COLBY - Colby Community College conferred 260 degrees and certificates on May 12, 2023, during the 58th&nbsp;annual commencement ceremony at the Colby Event Center.

Hometowns are published as indicated by the student. Kansas residents are arranged by city, out-of-state residents are listed by city and state, and international students by country. By request, some names are not published.

Atwood:&nbsp;Juliann Sis.&nbsp;Belleville:&nbsp;Karlie Strutt.&nbsp;Brewster:&nbsp;Candy Aschenbrenner.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Marissa Bermudez, Patyn Branum, Samantha Brenn, Sheena Brown, Jersey Carney, Michaela Derickson, Jayla Helus, Shawna Petersen, Wade Rush, Jacob Sack, Morgan Voss, Elizabeth White.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Hanna Cepeda, Elena Flores, Sara Salcedo.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Melissa Womack.&nbsp;Hays:&nbsp;Melanie Fisher.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Angela Sorter.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Wayne Flipse, Brandi Horton.&nbsp;Oberlin:&nbsp;Miranda Stevenson.&nbsp;Osborne:&nbsp;Sarah Seifert.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Kelly Cote.&nbsp;Plainville:&nbsp;Shandra Griffin.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Toby Korte.&nbsp;Scott City:&nbsp;Jose Garcia, Kaely Zilla.&nbsp;

Atwood:&nbsp;Sapphira Bailey.&nbsp;Bird City:&nbsp;Rubie Yost.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;William Bradley, Colin Carroll, Britton Knowles, Britnee McKinney, Kirsten Miessler, Claire Nelson, Lydia Rinehart, Tyler Voss, Elizabeth White.&nbsp;Damar:&nbsp;Kirsten Marcotte.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Kylah Smith.&nbsp;Glade:&nbsp;Kylie Solida.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Valeria Almanza-Chavez.&nbsp;Gove:&nbsp;Kristy Packard.&nbsp;Great Bend: Shailey Clark.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Isabella Ostmeyer.&nbsp;Hays:&nbsp;Micah Leibbrandt.&nbsp;Hill City:&nbsp;Stephanie Winn.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Emily Diercks.&nbsp;Monument:&nbsp;Eric Cain.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Natasha Flores.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Rylan Hays, Brittany King.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;Desiree Littlechild, Sydney Rothchild.&nbsp;Winona:&nbsp;Regan Stramel.&nbsp;

Colby:&nbsp;Dante Brown, Colin Carroll, Michaela Derickson, Seth Gundlach, Britton Knowles, Britnee McKinney, Claire Nelson, Gage Odell, Lydia Rinehart, Isaac Smith, Tyler Voss, Elizabeth White.&nbsp;Edson:&nbsp;Aliya Holzmeister.&nbsp;Glade:&nbsp;Kylie Solida.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Valeria Almanza-Chavez, Dustin Delgado,&nbsp;Dallin Tew.&nbsp;Gove: Kristy Packard.&nbsp;Great Bend:&nbsp;Shailey Clark.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Isabella Ostmeyer.&nbsp;Monument:&nbsp;Eric Cain.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Natasha Flores.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Jera Schoenfeld.&nbsp;Sharon Springs:&nbsp;Kylie Ryser.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;Desiree Littlechild, Sydney Rothchild.&nbsp;Winona:&nbsp;Regan Stramel.

Atwood:&nbsp;Juliann Sis.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Maria Austin, Breon Barton, Kasandra Blackhart, Reese Blatt, Michaela Derickson, Chelsea Goni, Alexis Hancock, Nicole Jansonius, Taitym Knott, Postenea Louisjeune, Nikki Murphy, Brenda Platt, Melissa Reed,&nbsp;Aden Reilley, Wade Rush, Jacob Sack, Elizabeth White.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Elena Flores, Xochitl Rodriguez.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Melissa Womack.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Kellie Tice.&nbsp;Lebanon:&nbsp;Nicholas Lange.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Hayley Cadwalader, Eden Davis, Destiny Gretzschel, Clint Hammond, Katie Meitl.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Wayne Flipse.&nbsp;Oberlin:&nbsp;Nicole Irwin.&nbsp;&nbsp;Osborne:&nbsp;Helen Carlin, Gabriel Pasilas.&nbsp;Quinter:&nbsp;Dayna Beachel.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Toby Korte.&nbsp;Scott City:&nbsp;Gabrielle Martinez, Kenlea Stegman.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY - Colby Community College conferred 260 degrees and certificates on May 12, 2023, during the 58th&nbsp;annual commencement ceremony at the Colby Event Center.Hometowns are published as indicated by the student. Kansas residents are arranged by city, out-of-state residents are listed by city and state, and international students by country. By request, some names are not published.Associate of Applied ScienceAtwood:&nbsp;Juliann Sis.&nbsp;Belleville:&nbsp;Karlie Strutt.&nbsp;Brewster:&nbsp;Candy Aschenbrenner.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Marissa Bermudez, Patyn Branum, Samantha Brenn, Sheena Brown, Jersey Carney, Michaela Derickson, Jayla Helus, Shawna Petersen, Wade Rush, Jacob Sack, Morgan Voss, Elizabeth White.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Hanna Cepeda, Elena Flores, Sara Salcedo.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Melissa Womack.&nbsp;Hays:&nbsp;Melanie Fisher.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Angela Sorter.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Wayne Flipse, Brandi Horton.&nbsp;Oberlin:&nbsp;Miranda Stevenson.&nbsp;Osborne:&nbsp;Sarah Seifert.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Kelly Cote.&nbsp;Plainville:&nbsp;Shandra Griffin.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Toby Korte.&nbsp;Scott City:&nbsp;Jose Garcia, Kaely Zilla.&nbsp;Associate of ArtsAtwood:&nbsp;Sapphira Bailey.&nbsp;Bird City:&nbsp;Rubie Yost.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;William Bradley, Colin Carroll, Britton Knowles, Britnee McKinney, Kirsten Miessler, Claire Nelson, Lydia Rinehart, Tyler Voss, Elizabeth White.&nbsp;Damar:&nbsp;Kirsten Marcotte.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Kylah Smith.&nbsp;Glade:&nbsp;Kylie Solida.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Valeria Almanza-Chavez.&nbsp;Gove:&nbsp;Kristy Packard.&nbsp;Great Bend: Shailey Clark.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Isabella Ostmeyer.&nbsp;Hays:&nbsp;Micah Leibbrandt.&nbsp;Hill City:&nbsp;Stephanie Winn.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Emily Diercks.&nbsp;Monument:&nbsp;Eric Cain.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Natasha Flores.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Rylan Hays, Brittany King.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;Desiree Littlechild, Sydney Rothchild.&nbsp;Winona:&nbsp;Regan Stramel.&nbsp;Associate of ScienceColby:&nbsp;Dante Brown, Colin Carroll, Michaela Derickson, Seth Gundlach, Britton Knowles, Britnee McKinney, Claire Nelson, Gage Odell, Lydia Rinehart, Isaac Smith, Tyler Voss, Elizabeth White.&nbsp;Edson:&nbsp;Aliya Holzmeister.&nbsp;Glade:&nbsp;Kylie Solida.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Valeria Almanza-Chavez, Dustin Delgado,&nbsp;Dallin Tew.&nbsp;Gove: Kristy Packard.&nbsp;Great Bend:&nbsp;Shailey Clark.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Isabella Ostmeyer.&nbsp;Monument:&nbsp;Eric Cain.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Natasha Flores.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Jera Schoenfeld.&nbsp;Sharon Springs:&nbsp;Kylie Ryser.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;Desiree Littlechild, Sydney Rothchild.&nbsp;Winona:&nbsp;Regan Stramel.CertificatesAtwood:&nbsp;Juliann Sis.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Maria Austin, Breon Barton, Kasandra Blackhart, Reese Blatt, Michaela Derickson, Chelsea Goni, Alexis Hancock, Nicole Jansonius, Taitym Knott, Postenea Louisjeune, Nikki Murphy, Brenda Platt, Melissa Reed,&nbsp;Aden Reilley, Wade Rush, Jacob Sack, Elizabeth White.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Elena Flores, Xochitl Rodriguez.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Melissa Womack.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Kellie Tice.&nbsp;Lebanon:&nbsp;Nicholas Lange.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Hayley Cadwalader, Eden Davis, Destiny Gretzschel, Clint Hammond, Katie Meitl.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Wayne Flipse.&nbsp;Oberlin:&nbsp;Nicole Irwin.&nbsp;&nbsp;Osborne:&nbsp;Helen Carlin, Gabriel Pasilas.&nbsp;Quinter:&nbsp;Dayna Beachel.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Toby Korte.&nbsp;Scott City:&nbsp;Gabrielle Martinez, Kenlea Stegman.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Area spring graduates announced at Colby Community College

