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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695323108871.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

CHEYENNE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Thursday in Cheyenne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Peterbilt semi driven by Edgar L. Carpenter, 59, Bird City, was northbound at 1850 Road 25 in Bird City.

The semi struck a homemade motorcycle driven by a juvenile that traveled into the road from a driveway. The child had serious injuries.&nbsp; According to the KHP juvenile record is protected. The patrol released no additional details.

CHEYENNE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Thursday in Cheyenne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Peterbilt semi driven by Edgar L. Carpenter, 59, Bird City, was northbound at 1850 Road 25 in Bird City.The semi struck a homemade motorcycle driven by a juvenile that traveled into the road from a driveway. The child had serious injuries.&nbsp; According to the KHP juvenile record is protected. The patrol released no additional details.

Semi strikes juvenile on motorcycle in NW Kansas

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Jonathan Zweygardt speaks with Ellis County administrator Darin Myers and commissioner Michael Berges about the Public Works building project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="County Commission hears updates on Public Works building project" 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=d9jh7-14b12f2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Jonathan Zweygardt speaks with Ellis County administrator Darin Myers and commissioner Michael Berges about the Public Works building project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: County Commission hears updates on Public Works building project

GREAT BEND&nbsp;– A host of butterflies, bees and bugs will all be in residence at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s (592 NE K 156 Hwy, Great Bend) annual Butterfly Festival from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 23. 

In addition to a variety of family-friendly activities, “The Instars,” Steve Craig and Amy Short, will present their “Butterfly Magic” show – a melding of humor and magic that illustrates the astonishing butterfly life cycle.

“This year promises to be a much better year for the monarch butterfly migration, as millions undertake their annual fall flight to Mexico,” said Pam Martin, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks education specialist.

Nets and tags will be available for those who want to capture and tag monarch butterflies ­– a critical citizen-science effort that helps track monarch migration activity. 

To do this, participants head out into the flower-filled fields and shelter belt around KWEC to spot monarchs, with tagging leaders stationed along the trail to help with the tagging process. For the past several years, monarchs tagged at the event were recovered at three Mexico roost sites.

New this year, a grant from the Kansas Wildscape Foundation’s Outdoors for Kansas (OK) Kids program is being used to sponsor a wide selection of outdoor-related prizes for youth attendees. Prizes include insect nets and carriers, field guides, nature vests, t-shirts, exploration kits, and more.&nbsp;

In addition to butterflies, festival guests can also expect to see walking stick insects, caterpillars, chrysalises, fluorescing scorpions; and enjoy fun activities like crafting and games. Plan to spend the morning, as door prizes will be presented around noon, along with free milkweed plants (one per family while supplies last). Then, stick around to visit the butterfly and pollinator garden to get wildflower planting ideas to implement at home.

For more information, contact the KWEC at 1-877-243-9268 or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd2V0bGFuZHNjZW50ZXIuZmhzdS5lZHUvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkyMC44Mjg4NTkyMSJ9.F_ih97EaChXdhvKp-clXm2O9Vb4TmGkd-jm25MBNVT4/s/1303161001/br/226315781068-l" target="_blank">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695238370852.jpeg" alt="Tagged monarch butterfly at Kansas Wetlands Education Center. Photo courtesy KWEC&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Tagged monarch butterfly at Kansas Wetlands Education Center. Photo courtesy KWEC&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPGREAT BEND&nbsp;– A host of butterflies, bees and bugs will all be in residence at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s (592 NE K 156 Hwy, Great Bend) annual Butterfly Festival from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 23. In addition to a variety of family-friendly activities, “The Instars,” Steve Craig and Amy Short, will present their “Butterfly Magic” show – a melding of humor and magic that illustrates the astonishing butterfly life cycle.“This year promises to be a much better year for the monarch butterfly migration, as millions undertake their annual fall flight to Mexico,” said Pam Martin, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks education specialist.Nets and tags will be available for those who want to capture and tag monarch butterflies ­– a critical citizen-science effort that helps track monarch migration activity. To do this, participants head out into the flower-filled fields and shelter belt around KWEC to spot monarchs, with tagging leaders stationed along the trail to help with the tagging process. For the past several years, monarchs tagged at the event were recovered at three Mexico roost sites.New this year, a grant from the Kansas Wildscape Foundation’s Outdoors for Kansas (OK) Kids program is being used to sponsor a wide selection of outdoor-related prizes for youth attendees. Prizes include insect nets and carriers, field guides, nature vests, t-shirts, exploration kits, and more.&nbsp;In addition to butterflies, festival guests can also expect to see walking stick insects, caterpillars, chrysalises, fluorescing scorpions; and enjoy fun activities like crafting and games. Plan to spend the morning, as door prizes will be presented around noon, along with free milkweed plants (one per family while supplies last). Then, stick around to visit the butterfly and pollinator garden to get wildflower planting ideas to implement at home.For more information, contact the KWEC at 1-877-243-9268 or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd2V0bGFuZHNjZW50ZXIuZmhzdS5lZHUvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkyMC44Mjg4NTkyMSJ9.F_ih97EaChXdhvKp-clXm2O9Vb4TmGkd-jm25MBNVT4/s/1303161001/br/226315781068-l" target="_blank">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

KDWP: "Much better year for monarch butterfly"; annual festival Saturday near Great Bend 

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

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 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>---------------------------------------------------------<figure>
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Hays Police Dept. arrest log, Sept. 10-16, 2023

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By JULIA DEBES Kansas Wheat

MANHATTAN — As the calendar flipped over to September and more seasonal fall temperatures are in the forecast, it is time to start planting wheat. As planting kicks off, producers and researchers alike are cautiously optimistic about next year’s harvest potential.&nbsp;

Winter wheat planting in Kansas was at four percent complete for the week ending September 10, 2023, according to the official statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in its weekly crop progress report. That pace is near three percent for last year and the five-year average - a welcome return to a more normal-feeling pace for producers.&nbsp;

“We were behind all year last,” said Brian Linin, Kansas Wheat Commissioner who farms near Goodland. “Planting season was way behind, and then everything came up. Harvest was really late, so we were starting harvest around the time we would have normally finished. So, we feel like we’ve been behind the eight ball here all spring and summer.”&nbsp;

Linin started planting wheat on recently in northwest Kansas. His ground received just a few hundredths to a short quarter inch of rain over the past week, but he reported even where the ground is dry on top, there is moisture further down.&nbsp;Moisture - received or expected - impacts where and when producers will start to plant wheat, with some waiting for that September shower and others willing to “dust it in” if there’s the potential for rain in the forecast.&nbsp;

Having that moisture available to get the wheat stand established is critical to the success of next year’s harvest, according to Brian Olson, head of K-State’s Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers.&nbsp;

“Hopefully, there's enough there to get it up and get it going,” Olson said. “The last few years that has been a big problem - getting that establishing rain in the fall. And now we’ve got it in some areas, so farmers will hopefully capitalize on it.”&nbsp;

In addition to timing with moisture, producers also need to control volunteer wheat and weeds to prevent yield loss and disease, which will be especially important this year after failed fields and late summer rains that brought on substantial weed issues and late flushes of volunteer wheat.&nbsp;

“That canopy was open, and then the rains came on, and now we've had some weed issues out there - and that is a challenge,” Olson said. “We do have to stay on top of those weeds because they're just robbing the moisture.”&nbsp;

Olson pointed to research being conducted by K-State at Tribune, Garden City and Hays on the benefits and tradeoffs of occasional tillage, about one pass every three or four years to try and control problematic weeds.

Linin noted his operation has had to make many adjustments during the last three years of drought, explaining they mixed up their management practices to include light tillage, chemical applications, and other practices to address different concerns in different fields. He also has been growing organic wheat, meaning he must think even more creatively about addressing those concerns. In turn, however, those solutions bring management ideas back to the conventional side of his farm.&nbsp;

“In some respects, I’d like to have our ground a little cleaner than it is - there are some of those annual weeds up out there, just real spotty, and I don’t like the way that looks,” Linin said. “We’ve got fields of all different stages, but we’re ready to go.”&nbsp;

Managing wheat fields for weeds and disease benefits not only next year’s yields, but also the other crops in the rotation.&nbsp;

“Wheat is a foundation for farmers to plant their summer crops into,” Olson said. “I'm a firm believer that wheat is the basis, and when we got good wheat residue out there, we have a good chance of raising the summer crop that next year.”

