LAWRENCE — Any parent can tell you that work doesn’t stop when you leave the office and go home. Yet national and international economic statistics only consider the work that happens “at the market,” or outside the home — not caring for children, cooking, cleaning or caring for elders, tasks largely handled by women, in calculating economic statistics like gross domestic product. 

A new study from the University of Kansas argues for including such work, or “girly economics,” for a full understanding of work happening in the country to produce better labor statistics and equitable public policy.

Misty Heggeness saw firsthand how data often overlooked work in the home during her time with the U.S. Census Bureau. Now an associate professor of public affairs &amp; administration and associate research scientist with KU’s Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research, she has written a study about how care work at home has been traditionally overlooked, how it leads to incomplete economic statistics and how such numbers are necessary for good public policy. Heggeness presented the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/pandp.20231108">paper</a>, titled “The Girly Economics of Care Work: Implications for Economic Statistics,” at the American Economic Association annual meeting in January, and it was published in the association’s Papers and Proceedings.

“Women are and have always been economic agents. If we were to collect information about economic activity in a broader sense, what we would find is women are more active than men,” Heggeness said. “The total amount of paid and unpaid economic activity show for people working full-time jobs, women engage in about one additional hour of economic activity per day.”

The study is linked to a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2023/04/17/ku-researcher-leading-project-quantify-care-economy-make-stats-available-central-location">project</a>&nbsp;Heggeness has launched with funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Care Board is an effort to gather existing data and statistics on the care economy and make them available in one online location with a dashboard to help researchers, policymakers and others find useful information. The project will generate new statistics on such economic data as well.&nbsp;

Heggeness cites an Institute for Women’s Policy Research study that found among working adults, women average one extra hour per day on unpaid household chores and care work than men. And while an hour per day may not seem significant, over the course of a year, that adds up to 249 additional hours, or 31 days of additional work by women. The consequences of excluding such data have been in place for decades. Heggeness points out that in 1953, the United Nations standardized a system of measurements to determine gross domestic product. One of the most widely used economic statistics in the world, GDP does not include work done inside the home.

The United States does, however, collect data on care work outside the home. Such data shows that roughly 14% of the U.S. labor force is engaged in teaching, janitorial and cleaning services, and child care. That represents 23.4 million people, more than the state of Florida. But with unpaid care work in the home, such as caring for children or other family members, confusion can reign during times of economic crisis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the additional stress on parents was widely reported. In addition to their full-time jobs, parents had to ensure kids could take part in online learning from home and saw other domestic tasks increase dramatically as well. 

The concern was that the additional stress would drive many parents, especially mothers, to leave the labor force. But a lack of reliable statistics on unpaid care work left both journalists and economists scrambling to determine just how much additional work was done and carried implications that women’s work in the formal sector of the economy was less important than men’s, Heggeness said.

“There are components about global and national history, whether intentional or not, that have been driven historically by men and that are determined by a monetized wage or price,” Heggeness said. “If we limit ourselves to that, we are blinding ourselves to the realities women contribute to the economy and keeping it going.”

After pointing out how unpaid care activities — what she calls the underbelly of the economy — are not included in official statistics, Heggeness wrote about the urgency of including such data, as the economy would not function without it. 

As a result, researchers, statisticians and economists cannot accurately track economic phenomena like a pandemic, growth or recessions without including all economic activity in primary measures. Similarly, it is difficult to measure how overworked or stressed care workers might be, and policymakers cannot develop effective policy to address such problems without a full slate of information, she wrote.

“To not generate statistics with depth and nuance now is an egregious flaw in the profession. We owe it to society and the generations that come after us to use the rich depth of cumulating administrative and real-time data on our economic lives both within and outside of our homes to generate a more complete picture of the modern caregiver and more accurately estimate their economic contributions to society,” Heggeness wrote.

