On this episode of the Post Podcast Amy B. speaks with Autumn Ragland, lead singer of Ragland, as she shares information about their upcoming performance in Hays.

<div><iframe title="Ragland to perform in downtown Hays Thursday" 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=hxzqx-13cdddc-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Amy B. speaks with Autumn Ragland, lead singer of Ragland, as she shares information about their upcoming performance in Hays.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ragland to perform in downtown Hays Thursday

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Hays High’s Carly Lang and Thomas More Prep Marian’s Dylan Werth and Jaci VonLintel
closed out their senior seasons earning all-state honors selections this week
from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.

Lang was an honorable mention selection in class 5A. 

Lang helped the Indians to their second straight winning
season, finishing 14-8 and losing in the 5A west sub-state championship game.

This past season, she averaged 10 points, a team-high six
rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game.

Lang was also a first-team all Western Athletic Conference
selection.

TMP’s Dylan Werth was a first-team selection in class 2A
following the Monarchs fourth-place finish at state.

Werth averaged 17 points and nine rebounds, scoring in
double-figures in 25-of-26 and recording 12 double-doubles.

Werth was a first-team all Mid-Continent League selection
this season and was a 3A honorable mention KBCA selection last season.

VonLintel was an honorable mention selection in class
2A for the Monarchs.

She led the Monarchs in all major categories. VonLintel
averaged 13.8 points per game, scoring in double-figures in 20-of-23 games. She
recorded 11 double-doubles and averaged nine rebounds. She averaged 5.5 steals and
recorded one triple-double, with 11 steals against Rawlins County.

VonLintel was named to the first-team All Mid-Continent
League.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostHays High’s Carly Lang and Thomas More Prep Marian’s Dylan Werth and Jaci VonLintel
closed out their senior seasons earning all-state honors selections this week
from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.Lang was an honorable mention selection in class 5A. Lang helped the Indians to their second straight winning
season, finishing 14-8 and losing in the 5A west sub-state championship game.This past season, she averaged 10 points, a team-high six
rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game.Lang was also a first-team all Western Athletic Conference
selection.TMP’s Dylan Werth was a first-team selection in class 2A
following the Monarchs fourth-place finish at state.Werth averaged 17 points and nine rebounds, scoring in
double-figures in 25-of-26 and recording 12 double-doubles.Werth was a first-team all Mid-Continent League selection
this season and was a 3A honorable mention KBCA selection last season.VonLintel was an honorable mention selection in class
2A for the Monarchs.She led the Monarchs in all major categories. VonLintel
averaged 13.8 points per game, scoring in double-figures in 20-of-23 games. She
recorded 11 double-doubles and averaged nine rebounds. She averaged 5.5 steals and
recorded one triple-double, with 11 steals against Rawlins County.VonLintel was named to the first-team All Mid-Continent
League.

🏀 HHS’ Lang, TMP’s VonLintel and Werth earn all-state honors

You may notice a few facelifts during your next trip to the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. Local artist Melanie Ryan restored the statues throughout the zoo, as well as the mural on the lion building.&nbsp;

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 </figure>You may notice a few facelifts during your next trip to the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. Local artist Melanie Ryan restored the statues throughout the zoo, as well as the mural on the lion building.&nbsp;<figure>
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Statues receive a facelift at Great Bend zoo

The Post Nine, vintage base ball team of Historic Fort Hays, will play the Hays City 9 team at p.m. Saturday, April 22. &nbsp;The game will take place at Historic Fort Hays.

Since forming the Post Nine club in 2017, suiting up the club with vintage style uniforms, bats and&nbsp;following&nbsp;1869 base ball rules the Post Nine&nbsp;team&nbsp;has hosted and played games with vintage teams from Wichita, Topeka, Denver, Emporia&nbsp;&nbsp;and Hays — Larks alumni and Hays City 9.

In 2022, a generous donor supplied vintage style shirts and caps for the new Hays City 9 town team players. So, Post Nine players can play against other&nbsp;“local boys”&nbsp;in the style of the 1860s.

Historic Fort Hays Post Nine Roster: Travis Gottschalk, Jordan Gottschalk, Ryan Gottschalk, Justin Gottschalk, Jarrett Sanders, Tanner Willhoft, Lance Geyer, Cam Stramel, Chance Werth and Jeff Green.

The game is free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chairs. Popcorn and water will be supplied.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680022132387.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe Post Nine, vintage base ball team of Historic Fort Hays, will play the Hays City 9 team at p.m. Saturday, April 22. &nbsp;The game will take place at Historic Fort Hays.Since forming the Post Nine club in 2017, suiting up the club with vintage style uniforms, bats and&nbsp;following&nbsp;1869 base ball rules the Post Nine&nbsp;team&nbsp;has hosted and played games with vintage teams from Wichita, Topeka, Denver, Emporia&nbsp;&nbsp;and Hays — Larks alumni and Hays City 9.In 2022, a generous donor supplied vintage style shirts and caps for the new Hays City 9 town team players. So, Post Nine players can play against other&nbsp;“local boys”&nbsp;in the style of the 1860s.Historic Fort Hays Post Nine Roster: Travis Gottschalk, Jordan Gottschalk, Ryan Gottschalk, Justin Gottschalk, Jarrett Sanders, Tanner Willhoft, Lance Geyer, Cam Stramel, Chance Werth and Jeff Green.The game is free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chairs. Popcorn and water will be supplied.

Vintage base ball game scheduled at Historic Fort Hays

Fort Hays State University’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute is hosting a variety of summer camps for youth in grades 2 through 8. Camps are filling quickly despite accepting 24 students per camp and restricting students to a maximum of two camps each.

All camps run four days per week, Monday through Thursday. Sessions are all three hours each – &nbsp;some in the morning from 9 a.m. to noon and others in the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.

• Main Street Math Camp for grades 2-3 - June 5-8 from 9 a.m. to noon – Student entrepreneurs will build a business according to their passions in life. Camp will culminate in a ribbon cutting ceremony to open their business for parents on the final day.

• Calling All Chefs for Math Camp for grades 4-6 - June 6-9 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Students will be working as a team to create daily menus with hands-on math projects to eat and enjoy with your fun-loving, hungry teammates so healthy lives can endure!

•&nbsp;Saving the Playground Science Camp for grades 2-5 – June 12-15 from 1 to 4 p.m. - Students will create sun protection for a playground with household objects.&nbsp;&nbsp;

•&nbsp;Animal Crossing Science Camp for grades 2-5 – June 19-22 from 9 a.m. to Noon - Students will create design, construct, and test a solution to the problem of animals cut off from their habitat by highways.

• Camp North Star for grades 5-7 - June 19-22 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Explore this camp for budding engineers. Activities will include working with CAD Design to explore rocket designs, Newton’s laws of motion, nanotechnology, robotics, and solid fuel rockets.

• Robo Challenge Camp for grades 6-8 - June 26-29 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Custom build robots that can operate in real world situations. For students with experience with robotics.

The registration fee for each camp is $70, and the registration deadline is Wednesday, May 3.Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis with a maximum of&nbsp;two&nbsp;camps per student.

For more information about the summer camps, contact Cari Rohleder by phone at 785.628.4743 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>. More information and registration brochures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtEE8LmVosFl9uDgATeX2eqJI88qMylbYOUt-2BOtnuxICzkBYT_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemwT3T65rR5n6PBpQjEarnr8fnMFQgvGaUfMLxlAJUWLDontCJ8ateujdxngrqdO0INa5EUe4wYX5y4xjrsBiSVQfYGH3Q0thjd5azNojGGyRIJWS9AuUFjlOSiI2YykPnaaBhVJITKSnU4PEWzN-2BZ9EmjhjNnjfD2i4q8CqSfj06nnwGG-2BZDTKafFUS1GNwy-2FOu-2FdkaGsbJ-2BkqXqpB-2Ffr7b8KdnhRES9l-2F0-2Bcy9ChvWQBuJYCuZFZ3Wk-2FyFaT0OI1yMXSms-2F3YDSkcTdciR041w-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/camps/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680010650814.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute is hosting a variety of summer camps for youth in grades 2 through 8. Camps are filling quickly despite accepting 24 students per camp and restricting students to a maximum of two camps each.All camps run four days per week, Monday through Thursday. Sessions are all three hours each – &nbsp;some in the morning from 9 a.m. to noon and others in the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.This year’s camps include:• Main Street Math Camp for grades 2-3 - June 5-8 from 9 a.m. to noon – Student entrepreneurs will build a business according to their passions in life. Camp will culminate in a ribbon cutting ceremony to open their business for parents on the final day.• Calling All Chefs for Math Camp for grades 4-6 - June 6-9 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Students will be working as a team to create daily menus with hands-on math projects to eat and enjoy with your fun-loving, hungry teammates so healthy lives can endure!•&nbsp;Saving the Playground Science Camp for grades 2-5 – June 12-15 from 1 to 4 p.m. - Students will create sun protection for a playground with household objects.&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;Animal Crossing Science Camp for grades 2-5 – June 19-22 from 9 a.m. to Noon - Students will create design, construct, and test a solution to the problem of animals cut off from their habitat by highways.• Camp North Star for grades 5-7 - June 19-22 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Explore this camp for budding engineers. Activities will include working with CAD Design to explore rocket designs, Newton’s laws of motion, nanotechnology, robotics, and solid fuel rockets.• Robo Challenge Camp for grades 6-8 - June 26-29 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Custom build robots that can operate in real world situations. For students with experience with robotics.The registration fee for each camp is $70, and the registration deadline is Wednesday, May 3.Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis with a maximum of&nbsp;two&nbsp;camps per student.For more information about the summer camps, contact Cari Rohleder by phone at 785.628.4743 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>. More information and registration brochures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtEE8LmVosFl9uDgATeX2eqJI88qMylbYOUt-2BOtnuxICzkBYT_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemwT3T65rR5n6PBpQjEarnr8fnMFQgvGaUfMLxlAJUWLDontCJ8ateujdxngrqdO0INa5EUe4wYX5y4xjrsBiSVQfYGH3Q0thjd5azNojGGyRIJWS9AuUFjlOSiI2YykPnaaBhVJITKSnU4PEWzN-2BZ9EmjhjNnjfD2i4q8CqSfj06nnwGG-2BZDTKafFUS1GNwy-2FOu-2FdkaGsbJ-2BkqXqpB-2Ffr7b8KdnhRES9l-2F0-2Bcy9ChvWQBuJYCuZFZ3Wk-2FyFaT0OI1yMXSms-2F3YDSkcTdciR041w-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/camps/</a>.

