LAWRENCE — Schools and prisons share many similarities: authoritarian structure, emphasis on silence and order, schedules to follow, rules not to break.

“Teachers and administrators need to discontinue the relationship between punishment and education and begin to create environments where students can thrive in nonpunitive ways,” said Nikia Robert, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Kansas.

Her article titled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pdcnet.org/jsce/content/jsce_2023_0999_4_27_86">“An Ethic of Abolition: Becoming Educational Sanctuaries”</a>&nbsp;addresses the uncanny resemblance between the educational/industrial complex and the U.S. carceral state. Both employ policies, pedagogies and practices to respond punitively to com­munal transgressions. In response, Robert offers an abolitionist theological ethic to create educational sanctuaries. It appears in the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics.

“We use punishment to scare people into obedience," Robert said. "But what you produce are robots, not sentient beings with critical thinking who are accountable and aware of how their actions may harm others. As a professor, I’m always looking for transformative ways to build work ethic and curiosity, so students aren’t motivated to produce simply based on their fear of being punished.”

Robert also argues how students in underrepresented groups — ranging from pre-K to postsecondary institutions — become particularly vulnerable when punishment is used to “perpetuate anti-Blackness, patriarchy and other social inequities.” This in many ways mirrors the carceral system, she said.

The educator became further mindful of the similarities found in schools and prisons when teaching an Inside-Out course at a state prison.

“When you look at the yard versus a college campus, it appears very similar,” she said.

Her course was called “Prisons, Punishment and Redemption,” taught at the California Institution for Women in Chino.

“A lot of the women there were lifers,” she said. “It was a really meaningful course for them and for me. I hope to bring something like it here to Kansas — we certainly have plenty of prisons.”

Robert said that schools are not doing enough to make a distinction between a classroom and a jail cell.

“We’re here as educators wanting to create sanctuaries so that students can thrive as whole beings. We don’t want these kinds of docile, empty people who are afraid of consequences,” she said.

“We can start by looking at more equitable grading strategies. Using rubrics, using more marginal comments, allowing students to have retakes. So in other words, moving away from this rigid and punitive model and doing more to cultivate the whole student.”

As her article notes, Robert maintains a personal connection to this topic. Her daughter currently attends a K-8 private school in California.

“She’s been so deeply affected by the detention system," Robert said. "So much so that if it was cold and she didn’t have a hat or coat that conform to their uniform policy, she would risk her own health rather than violate the policy out of fear of getting detention. I could not convince her otherwise because my daughter is a rule-follower.”

Since that situation emerged, Robert has been working with the school to put an end to detention.

“Why would an educational institution have detention? That’s something you find in a prison,” she said. “Surely, we can be more creative and spend more effort to think of ways to respond to harms, other than just saying, ‘Go to detention!’”

A New York native, Robert just began her first semester at KU. She is also executive director of Abolitionist Sanctuary, a “national faith-based coalition united against the moral crisis of mass incarceration and the criminalization of impoverished Black motherhood.”&nbsp;Her research focuses on ethics.

Robert continues to explore ways of replacing punishment in educational settings with something more effective and humane. Noting KU’s “rich legacy of racial integration in sports that coincides with an impactful history in the town of Lawrence and abolitionist movements,” she hopes to build a course, and possibly a conference, which connects the university with local community organizers in order to double-down on the commitment to building abolitionist sanctuaries in education.

“Punishment is just the easy way out. But to get to the root problem requires creativity. It requires community. How do we come together and think about solutions so that we can repair the harms, restore the relationships and rebuild a more just and equitable system where everyone can thrive?” she said.

“I don’t think prisons are fixable, but I hope schools are.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694450321315.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — Schools and prisons share many similarities: authoritarian structure, emphasis on silence and order, schedules to follow, rules not to break.“Teachers and administrators need to discontinue the relationship between punishment and education and begin to create environments where students can thrive in nonpunitive ways,” said Nikia Robert, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://news.ku.edu/sites/news.ku.edu/files/images/general/2023_news/september/Nikia%20Robert%201.png" alt="Nikia Robert" />
 <figcaption>Nikia Robert</figcaption>
 </figure>Her article titled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pdcnet.org/jsce/content/jsce_2023_0999_4_27_86">“An Ethic of Abolition: Becoming Educational Sanctuaries”</a>&nbsp;addresses the uncanny resemblance between the educational/industrial complex and the U.S. carceral state. Both employ policies, pedagogies and practices to respond punitively to com­munal transgressions. In response, Robert offers an abolitionist theological ethic to create educational sanctuaries. It appears in the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics.“We use punishment to scare people into obedience," Robert said. "But what you produce are robots, not sentient beings with critical thinking who are accountable and aware of how their actions may harm others. As a professor, I’m always looking for transformative ways to build work ethic and curiosity, so students aren’t motivated to produce simply based on their fear of being punished.”Robert also argues how students in underrepresented groups — ranging from pre-K to postsecondary institutions — become particularly vulnerable when punishment is used to “perpetuate anti-Blackness, patriarchy and other social inequities.” This in many ways mirrors the carceral system, she said.The educator became further mindful of the similarities found in schools and prisons when teaching an Inside-Out course at a state prison.“When you look at the yard versus a college campus, it appears very similar,” she said.Her course was called “Prisons, Punishment and Redemption,” taught at the California Institution for Women in Chino.“A lot of the women there were lifers,” she said. “It was a really meaningful course for them and for me. I hope to bring something like it here to Kansas — we certainly have plenty of prisons.”Robert said that schools are not doing enough to make a distinction between a classroom and a jail cell.“We’re here as educators wanting to create sanctuaries so that students can thrive as whole beings. We don’t want these kinds of docile, empty people who are afraid of consequences,” she said.“We can start by looking at more equitable grading strategies. Using rubrics, using more marginal comments, allowing students to have retakes. So in other words, moving away from this rigid and punitive model and doing more to cultivate the whole student.”As her article notes, Robert maintains a personal connection to this topic. Her daughter currently attends a K-8 private school in California.“She’s been so deeply affected by the detention system," Robert said. "So much so that if it was cold and she didn’t have a hat or coat that conform to their uniform policy, she would risk her own health rather than violate the policy out of fear of getting detention. I could not convince her otherwise because my daughter is a rule-follower.”Since that situation emerged, Robert has been working with the school to put an end to detention.“Why would an educational institution have detention? That’s something you find in a prison,” she said. “Surely, we can be more creative and spend more effort to think of ways to respond to harms, other than just saying, ‘Go to detention!’”A New York native, Robert just began her first semester at KU. She is also executive director of Abolitionist Sanctuary, a “national faith-based coalition united against the moral crisis of mass incarceration and the criminalization of impoverished Black motherhood.”&nbsp;Her research focuses on ethics.Robert continues to explore ways of replacing punishment in educational settings with something more effective and humane. Noting KU’s “rich legacy of racial integration in sports that coincides with an impactful history in the town of Lawrence and abolitionist movements,” she hopes to build a course, and possibly a conference, which connects the university with local community organizers in order to double-down on the commitment to building abolitionist sanctuaries in education.“Punishment is just the easy way out. But to get to the root problem requires creativity. It requires community. How do we come together and think about solutions so that we can repair the harms, restore the relationships and rebuild a more just and equitable system where everyone can thrive?” she said.“I don’t think prisons are fixable, but I hope schools are.”

