Federal lawmakers strive to undercut California production, marketing standards

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Refelctor</a>

TOPEKA — Independent cattle ranchers as well as family dairy and poultry farmers joined animal rights groups in opposition of legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas to block states and local jurisdictions from regulating production and distribution of agricultural products.

Marshall and Iowa U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, both Republicans and part of a coalition of lawmakers from major farm states, have taken the lead promoting the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/PAT23450.pdf">Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act, otherwise known as EATS. &nbsp;</a>It would establish federal law nullifying state or local statutes and regulations on animal welfare, public health and food safety capable of influencing agriculture practices nationwide.

Comparable legislation failed to gain congressional traction during the past decade, but momentum recently emerged after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld constitutionality of a California ballot measure to prohibit in that state the raising and selling of pork products sourced from hogs subjected to extreme confinement conditions.

Critics of that 5-4 court decision in May in National Pork Producers Council v. Ross said changes implemented in the massive California economy would unfairly influence agriculture practices across the country.

“Congress must act pursuant to its enumerated constitutional authority to ensure commerce between states involving agricultural products can continue uninterrupted,” said Shawn Tiffany, president of the Kansas Livestock Association. “Beef, dairy and pork producers in Kansas should not be forced to accommodate a patchwork of radical, unscientific state and local standards of production.”

Opponents of the federal legislation said Marshall’s campaign amounted to a massive federal government overreach that could cripple states’ rights and ravage local control while creating an opening for international corporations to squeeze out smaller U.S. producers.

The Organization for Competitive Markets, a Nebraska-based advocacy organization opposed to corporate consolidation of the U.S. food and agricultural sectors, denounced EATS. OCM argued deregulation would enable conglomerates to sidestep policies enacted for the benefit of family farmers. If EATS stripped away those guardrails, OCM says, Chinese companies would pose a greater threat to U.S. farming sovereignty.

“It’s a crying shame to see my senator, Roger Marshall, leading this assault on producers and states’ rights,” said Mike Schultz, founder of the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association and OCM’s senior vice president.

He said EATS was a “Trojan Horse designed to put family farmers out of business and give multinational conglomerates like JBS and Chinese-owned Smithfield an even greater advantage than they already have.”

Kitty Block, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States, said bipartisan opposition kept the origins of EATS out of the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. Block urged people to lobby federal officials to maintain that posture as the new Farm Bill took shape this fall.

“The EATS Act presents a shocking threat to animals, consumers, workers, the environment and states’ rights,” Block said. “Designed to wipe out state laws that ban the cruel immobilizing confinement of egg-laying hens, mother pigs and baby veal calves, it defies the common values consumers expect the food industry to uphold.”

The animal welfare organization also raised the prospect of EATS damaging protections against abusive puppy mills, the slaughtering animals in the fur trade and painful procedures tied to the cosmetic industry. Efforts to manage application of pesticides, protect against lead poisoning or arsenic in food and pollution from disposing of animal sewage could be threatened, the organization said.

Marshall and other federal lawmakers backing the bill view the conflict differently, arguing EATS would preserve the right of state and local governments to shield their jurisdictions from destabilizing agriculture regulations not of their making. The Kansas senator compared the influence of California’s ballot measure to protectionist countries imposing trade barriers on U.S. pork, beef and grain exports.

“The last thing we need is a big state like California imposing its will on ag-heavy states like Kansas with regulations that will also restrict our ability to trade among the states,” Marshall said. “This is a matter of states’ rights. If California wants to regulate agriculture in its own state, that’s fine, but California’s rules should not apply to Kansas.”

Hinson, the Iowa GOP lawmaker pressing for passage of the measure in the House, said Proposition 12 allowed “liberal lawmakers and radical activists in California, who don’t know the first thing about farming or raising animals, to regulate how farmers do their job, devastating small family farms and undermining food security.”

In 2018, California voters approved Proposition 12 by a margin of 63 percent to 37 percent. It would prohibit in-state production and marketing of pork raised with sows locked in narrow metal gestation crates akin to a bathtub. Under the new standard, pork producers would have to provide hogs big enough confined spaces to lie down, stand up and turn around. It also would require more living space for calves raised for veal and chickens laying eggs.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture said a court order suspending Proposition 12 enforcement would expire July 1. The agency said it would work with the agriculture industry to “discuss what is needed to achieve a smooth transition to compliance” with the animal care standards.

<h2>Federal lawmakers strive to undercut California production, marketing standards</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688393024884.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Independent livestock producers and animal-rights organizations both oppose federal legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, to thwart enforcement of state and local government restrictions on production and distribution of pork, beef and poultry products. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Independent livestock producers and animal-rights organizations both oppose federal legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, to thwart enforcement of state and local government restrictions on production and distribution of pork, beef and poultry products. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Refelctor</a>TOPEKA — Independent cattle ranchers as well as family dairy and poultry farmers joined animal rights groups in opposition of legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas to block states and local jurisdictions from regulating production and distribution of agricultural products.Marshall and Iowa U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, both Republicans and part of a coalition of lawmakers from major farm states, have taken the lead promoting the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/PAT23450.pdf">Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act, otherwise known as EATS. &nbsp;</a>It would establish federal law nullifying state or local statutes and regulations on animal welfare, public health and food safety capable of influencing agriculture practices nationwide.Comparable legislation failed to gain congressional traction during the past decade, but momentum recently emerged after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld constitutionality of a California ballot measure to prohibit in that state the raising and selling of pork products sourced from hogs subjected to extreme confinement conditions.Critics of that 5-4 court decision in May in National Pork Producers Council v. Ross said changes implemented in the massive California economy would unfairly influence agriculture practices across the country.“Congress must act pursuant to its enumerated constitutional authority to ensure commerce between states involving agricultural products can continue uninterrupted,” said Shawn Tiffany, president of the Kansas Livestock Association. “Beef, dairy and pork producers in Kansas should not be forced to accommodate a patchwork of radical, unscientific state and local standards of production.”<h2>‘A crying shame’</h2>Opponents of the federal legislation said Marshall’s campaign amounted to a massive federal government overreach that could cripple states’ rights and ravage local control while creating an opening for international corporations to squeeze out smaller U.S. producers.The Organization for Competitive Markets, a Nebraska-based advocacy organization opposed to corporate consolidation of the U.S. food and agricultural sectors, denounced EATS. OCM argued deregulation would enable conglomerates to sidestep policies enacted for the benefit of family farmers. If EATS stripped away those guardrails, OCM says, Chinese companies would pose a greater threat to U.S. farming sovereignty.“It’s a crying shame to see my senator, Roger Marshall, leading this assault on producers and states’ rights,” said Mike Schultz, founder of the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association and OCM’s senior vice president.He said EATS was a “Trojan Horse designed to put family farmers out of business and give multinational conglomerates like JBS and Chinese-owned Smithfield an even greater advantage than they already have.”Kitty Block, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States, said bipartisan opposition kept the origins of EATS out of the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. Block urged people to lobby federal officials to maintain that posture as the new Farm Bill took shape this fall.“The EATS Act presents a shocking threat to animals, consumers, workers, the environment and states’ rights,” Block said. “Designed to wipe out state laws that ban the cruel immobilizing confinement of egg-laying hens, mother pigs and baby veal calves, it defies the common values consumers expect the food industry to uphold.”The animal welfare organization also raised the prospect of EATS damaging protections against abusive puppy mills, the slaughtering animals in the fur trade and painful procedures tied to the cosmetic industry. Efforts to manage application of pesticides, protect against lead poisoning or arsenic in food and pollution from disposing of animal sewage could be threatened, the organization said.<h2>Matter of states’ rights</h2>Marshall and other federal lawmakers backing the bill view the conflict differently, arguing EATS would preserve the right of state and local governments to shield their jurisdictions from destabilizing agriculture regulations not of their making. The Kansas senator compared the influence of California’s ballot measure to protectionist countries imposing trade barriers on U.S. pork, beef and grain exports.“The last thing we need is a big state like California imposing its will on ag-heavy states like Kansas with regulations that will also restrict our ability to trade among the states,” Marshall said. “This is a matter of states’ rights. If California wants to regulate agriculture in its own state, that’s fine, but California’s rules should not apply to Kansas.”Hinson, the Iowa GOP lawmaker pressing for passage of the measure in the House, said Proposition 12 allowed “liberal lawmakers and radical activists in California, who don’t know the first thing about farming or raising animals, to regulate how farmers do their job, devastating small family farms and undermining food security.”In 2018, California voters approved Proposition 12 by a margin of 63 percent to 37 percent. It would prohibit in-state production and marketing of pork raised with sows locked in narrow metal gestation crates akin to a bathtub. Under the new standard, pork producers would have to provide hogs big enough confined spaces to lie down, stand up and turn around. It also would require more living space for calves raised for veal and chickens laying eggs.The California Department of Food and Agriculture said a court order suspending Proposition 12 enforcement would expire July 1. The agency said it would work with the agriculture industry to “discuss what is needed to achieve a smooth transition to compliance” with the animal care standards.

Family farmer, animal rights groups stick a fork in U.S. Sen. Marshall’s EATS legislation

ELLIS - Sheridan State Fishing Lake, a 42-acre public fishing impoundment located approximately 11 miles east of Hoxie, KS on U.S. HWY 24, is owned and managed by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The lake has provided quality fishing opportunities over the years. But, degradation of fish habitat and undesirable ecological interactions within and among fish species has resulted in an unbalanced fish community that currently offers limited quality angling opportunities.