That rings true for Linin’s operation in northwest Kansas, who also noted wheat’s value in an overall crop rotation.&nbsp;

“There’s a lot of time between now and when we make a crop, but wheat is one of our most profitable crops,” Linin said. “It’s profitable not just in terms of dollars and cents, but also in terms of providing a good seedbed for whatever we’re going to do next year.”

Overall, as Linin and fellow Kansas wheat producers fire up their tractors to plant wheat, he is excited and optimistic about the upcoming growing season.&nbsp;

“I just hope everybody has good conditions and gets a good stand and a good start to this year’s crop,” Linin said. “Wheat is a good crop for us, and it really fits our rotation in our program well - and I wish the best of luck to everybody else.”

For the latest in K-State’s planting recommendations during the current year’s conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QJVooaNh22Mcx26CX5Xa-ziDbANdxugx-ipZuGDDndxPS7YwIoov_9nTYmo-PtWiA4znRSHQJZAbfnMd_b2RciYQLbIF1aSvffDNGpmaTjUywllvNf0jR0g6asyXiA_Nmhl6Ez4ulkEnRLb7rBq_QXHqOY5EAxIZ&amp;c=ViEIao1gxIU-Zgq8oFgtbB1H4I7G8G7rht0VylwoeKqztjaejn3xhQ==&amp;ch=pfC-bj6la6q2Pi1Qwpq4gUaRjY6WnwTYJFiHlqivErpTx1AvzjffUQ==" target="_blank">eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/</a>. Producers can also access the latest resources for variety selection and performance data information from K-State at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QJVooaNh22Mcx26CX5Xa-ziDbANdxugx-ipZuGDDndxPS7YwIoov_8y2D0w6Ndth1HjG1lOxD_EPeTxxrUqWjU9m7facPqDFSw0Kdh1B84f7tCsA7jTTEEiXzsXZuM_cOpBxH9GOSPdVskh6Xn6kLQ==&amp;c=ViEIao1gxIU-Zgq8oFgtbB1H4I7G8G7rht0VylwoeKqztjaejn3xhQ==&amp;ch=pfC-bj6la6q2Pi1Qwpq4gUaRjY6WnwTYJFiHlqivErpTx1AvzjffUQ==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695153310712.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatMANHATTAN — As the calendar flipped over to September and more seasonal fall temperatures are in the forecast, it is time to start planting wheat. As planting kicks off, producers and researchers alike are cautiously optimistic about next year’s harvest potential.&nbsp;Winter wheat planting in Kansas was at four percent complete for the week ending September 10, 2023, according to the official statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in its weekly crop progress report. That pace is near three percent for last year and the five-year average - a welcome return to a more normal-feeling pace for producers.&nbsp;“We were behind all year last,” said Brian Linin, Kansas Wheat Commissioner who farms near Goodland. “Planting season was way behind, and then everything came up. Harvest was really late, so we were starting harvest around the time we would have normally finished. So, we feel like we’ve been behind the eight ball here all spring and summer.”&nbsp;Linin started planting wheat on recently in northwest Kansas. His ground received just a few hundredths to a short quarter inch of rain over the past week, but he reported even where the ground is dry on top, there is moisture further down.&nbsp;Moisture - received or expected - impacts where and when producers will start to plant wheat, with some waiting for that September shower and others willing to “dust it in” if there’s the potential for rain in the forecast.&nbsp;Having that moisture available to get the wheat stand established is critical to the success of next year’s harvest, according to Brian Olson, head of K-State’s Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers.&nbsp;“Hopefully, there's enough there to get it up and get it going,” Olson said. “The last few years that has been a big problem - getting that establishing rain in the fall. And now we’ve got it in some areas, so farmers will hopefully capitalize on it.”&nbsp;In addition to timing with moisture, producers also need to control volunteer wheat and weeds to prevent yield loss and disease, which will be especially important this year after failed fields and late summer rains that brought on substantial weed issues and late flushes of volunteer wheat.&nbsp;“That canopy was open, and then the rains came on, and now we've had some weed issues out there - and that is a challenge,” Olson said. “We do have to stay on top of those weeds because they're just robbing the moisture.”&nbsp;Olson pointed to research being conducted by K-State at Tribune, Garden City and Hays on the benefits and tradeoffs of occasional tillage, about one pass every three or four years to try and control problematic weeds.Linin noted his operation has had to make many adjustments during the last three years of drought, explaining they mixed up their management practices to include light tillage, chemical applications, and other practices to address different concerns in different fields. He also has been growing organic wheat, meaning he must think even more creatively about addressing those concerns. In turn, however, those solutions bring management ideas back to the conventional side of his farm.&nbsp;“In some respects, I’d like to have our ground a little cleaner than it is - there are some of those annual weeds up out there, just real spotty, and I don’t like the way that looks,” Linin said. “We’ve got fields of all different stages, but we’re ready to go.”&nbsp;Managing wheat fields for weeds and disease benefits not only next year’s yields, but also the other crops in the rotation.&nbsp;“Wheat is a foundation for farmers to plant their summer crops into,” Olson said. “I'm a firm believer that wheat is the basis, and when we got good wheat residue out there, we have a good chance of raising the summer crop that next year.”That rings true for Linin’s operation in northwest Kansas, who also noted wheat’s value in an overall crop rotation.&nbsp;“There’s a lot of time between now and when we make a crop, but wheat is one of our most profitable crops,” Linin said. “It’s profitable not just in terms of dollars and cents, but also in terms of providing a good seedbed for whatever we’re going to do next year.”Overall, as Linin and fellow Kansas wheat producers fire up their tractors to plant wheat, he is excited and optimistic about the upcoming growing season.&nbsp;“I just hope everybody has good conditions and gets a good stand and a good start to this year’s crop,” Linin said. “Wheat is a good crop for us, and it really fits our rotation in our program well - and I wish the best of luck to everybody else.”For the latest in K-State’s planting recommendations during the current year’s conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QJVooaNh22Mcx26CX5Xa-ziDbANdxugx-ipZuGDDndxPS7YwIoov_9nTYmo-PtWiA4znRSHQJZAbfnMd_b2RciYQLbIF1aSvffDNGpmaTjUywllvNf0jR0g6asyXiA_Nmhl6Ez4ulkEnRLb7rBq_QXHqOY5EAxIZ&amp;c=ViEIao1gxIU-Zgq8oFgtbB1H4I7G8G7rht0VylwoeKqztjaejn3xhQ==&amp;ch=pfC-bj6la6q2Pi1Qwpq4gUaRjY6WnwTYJFiHlqivErpTx1AvzjffUQ==" target="_blank">eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/</a>. Producers can also access the latest resources for variety selection and performance data information from K-State at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QJVooaNh22Mcx26CX5Xa-ziDbANdxugx-ipZuGDDndxPS7YwIoov_8y2D0w6Ndth1HjG1lOxD_EPeTxxrUqWjU9m7facPqDFSw0Kdh1B84f7tCsA7jTTEEiXzsXZuM_cOpBxH9GOSPdVskh6Xn6kLQ==&amp;c=ViEIao1gxIU-Zgq8oFgtbB1H4I7G8G7rht0VylwoeKqztjaejn3xhQ==&amp;ch=pfC-bj6la6q2Pi1Qwpq4gUaRjY6WnwTYJFiHlqivErpTx1AvzjffUQ==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.

KANSAS WHEAT: September signals the start of Kansas wheat planting

The Hays Volga German Centennial Society, organizers of Oktoberfest Hays, have released the schedule of events for the 51st annual Volga German Oktoberfest. The event will take place on Friday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, September 30 beginning after the Fort Hays State University Homecoming Parade until 6:00 p.m., in Municipal Park at 1st&nbsp;and Main Streets.

