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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690559375664.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

In Wichita, Topeka, and elsewhere across Kansas, the municipal election cycle is underway. 

Candidates for city council and school board seats and mayor will be selected in the primary elections which will conclude on Tuesday, August 1. For those few Kansans involved in these races, whether as candidates or supporters or observers, here’s a primer on how they are (and aren’t) changing.

The most important basic electoral reality in local elections is the word I just used: “few.” Even as voter turnout has trended upwards nationwide, participation in municipal elections seems likely to remain very low. 

When mayoral candidates, who compete for city-wide pool of potential voters, are on the ballot, the primary elections may see only 10% of registered voters bothering to cast ballots; when you only have city council and school board members running in their distinct districts, overall turnout is almost always even less.

This means that candidates looking to advance to their respective general elections in November are trying to find ways to motivate a relatively tiny number of likely voters.

The decline in the social role which political parties once played has made this more difficult. Partisanship is, of course, widely condemned as interfering with the ability of elected representatives to compromise with one another—and looking at our national government, the evidence in support to that condemnation is plentiful.

But at the same time, parties are the greatest political tool yet invented for helping busy citizens, especially during times of social unrest and confusion, to identify with other voters, interest groups, and ultimately candidates who share and represent best their own considered opinions. As much as people dislike the political polarization in America, that same fierce attachment to one’s chosen political tribe is part of what has been getting more citizens to vote nationwide.

Municipal elections in Kansas are, by state law, non-partisan. However, this has never stopped party-aligned organizations from promoting their preferred candidates for city council or school board—lately, more and more explicitly. 

In recent election cycles in Kansas, we’ve seen country, state, and even national Republican party and affiliated socially conservative or libertarian groups support—through donations, but also through mailers, phone banks, and more—local candidates (different Democratic groups have done the same, but not nearly so often or as well).

But whether this will result in any increase in turnout remains to be seen. There may simply be a hard ceiling on how many people can be engaged by arguments over classroom curricula, land development, and other city and school issues (especially during the summer). If that is the case, the unapologetic partisanship in how some candidates fund and develop their campaigns—however much they may avoid partisan language in favor of emphasizing broad, presumably unifying generalities—may merely result in a fair amount of partisan cannibalization.

The better funded Republican and Democratic municipal candidates, even if they don’t personally campaign as such, may split voters, attracting some that might have voted differently, looking at questions of civic experience and competence rather than party allegiance. 

For some local candidates, who may be committed members of their parties but also operating on the increasingly-dated assumption that local races needn’t have any connection to ideologically-affiliated money, interests, or causes, the potential eclipse of their detail-oriented arguments by well-connected candidates is frustrating.

Still, politics is always changing, and candidates must adapt. Ultimately, I have respect for every candidate who wades into these murky waters. Late into the night on August 1, I’ll be watching.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt="An expert on local and urban democracy,&nbsp;Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An expert on local and urban democracy,&nbsp;Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In Wichita, Topeka, and elsewhere across Kansas, the municipal election cycle is underway. Candidates for city council and school board seats and mayor will be selected in the primary elections which will conclude on Tuesday, August 1. For those few Kansans involved in these races, whether as candidates or supporters or observers, here’s a primer on how they are (and aren’t) changing.The most important basic electoral reality in local elections is the word I just used: “few.” Even as voter turnout has trended upwards nationwide, participation in municipal elections seems likely to remain very low. When mayoral candidates, who compete for city-wide pool of potential voters, are on the ballot, the primary elections may see only 10% of registered voters bothering to cast ballots; when you only have city council and school board members running in their distinct districts, overall turnout is almost always even less.This means that candidates looking to advance to their respective general elections in November are trying to find ways to motivate a relatively tiny number of likely voters.The decline in the social role which political parties once played has made this more difficult. Partisanship is, of course, widely condemned as interfering with the ability of elected representatives to compromise with one another—and looking at our national government, the evidence in support to that condemnation is plentiful.But at the same time, parties are the greatest political tool yet invented for helping busy citizens, especially during times of social unrest and confusion, to identify with other voters, interest groups, and ultimately candidates who share and represent best their own considered opinions. As much as people dislike the political polarization in America, that same fierce attachment to one’s chosen political tribe is part of what has been getting more citizens to vote nationwide.Municipal elections in Kansas are, by state law, non-partisan. However, this has never stopped party-aligned organizations from promoting their preferred candidates for city council or school board—lately, more and more explicitly. In recent election cycles in Kansas, we’ve seen country, state, and even national Republican party and affiliated socially conservative or libertarian groups support—through donations, but also through mailers, phone banks, and more—local candidates (different Democratic groups have done the same, but not nearly so often or as well).But whether this will result in any increase in turnout remains to be seen. There may simply be a hard ceiling on how many people can be engaged by arguments over classroom curricula, land development, and other city and school issues (especially during the summer). If that is the case, the unapologetic partisanship in how some candidates fund and develop their campaigns—however much they may avoid partisan language in favor of emphasizing broad, presumably unifying generalities—may merely result in a fair amount of partisan cannibalization.The better funded Republican and Democratic municipal candidates, even if they don’t personally campaign as such, may split voters, attracting some that might have voted differently, looking at questions of civic experience and competence rather than party allegiance. For some local candidates, who may be committed members of their parties but also operating on the increasingly-dated assumption that local races needn’t have any connection to ideologically-affiliated money, interests, or causes, the potential eclipse of their detail-oriented arguments by well-connected candidates is frustrating.Still, politics is always changing, and candidates must adapt. Ultimately, I have respect for every candidate who wades into these murky waters. Late into the night on August 1, I’ll be watching.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: How municipal primaries are changing

100% pass rate for CCC nursing students on national exam

MANHATTAN — Join agriculture leaders from across the state at the eighth annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Thursday, August 17, at the Manhattan Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn, 410 S. 3rd&nbsp;St. in Manhattan.

The 2023 Ag Growth Summit will be held as an in-person event, with an emphasis on opportunities for discussion and networking. 

This year’s event will take a different format than in past years, with a focus on broad topics that affect the whole agriculture community, rather than small sessions separated by individual ag sectors. All farmers, ranchers, agribusiness owners and industry professionals are welcome at the Ag Growth Summit — if you’re committed to working for agricultural growth in Kansas, please join us in this effort.

Workforce and water have been identified as two major areas of focus that have a significant impact on the potential for growth in Kansas agriculture, so guest speakers and small group discussions during the day will be directed toward those two topics.

Attendees are also invited to participate in a social event on the evening of August 16, also at the Manhattan Conference Center.

There is no cost to attend any of the Ag Growth Summit meetings or events, but it is important that attendees register so KDA can provide adequate materials for attendees and have accurate meal counts. 

Registration has begun for the Summit at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L1N1bW1pdD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjIzLjc4NjkwMjMxIn0.9oOkXm_uCZQMTZYz1OZ-9YLjvgHYIxYCGoUuzps3_So/s/1377890594/br/207480417788-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/Summit</a>, along with a link to reserve a room at the Hilton Garden Inn.

If you have questions about the 2023 Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth, please contact Auburn Wassberg at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov" target="_blank">Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6799.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687536170275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KS Dept. of AgricultureMANHATTAN — Join agriculture leaders from across the state at the eighth annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Thursday, August 17, at the Manhattan Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn, 410 S. 3rd&nbsp;St. in Manhattan.The 2023 Ag Growth Summit will be held as an in-person event, with an emphasis on opportunities for discussion and networking. This year’s event will take a different format than in past years, with a focus on broad topics that affect the whole agriculture community, rather than small sessions separated by individual ag sectors. All farmers, ranchers, agribusiness owners and industry professionals are welcome at the Ag Growth Summit — if you’re committed to working for agricultural growth in Kansas, please join us in this effort.Workforce and water have been identified as two major areas of focus that have a significant impact on the potential for growth in Kansas agriculture, so guest speakers and small group discussions during the day will be directed toward those two topics.Attendees are also invited to participate in a social event on the evening of August 16, also at the Manhattan Conference Center.There is no cost to attend any of the Ag Growth Summit meetings or events, but it is important that attendees register so KDA can provide adequate materials for attendees and have accurate meal counts. Registration has begun for the Summit at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L1N1bW1pdD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjIzLjc4NjkwMjMxIn0.9oOkXm_uCZQMTZYz1OZ-9YLjvgHYIxYCGoUuzps3_So/s/1377890594/br/207480417788-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/Summit</a>, along with a link to reserve a room at the Hilton Garden Inn.If you have questions about the 2023 Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth, please contact Auburn Wassberg at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov" target="_blank">Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6799.Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Summit on Kansas agricultural growth set for Aug. 17 in Manhattan 

By Tony Guerrero Hays Post

Students with disabilities were able to experience a range of
learning opportunities while fostering a sense of community this summer, thanks to a program filled with activities.