Lake renovation is a conventional fisheries management action affording the opportunity for large-scale fish habitat enhancement and profound fish community restructuring. KDWP has begun the process of renovating the&nbsp; and specific actions planned are; fish community eradication and reestablishment, lake basin sediment removal and reshaping, fish habitat installation and enhancement, and shoreline erosion protection.

To facilitate renovation, the lake will be de-watered during July 2023 and kept dry into 2024. Coincident with dewatering, the lake will be opened to public fish salvage. The salvage will liberalize methods of take and remove fish harvest regulations enabling anglers maximum utilization of the existing fish population prior to eradication.&nbsp; The department will also salvage desirable sportfish from Sheridan State Fishing Lake and translocate them to other waters in western Kansas.

Once the lake is sufficiently dry to allow operation of excavation equipment, sediment removal and basin reshaping will occur. Sediment removal will increase lake volume and depth which will reduce the probability of excessive aquatic vegetation growth, increase&nbsp;water clarity, remove excess nutrients, and increase physical space for fish habitation. Lake basin reshaping will increase fish habitat availability by increasing diversity of bottom topography.

Upon completion of sediment removal and basin reshaping, rock piles and reefs accented with whole trees will be installed in strategic areas to increase fish habitat availability and diversity. Some sediment will be used to construct additional fishing piers to improve angling access. And the dam face and shorelines prone to wave action will be rip-rapped to protect from erosion and increase shoreline fish habitat availability.

Renovation is expected to be complete by 2025, but unforeseen weather and other complications may extend the operation. Once renovation is complete and the lake is allowed to begin refilling, KDWP will stock forage and sportfish to reestablish a quality angling opportunity in northwest Kansas.

KDWP management staff will hold a public information meeting regarding the SDSL renovation project at the Hoxie High School Auditorium, 1625 Queen Ave., Hoxie, KS 67740 on July 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

For more information contact Dave Spalsbury, district fisheries biologist at 785-726-3212.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688161346423.jpeg" alt="Sheridan State Fishing Lake near Hoxie. Photo by Kansas Tourism" />
 <figcaption>Sheridan State Fishing Lake near Hoxie. Photo by Kansas Tourism</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SPALSBURY KDWPELLIS - Sheridan State Fishing Lake, a 42-acre public fishing impoundment located approximately 11 miles east of Hoxie, KS on U.S. HWY 24, is owned and managed by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The lake has provided quality fishing opportunities over the years. But, degradation of fish habitat and undesirable ecological interactions within and among fish species has resulted in an unbalanced fish community that currently offers limited quality angling opportunities.Lake renovation is a conventional fisheries management action affording the opportunity for large-scale fish habitat enhancement and profound fish community restructuring. KDWP has begun the process of renovating the&nbsp; and specific actions planned are; fish community eradication and reestablishment, lake basin sediment removal and reshaping, fish habitat installation and enhancement, and shoreline erosion protection.To facilitate renovation, the lake will be de-watered during July 2023 and kept dry into 2024. Coincident with dewatering, the lake will be opened to public fish salvage. The salvage will liberalize methods of take and remove fish harvest regulations enabling anglers maximum utilization of the existing fish population prior to eradication.&nbsp; The department will also salvage desirable sportfish from Sheridan State Fishing Lake and translocate them to other waters in western Kansas.Once the lake is sufficiently dry to allow operation of excavation equipment, sediment removal and basin reshaping will occur. Sediment removal will increase lake volume and depth which will reduce the probability of excessive aquatic vegetation growth, increase&nbsp;water clarity, remove excess nutrients, and increase physical space for fish habitation. Lake basin reshaping will increase fish habitat availability by increasing diversity of bottom topography.Upon completion of sediment removal and basin reshaping, rock piles and reefs accented with whole trees will be installed in strategic areas to increase fish habitat availability and diversity. Some sediment will be used to construct additional fishing piers to improve angling access. And the dam face and shorelines prone to wave action will be rip-rapped to protect from erosion and increase shoreline fish habitat availability.Renovation is expected to be complete by 2025, but unforeseen weather and other complications may extend the operation. Once renovation is complete and the lake is allowed to begin refilling, KDWP will stock forage and sportfish to reestablish a quality angling opportunity in northwest Kansas.KDWP management staff will hold a public information meeting regarding the SDSL renovation project at the Hoxie High School Auditorium, 1625 Queen Ave., Hoxie, KS 67740 on July 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.For more information contact Dave Spalsbury, district fisheries biologist at 785-726-3212.

Sheridan State Fishing Lake to be renovated; meeting July 6

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON CFLE

Children do not grieve in the same way that adults do. That has been the experience of Ann G. Leiker, a retired social worker, who has spent more than 30 years helping people, including children, deal with grief and loss.

A free event is coming up on Saturday, July 22, to help children deal with the loss of a special person in their life. That person could be a sibling, parent, other family&nbsp;&nbsp;member, special teacher, or friend.

The “Summer Healing Kids’ Hearts Event” will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hays Aquatic Park, Fourth and Main in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Center for Life Experience, Inc., in Hays is sponsoring the event, which is open to children ages 6 through 11.

Leiker, who chaired the organizing committee, said, “Children express their grief more through their actions than words. They don’t have a lot of the language yet to express their grief adequately.

“So children often express their grief through creative, artistic behaviors,” she said. “Or, they may retreat into silence because they don’t want to upset their parents, who are dealing with grief themselves.

“Children are the forgotten mourners,” Leiker said. “It’s not deliberate on a family’s part. The family is just so overwhelmed by grief themselves.”

&nbsp;This event is designed to “allow time for children to bond with other children who have experienced a loss,” Leiker said.

Pre-registration is required by calling the center at (785) 259-6859 by Friday, July 14. Space is limited to 20 children.

Family members must check-in their children at 4 p.m. at the pavilion behind the Aquatic Park. If they wish, family members may return at 5:30 p.m. for a free taco dinner, sharing time, and swimming, Leiker said.

For children and family members who have pre-registered, a free taco bar dinner will be provided at 5:30 p.m. in the pavilion. The taco bar is being donated by Taco Grande in Hays. Registered children and family members&nbsp;will have time to swim in the pool afterwards.

The Center for Life Experience first started sponsoring a spring daylong “Healing Kids’ Hearts Retreat” in 2016. Over the years, the retreats have drawn children from across Central and Western Kansas. This is the first time the center has sponsored a shorter summer event for children. Leiker said next year’s retreat for children will be held in March 2024.

“Kids need to know what healthy grieving is. They can take their memories and create things—turn them into ways to honor their loved one,” she said.

In addition to Taco Grande, Leiker expressed her appreciation to the following for their help with the event: Hays Recreation Commission, volunteers with HaysMed Hospice, and ITC Great Plains, LLC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675817232243.jpeg" alt="Healing Kids' Hearts file photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Healing Kids' Hearts file photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON CFLEChildren do not grieve in the same way that adults do. That has been the experience of Ann G. Leiker, a retired social worker, who has spent more than 30 years helping people, including children, deal with grief and loss.A free event is coming up on Saturday, July 22, to help children deal with the loss of a special person in their life. That person could be a sibling, parent, other family&nbsp;&nbsp;member, special teacher, or friend.The “Summer Healing Kids’ Hearts Event” will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hays Aquatic Park, Fourth and Main in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Center for Life Experience, Inc., in Hays is sponsoring the event, which is open to children ages 6 through 11.Leiker, who chaired the organizing committee, said, “Children express their grief more through their actions than words. They don’t have a lot of the language yet to express their grief adequately.“So children often express their grief through creative, artistic behaviors,” she said. “Or, they may retreat into silence because they don’t want to upset their parents, who are dealing with grief themselves.“Children are the forgotten mourners,” Leiker said. “It’s not deliberate on a family’s part. The family is just so overwhelmed by grief themselves.”&nbsp;This event is designed to “allow time for children to bond with other children who have experienced a loss,” Leiker said.Pre-registration is required by calling the center at (785) 259-6859 by Friday, July 14. Space is limited to 20 children.Family members must check-in their children at 4 p.m. at the pavilion behind the Aquatic Park. If they wish, family members may return at 5:30 p.m. for a free taco dinner, sharing time, and swimming, Leiker said.For children and family members who have pre-registered, a free taco bar dinner will be provided at 5:30 p.m. in the pavilion. The taco bar is being donated by Taco Grande in Hays. Registered children and family members&nbsp;will have time to swim in the pool afterwards.The Center for Life Experience first started sponsoring a spring daylong “Healing Kids’ Hearts Retreat” in 2016. Over the years, the retreats have drawn children from across Central and Western Kansas. This is the first time the center has sponsored a shorter summer event for children. Leiker said next year’s retreat for children will be held in March 2024.“Kids need to know what healthy grieving is. They can take their memories and create things—turn them into ways to honor their loved one,” she said.In addition to Taco Grande, Leiker expressed her appreciation to the following for their help with the event: Hays Recreation Commission, volunteers with HaysMed Hospice, and ITC Great Plains, LLC.

Upcoming event designed to help area children deal with grief

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688397973815.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

🎥 Green and Growing: Bagworms

Free snow cone day July 27 courtesy Genoa Healthcare in Hays

Tim Herman starts his day early in the morning with a determination to make the best doughnuts in Hays.

Herman gives credit to his predecessors who have owned the shop. The Daylight Donuts in Hays has been in operation for 51 years.&nbsp;

Elmer Schmidt owned the shop between 1972 and 1975 before selling it to Elmer Hayes. Tim Herman’s father, Auggie Herman, then purchased the shop in 1977 and sold it to his son.&nbsp;

Tim Herman has been a part of Daylight Donuts for the last 40 years. He started working at the shop when he was 17.&nbsp;

During his time with the shop, Herman said the biggest challenge was in the early to mid-80s when the oil economy tanked, depriving many potential customers of their main source of income.&nbsp;

Despite all odds, Herman continues to be his own boss, which he said is his favorite part of running the doughnut shop.&nbsp;

Herman has active kids who play different sports like soccer, golf and basketball. He’s never missed any of their games.&nbsp;

“I could work my schedule around, you know, being my own boss and work my schedule around their activities,” he said.&nbsp;

Herman acknowledges the support from the Hays area and the usual customers that have been continuing to buy his freshly made doughnuts since he bought the place.

