within a couple miles of the town of Inman. 

It is reported that people from around the state actually came here to fish in those lakes, and the duck hunting there was said to be so good that hunters would fill wagons with harvested ducks and haul them with teams of horses north to the town of Conway where they would be sent by train to exclusive restaurants in Kansas City. 

Eventually the lakes were drained, leaving Lake Inman, and a few low pockets of water now known as “sinkholes.” Inman Lake remains as the largest natural lake in the state. The biggest of the sinkholes took the astonishing name, "The Big Sinkhole.” Here, a legend was born in the form of a large serpent-like creature that became Sink Hole Sam.

Alright, alright let’s get real here. I suppose that back in the day certain “liquid refreshments” were easily obtained in the back rooms of most hardware stores and from what I hear, tranquil little Inman, KS was an exception. But how many visits to the back room would it take to fabricate stories about freshwater lakes here where some years it's so dry that fire hydrants chase dogs up the street and kids are actually urged to pee in the pool?

Anyway, people speculated that Sam had been living in some prehistoric underground cavern that had somehow filled with water from the sinkhole, allowing him to finally venture forth. 

Evidently no one got close enough to see if the critter should be named Sam or Samantha, but I’ll stay true to the legend and use “Sam.” Two “unidentified” Inman men fishing at the sinkhole first reported seeing Sam. 

Soon after, Inmanites Albert Neufeld and George Regehr spotted him also. Albert sought to save the town by taking pot shots at poor Sam from a nearby bridge (I suspect the bridge was not really all that nearby!) Of course, descriptions of the beast varied according to the audience and the time of day, but Sam ended up being a very large snake-like critter, about fifteen feet long and the diameter of an automobile tire.

Now, everyone likes a good legend, and the discovery of Sam was no exception. The story spread like hot peanut butter! Newspapers caught wind of the tale, (no pun intended) and locals started getting calls from strangers all across the country. 

Today, some residents still recall seeing hundreds of cars parked around the big sinkhole hoping “Sammy” would make a curtain call.

In an attempt to quell speculation about their new prehistoric mascot, (here the legend takes a sharp southern detour) some “great scientific minds” were brought on board in the persons of Ernest Dewey and his assistant Dr. Erasmus P. Quattlebaum. Earnest D. and the Dr. informed Inman that Sam was a “Foopengerkle,” one of a species thought to be the “extinctest” creatures ever to inhabit the Kansas Plains. 

This must be where he became Sam rather than Samantha, because Ernest and Dr. Q. maintained that no female&nbsp;“Foopengerkles” ever existed. Their final report urged caution, since Sam did not seem to realize he was extinct.

Like I said, everyone likes a good legend. Millions of dollars have been spent attempting to disprove the existence of Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster. As far as I know, all such attempts have failed, so both creatures must still live, if only in myth. 

