A former Hays Mayor will serve a 20-year prison sentence in Georgia.

Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit district attorney Susan K.
Treadaway said in a statement Aug. 8 on May 15, Troy Dean Hickman, 59, Canton, Ga., pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of
exploitation and intimidation of a disabled adult.

Hickman served as a Hays city commissioner from 1997 to 2013, serving as mayor for five of those years. He also was the executive director at Ellis County First Call for Help from 2010 to 2013, according to his LinkedIn profile.

At the time of his departure from the commission, Hays commissioners proclaimed April 11, 2013 as Troy Hickman Day in recognition of his 16 years of service on the city commission.

He was most
recently employed by the Cherokee County Georgia School District.

“The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office first became aware of these
allegations in November 2022 after the young woman disclosed the abuse to a
friend,” according to the release. “Hickman, who was a relation, frequently
spent time alone with the victim, committing the acts over the course of
several years, beginning when the victim was approximately 18 years old.”

“Victims of sexual assault are often afraid to come forward,
and that was certainly the case here,” said Assistant District Attorney Elliot
Stone, who prosecuted the case. “The victim is
intellectually disabled and had been subjected to repeated threats of harm by
this defendant as he attempted to prevent her from revealing the abuse. She
bravely overcame that fear by seeking help.” 

“While Troy Hickman admitted to his crimes, he used alcohol
as an excuse for his despicable behavior and even suggested that the victim was
partly to blame.”

During the investigation, the Anna Crawford Children’s
Center conducted a forensic interview in which the victim described the
specific acts by Hickman that resulted in the charges of aggravated sexual
battery.

The victim’s mother addressed the court during the plea
hearing, describing the impact of Hickman’s crimes.

Superior Court Judge Tony Baker sentenced Hickman to 20
years in prison, followed by probation for the remainder of his life.

“Through the duration of his sentence, Hickman is forbidden
to have contact with the victim or her family,” according to the release. “He
must also obtain a psycho-sexual evaluation, receive treatment for substance
abuse and adhere to sex offender special conditions.”

Hickman will not be eligible for parole during his 20-year
prison sentence.

“The victim looked to this defendant as a father figure, and
it is despicable that he would manipulate her trust and vulnerability for his
own sexual desires,” said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway. “Our hope is
the victim and her family will find peace and healing in knowing that this
defendant has received justice for his crimes and that he will never again be
able to hurt another individual in this way.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691596235048.jpeg" alt="Troy Hickman. Photo courtesy Georiga Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Troy Hickman. Photo courtesy Georiga Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostA former Hays Mayor will serve a 20-year prison sentence in Georgia.Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit district attorney Susan K.
Treadaway said in a statement Aug. 8 on May 15, Troy Dean Hickman, 59, Canton, Ga., pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of
exploitation and intimidation of a disabled adult.Hickman served as a Hays city commissioner from 1997 to 2013, serving as mayor for five of those years. He also was the executive director at Ellis County First Call for Help from 2010 to 2013, according to his LinkedIn profile.At the time of his departure from the commission, Hays commissioners proclaimed April 11, 2013 as Troy Hickman Day in recognition of his 16 years of service on the city commission.He was most
recently employed by the Cherokee County Georgia School District.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691631322011.jpeg" alt="Hickman was honored by then-mayor Kent Steward for his 16 years of service in 2013. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hickman was honored by then-mayor Kent Steward for his 16 years of service in 2013. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office first became aware of these
allegations in November 2022 after the young woman disclosed the abuse to a
friend,” according to the release. “Hickman, who was a relation, frequently
spent time alone with the victim, committing the acts over the course of
several years, beginning when the victim was approximately 18 years old.”“Victims of sexual assault are often afraid to come forward,
and that was certainly the case here,” said Assistant District Attorney Elliot
Stone, who prosecuted the case. “The victim is
intellectually disabled and had been subjected to repeated threats of harm by
this defendant as he attempted to prevent her from revealing the abuse. She
bravely overcame that fear by seeking help.” “While Troy Hickman admitted to his crimes, he used alcohol
as an excuse for his despicable behavior and even suggested that the victim was
partly to blame.”During the investigation, the Anna Crawford Children’s
Center conducted a forensic interview in which the victim described the
specific acts by Hickman that resulted in the charges of aggravated sexual
battery.The victim’s mother addressed the court during the plea
hearing, describing the impact of Hickman’s crimes.Superior Court Judge Tony Baker sentenced Hickman to 20
years in prison, followed by probation for the remainder of his life.“Through the duration of his sentence, Hickman is forbidden
to have contact with the victim or her family,” according to the release. “He
must also obtain a psycho-sexual evaluation, receive treatment for substance
abuse and adhere to sex offender special conditions.”Hickman will not be eligible for parole during his 20-year
prison sentence.“The victim looked to this defendant as a father figure, and
it is despicable that he would manipulate her trust and vulnerability for his
own sexual desires,” said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway. “Our hope is
the victim and her family will find peace and healing in knowing that this
defendant has received justice for his crimes and that he will never again be
able to hurt another individual in this way.”

Former Hays mayor sentenced to 20 years in Georgia for sex crime

The Eagle Radio family of stations in Hays was honored with six awards in the Kansas Association of Broadcasters honors that were announced Monday.

Award winners will be recognized at the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Convention on Oct. 23 in Overland Park.

Complete Newscast by local station Second — KJLS FM	Hays	Mix 103, News Update — Becky Kiser

Complete Sportscast by local station Honorable mention — KJLS FM	Hays, Mix 103 Morning Sports — Gerard Wellbrock Sports Play-by-Play Second — KJLS FM	Hays, Fort Hays State Basketball — Gerard Wellbrock Public Affairs Program Honorable mention — KAYS AM	Hays, KDOL Secretary takes on biggest challenge in the state — Gary Shorman

Special Program Honorable mention — KAYS AM	Hays, R9 Ranch Project — Becky Kiser

Excellence in Multimedia/Digital Storytelling First — KAYS AM	Hays, Year Anniversary of the Four-County Fire — Cristina Janney, Jordan Schaffer, Becky Kiser

Eagle Radio owns and operates the Hays Post.