The Star Summer program kicked off
in early June with a barbecue at ARC Park, 3300 Hillcrest, and would be the first of many events.

Amanda Tippy, project coordinator, said the program built a community among children
with disabilities while also giving parents assistance.

“Parents can expose their kids to a
variety of activities, taking the weight of planning those activities and off the
families that are probably already feeling overwhelmed,” she said. 

Students also gained the ability to do
a variety of tasks that they were not able to do before through the activities,&nbsp;Tippy said.

“The movie theater was fun because
there were several families that mentioned they always wondered if their child
would like the movie theater,” she said. “We had it rented out, then
they could try it. If their child was ready to leave halfway through, there was
no stigma as far as that goes.”

The Heartland Community Foundation and the
Wonder Woman League provided funding&nbsp;for the program.

Tippy is a staff member of
Bethesda Place, a non-profit organization that assists adults with disabilities and said their residents enjoyed interacting with children from Star Summer. 

Students participated in
activities like yard work, spray painting and archery over the summer. 

Other
activities included gardening, horse riding, woodworking and clay projects.

Tippy credits The Ellis County
Transitional Council and special education teachers in the district for
encouraging her to do the program along with intern Makinsey Schlautman who
assisted in advertisement and securing funding from community partners. 

“I hope that going forward that
maybe having these various activities will have built confidence among the
students and their families to try a variety of things, even if they have no
idea how their student may respond to them,” Tippy said. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690481679560.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By Tony Guerrero Hays PostStudents with disabilities were able to experience a range of
learning opportunities while fostering a sense of community this summer, thanks to a program filled with activities.The Star Summer program kicked off
in early June with a barbecue at ARC Park, 3300 Hillcrest, and would be the first of many events.Amanda Tippy, project coordinator, said the program built a community among children
with disabilities while also giving parents assistance.“Parents can expose their kids to a
variety of activities, taking the weight of planning those activities and off the
families that are probably already feeling overwhelmed,” she said. Students also gained the ability to do
a variety of tasks that they were not able to do before through the activities,&nbsp;Tippy said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690481371244.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690481428926.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo </figcaption>
 </figure>“The movie theater was fun because
there were several families that mentioned they always wondered if their child
would like the movie theater,” she said. “We had it rented out, then
they could try it. If their child was ready to leave halfway through, there was
no stigma as far as that goes.”The Heartland Community Foundation and the
Wonder Woman League provided funding&nbsp;for the program.Tippy is a staff member of
Bethesda Place, a non-profit organization that assists adults with disabilities and said their residents enjoyed interacting with children from Star Summer. Students participated in
activities like yard work, spray painting and archery over the summer. Other
activities included gardening, horse riding, woodworking and clay projects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690481785417.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690481075260.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Tippy credits The Ellis County
Transitional Council and special education teachers in the district for
encouraging her to do the program along with intern Makinsey Schlautman who
assisted in advertisement and securing funding from community partners. “I hope that going forward that
maybe having these various activities will have built confidence among the
students and their families to try a variety of things, even if they have no
idea how their student may respond to them,” Tippy said.

Star Summer wraps up helping disabled students

MANHATTAN — The beauty of Kansas agriculture has been celebrated throughout the state’s ag industry, and we encourage photographers to capture that beauty and share it with others through the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s annual photo contest. The department began accepting photos on July 19, and will continue accepting entries through the end of August.

This year’s photo contest categories were selected to promote different aspects of Kansas agriculture:&nbsp;Farm Fresh,&nbsp;Technology in Agriculture,&nbsp;Kansas Critters, and&nbsp;Kansas Life.

 These categories allow you to showcase Kansas agriculture in many ways — the various products of our labor that feed our local communities, the scientific and technological advancements that increase efficiency and value, the many animals that play a role in agriculture, and the overall beauty of Kansas agriculture and what it means to live in this scenic state. 

For the third year, a video category will welcome drone footage, harvest videos, or other short clips of under 30 seconds that showcase Kansas agriculture. 

As always, there is a separate youth division, for young photographers under age 19. 

Prizes will be awarded to the top two winners in each of the six categories.

KDA serves to advocate for agriculture, the state’s largest industry and economic driver. Photos which best capture the categories will be used throughout the year as we tell the story of Kansas agriculture. After submission, KDA is granted permission to use any photograph for publications, social media, websites, displays, etc. without payment or other consideration from the photographer.

Photo entries should be sent in .jpg format to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDA.PhotoContest@ks.gov">KDA.PhotoContest@ks.gov</a>. Videos should be sent in .mp4 or .mov format. Entries must include a title and brief description, where and when the photo/video was taken, the photographer’s full name and age, entry category hometown and email address.

Guidelines for the Kansas Department of Agriculture photo contest, including deadlines, categories and prizes, can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9QaG90b0NvbnRlc3Q_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDcxOS43OTg5OTM5MSJ9.BG2uW4FNdeQKQ5FZHRt77QK8nqmImax5IyWmQnYCMZw/s/1377890880/br/222898050385-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/PhotoContest</a>. Voting to select finalists will begin on KDA’s social media sites in late August.

For more information, contact Heather Lansdowne, director of communications, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Heather.Lansdowne@ks.gov">Heather.Lansdowne@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6706.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689796207807.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — The beauty of Kansas agriculture has been celebrated throughout the state’s ag industry, and we encourage photographers to capture that beauty and share it with others through the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s annual photo contest. The department began accepting photos on July 19, and will continue accepting entries through the end of August.This year’s photo contest categories were selected to promote different aspects of Kansas agriculture:&nbsp;Farm Fresh,&nbsp;Technology in Agriculture,&nbsp;Kansas Critters, and&nbsp;Kansas Life. These categories allow you to showcase Kansas agriculture in many ways — the various products of our labor that feed our local communities, the scientific and technological advancements that increase efficiency and value, the many animals that play a role in agriculture, and the overall beauty of Kansas agriculture and what it means to live in this scenic state. For the third year, a video category will welcome drone footage, harvest videos, or other short clips of under 30 seconds that showcase Kansas agriculture. As always, there is a separate youth division, for young photographers under age 19. Prizes will be awarded to the top two winners in each of the six categories.KDA serves to advocate for agriculture, the state’s largest industry and economic driver. Photos which best capture the categories will be used throughout the year as we tell the story of Kansas agriculture. After submission, KDA is granted permission to use any photograph for publications, social media, websites, displays, etc. without payment or other consideration from the photographer.Photo entries should be sent in .jpg format to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDA.PhotoContest@ks.gov">KDA.PhotoContest@ks.gov</a>. Videos should be sent in .mp4 or .mov format. Entries must include a title and brief description, where and when the photo/video was taken, the photographer’s full name and age, entry category hometown and email address.Guidelines for the Kansas Department of Agriculture photo contest, including deadlines, categories and prizes, can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9QaG90b0NvbnRlc3Q_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDcxOS43OTg5OTM5MSJ9.BG2uW4FNdeQKQ5FZHRt77QK8nqmImax5IyWmQnYCMZw/s/1377890880/br/222898050385-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/PhotoContest</a>. Voting to select finalists will begin on KDA’s social media sites in late August. For more information, contact Heather Lansdowne, director of communications, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Heather.Lansdowne@ks.gov">Heather.Lansdowne@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6706.

