MANHATTAN — Producers and landowners who install enduring conservation practices may qualify to receive financial assistance for these projects through a voluntary cost share program.

 The FY 2024 state cost share program for conservation practices is underway to encourage projects that improve water quality and quantity. 

Funding is provided by the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation through appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund and the program is administered by Conservation Districts across the state.

Landowners and producers with natural resource concerns on their property are encouraged to visit their local conservation district office to discuss the possibility of receiving state financial assistance. 

Along with the annual funding, additional funding is available this year to landowners and producers interested in eligible water resources practices such as irrigation water management, nutrient management, planting cover crops, livestock water supplies, cross fencing, and abandoned well plugging.

Landowners and producers who are approved for the program will be notified of the practice(s) approval and the estimated amount of cost-share that will be provided. Projects started or completed prior to being approved for funding by individual districts and KDA–DOC are not eligible for these funds.

Applications for cost share funds must be made through local conservation districts; please contact your district office for details about funding eligibility. 

For application assistance along with more information concerning state cost share programs and other available services, please contact your local conservation district office; a directory of Conservation Districts can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L0NvbnNlcnZhdGlvbkRpc3RyaWN0cz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzIxLjgwMDE2MTAxIn0.lWTRpaFesr-de0iPkwLnCcZ9xVjJPYFhYo_9gvjwyKA/s/1377890880/br/223040251551-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689969832493.jpeg" alt="Conservation buffer. Photo courtesy Kansas Dept. of Agriculture" />
 <figcaption>Conservation buffer. Photo courtesy Kansas Dept. of Agriculture</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Producers and landowners who install enduring conservation practices may qualify to receive financial assistance for these projects through a voluntary cost share program. The FY 2024 state cost share program for conservation practices is underway to encourage projects that improve water quality and quantity. Funding is provided by the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation through appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund and the program is administered by Conservation Districts across the state.Landowners and producers with natural resource concerns on their property are encouraged to visit their local conservation district office to discuss the possibility of receiving state financial assistance. Along with the annual funding, additional funding is available this year to landowners and producers interested in eligible water resources practices such as irrigation water management, nutrient management, planting cover crops, livestock water supplies, cross fencing, and abandoned well plugging.Landowners and producers who are approved for the program will be notified of the practice(s) approval and the estimated amount of cost-share that will be provided. Projects started or completed prior to being approved for funding by individual districts and KDA–DOC are not eligible for these funds.Applications for cost share funds must be made through local conservation districts; please contact your district office for details about funding eligibility. For application assistance along with more information concerning state cost share programs and other available services, please contact your local conservation district office; a directory of Conservation Districts can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L0NvbnNlcnZhdGlvbkRpc3RyaWN0cz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNzIxLjgwMDE2MTAxIn0.lWTRpaFesr-de0iPkwLnCcZ9xVjJPYFhYo_9gvjwyKA/s/1377890880/br/223040251551-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts</a>.

KS Dept. of Agriculture cost share program available for conservation practices

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)&nbsp;Community Health Promotion program is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Community Grant, including several regional groups. 

In total, the SFY 2024 CDRR program covers: 17 grantees, 29 counties and 1,898,414 Kansans (64.6% of the Kansas population).

The CDRR Community Grant Program provides funding, training and technical assistance to communities to address chronic disease risk reduction through evidence-based strategies that impact tobacco use, physical activity and nutrition. Strategies include: reducing secondhand smoke exposure, preventing youth from using tobacco, promoting tobacco treatment and the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va2Fuc2FzLnF1aXRsb2dpeC5vcmcvZW4tVVMvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MjcuNzg4NTA5NTEifQ.rR1VgO-LutG9tSMJqZS8n3XTu59E9UeXqTXcGHTt74c/s/1305914033/br/208827960497-l" target="_blank">Kansas Tobacco Quitline</a>, increasing physical activity and improving community nutrition.

“The CDRR Community Grant Program is a great opportunity to address chronic disease in our communities,”&nbsp;said Secretary Janet Stanek. “We look forward to seeing the great work our grantees can accomplish across Kansas.”

The SFY 2024 CDRR Grantees and the counties they cover include:

Learn more about the CDRR program at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzEwNjMvQ2hyb25pYy1EaXNlYXNlLVJpc2stUmVkdWN0aW9uLUNvbW11bml0eT91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjI3Ljc4ODUwOTUxIn0.l8ytR_Z46ngyAysKatofXYJ980f-f66xKqdw3VCAk-M/s/1305914033/br/208827960497-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/CDRR</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687956087799.png" alt="Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)&nbsp;Community Health Promotion program is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Community Grant, including several regional groups. In total, the SFY 2024 CDRR program covers: 17 grantees, 29 counties and 1,898,414 Kansans (64.6% of the Kansas population).The CDRR Community Grant Program provides funding, training and technical assistance to communities to address chronic disease risk reduction through evidence-based strategies that impact tobacco use, physical activity and nutrition. Strategies include: reducing secondhand smoke exposure, preventing youth from using tobacco, promoting tobacco treatment and the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va2Fuc2FzLnF1aXRsb2dpeC5vcmcvZW4tVVMvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA2MjcuNzg4NTA5NTEifQ.rR1VgO-LutG9tSMJqZS8n3XTu59E9UeXqTXcGHTt74c/s/1305914033/br/208827960497-l" target="_blank">Kansas Tobacco Quitline</a>, increasing physical activity and improving community nutrition.“The CDRR Community Grant Program is a great opportunity to address chronic disease in our communities,”&nbsp;said Secretary Janet Stanek. “We look forward to seeing the great work our grantees can accomplish across Kansas.”The SFY 2024 CDRR Grantees and the counties they cover include:<ul>
 <li>Barton County Health Department (Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties)</li><li>Crawford County Health Department (Crawford County)</li><li>Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness&nbsp;(Lyon County)</li><li>Dickinson County Health Department (Dickinson County)</li><li>Edwards County Economic Development (Edwards and Hodgeman counties)</li><li>Finney County Community Health Coalition (Finney, Scott, Stanton counties)</li><li>Harvey County Health Department (Harvey County)</li><li>Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (Johnson County)</li><li>Medical Society of Sedgwick County (Sedgwick County)</li><li>Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department (Douglas County)</li><li>Marion County Health Department (Marion County)</li><li>Miami County Health Department (Miami County)</li><li>Mitchell County Regional Medical Foundation (Mitchell, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Ottawa, Republic and Smith counties)</li><li>Reno County Health Department (Reno County)</li><li>Shawnee County Health Agency (Shawnee County)</li><li>Sheridan County Health Department (Sheridan County)</li><li>Unified Government of Wyandotte (Wyandotte County)</li>
 </ul>Learn more about the CDRR program at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzEwNjMvQ2hyb25pYy1EaXNlYXNlLVJpc2stUmVkdWN0aW9uLUNvbW11bml0eT91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjI3Ljc4ODUwOTUxIn0.l8ytR_Z46ngyAysKatofXYJ980f-f66xKqdw3VCAk-M/s/1305914033/br/208827960497-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/CDRR</a>

Regional groups among KDHE Chronic Disease Risk Reduction community grantees

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690400580286.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

July 26 marks the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act by President George H.W. Bush, a day recognized as National Disability Independence Day. 

This landmark piece of legislation requires that people with disabilities be treated with equal dignity and prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in schools, the workplace, transportation and all other public accommodations.

Appropriately, just a few days ago, we celebrated what would have been Bob Dole’s 100th birthday. 

Senator Dole lived for more than 76 years with the injuries he sustained while serving in Italy during World War II. His ability to empathize with others living with disabilities led him to help pass the ADA while serving as the Republican Leader in the U.S. Senate. 

Dole often listed passage of the ADA among his proudest accomplishments during his 27 years representing Kansas in the U.S. Senate.

While the ADA was groundbreaking for its progress toward disability independence, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, passed a little less than a decade ago, built on the ADA by opening up the opportunity for financial independence for Americans living with a disability. 

Under the ABLE Act, the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office offers people with disabilities ABLE accounts that they can use to save and invest their own funds. Money in an ABLE account is generally not counted as assets when determining eligibility for benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

Before the ABLE Act passed in 2014, people receiving SSI, Medicaid and many other federal benefits could only save up to $2,000 to remain qualified; this limit made reaching independence virtually impossible. 

The establishment of ABLE accounts provides a way around this limit. By using an ABLE account, people with disabilities can save up to $100,000 without losing their benefits. Like the ADA, the ABLE Act helps break down barriers restricting Americans living with disabilities.

Any interest earned on ABLE accounts is tax-deferred and withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified disability expenses. Qualified expenses encompass a wide range of categories, including education, housing, transportation, health and wellness, basic living expenses, and many others.

To be eligible to open an ABLE account, the person’s disability must have onset before the age of 26. 

However, thanks to the recent passage of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, that will increase to age 46 beginning January 1, 2026, making even more people eligible to save through an ABLE account.

Learn more about ABLE accounts or get started saving today at&nbsp;<a href="https://ks.savewithable.com/" target="_blank">https://KS.SaveWithABLE.com</a>.