The free admission event will be full of German traditions and fun for the whole family, from food and drinks, to music, contests, dancing, kid-friendly activities, cornhole tournament, and more.

Many area non-profit organizations use the event as a fundraiser and sell signature German dishes like freshly grilled bratwurst, bierocks, and soups. The Hays Lions Club has been selling bierocks at Oktoberfest for over 20 years.

“We started with a tent years ago; then Warren Shaffer secured a trailer to keep us warm and dry, no matter the weather,” said Priscilla Hunt, Lions Club board member and former president.

“It’s a good chance for our members to engage in service for the community, and all of our profits benefit local organizations,” said Hunt.

The Hays Lions Club plans to sell 4,000 bierocks this year, along with herzen cookies.

NCK Tech will once again offer their drive-through food purchase options across from Municipal Park for easy pick up of bierocks (both fresh and frozen), green bean dumpling soup, bratwurst, and spitzbuben. Pick up will start at 10:00 a.m., Friday only, and will continue while supplies last. No pre-orders will be taken this year. All proceeds benefit NCK Tech Hays students.

Festival attendees will be able to purchase souvenir mugs, event T-shirts, and food and drink vouchers to be used in the park at the Oktoberfest Headquarters tent, run by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Over 21” armbands will be available at the armband booths for $2 cash for those patrons 21 and over who plan to enjoy the beer selection.

New additions to the festival include “Oktoberfest on Tap,” sponsored by Wil Fischer Companies, that will feature six Oktoberfest draft beers, and a “Fest Market” with 10 booths for commercial vendors that will run 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

“We love the community traditions that this event has established in our community, and we are excited to offer some new activities that we think will make the event even better,” said Emily Knowles, long-time member of the Oktoberfest Hays event committee.

The mission of Oktoberfest Hays is to celebrate the rich German heritage of Ellis County while generating scholarship money for students of Volga German descent and fundraising for the preservation of Volga German churches in Ellis and Rush Counties.

The event committee would like to thank all local businesses and organizations who sponsor the two-day event. Without generous local support, this community event would not be possible.

For details and updates on the event, check the website at <a href="https://www.oktoberfesthays.com/">oktoberfesthays.com</a>, the Oktoberfest Hays Facebook page @oktoberfesthays, or Instagram @oktoberfesthays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695333872625.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays CVBThe Hays Volga German Centennial Society, organizers of Oktoberfest Hays, have released the schedule of events for the 51st annual Volga German Oktoberfest. The event will take place on Friday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, September 30 beginning after the Fort Hays State University Homecoming Parade until 6:00 p.m., in Municipal Park at 1st&nbsp;and Main Streets.The free admission event will be full of German traditions and fun for the whole family, from food and drinks, to music, contests, dancing, kid-friendly activities, cornhole tournament, and more.Many area non-profit organizations use the event as a fundraiser and sell signature German dishes like freshly grilled bratwurst, bierocks, and soups. The Hays Lions Club has been selling bierocks at Oktoberfest for over 20 years.“We started with a tent years ago; then Warren Shaffer secured a trailer to keep us warm and dry, no matter the weather,” said Priscilla Hunt, Lions Club board member and former president.“It’s a good chance for our members to engage in service for the community, and all of our profits benefit local organizations,” said Hunt.The Hays Lions Club plans to sell 4,000 bierocks this year, along with herzen cookies.NCK Tech will once again offer their drive-through food purchase options across from Municipal Park for easy pick up of bierocks (both fresh and frozen), green bean dumpling soup, bratwurst, and spitzbuben. Pick up will start at 10:00 a.m., Friday only, and will continue while supplies last. No pre-orders will be taken this year. All proceeds benefit NCK Tech Hays students.Festival attendees will be able to purchase souvenir mugs, event T-shirts, and food and drink vouchers to be used in the park at the Oktoberfest Headquarters tent, run by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Over 21” armbands will be available at the armband booths for $2 cash for those patrons 21 and over who plan to enjoy the beer selection.New additions to the festival include “Oktoberfest on Tap,” sponsored by Wil Fischer Companies, that will feature six Oktoberfest draft beers, and a “Fest Market” with 10 booths for commercial vendors that will run 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday.“We love the community traditions that this event has established in our community, and we are excited to offer some new activities that we think will make the event even better,” said Emily Knowles, long-time member of the Oktoberfest Hays event committee.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695333749923.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The mission of Oktoberfest Hays is to celebrate the rich German heritage of Ellis County while generating scholarship money for students of Volga German descent and fundraising for the preservation of Volga German churches in Ellis and Rush Counties.The event committee would like to thank all local businesses and organizations who sponsor the two-day event. Without generous local support, this community event would not be possible.For details and updates on the event, check the website at <a href="https://www.oktoberfesthays.com/">oktoberfesthays.com</a>, the Oktoberfest Hays Facebook page @oktoberfesthays, or Instagram @oktoberfesthays.

Oktoberfest Hays announces 2023 schedule of events

The Hays Police Department responded to 82 incidents Sept. 10-16, 2023, according to the HPD activity log.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 82 incidents Sept. 10-16, 2023, according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
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Hays Police Dept. activity log, Sept. 10-16

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Network connectivity at the new fire station, 1732 W. 41st,&nbsp; will be discussed at this afternoon's Hays city commission work session.

A dedicated fiber line will be constructed to the city's third fire station, according to information provided by Chad Ruder, IT director.

The fiber line will provide high-speed connectivity for the Hays Fire Department's and will also allow the city’s IT Department to move its network servers from city hall, 1507 Main, to the new station.

The new location will serve as headquarters for the fire department with staff needing access to network resources currently being utilized at the downtown (city hall) and airport fire stations.&nbsp;

"City hall is in a floodplain, and we have desired to move the servers to a new location for many years," Ruder said in a memo to commissioners.

The project will be done in coordination with Ellis County and the construction of its new public works facility, lowering costs for both entities.

Also to be discussed is the&nbsp;KCWI Addition final plat. This is an infill plat on the site of the former St. John’s Nursing Home in the 2400 block of Canterbury. 

The plat allows for future development of multi-family housing on the property owned by KC Western Investments.&nbsp;

The Hays Area Planning Commission has already approved the final plat.&nbsp;

The complete Sept. 21 agenda is availably here. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695250877515.png" alt="A dedicated fiber line will be constructed to Hays' third fire station." />
 <figcaption>A dedicated fiber line will be constructed to Hays' third fire station.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostNetwork connectivity at the new fire station, 1732 W. 41st,&nbsp; will be discussed at this afternoon's Hays city commission work session.A dedicated fiber line will be constructed to the city's third fire station, according to information provided by Chad Ruder, IT director.The fiber line will provide high-speed connectivity for the Hays Fire Department's and will also allow the city’s IT Department to move its network servers from city hall, 1507 Main, to the new station.The new location will serve as headquarters for the fire department with staff needing access to network resources currently being utilized at the downtown (city hall) and airport fire stations.&nbsp;"City hall is in a floodplain, and we have desired to move the servers to a new location for many years," Ruder said in a memo to commissioners.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695251076985.png" alt="The&nbsp; new fiber line project will be constructed in coordination with Ellis County." />
 <figcaption>The&nbsp; new fiber line project will be constructed in coordination with Ellis County.</figcaption>
 </figure>The project will be done in coordination with Ellis County and the construction of its new public works facility, lowering costs for both entities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695251710768.png" alt="Location of the KCWI Addition where more housing, including multi-family units, could be developed in Hays." />
 <figcaption>Location of the KCWI Addition where more housing, including multi-family units, could be developed in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>Also to be discussed is the&nbsp;KCWI Addition final plat. This is an infill plat on the site of the former St. John’s Nursing Home in the 2400 block of Canterbury. The plat allows for future development of multi-family housing on the property owned by KC Western Investments.&nbsp;The Hays Area Planning Commission has already approved the final plat.&nbsp;The complete Sept. 21 agenda is availably here. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall.&nbsp;

City commission to discuss connectivity for new fire station, new housing location possibility

A fundamental piece of
American history and society is being left out of Kansas classrooms, Alex Red
Corn told a group of area educators Wednesday morning in the Memorial Union
Ballroom on the Fort Hays State University campus.

