On Wednesday, Governor Laura Kelly will be on the campus of Fort Hays State University for a signing ceremony for House Bill 2290, the strategic affiliation plan put forward in the state legislature earlier this spring by Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College (Northwest Tech in Goodland), and North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech in Hays and Beloit).

The ceremony will take place in the Sunset Atrium of the Memorial Union at 10:00 am. Governor Kelly will be joined by FHSU President Tisa Mason, Northwest Tech President Ben Schears, and NCK Tech President Eric Burks.

The strategic affiliation institutional partnership initiative was created by the three presidents as a way for the three institutions to address major demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas. Key areas of focus include: &nbsp;

Learn more about the strategic affiliation plan at <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation/">fhsu.edu/affiliation</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686580695119.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly, R-Kansas. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly, R-Kansas. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsOn Wednesday, Governor Laura Kelly will be on the campus of Fort Hays State University for a signing ceremony for House Bill 2290, the strategic affiliation plan put forward in the state legislature earlier this spring by Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College (Northwest Tech in Goodland), and North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech in Hays and Beloit).The ceremony will take place in the Sunset Atrium of the Memorial Union at 10:00 am. Governor Kelly will be joined by FHSU President Tisa Mason, Northwest Tech President Ben Schears, and NCK Tech President Eric Burks.About the planThe strategic affiliation institutional partnership initiative was created by the three presidents as a way for the three institutions to address major demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas. Key areas of focus include: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Developing academic programs and integrated student services that meet the educational and professional needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students</li><li>Aligning and optimizing inter-institutional operations to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to student success</li><li>Creating a coalition with regional businesses, industries, and communities focused on increasing opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship, and meeting workforce development needs in rural Kansas</li>
 </ul>Learn more about the strategic affiliation plan at <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation/">fhsu.edu/affiliation</a>.

Governor Kelly to be at FHSU Wed. to sign strategic affiliation bill

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayslibrary.org/" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a> communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about the Summer Reading Challenge and upcoming library events.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayslibrary.org/" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a> communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about the Summer Reading Challenge and upcoming library events.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge underway" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hux8n-1430a05-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge underway

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Grove, Hays housing project, has applied for $2 million in state funds to help build a community center that will include a child care and senior center.

The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County took applications in April for the&nbsp;Kansas Children's Child Care Capacity Accelerator grant.

The grant application was discussed at a task force meeting on May 30.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/09ac3361-ef7e-4078-a540-b0cfafaf1bc5">The Grove will be a housing project at the corner of 27th and Canterbury in Hays.</a>&nbsp;

James Robben, Grow Hays director of business development and special projects, said&nbsp;the child care center could serve up to 77 children from infant to preschool. The slots would be open to the public. The project does not have a completion date.

The grant requires a 25 percent match, which would be paid by the grant requester.

The state is still in the review process. Robben said about $90 million in grant requests were submitted for $30 million. A list of grantees is expected to be released by the end of June.

The task force also has applied for $45,000 through <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">Kansas ChildCare Aware</a>. These funds would be used to expand the capacity of Hays Area Children's Center and Learning Cross Child Care.

The child care task force will sponsor a series of professional development opportunities for child care providers.&nbsp;

All trainings will be at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall,&nbsp;2350 E. Eighth, Hays. Dates will be 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 25 6 to 8 p.m. April 25 Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said she hopes the trainings can help providers meet the hours they need to maintain their certifications.

Ellis County providers will be given first preference for the trainings, but regional providers may attend.

A meal will be provided during the trainings. Registration will be required. Cost will be $5.&nbsp;

Tory Ruder, in-home child care provider and task force member, suggested matching long-time providers with new providers in a mentoring program as another means of training.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686158340312.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Grove, Hays housing project, has applied for $2 million in state funds to help build a community center that will include a child care and senior center.The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County took applications in April for the&nbsp;Kansas Children's Child Care Capacity Accelerator grant.The grant application was discussed at a task force meeting on May 30.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/09ac3361-ef7e-4078-a540-b0cfafaf1bc5">The Grove will be a housing project at the corner of 27th and Canterbury in Hays.</a>&nbsp;James Robben, Grow Hays director of business development and special projects, said&nbsp;the child care center could serve up to 77 children from infant to preschool. The slots would be open to the public. The project does not have a completion date.The grant requires a 25 percent match, which would be paid by the grant requester.The state is still in the review process. Robben said about $90 million in grant requests were submitted for $30 million. A list of grantees is expected to be released by the end of June.The task force also has applied for $45,000 through <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">Kansas ChildCare Aware</a>. These funds would be used to expand the capacity of Hays Area Children's Center and Learning Cross Child Care.<h2>Training</h2>The child care task force will sponsor a series of professional development opportunities for child care providers.&nbsp;All trainings will be at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall,&nbsp;2350 E. Eighth, Hays. Dates will be 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 25 6 to 8 p.m. April 25 Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said she hopes the trainings can help providers meet the hours they need to maintain their certifications.Session topics have yet to be released.Ellis County providers will be given first preference for the trainings, but regional providers may attend.A meal will be provided during the trainings. Registration will be required. Cost will be $5.&nbsp;Tory Ruder, in-home child care provider and task force member, suggested matching long-time providers with new providers in a mentoring program as another means of training.

Grove in Hays applies for $2 million in child care funds; task force sets training

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

Long-time Hays entrepreneurs Dallas and Dacia Haselhorst are
set to bring one of America’s most notable ice cream brands to downtown Hays
with the opening of a <a href="https://www.coldstonecreamery.com/">Cold Stone Creamery</a>
that will be located inside their building at 507 Main.

They purchased the building, best known as the long-time
home of the Hays Daily, in 2021 and has since become the home of <a href="https://www.treetopsecurity.com/">TreeTop Security</a>, as well as <a href="https://stemharvest.org/">STEM Harvest,</a> a science, technology, engineering
and math learning center, both operated by the Haselhorst’s. The Hays Daily
also rents office space in the renovated building.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/494d469c-fd58-4c88-9317-9c5e6071a68f">While
the facility has seen significant changes since the purchase</a>, this latest
addition was a part of the plan from the get-go.

“My wife and I were kind of
talking like, ‘What else can we do at this place?’ And I don't know if we
simultaneously said it, but it was pretty close,” Haselhorst said. “The Cold Stone
was pretty much the number one item beyond what the building was originally
purposed for.”

While the details were worked
out later, he said as renovations were underway, the idea was a part of the
design plans.

“It was
very much in the design process because there's a walk-up window there,”
Haselhorst said. “So, if you were to order off the app, we'll make the ice
cream and stuff for you, put it in the freezer, and then you come up show that
you purchased that or made that order, and you can take off right from there.”

He also
said with the redesign of the exterior, they will be able also to feature
outdoor seating.

“Cold Stone
was always very much in that grain of thought that we were going that way,”
Haselhorst said.