Sink Hole Sam put Inman on the map and in the news those many years ago, and no one has ever disproven his existence to me. After all, this is America, and stranger things have happened! Like I said, everyone likes a good legend…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Once upon a time near a sleepy little town called Inman, in a land far, far away known as Kansas, a legend was born; a legend that would bring this quiet town notoriety for a time those 100 years ago. The legend became that of Sink Hole Sam.Believe it or not, prior to the 1920s, a string of small freshwater lakes stretched across part of central Kansas, coming within a couple miles of the town of Inman. It is reported that people from around the state actually came here to fish in those lakes, and the duck hunting there was said to be so good that hunters would fill wagons with harvested ducks and haul them with teams of horses north to the town of Conway where they would be sent by train to exclusive restaurants in Kansas City. Eventually the lakes were drained, leaving Lake Inman, and a few low pockets of water now known as “sinkholes.” Inman Lake remains as the largest natural lake in the state. The biggest of the sinkholes took the astonishing name, "The Big Sinkhole.” Here, a legend was born in the form of a large serpent-like creature that became Sink Hole Sam.Alright, alright let’s get real here. I suppose that back in the day certain “liquid refreshments” were easily obtained in the back rooms of most hardware stores and from what I hear, tranquil little Inman, KS was an exception. But how many visits to the back room would it take to fabricate stories about freshwater lakes here where some years it's so dry that fire hydrants chase dogs up the street and kids are actually urged to pee in the pool?Anyway, people speculated that Sam had been living in some prehistoric underground cavern that had somehow filled with water from the sinkhole, allowing him to finally venture forth. Evidently no one got close enough to see if the critter should be named Sam or Samantha, but I’ll stay true to the legend and use “Sam.” Two “unidentified” Inman men fishing at the sinkhole first reported seeing Sam. Soon after, Inmanites Albert Neufeld and George Regehr spotted him also. Albert sought to save the town by taking pot shots at poor Sam from a nearby bridge (I suspect the bridge was not really all that nearby!) Of course, descriptions of the beast varied according to the audience and the time of day, but Sam ended up being a very large snake-like critter, about fifteen feet long and the diameter of an automobile tire.Now, everyone likes a good legend, and the discovery of Sam was no exception. The story spread like hot peanut butter! Newspapers caught wind of the tale, (no pun intended) and locals started getting calls from strangers all across the country. Today, some residents still recall seeing hundreds of cars parked around the big sinkhole hoping “Sammy” would make a curtain call.In an attempt to quell speculation about their new prehistoric mascot, (here the legend takes a sharp southern detour) some “great scientific minds” were brought on board in the persons of Ernest Dewey and his assistant Dr. Erasmus P. Quattlebaum. Earnest D. and the Dr. informed Inman that Sam was a “Foopengerkle,” one of a species thought to be the “extinctest” creatures ever to inhabit the Kansas Plains. This must be where he became Sam rather than Samantha, because Ernest and Dr. Q. maintained that no female&nbsp;“Foopengerkles” ever existed. Their final report urged caution, since Sam did not seem to realize he was extinct.Like I said, everyone likes a good legend. Millions of dollars have been spent attempting to disprove the existence of Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster. As far as I know, all such attempts have failed, so both creatures must still live, if only in myth. Sink Hole Sam put Inman on the map and in the news those many years ago, and no one has ever disproven his existence to me. After all, this is America, and stranger things have happened! Like I said, everyone likes a good legend…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: The Legend of Sink Hole Sam

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced two appointments and eight reappointments to the following state boards and council, including two northwest Kansas residents:

Board of Accountancy Purpose: To carry out&nbsp;the laws and administrative regulations governing CPAs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Julie Wondra, McPherson (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp; Aron Dunn, Valley Center (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp; Trina Harmon, Wichita&nbsp; &nbsp;

911 Coordinating Council Purpose:&nbsp;To monitor the delivery of 911 services, develop strategies for future enhancements to the 911 system and distribute available grant funds to public safety answering points (PSAP).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jonathan York, Topeka (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp; Scott Hilbrink, Colby (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp; Jeremy Rabb, Topeka (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp; Eric Harper, Saint Frances&nbsp;&nbsp;

State Board of Technical Professions Purpose: To register and license engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Carisa McMullen, Olathe (reappointment) Doug Louis, Wichita (reappointment) Kimberly Kramer, Manhattan (reappointment) &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594401153901.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced two appointments and eight reappointments to the following state boards and council, including two northwest Kansas residents:Board of Accountancy Purpose: To carry out&nbsp;the laws and administrative regulations governing CPAs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Julie Wondra, McPherson (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp; Aron Dunn, Valley Center (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp; Trina Harmon, Wichita&nbsp; &nbsp; 911 Coordinating Council Purpose:&nbsp;To monitor the delivery of 911 services, develop strategies for future enhancements to the 911 system and distribute available grant funds to public safety answering points (PSAP).&nbsp;&nbsp;Jonathan York, Topeka (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp; Scott Hilbrink, Colby (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp; Jeremy Rabb, Topeka (reappointment)&nbsp;&nbsp; Eric Harper, Saint Frances&nbsp;&nbsp; State Board of Technical Professions Purpose: To register and license engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carisa McMullen, Olathe (reappointment) Doug Louis, Wichita (reappointment) Kimberly Kramer, Manhattan (reappointment) &nbsp; &nbsp;

2 northwest Kansas residents appointed to 911 Coordinating Council

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that $18,489,169 in state grants have been awarded to provide services for adult and child crime survivors. Kelly and the bipartisan Legislature increased the state grant funds to sustain Kansas programs that experienced a 40 percent decrease in funding from the federal Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Programs in Ellis, Barton, and Scott counties have received the grants.