Around 100 people gathered
to hear his opening remarks during the Creating Educational Spaces of Belonging
conference.

The education system is
failing to provide “baseline knowledge” of the indigenous peoples within the U.S.,
Red Corn said.

Red Corn, a citizen of the
Osage Nation, is an assistant professor of Education Leadership at Kansas State
University, coordinator of Indigenous Programs and executive director of the
Kansas Association for Native American Education.

“Historically, our systems of
education are actually weaponized against the American Indians,” he said after
a brief introduction. 

“Schools were used as weapons
to assimilate and eradicate American Indian cultures,” he said. “We've all
inherited some of those status quos, and some of those status quos persist, or
some of those problems still persist,” he said.

He challenged the group to be
“agents of change” as they face educational inequalities that persist in the education
system about Native American life, especially in a context outside of historical
stereotypes.

He spoke about the atrocities
committed at boarding schools in Canada, tribal agreements with the U.S.
government and issues of sovereignty.

And the Native American
students in public schools are especially disserviced by not having their history
taught in the classroom at all.

Red Corn asked if assimilation ever stopped for the 90 percent of Native American children
who attend a public school.

“How many of you grew up with
some of the teacher's indigenous language? Have you ever taken a tribal history
class? Tribal governance class?... What do you most students learn about
American Indians? And what have you learned about America?”

He challenged the group to a
pop quiz to demonstrate the lack of basic working knowledge of Native American sovereignty
or status within the U.S.

&nbsp;Red Corn pointed out that everyone in the room knew
the U.S. is made up of 50 states, starting with 13 colonies.

“That's like in the basement
foundational stuff, right?” he said.

But when he asked how many
tribes were located in the U.S., no one knew.

“There are 574 federally
recognized tribes in the U.S.,” he said, pointing out that even the “most educated
people in the state of Kansas typically don’t know this.”

When he asked how many federally
recognized tribes are in Kansas, again, no one knew.

“So how could we, as
graduates of Kansas schools, expect these people to be able to engage with
these populations in these communities if they don’t even know they exist?” he
said.

“They're more than just a
casino that you drive by sometimes.”

&nbsp;America's past is “not something where we have to
apologize for our ancestors' sins,” Red Corn said.

Instead, Red Corn wanst Native American civics taught in an effort to give a more complete picture of the
history of the people and land within the U.S. borders.

“It's a learning tool,” Red
Corn said. “Who was here? It's just a mechanism to make that visible. Who's
here? What's the history? What's the actual history
here?”

He noted examples in the
current Kansas education system that show how little Native American civics is taught.

“A study on civics curriculum
found Kansas was one of 14 states that have no mention of tribal sovereignty in
the civics curriculum,” he said. “So how will we expect you to know tribal
sovereignty if it's not in the systems of learning that you grew up with?”

And most of what is taught is
centered around a small time frame, envisioned as a generic Native American from the plains in
a full eagle feather headdress.

“Take a moment to consider if
everything you learned about white people was in the context of the Civil War
soldier,” he said. “It seems a little absurd, doesn't it? Do you learn about white
people outside of that context? Have you learned about African Americans
outside of that context?" 

"Have you learned about Native Americans much outside of that context?”

Teaching that history should
continue, but the bigger message is one of inclusion.

“It's about connecting the
present with the past,” he said. “Where's the modern representation within
those peoples? Where are its lessons? Where is it in your life? Where is it
when you flip on the TV?”

“Where are they? That's the
key question.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695240376974.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays Post<h2>‘What's the actual history
here?’ </h2>A fundamental piece of
American history and society is being left out of Kansas classrooms, Alex Red
Corn told a group of area educators Wednesday morning in the Memorial Union
Ballroom on the Fort Hays State University campus.Around 100 people gathered
to hear his opening remarks during the Creating Educational Spaces of Belonging
conference.The education system is
failing to provide “baseline knowledge” of the indigenous peoples within the U.S.,
Red Corn said.Red Corn, a citizen of the
Osage Nation, is an assistant professor of Education Leadership at Kansas State
University, coordinator of Indigenous Programs and executive director of the
Kansas Association for Native American Education.“Historically, our systems of
education are actually weaponized against the American Indians,” he said after
a brief introduction. “Schools were used as weapons
to assimilate and eradicate American Indian cultures,” he said. “We've all
inherited some of those status quos, and some of those status quos persist, or
some of those problems still persist,” he said.He challenged the group to be
“agents of change” as they face educational inequalities that persist in the education
system about Native American life, especially in a context outside of historical
stereotypes.He spoke about the atrocities
committed at boarding schools in Canada, tribal agreements with the U.S.
government and issues of sovereignty.And the Native American
students in public schools are especially disserviced by not having their history
taught in the classroom at all.Red Corn asked if assimilation ever stopped for the 90 percent of Native American children
who attend a public school.“How many of you grew up with
some of the teacher's indigenous language? Have you ever taken a tribal history
class? Tribal governance class?... What do you most students learn about
American Indians? And what have you learned about America?”He challenged the group to a
pop quiz to demonstrate the lack of basic working knowledge of Native American sovereignty
or status within the U.S.&nbsp;Red Corn pointed out that everyone in the room knew
the U.S. is made up of 50 states, starting with 13 colonies.“That's like in the basement
foundational stuff, right?” he said.But when he asked how many
tribes were located in the U.S., no one knew.“There are 574 federally
recognized tribes in the U.S.,” he said, pointing out that even the “most educated
people in the state of Kansas typically don’t know this.”When he asked how many federally
recognized tribes are in Kansas, again, no one knew.There are four, Red Corn
said.“So how could we, as
graduates of Kansas schools, expect these people to be able to engage with
these populations in these communities if they don’t even know they exist?” he
said.<h2>“They're more than just a
casino that you drive by sometimes.”</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695240347644.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;America's past is “not something where we have to
apologize for our ancestors' sins,” Red Corn said.Instead, Red Corn wanst Native American civics taught in an effort to give a more complete picture of the
history of the people and land within the U.S. borders.“It's a learning tool,” Red
Corn said. “Who was here? It's just a mechanism to make that visible. Who's
here? What's the history? What's the actual history
here?”He noted examples in the
current Kansas education system that show how little Native American civics is taught.“A study on civics curriculum
found Kansas was one of 14 states that have no mention of tribal sovereignty in
the civics curriculum,” he said. “So how will we expect you to know tribal
sovereignty if it's not in the systems of learning that you grew up with?”And most of what is taught is
centered around a small time frame, envisioned as a generic Native American from the plains in
a full eagle feather headdress.“Take a moment to consider if
everything you learned about white people was in the context of the Civil War
soldier,” he said. “It seems a little absurd, doesn't it? Do you learn about white
people outside of that context? Have you learned about African Americans
outside of that context?" "Have you learned about Native Americans much outside of that context?”Teaching that history should
continue, but the bigger message is one of inclusion.“It's about connecting the
present with the past,” he said. “Where's the modern representation within
those peoples? Where are its lessons? Where is it in your life? Where is it
when you flip on the TV?”“Where are they? That's the
key question.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695266248758.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Native American education lacking in Kansas schools says recent FHSU speaker

By MAGGIE HARRIS BCC

ELLSWORTH — Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, R-KS, toured the Ellsworth Correctional Facility to learn about Barton Community College’s correctional education programming and visit with students.

The tour was led by facility administration, but the discussion centered on Barton’s programming and the students the college serves. Mann was most impressed by Barton’s commitment to workforce education for the students at the facility. He said that the environment that had been created was inspiring.

“I was excited to see the world-class technical education happening at both Barton Community College and Ellsworth Correctional Facility,” said Mann. “With labor shortages affecting nearly every American industry, I’m proud to see this kind of investment in the future of America’s economy happening right here in the Big First District.”&nbsp;

Barton’s Coordinator of Correctional Education Services Nicole Barr was present for the tour and said she engaged in very productive discussions with Mann about the educational environment and the students the college serves at correctional facility.