Hays PostThe Eagle Radio family of stations in Hays was honored with six awards in the Kansas Association of Broadcasters honors that were announced Monday.Award winners will be recognized at the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Convention on Oct. 23 in Overland Park.The winners are listed below:Complete Newscast by local station Second — KJLS FM	Hays	Mix 103, News Update — Becky KiserComplete Sportscast by local station Honorable mention — KJLS FM	Hays, Mix 103 Morning Sports — Gerard Wellbrock Sports Play-by-Play Second — KJLS FM	Hays, Fort Hays State Basketball — Gerard Wellbrock Public Affairs Program Honorable mention — KAYS AM	Hays, KDOL Secretary takes on biggest challenge in the state — Gary Shorman Special Program Honorable mention — KAYS AM	Hays, R9 Ranch Project — Becky KiserExcellence in Multimedia/Digital Storytelling First — KAYS AM	Hays, Year Anniversary of the Four-County Fire — Cristina Janney, Jordan Schaffer, Becky KiserEagle Radio owns and operates the Hays Post.

Kansas Association of Broadcasters honors Eagle Radio of Hays with 6 awards

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

VICTORIA—Homeschooling remains a popular choice for millions of
American parents each year, however, for some, the choice to oversee a child’s
education at home is not feasible.

One Victoria woman believes she has a solution that gives
students the flexibility needed to achieve their goals, provides support
and instruction to students looking for the benefits of homeschooling, and takes
the educational burden off of parents.

Wildfire Education is essentially
a homeschooling service, where kids can come and do their online schoolwork
instead of going to school, said owner Jacy Klaus.

“There
are a lot of parents who'd like to homeschool their kids, but they can't
because either they don't think their kid has the self-control to make
themselves sit down and do their work or they just don't have the time or just
can't homeschool.”

Through the
service, students receive one-on-one instruction on a flexible schedule.

“A lot
of them still need that,” Klaus said, “and that's why a lot of parents don't
homeschool.”

Having
flexible lessons and schedules can also help provide more opportunities for practical
education. 

“Eventually, we will do things like taxes, buying home insurance, health insurance. These
are things that a lot of us wish we would have known before we got out into the
real world,” Klaus said.

Career
planning is also central to the Wildfire Education mission.

“Our
high school kids will have the opportunity to work and have a part-time job or
a project that is keeping them busy because their schoolwork is no longer
going to take the entire day,” Klaus said.

For
older K-12 students, having the ability to enter the field prior to high school
graduation can be beneficial as it provides work-study opportunities that
would otherwise be filled with time in classrooms, she said.

“I've
learned that they would rather just do the learning and get it done,” Klaus
said, “and then they want to work.”

“When
you're in high school, you just want to be an adult. They want to work. They
want to have money in their pockets. They want to think about their future
careers, and I'm wanting to help them with that.”

Tapping
into the self-guided nature of homeschool programs, she said, can also be valuable.

“Studies
have shown that homeschooled kids are more successful in college and their
careers than public school kids,” Klaus said.&nbsp; "I think it's because the
kids, I feel like, learn more about themselves and learn more how they work and
how to be productive.”

While the business is new, Klaus is likely a familiar
face to Victoria's parents after serving as the agriculture teacher at Victoria
High School for the last six years.

She said her time in the district gave her first-hand experience
with what high school students face in traditional classrooms.

“I've been working with those
kids. That eight-hour school day doesn't work for them,” Klaus said, “especially
in the last couple of years. I just kept thinking, ‘What would help them?’”

She found by providing an
alternative educational service, students can get the education they need while
giving time to exploring other pursuits, allowing students that may otherwise
struggle with an avenue to succeed in a traditional educational setting.

“We do still have kids that
have good work ethics. We do still have kids who are eager. I feel like
we're almost taking that away from them,” Klaus said.

For
parents and students looking to take advantage of the services at Wildfire Education,
Klaus said the first step is a consultation that presents the educational options
for the students.

From there, she helps guide
the parents through curriculum programs.

While work on the Wildfire Education building is ongoing, enrollment has begun. She said she plans to cap the
student count at 12.

Students can be current or new to homeschool curriculum.

For
those working through a program already, she works with parents to support learning
in a subject the student has difficulty with.

More information about the programming
and contact information for those interested in their services can be found on
their website, <a href="https://www.wildfireedu.com/">wildfireedu.com.</a>

While previously homeschooled
students in Kansas were sometimes barred from participating in extracurricular
activities in public school districts, the Kansas State High School Activities Association is working on implementing
a law passed this year by the Kansas Legislature that allows students within
the district to take part in sanctioned activities. 

“Now
homeschooled kids are more than welcome to play sports or be in clubs,” Klaus
said.

Through Wildfire
Education, students will be able to participate in social activities as well.

“They can kind of work
together and do some of the fun things that they would normally do at public
school that they can't do in homeschool, like make Valentine's or Christmas cards,”
Klaus said.

With the
Victoria location, she said students from the area could take advantage of the service.

“I feel
like Victoria is a central location,” Klaus said. “I live here, and I feel like
a lot of my kids are going to come from here. It's just central and easier for
everybody to meet at instead of in town.”

As
the business is unique, she hopes the idea can spread across other rural
communities.

“That's
kind of why I named it Wildfire Education because I want it to spread
like wildfire,” Klaus said. “I want to help other communities or other people bring
this to their community so that they can help their kids, especially rural
communities.