“The services&nbsp;that&nbsp;children’s advocacy centers, court-appointed advocates, and domestic violence and sexual assault programs&nbsp;provide&nbsp;are&nbsp;an essential part of&nbsp;survivors&nbsp;getting the justice they deserve,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“These grants ensure communities across Kansas have the resources and services needed to assist crime victims&nbsp;in their time of need.”&nbsp;

The funding comes from state general funds and will go toward counseling, shelters, the statewide language-accessible crisis line, safety planning, advocacy for sexual and domestic violence survivors, and training for community-based direct service providers. &nbsp;

Domestic violence and sexual assault programs provide shelter, advocacy, and safety planning for people who experience domestic violence or sexual assault. These programs also provide services and vital safety-related information to those who call the statewide language-accessible crisis line (888-END-ABUSE: 888-363-2287). &nbsp;&nbsp;

Children’s Advocacy Centers are child-focused programs that operate within Kansas communities to coordinate a multidisciplinary response to child abuse cases. Funds are used to hire and train staff to conduct child-sensitive forensic interviews of sexual and physical abuse victims, and to provide advocacy services for victims and non-offending caregivers.&nbsp;

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Programs provide training and support to court-appointed citizen volunteers. The volunteers work with the courts and legal and child welfare professionals to obtain permanent and safe placements for children who have been abused and neglected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Area programs that were awarded grant funds include:

2024 SGF for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Grant Awards&nbsp;

• Ellis County-&nbsp;Options:&nbsp;Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services; $545,296

2024 Children’s Advocacy Centers Grant Awards

•&nbsp;Barton County-&nbsp;Family Crisis Center;&nbsp;$159,704 •&nbsp;Scott County-&nbsp;Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center;&nbsp;$398,681 &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603907215006.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that $18,489,169 in state grants have been awarded to provide services for adult and child crime survivors. Kelly and the bipartisan Legislature increased the state grant funds to sustain Kansas programs that experienced a 40 percent decrease in funding from the federal Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Programs in Ellis, Barton, and Scott counties have received the grants.“The services&nbsp;that&nbsp;children’s advocacy centers, court-appointed advocates, and domestic violence and sexual assault programs&nbsp;provide&nbsp;are&nbsp;an essential part of&nbsp;survivors&nbsp;getting the justice they deserve,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“These grants ensure communities across Kansas have the resources and services needed to assist crime victims&nbsp;in their time of need.”&nbsp;The funding comes from state general funds and will go toward counseling, shelters, the statewide language-accessible crisis line, safety planning, advocacy for sexual and domestic violence survivors, and training for community-based direct service providers. &nbsp;Domestic violence and sexual assault programs provide shelter, advocacy, and safety planning for people who experience domestic violence or sexual assault. These programs also provide services and vital safety-related information to those who call the statewide language-accessible crisis line (888-END-ABUSE: 888-363-2287). &nbsp;&nbsp;Children’s Advocacy Centers are child-focused programs that operate within Kansas communities to coordinate a multidisciplinary response to child abuse cases. Funds are used to hire and train staff to conduct child-sensitive forensic interviews of sexual and physical abuse victims, and to provide advocacy services for victims and non-offending caregivers.&nbsp;Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Programs provide training and support to court-appointed citizen volunteers. The volunteers work with the courts and legal and child welfare professionals to obtain permanent and safe placements for children who have been abused and neglected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Area programs that were awarded grant funds include:2024 SGF for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Grant Awards&nbsp;• Ellis County-&nbsp;Options:&nbsp;Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services; $545,2962024 Children’s Advocacy Centers Grant Awards•&nbsp;Barton County-&nbsp;Family Crisis Center;&nbsp;$159,704 •&nbsp;Scott County-&nbsp;Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center;&nbsp;$398,681 &nbsp;

Hays Options among state grant awardees for survivors of sexual, domestic violence 

What is polarization, and what can Kansans do about it? More than you might think.

“Polarization” is the tendency for people to identify strongly with their own ideological groups, rejecting anything they associate with their perceived enemies. This makes compromise (and thus governing) difficult, and contributes to paranoia, conspiracy theories, and fake news.