“Barton is doing its part to help create a safer Kansas,” Barr said. “Correctional education helps break the cycle of recidivism [committing repeat offenses] and helps offenders successfully and gainfully reintegrate into society.”

Barton has served the facililty for over twenty years and has become one of the nation's most successful correctional education programs. The program serves more than 200 students annually through adult basic education, traditional post-secondary courses, and technical training. Students can train in hands-on programs like welding technology, which allows them to gain a skill to help prepare them for a better future once released.

Mann sat down with students in a government class taught by Communications Instructor Peter Solie. He spent some time discussing what he does and the legislation he works on. He also had time to take some questions from the students on various topics.

Barr said that one thing Mann pointed out was all the Barton notebooks, folders, and backpacks the students were using, and Barr explained that those items are part of a deliberate effort to help the students really feel like college students as much as possible.

&nbsp;“We have a chance to help them mentally escape for a short time and experience college,” she said. “It gives them the space to explore their future and what they are really made of.”

Mann also toured the new agriculture and transportation complex construction site on the Barton County campus. 

Upon completion, the facility will be home to high-demand career programs, including agriculture business management, crop protection, beef cattle production, and commercial driver’s license. It will also house the highly anticipated Case New Holland (CNH) Top Tech Industrial Training program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694538149649.jpeg" alt="First Dist. Congressman Tracey Mann visits with Ellsworth Correctional Facility inmates who are taking courses through Barton Community College. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>First Dist. Congressman Tracey Mann visits with Ellsworth Correctional Facility inmates who are taking courses through Barton Community College. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MAGGIE HARRIS BCC ELLSWORTH — Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, R-KS, toured the Ellsworth Correctional Facility to learn about Barton Community College’s correctional education programming and visit with students.The tour was led by facility administration, but the discussion centered on Barton’s programming and the students the college serves. Mann was most impressed by Barton’s commitment to workforce education for the students at the facility. He said that the environment that had been created was inspiring.“I was excited to see the world-class technical education happening at both Barton Community College and Ellsworth Correctional Facility,” said Mann. “With labor shortages affecting nearly every American industry, I’m proud to see this kind of investment in the future of America’s economy happening right here in the Big First District.”&nbsp;Barton’s Coordinator of Correctional Education Services Nicole Barr was present for the tour and said she engaged in very productive discussions with Mann about the educational environment and the students the college serves at correctional facility.“Barton is doing its part to help create a safer Kansas,” Barr said. “Correctional education helps break the cycle of recidivism [committing repeat offenses] and helps offenders successfully and gainfully reintegrate into society.”Barton has served the facililty for over twenty years and has become one of the nation's most successful correctional education programs. The program serves more than 200 students annually through adult basic education, traditional post-secondary courses, and technical training. Students can train in hands-on programs like welding technology, which allows them to gain a skill to help prepare them for a better future once released.Mann sat down with students in a government class taught by Communications Instructor Peter Solie. He spent some time discussing what he does and the legislation he works on. He also had time to take some questions from the students on various topics.Barr said that one thing Mann pointed out was all the Barton notebooks, folders, and backpacks the students were using, and Barr explained that those items are part of a deliberate effort to help the students really feel like college students as much as possible.&nbsp;“We have a chance to help them mentally escape for a short time and experience college,” she said. “It gives them the space to explore their future and what they are really made of.”Mann also toured the new agriculture and transportation complex construction site on the Barton County campus. Upon completion, the facility will be home to high-demand career programs, including agriculture business management, crop protection, beef cattle production, and commercial driver’s license. It will also house the highly anticipated Case New Holland (CNH) Top Tech Industrial Training program.

Rep. Mann praises Barton Community College opportunitites at Ellsworth Correctional Facility

Primary source research adds dimension to history. Hard copy sources limit researchers’ hypotheses and speculations. Sometimes, however, sources create more questions than they answer.

While working on this project in 1992, time restraints (I had approximately seven weeks to complete the project, including research, writing, and editing). Access to documents limited what I could include in my paper. 

Among favorite finds was Ellis Public Schools Second Annual Catalogue for 1913 – 1914. It offers insights into the community’s expectations for graduates and a couple of photos. Frankly, Ellis students who completed the work required for graduation left school prepared to enter the workforce. I’ve copied passages from the document to share with readers.

September 1-Enrollment and Classification September 2-Entrance Examination September 3-Regular Coursework Begins October 23 and 24-Half term Examination November 27 and 28-Thanksgiving Vacation December 18 and 19-First Term Examination December 19 to January 25-Christmas Vacation January 5-Second Term begins March 12 and 13-Half term examinations May 11-Baccalaureate Sermon May 18, 19, and 20-Final Examinations May 20-Commencement May 21-Alumni Day May 22-Last Day Programs

“The essential business of the school is not so much to teach and communicate a variety and multiplicity of things as it is to give prominence to the ever-living unity that is in all things.” Froebel

Fifteen Units are Required for Graduation&nbsp;(shared as written in the manual):

• Students who are preparing for admission to college should choose their elective studies so as to include at least two units in some foreign language and three units in one subject besides English to be taken from the following: Foreign language, mathematics, history, natural science.

• In branches which do not require preparation by the student outside of the recitation a unit of credit is given for a course of daily exercises extending through the year with double, or eighty-minute periods, and a half unit of credit is given for a course extending through the year with forty-minute periods.

• The Normal Training Course meets the requirements of the State Board of Education.

• If agriculture and domestic science are taken in the third year, this course will also satisfy the requirements of the State Board with reference to appropriations for these subjects.

• If two units in a foreign language are included in the electives, the course will be satisfactory for admission to most colleges.”

• Satisfactory rhetoricals are required of all students.” (Students were required to demonstrate mastery over a variety of writing skills and styles.)

Mahree Hamilton, Marie Chamberlain, Grace Houston, and Anna Shields fulfilled graduation goals as the senior class of 1913.

Later, in part 10 of this history, I’ll share high school course work schedules for college bound and non-college bound seniors. Students who satisfactorily completed that course work had skills to achieve any number of goals. 

Combining the district’s expected rigor with family expectations that sub-adult children contribute to family economies helps present day readers understand why graduating classes were small. Not every young person could devote the necessary time to meeting course requirements.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINPrimary source research adds dimension to history. Hard copy sources limit researchers’ hypotheses and speculations. Sometimes, however, sources create more questions than they answer. While working on this project in 1992, time restraints (I had approximately seven weeks to complete the project, including research, writing, and editing). Access to documents limited what I could include in my paper. Among favorite finds was Ellis Public Schools Second Annual Catalogue for 1913 – 1914. It offers insights into the community’s expectations for graduates and a couple of photos. Frankly, Ellis students who completed the work required for graduation left school prepared to enter the workforce. I’ve copied passages from the document to share with readers.Calendar, 1913 – 1914September 1-Enrollment and Classification September 2-Entrance Examination September 3-Regular Coursework Begins October 23 and 24-Half term Examination November 27 and 28-Thanksgiving Vacation December 18 and 19-First Term Examination December 19 to January 25-Christmas Vacation January 5-Second Term begins March 12 and 13-Half term examinations May 11-Baccalaureate Sermon May 18, 19, and 20-Final Examinations May 20-Commencement May 21-Alumni Day May 22-Last Day Programs Quote in program:“The essential business of the school is not so much to teach and communicate a variety and multiplicity of things as it is to give prominence to the ever-living unity that is in all things.” Froebel<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695225334822.jpeg" alt="1913-1914 Ellis High School staff&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>1913-1914 Ellis High School staff&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Fifteen Units are Required for Graduation&nbsp;(shared as written in the manual):• Students who are preparing for admission to college should choose their elective studies so as to include at least two units in some foreign language and three units in one subject besides English to be taken from the following: Foreign language, mathematics, history, natural science. • In branches which do not require preparation by the student outside of the recitation a unit of credit is given for a course of daily exercises extending through the year with double, or eighty-minute periods, and a half unit of credit is given for a course extending through the year with forty-minute periods.• The Normal Training Course meets the requirements of the State Board of Education.• If agriculture and domestic science are taken in the third year, this course will also satisfy the requirements of the State Board with reference to appropriations for these subjects.• If two units in a foreign language are included in the electives, the course will be satisfactory for admission to most colleges.”• Satisfactory rhetoricals are required of all students.” (Students were required to demonstrate mastery over a variety of writing skills and styles.)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695225394463.jpeg" alt="Ellis High School senior class of 1913. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ellis High School senior class of 1913. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Mahree Hamilton, Marie Chamberlain, Grace Houston, and Anna Shields fulfilled graduation goals as the senior class of 1913.Later, in part 10 of this history, I’ll share high school course work schedules for college bound and non-college bound seniors. Students who satisfactorily completed that course work had skills to achieve any number of goals. Combining the district’s expected rigor with family expectations that sub-adult children contribute to family economies helps present day readers understand why graduating classes were small. Not every young person could devote the necessary time to meeting course requirements.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