“We are
a hotspot for those kinds of kids that need the time outside the classroom.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691508971649.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostVICTORIA—Homeschooling remains a popular choice for millions of
American parents each year, however, for some, the choice to oversee a child’s
education at home is not feasible.One Victoria woman believes she has a solution that gives
students the flexibility needed to achieve their goals, provides support
and instruction to students looking for the benefits of homeschooling, and takes
the educational burden off of parents.Wildfire Education is essentially
a homeschooling service, where kids can come and do their online schoolwork
instead of going to school, said owner Jacy Klaus.“There
are a lot of parents who'd like to homeschool their kids, but they can't
because either they don't think their kid has the self-control to make
themselves sit down and do their work or they just don't have the time or just
can't homeschool.”Through the
service, students receive one-on-one instruction on a flexible schedule.“A lot
of them still need that,” Klaus said, “and that's why a lot of parents don't
homeschool.”Having
flexible lessons and schedules can also help provide more opportunities for practical
education. “Eventually, we will do things like taxes, buying home insurance, health insurance. These
are things that a lot of us wish we would have known before we got out into the
real world,” Klaus said.Career
planning is also central to the Wildfire Education mission.“Our
high school kids will have the opportunity to work and have a part-time job or
a project that is keeping them busy because their schoolwork is no longer
going to take the entire day,” Klaus said.For
older K-12 students, having the ability to enter the field prior to high school
graduation can be beneficial as it provides work-study opportunities that
would otherwise be filled with time in classrooms, she said.“I've
learned that they would rather just do the learning and get it done,” Klaus
said, “and then they want to work.”“When
you're in high school, you just want to be an adult. They want to work. They
want to have money in their pockets. They want to think about their future
careers, and I'm wanting to help them with that.”Tapping
into the self-guided nature of homeschool programs, she said, can also be valuable.“Studies
have shown that homeschooled kids are more successful in college and their
careers than public school kids,” Klaus said.&nbsp; "I think it's because the
kids, I feel like, learn more about themselves and learn more how they work and
how to be productive.”While the business is new, Klaus is likely a familiar
face to Victoria's parents after serving as the agriculture teacher at Victoria
High School for the last six years.She said her time in the district gave her first-hand experience
with what high school students face in traditional classrooms.“I've been working with those
kids. That eight-hour school day doesn't work for them,” Klaus said, “especially
in the last couple of years. I just kept thinking, ‘What would help them?’”She found by providing an
alternative educational service, students can get the education they need while
giving time to exploring other pursuits, allowing students that may otherwise
struggle with an avenue to succeed in a traditional educational setting.“We do still have kids that
have good work ethics. We do still have kids who are eager. I feel like
we're almost taking that away from them,” Klaus said.<h2>The process</h2>For
parents and students looking to take advantage of the services at Wildfire Education,
Klaus said the first step is a consultation that presents the educational options
for the students.From there, she helps guide
the parents through curriculum programs.While work on the Wildfire Education building is ongoing, enrollment has begun. She said she plans to cap the
student count at 12.Students can be current or new to homeschool curriculum.For
those working through a program already, she works with parents to support learning
in a subject the student has difficulty with.More information about the programming
and contact information for those interested in their services can be found on
their website, <a href="https://www.wildfireedu.com/">wildfireedu.com.</a><h2>The extras</h2>While previously homeschooled
students in Kansas were sometimes barred from participating in extracurricular
activities in public school districts, the Kansas State High School Activities Association is working on implementing
a law passed this year by the Kansas Legislature that allows students within
the district to take part in sanctioned activities. “Now
homeschooled kids are more than welcome to play sports or be in clubs,” Klaus
said.Through Wildfire
Education, students will be able to participate in social activities as well.“They can kind of work
together and do some of the fun things that they would normally do at public
school that they can't do in homeschool, like make Valentine's or Christmas cards,”
Klaus said.With the
Victoria location, she said students from the area could take advantage of the service.“I feel
like Victoria is a central location,” Klaus said. “I live here, and I feel like
a lot of my kids are going to come from here. It's just central and easier for
everybody to meet at instead of in town.”As
the business is unique, she hopes the idea can spread across other rural
communities.“That's
kind of why I named it Wildfire Education because I want it to spread
like wildfire,” Klaus said. “I want to help other communities or other people bring
this to their community so that they can help their kids, especially rural
communities.“We are
a hotspot for those kinds of kids that need the time outside the classroom.”

Homeschool outside the home: Wildfire Education opens in Victoria

The Gifted Treasures art sale opens from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Hays Arts Center (112 E. 11th) and HAC Annex (1010 Main).

To shore up funding for the Hays Arts Council's 2023-2024 programming year (and offset expenses of its third crashed A/C unit in the past two years) the Hays Arts Council is capitalizing on some special art donations it's recently received and others that were tucked away after previous art sales...paintings, fine art prints, ceramics, sculpture, photographs, pottery, reproduction and decorative art.

It's recycling at its best. Join the council for the sale Thursday through Tuesday during regular Hays Arts Center hours.

The council wants to give a special thank you to Dr. Claire Mathews who, following a downsizing move earlier this year, provided the "foundation" for the art sale by donating a large number of wonderful original artworks.

Many of the works were courtesy of Mathews, with some donated by other generous friends.

You can see all of them - and a lot of others!- when our doors open at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

In addition to the larger works in the Hays Arts Center, the council will have a variety of items with lower price points in the Hays Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main.

Be sure to check out both of the buildings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603922332074.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Arts Council&nbsp;The Gifted Treasures art sale opens from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Hays Arts Center (112 E. 11th) and HAC Annex (1010 Main).To shore up funding for the Hays Arts Council's 2023-2024 programming year (and offset expenses of its third crashed A/C unit in the past two years) the Hays Arts Council is capitalizing on some special art donations it's recently received and others that were tucked away after previous art sales...paintings, fine art prints, ceramics, sculpture, photographs, pottery, reproduction and decorative art.It's recycling at its best. Join the council for the sale Thursday through Tuesday during regular Hays Arts Center hours.The council wants to give a special thank you to Dr. Claire Mathews who, following a downsizing move earlier this year, provided the "foundation" for the art sale by donating a large number of wonderful original artworks.Many of the works were courtesy of Mathews, with some donated by other generous friends.You can see all of them - and a lot of others!- when our doors open at 5 p.m. on Thursday.In addition to the larger works in the Hays Arts Center, the council will have a variety of items with lower price points in the Hays Arts Center Annex at 1010 Main.Be sure to check out both of the buildings.

Hays Arts Council fundraising art sale starts Thursday

&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

Businesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a spring or summer 2024 intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program.

A Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant made paid internships possible for next spring and summer. Applications from employers will be accepted through Sept. 15.

Eligible employers must be located in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County area east to include the Republic-Saline County area, including Ellsworth County. (See above map.)

However, students do not have to be from the northwest Kansas area to apply.

A participating employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the Hansen Foundation grant provides the remaining funding. Each internship is for one semester or summer. Spring interns will work 240 hours, and summer interns will work 300 hours.

“We’re grateful for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of this program,” said Lisa Karlin, internship career advisor. “It provides employers access to new talent and allows students to gain professional work experience and make connections.”

