SALINA — 24/7 Travel Store is gearing up for its annual Food Bank Fill-Up campaign. The program will roll out Sept. 1 and run all month long in recognition of National Hunger Awareness Month and in support of nine Kansas food banks.

 In its sixth year, the program has returned with a goal to raise another $60,000 ($6,000 per store) in the fight against hunger.

“We are anticipating another successful year with this program. Last year was the program’s fifth anniversary and we were blown away by the support we received. 

"We raised over $71,000 for the nine Kansas communities we serve. It was our most successful campaign to date," said Jackie Hynes, director of marketing.

Proudly supporting these area food banks:

Abilene Area Food &amp; Clothing Bank (Abilene) • Community Care Ministries (Maple Hill) • Genesis Food Pantry of Sherman County (Goodland) • Genesis Food Pantry of Thomas County (Colby) • McPherson County Food Bank (McPherson) • Russell County Food Pantry (Russell) • Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank (Salina) • Trego County Food Pantry (WaKeeney)

"Since the program began in 2018, we’ve raised over a quarter million dollars in support of our local food banks. Our day-to-day business offers services to fuel vehicles. Hosting the Food Bank Fill-Up allows us to support organizations including your local food bank, that offers services that fuel the human body. We are driving out hunger— together,” said Hynes.

NATIONAL HUNGER ACTION DAY IS SEPTEMBER 23

On September 23, National Hunger Action Day— for one day only, 24/7 Travel Store locations will have food bank representatives onsite during select times accepting food items and monetary donations. 

“We encourage community members to plan their giving on this day, if possible. To take the opportunity to come inside and visit with their local food bank representative. Perhaps learn other ways they can be supportive or calm any doubts about the Food Bank Fill-Up funds donated staying local. We hosted this event last year and it was our biggest fundraising day, bringing in $3,674 collectively,” said Hynes. 

To learn what time your local food bank representative will be available instore, follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/247stores">24/7 Travel Store Facebook page</a>.

Travel Store has ten locations to serve guests and travelers along the Interstate 70 and Interstate 135 corridors throughout Kansas. These stores are operated by local teams that live and shop in the surrounding area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692644164997.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseSALINA — 24/7 Travel Store is gearing up for its annual Food Bank Fill-Up campaign. The program will roll out Sept. 1 and run all month long in recognition of National Hunger Awareness Month and in support of nine Kansas food banks. In its sixth year, the program has returned with a goal to raise another $60,000 ($6,000 per store) in the fight against hunger.“We are anticipating another successful year with this program. Last year was the program’s fifth anniversary and we were blown away by the support we received. "We raised over $71,000 for the nine Kansas communities we serve. It was our most successful campaign to date," said Jackie Hynes, director of marketing.Proudly supporting these area food banks: Abilene Area Food &amp; Clothing Bank (Abilene) • Community Care Ministries (Maple Hill) • Genesis Food Pantry of Sherman County (Goodland) • Genesis Food Pantry of Thomas County (Colby) • McPherson County Food Bank (McPherson) • Russell County Food Pantry (Russell) • Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank (Salina) • Trego County Food Pantry (WaKeeney)"Since the program began in 2018, we’ve raised over a quarter million dollars in support of our local food banks. Our day-to-day business offers services to fuel vehicles. Hosting the Food Bank Fill-Up allows us to support organizations including your local food bank, that offers services that fuel the human body. We are driving out hunger— together,” said Hynes.NATIONAL HUNGER ACTION DAY IS SEPTEMBER 23On September 23, National Hunger Action Day— for one day only, 24/7 Travel Store locations will have food bank representatives onsite during select times accepting food items and monetary donations. “We encourage community members to plan their giving on this day, if possible. To take the opportunity to come inside and visit with their local food bank representative. Perhaps learn other ways they can be supportive or calm any doubts about the Food Bank Fill-Up funds donated staying local. We hosted this event last year and it was our biggest fundraising day, bringing in $3,674 collectively,” said Hynes. To learn what time your local food bank representative will be available instore, follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/247stores">24/7 Travel Store Facebook page</a>.ABOUT 24/7 TRAVEL STORE&nbsp;Travel Store has ten locations to serve guests and travelers along the Interstate 70 and Interstate 135 corridors throughout Kansas. These stores are operated by local teams that live and shop in the surrounding area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

24/7 Travel Store annual food bank fill-up to benefit area food banks 

TOPEKA — Three Kansas school districts, including Logan, and two organizations were recently honored for outstanding practices in Child Nutrition and Wellness programs that help support the Kansans Can vision.

The Kansans Can 2022-2023 Best Practice Awards were presented by Cheryl Johnson, Child Nutrition and Wellness director for the Kansas State Department of Education during the Aug. 8 Kansas State Board of Education meeting in Topeka. This is the sixth year for the awards.

The Kansans Can vision, which was established by the state board in 2015, is Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

Recipients of the Kansans Can Serve Local Foods award are Logan USD 326, DeSoto USD 232 and Quality Care Services Inc.

Logan USD 326 received a Farm to Plate sub-grant from the department&nbsp; as part of a USDA Farm to School grant. The district’s objective was to educate students as to where their food comes from and give them a sense of ownership as they were allowed to grow their own food that was then used for school meals.

Logan used grant funds to purchase grow lights for garden towers, which allowed students to increase the amount of produce grown. They also purchased a compost bin and a commercial dehydrator.

“Logan is a leader in serving local, quality foods in school meals and in teaching students where their food comes from,” Johnson said. “They are a mentor and inspiration to many other districts throughout the state showing that Kansans Can serve local foods in child nutrition programs.”

DeSoto USD 232 celebrated Farm to Fork Friday each Friday from August through October during the 2022-2023 school year. Every Friday, a different local produce item was sourced from local farms and served at lunch through the Kansas City Food Hub – a farmer cooperative wholesaler and retailer that partners with 30 local farmers.

Produce served included watermelon, grape tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, Fuji apples, romaine and sweet green peppers. Farmer information cards were posted during the lunch meal service so students could see where the produce came from.

Quality Care Services Inc. is a Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor of child care homes. The organization was awarded a United States Department of Agriculture Edible Garden Turn-Key Grant effective July 2022 through June 2023. To apply for the grant, Quality Care Services needed community partnerships.

Quality Care Services partnered with Kansas Corn STEM and created a preschool curriculum that was offered free to all child care home providers through Kansas. Each of Quality Care Services’ child care home providers were given a local food bundle kit, which included a book on composting, container garden handouts and a sub-grant application for either a raised garden bed or hydroponic garden.

The organization successfully awarded 16 raised garden kits and 19 hydroponic garden kits. Providers grew more than 843 pounds of local food during the winter months.

“Quality Care is the first child care sponsor in Kansas to directly apply for a Farm to School Grant from USDA and is to be commended for its passion about serving quality local foods in day care homes, educating pre-K children about where their food comes from and creating a STEM curriculum,” Johnson said.

First Choice Support Services, a Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor of child care homes, received the Kansans Can Step Up to Lead award. The organization faced staffing challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“First Choice lost all personnel except the executive director and one enrollment specialist in February 2021,” Johnson said. “Lacy Schmidt stepped up to lead in a position where she was a new employee with no other experienced employees to mentor or guide her. She went above and beyond to learn and build competence in the program administration. She has maintained perfect attendance since her employment.”

One of Schmidt’s major accomplishments was the outreach she conducted to licensed child care home providers.

“At a time when there is a shortage of child care workers in Kansas, leadership to encourage day care home providers to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which is an indicator of quality care, is to be commended,” Johnson said.

Lansing USD 469 received the Kansans Can Impact Wellness award. The district has an active wellness committee that meets regularly. As a team, the committee has set goals to impact wellness within Lansing USD 469. Goals include increasing visibility and interest within the community around creating a healthier school environment and incorporating social-emotional wellness into the wellness policies.