Steven Johnson is the Kansas State Treasurer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690316416258.jpeg" alt="Steven Johnson is the Kansas State Treasurer." />
 <figcaption>Steven Johnson is the Kansas State Treasurer.</figcaption>
 </figure>July 26 marks the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act by President George H.W. Bush, a day recognized as National Disability Independence Day. This landmark piece of legislation requires that people with disabilities be treated with equal dignity and prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in schools, the workplace, transportation and all other public accommodations.Appropriately, just a few days ago, we celebrated what would have been Bob Dole’s 100th birthday. Senator Dole lived for more than 76 years with the injuries he sustained while serving in Italy during World War II. His ability to empathize with others living with disabilities led him to help pass the ADA while serving as the Republican Leader in the U.S. Senate. Dole often listed passage of the ADA among his proudest accomplishments during his 27 years representing Kansas in the U.S. Senate.While the ADA was groundbreaking for its progress toward disability independence, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, passed a little less than a decade ago, built on the ADA by opening up the opportunity for financial independence for Americans living with a disability. Under the ABLE Act, the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office offers people with disabilities ABLE accounts that they can use to save and invest their own funds. Money in an ABLE account is generally not counted as assets when determining eligibility for benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.Before the ABLE Act passed in 2014, people receiving SSI, Medicaid and many other federal benefits could only save up to $2,000 to remain qualified; this limit made reaching independence virtually impossible. The establishment of ABLE accounts provides a way around this limit. By using an ABLE account, people with disabilities can save up to $100,000 without losing their benefits. Like the ADA, the ABLE Act helps break down barriers restricting Americans living with disabilities.Any interest earned on ABLE accounts is tax-deferred and withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified disability expenses. Qualified expenses encompass a wide range of categories, including education, housing, transportation, health and wellness, basic living expenses, and many others.To be eligible to open an ABLE account, the person’s disability must have onset before the age of 26. However, thanks to the recent passage of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, that will increase to age 46 beginning January 1, 2026, making even more people eligible to save through an ABLE account.Learn more about ABLE accounts or get started saving today at&nbsp;<a href="https://ks.savewithable.com/" target="_blank">https://KS.SaveWithABLE.com</a>.Steven Johnson is the Kansas State Treasurer.

JOHNSON: ABLE accounts offer financial independence for those with disability

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/232/Fire-Department" target="_blank">Hays Fire Department</a> Deputy Chief Shane Preston shares summer and back-to-school safety tips, along with updates from the department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Back-to-school safety tips from the Hays Fire Department" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rtx5x-1466401-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/232/Fire-Department" target="_blank">Hays Fire Department</a> Deputy Chief Shane Preston shares summer and back-to-school safety tips, along with updates from the department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Back-to-school safety tips

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced that 24 communities in rural counties throughout the state will, including Ellis and Gorham, receive a share of nearly $7.9 million in federal grants to assist with community development projects.

The Community Development Block Grant program, facilitated and administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Division, is a federal grant program that funds various local projects. The $7,897,922 will be matched with local funding, allowing more than $16.9 million to be available.

In Ellis County, the city of Ellis will receive&nbsp;$334,216 in grant funds for a park project, to be matched locally with&nbsp;$143,235. Total project cost is $477,451.

In Graham County, the city of Morland&nbsp;will also have a park improvement project at a total cost of&nbsp;$188,792. The city received a&nbsp;$141,594 state grant and will match it with&nbsp;$47,198 in local funds.&nbsp;

“The Community Development Block Grant program provides the funding needed for communities to make critical improvements they otherwise might not be able to afford,”&nbsp; Kelly said. “We will continue leveraging all available resources that make positive economic impacts to communities across Kansas.”

“These revitalization projects will help improve the overall business and residential appeal of these communities,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in these specific assets will help spur further economic development in areas of need throughout the state.”

CDBG awards were made in five program areas:

The CDBG program provides federal funds to local governments to develop viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities, and economic needs. To be awarded funds, projects must meet at least one of three program objectives:

The CDBG funds are one of the Department of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s smaller, predominantly rural communities. 

To view the complete list of awardees, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9jZGJnLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MjYuODAyMTU5MjEifQ.IZK-qEgYcuD-vT3yiL5tKeqB8WL5cvTTQAUczCsBJoo/s/1303161001/br/223232102929-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690403191751.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDCTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced that 24 communities in rural counties throughout the state will, including Ellis and Gorham, receive a share of nearly $7.9 million in federal grants to assist with community development projects.The Community Development Block Grant program, facilitated and administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Division, is a federal grant program that funds various local projects. The $7,897,922 will be matched with local funding, allowing more than $16.9 million to be available.In Ellis County, the city of Ellis will receive&nbsp;$334,216 in grant funds for a park project, to be matched locally with&nbsp;$143,235. Total project cost is $477,451.In Graham County, the city of Morland&nbsp;will also have a park improvement project at a total cost of&nbsp;$188,792. The city received a&nbsp;$141,594 state grant and will match it with&nbsp;$47,198 in local funds.&nbsp;“The Community Development Block Grant program provides the funding needed for communities to make critical improvements they otherwise might not be able to afford,”&nbsp; Kelly said. “We will continue leveraging all available resources that make positive economic impacts to communities across Kansas.”“These revitalization projects will help improve the overall business and residential appeal of these communities,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in these specific assets will help spur further economic development in areas of need throughout the state.”CDBG awards were made in five program areas:<ol>
 <li>Community Centers, Parks &amp; Libraries&nbsp;funds projects to increase community engagement, health, connectedness, and vibrancy in communities. Morland, for example, was one of the 13 award recipients. The city has proposed a project to construct a looped trail/walking path around Morland City Park and the addition of new curbs, gutters, and ADA-accessible parking.</li><li>Sidewalks &amp; Trails&nbsp;funds projects that connect community members to services, community centers, schools, and recreational areas. Wathena will use this funding to construct a wide sidewalk, retaining wall, utility modifications, pavement marking, and surface restorations in their community.</li><li>Childcare Facilities&nbsp;funds projects to address the childcare shortage in Kansas. These grants help fund the construction of facilities and cannot be used for operations. Hillsboro will use these funds to renovate a building that will provide childcare to 99 children in their community.</li><li>Youth Job Training&nbsp;funds projects to address the needs of at-risk youth in workforce training and development. Sumner County will use this funding to assist low- to moderate-income high school students in attending classes at a local community college. Classes will focus on trade and technical skills to address workforce needs identified in their community.</li><li>ADA Improvements&nbsp;fund projects that increase access to essential goods and services in downtown or Main Street districts and other non-residential buildings in the community. Cottonwood Falls will use its funding to remove barriers for nine businesses, including installing ramps and door openers and increasing door widths to improve ADA access for community members.</li>
 </ol>The CDBG program provides federal funds to local governments to develop viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities, and economic needs. To be awarded funds, projects must meet at least one of three program objectives:<ol>
 <li>The grant will benefit low- and moderate-income persons.</li><li>The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight.</li><li>The grant will resolve an urgent need that communities are not able to do on their own.</li>
 </ol>The CDBG funds are one of the Department of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s smaller, predominantly rural communities. To view the complete list of awardees, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9jZGJnLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MjYuODAyMTU5MjEifQ.IZK-qEgYcuD-vT3yiL5tKeqB8WL5cvTTQAUczCsBJoo/s/1303161001/br/223232102929-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

Ellis, Morland receive state grants for park projects

The July 27, 2023 Hays city commission meeting has been canceled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe July 27, 2023 Hays city commission meeting has been canceled.

Hays city commission July 27 meeting canceled

By Rachel Mipro <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA —&nbsp; A group of Kansas county officials and ranchers filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the latest attempt to block protections for a prairie bird.

The lawsuit,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pacificlegal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/01-Complaint-with-exhibits.pdf">filed late Thursday</a>, names the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition and several Kansas farmers and ranchers as plaintiffs in the case. The plaintiffs argue implementing Endangered Species Act protective regulations for the lesser prairie chicken would restrict land use, forcing Kansas agricultural producers into making expensive changes that could hurt business.&nbsp;

“KNRC is proud to take a stand in defense of our member counties and their constituents,” said Commissioner Gary Hayzlett, KNRC president. “This rule heavily regulates numerous essential public services, will regulate virtually anything many landowners might wish to do on their property and will have significant negative impact on individual livelihoods. The rule should be struck down.”

The lesser prairie chicken, a bird known for its colorful spring mating dance, has been the target of outrage since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/17/federal-wildlife-officials-list-lesser-prairie-chicken-as-threatened-in-kansas/">listed the lesser prairie chicken as threatened</a>&nbsp;in Kansas in late 2022. The organization estimated 90% of the bird’s habitat — intact tracts of native grasses — had vanished, leaving an estimated 32,000 lesser prairie chickens left.&nbsp;

The original endangered listing was the result of a yearslong environmental campaign to save the bird, and followed a 2019 lawsuit by conservation groups that warned the bird was in danger.

Since the listing, Republicans at the local and national levels have crusaded to overturn protections, arguing that ranchers — as well as the oil and gas industry — would be hurt by protections.&nbsp;

The federal lawsuit comes after a series of legal battles.&nbsp;In April, Kansas joined Texas and Oklahoma in a lawsuit to block the endangered species listing of the bird. Lesser prairie chickens can be found in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. In June, Congress began efforts to overturn the listing through a Congressional Review Act&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/9/text?s=1&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22S.J.Res.9%22%5D%7D">resolution</a>, carried by Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall.&nbsp;

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, along with other Kansas politicians, said the federal ruling would interfere with the rights of landowners, arguing that rainfall affects the bird population, and that when the state’s current drought ends, lesser prairie chicken numbers will bounce back&nbsp;— an idea that environmental scientists call inaccurate.&nbsp;

The Thursday lawsuit has been taken on by&nbsp;Pacific Legal Foundation, a national public interest law firm that usually defends conservative and libertarian causes.

PLF was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pacificlegal.org/50-years-of-fighting-plf-looks-back-at-our-beginning">founded</a>&nbsp;in 1973 by several staff of California’s then-Gov. Ronald Reagan. They wanted to create a conservative equivalent of groups like the American Civil Liberties Union after progressive organizations blocked Reagan’s welfare change attempts in court.

