GREAT BEND — On October 11, K-State Research and Extension will be hosting a program by Wildlife Specialist Drew Ricketts starting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands Center located at 592 NE K 156 Hwy, Great Bend. &nbsp;

During his program, he will discuss coyote biology, helping people to better understand their movements, vocalizations, and diet among other topics.&nbsp;He will also discuss tips and methods on trapping and calling coyotes including the proper use of mouth and electronic calls. 

A light meal will be served and is sponsored by P &amp; S Electric of Great Bend. Space is limited to 70 people. &nbsp;

If you enjoy the outdoors, or more specifically enjoy hunting coyotes, don’t miss out on this event!

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695668974192.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KSREGREAT BEND — On October 11, K-State Research and Extension will be hosting a program by Wildlife Specialist Drew Ricketts starting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands Center located at 592 NE K 156 Hwy, Great Bend. &nbsp;During his program, he will discuss coyote biology, helping people to better understand their movements, vocalizations, and diet among other topics.&nbsp;He will also discuss tips and methods on trapping and calling coyotes including the proper use of mouth and electronic calls. A light meal will be served and is sponsored by P &amp; S Electric of Great Bend. Space is limited to 70 people. &nbsp;If you enjoy the outdoors, or more specifically enjoy hunting coyotes, don’t miss out on this event!Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

K-State Extension coyote program scheduled for Barton County

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Nominations are already open for the annual Hays Chamber Banquet Awards.

It's a month earlier than usual, said Sara Wasinger, CEO/president.

"We started in October last year," she said.

"This year, we just want to give people enough time and really make sure folks have plenty of days and opportunities to submit nominations."

• City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award • eyeSMILE Vision + Dental Helping Hands Award • Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award • Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award • Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award • Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award • Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award • Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award

The eight awards will be presented during the Jan. 30, 2024 annual banquet to local businesses, organizations, and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.

Nominations may be made on the Chamber's website, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/sites/default/files/annual_chamber_awards_banquet_nomination_form_-_fillable.pdf">hayschamber.com</a>, through Oct. 31. Previous award winners are also listed online.

"It's one of our favorite events," Wasinger said.

The awards come as a surprise to the nominees, and there've been some "white lies" told to make sure the honoree would be attending the banquet.

"I get a little red-faced thinking about some of the 'extended truths' and 'big white lies' I've told," Wasinger laughed.

Last year she and her chamber staff told Hays psychologist Kyle Carlin, director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, "that someone he knew and loved and appreciated was getting an award so we could get him there."

Carlin was then surprised when his own name was announced as winner of the 2023 Helping Hands award.&nbsp;

"He kept shaking his finger at me from the stage," Wasinger said. "I'll never forget that look on his face."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580316763283.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostNominations are already open for the annual Hays Chamber Banquet Awards.It's a month earlier than usual, said Sara Wasinger, CEO/president."We started in October last year," she said."This year, we just want to give people enough time and really make sure folks have plenty of days and opportunities to submit nominations."<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber looks ahead to annual awards banquet" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=2unkf-14a709e-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Awards to be given in 2024 are:• City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award • eyeSMILE Vision + Dental Helping Hands Award • Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award • Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award • Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award • Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award • Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award • Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year AwardThe eight awards will be presented during the Jan. 30, 2024 annual banquet to local businesses, organizations, and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.Nominations may be made on the Chamber's website, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/sites/default/files/annual_chamber_awards_banquet_nomination_form_-_fillable.pdf">hayschamber.com</a>, through Oct. 31. Previous award winners are also listed online."It's one of our favorite events," Wasinger said.The awards come as a surprise to the nominees, and there've been some "white lies" told to make sure the honoree would be attending the banquet."I get a little red-faced thinking about some of the 'extended truths' and 'big white lies' I've told," Wasinger laughed.Last year she and her chamber staff told Hays psychologist Kyle Carlin, director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, "that someone he knew and loved and appreciated was getting an award so we could get him there."Carlin was then surprised when his own name was announced as winner of the 2023 Helping Hands award.&nbsp;"He kept shaking his finger at me from the stage," Wasinger said. "I'll never forget that look on his face."

🎙 Nominations open now for 2024 Hays Chamber Banquet Awards    

ELLIS — St. Mary’s of Ellis is hosting their 29th&nbsp;Annual Parish Auction on Saturday, October 14. 

The evening will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Mass, followed by doors opening at 5:00 p.m. with our Silent Auction. This event is open to anyone 21 years of age and older.&nbsp; 

All proceeds raised are used to finance mainly our school and then our church’s needs. 

We invite you to come join us for an evening filled with a dinner, open bar, silent and live auction, games and raffles!&nbsp; 

Tickets are on sale now for $60.00 per person (will increase after Oct. 1).&nbsp; Raffle tickets to cash raffles are available now, too.&nbsp; 

Call the St. Mary’s Parish Office at 785-726-4522 to reserve your seat and/or purchase raffle tickets or visit our auction website at&nbsp;<a href="https://charityauction.bid/stmarysauction2023" target="_blank">https://charityauction.bid/stmarysauction2023</a>&nbsp;to view the items to be auctioned off, purchase admission tickets and raffle tickets!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695224451911.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedELLIS — St. Mary’s of Ellis is hosting their 29th&nbsp;Annual Parish Auction on Saturday, October 14. The evening will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Mass, followed by doors opening at 5:00 p.m. with our Silent Auction. This event is open to anyone 21 years of age and older.&nbsp; All proceeds raised are used to finance mainly our school and then our church’s needs. We invite you to come join us for an evening filled with a dinner, open bar, silent and live auction, games and raffles!&nbsp; Tickets are on sale now for $60.00 per person (will increase after Oct. 1).&nbsp; Raffle tickets to cash raffles are available now, too.&nbsp; Call the St. Mary’s Parish Office at 785-726-4522 to reserve your seat and/or purchase raffle tickets or visit our auction website at&nbsp;<a href="https://charityauction.bid/stmarysauction2023" target="_blank">https://charityauction.bid/stmarysauction2023</a>&nbsp;to view the items to be auctioned off, purchase admission tickets and raffle tickets!

Annual Ellis St. Mary's parish auction and Mardi Gras is Oct. 14; tickets on sale now

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27.

This month’s virtual fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, will feature many exciting employment opportunities available across the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are more than 700 vacancies across the state.

“Our agencies are looking for talented individuals who want to serve Kansas and make it the best place to work, play and raise a family,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“These are good-paying jobs with great benefits. When we bring in skilled people to fill them, we’re setting the stage for a bright future of growth and prosperity in our great state.”

Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. 

If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at&nbsp;KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at 877-509-6757 prior to the event.

To register for the September 27 State Agencies Virtual Job Fair, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLnByZW1pZXJ2aXJ0dWFsLmNvbS9ldmVudHMvNjQ4MjBiMTItM2YyNC00MGM0LWIwYTgtM2Q1MTZjOTYwOWUxL3N0YXRlLW9mLWthbnNhcy1hZ2VuY2llcy1nb3Zlcm5tZW50LWpvYnMtdmlydHVhbC1qb2ItZmFpci1zZXB0ZW1iZXItMjcsLTIwMjMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTIwLjgyODc3MzQxIn0.UsA5Stn2Xbl1zCykB0KMzdpBH4ykKaSXOTQMSlJhEkE/s/1303161001/br/226280206399-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690385736137.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDCTOPEKA&nbsp;– Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27. This month’s virtual fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, will feature many exciting employment opportunities available across the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are more than 700 vacancies across the state.“Our agencies are looking for talented individuals who want to serve Kansas and make it the best place to work, play and raise a family,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“These are good-paying jobs with great benefits. When we bring in skilled people to fill them, we’re setting the stage for a bright future of growth and prosperity in our great state.”Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at&nbsp;KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at 877-509-6757 prior to the event.To register for the September 27 State Agencies Virtual Job Fair, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLnByZW1pZXJ2aXJ0dWFsLmNvbS9ldmVudHMvNjQ4MjBiMTItM2YyNC00MGM0LWIwYTgtM2Q1MTZjOTYwOWUxL3N0YXRlLW9mLWthbnNhcy1hZ2VuY2llcy1nb3Zlcm5tZW50LWpvYnMtdmlydHVhbC1qb2ItZmFpci1zZXB0ZW1iZXItMjcsLTIwMjMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTIwLjgyODc3MzQxIn0.UsA5Stn2Xbl1zCykB0KMzdpBH4ykKaSXOTQMSlJhEkE/s/1303161001/br/226280206399-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

Virtual job fair to highlight hundreds of state agency opportunities

The Cottonwood Extension District is looking to help give support
and guidance to those caring for others suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia
during two upcoming presentations.