“Kansas State Board of Education Child Nutrition and Wellness supports schools in their wellness policy implementation by offering wellness coach visits to school districts,” Johnson said. “The wellness coach that assisted Lansing … was impressed with the work of this diverse community and how their strong policies and practices are truly impacting wellness in the Lansing schools and communities.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692645642859.jpeg" alt="USD 326 Logan is recognized for its outstanding practices in child nutrition and wellness by the Kansas State Department of Education. Photo courtesy KSDE" />
 <figcaption>USD 326 Logan is recognized for its outstanding practices in child nutrition and wellness by the Kansas State Department of Education. Photo courtesy KSDE</figcaption>
 </figure>KSDETOPEKA — Three Kansas school districts, including Logan, and two organizations were recently honored for outstanding practices in Child Nutrition and Wellness programs that help support the Kansans Can vision.The Kansans Can 2022-2023 Best Practice Awards were presented by Cheryl Johnson, Child Nutrition and Wellness director for the Kansas State Department of Education during the Aug. 8 Kansas State Board of Education meeting in Topeka. This is the sixth year for the awards.The Kansans Can vision, which was established by the state board in 2015, is Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.Recipients of the Kansans Can Serve Local Foods award are Logan USD 326, DeSoto USD 232 and Quality Care Services Inc.Logan USD 326 received a Farm to Plate sub-grant from the department&nbsp; as part of a USDA Farm to School grant. The district’s objective was to educate students as to where their food comes from and give them a sense of ownership as they were allowed to grow their own food that was then used for school meals.Logan used grant funds to purchase grow lights for garden towers, which allowed students to increase the amount of produce grown. They also purchased a compost bin and a commercial dehydrator.“Logan is a leader in serving local, quality foods in school meals and in teaching students where their food comes from,” Johnson said. “They are a mentor and inspiration to many other districts throughout the state showing that Kansans Can serve local foods in child nutrition programs.”DeSoto USD 232 celebrated Farm to Fork Friday each Friday from August through October during the 2022-2023 school year. Every Friday, a different local produce item was sourced from local farms and served at lunch through the Kansas City Food Hub – a farmer cooperative wholesaler and retailer that partners with 30 local farmers.Produce served included watermelon, grape tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, Fuji apples, romaine and sweet green peppers. Farmer information cards were posted during the lunch meal service so students could see where the produce came from.Quality Care Services Inc. is a Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor of child care homes. The organization was awarded a United States Department of Agriculture Edible Garden Turn-Key Grant effective July 2022 through June 2023. To apply for the grant, Quality Care Services needed community partnerships.Quality Care Services partnered with Kansas Corn STEM and created a preschool curriculum that was offered free to all child care home providers through Kansas. Each of Quality Care Services’ child care home providers were given a local food bundle kit, which included a book on composting, container garden handouts and a sub-grant application for either a raised garden bed or hydroponic garden.The organization successfully awarded 16 raised garden kits and 19 hydroponic garden kits. Providers grew more than 843 pounds of local food during the winter months.“Quality Care is the first child care sponsor in Kansas to directly apply for a Farm to School Grant from USDA and is to be commended for its passion about serving quality local foods in day care homes, educating pre-K children about where their food comes from and creating a STEM curriculum,” Johnson said.First Choice Support Services, a Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor of child care homes, received the Kansans Can Step Up to Lead award. The organization faced staffing challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.“First Choice lost all personnel except the executive director and one enrollment specialist in February 2021,” Johnson said. “Lacy Schmidt stepped up to lead in a position where she was a new employee with no other experienced employees to mentor or guide her. She went above and beyond to learn and build competence in the program administration. She has maintained perfect attendance since her employment.”One of Schmidt’s major accomplishments was the outreach she conducted to licensed child care home providers.“At a time when there is a shortage of child care workers in Kansas, leadership to encourage day care home providers to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which is an indicator of quality care, is to be commended,” Johnson said.Lansing USD 469 received the Kansans Can Impact Wellness award. The district has an active wellness committee that meets regularly. As a team, the committee has set goals to impact wellness within Lansing USD 469. Goals include increasing visibility and interest within the community around creating a healthier school environment and incorporating social-emotional wellness into the wellness policies.“Kansas State Board of Education Child Nutrition and Wellness supports schools in their wellness policy implementation by offering wellness coach visits to school districts,” Johnson said. “The wellness coach that assisted Lansing … was impressed with the work of this diverse community and how their strong policies and practices are truly impacting wellness in the Lansing schools and communities.”

USD 326 Logan among honorees for outstanding practices in child nutrition programs

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692713779093.jpeg" alt="" />
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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>

Three-day weather outlook

🎥 Green and Growing: Area gardens

Monday evening Fort Hays State University students gathered on the university quad to learn about various university organizations, programs and offerings along with community groups and businesses in Ellis County.

The annual tradition gives students an opportunity to learn about the community as the fall semester gets underway.

Take a look at some of the activities below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719560661.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Monday evening Fort Hays State University students gathered on the university quad to learn about various university organizations, programs and offerings along with community groups and businesses in Ellis County.The annual tradition gives students an opportunity to learn about the community as the fall semester gets underway.Take a look at some of the activities below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719642404.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719569145.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
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 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719550946.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719600925.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719611463.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719621745.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719631606.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719589907.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719651732.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692719662119.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷 FHSU students learn about university, community during Back to School picnic

GRAHAM COUNTY - Antelope Lake, an 80-acre public fishing impoundment, is located approximately 14 miles west of Hill City.

 The lake and surrounding park is owned by Graham County and the fishery is managed cooperatively by the county and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

As part of fish management activities, KDWP collects fish population and angler use data at Antelope Lake. Standard sampling results reveal bluegill growth is relatively rapid. 

But creel survey results indicate bluegill are harvested by anglers at a relatively high rate. Taken together, angler harvest may limit bluegill population size structure quality.

To improve bluegill and other sunfish population dynamics at Antelope Lake, KDWP has implemented a 6 to 9 inch protected slot length limit on all sunfish species, including bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish, and their hybrids, a five-fish daily creel limit on sunfish nine inches and longer, and an unlimited daily creel limit on sunfish six inches and shorter.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661515930844.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPGRAHAM COUNTY - Antelope Lake, an 80-acre public fishing impoundment, is located approximately 14 miles west of Hill City. The lake and surrounding park is owned by Graham County and the fishery is managed cooperatively by the county and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.As part of fish management activities, KDWP collects fish population and angler use data at Antelope Lake. Standard sampling results reveal bluegill growth is relatively rapid. But creel survey results indicate bluegill are harvested by anglers at a relatively high rate. Taken together, angler harvest may limit bluegill population size structure quality.To improve bluegill and other sunfish population dynamics at Antelope Lake, KDWP has implemented a 6 to 9 inch protected slot length limit on all sunfish species, including bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish, and their hybrids, a five-fish daily creel limit on sunfish nine inches and longer, and an unlimited daily creel limit on sunfish six inches and shorter.For more information contact Dave Spalsbury, district fisheries biologist at 785-726-3212.

Special sunfish harvest regulations implemented at Antelope Lake

It has been a very challenging summer when it comes to controlling weeds in fallow and wheat stubble fields. With may wheat fields this year having short and thin stands and having very little crop canopy the weeds had very little competition to keep them at bay.

Combine that with a growing list of weeds that are now resistant to several different types of herbicides it makes you wonder if we’ll ever get a handle on effective weed control in these fallow cropping systems.

One weed control strategy that many times gets overlooked, and certainly underutilized, is planting cover crops during the fallow periods of the rotation.

Cover crops provide weed management benefits in several different ways. 

Many small, seeded weed species, like kochia, palmer amaranth and other pigweed species have better germination results when exposed to light. Living cover crops, or the residue that is left after it is terminated, reduces the sunlight reaching the soil surface thus reducing the number of weeds that come up. Cover crops also compete with weeds for moisture, nutrients and sunlight keeping the weeds in a weak, easier to kill condition if they do emerge. Some cover crop species, like rye and some brassicas, control weeds through a process called allelopathy. This is where decaying residue release chemicals that inhibit the germination of weed seeds.