This isn’t “partisanship,” which is the (sometimes overlapping, but still distinct) practice of embracing a specific political party as a way of advancing your political views. Rather, the problem here is “affective polarization,” which is when people tightly associate their racial, religious, regional, gender, social , and other identities alongside their ideological beliefs.

Of course, human beings have always engaged in this kind of political sorting, mostly unintentionally. Everyone knows that Kansas is pretty conservative, but that Lawrence is less conservative than Salina, and so forth. This simply reflects the different people who live in particular places, the ways they express themselves, and how those expressions are absorbed, rejected, and/or passed along to others. It’s an inevitable, historical, almost natural process.

What is new is how, thanks to technological and corporate trends which globalize and centralize public discourse, people associate those organic groupings with very specific ideological packages. Everyone thus gets labeled in an ever-intensifying cultural war: if you’re White and live in Kansas, you must be a church-going Fox News watcher, and therefore believe this idea and oppose that group; but if you’re Black and live in New York City, therefore you’re a secular New York Times-reader and believe this other idea and oppose that other group; etc.

This doesn’t describe everyone, of course. Still, it has become common enough that almost everyone is noticing. Nearly a third of all Americans believe that affective polarization, and the sometimes hateful tribalism it creates, is a bigger problem than any other threat we face.

Most of the social research on polarization shows that the culprits usually blamed for this phenomenon—ideological extremism, increasing diversity, etc.—are actually secondary. The real problem is simply patterns of separation: that is, of working and playing and worshipping in ways where you do not interact with people you disagree with, or simply living in places where you’re not even aware of the variety and debate all around you. Which means the solution to affective polarization is to be found in the specific places we live, work, worship, and play.

Some scholars call this “micro-level pluralism.” We’re not talking about large-scale diversity or educational programs; we’re talking about local institutions which regularly perform ideological outreach (even if they don’t call it that), in a context of locally-earned civic trust.

It may surprise some readers who see Kansas as homogenous place, but actually we score well in this regard. One of the most valuable examples of micro-level pluralism is distinct educational institutions--public and private, religious and secular--woven into the fabric of distinct communities. 

Kansas has a larger number and a greater variety of such institutions per capita than almost any other state. Which means Kansas communities, however much vicious fights between different Republican and Democratic factions seem to dominate the environment, is actually filled with hundreds of small educational and religious groups, motivated by diverse causes, interacting with one another in unnoticed, polarization-reducing ways.

With the nation deeply divided, Kansas obviously can’t—and doesn’t—escape affective polarization entirely. But so long as Kansas recognizes the value of, and works to preserve, these and many other kinds of small and distinct local institutions, our civic divides will likely remain less deep, and more negotiable, than you might believe.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586443443315.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>What is polarization, and what can Kansans do about it? More than you might think.“Polarization” is the tendency for people to identify strongly with their own ideological groups, rejecting anything they associate with their perceived enemies. This makes compromise (and thus governing) difficult, and contributes to paranoia, conspiracy theories, and fake news.This isn’t “partisanship,” which is the (sometimes overlapping, but still distinct) practice of embracing a specific political party as a way of advancing your political views. Rather, the problem here is “affective polarization,” which is when people tightly associate their racial, religious, regional, gender, social , and other identities alongside their ideological beliefs.Of course, human beings have always engaged in this kind of political sorting, mostly unintentionally. Everyone knows that Kansas is pretty conservative, but that Lawrence is less conservative than Salina, and so forth. This simply reflects the different people who live in particular places, the ways they express themselves, and how those expressions are absorbed, rejected, and/or passed along to others. It’s an inevitable, historical, almost natural process.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>What is new is how, thanks to technological and corporate trends which globalize and centralize public discourse, people associate those organic groupings with very specific ideological packages. Everyone thus gets labeled in an ever-intensifying cultural war: if you’re White and live in Kansas, you must be a church-going Fox News watcher, and therefore believe this idea and oppose that group; but if you’re Black and live in New York City, therefore you’re a secular New York Times-reader and believe this other idea and oppose that other group; etc.This doesn’t describe everyone, of course. Still, it has become common enough that almost everyone is noticing. Nearly a third of all Americans believe that affective polarization, and the sometimes hateful tribalism it creates, is a bigger problem than any other threat we face.Most of the social research on polarization shows that the culprits usually blamed for this phenomenon—ideological extremism, increasing diversity, etc.—are actually secondary. The real problem is simply patterns of separation: that is, of working and playing and worshipping in ways where you do not interact with people you disagree with, or simply living in places where you’re not even aware of the variety and debate all around you. Which means the solution to affective polarization is to be found in the specific places we live, work, worship, and play.Some scholars call this “micro-level pluralism.” We’re not talking about large-scale diversity or educational programs; we’re talking about local institutions which regularly perform ideological outreach (even if they don’t call it that), in a context of locally-earned civic trust.It may surprise some readers who see Kansas as homogenous place, but actually we score well in this regard. One of the most valuable examples of micro-level pluralism is distinct educational institutions--public and private, religious and secular--woven into the fabric of distinct communities. Kansas has a larger number and a greater variety of such institutions per capita than almost any other state. Which means Kansas communities, however much vicious fights between different Republican and Democratic factions seem to dominate the environment, is actually filled with hundreds of small educational and religious groups, motivated by diverse causes, interacting with one another in unnoticed, polarization-reducing ways.With the nation deeply divided, Kansas obviously can’t—and doesn’t—escape affective polarization entirely. But so long as Kansas recognizes the value of, and works to preserve, these and many other kinds of small and distinct local institutions, our civic divides will likely remain less deep, and more negotiable, than you might believe.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Defining, defeating, polarization in Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694183710222.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>

