By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — In late November, it was announced the Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica
is coming to Great Bend in May. The three-quarter replica from the memorial
in Washington D.C. travels across the country to give citizens a chance to view
the memorial that may not be able to travel to Washington. 
Larry Parsons, a Vietnam veteran himself, was the Chairperson for the Great Bend
Leadership Committee that helped bring the traveling memorial to Great Bend.
Parsons said one of the exciting parts of bringing the “The Wall That Heals” to
town is the opportunity to educate the younger children about the Vietnam War. "A
 big thing I wanted to do was bring some hands-on education for our 
school kids, and that's why I didn't want it during the summer," said 
Parsons. "I wanted it when school was on so&nbsp; teachers could maybe bring a
 field trip and walk through it." 
Along with the memorial, a mobile education center travels along too. A tour
guide can tell anyone about the history of the war and the impact of the
Vietnam era. 
Standing 7.5 feet high, the wall replica is 375 feet long and bears the names
of the more than 58,000 American men and women who died during the war. 
"Another big goal of mine is to bring some closure for people," said 
Parsons. "Maybe this will ease some of the pain. We have a couple of 
families in town that lost soldiers in the war." 
The memorial will be positioned at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend May 11 - May 14 and is free to the public.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671644103472.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — In late November, it was announced the Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica
is coming to Great Bend in May. The three-quarter replica from the memorial
in Washington D.C. travels across the country to give citizens a chance to view
the memorial that may not be able to travel to Washington. 
Larry Parsons, a Vietnam veteran himself, was the Chairperson for the Great Bend
Leadership Committee that helped bring the traveling memorial to Great Bend.
Parsons said one of the exciting parts of bringing the “The Wall That Heals” to
town is the opportunity to educate the younger children about the Vietnam War. "A
 big thing I wanted to do was bring some hands-on education for our 
school kids, and that's why I didn't want it during the summer," said 
Parsons. "I wanted it when school was on so&nbsp; teachers could maybe bring a
 field trip and walk through it." 
Along with the memorial, a mobile education center travels along too. A tour
guide can tell anyone about the history of the war and the impact of the
Vietnam era. 
Standing 7.5 feet high, the wall replica is 375 feet long and bears the names
of the more than 58,000 American men and women who died during the war. 
"Another big goal of mine is to bring some closure for people," said 
Parsons. "Maybe this will ease some of the pain. We have a couple of 
families in town that lost soldiers in the war." 
The memorial will be positioned at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend May 11 - May 14 and is free to the public.&nbsp;

Memorial helps children learn about Vietnam War impact

An opinion piece printed in the Wichita Eagle on Dec. 24&nbsp;told the tale of a
man with inoperable terminal cancer being the victim of three cold-hearted Hays
Police Department officers&nbsp;raiding his hospital room to confiscate the
cannabis he was using to find some relief from his symptoms.

That opinion piece was later printed as news in outlets across the U.S. and
beyond.

But while countless news outlets painted a picture of Hays officers citing a sick man for
criminal activity and forcing him to go before the Hays Municipal
Court for what would not be a crime in most of the country, they did so without any attempt to secure accurate information.

Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler said while officers did
cite an individual being treated at HaysMed on suspicion of drug possession on Dec. 19, a request to pull the ticket was made the same day. The opinion piece was not published until five days later on Dec 24.

He said he likely saw the report
during an end-of-shift summary but became aware of the details only after the opinion piece
was published.

“I
wasn't really aware of the incident until I saw an opinion [piece] out of a
Wichita paper talking about the Hays Police Department raiding a hospital room
and an individual with cancer being arrested,” Scheibler said.

After
looking into the case, he described the response captured on the officers'
audio recorders. 

“The
hospital staff had reported they discovered a patient who was vaping with an electronic
device with a controlled substance in the vape machine, and they were concerned,”
Scheibler said.

He said the staff was concerned about the fire risk caused by using a vaping device and the
effects of its use on the staff, so they called the police department.

Two–not three as reported–HPD officers responded to the call, Scheibler said.

“The
staff already had the items,” Scheibler said. “So, they collected the items
from the staff.”

“They
just can't take those illegal drugs and throw them in a drawer and keep them,”
he said.

From there
he said the officers spoke with the individual.

“We were
in the room just a little over eight minutes,” Scheibler said. “I've listened
to the audio recording. The officers were polite, courteous and showed the
individual empathy. He expressed some frustration about the whole incident, and
they were sympathetic to that.”

But they
did write him a ticket for the drug violations in accordance with Hays Municipal
Code.