“The Endangered Species Act requires the government to balance conservation efforts with the economic impacts of regulations,” said Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Charles Yates. “The Fish and Wildlife Service plainly failed to do that in this case. It violates the constitutional separation of powers whenever an agency ignores the limitations placed on it by Congress.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668724822944.png" alt="Lesser prairie chickens have lost most of their habitat. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service" />
 <figcaption>Lesser prairie chickens have lost most of their habitat. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By Rachel Mipro <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA —&nbsp; A group of Kansas county officials and ranchers filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the latest attempt to block protections for a prairie bird.The lawsuit,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pacificlegal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/01-Complaint-with-exhibits.pdf">filed late Thursday</a>, names the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition and several Kansas farmers and ranchers as plaintiffs in the case. The plaintiffs argue implementing Endangered Species Act protective regulations for the lesser prairie chicken would restrict land use, forcing Kansas agricultural producers into making expensive changes that could hurt business.&nbsp;“KNRC is proud to take a stand in defense of our member counties and their constituents,” said Commissioner Gary Hayzlett, KNRC president. “This rule heavily regulates numerous essential public services, will regulate virtually anything many landowners might wish to do on their property and will have significant negative impact on individual livelihoods. The rule should be struck down.”The lesser prairie chicken, a bird known for its colorful spring mating dance, has been the target of outrage since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/17/federal-wildlife-officials-list-lesser-prairie-chicken-as-threatened-in-kansas/">listed the lesser prairie chicken as threatened</a>&nbsp;in Kansas in late 2022. The organization estimated 90% of the bird’s habitat — intact tracts of native grasses — had vanished, leaving an estimated 32,000 lesser prairie chickens left.&nbsp;The original endangered listing was the result of a yearslong environmental campaign to save the bird, and followed a 2019 lawsuit by conservation groups that warned the bird was in danger.Since the listing, Republicans at the local and national levels have crusaded to overturn protections, arguing that ranchers — as well as the oil and gas industry — would be hurt by protections.&nbsp;The federal lawsuit comes after a series of legal battles.&nbsp;In April, Kansas joined Texas and Oklahoma in a lawsuit to block the endangered species listing of the bird. Lesser prairie chickens can be found in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. In June, Congress began efforts to overturn the listing through a Congressional Review Act&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/9/text?s=1&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22S.J.Res.9%22%5D%7D">resolution</a>, carried by Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall.&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, along with other Kansas politicians, said the federal ruling would interfere with the rights of landowners, arguing that rainfall affects the bird population, and that when the state’s current drought ends, lesser prairie chicken numbers will bounce back&nbsp;— an idea that environmental scientists call inaccurate.&nbsp;The Thursday lawsuit has been taken on by&nbsp;Pacific Legal Foundation, a national public interest law firm that usually defends conservative and libertarian causes.PLF was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pacificlegal.org/50-years-of-fighting-plf-looks-back-at-our-beginning">founded</a>&nbsp;in 1973 by several staff of California’s then-Gov. Ronald Reagan. They wanted to create a conservative equivalent of groups like the American Civil Liberties Union after progressive organizations blocked Reagan’s welfare change attempts in court.“The Endangered Species Act requires the government to balance conservation efforts with the economic impacts of regulations,” said Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Charles Yates. “The Fish and Wildlife Service plainly failed to do that in this case. It violates the constitutional separation of powers whenever an agency ignores the limitations placed on it by Congress.”

Kansas ranchers, county commissioners take action against lesser prairie chicken protections

🎥 Green and Growing: Pollinator Gardens

Four finalists have been selected for the 2023 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife resources in their care. &nbsp;

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthFikCPXJSr2afwkWWx2CThusX4mG-2B6iIMV8ur01IlqMunCR__nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OAeBmQKna7OdsrxC5q0L2CfW8pqc-2FA1XrKvy9exTA6XYM6v1szcKto6cBH6Tr7xOClK0o67VzYjppwd-2F6w24N9ArwSojdaQHC1xgD8o3poumDsg4i4LzoW81-2FiZ4xZTunouemqlpKKVSSYzsfXwxVCr1Ix0HGE4Gl7KbP2mw93zz" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>&nbsp;and national sponsor&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3D-CNE_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OOS8-2FsVYzQH0fkCs-2BBBnfllpbtJQslPLc9AJ2-2Be4cGH3NstjldV2rjiSdU5s0oQE8FWG6Snj7S5eegu1T0DFSQFgYpLvDvNEgS42v6AjnsJlfQ7LzWykm5B8UEra3OqJnczoffQpg2wO4DH6PaHI79edBCP9-2BXNSHcjRky5Gmy72" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>&nbsp;present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kansas the award is presented annually by&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tu10dIH13bXsbEER7PyikDm-2Bai-2BMzPN27xTIsB5pnGITyE10_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OARhsbqlVvNwLg2jyC0aGCzf9PCK5Wf0Ij-2BD-2BG9JY4rtknNvDpyPBqk2YVQGgqC4RyTXefmJQdS56yO9THOjOOPnuRlzahDBS49143P-2FMxOFxfDBamlcrkAdouGjNsUXlQhq0NuvRtSliubaC-2FHVWzrQF-2B1eKcRkX8PyCrmiUeQW" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3Dh9wt_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OKfUicLX5YfJUfvAaMKvJhPLlHlMewcrlY-2B3I2UdhJyGi4xXE55floYV0M7VdABVG6K7z3KcfcqO5xBF88f4JE7cHl5Vu7BBv7smdlsUUy9jnxiWvO0YvZ2KmJN6O37l9PMopZzvkpmmN2-2FxjWhjOVGc9e9VwFLQ37bIzgQ2rfvV" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TlAh-2Fwkr9O-2FK9u-2BV2PzMW8ksV8YQtSwUDFFYOR-2BNK9bbIIcH_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OO38vdSHe9080LIxwFQy1eUSc5b7R-2Fr86-2B40U1wU6OY1o8RPAFdRunTvJ4VzsXnBs2XOKEQYjTAb-2FRbIoUj7zCnwuvU1J1jjbtxlAw12IvyBwrCnD6IQ6WKb-2F-2FH-2BMPiOdlS96o6pj8zIuCYBtyyRIQVSPUD5ho71Cl2wlIMq20JW" target="_blank">Kansas Association of Conservation Districts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2Zvco6lW3OMrNPzqzlv0fvNhTdT_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OLdMFebuY0ig5Shqohu5qM-2BM0jSWsnA34GHyevlGAKUe15Lco9GLJ-2F4uPeqVxtkARWkO5lPfh4KLv4QbKArjiE3Qmzm9t8tEOhqnm-2B98GixXxi2BFgg-2FIuM7mR9fWalJS9b-2BL2cgb1yqIszPYnD7Qf0Dh2Ryw424fWd663pZW1Sd" target="_blank">Ranchland Trust of Kansas</a>.

The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 79th Annual Convention in Wichita in November. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.

Ray and Susan Flickner of Wichita. The Flickner family farms in McPherson, Hodgeman, Dickinson and Norton counties. They installed sub-surface drip irrigation technology to become more efficient with water and nutrient applications on crops. They experiment with cover crops to improve water infiltration and suppress weeds. Their Flickner Innovation Farm is a collaboration of university, industry, and agency partners where new methods to improve soil health and conserve water are demonstrated.

Kevin Karr Family of Emporia. The Karr family raises crops and hogs in Lyon County. To reduce soil erosion, Kevin began using no-till practices in the 1980s. He credits no-till with enhancing wildlife habitat and reducing his fuel use, while building better soil structure. Weeds are naturally suppressed by planting cover crops of rye, while beneficial insects are attracted to flowering cover crops. The combination of no-till and cover crops has bolstered the farm’s resilience to drought. &nbsp;

Janus Farms of Cherryvale. Dr. Phil Eastep has improved wildlife habitat and biodiversity on his Montgomery County farmland with prescribed burning, rotationally grazing beef cattle, and removing invasive species such as cedar and sumac. To prevent erosion and promote soil health he has planted more than 125,000 trees and constructed a riverbank stabilization project. He has hosted botanical and endangered wildlife studies at his farm, and established pollinator habitat of native flowering plants.

Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. The Walkers are improving soil health, wildlife habitat and water distribution on their properties in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Rice, Russell and Saline counties. By using rotational grazing to feed their beef cattle, they are also managing grassland to improve habitat for greater prairie chickens, turkeys and deer. Their investment in removing invasive red cedar trees improves water resources. Several of their properties are enrolled in the Kansas Walk-in Hunting program. &nbsp;

The first Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2015. The 2022 recipient was Michael Thompson of Almena.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Kansas is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Evergy, Kansas Department of Agriculture (Division of Conservation), Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kansas, Green Cover Seed, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, and a Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient.

In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”

“Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is excited to recognize these outstanding landowners who are committed to conservation on their land,” said Dan Meyerhoff, KACD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with Sand County Foundation and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas to give these families the recognition they deserve."

“Ranchland Trust of Kansas is proud to be part of recognizing Kansas ranchers and farmers for their stewardship of their land,” said Barth Crouch, Ranchland Trust of Kansas Chairman. “All of the finalists are deserving of the award which is really recognition of their management efforts and sacrifice to bring their land to its highest potential.”