Here are a few strategies to consider when utilizing cover crops for weed suppression in dryland cropping systems.

1. Know what your problem weeds are and get the cover crops well established before those weeds emerge. 

For western Kansas most of the time those weeds are going to be kochia and palmer amaranth. Kochia comes up early in the spring, so to get ahead of it a cover crop needs to be planted as soon as possible after the fall crops are harvested. If there is adequate moisture and enough time to get some decent growth I would plant in the fall. If soil moisture is short and it is getting late in the season, I would delay the planting to early spring.

2. Select species that grow aggressively and shade the ground quickly that provides a mat of biomass on the soil surface once the cover crop is terminated. 

For a late fall or early spring planting cereal grains like rye, triticale, barley, oats, and wheat work well. For a summer mix that is planted after wheat harvest, forage sorghums, sorghum sudans and millets are good species to use. Brassicas like turnips and radishes can also provide a fair amount of biomass before freezing out.

3. Take advantage of the allelopathy effect some species. This process works like using a preemergent herbicide. Once the cover crop is terminated, chemicals are released from the decomposing plant residue that inhibit weeds seeds from germinating. This works well in controlling palmer amaranth when terminating a cereal grain cover crop right around the time it is heading in early to mid-May.

4. Terminate the cover crop early if there is a persistent dry period and the long-term weather forecast is not favorable for adequate moisture to replenish the soil profile. 

The key to making cover crops work in these dryland fallow systems is for the cover crop to utilize the moisture we would lose any way through evaporation, runoff, and transpiration through weeds, but still leave adequate soil moisture for the next cash crop.

5. Always look at the economic side of things and compare your current weed control cost and what it will cost to incorporate cover crops into your system. Herbicide applications can get pricey, and many times don’t work well. Multiple tillage operations can also add up to a substantial amount of money.

Cover crops can help with weed suppression, but they are not a “silver bullet.” They are just another tool in the toolbox, that along with other weed control measures, can help in controlling weeds more effectively.

For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker, is a soil health specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628525048992.jpeg" alt="Dale Younker,&nbsp;is a soil health specialist with the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dale Younker,&nbsp;is a soil health specialist with the&nbsp;Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>It has been a very challenging summer when it comes to controlling weeds in fallow and wheat stubble fields. With may wheat fields this year having short and thin stands and having very little crop canopy the weeds had very little competition to keep them at bay.Combine that with a growing list of weeds that are now resistant to several different types of herbicides it makes you wonder if we’ll ever get a handle on effective weed control in these fallow cropping systems.One weed control strategy that many times gets overlooked, and certainly underutilized, is planting cover crops during the fallow periods of the rotation.Cover crops provide weed management benefits in several different ways. Many small, seeded weed species, like kochia, palmer amaranth and other pigweed species have better germination results when exposed to light. Living cover crops, or the residue that is left after it is terminated, reduces the sunlight reaching the soil surface thus reducing the number of weeds that come up. Cover crops also compete with weeds for moisture, nutrients and sunlight keeping the weeds in a weak, easier to kill condition if they do emerge. Some cover crop species, like rye and some brassicas, control weeds through a process called allelopathy. This is where decaying residue release chemicals that inhibit the germination of weed seeds.Here are a few strategies to consider when utilizing cover crops for weed suppression in dryland cropping systems.1. Know what your problem weeds are and get the cover crops well established before those weeds emerge. For western Kansas most of the time those weeds are going to be kochia and palmer amaranth. Kochia comes up early in the spring, so to get ahead of it a cover crop needs to be planted as soon as possible after the fall crops are harvested. If there is adequate moisture and enough time to get some decent growth I would plant in the fall. If soil moisture is short and it is getting late in the season, I would delay the planting to early spring.2. Select species that grow aggressively and shade the ground quickly that provides a mat of biomass on the soil surface once the cover crop is terminated. For a late fall or early spring planting cereal grains like rye, triticale, barley, oats, and wheat work well. For a summer mix that is planted after wheat harvest, forage sorghums, sorghum sudans and millets are good species to use. Brassicas like turnips and radishes can also provide a fair amount of biomass before freezing out.3. Take advantage of the allelopathy effect some species. This process works like using a preemergent herbicide. Once the cover crop is terminated, chemicals are released from the decomposing plant residue that inhibit weeds seeds from germinating. This works well in controlling palmer amaranth when terminating a cereal grain cover crop right around the time it is heading in early to mid-May.4. Terminate the cover crop early if there is a persistent dry period and the long-term weather forecast is not favorable for adequate moisture to replenish the soil profile. The key to making cover crops work in these dryland fallow systems is for the cover crop to utilize the moisture we would lose any way through evaporation, runoff, and transpiration through weeds, but still leave adequate soil moisture for the next cash crop.5. Always look at the economic side of things and compare your current weed control cost and what it will cost to incorporate cover crops into your system. Herbicide applications can get pricey, and many times don’t work well. Multiple tillage operations can also add up to a substantial amount of money.Cover crops can help with weed suppression, but they are not a “silver bullet.” They are just another tool in the toolbox, that along with other weed control measures, can help in controlling weeds more effectively.For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker, is a soil health specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.&nbsp;