Reliance on student punishment in schools needs reconsideration, KU professor argues

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The one person who showed up to speak during Thursday's public hearing on the 2024 proposed budget for the city of Hays requested a reduction in the mill levy of a couple mills.

Ken Kennedy has made the same request of the Ellis County Commission and Hays USD 489 school board.

Kennedy is most concerned about his total tax bill and a large increase in valuation, which has been the case the past few years.

But it's the county and state that set property valuations; the city has nothing to do with the process.

Commissioners unanimously approved the 2024 budget and its 25 mill levy, which has remained the same for the past 15 years.&nbsp;

Assessed valuation is up 12% for the city. The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2eac70a2-defb-441a-b6ec-ebd4a44fd068">mill levy for USD 489 will go down, but the increase in valuations means higher taxes</a> for school district patrons.&nbsp;

Lowering the mill levy "is easier said than done," said Shaun Musil, mayor. "But don't think your comments have fallen on deaf ears. I've had many people ask why can't we do the cut."

Musil, owner of the Paisley Pear, Wine Bar, and Market in downtown Hays, agreed with Kennedy that "as a resident, as a business owner, we're all feeling it right now."

Musil, along with the other four commissioners, each said they're pleased with the budget and the scrutiny that goes into it by department heads and city staff.

"I think there's some efficiencies we can find but I also think you guys run very good organization here," Musil said.&nbsp;

"(Maybe) we can find a little bit to cut; I think we can. But I don't want to put the commission five years down the road in dire need."

"I look at this budget very closely every year. ... I wish we could cut across the board," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor. "But I also know how important services are in this community, how important it is to economic development, how important it is when we're attracting businesses and people to this community. 

"It's a scale that needs to be balanced very carefully."

Musil noted that Hays is one of just a few communities in northwestern Kansas that is growing.&nbsp;

Commissioner Reese Barrick talked about the R-9 Ranch long-term water project, its big costs, and the need to add two employee positions.

 "Normally, we wouldn't be hiring more employees, but it's going to benefit the whole community," Barrick said.&nbsp;

Barrick also talked about the city's strategy of paying cash for big projects.

"We're avoiding bonding and bigger (mill) increases by keeping roads paved and sewers cleaned out."&nbsp;

Toby Dougherty, city manager, commended the commissioners on their approach to finances.&nbsp;

"Funding reserves, paying for things with cash, staying proactive, those are important," said Dougherty.

In other business, commissioners also approved a resolution for setting a public hearing Oct. 26 for establishment of a tax increment financing district, known as a TIF, for a new travel plaza to be built by Triplett, Inc., Salina, just north of the Interstate 70 Exit 157.

The developer will also be asking the city for a community improvement district and industrial revenue bonds for the project, expected to be completed in the spring of 2025.

The 9,000 square foot travel plaza and convenience store to be operated under the 24-7 Travel Store brand will include 12 gas fuel positions and five diesel fuel positions, electric vehicle charging stations, a restaurant in the travel plaza, a dog park, and RV overnight camp sites.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays City Commission passes 2024 budget" 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=tmp8f-14a84b0-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><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694826982559.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe one person who showed up to speak during Thursday's public hearing on the 2024 proposed budget for the city of Hays requested a reduction in the mill levy of a couple mills.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694797878087.jpeg" alt="Ken Kennedy" />
 <figcaption>Ken Kennedy</figcaption>
 </figure>Ken Kennedy has made the same request of the Ellis County Commission and Hays USD 489 school board.Kennedy is most concerned about his total tax bill and a large increase in valuation, which has been the case the past few years.But it's the county and state that set property valuations; the city has nothing to do with the process.Commissioners unanimously approved the 2024 budget and its 25 mill levy, which has remained the same for the past 15 years.&nbsp;Assessed valuation is up 12% for the city. The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2eac70a2-defb-441a-b6ec-ebd4a44fd068">mill levy for USD 489 will go down, but the increase in valuations means higher taxes</a> for school district patrons.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V4erEj3uPR4" title="Hays 2024 budget hearing" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Lowering the mill levy "is easier said than done," said Shaun Musil, mayor. "But don't think your comments have fallen on deaf ears. I've had many people ask why can't we do the cut."Musil, owner of the Paisley Pear, Wine Bar, and Market in downtown Hays, agreed with Kennedy that "as a resident, as a business owner, we're all feeling it right now."Musil, along with the other four commissioners, each said they're pleased with the budget and the scrutiny that goes into it by department heads and city staff."I think there's some efficiencies we can find but I also think you guys run very good organization here," Musil said.&nbsp;"(Maybe) we can find a little bit to cut; I think we can. But I don't want to put the commission five years down the road in dire need.""I look at this budget very closely every year. ... I wish we could cut across the board," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor. "But I also know how important services are in this community, how important it is to economic development, how important it is when we're attracting businesses and people to this community. "It's a scale that needs to be balanced very carefully."Musil noted that Hays is one of just a few communities in northwestern Kansas that is growing.&nbsp;Commissioner Reese Barrick talked about the R-9 Ranch long-term water project, its big costs, and the need to add two employee positions. "Normally, we wouldn't be hiring more employees, but it's going to benefit the whole community," Barrick said.&nbsp;Barrick also talked about the city's strategy of paying cash for big projects."We're avoiding bonding and bigger (mill) increases by keeping roads paved and sewers cleaned out."&nbsp;Toby Dougherty, city manager, commended the commissioners on their approach to finances.&nbsp;"Funding reserves, paying for things with cash, staying proactive, those are important," said Dougherty.In other business, commissioners also approved a resolution for setting a public hearing Oct. 26 for establishment of a tax increment financing district, known as a TIF, for a new travel plaza to be built by Triplett, Inc., Salina, just north of the Interstate 70 Exit 157.The developer will also be asking the city for a community improvement district and industrial revenue bonds for the project, expected to be completed in the spring of 2025.The 9,000 square foot travel plaza and convenience store to be operated under the 24-7 Travel Store brand will include 12 gas fuel positions and five diesel fuel positions, electric vehicle charging stations, a restaurant in the travel plaza, a dog park, and RV overnight camp sites.&nbsp;

🎙🎥 Hays city commissioners approve 2024 budget; mill levy remains unchanged

TOPEKA — Whether you’re looking to cycle from one county to the next or across the entire state, the new 2023-2025 Kansas Bicycle Map has a lot to offer those planning a short trip or a long ride.

“The revised map has new features such as a focus on rail-trails, Kansas Tourism resources, and information on the recently published Kansas Active Transportation Plan,” said KDOT’s Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer. “This map provides information for cyclists of all levels of experience as well as community advocates wanting to develop and improve trails and paths in their areas.”