From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 10, Family and Community
Wellness agent Monique Koerner will discuss the KSRE Alzheimer’s 101 program
and from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct 11, Jill Wechsler, care coordinator at Clinkscales
Elder Law Practice offers a presentation over the behaviors of dementia patients,
along with a panel discussion with experienced caregivers.

Both events will be hosted in the Cottonwood Extension District
office at 601 Main but will be offered online as well.

“We just hope to just raise some awareness over this topic
as well as provide some education,” Koerner said.

For Koerner, knowing how difficult caring for someone
suffering from degenerative disease hits close to home. Her father was diagnosed
with Pick’s disease.

“I understand that concept of losing the person before you
lose the person,” she said. “I also saw the toll that it took on my mother with
losing him not once but twice. And so, I'm so happy to be a part of this and be
able to provide some education and support to our community around this topic.”

For those close to someone with dementia, Koerner said the
situation can be frustrating, as caregivers deal with out-of-the-ordinary
behaviors for the person.

The panel featured in the dementia presentation will feature
participants from A Different Mindset, a support group that meets online every
second Thursday of the month at 2:30 p.m., led by Micki Armstrong.

Armstrong also has a personal connection to dementia. Her
mother suffered from Alzheimer’s for 15 years.

Dementia is an all-encompassing term for many diseases, and
all are welcome to join the group, she said.

“Every person is different,” she said. “My mother's reaction
to certain things may not be the same as somebody else's mother. And so that's
the frustrating part. Because there's no set therapy that's going to be the
same for everybody.”

To sign up for the support group, email
maacarmstrong@gmail.com.

“It can be frustrating. You can feel very alone,” Armstrong
said. “It can be just overwhelming at times. And so having people who have been
in those shoes and who understand what you're going through is very, very
beneficial.”

For the caregiver, self-care is important, and a supportive
group can be help, she said.

“We know that if the caregiver doesn't take care of himself,
that person could easily get sick themselves or even possibly pass away before
the affected person does,” Armstrong said. “So, that's why we want to make sure
that our caregivers are healthy and have an outlet to express their frustration
and let them know that they're not alone in this in this journey.”

To register to attend the Cottonwood Extension District
sessions in person or via Zoom, call (785) 628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695410308572.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Alzheimer’s, dementia presentations scheduled for Oct. 10-11" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=aftu4-14b136a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Cottonwood Extension District is looking to help give support
and guidance to those caring for others suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia
during two upcoming presentations.From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 10, Family and Community
Wellness agent Monique Koerner will discuss the KSRE Alzheimer’s 101 program
and from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct 11, Jill Wechsler, care coordinator at Clinkscales
Elder Law Practice offers a presentation over the behaviors of dementia patients,
along with a panel discussion with experienced caregivers.Both events will be hosted in the Cottonwood Extension District
office at 601 Main but will be offered online as well.“We just hope to just raise some awareness over this topic
as well as provide some education,” Koerner said.For Koerner, knowing how difficult caring for someone
suffering from degenerative disease hits close to home. Her father was diagnosed
with Pick’s disease.“I understand that concept of losing the person before you
lose the person,” she said. “I also saw the toll that it took on my mother with
losing him not once but twice. And so, I'm so happy to be a part of this and be
able to provide some education and support to our community around this topic.”For those close to someone with dementia, Koerner said the
situation can be frustrating, as caregivers deal with out-of-the-ordinary
behaviors for the person.The panel featured in the dementia presentation will feature
participants from A Different Mindset, a support group that meets online every
second Thursday of the month at 2:30 p.m., led by Micki Armstrong.Armstrong also has a personal connection to dementia. Her
mother suffered from Alzheimer’s for 15 years.Dementia is an all-encompassing term for many diseases, and
all are welcome to join the group, she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695417910638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Every person is different,” she said. “My mother's reaction
to certain things may not be the same as somebody else's mother. And so that's
the frustrating part. Because there's no set therapy that's going to be the
same for everybody.”To sign up for the support group, email
maacarmstrong@gmail.com.“It can be frustrating. You can feel very alone,” Armstrong
said. “It can be just overwhelming at times. And so having people who have been
in those shoes and who understand what you're going through is very, very
beneficial.”For the caregiver, self-care is important, and a supportive
group can be help, she said.“We know that if the caregiver doesn't take care of himself,
that person could easily get sick themselves or even possibly pass away before
the affected person does,” Armstrong said. “So, that's why we want to make sure
that our caregivers are healthy and have an outlet to express their frustration
and let them know that they're not alone in this in this journey.”To register to attend the Cottonwood Extension District
sessions in person or via Zoom, call (785) 628-9430.

🎙 Alzheimer’s, dementia presentations scheduled for Oct. 10-11

Like many beloved traditions at Fort Hays State University, its annual homecoming celebrations can bring back memories and nostalgia. The final week of September, FHSU will welcome back generations of alumni and friends during Homecoming 2023, including the Class of 1973, who will celebrate their 50th reunion. Many of these alums can’t wait to start the weekend’s events with the annual Tiger bonfire.

The Class of 1973 will be inducted into Fort Hays State University’s Half Century Club this year. Seniors at Fort Hays Kansas State College, as it was known then, spent their final homecoming as students attending the annual events, beginning with the bonfire. As they basked in the warmth and laughed with friends, they knew they were creating memories that would last a lifetime. &nbsp;

That weekend, the Class of 1973 cheered as classmate Laura Pugh was crowned queen and comforted each other when the Tigers walked away from a loss to Washburn during the annual football game. They rode in floats, dunked classmates as a club fundraiser, and shared traditional Volga German food at Oktoberfest. They said goodbye a few months later, some goodbyes that would last longer than others. This fall, the class will reunite and share their stories of Homecomings past with a new generation.

Homecoming 2023 will kick off with the Tiger bonfire on Thursday, September 28. Mixing time-tested traditions and new flair, students, alumni, and friends can cozy up to the fire, enjoy menu items from local food trucks, cheer on this year’s Homecoming King and Queen candidates, and snap a selfie with Victor E. Tiger. The bonfire, setting the tone for decades of unforgettable weekends, should earn a place on every Homecoming attendee’s schedule.

One alum especially looking forward to joining his classmates this Homecoming is Class of 1973 host Denis Miller. While he expects much has changed in his friends’ lives in the past 50 years, he looks forward to catching up.

Miller resides in Phillipsburg, Kansas, where he serves as a partner and certified public accountant at Mapes and Miller. Though he worked through many Homecomings as a student in the FHSU business office, he always enjoyed basketball games in the Sheridan Coliseum “snake pit.” Seats in the 2,000-capacity coliseum were hard to come by in those days, but Miller, already at work in the building, would let his then-girlfriend, now wife, Sue, in through the back door to reserve space in the front row for the couple and their friends to sit and enjoy the games. Although Miller is not generally nostalgic, thinking of his time at Fort Hays State always brings a smile to his face.

“Homecoming is an ideal opportunity to unite alumni and the community and celebrate Fort Hays State. No matter how frequently you visit campus, it’s a chance to reconnect and see what’s new,” Miller said.

Homecoming weekend from Thursday, September 28 through Saturday, September 30, has plenty of fun in store for those returning to campus. 