Interested employers should go to the Career Services page on the FHSU website at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtG5PucV5OyxhgJ0tnlB5qvSeVHTGbbIP-2B3deK9cQnLkt-2FHslK7jhKLG-2BZV4Ad4pXsZGYo2COHsq4fX3QO1d0XKo-3D1P1Y_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbrnukfDfjqoUhQ5mK4IeksTt3JnYAT1lRMLLuzgMMS8cVj1CKFswBRvkiTXLv12hiM-2Bno64UaICfXL5b-2BctyCRbi26xuNno47cIAitfkiS64WvDphtBDDVPYMVRztZC9yuV5nD4uvZlySODLDGoSnqdmWHgZguyQ41inKEoUb7PTxfhsbse28TcJZlOAFwT7OTMA6iizsO95JdBYoIZsJfETTatKZE4U5J1tJ8TNzZqpXx1vf86BTgifjFKKzweW23u-2BreBYZLqRZBfzGGS4zzQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program and complete the application. The employer must also provide a detailed job description for the internship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691675194881.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University CommunicationsBusinesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a spring or summer 2024 intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program.A Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant made paid internships possible for next spring and summer. Applications from employers will be accepted through Sept. 15.Eligible employers must be located in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County area east to include the Republic-Saline County area, including Ellsworth County. (See above map.)However, students do not have to be from the northwest Kansas area to apply.A participating employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the Hansen Foundation grant provides the remaining funding. Each internship is for one semester or summer. Spring interns will work 240 hours, and summer interns will work 300 hours.“We’re grateful for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of this program,” said Lisa Karlin, internship career advisor. “It provides employers access to new talent and allows students to gain professional work experience and make connections.”Interested employers should go to the Career Services page on the FHSU website at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtG5PucV5OyxhgJ0tnlB5qvSeVHTGbbIP-2B3deK9cQnLkt-2FHslK7jhKLG-2BZV4Ad4pXsZGYo2COHsq4fX3QO1d0XKo-3D1P1Y_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbrnukfDfjqoUhQ5mK4IeksTt3JnYAT1lRMLLuzgMMS8cVj1CKFswBRvkiTXLv12hiM-2Bno64UaICfXL5b-2BctyCRbi26xuNno47cIAitfkiS64WvDphtBDDVPYMVRztZC9yuV5nD4uvZlySODLDGoSnqdmWHgZguyQ41inKEoUb7PTxfhsbse28TcJZlOAFwT7OTMA6iizsO95JdBYoIZsJfETTatKZE4U5J1tJ8TNzZqpXx1vf86BTgifjFKKzweW23u-2BreBYZLqRZBfzGGS4zzQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program and complete the application. The employer must also provide a detailed job description for the internship.

Employer applications open for FHSU/Dane G. Hansen interns

There will be two chance for kids to get free haircuts for the upcoming school year this week and next.

The first will be today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hays Academy of Hair Design. See the flyer below.

Lewis Automotive Group of Hays also has announced its sponsorship for the upcoming free back-to-school haircuts event at the Fade Factory, 129 E. 8th.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, all parents and guardians are invited to bring their children (13 and younger) for a day filled with fun, laughter and some stylish new haircuts.

Kids who get their haircuts also will receive a free school supply bag.

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082989627450&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVguc39KA0iTidFvdigjCwd24hPDRKmqlJlQZl0waC80UyMfKg2pquxLXRlMLWxEfOsnBBhZ5eR3zGV54z5Z5VCi6-YOtA9Uf7Lianj43HmIKWUWkEYMhUMekVw6U3usH4M7DUZpn1yeP2Bb9_fX1_g&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Tacos El Guero Guey</a> food truck will be on-site, ready to serve tacos while you enjoy watching your kiddos get pampered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691418115165.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThere will be two chance for kids to get free haircuts for the upcoming school year this week and next.The first will be today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hays Academy of Hair Design. See the flyer below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691516511813.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lewis Automotive Group of Hays also has announced its sponsorship for the upcoming free back-to-school haircuts event at the Fade Factory, 129 E. 8th.From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, all parents and guardians are invited to bring their children (13 and younger) for a day filled with fun, laughter and some stylish new haircuts.Kids who get their haircuts also will receive a free school supply bag.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082989627450&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVguc39KA0iTidFvdigjCwd24hPDRKmqlJlQZl0waC80UyMfKg2pquxLXRlMLWxEfOsnBBhZ5eR3zGV54z5Z5VCi6-YOtA9Uf7Lianj43HmIKWUWkEYMhUMekVw6U3usH4M7DUZpn1yeP2Bb9_fX1_g&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Tacos El Guero Guey</a> food truck will be on-site, ready to serve tacos while you enjoy watching your kiddos get pampered.Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

2 chances for free haircuts for kids in Hays starting today

<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/2023/8/1691504151947.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

NESS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday morning outside a residence in Ransom, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

Preliminary information indicates that on Tuesday morning, 911 calls were placed indicating a man was armed with a firearm and making threats inside a residence at an unknown address in Ransom. Deputies pinpointed the exact house where the domestic disturbance was occurring, and multiple sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene at 207 S. Vermont St. A sheriff’s deputy began talking to the armed man on the phone. They identified the man as Jesse L. Nicholls, 46, of Ransom.

The deputy eventually convinced Nicholls to come out of the house. When Nicholls came out and into the front yard, he initially complied with commands to put the pistol he was carrying down, but then picked it up and fired toward the ground.&nbsp;Immediately upon Nicholls’ firing of the weapon, a deputy from the Ness County Sheriff’s Office fired multiple times striking Nicholls.

EMS, who had been staged in the area, quickly responded and attempted life-saving measures. They transported Nicholls to the Grisell Memorial Hospital. Medical intervention was unsuccessful, and Nicholls was pronounced dead at the hospital. No deputies were injured during the shooting.

The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident. Once the investigation concludes, the findings will be turned over to the Ness County Attorney for review.

&nbsp;NESS COUNTY —The KBI and our Crime Scene Response Team are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in Ransom, Kansas, involving the&nbsp;Ness County Sheriff's Office, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The shooting took place just before 10 a.m. near Vermont Ave. and 3rd Street in Ransom. No sheriff's deputies were injured. A male suspect was shot during the incident, and has since died from his injuries.

NESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting.

On Tuesday morning, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;responded to an officer-involved shooting in Ness County, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood.

 No law enforcement officers were injured. One subject was hospitalized.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691576725429.png" alt="KBI on the scene in Ness City Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>KBI on the scene in Ness City Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>NESS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday morning outside a residence in Ransom, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.Preliminary information indicates that on Tuesday morning, 911 calls were placed indicating a man was armed with a firearm and making threats inside a residence at an unknown address in Ransom. Deputies pinpointed the exact house where the domestic disturbance was occurring, and multiple sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene at 207 S. Vermont St. A sheriff’s deputy began talking to the armed man on the phone. They identified the man as Jesse L. Nicholls, 46, of Ransom.The deputy eventually convinced Nicholls to come out of the house. When Nicholls came out and into the front yard, he initially complied with commands to put the pistol he was carrying down, but then picked it up and fired toward the ground.&nbsp;Immediately upon Nicholls’ firing of the weapon, a deputy from the Ness County Sheriff’s Office fired multiple times striking Nicholls.EMS, who had been staged in the area, quickly responded and attempted life-saving measures. They transported Nicholls to the Grisell Memorial Hospital. Medical intervention was unsuccessful, and Nicholls was pronounced dead at the hospital. No deputies were injured during the shooting.The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident. Once the investigation concludes, the findings will be turned over to the Ness County Attorney for review.-------------------------&nbsp;NESS COUNTY —The KBI and our Crime Scene Response Team are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in Ransom, Kansas, involving the&nbsp;Ness County Sheriff's Office, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.The shooting took place just before 10 a.m. near Vermont Ave. and 3rd Street in Ransom. No sheriff's deputies were injured. A male suspect was shot during the incident, and has since died from his injuries. ---------------------NESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting.On Tuesday morning, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;responded to an officer-involved shooting in Ness County, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood. No law enforcement officers were injured. One subject was hospitalized.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KBI IDs man who died in Ness Co. officer-involved shooting

Hays Post An 18-year-old man from Hays was sentenced to more than five and a half years in prison Monday for sex crimes against three teenage victims.

Kevin J. Russell, 18, Hays was sentenced to 68
months in prison after he pleaded guilty in June to three counts of indecent
liberties with a child.

Russell was initially charged with four counts of
indecent liberties, two counts of aggravated battery and criminal sodomy in
connection with three incidents that occurred in December 2022.

According to court documents, the victims were 13, 14 and 15
years old when the incidents occurred.

At Monday’s sentencing, Chief Judge Glenn Braun sentenced
Russell to the maximum sentence allowable under the law of 34 months for each
count. 

According to Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson, the first
two counts run consecutive with the third, due to Kansas law, concurrent for a
total of 68 months.

Russell also will be required to register as a sex offender
for life.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689211222398.png" alt="Russell-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Russell-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post An 18-year-old man from Hays was sentenced to more than five and a half years in prison Monday for sex crimes against three teenage victims. Kevin J. Russell, 18, Hays was sentenced to 68
months in prison after he pleaded guilty in June to three counts of indecent
liberties with a child.Russell was initially charged with four counts of
indecent liberties, two counts of aggravated battery and criminal sodomy in
connection with three incidents that occurred in December 2022.According to court documents, the victims were 13, 14 and 15
years old when the incidents occurred.At Monday’s sentencing, Chief Judge Glenn Braun sentenced
Russell to the maximum sentence allowable under the law of 34 months for each
count. According to Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson, the first
two counts run consecutive with the third, due to Kansas law, concurrent for a
total of 68 months.Russell also will be required to register as a sex offender
for life.

Hays man sentenced to more than 5 years for indecent liberties with a child

🎥 Green and Growing: Bird Baths

ELI Wireline Services has driver opening in Hays and Hutchinson!

We are hiring CDL Drivers (A or B) with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company. 

ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. 

The job will require rigging for wireline operations.

Applicants should be able to work outdoors and have the ability to lift 75 pounds. 

Typical 40-hour work week with overtime in peak season. 

Some weekend work and occasional travel out of state is required. 

Light maintenance, cleaning and mechanical work of vehicles &amp; equipment is also involved. 

24/7 on-call rotation is also a requirement of this position.

Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary. 

If interested, please apply within at&nbsp;1327 Rome Rd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642173081488.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELI Wireline Services has driver opening in Hays and Hutchinson!We are hiring CDL Drivers (A or B) with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company. ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.Applicants should be able to work outdoors and have the ability to lift 75 pounds. Typical 40-hour work week with overtime in peak season. Some weekend work and occasional travel out of state is required. Light maintenance, cleaning and mechanical work of vehicles &amp; equipment is also involved. 24/7 on-call rotation is also a requirement of this position.Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary. This position is based out of Hays.If interested, please apply within at&nbsp;1327 Rome Rd.

Rooks Co. man hospitalized after motorcycle accident 

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and group sales advisor with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Jeremy McGuire discuss the Chamber Blue of Kansas insurance program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Chamber Blue insurance survey deadline approaching" 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=pkbcs-1476640-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://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">Hays Chamber</a> president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and group sales advisor with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Jeremy McGuire discuss the Chamber Blue of Kansas insurance program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Chamber Blue insurance survey deadline approaching

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays received .55 inches of rain overnight, according to the K-State Ag Research Center. The Eagle Media Center at 2300 Hall recorded .40 inches of rain.

Hays has received 2.20 inches of rain for the month already compared to an average of 2.97 inches of rain for the month of August.

Hays is still behind its year-to-date average of 17.57 inches of precipitation. It has received 15.18 inches so far this year.

Coming out of a very dry year last year, parts of Ellis County were still reported as in exceptional drought as of the release of the Kansas Drought Monitor map on Thursday.

However, Hays is forecast for up to an 80 percent chance to receive heavy rainfall overnight, according to the National Weather Service with a lessened chance of rain going into the daytime hours on Wednesday.

Hays is forecast to have a 20 percent chance of rain again on Thursday night and Friday night.

Chances of rain from 20 to 40 percent persist through Monday.

The next Kansas Drought Monitor map will be released on Thursday.