He hopes
the location will help accentuate downtown, adding something new to Hays with a
brand that is recognizable enough to draw people downtown.

“At the
end of the day, we want people to come downtown and see what makes downtown
great,” Haselhorst said. “We love downtown. We felt like, with us purchasing
that building, there were a lot of things that we could do with it, whether
it's from the STEM education standpoint or bringing in businesses.

“It's
really just kind of our adding our own flair and a little bit more to downtown
than what we have now.”

And
marketing to travelers is a big part of the plan when the location opens.

“A
majority of what we do are going to be putting billboards, 30 miles south, 30
miles east and 30 miles west,” Haselhorst said. “If we're going to pull
somebody off of interstate, that brand recognition helps us.

“And
that'll probably be part of the message, ‘Hey, come downtown, grab an ice cream,
walk around and see everything that makes downtown Hays cool and what makes it
a great community.”

Tie-ins
with downtown Hays events and other businesses are also being discussed.

With the idea incorporated into
the building’s redesign, he said much of the structural work is already in
place, and the new location's design has been set.

It will feature the latest look
for the brand.

“This
will be probably a more modern look than any other Cold Stone you've ever seen,”
Haselhorst said. “It's actually really cool.”

While owning the location, they will
hire a manager, although Dacia will complete operations training.

“She'll
be there, not a day-to-day standpoint, but more like a management standpoint to
make sure that we understand the full operations and things of that nature,”
Haselhorst said.

He expects to open the location in
mid-late August.

With the
addition of Cold Stone to the building, the front office spaces are full, but space
remains available.

“We've
had all we've had people approaching us about anything and everything at this
point,” Haselhorst said. “it's a big, big open space, and you can kind of make
it to whatever you want.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686348364174.jpeg" alt="The building at 507 Main, housing TreeTop Security, STEM Harvest and the Hays Daily News, will soon be the home to a Cold Stone Creamery. File photo" />
 <figcaption>The building at 507 Main, housing TreeTop Security, STEM Harvest and the Hays Daily News, will soon be the home to a Cold Stone Creamery. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostLong-time Hays entrepreneurs Dallas and Dacia Haselhorst are
set to bring one of America’s most notable ice cream brands to downtown Hays
with the opening of a <a href="https://www.coldstonecreamery.com/">Cold Stone Creamery</a>
that will be located inside their building at 507 Main.They purchased the building, best known as the long-time
home of the Hays Daily, in 2021 and has since become the home of <a href="https://www.treetopsecurity.com/">TreeTop Security</a>, as well as <a href="https://stemharvest.org/">STEM Harvest,</a> a science, technology, engineering
and math learning center, both operated by the Haselhorst’s. The Hays Daily
also rents office space in the renovated building.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/494d469c-fd58-4c88-9317-9c5e6071a68f">While
the facility has seen significant changes since the purchase</a>, this latest
addition was a part of the plan from the get-go.“My wife and I were kind of
talking like, ‘What else can we do at this place?’ And I don't know if we
simultaneously said it, but it was pretty close,” Haselhorst said. “The Cold Stone
was pretty much the number one item beyond what the building was originally
purposed for.”While the details were worked
out later, he said as renovations were underway, the idea was a part of the
design plans.“It was
very much in the design process because there's a walk-up window there,”
Haselhorst said. “So, if you were to order off the app, we'll make the ice
cream and stuff for you, put it in the freezer, and then you come up show that
you purchased that or made that order, and you can take off right from there.”He also
said with the redesign of the exterior, they will be able also to feature
outdoor seating.“Cold Stone
was always very much in that grain of thought that we were going that way,”
Haselhorst said.He hopes
the location will help accentuate downtown, adding something new to Hays with a
brand that is recognizable enough to draw people downtown.“At the
end of the day, we want people to come downtown and see what makes downtown
great,” Haselhorst said. “We love downtown. We felt like, with us purchasing
that building, there were a lot of things that we could do with it, whether
it's from the STEM education standpoint or bringing in businesses.“It's
really just kind of our adding our own flair and a little bit more to downtown
than what we have now.”And
marketing to travelers is a big part of the plan when the location opens.“A
majority of what we do are going to be putting billboards, 30 miles south, 30
miles east and 30 miles west,” Haselhorst said. “If we're going to pull
somebody off of interstate, that brand recognition helps us.“And
that'll probably be part of the message, ‘Hey, come downtown, grab an ice cream,
walk around and see everything that makes downtown Hays cool and what makes it
a great community.”Tie-ins
with downtown Hays events and other businesses are also being discussed.With the idea incorporated into
the building’s redesign, he said much of the structural work is already in
place, and the new location's design has been set.It will feature the latest look
for the brand.“This
will be probably a more modern look than any other Cold Stone you've ever seen,”
Haselhorst said. “It's actually really cool.”While owning the location, they will
hire a manager, although Dacia will complete operations training.“She'll
be there, not a day-to-day standpoint, but more like a management standpoint to
make sure that we understand the full operations and things of that nature,”
Haselhorst said.He expects to open the location in
mid-late August.With the
addition of Cold Stone to the building, the front office spaces are full, but space
remains available.“We've
had all we've had people approaching us about anything and everything at this
point,” Haselhorst said. “it's a big, big open space, and you can kind of make
it to whatever you want.”

Local entrepreneurs to bring Cold Stone Creamery to downtown Hays

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A quick moving thunderstorm Saturday night in Hays yielded 0.39 inch of rain, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

So far for the year, Hays has received 7.15 inches of moisture, well behind the average of 11.27 inches by the end of June.

Hays, and all of Ellis County remains in an exceptional drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor for Kansas.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7834551d-62da-4097-ace0-9c93e61a6101">three-day weather forecast</a> from the National Weather Service in Dodge City calls for a chance of thunderstorms through Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685974033874.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA quick moving thunderstorm Saturday night in Hays yielded 0.39 inch of rain, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.So far for the year, Hays has received 7.15 inches of moisture, well behind the average of 11.27 inches by the end of June.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686582043736.png" alt="All of Ellis County is in the driest drought condition according to the&nbsp; Kansas drought monitor released June 8 by the U.S. Drought Monitor.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>All of Ellis County is in the driest drought condition according to the&nbsp; Kansas drought monitor released June 8 by the U.S. Drought Monitor.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays, and all of Ellis County remains in an exceptional drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor for Kansas.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7834551d-62da-4097-ace0-9c93e61a6101">three-day weather forecast</a> from the National Weather Service in Dodge City calls for a chance of thunderstorms through Wednesday.

A little more weekend rain falls in Hays, but still in exceptional drought

The Ellis County Commission will continue work on the 2024
budget Tuesday, hearing funding requests and presentations from 22 outside
agencies.

According to County Administrator Darin Myers, the initial total
funding request was $1.312 million. That’s an increase of $114,849 compared to the
previous year’s allocation. The commission had previously asked the agencies to
keep their funding requests the same as 2023.