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCICcv7Yeu2svFs97iFDFy0MEYnvQz0JRXsaJx21Rvj-2BmHyA_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbC28Ag6VWN-2BRu8F60zPolQ3Zm59fQahu7OxzStiA6RAQdgepzhywHNSF4nDnQrTfbt65KWFTUHPw0r9jEHkT8ENonzFgQWJkyFGwiSzhL0A7JfssQGIKQkHXpmfiEydpcO6Li25TsCHjBTQ6NogFbpssK02is724iKm8zyG9Lp6CS5PRzjceb4OzpEHDAn6FZfoA4-2FagM3LavrURCYPOjH-2BG9FD0ZgWbM6sqraLWz7R-2FXoC6c3bo4soN8ty3Frgrojc1VCPezfjBWUfPltPMXyg-3D-3D" target="_blank">FHSUhomecoming.com</a>&nbsp;for a full schedule of events. Please note that several events require advanced registration prior to Wednesday, September 20, by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCICcv7Yeu2svFs97iFDFy0MEYnvQz0JRXsaJx21Rvj-2BCmjy_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbC28Ag6VWN-2BRu8F60zPolQ3Zm59fQahu7OxzStiA6RAQdgepzhywHNSF4nDnQrTfbt65KWFTUHPw0r9jEHkT8EIvnlEnu74TLKgFsz-2BBArepIwy3b3UecnPnRvjAyooexjwZgT2gvxOHVTmByEqpVe6DS1Q3TeuHSLr9Vv9tM3mVcquiH-2BNn1O1UhYp57QoN6xzl8rPxYX7V-2BP0wVFU1R00FJpvwe-2Fnsu1ZgprtLuZNRotAvE6aNAfgBMgAoBaRQEiDC-2FZeZnWwaS0zp1JXuOAw-3D-3D" target="_blank">FHSUhomecoming.com</a>.

For questions or additional information, contact the FHSU Alumni Office at 785-628-4430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:alumni@fhsu.edu">alumni@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633286822622.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AlumniLike many beloved traditions at Fort Hays State University, its annual homecoming celebrations can bring back memories and nostalgia. The final week of September, FHSU will welcome back generations of alumni and friends during Homecoming 2023, including the Class of 1973, who will celebrate their 50th reunion. Many of these alums can’t wait to start the weekend’s events with the annual Tiger bonfire.The Class of 1973 will be inducted into Fort Hays State University’s Half Century Club this year. Seniors at Fort Hays Kansas State College, as it was known then, spent their final homecoming as students attending the annual events, beginning with the bonfire. As they basked in the warmth and laughed with friends, they knew they were creating memories that would last a lifetime. &nbsp;That weekend, the Class of 1973 cheered as classmate Laura Pugh was crowned queen and comforted each other when the Tigers walked away from a loss to Washburn during the annual football game. They rode in floats, dunked classmates as a club fundraiser, and shared traditional Volga German food at Oktoberfest. They said goodbye a few months later, some goodbyes that would last longer than others. This fall, the class will reunite and share their stories of Homecomings past with a new generation.Homecoming 2023 will kick off with the Tiger bonfire on Thursday, September 28. Mixing time-tested traditions and new flair, students, alumni, and friends can cozy up to the fire, enjoy menu items from local food trucks, cheer on this year’s Homecoming King and Queen candidates, and snap a selfie with Victor E. Tiger. The bonfire, setting the tone for decades of unforgettable weekends, should earn a place on every Homecoming attendee’s schedule.One alum especially looking forward to joining his classmates this Homecoming is Class of 1973 host Denis Miller. While he expects much has changed in his friends’ lives in the past 50 years, he looks forward to catching up.Miller resides in Phillipsburg, Kansas, where he serves as a partner and certified public accountant at Mapes and Miller. Though he worked through many Homecomings as a student in the FHSU business office, he always enjoyed basketball games in the Sheridan Coliseum “snake pit.” Seats in the 2,000-capacity coliseum were hard to come by in those days, but Miller, already at work in the building, would let his then-girlfriend, now wife, Sue, in through the back door to reserve space in the front row for the couple and their friends to sit and enjoy the games. Although Miller is not generally nostalgic, thinking of his time at Fort Hays State always brings a smile to his face.“Homecoming is an ideal opportunity to unite alumni and the community and celebrate Fort Hays State. No matter how frequently you visit campus, it’s a chance to reconnect and see what’s new,” Miller said.Homecoming weekend from Thursday, September 28 through Saturday, September 30, has plenty of fun in store for those returning to campus. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCICcv7Yeu2svFs97iFDFy0MEYnvQz0JRXsaJx21Rvj-2BmHyA_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbC28Ag6VWN-2BRu8F60zPolQ3Zm59fQahu7OxzStiA6RAQdgepzhywHNSF4nDnQrTfbt65KWFTUHPw0r9jEHkT8ENonzFgQWJkyFGwiSzhL0A7JfssQGIKQkHXpmfiEydpcO6Li25TsCHjBTQ6NogFbpssK02is724iKm8zyG9Lp6CS5PRzjceb4OzpEHDAn6FZfoA4-2FagM3LavrURCYPOjH-2BG9FD0ZgWbM6sqraLWz7R-2FXoC6c3bo4soN8ty3Frgrojc1VCPezfjBWUfPltPMXyg-3D-3D" target="_blank">FHSUhomecoming.com</a>&nbsp;for a full schedule of events. Please note that several events require advanced registration prior to Wednesday, September 20, by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCICcv7Yeu2svFs97iFDFy0MEYnvQz0JRXsaJx21Rvj-2BCmjy_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbC28Ag6VWN-2BRu8F60zPolQ3Zm59fQahu7OxzStiA6RAQdgepzhywHNSF4nDnQrTfbt65KWFTUHPw0r9jEHkT8EIvnlEnu74TLKgFsz-2BBArepIwy3b3UecnPnRvjAyooexjwZgT2gvxOHVTmByEqpVe6DS1Q3TeuHSLr9Vv9tM3mVcquiH-2BNn1O1UhYp57QoN6xzl8rPxYX7V-2BP0wVFU1R00FJpvwe-2Fnsu1ZgprtLuZNRotAvE6aNAfgBMgAoBaRQEiDC-2FZeZnWwaS0zp1JXuOAw-3D-3D" target="_blank">FHSUhomecoming.com</a>. For questions or additional information, contact the FHSU Alumni Office at 785-628-4430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:alumni@fhsu.edu">alumni@fhsu.edu</a>.

The enduring traditions of FHSU Homecoming

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas ranked 40th among public institutions in the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2022, a new list published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2F7269799f27ff7e895ef693d24c3cadb2.tinyemails.com%2F1693504806617%2F57fd6d12b8a58247f19b58e46746740d%2Fd1629cc26efe34ec4d18f0eb43f44bff.html&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cbridgetstull%40ku.edu%7C9d069de1ce604cd994f608dbb48ea961%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638302297072022569%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=arLZ6YFN%2FoYYwDAlKwJiyaYSMQlLsIHrS47wjzuxDFI%3D&amp;reserved=0">National Academy of Inventors</a>.

The list showcases universities that play a pivotal role in advancing the innovation ecosystem within and beyond the United States. KU ranked 65th among all universities.

“Patents are keenly important to promoting innovation, with proprietary rights to an invention being the key ‘seed’ from which a new venture may grow,” said Clifford Michaels, executive director of the KU Center for Technology Commercialization. 

“The inclusion of KU on this year’s NAI list of top 100 U.S. universities recognizes not just the number and quality of new inventions coming from KU’s research community, but also the commitment of KU in support of innovative research.”

A utility patent, which is typically referred to as a patent for invention, is a type of intellectual property protection granted by a government authority for a new or improved product, process, machine or composition of matter. 

Utility patents are a fundamental tool for inventors and companies to protect their ideas and inventions, giving them a competitive edge in the marketplace, encouraging innovation and contributing to technological progress — which ultimately drives economic growth.

In the last three years, KU filed a total of 406 new patent applications and had 240 patents issued. This activity comes from a diverse group of academic schools and departments across all campuses and includes research and innovations in biotechnology, engineering, therapeutics, digital technologies, physical science, education, software and medical devices.

Since 2013, NAI has published the Top 100 Worldwide Universities list. The&nbsp;<a href="https://academyofinventors.org/top-100-us-universities/">Top 100 U.S. Universities list</a>&nbsp;is the NAI’s newest ranking and is meant to provide a more focused view of the national innovation landscape, featuring contributions by U.S. academic institutions. NAI’s Top 100 lists are created using calendar year data provided by the U.S. Patent &amp; Trademark Office. Top 100 placement includes all named assignees listed on the patent.