 “With urgency, we must update national accounting systems and leading economic statistics to capture the modern realities of work, care and the economy and incorporate these statistics into mainstream views of our economy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685723197207.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — Any parent can tell you that work doesn’t stop when you leave the office and go home. Yet national and international economic statistics only consider the work that happens “at the market,” or outside the home — not caring for children, cooking, cleaning or caring for elders, tasks largely handled by women, in calculating economic statistics like gross domestic product. A new study from the University of Kansas argues for including such work, or “girly economics,” for a full understanding of work happening in the country to produce better labor statistics and equitable public policy.Misty Heggeness saw firsthand how data often overlooked work in the home during her time with the U.S. Census Bureau. Now an associate professor of public affairs &amp; administration and associate research scientist with KU’s Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research, she has written a study about how care work at home has been traditionally overlooked, how it leads to incomplete economic statistics and how such numbers are necessary for good public policy. Heggeness presented the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/pandp.20231108">paper</a>, titled “The Girly Economics of Care Work: Implications for Economic Statistics,” at the American Economic Association annual meeting in January, and it was published in the association’s Papers and Proceedings.“Women are and have always been economic agents. If we were to collect information about economic activity in a broader sense, what we would find is women are more active than men,” Heggeness said. “The total amount of paid and unpaid economic activity show for people working full-time jobs, women engage in about one additional hour of economic activity per day.”The study is linked to a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2023/04/17/ku-researcher-leading-project-quantify-care-economy-make-stats-available-central-location">project</a>&nbsp;Heggeness has launched with funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Care Board is an effort to gather existing data and statistics on the care economy and make them available in one online location with a dashboard to help researchers, policymakers and others find useful information. The project will generate new statistics on such economic data as well.&nbsp;Heggeness cites an Institute for Women’s Policy Research study that found among working adults, women average one extra hour per day on unpaid household chores and care work than men. And while an hour per day may not seem significant, over the course of a year, that adds up to 249 additional hours, or 31 days of additional work by women. The consequences of excluding such data have been in place for decades. Heggeness points out that in 1953, the United Nations standardized a system of measurements to determine gross domestic product. One of the most widely used economic statistics in the world, GDP does not include work done inside the home.The United States does, however, collect data on care work outside the home. Such data shows that roughly 14% of the U.S. labor force is engaged in teaching, janitorial and cleaning services, and child care. That represents 23.4 million people, more than the state of Florida. But with unpaid care work in the home, such as caring for children or other family members, confusion can reign during times of economic crisis.During the COVID-19 pandemic, the additional stress on parents was widely reported. In addition to their full-time jobs, parents had to ensure kids could take part in online learning from home and saw other domestic tasks increase dramatically as well. The concern was that the additional stress would drive many parents, especially mothers, to leave the labor force. But a lack of reliable statistics on unpaid care work left both journalists and economists scrambling to determine just how much additional work was done and carried implications that women’s work in the formal sector of the economy was less important than men’s, Heggeness said.“There are components about global and national history, whether intentional or not, that have been driven historically by men and that are determined by a monetized wage or price,” Heggeness said. “If we limit ourselves to that, we are blinding ourselves to the realities women contribute to the economy and keeping it going.”After pointing out how unpaid care activities — what she calls the underbelly of the economy — are not included in official statistics, Heggeness wrote about the urgency of including such data, as the economy would not function without it. As a result, researchers, statisticians and economists cannot accurately track economic phenomena like a pandemic, growth or recessions without including all economic activity in primary measures. Similarly, it is difficult to measure how overworked or stressed care workers might be, and policymakers cannot develop effective policy to address such problems without a full slate of information, she wrote.“To not generate statistics with depth and nuance now is an egregious flaw in the profession. We owe it to society and the generations that come after us to use the rich depth of cumulating administrative and real-time data on our economic lives both within and outside of our homes to generate a more complete picture of the modern caregiver and more accurately estimate their economic contributions to society,” Heggeness wrote. “With urgency, we must update national accounting systems and leading economic statistics to capture the modern realities of work, care and the economy and incorporate these statistics into mainstream views of our economy.”

KU study argues 'girly economics' data necessary for full picture of economy

<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/2023/6/1686954076897.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

Meet Remy Stull, a multi-sport athlete extraordinaire with an insatiable desire to share his knowledge gained from years of athletic experience. 

From the tender age of five, Remy's passion for sports was ignited, and he has never looked back since.

 Thanks to his supportive coaches and teammates over the years, Remy has honed his leadership skills to become a natural-born leader.

Armed with this skillset, he is eager to impart his expertise to young athletes at the upcoming five-day camp. Remy's approach to training involves working out several times a week with the mindset that greatness is earned through hard work and dedication.

He believes in giving your all to earn your place on the team, coupled with a positive attitude that acknowledges failures as a part of the learning experience. 

His commitment to excellence has seen him attend several athletic camps/combines such as the Northwest Missouri State camp, Fort Hays State University camp, Sharp Performance, accompanied with numerous college football offers. 

Remy's athletic prowess is not limited to football alone; he also excelled in track and basketball, earning a spot on the varsity team for both sports. As a defensive player, Remy's strength and tenacity are unmatched.

He is a great leader who motivates his team and keeps them hyped up and ready to play.

 Remy remains humble and driven to help the younger generation in his community reach their full potential.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687017445863.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Meet Remy Stull, a multi-sport athlete extraordinaire with an insatiable desire to share his knowledge gained from years of athletic experience. From the tender age of five, Remy's passion for sports was ignited, and he has never looked back since. Thanks to his supportive coaches and teammates over the years, Remy has honed his leadership skills to become a natural-born leader. Armed with this skillset, he is eager to impart his expertise to young athletes at the upcoming five-day camp. Remy's approach to training involves working out several times a week with the mindset that greatness is earned through hard work and dedication. He believes in giving your all to earn your place on the team, coupled with a positive attitude that acknowledges failures as a part of the learning experience. His commitment to excellence has seen him attend several athletic camps/combines such as the Northwest Missouri State camp, Fort Hays State University camp, Sharp Performance, accompanied with numerous college football offers. Remy's athletic prowess is not limited to football alone; he also excelled in track and basketball, earning a spot on the varsity team for both sports. As a defensive player, Remy's strength and tenacity are unmatched. He is a great leader who motivates his team and keeps them hyped up and ready to play. Remy remains humble and driven to help the younger generation in his community reach their full potential.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2 Hays students earns spots on Washburn University honors lists

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses the annual local government budget request process for Grow Hays and other area agencies.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays, other area agencies submit budget requests to local governments" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8dm3w-1436904-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;executive director Doug Williams discusses the annual local government budget request process for Grow Hays and other area agencies.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays, other area agencies submit budget requests to local governments

WASHINGTON, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Mike Braun (R-IA) on June 8 introduced the bipartisan, bicameral&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Expanding-Childcare-Priority-Points-Bill.pdf" target="_blank">Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023</a>&nbsp;to improve the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. Each senator is a member of the Senate Ag Committee.

“Access to childcare is a top priority for both families and employers in every corner of Kansas,”&nbsp;Senator Marshall said.&nbsp;“With a few changes to the USDA’s Rural Development programs, which benefit our rural communities, we can build the necessary childcare infrastructure that puts our children on the right educational path and provides them with a strong foundation for the future.”

“Childcare is far too expensive and too hard to find for Ohio families, and parents in rural Ohio face unique challenges. Farm communities often lack enough transportation infrastructure and don’t have enough high-quality child-care providers, and rural parents are more likely to work non-traditional hours,”&nbsp;Senator Brown said. “These are commonsense, bipartisan steps to make childcare more affordable and accessible in rural communities."

