By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After six days of testimony and almost 3,000 exhibits admitted to the record, Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty said things went as well as the Hays and Russell could have hoped for in the recent water transfer public hearing for the R9 Ranch long-term water project.

The hearing before Kansas Administrative Law Judge Matt Spurgin was in Wichita because the Edwards County property is in the Arkansas River Basin.

Hays and Russell want to annually move 5,000 acre feet of their water rights roughly 75 miles north from the ranch to Hays' Schoenchen well field south of town and then east to Russell's Pfeifer well field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Doing so requires a trigger of the Kansas Water Transfer Act, the first time it will have been done in its current form. Every step of the process is outlined by state statute.

"The reason for the hearing is for the cities to lay out their compliance with the statutes. There are 26 or 27 criteria in the statutes,"&nbsp;Dougherty said.

"It's a judicial proceeding, run pretty much like a trial, so intervenors can put on their cases and evidence in support or opposition of the proposed transfer."&nbsp;

Once the hearing is finished, the judge will make a recommendation to a three-person panel, which will ratify it or modify the ruling to become official.&nbsp;

The three-person panel is comprised of the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the director of the Kansas Water Office, and the chief engineer of the Division of Water Resources, part of the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Although the record is closed, the hearing itself is still open for appropriate commenting agencies to weigh in on the transfer.

Judge Spurgin will reconvene the water transfer hearing Nov. 6 via Zoom for agency comments.&nbsp;Dougherty and the law team for Hays and Russell don't expect a lot, if any, comments.

At that time, presumably the hearing will be closed and the judge has 90 days to issue his ruling.&nbsp;

Then the water transfer hearing panel has 90 days to ratify or modify Spurgeon's ruling.

The final decision will come no later than May 2024 if both the judge and the hearing panel take their fully allotted time.&nbsp;

"We knew that we more than complied with all criteria in the statutes,"&nbsp;Dougherty said, reflecting on the lengthy preparation for the&nbsp; hearing.

"We have gone above and beyond in every step in the process to make sure that we are using this water sustainably."

What this process boils down to is a statewide interest test, which is what the administrative judge is ultimately deciding aside from the criteria compliance,&nbsp;Dougherty said.

"Some of the criteria in the statutes are as simple as the cities have to have a plan to bring the water up from the ranch. We do," he said.

"The cities have to demonstrate they've looked at other alternatives. We've been doing that for 50 years.&nbsp;

"The cities have to demonstrate they have conservation measures. We've done that for decades. That we have a rate structure that discourages the waste of water. In Hays and Russell, the more you use, the more you pay."

In many U.S. cities, the more water you use, the less you pay per gallon.

Ultimately, the hearing officer and hearing panel are tasked with ensuring the benefit to the state of Kansas by allowing the water transfer outweighs the benefit by not allowing the transfer.&nbsp;

"We think that's a pretty easy bar to clear, but we cleared it by miles," Dougherty said.

&nbsp;Hays and Russell represent a $2 billion economy that's growing, one of few to do so in northwest Kansas.

"We have every intention of growing into the future, but we need this water to make sure that happens,"&nbsp;Dougherty said.

During the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1e38ac03-293f-48f9-9bae-b23df818ed3f">June 20 public comment hearing</a> at Fort Hays State University,&nbsp;Brad Kelly, president and CEO of PureField, which owns the wheat gluten manufacturing facility in Russell, said the company is ready to make a $300 million investment to expand the facility and create more than 50 new jobs but that can't happen unless Russell gets additional water.&nbsp;

Considerable opposition to the transfer has come from the Water Protection Association of Central Kansas, known as WaterPACK.

Members and lawyers for the group have said they're not opposed to the water transfer itself. They're concerned about sustainability.

Hays and Russell voluntarily gave up 30 percent of their water rights to assure sustainability, Dougherty said.&nbsp;

"What that means according to our modeler is, after 51 years of pumping our property at the maximum amount at our ranch boundaries, the water level decline that we caused is about 0.6 feet in 145 feet of saturated thickness," he said. "The irrigators around us will cause about nine feet of decline.

"They somehow want to claim that our 0.6 feet of decline will cause irreparable harm to them when they are causing nine feet of decline."

It's been a tedious process, Dougherty said, and he assumes it will be appealed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691445573614.png" alt="City of Hays/Burns McDonnell" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays/Burns McDonnell</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter six days of testimony and almost 3,000 exhibits admitted to the record, Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty said things went as well as the Hays and Russell could have hoped for in the recent water transfer public hearing for the R9 Ranch long-term water project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687373035246.jpeg" alt="Kansas Administrative Law Judge Matthew Spurgin at the public comment hearing in Hays. Spurgin also oversaw the water transfer hearing in Wichita. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Administrative Law Judge Matthew Spurgin at the public comment hearing in Hays. Spurgin also oversaw the water transfer hearing in Wichita. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The hearing before Kansas Administrative Law Judge Matt Spurgin was in Wichita because the Edwards County property is in the Arkansas River Basin.Hays and Russell want to annually move 5,000 acre feet of their water rights roughly 75 miles north from the ranch to Hays' Schoenchen well field south of town and then east to Russell's Pfeifer well field.&nbsp;&nbsp;Doing so requires a trigger of the Kansas Water Transfer Act, the first time it will have been done in its current form. Every step of the process is outlined by state statute."The reason for the hearing is for the cities to lay out their compliance with the statutes. There are 26 or 27 criteria in the statutes,"&nbsp;Dougherty said."It's a judicial proceeding, run pretty much like a trial, so intervenors can put on their cases and evidence in support or opposition of the proposed transfer."&nbsp;Once the hearing is finished, the judge will make a recommendation to a three-person panel, which will ratify it or modify the ruling to become official.&nbsp;The three-person panel is comprised of the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the director of the Kansas Water Office, and the chief engineer of the Division of Water Resources, part of the Kansas Department of Agriculture.Although the record is closed, the hearing itself is still open for appropriate commenting agencies to weigh in on the transfer.Judge Spurgin will reconvene the water transfer hearing Nov. 6 via Zoom for agency comments.&nbsp;Dougherty and the law team for Hays and Russell don't expect a lot, if any, comments.At that time, presumably the hearing will be closed and the judge has 90 days to issue his ruling.&nbsp;Then the water transfer hearing panel has 90 days to ratify or modify Spurgeon's ruling.The final decision will come no later than May 2024 if both the judge and the hearing panel take their fully allotted time.&nbsp;"We knew that we more than complied with all criteria in the statutes,"&nbsp;Dougherty said, reflecting on the lengthy preparation for the&nbsp; hearing."We have gone above and beyond in every step in the process to make sure that we are using this water sustainably."What this process boils down to is a statewide interest test, which is what the administrative judge is ultimately deciding aside from the criteria compliance,&nbsp;Dougherty said."Some of the criteria in the statutes are as simple as the cities have to have a plan to bring the water up from the ranch. We do," he said."The cities have to demonstrate they've looked at other alternatives. We've been doing that for 50 years.&nbsp;"The cities have to demonstrate they have conservation measures. We've done that for decades. That we have a rate structure that discourages the waste of water. In Hays and Russell, the more you use, the more you pay."In many U.S. cities, the more water you use, the less you pay per gallon.Ultimately, the hearing officer and hearing panel are tasked with ensuring the benefit to the state of Kansas by allowing the water transfer outweighs the benefit by not allowing the transfer.&nbsp;"We think that's a pretty easy bar to clear, but we cleared it by miles," Dougherty said.&nbsp;Hays and Russell represent a $2 billion economy that's growing, one of few to do so in northwest Kansas."We have every intention of growing into the future, but we need this water to make sure that happens,"&nbsp;Dougherty said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691445231607.jpeg" alt="Brad Kelly, PureField (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Brad Kelly, PureField (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>During the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1e38ac03-293f-48f9-9bae-b23df818ed3f">June 20 public comment hearing</a> at Fort Hays State University,&nbsp;Brad Kelly, president and CEO of PureField, which owns the wheat gluten manufacturing facility in Russell, said the company is ready to make a $300 million investment to expand the facility and create more than 50 new jobs but that can't happen unless Russell gets additional water.&nbsp;Considerable opposition to the transfer has come from the Water Protection Association of Central Kansas, known as WaterPACK.Members and lawyers for the group have said they're not opposed to the water transfer itself. They're concerned about sustainability.Hays and Russell voluntarily gave up 30 percent of their water rights to assure sustainability, Dougherty said.&nbsp;"What that means according to our modeler is, after 51 years of pumping our property at the maximum amount at our ranch boundaries, the water level decline that we caused is about 0.6 feet in 145 feet of saturated thickness," he said. "The irrigators around us will cause about nine feet of decline."They somehow want to claim that our 0.6 feet of decline will cause irreparable harm to them when they are causing nine feet of decline."It's been a tedious process, Dougherty said, and he assumes it will be appealed.