KS Dept. of Agriculture photo contest now accepting entries 

MANHATTAN — Join the Kansas Department of Agriculture in Manhattan next month as they discuss growth opportunities for agriculture at the eighth annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Thursday, August 17, at the Manhattan Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn, 410 S. 3rd&nbsp;St. in Manhattan. Attendees are also invited to participate in a social event on the evening of August 16, also at the Manhattan Conference Center.

Speakers for the 2023 Ag Growth Summit will focus on broad topics that affect the whole Kansas agriculture community. 

Guests will include Chuck Conner, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, and Nathan Hendricks, a professor in agricultural economics at K-State who specializes in the economics of land and water. 

Workforce and water have been identified as two major areas of focus that have a significant impact on the potential for growth in Kansas agriculture, so the guest speakers and small group discussions during the day will be directed toward those two topics.

There is no cost to attend any of the Ag Growth Summit meetings or events, but it is important that attendees register so KDA can provide adequate materials for attendees and have accurate meal counts. Registration can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L1N1bW1pdD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzIxLjc5OTg5MzAxIn0.7HpqszV_q6v_3PyKMAQ3esFQ1TwNaFEn4eCp3x18wJ4/s/1377890594/br/223021439486-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/Summit</a>, along with a link to reserve a room at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Please register now so you can join us at the 2023 Ag Growth Summit as we work together.

 All farmers, ranchers, agribusiness owners and industry professionals are welcome at the Ag Growth Summit — if you’re committed to working for agricultural growth in Kansas, please join us in this effort.

If you have questions about the 2023 Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth, please contact Auburn Wassberg at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov">Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6799.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689953552931.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Join the Kansas Department of Agriculture in Manhattan next month as they discuss growth opportunities for agriculture at the eighth annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Thursday, August 17, at the Manhattan Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn, 410 S. 3rd&nbsp;St. in Manhattan. Attendees are also invited to participate in a social event on the evening of August 16, also at the Manhattan Conference Center.Speakers for the 2023 Ag Growth Summit will focus on broad topics that affect the whole Kansas agriculture community. Guests will include Chuck Conner, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, and Nathan Hendricks, a professor in agricultural economics at K-State who specializes in the economics of land and water. Workforce and water have been identified as two major areas of focus that have a significant impact on the potential for growth in Kansas agriculture, so the guest speakers and small group discussions during the day will be directed toward those two topics.There is no cost to attend any of the Ag Growth Summit meetings or events, but it is important that attendees register so KDA can provide adequate materials for attendees and have accurate meal counts. Registration can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L1N1bW1pdD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzIxLjc5OTg5MzAxIn0.7HpqszV_q6v_3PyKMAQ3esFQ1TwNaFEn4eCp3x18wJ4/s/1377890594/br/223021439486-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/Summit</a>, along with a link to reserve a room at the Hilton Garden Inn.Please register now so you can join us at the 2023 Ag Growth Summit as we work together. All farmers, ranchers, agribusiness owners and industry professionals are welcome at the Ag Growth Summit — if you’re committed to working for agricultural growth in Kansas, please join us in this effort.If you have questions about the 2023 Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth, please contact Auburn Wassberg at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov">Auburn.B.Wassberg@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6799.

Registration open for Kansas Ag Growth Summit in Manhattan

TOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp; Kansas Rural Development Director Christy Davis today announced that USDA is making $21 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses access federal funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.

“These new grants can assist rural Kansas businesses navigate renewable energy systems and make their energy more affordable while boosting their independence,” Davis said. “These technical assistance grants will help provide hands-on support to farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners for systems, like wind and solar, and energy efficiency measures.

Eligible recipients for these grants include state, Tribal or local governments; colleges and universities; electric cooperatives and utility companies; and for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may use the funds to:

· Help rural agricultural producers and small business owners apply for REAP funding.

· Provide information on how business owners and agricultural producers can improve the energy efficiency of their operations and use renewable energy technologies and resources.

· Conduct required energy assessments and audits.

· Help agricultural producers and small business owners plan, build or develop renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.

USDA will give funding priority to applicants proposing to assist disadvantaged communities, applicants pursuing projects using underused technologies and applicants seeking grants under $20,000.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/">www.rd.usda.gov</a>.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689254953364.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USDA&nbsp;TOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp; Kansas Rural Development Director Christy Davis today announced that USDA is making $21 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses access federal funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.“These new grants can assist rural Kansas businesses navigate renewable energy systems and make their energy more affordable while boosting their independence,” Davis said. “These technical assistance grants will help provide hands-on support to farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners for systems, like wind and solar, and energy efficiency measures.Eligible recipients for these grants include state, Tribal or local governments; colleges and universities; electric cooperatives and utility companies; and for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may use the funds to:· Help rural agricultural producers and small business owners apply for REAP funding.· Provide information on how business owners and agricultural producers can improve the energy efficiency of their operations and use renewable energy technologies and resources.· Conduct required energy assessments and audits.· Help agricultural producers and small business owners plan, build or develop renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.USDA will give funding priority to applicants proposing to assist disadvantaged communities, applicants pursuing projects using underused technologies and applicants seeking grants under $20,000.To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/">www.rd.usda.gov</a>.USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.

USDA announces program to assist rural businesses, ag producers with energy needs

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690559341975.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>

7:29 p.m. KDOT UPDATE Eastbound I-70 has reopened between Exits 157 and 161 near Hays. The incident has been cleared and pavement repairs completed.

Just before 3 p.m. the Kansas Highway Patrol reported a crash was causing delays on I-70 near Hays.

"We are working a crash at milepost 161 eastbound involving an oversized load that struck the Hays 27th St. bridge," according to KHP Trooper Tod Hileman.

Traffic was being rerouted to the 183 bypass at milepost 157 to avoid the accident and back to I-70 at Commerce Prkwy. 

"I do not know how long this delay will last," Hileman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690574627288.jpeg" alt="KHP photo" />
 <figcaption>KHP photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post 7:29 p.m. KDOT UPDATE Eastbound I-70 has reopened between Exits 157 and 161 near Hays. The incident has been cleared and pavement repairs completed.Just before 3 p.m. the Kansas Highway Patrol reported a crash was causing delays on I-70 near Hays."We are working a crash at milepost 161 eastbound involving an oversized load that struck the Hays 27th St. bridge," according to KHP Trooper Tod Hileman.Traffic was being rerouted to the 183 bypass at milepost 157 to avoid the accident and back to I-70 at Commerce Prkwy. "I do not know how long this delay will last," Hileman said.

KHP: I-70 crash causes traffic delays near Hays Friday afternoon

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Denise Schmidt, director for Tri-County Special Services Cooperative.

A "no" vote in the election will keep USD 112 intact, as is. 

A "yes" vote would mean disorganizing the district and turning decisions over to the state board of education.&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/b3cf16a1-8f9b-41ed-bdaa-e87d9bc85c35">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for a list of polling locations on Aug. 1.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lmslRotp94A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Denise Schmidt, director for Tri-County Special Services Cooperative.A "no" vote in the election will keep USD 112 intact, as is. A "yes" vote would mean disorganizing the district and turning decisions over to the state board of education.&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/b3cf16a1-8f9b-41ed-bdaa-e87d9bc85c35">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for a list of polling locations on Aug. 1.

Forward Ever: USD 112 disorganization vote, part 2

Lyndi Zimmerman loves track and field. And track and field loves Lyndi Zimmerman. 

As a member of the Hays Striders summer youth track team and in-coming multi-sport freshman at Hays High School, Zimmerman is ranked number one in the nation in one of her favorite track events, the pentathlon. Going into the upcoming Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa, Zimmerman will compete against the best in the country in the 14- year-old girls division on Saturday, July 29.

The pentathlon is an event where athletes compete in five events in one day, all day long: shot put, 100-meter hurdles, long jump, high jump, and the 800-meter run. Offered only during summer track meets, the multi-event is a precursor to the heptathlon which is offered during college and the Summer Olympics.