“Access to childcare is essential, but for too many families living in rural places, it is out of reach,”&nbsp;Senator Smith said. “I’ve heard from Minnesotans who have to drive 50 miles to take their kids to childcare and from providers who are struggling to find and keep staff."&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When I’m traveling across Iowa I hear from employees and small business owners who want more childcare options in rural Iowa. Our efforts will empower childcare centers in our agriculture communities to invest in facility development and staff training opportunities to ensure quality childcare options are available to every family," Senator Ernst said.&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Expanding-Childcare-Priority-Points-Bill.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the&nbsp;Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023.

The Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act would direct U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities.&nbsp;

The bill would also allow USDA to make awards through intermediaries such as, childcare resource and referral organizations, staffed family childcare networks, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) with demonstrated expertise in the childcare sector.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686256056404.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Sen. MarshallWASHINGTON, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Mike Braun (R-IA) on June 8 introduced the bipartisan, bicameral&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Expanding-Childcare-Priority-Points-Bill.pdf" target="_blank">Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023</a>&nbsp;to improve the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. Each senator is a member of the Senate Ag Committee.“Access to childcare is a top priority for both families and employers in every corner of Kansas,”&nbsp;Senator Marshall said.&nbsp;“With a few changes to the USDA’s Rural Development programs, which benefit our rural communities, we can build the necessary childcare infrastructure that puts our children on the right educational path and provides them with a strong foundation for the future.”“Childcare is far too expensive and too hard to find for Ohio families, and parents in rural Ohio face unique challenges. Farm communities often lack enough transportation infrastructure and don’t have enough high-quality child-care providers, and rural parents are more likely to work non-traditional hours,”&nbsp;Senator Brown said. “These are commonsense, bipartisan steps to make childcare more affordable and accessible in rural communities."“Access to childcare is essential, but for too many families living in rural places, it is out of reach,”&nbsp;Senator Smith said. “I’ve heard from Minnesotans who have to drive 50 miles to take their kids to childcare and from providers who are struggling to find and keep staff."&nbsp;&nbsp;“When I’m traveling across Iowa I hear from employees and small business owners who want more childcare options in rural Iowa. Our efforts will empower childcare centers in our agriculture communities to invest in facility development and staff training opportunities to ensure quality childcare options are available to every family," Senator Ernst said.&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Expanding-Childcare-Priority-Points-Bill.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the&nbsp;Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023.Background:The Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act would direct U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities.&nbsp;The bill would also allow USDA to make awards through intermediaries such as, childcare resource and referral organizations, staffed family childcare networks, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) with demonstrated expertise in the childcare sector.

Kansas Sen. Marshall leads bill to expand childcare in rural America 

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Wichita State University

Last year Kansas had suddenly found itself as the first test of public opinion on abortion in the new post-Roe world.

The constitutional amendment — the so called “Value Them Both” amendment — failed in a high-turnout election, with 59% of the state’s voters upholding the state’s legal protections for abortion.

The strength of the rejection was quite surprising, given the usual conservativeness of Kansas — Donald Trump had won the state in 2020 by nearly a 15 point margin, and both chambers of the state legislature had veto-proof Republican majorities.

After last August’s staggering turnout many questioned whether the issue of abortion would continue to mobilize Kansas voters even when it wasn’t directly on the ballot.

My colleague Brian Amos, an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University, and I dug into this question in a soon-to-be-published study.

Using publicly available precinct-level election results and individual-level voter registration and history data we were able to find some answers.

We find that the August 2022 primary electorate was younger, more female, and less Republican, and comprised more first-time voters than the average years.

But these demographics were also more likely to skip voting altogether in November’s general election. Only about half of first-time voters from the primary showed up for the general.

The result was an older, more male, and more Republican electorate in November. It undoubtedly impacted the election results, especially in close races like for Attorney General.

However, overall, there was a larger portion of Democrats in the 2022 general electorate than in 2018. But there was also a larger number of Republicans.

Both sides increased their vote share at the expense of unaffiliated voters.

It’s impossible to know if these partisan shifts would have been even larger had there not been the amendment on the primary ballot.

In general, the November election was unable to fully mobilize those primary voters.

In fact, Douglas County, home to Lawrence and the University of Kansas, had lower turnout in the general election than in the primary, which is nearly unheard of in election studies.

Despite these mixed results, our findings have major key implications for future elections.

First, abortion restrictions are a highly mobilizing issue even in a Republican-dominated state like Kansas.

Women, and especially Gen Z women, turned out in droves to vote against the amendment and had a large role in deciding the election results.

The abortion issue even mobilized across party lines. A significant minority of Republican voters bucked the party line and voted against the amendment.

Second, public policies like abortion restrictions can create lasting civic identities.

The primary results show that young women can be a political force to be reckoned with. There is every reason to believe that pro-choice Gen Z women will continue to organize effectively in opposition to restrictive abortion laws.

However, not all civic identities are created equal and abortion is not always an effective policy for creating sustained civic participation.

Understandably, the mobilizing effect is limited when abortion is not directly on the ballot.

In August, those identities were highly salient because citizens could directly vote on the issue. Whereas in November, abortion was only one of many issues competing for voter attention.

Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Wichita State UniversityLast year Kansas had suddenly found itself as the first test of public opinion on abortion in the new post-Roe world.The constitutional amendment — the so called “Value Them Both” amendment — failed in a high-turnout election, with 59% of the state’s voters upholding the state’s legal protections for abortion.The strength of the rejection was quite surprising, given the usual conservativeness of Kansas — Donald Trump had won the state in 2020 by nearly a 15 point margin, and both chambers of the state legislature had veto-proof Republican majorities.After last August’s staggering turnout many questioned whether the issue of abortion would continue to mobilize Kansas voters even when it wasn’t directly on the ballot.My colleague Brian Amos, an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University, and I dug into this question in a soon-to-be-published study.Using publicly available precinct-level election results and individual-level voter registration and history data we were able to find some answers.We find that the August 2022 primary electorate was younger, more female, and less Republican, and comprised more first-time voters than the average years.But these demographics were also more likely to skip voting altogether in November’s general election. Only about half of first-time voters from the primary showed up for the general.The result was an older, more male, and more Republican electorate in November. It undoubtedly impacted the election results, especially in close races like for Attorney General.However, overall, there was a larger portion of Democrats in the 2022 general electorate than in 2018. But there was also a larger number of Republicans.Both sides increased their vote share at the expense of unaffiliated voters.It’s impossible to know if these partisan shifts would have been even larger had there not been the amendment on the primary ballot.In general, the November election was unable to fully mobilize those primary voters.In fact, Douglas County, home to Lawrence and the University of Kansas, had lower turnout in the general election than in the primary, which is nearly unheard of in election studies.Despite these mixed results, our findings have major key implications for future elections.First, abortion restrictions are a highly mobilizing issue even in a Republican-dominated state like Kansas.Women, and especially Gen Z women, turned out in droves to vote against the amendment and had a large role in deciding the election results.The abortion issue even mobilized across party lines. A significant minority of Republican voters bucked the party line and voted against the amendment.Second, public policies like abortion restrictions can create lasting civic identities.The primary results show that young women can be a political force to be reckoned with. There is every reason to believe that pro-choice Gen Z women will continue to organize effectively in opposition to restrictive abortion laws.However, not all civic identities are created equal and abortion is not always an effective policy for creating sustained civic participation.Understandably, the mobilizing effect is limited when abortion is not directly on the ballot.In August, those identities were highly salient because citizens could directly vote on the issue. Whereas in November, abortion was only one of many issues competing for voter attention.Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Voter turnout and the 2022 abortion referendum

LOGAN - The Hansen Museum’s Continuing Education Program is excited to have representational landscape painter of the west and Signature Member of Oil Painters of America, David Vollbracht, who will teach a three-day oil painting workshop at the Hansen Museum on July 6, 7, and 8, 2023. 

During this workshop, Vollbracht will demonstrate oil painting techniques and teach students to enhance their personal painting style with composition, color, and brushwork. Students will explore design, color, value, and composition as well as the more elusive elements of mood, passion, and attitude.

Vollbracht earned his art degree from Fort Hays State University. His knowledge has been nurtured by attending the workshops of oil painters such as Clyde Aspevig and Wayne Wolfe. 

Vollbracht’s art reflects the quality of light, nature, and spirit drawn from the land. Vollbracht emphasizes the beauty and importance of the natural landscape in his compositions. He is intrigued by patterns and shapes in nature and the effect that light has on these elements. His work has been in numerous shows including Mountain Oyster Club Show, Tucson, AZ; One Man Show, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, KS; National Miniature Show, La Luz, NM; and National Oil Painters of America Exhibitions, and Rocky Mountain Plein Air Show, Winter Park, CO.

Registration fees for this workshop are $180.00 with discounts available to Patron and Sustaining Members of the Hansen Museum. 

For more information about the workshop, including a list of supplies required, see the workshop registration form on our website under the Classes &amp; Workshops heading. 

If you have any questions, please call the Hansen Museum at 785-689-4846 or send an email to director@hansenmuseum.org. Please return registrations to the Museum. Preregistration is helpful but not required.

The Museum is open weekdays 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 &amp; 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The Museum is handicap-accessible and thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, there is never an admission fee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686908424467.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLOGAN - The Hansen Museum’s Continuing Education Program is excited to have representational landscape painter of the west and Signature Member of Oil Painters of America, David Vollbracht, who will teach a three-day oil painting workshop at the Hansen Museum on July 6, 7, and 8, 2023. During this workshop, Vollbracht will demonstrate oil painting techniques and teach students to enhance their personal painting style with composition, color, and brushwork. Students will explore design, color, value, and composition as well as the more elusive elements of mood, passion, and attitude.Vollbracht earned his art degree from Fort Hays State University. His knowledge has been nurtured by attending the workshops of oil painters such as Clyde Aspevig and Wayne Wolfe. Vollbracht’s art reflects the quality of light, nature, and spirit drawn from the land. Vollbracht emphasizes the beauty and importance of the natural landscape in his compositions. He is intrigued by patterns and shapes in nature and the effect that light has on these elements. His work has been in numerous shows including Mountain Oyster Club Show, Tucson, AZ; One Man Show, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, KS; National Miniature Show, La Luz, NM; and National Oil Painters of America Exhibitions, and Rocky Mountain Plein Air Show, Winter Park, CO.Registration fees for this workshop are $180.00 with discounts available to Patron and Sustaining Members of the Hansen Museum. For more information about the workshop, including a list of supplies required, see the workshop registration form on our website under the Classes &amp; Workshops heading. If you have any questions, please call the Hansen Museum at 785-689-4846 or send an email to director@hansenmuseum.org. Please return registrations to the Museum. Preregistration is helpful but not required.The Museum is open weekdays 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 &amp; 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The Museum is handicap-accessible and thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, there is never an admission fee.

Registration open for Vollbracht painting workshop at Hansen Museum

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686954044468.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>

Two Hays residents graduate from Washburn University

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/hhp/faculty-and-staff/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University's Jessica Phelan,</a>&nbsp;discusses the importance of staying hydrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Staying hydrated important during summer heat" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=t2ddv-1436922-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" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/hhp/faculty-and-staff/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University's Jessica Phelan,</a>&nbsp;discusses the importance of staying hydrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Staying hydrated important during summer heat

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It was the first significant spring rainfall in Hays in many weeks.

Overnight Friday, the city received 0.89 inches of rain according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

Still, Hays remains well behind total moisture amounts compared to its 154-year cumulative average.

Normally by the end of June, Hays will have received 3.46 inches of rain. As of Saturday, June 17, Hays has had 1.83 inches of rain.