“I can not complain about the community. The community has been very good to me. In return, I think I give them a good product,” Herman said.

Hermand points out his long-time customers who have been supporting his work for the last 40 years.&nbsp;

“We've got several customers that have been coming in since I bought, you know since I've purchased the place,” he said. “A lot of them still get the same thing, show up at the same time and you know it's good to see people like that.”

The nearly two-hour process of Herman making his doughnuts starts with milled flour being shipped from Tulsa, Okla. Daylight Donuts started in Tulsa in 1954, Tulsa has the company's only plant today.

To make a morning's batch of doughnuts, Herman begins by mixing 8 pounds of water and 16 pounds of flour along with 4 ounces of yeast before cutting it into six pieces and letting them rest throughout the process.&nbsp;

Herman then puts the dough in a proof box for roughly 40 minutes before frying them at 270 to 380 degrees. After which, the doughnuts are ready to glaze, frost and cover in toppings.&nbsp;

Herman makes 28 to 30 dozen doughnuts per day.

He said the most popular doughnut among his customers is the Caramel Long John.

Herman, 63, said he would like to work several more years before he retires at which time he hopes to sell the business.

The independent doughnut shop is at 113 E. Eighth St. and operates from 5 to 11 a.m. every day of the week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687983267480.jpeg" alt="Daylight Donuts in Hays has been in operation for 51 years. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Daylight Donuts in Hays has been in operation for 51 years. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERREROHays Post Tim Herman starts his day early in the morning with a determination to make the best doughnuts in Hays.Herman gives credit to his predecessors who have owned the shop. The Daylight Donuts in Hays has been in operation for 51 years.&nbsp;Elmer Schmidt owned the shop between 1972 and 1975 before selling it to Elmer Hayes. Tim Herman’s father, Auggie Herman, then purchased the shop in 1977 and sold it to his son.&nbsp;Tim Herman has been a part of Daylight Donuts for the last 40 years. He started working at the shop when he was 17.&nbsp;During his time with the shop, Herman said the biggest challenge was in the early to mid-80s when the oil economy tanked, depriving many potential customers of their main source of income.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688059322084.jpeg" alt="Tim Herman, owner of Daylight Donuts in Hays makes 28 to 30 dozen doughnuts each morning. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tim Herman, owner of Daylight Donuts in Hays makes 28 to 30 dozen doughnuts each morning. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite all odds, Herman continues to be his own boss, which he said is his favorite part of running the doughnut shop.&nbsp;Herman has active kids who play different sports like soccer, golf and basketball. He’s never missed any of their games.&nbsp;“I could work my schedule around, you know, being my own boss and work my schedule around their activities,” he said.&nbsp;Herman acknowledges the support from the Hays area and the usual customers that have been continuing to buy his freshly made doughnuts since he bought the place.“I can not complain about the community. The community has been very good to me. In return, I think I give them a good product,” Herman said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688059443002.jpeg" alt="Daylight Donuts cooling after a dip in the fryer.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Daylight Donuts cooling after a dip in the fryer.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hermand points out his long-time customers who have been supporting his work for the last 40 years.&nbsp;“We've got several customers that have been coming in since I bought, you know since I've purchased the place,” he said. “A lot of them still get the same thing, show up at the same time and you know it's good to see people like that.”The nearly two-hour process of Herman making his doughnuts starts with milled flour being shipped from Tulsa, Okla. Daylight Donuts started in Tulsa in 1954, Tulsa has the company's only plant today.To make a morning's batch of doughnuts, Herman begins by mixing 8 pounds of water and 16 pounds of flour along with 4 ounces of yeast before cutting it into six pieces and letting them rest throughout the process.&nbsp;Herman then puts the dough in a proof box for roughly 40 minutes before frying them at 270 to 380 degrees. After which, the doughnuts are ready to glaze, frost and cover in toppings.&nbsp;Herman makes 28 to 30 dozen doughnuts per day.He said the most popular doughnut among his customers is the Caramel Long John.Herman, 63, said he would like to work several more years before he retires at which time he hopes to sell the business.The independent doughnut shop is at 113 E. Eighth St. and operates from 5 to 11 a.m. every day of the week.

Daylight Donuts: Making sweet treats in Hays for more than 50 years

In the first full year of the pandemic, both states saw drops in reading and math proficiency. But educators hope that higher levels of school funding in Kansas should help reverse the trend.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/jodi-fortino">Jodi Fortino</a> KMUW

More than 75 percent of eighth-grade students in Kansas and Missouri weren’t proficient in math in 2022, according to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aecf.org/interactive/databook?l=20" target="_blank">Kids Count Data Book.</a>

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aecf.org/resources/2023-kids-count-data-book" target="_blank">annual child wellness report</a>&nbsp;from the Anne E. Casey Foundation ranks Kansas at 26th in the nation for education and Missouri at 22nd. Kansas also ranks 28th in reading proficiency for fourth graders and 34th in math proficiency for eighth graders, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kac.org/kansas_kids_count" target="_blank">Kansas Action for Children</a>.

Ryan Reza, data and policy analyst for Kansas Action for Children, said these are important indications of how ready students are for the rest of their education.

“These indicators are sounding the alarm for our educational systems to get these students caught up," he said. "It's not too late if they're not proficient at these grades.”

In 2022, 77 percent of eighth graders in Kansas were not proficient in math, a 10 percent increase from 2019. Fourth graders not proficient in reading rose from 66 percent in 2019 to 69 percent in 2022. Those increases are slightly higher than the national average, Reza said.

In Missouri, 76 percent of eighth graders were not proficient in math and 70% of fourth graders were not proficient in reading.

If fourth graders are struggling with a subject matter now, Reza said it will impact the rest of their academic career — that’s why it’s important to analyze this data early and get students caught quickly.

Reza said the data indicates that fourth graders may have adapted better to online learning, but it may not be clear why for years to come.

“With eighth graders specifically, you're isolated from your peers and your teachers. You are having to learn pretty complex themes and ideas and subject matter in eighth grade,” Reza said. “An online learning environment would be much more detrimental to those factors.”

Members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kclinc.org/" target="_blank">Local Investment Commission</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City said students were expected to learn during difficult conditions during the pandemic, leading to worse academic outcomes. The nonprofit provided families with utility and food assistance to keep homes stable as families faced economic hardship.

Janet Miles-Bartee, executive vice president of the commission, said students in the metro still have some of those same needs.

“Even though they're back in school… families suffered a lot during the pandemic,” Miles-Bartee said. “We're having to do some of those same supports around the family… making sure that the family as a whole has what it needs so that children are able to go to school, concentrate and learn.”

Reza said the pandemic aggravated existing problems with education in Kansas.

This school year marked the first time the K-12 education system in Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/28/kansas-legislature-approves-k-12-education-budget-with-private-school-benefits/" target="_blank">has been funded at a constitutional level</a>&nbsp;since 2008. In 2018,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2019-06-14/kansas-supreme-court-lawmakers-finally-put-enough-money-into-schools" target="_blank">Kansas lawmakers approved</a>&nbsp;a funding increase for schools over multiple years.

Jessica Herrera Russell, senior communications manager at KAC, said students are still recovering from the lack of funding. Now that schools have more funding, she hopes to see these math and reading trends reverse.

With more funding, she said schools can hire more teachers and decrease the student-to-teacher ratio.

“Then teachers have more opportunities to get that one-on-one instruction that is really needed for these students at this time," she said. “If they're not doing great in the first few months in algebra, they're not going to get better, because they never learned the foundational learning that they really needed to apply for the rest of the year."