In other business, the commission will consider adding a
fourth vehicle to the Appraiser’s office fleet and consider an update to a Building
and Ground job description.

Tuesday’s meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at the Ellis
County Administrative Center.

You can find the meeting agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06132023-538">HERE</a>.

HaysPostThe Ellis County Commission will continue work on the 2024
budget Tuesday, hearing funding requests and presentations from 22 outside
agencies.According to County Administrator Darin Myers, the initial total
funding request was $1.312 million. That’s an increase of $114,849 compared to the
previous year’s allocation. The commission had previously asked the agencies to
keep their funding requests the same as 2023.In other business, the commission will consider adding a
fourth vehicle to the Appraiser’s office fleet and consider an update to a Building
and Ground job description.Tuesday’s meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at the Ellis
County Administrative Center.You can find the meeting agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06132023-538">HERE</a>.

Ellis Co. Commission set to hear outside funding requests

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension Agent

This past week I had the opportunity to attend 4-H Discovery Days and chaperone five of our Cottonwood-Barton 4-H youth!

Since 1923, 4-H youth from across the state have traveled to participate in one of the largest Kansas 4-H events. 4-H Discovery Days, formerly know as 4-H Round-Up, is an opportunity for older youth of Kansas to join together as they develop their interests in personal growth, career exploration, leadership and citizenship.

Youth participate in a variety of classes and part of the experience is learning to navigate to different buildings on campus and staying in a dorm. Some of the classes are fun such as ATV Safety and Chuckwagon Cooking while others focus on career paths such as Animal Reproduction, Agronomy, or the Physician’s Assistant Program.

This year also had a focus on the Health as the fourth H in 4-H as community conversations were facilitated about needs and direction of a health curriculum from the nearly 200 youth participants. Additionally, youth completed the Clifton Strengths survey and had an instructor from the Staley School of Leadership at K-State to facilitate a discussion about how they can best leverage their strengths and develop these areas to their best advantage. Many businesses use this for individual and team development so it was neat to see our youth receive an introduction to this program.

For the second year, Emerald Circle was held during Discovery Days. This event celebrated the 2022 State Project Award winners! The winners, their parents, and many thoughtful donors to the Kansas 4-H Foundation enjoyed a banquet and then all of the youth joined them for presentation of the awards and a keynote address by Dan Meers, also known as KC Wolf. One of Dan’s statements that resonated with me is to live each day with character, with purpose, and with passion. I hope that is what I help instill in our 4-H youth every day.

One of my favorite moments was at the end of Discovery Days when I was visiting with one of our administrators and introduced the Cottonwood youth to him. His interest in their futures was evident and he quickly introduced them to several others faculty who may be helpful in their next steps!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran&nbsp;is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran&nbsp;is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension AgentThis past week I had the opportunity to attend 4-H Discovery Days and chaperone five of our Cottonwood-Barton 4-H youth!Since 1923, 4-H youth from across the state have traveled to participate in one of the largest Kansas 4-H events. 4-H Discovery Days, formerly know as 4-H Round-Up, is an opportunity for older youth of Kansas to join together as they develop their interests in personal growth, career exploration, leadership and citizenship.Youth participate in a variety of classes and part of the experience is learning to navigate to different buildings on campus and staying in a dorm. Some of the classes are fun such as ATV Safety and Chuckwagon Cooking while others focus on career paths such as Animal Reproduction, Agronomy, or the Physician’s Assistant Program.This year also had a focus on the Health as the fourth H in 4-H as community conversations were facilitated about needs and direction of a health curriculum from the nearly 200 youth participants. Additionally, youth completed the Clifton Strengths survey and had an instructor from the Staley School of Leadership at K-State to facilitate a discussion about how they can best leverage their strengths and develop these areas to their best advantage. Many businesses use this for individual and team development so it was neat to see our youth receive an introduction to this program.For the second year, Emerald Circle was held during Discovery Days. This event celebrated the 2022 State Project Award winners! The winners, their parents, and many thoughtful donors to the Kansas 4-H Foundation enjoyed a banquet and then all of the youth joined them for presentation of the awards and a keynote address by Dan Meers, also known as KC Wolf. One of Dan’s statements that resonated with me is to live each day with character, with purpose, and with passion. I hope that is what I help instill in our 4-H youth every day.One of my favorite moments was at the end of Discovery Days when I was visiting with one of our administrators and introduced the Cottonwood youth to him. His interest in their futures was evident and he quickly introduced them to several others faculty who may be helpful in their next steps!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: 4-H Discovery Days

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Despite recent rains, a significant drought continues to
grip the region, and the result could be one of the smallest wheat harvests in decades.

According to a recent report from the United State
Department of Agriculture (USDA), 65 percent of the wheat in Kansas is considered to
be in either poor or very poor condition.

The USDA’s Wheat Outlook for May showed that approximately
48 percent of the winter wheat-producing region of the United States is currently
experiencing drought. The western two-thirds of Kansas is considered one of the
major wheat-producing regions in the US., and Kansas is the second biggest producer
of wheat in the US.

K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood Extension District
Agriculture Agent Stacy Campbell said the ongoing drought has already had a
significant impact on wheat crops in Kansas. 

“That's why there are quite a few acres that aren't going to
be harvested, and then the ones that are, it's going to be below the county
average,” Campbell said. 

In its May report, the USDA said Kansas farmers are projected
to give up or destroy about 19 percent of this year’s planted wheat crop because of
the condition and the low yields, something Campbell said he continues to see
in Ellis County.

One of those farmers is Nathan Leiker. Leiker, who farms in Ellis
and Rush counties, said they planted a little more than 2,000 acres of wheat last
fall. An increase from a typical year. 

He said they have already destroyed half of this year’s crop.
Leaving his farm with approximately 1,000 acres of wheat.

Leiker said in talking with area crop adjusters and other
farmers, he believes as much as 50 to 55 percent of the wheat crop could end up being
destroyed this year in Ellis County.

He also thinks this year’s wheat harvest could be
the smallest in decades. 

Leiker called the 2012 harvest a “light” year but said
he cannot remember a year where they destroyed the amount of acres they have
this year.

In its May 12 Crop Production report, the National
Agricultural Statistics Service said Kansas’ production is expected to be 191.4
million bushels, which would equal the lowest since 1963.

The USDA says Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado are all anticipated
to have a historically low ratio for the number of acres planted to the number
of acres harvested.

For Leiker, it’s the second failed crop in a row after last
year’s corn crop. 

He also said the drought and the late freeze have himself
and other farmers worried about the quality of wheat they will have left over
to use as seed wheat for next year.

Both Leiker and Campbell said some of the region has
benefited from the spotty rains last fall and again this spring.

Leiker said some areas that received rain in September are
going to see a marginal crop, but “without that rain, the crop is going to be
very minimal.”

Campbell said the recent rains have helped.