EMPORIA -&nbsp; Tasiah Nunnery of Hays, was one of nearly 700 Emporia State University undergraduate students named to the university honor roll after the spring 2023 semester.

To qualify for the university honor roll, students earned a minimum 3.80 semester grade point average in at least 12 graded hours.

<figure>
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 </figure>ESUEMPORIA -&nbsp; Tasiah Nunnery of Hays, was one of nearly 700 Emporia State University undergraduate students named to the university honor roll after the spring 2023 semester.To qualify for the university honor roll, students earned a minimum 3.80 semester grade point average in at least 12 graded hours.

Tasiah Nunnery of Hays named to Emporia State honor roll

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kayla Cullens and Roberta Myers to discuss the situation at Wilson schools&nbsp; USD 112 and the upcoming vote to disorganize the district.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2OW7zkj0BEM" 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 Kayla Cullens and Roberta Myers to discuss the situation at Wilson schools&nbsp; USD 112 and the upcoming vote to disorganize the district.<figure>
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Forward Ever: USD 112 disorganization vote part 1

TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8 percent in June. This is a decrease from 2.9 percent in May and an increase from 2.6 percent in June 2022.

The unemployment rate in Hays was 2.2 percent in June up slightly from 1.9 percent in May. Russell County's rate also was up slightly to 2.6 percent in June compared to 2.4 percent in May.

Trego County's unemployment rate continues to decline from 3 percent&nbsp; in May to 2.9 percent in June.

“After remaining unchanged for seven consecutive months, the Kansas unemployment rate declined in June to end the second quarter at 2.8 percent,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “This is an increase from 2.6 percent one year ago, but is still one of the lowest unemployment rates recorded in the state of Kansas.”

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1,000 from May. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 700.

“Average nominal hourly earnings in the Kansas private sector grew 2.3 percent over the year in June, as national inflation rates slowed for the 12th consecutive month,” said labor economist, Nathan Kessler.

“While they remain above the Federal Reserve target, inflation rates are now more aligned with wage growth compared to much of the past 18 months.”

Since June 2022 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 31,900. This change is due to an increase of 27,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 4,700 government jobs.

Complete Kansas labor market information for June is available<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ=="> here.</a>

The July 2023 Labor Report will be released Aug. 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689952795093.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8 percent in June. This is a decrease from 2.9 percent in May and an increase from 2.6 percent in June 2022.The unemployment rate in Hays was 2.2 percent in June up slightly from 1.9 percent in May. Russell County's rate also was up slightly to 2.6 percent in June compared to 2.4 percent in May.Trego County's unemployment rate continues to decline from 3 percent&nbsp; in May to 2.9 percent in June.“After remaining unchanged for seven consecutive months, the Kansas unemployment rate declined in June to end the second quarter at 2.8 percent,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “This is an increase from 2.6 percent one year ago, but is still one of the lowest unemployment rates recorded in the state of Kansas.”Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1,000 from May. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 700.“Average nominal hourly earnings in the Kansas private sector grew 2.3 percent over the year in June, as national inflation rates slowed for the 12th consecutive month,” said labor economist, Nathan Kessler.“While they remain above the Federal Reserve target, inflation rates are now more aligned with wage growth compared to much of the past 18 months.”Since June 2022 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 31,900. This change is due to an increase of 27,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 4,700 government jobs.Complete Kansas labor market information for June is available<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ=="> here.</a>The July 2023 Labor Report will be released Aug. 18.

June unemployment up slightly in Ellis, Russell counties

This is day 14 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Up and down the Colorado border, wheat producers are working to finish up harvest. The northwestern corner of the state was among the few that received moisture last fall, snow this winter and rain this spring, leading to better yields than many other areas of the state. In contrast, the southwest corner of the state is faring poorer with high rates of abandonment and declining conditions for wheat left standing in the field. Universally, moisture in the air continues to delay cutting, extending harvest well beyond a normal pace.&nbsp;

Jason Ochs of Hamilton County had to abandon about 60 percent of his wheat this year due to the drought. On the remaining acres, he is averaging yields of about 20 bushels per acre. He did have one field that was adjusted at 0.3 bushels per acre, but it started raining in April before he got it destroyed, so he will harvest it, saying that it might make 15 bushels per acre. Test weights are averaging 58 to 59 pounds per bushel.&nbsp;

Ochs grows both hard red winter (HRW) and hard white (HW) wheat. Both classes are shattering due to wind and hail. One of his fields had 50 percent loss after four separate hail events and has been hailed on twice since then.

He said the majority of the area had a hard time getting fall crops in due to excessive rains in May and June, so wheat acres should be up this fall. His mantra is, “You have to take advantage of the opportunity when there is moisture” — even if it messes up the crop rotation a bit.

“Residue is big-time cash as far as I’m concerned,” Ochs said.

Harvest began on July 3 and 4, but rains came in, keeping them out of the fields for several more days. Ochs noted that it is difficult to find help because of the late harvest, and he currently has one combine sitting because he has no one to run it. Weed pressure, moisture and humidity — not common issues during harvest in this part of the state — mean the machines that are running have to go slow.&nbsp;

“I have two days of harvest left,” he said, “but it will take five or six.”

Ochs noted that Kansas Wheat Alliance’s hard white wheat variety Joe has been a good performer this year, yielding in the mid-30s, and that PlainsGold’s HRW wheat variety Canvas has also done well, weathering the drought.

Harvest is further behind in the northwest part of the state at 60 to 70 percent complete, well behind the normal timeline for the area, according to Stan Remington, CEO/president of Frontier Ag Inc. With the weather forecast showing temperatures in the mid-90s and no chances of rain — yet — harvest could finish up by the end of next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Along Highway 36, the wheat harvest has been the best in the territory, Remington said. The area had some moisture last fall that got the wheat up, snow throughout the winter and rains this spring. Moisture was timely, but not early enough for disease to set in, allowing wheat to grow into more of its yield potential. As a result, yields started out at 70 to 80 bushels per acre with protein ranging from 10 to 11 percent where yields are high and adjusting up to 12 percent further east where conditions were drier. Test weights started excellent at 61 to 62 pounds per bushel, with daily averages now at 58 bushels per acre. Weeds are starting to be more of an issue for producers.&nbsp;

Weather has been a constant battle since the day harvest started. In addition to rain delays, producers can only cut from mid-afternoon to dark, thanks to fog in the mornings and humidity that comes with the rising and setting of the sun. Two different sizeable hail events along the Cheyenne/Sherman County line eliminated some acres, along with significant damage to the corn and other fall crops. Still, Remington said producers will take the moisture because fall crops that weren’t hit by hail are looking fantastic.&nbsp;

Overall, Frontier Ag Inc. expects to end up with 60 percent of the historical average for bushels across their draw area, which extends from the Colorado line up to the Nebraska border, across Highway 36, dropping down to Highway 24 to Hill City then down to Ransom and back across the I-70 corridor from WaKeeney to Goodland.&nbsp;

“With the year, and as we look back at the first day of May, we feel pretty fortunate,” Remington said.