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust, celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Kansas award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DhVUO_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBqkIi9QpNLwQ-2FASIShSvsLBZCvoHjRptd8Ad8lhmnzIw5b9uXk4QVp5UP3j6lutcGHIij1Qh0jgXWJ-2FadQf-2BdUD1yQOXpo-2FcIfKkbtczJ6OSpRzWH0XwiXmrEGzA-2BOOreOKr2LhusbWZQp2AJIwqe7o0eGeGMY8KC5Kgl02u-2BMR" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>.&nbsp;

LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD PROGRAM

The Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Sand County Foundation presents the award in California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DifYj_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OPG-2BtPtvoDFdImcYfp6MZL1VS6iJ306Xg9dnUuS6ahJ7F5WOh11Kwf23wEpWssH8879zqm3Zv-2B6c95sZMR94xFk2Orc-2FdS-2BeuCfxuWPWrtuI4UN7j10itdrwbPaaSFlG0mnsmKJoKtH8x9Bw5zZvoDxQZloV-2F-2FVfFinK2lslR6Qg" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through its No Farms, No Food message. Since its founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqEHgcPfa7g-2BDEhyzls7YCdmsLE-2FBr6lWioHaASJelZKSJVK_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OK15fI5eS-2Fr3zlvjO8KZZUTIwMqXLW1EH3DGT9yQCkGLlZ9njspGFhyOPQ3tY-2FDGVcMjK7zFr3ACQya1uLDixqqr6lYD5m8FgY4-2Bk0-2BM14lam09qrTOQqZ0DWhxhZYRCXnQYZJ1ycxP6theZlAct9UkKU5zHGCOIKtmK-2BKn4EaY9" target="_blank">www.farmland.org</a>

KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is a voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit, incorporated organization composed of members from the conservation districts located throughout Kansas’ 105 counties. Through partnerships with federal, state, and local entities, the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts has brought together groups that share the common goal of wise and efficient conservation practices that protect Kansas’ natural resources. The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts promotes and supports the establishment of programs dedicated to conservation and the organized development of Kansas land, water, and related resources.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqQ0uIE7ER9WCJ8HWUyLYHg-3D-I_P_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OD4fDsgzorcg12P2eGm3pHQfVcboe1J3PuC4NFgBd-2FnicbYBfsttLjKKXt-2BcuVC138UhcAZ5YA3et2G-2BGNhjTk88wXUcrdu7-2F3yaw2slyEATtX2A0I-2FK-2Bd-2BKU2-2BggS9E3Anq4z4Ha2Mnu-2BK7lY8u7eL5so0XOgB9Wy92l-2FdYmp7T" target="_blank">www.kacdnet.org</a>

The Ranchland Trust of Kansas is a private, non-profit organization founded by members of the Kansas Livestock Association in 2003. The organization was created to provide assistance to ranchers and landowners who desire to conserve their land with conservation easements. Guided by their mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes, the Ranchland Trust of Kansas values a commitment to conservation, respect for private landownership, integrity, organizational excellence and collaboration with those who share their values. The Ranchland Trust of Kansas remains an affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2ZAspG1lDjO2WLTM8b-2BpAJ8A1rz_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBJ7HIG0ZsRz65XUsf-2FrsCzdR8POH2AwQ2QsXN7ghda3a9-2FwpouMFgyhN-2FjqcQzJsrFAezF-2F5PBz92e-2Fj14yFPSE4rm3NrwXx5oEJif8Gqs0kIRAurTHtT8tLAaEscZnufVExp2v5DT3toJTYnDj9yAUy5H7rfwg-2FWWZqX8IB8fl" target="_blank">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a>

SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION&nbsp;

Sand County Foundation inspires and empowers a growing number of private landowners to ethically manage natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support agriculture and forestry, plentiful habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqhLZzLyiSya1CF0bWNXKIKdXQVEpg0tu0UghQLfDEM3ivoa_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBgs-2Bh-2FQ-2Bpourj9g2TcTE9aLiBPgd4fv1-2BBfFhQiPWhSwtgDZ5L8omYRs7UImMFQ0aLDK2vzKfogsuFiUj5d3-2FnR5MApb772Vz1uwxz04k7kfsg-2BAhyqE4j7l7BvwujLzCxzv5yQzqzdr9lzIYc37HvNxuZuaORnBx2U1aU9aWfu" target="_blank">www.sandcountyfoundation.org</a>

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 </figure>News releaseFour finalists have been selected for the 2023 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife resources in their care. &nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthFikCPXJSr2afwkWWx2CThusX4mG-2B6iIMV8ur01IlqMunCR__nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OAeBmQKna7OdsrxC5q0L2CfW8pqc-2FA1XrKvy9exTA6XYM6v1szcKto6cBH6Tr7xOClK0o67VzYjppwd-2F6w24N9ArwSojdaQHC1xgD8o3poumDsg4i4LzoW81-2FiZ4xZTunouemqlpKKVSSYzsfXwxVCr1Ix0HGE4Gl7KbP2mw93zz" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>&nbsp;and national sponsor&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3D-CNE_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OOS8-2FsVYzQH0fkCs-2BBBnfllpbtJQslPLc9AJ2-2Be4cGH3NstjldV2rjiSdU5s0oQE8FWG6Snj7S5eegu1T0DFSQFgYpLvDvNEgS42v6AjnsJlfQ7LzWykm5B8UEra3OqJnczoffQpg2wO4DH6PaHI79edBCP9-2BXNSHcjRky5Gmy72" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>&nbsp;present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kansas the award is presented annually by&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tu10dIH13bXsbEER7PyikDm-2Bai-2BMzPN27xTIsB5pnGITyE10_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OARhsbqlVvNwLg2jyC0aGCzf9PCK5Wf0Ij-2BD-2BG9JY4rtknNvDpyPBqk2YVQGgqC4RyTXefmJQdS56yO9THOjOOPnuRlzahDBS49143P-2FMxOFxfDBamlcrkAdouGjNsUXlQhq0NuvRtSliubaC-2FHVWzrQF-2B1eKcRkX8PyCrmiUeQW" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3Dh9wt_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OKfUicLX5YfJUfvAaMKvJhPLlHlMewcrlY-2B3I2UdhJyGi4xXE55floYV0M7VdABVG6K7z3KcfcqO5xBF88f4JE7cHl5Vu7BBv7smdlsUUy9jnxiWvO0YvZ2KmJN6O37l9PMopZzvkpmmN2-2FxjWhjOVGc9e9VwFLQ37bIzgQ2rfvV" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TlAh-2Fwkr9O-2FK9u-2BV2PzMW8ksV8YQtSwUDFFYOR-2BNK9bbIIcH_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OO38vdSHe9080LIxwFQy1eUSc5b7R-2Fr86-2B40U1wU6OY1o8RPAFdRunTvJ4VzsXnBs2XOKEQYjTAb-2FRbIoUj7zCnwuvU1J1jjbtxlAw12IvyBwrCnD6IQ6WKb-2F-2FH-2BMPiOdlS96o6pj8zIuCYBtyyRIQVSPUD5ho71Cl2wlIMq20JW" target="_blank">Kansas Association of Conservation Districts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2Zvco6lW3OMrNPzqzlv0fvNhTdT_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OLdMFebuY0ig5Shqohu5qM-2BM0jSWsnA34GHyevlGAKUe15Lco9GLJ-2F4uPeqVxtkARWkO5lPfh4KLv4QbKArjiE3Qmzm9t8tEOhqnm-2B98GixXxi2BFgg-2FIuM7mR9fWalJS9b-2BL2cgb1yqIszPYnD7Qf0Dh2Ryw424fWd663pZW1Sd" target="_blank">Ranchland Trust of Kansas</a>.The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 79th Annual Convention in Wichita in November. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689970477789.jpeg" alt="The Ray and Susan Flickner family. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Ray and Susan Flickner family. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The finalists are:Ray and Susan Flickner of Wichita. The Flickner family farms in McPherson, Hodgeman, Dickinson and Norton counties. They installed sub-surface drip irrigation technology to become more efficient with water and nutrient applications on crops. They experiment with cover crops to improve water infiltration and suppress weeds. Their Flickner Innovation Farm is a collaboration of university, industry, and agency partners where new methods to improve soil health and conserve water are demonstrated.Kevin Karr Family of Emporia. The Karr family raises crops and hogs in Lyon County. To reduce soil erosion, Kevin began using no-till practices in the 1980s. He credits no-till with enhancing wildlife habitat and reducing his fuel use, while building better soil structure. Weeds are naturally suppressed by planting cover crops of rye, while beneficial insects are attracted to flowering cover crops. The combination of no-till and cover crops has bolstered the farm’s resilience to drought. &nbsp;Janus Farms of Cherryvale. Dr. Phil Eastep has improved wildlife habitat and biodiversity on his Montgomery County farmland with prescribed burning, rotationally grazing beef cattle, and removing invasive species such as cedar and sumac. To prevent erosion and promote soil health he has planted more than 125,000 trees and constructed a riverbank stabilization project. He has hosted botanical and endangered wildlife studies at his farm, and established pollinator habitat of native flowering plants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689970600995.jpeg" alt="Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. The Walkers are improving soil health, wildlife habitat and water distribution on their properties in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Rice, Russell and Saline counties. By using rotational grazing to feed their beef cattle, they are also managing grassland to improve habitat for greater prairie chickens, turkeys and deer. Their investment in removing invasive red cedar trees improves water resources. Several of their properties are enrolled in the Kansas Walk-in Hunting program. &nbsp;The first Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2015. The 2022 recipient was Michael Thompson of Almena.The Leopold Conservation Award in Kansas is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Evergy, Kansas Department of Agriculture (Division of Conservation), Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kansas, Green Cover Seed, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, and a Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient.In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”ACCOLADES“Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is excited to recognize these outstanding landowners who are committed to conservation on their land,” said Dan Meyerhoff, KACD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with Sand County Foundation and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas to give these families the recognition they deserve."“Ranchland Trust of Kansas is proud to be part of recognizing Kansas ranchers and farmers for their stewardship of their land,” said Barth Crouch, Ranchland Trust of Kansas Chairman. “All of the finalists are deserving of the award which is really recognition of their management efforts and sacrifice to bring their land to its highest potential.”“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust, celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Kansas award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DhVUO_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBqkIi9QpNLwQ-2FASIShSvsLBZCvoHjRptd8Ad8lhmnzIw5b9uXk4QVp5UP3j6lutcGHIij1Qh0jgXWJ-2FadQf-2BdUD1yQOXpo-2FcIfKkbtczJ6OSpRzWH0XwiXmrEGzA-2BOOreOKr2LhusbWZQp2AJIwqe7o0eGeGMY8KC5Kgl02u-2BMR" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>.&nbsp;LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD PROGRAMThe Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Sand County Foundation presents the award in California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DifYj_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OPG-2BtPtvoDFdImcYfp6MZL1VS6iJ306Xg9dnUuS6ahJ7F5WOh11Kwf23wEpWssH8879zqm3Zv-2B6c95sZMR94xFk2Orc-2FdS-2BeuCfxuWPWrtuI4UN7j10itdrwbPaaSFlG0mnsmKJoKtH8x9Bw5zZvoDxQZloV-2F-2FVfFinK2lslR6Qg" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUSTAmerican Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through its No Farms, No Food message. Since its founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqEHgcPfa7g-2BDEhyzls7YCdmsLE-2FBr6lWioHaASJelZKSJVK_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OK15fI5eS-2Fr3zlvjO8KZZUTIwMqXLW1EH3DGT9yQCkGLlZ9njspGFhyOPQ3tY-2FDGVcMjK7zFr3ACQya1uLDixqqr6lYD5m8FgY4-2Bk0-2BM14lam09qrTOQqZ0DWhxhZYRCXnQYZJ1ycxP6theZlAct9UkKU5zHGCOIKtmK-2BKn4EaY9" target="_blank">www.farmland.org</a>KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTSThe Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is a voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit, incorporated organization composed of members from the conservation districts located throughout Kansas’ 105 counties. Through partnerships with federal, state, and local entities, the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts has brought together groups that share the common goal of wise and efficient conservation practices that protect Kansas’ natural resources. The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts promotes and supports the establishment of programs dedicated to conservation and the organized development of Kansas land, water, and related resources.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqQ0uIE7ER9WCJ8HWUyLYHg-3D-I_P_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OD4fDsgzorcg12P2eGm3pHQfVcboe1J3PuC4NFgBd-2FnicbYBfsttLjKKXt-2BcuVC138UhcAZ5YA3et2G-2BGNhjTk88wXUcrdu7-2F3yaw2slyEATtX2A0I-2FK-2Bd-2BKU2-2BggS9E3Anq4z4Ha2Mnu-2BK7lY8u7eL5so0XOgB9Wy92l-2FdYmp7T" target="_blank">www.kacdnet.org</a>RANCHLAND TRUST OF KANSASThe Ranchland Trust of Kansas is a private, non-profit organization founded by members of the Kansas Livestock Association in 2003. The organization was created to provide assistance to ranchers and landowners who desire to conserve their land with conservation easements. Guided by their mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes, the Ranchland Trust of Kansas values a commitment to conservation, respect for private landownership, integrity, organizational excellence and collaboration with those who share their values. The Ranchland Trust of Kansas remains an affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2ZAspG1lDjO2WLTM8b-2BpAJ8A1rz_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBJ7HIG0ZsRz65XUsf-2FrsCzdR8POH2AwQ2QsXN7ghda3a9-2FwpouMFgyhN-2FjqcQzJsrFAezF-2F5PBz92e-2Fj14yFPSE4rm3NrwXx5oEJif8Gqs0kIRAurTHtT8tLAaEscZnufVExp2v5DT3toJTYnDj9yAUy5H7rfwg-2FWWZqX8IB8fl" target="_blank">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a>SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION&nbsp;Sand County Foundation inspires and empowers a growing number of private landowners to ethically manage natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support agriculture and forestry, plentiful habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqhLZzLyiSya1CF0bWNXKIKdXQVEpg0tu0UghQLfDEM3ivoa_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBgs-2Bh-2FQ-2Bpourj9g2TcTE9aLiBPgd4fv1-2BBfFhQiPWhSwtgDZ5L8omYRs7UImMFQ0aLDK2vzKfogsuFiUj5d3-2FnR5MApb772Vz1uwxz04k7kfsg-2BAhyqE4j7l7BvwujLzCxzv5yQzqzdr9lzIYc37HvNxuZuaORnBx2U1aU9aWfu" target="_blank">www.sandcountyfoundation.org</a>