The average annual moisture accumulation by the end of the month is 11.27 inches. Hays has had 8.04 inches of moisture so far this year, nearly three inches below normal.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687012841528.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt was the first significant spring rainfall in Hays in many weeks.Overnight Friday, the city received 0.89 inches of rain according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.Still, Hays remains well behind total moisture amounts compared to its 154-year cumulative average.Normally by the end of June, Hays will have received 3.46 inches of rain. As of Saturday, June 17, Hays has had 1.83 inches of rain.The average annual moisture accumulation by the end of the month is 11.27 inches. Hays has had 8.04 inches of moisture so far this year, nearly three inches below normal.&nbsp;

Nearly an inch of rain falls in Hays overnight Friday

Saint Francis Ministries will offer a conference for adults involved in foster care or adoption. The free “Hope for the Journey Conference” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.

The video conference is designed “to equip and encourage parents and caregivers meeting the needs of children impacted by adoption and/or foster care,” a news release said.

The conference will “bring together teaching, resources, and practical experiences (so that) parents and caregivers—and the churches and organizations seeking to serve these children and families--will gain a deeper understanding of these children’s needs,” the news release added.

Free breakfast and lunch will be provided. Celebration Community Church in Hays is underwriting the cost of the lunch, said Kristy Opat, area Foster Homes Recruiter for Saint Francis.

The day’s events will include prize drawings, and training certificates will be provided upon request. Childcare will not be provided.

Opat said, “It is incredibly important to support our foster homes, who are our front-line, in the trench, heroes parenting these children of our communities. Offering quality resources, trainings, and support is imperative to give foster parents the proper tools to meet the needs of the children placed with them.”

She encouraged anyone wanting more information about adoption or becoming a foster parent to attend. The training is open to the public.&nbsp;

Pre-registration is required by Tuesday, June 20, to Opat at 785-656-0071.

In addition to its work with foster care and adoption, Saint Francis Ministries “helps survivors of child sex trafficking, adults wanting to break addictive behaviors, and families trying to stay together,” according to its website.

The non-profit organization serves individual in six states. Its Hays office is located at 3000 Broadway Ave.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686910804778.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSaint Francis Ministries will offer a conference for adults involved in foster care or adoption. The free “Hope for the Journey Conference” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.The video conference is designed “to equip and encourage parents and caregivers meeting the needs of children impacted by adoption and/or foster care,” a news release said.The conference will “bring together teaching, resources, and practical experiences (so that) parents and caregivers—and the churches and organizations seeking to serve these children and families--will gain a deeper understanding of these children’s needs,” the news release added.Free breakfast and lunch will be provided. Celebration Community Church in Hays is underwriting the cost of the lunch, said Kristy Opat, area Foster Homes Recruiter for Saint Francis.The day’s events will include prize drawings, and training certificates will be provided upon request. Childcare will not be provided.Opat said, “It is incredibly important to support our foster homes, who are our front-line, in the trench, heroes parenting these children of our communities. Offering quality resources, trainings, and support is imperative to give foster parents the proper tools to meet the needs of the children placed with them.”She encouraged anyone wanting more information about adoption or becoming a foster parent to attend. The training is open to the public.&nbsp;Pre-registration is required by Tuesday, June 20, to Opat at 785-656-0071.In addition to its work with foster care and adoption, Saint Francis Ministries “helps survivors of child sex trafficking, adults wanting to break addictive behaviors, and families trying to stay together,” according to its website.The non-profit organization serves individual in six states. Its Hays office is located at 3000 Broadway Ave.

Hays conference will help equip adults for foster care, adoption 

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

In this video from K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University soil scientist Deann Presley says dry weather in Kansas presents an opportunity to work on farm ponds.

“Many of our ponds need periodic cleaning out of the old sediment that might get brought down by livestock or natural processes,” she said.

She urges landowners to consider draining their ponds, or in many cases if they are already dry. To scrape the bottom and compacting the soil before mother nature fills them up again.

Presley suggests a minimum 30% clay in the soil, though she adds, “40% is even better.” To find out how much clay content is in your pond. You can take some soil samples and bring them into your local K-State Research &amp; Extension Office, to be sent off for a soil texture test. For further information on how to best take these samples, she recommends to contact your local Extension Office for proper sampling instructions.

If a pond is leaking sometimes people think they need to use alternate-products to help seal them. Before taking that more expensive step, first take a soil texture sample to see if you might just need to really compact the soil to prevent the leaking. If compaction is what you need, a sheepsfoot roller is needed.

“The importance of compaction cannot be overstated,” Presley said. “Many people often think, ‘I have enough clay in the soil; I’ll roll on it for a while and it will be okay.’ But the sheepsfoot roller is important” for proper compaction of the soil.

Another tip when cleaning out a pond that folks don’t always consider. Is to put the sediment you clean out of the pond, on the back side of the dam. If you put it around the pond it will eventually slide or erode back into the pond.

This video from K-State Research and Extension is available online at <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2022/04/video-repairing-farm-ponds-presley.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2022/04/video-repairing-farm-ponds-presley.html</a>.

More information is available in K-State’s Feb. 17 Agronomy eUpdate or from local extension offices in Kansas. 