The 2023-25 map includes a state map showing daily traffic volumes, county roads, rest areas, bike shops, byways, state parks, bicycle routes across Kansas, and also includes:

• Kansas Rails-Trails revised map and infographic&nbsp; • Section on Sharing the Trail • Information on Kansas Tourism Cycling resources • Information on Kansas Active Transportation Plan • S. Bicycle Routes 76 and 66 information • Table of state recreation areas and amenities • State bicycle laws

Maps and cards with bicycle safety tips are available free of charge on the Kansas Bicycle Map webpage -&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtzZG90Lmdvdi9idXJlYXVzL2J1clJhaWwvYmlrZS9rc2JpY3ljbGVtYXAuYXNwP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MTcuODEyNTU3NTEifQ.obR9mFIW8N0y0taVbQNuz0oL09FFjQqKa5ExvQ5LRoc/s/1410649012/br/224387148090-l" target="_blank">KSBicycleMap (ksdot.gov)</a>&nbsp;This page also includes links to an interactive bicycle map and several city maps.

For more information or to order maps by email or phone, please email KATE@ks.gov or call 785-296-5186.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694183179760.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy KDOT" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KDOT</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTTOPEKA — Whether you’re looking to cycle from one county to the next or across the entire state, the new 2023-2025 Kansas Bicycle Map has a lot to offer those planning a short trip or a long ride.“The revised map has new features such as a focus on rail-trails, Kansas Tourism resources, and information on the recently published Kansas Active Transportation Plan,” said KDOT’s Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer. “This map provides information for cyclists of all levels of experience as well as community advocates wanting to develop and improve trails and paths in their areas.”The 2023-25 map includes a state map showing daily traffic volumes, county roads, rest areas, bike shops, byways, state parks, bicycle routes across Kansas, and also includes:• Kansas Rails-Trails revised map and infographic&nbsp; • Section on Sharing the Trail • Information on Kansas Tourism Cycling resources • Information on Kansas Active Transportation Plan • S. Bicycle Routes 76 and 66 information • Table of state recreation areas and amenities • State bicycle lawsMaps and cards with bicycle safety tips are available free of charge on the Kansas Bicycle Map webpage -&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtzZG90Lmdvdi9idXJlYXVzL2J1clJhaWwvYmlrZS9rc2JpY3ljbGVtYXAuYXNwP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MTcuODEyNTU3NTEifQ.obR9mFIW8N0y0taVbQNuz0oL09FFjQqKa5ExvQ5LRoc/s/1410649012/br/224387148090-l" target="_blank">KSBicycleMap (ksdot.gov)</a>&nbsp;This page also includes links to an interactive bicycle map and several city maps.For more information or to order maps by email or phone, please email KATE@ks.gov or call 785-296-5186.

Hays bike routes included in new Kansas Bicycle Map info

Wheat streak mosaic virus could be problematic this coming season, with rainfall and hail events around the state. 

One of the best preventative measures for wheat streak is the control of volunteer wheat early and often after harvest. If volunteer wheat is allowed to stand, it creates a “green bridge”, allowing wheat streak mosaic and wheat curl mites to survive locally. Volunteer wheat should be terminated at least two weeks prior to planting to allow sufficient time for mites to die off. Growers should be mindful of volunteer wheat that may “hide” in double-cropped soybeans or cover crops.

Breaking the “green bridge” - wheat curl mites will move off growing wheat as the green tissue dries down and dies. After moving off the existing wheat at or near harvest time, the mites need to find green tissue of a suitable host soon or they will die (death of the whole population will take approximately two weeks).

Management with genetic resistance: One tool in the toolbox -other than timely control of volunteer wheat, genetic resistance is also an important tool for WSMV control. Genetic resistance to wheat streak mosaic can also reduce the risk of severe disease problems. There are currently several that have wheat streak mosaic resistance.

Some of these varieties have a gene named WSM2. These resistance genes help but have some serious limitations. For example, they are effective against wheat streak mosaic virus, but not against triticum mosaic or wheat mosaic virus (high plains disease), two other viral diseases spread by wheat curl mites, sometimes simultaneously. The resistance conferred by WSM2 is also temperature sensitive and is much less effective at high temperatures

Although resistance in a few varieties seem to endure greater temperatures before breaking down (~ 70º F). If wheat is planted early for grazing or if high temperatures persist into October, the resistance is much less effective.

In addition, there are a handful of varieties with resistance to the wheat curl mite. These varieties remain susceptible to viral diseases, but they generally slow the development of the mite populations in the fall. This resistance can help reduce the risk of severe disease but will not provide enough protection if wheat is planted in close proximity to volunteer wheat or other hosts infested with large populations of the curl mites and virus.

Unfortunately, many of these varieties are adapted to western Kansas and may not be the best options for production systems in the central corridor. There are some central Kansas-adapted&nbsp;varieties that tolerate WSMV infection better than others. These varieties will still show symptoms of WSMV, but may yield better than other varieties that are more susceptible. 

More information on variety selection can be found at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>. Click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics. Also the full version of this abbreviated article is listed there too.

Other hosts for the wheat curl mite -volunteer wheat is not the only host of the wheat curl mite. Over the years, multiple research studies have evaluated the suitability of wild grasses as hosts for both the curl mite and the wheat streak virus. 

The K-State Research and Extension publication, MF3383 - Wheat Streak Mosaic, includes information about grassy weed hosts of the mite and virus, and the contribution of these hosts to the risk of severe wheat streak mosaic infections. Take note of significant stands of these grasses in marginal areas and control them as you would volunteer wheat.

If volunteer wheat and other hosts are not controlled throughout the summer and become infested with wheat curl mites, the mites will survive until fall and could infest newly planted wheat. Wheat curl mite infestations of wheat often lead to wheat streak mosaic infections.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You may contact him by e-mail at&nbsp;scampbel@ksu.edu&nbsp;or by calling 785-628-9430.