Hays student named to President's List at Southern New Hampshire University

RUSSELL - Russell calls for a mandatory reduction in water usage.Big Creek is one of the city’s two water sources. Big Creek has stopped flowing over the low head dam immediately downstream from the city’s intake structure, a benchmark for moving to Stage 2 Water Warning.

The following mandatory water conservation measures for use of potable water from the City’s municipal water supply system are in place until the water warning is terminated:

1. Waste of water is prohibited. This includes permitting water to escape down a gutter, ditch, or other surface drain and also failure to repair a controllable leak of water due to defective plumbing; and,

2. No outdoor watering for residential or public grounds for gardens, lawns, trees, shrubs, water gardens, plants, parks, golf courses, and playing fields is prohibited except for one day per calendar week, which shall be for each user be that property’s sanitation pickup day as designated by the city. Water on such days is permitted only before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m. If a customer has multiple sanitation pick-up days in a week, then outdoor water shall be permitted on only the first sanitation pickup day of the week for such a customer; and,

3. Filling or refilling residential above and/or below-ground swimming pools is prohibited; and,

4. Washing of motor vehicles, boats, and trailers on a commercial or industrial property is prohibited except for commercial or industrial vehicles used in the operation of such business and as an ordinary and common practice to operate such business and except for the washing of vehicles at commercial truck and/or car washes; and,

5. Washing of the exterior of any building or structure on any grounds is prohibited; and,

6. Industrial and commercial users shall not water their lawns or non-commercial trees, shrubs, and plants. Trees, shrubs, and plats held for sale by commercial and retail sellers may be watered; and,

7. Industrial users of water are required to reduce their consumption to an amount equivalent to 85% of the average use for the prior five&nbsp; years for the month in question.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Stage 2 Water Emergency shall not restrict the use of city effluent water.