DOUGHERTY: R9 water transfer hearing went as well as hoped for

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Freightliner semi driven by Robert T. Kesterson, 55, Reynoldsburg, Kentucky, was westbound on Interstate 70 crossing the Old 40 overpass bridge when high winds blew it over into the median. The semi&nbsp; rolled on to its drivers side.

EMS transported&nbsp;Kesterson to&nbsp;Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Freightliner semi driven by Robert T. Kesterson, 55, Reynoldsburg, Kentucky, was westbound on Interstate 70 crossing the Old 40 overpass bridge when high winds blew it over into the median. The semi&nbsp; rolled on to its drivers side.EMS transported&nbsp;Kesterson to&nbsp;Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after wind blows semi off I-70

COLBY - The Lon R. Frahm Agricultural Center at Colby Community College will officially open with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 11. The facility is at the north entrance off College Drive.

The need for the 12,400-square-foot building came from limited space to accommodate existing and expected new enrollment in ag-related majors. The facility features six classrooms, the largest of which can seat 53 students, offices for 16 full-time ag employees, and a 28-person meeting room. The lower level also serves as a tornado shelter for the north side of campus.

"We are humbled by the generosity of so many people who contributed to making this facility a reality," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "It will impact Colby Community College students, the community, and the region for many years."

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is scheduled to attend on the 11th, as he did last October when he helped the college break ground. Moran was instrumental in securing some of the funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Nearly $533,000 was Congressionally-directed for use in the college's agriculture and dental hygiene programs.

Funding also came from several donors and other grants, the largest being an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contribution of $1,843,594.

Over the last three years, CCC has expanded agricultural offerings and opportunities that serve the region through developing additional certificates and tracks, enhancing remote student learning, and hiring additional ag faculty.

 Nearly 9,000 feet of fence was installed at the college farm in addition to hauling in several thousand square feet of dirt to resolve longstanding drainage problems. 

In January 2022, the college received a Department of Education Rural Postsecondary Economic Development grant for more than $1.23 million over three years to strengthen higher education credentials among rural students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690907930361.jpeg" alt="Lon R. Frahm Agricultural Center at Colby Community College. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lon R. Frahm Agricultural Center at Colby Community College. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY - The Lon R. Frahm Agricultural Center at Colby Community College will officially open with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 11. The facility is at the north entrance off College Drive.The need for the 12,400-square-foot building came from limited space to accommodate existing and expected new enrollment in ag-related majors. The facility features six classrooms, the largest of which can seat 53 students, offices for 16 full-time ag employees, and a 28-person meeting room. The lower level also serves as a tornado shelter for the north side of campus."We are humbled by the generosity of so many people who contributed to making this facility a reality," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "It will impact Colby Community College students, the community, and the region for many years."U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is scheduled to attend on the 11th, as he did last October when he helped the college break ground. Moran was instrumental in securing some of the funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Nearly $533,000 was Congressionally-directed for use in the college's agriculture and dental hygiene programs.Funding also came from several donors and other grants, the largest being an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contribution of $1,843,594.Over the last three years, CCC has expanded agricultural offerings and opportunities that serve the region through developing additional certificates and tracks, enhancing remote student learning, and hiring additional ag faculty. Nearly 9,000 feet of fence was installed at the college farm in addition to hauling in several thousand square feet of dirt to resolve longstanding drainage problems. In January 2022, the college received a Department of Education Rural Postsecondary Economic Development grant for more than $1.23 million over three years to strengthen higher education credentials among rural students.

Colby Community College's new ag center opens Friday

TOPEKA - Glenn Braun, chief judge of the 23rd Judicial District for Ellis, Rooks, Trego and Gove counties, was recently recognized with the Distinguished Service Award by the Kansas Bar Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The award recognizes an individual or continuous long-standing service on behalf of the legal profession or the public.&nbsp;

Braun has been chief judge since 2016. He was appointed a district judge in 2012.