The misdemeanor
offense used in the citation would result in a fine if he was convicted in Hays Municipal
Court.

However, that
process was stopped shortly after the ticket was issued and long before any
story had been written.

“They
immediately drove back to the office, spoke to the supervisor and that day sent
an email to the prosecutor recommending they dismiss the ticket,” Scheibler
said. “Based on that recommendation, we pulled that ticket.”

He said
the officer, in an effort to enforce the laws as written, initially made a
judgment call to follow procedure to the letter, a decision that, with guidance
from a more seasoned, officer, was adjusted.

“The
officers weren't perfect that day,” Scheibler said. “They tried to be, and at the
end of the day, they got where they needed to be. But I can't stress enough the
problem is not what they did. It's how we're supposed to enforce the law
in this situation.”

He said
it is also important to note HaysMed staff were also operating under their
policy and state law.

“I think that the hospital did everything required to them by
law,” Scheibler said. “The officer did everything in accordance with Kansas state law. They didn't violate any department policy or procedure.”

“We put law enforcement officers in a very difficult
position," he said. "We want to say this is a law but don't enforce it. That's gonna be a
challenge for us.”

And
while the goal of the original opinion piece was likely to spur a conversation
about medical cannabis use in Kansas, even as regional, national and
international news agencies published the story, no one spoke with a member of
the police department, leading to the inaccuracies being spread.

“Accuracy
wasn't a priority,” Scheibler said. “They didn't do any investigation into it.
They just tried to create discussion.”

And that
lack of accuracy has led to threats against HaysMed staff and HPD
officers.

“I
recognize an opinion editor that's his job is to create discussion in this
community,” he said. “When we fail to investigate things and actually get important
facts, that's when it gets tricky. The hospital did exactly what it
needed to do in accordance with Kansas law. The police officers were also acting
within the law and city policy and procedure. They didn't do anything wrong.”

He acknowledged
a call from the opinion editor had been logged, but as it referenced only a misdemeanor
crime and with the timing right before the holiday, the call had not yet been returned.

But
while the inaccuracies in the media are problematic, Scheibler said the expectation
that police officers are expected to equally enforce the law while at the same
time being expected to make judgment calls that not everyone may agree with is also a concern.

“We
continue to try and expect police officers to be perfect in an imperfect world,”
he said. “We're ultimately disappointed. At the end of the day, those kids went
out there and did the best they could, based on the laws of the state of Kansas and the city of Hays and tried to use their best judgment and show compassion for
this individual.”

“We
encourage them to use good judgment,” he said. “We've hired them, and we
empower them to use good officer discretion. And we want them to do that. … They
did everything in accordance with the law, that's the problem. But at the end
of the day, they got where we want them to be.”

“They
want to enforce the law equally and hold everybody to the same standard, which
I think is important,” Scheibler said. “And I admire them for that.”

“I support what they
did," he said. "I support their decisions trying to follow the law of&nbsp; Kansas and Hays,
but also show some compassion and empathy, and they did that. They didn't feel
comfortable writing that ticket, [they] didn't think it was necessary. So, they
made that recommendation [to pull the ticket.]

While standing by the actions of the
officers, he said he was sorry the patient was caught up in the situation.

“It's
important that we have these discussions,” Scheibler said. “It's important that
we have clear laws for law enforcement to enforce. And we need to do what we
think is best for all of Kansas. Again, the only thing I'm sorry about that day
was that man's got to deal with one of the most private things in his life. And
that's no longer possible now. For that, I'm sorry.”

Correction: The story was updated to clarify the date of the initial contact between Hays Police officers and the&nbsp; HaysMed patient.