If you have any questions, please contact the city clerk’s office at 785-483-6311.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667324157171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of RussellRUSSELL - Russell calls for a mandatory reduction in water usage.Big Creek is one of the city’s two water sources. Big Creek has stopped flowing over the low head dam immediately downstream from the city’s intake structure, a benchmark for moving to Stage 2 Water Warning.The following mandatory water conservation measures for use of potable water from the City’s municipal water supply system are in place until the water warning is terminated:1. Waste of water is prohibited. This includes permitting water to escape down a gutter, ditch, or other surface drain and also failure to repair a controllable leak of water due to defective plumbing; and,2. No outdoor watering for residential or public grounds for gardens, lawns, trees, shrubs, water gardens, plants, parks, golf courses, and playing fields is prohibited except for one day per calendar week, which shall be for each user be that property’s sanitation pickup day as designated by the city. Water on such days is permitted only before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m. If a customer has multiple sanitation pick-up days in a week, then outdoor water shall be permitted on only the first sanitation pickup day of the week for such a customer; and,3. Filling or refilling residential above and/or below-ground swimming pools is prohibited; and,4. Washing of motor vehicles, boats, and trailers on a commercial or industrial property is prohibited except for commercial or industrial vehicles used in the operation of such business and as an ordinary and common practice to operate such business and except for the washing of vehicles at commercial truck and/or car washes; and,5. Washing of the exterior of any building or structure on any grounds is prohibited; and,6. Industrial and commercial users shall not water their lawns or non-commercial trees, shrubs, and plants. Trees, shrubs, and plats held for sale by commercial and retail sellers may be watered; and,7. Industrial users of water are required to reduce their consumption to an amount equivalent to 85% of the average use for the prior five&nbsp; years for the month in question.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Stage 2 Water Emergency shall not restrict the use of city effluent water.If you have any questions, please contact the city clerk’s office at 785-483-6311.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russell issues Stage 2 water warning, mandatory reduction in water use

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/" target="_blank">USD 489 Virtual School</a> lead instructor Sondra Hickert discusses the start of the school year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="USD 489 Virtual School year begins" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:450px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ywspv-149ea23-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/" target="_blank">USD 489 Virtual School</a> lead instructor Sondra Hickert discusses the start of the school year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 Virtual School year begins

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Aug. 23 in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

District Three — Northwest&nbsp;

Ellis –&nbsp;255-26 KA-7104-01 – K-255, from the beginning of route north to I-70/K-255 junction, milling and overlay, 1.2 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $414,150.60.&nbsp;

Graham –&nbsp;283-33 KA-7105-01 – U.S. 283, from 2.7 miles north of the Graham/Trego county line north to the U.S. 24/U.S. 283 junction, sealing, 13.7 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $2,160,215.17.&nbsp;

Phillips –&nbsp;74-C 5130-01 - Phillips County, all major collectors, minor collectors and local roads west of U.S. 183, signing, 156 miles, KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&amp;H Co., $481,817.00.&nbsp;

The following projects were also approved from the July 19, 2023, letting.&nbsp;

Rawlins&nbsp;- 77 C 5134-01 - Major collector routes, east of K-25 in Rawlins County, signing, 121.9 miles, Signs Up LTD Haren’s Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $498,471.48&nbsp;

Wichita ‑&nbsp;25‑102 KA‑6444‑01 ‑ K‑25, from 0.03 mile north of K‑96 to I Street, pavement reconstruction, 0.1 mile, Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc., La Crosse, Kansas, $472,692.02.&nbsp;

Hodgeman ‑&nbsp;156‑42 KA‑7003‑01 ‑ K‑156, from the Finney/Hodgeman county line, east to Road 214, sealing, 14.6 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $689,668.00.&nbsp;

Scott ‑&nbsp;95‑86 KA‑6996‑01 ‑ K‑95, from the U.S. 83/K‑95 south junction north to the U.S 83/K‑95 north junction, sealing, 6.6 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $383,363.69.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694096612198.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOT TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Aug. 23 in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.Approved bids include:District Three — Northwest&nbsp;Ellis –&nbsp;255-26 KA-7104-01 – K-255, from the beginning of route north to I-70/K-255 junction, milling and overlay, 1.2 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $414,150.60.&nbsp;Graham –&nbsp;283-33 KA-7105-01 – U.S. 283, from 2.7 miles north of the Graham/Trego county line north to the U.S. 24/U.S. 283 junction, sealing, 13.7 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $2,160,215.17.&nbsp;Phillips –&nbsp;74-C 5130-01 - Phillips County, all major collectors, minor collectors and local roads west of U.S. 183, signing, 156 miles, KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&amp;H Co., $481,817.00.&nbsp;The following projects were also approved from the July 19, 2023, letting.&nbsp;Rawlins&nbsp;- 77 C 5134-01 - Major collector routes, east of K-25 in Rawlins County, signing, 121.9 miles, Signs Up LTD Haren’s Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $498,471.48&nbsp;Wichita ‑&nbsp;25‑102 KA‑6444‑01 ‑ K‑25, from 0.03 mile north of K‑96 to I Street, pavement reconstruction, 0.1 mile, Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc., La Crosse, Kansas, $472,692.02.&nbsp;Hodgeman ‑&nbsp;156‑42 KA‑7003‑01 ‑ K‑156, from the Finney/Hodgeman county line, east to Road 214, sealing, 14.6 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $689,668.00.&nbsp;Scott ‑&nbsp;95‑86 KA‑6996‑01 ‑ K‑95, from the U.S. 83/K‑95 south junction north to the U.S 83/K‑95 north junction, sealing, 6.6 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $383,363.69.&nbsp;