He graduated from Kansas State University in 1978 and the Washburn University School of Law in 1981. He was in private practice until 2012 and served as Ellis County Attorney from 1989 to 1997 and as a city of Hays prosecutor.&nbsp;

Braun served as president of the Kansas Bar Association in 2010-2011 and as a commissioner of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission from 2005 to 2012.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691422991200.jpeg" alt="Glenn Braun (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Braun (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Bar AssociationTOPEKA - Glenn Braun, chief judge of the 23rd Judicial District for Ellis, Rooks, Trego and Gove counties, was recently recognized with the Distinguished Service Award by the Kansas Bar Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;The award recognizes an individual or continuous long-standing service on behalf of the legal profession or the public.&nbsp;Braun has been chief judge since 2016. He was appointed a district judge in 2012.He graduated from Kansas State University in 1978 and the Washburn University School of Law in 1981. He was in private practice until 2012 and served as Ellis County Attorney from 1989 to 1997 and as a city of Hays prosecutor.&nbsp;Braun served as president of the Kansas Bar Association in 2010-2011 and as a commissioner of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission from 2005 to 2012.&nbsp;

Chief Judge Glenn Braun honored with distinguished service award 

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on K-258 in Rooks County around Wednesday, Aug. 9.

Project work will include a mill and overlay of K-258 starting at the U.S. 24 junction and extending south 3.74 miles. Construction crews will also be overlaying and spot milling roads in Webster State Park, which include 10 Road, North Shore Drive and areas around Eagle Landing and Rock Point campgrounds.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zones and directed by flaggers and a pilot car operation during daylight hours. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

KDOT expects work to be completed in mid-August, conditions permitting.

Venture Corporation of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the projects with a combined contract cost of approximately $1.1 million. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Dan Moore at 785-302-6200 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daniel.moore@ks.gov">daniel.moore@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691075602200.jpeg" alt="Kansas Dept. of Transportation" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Dept. of Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on K-258 in Rooks County around Wednesday, Aug. 9.Project work will include a mill and overlay of K-258 starting at the U.S. 24 junction and extending south 3.74 miles. Construction crews will also be overlaying and spot milling roads in Webster State Park, which include 10 Road, North Shore Drive and areas around Eagle Landing and Rock Point campgrounds.Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zones and directed by flaggers and a pilot car operation during daylight hours. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.KDOT expects work to be completed in mid-August, conditions permitting.Venture Corporation of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the projects with a combined contract cost of approximately $1.1 million. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Dan Moore at 785-302-6200 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daniel.moore@ks.gov">daniel.moore@ks.gov</a>.

K-258 highway in Rooks County to be resurfaced starting Wednesday

<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/2023/8/1691423881097.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

In Kansas, the 4-H year runs from October 1 to September 30. 

Project learning begins early in the 4-H year as youth begin learning about foods and nutrition, begin the next level of their entomology collection, or begin thinking about their livestock for the coming year.

Several opportunities to showcase that project learning occur throughout the year. 

4-H Club Days are a chance to practice communication skills and are one of the first events for youth to share about an area of interest as this occurs in February and March. County fair is about three-fourths of the way through the year and advanced learning is showcased with feedback from judges as an important part of the process.

Two of the big pieces of the 4-H year occur in September.

Many 4-H members can qualify for participation at the Kansas State Fair by receiving a top placing at the county fair. 

We don’t have consultative judging at this level but it is an incredible opportunity for those youth to see their project exhibit displayed and evaluated with 4-H members from across the state.

 We have 57 4-H members who have qualified to take one or more entries to the Kansas State fair and that doesn’t include any animals! When I was a 4-H member, we lived too far from the state fair to see my exhibits on display so I encourage all of our 4-H members and their friends and family to make a trip and be sure it includes some time in Centennial Hall!

The other very important part of project learning that is in the works right now is the completion of project record books. While few of us love record-keeping, it is an important life skill and the Kansas 4-H Project Record provides steps for youth to learn and improve in this process. 

The youngest 4-H members complete sentences with plenty of direction to learn the basics of record-keeping. As they get a little older, the intermediate version includes fewer specifics but still guidance on how to complete financial records, note project learning opportunities, and examples of project-related community service. For our senior 4-H members, this also includes a cover letter, a resume related to their project learning, and if it qualifies for competition at the state level, a video presentation. 

All of these are important skills for our youth to learn and wrap up a year of project learning.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.

For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District, Barton office, at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, the 4-H year runs from October 1 to September 30. Project learning begins early in the 4-H year as youth begin learning about foods and nutrition, begin the next level of their entomology collection, or begin thinking about their livestock for the coming year.Several opportunities to showcase that project learning occur throughout the year. 4-H Club Days are a chance to practice communication skills and are one of the first events for youth to share about an area of interest as this occurs in February and March. County fair is about three-fourths of the way through the year and advanced learning is showcased with feedback from judges as an important part of the process.Two of the big pieces of the 4-H year occur in September.Many 4-H members can qualify for participation at the Kansas State Fair by receiving a top placing at the county fair. We don’t have consultative judging at this level but it is an incredible opportunity for those youth to see their project exhibit displayed and evaluated with 4-H members from across the state. We have 57 4-H members who have qualified to take one or more entries to the Kansas State fair and that doesn’t include any animals! When I was a 4-H member, we lived too far from the state fair to see my exhibits on display so I encourage all of our 4-H members and their friends and family to make a trip and be sure it includes some time in Centennial Hall!The other very important part of project learning that is in the works right now is the completion of project record books. While few of us love record-keeping, it is an important life skill and the Kansas 4-H Project Record provides steps for youth to learn and improve in this process. The youngest 4-H members complete sentences with plenty of direction to learn the basics of record-keeping. As they get a little older, the intermediate version includes fewer specifics but still guidance on how to complete financial records, note project learning opportunities, and examples of project-related community service. For our senior 4-H members, this also includes a cover letter, a resume related to their project learning, and if it qualifies for competition at the state level, a video presentation. All of these are important skills for our youth to learn and wrap up a year of project learning.Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District, Barton office, at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Kansas State Fair bound!

To schedule a session, call the Eagle Radio office at (785) 301-2211.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691419836326.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>To schedule a session, call the Eagle Radio office at (785) 301-2211.

Eagle Radio plans free marketing workshop

NORTON COUNTY—A high end supercell thunderstorm moved over&nbsp; the city of Almena in Norton County just before 8p.m. Saturday.

 The storm produced wind gusts up to an estimated 110 miles per hour along with hail ranging from golf ball to tennis ball in size, according to a report from the National Weather Service in Goodland.

 The wind caused damage to trees ranging from limbs being blown down to tree trunks being snapped.

The National Weather Service service said the thunderstorm began near Norton, where it quickly intensified east of town and moved northeast toward Almena, intensifying as it approached.