He noted grain shipments from northwest Kansas depend on how the final crop unfolds, but he is excited for when the Amber Wave wheat gluten plant comes online in Phillipsburg for additional marketing opportunities for area producers.&nbsp;

The Kansas Wheat crew is keeping their eyes to the sky this weekend but will be back next week to share more updates on the Kansas wheat harvest with the next report scheduled for July 24.&nbsp;

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/2023/7/1689952908061.png" alt="Kansas Wheat" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wheat</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas WheatThis is day 14 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Up and down the Colorado border, wheat producers are working to finish up harvest. The northwestern corner of the state was among the few that received moisture last fall, snow this winter and rain this spring, leading to better yields than many other areas of the state. In contrast, the southwest corner of the state is faring poorer with high rates of abandonment and declining conditions for wheat left standing in the field. Universally, moisture in the air continues to delay cutting, extending harvest well beyond a normal pace.&nbsp;Jason Ochs of Hamilton County had to abandon about 60 percent of his wheat this year due to the drought. On the remaining acres, he is averaging yields of about 20 bushels per acre. He did have one field that was adjusted at 0.3 bushels per acre, but it started raining in April before he got it destroyed, so he will harvest it, saying that it might make 15 bushels per acre. Test weights are averaging 58 to 59 pounds per bushel.&nbsp;Ochs grows both hard red winter (HRW) and hard white (HW) wheat. Both classes are shattering due to wind and hail. One of his fields had 50 percent loss after four separate hail events and has been hailed on twice since then.He said the majority of the area had a hard time getting fall crops in due to excessive rains in May and June, so wheat acres should be up this fall. His mantra is, “You have to take advantage of the opportunity when there is moisture” — even if it messes up the crop rotation a bit.“Residue is big-time cash as far as I’m concerned,” Ochs said.Harvest began on July 3 and 4, but rains came in, keeping them out of the fields for several more days. Ochs noted that it is difficult to find help because of the late harvest, and he currently has one combine sitting because he has no one to run it. Weed pressure, moisture and humidity — not common issues during harvest in this part of the state — mean the machines that are running have to go slow.&nbsp;“I have two days of harvest left,” he said, “but it will take five or six.”Ochs noted that Kansas Wheat Alliance’s hard white wheat variety Joe has been a good performer this year, yielding in the mid-30s, and that PlainsGold’s HRW wheat variety Canvas has also done well, weathering the drought.Harvest is further behind in the northwest part of the state at 60 to 70 percent complete, well behind the normal timeline for the area, according to Stan Remington, CEO/president of Frontier Ag Inc. With the weather forecast showing temperatures in the mid-90s and no chances of rain — yet — harvest could finish up by the end of next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Along Highway 36, the wheat harvest has been the best in the territory, Remington said. The area had some moisture last fall that got the wheat up, snow throughout the winter and rains this spring. Moisture was timely, but not early enough for disease to set in, allowing wheat to grow into more of its yield potential. As a result, yields started out at 70 to 80 bushels per acre with protein ranging from 10 to 11 percent where yields are high and adjusting up to 12 percent further east where conditions were drier. Test weights started excellent at 61 to 62 pounds per bushel, with daily averages now at 58 bushels per acre. Weeds are starting to be more of an issue for producers.&nbsp;Weather has been a constant battle since the day harvest started. In addition to rain delays, producers can only cut from mid-afternoon to dark, thanks to fog in the mornings and humidity that comes with the rising and setting of the sun. Two different sizeable hail events along the Cheyenne/Sherman County line eliminated some acres, along with significant damage to the corn and other fall crops. Still, Remington said producers will take the moisture because fall crops that weren’t hit by hail are looking fantastic.&nbsp;Overall, Frontier Ag Inc. expects to end up with 60 percent of the historical average for bushels across their draw area, which extends from the Colorado line up to the Nebraska border, across Highway 36, dropping down to Highway 24 to Hill City then down to Ransom and back across the I-70 corridor from WaKeeney to Goodland.&nbsp;“With the year, and as we look back at the first day of May, we feel pretty fortunate,” Remington said.He noted grain shipments from northwest Kansas depend on how the final crop unfolds, but he is excited for when the Amber Wave wheat gluten plant comes online in Phillipsburg for additional marketing opportunities for area producers.&nbsp;The Kansas Wheat crew is keeping their eyes to the sky this weekend but will be back next week to share more updates on the Kansas wheat harvest with the next report scheduled for July 24.&nbsp;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: NW Kansas harvest extended well beyond normal pace

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Thursday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Jeep SUV driven by Jasmine E. Dauer, 28, Fort Collins, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 three miles west of Yocemento.

The vehicle left the roadway to the right. It is believed the driver of the SUV became incapacitated due to a medical condition just prior to the vehicle leaving the roadway. The SUV traveled through the KDOT fence and across a steep draw before coming to rest in a pasture south of the Interstate.

EMS transported Dauer to Hays Medical Center. She was propery restrained, according to the KHP.

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Thursday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Jeep SUV driven by Jasmine E. Dauer, 28, Fort Collins, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 three miles west of Yocemento.The vehicle left the roadway to the right. It is believed the driver of the SUV became incapacitated due to a medical condition just prior to the vehicle leaving the roadway. The SUV traveled through the KDOT fence and across a steep draw before coming to rest in a pasture south of the Interstate.EMS transported Dauer to Hays Medical Center. She was propery restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized in Hays after medical condition led to crash

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays received.26 inches of rain overnight and another .32 inches of rain as of Thursday morning, according to the K-State Ag Research Station.

Hays has received 3.44 inches of rain for the month of July and 12.62 inches of precipitation year to date.

Hays receives an average of 3.33 inches of rain during the month of July but is still behind the 14.60 inch-average year to date by the end of July.

Although the Kansas drought monitor shows conditions improving across the state, the drought map released Thursday still shows pockets of exceptional drought for Ellis County, as well as south-central Kansas.

The National Weather Service forecast for Hays is clear through Tuesday. The forecast is for a high of 81 degrees today and increasing to a high of 101 by Tuesday.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays received.26 inches of rain overnight and another .32 inches of rain as of Thursday morning, according to the K-State Ag Research Station.Hays has received 3.44 inches of rain for the month of July and 12.62 inches of precipitation year to date.Hays receives an average of 3.33 inches of rain during the month of July but is still behind the 14.60 inch-average year to date by the end of July.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689950639336.png" alt="Kansas Drought Monitor map for July 21 Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Drought Monitor map for July 21 Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure>Although the Kansas drought monitor shows conditions improving across the state, the drought map released Thursday still shows pockets of exceptional drought for Ellis County, as well as south-central Kansas.The National Weather Service forecast for Hays is clear through Tuesday. The forecast is for a high of 81 degrees today and increasing to a high of 101 by Tuesday.

Hays receives .58 inches in 2 days, remains in exceptional drought

The Morning Blend's Summer Music Showdown is underway! Listen in Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS</a> to hear today's selections

Each Friday through the month of July, one lucky voter will win a Date Night package, including an appetizer, two dinners and a dessert to share from the&nbsp;<a href="https://paisleypear.net/">Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687537524742.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><h2>Which song is best!?</h2>The Morning Blend's Summer Music Showdown is underway! Listen in Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS</a> to hear today's selections <h2>Vote for your favorites below</h2><div>  <script src="https://embed-994684.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="b554f225-689f-49de-b35b-66081fcec7f9" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>Each Friday through the month of July, one lucky voter will win a Date Night package, including an appetizer, two dinners and a dessert to share from the&nbsp;<a href="https://paisleypear.net/">Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677604672856.jpeg" alt="" />
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KAYS Summer Music Showdown underway

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Discussion about a potential common alcohol consumption area in downtown Hays continued during Thursday's city commission work session.