Registration open for Fort Hays State summer science camps

First Care Clinic has announced that&nbsp;Devin Reed, APRN&nbsp;has joined its medical staff.&nbsp;Reed&nbsp;graduated&nbsp;from&nbsp;Duquesne University&nbsp;with a&nbsp;Master of Science&nbsp;in Nursing.&nbsp;He&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;Board-Certified&nbsp;Family Nurse Practitioner with&nbsp;the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.&nbsp;

“Devin has many years or nursing experience, with an emphasis in&nbsp;cardiovascular&nbsp;medicine. We wanted to give our patients the choice of having a male provider. His kind nature and thorough approach to&nbsp;medicine will make Devin&nbsp;an&nbsp;outstanding&nbsp;primary care provider,” said Dr. Christine Fisher, First Care&nbsp;Clinic’s Medical Director.&nbsp;

“Devin is a talented primary care provider, and we are excited to have him&nbsp;join&nbsp;our medical team. We are constantly working to meet&nbsp;the&nbsp;needs of our patients.&nbsp;With&nbsp;the addition of Devin&nbsp;to our staff, we&nbsp;will continue&nbsp;to work toward&nbsp;that goal,”&nbsp;said Eric Flax, CEO.&nbsp;

Reed&nbsp;is&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;patients at First Care&nbsp;Clinic’s 22nd&nbsp;street&nbsp;location.&nbsp;First Care&nbsp;Clinic&nbsp;accepts&nbsp;all major&nbsp;insurances&nbsp;and offers a sliding fee scale for those&nbsp;who&nbsp;qualify.&nbsp;To schedule an appointment, call First Care Clinic at&nbsp;785-621-4990. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680036768684.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseFirst Care Clinic has announced that&nbsp;Devin Reed, APRN&nbsp;has joined its medical staff.&nbsp;Reed&nbsp;graduated&nbsp;from&nbsp;Duquesne University&nbsp;with a&nbsp;Master of Science&nbsp;in Nursing.&nbsp;He&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;Board-Certified&nbsp;Family Nurse Practitioner with&nbsp;the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.&nbsp;“Devin has many years or nursing experience, with an emphasis in&nbsp;cardiovascular&nbsp;medicine. We wanted to give our patients the choice of having a male provider. His kind nature and thorough approach to&nbsp;medicine will make Devin&nbsp;an&nbsp;outstanding&nbsp;primary care provider,” said Dr. Christine Fisher, First Care&nbsp;Clinic’s Medical Director.&nbsp;“Devin is a talented primary care provider, and we are excited to have him&nbsp;join&nbsp;our medical team. We are constantly working to meet&nbsp;the&nbsp;needs of our patients.&nbsp;With&nbsp;the addition of Devin&nbsp;to our staff, we&nbsp;will continue&nbsp;to work toward&nbsp;that goal,”&nbsp;said Eric Flax, CEO.&nbsp;Reed&nbsp;is&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;patients at First Care&nbsp;Clinic’s 22nd&nbsp;street&nbsp;location.&nbsp;First Care&nbsp;Clinic&nbsp;accepts&nbsp;all major&nbsp;insurances&nbsp;and offers a sliding fee scale for those&nbsp;who&nbsp;qualify.&nbsp;To schedule an appointment, call First Care Clinic at&nbsp;785-621-4990. &nbsp;

New nurse practitioner joins staff of First Care Clinic

<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/2023/3/1680114264942.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

If you like to run or walk and would like to meet others with similar interests, then the Hays Area Road Runners might be for&nbsp;you. &nbsp;HARR members&nbsp;meet&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesdays&nbsp;at various locations around Hays&nbsp;(often at the former Hays Daily News building, 507 S.&nbsp;Main), but also in Plainville and Ellis. Through May 23, the group gathers at 6:30 p.m., but the time moves to 7 p.m. during the warmer days&nbsp;of summer&nbsp;(see schedule at&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_8RwJofUsi6WYrQVQ_EKVtFs8u2yiglv/view">tinyurl.com/HARR2023</a>).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Members&nbsp;run a variety of courses&nbsp;4 to 5 miles&nbsp;long&nbsp;or walk about 45 minutes, but shorter distances or times are fine as everyone ends up at the starting location. &nbsp;Most of the grouptypically meets&nbsp;again shortly after each run&nbsp;for food, drink, and conversation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Runners and walkers of all abilities and ages are&nbsp;welcome. &nbsp;Currently, we range in age from 30s to 70s, run 8- to 11-minute per mile pace, and walk at about 16- to 18-minute per mile pace.

The&nbsp;April 4 run/walk&nbsp;begins&nbsp;in the parking lot in front of TMP-M.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you’re curious or have questions&nbsp;about HARR, contact Helen at <a href="mailto:helenh1962@gmail.com">helenh1962@gmail.com</a>.

SubmittedIf you like to run or walk and would like to meet others with similar interests, then the Hays Area Road Runners might be for&nbsp;you. &nbsp;HARR members&nbsp;meet&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesdays&nbsp;at various locations around Hays&nbsp;(often at the former Hays Daily News building, 507 S.&nbsp;Main), but also in Plainville and Ellis. Through May 23, the group gathers at 6:30 p.m., but the time moves to 7 p.m. during the warmer days&nbsp;of summer&nbsp;(see schedule at&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_8RwJofUsi6WYrQVQ_EKVtFs8u2yiglv/view">tinyurl.com/HARR2023</a>).&nbsp;&nbsp;Members&nbsp;run a variety of courses&nbsp;4 to 5 miles&nbsp;long&nbsp;or walk about 45 minutes, but shorter distances or times are fine as everyone ends up at the starting location. &nbsp;Most of the grouptypically meets&nbsp;again shortly after each run&nbsp;for food, drink, and conversation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Runners and walkers of all abilities and ages are&nbsp;welcome. &nbsp;Currently, we range in age from 30s to 70s, run 8- to 11-minute per mile pace, and walk at about 16- to 18-minute per mile pace.The&nbsp;April 4 run/walk&nbsp;begins&nbsp;in the parking lot in front of TMP-M.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you’re curious or have questions&nbsp;about HARR, contact Helen at <a href="mailto:helenh1962@gmail.com">helenh1962@gmail.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680123928135.jpg" alt="Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Walkers, runners invited to Hays Area Road Runner events

The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County will be applying for the Kansas Children's Cabinet &amp; Trust Fund Child Care Capacity Accelerator Community Grant by the deadline of May 15th.&nbsp; As each community is encouraged to write a singular grant that is supported by its local task force, the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County is seeking applications from local&nbsp;child care&nbsp;providers in the form of letters of intention.&nbsp;Child care&nbsp;providers that are in-home based or center based may qualify for these funds.&nbsp;

Project proposals should be geared towards adding additional&nbsp;child care&nbsp;capicity&nbsp;for in-home or center based providers.&nbsp; Providers are requested to carefully read through the request for proposals document to ensure their project can meet all of the qualifications for this program.&nbsp; Letters of intent should specify what physical projects will be included&nbsp;for&nbsp;their portion of the application and must provide an estimated budget.&nbsp; Any submitted project must be shovel-ready, which means that funds will need to be spent&nbsp;from July 2024 through December 2025.&nbsp; This is a reimbursement-based grant to add capacity for birth to five years.