To read the full article “Ten commonly asked questions when pondering dry ponds”, type into your internet browser K-State agronomy, eupdate newsletter, or type in this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/"> https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu</a>

To find out the location and phone number of your local K-State Research and Extension statewide offices, <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html</a> or simply type into your internet browser “K-State Research and Extension Statewide Locations”.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District In this video from K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University soil scientist Deann Presley says dry weather in Kansas presents an opportunity to work on farm ponds.<div><iframe width="745" height="419" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mIp_-DzQqj0" title="Pond Restoration" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Many of our ponds need periodic cleaning out of the old sediment that might get brought down by livestock or natural processes,” she said.She urges landowners to consider draining their ponds, or in many cases if they are already dry. To scrape the bottom and compacting the soil before mother nature fills them up again.Presley suggests a minimum 30% clay in the soil, though she adds, “40% is even better.” To find out how much clay content is in your pond. You can take some soil samples and bring them into your local K-State Research &amp; Extension Office, to be sent off for a soil texture test. For further information on how to best take these samples, she recommends to contact your local Extension Office for proper sampling instructions.If a pond is leaking sometimes people think they need to use alternate-products to help seal them. Before taking that more expensive step, first take a soil texture sample to see if you might just need to really compact the soil to prevent the leaking. If compaction is what you need, a sheepsfoot roller is needed.“The importance of compaction cannot be overstated,” Presley said. “Many people often think, ‘I have enough clay in the soil; I’ll roll on it for a while and it will be okay.’ But the sheepsfoot roller is important” for proper compaction of the soil.Another tip when cleaning out a pond that folks don’t always consider. Is to put the sediment you clean out of the pond, on the back side of the dam. If you put it around the pond it will eventually slide or erode back into the pond.This video from K-State Research and Extension is available online at <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2022/04/video-repairing-farm-ponds-presley.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2022/04/video-repairing-farm-ponds-presley.html</a>.More information is available in K-State’s Feb. 17 Agronomy eUpdate or from local extension offices in Kansas. To read the full article “Ten commonly asked questions when pondering dry ponds”, type into your internet browser K-State agronomy, eupdate newsletter, or type in this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/"> https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu</a>To find out the location and phone number of your local K-State Research and Extension statewide offices, <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html</a> or simply type into your internet browser “K-State Research and Extension Statewide Locations”.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Dry weather provides chance to clean, compact farm ponds

GREAT BEND - The Kansas Wetlands Education Center invites students who have completed seventh to 11th&nbsp;grade to “come and get their hands dirty” as they explore different field biology methods with experts at Cheyenne Bottoms.

Participants will go Dove Banding with Tom Bidrowski, Migratory Game Bird Specialist with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, install Wood Duck Houses in the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area with KDWP manager Jason Wagner, learn about the Cliff Swallow research project from our Fort Hays State University Graduate Assistant Sonja Brandt, and observe the innovative field projects, like virtual fencing, at The Nature Conservancy's Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve.

The event will be held on Friday, July 21, and is limited to 10 participants. The camp costs $10 and will include a snack, a KWEC string bag, and a field notebook. Participants need to bring a sack lunch. Registration is required by calling 877-243-9268 or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amkern2@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">amkern2@fhsu.edu</a>.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms, 592 NE K-156 Hwy., Great Bend, KS 67530.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJFGAsRGoL0-2FbjeliW-2Fj2r2aNIeZS-2B4-2BIyzaQbuh7JNME9HVi_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2B4I7X4qsOLHLC3b3XZjRT5-2FwkHi32xpWnoJwMMwR27PNmBD2vIASG2KMSGWgqnwNg5WlkpGvZd1Tad-2FSsKQACR0DnYsJC86KR-2BOFQesT78OmP7EQtzpmMbzEpOUwuMq-2BX02-2FXniTigKQ6ZXlld85oZ-2BY2-2BeWYUFo3KAdvgcjnrOuWYqqvxAWNlPahRSD5UZ2g3Y3FqNx7temgdLUgBUJ1gpZnIsT-2FD6Ldcmse88z8PytC99c7rdyNC2GjWa16bW-2BY" target="_blank">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686745141421.jpeg" alt="During the KWEC Field Biology Day Camp, students will participate in various field research projects. FHSU photo" />
 <figcaption>During the KWEC Field Biology Day Camp, students will participate in various field research projects. FHSU photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsGREAT BEND - The Kansas Wetlands Education Center invites students who have completed seventh to 11th&nbsp;grade to “come and get their hands dirty” as they explore different field biology methods with experts at Cheyenne Bottoms.Participants will go Dove Banding with Tom Bidrowski, Migratory Game Bird Specialist with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, install Wood Duck Houses in the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area with KDWP manager Jason Wagner, learn about the Cliff Swallow research project from our Fort Hays State University Graduate Assistant Sonja Brandt, and observe the innovative field projects, like virtual fencing, at The Nature Conservancy's Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve.The event will be held on Friday, July 21, and is limited to 10 participants. The camp costs $10 and will include a snack, a KWEC string bag, and a field notebook. Participants need to bring a sack lunch. Registration is required by calling 877-243-9268 or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amkern2@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">amkern2@fhsu.edu</a>.The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms, 592 NE K-156 Hwy., Great Bend, KS 67530.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJFGAsRGoL0-2FbjeliW-2Fj2r2aNIeZS-2B4-2BIyzaQbuh7JNME9HVi_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2B4I7X4qsOLHLC3b3XZjRT5-2FwkHi32xpWnoJwMMwR27PNmBD2vIASG2KMSGWgqnwNg5WlkpGvZd1Tad-2FSsKQACR0DnYsJC86KR-2BOFQesT78OmP7EQtzpmMbzEpOUwuMq-2BX02-2FXniTigKQ6ZXlld85oZ-2BY2-2BeWYUFo3KAdvgcjnrOuWYqqvxAWNlPahRSD5UZ2g3Y3FqNx7temgdLUgBUJ1gpZnIsT-2FD6Ldcmse88z8PytC99c7rdyNC2GjWa16bW-2BY" target="_blank">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.

FHSU KWEC to host field biology event in July

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686954002932.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>

BROOKINGS, S.D. - South Dakota State University announces Katelyn Engel&nbsp; of Hays has been named to the dean's list for the spring 2023 semester.

Engel earned a 4.0 grade point average and is a student in SDSU's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

More than 3,000 students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance over the spring 2023 semester at SDSU.