The highs are forecast to be 85 today and Wednesday with highs in the 90s for the rest of the week.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays received .55 inches of rain overnight, according to the K-State Ag Research Center. The Eagle Media Center at 2300 Hall recorded .40 inches of rain.Hays has received 2.20 inches of rain for the month already compared to an average of 2.97 inches of rain for the month of August.Hays is still behind its year-to-date average of 17.57 inches of precipitation. It has received 15.18 inches so far this year.Coming out of a very dry year last year, parts of Ellis County were still reported as in exceptional drought as of the release of the Kansas Drought Monitor map on Thursday.However, Hays is forecast for up to an 80 percent chance to receive heavy rainfall overnight, according to the National Weather Service with a lessened chance of rain going into the daytime hours on Wednesday.Hays is forecast to have a 20 percent chance of rain again on Thursday night and Friday night.Chances of rain from 20 to 40 percent persist through Monday.The next Kansas Drought Monitor map will be released on Thursday.The highs are forecast to be 85 today and Wednesday with highs in the 90s for the rest of the week.

More chances of rain in Hays with cooler temps this week

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications Experts blame hot weather, along with high oil prices for the recent spike in gasoline and diesel prices. Refineries must scale back operations when the temperature tops 95 degrees, so operations are dramatically lower nationwide.

The auto club AAA pegs national gasoline prices at their highest since November, an average of $3.82 per gallon, up seven cents from a week ago, and nearly thirty cents higher than a month ago. The average across Kansas is up 40 cents in the last month to $3.65 per gallon. Friday's Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes dropped by four oil rigs for a total of 659 active rigs nationwide. Horizontal drilling was down by seven rigs. Drilling in the Permian Basin was down five rigs. The state breakouts show Texas down eight rigs while New Mexico was up two. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is unchanged statewide, but up two in the western half of the state.&nbsp; With 39 rigs drilling or about to, the tally is down nearly five percent from a week ago, and down 32% from a year go. Kansas regulators okayed 18 new drilling locations last week, with eight new permits in western Kansas. That's 762 new locations statewide so far this year, compared to 967 a year ago at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators in Kansas completed 37 new wells last week with 12 in western Kansas including one well in Russell County. Colorado is once again changing the rules in the patch. Experts say these changes could spread.

The state will for the first time require the direct measurement of methane pollution at oil and gas wells. Supporters say the new rule improves an existing system built largely on guesswork and paperwork. Under recent legislation, emissions from the oil and gas industry must be cut 20% in seven years.&nbsp; A state commission will set up the new measurement methods and require transparency by operators. 

The state's two major industry trade groups support the rule, which they said will bring on a sound regulatory framework to verify greenhouse gas emissions. Saudi Arabia extended its unilateral oil production cut by another month and said it could be prolonged again or even increased. The cutback of one million barrels per day was launched last month, and will now last into September, according to a statement Thursday on state Saudi Press Agency. Bloomberg reports that will hold output from the world's largest crude exporter to about nine million barrels per day, the lowest level in several years. &nbsp; Operators spudded 14 oil and gas wells last week in Kansas, 711 new wells so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says that's down from 942 wells a year ago at this time. Total footage drilled is down 28% from last year. The government reports the biggest weekly drop in U.S. crude inventories in recent memory. The Energy Information Administration reports total stockpiles of 439.8 million barrels as of July 28th. That's down 17 million barrels from a week earlier. Inventories are about one percent below the five-year average for this time of year according to the Energy Information Administration. U.S. operators pumped nearly 12.2 million barrels of crude oil per day last week. That's down 14,000 barrels per day from the week before and just 57,000 barrels per day ahead of the same week last year. U.S. crude imports last week increased by more than 300-thousand barrels to 6.7 million barrels per day. Four-week average imports are two percent lower than during the same four weeks last year. The government this week reported gasoline inventories rose last week by 1.5 million barrels, but are about six percent below the five-year seasonal average. Diesel stockpiles dropped by 800-thousand barrels and are 15% below the five-year average. Diesel prices are up 31 cents from a month ago across Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications Experts blame hot weather, along with high oil prices for the recent spike in gasoline and diesel prices. Refineries must scale back operations when the temperature tops 95 degrees, so operations are dramatically lower nationwide. The auto club AAA pegs national gasoline prices at their highest since November, an average of $3.82 per gallon, up seven cents from a week ago, and nearly thirty cents higher than a month ago. The average across Kansas is up 40 cents in the last month to $3.65 per gallon. Friday's Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes dropped by four oil rigs for a total of 659 active rigs nationwide. Horizontal drilling was down by seven rigs. Drilling in the Permian Basin was down five rigs. The state breakouts show Texas down eight rigs while New Mexico was up two. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is unchanged statewide, but up two in the western half of the state.&nbsp; With 39 rigs drilling or about to, the tally is down nearly five percent from a week ago, and down 32% from a year go. Kansas regulators okayed 18 new drilling locations last week, with eight new permits in western Kansas. That's 762 new locations statewide so far this year, compared to 967 a year ago at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators in Kansas completed 37 new wells last week with 12 in western Kansas including one well in Russell County. Colorado is once again changing the rules in the patch. Experts say these changes could spread. The state will for the first time require the direct measurement of methane pollution at oil and gas wells. Supporters say the new rule improves an existing system built largely on guesswork and paperwork. Under recent legislation, emissions from the oil and gas industry must be cut 20% in seven years.&nbsp; A state commission will set up the new measurement methods and require transparency by operators. The state's two major industry trade groups support the rule, which they said will bring on a sound regulatory framework to verify greenhouse gas emissions. Saudi Arabia extended its unilateral oil production cut by another month and said it could be prolonged again or even increased. The cutback of one million barrels per day was launched last month, and will now last into September, according to a statement Thursday on state Saudi Press Agency. Bloomberg reports that will hold output from the world's largest crude exporter to about nine million barrels per day, the lowest level in several years. &nbsp; Operators spudded 14 oil and gas wells last week in Kansas, 711 new wells so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says that's down from 942 wells a year ago at this time. Total footage drilled is down 28% from last year. The government reports the biggest weekly drop in U.S. crude inventories in recent memory. The Energy Information Administration reports total stockpiles of 439.8 million barrels as of July 28th. That's down 17 million barrels from a week earlier. Inventories are about one percent below the five-year average for this time of year according to the Energy Information Administration. U.S. operators pumped nearly 12.2 million barrels of crude oil per day last week. That's down 14,000 barrels per day from the week before and just 57,000 barrels per day ahead of the same week last year. U.S. crude imports last week increased by more than 300-thousand barrels to 6.7 million barrels per day. Four-week average imports are two percent lower than during the same four weeks last year. The government this week reported gasoline inventories rose last week by 1.5 million barrels, but are about six percent below the five-year seasonal average. Diesel stockpiles dropped by 800-thousand barrels and are 15% below the five-year average. Diesel prices are up 31 cents from a month ago across Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News From the Oil Patch: Hot weather slows refineries, spikes pump prices

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After six days of testimony and almost 3,000 exhibits admitted to the record, Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty said things went as well as the Hays and Russell could have hoped for in the recent water transfer public hearing for the R9 Ranch long-term water project.