YOUNKER: Using cover crops to manage weeds

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is excited to announce the induction of Ron and Marsha Schilling, Edson, Kansas as the 2023 Wall of Honor inductee in a combination of presentations to be held at the Foundation’s 2023 Boots and Bling event and also during the Supreme Drive of the Kansas State Fair Open Beef Show. Ron and Marsha have been life-long supporters of the Kansas State Fair and the Kansas Beef Cattle Industry. Ron and Marsha developed a passion for agriculture and livestock from their respective parents and their involvement in 4-H livestock projects in Sherman County. They each separately started a purebred registered Limousin cowherd as part of their 4-H projects. Their involvement with the Kansas State Fair began when they attended and also then exhibited their animals in the 4-H livestock shows at the Fair. Having known each other through 4-H, Ron said he always had his eye on Marsha, but only had the guts to ask her out on a date after he went off to Colby Community College. There, he competed on the livestock judging team and learned to give a good set of reasons. The confidence gained from livestock judging finally gave him the courage to ask Marsha for a date. One date led to many dates, and in 1979 they married and “honeymooned” in Manhattan until 1981 when Ron finished his degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University. After Ron graduated from Kansas State University they moved back to Sherman County in northwest Kansas, where they’ve made their home, and been actively involved in production agriculture; raising crops, livestock, 3 wonderful sons and 4 perfect grandkids. In 2024, Ron and Marsha will celebrate 50 years of membership in the North American Limousin Foundation with the reputation of breeding top-quality Limousin cattle that worked for cattlemen across the country. In 2012, they added a registered Angus herd to their ranching operation. The Schillings have been selling registered seedstock for more than 40 years. They currently hold two auctions each year, selling show quality heifers in the fall and a production sale in the spring focusing on Limousin, Lim-Flex and Angus bulls along with a selection of high-quality replacement females. They’ve had a love for the Kansas State Fair since their youth. The idea for holding a Supreme Drive for the open beef show at the Kansas State Fair started in the early 2000’s while exhibiting open class cattle with their sons. The Grand Champions from each beef breed would compete for the title of Supreme Champion. This was prior to the building of the Prairie Pavilion complex, built in 2004. The Schilling’s know that the quality of the open show cattle exhibited at the Kansas State Fair helped set the standard for beef shows nationwide. Grand Champions from the Kansas State Fair often go on to win major livestock shows across the nation. After many conversations, persistence and getting a Fair Board that was willing to try something new, the idea gained momentum and in 2007 with the help of Ron Holland and Anne Lampe, the first Supreme Drive was held. According to the Schillings, it was a labor of love by many in the purebred beef industry to pull off this show. It highlights all the breed Grand Champions and allows one female and one bull the distinction of Supreme Champion of the Kansas State Fair. The Schillings noted the Supreme Drive has been blessed with great sponsors from the early years, many still sponsors to this day, and new sponsors who become part of the Supreme Drive fanfare with each new fair. Ron designed the trophy after hockey’s “Stanley Cup” Trophy, where the names of the winners’ names are added each year making the trophy bigger and more prestigious to win each year in succession. "Ron and Marsha have been integral to the Supreme Drive since its inception. In addition to being an open show exhibitor and sponsor, they’ve served as treasurer of the Supreme Drive Committee since the beginning. Ron sets up the Breed Champion display, ensuring each detail is coordinated from the breed stall signs, to personally welcoming the exhibitors. Marsha organizes the Supreme Drive reception, ordering the food and setting up the event for exhibitors and spectators.” said Anne Lampe, Kansas State Fair Beef Superintendent and Show Manager. Anne continued, “Ron and Marsha are deeply invested in the success of the open beef shows at the Kansas State Fair, I always know that if I need help with anything concerning the Supreme Drive, the Schilling family is ready to help." The Schillings feel honored to be a part of the development and continued success of the Open Beef Show Supreme Drive at the Kansas State Fair. While making a difference for Kansas State Fair, they have also been active members of their local community serving on the Extension Board, Farm Bureau Board, School Board, and as 4-H club leaders, 4-H Beef leaders, on the Northwest Kansas District Free Fair Carnival Board and they host the Tri-State Royal of Champions every August. They are also actively involved in the Goodland Church of Christ. Most recently served on the Topside Manor Board which helped pass a bond issue, design and built a state-of-the-art full care facility for the elderly of Northwest Kansas. Marsha currently serves on the Ground Water Board and Ron is the current President of the Sherman County Community Foundation. The Schillings have always believed that if we want the world to be a better place, we all need to start with our home community first.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on how you can support the Wall of Honor and the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation please contact James Fisher, Executive Director, Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation at 620-615-7388 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:James.Fisher@KansasSFF.org">James.Fisher@KansasSFF.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692635660635.jpeg" alt="Ron and Marsha Schilling-Image Courtesy Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Ron and Marsha Schilling-Image Courtesy Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Fairgrounds FoundationHUTCHINSON, Kan.— The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is excited to announce the induction of Ron and Marsha Schilling, Edson, Kansas as the 2023 Wall of Honor inductee in a combination of presentations to be held at the Foundation’s 2023 Boots and Bling event and also during the Supreme Drive of the Kansas State Fair Open Beef Show. Ron and Marsha have been life-long supporters of the Kansas State Fair and the Kansas Beef Cattle Industry. Ron and Marsha developed a passion for agriculture and livestock from their respective parents and their involvement in 4-H livestock projects in Sherman County. They each separately started a purebred registered Limousin cowherd as part of their 4-H projects. Their involvement with the Kansas State Fair began when they attended and also then exhibited their animals in the 4-H livestock shows at the Fair. Having known each other through 4-H, Ron said he always had his eye on Marsha, but only had the guts to ask her out on a date after he went off to Colby Community College. There, he competed on the livestock judging team and learned to give a good set of reasons. The confidence gained from livestock judging finally gave him the courage to ask Marsha for a date. One date led to many dates, and in 1979 they married and “honeymooned” in Manhattan until 1981 when Ron finished his degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University. After Ron graduated from Kansas State University they moved back to Sherman County in northwest Kansas, where they’ve made their home, and been actively involved in production agriculture; raising crops, livestock, 3 wonderful sons and 4 perfect grandkids. In 2024, Ron and Marsha will celebrate 50 years of membership in the North American Limousin Foundation with the reputation of breeding top-quality Limousin cattle that worked for cattlemen across the country. In 2012, they added a registered Angus herd to their ranching operation. The Schillings have been selling registered seedstock for more than 40 years. They currently hold two auctions each year, selling show quality heifers in the fall and a production sale in the spring focusing on Limousin, Lim-Flex and Angus bulls along with a selection of high-quality replacement females. They’ve had a love for the Kansas State Fair since their youth. The idea for holding a Supreme Drive for the open beef show at the Kansas State Fair started in the early 2000’s while exhibiting open class cattle with their sons. The Grand Champions from each beef breed would compete for the title of Supreme Champion. This was prior to the building of the Prairie Pavilion complex, built in 2004. The Schilling’s know that the quality of the open show cattle exhibited at the Kansas State Fair helped set the standard for beef shows nationwide. Grand Champions from the Kansas State Fair often go on to win major livestock shows across the nation. After many conversations, persistence and getting a Fair Board that was willing to try something new, the idea gained momentum and in 2007 with the help of Ron Holland and Anne Lampe, the first Supreme Drive was held. According to the Schillings, it was a labor of love by many in the purebred beef industry to pull off this show. It highlights all the breed Grand Champions and allows one female and one bull the distinction of Supreme Champion of the Kansas State Fair. The Schillings noted the Supreme Drive has been blessed with great sponsors from the early years, many still sponsors to this day, and new sponsors who become part of the Supreme Drive fanfare with each new fair. Ron designed the trophy after hockey’s “Stanley Cup” Trophy, where the names of the winners’ names are added each year making the trophy bigger and more prestigious to win each year in succession. "Ron and Marsha have been integral to the Supreme Drive since its inception. In addition to being an open show exhibitor and sponsor, they’ve served as treasurer of the Supreme Drive Committee since the beginning. Ron sets up the Breed Champion display, ensuring each detail is coordinated from the breed stall signs, to personally welcoming the exhibitors. Marsha organizes the Supreme Drive reception, ordering the food and setting up the event for exhibitors and spectators.” said Anne Lampe, Kansas State Fair Beef Superintendent and Show Manager. Anne continued, “Ron and Marsha are deeply invested in the success of the open beef shows at the Kansas State Fair, I always know that if I need help with anything concerning the Supreme Drive, the Schilling family is ready to help." The Schillings feel honored to be a part of the development and continued success of the Open Beef Show Supreme Drive at the Kansas State Fair. While making a difference for Kansas State Fair, they have also been active members of their local community serving on the Extension Board, Farm Bureau Board, School Board, and as 4-H club leaders, 4-H Beef leaders, on the Northwest Kansas District Free Fair Carnival Board and they host the Tri-State Royal of Champions every August. They are also actively involved in the Goodland Church of Christ. Most recently served on the Topside Manor Board which helped pass a bond issue, design and built a state-of-the-art full care facility for the elderly of Northwest Kansas. Marsha currently serves on the Ground Water Board and Ron is the current President of the Sherman County Community Foundation. The Schillings have always believed that if we want the world to be a better place, we all need to start with our home community first.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information on how you can support the Wall of Honor and the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation please contact James Fisher, Executive Director, Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation at 620-615-7388 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:James.Fisher@KansasSFF.org">James.Fisher@KansasSFF.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ron and Marsha Schilling now in Wall of Honor for Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays&nbsp; USD 489 school board approved&nbsp;$1.6 million to make improvements to the Hays High School baseball field at its meeting Monday night.

The improvements will include new turf for the infield, conversion of the outfield to turf, conversion of the lights to LEDs, new bleachers and a larger backstop.

"Our baseball stadium is probably the best facility we have now. However, in three years, it will go from being our best facility to our worst facility," Superintendent Ron Wilson said.

The Hays school district is in the middle of a bond issue that will include a new high school and a conversion of the current high school into a middle school.

The turf at the HHS baseball field is 12 years old, which is two years past its expected lifespan.

The district is struggling to keep the outfield, which is still grass, watered. The sprinklers are not reaching all of the field, which is leaving dead spots.

State law prohibits the district from diverting more water from its wells to the field because of its location.

Lance Krannawitter, HHS activities director, said the heat has resulted in the grass surface becoming hard and dangerous to play on.

The new bleachers will be handicap accessible. The larger backstop will help keep foul balls from hitting windshields in the parking area.

"This will make our baseball facility on par with all other facilities and be a nice addition to our complex," Wilson said.

The district will pay for the improvements with capital outlay funds.

The project should be completed by March in time for the 2024 baseball season.

The board voted unanimously to name the district's new elementary school Felten Elementary School.