Commissioners first talked about the idea at their&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8b222c8f-4665-4812-9b19-d40f55f24721">June 6 work session</a>.

Proposed boundary areas are Seventh Street to 13th Street and Fort to Oak, or further to Walnut to Oak, which is favored by Commissioner Alaina Cunningham.&nbsp;

Ordinances for both areas will be drawn up by the city attorney after the R9 Ranch water transfer public hearing concludes in Wichita and then put on an agenda for further consideration and possible vote sometime in August.

To implement a common consumption area, the city commission must pass an ordinance designating the area boundaries, with dates and time of operation included in the ordinance. Commissioners are considering 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., 365 days a year.&nbsp;

Cost of the signage is estimated at $10,000 to $15,000.

Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs said she had many people tell her they were in favor of the idea; one downtown merchant was opposed. Several businesses Commissioner Reese Barrick spoke to were against the proposal.

One of the downtown business owners in favor of the common consumption area is Dustin Roths, owner of the Fox, the Strand, and Diamond R Jewelry.

Roths told the commission it's something that would make Hays "look like a forward-thinking city and that we understand the economic power of this."

The city would seek the common consumption area permit from the state. Businesses within or immediately adjacent to the district already licensed to sell alcoholic beverages must apply to the state to participate.&nbsp;

State law previously required roads within a common consumption area to be blocked to vehicle traffic.&nbsp;

The requirement was modified on July 1, and now areas need only to be posted with signage designating the boundaries and hours of operation.

In other business, the commission asked to add an expenditure in the proposed 2024 budget for more Municipal Park pickleball courts.

The budget, which maintains a 25.000 mill levy, will be reviewed during two more work sessions before the public hearing on Sept. 14.

Commissioners also heard from Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges, a former city commissioner, about the county's Rural Opportunity Zone.&nbsp;

The state program is a tool for communities to incentivize citizens to move to counties with populations of fewer than 40,000 residents.

Berges encouraged the city to also participate by dedicating monies for a student loan repayment program. The state kicks in a five-year income tax credit. 

The city commission previously talked about the rural opportunity zone program in 2021 when Ellis County became eligible but took no action.&nbsp;

Commissioner Mason Ruder was absent from the work session.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689927522553.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners talk about establishing a common alcohol consumption area during their July 20 work session. Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners talk about establishing a common alcohol consumption area during their July 20 work session. Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostDiscussion about a potential common alcohol consumption area in downtown Hays continued during Thursday's city commission work session.Commissioners first talked about the idea at their&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8b222c8f-4665-4812-9b19-d40f55f24721">June 6 work session</a>. Proposed boundary areas are Seventh Street to 13th Street and Fort to Oak, or further to Walnut to Oak, which is favored by Commissioner Alaina Cunningham.&nbsp;Ordinances for both areas will be drawn up by the city attorney after the R9 Ranch water transfer public hearing concludes in Wichita and then put on an agenda for further consideration and possible vote sometime in August.To implement a common consumption area, the city commission must pass an ordinance designating the area boundaries, with dates and time of operation included in the ordinance. Commissioners are considering 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., 365 days a year.&nbsp;Cost of the signage is estimated at $10,000 to $15,000.Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs said she had many people tell her they were in favor of the idea; one downtown merchant was opposed. Several businesses Commissioner Reese Barrick spoke to were against the proposal.One of the downtown business owners in favor of the common consumption area is Dustin Roths, owner of the Fox, the Strand, and Diamond R Jewelry.Roths told the commission it's something that would make Hays "look like a forward-thinking city and that we understand the economic power of this."<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/oBvxBwUU-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Roths 1" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The city would seek the common consumption area permit from the state. Businesses within or immediately adjacent to the district already licensed to sell alcoholic beverages must apply to the state to participate.&nbsp;State law previously required roads within a common consumption area to be blocked to vehicle traffic.&nbsp;The requirement was modified on July 1, and now areas need only to be posted with signage designating the boundaries and hours of operation.In other business, the commission asked to add an expenditure in the proposed 2024 budget for more Municipal Park pickleball courts.The budget, which maintains a 25.000 mill levy, will be reviewed during two more work sessions before the public hearing on Sept. 14.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689927924915.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges encouraged the city of Hays to participate in the county's Rural Opportunity Zone program. It includes financial incentives from the state for people to move to rural counties. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges encouraged the city of Hays to participate in the county's Rural Opportunity Zone program. It includes financial incentives from the state for people to move to rural counties. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners also heard from Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges, a former city commissioner, about the county's Rural Opportunity Zone.&nbsp;The state program is a tool for communities to incentivize citizens to move to counties with populations of fewer than 40,000 residents.Berges encouraged the city to also participate by dedicating monies for a student loan repayment program. The state kicks in a five-year income tax credit. The city commission previously talked about the rural opportunity zone program in 2021 when Ellis County became eligible but took no action.&nbsp;Commissioner Mason Ruder was absent from the work session.

🎥Vote on common alcohol consumption area in Hays to be in late summer 

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

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

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

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

Profession: project manager with Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal

Do you have children or grandchildren who attend Hays public school? Daughter who graduated in 2022 and two boys who are attending O' Loughlin Elementary School.&nbsp;

Please give a brief bio on yourself in 100 words or less.&nbsp;Born and raised in Seattle, Wash. As a sophomore, I went to prep school and played hockey in Boston and then transferred to play hockey in Iowa.&nbsp; I have a broad understanding of different school systems due to my family moving and also playing hockey for different schools throughout the USA. I also grew tremendously as a member of the military.&nbsp;

I have five kids. My daughter, Kelsi, is a nurse in the ICU unit in Omaha; Madison is in the U.S. Airforce and currently stationed in Canada and Cassidy, who graduated from Hays High in 2022,&nbsp; is attending Kansas University for physical therapy. My wife, Kari, and I have two young sons who are attending O' Loughlin Elementary.

Please explain why you are running for school board in 500 words or less.&nbsp;As a potential school board member, I would love the chance to look for opportunities for our students to excel in every area of education and to be innovative and inventive.&nbsp;

We, as parents, members of the community, and teachers, each have a unique opportunity to mold and shape the next generation.&nbsp; The students that are in the classroom right now are the future, and the future begins now.&nbsp;

If voted as a USD 489 board member, I think that it is part of my responsibility to look for opportunities for the students to not just be status quo but to be the best that they can be. We want them to be the best leaders, who lead with integrity and morals, and lead with confidence because of the schooling they received and the sense of community that was instilled in them. Whatever field of expertise that they choose for a career, it is our responsibility to ensure the students we have in our classrooms today will have the skills and expertise to thrive as adults.&nbsp;

As someone who has lived all over the United States and whose children have attended schools both big and small, I believe Hays has great things going for it and has a great chance for continued improvement.&nbsp;

As a potential board member, I know it is inevitable that differences of opinions will occur and that we will face unique challenges over the next four years. I believe my faith, integrity and personal experiences are key to my making decisions in high-pressure situations and a unique ability to see the big picture. I am determined to not just sit back, but to really dig in and encourage staff, administration and teachers to think outside the box and find ways that we can strive to be the absolute best school district in Kansas —one that is concerned about education and not indoctrination. Our kids deserve a foundation in academics, character, responsibility and integrity so they can stand up to the challenges they will face in tomorrow’s world.