When asked about her number one ranking she said she was “shocked” she was ranked at the top. “I thought I would be ranked about 20th but it’s awesome!” 

Zimmerman is ranked 225 points ahead of her next competitor, Kai Wood of Maryland.

Her favorite pentathlon event is either the 100-meter hurdles or shot put, and as the event lasts all day, there are some obstacles Lyndi says she has to overcome during competition. Mentally there is the challenge of competing with only a 30-minute break between events, and the challenge of the day “either being too hot or something hurts,” Zimmerman said.

Strider teammate Makayla Lewallen, ranked 11th in the nation and a strong athlete in her own right, will compete side by side with Zimmerman in Des Moines. “It’s really nice to have someone to talk to about the events,” Zimmerman said about having Lewallen compete with her. Zimmerman took first in the pentathlon at the regional qualifier in June at Yukon, Oklahoma, with Lewallen placing second in the same event.

Zimmerman started her summer running at age six with the Hays Striders as an 800 and 1500-meter runner, and feels that those early mid-distance, distance events contributed to her success and helped her grow as a sprinter and hurdler today.&nbsp;

“I always thought I was going to run distance as I did cross-country. It surprises me now that I’m doing shot put, hurdles, sprints, and not distance,” Zimmerman stated. She feels the longer running events at an early age have given her a good foundation “because of the endurance and the sprint you have to give at the end of the race,” she said.

When asked about her track heroes, without hesitation, she said, “Sydney McLaughlin. Sydney runs the 100 hurdles and has the 400 hurdles world record (50.68). She’s just awesome.”

Her pre-meet routine is simple. “I just do warm-ups, have a good snack, some water, and go to the heating tent.” Her pre-meet diet is simple as well. “A boxed, frozen Chinese dish from Walmart cooked in a little skillet,” she said. "It’s really good.” Simple, but it works for her.

One of her goals for her high school is placing at state as a freshman. “And every year too, but especially as a freshman as it will put my name out there,” she said. After high school, her aspiration is to compete in track in college. “But I’m not really thinking about that right now,” taking her meets one at a time.

Zimmerman’s family is well-known in Kansas for soccer and now track as almost all of Jesse and Bria Zimmerman’s children run for the Striders. Brothers Emery and Finley also qualified for the Junior Olympics and sister Halle holds her own at practice with athletes twice her age.

Traveling across the country for meets in their RV, Zimmerman describes the trips as “pretty chaotic but a lot of fun.” The Zimmerman family bond is very strong and the Striders team love to hear about their exploits upon return.

Of her favorite track memories, Zimmerman says going to North Carolina with the Lewallens for the Junior Olympics last year was really fun. “We stayed at the same campsite and went everywhere with each other.” Family friends Darris and Meredith Lewallen also travel to meets in their RV.

Another favorite memory for Zimmerman is the 2017 USATF Junior Olympics in Lawrence where “a bunch of family watched me compete in the 1500. I think I got 25th,” she said.&nbsp;

Her favorite workout she says is “An easy workout! Ins and Outs. A sprint workout!”&nbsp; Coach Dave Haberman was hoping she would say his Madness Runs, Tempos, or 800 Cruzers but “Lyndi has really grown into a strong sprinter and hurdler so that heavier workload doesn’t fit her training very often.” 

Training for the pentathlon presents its own challenges as Zimmerman has to train for her individual events for Des Moines, 100 and hurdles, 200-meter dash, and shot put as well as three additional pentathlon events, long jump, high jump, and 800-meter run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During Zimmerman’s last year at Hays Middle School she set four individual school records in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 100 hurdles, and 200 hurdles. “Five records if you include the relay,” Zimmerman added. If Zimmerman would have been able to compete in the shot put and long jump for the Falcons, she would have broken the records in both of those events as well. When asked if she wants to put the shot in high school Zimmerman said, “I hope so, I kind of want to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

As Zimmerman’s season comes to a close after the Junior Olympics she may be able to take a break, relax, and recover. But don’t count on her being too lax for too long as that competitive track bug will bite again soon. And her love of track and field will be on again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690553884373.jpeg" alt="Lyndi Zimmerman, Hays,&nbsp;is ranked number one in the nation in one of her favorite track events, the Pentathlon, going into the Junior Olympics. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lyndi Zimmerman, Hays,&nbsp;is ranked number one in the nation in one of her favorite track events, the Pentathlon, going into the Junior Olympics. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLyndi Zimmerman loves track and field. And track and field loves Lyndi Zimmerman. As a member of the Hays Striders summer youth track team and in-coming multi-sport freshman at Hays High School, Zimmerman is ranked number one in the nation in one of her favorite track events, the pentathlon. Going into the upcoming Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa, Zimmerman will compete against the best in the country in the 14- year-old girls division on Saturday, July 29.The pentathlon is an event where athletes compete in five events in one day, all day long: shot put, 100-meter hurdles, long jump, high jump, and the 800-meter run. Offered only during summer track meets, the multi-event is a precursor to the heptathlon which is offered during college and the Summer Olympics.When asked about her number one ranking she said she was “shocked” she was ranked at the top. “I thought I would be ranked about 20th but it’s awesome!” Zimmerman is ranked 225 points ahead of her next competitor, Kai Wood of Maryland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690554285663.jpeg" alt="The hurdles are a favorite penetathlon event of Lindi Zimmerman. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The hurdles are a favorite penetathlon event of Lindi Zimmerman. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Her favorite pentathlon event is either the 100-meter hurdles or shot put, and as the event lasts all day, there are some obstacles Lyndi says she has to overcome during competition. Mentally there is the challenge of competing with only a 30-minute break between events, and the challenge of the day “either being too hot or something hurts,” Zimmerman said.Strider teammate Makayla Lewallen, ranked 11th in the nation and a strong athlete in her own right, will compete side by side with Zimmerman in Des Moines. “It’s really nice to have someone to talk to about the events,” Zimmerman said about having Lewallen compete with her. Zimmerman took first in the pentathlon at the regional qualifier in June at Yukon, Oklahoma, with Lewallen placing second in the same event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690553977984.jpeg" alt="Lyndi Zimmerman is a member of the Hays Striders and an incoming freshman at Hays High School. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lyndi Zimmerman is a member of the Hays Striders and an incoming freshman at Hays High School. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Zimmerman started her summer running at age six with the Hays Striders as an 800 and 1500-meter runner, and feels that those early mid-distance, distance events contributed to her success and helped her grow as a sprinter and hurdler today.&nbsp;“I always thought I was going to run distance as I did cross-country. It surprises me now that I’m doing shot put, hurdles, sprints, and not distance,” Zimmerman stated. She feels the longer running events at an early age have given her a good foundation “because of the endurance and the sprint you have to give at the end of the race,” she said.When asked about her track heroes, without hesitation, she said, “Sydney McLaughlin. Sydney runs the 100 hurdles and has the 400 hurdles world record (50.68). She’s just awesome.”Her pre-meet routine is simple. “I just do warm-ups, have a good snack, some water, and go to the heating tent.” Her pre-meet diet is simple as well. “A boxed, frozen Chinese dish from Walmart cooked in a little skillet,” she said. "It’s really good.” Simple, but it works for her.One of her goals for her high school is placing at state as a freshman. “And every year too, but especially as a freshman as it will put my name out there,” she said. After high school, her aspiration is to compete in track in college. “But I’m not really thinking about that right now,” taking her meets one at a time.Zimmerman’s family is well-known in Kansas for soccer and now track as almost all of Jesse and Bria Zimmerman’s children run for the Striders. Brothers Emery and Finley also qualified for the Junior Olympics and sister Halle holds her own at practice with athletes twice her age.Traveling across the country for meets in their RV, Zimmerman describes the trips as “pretty chaotic but a lot of fun.” The Zimmerman family bond is very strong and the Striders team love to hear about their exploits upon return.Of her favorite track memories, Zimmerman says going to North Carolina with the Lewallens for the Junior Olympics last year was really fun. “We stayed at the same campsite and went everywhere with each other.” Family friends Darris and Meredith Lewallen also travel to meets in their RV.Another favorite memory for Zimmerman is the 2017 USATF Junior Olympics in Lawrence where “a bunch of family watched me compete in the 1500. I think I got 25th,” she said.&nbsp;Her favorite workout she says is “An easy workout! Ins and Outs. A sprint workout!”&nbsp; Coach Dave Haberman was hoping she would say his Madness Runs, Tempos, or 800 Cruzers but “Lyndi has really grown into a strong sprinter and hurdler so that heavier workload doesn’t fit her training very often.” Training for the pentathlon presents its own challenges as Zimmerman has to train for her individual events for Des Moines, 100 and hurdles, 200-meter dash, and shot put as well as three additional pentathlon events, long jump, high jump, and 800-meter run.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690554917460.jpeg" alt="Lindi Zimmerman (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Lindi Zimmerman (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>During Zimmerman’s last year at Hays Middle School she set four individual school records in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 100 hurdles, and 200 hurdles. “Five records if you include the relay,” Zimmerman added. If Zimmerman would have been able to compete in the shot put and long jump for the Falcons, she would have broken the records in both of those events as well. When asked if she wants to put the shot in high school Zimmerman said, “I hope so, I kind of want to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;As Zimmerman’s season comes to a close after the Junior Olympics she may be able to take a break, relax, and recover. But don’t count on her being too lax for too long as that competitive track bug will bite again soon. And her love of track and field will be on again.