Project proposals should be geared towards adding additional&nbsp;child care&nbsp;capicity&nbsp;for in-home or center based providers.&nbsp; Providers are requested to carefully read through the request for proposals document to ensure their project can meet all the qualifications for this program.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Letters of intent should include a project narrative that addresses the following:&nbsp;

•Project Description:&nbsp; Detailed project description to include proposed numbers served.&nbsp;•Project Need:&nbsp; Describe the need for proposed project.&nbsp;•Project Readiness:&nbsp; Describe the organization and their experience/expertise in childcare.&nbsp; Describe involvement in community childcare collaboration projects.&nbsp;•Project Impact:&nbsp; Describe how your project will impact Ellis County childcare.&nbsp; Describe how you will evaluate your project for success.&nbsp;•Project Sustainability: Describe how you will address the sustainability, operations, staffing,oversightand quality improvement of your project.&nbsp; &nbsp;•Project Budget:&nbsp; A detailed project budget is required.&nbsp; Outline how your project will meet the 25% cash match requirement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to project narrative, organizations must supply the attachments outlined in pages 11-13 of the grant request for proposal.&nbsp;

Once all letters of intention have been received, they will be reviewed by the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County for&nbsp;consideration to be included in the overall&nbsp;grant submission.&nbsp; Confirmation will be shared with providers if their proposals&nbsp;are&nbsp;included in the grant submission.&nbsp; Projects approved by the task force will require additional narrative to be submitted to the task force for each project and a detailed budget for how all funds will be spent.&nbsp;All providers will be required to provide their own reporting on grant fund utilization during the post grant award process if Ellis County receives funds, including submitting receipts for services rendered and items purchased to fulfill the project.

The Request for Proposals document from the Kansas Children's Cabinet &amp; Trust Fund&nbsp;and other important documents about this grant process&nbsp;is accessible via&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/child-care-task-force-of-ellis-county">https://hayschamber.com/child-care-task-force-of-ellis-county</a>.

Letters of intention are due to the Child Care Task Force by noon on Monday, April 10th to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a>.&nbsp; Questions may be addressed to that email address, via phone at 785-628-8201, or in person by appointment at 2700 Vine Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680122977300.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County will be applying for the Kansas Children's Cabinet &amp; Trust Fund Child Care Capacity Accelerator Community Grant by the deadline of May 15th.&nbsp; As each community is encouraged to write a singular grant that is supported by its local task force, the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County is seeking applications from local&nbsp;child care&nbsp;providers in the form of letters of intention.&nbsp;Child care&nbsp;providers that are in-home based or center based may qualify for these funds.&nbsp;Project proposals should be geared towards adding additional&nbsp;child care&nbsp;capicity&nbsp;for in-home or center based providers.&nbsp; Providers are requested to carefully read through the request for proposals document to ensure their project can meet all of the qualifications for this program.&nbsp; Letters of intent should specify what physical projects will be included&nbsp;for&nbsp;their portion of the application and must provide an estimated budget.&nbsp; Any submitted project must be shovel-ready, which means that funds will need to be spent&nbsp;from July 2024 through December 2025.&nbsp; This is a reimbursement-based grant to add capacity for birth to five years.Project proposals should be geared towards adding additional&nbsp;child care&nbsp;capicity&nbsp;for in-home or center based providers.&nbsp; Providers are requested to carefully read through the request for proposals document to ensure their project can meet all the qualifications for this program.&nbsp; &nbsp;Letters of intent should include a project narrative that addresses the following:&nbsp;•Project Description:&nbsp; Detailed project description to include proposed numbers served.&nbsp;•Project Need:&nbsp; Describe the need for proposed project.&nbsp;•Project Readiness:&nbsp; Describe the organization and their experience/expertise in childcare.&nbsp; Describe involvement in community childcare collaboration projects.&nbsp;•Project Impact:&nbsp; Describe how your project will impact Ellis County childcare.&nbsp; Describe how you will evaluate your project for success.&nbsp;•Project Sustainability: Describe how you will address the sustainability, operations, staffing,oversightand quality improvement of your project.&nbsp; &nbsp;•Project Budget:&nbsp; A detailed project budget is required.&nbsp; Outline how your project will meet the 25% cash match requirement.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to project narrative, organizations must supply the attachments outlined in pages 11-13 of the grant request for proposal.&nbsp;Once all letters of intention have been received, they will be reviewed by the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County for&nbsp;consideration to be included in the overall&nbsp;grant submission.&nbsp; Confirmation will be shared with providers if their proposals&nbsp;are&nbsp;included in the grant submission.&nbsp; Projects approved by the task force will require additional narrative to be submitted to the task force for each project and a detailed budget for how all funds will be spent.&nbsp;All providers will be required to provide their own reporting on grant fund utilization during the post grant award process if Ellis County receives funds, including submitting receipts for services rendered and items purchased to fulfill the project.The Request for Proposals document from the Kansas Children's Cabinet &amp; Trust Fund&nbsp;and other important documents about this grant process&nbsp;is accessible via&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/child-care-task-force-of-ellis-county">https://hayschamber.com/child-care-task-force-of-ellis-county</a>.Letters of intention are due to the Child Care Task Force by noon on Monday, April 10th to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a>.&nbsp; Questions may be addressed to that email address, via phone at 785-628-8201, or in person by appointment at 2700 Vine Street.

Kansas Children’s Cabinet Child Care Capacity Accelerator Grant Application

GREAT BEND — The Barton Community College Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to approve a new tuition and fees rate of $50 per credit hour for select high school audiences. Starting with the Summer 2023 semester, high school students enrolling in face-to-face classes on the Barton County campus, in person at their partnered high school, or through a Partnered Online partnership will qualify for the new rate.

Previously, high school students paid the same tuition rate as post-secondary students. This new $50 tuition rate is a significant step toward providing more accessible courses for high school students across the state. In addition to this rate change, Barton recently added a scholarship for Barton Online classes for Kansas high school students to bring the cost down to $75 per credit hour.

Director of Early College Opportunities Karly Little said the new rate and online scholarship will allow more students to get ahead and take advantage of Barton’s early college opportunities including general education courses. High school students that qualify for the new rate may be able to take the courses as dual credit, but she said students should check with their high school counselor to see whether their school is an early college partner and if the class would count on their high school transcript or impact their class schedules.

“With the new tuition rate for high school students, taking classes on the Barton County campus or at our partnered schools, either in person or via Partnered Online, we hope to give more students access to coursework at a price they can afford,” she said.&nbsp;

Little said in addition to the new credit hour rate and scholarship for online classes, some classes utilize low-cost (under $50) or no-cost textbooks, helping students in these classes save even more money. &nbsp; A state-approved list of career technical education (CTE) courses is still being offered at no tuition charged for Kansas high school students through a state program called Excel in CTE.&nbsp;&nbsp;Students may also qualify to use the Barton Online $75 per credit hour scholarship to complete career technical classes not included on the fully funded list to make greater progress toward their college and career plans.

“Students can take individual classes or work toward earning an associate degree or certificate,” she said.&nbsp;“They can even mix and match with&nbsp;scholarship or reduced rate&nbsp;general education courses, career technical&nbsp;courses, and tuition-free Excel in CTE courses to reduce their overall cost.”

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonccc.edu/highschool" target="_blank">highschool.bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680114734846.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Maggie HarrisGREAT BEND — The Barton Community College Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to approve a new tuition and fees rate of $50 per credit hour for select high school audiences. Starting with the Summer 2023 semester, high school students enrolling in face-to-face classes on the Barton County campus, in person at their partnered high school, or through a Partnered Online partnership will qualify for the new rate.Previously, high school students paid the same tuition rate as post-secondary students. This new $50 tuition rate is a significant step toward providing more accessible courses for high school students across the state. In addition to this rate change, Barton recently added a scholarship for Barton Online classes for Kansas high school students to bring the cost down to $75 per credit hour.Director of Early College Opportunities Karly Little said the new rate and online scholarship will allow more students to get ahead and take advantage of Barton’s early college opportunities including general education courses. High school students that qualify for the new rate may be able to take the courses as dual credit, but she said students should check with their high school counselor to see whether their school is an early college partner and if the class would count on their high school transcript or impact their class schedules.“With the new tuition rate for high school students, taking classes on the Barton County campus or at our partnered schools, either in person or via Partnered Online, we hope to give more students access to coursework at a price they can afford,” she said.&nbsp;Little said in addition to the new credit hour rate and scholarship for online classes, some classes utilize low-cost (under $50) or no-cost textbooks, helping students in these classes save even more money. &nbsp; A state-approved list of career technical education (CTE) courses is still being offered at no tuition charged for Kansas high school students through a state program called Excel in CTE.&nbsp;&nbsp;Students may also qualify to use the Barton Online $75 per credit hour scholarship to complete career technical classes not included on the fully funded list to make greater progress toward their college and career plans.“Students can take individual classes or work toward earning an associate degree or certificate,” she said.&nbsp;“They can even mix and match with&nbsp;scholarship or reduced rate&nbsp;general education courses, career technical&nbsp;courses, and tuition-free Excel in CTE courses to reduce their overall cost.”For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonccc.edu/highschool" target="_blank">highschool.bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton college approves new tuition rate for KS high school students

On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Public Relations director Chrisy Crough, shares updates from the district as they continue facility updates that will utilize a bond issue passed by voters in 2022.

<div><iframe title="Facility update planning, work continues in USD 489" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=vwbs5-13ccd5b-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, USD 489 Public Relations director Chrisy Crough, shares updates from the district as they continue facility updates that will utilize a bond issue passed by voters in 2022.