“Ideally, it needed to come earlier to be of huge benefit,”
Campbell said. “But I think this last little bit of moisture and cooler weather
on some of the wheat that is still out there, it could have benefitted it
some.”

Campbell said some farmers have been able to turn their
cattle out on the failed wheat. But Leiker called that just a band-aid.&nbsp;

The drought is also having an impact on the available acres of grassland to graze cattle and the lack of available hay.

Some combines were already seen rolling in southeast and southcentral Kansas over the weekend, and Leiker said he anticipates harvest will start about normal time in Ellis County, the last 10 days of June, weather permitting.

The recent rains have allowed spring planting to get off to
a good start.

Leiker said conditions couldn’t be any better and that it’s “a
good start but need mother nature to finish it out.”

He also added that the recent round of showers the region is
experiencing gives him, “hope.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578950736982.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostDespite recent rains, a significant drought continues to
grip the region, and the result could be one of the smallest wheat harvests in decades.According to a recent report from the United State
Department of Agriculture (USDA), 65 percent of the wheat in Kansas is considered to
be in either poor or very poor condition.The USDA’s Wheat Outlook for May showed that approximately
48 percent of the winter wheat-producing region of the United States is currently
experiencing drought. The western two-thirds of Kansas is considered one of the
major wheat-producing regions in the US., and Kansas is the second biggest producer
of wheat in the US.K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood Extension District
Agriculture Agent Stacy Campbell said the ongoing drought has already had a
significant impact on wheat crops in Kansas. “That's why there are quite a few acres that aren't going to
be harvested, and then the ones that are, it's going to be below the county
average,” Campbell said. In its May report, the USDA said Kansas farmers are projected
to give up or destroy about 19 percent of this year’s planted wheat crop because of
the condition and the low yields, something Campbell said he continues to see
in Ellis County.One of those farmers is Nathan Leiker. Leiker, who farms in Ellis
and Rush counties, said they planted a little more than 2,000 acres of wheat last
fall. An increase from a typical year. He said they have already destroyed half of this year’s crop.
Leaving his farm with approximately 1,000 acres of wheat.Leiker said in talking with area crop adjusters and other
farmers, he believes as much as 50 to 55 percent of the wheat crop could end up being
destroyed this year in Ellis County.He also thinks this year’s wheat harvest could be
the smallest in decades. Leiker called the 2012 harvest a “light” year but said
he cannot remember a year where they destroyed the amount of acres they have
this year.In its May 12 Crop Production report, the National
Agricultural Statistics Service said Kansas’ production is expected to be 191.4
million bushels, which would equal the lowest since 1963.The USDA says Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado are all anticipated
to have a historically low ratio for the number of acres planted to the number
of acres harvested.For Leiker, it’s the second failed crop in a row after last
year’s corn crop. He also said the drought and the late freeze have himself
and other farmers worried about the quality of wheat they will have left over
to use as seed wheat for next year.Both Leiker and Campbell said some of the region has
benefited from the spotty rains last fall and again this spring.Leiker said some areas that received rain in September are
going to see a marginal crop, but “without that rain, the crop is going to be
very minimal.”Campbell said the recent rains have helped.“Ideally, it needed to come earlier to be of huge benefit,”
Campbell said. “But I think this last little bit of moisture and cooler weather
on some of the wheat that is still out there, it could have benefitted it
some.”Campbell said some farmers have been able to turn their
cattle out on the failed wheat. But Leiker called that just a band-aid.&nbsp;The drought is also having an impact on the available acres of grassland to graze cattle and the lack of available hay.Some combines were already seen rolling in southeast and southcentral Kansas over the weekend, and Leiker said he anticipates harvest will start about normal time in Ellis County, the last 10 days of June, weather permitting.The recent rains have allowed spring planting to get off to
a good start.Leiker said conditions couldn’t be any better and that it’s “a
good start but need mother nature to finish it out.”He also added that the recent round of showers the region is
experiencing gives him, “hope.”

Drought gripping western Kansas wheat crop

Kansas wheat farmers will reap the smallest harvest in more than 60 years. Persistent drought withered much of the crop.

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/frank-morris">Frank Morris</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">KCUR</a>

SYLVAN GROVE— Kansas is “the wheat state,” the officially adopted moniker that embraces its place as the country’s breadbasket.

Tall white grain elevators, some decorated with wheat murals, loom over tiny farm towns. For decades, Kansas led the nation in wheat production, and the U.S. led the world in wheat exports.

But this year’s meager wheat harvest turns that proud tradition on its head.

Kansas flour mills will likely buy wheat grown in Eastern Europe. It’s like Texas importing oil, West Virginia hauling in coal, or the Saudis shipping in sand.

Aaron Harries, vice president of research and operations at Kansas Wheat, said it’s never happened before.

“That truly is unfortunate,” he said. “And it’s another hit against our domestic farmers.”

The High Plains is dry in the best of times. For the last two years, a deep drought withered much of this prime wheat-producing region.

This year’s Kansas wheat harvest is shaping up to be the smallest since 1957 when the Eisenhower administration intentionally suppressed wheat production.

It’s much the same in Oklahoma. The crop is so poor, some farmers are dousing their measly crops with herbicide to contain their losses and collect insurance.

That creates searing economic pain radiating through prairie towns where summer wheat sales are the staff of life.

Seen from a highway, the wheat crop doesn’t look horrible. A lot of it’s green. But step into one of the fields that John Thaemert farms near Sylvan Grove and you start to see the damage.

“All of my wheat looks pretty bad, but this is by far the worst. Thin. Short. Dead spots,” Thaemert said. “You could not justify taking this crop to harvest.”

The surviving plants here are less than half as tall as they should be this year and have hardly produced any grain. It isn’t worth the cost of harvesting, let alone all the money Thaemert spent on seed, chemicals and fuel to plant and nurture this wheat.

About a quarter of the wheat fields in Kansas are in the same abysmal state. They’re worth more dead than alive.

Farmer Mike McClellan in Palco said he’ll probably kill his entire 1,500-acre wheat crop with herbicide. That will cost him another $20,000, but it will allow him to collect crop insurance. It will also keep the failed plants from drawing any more water from the parched soil and help check soil erosion.

McClellan said he’s got nothing but bad options.

“You’re seeing a lot of depression out here in farm country because of it,” McClellan said. “It’s a hard decision to destroy your crop.”

Like many farmers, McClellan said he’s never seen a worse wheat crop. That’s a problem for the whole region. The regional economy depends on wheat to bring an influx of money in the summer. When the wheat dries up, so does the local economy.

Most farmers have crop insurance to keep them in business in bad years, but other rural businesses don’t have the same government-subsidized cushion against bad times. Farm cooperatives that make their money buying and selling grain and farm supplies have laid off employees at a time of year when most would be staffing up for harvest, according to a COOP manager.

Clothing shops, restaurants and equipment dealerships are hunkering down. Dave Marmie, who’s been selling Fords in downtown Great Bend for more than half a century, said sales have already slumped.