Hays Strider Lyndi Zimmerman ranked # 1 in nation going into Junior Olympics 

MANHATTAN - First District U.S. Representative Tracey Mann&nbsp; will host sixteen town halls next week to hear from Kansans, completing his annual 60-county town hall tour for 2023. 

The town halls will take place in counties across central and western Kansas, including in Hays on August 2.

REP. MANN TOWN HALL MEETINGS TUES., AUGUST 1

REP. MANN TOWN HALL MEETINGS WEND., AUGUST 2

REP. MANN TOWN HALL MEETINGS THUR., AUGUST 3

Correction: Story was updated to reflect the correct schedule.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611836622184.jpeg" alt="First District Congressman Tracey Mann, R-KS" />
 <figcaption>First District Congressman Tracey Mann, R-KS</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Rep. MannMANHATTAN - First District U.S. Representative Tracey Mann&nbsp; will host sixteen town halls next week to hear from Kansans, completing his annual 60-county town hall tour for 2023. The town halls will take place in counties across central and western Kansas, including in Hays on August 2.REP. MANN TOWN HALL MEETINGS TUES., AUGUST 1<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690807114693.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>REP. MANN TOWN HALL MEETINGS WEND., AUGUST 2<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690466568973.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>REP. MANN TOWN HALL MEETINGS THUR., AUGUST 3<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690467035911.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Correction: Story was updated to reflect the correct schedule.

Rep. Mann to host town halls in Hays, NW Kansas Aug. 1-3

By MARSHA BOSWELL Kansas Wheat

This Hard White Wheat Special Edition of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Hard white (HW) winter wheat varieties continue to be popular among some western Kansas farmers for their high yields, disease resistance and quality. The biggest challenge for hard white is market liquidity and continuity of trade into the marketplace. Kansas Wheat continues to work with the grain handling industry and Federal Grain Inspection Service to revise the grain standards to facilitate the movement of hard white wheat in domestic and international markets and lessen the burden on grain handlers. 

For additional information on Kansas Wheat’s comments submitted to FGIS, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PMhpGFZi7A-5RPktIVDOKlUb_yjXHYPZ9RPDH9oY1D_rONJtAIXDRLOExA5fqjCvaYedulvcsD4D-Kh3RM80ZmgZMMqrrHgvFLb1KciMmokbSpOEugZv5GMqNqIRmT6V_NifeKg38meaykXoy9ONweQh5dXhLDbDlwTPE5RJz3HYDr7_p6xEE59wXPm-TqGNwbTY1aTJR6MXSe604ht9EGKYnVLXX8rghLkzonNkFAd5rh2BtGhgllkVUWwuEA-f&amp;c=HyukPCWneFTIp3nS7G78bbJqeVvqk-jOpjiQtu6qVUfSJENxSjP9sg==&amp;ch=kgyqURCMuDFif5vD8ed5g7tVvUJPbN_EwsOwQPmoCZqzprxOEeG93A==" target="_blank">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/10/12/2022-22113/united-states-standards-for-wheat</a>.

Hard white winter wheat is very similar to hard red winter (HRW) wheat apart from a gene impacting the color of the outer bran coat. It can be used for stand-alone whole wheat products with a lighter color or can be used interchangeably by mills with hard red winter, depending on protein and extraction needs.

Hard white wheat had been growing in export demand, primarily to Nigeria out of the Texas Gulf, but the past two years of drought-stricken production shortfalls have impacted that business for Kansas farmers.

Joe is the top seeded variety in west central Kansas, making up 14.3 percent of planted acres. Hard white wheat varieties also make up 11.4 percent of acres in southwest Kansas. Overall, hard white wheat was seeded on 4.7 percent of Kansas’ 8.1 million acres, accounting for 380,700 acres seeded to hard white wheat in the fall of 2022. In these areas, the multi-year drought caused many seeded acres to be abandoned, including an estimated 60% of Kansas’ dryland hard white wheat acres.

In addition to Kansas, hard white wheat is also grown in Colorado, Nebraska and California. The U.S. Wheat Associates Hard White Wheat Committee estimates U.S. total hard white wheat production to be just over 17 million bushels this year.

Overall, the quality of this year’s hard white wheat crop is excellent. While southwest Kansas had to abandon many acres, hard white wheat production increased in areas to the north.

Eric Sperber from Cornerstone Ag in Colby says they’ve taken in four times the hard white wheat they got last year. At this point, hard white is making up about 40 percent of their bushels.

“It’s a lot more than I was anticipating,” said Sperber. “It has been a number of years since we dumped this much white wheat.”

Overall, the quality of this year’s hard white wheat in the Colby area is comparable with the hard red winter, with test weights ranging from 57 to 60 pounds per bushel, with the average ending up on the lower end with the delayed harvest. Earlier-harvested wheat had higher test weights, but they’ve decreased after last week’s rain. Proteins consistently averaged 12.5 percent.

Sperber says Cornerstone is trying to find demand in the market for hard white, as there is currently no international demand. U.S. wheat is priced out of the market. Even if hard white wheat was competitive, other classes are higher priced than international competitors’ prices, so loading a vessel to Nigeria with multiple classes is not an option.

He reports that one large producer in the area was seeing better than 80 bushels per acre yields on hard white variety Joe, from the Kansas Wheat Alliance. The dryland field was planted after corn. Average yields in the area on all hard wheat ranged from 25 bushels per acre on hail-damaged wheat to 70 bushels per acre.

Another producer used Joe as a wheat streak mosaic virus deterrent by planting it around the edges of his hard red winter wheat field. Instead of harvesting the two classes separately, he harvested them together, thinking there wouldn’t be much hard white in the load. Unfortunately, Cornerstone had to classify this as wheat of other classes, resulting in a lower price than either HRW or HW alone. Even with their genetic and end use similarities, it is still important for farmers and grain handlers to keep it segregated to avoid grain grading issues.

Rick Horton of Leoti reports that the newest hard white wheat variety, KS Big Bow, is outyielding its predecessor, Joe, by four to five bushels per acre on his farm in west central Kansas. KS Big Bow was released by Kansas State University in 2022, is marketed by Kansas Wheat Alliance, and will be available to farmers this fall.

Horton says KS Big Bow has the potential to outyield Joe even more, as it was planted with a low population on his farm due to limited seed availability last fall. He says it could be up to 15 bushels per acre above Joe’s yield.

In addition, Horton says KS Big Bow is a stronger plant with better standability and better grain quality, calling it a “better version of Joe.”

Protein was averaging 13.3%, about one percent higher than Joe, and test weights remained at 60 pounds per bushel, even after multiple rains on it. He started to see a little bit of sprout damage on Joe after the rains, but none on KS Big Bow. The harvestability was good, with no shatter.