Finalists for 2023 KS Leopold Conservation Award include area ag producers

I will apologize for my bluntness but I have to let my feelings be known. As most know I have been in law enforcement for over forty years. I have seen things that most people could not imagine, thus causing me to voice my concerns for the upcoming election.

 I am extremely concerned for the safety of our children if the YES vote would win. 

This vote would put our children at risk as they will have to be transported to schools farther away from where they are going right now. Our buses stand a greater chance of being in an accident due to road conditions such as rain, ice, and snow. Our older children that can drive will be in the same danger. 

I know that our children and adults text while they drive as I have tried to enforce this law. I know they will be texting while driving on a highway at higher speeds than in town thus elevating the chance of an accident. I have had to give notifications to family members for numerous reasons that a family member has been hurt or deceased. 

This is a tragic thing to do when it is a motor vehicle accident. The shock to the family is devastating as I have experienced it for myself. My mother was killed in a motor vehicle accident in 2008 and I received the information by phone. 

I think those responsible for this issue of ending the school district did not think this through as they are putting our children at risk, if this issue passes. 

I also have concerns about other issues this vote could cause but my main concern is for the safety of our children. I would ask that all of you that have children, grandchildren, or other family members think about&nbsp;this as you vote on this issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I will apologize for my bluntness but I have to let my feelings be known. As most know I have been in law enforcement for over forty years. I have seen things that most people could not imagine, thus causing me to voice my concerns for the upcoming election. I am extremely concerned for the safety of our children if the YES vote would win. This vote would put our children at risk as they will have to be transported to schools farther away from where they are going right now. Our buses stand a greater chance of being in an accident due to road conditions such as rain, ice, and snow. Our older children that can drive will be in the same danger. I know that our children and adults text while they drive as I have tried to enforce this law. I know they will be texting while driving on a highway at higher speeds than in town thus elevating the chance of an accident. I have had to give notifications to family members for numerous reasons that a family member has been hurt or deceased. This is a tragic thing to do when it is a motor vehicle accident. The shock to the family is devastating as I have experienced it for myself. My mother was killed in a motor vehicle accident in 2008 and I received the information by phone. I think those responsible for this issue of ending the school district did not think this through as they are putting our children at risk, if this issue passes. I also have concerns about other issues this vote could cause but my main concern is for the safety of our children. I would ask that all of you that have children, grandchildren, or other family members think about&nbsp;this as you vote on this issue.- Gary D. Vaughan, Claflin

Letter to the Editor: Concern for children's safety in USD 112 vote

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690295721735.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>

We are hiring CDL Drivers (A or B) with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company.

ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.

Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary.

This position is based out of Hays, Kansas. If interested, please apply within at 1327 Rome Road, Hays, Kansas 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642173081488.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We are hiring CDL Drivers (A or B) with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company.ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary.This position is based out of Hays, Kansas. If interested, please apply within at 1327 Rome Road, Hays, Kansas 67601.

🏈🎧 Tigers picked 8th and 10th in MIAA preseason polls

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with Buzz the Entertainer about his upcoming Hays performance.

<div><iframe title="Buzz the Entertainer set to perform in Hays Aug. 5" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9gft4-146451b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;The Morning Blend's Jeff Leiker speaks with Buzz the Entertainer about his upcoming Hays performance.

🎙 Post Podcast: Buzz the Entertainer set to perform in Hays Aug. 5

By JULIA DEBES Kansas Wheat

This is day 15 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Everyone in the wheat supply chain is feeling the drag of a long and difficult harvest season. Harvest is still only 87 percent complete, well behind 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 98 percent, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 23, 2023.

Producers generally like to wrap up harvest by the Fourth of July across the draw area for Garden City Co-op, but general manager Jeff Boyd noted there are a number of farmers still cutting and hauling in grain. A big storm that dropped three to five inches of rain and hail Thursday, July 20, further delayed those final fields, but with triple-digit temperatures this week, most producers should be able to finish up.&nbsp;

“That’s been the story of this harvest and why we still have folks out there with acres to cut,” Boyd said. “I don’t remember one being this late.”&nbsp;

At the beginning of wheat harvest in Finney County and the surrounding area, test weights were good at 60 to 61 pounds per bushel but are now averaging just under 59 pounds per bushel due to continued rain. Moisture has stayed steady at 12 percent. Proteins are averaging in the 12 percent range.&nbsp;

Yields are highly variable with a lot of abandoned acres with some fields not even germinating until January and February. Boyd reported they expected a big difference between planted and harvested acres, but the cooperative will take in about half the bushels of a 10-year average crop, which is better than anyone expected in the spring.&nbsp;

Wheat producers planted into dust last fall and are now harvesting in the mud, having received a year’s worth of rain since April - some areas up to 15 inches. Boyd noted there is still a moisture deficiency to make up, despite the continued summer showers, which currently good-looking fall crops will need to get to harvest.&nbsp;

Despite the seemingly constant rain delays and ever-increasing weed pressure, wheat farmers like Gary Millershaski in Lakin are stubborn and determined to do whatever it takes to finish cutting the fields left standing. On Monday, July 24, Millershaski was cutting wheat that should have been cut a month ago, but was set back by finally getting rain, mud, then more rain, then weeds, then having to spray fields and wait for residual periods to expire, then more rain. His friends in Oregon and Montana are already cutting their winter wheat, which is always on a different harvest schedule than his Kansas farm.&nbsp;

“I’m not mad, I’m frustrated,” he said. “It has been a mess.”