By JAMES BELL Hays PostAn opinion piece printed in the Wichita Eagle on Dec. 24&nbsp;told the tale of a
man with inoperable terminal cancer being the victim of three cold-hearted Hays
Police Department officers&nbsp;raiding his hospital room to confiscate the
cannabis he was using to find some relief from his symptoms.That opinion piece was later printed as news in outlets across the U.S. and
beyond.But while countless news outlets painted a picture of Hays officers citing a sick man for
criminal activity and forcing him to go before the Hays Municipal
Court for what would not be a crime in most of the country, they did so without any attempt to secure accurate information.Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler said while officers did
cite an individual being treated at HaysMed on suspicion of drug possession on Dec. 19, a request to pull the ticket was made the same day. The opinion piece was not published until five days later on Dec 24. He said he likely saw the report
during an end-of-shift summary but became aware of the details only after the opinion piece
was published.“I
wasn't really aware of the incident until I saw an opinion [piece] out of a
Wichita paper talking about the Hays Police Department raiding a hospital room
and an individual with cancer being arrested,” Scheibler said.After
looking into the case, he described the response captured on the officers'
audio recorders. “The
hospital staff had reported they discovered a patient who was vaping with an electronic
device with a controlled substance in the vape machine, and they were concerned,”
Scheibler said.He said the staff was concerned about the fire risk caused by using a vaping device and the
effects of its use on the staff, so they called the police department.Two–not three as reported–HPD officers responded to the call, Scheibler said.“The
staff already had the items,” Scheibler said. “So, they collected the items
from the staff.”“They
just can't take those illegal drugs and throw them in a drawer and keep them,”
he said.From there
he said the officers spoke with the individual.“We were
in the room just a little over eight minutes,” Scheibler said. “I've listened
to the audio recording. The officers were polite, courteous and showed the
individual empathy. He expressed some frustration about the whole incident, and
they were sympathetic to that.”But they
did write him a ticket for the drug violations in accordance with Hays Municipal
Code.The misdemeanor
offense used in the citation would result in a fine if he was convicted in Hays Municipal
Court.However, that
process was stopped shortly after the ticket was issued and long before any
story had been written.“They
immediately drove back to the office, spoke to the supervisor and that day sent
an email to the prosecutor recommending they dismiss the ticket,” Scheibler
said. “Based on that recommendation, we pulled that ticket.”He said
the officer, in an effort to enforce the laws as written, initially made a
judgment call to follow procedure to the letter, a decision that, with guidance
from a more seasoned, officer, was adjusted.“The
officers weren't perfect that day,” Scheibler said. “They tried to be, and at the
end of the day, they got where they needed to be. But I can't stress enough the
problem is not what they did. It's how we're supposed to enforce the law
in this situation.”He said
it is also important to note HaysMed staff were also operating under their
policy and state law.“I think that the hospital did everything required to them by
law,” Scheibler said. “The officer did everything in accordance with Kansas state law. They didn't violate any department policy or procedure.”“We put law enforcement officers in a very difficult
position," he said. "We want to say this is a law but don't enforce it. That's gonna be a
challenge for us.”And
while the goal of the original opinion piece was likely to spur a conversation
about medical cannabis use in Kansas, even as regional, national and
international news agencies published the story, no one spoke with a member of
the police department, leading to the inaccuracies being spread.“Accuracy
wasn't a priority,” Scheibler said. “They didn't do any investigation into it.
They just tried to create discussion.”And that
lack of accuracy has led to threats against HaysMed staff and HPD
officers.“I
recognize an opinion editor that's his job is to create discussion in this
community,” he said. “When we fail to investigate things and actually get important
facts, that's when it gets tricky. The hospital did exactly what it
needed to do in accordance with Kansas law. The police officers were also acting
within the law and city policy and procedure. They didn't do anything wrong.”He acknowledged
a call from the opinion editor had been logged, but as it referenced only a misdemeanor
crime and with the timing right before the holiday, the call had not yet been returned.But
while the inaccuracies in the media are problematic, Scheibler said the expectation
that police officers are expected to equally enforce the law while at the same
time being expected to make judgment calls that not everyone may agree with is also a concern.“We
continue to try and expect police officers to be perfect in an imperfect world,”
he said. “We're ultimately disappointed. At the end of the day, those kids went
out there and did the best they could, based on the laws of the state of Kansas and the city of Hays and tried to use their best judgment and show compassion for
this individual.”“We
encourage them to use good judgment,” he said. “We've hired them, and we
empower them to use good officer discretion. And we want them to do that. … They
did everything in accordance with the law, that's the problem. But at the end
of the day, they got where we want them to be.”He said he supported their decisions.“They
want to enforce the law equally and hold everybody to the same standard, which
I think is important,” Scheibler said. “And I admire them for that.”“I support what they
did," he said. "I support their decisions trying to follow the law of&nbsp; Kansas and Hays,
but also show some compassion and empathy, and they did that. They didn't feel
comfortable writing that ticket, [they] didn't think it was necessary. So, they
made that recommendation [to pull the ticket.]While standing by the actions of the
officers, he said he was sorry the patient was caught up in the situation.“It's
important that we have these discussions,” Scheibler said. “It's important that
we have clear laws for law enforcement to enforce. And we need to do what we
think is best for all of Kansas. Again, the only thing I'm sorry about that day
was that man's got to deal with one of the most private things in his life. And
that's no longer possible now. For that, I'm sorry.”Correction: The story was updated to clarify the date of the initial contact between Hays Police officers and the&nbsp; HaysMed patient.