To earn dean's list distinctions in SDSU's colleges, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits and must have earned at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.&nbsp;

About South Dakota State University

Founded in 1881 in Brookings, South Dakota State University is the state's Morrill Act land-grant institution as well as its largest, most comprehensive school of higher education.&nbsp;

NOTE: You are receiving this press release because the student or their parents are from your area. This press release above was prepared for: Editor - Hays Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643818892515.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseBROOKINGS, S.D. - South Dakota State University announces Katelyn Engel&nbsp; of Hays has been named to the dean's list for the spring 2023 semester.Engel earned a 4.0 grade point average and is a student in SDSU's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.More than 3,000 students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance over the spring 2023 semester at SDSU.To earn dean's list distinctions in SDSU's colleges, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits and must have earned at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.&nbsp;About South Dakota State UniversityFounded in 1881 in Brookings, South Dakota State University is the state's Morrill Act land-grant institution as well as its largest, most comprehensive school of higher education.&nbsp;NOTE: You are receiving this press release because the student or their parents are from your area. This press release above was prepared for: Editor - Hays Post.

Hays' Katelyn Engel named to dean's list at South Dakota State University

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;NCK Tech President Eric Burks about the FHSU, NW Tech partnership.

Read more at:<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23cfebb0-2081-4160-8c8e-13e4f5b58b85"> Governor Kelly to be at FHSU Wed. to sign strategic affiliation bill</a>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ohljgf9vuk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;NCK Tech President Eric Burks about the FHSU, NW Tech partnership.Read more at:<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23cfebb0-2081-4160-8c8e-13e4f5b58b85"> Governor Kelly to be at FHSU Wed. to sign strategic affiliation bill</a>

🎤 Forward Ever: NCK Tech President Eric Burks discusses FHSU, NW Tech partnership

A local business reported receiving movie prop money earlier today.

The bills are marked as movie props but look very much like real legal tender.

Using these bills for payment is illegal.

Other recent reports have been made in the area of these bills being passed for payment.&nbsp;

As you visit garage sales this weekend, the farmer's market or make other cash transactions, please check your bills.

Hays PostA local business reported receiving movie prop money earlier today.The bills are marked as movie props but look very much like real legal tender.Using these bills for payment is illegal.Other recent reports have been made in the area of these bills being passed for payment.&nbsp;As you visit garage sales this weekend, the farmer's market or make other cash transactions, please check your bills.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686934315048.png" alt="The bottom $5 bill is the fake bill. It is marked to the right of Lincoln as "Movie Prop Use Only."&nbsp; It is also marked to the far left as "Copy."" />
 <figcaption>The bottom $5 bill is the fake bill. It is marked to the right of Lincoln as "Movie Prop Use Only."&nbsp; It is also marked to the far left as "Copy."</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays business reports fake money

On June 15, 2023, approximately 3:58 p.m. the Hays Fire Department responded to 2010 Vine Street, Northglen Antiques, in&nbsp;Hays for a reported building fire.

Upon arrival fire crews found smoke in the back of the building and located the fire in the furnace room.&nbsp;Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and searched for extension.

&nbsp;Crews stayed on scene to ventilate&nbsp;the smoke out of the building.

The fire was accidental and caused by electrical wiring. 

The Hays Fire Department would like to remind&nbsp;everyone that when using electrical extension cords to make sure they are safe to use and are not&nbsp;overloaded with electrical appliances.

The Hays Fire Department also would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure&nbsp;they are functioning correctly. 

Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the&nbsp;smoke alarm program. You can also find more information at our website www.haysusa.com.

The Hays Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance, Ellis County&nbsp;Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Midwest Energy and Hays Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655744002177.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Fire Dept.On June 15, 2023, approximately 3:58 p.m. the Hays Fire Department responded to 2010 Vine Street, Northglen Antiques, in&nbsp;Hays for a reported building fire.Upon arrival fire crews found smoke in the back of the building and located the fire in the furnace room.&nbsp;Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and searched for extension.&nbsp;Crews stayed on scene to ventilate&nbsp;the smoke out of the building.&nbsp;No injuries were reported.The fire was accidental and caused by electrical wiring. The Hays Fire Department would like to remind&nbsp;everyone that when using electrical extension cords to make sure they are safe to use and are not&nbsp;overloaded with electrical appliances.The Hays Fire Department also would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure&nbsp;they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the&nbsp;smoke alarm program. You can also find more information at our website www.haysusa.com.The Hays Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance, Ellis County&nbsp;Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Midwest Energy and Hays Police Department.

Hays FD: Building fire caused by faulty electrical wiring

The Hays Police Department responded to 157 incidents May 28-June 10, 2023 according to the HPD activity log.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 157 incidents May 28-June 10, 2023 according to the HPD activity log.&nbsp;<figure>
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Hays PD activity log May 28-June 10

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;

A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact.  Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. 

Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MDguNzc5NjkyNzEifQ.zm78G1BIZKhol0mBwh6Xh8QkZpaTLAFFINlKsncY11c/s/1305913542/br/204529235551-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625177329351.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact.  Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MDguNzc5NjkyNzEifQ.zm78G1BIZKhol0mBwh6Xh8QkZpaTLAFFINlKsncY11c/s/1305913542/br/204529235551-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.Active Advisories&nbsp;Warning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Lovewell Lake (Reservoir), Jewell County (Added June 15)</li><li>​Pomona Lake, Osage County&nbsp;</li><li>Webster Lake (Reservoir), Rooks County&nbsp;</li><li>Wellington Lake, Sumner County</li>
 </ul>Watch<ul>
 <li>Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County</li><li>Cedar Lake, Johnson County (Added June 15)&nbsp;</li><li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County</li><li>Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (Added June 15)&nbsp;</li><li>Lake Parsons, Neosho County (Added June 15)</li><li>Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County&nbsp;</li><li>Mount Hope – Woodland Park Pond, Sedgwick County (Lowered June 15)</li>
 </ul>Lifted<ul>
 <li>Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (Lifted June 15)</li><li>Milford Lake Zone A, Dickinson &amp; Geary Counties (Lifted June 15)</li>
 </ul>