🎙 Post Podcast: Facility update planning, work continues in USD 489

The Central Kansas Rampage volleyball team (including players from Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, St. John and Hays) competed in the Nike Mideast National Qualifier in St. Louis, Missouri March 24-26. Competing in a 64-team division, Rampage finished 2nd place and qualified for the Girls Junior Nationals in Chicago, Illinois June 28 - July 1.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680103534826.jpeg" alt="Pictured back row, left to right: Coach Sarah Simic, Sofia Simic, Chayla Prendergast, Kinley Wilkens, Gentri Bright, Alyvia Batchman, Coach Cami Long.&nbsp; Bottom row left to right: Alex Mayers, Parker Unruh and Kya Behr.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Pictured back row, left to right: Coach Sarah Simic, Sofia Simic, Chayla Prendergast, Kinley Wilkens, Gentri Bright, Alyvia Batchman, Coach Cami Long.&nbsp; Bottom row left to right: Alex Mayers, Parker Unruh and Kya Behr.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Central Kansas Rampage volleyball team (including players from Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, St. John and Hays) competed in the Nike Mideast National Qualifier in St. Louis, Missouri March 24-26. Competing in a 64-team division, Rampage finished 2nd place and qualified for the Girls Junior Nationals in Chicago, Illinois June 28 - July 1.&nbsp;

Central KS Rampage volleyball team qualifies for Nationals

J. David Macey, an accomplished higher education leader and distinguished scholar of English Literature, will be the next dean of the Fort Hays State University College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.&nbsp;

The college Macey will lead recently began working through a comprehensive reorganization focused on enhancing operational efficiencies, positioning the college to grow, leveraging new academic program opportunities, and creating a collaborative and engaging organizational culture that articulates the value of a liberal arts education.

Provost Dr. Jill Arensdorf welcomed the selection of Macey.

“We are so pleased Dr. Macey accepted our offer to serve as dean,” Arensdorf said. “The search committee and I see him as a special kind of leader, both thoughtful and collaborative.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is the right professional to lead CAHSS through a period of transformation,” said Arensdorf.

Macey currently serves as the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma. Macey chaired the Department of English at UCO from 2007 until 2015 and was the interim chairperson for the department in 2020 and 2021. Macey served from 2016 until 2019 as an assistant vice president in the university’s Office of Academic Affairs. In this role, he was responsible for providing leadership for a range of inclusion, diversity, and globalization initiatives.&nbsp;

An experienced academic leader with a distinguished record of service in a variety of roles, Macey looks forward to the challenge of leading CAHSS during an exciting period of change and renewal.

“I am deeply committed to quality, accessibility, and innovation in public higher education,” Macey said. “I have long admired the outstanding work of students, faculty, and staff at Fort Hays State University, and I am both honored and excited to join the Tiger Nation!“

Macey’s principal areas of research and teaching are Old English language and literature, Restoration and eighteenth-century British literature, literary and critical theory, and the history of the English language. He has chaired UCO’s Committee on Diversity and served for over two decades as the faculty adviser to the Student Alliance for Equality (SAFE), UCO's 2SLGBTQIA+ student organization.

Macey received his B.A. from Yale University, an A.M. at Brown University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. At UCO, he received the Modeling the Way Award, the Neely Excellence in Teaching Award, the Division of Student Affairs' Faculty Adviser of the Year Award, the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice's Oklahoma City Humanitarian Award, and the Cimarron Alliance's Torch Award.

Macey will begin his service as Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences later this summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680027988254.jpeg" alt="Macey" />
 <figcaption>Macey</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsJ. David Macey, an accomplished higher education leader and distinguished scholar of English Literature, will be the next dean of the Fort Hays State University College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.&nbsp;The college Macey will lead recently began working through a comprehensive reorganization focused on enhancing operational efficiencies, positioning the college to grow, leveraging new academic program opportunities, and creating a collaborative and engaging organizational culture that articulates the value of a liberal arts education.Provost Dr. Jill Arensdorf welcomed the selection of Macey.“We are so pleased Dr. Macey accepted our offer to serve as dean,” Arensdorf said. “The search committee and I see him as a special kind of leader, both thoughtful and collaborative.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is the right professional to lead CAHSS through a period of transformation,” said Arensdorf.Macey currently serves as the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma. Macey chaired the Department of English at UCO from 2007 until 2015 and was the interim chairperson for the department in 2020 and 2021. Macey served from 2016 until 2019 as an assistant vice president in the university’s Office of Academic Affairs. In this role, he was responsible for providing leadership for a range of inclusion, diversity, and globalization initiatives.&nbsp;An experienced academic leader with a distinguished record of service in a variety of roles, Macey looks forward to the challenge of leading CAHSS during an exciting period of change and renewal.“I am deeply committed to quality, accessibility, and innovation in public higher education,” Macey said. “I have long admired the outstanding work of students, faculty, and staff at Fort Hays State University, and I am both honored and excited to join the Tiger Nation!“Macey’s principal areas of research and teaching are Old English language and literature, Restoration and eighteenth-century British literature, literary and critical theory, and the history of the English language. He has chaired UCO’s Committee on Diversity and served for over two decades as the faculty adviser to the Student Alliance for Equality (SAFE), UCO's 2SLGBTQIA+ student organization.Macey received his B.A. from Yale University, an A.M. at Brown University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. At UCO, he received the Modeling the Way Award, the Neely Excellence in Teaching Award, the Division of Student Affairs' Faculty Adviser of the Year Award, the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice's Oklahoma City Humanitarian Award, and the Cimarron Alliance's Torch Award.Macey will begin his service as Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences later this summer.

Macey named dean of FHSU College of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences

Green Ribbon Hays announces Green Ribbon Conversations for parents, caregivers, teachers, and others who work with middle school students. 

These conversations will be led by Patrick McGinnis to help participants connect better with the kids in their lives.

The first Green Ribbon Conversation will take at 6 tonight at the Hays Public Library.

Participants can find more information at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/greenribbonhays">https://www.facebook.com/greenribbonhays</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679924884560.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGreen Ribbon Hays announces Green Ribbon Conversations for parents, caregivers, teachers, and others who work with middle school students. These conversations will be led by Patrick McGinnis to help participants connect better with the kids in their lives.The first Green Ribbon Conversation will take at 6 tonight at the Hays Public Library.Participants can find more information at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/greenribbonhays">https://www.facebook.com/greenribbonhays</a>.Refreshments will be provided.

Parents can learn to talk to middle school kids tonight at Hays library

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported nine new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 18 and 24.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category. Only four counties in Kansas were in the high-incidence category.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,467 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680109151326.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported nine new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from March 18 and 24.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remained in the moderate-incidence category (see map below), and several counties in northwest Kansas were moved to the low-incidence category. Only four counties in Kansas were in the high-incidence category.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 8,467 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680109226527.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 9 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

In the wake of another school shooting Monday, Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson updated the school board members Monday night on security measures.&nbsp;

The district has hired an outside service to bring in dogs to search the high school for contraband. The district plans to have the dogs in once this spring and once per quarter next year.

The dogs used by the service are not aggressive. They are only trained to search, so students can be in class during the searches.

Wilson said the district also is in discussion with the Hays Police Department about bringing school resources officers into district schools. However, this may be dependent on school security funding pending in the Kansas Legislature.

The high school also has installed vape detection devices. Wilson said these devices already have been used with some success.

"Parents have been very appreciative," Wilson said. "It's another layer to help kids make better choices."

The school district also approved a revised special education co-op agreement that will bring the Russell school district into the co-op as of July 1, 2024.

This is the last step in what has been a multi-year project to phase Russell into the co-op. Hays, Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse are the other members of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative.

Once Russell is fully admitted to the co-op, it will begin paying a portion of the co-op's operating expenses.

The Hays board also approved the purchase of new playground equipment for Wilson Elementary School with donation assistance from the Wilson Elementary Home and School Group and installation of new turf at the Early Childhood Complex at a cost of $36,000.

The turf at the Early Childhood Complex will be paid for with grant funds.

The board met briefly in an executive session to discuss teacher negotiations, which start Wednesday.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostIn the wake of another school shooting Monday, Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson updated the school board members Monday night on security measures.&nbsp;The district has hired an outside service to bring in dogs to search the high school for contraband. The district plans to have the dogs in once this spring and once per quarter next year.The dogs used by the service are not aggressive. They are only trained to search, so students can be in class during the searches.Wilson said the district also is in discussion with the Hays Police Department about bringing school resources officers into district schools. However, this may be dependent on school security funding pending in the Kansas Legislature.The high school also has installed vape detection devices. Wilson said these devices already have been used with some success."Parents have been very appreciative," Wilson said. "It's another layer to help kids make better choices."The school district also approved a revised special education co-op agreement that will bring the Russell school district into the co-op as of July 1, 2024.This is the last step in what has been a multi-year project to phase Russell into the co-op. Hays, Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse are the other members of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative.Once Russell is fully admitted to the co-op, it will begin paying a portion of the co-op's operating expenses.The Hays board also approved the purchase of new playground equipment for Wilson Elementary School with donation assistance from the Wilson Elementary Home and School Group and installation of new turf at the Early Childhood Complex at a cost of $36,000.The turf at the Early Childhood Complex will be paid for with grant funds.The board met briefly in an executive session to discuss teacher negotiations, which start Wednesday.