“It gets felt up and down Main Street,” he said. “When you have no wheat crop, a lot of people suffer. It’s not just the farmer.”

The short wheat crop in Kansas and Oklahoma comes at a terrible time for the global wheat supply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates wheat stocks among major exporting countries will sink to a 16-year<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Newsroom/Executive_Briefings/2023/05-12-2023.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;low</a>&nbsp;next year.

Wheat prices spiked last year because of disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Those prices dropped, but they still hover above historical averages and the lousy harvest in Kansas helps to sustain higher prices.

Still, Kansas wheat farmers are already making plans for next year. McClellan, who’s harvesting none of his crop this summer, said he’ll probably plant even more wheat for next year’s harvest.

“We’re always optimistic,” he said. “All droughts come to an end. I just hope we’re around to see it when it does.”

<h2>Kansas wheat farmers will reap the smallest harvest in more than 60 years. Persistent drought withered much of the crop.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686237402124.png" alt="Drought-stricken wheat that’s been finished off with herbicide in Ellsworth County Kansas.&nbsp;Frank Morris/KCUR/NPR" />
 <figcaption>Drought-stricken wheat that’s been finished off with herbicide in Ellsworth County Kansas.&nbsp;Frank Morris/KCUR/NPR</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/frank-morris">Frank Morris</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">KCUR</a> SYLVAN GROVE— Kansas is “the wheat state,” the officially adopted moniker that embraces its place as the country’s breadbasket.Tall white grain elevators, some decorated with wheat murals, loom over tiny farm towns. For decades, Kansas led the nation in wheat production, and the U.S. led the world in wheat exports.But this year’s meager wheat harvest turns that proud tradition on its head.Kansas flour mills will likely buy wheat grown in Eastern Europe. It’s like Texas importing oil, West Virginia hauling in coal, or the Saudis shipping in sand.Aaron Harries, vice president of research and operations at Kansas Wheat, said it’s never happened before.“That truly is unfortunate,” he said. “And it’s another hit against our domestic farmers.”Thank Mother Nature.The High Plains is dry in the best of times. For the last two years, a deep drought withered much of this prime wheat-producing region.This year’s Kansas wheat harvest is shaping up to be the smallest since 1957 when the Eisenhower administration intentionally suppressed wheat production.It’s much the same in Oklahoma. The crop is so poor, some farmers are dousing their measly crops with herbicide to contain their losses and collect insurance.That creates searing economic pain radiating through prairie towns where summer wheat sales are the staff of life.<h2>Thin Short Dead</h2>Seen from a highway, the wheat crop doesn’t look horrible. A lot of it’s green. But step into one of the fields that John Thaemert farms near Sylvan Grove and you start to see the damage.“All of my wheat looks pretty bad, but this is by far the worst. Thin. Short. Dead spots,” Thaemert said. “You could not justify taking this crop to harvest.”The surviving plants here are less than half as tall as they should be this year and have hardly produced any grain. It isn’t worth the cost of harvesting, let alone all the money Thaemert spent on seed, chemicals and fuel to plant and nurture this wheat.About a quarter of the wheat fields in Kansas are in the same abysmal state. They’re worth more dead than alive.Farmer Mike McClellan in Palco said he’ll probably kill his entire 1,500-acre wheat crop with herbicide. That will cost him another $20,000, but it will allow him to collect crop insurance. It will also keep the failed plants from drawing any more water from the parched soil and help check soil erosion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686237455118.png" alt="Farmer John Thaemert enjoys the first big rain in months on his farm near Sylvan Grove. Photo by&nbsp;Frank Morris/KCUR" />
 <figcaption>Farmer John Thaemert enjoys the first big rain in months on his farm near Sylvan Grove. Photo by&nbsp;Frank Morris/KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>McClellan said he’s got nothing but bad options.“You’re seeing a lot of depression out here in farm country because of it,” McClellan said. “It’s a hard decision to destroy your crop.”Like many farmers, McClellan said he’s never seen a worse wheat crop. That’s a problem for the whole region. The regional economy depends on wheat to bring an influx of money in the summer. When the wheat dries up, so does the local economy.Most farmers have crop insurance to keep them in business in bad years, but other rural businesses don’t have the same government-subsidized cushion against bad times. Farm cooperatives that make their money buying and selling grain and farm supplies have laid off employees at a time of year when most would be staffing up for harvest, according to a COOP manager.Clothing shops, restaurants and equipment dealerships are hunkering down. Dave Marmie, who’s been selling Fords in downtown Great Bend for more than half a century, said sales have already slumped.“It gets felt up and down Main Street,” he said. “When you have no wheat crop, a lot of people suffer. It’s not just the farmer.”The short wheat crop in Kansas and Oklahoma comes at a terrible time for the global wheat supply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates wheat stocks among major exporting countries will sink to a 16-year<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Newsroom/Executive_Briefings/2023/05-12-2023.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;low</a>&nbsp;next year.Wheat prices spiked last year because of disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Those prices dropped, but they still hover above historical averages and the lousy harvest in Kansas helps to sustain higher prices.Still, Kansas wheat farmers are already making plans for next year. McClellan, who’s harvesting none of his crop this summer, said he’ll probably plant even more wheat for next year’s harvest.“We’re always optimistic,” he said. “All droughts come to an end. I just hope we’re around to see it when it does.”

High plains drought so bad Kansas importing wheat from Europe

TOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place May 24, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Douglas ‑&nbsp;24‑23 KA‑6282‑01 ‑ U.S. 24/U.S. 40/U.S. 59, intersection located north of Lawrence, lighting, J Warren Company Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $240,763.00.

Douglas ‑&nbsp;40‑23 KA‑2841‑02 – U.S. 40, (6th Street)/K‑10 interchange at Lawrence, interchange/s, Kings Construction Co. Inc., Oskaloosa, Kansas, $14,017,220.08.

Osage ‑&nbsp;75‑70 KA‑6736‑01 – U.S. 75, four bridges – the locations are - over Frog Creek 0.6 mile north of the Coffey County line, 1 mile north of the Coffey County line, 2.1 miles north of the Coffey County line and 3 miles north of the Coffey County line, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, $937,415.50

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;89 TE‑0505‑03 – Topeka, on Tyler Street from Paramore Street to Lyman Road, and Waddell Street, from Tyler Street to Soldier Creek, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.9 mile, Kansas Heavy Construction LLC, Shawnee, Kansas, $415,272.50.

Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 KA‑6943‑01 – Former K-99, 0.8 mile of roadway, milling and overlay, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $185,448.00.

&nbsp;District Two — North Central

Saline ‑&nbsp;70‑85 KA‑6893‑01 – I-70, high mast light tower #085L0052 located at westbound I‑70 rest area ramp near North Amos Road, lighting, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $89,217.00.