Hays PostThe Hays Post will be publishing a series of profiles introducing the community to the 10 candidates who are running for Hays USD 489 school board.&nbsp;Those candidates are&nbsp;David Clingan,&nbsp;James Feyerherm,&nbsp;Jayme Goetz,&nbsp;Lori Hertel,&nbsp;Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson,&nbsp;Dennis Wilkie and&nbsp;Derek Yarmer.The Hays Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information and why they chose to run for school board.Not enough candidates filed for the school board to require a primary. The general election will be Nov. 7. The voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 17.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689800225929.jpeg" alt="Dennis Wilkie" />
 <figcaption>Dennis Wilkie</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Dennis Wilkie</h2>Age: 45Profession: project manager with Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet MetalAre you an Incumbent?&nbsp;NoDo you have children or grandchildren who attend Hays public school? Daughter who graduated in 2022 and two boys who are attending O' Loughlin Elementary School.&nbsp;Please give a brief bio on yourself in 100 words or less.&nbsp;Born and raised in Seattle, Wash. As a sophomore, I went to prep school and played hockey in Boston and then transferred to play hockey in Iowa.&nbsp; I have a broad understanding of different school systems due to my family moving and also playing hockey for different schools throughout the USA. I also grew tremendously as a member of the military.&nbsp;I have five kids. My daughter, Kelsi, is a nurse in the ICU unit in Omaha; Madison is in the U.S. Airforce and currently stationed in Canada and Cassidy, who graduated from Hays High in 2022,&nbsp; is attending Kansas University for physical therapy. My wife, Kari, and I have two young sons who are attending O' Loughlin Elementary.Please explain why you are running for school board in 500 words or less.&nbsp;As a potential school board member, I would love the chance to look for opportunities for our students to excel in every area of education and to be innovative and inventive.&nbsp;We, as parents, members of the community, and teachers, each have a unique opportunity to mold and shape the next generation.&nbsp; The students that are in the classroom right now are the future, and the future begins now.&nbsp;If voted as a USD 489 board member, I think that it is part of my responsibility to look for opportunities for the students to not just be status quo but to be the best that they can be. We want them to be the best leaders, who lead with integrity and morals, and lead with confidence because of the schooling they received and the sense of community that was instilled in them. Whatever field of expertise that they choose for a career, it is our responsibility to ensure the students we have in our classrooms today will have the skills and expertise to thrive as adults.&nbsp;As someone who has lived all over the United States and whose children have attended schools both big and small, I believe Hays has great things going for it and has a great chance for continued improvement.&nbsp;As a potential board member, I know it is inevitable that differences of opinions will occur and that we will face unique challenges over the next four years. I believe my faith, integrity and personal experiences are key to my making decisions in high-pressure situations and a unique ability to see the big picture. I am determined to not just sit back, but to really dig in and encourage staff, administration and teachers to think outside the box and find ways that we can strive to be the absolute best school district in Kansas —one that is concerned about education and not indoctrination. Our kids deserve a foundation in academics, character, responsibility and integrity so they can stand up to the challenges they will face in tomorrow’s world.

Hays USD 489 school board candidate: Dennis Wilkie

The Ellis County Child Care Task Force will not be moving forward with a plan to offer meals to area in-home child care providers, but the task force may pursue further subsidies for food for children.

A subcommittee of the task force had been exploring the concept of having a central catering business provide food for centers and/or in-home providers.

The hope was a centralized food source could cut costs for providers or at least save the providers the time and labor it took to prepare menus, shop for groceries and prepare the food.

Only seven providers of the 70 in-home providers in the county responded to a survey on the possible program.

Andrew Cutright, who is on the board of the Hays Area Children's Center, said at a meeting Wednesday some providers may be making money on the meals they serve. A catering program might cost them income, he said.

The state already provides food subsidies for qualifying providers. All of those providers had been receiving the highest level of reimbursement during the pandemic.

Now the reimbursements are going back to a tiered system as they were pre-pandemic, which means a lower reimbursement rate for many providers in Hays.

Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said she would investigate grants to further subsidize food for providers.

She said if she could show that a local child care food program could improve the quality of food for children, she might be able to obtain a grant.

However, she said many grant programs require the grantee to show a plan for sustainability, and she was unsure if that would be possible in this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679320246727.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Ellis County Child Care Task Force will not be moving forward with a plan to offer meals to area in-home child care providers, but the task force may pursue further subsidies for food for children.A subcommittee of the task force had been exploring the concept of having a central catering business provide food for centers and/or in-home providers.The hope was a centralized food source could cut costs for providers or at least save the providers the time and labor it took to prepare menus, shop for groceries and prepare the food.Only seven providers of the 70 in-home providers in the county responded to a survey on the possible program.Andrew Cutright, who is on the board of the Hays Area Children's Center, said at a meeting Wednesday some providers may be making money on the meals they serve. A catering program might cost them income, he said.The state already provides food subsidies for qualifying providers. All of those providers had been receiving the highest level of reimbursement during the pandemic.Now the reimbursements are going back to a tiered system as they were pre-pandemic, which means a lower reimbursement rate for many providers in Hays.Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said she would investigate grants to further subsidize food for providers.She said if she could show that a local child care food program could improve the quality of food for children, she might be able to obtain a grant.However, she said many grant programs require the grantee to show a plan for sustainability, and she was unsure if that would be possible in this case.

Ellis County Child Care group nixes food program, may pursue grants 

By TISA MASON FHSU President

In 1952, a group known as the College Sports Communicators (CSC) created a new accolade called the “Academic All-America” program to recognize student-athletes who excel in the classroom and athletic competition. The program is known today as the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American program, and to qualify for consideration, a student-athlete must be a starter or play an important role as a reserve or substitute with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) at their current institution.

This academic year, ten Tiger athletes earned Academic All-American honors. This was the most in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and by far the most in FHSU’s history. Fort Hays State has produced 68 Academic All-America selections since our first selection in 1975.

Creating an Academic All-Americans legacy at FHSU is no small task. It takes great coaches who recruit and develop superb talent and faculty who challenge and mentor our student-athletes. It also takes dedicated professional staffers like Ryan Prickett, the sports information director for Tiger Athletics. This year, he was the prime mover behind this remarkable rise in Academic All-Americans. Ryan puts the nomination packages together each year, and the process is extensive. To create a nomination package for a worthy student-athlete, Ryan creates a summary write-up of their accomplishments that he submits for consideration to the voting members of CoSIDA. As a voting member, Ryan says he reviews several hundred nomination packages each year and makes just a handful of selections.

“We are limited in the number of individuals I am allowed to nominate in each sport, and it fluctuates a bit from sport to sport,” Ryan said. “Since all of the schools that are members of the College Sports Communicators group can vote on the Academic All-America team, competition is fierce.” Ryan stays in close contact with Tiger Athletics coaches throughout the school year as part of his nomination process.

2023 Academic All-America selectee, women’s golfer Morgan Brasser, said she cried when she heard the news. “It’s tough to describe how good this felt,” Morgan said. “I struggled on the golf course my first couple of years, but things just seem to have come together this year.”

Sprinter Hayden Albright and Javelin thrower Addie Berens were surprised to learn of their Academic All-America selections. They had no idea their coaches and Ryan were positioning them as candidates.

“I wasn’t really looking for the recognition. I know that studying hard and competing at the highest level is what I need to do,” said Hayden, an informatics major from Kingman, Kan.

Addie came to FHSU from little Tampa, Kan. (population just over 100) to pursue her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. Coach McCullough didn’t recruit her, but that didn’t stop her from asking him if she could join the Team as a walk-on athlete. Addie went on to&nbsp;compete at Nationals during her freshman year. She, too, was surprised when she learned of her selection.