<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>Wheat streak mosaic virus could be problematic this coming season, with rainfall and hail events around the state. One of the best preventative measures for wheat streak is the control of volunteer wheat early and often after harvest. If volunteer wheat is allowed to stand, it creates a “green bridge”, allowing wheat streak mosaic and wheat curl mites to survive locally. Volunteer wheat should be terminated at least two weeks prior to planting to allow sufficient time for mites to die off. Growers should be mindful of volunteer wheat that may “hide” in double-cropped soybeans or cover crops.Breaking the “green bridge” - wheat curl mites will move off growing wheat as the green tissue dries down and dies. After moving off the existing wheat at or near harvest time, the mites need to find green tissue of a suitable host soon or they will die (death of the whole population will take approximately two weeks).Management with genetic resistance: One tool in the toolbox -other than timely control of volunteer wheat, genetic resistance is also an important tool for WSMV control. Genetic resistance to wheat streak mosaic can also reduce the risk of severe disease problems. There are currently several that have wheat streak mosaic resistance.Some of these varieties have a gene named WSM2. These resistance genes help but have some serious limitations. For example, they are effective against wheat streak mosaic virus, but not against triticum mosaic or wheat mosaic virus (high plains disease), two other viral diseases spread by wheat curl mites, sometimes simultaneously. The resistance conferred by WSM2 is also temperature sensitive and is much less effective at high temperaturesAlthough resistance in a few varieties seem to endure greater temperatures before breaking down (~ 70º F). If wheat is planted early for grazing or if high temperatures persist into October, the resistance is much less effective.In addition, there are a handful of varieties with resistance to the wheat curl mite. These varieties remain susceptible to viral diseases, but they generally slow the development of the mite populations in the fall. This resistance can help reduce the risk of severe disease but will not provide enough protection if wheat is planted in close proximity to volunteer wheat or other hosts infested with large populations of the curl mites and virus.Unfortunately, many of these varieties are adapted to western Kansas and may not be the best options for production systems in the central corridor. There are some central Kansas-adapted&nbsp;varieties that tolerate WSMV infection better than others. These varieties will still show symptoms of WSMV, but may yield better than other varieties that are more susceptible. More information on variety selection can be found at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>. Click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics. Also the full version of this abbreviated article is listed there too.Other hosts for the wheat curl mite -volunteer wheat is not the only host of the wheat curl mite. Over the years, multiple research studies have evaluated the suitability of wild grasses as hosts for both the curl mite and the wheat streak virus. The K-State Research and Extension publication, MF3383 - Wheat Streak Mosaic, includes information about grassy weed hosts of the mite and virus, and the contribution of these hosts to the risk of severe wheat streak mosaic infections. Take note of significant stands of these grasses in marginal areas and control them as you would volunteer wheat.If volunteer wheat and other hosts are not controlled throughout the summer and become infested with wheat curl mites, the mites will survive until fall and could infest newly planted wheat. Wheat curl mite infestations of wheat often lead to wheat streak mosaic infections.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You may contact him by e-mail at&nbsp;scampbel@ksu.edu&nbsp;or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Wheat streak mosaic virus: control of volunteer is crucial

Fort Hays State University’s Science Café for September is set for Monday, Sept. 25.

The monthly presentation, entitled&nbsp;“Eclipses: The How, Why, and Where of these Events,”&nbsp;is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute, will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine, Hays.

Dean Stramel, adjunct instructor of chemistry in the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, will talk about the upcoming eclipses over North America. Come and learn all you need to know about the two upcoming solar eclipses and how to safely view them.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJA-2FRUw-2ByJrGKrddNmCdIWEfTBpspPlB6ppskQEpkJ2dLdLhh_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbn8u6euLK9ZS7pmWmWbtjYoJP5lkZDdbuFnUmph4DxSpU3Y7U8149eC4FgcdMhCxgZ8FHMwYf-2FuWwaQdi0kyceVhcSjPoXk7-2BorKaRZem2razN1iPtKG6oFaeBZIp4LzvQmm7ep48X0C0EQCdaXKlak69O5co7YGG8dZnz7xiaJo0J0Qk7La-2FQELp-2Fquh6-2BclhZG34MlzHkiI6KejOnXirFGsCYNMCWPuOWVl3qYuKqNdxdsD44coIuRSlajIXnomwmcBr29z9TZD2DRRCBKfmQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">www.x.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJM9yMLtcQHFVzIgvo7vtXsa2lh-2FFmlw1B0utYEX-2F-2BAl65ttfmJSIa8vOh5ZwyxplYg-3D-3DydL7_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbn8u6euLK9ZS7pmWmWbtjYoJP5lkZDdbuFnUmph4DxSpU3Y7U8149eC4FgcdMhCxgZ8FHMwYf-2FuWwaQdi0kyceVre6gUB2m-2FHtkGPsz-2FO3rUiLjDjS8N2CcovIw3kLyMz92zoGBb7IsZpLUB2OVcR2MeOa2Q05VDq2IIAStY-2FYppMWHp30kFva3qrXUDZ1rHjmxMiyx9bxaumgge7gKOYhIu4vz0GpqiK-2BznhlGrUSs-2BmKb04rubTcGhv9CrDjx1SNJMbANGQ1PmdiSoyNtDJOQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694623029552.jpeg" alt="FHSU SMEI" />
 <figcaption>FHSU SMEI</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s Science Café for September is set for Monday, Sept. 25.The monthly presentation, entitled&nbsp;“Eclipses: The How, Why, and Where of these Events,”&nbsp;is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute, will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine, Hays.Dean Stramel, adjunct instructor of chemistry in the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, will talk about the upcoming eclipses over North America. Come and learn all you need to know about the two upcoming solar eclipses and how to safely view them.Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJIbWkKLWq-2BAH9EOMnpKiWtF21cgruX7hnOpjSWWak0MVxoDK_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbn8u6euLK9ZS7pmWmWbtjYoJP5lkZDdbuFnUmph4DxSpU3Y7U8149eC4FgcdMhCxgZ8FHMwYf-2FuWwaQdi0kyceZ8SqSwK79Y4wtI2xkHvTSssVTnAqd1U3dJLAS4R13oRfuenEIlnzMShyIrPZgm4ym9u8Lr8GeHHi0SI1TdkHfyUd9tNFYwhFFIw2VbV3-2Ft5ePELzMAVELvVmh8n5t5t-2FKVSc-2Fwp-2Bp3Gu-2BxdiUtiQO8STMaFSdsV5KicVpLflFkMRLZmkreETi0RN7nSr2d9TQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a><a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJA-2FRUw-2ByJrGKrddNmCdIWEfTBpspPlB6ppskQEpkJ2dLdLhh_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbn8u6euLK9ZS7pmWmWbtjYoJP5lkZDdbuFnUmph4DxSpU3Y7U8149eC4FgcdMhCxgZ8FHMwYf-2FuWwaQdi0kyceVhcSjPoXk7-2BorKaRZem2razN1iPtKG6oFaeBZIp4LzvQmm7ep48X0C0EQCdaXKlak69O5co7YGG8dZnz7xiaJo0J0Qk7La-2FQELp-2Fquh6-2BclhZG34MlzHkiI6KejOnXirFGsCYNMCWPuOWVl3qYuKqNdxdsD44coIuRSlajIXnomwmcBr29z9TZD2DRRCBKfmQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">www.x.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a><a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJM9yMLtcQHFVzIgvo7vtXsa2lh-2FFmlw1B0utYEX-2F-2BAl65ttfmJSIa8vOh5ZwyxplYg-3D-3DydL7_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbn8u6euLK9ZS7pmWmWbtjYoJP5lkZDdbuFnUmph4DxSpU3Y7U8149eC4FgcdMhCxgZ8FHMwYf-2FuWwaQdi0kyceVre6gUB2m-2FHtkGPsz-2FO3rUiLjDjS8N2CcovIw3kLyMz92zoGBb7IsZpLUB2OVcR2MeOa2Q05VDq2IIAStY-2FYppMWHp30kFva3qrXUDZ1rHjmxMiyx9bxaumgge7gKOYhIu4vz0GpqiK-2BznhlGrUSs-2BmKb04rubTcGhv9CrDjx1SNJMbANGQ1PmdiSoyNtDJOQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

FHSU’s first fall Science Café set for Sept. 25

<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/2023/9/1694791948433.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

By LAAH TUCKER Natoma American Legion Auxiliary

NATOMA — On the high plains of Kansas, the Natoma Labor Day annual celebration gives credence to the small rural community's support for God and country. 