&nbsp;District Three — Northwest

&nbsp;Logan ‑&nbsp;83‑55 KA‑6714‑01 – U.S. 83, from the west U.S. 40/U.S. 83 junction north to the Thomas/Logan county line, milling and overlay, 1 mile, McCormick Excavation &amp; Paving LLC, Stratton, Colorado, $388,869.37.

Thomas ‑&nbsp;83‑97 KA‑6713‑01 – U.S. 83, from the Logan/Thomas county line north 10 miles to end of 10-foot shoulders, milling and overlay, 10 miles, McCormick Excavation &amp; Paving LLC, Stratton, Colorado, $2,669,024.16

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6919‑01 ‑ Multiple locations in District Three - Sherman, Wallace, Thomas, Decatur, Norton and Phillips counties, milling, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $21,127.50.

Cowley ‑&nbsp;166‑18 KA‑6917‑01 – U.S. 166, from the U.S. 166/U.S. 77 junction east to the Cowley/Chautauqua county line, pavement marking, 28.4 miles, Cillessen and Sons Inc., Kechi, Kansas, $396,993.11

Harvey ‑&nbsp;135‑40 KA‑6731‑01 ‑ I‑135, bridge located 1 mile north of the K‑196/I‑135 junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $94,432.25.

Reno ‑&nbsp;61‑78 KA‑6911‑01 ‑ K‑61, bridge over Medora Road located 1 mile north of South Dean Road, milling and overlay, 0.1 mile, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $173,283.00.

Sumner ‑&nbsp;160‑96 KA‑3888‑01 ‑ U.S. 160, bridge over Hargis Creek located 0.3 mile east of the east U.S. 81 junction, bridge replacement, Dondlinger &amp; Sons Construction Co. Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $3,564,404.00

Clark ‑&nbsp;160‑13 KA‑6362‑01 – U.S. 160, pedestrian ramp and crosswalks in the city of Ashland, special, 1.4 miles, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $189,924.20

Ford ‑&nbsp;34‑29 KA‑6920‑01 ‑ K‑34, from the west K‑34/U.S. 54 junction north to the U.S. 400/K‑34 junction, sealing, 3.6 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $198,440.50.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6268‑01 – K‑23, U.S. 54, K‑98 and U.S. 160 in Meade, Clark and Gray counties, signing, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $408,274.34

The following projects have been approved from the April 19, 2023, letting.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;87 N‑0738‑01 ‑ West Zoo Boulevard bridge over M.S. Mitch Mitchell Floodway in Wichita, bridge repair, 0.1 mile, Dondlinger &amp; Sons Construction Co. Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $2,706,804.50

Cherokee ‑&nbsp;69‑11 KA‑6619‑01 ‑ U.S. 69, from the U.S. 160/U.S. 400 junction north to the Crawford/Cherokee county line, milling and overlay, 11.1 miles, Emery Sapp &amp; Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $3,366,982.10.

Coffey ‑&nbsp;16 C‑5074‑01 ‑ Bridge, located 0.6 mile north and 3.5 miles west of Waverly over tributary to Sand Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $586,530.69.

Cherokee ‑&nbsp;400‑11 KA‑6620‑01 ‑ U.S. 400, from Riverton roundabout north to the U.S. 160/U.S. 69/U.S. 400 junction, milling and overlay, 7.3 miles, Emery Sapp &amp; Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $2,411,268.51.

Ellsworth ‑&nbsp;27 TE‑0492‑01 ‑ Locations on west side of K‑14 from Grace Lane to Smoky Hill River bridge, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.5 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $738,189.51

Franklin ‑&nbsp;30 C‑5114‑01 ‑ Bridge, located northwest of Ottawa over Eight Mile Creek, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Dondlinger &amp; Sons Construction Co. Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,192,988.60.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686146727031.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTTOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place May 24, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastDouglas ‑&nbsp;24‑23 KA‑6282‑01 ‑ U.S. 24/U.S. 40/U.S. 59, intersection located north of Lawrence, lighting, J Warren Company Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $240,763.00.Douglas ‑&nbsp;40‑23 KA‑2841‑02 – U.S. 40, (6th Street)/K‑10 interchange at Lawrence, interchange/s, Kings Construction Co. Inc., Oskaloosa, Kansas, $14,017,220.08.Osage ‑&nbsp;75‑70 KA‑6736‑01 – U.S. 75, four bridges – the locations are - over Frog Creek 0.6 mile north of the Coffey County line, 1 mile north of the Coffey County line, 2.1 miles north of the Coffey County line and 3 miles north of the Coffey County line, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, $937,415.50Shawnee ‑&nbsp;89 TE‑0505‑03 – Topeka, on Tyler Street from Paramore Street to Lyman Road, and Waddell Street, from Tyler Street to Soldier Creek, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.9 mile, Kansas Heavy Construction LLC, Shawnee, Kansas, $415,272.50.Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 KA‑6943‑01 – Former K-99, 0.8 mile of roadway, milling and overlay, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $185,448.00.&nbsp;District Two — North CentralSaline ‑&nbsp;70‑85 KA‑6893‑01 – I-70, high mast light tower #085L0052 located at westbound I‑70 rest area ramp near North Amos Road, lighting, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $89,217.00.&nbsp;District Three — Northwest&nbsp;Logan ‑&nbsp;83‑55 KA‑6714‑01 – U.S. 83, from the west U.S. 40/U.S. 83 junction north to the Thomas/Logan county line, milling and overlay, 1 mile, McCormick Excavation &amp; Paving LLC, Stratton, Colorado, $388,869.37.Thomas ‑&nbsp;83‑97 KA‑6713‑01 – U.S. 83, from the Logan/Thomas county line north 10 miles to end of 10-foot shoulders, milling and overlay, 10 miles, McCormick Excavation &amp; Paving LLC, Stratton, Colorado, $2,669,024.16Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6919‑01 ‑ Multiple locations in District Three - Sherman, Wallace, Thomas, Decatur, Norton and Phillips counties, milling, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $21,127.50.District Five — South CentralCowley ‑&nbsp;166‑18 KA‑6917‑01 – U.S. 166, from the U.S. 166/U.S. 77 junction east to the Cowley/Chautauqua county line, pavement marking, 28.4 miles, Cillessen and Sons Inc., Kechi, Kansas, $396,993.11Harvey ‑&nbsp;135‑40 KA‑6731‑01 ‑ I‑135, bridge located 1 mile north of the K‑196/I‑135 junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $94,432.25.Reno ‑&nbsp;61‑78 KA‑6911‑01 ‑ K‑61, bridge over Medora Road located 1 mile north of South Dean Road, milling and overlay, 0.1 mile, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $173,283.00.Sumner ‑&nbsp;160‑96 KA‑3888‑01 ‑ U.S. 160, bridge over Hargis Creek located 0.3 mile east of the east U.S. 81 junction, bridge replacement, Dondlinger &amp; Sons Construction Co. Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $3,564,404.00District Six — SouthwestClark ‑&nbsp;160‑13 KA‑6362‑01 – U.S. 160, pedestrian ramp and crosswalks in the city of Ashland, special, 1.4 miles, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $189,924.20Ford ‑&nbsp;34‑29 KA‑6920‑01 ‑ K‑34, from the west K‑34/U.S. 54 junction north to the U.S. 400/K‑34 junction, sealing, 3.6 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $198,440.50.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6268‑01 – K‑23, U.S. 54, K‑98 and U.S. 160 in Meade, Clark and Gray counties, signing, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $408,274.34The following projects have been approved from the April 19, 2023, letting.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;87 N‑0738‑01 ‑ West Zoo Boulevard bridge over M.S. Mitch Mitchell Floodway in Wichita, bridge repair, 0.1 mile, Dondlinger &amp; Sons Construction Co. Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $2,706,804.50Cherokee ‑&nbsp;69‑11 KA‑6619‑01 ‑ U.S. 69, from the U.S. 160/U.S. 400 junction north to the Crawford/Cherokee county line, milling and overlay, 11.1 miles, Emery Sapp &amp; Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $3,366,982.10.Coffey ‑&nbsp;16 C‑5074‑01 ‑ Bridge, located 0.6 mile north and 3.5 miles west of Waverly over tributary to Sand Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $586,530.69.Cherokee ‑&nbsp;400‑11 KA‑6620‑01 ‑ U.S. 400, from Riverton roundabout north to the U.S. 160/U.S. 69/U.S. 400 junction, milling and overlay, 7.3 miles, Emery Sapp &amp; Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $2,411,268.51.Ellsworth ‑&nbsp;27 TE‑0492‑01 ‑ Locations on west side of K‑14 from Grace Lane to Smoky Hill River bridge, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.5 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $738,189.51Franklin ‑&nbsp;30 C‑5114‑01 ‑ Bridge, located northwest of Ottawa over Eight Mile Creek, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Dondlinger &amp; Sons Construction Co. Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,192,988.60.