“I didn’t know it was a “thing,” Addie said. “It’s a definite honor. It feels good to know our athletics program goes to these lengths to recognize our performance in track and the classroom.”

Track and Field coach Jason McCullough, an accomplished student-athlete himself at FHSU, was a five-time Academic All-America selectee. This year, Coach McCullough’s men’s and women’s teams' six Academic All-America honors were the most for any Tiger Athletics team. He thinks the close-knit culture that defines Tiger Athletics is the primary driver behind the remarkable number of Academic All-America selections this year.&nbsp;

McCullough said, “We value not only the athletic successes of our student-athletes as competitors, but we also value the successes they exhibit in the classroom and as good human beings. I want to bring attention to other principles we cultivate in our student-athletes: commitment to excellence, dedication, teamwork, attitude, and total belief in yourself, your teammates, and your coaching staff.”

Congratulations to our 2023 Academic All-America selectees listed below. Each of you is a superb ambassador for your sport, Tiger Athletics, and Fort Hays State University.

2023 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans

· Baseball – Ed Scott · Football – Alex Schremmer · Men’s Track and Field – Ryan Stanley, Hayden Albright, Ethan Lang, and Xavier Robinson · Women’s Golf – Morgan Brasser ·&nbsp; Women’s Soccer – Isabel Robben · Women’s Track and Field – Mattie Rossi and Addie Berens

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON FHSU PresidentIn 1952, a group known as the College Sports Communicators (CSC) created a new accolade called the “Academic All-America” program to recognize student-athletes who excel in the classroom and athletic competition. The program is known today as the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American program, and to qualify for consideration, a student-athlete must be a starter or play an important role as a reserve or substitute with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) at their current institution.This academic year, ten Tiger athletes earned Academic All-American honors. This was the most in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and by far the most in FHSU’s history. Fort Hays State has produced 68 Academic All-America selections since our first selection in 1975.Creating an Academic All-Americans legacy at FHSU is no small task. It takes great coaches who recruit and develop superb talent and faculty who challenge and mentor our student-athletes. It also takes dedicated professional staffers like Ryan Prickett, the sports information director for Tiger Athletics. This year, he was the prime mover behind this remarkable rise in Academic All-Americans. Ryan puts the nomination packages together each year, and the process is extensive. To create a nomination package for a worthy student-athlete, Ryan creates a summary write-up of their accomplishments that he submits for consideration to the voting members of CoSIDA. As a voting member, Ryan says he reviews several hundred nomination packages each year and makes just a handful of selections.“We are limited in the number of individuals I am allowed to nominate in each sport, and it fluctuates a bit from sport to sport,” Ryan said. “Since all of the schools that are members of the College Sports Communicators group can vote on the Academic All-America team, competition is fierce.” Ryan stays in close contact with Tiger Athletics coaches throughout the school year as part of his nomination process.2023 Academic All-America selectee, women’s golfer Morgan Brasser, said she cried when she heard the news. “It’s tough to describe how good this felt,” Morgan said. “I struggled on the golf course my first couple of years, but things just seem to have come together this year.”Sprinter Hayden Albright and Javelin thrower Addie Berens were surprised to learn of their Academic All-America selections. They had no idea their coaches and Ryan were positioning them as candidates.“I wasn’t really looking for the recognition. I know that studying hard and competing at the highest level is what I need to do,” said Hayden, an informatics major from Kingman, Kan.Addie came to FHSU from little Tampa, Kan. (population just over 100) to pursue her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. Coach McCullough didn’t recruit her, but that didn’t stop her from asking him if she could join the Team as a walk-on athlete. Addie went on to&nbsp;compete at Nationals during her freshman year. She, too, was surprised when she learned of her selection.“I didn’t know it was a “thing,” Addie said. “It’s a definite honor. It feels good to know our athletics program goes to these lengths to recognize our performance in track and the classroom.”Track and Field coach Jason McCullough, an accomplished student-athlete himself at FHSU, was a five-time Academic All-America selectee. This year, Coach McCullough’s men’s and women’s teams' six Academic All-America honors were the most for any Tiger Athletics team. He thinks the close-knit culture that defines Tiger Athletics is the primary driver behind the remarkable number of Academic All-America selections this year.&nbsp;McCullough said, “We value not only the athletic successes of our student-athletes as competitors, but we also value the successes they exhibit in the classroom and as good human beings. I want to bring attention to other principles we cultivate in our student-athletes: commitment to excellence, dedication, teamwork, attitude, and total belief in yourself, your teammates, and your coaching staff.”Congratulations to our 2023 Academic All-America selectees listed below. Each of you is a superb ambassador for your sport, Tiger Athletics, and Fort Hays State University.2023 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans· Baseball – Ed Scott · Football – Alex Schremmer · Men’s Track and Field – Ryan Stanley, Hayden Albright, Ethan Lang, and Xavier Robinson · Women’s Golf – Morgan Brasser ·&nbsp; Women’s Soccer – Isabel Robben · Women’s Track and Field – Mattie Rossi and Addie Berens

Heart of a Tiger: Athletes earn national Academic All-American honors

<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/2023/7/1689875610711.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

Blood drive today at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital; need critical 

Part-time, energetic and outgoing office assistant needed!

Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Applicants must have a valid driver's license and be able to lift at least 50 lbs.

Must be energetic, outgoing, and present kindness to others as well as the ability to work with our customers in a friendly and professional manner.

Apply in person at&nbsp;Wolf Furniture Galleries,&nbsp;4313 N Vine, email your resume to wolffurniture@yahoo.com or fax it to (785) 625-4950.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614363469857.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Part-time, energetic and outgoing office assistant needed!</h2>Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:<ul>
 <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills</li><li>Knowledge of office&nbsp;systems and procedures (Will teach on the job)</li><li>Teamwork and Patience</li><li>Payrolls,&nbsp;taxes, and quarterly reports</li>
 </ul>Salary is negotiable upon skill set.<h2>Warehouse and Delivery Drivers needed!</h2>Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Unloading furniture&nbsp;&nbsp; </li><li>Moving furniture on the showroom floor&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Delivering to customers' homes</li>
 </ul>Applicants must have a valid driver's license and be able to lift at least 50 lbs.<h2>Part-time sales associates needed!</h2>Some weekend hours required.Must be energetic, outgoing, and present kindness to others as well as the ability to work with our customers in a friendly and professional manner.Salary = Hourly plus Commision.<h2>Interested?</h2>Apply in person at&nbsp;Wolf Furniture Galleries,&nbsp;4313 N Vine, email your resume to wolffurniture@yahoo.com or fax it to (785) 625-4950.

Russell native Bob Dole's 100th birthday celebration Saturday at KU 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Nobody likes getting bombarded with robocalls. Not only are they annoying, but they’re often pushing scams for things like fake auto warranties and credit card debt relief programs. The FTC and law enforcement agencies from all 50 states are taking action to stop them. And you can help, too.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/07/ftc-law-enforcers-nationwide-announce-enforcement-sweep-stem-tide-illegal-telemarketing-calls-us">FTC and its federal and state law enforcement partners announced Operation Stop Scam Calls</a>, the latest joint effort in the fight against illegal robocalls. The announcement outlines the enforcement actions to stop multiple dishonest telemarketers, the companies that hire them, and&nbsp;Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers&nbsp;that supply the technology for telemarketers to make millions of scammy robocalls.