Family and friends packed the newly restored American Legion Post 109 Hall to play free family bingo for an assortment of free prizes. Christmas gifts were also collected during the day for the annual Fort Dodge Soldiers Home December shopping event. 

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 continues to bring a myriad of programs for veterans, their families, children, youth, and community. The celebration day shines light on the community's American pioneer spirit. 

Enduring a recent major flood and devastating wildfires they are an excellent example of the Kansas motto “Ad Astra per Aspera,” meaning “to the stars through difficulties.” 

For information in joining the volunteer organization, contact Jenjer Murphy, Unit 109 president. 

American Legion Auxiliary "Thomas J. Hogan" Unit 109 hosted a free bingo afternoon event during the annual Natoma Labor Day Celebration in the newly restored Legion Post 109 Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Photograph and Storyline by Laah Tucker, American Legion Auxiliary, 785-885-8125&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694190309725.jpeg" alt="American Legion Auxiliary "Thomas J. Hogan" Unit 109 hosted a free bingo afternoon event during the annual Natoma Labor Day Celebration in the newly restored Legion Post 109 Hall. Photo by Laah Tucker" />
 <figcaption>American Legion Auxiliary "Thomas J. Hogan" Unit 109 hosted a free bingo afternoon event during the annual Natoma Labor Day Celebration in the newly restored Legion Post 109 Hall. Photo by Laah Tucker</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER Natoma American Legion AuxiliaryNATOMA — On the high plains of Kansas, the Natoma Labor Day annual celebration gives credence to the small rural community's support for God and country. Family and friends packed the newly restored American Legion Post 109 Hall to play free family bingo for an assortment of free prizes. Christmas gifts were also collected during the day for the annual Fort Dodge Soldiers Home December shopping event. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 continues to bring a myriad of programs for veterans, their families, children, youth, and community. The celebration day shines light on the community's American pioneer spirit. Enduring a recent major flood and devastating wildfires they are an excellent example of the Kansas motto “Ad Astra per Aspera,” meaning “to the stars through difficulties.” For information in joining the volunteer organization, contact Jenjer Murphy, Unit 109 president. American Legion Auxiliary "Thomas J. Hogan" Unit 109 hosted a free bingo afternoon event during the annual Natoma Labor Day Celebration in the newly restored Legion Post 109 Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Photograph and Storyline by Laah Tucker, American Legion Auxiliary, 785-885-8125&nbsp;&nbsp;

Natoma celebrates newly restored Legion Post 109 Hall

Midwest Energy Inc., is seeking a Real Estate Specialist!


The position will be responsible for securing easements, real estate purchases
and permits that establish access for the company to construct, modify and
maintain Company electric facilities and infrastructure.



The company is looking to locate this position in its Hays or Great Bend
offices, but other locations may be considered based on proximity to Midwest’s
electric service territory. 



An associate degree or post-secondary certification in real estate, engineering
technology, environmental science, land surveying, geographic information
systems, or another related field is required, however, experience may be
substituted for education. 



Applicants must have three years of relevant experience and prior experience
with an electric or natural gas company is helpful. 



Midwest Energy is a great company to work for, with excellent pay and benefits,
Blue Cross family medical and Delta family dental, vision/wellness plan, 401K
with generous match PLUS a company-funded pension plan!



For more details on the job requirements and responsibilities, visit
www.mwenergy.com/careers. 

The application deadline is Sept. 25, 2023. 

Interested candidates can apply at <a href="https://mwenergy.clearcompany.com/careers/jobs/bc29cbe5-cd2c-f154-1d0d-ad07b598b2ca/apply?source=2686299-CS-43286">https://mwenergy.clearcompany.com/careers/jobs/bc29cbe5-cd2c-f154-1d0d-ad07b598b2ca/apply?source=2686299-CS-43286</a>.


Midwest Energy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694117589955.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest EnergyMidwest Energy Inc., is seeking a Real Estate Specialist!
The position will be responsible for securing easements, real estate purchases
and permits that establish access for the company to construct, modify and
maintain Company electric facilities and infrastructure.

The company is looking to locate this position in its Hays or Great Bend
offices, but other locations may be considered based on proximity to Midwest’s
electric service territory. 

An associate degree or post-secondary certification in real estate, engineering
technology, environmental science, land surveying, geographic information
systems, or another related field is required, however, experience may be
substituted for education. 

Applicants must have three years of relevant experience and prior experience
with an electric or natural gas company is helpful. 

Midwest Energy is a great company to work for, with excellent pay and benefits,
Blue Cross family medical and Delta family dental, vision/wellness plan, 401K
with generous match PLUS a company-funded pension plan!

For more details on the job requirements and responsibilities, visit
www.mwenergy.com/careers. The application deadline is Sept. 25, 2023. 

Interested candidates can apply at <a href="https://mwenergy.clearcompany.com/careers/jobs/bc29cbe5-cd2c-f154-1d0d-ad07b598b2ca/apply?source=2686299-CS-43286">https://mwenergy.clearcompany.com/careers/jobs/bc29cbe5-cd2c-f154-1d0d-ad07b598b2ca/apply?source=2686299-CS-43286</a>.
Midwest Energy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Fossil Lake in Russell on algae watch list; Ellis City Lake removed

TMP-Marian (2-0, 2-0 MCL) vs Plainville (0-2, 0-2 MCL) Friday, September 15 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595454">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs look for their second-straight 3-0
start Friday night when they host the Plainville Cardinals for Homecoming in a
Mid-Continent League showdown.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field in Hays. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

The Monarchs are coming off a pair of convincing wins,
including a dominant win over the Ellis Railroaders.

Plainville is still looking for their first win of the
season after coming up short last week against Russell.

TMP has won three straight games against Plainville and
leads the all-time series 8-7 with the first meeting dating all the way back to
1926.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (2-0, 2-0 MCL) vs Plainville (0-2, 0-2 MCL) Friday, September 15 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595454">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs look for their second-straight 3-0
start Friday night when they host the Plainville Cardinals for Homecoming in a
Mid-Continent League showdown.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field in Hays. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.The Monarchs are coming off a pair of convincing wins,
including a dominant win over the Ellis Railroaders.Plainville is still looking for their first win of the
season after coming up short last week against Russell.TMP has won three straight games against Plainville and
leads the all-time series 8-7 with the first meeting dating all the way back to
1926.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595454?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏈🎥 TMP hosts MCL rival Plainville for Homecoming

#3 Hays High (2-0, 1-0 WAC) at No. 3 Manhattan (2-0, 1-0 CL) Friday, September 15 - 7 p.m. Manhattan, Kan. – Bishop Stadium Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595462">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians travel to Manhattan Friday night for a
battle of ranked teams.