MADORIN: History of Ellis Schools – Part 9

LAWRENCE — The 57th&nbsp;edition of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/ksa34.shtml">Kansas Statistical Abstract</a>, an annually released compendium of data about Kansas, is now available on the Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research website.

The abstract publishes data in 17 sections ranging from agriculture to vital statistics and health. These data help community leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and others make informed decisions and understand how Kansas is changing.

“The KSA paints a statistical portrait of the state of Kansas — what we looked like in the past and what we look like now. Kansans use the KSA to learn more about their communities, whether it be about agricultural production or educational attainment,” said Donna Ginther, Roy A. Roberts and Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics and director of the Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research.

As the United States experiences a series of extreme weather events, including widespread heat waves and wildfires, the 57th&nbsp;edition of the abstract includes a newly&nbsp;<a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/climate/">expanded chapter on climate</a>. One map shows the number of weeks in 2021 with severe, extreme or exceptional drought in Kansas by county. In 2021, 95 of the 105 counties in Kansas experienced at least one week with such drought, and five counties experienced 8-10 weeks of such drought. Drought can have significant impacts on the health of residents as well as the economic productivity of a place.

The abstract also includes a map comparing the total precipitation in 2022 to the 30-year average annual precipitation for each of six Kansas regions. Throughout the state, annual precipitation for each region fell between 5-10 inches. In the western part of the state, this decline was especially steep. One region received just over half the rainfall in 2022 compared to the average rainfall in this region from 1981 to 2010.

The climate chapter in the newest edition of the abstract also features a map showing the number of days in 2021 with a maximum daily temperature of 100 degrees or higher by county in Kansas. Of the 105 counties in Kansas, 33 experienced more than 21 days of extreme heat, and all but 14 counties experienced at least one day of extreme heat. Extreme heat hit central Kansas especially hard in 2021.

“With an increasing number of climate events, we felt it was important to add data and maps quantifying extreme heat and drought to help Kansans understand local trends and potential impacts on our health and economy,” said Xan Wedel, senior research data engineer for IPSR and a key member of the KSA team.

Prepared by staff and students at IPSR,&nbsp;<a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/">the abstract is available on the IPSR website</a>&nbsp;at no cost to users. Resources include a PDF of the current edition and all previous 56 editions, and electronic files for each resource in spreadsheets or high-quality images.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694550037805.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — The 57th&nbsp;edition of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/ksa34.shtml">Kansas Statistical Abstract</a>, an annually released compendium of data about Kansas, is now available on the Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research website.The abstract publishes data in 17 sections ranging from agriculture to vital statistics and health. These data help community leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and others make informed decisions and understand how Kansas is changing.“The KSA paints a statistical portrait of the state of Kansas — what we looked like in the past and what we look like now. Kansans use the KSA to learn more about their communities, whether it be about agricultural production or educational attainment,” said Donna Ginther, Roy A. Roberts and Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics and director of the Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research.As the United States experiences a series of extreme weather events, including widespread heat waves and wildfires, the 57th&nbsp;edition of the abstract includes a newly&nbsp;<a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/climate/">expanded chapter on climate</a>. One map shows the number of weeks in 2021 with severe, extreme or exceptional drought in Kansas by county. In 2021, 95 of the 105 counties in Kansas experienced at least one week with such drought, and five counties experienced 8-10 weeks of such drought. Drought can have significant impacts on the health of residents as well as the economic productivity of a place.The abstract also includes a map comparing the total precipitation in 2022 to the 30-year average annual precipitation for each of six Kansas regions. Throughout the state, annual precipitation for each region fell between 5-10 inches. In the western part of the state, this decline was especially steep. One region received just over half the rainfall in 2022 compared to the average rainfall in this region from 1981 to 2010.The climate chapter in the newest edition of the abstract also features a map showing the number of days in 2021 with a maximum daily temperature of 100 degrees or higher by county in Kansas. Of the 105 counties in Kansas, 33 experienced more than 21 days of extreme heat, and all but 14 counties experienced at least one day of extreme heat. Extreme heat hit central Kansas especially hard in 2021.“With an increasing number of climate events, we felt it was important to add data and maps quantifying extreme heat and drought to help Kansans understand local trends and potential impacts on our health and economy,” said Xan Wedel, senior research data engineer for IPSR and a key member of the KSA team.Prepared by staff and students at IPSR,&nbsp;<a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/">the abstract is available on the IPSR website</a>&nbsp;at no cost to users. Resources include a PDF of the current edition and all previous 56 editions, and electronic files for each resource in spreadsheets or high-quality images.

Portion of W. Kan. received half of rainfall in 2022 compared to 1981-2010 average, show latest stats

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695239543024.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>

SHERIDAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an incident that forced a school and hospital into lock down.

Just before 7a.m. Wednesday Sheridan County sheriff's deputies and Hoxie Police responded to a report of theft and criminal trespass in the 1800 Block of Sheridan Avenue in Hoxie, according to a media release.

Through their investigation, officer identified a suspect as 30-year-old Olajawun Scott. Just after 7a.m. officer made contact with him at the corner of 16th and Sheridan.

After locating stolen items among the suspect's personal belongings, officer attempted to place Scott into handcuffs. He resisted and fled from officers.

Despite a thorough search, officers were unable to locate him. As a precaution, the Sheridan County Health complex and USD 412 schools were placed on lock down.

Just after 10:30a.m. officers contacted the suspect by phone and he surrendered without further incident.&nbsp; Scott was booked into the Thomas County Jail while formal charges are requested with the Sheridan County Attorney for theft and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695244818392.png" alt="Scott is being held in Thomas County" />
 <figcaption>Scott is being held in Thomas County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERIDAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an incident that forced a school and hospital into lock down.Just before 7a.m. Wednesday Sheridan County sheriff's deputies and Hoxie Police responded to a report of theft and criminal trespass in the 1800 Block of Sheridan Avenue in Hoxie, according to a media release.Through their investigation, officer identified a suspect as 30-year-old Olajawun Scott. Just after 7a.m. officer made contact with him at the corner of 16th and Sheridan.After locating stolen items among the suspect's personal belongings, officer attempted to place Scott into handcuffs. He resisted and fled from officers.Despite a thorough search, officers were unable to locate him. As a precaution, the Sheridan County Health complex and USD 412 schools were placed on lock down.Just after 10:30a.m. officers contacted the suspect by phone and he surrendered without further incident.&nbsp; Scott was booked into the Thomas County Jail while formal charges are requested with the Sheridan County Attorney for theft and interference with law enforcement.

School, hospital locked down during search for NW Kan. theft suspect 

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is awarding $10 million from the agency’s Small Town Water and Sewer Infrastructure Assistance (STWSIA) grant program to help 18 small communities, including several in northwest Kansas, improve water and wastewater services.