For more advice on how to stop unwanted calls, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-stop-unwanted-calls">ftc.gov/calls</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689711230498.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCWASHINGTON, D.C. - Nobody likes getting bombarded with robocalls. Not only are they annoying, but they’re often pushing scams for things like fake auto warranties and credit card debt relief programs. The FTC and law enforcement agencies from all 50 states are taking action to stop them. And you can help, too.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/07/ftc-law-enforcers-nationwide-announce-enforcement-sweep-stem-tide-illegal-telemarketing-calls-us">FTC and its federal and state law enforcement partners announced Operation Stop Scam Calls</a>, the latest joint effort in the fight against illegal robocalls. The announcement outlines the enforcement actions to stop multiple dishonest telemarketers, the companies that hire them, and&nbsp;Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers&nbsp;that supply the technology for telemarketers to make millions of scammy robocalls.Here's how you can help:<ul>
 <li>Know your rights.&nbsp;A robocall trying to sell you something is illegal unless the company has your written permission to call you that way. Read the article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0259-robocalls">Robocalls</a>&nbsp;for more.</li><li>Spot the scams that use illegal robocalls.&nbsp;Many illegal robocalls lead to scams. They might try to convince you the call is from the&nbsp;government,&nbsp;tech support, or your&nbsp;auto warranty company, but it’s not. It’s a scam. Listen to some&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/robocall-scam-examples">examples of robocall scams</a>.</li><li>Hang up on phone scams.&nbsp;Some scammers will call you and say you won a prize but you have to pay to get it. (Don’t. It’s a scam.) Or the scammer may say that you’ll be arrested for money you owe and that you have to pay immediately. (That’s also a scam.) Hang up or delete the voicemail.&nbsp;Don’t press any number or call back. For more advice, read&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams">Phone Scams</a>.</li><li>Report scams and illegal robocalls.&nbsp;Reporting helps law enforcement and investigators stop scams and illegal robocalls. Report scams at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>&nbsp;and report illegal robocalls at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.donotcall.gov/">DoNotCall.gov</a>.</li>
 </ul>For more advice on how to stop unwanted calls, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-stop-unwanted-calls">ftc.gov/calls</a>.Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

FTC: Joining forces to help stop scam calls

MOUNDRIDGE&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly recently visited R&amp;E Goering Farms in Moundridge, where she ceremonially signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMjc5LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MjAuNzk5NTc2NTEifQ.U9nimc-AEGXyxltmxI2IixGeq5lMo_UnduJZ1ow_IRU/s/1303161001/br/222982953351-l" target="_blank">House Bill 2279</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMzAyLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MjAuNzk5NTc2NTEifQ.tnLjPMPfBI4YLL45SYhdRtyRzALqiXhO1LldbrVPmzE/s/1303161001/br/222982953351-l" target="_blank">Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302</a>. The bipartisan bills fully fund the state water plan and create new grants for water infrastructure projects.

“Saving the critical water sources that power the agriculture industry—the backbone of our state economy—and securing a reliable, safe water supply for residents and businesses across Kansas for years to come are nonpartisan issues,”&nbsp;said Kelly.&nbsp;“There is more to be done, but these bills represent an important step forward in that fight by providing needed funding and clear policies around water management works towards ensuring a safe, sustainable water supply for generations of Kansans to come.”

In 2022, Governor Kelly fully funded the state water plan for the first time since 2008. 

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302 represents a significant increase in funding for water, adding $18 million on top of the annual $8 million for the state water plan and $17 million for the two grant funds. In total, the bill designates an additional $35 million in funding to protect essential water resources. 

The bill includes that it is legislative intent to continue this funding through 2027.

“We have been working with the Kansas Water Office and local vendors for the last four years to evaluate different irrigation technologies and evaluate their effectiveness in an on farm environment,”&nbsp;said Ryan Goering, of R&amp;E Goering Farms, LLC.&nbsp;“The results of this work indicate new technologies can reduce water consumption and reduce energy use while sustaining yields. The increased funding will allow these efforts to expand and accelerate the awareness and adoption of water conserving technologies by farmers.”

House Bill 2279 requires Kansas’ five Groundwater Management Districts to submit annual reports to the Kansas legislature with updated water conservation and stabilization plans to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

The reports to the legislature will outline expenditures for water conservation efforts and stabilization of agricultural consumption. A Groundwater Management District oversees the management of groundwater resources, conservation, and use in five regions of the state with significant aquifer storage and use.

"We must protect a safe and secure water supply for all Kansans,”&nbsp;Connie Owen, director of the Kansas Water Office, said.&nbsp;“With these two bills, we demonstrate our commitment to enhanced investment in solving water challenges of all kinds and our specific dedication to addressing the depletion of the High Plains Aquifer. Our children, grandchildren, and all future generations of Kansans need us to get this right. We are now on the right track.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689881815134.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signed bipartisan bills July 20 in Moundridge to fully fund the state water plan. State of Kansas photo" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signed bipartisan bills July 20 in Moundridge to fully fund the state water plan. State of Kansas photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorMOUNDRIDGE&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly recently visited R&amp;E Goering Farms in Moundridge, where she ceremonially signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMjc5LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MjAuNzk5NTc2NTEifQ.U9nimc-AEGXyxltmxI2IixGeq5lMo_UnduJZ1ow_IRU/s/1303161001/br/222982953351-l" target="_blank">House Bill 2279</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMzAyLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MjAuNzk5NTc2NTEifQ.tnLjPMPfBI4YLL45SYhdRtyRzALqiXhO1LldbrVPmzE/s/1303161001/br/222982953351-l" target="_blank">Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302</a>. The bipartisan bills fully fund the state water plan and create new grants for water infrastructure projects.“Saving the critical water sources that power the agriculture industry—the backbone of our state economy—and securing a reliable, safe water supply for residents and businesses across Kansas for years to come are nonpartisan issues,”&nbsp;said Kelly.&nbsp;“There is more to be done, but these bills represent an important step forward in that fight by providing needed funding and clear policies around water management works towards ensuring a safe, sustainable water supply for generations of Kansans to come.”In 2022, Governor Kelly fully funded the state water plan for the first time since 2008. Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302 represents a significant increase in funding for water, adding $18 million on top of the annual $8 million for the state water plan and $17 million for the two grant funds. In total, the bill designates an additional $35 million in funding to protect essential water resources. The bill includes that it is legislative intent to continue this funding through 2027.“We have been working with the Kansas Water Office and local vendors for the last four years to evaluate different irrigation technologies and evaluate their effectiveness in an on farm environment,”&nbsp;said Ryan Goering, of R&amp;E Goering Farms, LLC.&nbsp;“The results of this work indicate new technologies can reduce water consumption and reduce energy use while sustaining yields. The increased funding will allow these efforts to expand and accelerate the awareness and adoption of water conserving technologies by farmers.”House Bill 2279 requires Kansas’ five Groundwater Management Districts to submit annual reports to the Kansas legislature with updated water conservation and stabilization plans to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.The reports to the legislature will outline expenditures for water conservation efforts and stabilization of agricultural consumption. A Groundwater Management District oversees the management of groundwater resources, conservation, and use in five regions of the state with significant aquifer storage and use."We must protect a safe and secure water supply for all Kansans,”&nbsp;Connie Owen, director of the Kansas Water Office, said.&nbsp;“With these two bills, we demonstrate our commitment to enhanced investment in solving water challenges of all kinds and our specific dedication to addressing the depletion of the High Plains Aquifer. Our children, grandchildren, and all future generations of Kansans need us to get this right. We are now on the right track.”

Governor ceremonially signs bills investing in, protecting water resources

THOMAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Yadian Beovides Novoa, 33, Miami Florida, was westbound on Interstate 70 five miles west of U.S. 24.