 As the thunderstorm moved over Almena, it continued to intensify, reaching a peak intensity as it moved over the community.  The worst of the wind occurred when the hail was the largest in size.  As the storm moved east of Almena it began to weaken.  The only damage that was visible northeast of town were two road block signs that had been bent to the northeast. There are no reports of injury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691427486461.jpeg" alt="Part of a trunk from a mature Hackberry tree broken off.Photo courtesy National Weather Service Goodland" />
 <figcaption>Part of a trunk from a mature Hackberry tree broken off.Photo courtesy National Weather Service Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON COUNTY—A high end supercell thunderstorm moved over&nbsp; the city of Almena in Norton County just before 8p.m. Saturday. The storm produced wind gusts up to an estimated 110 miles per hour along with hail ranging from golf ball to tennis ball in size, according to a report from the National Weather Service in Goodland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691427755520.png" alt="Tree trunk of mature ash tree snapped.-photo NWS Goodland" />
 <figcaption>Tree trunk of mature ash tree snapped.-photo NWS Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure> The wind caused damage to trees ranging from limbs being blown down to tree trunks being snapped.The National Weather Service service said the thunderstorm began near Norton, where it quickly intensified east of town and moved northeast toward Almena, intensifying as it approached.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691427939057.png" alt="Track of Storm from NWS Survey" />
 <figcaption>Track of Storm from NWS Survey</figcaption>
 </figure> As the thunderstorm moved over Almena, it continued to intensify, reaching a peak intensity as it moved over the community. The worst of the wind occurred when the hail was the largest in size. As the storm moved east of Almena it began to weaken. The only damage that was visible northeast of town were two road block signs that had been bent to the northeast. There are no reports of injury.

NWS: Weekend storm brought 110mph winds to NW Kansas

By DAWNE LEIKER Special to the Hays Post

BIRD CITY — When the first “official” Antique Engine &amp; Thresher Association show opened in 1953 at Roy and Leone Kite’s farm northeast of Bird City, it’s doubtful that its organizers could imagine that 70 years later, the show would continue to entertain and amaze crowds.&nbsp;

But there they were, more than a thousand people from all over the country, enjoying the festive spirit of the Antique Engine and Thresher three-day event on the last Saturday in July, accompanied by the sounds of engines chuff, chuffing, and whistles piercing the air.

This year’s event, which ran from July 27 to 29, was highlighted by the Central States Hart-Parr Oliver Collectors, boasting exhibitors from Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma. Granddaughters of Charles H. Parr were on hand to discuss the history of their family business. Charles Parr, along with Charles W. Hart, is credited with starting the farm tractor industry from their Charles City, Iowa, factory in 1901.&nbsp;

Seventeen operating steam traction engines chugged to life on the showgrounds. Along with the engines, events included tractor pulls, kids’ activities, sawmill and blacksmithing demonstrations, and much more.

For Riley Neff, 16, Emporia, operating his great-grandpa and great-uncle’s 1908 steam engine is just part of his identity.

“I love it,” he said. “It’s just fun to build a big old fire in there and show everybody. Giving people rides is probably my favorite part.”

Riley’s engine is dedicated to the memory of two individuals passionate about steam engines: Riley’s grandfather, Mike Smith, who passed away in 2005, and John B. O’Neal, who died in a grain elevator accident at age 22.&nbsp;

Riley prepared to give 6-year-old Kaiden Lauer of St. Francis a ride on his steam engine during Saturday's show. Kaiden said it would be his sixth ride on one of the machines.

Kaiden’s grandfather, Roger Orth, St. Francis, said Kaiden lives on a farm, is obsessed with steam engines and watches YouTube videos about engines whenever possible.&nbsp;

“He gets to experience the old times as well as the new times,” Orth said. The engine whistle interrupted their conversation, and Orth smiled at his grandson. “You’ve heard that before, haven’t you?”

Maintaining an antique steam engine is a year-round effort, said Will Clark of Oakley. He serves as an engineer for a 1910 75-horse Case steam engine owned by Ben Brent of Colorado.&nbsp;

“Basically, the most important things are water level and oiling,” Clark said. “If there’s water left in it over the winter, it creates ice problems and you have broken metal parts from ice contraction and expansion.”

Brent’s engine has been stored on the Thresher Show grounds for seven years.&nbsp;

The love for the antique machines is contagious for many of the show’s participants. Lynn Osburn, Denver, who gave a steam engine talk during the day’s scheduled activities, said his interest in steam engines began at age 11 when his dad brought him to his first show in Bird City.&nbsp;

“It made an impression on me,” he said. “Here was a chance to play with fire and not get in trouble.”

Fast forward 25 years, and Osburn decided to reconnect with the Bird City show’s organizer, Gerald Wright, to learn more about steam engineering. Wright put Osburn to work, telling him that the best way to learn about the engines was to work on them.

Since then, Osburn, a computer consultant, has been coming to the show every year.&nbsp;

“If you think about it, this (steam engine) was the highest tech thing going on 120 years ago,” he said. “I kind of like to think that if I was born 100 years ago, this is what I would have done. It was the highest high-tech available. There’s more to it than meets the eye.”

For Kris Oldsen, treasurer of the Tri-State Antique Engine and Threshers Association and economic director of Cheyenne County, the rewards of the show can be seen in the faces of the community members who attend.&nbsp;

“Seeing everybody here because they love tractors or steam engines is great, but some of them just love to be here because it’s a good day to spend with the kids,” she said. “The whole reason we do it is to see everybody out here happy, having fun.”

As many of the association’s volunteers begin to “age out,” Oldsen said, finding enough volunteers to make a successful show is challenging. Typically, 30 volunteers during the three-day event are needed to assist the nine volunteers who work year-round to plan and facilitate the show.

The Thresher showground is like a little town unto itself. With 31 buildings displaying various aspects of tri-state history, the grounds also house a 4,000-square-foot museum, which recently underwent remodeling.&nbsp;

In addition to the thresher show, the association hosts two other annual events. A Mule and Draft Horse Show will be presented during the first full weekend of October. Then during the last weekend of April 2024, a Military Show with a reenactment of WWII will occur on the grounds.