Inaccurate reporting of dismissed ticket issued to Hays cancer patient leads to threats

Dec. 29 is a fifth Thursday of the month; therefore, there will not be a Hays City Commission work session that afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dec. 29 is a fifth Thursday of the month; therefore, there will not be a Hays City Commission work session that afternoon.—&nbsp;City of Hays

No Hays City Commission work session Thursday

<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/2022/12/1672244757393.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

Don't have a fireplace or just don't want to fire it up? Click the video above, enter full-screen mode and enjoy the sights and sounds of your very own holiday fire!

Brought to you by Turn-Key Property Solutions

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WhDIRNs40_E" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Don't have a fireplace or just don't want to fire it up? Click the video above, enter full-screen mode and enjoy the sights and sounds of your very own holiday fire!Brought to you by Turn-Key Property Solutions<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576701305695.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Warm and cozy with the Hays Post virtual fireplace!

ELLIS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Volvo semi driven by Carl Presley, 73, Tonganoxie, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Toulon Avenue.

The semi struck an eastbound 2019 Ford Edge driven by Cindy&nbsp;Ohlson, 71, Russell, who was having mechanical issues and was pulling over with hazards on. 

EMS transported Ohlson to Hays Medical Center. Presley was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672284402504.png" alt="Photo by James Bell, Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell, Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Volvo semi driven by Carl Presley, 73, Tonganoxie, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Toulon Avenue.The semi struck an eastbound 2019 Ford Edge driven by Cindy&nbsp;Ohlson, 71, Russell, who was having mechanical issues and was pulling over with hazards on. EMS transported Ohlson to Hays Medical Center. Presley was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman from Russell hospitalized after semi strikes SUV on I-70

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;- U.S. Representative Tracey Mann's legislation renaming the post office in Russell, Kansas, the "Robert J. Dole Memorial Post Office Building," has been signed into law, according to a media release from the First District congressman's office.

In a statement from his office Mann said,&nbsp; "Senator Bob Dole made it clear that we must never forget where we come from. Born and raised in Russell, Kansas, he knew that the heartbeat of our nation lies in places like his hometown. He bravely served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service. He served as the congressman representing the Big First District of Kansas for eight years and in the U.S. Senate for 27 years, acting as the majority leader twice, and becoming his party’s nominee for President in 1996."

I spent some time with Senator Dole just a few weeks before he passed away. During our time together we discussed what he called "The Kansas Approach," the markers of which he identified as honesty, hard work, respect for your roots, common sense, service, simplicity, and genuine, thoughtful care for people. These are the Kansas conservative values that motivate me every day.&nbsp;

Senator Dole dedicated his life to serving others and has inspired many people, including me. Naming a post office after one of Kansas' favorite sons in the town he grew up in is a small but meaningful way to pay tribute to this Kansas giant and American hero."

<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001i0J6sgRZEz0js_6kndC8ZcfloiH5ilqK7ImC0gcfnkphlWuFXJM4XU_wKbY5jHmau3MrybyhY9Vm8RoL_H9UTxiN0BnX0AMgXOaWe2ElLt7jdhoIMJ7UH8jwhmyHhjasgbcKM1myMlnE_EDt2ufqgkl6OGHia7sq8Xxqwpw2M3XFUQwGkXHemQPJE8zUoq3kNggJzF0PY8hfhLOqwUr9_aOxU4XnKngsv-NSk4lHp86-xdB_6x_H73XptUONK5W0NIsw4fVoaL3a_h1J1rneaMonF8_Onyl2hyDQ_O9z-WHA8bYTmdZhgzCxISx6zvEF%26c%3DZK7qwAIFjGH2zKnECxtU52z_8ZL6lYt5mwnyNpy6FsI_kjuGT_oNpg%3D%3D%26ch%3D0F6b2CETmFNtp5r_LgukiovdtKcg_HqTAJsFce0YKcr9-VavF5nSBg%3D%3D&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmarc.jacobs%40ksn.com%7Ce2e34dcb0e624072f27708dae912a400%7C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%7C0%7C0%7C638078563542277047%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3QRTuGKkRYbE5ilRbhwd9yivYurLhI6lS5duP14LCjs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to view the full text of the legislation.