The vehicle overturned when straightline winds during a thunderstorm blew through.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported Novoa to Citizens Medical Center in Colby. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Yadian Beovides Novoa, 33, Miami Florida, was westbound on Interstate 70 five miles west of U.S. 24.The vehicle overturned when straightline winds during a thunderstorm blew through.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported Novoa to Citizens Medical Center in Colby. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns during NW Kan. storm

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/hhp/faculty-and-staff/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University's Jessica Phelan</a>&nbsp;discusses dietary guidelines and nutrition tips with The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Making sense of dietary guidelines and nutrition" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=i45dd-145eaeb-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/hhp/faculty-and-staff/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University's Jessica Phelan</a>&nbsp;discusses dietary guidelines and nutrition tips with The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Making sense of dietary guidelines and nutrition

Photos by CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Ellis County Fair continues through Saturday.

Barrel races start at 7 tonight at the fair rodeo grounds. The Outlaw Truck and Tractor pull will be at 7 p.m. Friday and a concert by Lane Haas and the Heelers will be at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Nightly entertainment is offered on the midway, including inflatables, laser tag, face painting, a petting zoo and live music.

See a full schedule on the <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">fair website</a>. Also follow the fair on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>.

Photos by CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Ellis County Fair continues through Saturday.Barrel races start at 7 tonight at the fair rodeo grounds. The Outlaw Truck and Tractor pull will be at 7 p.m. Friday and a concert by Lane Haas and the Heelers will be at 8 p.m. Saturday.Nightly entertainment is offered on the midway, including inflatables, laser tag, face painting, a petting zoo and live music.See a full schedule on the <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">fair website</a>. Also follow the fair on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689871782820.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
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📷  Ellis County Fair KPRA rodeo

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After a near two-year investigation that included confronting a suspected poacher at his job in Kansas, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has secured a conviction in the case of a bull moose illegally killed in Teller County and left to rot, according to a media release from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The case ended July 10 when Steven Samuelson, 33, of Oakley, Kan., pleaded guilty in Teller County District Court to willful destruction of wildlife, a felony, as well as misdemeanor charges of hunting without a proper and valid big game license, aggravated illegal possession of wildlife, failure to prepare wildlife for human consumption, hunting in a careless manner and illegal take of wildlife.

Samuelson received a two year deferred jail sentence on the felony charge, meaning it will be waived if he meets the terms of the plea agreement, and two years unsupervised probation.

In addition, Samuelson was fined nearly $20,000 and surrendered the bow he used to poach the moose as well as other property that contained evidence of the crime including his cellphone. Samuelson also was assessed 65 points against his hunting license, with just 20 needed to suspend his hunting privileges.

CPW’s Tim Kroening, Area Wildlife Manager for the Pikes Peak region, praised the public for calling CPW when they suspected poaching. And he credited Samuelson’s plea agreement to the relentless investigative work by CPW officers who amassed overwhelming evidence against the Kansan.

“As the agency responsible for perpetuating the wildlife resources of the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will not tolerate poaching,” Kroening said. “Our officers are determined to stop people like Mr. Samuelson who think they can simply go kill any animal they like. I want to make it clear: Mr. Samuelson was not a hunter. He is a poacher.”

The investigation began in September 2021 when CPW’s office in Colorado Springs received a report that someone had illegally shot a bull moose with an arrow in the woods north of Divide.

CPW Officers Aaron Berscheid, Travis Sauder and Ben Meier responded to the area to investigate and were led to the remains of the mature bull moose by the reporting parties.

The CPW team concluded a suspected poacher had shot the moose and then attempted to remove the head of the animal. Ultimately, the suspect laid tree branches and sticks across the carcass in an attempt to hide it.

Officers collected physical evidence from the site including photos and video from the reporting party’s game cameras which pinpointed the time of the incident and provided photos of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689853833512.png" alt="This image from a privately owned game camera showed Steven Samuelson of Oakley, Kan., as he stalked and illegally killed a bull moose in Teller County in September 2021. Samuelson pleaded guilty on July 10 to willful destruction of wildlife, a felony, and several lesser charges in the poaching incident. Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife" />
 <figcaption>This image from a privately owned game camera showed Steven Samuelson of Oakley, Kan., as he stalked and illegally killed a bull moose in Teller County in September 2021. Samuelson pleaded guilty on July 10 to willful destruction of wildlife, a felony, and several lesser charges in the poaching incident. Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife</figcaption>
 </figure>COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After a near two-year investigation that included confronting a suspected poacher at his job in Kansas, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has secured a conviction in the case of a bull moose illegally killed in Teller County and left to rot, according to a media release from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.The case ended July 10 when Steven Samuelson, 33, of Oakley, Kan., pleaded guilty in Teller County District Court to willful destruction of wildlife, a felony, as well as misdemeanor charges of hunting without a proper and valid big game license, aggravated illegal possession of wildlife, failure to prepare wildlife for human consumption, hunting in a careless manner and illegal take of wildlife.Samuelson received a two year deferred jail sentence on the felony charge, meaning it will be waived if he meets the terms of the plea agreement, and two years unsupervised probation.In addition, Samuelson was fined nearly $20,000 and surrendered the bow he used to poach the moose as well as other property that contained evidence of the crime including his cellphone. Samuelson also was assessed 65 points against his hunting license, with just 20 needed to suspend his hunting privileges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689854153752.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife</figcaption>
 </figure>CPW’s Tim Kroening, Area Wildlife Manager for the Pikes Peak region, praised the public for calling CPW when they suspected poaching. And he credited Samuelson’s plea agreement to the relentless investigative work by CPW officers who amassed overwhelming evidence against the Kansan.“As the agency responsible for perpetuating the wildlife resources of the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will not tolerate poaching,” Kroening said. “Our officers are determined to stop people like Mr. Samuelson who think they can simply go kill any animal they like. I want to make it clear: Mr. Samuelson was not a hunter. He is a poacher.”The investigation began in September 2021 when CPW’s office in Colorado Springs received a report that someone had illegally shot a bull moose with an arrow in the woods north of Divide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689854064323.png" alt="Image shows Samuelson's attempt to cover up the carcass after he abandoned his effort to remove the head.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife" />
 <figcaption>Image shows Samuelson's attempt to cover up the carcass after he abandoned his effort to remove the head.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife</figcaption>
 </figure>CPW Officers Aaron Berscheid, Travis Sauder and Ben Meier responded to the area to investigate and were led to the remains of the mature bull moose by the reporting parties.The CPW team concluded a suspected poacher had shot the moose and then attempted to remove the head of the animal. Ultimately, the suspect laid tree branches and sticks across the carcass in an attempt to hide it.Officers collected physical evidence from the site including photos and video from the reporting party’s game cameras which pinpointed the time of the incident and provided photos of the suspect.“This moose was treated unethically and that is something we take very seriously,” said Sauder, assistant area wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak region. “We are fortunate members of the public share our passion for wildlife and helped us catch the poacher.“We rely on honest sportspeople to help us solve these types of cases.”Besides the public’s help, CPW used old-fashioned police work to track Samuelson down. The investigation reached a climax when Sauder and Meier drove to Kansas where they worked with members of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to confront Samuelson at work and execute a search warrant to gather valuable evidence at Samuelson’s Oakley home.Kroening and Sauder praised the assistance their team received from the original reporting parties who hiked them to the moose, the Colorado Springs Police Department for helping access evidence on Samuelson's phone, and prosecutors with the Fourth Judicial District Attorney's office for moving the case forward and securing the plea agreement.“Moose have become an iconic part of the Colorado landscape and have flourished since being reintroduced in 1978,” Kroening said. “The current population is estimated to be near 3,000 animals and they have spread throughout the state.&nbsp;“While this creates many wonderful opportunities to photograph, view and hunt these animals, it has also created temptation among some to illegally poach these animals. The Samuelson case, and others, show CPW is determined to stop future poachers.”

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