<h2>In the first full year of the pandemic, both states saw drops in reading and math proficiency. But educators hope that higher levels of school funding in Kansas should help reverse the trend.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688393976712.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/jodi-fortino">Jodi Fortino</a> KMUW More than 75 percent of eighth-grade students in Kansas and Missouri weren’t proficient in math in 2022, according to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aecf.org/interactive/databook?l=20" target="_blank">Kids Count Data Book.</a>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aecf.org/resources/2023-kids-count-data-book" target="_blank">annual child wellness report</a>&nbsp;from the Anne E. Casey Foundation ranks Kansas at 26th in the nation for education and Missouri at 22nd. Kansas also ranks 28th in reading proficiency for fourth graders and 34th in math proficiency for eighth graders, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kac.org/kansas_kids_count" target="_blank">Kansas Action for Children</a>.Ryan Reza, data and policy analyst for Kansas Action for Children, said these are important indications of how ready students are for the rest of their education.“These indicators are sounding the alarm for our educational systems to get these students caught up," he said. "It's not too late if they're not proficient at these grades.”In 2022, 77 percent of eighth graders in Kansas were not proficient in math, a 10 percent increase from 2019. Fourth graders not proficient in reading rose from 66 percent in 2019 to 69 percent in 2022. Those increases are slightly higher than the national average, Reza said.In Missouri, 76 percent of eighth graders were not proficient in math and 70% of fourth graders were not proficient in reading.If fourth graders are struggling with a subject matter now, Reza said it will impact the rest of their academic career — that’s why it’s important to analyze this data early and get students caught quickly.Reza said the data indicates that fourth graders may have adapted better to online learning, but it may not be clear why for years to come.“With eighth graders specifically, you're isolated from your peers and your teachers. You are having to learn pretty complex themes and ideas and subject matter in eighth grade,” Reza said. “An online learning environment would be much more detrimental to those factors.”Members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kclinc.org/" target="_blank">Local Investment Commission</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City said students were expected to learn during difficult conditions during the pandemic, leading to worse academic outcomes. The nonprofit provided families with utility and food assistance to keep homes stable as families faced economic hardship.Janet Miles-Bartee, executive vice president of the commission, said students in the metro still have some of those same needs.“Even though they're back in school… families suffered a lot during the pandemic,” Miles-Bartee said. “We're having to do some of those same supports around the family… making sure that the family as a whole has what it needs so that children are able to go to school, concentrate and learn.”Reza said the pandemic aggravated existing problems with education in Kansas.This school year marked the first time the K-12 education system in Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/28/kansas-legislature-approves-k-12-education-budget-with-private-school-benefits/" target="_blank">has been funded at a constitutional level</a>&nbsp;since 2008. In 2018,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2019-06-14/kansas-supreme-court-lawmakers-finally-put-enough-money-into-schools" target="_blank">Kansas lawmakers approved</a>&nbsp;a funding increase for schools over multiple years.Jessica Herrera Russell, senior communications manager at KAC, said students are still recovering from the lack of funding. Now that schools have more funding, she hopes to see these math and reading trends reverse.With more funding, she said schools can hire more teachers and decrease the student-to-teacher ratio.“Then teachers have more opportunities to get that one-on-one instruction that is really needed for these students at this time," she said. “If they're not doing great in the first few months in algebra, they're not going to get better, because they never learned the foundational learning that they really needed to apply for the rest of the year."

75% of 8th graders in Kansas, Missouri weren’t proficient in math in 2022

WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service issued a final reminder to nearly 1.5 million taxpayers across the country to claim their refunds for tax year 2019 by filing before the July 17, 2023, deadline.&nbsp;

For these unclaimed refunds, the IRS estimates average median refund for tax year 2019 amounts to $893.&nbsp;

“Time is running out for people owed a tax refund in 2019,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “The final window closes on July 17 for taxpayers who didn’t file a tax return for 2019 to claim their refund. The IRS continues to urge people who may have overlooked filing during the pandemic to act quickly before they lose their final chance to claim a potentially substantial refund.”

Many low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for as much as $6,557 if their 2019 income qualifies them for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Those who are potentially eligible for EITC in 2019 had incomes below the following thresholds:

By law, taxpayers normally have three years to file and claim their tax refunds. If they don't file within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The law requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the tax return is postmarked by July 17, 2023.

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2019 tax refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2020 and 2021.

Current and p<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9wcmlvci15ZWFyIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDYzMC43OTA1MDc4MSJ9.NmHxNWoPha-hko4EY5XNUcvqg7GmKt7C-MW0AIJJAgU/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">rior-year tax forms</a>&nbsp;(such as the tax year 2019 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR) and instructions are available online on the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtaW5zdHJ1Y3Rpb25zIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDYzMC43OTA1MDc4MSJ9.y6BD-Lodfukk4Wk3dyuuNrdbIHHgHMo4lTTJSH0kjbU/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">Forms, Instructions and Publications</a>&nbsp;page or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, such as student loans. IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaXJiLzIwMjMtMTFfSVJCI05PVC0yMDIzLTIxIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDYzMC43OTA1MDc4MSJ9.O3UWLTQ0L6RDRVYO_pEqxxGbGNkc-uk3uOECZ5BeEM8/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">Notice 2023-21</a>&nbsp;provides legal guidance on claims made by the postponed deadline.

Need to file a 2019 tax return? Several options to get key documents Although it’s been several years since 2019, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are ways they can still gather the information they need to file this tax return. People should begin now to make sure they have enough time to file before the July deadline for 2019 refunds. Here are some options:

Request copies of key documents:&nbsp;Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years 2019, 2020 or 2021 can request copies from their employer, bank or other payers. &nbsp; Use Get Transcript Online at IRS.gov.&nbsp;Taxpayers who are unable to get those missing forms from their employer or other payers can order a free wage and income transcript at IRS.gov using the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvZ2V0LXRyYW5zY3JpcHQiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjMwLjc5MDUwNzgxIn0.AFoVSTi1_c2xa6qO6rdFFb3FPVuutd0quTXpZ73bbZ8/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">Get Transcript Online</a>&nbsp;For many taxpayers, this is by far the quickest and easiest option.

Request a transcript.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvdHJhbnNjcmlwdC10eXBlcy1hbmQtd2F5cy10by1vcmRlci10aGVtIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDYzMC43OTA1MDc4MSJ9.oHkBZ4uB1B2RrsfYVU4f8p-a-qIuCY_lj2m0JNoY0_o/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">Another option</a>&nbsp;is for people to file&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTQ1MDYtdCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MzAuNzkwNTA3ODEifQ.9Y_22LpPUTcyCXOsofiyK0uIjKKz3hS44_21JRw8vds/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return</a>, with the IRS to request a “wage and income transcript.” A wage and income transcript shows data from information returns received by the IRS, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, Form 5498 and IRA contribution information. Taxpayers can use the information from the transcript to file their tax return. But plan ahead – these written requests can take several weeks; people are strongly urged to try the other options first.

State-by-state estimates of individuals who may be due 2019 income tax refunds

People have more time than usual to file tax returns to claim their refunds for tax year 2019. The three-year window for 2019 unfiled returns was postponed to July 17, 2023, due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

The IRS estimates almost $1.5 billion in refunds remain unclaimed. Based on tax information currently available, a special state-by-state estimate shows each state’s median potential refund and how many people are potentially eligible for these refunds. The actual refund amount will vary based on a household’s tax situation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683126071138.jpg" alt="Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service issued a final reminder to nearly 1.5 million taxpayers across the country to claim their refunds for tax year 2019 by filing before the July 17, 2023, deadline.&nbsp;For these unclaimed refunds, the IRS estimates average median refund for tax year 2019 amounts to $893.&nbsp;“Time is running out for people owed a tax refund in 2019,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “The final window closes on July 17 for taxpayers who didn’t file a tax return for 2019 to claim their refund. The IRS continues to urge people who may have overlooked filing during the pandemic to act quickly before they lose their final chance to claim a potentially substantial refund.”Many low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for as much as $6,557 if their 2019 income qualifies them for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Those who are potentially eligible for EITC in 2019 had incomes below the following thresholds:<ul>
 <li>$50,162 ($55,952 if married filing jointly) for those with three or more qualifying children.</li><li>$46,703 ($52,493 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children.</li><li>$41,094 ($46,884 if married filing jointly) for those with one qualifying child.</li><li>$15,570 ($21,370 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children.</li>
 </ul>By law, taxpayers normally have three years to file and claim their tax refunds. If they don't file within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The law requires taxpayers to properly address, mail and ensure the tax return is postmarked by July 17, 2023.The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2019 tax refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2020 and 2021.Current and p<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9wcmlvci15ZWFyIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDYzMC43OTA1MDc4MSJ9.NmHxNWoPha-hko4EY5XNUcvqg7GmKt7C-MW0AIJJAgU/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">rior-year tax forms</a>&nbsp;(such as the tax year 2019 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR) and instructions are available online on the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtaW5zdHJ1Y3Rpb25zIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDYzMC43OTA1MDc4MSJ9.y6BD-Lodfukk4Wk3dyuuNrdbIHHgHMo4lTTJSH0kjbU/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">Forms, Instructions and Publications</a>&nbsp;page or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, such as student loans. IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaXJiLzIwMjMtMTFfSVJCI05PVC0yMDIzLTIxIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDYzMC43OTA1MDc4MSJ9.O3UWLTQ0L6RDRVYO_pEqxxGbGNkc-uk3uOECZ5BeEM8/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">Notice 2023-21</a>&nbsp;provides legal guidance on claims made by the postponed deadline.Need to file a 2019 tax return? Several options to get key documents Although it’s been several years since 2019, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are ways they can still gather the information they need to file this tax return. People should begin now to make sure they have enough time to file before the July deadline for 2019 refunds. Here are some options:Request copies of key documents:&nbsp;Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years 2019, 2020 or 2021 can request copies from their employer, bank or other payers. &nbsp; Use Get Transcript Online at IRS.gov.&nbsp;Taxpayers who are unable to get those missing forms from their employer or other payers can order a free wage and income transcript at IRS.gov using the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvZ2V0LXRyYW5zY3JpcHQiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjMwLjc5MDUwNzgxIn0.AFoVSTi1_c2xa6qO6rdFFb3FPVuutd0quTXpZ73bbZ8/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">Get Transcript Online</a>&nbsp;For many taxpayers, this is by far the quickest and easiest option.Request a transcript.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvdHJhbnNjcmlwdC10eXBlcy1hbmQtd2F5cy10by1vcmRlci10aGVtIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDYzMC43OTA1MDc4MSJ9.oHkBZ4uB1B2RrsfYVU4f8p-a-qIuCY_lj2m0JNoY0_o/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">Another option</a>&nbsp;is for people to file&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTQ1MDYtdCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MzAuNzkwNTA3ODEifQ.9Y_22LpPUTcyCXOsofiyK0uIjKKz3hS44_21JRw8vds/s/1558083055/br/213848864831-l" target="_blank">Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return</a>, with the IRS to request a “wage and income transcript.” A wage and income transcript shows data from information returns received by the IRS, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, Form 5498 and IRA contribution information. Taxpayers can use the information from the transcript to file their tax return. But plan ahead – these written requests can take several weeks; people are strongly urged to try the other options first.State-by-state estimates of individuals who may be due 2019 income tax refundsPeople have more time than usual to file tax returns to claim their refunds for tax year 2019. The three-year window for 2019 unfiled returns was postponed to July 17, 2023, due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.The IRS estimates almost $1.5 billion in refunds remain unclaimed. Based on tax information currently available, a special state-by-state estimate shows each state’s median potential refund and how many people are potentially eligible for these refunds. The actual refund amount will vary based on a household’s tax situation.&nbsp;