Hays superintendent talks security in wake of latest school shooting

LOGAN — In-person high school theater workshops offered by the Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation are returning this summer.

Each weeklong musical theater workshop is open to high school students (incoming high school freshman through outgoing college freshman).&nbsp; In just five days, participating students will conceive, write, choreograph, compose, design, rehearse and perform an original piece of musical theatre in collaboration with a staff of professional artists. There will be three workshops this June, including a residential option.

June 5-9 – Hays Residential Camp (Fort Hays State University)

New this year, Lovewell is offering a residential camp experience at Fort Hays State University. Students arrive on Sunday evening, June 5, and stay in the residence hall on campus. The performance will be Friday evening, June 9, at the Felten Theater in Malloy Hall, followed by checkout. Students who wish to participate in this workshop without staying in the dorms may register as day camp participants.

June 12 – 16 – Concordia (Brown Grand Theater)

June 19 – 23 – Phillipsburg (Huck Boyd Center)

Students from surrounding communities and counties are encouraged to participate in a workshop closest to them.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information or to register, visit lovewell.org, and click on Apply, and then Kansas.

PARTICIPTION COSTS &amp; SCHOLARSIPS

The Hansen Foundation is underwriting the cost of the workshops for students who reside in the Foundation’s 26-county service area so that the student participation fee is significantly discounted to $50 for day camps.

No student who is truly committed to participate will be denied the opportunity due to inability to pay. Scholarships are available to students who reside in the Hansen Foundation service area.

ABOUT THE LOVEWELL WORKSHOPS

The week-long day camp/workshop brings students from all different creative backgrounds together to create an original work of musical theatre from scratch. While the performance is an enormous part of the workshop, the focus is on the creative process. No previous music or theater experience is required. To make it come together, the process needs writers, actors, poets, dancers, singers, dreamers, visual artists, musicians, composers, designers, and creative students of ALL kinds.

The students will work with a team of professional artists to help utilize all the students’ gifts and explore the arts while forging new friendships and making memories to last a lifetime.

This is the sixth summer the Lovewell workshops have been offered in Kansas.&nbsp; Lovewell offers students an opportunity to explore music and theater in a unique way. The response from the students and faculty in previous summers has been overwhelmingly positive.

Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts is a not-for-profit organization that brings students together with professional artists to conduct these unique and transformational workshops. The Lovewell team are artist who make their living as musical directors, play writes, choreographers, composers, lyricists, etc.

Lovewell is based in Florida, but its roots are in Kansas. Today, Lovewell offers workshops all over the United States and internationally. Learn more about Lovewell at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lovewell.org/" target="_blank">www.lovewell.org</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679422922951.jpeg" alt="Photo by Lovewell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Lovewell</figcaption>
 </figure> News releaseLOGAN — In-person high school theater workshops offered by the Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation are returning this summer.Each weeklong musical theater workshop is open to high school students (incoming high school freshman through outgoing college freshman).&nbsp; In just five days, participating students will conceive, write, choreograph, compose, design, rehearse and perform an original piece of musical theatre in collaboration with a staff of professional artists. There will be three workshops this June, including a residential option.June 5-9 – Hays Residential Camp (Fort Hays State University)New this year, Lovewell is offering a residential camp experience at Fort Hays State University. Students arrive on Sunday evening, June 5, and stay in the residence hall on campus. The performance will be Friday evening, June 9, at the Felten Theater in Malloy Hall, followed by checkout. Students who wish to participate in this workshop without staying in the dorms may register as day camp participants.Day camps:June 12 – 16 – Concordia (Brown Grand Theater)<ul>
 <li><a>9 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;</a>June 12, 13 &amp; 14</li><li>9 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 15</li><li>9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 16</li><li>9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 17 — Performance at 1:00</li>
 </ul>June 19 – 23 – Phillipsburg (Huck Boyd Center)<ul>
 <li>9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 19, 20 &amp; 21</li><li>9 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 22</li><li>9 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. June 23— Performance at 7:00</li>
 </ul>Students from surrounding communities and counties are encouraged to participate in a workshop closest to them.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information or to register, visit lovewell.org, and click on Apply, and then Kansas.PARTICIPTION COSTS &amp; SCHOLARSIPSThe Hansen Foundation is underwriting the cost of the workshops for students who reside in the Foundation’s 26-county service area so that the student participation fee is significantly discounted to $50 for day camps.Residential Camp Costs:<ul>
 <li>$50 Application fee and tuition per student per one-week (non-residential option).</li><li>$90 Application fee + lunches (5) (non-residential option).</li><li>$250 Application fee + room (double occupancy) and all meals.</li><li>$325 Application fee + room (single occupancy) and all meals.</li>
 </ul>No student who is truly committed to participate will be denied the opportunity due to inability to pay. Scholarships are available to students who reside in the Hansen Foundation service area.ABOUT THE LOVEWELL WORKSHOPSThe week-long day camp/workshop brings students from all different creative backgrounds together to create an original work of musical theatre from scratch. While the performance is an enormous part of the workshop, the focus is on the creative process. No previous music or theater experience is required. To make it come together, the process needs writers, actors, poets, dancers, singers, dreamers, visual artists, musicians, composers, designers, and creative students of ALL kinds.The students will work with a team of professional artists to help utilize all the students’ gifts and explore the arts while forging new friendships and making memories to last a lifetime.This is the sixth summer the Lovewell workshops have been offered in Kansas.&nbsp; Lovewell offers students an opportunity to explore music and theater in a unique way. The response from the students and faculty in previous summers has been overwhelmingly positive.ABOUT LOVEWELLLovewell Institute for the Creative Arts is a not-for-profit organization that brings students together with professional artists to conduct these unique and transformational workshops. The Lovewell team are artist who make their living as musical directors, play writes, choreographers, composers, lyricists, etc.Lovewell is based in Florida, but its roots are in Kansas. Today, Lovewell offers workshops all over the United States and internationally. Learn more about Lovewell at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lovewell.org/" target="_blank">www.lovewell.org</a>

Creative arts institute to offer first summer camp in Hays

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau Perhaps the biggest pastime in spring is watching the weather. I could be just searching for a nice Saturday to visit a park or checking to see if I need to carry an umbrella to the office. For farmers and ranchers, however, spring weather is high stakes and full of questions. Will there be enough rain to awaken the wheat crop and carry it through to maturity? If there is, will it be too much to prevent planting corn and soybeans? Will there be enough moisture to grow enough grass for cattle to graze? Unfortunately for more than three quarters of the state right now, the biggest question is when will the drought break? The northeast corner is the only portion of Kansas not experiencing a moisture deficiency currently. More than 40 counties are wholly or in part in an exceptional drought according to the most recent report. Most natural disasters are quick, but a drought is an open-ended catastrophe that grinds on day after day. Pictures and video do little to convey the effects the absence of water has on those who live through it. At least with a tornado or flood, you can start picking up the pieces relatively quickly. With a drought, you’re just left to endure until the rains return. We’re moving into the height of severe weather season in Kansas. Thanks to the drought, fire is also a potential hazard in addition to the usual thunderstorms and tornadoes. While we can’t prevent severe weather outbreaks, there’s plenty of steps to take in advance to be prepared. It starts with developing a good plan while hoping you never need to implement it. This can be as simple as a space in a basement with some bottled water, a battery-operated radio and some flashlights or candles for storms capable of producing tornados. Now’s a good time to check those batteries if they’ve been sitting in a stockpile for a while. For those who don’t have a basement, a windowless room is the next safest place to ride out a storm. If you’re outside, find a low-lying area, preferably away from trees, to lie flat and cover your head with your arms. In the event of a flashflood, immediately move to higher ground and don’t drive through flooded roadways. The current is capable of carrying away a vehicle, plus there’s all kinds of potential dangers obscured by the water. The second step is to be aware of current forecasts and know when there’s potential for severe weather in your area. The National Weather Service has a good track record of predicting when weather systems can go from normal to life threatening. A “watch” means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. It’s a reminder to be alert for worsening conditions. A “warning” is the signal to implement you plan as quickly as possible. If watching the weather isn’t already part of your spring routine, now’s a good time to add it to your to-do list so you’re prepared to act if it becomes necessary. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau Perhaps the biggest pastime in spring is watching the weather. I could be just searching for a nice Saturday to visit a park or checking to see if I need to carry an umbrella to the office. For farmers and ranchers, however, spring weather is high stakes and full of questions. Will there be enough rain to awaken the wheat crop and carry it through to maturity? If there is, will it be too much to prevent planting corn and soybeans? Will there be enough moisture to grow enough grass for cattle to graze? Unfortunately for more than three quarters of the state right now, the biggest question is when will the drought break? The northeast corner is the only portion of Kansas not experiencing a moisture deficiency currently. More than 40 counties are wholly or in part in an exceptional drought according to the most recent report. Most natural disasters are quick, but a drought is an open-ended catastrophe that grinds on day after day. Pictures and video do little to convey the effects the absence of water has on those who live through it. At least with a tornado or flood, you can start picking up the pieces relatively quickly. With a drought, you’re just left to endure until the rains return. We’re moving into the height of severe weather season in Kansas. Thanks to the drought, fire is also a potential hazard in addition to the usual thunderstorms and tornadoes. While we can’t prevent severe weather outbreaks, there’s plenty of steps to take in advance to be prepared. It starts with developing a good plan while hoping you never need to implement it. This can be as simple as a space in a basement with some bottled water, a battery-operated radio and some flashlights or candles for storms capable of producing tornados. Now’s a good time to check those batteries if they’ve been sitting in a stockpile for a while. For those who don’t have a basement, a windowless room is the next safest place to ride out a storm. If you’re outside, find a low-lying area, preferably away from trees, to lie flat and cover your head with your arms. In the event of a flashflood, immediately move to higher ground and don’t drive through flooded roadways. The current is capable of carrying away a vehicle, plus there’s all kinds of potential dangers obscured by the water. The second step is to be aware of current forecasts and know when there’s potential for severe weather in your area. The National Weather Service has a good track record of predicting when weather systems can go from normal to life threatening. A “watch” means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. It’s a reminder to be alert for worsening conditions. A “warning” is the signal to implement you plan as quickly as possible. If watching the weather isn’t already part of your spring routine, now’s a good time to add it to your to-do list so you’re prepared to act if it becomes necessary. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Weather watching