U.S. 83 in Logan, Thomas counties among scheduled highway projects this summer

Reservations open for Catbackers golf tourney, banquet, scholarship auction

<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/2023/6/1686346528190.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

A public hearing will be held at 8:15 a.m. June 14 by the Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals. 

Midwest Energy is requesting to build a 60-ft. monopole at 600 E. 11th, which is in a heavy industrial zoning district.

The meeting will be held in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686147066834.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA public hearing will be held at 8:15 a.m. June 14 by the Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals. Midwest Energy is requesting to build a 60-ft. monopole at 600 E. 11th, which is in a heavy industrial zoning district.The meeting will be held in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Midwest Energy requesting to erect microwave monopole on East 11th St. in Hays

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;director of business recruitment and development David Clingan discusses The MicroFactory, a business development project in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/df16c2ba-b93d-4a92-896d-adca67d19692">Grow Hays Microfactory receives Schmidt Foundation grant</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b0833de-8582-4800-b0ce-7f4ea9baf6d7">Lt. Gov. Toland: Grow Hays Microfactory an 'idea whose time has come'</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1b126893-dbb2-4065-be9e-17f523104d93">Groundbreaking for Hays Microfactory set for next week</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/218d9147-4128-4b12-8d10-a1b698e1b1c7">$2.6 million BASE grant awarded to proposed Hays microfactory</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665167255581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Work continues at site of Hays Microfactory" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6hmg8-142d86b-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;director of business recruitment and development David Clingan discusses The MicroFactory, a business development project in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Read more about the project:</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/df16c2ba-b93d-4a92-896d-adca67d19692">Grow Hays Microfactory receives Schmidt Foundation grant</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b0833de-8582-4800-b0ce-7f4ea9baf6d7">Lt. Gov. Toland: Grow Hays Microfactory an 'idea whose time has come'</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1b126893-dbb2-4065-be9e-17f523104d93">Groundbreaking for Hays Microfactory set for next week</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/218d9147-4128-4b12-8d10-a1b698e1b1c7">$2.6 million BASE grant awarded to proposed Hays microfactory</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Work continues at site of Hays MicroFactory

Is the Kansas Legislature driving out “undesirables”?&nbsp; It would appear so.

In a recent series on KCUR’s&nbsp;Kansas City Today,&nbsp;reporters documented numerous personal stories of Transgender Kansans and Missourians who no longer feel safe in either state.&nbsp; Some are simply packing up the car and leaving for other states. These include the parents of Trans kids, who no longer feel this is a safe environment for their children.&nbsp; Some said they appreciated their own local community and did not want to leave, but felt they must evacuate before things get even more unsafe at the state level.

Of course, the interviewees were concerned about state laws themselves.&nbsp; For example, Transgender Kansas girls are no longer allowed to play girls’ sports.&nbsp; Trans Kansans will soon be prohibited from changing their sex on drivers’ licenses or other state documents, nor may they use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity.&nbsp; The legislature nearly banned gender-affirming healthcare for Trans youth but failed to override Governor Kelly’s veto.

More thoughtful, carefully-crafted policies had already been in place.&nbsp;

 For example, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) regulations included the requirement that, “Gender identity of the student must be bona fide and not for the purpose of ‘gaining an unfair competitive advantage.’” They also recommended that gender identity on school registration records, medical documentation, and possible unfair advantages of changing gender be reviewed before any decision is made about sports participation.&nbsp; Legislators decided they knew better and replaced these with an inflexible ban.

KCUR’s interviewees expressed just as much concern over the overall climate being created by these bills and debates, as by the laws themselves.&nbsp; Consider the story of one Kansas couple who both identify as gender nonbinary. Instead of relocating, they have each purchased guns and learned how to use them.&nbsp; They no longer have faith in the states to provide even reasonable protections against hate crimes.&nbsp;

Legislators promoting these bills deny this.&nbsp; For example, Rep. Steve Howe of Salina rejected the claim that these bills hurt Trans kids, arguing instead that he was protecting kids from situations in which they change their minds after beginning gender-affirming care, some of which is irreversible.&nbsp; In fact, such occurrences are rare, but they do happen.&nbsp; Sensible guidelines modeled on the KSHSAA ones for athletes would be welcome.&nbsp; Yet Howe and his colleagues chose outright bans instead, stopped only by a veto pen—for now.

These legislators often speak of “parents’ rights.” They seek to ban or create parental exemptions from school curricula acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ persons or promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.&nbsp; What about the rights of parents who support their Trans kids?&nbsp; Like any medical procedure, gender-affirming care requires the consent of a parent or guardian for anyone under 18 unless they have been emancipated, which is rare.&nbsp; Apparently, these parents do not have rights.&nbsp; Some politicians have called them child abusers.&nbsp; In other states, it has been suggested that they lose custody or even face criminal prosecution.&nbsp; Increasingly, parents’ rights are only for the chosen—and politicians do the choosing.