“As a U.S.-based national academy, it is important to us not only to showcase innovation happening on the broader world stage, but here at home as well. Invention has been part of the American experience since the country’s inception, with intellectual property being protected in the Constitution,” said Jamie Renee, executive director of NAI. “The Top 100 U.S. universities list allows us to recognize and celebrate the commitment these universities have to the American tradition of invention and protection of IP.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695142924725.jpeg" alt="Image by Kansas University" />
 <figcaption>Image by Kansas University</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — The University of Kansas ranked 40th among public institutions in the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2022, a new list published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2F7269799f27ff7e895ef693d24c3cadb2.tinyemails.com%2F1693504806617%2F57fd6d12b8a58247f19b58e46746740d%2Fd1629cc26efe34ec4d18f0eb43f44bff.html&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cbridgetstull%40ku.edu%7C9d069de1ce604cd994f608dbb48ea961%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638302297072022569%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=arLZ6YFN%2FoYYwDAlKwJiyaYSMQlLsIHrS47wjzuxDFI%3D&amp;reserved=0">National Academy of Inventors</a>. The list showcases universities that play a pivotal role in advancing the innovation ecosystem within and beyond the United States. KU ranked 65th among all universities.“Patents are keenly important to promoting innovation, with proprietary rights to an invention being the key ‘seed’ from which a new venture may grow,” said Clifford Michaels, executive director of the KU Center for Technology Commercialization. “The inclusion of KU on this year’s NAI list of top 100 U.S. universities recognizes not just the number and quality of new inventions coming from KU’s research community, but also the commitment of KU in support of innovative research.”A utility patent, which is typically referred to as a patent for invention, is a type of intellectual property protection granted by a government authority for a new or improved product, process, machine or composition of matter. Utility patents are a fundamental tool for inventors and companies to protect their ideas and inventions, giving them a competitive edge in the marketplace, encouraging innovation and contributing to technological progress — which ultimately drives economic growth.In the last three years, KU filed a total of 406 new patent applications and had 240 patents issued. This activity comes from a diverse group of academic schools and departments across all campuses and includes research and innovations in biotechnology, engineering, therapeutics, digital technologies, physical science, education, software and medical devices.Since 2013, NAI has published the Top 100 Worldwide Universities list. The&nbsp;<a href="https://academyofinventors.org/top-100-us-universities/">Top 100 U.S. Universities list</a>&nbsp;is the NAI’s newest ranking and is meant to provide a more focused view of the national innovation landscape, featuring contributions by U.S. academic institutions. NAI’s Top 100 lists are created using calendar year data provided by the U.S. Patent &amp; Trademark Office. Top 100 placement includes all named assignees listed on the patent.“As a U.S.-based national academy, it is important to us not only to showcase innovation happening on the broader world stage, but here at home as well. Invention has been part of the American experience since the country’s inception, with intellectual property being protected in the Constitution,” said Jamie Renee, executive director of NAI. “The Top 100 U.S. universities list allows us to recognize and celebrate the commitment these universities have to the American tradition of invention and protection of IP.”

KU 40th among public universities for patents

Are you in need of a speaker for your club or organization? Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) has people who are ready to present with a variety of programs including DSNWK’s newest service Shared Living.

Shared Living is a nationally recognized model for residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

This newly-opened Shared Living model is an individualized family-style form of residential services. This extended family atmosphere plays a significant role in supporting people with special needs in their everyday lives.

If you are interested in having someone talk about Shared Living or one of our other programs, contact Steve Keil at steve_keil@mydsnwk.org or 785-625-5678.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261714960.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKAre you in need of a speaker for your club or organization? Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) has people who are ready to present with a variety of programs including DSNWK’s newest service Shared Living.Shared Living is a nationally recognized model for residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This newly-opened Shared Living model is an individualized family-style form of residential services. This extended family atmosphere plays a significant role in supporting people with special needs in their everyday lives.If you are interested in having someone talk about Shared Living or one of our other programs, contact Steve Keil at steve_keil@mydsnwk.org or 785-625-5678.

DSNWK has speakers available for your club or organization

<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/2023/9/1695413221603.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

Seed treatments are an important part of wheat production in Kansas. An updated version of the K-State publication MF2955, Seed Treatment Fungicides for Wheat Disease Management 2023 is now available at: <a href="http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2955.pdf">http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2955.pdf</a>

This updated publication features updated product efficacy information, recommendations for setting seed treatment priorities, considerations for seed treatment success, a key to common seed treatment active ingredients, and a list of some of the more common seed treatments labeled for use in Kansas.

It is important to make sure the seed treatment chosen matches the diseases and pests you are looking to control. 

Most seed treatments available for wheat in Kansas include one or more fungicide active ingredients (FRAC CODES 3 or 11) that provide protection against a suite of seedborne fungal diseases (common bunt, loose smut, flag smut) as well as soilborne seedling diseases which may result in poor emergence or damping off. 

These products may also provide early-season suppression of foliar diseases like powdery mildew and rusts. These products may provide suppression of root and foot rots but will not provide full season control against spring infections. 

Some seed treatments include metalaxyl or mefenoxam (FRAC CODE 4) which control soilborne oomycete diseases like Pythium root rot. Some products also contain insecticides like imidacloprid or thiamethoxam for early-season control of aphids, wireworms, and other insect pests. 

It is important to note that seed treatments will only provide protection from diseases and pests for approximately 30-45 days after planting and do not provide disease or insect control through the spring months. It is important to take note of grazing restrictions if the seed treatment contains an insecticide.

Adequate seed coverage is critical to ensure the maximum efficacy of any seed treatment products. Seed that is heavily contaminated with chaff or dust may limit the adherence of seed treatments. In addition, if too much clumping of the product occurs, the seed may not be uniformly covered and may not flow well through planting equipment.

Fusarium head blight (scab) in northwest Kansas: Fusarium head blight is a serious disease that can result in direct yield loss, discounts, and rejections due to mycotoxin (DON) accumulation, and loss of seed viability. Seed saved from fields with Fusarium head blight may face emergence issues in the fall. Luckily, seed treatments and proper seed cleaning can greatly reduce stand loss in these seed lots.

In 2023, there were higher-than-normal levels of Fusarium head blight in northwest Kansas due to untimely rainfall while wheat was flowering. Affected seed lots should be tested for germination (recent eUpdate article on seed tests and considered as&nbsp;candidates for a seed treatment containing a FRAC 3 or FRAC 11 fungicide, such as difenoconazole, prothioconazole, or tebuconazole).

Loose smut control and common bunt, sometimes called, “stinking smut,” can be controlled very effectively with most commercial treatments. Some regions of the state have struggled with these diseases in recent years. If you are planning to keep seed that is known to have or has been exposed to common bunt, it is critical to use a fungicide seed treatment or to purchase certified seed to avoid problems in the future.

Seed treatments can aid stand establishment when planting wheat after soybean harvest, even on seed that has high test weight and good germination. Planting wheat late into cool, wet soils often delays emergence and reduces the tillering capacity of wheat seedlings. This reduced tillering capacity diminishes the plant's ability to compensate for stand loss and maintain yield potential.

Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Seed treatments are an important part of wheat production in Kansas. An updated version of the K-State publication MF2955, Seed Treatment Fungicides for Wheat Disease Management 2023 is now available at: <a href="http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2955.pdf">http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2955.pdf</a>This updated publication features updated product efficacy information, recommendations for setting seed treatment priorities, considerations for seed treatment success, a key to common seed treatment active ingredients, and a list of some of the more common seed treatments labeled for use in Kansas.It is important to make sure the seed treatment chosen matches the diseases and pests you are looking to control. Most seed treatments available for wheat in Kansas include one or more fungicide active ingredients (FRAC CODES 3 or 11) that provide protection against a suite of seedborne fungal diseases (common bunt, loose smut, flag smut) as well as soilborne seedling diseases which may result in poor emergence or damping off. These products may also provide early-season suppression of foliar diseases like powdery mildew and rusts. These products may provide suppression of root and foot rots but will not provide full season control against spring infections. Some seed treatments include metalaxyl or mefenoxam (FRAC CODE 4) which control soilborne oomycete diseases like Pythium root rot. Some products also contain insecticides like imidacloprid or thiamethoxam for early-season control of aphids, wireworms, and other insect pests. It is important to note that seed treatments will only provide protection from diseases and pests for approximately 30-45 days after planting and do not provide disease or insect control through the spring months. It is important to take note of grazing restrictions if the seed treatment contains an insecticide.Adequate seed coverage is critical to ensure the maximum efficacy of any seed treatment products. Seed that is heavily contaminated with chaff or dust may limit the adherence of seed treatments. In addition, if too much clumping of the product occurs, the seed may not be uniformly covered and may not flow well through planting equipment.Seed treatment priorities in 2023Fusarium head blight (scab) in northwest Kansas: Fusarium head blight is a serious disease that can result in direct yield loss, discounts, and rejections due to mycotoxin (DON) accumulation, and loss of seed viability. Seed saved from fields with Fusarium head blight may face emergence issues in the fall. Luckily, seed treatments and proper seed cleaning can greatly reduce stand loss in these seed lots. In 2023, there were higher-than-normal levels of Fusarium head blight in northwest Kansas due to untimely rainfall while wheat was flowering. Affected seed lots should be tested for germination (recent eUpdate article on seed tests and considered as&nbsp;candidates for a seed treatment containing a FRAC 3 or FRAC 11 fungicide, such as difenoconazole, prothioconazole, or tebuconazole).Loose smut control and common bunt, sometimes called, “stinking smut,” can be controlled very effectively with most commercial treatments. Some regions of the state have struggled with these diseases in recent years. If you are planning to keep seed that is known to have or has been exposed to common bunt, it is critical to use a fungicide seed treatment or to purchase certified seed to avoid problems in the future.Seed treatments can aid stand establishment when planting wheat after soybean harvest, even on seed that has high test weight and good germination. Planting wheat late into cool, wet soils often delays emergence and reduces the tillering capacity of wheat seedlings. This reduced tillering capacity diminishes the plant's ability to compensate for stand loss and maintain yield potential.Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