That program received the funds through the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas program funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

Grant applicants were comprised of water and wastewater utilities with a population of less than 1,000 and that have a public health or regulatory compliance issue that infrastructure improvements would help resolve.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“These investments go a long way to provide the necessary resources to update wastewater infrastructure and meet the needs of our communities,” Kelly said. “These upgrades will make sure small towns are able to provide safe and clean water, improving the livelihood of their residents.”&nbsp;

“There is a great need for investment in water and wastewater infrastructure,”&nbsp;said Leo Henning, KDHE Deputy Secretary for Environment. “The Small Town Water and Sewer Infrastructure Assistance program allows for improvements and developments in communities that may otherwise be prohibited due to cost. KDHE will partner with the awarded communities to implement the projects outlined in their applications.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Grant awards were made to 18 utilities:&nbsp;

• The City of Albert ($56,000, population 128)&nbsp;for the rehabilitation of the existing wastewater lagoon cells to remove contaminated soil and install a new clay liner.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Arlington ($1,035,000, population of 431)&nbsp;for new public water supply wells in a new area to replace existing water supply wells that exceed the maximum contaminant level for nitrate.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Copeland ($600,000, population 251)&nbsp;for a new public water supply well, disinfection treatment facility, and interconnection with an existing well to reduce nitrate contaminants below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Galva ($1,016,230, population 870)&nbsp;for new public water supply wells, transmission mains, a disinfection treatment facility, and a blending facility to resolve arsenic contamination.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Herndon ($50,000, population 121)&nbsp;to rehabilitate the existing wastewater lagoon facility to resolve a KDHE Consent Order to improve the lagoon system.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Ingalls ($112,000, population 249)&nbsp;to replace a failing sewage lift station that bypasses the treatment facility when inoperable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Hanston ($499,000, population 260)&nbsp;to construct a non-discharging lagoon treatment system to replace the existing 60-year-old wastewater treatment plant that cannot meet permit requirements in accordance with a KDHE Consent Order.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Holyrood ($187,000, population 409)&nbsp;to interconnect existing wells to a blending station facility to reduce radium contamination below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Miami County/Bucyrus ($1,500,000 population 192)&nbsp;to abandon the existing non-compliant wastewater treatment facility and interconnect with the City of Spring Hill to treat the wastewater.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Morland ($210,000, population 115)&nbsp;to rehabilitate the existing lagoon treatment facility to comply with allowable seepage rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Narka ($283,000, population 80)&nbsp;to replace an aerial truss collector pipe at the downstream end of the City’s sanitary sewer collection system that leaks raw sewage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Olsburg ($490,000, population 221)&nbsp;to improve the existing lagoon treatment facility that is not meeting current permit requirements and convert it to a non-discharging facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

•&nbsp;The City of Palco ($500,000, population 210)&nbsp;to construct a new water treatment plant to reduce nitrate contaminants below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Riley County/University Park Sewer Benefit District ($1,500,000, population 300)&nbsp;to construct a non-discharging lagoon facility to replace the existing mechanical treatment facility that cannot meet permit requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Susank ($300,000, population 28)&nbsp;to rehabilitate the existing lagoon treatment system to comply with allowable seepage rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The City of Sylvia ($1,000,000, population 210)&nbsp;to construct new wells to supply water with nitrate contaminants below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Reno County Rural Water District 101 ($600,000, population 200)&nbsp;to interconnect with Hutchinson and blend the existing water supply to reduce nitrate contaminants below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Rooks County Rural Water District No. 3 ($61,770, population 380)&nbsp;to rehabilitate the existing water treatment plant to improve the removal of nitrate contaminants below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688054562955.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is awarding $10 million from the agency’s Small Town Water and Sewer Infrastructure Assistance (STWSIA) grant program to help 18 small communities, including several in northwest Kansas, improve water and wastewater services. That program received the funds through the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas program funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.Grant applicants were comprised of water and wastewater utilities with a population of less than 1,000 and that have a public health or regulatory compliance issue that infrastructure improvements would help resolve.&nbsp;&nbsp;“These investments go a long way to provide the necessary resources to update wastewater infrastructure and meet the needs of our communities,” Kelly said. “These upgrades will make sure small towns are able to provide safe and clean water, improving the livelihood of their residents.”&nbsp;“There is a great need for investment in water and wastewater infrastructure,”&nbsp;said Leo Henning, KDHE Deputy Secretary for Environment. “The Small Town Water and Sewer Infrastructure Assistance program allows for improvements and developments in communities that may otherwise be prohibited due to cost. KDHE will partner with the awarded communities to implement the projects outlined in their applications.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Grant awards were made to 18 utilities:&nbsp;• The City of Albert ($56,000, population 128)&nbsp;for the rehabilitation of the existing wastewater lagoon cells to remove contaminated soil and install a new clay liner.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Arlington ($1,035,000, population of 431)&nbsp;for new public water supply wells in a new area to replace existing water supply wells that exceed the maximum contaminant level for nitrate.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Copeland ($600,000, population 251)&nbsp;for a new public water supply well, disinfection treatment facility, and interconnection with an existing well to reduce nitrate contaminants below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Galva ($1,016,230, population 870)&nbsp;for new public water supply wells, transmission mains, a disinfection treatment facility, and a blending facility to resolve arsenic contamination.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Herndon ($50,000, population 121)&nbsp;to rehabilitate the existing wastewater lagoon facility to resolve a KDHE Consent Order to improve the lagoon system.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Ingalls ($112,000, population 249)&nbsp;to replace a failing sewage lift station that bypasses the treatment facility when inoperable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Hanston ($499,000, population 260)&nbsp;to construct a non-discharging lagoon treatment system to replace the existing 60-year-old wastewater treatment plant that cannot meet permit requirements in accordance with a KDHE Consent Order.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Holyrood ($187,000, population 409)&nbsp;to interconnect existing wells to a blending station facility to reduce radium contamination below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Miami County/Bucyrus ($1,500,000 population 192)&nbsp;to abandon the existing non-compliant wastewater treatment facility and interconnect with the City of Spring Hill to treat the wastewater.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Morland ($210,000, population 115)&nbsp;to rehabilitate the existing lagoon treatment facility to comply with allowable seepage rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Narka ($283,000, population 80)&nbsp;to replace an aerial truss collector pipe at the downstream end of the City’s sanitary sewer collection system that leaks raw sewage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Olsburg ($490,000, population 221)&nbsp;to improve the existing lagoon treatment facility that is not meeting current permit requirements and convert it to a non-discharging facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;The City of Palco ($500,000, population 210)&nbsp;to construct a new water treatment plant to reduce nitrate contaminants below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Riley County/University Park Sewer Benefit District ($1,500,000, population 300)&nbsp;to construct a non-discharging lagoon facility to replace the existing mechanical treatment facility that cannot meet permit requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Susank ($300,000, population 28)&nbsp;to rehabilitate the existing lagoon treatment system to comply with allowable seepage rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The City of Sylvia ($1,000,000, population 210)&nbsp;to construct new wells to supply water with nitrate contaminants below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Reno County Rural Water District 101 ($600,000, population 200)&nbsp;to interconnect with Hutchinson and blend the existing water supply to reduce nitrate contaminants below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Rooks County Rural Water District No. 3 ($61,770, population 380)&nbsp;to rehabilitate the existing water treatment plant to improve the removal of nitrate contaminants below the maximum contaminant level.&nbsp;

Small regional communities receive funds for utility infrastructure improvements 

PRATT&nbsp;– Beginning this fall, Kansas will have&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9XaGF0LXRvLUh1bnQvVHVya2V5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.JlaZjlK4gFUMf1kSeMNjAlTr9wgj9pegEBhe-LER_o0/s/1303179659/br/225996850288-l" target="_blank">no fall turkey hunting season</a>&nbsp;due to declining populations at state and regional levels. The difficult decision was arrived at by members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission after hearing compelling recommendations from staff over the course of four public meetings.

“We’ve documented consistent declines in turkey populations over the last 15 years largely due to reduced production levels,” said Kent Fricke, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks small game biologist. “These trends are not unique to Kansas. States across the Midwest and Southeast have experienced similar patterns in turkey populations.”