KDOT announces approved August bids in northwest Kansas

I recently had a conversation with a retired farmer, and he commented that his fields seem to have more runoff and water erosion then he’s ever seen in the past 40 years he farmed the ground. He went on to say that this climate change thing everyone is talking about might be the cause of getting these heavier rainfall events that the soil just can’t absorb. 

Not wanting to offend my friend I half-heartly agreed with him even though I knew there was more to the story. What wasn’t mentioned during the conversation was that his current tenant, like he did for the last forty years, is using a very intense tillage system with long periods of fallow. My suspicion is this likely is the main contributing factor to the runoff and erosion issue.

Soil water infiltration is influenced by several things. Different soil types can make a big difference. Water will move more quickly through a sandy soil, where there are large pore spaces, than in a clay soil where pore spaces can be very small, especially in degraded soil that has no structure or aggregation. On the other hand, clay soil tends to shrink and crack when they dry, which allows a direct conduit for water to enter the soils. 

But how the soil is managed also plays a big role in how much water infiltrates into the soil.

Keeping the soil covered, either with crop residue from the previous crop, or with a crop canopy helps with infiltration by reducing the direct impact of the raindrop. 

If the raindrop hits the soil directly it tends to dislodge and break down soil particles which leads to the soil surface crusting and seals it off, which doesn’t allow any additional water to soak in. If there is something to intercept the rain drop, like residue or canopy, this will slow the rain drop down and reduce the force of the impact to the soil surface. This allows more water to enter the soil before it begins to runoff. Keeping the soil covered also helps with evaporation losses, which in our part of the world is a huge water loss.

Having stable soil aggregates also plays a key role in water infiltration. A soil aggregate is basically a bunch of individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay being held together by what I call biological glues. These glues are produced and secreted by soil microbes that live in the soil. These microbes rely on a living plant for their livelihood, so when a field is fallowed for a long period of time microbial life in the soil is significantly decreased. 

Excessive tillage can also be detrimental to beneficial soil microbes. If it doesn’t just kill them outright it will certainly destroy the habitat that they live in.

Soils with good aggregate stability, provide bunches of pore space for water to enter and be held in the soil. Kind of like the difference one jar filled with gravel and another one filled with&nbsp;clay. The jar that has the gravel will hold a lot more water because the larger and more abundant pore spaces.

So how do we increase infiltration rates? The short answer is to reduce tillage and shorten fallow periods the extent that the climate will allow.

 I understand this is a hard sell in western Kansas on dryland cropping systems, and even more so when we are in the middle of a prolonged drought. But if the weather and weed pressure allows an opportunity to shorten up the fallow period by slipping a cash or cover crop in the rotation, or if a tillage pass or two could be eliminated, it would certainly increase the opportunity to capture more water in the soil.