The Manhattan Indians are ranked third this week in class 6A
while the Hays High Indians are third in class 5A.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Bishop Stadium in Manhattan.
Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.

Both teams are coming off wins in the first two weeks of the
season and are 2-0 to start the season.

Hays and Manhattan have played five prior times. The Indians
from Hays High have been on the short end of the scoreboard each time. The two
played from 1973 through 1976 before picking the series back up last season.

The closest game between the two was the first in 1973, which Manhattan won 7-0.
There are nine teams that Hays has played but never beat. For five of those, there
was more than one game played. Hays is 0-5 versus Manhattan, 0-3 versus
Hutchinson and 0-2 against Blue Valley (2006-2007), Wamego (2016-2017),
and…Smith Center…two games played in 1933 and 1934.&nbsp;

The sixth game in this series between Hays and Manhattan puts
it into a tie with games played against Ellsworth. &nbsp;The Indians last
played the Bearcats in 1936.

Ellsworth pretty much owned the series. Hays won
the first game in 1921…we could not locate a score for the 1922 game…the
Ellsworth team won the next four games 10-0 in 1923, 13-6, in 1924…7-6 in 1935 and
12-6 in 1936.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>#3 Hays High (2-0, 1-0 WAC) at No. 3 Manhattan (2-0, 1-0 CL) Friday, September 15 - 7 p.m. Manhattan, Kan. – Bishop Stadium Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595462">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians travel to Manhattan Friday night for a
battle of ranked teams.The Manhattan Indians are ranked third this week in class 6A
while the Hays High Indians are third in class 5A.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Bishop Stadium in Manhattan.
Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.Both teams are coming off wins in the first two weeks of the
season and are 2-0 to start the season.Hays and Manhattan have played five prior times. The Indians
from Hays High have been on the short end of the scoreboard each time. The two
played from 1973 through 1976 before picking the series back up last season.The closest game between the two was the first in 1973, which Manhattan won 7-0.
There are nine teams that Hays has played but never beat. For five of those, there
was more than one game played. Hays is 0-5 versus Manhattan, 0-3 versus
Hutchinson and 0-2 against Blue Valley (2006-2007), Wamego (2016-2017),
and…Smith Center…two games played in 1933 and 1934.&nbsp;The sixth game in this series between Hays and Manhattan puts
it into a tie with games played against Ellsworth. &nbsp;The Indians last
played the Bearcats in 1936.Ellsworth pretty much owned the series. Hays won
the first game in 1921…we could not locate a score for the 1922 game…the
Ellsworth team won the next four games 10-0 in 1923, 13-6, in 1924…7-6 in 1935 and
12-6 in 1936.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595462?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏈🎥 Hays travels to Manhattan for battle of ranked teams

Ellis County was stable in August compared to July at 2.4 percent.

Rooks County's unemployment rate dropped by .2 percent, and Trego County's rate also decreased slightly by .4 percent.

Overall unemployment in northwest Kansas remains low, ranging from 2 to 3 percent as reported by the Kansas Department of Labor report released Friday. The exception was Decatur County, which reported a 4.3 percent unemployment rate in August.

Preliminary estimates for the entire state reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Aug2023%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.7 percent in August. This is unchanged from 2.7 percent in July and a decrease from 2.8 percent in August 2022.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 4,100 from July. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Aug2023%20SA%20PrivateEmpl%20Chart%20File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a>&nbsp;decreased by 2,700 over the month, while government decreased by 1,400.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694790951463.png" alt="Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Labor&nbsp;Ellis County was stable in August compared to July at 2.4 percent.Rooks County's unemployment rate dropped by .2 percent, and Trego County's rate also decreased slightly by .4 percent.Overall unemployment in northwest Kansas remains low, ranging from 2 to 3 percent as reported by the Kansas Department of Labor report released Friday. The exception was Decatur County, which reported a 4.3 percent unemployment rate in August.Preliminary estimates for the entire state reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Aug2023%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.7 percent in August. This is unchanged from 2.7 percent in July and a decrease from 2.8 percent in August 2022.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 4,100 from July. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Aug2023%20SA%20PrivateEmpl%20Chart%20File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a>&nbsp;decreased by 2,700 over the month, while government decreased by 1,400.

Unemployment rate stable in Ellis County in August

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;101.9 The Bull's Dustin Armbruster speaks with Lauren Corzine about their upcoming show, RED, A Taylor Swift Tribute, coming to Hays Sept. 15.

<div><iframe title="RED: A Taylor Swift tribute show comes to Hays" 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=kcret-14a82f3-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>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;101.9 The Bull's Dustin Armbruster speaks with Lauren Corzine about their upcoming show, RED, A Taylor Swift Tribute, coming to Hays Sept. 15.

🎙 Post Podcast: RED, A Taylor Swift Tribute comes to Hays Sept. 15

Thursday, area residents came together to allow children of all ages the opportunity to explore their favorite vehicles during USD 489 Early Childhood Connections' Go Truck Go.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795368293.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday, area residents came together to allow children of all ages the opportunity to explore their favorite vehicles during USD 489 Early Childhood Connections' Go Truck Go.Take a look at some of the fun below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795407644.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795416810.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795426696.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795437860.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795447658.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795457206.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795478558.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795488665.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795499202.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795509156.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694795519505.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
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 📷 Area children explore vehicles of all types during Go Truck Go

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The festival, which has been conducted in Topeka, is having a second day of activities from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday on the quad of the Fort Hays State University campus. This is the first year the festival has had events in western Kansas.

If the weather is inclement (rain, excess heat or wind) the event will move inside to the ballroom of the FHSU Union.

Many of the authors who will be attending the festival in Topeka on Saturday will travel to Hays the next day for the Kansas Book Fest West.

The event is designed to have activities and feature literature for all ages, including children. The event will have fun literacy-building games for children, food trucks, music, the Hays Public Library Bookmobile, books for sale and author readings.

Free books will be available through the Liberate Books Project. The Russell Speciality Books and Gifts will be on hand to sell books by the presenting authors as well as other books and related items.

FHSU's Creative Arts Society also will be participating with a focus on art in books.

 On Monday, FHSU is also hosting the Young Reader's Conference. Some authors will be participating in both events. The conference brings hundreds of third- through fifth-grade students to FHSU to promote reading and writing. Some authors also will be presenting at local schools as part of the conference.

"The goal is to have kids out here to have that opportunity to meet authors and know these books are created by real people with real experiences that are not too far from their own," said Carrie Tholstrup, an organizer of the event and FHSU faculty member.

Both events aim to boost an interest in reading among all ages, she said.

"Reading should be fun," she said. "It's not just a chore. It is an important skill. It's very important that we teach it in certain ways, but we also want it to be fun and is a way for students to connect their own experiences to the experiences of other people ... and to find passions."

Genres for Kansas Book Fest West include children's literature, non-fiction, fiction and poetry, and both Kansas authors and those from across the country.

Below is a complete list of all of the authors who will be attending the festival.