Though far fewer turkey hunters participate in the fall season than in the spring in Kansas, wildlife biologists said it remained an important component of overall harvest.

“The estimated statewide fall harvest of turkey was less than 500 birds in 2022,” said Fricke. “While this is a small proportion of the statewide population, fall harvest is an additive source of mortality for turkeys, especially when hens are harvested.”

Over the past several years, commissioners have approved other preventative recommendations to reduce the impact of the fall season on turkey populations. In 2017, commissioners voted to reduce the statewide bag limit from four birds to one bird. In 2019, fall turkey season dates were reduced from Oct. 1 through Jan. 31 (123 days) to Oct. 1 through Nov. 10 (41 days).

But not all is lost. Staff continue working diligently to obtain as much data as possible in hopes of one day reversing declining population trends. One such example is a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvOC0zLTIzLUtEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5L0tEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.6o9JcoR4Qngcg2RBaCZVjA6LWlNYxSohH0bezKOBsA8/s/1303179659/br/225996850288-l" target="_blank">new research project set to begin in Kansas in January 2024</a>&nbsp;to examine wild turkey populations and ecology to inform state harvest and habitat management (more&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvOC0zLTIzLUtEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5L0tEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.NKHr08bPi4F16Td02-54_-kIzc23pD_MQBHUVDffpg4/s/1303179659/br/225996850288-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>).

To learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9XaGF0LXRvLUh1bnQvVHVya2V5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.OCMjgO_JkQpVC6wlp-LsJe8AidyXHiD3zcVHcdk_yGk/s/1303179659/br/225996850288-l" target="_blank">turkey hunting</a>&nbsp;in Kansas – including&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvNy03LTIzLUthbnNhcy1XaWxkbGlmZS1hbmQtUGFya3MtQ29tbWlzc2lvbi1BcHByb3Zlcy1Mb3R0ZXJ5LURyYXctZm9yLU5vbi1yZXNpZGVudC1UdXJrZXktUGVybWl0cy9LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb24tQXBwcm92ZXMtTG90dGVyeS1EcmF3LWZvci1Ob24tcmVzaWRlbnQtVHVya2V5LVBlcm1pdHMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTE1LjgyNjQzMjMxIn0.L8tU9Hl8aO3hLlxSx1v6n7cxxfsYhH-AajqEr5k3dcs/s/1303179659/br/225996850288-l" target="_blank">Kansas’ all-new lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits</a>&nbsp;and other regulation changes aimed at population conservation – visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting then select “Turkey.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575650573142.jpeg" alt="Wild turkeys. Photo by Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks" />
 <figcaption>Wild turkeys. Photo by Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks</figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPPRATT&nbsp;– Beginning this fall, Kansas will have&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9XaGF0LXRvLUh1bnQvVHVya2V5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.JlaZjlK4gFUMf1kSeMNjAlTr9wgj9pegEBhe-LER_o0/s/1303179659/br/225996850288-l" target="_blank">no fall turkey hunting season</a>&nbsp;due to declining populations at state and regional levels. The difficult decision was arrived at by members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission after hearing compelling recommendations from staff over the course of four public meetings.“We’ve documented consistent declines in turkey populations over the last 15 years largely due to reduced production levels,” said Kent Fricke, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks small game biologist. “These trends are not unique to Kansas. States across the Midwest and Southeast have experienced similar patterns in turkey populations.”Though far fewer turkey hunters participate in the fall season than in the spring in Kansas, wildlife biologists said it remained an important component of overall harvest.“The estimated statewide fall harvest of turkey was less than 500 birds in 2022,” said Fricke. “While this is a small proportion of the statewide population, fall harvest is an additive source of mortality for turkeys, especially when hens are harvested.”Over the past several years, commissioners have approved other preventative recommendations to reduce the impact of the fall season on turkey populations. In 2017, commissioners voted to reduce the statewide bag limit from four birds to one bird. In 2019, fall turkey season dates were reduced from Oct. 1 through Jan. 31 (123 days) to Oct. 1 through Nov. 10 (41 days).But not all is lost. Staff continue working diligently to obtain as much data as possible in hopes of one day reversing declining population trends. One such example is a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvOC0zLTIzLUtEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5L0tEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.6o9JcoR4Qngcg2RBaCZVjA6LWlNYxSohH0bezKOBsA8/s/1303179659/br/225996850288-l" target="_blank">new research project set to begin in Kansas in January 2024</a>&nbsp;to examine wild turkey populations and ecology to inform state harvest and habitat management (more&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvOC0zLTIzLUtEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5L0tEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.NKHr08bPi4F16Td02-54_-kIzc23pD_MQBHUVDffpg4/s/1303179659/br/225996850288-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>).To learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9XaGF0LXRvLUh1bnQvVHVya2V5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.OCMjgO_JkQpVC6wlp-LsJe8AidyXHiD3zcVHcdk_yGk/s/1303179659/br/225996850288-l" target="_blank">turkey hunting</a>&nbsp;in Kansas – including&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvNy03LTIzLUthbnNhcy1XaWxkbGlmZS1hbmQtUGFya3MtQ29tbWlzc2lvbi1BcHByb3Zlcy1Mb3R0ZXJ5LURyYXctZm9yLU5vbi1yZXNpZGVudC1UdXJrZXktUGVybWl0cy9LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb24tQXBwcm92ZXMtTG90dGVyeS1EcmF3LWZvci1Ob24tcmVzaWRlbnQtVHVya2V5LVBlcm1pdHMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTE1LjgyNjQzMjMxIn0.L8tU9Hl8aO3hLlxSx1v6n7cxxfsYhH-AajqEr5k3dcs/s/1303179659/br/225996850288-l" target="_blank">Kansas’ all-new lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits</a>&nbsp;and other regulation changes aimed at population conservation – visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting then select “Turkey.”

KDWP: No fall turkey hunting season in Kansas due to declining populations

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Each year, the Governor’s Council on Wellness&nbsp;(previously the Governor's Council on Fitness)&nbsp;recognizes one exceptional individual and one remarkable organization in Kansas who have shown outstanding dedication to promoting health, fitness and wellness in our communities.

Nominees for the 2024 Health Champion Award can come from diverse backgrounds – from health care professionals and educators to community leaders and volunteers. The award highlights outstanding individuals and organizations who have significantly impacted health awareness, disease prevention and overall well-being within our state.

“We are excited to review this year’s nominations and see all the great work being done throughout our state,” said&nbsp;Jody Hoener, awards committee chair. “We encourage everyone to nominate the Health Champions in their communities.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695223345866.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;Each year, the Governor’s Council on Wellness&nbsp;(previously the Governor's Council on Fitness)&nbsp;recognizes one exceptional individual and one remarkable organization in Kansas who have shown outstanding dedication to promoting health, fitness and wellness in our communities.Nominees for the 2024 Health Champion Award can come from diverse backgrounds – from health care professionals and educators to community leaders and volunteers. The award highlights outstanding individuals and organizations who have significantly impacted health awareness, disease prevention and overall well-being within our state.“We are excited to review this year’s nominations and see all the great work being done throughout our state,” said&nbsp;Jody Hoener, awards committee chair. “We encourage everyone to nominate the Health Champions in their communities.”The nomination process is simple and can be completed online. The form requires a brief description of the nominee’s accomplishments and how they have positively influenced their community’s health. It also asks some basic questions about the nominee’s contact information so they can be notified if they receive the award.The deadline to submit the nomination form is October 31, 2023. The winners will be notified via email, and awards will be announced via a press release in late November. &nbsp;The awards ceremony will take place on&nbsp;Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Community Health Promotion Summit that will be held in Wichita at the WSU Woolsey Center.To access the nomination form, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN1cnZleW1vbmtleS5jb20vci9DVDc3UllWP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MzAuODE4ODA5ODEifQ._sr2eeslbmcPi4YHTh1wilbdK4H-nmmt361kl0qJedY/s/1305913542/br/225035695632-l" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CT77RYV</a>.

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