Looking ahead to the year 2025, the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association will host the annual Rumely Expo. This expo is hosted at various engine clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada and displays a comprehensive collection of Rumely Company artifacts. The show is anticipated to bring more than triple the attendance of the annual Antique Engine and Thresher Show. &nbsp;

More information about the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association is available on the association’s website: <a href="https://threshershow.org/">https://threshershow.org/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691178699556.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691169995751.jpeg" alt="Ben Brent and Will Clark discuss the maintenance of steam threshing machines with an attendee of the annual show. This machine, previously owned by Kimel Brent, Ben’s grandfather, is estimated to weigh between 35,000 and 40,000 pounds. Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ben Brent and Will Clark discuss the maintenance of steam threshing machines with an attendee of the annual show. This machine, previously owned by Kimel Brent, Ben’s grandfather, is estimated to weigh between 35,000 and 40,000 pounds. Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAWNE LEIKER Special to the Hays PostBIRD CITY — When the first “official” Antique Engine &amp; Thresher Association show opened in 1953 at Roy and Leone Kite’s farm northeast of Bird City, it’s doubtful that its organizers could imagine that 70 years later, the show would continue to entertain and amaze crowds.&nbsp;But there they were, more than a thousand people from all over the country, enjoying the festive spirit of the Antique Engine and Thresher three-day event on the last Saturday in July, accompanied by the sounds of engines chuff, chuffing, and whistles piercing the air.This year’s event, which ran from July 27 to 29, was highlighted by the Central States Hart-Parr Oliver Collectors, boasting exhibitors from Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma. Granddaughters of Charles H. Parr were on hand to discuss the history of their family business. Charles Parr, along with Charles W. Hart, is credited with starting the farm tractor industry from their Charles City, Iowa, factory in 1901.&nbsp;Seventeen operating steam traction engines chugged to life on the showgrounds. Along with the engines, events included tractor pulls, kids’ activities, sawmill and blacksmithing demonstrations, and much more.For Riley Neff, 16, Emporia, operating his great-grandpa and great-uncle’s 1908 steam engine is just part of his identity.“I love it,” he said. “It’s just fun to build a big old fire in there and show everybody. Giving people rides is probably my favorite part.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691170049151.jpeg" alt="Flames are seen in the firebox of a 1910 75-horsepower Case.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Flames are seen in the firebox of a 1910 75-horsepower Case.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Riley’s engine is dedicated to the memory of two individuals passionate about steam engines: Riley’s grandfather, Mike Smith, who passed away in 2005, and John B. O’Neal, who died in a grain elevator accident at age 22.&nbsp;Riley prepared to give 6-year-old Kaiden Lauer of St. Francis a ride on his steam engine during Saturday's show. Kaiden said it would be his sixth ride on one of the machines.Kaiden’s grandfather, Roger Orth, St. Francis, said Kaiden lives on a farm, is obsessed with steam engines and watches YouTube videos about engines whenever possible.&nbsp;“He gets to experience the old times as well as the new times,” Orth said. The engine whistle interrupted their conversation, and Orth smiled at his grandson. “You’ve heard that before, haven’t you?”Kaiden nodded “yes,” happily.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691170149452.jpeg" alt="Roger Orth, Riley Neff, and Kaiden Lauer, prepare Riley’s engine for an upcoming ride. Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Roger Orth, Riley Neff, and Kaiden Lauer, prepare Riley’s engine for an upcoming ride. Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Maintaining an antique steam engine is a year-round effort, said Will Clark of Oakley. He serves as an engineer for a 1910 75-horse Case steam engine owned by Ben Brent of Colorado.&nbsp;“Basically, the most important things are water level and oiling,” Clark said. “If there’s water left in it over the winter, it creates ice problems and you have broken metal parts from ice contraction and expansion.”Brent’s engine has been stored on the Thresher Show grounds for seven years.&nbsp;The love for the antique machines is contagious for many of the show’s participants. Lynn Osburn, Denver, who gave a steam engine talk during the day’s scheduled activities, said his interest in steam engines began at age 11 when his dad brought him to his first show in Bird City.&nbsp;“It made an impression on me,” he said. “Here was a chance to play with fire and not get in trouble.”Fast forward 25 years, and Osburn decided to reconnect with the Bird City show’s organizer, Gerald Wright, to learn more about steam engineering. Wright put Osburn to work, telling him that the best way to learn about the engines was to work on them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691170177933.jpeg" alt="Riley Neff, Emporia, with his 1908 Case threshing machine.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Riley Neff, Emporia, with his 1908 Case threshing machine.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Since then, Osburn, a computer consultant, has been coming to the show every year.&nbsp;“If you think about it, this (steam engine) was the highest tech thing going on 120 years ago,” he said. “I kind of like to think that if I was born 100 years ago, this is what I would have done. It was the highest high-tech available. There’s more to it than meets the eye.”For Kris Oldsen, treasurer of the Tri-State Antique Engine and Threshers Association and economic director of Cheyenne County, the rewards of the show can be seen in the faces of the community members who attend.&nbsp;“Seeing everybody here because they love tractors or steam engines is great, but some of them just love to be here because it’s a good day to spend with the kids,” she said. “The whole reason we do it is to see everybody out here happy, having fun.”As many of the association’s volunteers begin to “age out,” Oldsen said, finding enough volunteers to make a successful show is challenging. Typically, 30 volunteers during the three-day event are needed to assist the nine volunteers who work year-round to plan and facilitate the show.The Thresher showground is like a little town unto itself. With 31 buildings displaying various aspects of tri-state history, the grounds also house a 4,000-square-foot museum, which recently underwent remodeling.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691170216786.jpeg" alt="Riley Neff, Kaiden Lauer, and Roger Orth get onboard for a ride around the showgrounds.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Riley Neff, Kaiden Lauer, and Roger Orth get onboard for a ride around the showgrounds.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to the thresher show, the association hosts two other annual events. A Mule and Draft Horse Show will be presented during the first full weekend of October. Then during the last weekend of April 2024, a Military Show with a reenactment of WWII will occur on the grounds.Looking ahead to the year 2025, the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association will host the annual Rumely Expo. This expo is hosted at various engine clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada and displays a comprehensive collection of Rumely Company artifacts. The show is anticipated to bring more than triple the attendance of the annual Antique Engine and Thresher Show. &nbsp;More information about the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association is available on the association’s website: <a href="https://threshershow.org/">https://threshershow.org/</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691171718352.jpeg" alt="A sawmill demonstration was one of many activities showcasing the history of farm life.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A sawmill demonstration was one of many activities showcasing the history of farm life.&nbsp;Photo by Dawne Leiker/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: Fire and Water: Antique Engine, Thresher festival celebrates 70 years in Bird City

MANHATTAN – Nineteen area students have been awarded scholarships to Kansas State University totaling $13,750. The scholarships were awarded by the Heartland Catbackers.