The current middle school will be remodeled into an elementary school as part of the ongoing bond improvements.

Felten was used as the name of the building from 1981 to 2012 when the school was a middle school.

The school was renamed in honor of Pete F. Felten, who played a key role in the development of Hays. Serving as mayor, he helped lay out and name the streets of Hays. He was the owner of Felten Truck Lines. Many people and organizations in the Hays community benefited from Pete Felten's generosity, the district said in its supporting materials.

Pete Felten Jr., Pete F. Felten's son, is an acclaimed limestone sculptor and still lives in Hays.

The new elementary school is set to open in fall 2026.

The district is beginning phase two of the Roosevelt Elementary School renovations that are also part of the bond work. Temporary walls are going up at the school and footings are being poured for the expansion of the school, Wilson said.

The construction company bought snow cones for the students at the school last week and took them on mini-tours of the changes, Wilson said.

The district's budget and revenue-neutral hearings will be during the next school board meeting on Sept. 11.

The district is proposing an $82 million budget with a slight decrease in the local option budget from 13.019 mills to 12.25 mills.&nbsp;

Because the Ellis County valuation has increased, the district will be taking in more money even though it has slightly decreased the mill levy.

That increase is why the district is required to have a revenue-neutral hearing. The notices on that increase, along with those for the city and county, went out to residents last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690368412220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays&nbsp; USD 489 school board approved&nbsp;$1.6 million to make improvements to the Hays High School baseball field at its meeting Monday night.The improvements will include new turf for the infield, conversion of the outfield to turf, conversion of the lights to LEDs, new bleachers and a larger backstop."Our baseball stadium is probably the best facility we have now. However, in three years, it will go from being our best facility to our worst facility," Superintendent Ron Wilson said.The Hays school district is in the middle of a bond issue that will include a new high school and a conversion of the current high school into a middle school.The turf at the HHS baseball field is 12 years old, which is two years past its expected lifespan.The district is struggling to keep the outfield, which is still grass, watered. The sprinklers are not reaching all of the field, which is leaving dead spots.State law prohibits the district from diverting more water from its wells to the field because of its location.Lance Krannawitter, HHS activities director, said the heat has resulted in the grass surface becoming hard and dangerous to play on.The new bleachers will be handicap accessible. The larger backstop will help keep foul balls from hitting windshields in the parking area."This will make our baseball facility on par with all other facilities and be a nice addition to our complex," Wilson said.The district will pay for the improvements with capital outlay funds.The project should be completed by March in time for the 2024 baseball season.<h2>Felten Elementary School</h2>The board voted unanimously to name the district's new elementary school Felten Elementary School.The current middle school will be remodeled into an elementary school as part of the ongoing bond improvements.Felten was used as the name of the building from 1981 to 2012 when the school was a middle school.The school was renamed in honor of Pete F. Felten, who played a key role in the development of Hays. Serving as mayor, he helped lay out and name the streets of Hays. He was the owner of Felten Truck Lines. Many people and organizations in the Hays community benefited from Pete Felten's generosity, the district said in its supporting materials.Pete Felten Jr., Pete F. Felten's son, is an acclaimed limestone sculptor and still lives in Hays.The new elementary school is set to open in fall 2026.The district is beginning phase two of the Roosevelt Elementary School renovations that are also part of the bond work. Temporary walls are going up at the school and footings are being poured for the expansion of the school, Wilson said.The construction company bought snow cones for the students at the school last week and took them on mini-tours of the changes, Wilson said.The district's budget and revenue-neutral hearings will be during the next school board meeting on Sept. 11.The district is proposing an $82 million budget with a slight decrease in the local option budget from 13.019 mills to 12.25 mills.&nbsp;Because the Ellis County valuation has increased, the district will be taking in more money even though it has slightly decreased the mill levy.That increase is why the district is required to have a revenue-neutral hearing. The notices on that increase, along with those for the city and county, went out to residents last week.

Hays USD 489 BOE approves improvements to baseball field

PRATT&nbsp;– Over the past several years, staff with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have fielded an ever-increasing amount of public concerns regarding the use of trail or game cameras on public lands. 

Concerns cited by the public commonly included the ethics of “fair chase,” issues of theft and privacy concerns. 

After much deliberation –&nbsp;including seven public meetings held over the course of two years – Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners voted this year to prohibit trail cameras on department lands and waters, including Walk-in Hunting Access and iWIHA properties (private lands leased by KDWP for public hunting access).

“As the number of trail cameras on the landscape increased, so did the number of reports made by constituents citing camera theft and misuse,” said Ryan Stucky, KDWP Public Lands assistant director. “There were also concerns about trail camera users disturbing wildlife with frequent visits to check on those cameras.”

As a result, department staff and commissioners agreed the regulation change – which is now in effect – should state that no person shall place, maintain, or use a trail or game camera on department lands, or use any images or video from a trail or game camera including location, time, or date, for any purpose on KDWP lands and waters.

KDWP defines trail or game cameras as any remote motion-activated or infrared camera in which the shutter is activated by sound triggers, proximity sensation, radio transmitters, or a self-timer built into the trail or game camera.

While using images of wildlife produced by or transmitted from a satellite to aid in taking or locating wildlife on department lands and waters is prohibited, the use of mapping systems or programs remains a legal activity.

For the full regulation, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc291dGRvb3JzLmNvbS9TZXJ2aWNlcy9MYXctRW5mb3JjZW1lbnQvUmVndWxhdGlvbnMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODE4LjgxMzYwOTIxIn0.UGcs0uHs6jzqsiSHiFNhrX3TMqJTo21Iz7TeG2Ifl9s/s/1303179659/br/224512520178-l" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations</a>&nbsp;and click “Department Lands and Water” then “<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vY29udGVudC9kb3dubG9hZC81NjA4MC82MDkzODkvdmVyc2lvbi8yL2ZpbGUvUi0wOC0yNS5wZGYiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODE4LjgxMzYwOTIxIn0.YQ6JfHr4bM4txR7Au894UBNr4jJgGgVHokZoj4_peRU/s/1303179659/br/224512520178-l" target="_blank">115-08-25</a>, Trail or game cameras and other devices.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692644825017.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDPWPRATT&nbsp;– Over the past several years, staff with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have fielded an ever-increasing amount of public concerns regarding the use of trail or game cameras on public lands. Concerns cited by the public commonly included the ethics of “fair chase,” issues of theft and privacy concerns. After much deliberation –&nbsp;including seven public meetings held over the course of two years – Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners voted this year to prohibit trail cameras on department lands and waters, including Walk-in Hunting Access and iWIHA properties (private lands leased by KDWP for public hunting access).“As the number of trail cameras on the landscape increased, so did the number of reports made by constituents citing camera theft and misuse,” said Ryan Stucky, KDWP Public Lands assistant director. “There were also concerns about trail camera users disturbing wildlife with frequent visits to check on those cameras.”As a result, department staff and commissioners agreed the regulation change – which is now in effect – should state that no person shall place, maintain, or use a trail or game camera on department lands, or use any images or video from a trail or game camera including location, time, or date, for any purpose on KDWP lands and waters.KDWP defines trail or game cameras as any remote motion-activated or infrared camera in which the shutter is activated by sound triggers, proximity sensation, radio transmitters, or a self-timer built into the trail or game camera.While using images of wildlife produced by or transmitted from a satellite to aid in taking or locating wildlife on department lands and waters is prohibited, the use of mapping systems or programs remains a legal activity.For the full regulation, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc291dGRvb3JzLmNvbS9TZXJ2aWNlcy9MYXctRW5mb3JjZW1lbnQvUmVndWxhdGlvbnMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODE4LjgxMzYwOTIxIn0.UGcs0uHs6jzqsiSHiFNhrX3TMqJTo21Iz7TeG2Ifl9s/s/1303179659/br/224512520178-l" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations</a>&nbsp;and click “Department Lands and Water” then “<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vY29udGVudC9kb3dubG9hZC81NjA4MC82MDkzODkvdmVyc2lvbi8yL2ZpbGUvUi0wOC0yNS5wZGYiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODE4LjgxMzYwOTIxIn0.YQ6JfHr4bM4txR7Au894UBNr4jJgGgVHokZoj4_peRU/s/1303179659/br/224512520178-l" target="_blank">115-08-25</a>, Trail or game cameras and other devices.”