CAMBELL: Seed treatments important part of Kansas wheat production 

An Ellis County man was found guilty Friday  of pre-meditated first-degree murder after a week-long trial in Ellis County District Court. The jury deliberated for slightly more than two hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Colby Alan Trickle, 29, was charged with pre-meditated first-degree murder in the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc229296-d187-4557-9cd4-e18e936e0994">Oct. 31, 2019 shooting death of his wife</a>, <a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Kristen-Trickle">Kristin Trickle</a>, 27, according to a news release from the Ellis County Attorney's Office.

The defendant was also charged with falsely reporting information twice to Hays Police Department officers during the investigation. He was arrested in July 2021.

Aaron Cunningham, assistant Ellis County Attorney, was the lead prosecutor.&nbsp;Presiding over the case was the Honorable Glenn Braun, chief district court judge of the 23rd Judicial District.

Sentencing for Trickle has yet to be scheduled.&nbsp;

Kansas law requires the defendant to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a 50-years for the conviction of premeditated murder in the first degree.

“Sadly, we will never be able to bring Kristen Trickle back. It is my hope however, that this conviction brings some level of comfort and healing to those who knew and loved Kristen," said Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson in the news release.

“This result is the culmination of a lot of hard work and hours invested by many people devoted to the safety of this community. The diligence, determination, and dedication of our local law enforcement and first responders have led to this moment for Kristen Trickle and her family.”

“I am very proud of all my staff for the hard work that was put into this case," Anderson said, "but in particular Mr. Cunningham for having taken such a difficult case head-on and for achieving justice for Kristen and her&nbsp;family."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626522324942.png" alt="Trickle photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Trickle photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis Co. AttorneyAn Ellis County man was found guilty Friday of pre-meditated first-degree murder after a week-long trial in Ellis County District Court. The jury deliberated for slightly more than two hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colby Alan Trickle, 29, was charged with pre-meditated first-degree murder in the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc229296-d187-4557-9cd4-e18e936e0994">Oct. 31, 2019 shooting death of his wife</a>, <a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Kristen-Trickle">Kristin Trickle</a>, 27, according to a news release from the Ellis County Attorney's Office.The defendant was also charged with falsely reporting information twice to Hays Police Department officers during the investigation. He was arrested in July 2021.Aaron Cunningham, assistant Ellis County Attorney, was the lead prosecutor.&nbsp;Presiding over the case was the Honorable Glenn Braun, chief district court judge of the 23rd Judicial District.Sentencing for Trickle has yet to be scheduled.&nbsp;Kansas law requires the defendant to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a 50-years for the conviction of premeditated murder in the first degree.“Sadly, we will never be able to bring Kristen Trickle back. It is my hope however, that this conviction brings some level of comfort and healing to those who knew and loved Kristen," said Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson in the news release.“This result is the culmination of a lot of hard work and hours invested by many people devoted to the safety of this community. The diligence, determination, and dedication of our local law enforcement and first responders have led to this moment for Kristen Trickle and her family.”“I am very proud of all my staff for the hard work that was put into this case," Anderson said, "but in particular Mr. Cunningham for having taken such a difficult case head-on and for achieving justice for Kristen and her&nbsp;family."

Ellis County man found guilty of pre-meditated murder after week-long trial 

LANE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Lane County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Ford L3000 Grain Truck driven by&nbsp; Joel S. Herndon, 56, Dighton, was southbound on Dodge Road three and one half miles south of Healy.

The driver lost control of the truck when the right rear tire blew. The vehicle then struck a bridge rail and rolled off the bridge to the east.

EMS transported&nbsp;Herndon to Wesley Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

LANE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Lane County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Ford L3000 Grain Truck driven by&nbsp; Joel S. Herndon, 56, Dighton, was southbound on Dodge Road three and one half miles south of Healy.The driver lost control of the truck when the right rear tire blew. The vehicle then struck a bridge rail and rolled off the bridge to the east.EMS transported&nbsp;Herndon to Wesley Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after grain truck strikes bridge rail

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams discusses the development of a 24/7 travel plaza in Hays and potential future development north of I-70 in Hays.

<div><iframe title="Planned 24/7 location continues development north of I-70 in Hays" 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=qxzuz-14b1358-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;Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams discusses the development of a 24/7 travel plaza in Hays and potential future development north of I-70 in Hays.

🎙 Post Podcast: Planned 24/7 location continues development north of I-70 in Hays

There are great life lessons to be learned at the Kansas State Fair. 

For example, knee-high socks of any color, but especially black, DO NOT go with shorts. If you’re not ready to purchase the last mop, set of cookware or garden-hose nozzle you’ll ever need, DO NOT go through the vendors’ buildings, and if your hair doesn’t need fixing or your tennis shoes or glasses need cleaning, avoid the afore mentioned buildings also. 

And where else but the state fair can you find racing pigs, campers costing more than my house, a guy selling Ecuadorian pan flutes, a chain saw sculpture, hot tubs, mattresses and water softeners all within a stone’s throw of each other. 

Beneath the grandstand, you’ll find sewing machines sold next to a Chinese massager parlor, and more yard art than you can imagine, including metal sunflowers, tornados fashioned from barbed-wire, dogs made from railroad spikes, frogs made from rebar and bugs built from assorted nuts and bolts with toilet tank floats for abdomens. 

Then on to the dark and forbidden midway, aptly named because it's “midway” between you and your wallet, where shadowy hucksters await behind every tent flap. 

Here you could throw balls or bat balls, throw darts or throw rings, shoot rifles or shoot baskets, to win anything from framed pictures of Dale Earnhardt and Sponge Bob, to a three-foot stuffed Garfield or a huge inflatable dolphin. 

And of course, there is the absolute plethora of fair food, where you can find anything imaginable deep fried and/or put on a stick.

A great piece of advice from Jeff Foxworthy is “If you’re going somewhere alone, don’t wear a T shirt that says “I’m Here with Stupid.” I love reading T-shirts people are wearing and boy-howdy, there’s no better place to do that than at a state fair. 

Here, in no particular order are my favorite T-shirt captions seen at this year’s state fair:

"The Only Thing that Should Come Between a Hunter and His Meat is Bread" "9 out of 10 Bears Surveyed Prefer Campers over S’mores" "I Believe Every Form of Wildlife has its Place; Right next to the Mashed Potatoes and Gravy" "You’ve Read My T Shirt, that’s Enough Social Interaction for Today" "I Love My Country, it’s My Government that Scares Me" "Your Political Correctness Offends Me" "Sons of Arthritis, Ibuprofen Chapter"&nbsp;(This appeared with a picture of a Harley Chopper motorcycle ridden by a skeleton and is possibly my favorite.)