IRS last call for taxpayers to claim $1.5B in tax refunds from unfiled 2019 tax returns

MANHATTAN — While many people enjoy the fun and noisy celebrations of the Fourth of July, for many pets it is a time of fear and anxiety as well as other dangers, according to a Kansas State University veterinarian. Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>, said one of the best things you can do is to keep your pet indoors at all times and keep them under leash control when you do need to take them outside. "The sound of fireworks can make some pets run off in an attempt to get away from the noise," Nelson said. "This is the time of year with the highest incidences of runaway pets, so be sure to keep them secure!" In addition to the risk of getting lost if they run away, Nelson said there is also the risk of your pet being hit by a car, as their fear of fireworks will make them less observant of oncoming traffic. She advises pet owners to ensure their pet has some type of ID, such as a tag and/or microchip — ideally both, as tags can get lost and microchips can sometimes stop working or get missed on a scan — in case the pet gets lost. Nelson said keeping your pet inside also keeps it safe from people who may try to harm an animal with fireworks. Keeping your dogs in the safe confines of their crates or a secure room is all that is needed to make some dogs feel less anxious. Be sure to close the blinds or use heavy curtains to block out the flashes of light. Nelson offers some tips for helping pets cope with their fear of the loud bangs, whistles and crackles that come with the holiday, including: • Play soothing music or turn on the TV or white noise machine to attempt to block out the noise. • Distract from the noise and commotion with food puzzles and stuffed Kongs.&nbsp;

•&nbsp;Try&nbsp;an anxiety wrap specially made for pets to&nbsp;help&nbsp;calm those with mild anxiety, or&nbsp;use&nbsp;the wrap&nbsp;in addition to medications&nbsp;for&nbsp;those with moderate to severe noise phobias. • Use&nbsp;over-the-counter supplements made for anxious pets&nbsp;to&nbsp;benefit those with mild to moderate noise anxiety. Note that some of these&nbsp;treatments&nbsp;need to be started several days&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of the holiday for best effectiveness. • Consider temporarily relocating your pet to a quieter place, such as a friend&nbsp;or&nbsp;relative's house or kennel, during this time. • Talk to your veterinarian about prescription anti-anxiety medications if your pet has a moderate to severe noise phobia.&nbsp;Several&nbsp;medications&nbsp;are&nbsp;available to help treat anxiety&nbsp;from&nbsp;loud noises. Have the medication ready to give on the first day that fireworks are allowed to begin in your community. It is best to speak to your veterinarian now about medication options as offices may be closed early for the holiday. Nelson said it is important to keep dangerous holiday items out of your pet's reach and not apply products on pets that aren't labeled for safe use on them. These include lighters, punks, matches, lighter fluid, glow jewelry, citronella candles/oils, insect coils and repellants,&nbsp;and fireworks&nbsp;—&nbsp;both unlit and lit. "Even if your dog is not bothered by fireworks, it is still subject to being burned or injured by fireworks if it gets too close or attempts to retrieve one that has been ignited," said Nelson. Some fireworks remain very hot for some time after being ignited and discharged, and&nbsp;many fireworks contain toxic chemicals if ingested. Some insect repellants are not safe for your pets, either, Nelson said. "Mosquitoes are very prevalent this time of year, but don't be tempted to spray your pet with insect repellants that contain DEET as it is toxic&nbsp;to pets," she said.&nbsp;"Only apply insect repellants that state they are safe to use on pets." Nelson said human foods and beverages also pose dangers to pets.&nbsp;According to the veterinarian, pets often experience vomiting and/or diarrhea when given foods they are not used to eating, and&nbsp;some foods&nbsp;—&nbsp;such as chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, grapes or raisins, coffee, salt and yeast-based bread dough&nbsp;—&nbsp;are also toxic for pets. "When ingested, fatty foods can lead to life-threatening pancreatitis, while corncobs, bones and wooden barbeque skewers can cause blockage of the intestinal tract if swallowed," Nelson said.&nbsp;"Keep any foods or candies sweetened with artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, out of reach as they can lead to life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure" Alcoholic beverages are&nbsp;also unsuitable&nbsp;for pets&nbsp;— Nelson advises keeping&nbsp;the beer and wine well out of their reach. In the midst of intense summer heat, Nelson also recommends&nbsp;watching&nbsp;your pets closely for any signs of overheating if they are outside with you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688392517145.jpg" alt="Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State News ServiceMANHATTAN — While many people enjoy the fun and noisy celebrations of the Fourth of July, for many pets it is a time of fear and anxiety as well as other dangers, according to a Kansas State University veterinarian. Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>, said one of the best things you can do is to keep your pet indoors at all times and keep them under leash control when you do need to take them outside. "The sound of fireworks can make some pets run off in an attempt to get away from the noise," Nelson said. "This is the time of year with the highest incidences of runaway pets, so be sure to keep them secure!" In addition to the risk of getting lost if they run away, Nelson said there is also the risk of your pet being hit by a car, as their fear of fireworks will make them less observant of oncoming traffic. She advises pet owners to ensure their pet has some type of ID, such as a tag and/or microchip — ideally both, as tags can get lost and microchips can sometimes stop working or get missed on a scan — in case the pet gets lost. Nelson said keeping your pet inside also keeps it safe from people who may try to harm an animal with fireworks. Keeping your dogs in the safe confines of their crates or a secure room is all that is needed to make some dogs feel less anxious. Be sure to close the blinds or use heavy curtains to block out the flashes of light. Nelson offers some tips for helping pets cope with their fear of the loud bangs, whistles and crackles that come with the holiday, including: • Play soothing music or turn on the TV or white noise machine to attempt to block out the noise. • Distract from the noise and commotion with food puzzles and stuffed Kongs.&nbsp;•&nbsp;Try&nbsp;an anxiety wrap specially made for pets to&nbsp;help&nbsp;calm those with mild anxiety, or&nbsp;use&nbsp;the wrap&nbsp;in addition to medications&nbsp;for&nbsp;those with moderate to severe noise phobias. • Use&nbsp;over-the-counter supplements made for anxious pets&nbsp;to&nbsp;benefit those with mild to moderate noise anxiety. Note that some of these&nbsp;treatments&nbsp;need to be started several days&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of the holiday for best effectiveness. • Consider temporarily relocating your pet to a quieter place, such as a friend&nbsp;or&nbsp;relative's house or kennel, during this time. • Talk to your veterinarian about prescription anti-anxiety medications if your pet has a moderate to severe noise phobia.&nbsp;Several&nbsp;medications&nbsp;are&nbsp;available to help treat anxiety&nbsp;from&nbsp;loud noises. Have the medication ready to give on the first day that fireworks are allowed to begin in your community. It is best to speak to your veterinarian now about medication options as offices may be closed early for the holiday. Nelson said it is important to keep dangerous holiday items out of your pet's reach and not apply products on pets that aren't labeled for safe use on them. These include lighters, punks, matches, lighter fluid, glow jewelry, citronella candles/oils, insect coils and repellants,&nbsp;and fireworks&nbsp;—&nbsp;both unlit and lit. "Even if your dog is not bothered by fireworks, it is still subject to being burned or injured by fireworks if it gets too close or attempts to retrieve one that has been ignited," said Nelson. Some fireworks remain very hot for some time after being ignited and discharged, and&nbsp;many fireworks contain toxic chemicals if ingested. Some insect repellants are not safe for your pets, either, Nelson said. "Mosquitoes are very prevalent this time of year, but don't be tempted to spray your pet with insect repellants that contain DEET as it is toxic&nbsp;to pets," she said.&nbsp;"Only apply insect repellants that state they are safe to use on pets." Nelson said human foods and beverages also pose dangers to pets.&nbsp;According to the veterinarian, pets often experience vomiting and/or diarrhea when given foods they are not used to eating, and&nbsp;some foods&nbsp;—&nbsp;such as chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, grapes or raisins, coffee, salt and yeast-based bread dough&nbsp;—&nbsp;are also toxic for pets. "When ingested, fatty foods can lead to life-threatening pancreatitis, while corncobs, bones and wooden barbeque skewers can cause blockage of the intestinal tract if swallowed," Nelson said.&nbsp;"Keep any foods or candies sweetened with artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, out of reach as they can lead to life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure" Alcoholic beverages are&nbsp;also unsuitable&nbsp;for pets&nbsp;— Nelson advises keeping&nbsp;the beer and wine well out of their reach. In the midst of intense summer heat, Nelson also recommends&nbsp;watching&nbsp;your pets closely for any signs of overheating if they are outside with you.

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

K-State veterinarian: How to keep your pet safe during July 4 celebrations

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

Join Eagle Radio of Hays for a trip to Branson, Mo., during a beautiful time to visit the Ozarks and&nbsp;see some of the best shows Branson has to offer.

Questions? Call Scarlett at 785-301-2211.

5:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Paula Deen's Family Resturant

10:00 a.m.&nbsp;Cassandre' Voice of Angel Christmas Spectacular at the Hughes Brothers Theater 2:00 p.m. Daniel O’Donnell at the Mansion Theater 5:45 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Uptown Cafe 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;Queen Esther at the Sight and Sound Theater

10:00 a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sanders Family Christmas at the Little Opry Theater After the morning show lunch on own at Pickin’ Porch and Branson Craft Mall 3:00 p.m. Comedy Jamboree at Grand Country Music Hall 5:30 p.m. Dinner at Grand Country Buffet 7:30 p.m. Hughes Christmas Show at the Hughes Brothers Theater

8:00 a.m.&nbsp; Leave Branson and travel home with a few favorite stops along the way&nbsp; home&nbsp;way.

Arrive back in Hays at approximately 7 p.m.

We will be staying at the beautiful Stone Castle in Branson, Mo. It is a wonderful hotel with great amenities such as a full hot breakfast daily, elevators, indoor corridors, two pools and hot tubs, sun deck, mini fridge and much more.&nbsp;

This trip includes three nights lodging, baggage handling, roundtrip bus transportation, breakfast at hotel, three meals, six shows, all taxes, bus driver tip, and all gratuities on the above items. Lunch is on your own each day on the trip.&nbsp;Single $1,175, Double $1,025, Triple $985 and $950 Quad Occupancy.

All the above times are starting show times. All times will be updated at the time of trip.

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 </figure>November 6-9, 2023Join Eagle Radio of Hays for a trip to Branson, Mo., during a beautiful time to visit the Ozarks and&nbsp;see some of the best shows Branson has to offer.Questions? Call Scarlett at 785-301-2211.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685631939815.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Monday, November 6, 20235:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Paula Deen's Family Resturant<figure>
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 </figure>Tuesday, November 7, 202310:00 a.m.&nbsp;Cassandre' Voice of Angel Christmas Spectacular at the Hughes Brothers Theater 2:00 p.m. Daniel O’Donnell at the Mansion Theater 5:45 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Uptown Cafe 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;Queen Esther at the Sight and Sound Theater<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685631977842.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Wednesday, November 8, 202310:00 a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sanders Family Christmas at the Little Opry Theater After the morning show lunch on own at Pickin’ Porch and Branson Craft Mall 3:00 p.m. Comedy Jamboree at Grand Country Music Hall 5:30 p.m. Dinner at Grand Country Buffet 7:30 p.m. Hughes Christmas Show at the Hughes Brothers Theater<figure>
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 </figure>Thursday, November 9, 20238:00 a.m.&nbsp; Leave Branson and travel home with a few favorite stops along the way&nbsp; home&nbsp;way.Arrive back in Hays at approximately 7 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685632015896.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>We will be staying at the beautiful Stone Castle in Branson, Mo. It is a wonderful hotel with great amenities such as a full hot breakfast daily, elevators, indoor corridors, two pools and hot tubs, sun deck, mini fridge and much more.&nbsp;This trip includes three nights lodging, baggage handling, roundtrip bus transportation, breakfast at hotel, three meals, six shows, all taxes, bus driver tip, and all gratuities on the above items. Lunch is on your own each day on the trip.&nbsp;Single $1,175, Double $1,025, Triple $985 and $950 Quad Occupancy.All the above times are starting show times. All times will be updated at the time of trip.<figure>
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Eagle Radio of Hays: Branson 2023

WICHITA&nbsp; - Wichita State University has announced the names of 3,273 students who were on the WSU dean's honor roll for spring 2023, including several Ellis county residents.

&nbsp;To be included on the dean's honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.&nbsp;

Lyndsy L. Hinman &nbsp;Michaela H. Keller &nbsp;Trace A. Patee&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Mulu H. Bannister &nbsp;Kassidy E. Bergling &nbsp;Matthew T. Bollig &nbsp;Alan J. Dick &nbsp;Lakin E. Ditter &nbsp;Hannah R. Flynn &nbsp;Gabriel L. McGuire &nbsp;Hayli G. Meier &nbsp;Emelia R. Morley &nbsp;Isabel A. Peine &nbsp;Anne E. Wasinger &nbsp;Samantha F. Zimmerman

<figure>
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 </figure>WSUWICHITA&nbsp; - Wichita State University has announced the names of 3,273 students who were on the WSU dean's honor roll for spring 2023, including several Ellis county residents.&nbsp;To be included on the dean's honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.&nbsp;ELLISLyndsy L. Hinman &nbsp;Michaela H. Keller &nbsp;Trace A. Patee&nbsp;&nbsp;HAYS &nbsp;Mulu H. Bannister &nbsp;Kassidy E. Bergling &nbsp;Matthew T. Bollig &nbsp;Alan J. Dick &nbsp;Lakin E. Ditter &nbsp;Hannah R. Flynn &nbsp;Gabriel L. McGuire &nbsp;Hayli G. Meier &nbsp;Emelia R. Morley &nbsp;Isabel A. Peine &nbsp;Anne E. Wasinger &nbsp;Samantha F. Zimmerman

Hays, Ellis students included on WSU dean's honor roll for spring

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/" target="_blank">Tour Die Kapellen</a> organizer Kathy Rome discusses the upcoming event with the <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS" target="_blank">KAYS</a> Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2257965f-a647-47c7-944a-faa63c9843cc">Read more about the event by clicking here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Tour Die Kapellen set for Saturday" 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=niskf-1449fab-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/" target="_blank">Tour Die Kapellen</a> organizer Kathy Rome discusses the upcoming event with the <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS" target="_blank">KAYS</a> Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2257965f-a647-47c7-944a-faa63c9843cc">Read more about the event by clicking here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Tour Die Kapellen set for Saturday

&nbsp; Operators in The Sunflower State completed 29 wells last month. That's 874 so far this year, compared to 742 through the first six months of last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 20 new well-completions west of Wichita, with three in Barton County, two are in Ellis County, and one is in Stafford County. Kansas regulators approved 17 new drilling locations in Kansas last week, with nine in Western Kansas. That's 651 new permits statewide so far this year, compared to 759 at the end of the second quarter of 2022. Kansas crude prices end the month of June at $61 per barrel, about thirty cents higher than the average for the month, and 75-cents higher than at the first of the month. The benchmark crude futures contract settled 78 cents higher on Friday, topping $70 for the first time in a week, but well within the ten-dollar trading range of the last three months. By Monday morning prices were a few cents higher, just under $71 a barrel in New York, and nearly $76 per barrel in London. The government reports a big drop in crude stockpiles. The Energy Information Administration said crude inventories as of June 23rd are about one percent below the five-year seasonal average at nearly 454 million barrels. That's down 9.6 million barrels for the week. Despite a long string of weekly increases, gasoline and diesel stockpiles are below average. EIA says gasoline inventories are seven percent below the five-year seasonal average, while diesel stocks are 14% below average. EIA reported crude production in the United States increased slightly to just over twelve-and-a-quarter million barrels per day. That's up two thousand barrels for the week, and 104-thousand barrels per day ahead of last year. The government said imports were up nearly half a million barrels per day from a week ago at 6.6 million barrels per day. The four-week average is slightly higher than the same four weeks last year. Weekly US drilling-rig tallies show a drop in exploration for natural gas. The aggregate total was 674 active rigs last week, down one oil rig and six gas rigs across the US. Baker Hughes noted a big swing in the Haynesville Shale formation of Louisiana and East Texas, the third-largest gas producing formation in the US. The count in Louisiana was down four rigs. Texas was also down four. Oklahoma was down two rigs from last week, while New Mexico was up by two active rigs. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service notes 16 active drilling rigs east of Wichita, which is up one, and 25 in Western Kansas, which is down one. The total counts lag behind last year by nearly 27% but are up nearly eight percent from a month ago. Drilling was underway on Friday on three leases in Barton County. Norway is moving forward with new offshore oil-and-gas investments that top $18 BILLION. The Energy Ministry on Wednesday announced 19 new developments, build-outs of existing fields and enhanced oil recovery projects in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea. Bloomberg reports Norway is now the biggest supplier of natural gas to Europe in the aftermath of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, and will likely continue to see strong demand as buyers turn their back on Russian energy. Crude storage at Cushing, Oklahoma storage hub rises to the highest level in two years. Reuters reports outages at a pair of Midwest refineries have backed up inventories even as increased flows arrived from Canada. Cushing is the delivery point for US crude futures. Stockpiles there have climbed for eight consecutive weeks after falling earlier in the year. Analysts suggest overseas demand and an end to the refinery outages should reverse the buildup. Data from the Energy Information Administration showed Cushing stockpiles rose to 42.1 million barrels in the week through June 9th. That's the highest level since since June 2021.