Mandy Kern is from the Cheyenne Bottoms area, and she will be reading from her book "Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet." Avocets, large water birds, can be spotted in the Cheyenne Bottoms near Great Bend.

Kate Benz is from South Dakota. She also will be presenting at 6 p.m. Monday in the Schmidt Community Commons of the Hays Public Library in addition to Book Fest. Benz's non-fiction stories are based in rural Kansas and discuss the plight of rural America.

Hannah Harrison of Oklahoma is a children's author. Sarah Broman Miller, one of the organizers of the festival and FHSU faculty member, said she was struck by Harrison's story about how she became a children's book author.

"When she was a child in elementary school, she fell in love with art," Broman Miller said.&nbsp; She found out very early that she had a special gift in drawing and writing stories. An elementary teacher told her, 'You know you can do this for a living.'"

Harrison&nbsp;decided at a very young age that was what she was going to do.

"That's why I wanted her to come to this, so she could encourage other students who just haven't found their niche yet," Broman Miller said. "This might be an avenue they could go down."

Violeta Cornett, author of "My Aunt Flor," is a children's author from Colby. She also will be reading at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday at the Hays Public Library.

Nancy McCabe of Pennsylvania will be sharing her young adult book "Vaulting Through Time."

Lindsay Metcalf of Concordia will be reading from her book "No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change." Her book is geared to children 5 through 9. She also will be speaking to O'Loughllin Elementary School students on Monday.

Janice Northerns will be presenting from her collection of poetry, "Some Electric Hum." She also will be meeting with FHSU English students on Monday.

Husband and wife Tim and Cathleen Bascom will be reading from their books. Both authors draw inspiration from the natural environment of with an eye toward prairie preservation.

Cathleen is an Episcopal bishop. Her novel is "Of Green Stuff Woven," which pits a group who wishes to preserve their rural Episcopal cathedral and the surrounding prairie in the face of a potential hotel development.

Tim Bascom is the author of a collection of stories on fathers and sons titled "Climbing Lessons: Stories of Fathers, Sons, and the Bond Between."

Jen Bailey's novel "Unexpecting" is the story of teens and their families dealing with an unexpected pregnancy.

Kathleen Wilford's "Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt," is a historical novel geared toward students in the middle grades. Wilford is from New Jersey.

This is the first year for the Kansas Book Fest West, but Broman Miller said she hopes the festival will become a regular event that grows.

&nbsp;Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread out on the grass in the quad.

Broman Miller said she would provide blankets under trees in the quad so children can look at or read books while their parents listen to readings or do other things at the festival.

Readings will be offered by the participating authors throughout the afternoon, with live music in between.

"What we really want is that one-on-one opportunity to meet authors," Tholstrup said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694632641753.jpg" alt="Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Kansas Book Fest is moving west.The festival, which has been conducted in Topeka, is having a second day of activities from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday on the quad of the Fort Hays State University campus. This is the first year the festival has had events in western Kansas.If the weather is inclement (rain, excess heat or wind) the event will move inside to the ballroom of the FHSU Union.Many of the authors who will be attending the festival in Topeka on Saturday will travel to Hays the next day for the Kansas Book Fest West.The event is designed to have activities and feature literature for all ages, including children. The event will have fun literacy-building games for children, food trucks, music, the Hays Public Library Bookmobile, books for sale and author readings.Free books will be available through the Liberate Books Project. The Russell Speciality Books and Gifts will be on hand to sell books by the presenting authors as well as other books and related items.Authors will be available to sign books.FHSU's Creative Arts Society also will be participating with a focus on art in books. On Monday, FHSU is also hosting the Young Reader's Conference. Some authors will be participating in both events. The conference brings hundreds of third- through fifth-grade students to FHSU to promote reading and writing. Some authors also will be presenting at local schools as part of the conference."The goal is to have kids out here to have that opportunity to meet authors and know these books are created by real people with real experiences that are not too far from their own," said Carrie Tholstrup, an organizer of the event and FHSU faculty member.Both events aim to boost an interest in reading among all ages, she said."Reading should be fun," she said. "It's not just a chore. It is an important skill. It's very important that we teach it in certain ways, but we also want it to be fun and is a way for students to connect their own experiences to the experiences of other people ... and to find passions."Genres for Kansas Book Fest West include children's literature, non-fiction, fiction and poetry, and both Kansas authors and those from across the country.Below is a complete list of all of the authors who will be attending the festival.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694621141200.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mandy Kern is from the Cheyenne Bottoms area, and she will be reading from her book "Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet." Avocets, large water birds, can be spotted in the Cheyenne Bottoms near Great Bend.Kate Benz is from South Dakota. She also will be presenting at 6 p.m. Monday in the Schmidt Community Commons of the Hays Public Library in addition to Book Fest. Benz's non-fiction stories are based in rural Kansas and discuss the plight of rural America.Hannah Harrison of Oklahoma is a children's author. Sarah Broman Miller, one of the organizers of the festival and FHSU faculty member, said she was struck by Harrison's story about how she became a children's book author."When she was a child in elementary school, she fell in love with art," Broman Miller said.&nbsp; She found out very early that she had a special gift in drawing and writing stories. An elementary teacher told her, 'You know you can do this for a living.'"Harrison&nbsp;decided at a very young age that was what she was going to do."That's why I wanted her to come to this, so she could encourage other students who just haven't found their niche yet," Broman Miller said. "This might be an avenue they could go down."Violeta Cornett, author of "My Aunt Flor," is a children's author from Colby. She also will be reading at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday at the Hays Public Library.Nancy McCabe of Pennsylvania will be sharing her young adult book "Vaulting Through Time."Lindsay Metcalf of Concordia will be reading from her book "No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change." Her book is geared to children 5 through 9. She also will be speaking to O'Loughllin Elementary School students on Monday.Janice Northerns will be presenting from her collection of poetry, "Some Electric Hum." She also will be meeting with FHSU English students on Monday.Husband and wife Tim and Cathleen Bascom will be reading from their books. Both authors draw inspiration from the natural environment of with an eye toward prairie preservation.Cathleen is an Episcopal bishop. Her novel is "Of Green Stuff Woven," which pits a group who wishes to preserve their rural Episcopal cathedral and the surrounding prairie in the face of a potential hotel development.Tim Bascom is the author of a collection of stories on fathers and sons titled "Climbing Lessons: Stories of Fathers, Sons, and the Bond Between."Jen Bailey's novel "Unexpecting" is the story of teens and their families dealing with an unexpected pregnancy.Kathleen Wilford's "Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt," is a historical novel geared toward students in the middle grades. Wilford is from New Jersey.This is the first year for the Kansas Book Fest West, but Broman Miller said she hopes the festival will become a regular event that grows.&nbsp;Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread out on the grass in the quad.Broman Miller said she would provide blankets under trees in the quad so children can look at or read books while their parents listen to readings or do other things at the festival.Readings will be offered by the participating authors throughout the afternoon, with live music in between."What we really want is that one-on-one opportunity to meet authors," Tholstrup said.