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680032336962.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>

The NCK Technical College held its 19th annual GMAW welding competition. The college division was March 1. The high school competition was March 2 and 3. Participants for the college competition included NCKTC- Beloit, NCKTC-Hays, Salina Area Technical College, Hutchinson Community College, Central Community College- Hastings, NE, Central Community College- Columbus, NE, and Central Community College, Grand Island, NE.

The competition allows students the opportunity to demonstrate their blueprint reading skills to fabricate various weldments and showcase their ability to weld in all positions using the GMAW process. A written test is also given to evaluate their technical knowledge of the GMAW process. Blueprints were developed by Matt Brown and Derek Larimore of Caterpillar Work Tools in Wamego and the written test was developed by Wes Mosier. The blueprints and test were presented to the students the day of the competition to ensure a fair and equitable contest. Weld inspection was done by Certified Welding Inspectors, advisory members and industry professionals.

Machines were donated by Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric, and wire was donated by ESAB electric. Matheson Gas supplied shielding gas, Caterpillar Work Tools of Wamego, AG-CO Beloit and&nbsp;Bohnert&nbsp;welding supplied the metal. Prizes were donated by Matheson of Hastings, NE, AG-CO Beloit, Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric, Winkel Manufacturing- Glen Elder, Outlaw Leather,&nbsp;Markal, Benchmark Abrasives, Everlast, Blue Demon and Webber Gross Welding-&nbsp;Bazine, KS.

The College competition held Wednesday, March 1 went well for NCK Tech of Beloit, with 7 students in the top ten. 1st- Brayden Doughman- (NCKTC) Canton, 2nd- Hunter Teasley- (NCKTC) Pratt, 3rd- Gunner Sheetz- (NCKTC)&nbsp;Belleville, 4th- Ross&nbsp;Eckroat- (NCKTC) Hays, 5th- Colten Bohlen- CCC Hastings, 6th- Evan Claassen- (NCKTC) Whitewater, 7th- Eli Schmidt- (NCKTC) Junction City, 8th- Alexis Gutierrez-CCC Columbus, 9th- Aiden Bock- CCC Hastings, 10th-&nbsp;Mavrik&nbsp;Griffin- (NCKTC) Minneapolis.

Thursday, March 2, and Friday, March 3, the high school competition was held with 48 schools and 167 competitors from Kansas and Nebraska. The high school students have drastically improved over the past years and did a fantastic job of showcasing their blueprint reading and welding ability.

Individual placings were: 1st- Jesse&nbsp;Gillgannon- Seaman, 2nd- Bradley&nbsp;Bogert- Quinter Tech, 3rd- Michael&nbsp;McConnaughy- Sterling, 4th- Connor Griffith- Salina Tech, 5th- Dane Free- Salina Tech, 6th- Brennen&nbsp;Newbrey- Gothenburg, 7th- Kevin Salazar- Salina Tech, 8th- Mason Herrick- McPherson, 9th- Jace&nbsp;Schowengerdt- Salina Central, 10th- Riley Gillespie- Quinter Tech.

Top three teams were 1- Salina Tech, 2- Quinter Tech, 3- Deshler, NE.

The competition is not possible without the great support of various business and industry leaders along with volunteers from NCK Tech.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679924444159.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NCK TechThe NCK Technical College held its 19th annual GMAW welding competition. The college division was March 1. The high school competition was March 2 and 3. Participants for the college competition included NCKTC- Beloit, NCKTC-Hays, Salina Area Technical College, Hutchinson Community College, Central Community College- Hastings, NE, Central Community College- Columbus, NE, and Central Community College, Grand Island, NE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679924574006.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The competition allows students the opportunity to demonstrate their blueprint reading skills to fabricate various weldments and showcase their ability to weld in all positions using the GMAW process. A written test is also given to evaluate their technical knowledge of the GMAW process. Blueprints were developed by Matt Brown and Derek Larimore of Caterpillar Work Tools in Wamego and the written test was developed by Wes Mosier. The blueprints and test were presented to the students the day of the competition to ensure a fair and equitable contest. Weld inspection was done by Certified Welding Inspectors, advisory members and industry professionals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679924485420.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Machines were donated by Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric, and wire was donated by ESAB electric. Matheson Gas supplied shielding gas, Caterpillar Work Tools of Wamego, AG-CO Beloit and&nbsp;Bohnert&nbsp;welding supplied the metal. Prizes were donated by Matheson of Hastings, NE, AG-CO Beloit, Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric, Winkel Manufacturing- Glen Elder, Outlaw Leather,&nbsp;Markal, Benchmark Abrasives, Everlast, Blue Demon and Webber Gross Welding-&nbsp;Bazine, KS.The College competition held Wednesday, March 1 went well for NCK Tech of Beloit, with 7 students in the top ten. 1st- Brayden Doughman- (NCKTC) Canton, 2nd- Hunter Teasley- (NCKTC) Pratt, 3rd- Gunner Sheetz- (NCKTC)&nbsp;Belleville, 4th- Ross&nbsp;Eckroat- (NCKTC) Hays, 5th- Colten Bohlen- CCC Hastings, 6th- Evan Claassen- (NCKTC) Whitewater, 7th- Eli Schmidt- (NCKTC) Junction City, 8th- Alexis Gutierrez-CCC Columbus, 9th- Aiden Bock- CCC Hastings, 10th-&nbsp;Mavrik&nbsp;Griffin- (NCKTC) Minneapolis.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679924507157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday, March 2, and Friday, March 3, the high school competition was held with 48 schools and 167 competitors from Kansas and Nebraska. The high school students have drastically improved over the past years and did a fantastic job of showcasing their blueprint reading and welding ability.Individual placings were: 1st- Jesse&nbsp;Gillgannon- Seaman, 2nd- Bradley&nbsp;Bogert- Quinter Tech, 3rd- Michael&nbsp;McConnaughy- Sterling, 4th- Connor Griffith- Salina Tech, 5th- Dane Free- Salina Tech, 6th- Brennen&nbsp;Newbrey- Gothenburg, 7th- Kevin Salazar- Salina Tech, 8th- Mason Herrick- McPherson, 9th- Jace&nbsp;Schowengerdt- Salina Central, 10th- Riley Gillespie- Quinter Tech.Top three teams were 1- Salina Tech, 2- Quinter Tech, 3- Deshler, NE.The competition is not possible without the great support of various business and industry leaders along with volunteers from NCK Tech.

NCK Tech holds 19th annual GMAW welding competition

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Cottonwood Extension district agent Stacy Campbell, discuss area resources for plants and landscaping in Ellis County.

<div><iframe title="As spring approaches area resources available for plants and landscaping" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=ykxrt-13cb44f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Cottonwood Extension district agent Stacy Campbell, discuss area resources for plants and landscaping in Ellis County.

🎙 Post Podcast: As spring approaches area resources available for plants and landscaping

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Hyundai passenger vehicle driven by David Lee Allen, 57, Sherman, Texas, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Ogallah exit.

The driver attempted to pass a 2106 Ford Escape driven by Clayton James Sargent, 24, Canton.&nbsp; Allen lost control of the Hyundai. It struck the Ford and then collided with a guardrail.

EMS transported a passenger in the Hyundai Chong&nbsp; Allen, 59, Sherman, Texas, to the Trego County Hospital. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Hyundai passenger vehicle driven by David Lee Allen, 57, Sherman, Texas, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Ogallah exit.The driver attempted to pass a 2106 Ford Escape driven by Clayton James Sargent, 24, Canton.&nbsp; Allen lost control of the Hyundai. It struck the Ford and then collided with a guardrail.EMS transported a passenger in the Hyundai Chong&nbsp; Allen, 59, Sherman, Texas, to the Trego County Hospital. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

One hospitalized after 2-vehicle I-70 crash

🎥⚾️🥎 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

WAKEENEY — Rob Todd of Wyoming was cruising along Interstate 70 when he slammed on his brakes and shot off the west exit at WaKeeney.