Worn by adults who probably always say what the rest of us are thinking:&nbsp;

"Your IQ test came back negative" "I have multiple personalities and none of them like you"

“I don’t suffer from stress, I’m a carrier” “My take home pay doesn’t take me home” “I have the right to remain silent; I just don’t have the ability” “I’m not a complete idiot; some parts are missing” “Proud member of the Fillet-and-Release club”&nbsp;(Written below the picture of a fish skeleton) “Eat more fast food”&nbsp;(Written below a picture of a running whitetail buck)&nbsp;

As you’re reading this another Kansas State fair has come and gone, and along with it the smells, both good and bad, the horrendous traffic and the sea of humanity that floods Hutchinson this time each year. 

Yup, there’s no better entertainment for this country boy than the state fair; fond memories, life lessons learned, fine dining and new fashion statements. 

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>There are great life lessons to be learned at the Kansas State Fair. For example, knee-high socks of any color, but especially black, DO NOT go with shorts. If you’re not ready to purchase the last mop, set of cookware or garden-hose nozzle you’ll ever need, DO NOT go through the vendors’ buildings, and if your hair doesn’t need fixing or your tennis shoes or glasses need cleaning, avoid the afore mentioned buildings also. And where else but the state fair can you find racing pigs, campers costing more than my house, a guy selling Ecuadorian pan flutes, a chain saw sculpture, hot tubs, mattresses and water softeners all within a stone’s throw of each other. Beneath the grandstand, you’ll find sewing machines sold next to a Chinese massager parlor, and more yard art than you can imagine, including metal sunflowers, tornados fashioned from barbed-wire, dogs made from railroad spikes, frogs made from rebar and bugs built from assorted nuts and bolts with toilet tank floats for abdomens. Then on to the dark and forbidden midway, aptly named because it's “midway” between you and your wallet, where shadowy hucksters await behind every tent flap. Here you could throw balls or bat balls, throw darts or throw rings, shoot rifles or shoot baskets, to win anything from framed pictures of Dale Earnhardt and Sponge Bob, to a three-foot stuffed Garfield or a huge inflatable dolphin. And of course, there is the absolute plethora of fair food, where you can find anything imaginable deep fried and/or put on a stick.A great piece of advice from Jeff Foxworthy is “If you’re going somewhere alone, don’t wear a T shirt that says “I’m Here with Stupid.” I love reading T-shirts people are wearing and boy-howdy, there’s no better place to do that than at a state fair. Here, in no particular order are my favorite T-shirt captions seen at this year’s state fair:"The Only Thing that Should Come Between a Hunter and His Meat is Bread" "9 out of 10 Bears Surveyed Prefer Campers over S’mores" "I Believe Every Form of Wildlife has its Place; Right next to the Mashed Potatoes and Gravy" "You’ve Read My T Shirt, that’s Enough Social Interaction for Today" "I Love My Country, it’s My Government that Scares Me" "Your Political Correctness Offends Me" "Sons of Arthritis, Ibuprofen Chapter"&nbsp;(This appeared with a picture of a Harley Chopper motorcycle ridden by a skeleton and is possibly my favorite.)Worn by adults who probably always say what the rest of us are thinking:&nbsp;"Your IQ test came back negative" "I have multiple personalities and none of them like you" Just flat-out funny ones:“I don’t suffer from stress, I’m a carrier” “My take home pay doesn’t take me home” “I have the right to remain silent; I just don’t have the ability” “I’m not a complete idiot; some parts are missing” “Proud member of the Fillet-and-Release club”&nbsp;(Written below the picture of a fish skeleton) “Eat more fast food”&nbsp;(Written below a picture of a running whitetail buck)&nbsp;As you’re reading this another Kansas State fair has come and gone, and along with it the smells, both good and bad, the horrendous traffic and the sea of humanity that floods Hutchinson this time each year. Yup, there’s no better entertainment for this country boy than the state fair; fond memories, life lessons learned, fine dining and new fashion statements. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: A fair assumption

After many years, the IT director for the city of Hays is finally close to getting his fervent wish - a new home for the city's data center.

The proposed project is in conjunction with the city's third fire station, currently under construction at 41st and Post Road in the northwest part of town, Chad Ruder explained to city commissioners during Thursday's work session.

"I care deeply for the firefighters," he said with a smile, "but this is actually more for me on the second point.

"My entire career I've wanted to design a data center and get things out of the flood plain."

The city's server headquarters and fire department headquarters are both currently housed in city hall, 1507 Main, in downtown Hays. 

The building is in the flood plain and has flooded several times over the years. It also has a flat roof susceptible to leaks during hard rains.

"I can't enjoy clouds in the sky," Ruder said. "If it looks like it's going to rain, I think of the times when I'm down here when either flooding comes from the ground or the flat roof situation that we have.

"Just back here in the hall one time, we had a good four inches of rain pouring out. It's not some place you want to keep your server." 

Most of the city's computer servers are housed in city hall, with some redundancy in the police department, 105 W. 12th.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Getting out of here and being able to design something that isn't just a closet or an old room that you move your servers to, has been a goal of mine for a very long time."

A city-owned dedicated or "dark" fiber line to the new fire station would be constructed to provide high-speed connectivity for the Hays Fire Department new headquarters and also allow the city’s IT Department to move its core network servers from city hall to the new station.

"We've gotta have something rock solid if the servers are sitting somewhere else to feed the rest of the city," Ruder said.&nbsp;

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

The low bid from Nex-Tech, Hays, of $94,608  came in lower than what was budgeted for the city's portion.&nbsp;

The county's share of&nbsp;$144,866 is larger because of the further distance to the new public works building. County commissioners approved their bid during their meeting Tuesday.

Although the cable would be shared from city hall, the individual fiber strands within the cable would be completely segregated allowing the city and county to each have 12 dedicated strands for current needs and future growth to the new facilities.&nbsp;

In other business, commissioner heard from Jesse Rohr, director of public works, about the 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.&nbsp;

The proposed plat includes six&nbsp; total lots ranging in size from 7,426 sq. ft. to 27,964 sq. ft., allowing 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 and city staff is recommending approval as well.

Commissioner will vote on both items at their Sept. 28 meeting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695514600691.jpeg" alt="The flat-roof building housing most of the city of Hays data servers and the fire department headquarters, 1507 Main, sits in a flood plain. A new dark fiber cable would allow the servers to be moved to the new fire station under construction at 1732 W. 41st. Photo and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The flat-roof building housing most of the city of Hays data servers and the fire department headquarters, 1507 Main, sits in a flood plain. A new dark fiber cable would allow the servers to be moved to the new fire station under construction at 1732 W. 41st. Photo and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter many years, the IT director for the city of Hays is finally close to getting his fervent wish - a new home for the city's data center.The proposed project is in conjunction with the city's third fire station, currently under construction at 41st and Post Road in the northwest part of town, Chad Ruder explained to city commissioners during Thursday's work session."I care deeply for the firefighters," he said with a smile, "but this is actually more for me on the second point."My entire career I've wanted to design a data center and get things out of the flood plain."The city's server headquarters and fire department headquarters are both currently housed in city hall, 1507 Main, in downtown Hays. The building is in the flood plain and has flooded several times over the years. It also has a flat roof susceptible to leaks during hard rains.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-NFBgwd1DI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I can't enjoy clouds in the sky," Ruder said. "If it looks like it's going to rain, I think of the times when I'm down here when either flooding comes from the ground or the flat roof situation that we have."Just back here in the hall one time, we had a good four inches of rain pouring out. It's not some place you want to keep your server." Most of the city's computer servers are housed in city hall, with some redundancy in the police department, 105 W. 12th.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Getting out of here and being able to design something that isn't just a closet or an old room that you move your servers to, has been a goal of mine for a very long time."A city-owned dedicated or "dark" fiber line to the new fire station would be constructed to provide high-speed connectivity for the Hays Fire Department new headquarters and also allow the city’s IT Department to move its core network servers from city hall to the new station."We've gotta have something rock solid if the servers are sitting somewhere else to feed the rest of the city," Ruder said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695509737283.png" alt="The new fiber line project would be constructed in coordination with Ellis County. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>The new fiber line project would be constructed in coordination with Ellis County. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The project is being done in coordination with Ellis County and the construction of its new public works facility, lowering costs for both entities. The low bid from Nex-Tech, Hays, of $94,608 came in lower than what was budgeted for the city's portion.&nbsp;The county's share of&nbsp;$144,866 is larger because of the further distance to the new public works building. County commissioners approved their bid during their meeting Tuesday.Although the cable would be shared from city hall, the individual fiber strands within the cable would be completely segregated allowing the city and county to each have 12 dedicated strands for current needs and future growth to the new facilities.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695511812278.png" alt="Location of the KCWI Addition, at 24th and Canterbury, where more including multi-family housing units, could be developed in Hays. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Location of the KCWI Addition, at 24th and Canterbury, where more including multi-family housing units, could be developed in Hays. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>In other business, commissioner heard from Jesse Rohr, director of public works, about the 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.&nbsp;The proposed plat includes six&nbsp; total lots ranging in size from 7,426 sq. ft. to 27,964 sq. ft., allowing 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 and city staff is recommending approval as well.Commissioner will vote on both items at their Sept. 28 meeting.&nbsp;

🎥 Hays IT Director: 'Gotta have something rock solid' to house data servers

MANHATTAN — Grain growers in western Kansas who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the state’s five grain commodity commissions — corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers — should be gathering petition signatures now to meet the November 30, 2023, filing deadline. 