Kansas Book Fest West to bring in authors for afternoon of literacy games, readings

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that 27 cities across Kansas, including several in northwest Kansas, will receive a total of $22 million for projects to improve intersections and state highways extending through cities as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program.

“My administration is committed to preserving and improving Kansas highways by investing transportation dollars in the projects where they can do the most good,”&nbsp;said Kelly. “Thanks to our increasingly solid financial footing at the state and federal levels, Kansas is finding ways to solve problems and bring resources directly to communities across the state.”&nbsp;

KDOT was able to increase program funding for this selection cycle due to additional federal funds coming to Kansas as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation. The program will provide $5.1 million in state fiscal year 2025 and $16.9 million in state fiscal year 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both federal and state funds are designated for the program. Local matching funds are required based on city population.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In total for this cycle, KDOT received 60 applications requesting $53 million.&nbsp;

“Pooling resources is an excellent way for cities to maximize the benefits of additional funding for local transportation investments,”&nbsp;said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Investing in highways that also serve as city streets is a huge benefit to communities to improve safety and create a better environment for business activity.”&nbsp;

Projects can be submitted in three categories: Surface Preservation, which involves maintenance work such as resurfacing; Pavement Restoration, which includes full-depth pavement replacement and possibly drainage issues; and Geometric Improvement, which addresses turn lanes, intersection improvements, or modifications to lane configurations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the state fiscal year 2025, the city, category, and amount awarded program funds include:&nbsp;

For the fiscal year 2026, the city, category, and amount awarded program funds include:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684955618513.jpeg" alt="Photo by&nbsp; Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by&nbsp; Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that 27 cities across Kansas, including several in northwest Kansas, will receive a total of $22 million for projects to improve intersections and state highways extending through cities as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program.“My administration is committed to preserving and improving Kansas highways by investing transportation dollars in the projects where they can do the most good,”&nbsp;said Kelly. “Thanks to our increasingly solid financial footing at the state and federal levels, Kansas is finding ways to solve problems and bring resources directly to communities across the state.”&nbsp;KDOT was able to increase program funding for this selection cycle due to additional federal funds coming to Kansas as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation. The program will provide $5.1 million in state fiscal year 2025 and $16.9 million in state fiscal year 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both federal and state funds are designated for the program. Local matching funds are required based on city population.&nbsp;&nbsp;In total for this cycle, KDOT received 60 applications requesting $53 million.&nbsp;“Pooling resources is an excellent way for cities to maximize the benefits of additional funding for local transportation investments,”&nbsp;said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Investing in highways that also serve as city streets is a huge benefit to communities to improve safety and create a better environment for business activity.”&nbsp;Projects can be submitted in three categories: Surface Preservation, which involves maintenance work such as resurfacing; Pavement Restoration, which includes full-depth pavement replacement and possibly drainage issues; and Geometric Improvement, which addresses turn lanes, intersection improvements, or modifications to lane configurations.&nbsp;&nbsp;For the state fiscal year 2025, the city, category, and amount awarded program funds include:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694622210965.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For the fiscal year 2026, the city, category, and amount awarded program funds include:&nbsp;<figure>
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NW Kansas cities among those to receive KDOT grants for highway improvements

The Applied Technology Career Day, now in its eighth year at Fort Hays State University, brought a record number of 67 companies to campus to meet, discuss career opportunities, and interview applied technology students. A special addition to this year’s career fair was the participation of students from FHSU’s affiliation initiative partners NCK Tech and Northwest Tech.

FHSU’s strategic affiliation initiative with NCK Tech and Northwest Tech, announced last January, was launched to forge strong connections between the three institutions, their students, and the communities and businesses of western Kansas. 

Participation in the career fair enabled faculty and staff to develop new synergies and explore opportunities for collaboration.

“I think students from the affiliation schools are enjoying the day,” said Kim Stewart, FHSU’s Department of Applied Technology chair. “What I’m hoping is that they not only find some internships or full-time employment, but maybe we can entice them to see the other opportunities at Fort Hays as well.”

Mike Zimmerman, engineering technology instructor for Northwest Tech, saw many of those same advantages to bringing students, nine from engineering and six from construction technology, to the career fair. He said the fair served a dual purpose: finding pathways to jobs and internships and learning more about the opportunities FHSU can provide for bachelor's degrees leading to mid-level management and higher.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694633865763.jpeg" alt="The Applied Technology Career Day brought employers to the FHSU campus to present career opportunities to students from FHSU, NCK Tech and Northwest Tech. Photo by FHSU" />
 <figcaption>The Applied Technology Career Day brought employers to the FHSU campus to present career opportunities to students from FHSU, NCK Tech and Northwest Tech. Photo by FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsThe Applied Technology Career Day, now in its eighth year at Fort Hays State University, brought a record number of 67 companies to campus to meet, discuss career opportunities, and interview applied technology students. A special addition to this year’s career fair was the participation of students from FHSU’s affiliation initiative partners NCK Tech and Northwest Tech.FHSU’s strategic affiliation initiative with NCK Tech and Northwest Tech, announced last January, was launched to forge strong connections between the three institutions, their students, and the communities and businesses of western Kansas. Participation in the career fair enabled faculty and staff to develop new synergies and explore opportunities for collaboration.“I think students from the affiliation schools are enjoying the day,” said Kim Stewart, FHSU’s Department of Applied Technology chair. “What I’m hoping is that they not only find some internships or full-time employment, but maybe we can entice them to see the other opportunities at Fort Hays as well.”Mike Zimmerman, engineering technology instructor for Northwest Tech, saw many of those same advantages to bringing students, nine from engineering and six from construction technology, to the career fair. He said the fair served a dual purpose: finding pathways to jobs and internships and learning more about the opportunities FHSU can provide for bachelor's degrees leading to mid-level management and higher.“Fort Hays has different capabilities than we have, and we have different capabilities than Fort Hays,” Zimmerman said. “This gives us a chance to partner up. If there’s something we can help them with, we are glad to do it.”For Lucas Ward, Fort Collins, Colo., and Elijah Mills, Haigler, Neb., both civil engineering majors from NW Tech, the opportunity to meet potential employers was a motivating factor in coming to the career fair.“I’m looking at this from an ag background,” Mills said. “There are a lot of companies here that tie into my career path. It’s nice to explore the different possibilities with mechanical companies, integration with implements, and areas like that.”Eric Denault, associate professor of applied technology, said the successful placement of FHSU graduates could be attributed to activities such as the career fair. FHSU’s applied technology department boasts a 98 percent job placement rate.“These companies are looking for students as young as freshmen with little to no experience,” he said. “We have a lot of repeat interns. Some students will do internships their junior year, sign a letter of intent, return to complete their senior year, then graduate and work for that company.”Stewart said he looks forward to the career fair, which he has seen grow over its eight-year history, as a highly rewarding event each year.“It’s good when we can get students connected to so many businesses,” he said. “These companies are looking for hard-working young men and women. It’s a fun day when we get everybody in the same place, let them talk together, and make connections. This is what it’s all about.”