He couldn't believe his eyes. He was looking at an F-14 Tomcat just like the ones he helped launch when he worked on the deck of a carrier when he was in the Navy.

However, as he ran his hand along the fuselage of the mighty warbird he said he almost began to cry.

The plane, which was on display in this rural Kansas community in honor of its nearby veteran's cemetery, had been severely damaged in a hail storm.

Todd was determined to get the plane repaired.

The F-14 was loaned to WaKeeney in 2006. The then-mayor of WaKeeney helped raise $40,000 to have the plane shipped to WaKeeney where it has been on display at Eisenhower Park right off Interstate 70 ever since.

The F-14 Tomcat was the premier fighter aircraft for the U.S. Navy, beginning at the end of the Vietnam War until 2006. It was the famed fighter that was flown by Tom Cruise's character in "Top Gun" and again in a portion of the movie "Top Gun: Maverick."

<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2017/08/10/wakeeney-residents-begin-cleanup-after-thursday-storm/">Fast forward to August 2017, a storm dropped softball size hail on WaKeeney. Although the F-14 is made of titanium alloys, it sustained significant damage during that storm.</a>

None of that damage was repaired, and the plane has been allowed to further deteriorate.

"This is American history," said Todd, who is also a co-host of a radio show on the F-14. "It's naval aviation history. This is a warbird. It fought in operation Preying Mantis in the '80s against Lybia. It represents veterans. It represents this community. 

"It represents everyone who worked on this aircraft, who sacrificed their lives for this aircraft. You want to preserve that history."&nbsp;

He was determined to have the plane repaired. However, there was a snag. The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla., still owned the plane and did not want to approve the funds necessary to repair it.

Todd began writing emails demanding repairs for the plane until he was writing multiple emails per day. This went on for years. Finally, the naval museum relented and has now given the OK for Todd to pursue fundraising to make repairs to the aircraft.

WaKeeney's F-14 served in the U.S. Navy from March 1980 until November 1998.&nbsp; It was part of several strike force fighter squadrons as well as fleet replacement squadrons. These included The Black Lions, Black Knights, Gun Fighters, Black Aces and Grim Reapers.

While serving in 1995, this aircraft carried commemorative markings for The Sundowners. The F-14 sat at a U.S. Navy Reserve station in Texas for five years before it was awarded to WaKeeney.

Lorenzo Bencini, F-14 Radio show producer,&nbsp; described the power of the F-14. A pilot who flew over Irag in the F-14 was recently on the F-14 radio show. He told of being on one side of Iraq and getting a call about troops in trouble on the opposite side of the country near the border with Syria.

The F-14 has a top speed of more than 1,500 mph. The pilot flew full throttle, crossed the entire country in about 12 minutes, dropped bombs to cover the troops on the ground and still had enough fuel to get home.

"No other plane in our inventory could have done that and today we still have that gap," he said.

The WaKeeney F-14 was dismantled and transported by truck to Kansas. This was no small feat considering the F-14's size—40,000 pounds and 62 feet long with more than a 30-foot wing span.

After it finally arrived in WaKeeney, a team of four retired military men from Virginia rebuilt the plane in a downtown parking lot. A large crane was brought in to unload the plane from the trailer. The jet became the center of attention in downtown Wakeeney while it was being rebuilt. Locals brought their lawn chairs and sat and watched for hours.&nbsp;

"I think it's important for WaKeeney to have this because we are right along I-70 and it reminds people of what we have gone through as a country to maintain our freedoms," said Lynelle Shubert, director of WaKeeney Travel and Tourism.

"This jet has fought for that freedom," Todd added.

When F-14s were retired from service, the U.S. had concerns enemies would begin to acquire the spare parts through the black market.&nbsp;Museums and memorials are now the only places where the U.S. F-14s survive.

In short, there aren't a lot of spare parts lying around for F-14s. Todd said the goal of restoration is not to make the F-14 flight worthy. The engines and other key components of the plane have already been removed. Finding the rare and expensive alloys used to build the plane is impractical.

The goal is to restore the plane using available materials to better represent its history and service as well as preserve it for future generations.

Much of the plane has been dented by hail. The canopy has been cracked. The whole plane needs to be repainted. The wind also forced the plane off of its platform.

Todd estimates the repairs will cost at least $150,000. The project will have a little bit of money from insurance because of the hail storm.

The project  likely will take at least a year and a half but could be completed in phases, Todd said.

Todd is trying to rally support through the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCY6oENeWNlHhRinkQzQEMw">F-14 Tomcat ATG Radio Show</a>, which is produced out of Long Island where the F-14 was manufactured.

Todd is raising funds for the restoration through a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/fighting-213-f14a-tomcat-restoration">GoFundMe</a> account under Fighting 213 F14A Tomcat Restoration. He also is recruiting craftsmen who either served in the Navy or worked in the manufacturing plants that built the planes.

You can also follow the show and the restoration progress on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/F14tomcatpodcast">F-14 Tomcat ATG Radio Show's Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679949673258.jpeg" alt="Hosts of an international radio show on the F-14 Tomcat along with local residents are trying to raise money to restore this F-14 Tomcat that is on display in WaKeeney. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hosts of an international radio show on the F-14 Tomcat along with local residents are trying to raise money to restore this F-14 Tomcat that is on display in WaKeeney. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWAKEENEY — Rob Todd of Wyoming was cruising along Interstate 70 when he slammed on his brakes and shot off the west exit at WaKeeney.He couldn't believe his eyes. He was looking at an F-14 Tomcat just like the ones he helped launch when he worked on the deck of a carrier when he was in the Navy.However, as he ran his hand along the fuselage of the mighty warbird he said he almost began to cry.The plane, which was on display in this rural Kansas community in honor of its nearby veteran's cemetery, had been severely damaged in a hail storm.Todd was determined to get the plane repaired.The F-14 was loaned to WaKeeney in 2006. The then-mayor of WaKeeney helped raise $40,000 to have the plane shipped to WaKeeney where it has been on display at Eisenhower Park right off Interstate 70 ever since.The F-14 Tomcat was the premier fighter aircraft for the U.S. Navy, beginning at the end of the Vietnam War until 2006. It was the famed fighter that was flown by Tom Cruise's character in "Top Gun" and again in a portion of the movie "Top Gun: Maverick."<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2017/08/10/wakeeney-residents-begin-cleanup-after-thursday-storm/">Fast forward to August 2017, a storm dropped softball size hail on WaKeeney. Although the F-14 is made of titanium alloys, it sustained significant damage during that storm.</a>None of that damage was repaired, and the plane has been allowed to further deteriorate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679949842563.jpeg" alt="Rob Todd, F-14 Radio Show co-host, worked on the flight deck with F-14s when he was in the Navy. Now he and his colleagues want to restore this Tomcat that is on display in WaKeeney. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Rob Todd, F-14 Radio Show co-host, worked on the flight deck with F-14s when he was in the Navy. Now he and his colleagues want to restore this Tomcat that is on display in WaKeeney. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"This is American history," said Todd, who is also a co-host of a radio show on the F-14. "It's naval aviation history. This is a warbird. It fought in operation Preying Mantis in the '80s against Lybia. It represents veterans. It represents this community. "It represents everyone who worked on this aircraft, who sacrificed their lives for this aircraft. You want to preserve that history."&nbsp;He was determined to have the plane repaired. However, there was a snag. The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla., still owned the plane and did not want to approve the funds necessary to repair it.Todd began writing emails demanding repairs for the plane until he was writing multiple emails per day. This went on for years. Finally, the naval museum relented and has now given the OK for Todd to pursue fundraising to make repairs to the aircraft.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679950025528.jpeg" alt="A storm that dropped softball-sized hail on WaKeeney caused significant damage, including these large dents, to the F-14 that is on display at Eisenhower Park. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A storm that dropped softball-sized hail on WaKeeney caused significant damage, including these large dents, to the F-14 that is on display at Eisenhower Park. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>WaKeeney's F-14 served in the U.S. Navy from March 1980 until November 1998.&nbsp; It was part of several strike force fighter squadrons as well as fleet replacement squadrons. These included The Black Lions, Black Knights, Gun Fighters, Black Aces and Grim Reapers.While serving in 1995, this aircraft carried commemorative markings for The Sundowners. The F-14 sat at a U.S. Navy Reserve station in Texas for five years before it was awarded to WaKeeney.Lorenzo Bencini, F-14 Radio show producer,&nbsp; described the power of the F-14. A pilot who flew over Irag in the F-14 was recently on the F-14 radio show. He told of being on one side of Iraq and getting a call about troops in trouble on the opposite side of the country near the border with Syria.The F-14 has a top speed of more than 1,500 mph. The pilot flew full throttle, crossed the entire country in about 12 minutes, dropped bombs to cover the troops on the ground and still had enough fuel to get home."No other plane in our inventory could have done that and today we still have that gap," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679950194930.jpeg" alt="Children have thrown rocks into the engine housings of the F-14 that is on display in WaKeeney. The fighter is visible from Interstate 70. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Children have thrown rocks into the engine housings of the F-14 that is on display in WaKeeney. The fighter is visible from Interstate 70. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The WaKeeney F-14 was dismantled and transported by truck to Kansas. This was no small feat considering the F-14's size—40,000 pounds and 62 feet long with more than a 30-foot wing span.After it finally arrived in WaKeeney, a team of four retired military men from Virginia rebuilt the plane in a downtown parking lot. A large crane was brought in to unload the plane from the trailer. The jet became the center of attention in downtown Wakeeney while it was being rebuilt. Locals brought their lawn chairs and sat and watched for hours.&nbsp;"I think it's important for WaKeeney to have this because we are right along I-70 and it reminds people of what we have gone through as a country to maintain our freedoms," said Lynelle Shubert, director of WaKeeney Travel and Tourism."This jet has fought for that freedom," Todd added.When F-14s were retired from service, the U.S. had concerns enemies would begin to acquire the spare parts through the black market.&nbsp;Museums and memorials are now the only places where the U.S. F-14s survive.In short, there aren't a lot of spare parts lying around for F-14s. Todd said the goal of restoration is not to make the F-14 flight worthy. The engines and other key components of the plane have already been removed. Finding the rare and expensive alloys used to build the plane is impractical.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679950524399.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;F-14 weighs about 40,000 pounds, is 62 feet long with a 38-f00t wing span when the wings are swept. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;F-14 weighs about 40,000 pounds, is 62 feet long with a 38-f00t wing span when the wings are swept. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The goal is to restore the plane using available materials to better represent its history and service as well as preserve it for future generations.Much of the plane has been dented by hail. The canopy has been cracked. The whole plane needs to be repainted. The wind also forced the plane off of its platform.Todd estimates the repairs will cost at least $150,000. The project will have a little bit of money from insurance because of the hail storm.The project likely will take at least a year and a half but could be completed in phases, Todd said.Todd is trying to rally support through the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCY6oENeWNlHhRinkQzQEMw">F-14 Tomcat ATG Radio Show</a>, which is produced out of Long Island where the F-14 was manufactured.Todd is raising funds for the restoration through a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/fighting-213-f14a-tomcat-restoration">GoFundMe</a> account under Fighting 213 F14A Tomcat Restoration. He also is recruiting craftsmen who either served in the Navy or worked in the manufacturing plants that built the planes.You can also follow the show and the restoration progress on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/F14tomcatpodcast">F-14 Tomcat ATG Radio Show's Facebook page</a>.