Compared to Joe, KS Big Bow has improved yield, drought tolerance, straw strength, sprouting tolerance and better baking quality. KS Big Bow also has wheat streak mosaic virus resistance, stripe and stem rust resistance similar to Joe.

The Horton family started harvest on July 4, about a week later than normal, was kept out of the fields for several days due to rain, and wrapped up on July 19. They didn’t destroy many acres, but kept some of the fields that should have been destroyed for seed. Wheat barely came up in the fall, but a .20 to .30 inch rain after planting helped it emerge. While this has been a late harvest because of cool temperatures, Horton says this year’s crop had the “best finishing weather.”

Stewart Whitham, also from Wichita County, grows 100% hard white wheat varieties: two-thirds of his wheat acres were planted to KWA’s Joe and the other third are PlainsGold’s Breck this year. His wheat is half dryland and half irrigated.

He reports that by May, half of their wheat had been abandoned, due to the drought it suffered over the winter. Even with decent stands in the fall, the wheat did not grow after its initial fall tillering.

Whitham started test cutting on July 4, but a storm came in that evening and kept him from starting harvest until July 9.

With these storms have come hail, which has destroyed another 20 percent of Whitham’s wheat crop.

While his harvestable acres have been cut back to only 30 percent of what was planted last fall, Whitham is seeing good quality characteristics for this year’s hard white wheat crop. Test weights have been hanging in there, even after recent rains, at 59 to 60 pounds per bushel. Protein levels are strong, and yields are about two thirds of what he would typically expect. Whitham has seen no sprout damage in his fields as of yet, a strong testament to recent genetic improvements in hard white wheat varieties. Sprout damage would have been eminent in older hard white wheat varieties.

Both varieties have been good for Whitham, and he plans to grow them again next year. He also plans to add the newest hard white wheat variety from Kansas Wheat Alliance, KS Big Bow. His acres will remain about the same this fall. He said Breck has a little better standability than Joe, but they were both good, healthy plants with no disease pressure.

All Whitham’s hard white wheat is stored on his farm and is marketed directly to flour mills or grain companies as is warranted by demand. Unfortunately, Whitham says demand is currently stagnant across the world and it is tough to create a marketing plan with current market volatility. He emphasized the need to increase both international and domestic demand when it comes to hard white wheat.

As with others in the area, Whitham is fighting weed pressure and weather events to get his harvest wrapped up.

Ron Suppes who farms in Lane County has all hard white wheat, namely two Kansas Wheat Alliance varieties, Joe and KS Silverado.

He had to destroy 32 percent of his planted acres due to the drought. The remaining acres are averaging about 20 bushels per acre. He noted that Joe weathered the drought better than KS Silverado. Average test weights for his farm are 58 to 58.5 pounds per bushel, and protein is averaging 15 percent.

Suppes began wheat harvest on July 17, nearly a month later than his normal start date of June 20. Scattered rain events and humidity kept the wheat from drying down until mid-July. But Suppes noted that unlike other areas in the state that have received a year’s worth of moisture in the last two months, his area has only received 5 to 14 inches from one end of the farm to another, and the soil profile remains short.

He’s fighting weed pressure from kochia as well as noxious weeds like bindweed. He has given up on producing any seed wheat this year.

“This has been an exceptional year, and I don’t mean good,” Suppes said, noting that it is costing more to harvest the wheat than it is worth. “We have to keep wheat in our rotation,” he said.

Suppes markets his hard white wheat to mills in Kansas, South Dakota and North Carolina.

U.S. Wheat Associates produces an annual Crop Quality Report that includes grade, flour and end-product data for all six U.S. wheat classes. The 2023 Annual Wheat Quality Report will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PMhpGFZi7A-5RPktIVDOKlUb_yjXHYPZ9RPDH9oY1D_rONJtAIXDRIlinxJ6qzjUnShVRjj_mWLLAr5RMuDrETDbowBAuvZNlBmHQgx8pG5rs7YogX2MorpN9yiNrlVNvq_nqXmrQtWtnHugb9b1a3RWWnhlRw1i7qfl0IpuBmA=&amp;c=HyukPCWneFTIp3nS7G78bbJqeVvqk-jOpjiQtu6qVUfSJENxSjP9sg==&amp;ch=kgyqURCMuDFif5vD8ed5g7tVvUJPbN_EwsOwQPmoCZqzprxOEeG93A==" target="_blank">uswheat.org</a>.