The entire growing season for Millershaski has been a battle. Before May 15, his acres only had received six to eight inches of moisture for the last year and a half. He planted wheat at the end of September and only had 30 to 40 percent emergence due to the drought. Where the wheat did come up after a small snow in January or rain in May, a lot did not produce kernels. After crop insurance agents adjusted those poor acres anywhere from zero to 2.5 bushels per acre, he destroyed all but 15 percent of his planted acres.&nbsp;

There in the southern half of Kearny County, he estimated up to 90 percent of wheat acres were abandoned. In comparison, the northern half of the county saw unbelievable yields if producers were fortunate enough to get the wheat to come up. Those yields were boosted by a complete turn in the weather after May 15. Since that time, Millershaski reported receiving 16 to 17 inches of rain.&nbsp;

That rain helped fill heads, even if it brought with it troublesome weeds. Millershaski reported test weights started as high as 61.7 pounds per bushel and protein should be higher than average due to the prior drought conditions. If he averages 25 bushels an acre on the fields he has left, he said he will be tickled to death.&nbsp;

As the rain has continued falling, test weights have dropped down to 56 or 57 pounds per bushel, and elevators are now sending samples of nearly every load to the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to check for potential damage. As a result, it can take up to three days for the producer to know their dockage levels, which Millershaski said is frustrating, but a necessary part of what the cooperatives need to do to sustain local operations.&nbsp;

“We’re back to cutting again,” Millershaski said. “With any luck, I’ll wrap it up tomorrow.”

Millershaski turned 60 years old this year. Of all his harvests, he has never cut this late and the poor year ranks at the very bottom. Despite that struggle, he and his two sons are already on the list for the varieties they selected to plant this fall - refusing to let this year be their last.&nbsp;

“We’re planning for next year,” he said. “If we were throwing in the towel, we wouldn’t be cutting this crap right now.”

“Nobody likes to quit a failure. I’ll be danged if I’m going to quit on a bad year. I may retire after the year of the home-run-over-the-fence yields, but I don’t see how I could quit.”

Crop insurance helps provide a bridge from this bad year to a hopefully better harvest next year, but Millershaski was quick to point out that not many could average out their yearly wages for the past 15 years, take 60 to 70 percent of that and make that work for their budgets.&nbsp;

“If it weren’t for crop insurance, there would be a lot of people that would not be here next year,” Millershaski said.&nbsp;

His son Kyler is off the combine and back in Washington, DC, this week, visiting with Congressional leaders about the importance of programs like crop insurance to helping farmers like themselves persist through bad years like this one. Millershaski said he’s fortunate to have two sons that didn’t want to do anything but farm and are home working as the next generation in the operation.&nbsp;

“This is our passion,” he said, noting he wished he could explain the good smell of a shovel full of good dirt in the spring or the soothing feel of ripe wheat to the touch. “This is what we do.”&nbsp;

The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690278006128.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatThis is day 15 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Everyone in the wheat supply chain is feeling the drag of a long and difficult harvest season. Harvest is still only 87 percent complete, well behind 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 98 percent, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 23, 2023.Producers generally like to wrap up harvest by the Fourth of July across the draw area for Garden City Co-op, but general manager Jeff Boyd noted there are a number of farmers still cutting and hauling in grain. A big storm that dropped three to five inches of rain and hail Thursday, July 20, further delayed those final fields, but with triple-digit temperatures this week, most producers should be able to finish up.&nbsp;“That’s been the story of this harvest and why we still have folks out there with acres to cut,” Boyd said. “I don’t remember one being this late.”&nbsp;At the beginning of wheat harvest in Finney County and the surrounding area, test weights were good at 60 to 61 pounds per bushel but are now averaging just under 59 pounds per bushel due to continued rain. Moisture has stayed steady at 12 percent. Proteins are averaging in the 12 percent range.&nbsp;Yields are highly variable with a lot of abandoned acres with some fields not even germinating until January and February. Boyd reported they expected a big difference between planted and harvested acres, but the cooperative will take in about half the bushels of a 10-year average crop, which is better than anyone expected in the spring.&nbsp;Wheat producers planted into dust last fall and are now harvesting in the mud, having received a year’s worth of rain since April - some areas up to 15 inches. Boyd noted there is still a moisture deficiency to make up, despite the continued summer showers, which currently good-looking fall crops will need to get to harvest.&nbsp;Despite the seemingly constant rain delays and ever-increasing weed pressure, wheat farmers like Gary Millershaski in Lakin are stubborn and determined to do whatever it takes to finish cutting the fields left standing. On Monday, July 24, Millershaski was cutting wheat that should have been cut a month ago, but was set back by finally getting rain, mud, then more rain, then weeds, then having to spray fields and wait for residual periods to expire, then more rain. His friends in Oregon and Montana are already cutting their winter wheat, which is always on a different harvest schedule than his Kansas farm.&nbsp;“I’m not mad, I’m frustrated,” he said. “It has been a mess.”The entire growing season for Millershaski has been a battle. Before May 15, his acres only had received six to eight inches of moisture for the last year and a half. He planted wheat at the end of September and only had 30 to 40 percent emergence due to the drought. Where the wheat did come up after a small snow in January or rain in May, a lot did not produce kernels. After crop insurance agents adjusted those poor acres anywhere from zero to 2.5 bushels per acre, he destroyed all but 15 percent of his planted acres.&nbsp;There in the southern half of Kearny County, he estimated up to 90 percent of wheat acres were abandoned. In comparison, the northern half of the county saw unbelievable yields if producers were fortunate enough to get the wheat to come up. Those yields were boosted by a complete turn in the weather after May 15. Since that time, Millershaski reported receiving 16 to 17 inches of rain.&nbsp;That rain helped fill heads, even if it brought with it troublesome weeds. Millershaski reported test weights started as high as 61.7 pounds per bushel and protein should be higher than average due to the prior drought conditions. If he averages 25 bushels an acre on the fields he has left, he said he will be tickled to death.&nbsp;As the rain has continued falling, test weights have dropped down to 56 or 57 pounds per bushel, and elevators are now sending samples of nearly every load to the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to check for potential damage. As a result, it can take up to three days for the producer to know their dockage levels, which Millershaski said is frustrating, but a necessary part of what the cooperatives need to do to sustain local operations.&nbsp;“We’re back to cutting again,” Millershaski said. “With any luck, I’ll wrap it up tomorrow.”Millershaski turned 60 years old this year. Of all his harvests, he has never cut this late and the poor year ranks at the very bottom. Despite that struggle, he and his two sons are already on the list for the varieties they selected to plant this fall - refusing to let this year be their last.&nbsp;“We’re planning for next year,” he said. “If we were throwing in the towel, we wouldn’t be cutting this crap right now.”“Nobody likes to quit a failure. I’ll be danged if I’m going to quit on a bad year. I may retire after the year of the home-run-over-the-fence yields, but I don’t see how I could quit.”Crop insurance helps provide a bridge from this bad year to a hopefully better harvest next year, but Millershaski was quick to point out that not many could average out their yearly wages for the past 15 years, take 60 to 70 percent of that and make that work for their budgets.&nbsp;“If it weren’t for crop insurance, there would be a lot of people that would not be here next year,” Millershaski said.&nbsp;His son Kyler is off the combine and back in Washington, DC, this week, visiting with Congressional leaders about the importance of programs like crop insurance to helping farmers like themselves persist through bad years like this one. Millershaski said he’s fortunate to have two sons that didn’t want to do anything but farm and are home working as the next generation in the operation.&nbsp;“This is our passion,” he said, noting he wished he could explain the good smell of a shovel full of good dirt in the spring or the soothing feel of ripe wheat to the touch. “This is what we do.”&nbsp;The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.

KANSAS WHEAT: Harvest remains very slow at 87% complete

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

They may be “crazy, kooky and goofy,”
but Travis Grizzell, director of The Hays Community Theatre's production of&nbsp;The Addams Family, a new musical comedy, said
they have been a staple of pop culture for decades not because of their
peculiar antics, but rather what they share with the audience.

“They have the same problems
the rest of us have with all our strange, kooky families,” he said.

And as the world awaits the release of the recently
announced next season of the popular Netflix show Wednesday, local
performers will bring the family to life at 7 p.m. July 27, 28 and 29 in the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

“It's the good old Addams
Family, but as many iterations of the Addams Family as there are, this is a new
one for the musical,” Grizzell said.

The story follows the oldest
daughter, Wednesday, after falling in love and looking to get married “despite
her best efforts,” he said. 

“They are all scared to tell
mom (Morticia), and so the plot revolves around her boyfriend and her and
(father) Gomez trying to skirt around this marriage issue.”

“It's characters that
multiple generations now love, in new circumstances and some musical and dance
numbers too,” Grizzell said.

Bringing the show together are
performers and cast members from all walks of life volunteering their time,
some new and some seasoned veterans of the organization.

“And they're an absolutely
phenomenal group,” Grizzell said. They are talented…they are gamers, and they are
hilarious. They get the humor, they play off each other well, the chemistry is
good, and it's going to be a fun show.”

The show is family-friendly
but will be enjoyable for young and old alike.

“It's good family fun, but
there's a little ‘wink,’ a little adult humor there,” Grizzell said.

And with the staying power in
pop culture and the large cast, he said he expects a good turnout.

“With the old TV show and the
early '90s movies, which are the best, and the new animated series and then the Wednesday
series on Netflix, there's every generation you can think of that has been
exposed to the Addams Family,” Grizzell said. “It's got name recognition.”

The theatre also keeps the
price low, $15, to help everyone in the community experience performances
featuring their neighbors, family and friends.

“You can come see people you
might recognize in a really different way,” Grizzell said.

That familiarity is part of
the “novelty” of community theatre.

“It's ‘Oh,
that's my teacher up there. Oh, my gosh, that's my plumber. That's my banker.
Oh, the guy from the radio booth. He's doing sound, or I know her, she's my dance
teacher,’ you see all walks of life,” Grizzell said.

And
while it may be a diverse group of community members, one thing brings them all
together.

“They are
like-minded, and they like creating something," Grizzell said. "They see the benefit of giving
performance opportunities and artistic outlets."