The hearing before Kansas Administrative Law Judge Matt Spurgin was in Wichita because the Edwards County property is in the Arkansas River Basin.

Hays and Russell want to annually move 5,000 acre feet of their water rights roughly 75 miles north from the ranch to Hays' Schoenchen well field south of town and then east to Russell's Pfeifer well field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Doing so requires a trigger of the Kansas Water Transfer Act, the first time it will have been done in its current form. Every step of the process is outlined by state statute.

"The reason for the hearing is for the cities to lay out their compliance with the statutes. There are 26 or 27 criteria in the statutes,"&nbsp;Dougherty said.

"It's a judicial proceeding, run pretty much like a trial, so intervenors can put on their cases and evidence in support or opposition of the proposed transfer."&nbsp;

Once the hearing is finished, the judge will make a recommendation to a three-person panel, which will ratify it or modify the ruling to become official.&nbsp;

The three-person panel is comprised of the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the director of the Kansas Water Office, and the chief engineer of the Division of Water Resources, part of the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Although the record is closed, the hearing itself is still open for appropriate commenting agencies to weigh in on the transfer.

Judge Spurgin will reconvene the water transfer hearing Nov. 6 via Zoom for agency comments.&nbsp;Dougherty and the law team for Hays and Russell don't expect a lot, if any, comments.

At that time, presumably the hearing will be closed and the judge has 90 days to issue his ruling.&nbsp;

Then the water transfer hearing panel has 90 days to ratify or modify Spurgeon's ruling.

The final decision will come no later than May 2024 if both the judge and the hearing panel take their fully allotted time.&nbsp;

"We knew that we more than complied with all criteria in the statutes,"&nbsp;Dougherty said, reflecting on the lengthy preparation for the&nbsp; hearing.

"We have gone above and beyond in every step in the process to make sure that we are using this water sustainably."

What this process boils down to is a statewide interest test, which is what the administrative judge is ultimately deciding aside from the criteria compliance,&nbsp;Dougherty said.

"Some of the criteria in the statutes are as simple as the cities have to have a plan to bring the water up from the ranch. We do," he said.

"The cities have to demonstrate they've looked at other alternatives. We've been doing that for 50 years.&nbsp;

"The cities have to demonstrate they have conservation measures. We've done that for decades. That we have a rate structure that discourages the waste of water. In Hays and Russell, the more you use, the more you pay."

In many U.S. cities, the more water you use, the less you pay per gallon.

Ultimately, the hearing officer and hearing panel are tasked with ensuring the benefit to the state of Kansas by allowing the water transfer outweighs the benefit by not allowing the transfer.&nbsp;

"We think that's a pretty easy bar to clear, but we cleared it by miles," Dougherty said.

&nbsp;Hays and Russell represent a $2 billion economy that's growing, one of few to do so in northwest Kansas.

"We have every intention of growing into the future, but we need this water to make sure that happens,"&nbsp;Dougherty said.

During the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1e38ac03-293f-48f9-9bae-b23df818ed3f">June 20 public comment hearing</a> at Fort Hays State University,&nbsp;Brad Kelly, president and CEO of PureField, which owns the wheat gluten manufacturing facility in Russell, said the company is ready to make a $300 million investment to expand the facility and create more than 50 new jobs but that can't happen unless Russell gets additional water.&nbsp;

Considerable opposition to the transfer has come from the Water Protection Association of Central Kansas, known as WaterPACK.

Members and lawyers for the group have said they're not opposed to the water transfer itself. They're concerned about sustainability.

Hays and Russell voluntarily gave up 30 percent of their water rights to assure sustainability, Dougherty said.&nbsp;

"What that means according to our modeler is, after 51 years of pumping our property at the maximum amount at our ranch boundaries, the water level decline that we caused is about 0.6 feet in 145 feet of saturated thickness," he said. "The irrigators around us will cause about nine feet of decline.

"They somehow want to claim that our 0.6 feet of decline will cause irreparable harm to them when they are causing nine feet of decline."