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

To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690552096034.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MARSHA BOSWELL Kansas WheatThis Hard White Wheat Special Edition of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Hard white (HW) winter wheat varieties continue to be popular among some western Kansas farmers for their high yields, disease resistance and quality. The biggest challenge for hard white is market liquidity and continuity of trade into the marketplace. Kansas Wheat continues to work with the grain handling industry and Federal Grain Inspection Service to revise the grain standards to facilitate the movement of hard white wheat in domestic and international markets and lessen the burden on grain handlers. For additional information on Kansas Wheat’s comments submitted to FGIS, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PMhpGFZi7A-5RPktIVDOKlUb_yjXHYPZ9RPDH9oY1D_rONJtAIXDRLOExA5fqjCvaYedulvcsD4D-Kh3RM80ZmgZMMqrrHgvFLb1KciMmokbSpOEugZv5GMqNqIRmT6V_NifeKg38meaykXoy9ONweQh5dXhLDbDlwTPE5RJz3HYDr7_p6xEE59wXPm-TqGNwbTY1aTJR6MXSe604ht9EGKYnVLXX8rghLkzonNkFAd5rh2BtGhgllkVUWwuEA-f&amp;c=HyukPCWneFTIp3nS7G78bbJqeVvqk-jOpjiQtu6qVUfSJENxSjP9sg==&amp;ch=kgyqURCMuDFif5vD8ed5g7tVvUJPbN_EwsOwQPmoCZqzprxOEeG93A==" target="_blank">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/10/12/2022-22113/united-states-standards-for-wheat</a>.Hard white winter wheat is very similar to hard red winter (HRW) wheat apart from a gene impacting the color of the outer bran coat. It can be used for stand-alone whole wheat products with a lighter color or can be used interchangeably by mills with hard red winter, depending on protein and extraction needs.Hard white wheat had been growing in export demand, primarily to Nigeria out of the Texas Gulf, but the past two years of drought-stricken production shortfalls have impacted that business for Kansas farmers.Joe is the top seeded variety in west central Kansas, making up 14.3 percent of planted acres. Hard white wheat varieties also make up 11.4 percent of acres in southwest Kansas. Overall, hard white wheat was seeded on 4.7 percent of Kansas’ 8.1 million acres, accounting for 380,700 acres seeded to hard white wheat in the fall of 2022. In these areas, the multi-year drought caused many seeded acres to be abandoned, including an estimated 60% of Kansas’ dryland hard white wheat acres.In addition to Kansas, hard white wheat is also grown in Colorado, Nebraska and California. The U.S. Wheat Associates Hard White Wheat Committee estimates U.S. total hard white wheat production to be just over 17 million bushels this year.Overall, the quality of this year’s hard white wheat crop is excellent. While southwest Kansas had to abandon many acres, hard white wheat production increased in areas to the north.Eric Sperber from Cornerstone Ag in Colby says they’ve taken in four times the hard white wheat they got last year. At this point, hard white is making up about 40 percent of their bushels.“It’s a lot more than I was anticipating,” said Sperber. “It has been a number of years since we dumped this much white wheat.”Overall, the quality of this year’s hard white wheat in the Colby area is comparable with the hard red winter, with test weights ranging from 57 to 60 pounds per bushel, with the average ending up on the lower end with the delayed harvest. Earlier-harvested wheat had higher test weights, but they’ve decreased after last week’s rain. Proteins consistently averaged 12.5 percent.Sperber says Cornerstone is trying to find demand in the market for hard white, as there is currently no international demand. U.S. wheat is priced out of the market. Even if hard white wheat was competitive, other classes are higher priced than international competitors’ prices, so loading a vessel to Nigeria with multiple classes is not an option.He reports that one large producer in the area was seeing better than 80 bushels per acre yields on hard white variety Joe, from the Kansas Wheat Alliance. The dryland field was planted after corn. Average yields in the area on all hard wheat ranged from 25 bushels per acre on hail-damaged wheat to 70 bushels per acre.Another producer used Joe as a wheat streak mosaic virus deterrent by planting it around the edges of his hard red winter wheat field. Instead of harvesting the two classes separately, he harvested them together, thinking there wouldn’t be much hard white in the load. Unfortunately, Cornerstone had to classify this as wheat of other classes, resulting in a lower price than either HRW or HW alone. Even with their genetic and end use similarities, it is still important for farmers and grain handlers to keep it segregated to avoid grain grading issues.Rick Horton of Leoti reports that the newest hard white wheat variety, KS Big Bow, is outyielding its predecessor, Joe, by four to five bushels per acre on his farm in west central Kansas. KS Big Bow was released by Kansas State University in 2022, is marketed by Kansas Wheat Alliance, and will be available to farmers this fall.Horton says KS Big Bow has the potential to outyield Joe even more, as it was planted with a low population on his farm due to limited seed availability last fall. He says it could be up to 15 bushels per acre above Joe’s yield.In addition, Horton says KS Big Bow is a stronger plant with better standability and better grain quality, calling it a “better version of Joe.”Protein was averaging 13.3%, about one percent higher than Joe, and test weights remained at 60 pounds per bushel, even after multiple rains on it. He started to see a little bit of sprout damage on Joe after the rains, but none on KS Big Bow. The harvestability was good, with no shatter.Compared to Joe, KS Big Bow has improved yield, drought tolerance, straw strength, sprouting tolerance and better baking quality. KS Big Bow also has wheat streak mosaic virus resistance, stripe and stem rust resistance similar to Joe.The Horton family started harvest on July 4, about a week later than normal, was kept out of the fields for several days due to rain, and wrapped up on July 19. They didn’t destroy many acres, but kept some of the fields that should have been destroyed for seed. Wheat barely came up in the fall, but a .20 to .30 inch rain after planting helped it emerge. While this has been a late harvest because of cool temperatures, Horton says this year’s crop had the “best finishing weather.”Stewart Whitham, also from Wichita County, grows 100% hard white wheat varieties: two-thirds of his wheat acres were planted to KWA’s Joe and the other third are PlainsGold’s Breck this year. His wheat is half dryland and half irrigated.He reports that by May, half of their wheat had been abandoned, due to the drought it suffered over the winter. Even with decent stands in the fall, the wheat did not grow after its initial fall tillering.Whitham started test cutting on July 4, but a storm came in that evening and kept him from starting harvest until July 9.With these storms have come hail, which has destroyed another 20 percent of Whitham’s wheat crop.While his harvestable acres have been cut back to only 30 percent of what was planted last fall, Whitham is seeing good quality characteristics for this year’s hard white wheat crop. Test weights have been hanging in there, even after recent rains, at 59 to 60 pounds per bushel. Protein levels are strong, and yields are about two thirds of what he would typically expect. Whitham has seen no sprout damage in his fields as of yet, a strong testament to recent genetic improvements in hard white wheat varieties. Sprout damage would have been eminent in older hard white wheat varieties.Both varieties have been good for Whitham, and he plans to grow them again next year. He also plans to add the newest hard white wheat variety from Kansas Wheat Alliance, KS Big Bow. His acres will remain about the same this fall. He said Breck has a little better standability than Joe, but they were both good, healthy plants with no disease pressure.All Whitham’s hard white wheat is stored on his farm and is marketed directly to flour mills or grain companies as is warranted by demand. Unfortunately, Whitham says demand is currently stagnant across the world and it is tough to create a marketing plan with current market volatility. He emphasized the need to increase both international and domestic demand when it comes to hard white wheat.As with others in the area, Whitham is fighting weed pressure and weather events to get his harvest wrapped up.Ron Suppes who farms in Lane County has all hard white wheat, namely two Kansas Wheat Alliance varieties, Joe and KS Silverado.He had to destroy 32 percent of his planted acres due to the drought. The remaining acres are averaging about 20 bushels per acre. He noted that Joe weathered the drought better than KS Silverado. Average test weights for his farm are 58 to 58.5 pounds per bushel, and protein is averaging 15 percent.Suppes began wheat harvest on July 17, nearly a month later than his normal start date of June 20. Scattered rain events and humidity kept the wheat from drying down until mid-July. But Suppes noted that unlike other areas in the state that have received a year’s worth of moisture in the last two months, his area has only received 5 to 14 inches from one end of the farm to another, and the soil profile remains short.He’s fighting weed pressure from kochia as well as noxious weeds like bindweed. He has given up on producing any seed wheat this year.“This has been an exceptional year, and I don’t mean good,” Suppes said, noting that it is costing more to harvest the wheat than it is worth. “We have to keep wheat in our rotation,” he said.Suppes markets his hard white wheat to mills in Kansas, South Dakota and North Carolina.U.S. Wheat Associates produces an annual Crop Quality Report that includes grade, flour and end-product data for all six U.S. wheat classes. The 2023 Annual Wheat Quality Report will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PMhpGFZi7A-5RPktIVDOKlUb_yjXHYPZ9RPDH9oY1D_rONJtAIXDRIlinxJ6qzjUnShVRjj_mWLLAr5RMuDrETDbowBAuvZNlBmHQgx8pG5rs7YogX2MorpN9yiNrlVNvq_nqXmrQtWtnHugb9b1a3RWWnhlRw1i7qfl0IpuBmA=&amp;c=HyukPCWneFTIp3nS7G78bbJqeVvqk-jOpjiQtu6qVUfSJENxSjP9sg==&amp;ch=kgyqURCMuDFif5vD8ed5g7tVvUJPbN_EwsOwQPmoCZqzprxOEeG93A==" target="_blank">uswheat.org</a>.The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.

KANSAS WHEAT: Hard white wheat popular in western Kansas

Fort Hays State University is pleased to announce Golden Plains Credit Union as the recipient of the Tiger Gear on Friday Partner of the Year Award. Tiger Gear on Friday is a partnership involving several on-campus organizations, businesses, and organizations in the Hays community and this year, we honor one of those participating businesses.

“Our community has a tremendous amount of Tiger spirit. When students come to FHSU, they see it every day throughout our community.” said Janette Meis, communication specialist in the Office of the President and co-chair of the committee. “Golden Plains Credit Union is a wonderful example of how our university and local businesses can partner and support each other.”&nbsp;

FHSU created the TGOF Partner of the Year Award in 2022 to celebrate an organization in the Hays community that goes above and beyond to share its Tiger pride. To earn consideration for the award, community partners were asked to demonstrate their Tiger spirit in any or all the following ways:

Golden Plains Credit Union is a full-service financial institution with 13 locations in Kansas, and over 88,000 members. The business will celebrate 30 years in Hays this August!

Even though they are a longtime supporter of FHSU Athletics, GPCU joined the TGOF partner program in 2022. Every year, Golden Plains Credit Union sponsors the&nbsp;shirt for the Tiger Football season and visitors can’t miss their infectious Tiger Pride on display every day at their location at 2720 Broadway Ave.

“All GPCU locations partner with a local school each fall, and the Hays branch has been a proud supporter of FHSU Athletics for the last eight years.” said Ruth Ruder, vice president for Golden Plains Credit Union. “We were thrilled to be selected as the Partner of the Year and to be recognized for our spirit and dedication to giving back to the community.”

As the 2023 TGOF Partner of the Year, Golden Plains Credit Union will receive several benefits, namely:

Golden Plains Credit Union was officially presented with the award during a Ribbon Cutting hosted by The Chamber in Hays. During the celebration, slight changes to the partner program were revealed.