The recipients are:&nbsp;Madison Augustine, Jensen Brull, Blake Buckles, Katie Dinkel, Avery Harmoney, Braden Hoskins, Claire Humphrey, Karsten Koenke, Beth Rogowski, Emma Rogowski, Hannah Schiel, Rilee Schwarz and Tanner Werth,&nbsp;Hays;&nbsp;Gracie Kerns and Luke Voss,&nbsp;Plainville;&nbsp;Cappi Hoeting,&nbsp;Stockton;&nbsp;Valden Dohl,&nbsp;Sylvan Grove;&nbsp;and Gunner Wilson,&nbsp;WaKeeny.

“We are so pleased to congratulate these outstanding students,” said Alan Fankhauser,&nbsp;associate director of alumni programs&nbsp;for the K-State Alumni Association. “The Alumni Association board of directors is committed to helping prospective students attend K-State. We greatly appreciate local alumni and friends who have helped make these awards possible through their loyal support.”

The scholarships are for the 2023-24 academic year. The Alumni Association annually awards approximately $550,000 in student scholarships with funding provided by local K-State alumni and friends and Alumni Association programming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660781347550.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedMANHATTAN – Nineteen area students have been awarded scholarships to Kansas State University totaling $13,750. The scholarships were awarded by the Heartland Catbackers.The recipients are:&nbsp;Madison Augustine, Jensen Brull, Blake Buckles, Katie Dinkel, Avery Harmoney, Braden Hoskins, Claire Humphrey, Karsten Koenke, Beth Rogowski, Emma Rogowski, Hannah Schiel, Rilee Schwarz and Tanner Werth,&nbsp;Hays;&nbsp;Gracie Kerns and Luke Voss,&nbsp;Plainville;&nbsp;Cappi Hoeting,&nbsp;Stockton;&nbsp;Valden Dohl,&nbsp;Sylvan Grove;&nbsp;and Gunner Wilson,&nbsp;WaKeeny.“We are so pleased to congratulate these outstanding students,” said Alan Fankhauser,&nbsp;associate director of alumni programs&nbsp;for the K-State Alumni Association. “The Alumni Association board of directors is committed to helping prospective students attend K-State. We greatly appreciate local alumni and friends who have helped make these awards possible through their loyal support.”The scholarships are for the 2023-24 academic year. The Alumni Association annually awards approximately $550,000 in student scholarships with funding provided by local K-State alumni and friends and Alumni Association programming.

19 area students awarded Catbackers scholarships to Kansas State University

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters</a> area director Jenny Bates discusses the Hays Duck Derby.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/06ee38b2-ee3d-471d-8a76-6bf2e50aca5c" target="_blank">Read more about the event at "Hays Duck Derby Fundraiser is all about the 'Little' Kids."</a>

<div><iframe title="Eighth annual Duck Derby set for Aug. 9" 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=mdicq-1474fdb-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters</a> area director Jenny Bates discusses the Hays Duck Derby.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/06ee38b2-ee3d-471d-8a76-6bf2e50aca5c" target="_blank">Read more about the event at "Hays Duck Derby Fundraiser is all about the 'Little' Kids."</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Eighth annual Duck Derby set for Aug. 9

The Hays Striders track team were in competition at the AAU Junior Olympic Championships in Des Moines, Iowa July 29 through August 5.

Emery Zimmerman was crowned national champion and received All-American honors when he won the 11 year old Boys 3000-meter run with a time of 10:22.55. Emery also earned All-American honors in the pentathlon, finishing 6th (1843 points).

Also receiving All-American honors were Lyndi Zimmerman in the pentathlon, 2nd with 3008 points, 3rd in the 200-meter hurdles (27.83), and shot put, 7th (39’6.50”); Riley Leiker in the shot put, 2nd (22’8”); and Hayden Staab in the discus, 6th (84’1”).

Complete results of Striders are as follows:

Riley Leiker, 8-under Girls: 2nd - shot put, 22’8; 12th - 400-meter dash, 1:13.95; 10th - 800-meter run (3:01.24)

Jovie Staab, 8-under Girls: 26th - turbo havelin, 34’9.75.

Hayden Staab, 12 year old Girls: 9th - shot put, 33’2.50; 6th - discus, 84’1.

Danica Vap, 12 year old Girls:&nbsp; 10th (74’11); 13th - shot put, 32’4.75.

Sydney Lewallen, 13 year old Girls:&nbsp; 46th - 400-meter dash, 1:03.98; 45th - 800m-meter run, 2;39.14.

Makayla Lewallen, 14 year old Girls:&nbsp; 17th - pentathlon, 2295 points; 19th - high jump, 4’9.

Lyndi Zimmerman, 14 year old Girls: 2nd - pentathlon, 3008 points; 3rd - 200 meter Hurdles, 27.83; 7th - Shot Put, 39’6.50.

Tayte Lewallen, 11 year old Boys:&nbsp; 9th - pentathlon, 1815 points; 13th - 80-meter hurdles, 15.06; 63rd - 800-meter run, 2:44.06.

Kane Staab, 11 year old Boys: 11th - discus, 65’; 24th - shot put, 25’2.75.

Emery Zimmerman, 11 year old Boys:&nbsp; 1st - 3000-meter run, 10:22.55; 6th - pentathlon, 1843 Points.

Jacob Leiker, 12 year old Boys; 13th - shot put, 35’10; 26th - discus, 77’2.

Kobe Schmidt, 12 year old Boys: 53rd, 1:04.27.

Logan Leiker, 14 year old Boys: 30th - 3000-meter run, 10:47.39.

Kamani Jones, 15-16 Boys:&nbsp; 25th - high jump, 5’10.75; 27th - triple jump, 40’8.25.

Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys:&nbsp; 32nd - 2000-meter Steeplechase, 7:54.24

(Pictured - Emery Zimmerman winning 3000 meter run)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691423915821.jpeg" alt="Emery Zimmerman wins the 3000 meter run at the&nbsp;AAU Junior Olympic Championships, Des Moines, Iowa. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Emery Zimmerman wins the 3000 meter run at the&nbsp;AAU Junior Olympic Championships, Des Moines, Iowa. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Striders track team were in competition at the AAU Junior Olympic Championships in Des Moines, Iowa July 29 through August 5.Emery Zimmerman was crowned national champion and received All-American honors when he won the 11 year old Boys 3000-meter run with a time of 10:22.55. Emery also earned All-American honors in the pentathlon, finishing 6th (1843 points).Also receiving All-American honors were Lyndi Zimmerman in the pentathlon, 2nd with 3008 points, 3rd in the 200-meter hurdles (27.83), and shot put, 7th (39’6.50”); Riley Leiker in the shot put, 2nd (22’8”); and Hayden Staab in the discus, 6th (84’1”).Complete results of Striders are as follows:Riley Leiker, 8-under Girls: 2nd - shot put, 22’8; 12th - 400-meter dash, 1:13.95; 10th - 800-meter run (3:01.24)Jovie Staab, 8-under Girls: 26th - turbo havelin, 34’9.75.Hayden Staab, 12 year old Girls: 9th - shot put, 33’2.50; 6th - discus, 84’1.Danica Vap, 12 year old Girls:&nbsp; 10th (74’11); 13th - shot put, 32’4.75.Sydney Lewallen, 13 year old Girls:&nbsp; 46th - 400-meter dash, 1:03.98; 45th - 800m-meter run, 2;39.14.Makayla Lewallen, 14 year old Girls:&nbsp; 17th - pentathlon, 2295 points; 19th - high jump, 4’9.Lyndi Zimmerman, 14 year old Girls: 2nd - pentathlon, 3008 points; 3rd - 200 meter Hurdles, 27.83; 7th - Shot Put, 39’6.50.Tayte Lewallen, 11 year old Boys:&nbsp; 9th - pentathlon, 1815 points; 13th - 80-meter hurdles, 15.06; 63rd - 800-meter run, 2:44.06.Kane Staab, 11 year old Boys: 11th - discus, 65’; 24th - shot put, 25’2.75.Emery Zimmerman, 11 year old Boys:&nbsp; 1st - 3000-meter run, 10:22.55; 6th - pentathlon, 1843 Points.Jacob Leiker, 12 year old Boys; 13th - shot put, 35’10; 26th - discus, 77’2.Kobe Schmidt, 12 year old Boys: 53rd, 1:04.27.Logan Leiker, 14 year old Boys: 30th - 3000-meter run, 10:47.39.Kamani Jones, 15-16 Boys:&nbsp; 25th - high jump, 5’10.75; 27th - triple jump, 40’8.25.Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys:&nbsp; 32nd - 2000-meter Steeplechase, 7:54.24(Pictured - Emery Zimmerman winning 3000 meter run)

👟 Hays Strider Emery Zimmerman crowned national champion at AAU Junior Olympics

The Hays Police Department responded to 81 incidents July 23-29, 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 81 incidents July 23-29, 2023 according to the HPD activity log.&nbsp;<figure>
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Hays PD activity log, July 23-29

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The United Way of Ellis County will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, and to honor that milestone the campaign has set a goal of $370,000.

Erica Berges, executive director of the United Way of Ellis County, said that goal will allow the United Way to keep funding allocations the same for its partner agencies.

"We are showing a little bit of our past, but yet looking toward our future. Our theme this year is 'Creating a Brighter Tomorrow,'" Berges said.

All the funds donated during the campaign stay local. Nonprofit groups that would have difficulty otherwise raising substantial funds on their own rely on annual allocations from the United Way to support programs.

The United Way supports three main pillars in the community—health, education and financial stability.

The funds are allocated by a group of volunteers called the Cares Council.

The 14 partner agencies that were funded in 2023 include American Red Cross, Big Brother Big Sisters, Cancer Council of Ellis County, Catholic Charities, Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), DSNWK, First Call for Help, Salvation Army, Ellis County Senior Center, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Parents and Children Together, Western Kanas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled and Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.

You can learn more about these agencies on the United Way website, <a href="http://liveunitedks">liveunitedks</a>.

Recent inflation has been driving up costs for the agencies as well as resulting in more people in need of services in some cases, Berges said.

"If your gas or your rent or your groceries continues to go up, something has to give. A lot of that need for necessities like food [has increased,]" Berges said.

The United Way encourages businesses to offer payroll deductions that will go to the campaign. The nonprofit awards a Champions Circle Trophy annually to the large and small businesses with the most per capita giving.

Last year Bank of Hays won the small-business trophy, and Midwest Energy won the large-business award.

The United Way Campaign Kickoff will be at noon Friday, Aug. 25 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall during the monthly <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Hays Chamber</a>&nbsp;luncheon.&nbsp;

The presentation will include success stories from some of the United Way's partner agencies.

"You can see where your donation is going and how it's helping people," she said.

You don't have to be a Chamber member to attend. The cost for lunch is $14 for Chamber members and $17 for non-members. You can call the Chamber at&nbsp;785-628-8201 to make a reservation.

The United Way Pumpkin Packers gather donations during the fall homecoming parades in Hays. They carry Halloween pumpkins along the parade route and collect spare change from spectators.

Thomas More Prep-Marian's homecoming parade will be Sept. 15. Hays High School's homecoming parade will be Sept. 29, and Fort Hays State University's homecoming parade will be Sept. 30.

United Way has many ways to donate. You can make a one-time donation or sign up for monthly or roundup options on the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way website</a>.&nbsp;

The roundup option will round up purchases to the nearest dollar with the change going to United Way. You can set a maximum donation per month.

You can drop checks or cash in person at the United Way office in the Chestnut Building, 1200 Main St., Suite 1o2, Hays or mail checks to PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.

You also can use Venmo at @United-Way-of Ellis-County.