In these changing times, carefully-crafted policies are needed, such as the now-invalidated KSHSAA guidelines.&nbsp; Yet instead, things have reached the point where some Kansans feel they must either move away or arm themselves.&nbsp; In order to change this, we must first acknowledge the painful truth that things really have gotten to this point.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITHIs the Kansas Legislature driving out “undesirables”?&nbsp; It would appear so.In a recent series on KCUR’s&nbsp;Kansas City Today,&nbsp;reporters documented numerous personal stories of Transgender Kansans and Missourians who no longer feel safe in either state.&nbsp; Some are simply packing up the car and leaving for other states. These include the parents of Trans kids, who no longer feel this is a safe environment for their children.&nbsp; Some said they appreciated their own local community and did not want to leave, but felt they must evacuate before things get even more unsafe at the state level.Of course, the interviewees were concerned about state laws themselves.&nbsp; For example, Transgender Kansas girls are no longer allowed to play girls’ sports.&nbsp; Trans Kansans will soon be prohibited from changing their sex on drivers’ licenses or other state documents, nor may they use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity.&nbsp; The legislature nearly banned gender-affirming healthcare for Trans youth but failed to override Governor Kelly’s veto.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>More thoughtful, carefully-crafted policies had already been in place.&nbsp; For example, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) regulations included the requirement that, “Gender identity of the student must be bona fide and not for the purpose of ‘gaining an unfair competitive advantage.’” They also recommended that gender identity on school registration records, medical documentation, and possible unfair advantages of changing gender be reviewed before any decision is made about sports participation.&nbsp; Legislators decided they knew better and replaced these with an inflexible ban.KCUR’s interviewees expressed just as much concern over the overall climate being created by these bills and debates, as by the laws themselves.&nbsp; Consider the story of one Kansas couple who both identify as gender nonbinary. Instead of relocating, they have each purchased guns and learned how to use them.&nbsp; They no longer have faith in the states to provide even reasonable protections against hate crimes.&nbsp;Legislators promoting these bills deny this.&nbsp; For example, Rep. Steve Howe of Salina rejected the claim that these bills hurt Trans kids, arguing instead that he was protecting kids from situations in which they change their minds after beginning gender-affirming care, some of which is irreversible.&nbsp; In fact, such occurrences are rare, but they do happen.&nbsp; Sensible guidelines modeled on the KSHSAA ones for athletes would be welcome.&nbsp; Yet Howe and his colleagues chose outright bans instead, stopped only by a veto pen—for now.These legislators often speak of “parents’ rights.” They seek to ban or create parental exemptions from school curricula acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ persons or promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.&nbsp; What about the rights of parents who support their Trans kids?&nbsp; Like any medical procedure, gender-affirming care requires the consent of a parent or guardian for anyone under 18 unless they have been emancipated, which is rare.&nbsp; Apparently, these parents do not have rights.&nbsp; Some politicians have called them child abusers.&nbsp; In other states, it has been suggested that they lose custody or even face criminal prosecution.&nbsp; Increasingly, parents’ rights are only for the chosen—and politicians do the choosing.In these changing times, carefully-crafted policies are needed, such as the now-invalidated KSHSAA guidelines.&nbsp; Yet instead, things have reached the point where some Kansans feel they must either move away or arm themselves.&nbsp; In order to change this, we must first acknowledge the painful truth that things really have gotten to this point.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: A choice for trans Kansans and their families—move away, or buy a gun?

Fort Hays State University Science and Mathematics Education Institute is having a free Come and Go Community Event&nbsp;for all ages (Children younger than 10 years must be accompanied by adults at all times.) Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9-10:30 a.m.&nbsp;outside Tomanek Hall south of Forsyth Library on Fort Hays State University campus.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686081484444.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>SubmittedFort Hays State University Science and Mathematics Education Institute is having a free Come and Go Community Event&nbsp;for all ages (Children younger than 10 years must be accompanied by adults at all times.) Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9-10:30 a.m.&nbsp;outside Tomanek Hall south of Forsyth Library on Fort Hays State University campus.

Free kids' science activities, Makervan this week at FHSU

MANHATTAN - A total of 21 members from the Northwest District were awarded their State FFA Degree during the 95th Kansas Future Farmers of America Convention, May 31-June 2, 2023, on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. 

The state degree is the highest honor the Kansas FFA Association can bestow upon its members. 

In order to achieve this award, members must meet the following requirements: have received their Chapter FFA Degree, been an FFA member and agricultural education student for at least two years, earned at least $2,000, or worked 600 hours in their Supervised Agricultural Experience program, given a six-minute speech about agriculture or FFA, participated in eight different leadership activities, received a “C” average or better in high school and shown a record of outstanding leadership and community involvement. 

The members who met these qualifications and their respective FFA chapters from the Northwest District are: Hays – Mackenzie Hagerman, Jalynn Weilert; Hill City – Gracie Billips, Ella Hart; Hoxie – Drew Bretz; Lakeside – Ross Hutson; Northern Valley – Austyn Cox, Kai Cox; Norton – Mackenzie Clydesdale, Wade David, Ellie Kats, Jenessa Anne Ruder; Oakley – Ryley Sharpe; Phillipsburg – Austin Dierking, Layton Johnson; Quinter – Brayden Polifka; Russell – Mileah Backhus, Gracie Karst; Smith Center – Ean Diane, Hayden Lehmann; St. Francis – Makaila Mattheis.

&nbsp;Each state degree recipient receives a state degree charm — a symbol of the member’s growth and development — sponsored by Kansas Electric Cooperatives.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685628690226.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Kansas FFAMANHATTAN - A total of 21 members from the Northwest District were awarded their State FFA Degree during the 95th Kansas Future Farmers of America Convention, May 31-June 2, 2023, on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. The state degree is the highest honor the Kansas FFA Association can bestow upon its members. In order to achieve this award, members must meet the following requirements: have received their Chapter FFA Degree, been an FFA member and agricultural education student for at least two years, earned at least $2,000, or worked 600 hours in their Supervised Agricultural Experience program, given a six-minute speech about agriculture or FFA, participated in eight different leadership activities, received a “C” average or better in high school and shown a record of outstanding leadership and community involvement. The members who met these qualifications and their respective FFA chapters from the Northwest District are: Hays – Mackenzie Hagerman, Jalynn Weilert; Hill City – Gracie Billips, Ella Hart; Hoxie – Drew Bretz; Lakeside – Ross Hutson; Northern Valley – Austyn Cox, Kai Cox; Norton – Mackenzie Clydesdale, Wade David, Ellie Kats, Jenessa Anne Ruder; Oakley – Ryley Sharpe; Phillipsburg – Austin Dierking, Layton Johnson; Quinter – Brayden Polifka; Russell – Mileah Backhus, Gracie Karst; Smith Center – Ean Diane, Hayden Lehmann; St. Francis – Makaila Mattheis.&nbsp;Each state degree recipient receives a state degree charm — a symbol of the member’s growth and development — sponsored by Kansas Electric Cooperatives.&nbsp;

Highest honor earned by 21 NW Kansas FFA District members at state convention

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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>