Tickets are available at the door or online on the Hays Community Theatre website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">hctks.com.</a>

Direction:&nbsp;Travis Grizzell Assistant Director:&nbsp;Pamela Grizzell Musical Direction:&nbsp;Madelyn Seiler

Gomez Addams&nbsp;– Jerrett Leiker Morticia Addams&nbsp;– Codi Fenwick Uncle Fester&nbsp;– Andy Stanton Grandma&nbsp;– Jerri Ann Leiker Wednesday Addams&nbsp;– Natalie Loftus Pugsley Addams&nbsp;– Jack Stoecklein Lurch&nbsp;– Jeseph Barnes Mal Beineke&nbsp;– Quinton McGuire Alice Beineke&nbsp;– Maggie Brull Lucas Beineke&nbsp;– Lane Werth Caveman&nbsp;– Avery Koehn Pirate&nbsp;– Jazmine Lynd Pilgrim&nbsp;– Breanna Seiler Puritan&nbsp;– Kendra Ryan Prisoner&nbsp;– Caitlyn Sahlfeld Knight&nbsp;– Shiloh Gaschler Princess&nbsp;– Scarlett Wittkorn Egyptian&nbsp;– Victoria Heimann Cousin It&nbsp;– Zachary Leiker Barbershop Crooner&nbsp;– Zachariah Hurd William Shakespeare&nbsp;– Adam Conkey Mardi Gras Dancer&nbsp;– Olivia Werth Conquistador&nbsp;– Gene Stramel Flapper Girl&nbsp;– Kiki Gonzales Elizabethan Woman&nbsp;– Ella Fenwick&nbsp; Marie Antoinette&nbsp;– Claire Nickerson WWII Soldier&nbsp;– Connor Werth Musketeer&nbsp;– Madicyn Urban 1910 Motorist&nbsp;– Allison Goertzen German Polka Dancer&nbsp;– Brooke Leiker Capuchin Priest&nbsp;– Rose Windholz Nun&nbsp;– Alexis Ryan Saloon Girl&nbsp;– Maggie Baalmann Fisherman&nbsp;– Rowen Johnson Safari Guide&nbsp;– Kendall Seiler Ballerina&nbsp;– Savannah Wittkorn Colonial Girl&nbsp;– Gracie Long Cowgirl&nbsp;– Gracelyn Inlow French Revolutionary&nbsp;– Kati Davis-Abbott Miner&nbsp;- Kennedy Smith Spanish Dancer&nbsp;- Elizabeth Noble

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253062445.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostThey may be “crazy, kooky and goofy,”
but Travis Grizzell, director of The Hays Community Theatre's production of&nbsp;The Addams Family, a new musical comedy, said
they have been a staple of pop culture for decades not because of their
peculiar antics, but rather what they share with the audience.“They have the same problems
the rest of us have with all our strange, kooky families,” he said.And as the world awaits the release of the recently
announced next season of the popular Netflix show Wednesday, local
performers will bring the family to life at 7 p.m. July 27, 28 and 29 in the Beach/Schmidt
Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.<div><iframe title="Hays Community Theatre to present ‘The Addams Family’ a new musical comedy" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7y85c-14630b7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>“It's the good old Addams
Family, but as many iterations of the Addams Family as there are, this is a new
one for the musical,” Grizzell said.The story follows the oldest
daughter, Wednesday, after falling in love and looking to get married “despite
her best efforts,” he said. “They are all scared to tell
mom (Morticia), and so the plot revolves around her boyfriend and her and
(father) Gomez trying to skirt around this marriage issue.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253468300.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>“It's characters that
multiple generations now love, in new circumstances and some musical and dance
numbers too,” Grizzell said.Bringing the show together are
performers and cast members from all walks of life volunteering their time,
some new and some seasoned veterans of the organization.“And they're an absolutely
phenomenal group,” Grizzell said. They are talented…they are gamers, and they are
hilarious. They get the humor, they play off each other well, the chemistry is
good, and it's going to be a fun show.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253491252.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>The show is family-friendly
but will be enjoyable for young and old alike.“It's good family fun, but
there's a little ‘wink,’ a little adult humor there,” Grizzell said.And with the staying power in
pop culture and the large cast, he said he expects a good turnout.“With the old TV show and the
early '90s movies, which are the best, and the new animated series and then the Wednesday
series on Netflix, there's every generation you can think of that has been
exposed to the Addams Family,” Grizzell said. “It's got name recognition.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253512910.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>The theatre also keeps the
price low, $15, to help everyone in the community experience performances
featuring their neighbors, family and friends.“You can come see people you
might recognize in a really different way,” Grizzell said.That familiarity is part of
the “novelty” of community theatre.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253535940.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>“It's ‘Oh,
that's my teacher up there. Oh, my gosh, that's my plumber. That's my banker.
Oh, the guy from the radio booth. He's doing sound, or I know her, she's my dance
teacher,’ you see all walks of life,” Grizzell said.And
while it may be a diverse group of community members, one thing brings them all
together.“They are
like-minded, and they like creating something," Grizzell said. "They see the benefit of giving
performance opportunities and artistic outlets."Tickets are available at the door or online on the Hays Community Theatre website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">hctks.com.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690253558630.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>Cast:Direction:&nbsp;Travis Grizzell Assistant Director:&nbsp;Pamela Grizzell Musical Direction:&nbsp;Madelyn SeilerGomez Addams&nbsp;– Jerrett Leiker Morticia Addams&nbsp;– Codi Fenwick Uncle Fester&nbsp;– Andy Stanton Grandma&nbsp;– Jerri Ann Leiker Wednesday Addams&nbsp;– Natalie Loftus Pugsley Addams&nbsp;– Jack Stoecklein Lurch&nbsp;– Jeseph Barnes Mal Beineke&nbsp;– Quinton McGuire Alice Beineke&nbsp;– Maggie Brull Lucas Beineke&nbsp;– Lane Werth Caveman&nbsp;– Avery Koehn Pirate&nbsp;– Jazmine Lynd Pilgrim&nbsp;– Breanna Seiler Puritan&nbsp;– Kendra Ryan Prisoner&nbsp;– Caitlyn Sahlfeld Knight&nbsp;– Shiloh Gaschler Princess&nbsp;– Scarlett Wittkorn Egyptian&nbsp;– Victoria Heimann Cousin It&nbsp;– Zachary Leiker Barbershop Crooner&nbsp;– Zachariah Hurd William Shakespeare&nbsp;– Adam Conkey Mardi Gras Dancer&nbsp;– Olivia Werth Conquistador&nbsp;– Gene Stramel Flapper Girl&nbsp;– Kiki Gonzales Elizabethan Woman&nbsp;– Ella Fenwick&nbsp; Marie Antoinette&nbsp;– Claire Nickerson WWII Soldier&nbsp;– Connor Werth Musketeer&nbsp;– Madicyn Urban 1910 Motorist&nbsp;– Allison Goertzen German Polka Dancer&nbsp;– Brooke Leiker Capuchin Priest&nbsp;– Rose Windholz Nun&nbsp;– Alexis Ryan Saloon Girl&nbsp;– Maggie Baalmann Fisherman&nbsp;– Rowen Johnson Safari Guide&nbsp;– Kendall Seiler Ballerina&nbsp;– Savannah Wittkorn Colonial Girl&nbsp;– Gracie Long Cowgirl&nbsp;– Gracelyn Inlow French Revolutionary&nbsp;– Kati Davis-Abbott Miner&nbsp;- Kennedy Smith Spanish Dancer&nbsp;- Elizabeth Noble

🎙 Hays Community Theatre to present ‘The Addams Family,’ a new musical comedy

My name is J.D. Johnson. I am a local real estate agent with SalinaHomes.com and current&nbsp;president of the Great Plains Association of Realtors MLS. The Great Plains Association of&nbsp;Realtors (GPAR) proudly serves the communities of Salina, Great Bend, Russell, and all areas&nbsp;in between. I have been a Realtor for 10 years and have helped clients buy/sell real estate all over the state of Kansas.

I am writing you in regards to the upcoming vote on August 1st that deals with the&nbsp;disorganization of USD 112. 

After having sat in on multiple informational meetings throughout the area, listening to Kansas State Department of Education representatives, and even listening&nbsp;to surrounding school boards’ opinions on the subject, it is my personal and professional opinion that a “NO Vote” is a clear answer on what is best for our local communities.

A “Yes Vote”, disorganizing USD 112 and closing all schools within the district Wilson&nbsp;Elementary, Central Plains Elementary and Central Plains Jr./Sr. High School, would be&nbsp;absolutely devastating to all local businesses and economies within the district and in&nbsp;surrounding communities. 

In addition, almost all patrons would see a drastic increase in taxes due to the surrounding school districts’ much higher mill levies.

One important factor that I feel hasn’t been discussed or brought up enough when considering&nbsp;a Yes or No vote is the current real estate markets around the district. 

If the “Yes Vote” were to be successful, many unintended consequences would occur: Wilson Elementary in Wilson, Central Plains Elementary in Holyrood, and Central Plains Junior High/High School would all be closed on July 1, 2024. This would displace over 504 students who would then be assigned to surrounding districts. This would also cause 107 staff/employees to lose their jobs entirely. You would then see a mass exodus of people and families moving and leaving the area. Many would be in search of new jobs and some would be in search of new school districts that the families would be choosing rather than the state.

Regardless the reason, you will see many homes in all of these communities quickly become&nbsp;vacant. Now the question is, “Who will move into and fill these vacant homes?” 

With each and&nbsp;every one of these communities now without a school nor a school with 5-10 miles, all are now&nbsp;much less desirable for new residents with children and families. Many of these vacant homes&nbsp;would most likely remain vacant or become rentals, both would drastically hurt and impact the&nbsp;local real estate markets.