Trail cams prohibited on KDWP-managed land in response to public concerns

The Kiwanis Club of Hays is hosting a family-friendly event this August 26 at the Kiwanis Park, 1314 Harvest Road.  

  Families are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items that will be collected to donate to the Community Assistance Center. 

 Bottled water will also be available for free at the park this Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692643076087.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Submitted&nbsp;The Kiwanis Club of Hays is hosting a family-friendly event this August 26 at the Kiwanis Park, 1314 Harvest Road. Families are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items that will be collected to donate to the Community Assistance Center. Bottled water will also be available for free at the park this Saturday.

Free snow cones Saturday courtesy Hays Kiwanis Club

Did someone tell you to buy a gift card and give them the numbers? That’s a scam. Your money was gone the moment you gave someone those gift card numbers. But now, some gift card companies might be able to get your money back.

<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">Gift card scams</a>&nbsp;start with calls, texts, emails, or social media messages. The scammer pretends to be someone they’re not: a company, the government, a family member, or romantic interest. Their message is always urgent. And they want money. They’ll tell you to buy a gift card or maybe multiple gift cards. Once you do, they’ll demand you send a photo of the card or give them the numbers on the back of the card.

But now, some&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">gift card companies</a>&nbsp;are flagging fraudulent transactions and freezing stolen gift card money so that scammers can’t get it. And those gift card companies want to give that money back.

So, if a gift card scam happens to you, act fast:

•<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">Report it</a> to the gift card company. Tell them you were scammed. Give the gift card company the information from your receipt or a copy of the numbers on your gift card.

•Ask for your money back. Once you report a gift card scam to the gift card company, ask for your money back. If the money was frozen or not downloaded by the scammer, some gift card companies will give the money back.&nbsp;

•Tell the FTC at <a href="http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Your report makes a difference and helps #stop scams.&nbsp;

The faster you contact any&nbsp;gift card company to report a gift card scam, the better the chance of getting your money back. But it doesn’t matter when you were scammed with a gift card.

For more information about avoiding and reporting gift card scams, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">ftc.gov/giftcards</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692642926333.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA MIRANDA FTCDid someone tell you to buy a gift card and give them the numbers? That’s a scam. Your money was gone the moment you gave someone those gift card numbers. But now, some gift card companies might be able to get your money back.<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">Gift card scams</a>&nbsp;start with calls, texts, emails, or social media messages. The scammer pretends to be someone they’re not: a company, the government, a family member, or romantic interest. Their message is always urgent. And they want money. They’ll tell you to buy a gift card or maybe multiple gift cards. Once you do, they’ll demand you send a photo of the card or give them the numbers on the back of the card.But now, some&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">gift card companies</a>&nbsp;are flagging fraudulent transactions and freezing stolen gift card money so that scammers can’t get it. And those gift card companies want to give that money back.So, if a gift card scam happens to you, act fast:•<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">Report it</a> to the gift card company. Tell them you were scammed. Give the gift card company the information from your receipt or a copy of the numbers on your gift card.•Ask for your money back. Once you report a gift card scam to the gift card company, ask for your money back. If the money was frozen or not downloaded by the scammer, some gift card companies will give the money back.&nbsp;•Tell the FTC at <a href="http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Your report makes a difference and helps #stop scams.&nbsp;The faster you contact any&nbsp;gift card company to report a gift card scam, the better the chance of getting your money back. But it doesn’t matter when you were scammed with a gift card. For more information about avoiding and reporting gift card scams, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">ftc.gov/giftcards</a>.

FTC: If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not

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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>

The Hays Police Department responded to 87 incidents Aug. 6-12, 2023 according to the HPD activity log.

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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 87 incidents Aug. 6-12, 2023 according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
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Hays PD activity log, Aug. 6-12

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications Crude inventories dropped to their lowest level in seven months. The government reported a 6 million barrel drawdown in U.S. crude stockpiles, reducing inventories to 439.7 million barrels as of Aug. 11. That's about 1 percent below the five-year seasonal average.

Stockpiles rebounded somewhat last week after a historic drawdown of 17 million barrels the week before. The current tally is the lowest since Jan. 11. EIA said crude imports last week rose nearly half a million barrels per day to 7.2 million barrels per day. The four-week average is about 4 percent higher than a year ago. U.S. crude production rose 107,000 barrels per day. The average for the week through Aug. 11 is just short of 12.7 million barrels per day, about half a million barrels per day higher than a year ago. The benchmark Nymex crude-oil contract settled Friday at $81.25 per barrel, posting its first weekly loss since the week of June 23. Prices were holding steady on Monday, with the September Nymex contract trading over $81. London Brent was just a few cents shy of $95 per barrel by midday. Kansas crude prices drop $2 in two weeks and now are equal to the price posted on Aug. 1. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $71.50 per barrel. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 642 active rigs, down five oil rigs and six gas rigs. Louisiana and West Virginia were each down three rigs. North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma each dropped by two rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 17 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one from last week, and 26 rigs west of Wichita, which is unchanged. Kansas operators have spudded 176 wells so far this year, down 34 wells from last year. Total footage is down 27 percent. Operators completed 33 new wells in Kansas, of which 22 are in western Kansas including one each in Barton, Ellis and Russell counties, and two in Stafford County.&nbsp; Kansas regulators approved 19 new drilling permits this week, 10 of them in western Kansas, including two in Ellis County. An oil tanker suspected of carrying sanctioned crude oil from Iran offloaded its cargo near Texas over the weekend, three months after it was seized under the U.S. sanctions intended to limit Iran's nuclear program. Ship-tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed the crude was moved in an hours-long ship-to-ship transfer near Galveston. The ship is too large to enter the port, so it needs what are called "lightering agents" to transfer the oil to smaller ships. That process got underway Sunday. Iran has threatened retaliation against any company taking part in the transfer. It's still not clear exactly how much crude is involved. The government refuses to comment until they actually have the cargo. An appeals court in Washington has derailed a plan to extend existing rail lines along Colorado's Interstate-70 corridor into Utah's booming Uinta Basin. The court ordered the Surface Transportation Board to reconsider what it called the "paltry discussion" of the potential environmental impact of the line. The administration announced $3.5 billion in funding for two carbon removal projects, designed to suck carbon dioxide pollution out of the air. Occidental Petroleum is developing 100,000 acres on the famed King Ranch in South Texas in one project. Another project is underway near Lake Charles, La. The Energy Information Administration predicts output from the seven major U.S. shale basins will average 9.44 million barrels per day in August and a little less, 9.41 million per day in September. The monthly Drilling Productivity Report predicts an average of 981 barrels per day for new shale wells in September. That's up 11 barrels per day from EIA's August forecast.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications Crude inventories dropped to their lowest level in seven months. The government reported a 6 million barrel drawdown in U.S. crude stockpiles, reducing inventories to 439.7 million barrels as of Aug. 11. That's about 1 percent below the five-year seasonal average.Stockpiles rebounded somewhat last week after a historic drawdown of 17 million barrels the week before. The current tally is the lowest since Jan. 11. EIA said crude imports last week rose nearly half a million barrels per day to 7.2 million barrels per day. The four-week average is about 4 percent higher than a year ago. U.S. crude production rose 107,000 barrels per day. The average for the week through Aug. 11 is just short of 12.7 million barrels per day, about half a million barrels per day higher than a year ago. The benchmark Nymex crude-oil contract settled Friday at $81.25 per barrel, posting its first weekly loss since the week of June 23. Prices were holding steady on Monday, with the September Nymex contract trading over $81. London Brent was just a few cents shy of $95 per barrel by midday. Kansas crude prices drop $2 in two weeks and now are equal to the price posted on Aug. 1. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $71.50 per barrel. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 642 active rigs, down five oil rigs and six gas rigs. Louisiana and West Virginia were each down three rigs. North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma each dropped by two rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 17 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one from last week, and 26 rigs west of Wichita, which is unchanged. Kansas operators have spudded 176 wells so far this year, down 34 wells from last year. Total footage is down 27 percent. Operators completed 33 new wells in Kansas, of which 22 are in western Kansas including one each in Barton, Ellis and Russell counties, and two in Stafford County.&nbsp; Kansas regulators approved 19 new drilling permits this week, 10 of them in western Kansas, including two in Ellis County. An oil tanker suspected of carrying sanctioned crude oil from Iran offloaded its cargo near Texas over the weekend, three months after it was seized under the U.S. sanctions intended to limit Iran's nuclear program. Ship-tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed the crude was moved in an hours-long ship-to-ship transfer near Galveston. The ship is too large to enter the port, so it needs what are called "lightering agents" to transfer the oil to smaller ships. That process got underway Sunday. Iran has threatened retaliation against any company taking part in the transfer. It's still not clear exactly how much crude is involved. The government refuses to comment until they actually have the cargo. An appeals court in Washington has derailed a plan to extend existing rail lines along Colorado's Interstate-70 corridor into Utah's booming Uinta Basin. The court ordered the Surface Transportation Board to reconsider what it called the "paltry discussion" of the potential environmental impact of the line. The administration announced $3.5 billion in funding for two carbon removal projects, designed to suck carbon dioxide pollution out of the air. Occidental Petroleum is developing 100,000 acres on the famed King Ranch in South Texas in one project. Another project is underway near Lake Charles, La. The Energy Information Administration predicts output from the seven major U.S. shale basins will average 9.44 million barrels per day in August and a little less, 9.41 million per day in September. The monthly Drilling Productivity Report predicts an average of 981 barrels per day for new shale wells in September. That's up 11 barrels per day from EIA's August forecast.