Editor's note:&nbsp; The story was updated to reflect proper credit for the information from the Independent Oil and Gas Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592848084586.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By John P. Tretbar&nbsp; Operators in The Sunflower State completed 29 wells last month. That's 874 so far this year, compared to 742 through the first six months of last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 20 new well-completions west of Wichita, with three in Barton County, two are in Ellis County, and one is in Stafford County. Kansas regulators approved 17 new drilling locations in Kansas last week, with nine in Western Kansas. That's 651 new permits statewide so far this year, compared to 759 at the end of the second quarter of 2022. Kansas crude prices end the month of June at $61 per barrel, about thirty cents higher than the average for the month, and 75-cents higher than at the first of the month. The benchmark crude futures contract settled 78 cents higher on Friday, topping $70 for the first time in a week, but well within the ten-dollar trading range of the last three months. By Monday morning prices were a few cents higher, just under $71 a barrel in New York, and nearly $76 per barrel in London. The government reports a big drop in crude stockpiles. The Energy Information Administration said crude inventories as of June 23rd are about one percent below the five-year seasonal average at nearly 454 million barrels. That's down 9.6 million barrels for the week. Despite a long string of weekly increases, gasoline and diesel stockpiles are below average. EIA says gasoline inventories are seven percent below the five-year seasonal average, while diesel stocks are 14% below average. EIA reported crude production in the United States increased slightly to just over twelve-and-a-quarter million barrels per day. That's up two thousand barrels for the week, and 104-thousand barrels per day ahead of last year. The government said imports were up nearly half a million barrels per day from a week ago at 6.6 million barrels per day. The four-week average is slightly higher than the same four weeks last year. Weekly US drilling-rig tallies show a drop in exploration for natural gas. The aggregate total was 674 active rigs last week, down one oil rig and six gas rigs across the US. Baker Hughes noted a big swing in the Haynesville Shale formation of Louisiana and East Texas, the third-largest gas producing formation in the US. The count in Louisiana was down four rigs. Texas was also down four. Oklahoma was down two rigs from last week, while New Mexico was up by two active rigs. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service notes 16 active drilling rigs east of Wichita, which is up one, and 25 in Western Kansas, which is down one. The total counts lag behind last year by nearly 27% but are up nearly eight percent from a month ago. Drilling was underway on Friday on three leases in Barton County. Norway is moving forward with new offshore oil-and-gas investments that top $18 BILLION. The Energy Ministry on Wednesday announced 19 new developments, build-outs of existing fields and enhanced oil recovery projects in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea. Bloomberg reports Norway is now the biggest supplier of natural gas to Europe in the aftermath of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, and will likely continue to see strong demand as buyers turn their back on Russian energy. Crude storage at Cushing, Oklahoma storage hub rises to the highest level in two years. Reuters reports outages at a pair of Midwest refineries have backed up inventories even as increased flows arrived from Canada. Cushing is the delivery point for US crude futures. Stockpiles there have climbed for eight consecutive weeks after falling earlier in the year. Analysts suggest overseas demand and an end to the refinery outages should reverse the buildup. Data from the Energy Information Administration showed Cushing stockpiles rose to 42.1 million barrels in the week through June 9th. That's the highest level since since June 2021.Editor's note:&nbsp; The story was updated to reflect proper credit for the information from the Independent Oil and Gas Service.

News from the Oil Patch: Permits, completions rise in Kansas 

Congratulations to our most recent instant finalists in the Keystone Light UTV Giveaway.

Roy and Jenny signed up at the Wild West Festival Friday night.

Your next chance to sign up is at Discount Smokes Friday.

The Keystone Light UTV Giveaway is made possible by A&amp;A Coors and Advantage Glass Plus.

If you would like the  Keystone Light UTV to come to your business, call 785-259-8000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688389669905.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to our most recent instant finalists in the Keystone Light UTV Giveaway. Roy Inlow and Jenny Leiker Roy and Jenny signed up at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Your next chance to sign up is at Discount Smokes Friday. The Keystone Light UTV Giveaway is made possible by A&amp;A Coors and Advantage Glass Plus.If you would like the Keystone Light UTV to come to your business, call 785-259-8000.

Wild West finalists named for Keystone UTV; more chances to win

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F250 pulling a camper and driven by Bert L. Powers, 70, Liberty, Missouri,&nbsp;was westbound on Interstate 70 a mile and one half east of County Road 5.

The vehicle was traveling approximately 45 mph and exiting onto the shoulder.

 A gust of wind flipped the vehicle onto its side.

EMS transported a passenger Kandi R. Powers, 63, Liberty, Missouri, to the hospital in Goodland.&nbsp; The driver was not injured.&nbsp;Three juveniles were also in the vehicle, according to the KHP. The National Weather Service issued numerous storm alerts in northwest Kansas Friday afternoon and evening.

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F250 pulling a camper and driven by Bert L. Powers, 70, Liberty, Missouri,&nbsp;was westbound on Interstate 70 a mile and one half east of County Road 5.The vehicle was traveling approximately 45 mph and exiting onto the shoulder. A gust of wind flipped the vehicle onto its side.EMS transported a passenger Kandi R. Powers, 63, Liberty, Missouri, to the hospital in Goodland.&nbsp; The driver was not injured.&nbsp;Three juveniles were also in the vehicle, according to the KHP. The National Weather Service issued numerous storm alerts in northwest Kansas Friday afternoon and evening.

Woman injured after wind flips pickup, camper on I-70

OSBORNE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Saturday in Osborne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Kenworth semi driven by Thomas William Leaman, 52, Piedmont, South Dakota, was northbound on U.S. 281 three miles south of Osborne.

The semi left the road, entered the east ditch and rolled.

EMS transported Leaman to the Osborne County Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

OSBORNE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Saturday in Osborne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Kenworth semi driven by Thomas William Leaman, 52, Piedmont, South Dakota, was northbound on U.S. 281 three miles south of Osborne.The semi left the road, entered the east ditch and rolled.EMS transported Leaman to the Osborne County Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man hospitalized after semi rolls into ditch

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

The grind of football is nothing new to Jared Casey and Hayden Gillum.

Former walk-ons for Big XII teams, they are now in their teams’ starting rotations – Jared for the University of Kansas in Lawrence and Hayden for Kansas State University in Manhattan.

But there they were Friday morning, sitting at a table at Applebee’s Grill + Bar Restaurant in Hays, looking a little uncomfortable and at times even breaking a sweat.

Just like they have done with grueling football practices for many years, the duo from nearby Plainville took it all in stride.

During a two-hour time period, they rehearsed and repeated lines over and over – and over again – until they got it just right for a 30-second video.

That’s what happens when you are chosen to do a commercial for a regional franchise.

The lead-in to the commercial has Jared telling Hayden, “Hey, look at us,” and Hayden asking who would have thought that two guys from Plainville (population 1,750) would be starters for the Big XII teams in Kansas.

This was old hat for Jared, who had done two similar commercials at the Applebee’s location in Lawrence. The first one came after he scored a 2-point conversion to beat Texas during his freshman season. He also was in a second commercial last season with KU quarterback Jason Daniels.

This one, however, was close to home, in a restaurant where both he and Hayden remember eating after games and on weekends during their high school days. And this time, they had lots of spectators, as more than a dozen family and friends huddled in the background to watch.

Someone asked Jared if this was harder than playing in front of 50,000 screaming fans.

“Yes, it is,” he said. “There was more pressure this time with people watching.”

But pressure is something these two young men have learned to embrace, dating way back to their childhood and in high school, where they played together for two years.

After graduating from PHS in 2018 following a standout three-sport career, Hayden took off for Kansas State, the school for which he had been a fan all his life. The Wildcats were the only NCAA Division I team to give him a look, so he walked on.

Jared, who also starred in three sports at Plainville, had dreams of playing linebacker at the D-I level – specifically for the University of Nebraska, the team he rooted for since he was youngster. But like Hayden, only one D-I school even offered Jared a walk-on opportunity. So Jared packed his bags for Lawrence.

Hayden and Jared both jumped at the chance to just get on the field, even if that meant changing positions.

Hayden mostly played defense in high school but moved to offense at K-State and worked his way up to the starting center position – and eventually earned a full scholarship.

“It took me quite a while to get to where I am now,” Hayden said, “but I just stayed the course and kept working.”

The strong work ethic and resiliency of folks from western Kansas is nothing new.

Jared scrapped his dream to play linebacker when the Jayhawks offered him the opportunity to try out at fullback as a preferred walk-on. A new coach brought in a new offense that didn’t feature a fullback, so Jared moved to tight end. By the start of his sophomore season, he also was on scholarship.

At 6 feet tall and 255 pounds, Jared is the shortest tight end in the Big XII.

“Six-three is average height of the tight ends,” he said. “I just have to try to overpower them and use good technique.”&nbsp;

Jared played a key role in the Jayhawks qualifying for a bowl game last season for the first time since 2008 following their 6-6 regular-season performance. The last time before 2022 that KU football won more than three games in a season, Jared was a first-grader.&nbsp;

After falling behind by 25 points to Arkansas in the third quarter of the Liberty Bowl, the Jayhawks came storming back for an exhilerating finish.

They tied the game with 41 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. Jared scored a touchdown in the first OT and added a 2-point conversion in the second extra period to force a third overtime to decide the winner. KU eventually lost by two points, 55-53, in the high-scoring affair but gave fans something to forward to for the next season.

Hayden (6-foot-3, 294 pounds) helped Kansas State win its first Big XII title in 10 years. The Wildcats finished the regular season with a 10-3 record before falling to perennial powerhouse Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

Following such breakthrough years for their teams, Jared and Hayden are preparing for next season with zest. Jared will be a junior eligibility-wise, while the 2023 campaign will mark Hayden’s last time in a Wildcat uniform.

They will be able to eat for free for a while after receiving several Applebee’s gift cards along with a compensation check for the commercial from Dave Phillips, marketing director of Applebee’s of Kansas, who is based out of Wichita.

Phillips said that the company jumped on doing commercials with college student-athletes immediately after Kansas athletes became eligible for the name, image and likeness compensation (NIL) in the summer of 2021.

“We knew this was going to be a blast,” Phillips said. “It’s the favorite part of my job. It definitely helps us with our image. It’s a lot of fun for the athletes and their families. And we get to meet a lot of really great people.”

Phillips said Jared’s first commercial in fall 2021 that focused on Applebee’s “2-for-22” special – which consists of two entrees and a full-size appetizer for $22 – wrote itself because of his winning 2-point conversion vs. Texas. Last year’s commercial played on KU’s success in becoming bowl-eligible.

One day last spring while having lunch with Jared’s older brother, Justin Casey, Phillips mentioned that he wished he knew of a Kansas State player that he could include in the commercial.

“Well, I have just the player for you,” Justin told Phillips, “and you aren’t going to believe this. He’s from Plainville, too.”