The 2024 election will cover districts I, II and III — or the western third of Kansas.

• District I includes Cheyenne, Decatur, Graham, Norton, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman and Thomas counties.&nbsp;

• District II includes Gove, Greeley, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Trego, Wallace and Wichita counties.&nbsp;

• District III includes Clark, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Meade, Morton, Seward, Stanton and Stevens counties.

To be eligible to run for any of the five commodity commissions, the candidate must have been actively engaged in growing that commodity (corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers) within the preceding five years and may only represent the district of their primary residence.

Candidates must gather 20 signatures from eligible growers to be included on the 2024 ballot.&nbsp;No more than five signatures from any one county can be used to qualify a candidate.&nbsp;Eligible growers are Kansas residents who will reach age 18 before the election and who have grown corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat for the last three years.&nbsp;

Candidates may choose to complete their petition online, by paper, or a combination of both. 

The online portal is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L2tnY3ZvdGVyP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.IOQ9b4DlnL2rJPQK3xf9CfNMvhlaCNgTRJlGQgB2Phs/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>.&nbsp;Once the candidate has created an account and petition, the candidate will then have a unique URL to share with signors who can then enter their contact information and sign the petition.

Paper candidate registration packets are also available from the Kansas Department of Agriculture or directly from the grain commodity commissions.&nbsp; 

• Kansas Department of Agriculture: 785-564-6726 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L2tnY3ZvdGVyP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.72aH4H7_ZA30YOzmqPNpDeTnz7qf-06kDFEnXFETo9k/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>&nbsp;

• Kansas Corn Commission: 785-410-5009 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3Njb3JuLmNvbS9rY2MvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.yFteeB64Ty6PJHte0G_29FdNTnVrZhYNOiU5ACTb-a8/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">com/kcc/</a>&nbsp;

• Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission: 785-477-9474 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NncmFpbnNvcmdodW0ub3JnL2NvbW1pc3Npb24vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.C9X_5y9cr_53duUVjgfqKoIVnerXmfDWQRHMYNqQvJg/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">org/commission/</a>&nbsp;

• Kansas Soybean Commission: 785-271-1040 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va2Fuc2Fzc295YmVhbnMub3JnL2Fib3V0LXRoZS1jb21taXNzaW9uLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTEzLjgyNTQ0MjIxIn0.Zl3vVs-ZhKEVVaKfLuC1SPatZyfJRzHyYVTzv68QVoA/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">org/about-the-commission/</a>&nbsp;

• Kansas Sunflower Commission: 785-452-1519 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:peircefarms@gmail.com" target="_blank">peircefarms@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;

• Kansas Wheat Commission: 785-539-0255 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc3doZWF0LmNvbS9hYm91dC9rYW5zYXMtd2hlYXQtY29tbWlzc2lvbj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTEzLjgyNTQ0MjIxIn0.UsmbWG4EqKRK9B9553WI6iXeNcX3_glzLh6QboaUH0c/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">com/about/kansas-wheat-commission</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684507773485.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixbay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixbay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Grain growers in western Kansas who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the state’s five grain commodity commissions — corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers — should be gathering petition signatures now to meet the November 30, 2023, filing deadline. The 2024 election will cover districts I, II and III — or the western third of Kansas.• District I includes Cheyenne, Decatur, Graham, Norton, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman and Thomas counties.&nbsp;• District II includes Gove, Greeley, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Trego, Wallace and Wichita counties.&nbsp;• District III includes Clark, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Meade, Morton, Seward, Stanton and Stevens counties.To be eligible to run for any of the five commodity commissions, the candidate must have been actively engaged in growing that commodity (corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers) within the preceding five years and may only represent the district of their primary residence.Candidates must gather 20 signatures from eligible growers to be included on the 2024 ballot.&nbsp;No more than five signatures from any one county can be used to qualify a candidate.&nbsp;Eligible growers are Kansas residents who will reach age 18 before the election and who have grown corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat for the last three years.&nbsp;Candidates may choose to complete their petition online, by paper, or a combination of both. The online portal is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L2tnY3ZvdGVyP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.IOQ9b4DlnL2rJPQK3xf9CfNMvhlaCNgTRJlGQgB2Phs/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>.&nbsp;Once the candidate has created an account and petition, the candidate will then have a unique URL to share with signors who can then enter their contact information and sign the petition.Paper candidate registration packets are also available from the Kansas Department of Agriculture or directly from the grain commodity commissions.&nbsp; More information is available:• Kansas Department of Agriculture: 785-564-6726 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L2tnY3ZvdGVyP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.72aH4H7_ZA30YOzmqPNpDeTnz7qf-06kDFEnXFETo9k/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>&nbsp;• Kansas Corn Commission: 785-410-5009 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3Njb3JuLmNvbS9rY2MvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.yFteeB64Ty6PJHte0G_29FdNTnVrZhYNOiU5ACTb-a8/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">com/kcc/</a>&nbsp;• Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission: 785-477-9474 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NncmFpbnNvcmdodW0ub3JnL2NvbW1pc3Npb24vP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NDQyMjEifQ.C9X_5y9cr_53duUVjgfqKoIVnerXmfDWQRHMYNqQvJg/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">org/commission/</a>&nbsp;• Kansas Soybean Commission: 785-271-1040 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va2Fuc2Fzc295YmVhbnMub3JnL2Fib3V0LXRoZS1jb21taXNzaW9uLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTEzLjgyNTQ0MjIxIn0.Zl3vVs-ZhKEVVaKfLuC1SPatZyfJRzHyYVTzv68QVoA/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">org/about-the-commission/</a>&nbsp;• Kansas Sunflower Commission: 785-452-1519 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:peircefarms@gmail.com" target="_blank">peircefarms@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;• Kansas Wheat Commission: 785-539-0255 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc3doZWF0LmNvbS9hYm91dC9rYW5zYXMtd2hlYXQtY29tbWlzc2lvbj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTEzLjgyNTQ0MjIxIn0.UsmbWG4EqKRK9B9553WI6iXeNcX3_glzLh6QboaUH0c/s/1377890594/br/225860444726-l" target="_blank">com/about/kansas-wheat-commission</a>&nbsp;

Commodity Commission candidates for W. Kansas face Nov. 30 filing deadline

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chrysler 300M driven by Ethan D.&nbsp;Koelling, 19, Natoma, was southbound on U.S. 183 approximately four miles north of Interstate 70.

The car struck a southbound 2006 Toyota Sienna driven by Kenneth E.&nbsp;Kinderknecht, 68, Collyer, who had slowed to look at a truck for sale on the east side of the road.

EMS transported&nbsp;Koelling to Hays Medical Center. Kinderknecht was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Ellis County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chrysler 300M driven by Ethan D.&nbsp;Koelling, 19, Natoma, was southbound on U.S. 183 approximately four miles north of Interstate 70.The car struck a southbound 2006 Toyota Sienna driven by Kenneth E.&nbsp;Kinderknecht, 68, Collyer, who had slowed to look at a truck for sale on the east side of the road.EMS transported&nbsp;Koelling to Hays Medical Center. Kinderknecht was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. man hospitalized after car, minivan crash

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;recognized a group of 11 undergraduate students who will study to be leaders in veterinary medicine through the college's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/admissions/early-admit/">Early Admission Program</a>.&nbsp;

Established in 1999, the Early Admission Scholars Program recruits the best and brightest undergraduate students who are committed to studying veterinary medicine."For the August 2023-February 2024 application cycle, K-State College of Veterinary Medicine received 75 applications for the early admission program," said Caroline Rost, assistant dean of admissions in the college.