KDHE: Webster Lake in Rooks County remains under algae warning

By Tony Guerrero Hays Post

The Hays Area Bicyclists are celebrating the legacy of the Ellis County region with a commute to a variety of churches.&nbsp;

The Tour Die Kapellen may include a visit to <a href="https://www.volgagerman.net/catharine-church">St. Catherine Church</a> in Catherine, <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com/">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria, <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/holycrosschurch.htm">Holy Cross Church</a> in Pfeifer, and <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/stfrancischurchmunjor.htm">St. Francis Church</a> in Munjor.

The annual event is in its fourth year and will begin at Hays Municipal Park on July 8.

The several routes to choose from include a 15-mile casual ride setting off at 9 a.m. The 30, 50, and 62-mile trails that will be escorted by the Hays Police Department start at 7:30 a.m. and the 75- to 100-mile routes depart between 6:45 to 7 a.m.

Early registration is $45 a person to participate in the bike ride and $75 a person for the bus tour that’ll depart 30 minutes after the cyclists do at the Hays Municipal Park at 8 a.m.&nbsp;

After June 23, a bike ride will cost $55 per person and the bus tour will be $85 per person as on-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

The bus tour will travel the same route that cyclists take, with each church providing a musical performance and snacks.&nbsp;

Those who register will receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt.

Brian Buckstead, Hays Symphony conductor, will perform at St. Catherine Church, Basilica of the Plains with their Brass Quintet led by Kathy Amrein. Jane Hyde will play at Holy Cross Church while Hillary Shepard, Kristin Pisano, and Ben Cline take center stage at St Francis Church.

The Tour Die Kapellen event <a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/2023-2/#routeoptions">website</a> provides a list of safety rules and maps of their routes.

Kay Werth, a coordinator of the event, urged people to not follow along in their vehicles for safety reasons but reassured participants that they will be fully supported and guided.

&nbsp;“We have over 70 volunteers that help with this ride. We have drivers that follow the bikers in case they need pick up or need assistance or are just too hot. They have a first aid kit. They have a bike pump,” Werth said.&nbsp;

Musicians will be playing at each site including the post-ride party where The Joe Dolezal Polka Band will perform.&nbsp;

Deb Hoffman from the Holy Cross Church said they’ll be receiving the majority of the profit from the event but encourages others to donate to the other churches through their websites.&nbsp;

“We’re probably one of the smaller ones, especially being a mission church it’s a lot more difficult for people who don’t have steady and weekly tithing,” Hoffman said “We have to actively seek funds, and this is one of our fundraisers.”

The after-party will be at noon. Meals and refreshments will be provided as well as adult beverages from Defiance Brewing Company once the bike ride concludes at Hays Municipal Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326279635.jpeg" alt="Tour of Chapels.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Tour of Chapels.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Hays Convention and Visitor's Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By Tony Guerrero Hays PostThe Hays Area Bicyclists are celebrating the legacy of the Ellis County region with a commute to a variety of churches.&nbsp;The Tour Die Kapellen may include a visit to <a href="https://www.volgagerman.net/catharine-church">St. Catherine Church</a> in Catherine, <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com/">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria, <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/holycrosschurch.htm">Holy Cross Church</a> in Pfeifer, and <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/stfrancischurchmunjor.htm">St. Francis Church</a> in Munjor.The annual event is in its fourth year and will begin at Hays Municipal Park on July 8. The several routes to choose from include a 15-mile casual ride setting off at 9 a.m. The 30, 50, and 62-mile trails that will be escorted by the Hays Police Department start at 7:30 a.m. and the 75- to 100-mile routes depart between 6:45 to 7 a.m.Early registration is $45 a person to participate in the bike ride and $75 a person for the bus tour that’ll depart 30 minutes after the cyclists do at the Hays Municipal Park at 8 a.m.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686853668273.jpeg" alt="Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>After June 23, a bike ride will cost $55 per person and the bus tour will be $85 per person as on-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m. The bus tour will travel the same route that cyclists take, with each church providing a musical performance and snacks.&nbsp;Those who register will receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt. Brian Buckstead, Hays Symphony conductor, will perform at St. Catherine Church, Basilica of the Plains with their Brass Quintet led by Kathy Amrein. Jane Hyde will play at Holy Cross Church while Hillary Shepard, Kristin Pisano, and Ben Cline take center stage at St Francis Church.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686853732035.jpeg" alt="Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The Tour Die Kapellen event <a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/2023-2/#routeoptions">website</a> provides a list of safety rules and maps of their routes. Kay Werth, a coordinator of the event, urged people to not follow along in their vehicles for safety reasons but reassured participants that they will be fully supported and guided.&nbsp;“We have over 70 volunteers that help with this ride. We have drivers that follow the bikers in case they need pick up or need assistance or are just too hot. They have a first aid kit. They have a bike pump,” Werth said.&nbsp;Musicians will be playing at each site including the post-ride party where The Joe Dolezal Polka Band will perform.&nbsp;Deb Hoffman from the Holy Cross Church said they’ll be receiving the majority of the profit from the event but encourages others to donate to the other churches through their websites.&nbsp;“We’re probably one of the smaller ones, especially being a mission church it’s a lot more difficult for people who don’t have steady and weekly tithing,” Hoffman said “We have to actively seek funds, and this is one of our fundraisers.”The after-party will be at noon. Meals and refreshments will be provided as well as adult beverages from Defiance Brewing Company once the bike ride concludes at Hays Municipal Park.

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