You can follow the campaign and learn more about partner agencies by following the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty">United Way Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608409381692.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe United Way of Ellis County will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, and to honor that milestone the campaign has set a goal of $370,000.Erica Berges, executive director of the United Way of Ellis County, said that goal will allow the United Way to keep funding allocations the same for its partner agencies."We are showing a little bit of our past, but yet looking toward our future. Our theme this year is 'Creating a Brighter Tomorrow,'" Berges said.All the funds donated during the campaign stay local. Nonprofit groups that would have difficulty otherwise raising substantial funds on their own rely on annual allocations from the United Way to support programs.The United Way supports three main pillars in the community—health, education and financial stability.The funds are allocated by a group of volunteers called the Cares Council.The 14 partner agencies that were funded in 2023 include American Red Cross, Big Brother Big Sisters, Cancer Council of Ellis County, Catholic Charities, Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), DSNWK, First Call for Help, Salvation Army, Ellis County Senior Center, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Parents and Children Together, Western Kanas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled and Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.You can learn more about these agencies on the United Way website, <a href="http://liveunitedks">liveunitedks</a>.Recent inflation has been driving up costs for the agencies as well as resulting in more people in need of services in some cases, Berges said."If your gas or your rent or your groceries continues to go up, something has to give. A lot of that need for necessities like food [has increased,]" Berges said.The United Way encourages businesses to offer payroll deductions that will go to the campaign. The nonprofit awards a Champions Circle Trophy annually to the large and small businesses with the most per capita giving.Last year Bank of Hays won the small-business trophy, and Midwest Energy won the large-business award.The United Way Campaign Kickoff will be at noon Friday, Aug. 25 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall during the monthly <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Hays Chamber</a>&nbsp;luncheon.&nbsp;The presentation will include success stories from some of the United Way's partner agencies."You can see where your donation is going and how it's helping people," she said.You don't have to be a Chamber member to attend. The cost for lunch is $14 for Chamber members and $17 for non-members. You can call the Chamber at&nbsp;785-628-8201 to make a reservation.The United Way Pumpkin Packers gather donations during the fall homecoming parades in Hays. They carry Halloween pumpkins along the parade route and collect spare change from spectators.Thomas More Prep-Marian's homecoming parade will be Sept. 15. Hays High School's homecoming parade will be Sept. 29, and Fort Hays State University's homecoming parade will be Sept. 30.United Way has many ways to donate. You can make a one-time donation or sign up for monthly or roundup options on the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way website</a>.&nbsp;The roundup option will round up purchases to the nearest dollar with the change going to United Way. You can set a maximum donation per month.You can drop checks or cash in person at the United Way office in the Chestnut Building, 1200 Main St., Suite 1o2, Hays or mail checks to PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.You also can use Venmo at @United-Way-of Ellis-County.You can follow the campaign and learn more about partner agencies by following the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty">United Way Facebook page</a>.

United Way of Ellis County sets campaign kickoff for 70th year on Aug. 25

Variety selection is one of the most important decisions that a grower can make to ensure success on their farm. 

Now is the time when wheat producers across Kansas are reviewing yield data and making decisions about the varieties they will plant in the fall. 

Although yield is always a top priority, disease, and insect resistance, along with appropriate agronomic traits, can buffer against crop losses. In addition, genetic resistance to diseases and insect pests can be the most effective, economical, and environmentally sound method for control.

The Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023 (formerly called Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings), from K-State Research and Extension, has now been released for this year. Agronomic characteristics, disease, and pest resistance information are included, as well as profiles that highlight some more common or new varieties for the state of Kansas.

Updates this year include the addition of variety profiles for varieties AP Bigfoot, KS Territory, KS Providence, and Strad CL + as well as disease, insect, and agronomic ratings for several other new varieties.

Ratings in this publication represent results from field and greenhouse evaluations by public and private wheat researchers at multiple locations over multiple years.

A few other resources available to assist farmers with wheat variety selection are the Kansas wheat variety performance tests that are conducted around the state at K-State Experiment Stations and in other locations. These variety performance tests are replicated, each variety is randomly planted in four different locations in the field to increase accuracy of the yield data. 

That information along with all the other resources referenced in this article can be accessed from our Cottonwood Extension District web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>.

The Colorado Wheat Variety Database decision tool provides complete access to variety information and data from university variety trials in Colorado and several other Great Plains states, including Kansas. The database also includes private company trial data (Limagrain Cereal Seeds, Syngenta-Agripro). 

The database may be used to find up-to-date wheat variety information, display data from individual trial locations, generate summaries across multiple trial locations and years, and generate head-to-head comparisons for varieties of interest. It is an easy tool to use and very helpful!

Lastly our local variety demonstration plot in Ellis County is also available on our web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/ag_articles/2023%20Ellis%20County%20Wheat%20Variety%20Demonstration%20Plot.pdf">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics for any of these resources.

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="Stacy Campbell is a crop production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a crop production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Variety selection is one of the most important decisions that a grower can make to ensure success on their farm. Now is the time when wheat producers across Kansas are reviewing yield data and making decisions about the varieties they will plant in the fall. Although yield is always a top priority, disease, and insect resistance, along with appropriate agronomic traits, can buffer against crop losses. In addition, genetic resistance to diseases and insect pests can be the most effective, economical, and environmentally sound method for control.The Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023 (formerly called Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings), from K-State Research and Extension, has now been released for this year. Agronomic characteristics, disease, and pest resistance information are included, as well as profiles that highlight some more common or new varieties for the state of Kansas.Updates this year include the addition of variety profiles for varieties AP Bigfoot, KS Territory, KS Providence, and Strad CL + as well as disease, insect, and agronomic ratings for several other new varieties.Ratings in this publication represent results from field and greenhouse evaluations by public and private wheat researchers at multiple locations over multiple years.A few other resources available to assist farmers with wheat variety selection are the Kansas wheat variety performance tests that are conducted around the state at K-State Experiment Stations and in other locations. These variety performance tests are replicated, each variety is randomly planted in four different locations in the field to increase accuracy of the yield data. That information along with all the other resources referenced in this article can be accessed from our Cottonwood Extension District web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>.The Colorado Wheat Variety Database decision tool provides complete access to variety information and data from university variety trials in Colorado and several other Great Plains states, including Kansas. The database also includes private company trial data (Limagrain Cereal Seeds, Syngenta-Agripro). The database may be used to find up-to-date wheat variety information, display data from individual trial locations, generate summaries across multiple trial locations and years, and generate head-to-head comparisons for varieties of interest. It is an easy tool to use and very helpful!Lastly our local variety demonstration plot in Ellis County is also available on our web site at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/crops-livestock/ag_articles/2023%20Ellis%20County%20Wheat%20Variety%20Demonstration%20Plot.pdf">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics for any of these resources.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: Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023 now available

ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking public for assistance with identifying a suspect and vehicle. 

On July 26th and August 1st, a man entered one of the buildings at Hess Services in rural Ellis County and stole a large amount of semi tires, according to a social media report from the Ellis County Sheriff's office.

The suspect was driving a white early 2000's Chevy or GMC 3500 dually pickup. 

There is significant damage to both rear fenders and the amber clearance light is out on the driver side. 

If you have any information that would help investigators identify the suspect, please contact the Ellis County Sheriff's Office.

ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking public for assistance with identifying a suspect and vehicle. On July 26th and August 1st, a man entered one of the buildings at Hess Services in rural Ellis County and stole a large amount of semi tires, according to a social media report from the Ellis County Sheriff's office.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEllisCoSheriff.KS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02i4k2nzHMHtnTSKHnS9QvbpqtJTLT6mM3gFDCAz31K4soiFvxX6yUxdZfZmYrMA9fl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="781" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The suspect was driving a white early 2000's Chevy or GMC 3500 dually pickup. There is significant damage to both rear fenders and the amber clearance light is out on the driver side. If you have any information that would help investigators identify the suspect, please contact the Ellis County Sheriff's Office.

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