And so began the planning for two former teammates who still cheer for each other on and off the field – except when they are playing against one another – to team up for a commercial.

“This was so much fun,” said Dorothy Stieben, one of Jared’s aunts who lives in Hays and showed up at Applebee’s Friday morning. “They both make us all so proud.”

Jared’s parents, Jerry and Karen Casey, and several other family members, came to watch. So, too, did Hayden’s wife, Preston, and his older brother Hadley Gillum, a former Fort Hays State University basketball standout who lives in Hays.

Phillips said he didn’t mind the crowd. After all, Jared and Hayden are the pride of Plainville – and all of western Kansas.

Toward the end of the commercial, Hayden teases Jared about blinding him with the gleam of his Big XII championship ring.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688244011256.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688273715349.jpeg" alt="Plainville residents Hayden Gillum, left, and Jared Casey – starters for the football teams at Kansas State and Kansas, respectively – will be featured in an Applebee’s commercial before the start of the 2023 season. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Plainville residents Hayden Gillum, left, and Jared Casey – starters for the football teams at Kansas State and Kansas, respectively – will be featured in an Applebee’s commercial before the start of the 2023 season. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostThe grind of football is nothing new to Jared Casey and Hayden Gillum.Former walk-ons for Big XII teams, they are now in their teams’ starting rotations – Jared for the University of Kansas in Lawrence and Hayden for Kansas State University in Manhattan.But there they were Friday morning, sitting at a table at Applebee’s Grill + Bar Restaurant in Hays, looking a little uncomfortable and at times even breaking a sweat.Just like they have done with grueling football practices for many years, the duo from nearby Plainville took it all in stride.During a two-hour time period, they rehearsed and repeated lines over and over – and over again – until they got it just right for a 30-second video.That’s what happens when you are chosen to do a commercial for a regional franchise.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688274025447.jpeg" alt="Working under lights and cameras of a different sort, Big XII football players Hayden Gillum, left, and Jared Casey concentrate while making a commercial for Applebee’s in Hays. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Working under lights and cameras of a different sort, Big XII football players Hayden Gillum, left, and Jared Casey concentrate while making a commercial for Applebee’s in Hays. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>The lead-in to the commercial has Jared telling Hayden, “Hey, look at us,” and Hayden asking who would have thought that two guys from Plainville (population 1,750) would be starters for the Big XII teams in Kansas.This was old hat for Jared, who had done two similar commercials at the Applebee’s location in Lawrence. The first one came after he scored a 2-point conversion to beat Texas during his freshman season. He also was in a second commercial last season with KU quarterback Jason Daniels.This one, however, was close to home, in a restaurant where both he and Hayden remember eating after games and on weekends during their high school days. And this time, they had lots of spectators, as more than a dozen family and friends huddled in the background to watch.Someone asked Jared if this was harder than playing in front of 50,000 screaming fans.“Yes, it is,” he said. “There was more pressure this time with people watching.”But pressure is something these two young men have learned to embrace, dating way back to their childhood and in high school, where they played together for two years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688274101130.jpeg" alt="Left: KU’s Justin Casey scores 2 points in last year’s Liberty Bowl to tie the score in overtime vs. Arkansas. Right: Hayden Gillum is the starting center for Kansas State. Submitted photos." />
 <figcaption>Left: KU’s Justin Casey scores 2 points in last year’s Liberty Bowl to tie the score in overtime vs. Arkansas. Right: Hayden Gillum is the starting center for Kansas State. Submitted photos.</figcaption>
 </figure>After graduating from PHS in 2018 following a standout three-sport career, Hayden took off for Kansas State, the school for which he had been a fan all his life. The Wildcats were the only NCAA Division I team to give him a look, so he walked on.Jared, who also starred in three sports at Plainville, had dreams of playing linebacker at the D-I level – specifically for the University of Nebraska, the team he rooted for since he was youngster. But like Hayden, only one D-I school even offered Jared a walk-on opportunity. So Jared packed his bags for Lawrence.Hayden and Jared both jumped at the chance to just get on the field, even if that meant changing positions.Hayden mostly played defense in high school but moved to offense at K-State and worked his way up to the starting center position – and eventually earned a full scholarship.“It took me quite a while to get to where I am now,” Hayden said, “but I just stayed the course and kept working.”The strong work ethic and resiliency of folks from western Kansas is nothing new.Jared scrapped his dream to play linebacker when the Jayhawks offered him the opportunity to try out at fullback as a preferred walk-on. A new coach brought in a new offense that didn’t feature a fullback, so Jared moved to tight end. By the start of his sophomore season, he also was on scholarship.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688274177579.jpeg" alt="Jared Casey goes over his lines for an Applebee’s commercial with Justin McClure, left, owner of Justin McClure Creative, and Ryan Entz, senior director of operations for Applebee’s of Kansas. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Jared Casey goes over his lines for an Applebee’s commercial with Justin McClure, left, owner of Justin McClure Creative, and Ryan Entz, senior director of operations for Applebee’s of Kansas. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>At 6 feet tall and 255 pounds, Jared is the shortest tight end in the Big XII.“Six-three is average height of the tight ends,” he said. “I just have to try to overpower them and use good technique.”&nbsp;Jared played a key role in the Jayhawks qualifying for a bowl game last season for the first time since 2008 following their 6-6 regular-season performance. The last time before 2022 that KU football won more than three games in a season, Jared was a first-grader.&nbsp;After falling behind by 25 points to Arkansas in the third quarter of the Liberty Bowl, the Jayhawks came storming back for an exhilerating finish.They tied the game with 41 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. Jared scored a touchdown in the first OT and added a 2-point conversion in the second extra period to force a third overtime to decide the winner. KU eventually lost by two points, 55-53, in the high-scoring affair but gave fans something to forward to for the next season.Hayden (6-foot-3, 294 pounds) helped Kansas State win its first Big XII title in 10 years. The Wildcats finished the regular season with a 10-3 record before falling to perennial powerhouse Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688274264861.jpeg" alt="Justin Casey, left, and Hadley Gillum enjoy watching their younger brothers film an Applebee’s commercial. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Justin Casey, left, and Hadley Gillum enjoy watching their younger brothers film an Applebee’s commercial. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>Following such breakthrough years for their teams, Jared and Hayden are preparing for next season with zest. Jared will be a junior eligibility-wise, while the 2023 campaign will mark Hayden’s last time in a Wildcat uniform.They will be able to eat for free for a while after receiving several Applebee’s gift cards along with a compensation check for the commercial from Dave Phillips, marketing director of Applebee’s of Kansas, who is based out of Wichita.Phillips said that the company jumped on doing commercials with college student-athletes immediately after Kansas athletes became eligible for the name, image and likeness compensation (NIL) in the summer of 2021.“We knew this was going to be a blast,” Phillips said. “It’s the favorite part of my job. It definitely helps us with our image. It’s a lot of fun for the athletes and their families. And we get to meet a lot of really great people.”Phillips said Jared’s first commercial in fall 2021 that focused on Applebee’s “2-for-22” special – which consists of two entrees and a full-size appetizer for $22 – wrote itself because of his winning 2-point conversion vs. Texas. Last year’s commercial played on KU’s success in becoming bowl-eligible.One day last spring while having lunch with Jared’s older brother, Justin Casey, Phillips mentioned that he wished he knew of a Kansas State player that he could include in the commercial.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688274327178.jpeg" alt="Jared Casey, left, was an avid football fan from early on, as was Hayden Gillum, middle, pictured with his older brother, Hadley, and K-State’s Willie the Wildcat. Submitted photos." />
 <figcaption>Jared Casey, left, was an avid football fan from early on, as was Hayden Gillum, middle, pictured with his older brother, Hadley, and K-State’s Willie the Wildcat. Submitted photos.</figcaption>
 </figure>Justin grinned and shook his head.“Well, I have just the player for you,” Justin told Phillips, “and you aren’t going to believe this. He’s from Plainville, too.”And so began the planning for two former teammates who still cheer for each other on and off the field – except when they are playing against one another – to team up for a commercial.“This was so much fun,” said Dorothy Stieben, one of Jared’s aunts who lives in Hays and showed up at Applebee’s Friday morning. “They both make us all so proud.”Jared’s parents, Jerry and Karen Casey, and several other family members, came to watch. So, too, did Hayden’s wife, Preston, and his older brother Hadley Gillum, a former Fort Hays State University basketball standout who lives in Hays.Phillips said he didn’t mind the crowd. After all, Jared and Hayden are the pride of Plainville – and all of western Kansas.Toward the end of the commercial, Hayden teases Jared about blinding him with the gleam of his Big XII championship ring.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688274409910.jpeg" alt="Hayden Gillum shows off his Big XII championship T-shirt last fall. Submitted photo." />
 <figcaption>Hayden Gillum shows off his Big XII championship T-shirt last fall. Submitted photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Quick on the draw, Jared pulls out a larger-than-life gift certificate that says it “allows Jared Casey free Applebee’s 4 Life.”“No, I’ve got this,” Jared says with a wink.Oh, yes, Jared Casey, you’ve got this. And so does Hayden Gillum.True to form, Jared and Hayden signed items for fans after the commercial shoot, even before taking time to eat their own lunches. Then both took off for a few days away from football to enjoy the holiday weekend with their families before returning to their respective campuses.KU and K-State fans are excited to see the newest Applebee’s commercial, which will air before the start of the 2023 season.They’re also looking forward to watching some competitive Big XII football across the Sunflower State this fall.No doubt, some of the loudest cheering fans wearing the crimson and blue of KU and the purple and white of K-State will be from western Kansas, and you might even hear them shout, “Hey, look at us now!”