There are other avenues less drastic that can be taken to separate the communities in USD 112 (land transfers, lobbying to the state to adopt new policies that allows schools to separate peacefully, etc.) this does not involve destroying the entire area’s economic and real estate market. Everyone must think of the future of these communities and the families and children involved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>My name is J.D. Johnson. I am a local real estate agent with SalinaHomes.com and current&nbsp;president of the Great Plains Association of Realtors MLS. The Great Plains Association of&nbsp;Realtors (GPAR) proudly serves the communities of Salina, Great Bend, Russell, and all areas&nbsp;in between. I have been a Realtor for 10 years and have helped clients buy/sell real estate all over the state of Kansas.I am writing you in regards to the upcoming vote on August 1st that deals with the&nbsp;disorganization of USD 112. After having sat in on multiple informational meetings throughout the area, listening to Kansas State Department of Education representatives, and even listening&nbsp;to surrounding school boards’ opinions on the subject, it is my personal and professional opinion that a “NO Vote” is a clear answer on what is best for our local communities.A “Yes Vote”, disorganizing USD 112 and closing all schools within the district Wilson&nbsp;Elementary, Central Plains Elementary and Central Plains Jr./Sr. High School, would be&nbsp;absolutely devastating to all local businesses and economies within the district and in&nbsp;surrounding communities. In addition, almost all patrons would see a drastic increase in taxes due to the surrounding school districts’ much higher mill levies.One important factor that I feel hasn’t been discussed or brought up enough when considering&nbsp;a Yes or No vote is the current real estate markets around the district. If the “Yes Vote” were to be successful, many unintended consequences would occur: Wilson Elementary in Wilson, Central Plains Elementary in Holyrood, and Central Plains Junior High/High School would all be closed on July 1, 2024. This would displace over 504 students who would then be assigned to surrounding districts. This would also cause 107 staff/employees to lose their jobs entirely. You would then see a mass exodus of people and families moving and leaving the area. Many would be in search of new jobs and some would be in search of new school districts that the families would be choosing rather than the state.Regardless the reason, you will see many homes in all of these communities quickly become&nbsp;vacant. Now the question is, “Who will move into and fill these vacant homes?” With each and&nbsp;every one of these communities now without a school nor a school with 5-10 miles, all are now&nbsp;much less desirable for new residents with children and families. Many of these vacant homes&nbsp;would most likely remain vacant or become rentals, both would drastically hurt and impact the&nbsp;local real estate markets.There are other avenues less drastic that can be taken to separate the communities in USD 112 (land transfers, lobbying to the state to adopt new policies that allows schools to separate peacefully, etc.) this does not involve destroying the entire area’s economic and real estate market. Everyone must think of the future of these communities and the families and children involved.-&nbsp;J.D. Johnson, Odin, Kansas

Letter to Editor: Disorganizing USD 112 will mean severe economic blow

It’s hard to believe that July 25 marks my one-year anniversary of becoming an extension agent. This year went by so fast! I’ve been so blessed by making the move to K-State Research and Extension. I love my job and have gotten to do so many fun things this past year. 

I started right after the Ellis County Fair last year, and as I sit here writing this, we are wrapping up my first county fair as an extension agent.

 I have been so impressed by the youth in our community. Watching the kids work with their animals, make projects, and helping out in the food stand has been such a pleasure. So many volunteers work hard to bring the Ellis County Fair together.

One of the things that is so enjoyable about my job is no two days are ever the same. Some days are office days and other days I don’t see my office. 

You never know what question will come in either by phone, email or in person at the office. Questions are great because if I don’t know the answer then I do the research to get the answer. It is safe to say I learn something new every day. Hearing what other people are curious about makes my job interesting. Keep asking questions!

One of the highlights of my first year was the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy class held earlier this year. 

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is a strength training class for older adults that helps them with balance, strength and flexibility. Sixteen men and women signed up for the class and not one person quit during the 8 weeks. They all finished! Now that is perseverance! Yes, life happens and throws us curveballs. Some participants had to miss a few classes, but they all finished. Not only did they all finish, but a group of them continued to meet and do the exercises on their own! We had so much fun during the class telling jokes and trying new recipes. I’m so thankful for these opportunities. Another class will begin in late August. Watch for the announcement.

Programming for older people has been a pleasure, and going into the schools has been fun also. Since my background is in early childhood, I really enjoy being able to go into the childcare setting, libraries and schools to deliver programming around health and nutrition. Glo-germ handwashing, field to fork, blender bike and organwise are a few of the programs I have offered for the youth.

I look forward to many more years as an extension agent and continuing to form relationships with community partners. 

Goals for my second year include offering more signature programs from K-State such as Walk with Ease, Dining with Diabetes and Med Instead of Meds. I will also get trained in Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, Level 2. Mental health programming and youth programming continue to be important as well.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s hard to believe that July 25 marks my one-year anniversary of becoming an extension agent. This year went by so fast! I’ve been so blessed by making the move to K-State Research and Extension. I love my job and have gotten to do so many fun things this past year. I started right after the Ellis County Fair last year, and as I sit here writing this, we are wrapping up my first county fair as an extension agent. I have been so impressed by the youth in our community. Watching the kids work with their animals, make projects, and helping out in the food stand has been such a pleasure. So many volunteers work hard to bring the Ellis County Fair together.One of the things that is so enjoyable about my job is no two days are ever the same. Some days are office days and other days I don’t see my office. You never know what question will come in either by phone, email or in person at the office. Questions are great because if I don’t know the answer then I do the research to get the answer. It is safe to say I learn something new every day. Hearing what other people are curious about makes my job interesting. Keep asking questions!One of the highlights of my first year was the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy class held earlier this year. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is a strength training class for older adults that helps them with balance, strength and flexibility. Sixteen men and women signed up for the class and not one person quit during the 8 weeks. They all finished! Now that is perseverance! Yes, life happens and throws us curveballs. Some participants had to miss a few classes, but they all finished. Not only did they all finish, but a group of them continued to meet and do the exercises on their own! We had so much fun during the class telling jokes and trying new recipes. I’m so thankful for these opportunities. Another class will begin in late August. Watch for the announcement.Programming for older people has been a pleasure, and going into the schools has been fun also. Since my background is in early childhood, I really enjoy being able to go into the childcare setting, libraries and schools to deliver programming around health and nutrition. Glo-germ handwashing, field to fork, blender bike and organwise are a few of the programs I have offered for the youth.I look forward to many more years as an extension agent and continuing to form relationships with community partners. Goals for my second year include offering more signature programs from K-State such as Walk with Ease, Dining with Diabetes and Med Instead of Meds. I will also get trained in Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, Level 2. Mental health programming and youth programming continue to be important as well.Thank you for a great first year!Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

KOERNER: First year flies by as an extension agent

Blood drive Wed. at Big Creek Crossing in Hays; urgent need for blood

The Ellis County Fire Department recently received a donation of canned emergency drinking water from leading brewer Anheuser-Busch to help keep its responders hydrated as they battle wildfires this season. On July 20, more than 2,350 cans of drinking water were dropped off by&nbsp;Anheuser-Busch wholesaler partner, Wil Fischer, Hays.&nbsp;

The water will help maintain firefighters’ hydration during long incidents or disasters such as wildfires, which is a major safety concern for many departments.

“Firefighters lose a tremendous amount of fluid during high-intensity response such as battling wildfires. Proper hydration is critical to ensure the safety of our firefighters and keep them performing at their best,” said Darin Myers, fire chief. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689884596940.jpeg" alt="Scott Downing, Wil Fischer, Hays, presents Anheuser-Busch canned drinking water to Carissa Polifka, administrative assistant, and Rusty Lindsay, Ellis Co. Rural Fire Dept. Company 5 chief. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Scott Downing, Wil Fischer, Hays, presents Anheuser-Busch canned drinking water to Carissa Polifka, administrative assistant, and Rusty Lindsay, Ellis Co. Rural Fire Dept. Company 5 chief. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>ECFDThe Ellis County Fire Department recently received a donation of canned emergency drinking water from leading brewer Anheuser-Busch to help keep its responders hydrated as they battle wildfires this season. On July 20, more than 2,350 cans of drinking water were dropped off by&nbsp;Anheuser-Busch wholesaler partner, Wil Fischer, Hays.&nbsp;The water will help maintain firefighters’ hydration during long incidents or disasters such as wildfires, which is a major safety concern for many departments.“Firefighters lose a tremendous amount of fluid during high-intensity response such as battling wildfires. Proper hydration is critical to ensure the safety of our firefighters and keep them performing at their best,” said Darin Myers, fire chief. “Thanks to this water donation from Anheuser-Busch and the National Volunteer Fire Council, we now have the resources to keep our firefighters hydrated and ready to respond.” The water was donated by Anheuser-Busch through a partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council.&nbsp;Anheuser-Busch has a longstanding tradition of pausing beer production each year to provide emergency drinking water and supplies for disaster relief efforts. The production pause enables the company to apply its production and logistics expertise to can clean, safe drinking water that is ready to distribute when disaster strikes. Since 1988, the brewer has donated more than 90 million cans of emergency drinking water to communities impacted by natural disasters and other crises. Building on this commitment, the brewer teamed up with the National Volunteer Fire Council – the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services – in 2019 to provide emergency drinking water to help firefighters stay hydrated and healthy when responding to wildfires and large incidents. To date, the program has donated nearly 6.5 million cans of water to more than 1,400 volunteer fire departments across nearly all 50 states. Learn more about the program at <a href="https://www.nvfc.org/anheuser-busch-emergency-drinking-water-for-wildland-firefighters/">www.nvfc.org/water</a>.&nbsp;The Ellis County Fire Department responds to all fire, rescue, and hazmat incidents located throughout Ellis County. The department is staffed by two full-time chief officers and assisted with 95 volunteer firefighters. The department responds out of six different fire companies located in Catharine, Victoria, Hays, Ellis, Schoenchen, and Munjor.&nbsp;

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