F-14 fans near, far seek to restore WaKeeney warbird

Crude prices are rising from 15-month lows. Friday's settlement price for near-month light sweet crude on the Nymex dropped 70 cents to $69.26 per barrel, $3 higher than a week earlier. In morning trading Monday that contract gained more than a dollar, trading over $70 per barrel. London Brent was over $76 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $59.50 per barrel. US Crude inventories increased by 1.1 million barrels per day in the week through March 17. Stockpiles (not including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve) reached 481.2 million barrels. The government says inventories are about eight percent above the five-year average for this time of year. The government has been underreporting supplies and overstating the final disposition of crude in the US. In a report last week, the Energy Information Administration said that in order to address growing differences between supply and disposition they are making some changes to their surveys and to their calculations. The agency said the problems stem from tallies of unfinished oils used for field blending. A first-in-the-nation bill to investigate and punish oil companies for price gouging at the gas pump breezed through the California Senate, the first major vote in an effort to pass the law by the end of the month. The bill would let a five-member panel decide whether to impose civil penalties on oil companies for price gouging. The commission would rely on a new state agency with the power to subpoena oil executives and force companies to disclose financial information. The proposal is a response to price increases last summer, when a gallon of regular gasoline in California soared to a record high average price of $6.44. Drivers in some places paid as much as $8 per gallon, prompting widespread outrage. US regulators last week approved Canadian Pacific's $31 billion purchase of US carrier Kansas City Southern, creating a North American rail network stretching from Canada to Mexico. The US Surface Transportation Board voted 4-1 in favor of the merger, enabling the two Class I railroads to combine into a new one, the Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The merger joins CP's operations in Canada, the US Midwest and the US northeast with KCS' operations in the south-central US and Mexico. Total US railroad freight traffic is down more than seven percent in the US compared to a year ago. In the most recent tally from the Association of American Railroads, US operators moved 9,563 tanker carloads of petroleum and petroleum products. Canadian shippers added 8,196 carloads while Mexico notched 2,057. Operators last week completed 12 new wells in eastern Kansas and 20 in the western half of the state, including two in Barton County, one in Ellis County and two in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 471 well-completions so far this year, compared to 374 a year ago at this time.&nbsp; Kansas regulators okayed 14 new drilling permits last week, with two east of Wichita and 12 in Western Kansas, including one in Russell County. That's 296 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 336 a year ago. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes showed 758 active rigs nationwide on Friday, an increase of four oil rigs. The count in New Mexico was up two, Texas was up one and Oklahoma was down one rig.&nbsp; A weekly government report shows US operators pumping more than 12.3 million barrels of crude oil per day. The Energy Information Administration reports output was 103,000 barrels per day higher than a week earlier, and more than 700,000 barrels per day higher than a year ago. US crude imports averaged 6.2 million barrels per day, down 45,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average is down slightly from from a year earlier. Russia tops Saudi Arabia as China’s top oil supplier for the second month in a row in February. Chinese government reports show arrivals from Russia were up 23 percent, while flows from Saudi Arabia dropped 29 percent to the lowest level since last June. The Oil Minister of Venezuela resigned amid a growing corruption probe into the state-owned oil company. The government did not immediately name a replacement nor confirm it had accepted the resignation. Numerous public officials were arrested in weekend raids in the wake of claims that the country is missing between $3 billion and $5 billion in cryptocurrency.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices are rising from 15-month lows. Friday's settlement price for near-month light sweet crude on the Nymex dropped 70 cents to $69.26 per barrel, $3 higher than a week earlier. In morning trading Monday that contract gained more than a dollar, trading over $70 per barrel. London Brent was over $76 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $59.50 per barrel. US Crude inventories increased by 1.1 million barrels per day in the week through March 17. Stockpiles (not including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve) reached 481.2 million barrels. The government says inventories are about eight percent above the five-year average for this time of year. The government has been underreporting supplies and overstating the final disposition of crude in the US. In a report last week, the Energy Information Administration said that in order to address growing differences between supply and disposition they are making some changes to their surveys and to their calculations. The agency said the problems stem from tallies of unfinished oils used for field blending. A first-in-the-nation bill to investigate and punish oil companies for price gouging at the gas pump breezed through the California Senate, the first major vote in an effort to pass the law by the end of the month. The bill would let a five-member panel decide whether to impose civil penalties on oil companies for price gouging. The commission would rely on a new state agency with the power to subpoena oil executives and force companies to disclose financial information. The proposal is a response to price increases last summer, when a gallon of regular gasoline in California soared to a record high average price of $6.44. Drivers in some places paid as much as $8 per gallon, prompting widespread outrage. US regulators last week approved Canadian Pacific's $31 billion purchase of US carrier Kansas City Southern, creating a North American rail network stretching from Canada to Mexico. The US Surface Transportation Board voted 4-1 in favor of the merger, enabling the two Class I railroads to combine into a new one, the Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The merger joins CP's operations in Canada, the US Midwest and the US northeast with KCS' operations in the south-central US and Mexico. Total US railroad freight traffic is down more than seven percent in the US compared to a year ago. In the most recent tally from the Association of American Railroads, US operators moved 9,563 tanker carloads of petroleum and petroleum products. Canadian shippers added 8,196 carloads while Mexico notched 2,057. Operators last week completed 12 new wells in eastern Kansas and 20 in the western half of the state, including two in Barton County, one in Ellis County and two in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 471 well-completions so far this year, compared to 374 a year ago at this time.&nbsp; Kansas regulators okayed 14 new drilling permits last week, with two east of Wichita and 12 in Western Kansas, including one in Russell County. That's 296 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 336 a year ago. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes showed 758 active rigs nationwide on Friday, an increase of four oil rigs. The count in New Mexico was up two, Texas was up one and Oklahoma was down one rig.&nbsp; A weekly government report shows US operators pumping more than 12.3 million barrels of crude oil per day. The Energy Information Administration reports output was 103,000 barrels per day higher than a week earlier, and more than 700,000 barrels per day higher than a year ago. US crude imports averaged 6.2 million barrels per day, down 45,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average is down slightly from from a year earlier. Russia tops Saudi Arabia as China’s top oil supplier for the second month in a row in February. Chinese government reports show arrivals from Russia were up 23 percent, while flows from Saudi Arabia dropped 29 percent to the lowest level since last June. The Oil Minister of Venezuela resigned amid a growing corruption probe into the state-owned oil company. The government did not immediately name a replacement nor confirm it had accepted the resignation. Numerous public officials were arrested in weekend raids in the wake of claims that the country is missing between $3 billion and $5 billion in cryptocurrency.