News from the oil Patch: Crude inventories plummet again

The Hays USD 489 school board will consider the name for the new elementary school at its regular meeting at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.

&nbsp;Hays Middle School will be remodeled into an elementary school as part of the bond issue improvements.

A new high school is being built, and middle school students will be moved to the current high school, which will be remodeled.

School officials are proposing to name the school Felten Elementary School.&nbsp;

Felten was previously used as the name of the building from 1981 to 2012 when the school was a middle school.

The school was renamed in honor Pete F. Felten, who played a key role in the development of Hays. Serving as mayor, he helped lay out and name the streets of Hays. He was the owner of Felten Truck Lines. Many people and organizations in the Hays community benefited from Pete Felten's generosity.

Superintendent Ron Wilson also will give a report about ongoing renovations at Roosevelt Elementary School.

The board also will consider a request for improvements at the baseball facility, a policy update on the use of school facilities by community groups and handbook reviews.

The handbook reviews will include base wages for classified staff.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will consider the name for the new elementary school at its regular meeting at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.&nbsp;Hays Middle School will be remodeled into an elementary school as part of the bond issue improvements.A new high school is being built, and middle school students will be moved to the current high school, which will be remodeled.School officials are proposing to name the school Felten Elementary School.&nbsp;Felten was previously used as the name of the building from 1981 to 2012 when the school was a middle school.The school was renamed in honor Pete F. Felten, who played a key role in the development of Hays. Serving as mayor, he helped lay out and name the streets of Hays. He was the owner of Felten Truck Lines. Many people and organizations in the Hays community benefited from Pete Felten's generosity.The new elementary school is set to open in fall 2026.Superintendent Ron Wilson also will give a report about ongoing renovations at Roosevelt Elementary School.The board also will consider a request for improvements at the baseball facility, a policy update on the use of school facilities by community groups and handbook reviews.The handbook reviews will include base wages for classified staff.

Hays USD 489 school board to consider name of new elementary school

Kansas&nbsp;Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Ransom public water supply system located in Ness County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on Aug. 21 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-731-2456, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzQ2OC9Db25zdW1lci1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbi1SZWdhcmRpbmctYS1EaXNydXB0P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MjEuODE0Mjk4MDEifQ.rQtsWh6NcLZSx0-HP3wPNRtTJghUwdT5hyA2l6b-MEg/s/1305913623/br/224575565666-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685643447861.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas&nbsp;Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Ransom public water supply system located in Ness County.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on Aug. 21 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-731-2456, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzQ2OC9Db25zdW1lci1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbi1SZWdhcmRpbmctYS1EaXNydXB0P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MjEuODE0Mjk4MDEifQ.rQtsWh6NcLZSx0-HP3wPNRtTJghUwdT5hyA2l6b-MEg/s/1305913623/br/224575565666-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil water advisory issued for the city of Ransom, Ness County

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hfehays.org/" target="_blank">Holy Family Elementary</a> principal Mandy Meagher and assistant principal Gene Flax discuss the beginning of the school year with The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Holy Family Elementary year begins" 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=5wj33-14874d5-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hfehays.org/" target="_blank">Holy Family Elementary</a> principal Mandy Meagher and assistant principal Gene Flax discuss the beginning of the school year with The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Holy Family Elementary year begins

An Ellis County district court jury found a man guilty this week of 10 sex crimes against two young girls.

The case stems back to incidents that happened in 2007.

The defendant is facing multiple life sentences under "Jessica's Law" for the crimes.

A jury trial was held in the Ellis County District Court in State of Kansas vs. Daniel Betancourt, Monday through Wednesday

 The defendant, Daniel Betancourt, was represented by Cheryl A. Stewart of Oakley and Christopher A. Rohr of Colby. The state was represented by Ellis County Attorney Robert A. Anderson Jr. The judge presiding over the case was Judge Glenn R. Braun.

The defendant was charged with 10 counts, all being “off-grid Jessica’s Law” child sexual abuse crimes. Charges one through six, involved a 7-year-old victim. Counts seven through 10 involved her 8-year-old sister.

Count one: rape, count two: rape, count three: aggravated criminal sodomy, count four: aggravated criminal sodomy, count five: aggravated criminal sodomy, count six: aggravated indecent liberties with a child, count seven: rape, count eight: aggravated criminal sodomy, count nine: aggravated criminal sodomy, count 10: aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Each of the 10 charges alleged that these crimes occurred between Feb. 1, 2007, and March 29, 2007, in Ellis County and the defendant was 18 or older at the time of these crimes and the victims were younger than 14 at the time the crimes were committed.

The original complaint in this matter was filed by the previous County Attorney Thomas J. Drees. A warrant was issued on April 10, 2007. The defendant was not arrested on that warrant until Aug. 22, 2021.

The jury deliberated for about one hour and fifteen minutes before finding the defendant guilty of all 10 charges.

Sentencing in this matter has not yet been scheduled.

While the judge does have some discretion at the time of sentencing, state law requires the defendant to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years for each count.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692399746319.png" alt="Betancourt-photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Betancourt-photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County AttorneyAn Ellis County district court jury found a man guilty this week of 10 sex crimes against two young girls.The case stems back to incidents that happened in 2007.The defendant is facing multiple life sentences under "Jessica's Law" for the crimes.A jury trial was held in the Ellis County District Court in State of Kansas vs. Daniel Betancourt, Monday through Wednesday The defendant, Daniel Betancourt, was represented by Cheryl A. Stewart of Oakley and Christopher A. Rohr of Colby. The state was represented by Ellis County Attorney Robert A. Anderson Jr. The judge presiding over the case was Judge Glenn R. Braun.The defendant was charged with 10 counts, all being “off-grid Jessica’s Law” child sexual abuse crimes. Charges one through six, involved a 7-year-old victim. Counts seven through 10 involved her 8-year-old sister.Those charges are as follows:Count one: rape, count two: rape, count three: aggravated criminal sodomy, count four: aggravated criminal sodomy, count five: aggravated criminal sodomy, count six: aggravated indecent liberties with a child, count seven: rape, count eight: aggravated criminal sodomy, count nine: aggravated criminal sodomy, count 10: aggravated indecent liberties with a child.Each of the 10 charges alleged that these crimes occurred between Feb. 1, 2007, and March 29, 2007, in Ellis County and the defendant was 18 or older at the time of these crimes and the victims were younger than 14 at the time the crimes were committed.The original complaint in this matter was filed by the previous County Attorney Thomas J. Drees. A warrant was issued on April 10, 2007. The defendant was not arrested on that warrant until Aug. 22, 2021.The jury deliberated for about one hour and fifteen minutes before finding the defendant guilty of all 10 charges.Sentencing in this matter has not yet been scheduled.While the judge does have some discretion at the time of sentencing, state law requires the defendant to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years for each count.