For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is a&nbsp;soil health specialist at the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628525048992.jpeg" alt="Dale Younker&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dale Younker&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>I recently had a conversation with a retired farmer, and he commented that his fields seem to have more runoff and water erosion then he’s ever seen in the past 40 years he farmed the ground. He went on to say that this climate change thing everyone is talking about might be the cause of getting these heavier rainfall events that the soil just can’t absorb. Not wanting to offend my friend I half-heartly agreed with him even though I knew there was more to the story. What wasn’t mentioned during the conversation was that his current tenant, like he did for the last forty years, is using a very intense tillage system with long periods of fallow. My suspicion is this likely is the main contributing factor to the runoff and erosion issue.Soil water infiltration is influenced by several things. Different soil types can make a big difference. Water will move more quickly through a sandy soil, where there are large pore spaces, than in a clay soil where pore spaces can be very small, especially in degraded soil that has no structure or aggregation. On the other hand, clay soil tends to shrink and crack when they dry, which allows a direct conduit for water to enter the soils. But how the soil is managed also plays a big role in how much water infiltrates into the soil.Keeping the soil covered, either with crop residue from the previous crop, or with a crop canopy helps with infiltration by reducing the direct impact of the raindrop. If the raindrop hits the soil directly it tends to dislodge and break down soil particles which leads to the soil surface crusting and seals it off, which doesn’t allow any additional water to soak in. If there is something to intercept the rain drop, like residue or canopy, this will slow the rain drop down and reduce the force of the impact to the soil surface. This allows more water to enter the soil before it begins to runoff. Keeping the soil covered also helps with evaporation losses, which in our part of the world is a huge water loss.Having stable soil aggregates also plays a key role in water infiltration. A soil aggregate is basically a bunch of individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay being held together by what I call biological glues. These glues are produced and secreted by soil microbes that live in the soil. These microbes rely on a living plant for their livelihood, so when a field is fallowed for a long period of time microbial life in the soil is significantly decreased. Excessive tillage can also be detrimental to beneficial soil microbes. If it doesn’t just kill them outright it will certainly destroy the habitat that they live in.Soils with good aggregate stability, provide bunches of pore space for water to enter and be held in the soil. Kind of like the difference one jar filled with gravel and another one filled with&nbsp;clay. The jar that has the gravel will hold a lot more water because the larger and more abundant pore spaces.So how do we increase infiltration rates? The short answer is to reduce tillage and shorten fallow periods the extent that the climate will allow. I understand this is a hard sell in western Kansas on dryland cropping systems, and even more so when we are in the middle of a prolonged drought. But if the weather and weed pressure allows an opportunity to shorten up the fallow period by slipping a cash or cover crop in the rotation, or if a tillage pass or two could be eliminated, it would certainly increase the opportunity to capture more water in the soil.For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is a&nbsp;soil health specialist at the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

YOUNKER: Increasing water infiltration rates on our soils

Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. seated Richard Jennison as one of its 12 directors on August 16. Jennison succeeds Paul Seib as a Sunflower board representative for Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Dighton. Seib recently retired after serving 44 years on the Sunflower Board of Directors.

Each of Sunflower’s six member cooperatives—Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Victory Electric Cooperative, Western Cooperative Electric, Wheatland Electric Cooperative, and Prairie Land Electric Cooperative—has two representatives elected by local distribution cooperative members. Sunflower’s board meets monthly to strategize on the current and future operation of Sunflower and the best approaches to continue providing its members with reliable wholesale energy at the lowest possible cost.

Jennison has been a member of the Lane-Scott Board of Trustees for 41 years, serving as president for 14 years and vice president for 25 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694011734795.jpeg" alt="Richard Jennison (Courtesy Sunflower Electric)" />
 <figcaption>Richard Jennison (Courtesy Sunflower Electric)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sunflower ElectricHays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. seated Richard Jennison as one of its 12 directors on August 16. Jennison succeeds Paul Seib as a Sunflower board representative for Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Dighton. Seib recently retired after serving 44 years on the Sunflower Board of Directors.Each of Sunflower’s six member cooperatives—Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Victory Electric Cooperative, Western Cooperative Electric, Wheatland Electric Cooperative, and Prairie Land Electric Cooperative—has two representatives elected by local distribution cooperative members. Sunflower’s board meets monthly to strategize on the current and future operation of Sunflower and the best approaches to continue providing its members with reliable wholesale energy at the lowest possible cost.Jennison has been a member of the Lane-Scott Board of Trustees for 41 years, serving as president for 14 years and vice president for 25 years.“Paul left some large shoes to fill, and I am honored to have been chosen to succeed him,” Jennison said. A lifelong resident of rural Healy in Lane County, he graduated from Healy High School and Kansas State University.Jennison and his wife, Diana, have three children.About Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, established in 1957, is a regional wholesale generation and transmission supplier dedicated to serving its members by providing reliable power at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business and cooperative practices.Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Inc., Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc., Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc., Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., Scott City, Kan. Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Ulysses, is also a member of Sunflower. For more information, visit sunflower.net.

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