"Although we met many talented applicants during the interviews this year, 11 applicants were accepted into the program based on academic history, experiences in the last four years, communication skills and interview outcomes. These students represent some of the brightest students in the undergraduate student body.

"The 2023 class of Early Admission Scholars: Conner Dinkel,&nbsp;Hill City; Hudson Hildebrand,&nbsp;Overland Park; Kaley Wagner,&nbsp;Smith Center; Ainsley Stiles,&nbsp;Topeka; and Bridget Johnson,&nbsp;Wichita. From out of state: Sadie Alger, Fair Oaks, California; Alyssa Chevalier,&nbsp;Chicago, Illinois; Kailee Irvin,&nbsp;Vernon Hills, Illinois; Rahul Chopra,&nbsp;Malden, Massachusetts; Aidan Anderson,&nbsp;Saint Paul, Nebraska; and Ella Robinson,&nbsp;Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.

All scholars are first-year students in animal sciences and industry except Johnson, who is studying biology.Successful candidates in the Early Admission Scholars program must maintain a 3.3 GPA during completion of the science prerequisites, and they must complete the 64 hours of prerequisites by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum in the fall.

The science courses on the prerequisite list must be completed at K-State. Candidates also must strengthen their veterinary experiences, attend K-State events and participate in volunteer work.

The College of Veterinary Medicine assigns a veterinary student mentor to each Early Admit Scholar to stimulate career and academic development and to provide orientation and access to college activities. The pre-veterinary students attend regular meetings during the academic year to develop a sense of community and share their progress.

For information about how to apply for the program and program requirements, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://vet.k-state.edu/admissions/early-admit/index.html">Early Admission Program website</a>. Current high school seniors can apply now through Feb. 1, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695039087878.png" alt="The 2023 class of Early Admission Scholars for the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine will study to become leaders in veterinary medicine. Back row, from left: Rahul Chopra, Ella Gardner, Alyssa Chevalier, Sadie Alger, Hudson Hildebrand and Conner Dinkel. Front row, from left: Kailee Irvin, Ainsley Stiles, Kaley Wagner, Bridget Johnson and Aidan Anderson. " />
 <figcaption>The 2023 class of Early Admission Scholars for the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine will study to become leaders in veterinary medicine. Back row, from left: Rahul Chopra, Ella Gardner, Alyssa Chevalier, Sadie Alger, Hudson Hildebrand and Conner Dinkel. Front row, from left: Kailee Irvin, Ainsley Stiles, Kaley Wagner, Bridget Johnson and Aidan Anderson. </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Rylee CoyMANHATTAN — Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;recognized a group of 11 undergraduate students who will study to be leaders in veterinary medicine through the college's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/admissions/early-admit/">Early Admission Program</a>.&nbsp;Established in 1999, the Early Admission Scholars Program recruits the best and brightest undergraduate students who are committed to studying veterinary medicine."For the August 2023-February 2024 application cycle, K-State College of Veterinary Medicine received 75 applications for the early admission program," said Caroline Rost, assistant dean of admissions in the college."Although we met many talented applicants during the interviews this year, 11 applicants were accepted into the program based on academic history, experiences in the last four years, communication skills and interview outcomes. These students represent some of the brightest students in the undergraduate student body."The 2023 class of Early Admission Scholars: Conner Dinkel,&nbsp;Hill City; Hudson Hildebrand,&nbsp;Overland Park; Kaley Wagner,&nbsp;Smith Center; Ainsley Stiles,&nbsp;Topeka; and Bridget Johnson,&nbsp;Wichita. From out of state: Sadie Alger, Fair Oaks, California; Alyssa Chevalier,&nbsp;Chicago, Illinois; Kailee Irvin,&nbsp;Vernon Hills, Illinois; Rahul Chopra,&nbsp;Malden, Massachusetts; Aidan Anderson,&nbsp;Saint Paul, Nebraska; and Ella Robinson,&nbsp;Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.All scholars are first-year students in animal sciences and industry except Johnson, who is studying biology.Successful candidates in the Early Admission Scholars program must maintain a 3.3 GPA during completion of the science prerequisites, and they must complete the 64 hours of prerequisites by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum in the fall.The science courses on the prerequisite list must be completed at K-State. Candidates also must strengthen their veterinary experiences, attend K-State events and participate in volunteer work.The College of Veterinary Medicine assigns a veterinary student mentor to each Early Admit Scholar to stimulate career and academic development and to provide orientation and access to college activities. The pre-veterinary students attend regular meetings during the academic year to develop a sense of community and share their progress.For information about how to apply for the program and program requirements, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://vet.k-state.edu/admissions/early-admit/index.html">Early Admission Program website</a>. Current high school seniors can apply now through Feb. 1, 2024.

KSU College of Veterinary Medicine announces 2023 class of early admission scholars

Our political leaders are old, and many are elderly. Dianne Feinstein is currently the oldest sitting Senator at age 90. She has experienced a string of serious health issues, but remains committed to serving out her term. At age 88, Senator Chuck Grassley recently won an eighth term that will end when he reaches his mid-90s.

Senate Majority Leader Schumer is 72, and Mitch McConnell, the Minority Leader, is 81. McConnell recently froze involuntarily at two public events prompting questions about his fitness for office. At 80, Nancy Pelosi became the oldest representative elected as House Speaker. Her House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was 83 and the Majority Whip Jim Clyburn 82. Now at 83, Pelosi declared she will again seek reelection.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Dr. Mark Joslyn" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mark Joslyn</figcaption>
 </figure>Our political leaders are old, and many are elderly. Dianne Feinstein is currently the oldest sitting Senator at age 90. She has experienced a string of serious health issues, but remains committed to serving out her term. At age 88, Senator Chuck Grassley recently won an eighth term that will end when he reaches his mid-90s.Senate Majority Leader Schumer is 72, and Mitch McConnell, the Minority Leader, is 81. McConnell recently froze involuntarily at two public events prompting questions about his fitness for office. At 80, Nancy Pelosi became the oldest representative elected as House Speaker. Her House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was 83 and the Majority Whip Jim Clyburn 82. Now at 83, Pelosi declared she will again seek reelection.Joe Biden became the oldest president, at age 77. At 80, Biden became the oldest president to announce a reelection campaign. His chief Republican rival, Donald Trump, is 77 years old. Congress is older than it’s ever been. The median Senator is 65, and the median House member is 58.Kansas Senators Marshall and Moran are ages 64 and 69 respectively. Three Kansas House members are notably younger. Representatives Mann and Davis are in their 40s and Jake LaTurner a mere 35. State politicians are aging too. The average age of statehouse members is 56. Some states, like New Hampshire, the average age is much higher at 66. In Kansas it’s 58.For sitting governors, the average age is 58. Eleven governors, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, are at least 70. Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey is the oldest at 77. No other occupation skews this old nor produces so many senior leaders. We seem to have a gerontocracy. Millennials are the largest generation by population but one of the smallest groups in Congress.None of this may bother you. People are living and working longer; they are more active and healthier than past generations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Yet age impacts representation. Aging politicians are more focused on issues important to older Americans such as social security and Medicare. And this comes at the expense of issues younger Americans care about. Very few young people even run for office. In 2018, several Kansas teenagers campaigned for governor. The result was swift passage of minimum age limits for the state’s highest office.More typically, young people grow frustrated by our graying institutions and disengage politically, which starts a self-perpetuating cycle. If older legislators know young people are unlikely to vote, they are less likely to push issues important to young people. Maximum age requirements are a potential solution. Kansas for example requires judges to retire at age 75. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll showed 73 percent of Americans support maximum age limits for elected offices. A quarter said 60 years old should be the maximum, nearly 40% said 70, and 23% preferred 80. Most Democrats and Republicans supported limits as did the youngest and oldest cohorts.Americans do appreciate older, seasoned lawmakers. And they know age is an imperfect proxy for health and ability. But they also know older politicians stay too long sacrificing younger generations that bring fresh ideas and energy. Senator Mitt Romney’s recent retirement shows aging politicians will pass the torch. Senior senators Cardin, Carper, and Stabenow decided to retire as well.It’s a start.Dr. Mark Joslyn, is a professor of political science at the&nbsp;University of Kansas.

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