To streamline efforts and ensure community partners are recognized adequately, the Tiger Nation Partner Program will become the main umbrella beginning immediately. This program aims to incorporate existing TGOF and Tiger Spirit Partners but includes the addition of a new category: Tiger Card Partner. The Tiger Card Partner is focused on student engagement where businesses are asked to consider offering a discount to students who present a valid FHSU Tiger Card, any day of the week.

To become a Tiger Nation Partner or to learn more about the program, visit <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/tiger-nation-partners/">fhsu.edu/tigernation</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690550876609.jpeg" alt="Victor E. Tiger and FHSU cheerleaders celebrate with TGOF Partner of the Year, Golden Plains Credit Union. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Victor E. Tiger and FHSU cheerleaders celebrate with TGOF Partner of the Year, Golden Plains Credit Union. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University is pleased to announce Golden Plains Credit Union as the recipient of the Tiger Gear on Friday Partner of the Year Award. Tiger Gear on Friday is a partnership involving several on-campus organizations, businesses, and organizations in the Hays community and this year, we honor one of those participating businesses.“Our community has a tremendous amount of Tiger spirit. When students come to FHSU, they see it every day throughout our community.” said Janette Meis, communication specialist in the Office of the President and co-chair of the committee. “Golden Plains Credit Union is a wonderful example of how our university and local businesses can partner and support each other.”&nbsp;FHSU created the TGOF Partner of the Year Award in 2022 to celebrate an organization in the Hays community that goes above and beyond to share its Tiger pride. To earn consideration for the award, community partners were asked to demonstrate their Tiger spirit in any or all the following ways:<ul>
 <li>Producing or sharing TGOF-related social media content</li><li>Encouraging employees to get “caught” wearing FHSU Tiger gear at work and in the community</li><li>Ordering FHSU branded apparel for their employees from the Victor E. Gift and Apparel Company</li><li>Sharing how the organization “Tigerized” their workspace &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Golden Plains Credit Union is a full-service financial institution with 13 locations in Kansas, and over 88,000 members. The business will celebrate 30 years in Hays this August!Even though they are a longtime supporter of FHSU Athletics, GPCU joined the TGOF partner program in 2022. Every year, Golden Plains Credit Union sponsors the&nbsp;shirt for the Tiger Football season and visitors can’t miss their infectious Tiger Pride on display every day at their location at 2720 Broadway Ave.“All GPCU locations partner with a local school each fall, and the Hays branch has been a proud supporter of FHSU Athletics for the last eight years.” said Ruth Ruder, vice president for Golden Plains Credit Union. “We were thrilled to be selected as the Partner of the Year and to be recognized for our spirit and dedication to giving back to the community.”As the 2023 TGOF Partner of the Year, Golden Plains Credit Union will receive several benefits, namely:<ul>
 <li>Prime location at the Back to School Picnic on the FHSU Quad on August 21, 2023</li><li>Free Tiger Football tickets (up to 20) for employees to attend the first home game and special on-field recognition during the game</li><li>A free photo shoot with Victor E. mascot at the location of their choice</li>
 </ul>Golden Plains Credit Union was officially presented with the award during a Ribbon Cutting hosted by The Chamber in Hays. During the celebration, slight changes to the partner program were revealed.To streamline efforts and ensure community partners are recognized adequately, the Tiger Nation Partner Program will become the main umbrella beginning immediately. This program aims to incorporate existing TGOF and Tiger Spirit Partners but includes the addition of a new category: Tiger Card Partner. The Tiger Card Partner is focused on student engagement where businesses are asked to consider offering a discount to students who present a valid FHSU Tiger Card, any day of the week.To become a Tiger Nation Partner or to learn more about the program, visit <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/tiger-nation-partners/">fhsu.edu/tigernation</a>.

FHSU announces 2023 Tiger Gear on Friday Community Partner of the Year

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

There's a new operating fund in the city of Hays's proposed 2024 budget, specific to the R9 Ranch long-term water project.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/679dfb6b-a9f9-46d3-bd50-b305d1fc8755">public hearing for the water transfer process</a>, the first time it will be triggered in Kansas in its current form, is underway in Wichita and is anticipated to continue through Aug. 2.

The newly established budget for the R9 Ranch was created to support activities related to the development and operation of the R9, which is owned by the cities of Hays and Russell.

Among the initiatives planned for next year are review and approval of designs by engineers Burns and McDonnell, Wichita, to the 60 percent complete stage for the wellfield and 65-mile pipeline between Edwards County and Hays.

Roadway surface at the ranch will be improved, and work will continue to return the land to native grass.

The capital improvement plan includes a planned $5 million in land acquisition for the project.

The mill levy is kept at 25.000 with assessed valuation up 11.6 percent.

Sales tax revenues, which are the primary funding source for the city's general fund, are projected to be up 4.6 percent in 2023 and another 3 percent higher for 2024.

City employees will receive a 2 percent step raise and a 3 percent cost of living increase. They will also get $11,000 each to procure health insurance.

Three additional employees will be hired, a project manager and a property manager for the R9 Ranch and a management analyst position for the city manager's office.&nbsp;

Solid waste customers can expect to see a slight increase in the monthly rate for refuse collection, with a proposed rate increase for 2025 to ensure the solid waste reserves remain sustainable.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In anticipation of constructing a new $12 million police station at 0 Main Street, $900,000 is in the capital improvement plan for design work expected to begin in 2024.

The capital improvement plan also includes $722,000 for design and reconstruction of the crosswind runway at the Hays Regional Airport. This is a 10 percent match for the project required by the Federal Aviation Administration.&nbsp;

An upgrade to the current water metering technology will be made, for which $1.5 million is budgeted to pay for 30 percent of the costs.

Deputy City Manager Colin Bielser presented the draft 2024 budget to Hays city commissioners, who will continue to review it during work sessions on Aug. 3 and 17 prior to the Sept. 14 public hearing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690492021583.jpeg" alt="The proposed 2024 budget for the city of Hays keeps the mill levy at 25.000 mills for the 14th consecutive year. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The proposed 2024 budget for the city of Hays keeps the mill levy at 25.000 mills for the 14th consecutive year. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThere's a new operating fund in the city of Hays's proposed 2024 budget, specific to the R9 Ranch long-term water project.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/679dfb6b-a9f9-46d3-bd50-b305d1fc8755">public hearing for the water transfer process</a>, the first time it will be triggered in Kansas in its current form, is underway in Wichita and is anticipated to continue through Aug. 2.The newly established budget for the R9 Ranch was created to support activities related to the development and operation of the R9, which is owned by the cities of Hays and Russell.Among the initiatives planned for next year are review and approval of designs by engineers Burns and McDonnell, Wichita, to the 60 percent complete stage for the wellfield and 65-mile pipeline between Edwards County and Hays.Roadway surface at the ranch will be improved, and work will continue to return the land to native grass.The capital improvement plan includes a planned $5 million in land acquisition for the project.The mill levy is kept at 25.000 with assessed valuation up 11.6 percent.Sales tax revenues, which are the primary funding source for the city's general fund, are projected to be up 4.6 percent in 2023 and another 3 percent higher for 2024.City employees will receive a 2 percent step raise and a 3 percent cost of living increase. They will also get $11,000 each to procure health insurance.Three additional employees will be hired, a project manager and a property manager for the R9 Ranch and a management analyst position for the city manager's office.&nbsp;Solid waste customers can expect to see a slight increase in the monthly rate for refuse collection, with a proposed rate increase for 2025 to ensure the solid waste reserves remain sustainable.&nbsp; &nbsp;In anticipation of constructing a new $12 million police station at 0 Main Street, $900,000 is in the capital improvement plan for design work expected to begin in 2024.The capital improvement plan also includes $722,000 for design and reconstruction of the crosswind runway at the Hays Regional Airport. This is a 10 percent match for the project required by the Federal Aviation Administration.&nbsp;An upgrade to the current water metering technology will be made, for which $1.5 million is budgeted to pay for 30 percent of the costs.Deputy City Manager Colin Bielser presented the draft 2024 budget to Hays city commissioners, who will continue to review it during work sessions on Aug. 3 and 17 prior to the Sept. 14 public hearing.

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