Ellis County jury finds man guilty of 10 counts of sex with minors

The Hays Aquatic Park officially wrapped up its year with the annual Dog Swim, giving area residents' four-legged friends a break from the heat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692560981105.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Aquatic Park officially wrapped up its year with the annual Dog Swim, giving area residents' four-legged friends a break from the heat.Take a look at the festivities below.<figure>
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📷 Hays Aquatic Park goes to the dogs to wrap up summer

Highlighting Fort Hays State University’s fall convocation Wednesday was the presentation of faculty awards. Awards included the Faculty Member of the Year, John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor, and the President’s Distinguished Scholar Award.

The Faculty Member of the Year award was presented to Dr. Carol Ellis, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders. Commerce Bank provided a $1,000 stipend for Dr. Ellis in recognition of this honor. Dr. Ellis provides academic and clinical education to FHSU students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

“Dr. Ellis’s passion for guiding international students with the Accent Modification program has helped expand numerous students’ knowledge of the English language, culture, and dialects,” said FHSU Provost Jill Arensdorf. “She is a stellar example of the importance and value of our teaching faculty.”

The faculty member of the year is selected from the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research and scholarly activity, and service.

The 2022-2023 award for scholarly activity went to Dr. Whitney Whitaker, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Lori Kniffin, assistant professor of leadership studies. 

Outstanding service awards went to Dr. Jerrie Brooks, associate professor of advanced education programs, and Dr. Karmen Porter, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders.

 Dr. Carol Ellis, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, and Dr. Richard Lisichenko, professor of geosciences, were recognized for outstanding teaching.

John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor

Dr. Ziwei Qi, associate professor of criminal justice, was named the&nbsp;John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor. The award is named after our esteemed former colleague, Dr. John Heinrichs, who was active in all research areas.

This award recognizes faculty members’ commitment, time, and energy in promoting undergraduate research. All current faculty and unclassified staff members at levels comparable to academic faculty are eligible. The awardee’s home department is provided $500 of budget funding to benefit the recipient.

Dr. Qi’s student-led projects include individual-to-community-based collaboration on victimology, crime prevention, and legal analysis. She assists her students with these research projects from presentation to publication and successful outcomes in the juris doctorate and graduate programs. One student wrote: “Dr. Qi’s mentorship has helped me achieve academically and professionally.”

President’s Distinguished Scholar Award

Dr. Laura Wilson, associate professor of geosciences, was announced as the 2023 President’s Distinguished Scholar. Dr. Wilson’s interdisciplinary research integrates aspects of the earth and life sciences, specifically the study of animals and the environments from the western interior seaway. She has been awarded four federal grants to support her scholarly activities focused on museum practices, including collection improvements at Sternberg Museum. Her scholarship in teaching and learning continues to impact college students in both informal and formal science education settings.

Dr. Wilson will receive a $1,500 check at the President’s Distinguished Scholar program later in the academic year.

The President’s Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. The evaluation of each candidate for this honor is based on an analysis of their performance in research and creative activities, service, and instruction categories. Acceptable levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award on research and creative activities.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692361592710.png" alt="Carol Ellis,&nbsp;Ziwei Qi, and&nbsp;Laura Wilson are winners of the FHSU fall convocation faculty awards. Photos courtesy FHSU." />
 <figcaption>Carol Ellis,&nbsp;Ziwei Qi, and&nbsp;Laura Wilson are winners of the FHSU fall convocation faculty awards. Photos courtesy FHSU.</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsHighlighting Fort Hays State University’s fall convocation Wednesday was the presentation of faculty awards. Awards included the Faculty Member of the Year, John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor, and the President’s Distinguished Scholar Award.The Faculty Member of the Year award was presented to Dr. Carol Ellis, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders. Commerce Bank provided a $1,000 stipend for Dr. Ellis in recognition of this honor. Dr. Ellis provides academic and clinical education to FHSU students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.“Dr. Ellis’s passion for guiding international students with the Accent Modification program has helped expand numerous students’ knowledge of the English language, culture, and dialects,” said FHSU Provost Jill Arensdorf. “She is a stellar example of the importance and value of our teaching faculty.”The faculty member of the year is selected from the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research and scholarly activity, and service.The 2022-2023 award for scholarly activity went to Dr. Whitney Whitaker, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Lori Kniffin, assistant professor of leadership studies. Outstanding service awards went to Dr. Jerrie Brooks, associate professor of advanced education programs, and Dr. Karmen Porter, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders. Dr. Carol Ellis, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, and Dr. Richard Lisichenko, professor of geosciences, were recognized for outstanding teaching.John Heinrichs Outstanding Research MentorDr. Ziwei Qi, associate professor of criminal justice, was named the&nbsp;John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor. The award is named after our esteemed former colleague, Dr. John Heinrichs, who was active in all research areas.This award recognizes faculty members’ commitment, time, and energy in promoting undergraduate research. All current faculty and unclassified staff members at levels comparable to academic faculty are eligible. The awardee’s home department is provided $500 of budget funding to benefit the recipient.Dr. Qi’s student-led projects include individual-to-community-based collaboration on victimology, crime prevention, and legal analysis. She assists her students with these research projects from presentation to publication and successful outcomes in the juris doctorate and graduate programs. One student wrote: “Dr. Qi’s mentorship has helped me achieve academically and professionally.”President’s Distinguished Scholar AwardDr. Laura Wilson, associate professor of geosciences, was announced as the 2023 President’s Distinguished Scholar. Dr. Wilson’s interdisciplinary research integrates aspects of the earth and life sciences, specifically the study of animals and the environments from the western interior seaway. She has been awarded four federal grants to support her scholarly activities focused on museum practices, including collection improvements at Sternberg Museum. Her scholarship in teaching and learning continues to impact college students in both informal and formal science education settings.Dr. Wilson will receive a $1,500 check at the President’s Distinguished Scholar program later in the academic year.The President’s Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. The evaluation of each candidate for this honor is based on an analysis of their performance in research and creative activities, service, and instruction categories. Acceptable levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award on research and creative activities.

Faculty awards presented at FHSU fall convocation

Fentanyl community conversation slated in Hays for Sept. 21

BARTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Saturday in Barton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Indian Scout driven by Betsy Lenae&nbsp;Teegardin, 49, Olathe, was westbound on SW 50 Road at SW 10 Avenue.

The motorcycle sideswiped a westbound&nbsp; 1985 Harley Davidson Superglide driven by Cameron Scott&nbsp;Stevenson, 20, Ellinwood, that started to have mechanical problems and drove off onto SW 10 Avenue. 

Both motorcycles came to a rest within the intersection.

BARTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Saturday in Barton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Indian Scout driven by Betsy Lenae&nbsp;Teegardin, 49, Olathe, was westbound on SW 50 Road at SW 10 Avenue.The motorcycle sideswiped a westbound&nbsp; 1985 Harley Davidson Superglide driven by Cameron Scott&nbsp;Stevenson, 20, Ellinwood, that started to have mechanical problems and drove off onto SW 10 Avenue. Both motorcycles came to a rest within the intersection.A private vehicle transported Stevenson to the hospital in Ellinwood. and Teegardin to Xpress Wellness. Both riders were wearing helmets and eye protection, according to the KHP.