It's been a tedious process, Dougherty said, and he assumes it will be appealed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691445573614.png" alt="City of Hays/Burns McDonnell" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays/Burns McDonnell</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter six days of testimony and almost 3,000 exhibits admitted to the record, Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty said things went as well as the Hays and Russell could have hoped for in the recent water transfer public hearing for the R9 Ranch long-term water project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687373035246.jpeg" alt="Kansas Administrative Law Judge Matthew Spurgin at the public comment hearing in Hays. Spurgin also oversaw the water transfer hearing in Wichita. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Administrative Law Judge Matthew Spurgin at the public comment hearing in Hays. Spurgin also oversaw the water transfer hearing in Wichita. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The hearing before Kansas Administrative Law Judge Matt Spurgin was in Wichita because the Edwards County property is in the Arkansas River Basin.Hays and Russell want to annually move 5,000 acre feet of their water rights roughly 75 miles north from the ranch to Hays' Schoenchen well field south of town and then east to Russell's Pfeifer well field.&nbsp;&nbsp;Doing so requires a trigger of the Kansas Water Transfer Act, the first time it will have been done in its current form. Every step of the process is outlined by state statute."The reason for the hearing is for the cities to lay out their compliance with the statutes. There are 26 or 27 criteria in the statutes,"&nbsp;Dougherty said."It's a judicial proceeding, run pretty much like a trial, so intervenors can put on their cases and evidence in support or opposition of the proposed transfer."&nbsp;Once the hearing is finished, the judge will make a recommendation to a three-person panel, which will ratify it or modify the ruling to become official.&nbsp;The three-person panel is comprised of the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the director of the Kansas Water Office, and the chief engineer of the Division of Water Resources, part of the Kansas Department of Agriculture.Although the record is closed, the hearing itself is still open for appropriate commenting agencies to weigh in on the transfer.Judge Spurgin will reconvene the water transfer hearing Nov. 6 via Zoom for agency comments.&nbsp;Dougherty and the law team for Hays and Russell don't expect a lot, if any, comments.At that time, presumably the hearing will be closed and the judge has 90 days to issue his ruling.&nbsp;Then the water transfer hearing panel has 90 days to ratify or modify Spurgeon's ruling.The final decision will come no later than May 2024 if both the judge and the hearing panel take their fully allotted time.&nbsp;"We knew that we more than complied with all criteria in the statutes,"&nbsp;Dougherty said, reflecting on the lengthy preparation for the&nbsp; hearing."We have gone above and beyond in every step in the process to make sure that we are using this water sustainably."What this process boils down to is a statewide interest test, which is what the administrative judge is ultimately deciding aside from the criteria compliance,&nbsp;Dougherty said."Some of the criteria in the statutes are as simple as the cities have to have a plan to bring the water up from the ranch. We do," he said."The cities have to demonstrate they've looked at other alternatives. We've been doing that for 50 years.&nbsp;"The cities have to demonstrate they have conservation measures. We've done that for decades. That we have a rate structure that discourages the waste of water. In Hays and Russell, the more you use, the more you pay."In many U.S. cities, the more water you use, the less you pay per gallon.Ultimately, the hearing officer and hearing panel are tasked with ensuring the benefit to the state of Kansas by allowing the water transfer outweighs the benefit by not allowing the transfer.&nbsp;"We think that's a pretty easy bar to clear, but we cleared it by miles," Dougherty said.&nbsp;Hays and Russell represent a $2 billion economy that's growing, one of few to do so in northwest Kansas."We have every intention of growing into the future, but we need this water to make sure that happens,"&nbsp;Dougherty said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691445231607.jpeg" alt="Brad Kelly, PureField (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Brad Kelly, PureField (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>During the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1e38ac03-293f-48f9-9bae-b23df818ed3f">June 20 public comment hearing</a> at Fort Hays State University,&nbsp;Brad Kelly, president and CEO of PureField, which owns the wheat gluten manufacturing facility in Russell, said the company is ready to make a $300 million investment to expand the facility and create more than 50 new jobs but that can't happen unless Russell gets additional water.&nbsp;Considerable opposition to the transfer has come from the Water Protection Association of Central Kansas, known as WaterPACK.Members and lawyers for the group have said they're not opposed to the water transfer itself. They're concerned about sustainability.Hays and Russell voluntarily gave up 30 percent of their water rights to assure sustainability, Dougherty said.&nbsp;"What that means according to our modeler is, after 51 years of pumping our property at the maximum amount at our ranch boundaries, the water level decline that we caused is about 0.6 feet in 145 feet of saturated thickness," he said. "The irrigators around us will cause about nine feet of decline."They somehow want to claim that our 0.6 feet of decline will cause irreparable harm to them when they are causing nine feet of decline."It's been a tedious process, Dougherty said, and he assumes it will be appealed.

DOUGHERTY: R9 water transfer hearing went as well as hoped for

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Freightliner semi driven by Robert T. Kesterson, 55, Reynoldsburg, Kentucky, was westbound on Interstate 70 crossing the Old 40 overpass bridge when high winds blew it over into the median. The semi&nbsp; rolled on to its drivers side.

EMS transported&nbsp;Kesterson to&nbsp;Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Freightliner semi driven by Robert T. Kesterson, 55, Reynoldsburg, Kentucky, was westbound on Interstate 70 crossing the Old 40 overpass bridge when high winds blew it over into the median. The semi&nbsp; rolled on to its drivers side.EMS transported&nbsp;Kesterson to&nbsp;Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after wind blows semi off I-70

COLBY - The Lon R. Frahm Agricultural Center at Colby Community College will officially open with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 11. The facility is at the north entrance off College Drive.

The need for the 12,400-square-foot building came from limited space to accommodate existing and expected new enrollment in ag-related majors. The facility features six classrooms, the largest of which can seat 53 students, offices for 16 full-time ag employees, and a 28-person meeting room. The lower level also serves as a tornado shelter for the north side of campus.

"We are humbled by the generosity of so many people who contributed to making this facility a reality," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "It will impact Colby Community College students, the community, and the region for many years."

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is scheduled to attend on the 11th, as he did last October when he helped the college break ground. Moran was instrumental in securing some of the funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Nearly $533,000 was Congressionally-directed for use in the college's agriculture and dental hygiene programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690907930361.jpeg" alt="Lon R. Frahm Agricultural Center at Colby Community College. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lon R. Frahm Agricultural Center at Colby Community College. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY - The Lon R. Frahm Agricultural Center at Colby Community College will officially open with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 11. The facility is at the north entrance off College Drive.The need for the 12,400-square-foot building came from limited space to accommodate existing and expected new enrollment in ag-related majors. The facility features six classrooms, the largest of which can seat 53 students, offices for 16 full-time ag employees, and a 28-person meeting room. The lower level also serves as a tornado shelter for the north side of campus."We are humbled by the generosity of so many people who contributed to making this facility a reality," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "It will impact Colby Community College students, the community, and the region for many years."U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is scheduled to attend on the 11th, as he did last October when he helped the college break ground. Moran was instrumental in securing some of the funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Nearly $533,000 was Congressionally-directed for use in the college's agriculture and dental hygiene programs.Funding also came from several donors and other grants, the largest being an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contribution of $1,843,594.Over the last three years, CCC has expanded agricultural offerings and opportunities that serve the region through developing additional certificates and tracks, enhancing remote student learning, and hiring additional ag faculty. Nearly 9,000 feet of fence was installed at the college farm in addition to hauling in several thousand square feet of dirt to resolve longstanding drainage problems. In January 2022, the college received a Department of Education Rural Postsecondary Economic Development grant for more than $1.23 million over three years to strengthen higher education credentials among rural students.

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