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;- U.S. Representative Tracey Mann's legislation renaming the post office in Russell, Kansas, the "Robert J. Dole Memorial Post Office Building," has been signed into law, according to a media release from the First District congressman's office.In a statement from his office Mann said,&nbsp; "Senator Bob Dole made it clear that we must never forget where we come from. Born and raised in Russell, Kansas, he knew that the heartbeat of our nation lies in places like his hometown. He bravely served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service. He served as the congressman representing the Big First District of Kansas for eight years and in the U.S. Senate for 27 years, acting as the majority leader twice, and becoming his party’s nominee for President in 1996."I spent some time with Senator Dole just a few weeks before he passed away. During our time together we discussed what he called "The Kansas Approach," the markers of which he identified as honesty, hard work, respect for your roots, common sense, service, simplicity, and genuine, thoughtful care for people. These are the Kansas conservative values that motivate me every day.&nbsp;Senator Dole dedicated his life to serving others and has inspired many people, including me. Naming a post office after one of Kansas' favorite sons in the town he grew up in is a small but meaningful way to pay tribute to this Kansas giant and American hero."<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001i0J6sgRZEz0js_6kndC8ZcfloiH5ilqK7ImC0gcfnkphlWuFXJM4XU_wKbY5jHmau3MrybyhY9Vm8RoL_H9UTxiN0BnX0AMgXOaWe2ElLt7jdhoIMJ7UH8jwhmyHhjasgbcKM1myMlnE_EDt2ufqgkl6OGHia7sq8Xxqwpw2M3XFUQwGkXHemQPJE8zUoq3kNggJzF0PY8hfhLOqwUr9_aOxU4XnKngsv-NSk4lHp86-xdB_6x_H73XptUONK5W0NIsw4fVoaL3a_h1J1rneaMonF8_Onyl2hyDQ_O9z-WHA8bYTmdZhgzCxISx6zvEF%26c%3DZK7qwAIFjGH2zKnECxtU52z_8ZL6lYt5mwnyNpy6FsI_kjuGT_oNpg%3D%3D%26ch%3D0F6b2CETmFNtp5r_LgukiovdtKcg_HqTAJsFce0YKcr9-VavF5nSBg%3D%3D&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmarc.jacobs%40ksn.com%7Ce2e34dcb0e624072f27708dae912a400%7C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%7C0%7C0%7C638078563542277047%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3QRTuGKkRYbE5ilRbhwd9yivYurLhI6lS5duP14LCjs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to view the full text of the legislation.

Mann's bill renaming Russell Post Office after Sen. Dole becomes law

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 17 and 23.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Much of northwest Kansas remains in the high-incidence category, but Ellis County dropped to the substantial category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

Since reporting began, there have been 8,290 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672257007522.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 17 and 23.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Much of northwest Kansas remains in the high-incidence category, but Ellis County dropped to the substantial category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 8,290 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672257070283.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 15 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

City of Hays offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of the New Year's Day holiday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578073045561.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity of Hays offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of the New Year's Day holiday.

City offices in Hays closed Monday for holiday observance

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-12-21/one-year-after-wildfires-kansas-ranchers-vow-to-get-by-somehow">Kansas News Service</a>

PARADISE, Kan. — These are the survivors.

As rancher Rich Koester walks through his cattle pen, he points them out one by one.

The
 cow with a plastic ear tag that’s warped from melting in the fire’s 
heat. Another whose burnt hair never quite grew all the way back. The 
Black Angus who’s still a little jumpy when Koester tries to separate 
her from her calf.

It’s been a full year since dry grass and high 
winds fueled the massive wildfire north of Russell, Kansas, last 
December that burned across every inch of Koester’s pasture. And some 
scars still remain.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/244e646d-1963-4b42-bcf5-c85c78f9b5bb">RELATED: Drought doubles disaster for rebuilding NW Kansas ranchers</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b816284-349a-4002-b92c-082d727d3727">RELATED: Third-generation farmer gives up ag; fire's effects may linger for years</a>

Koester crouches to feed a handful of hay to a row of calves eagerly peeking their faces through breaks in a gate.

When
 these baby cattle were born in the weeks after the fire, their mothers'
 udders were too badly burned to nurse them. Now one year later, those 
same mother cows have recovered enough to feed the next generation of 
calves.

“I always say that when time goes on, time heals,” Koester said. “Time heals up.”

But
 healing from a disaster this extensive is an uphill climb. Koester and 
ranchers across the region still face a daunting path forward as they 
push to rebuild their businesses, their herds and their lives.

On 
Koester’s property alone, the flames consumed hundreds of acres of 
grass, destroyed miles of fencing and killed roughly 100 cattle. And 
because those cattle are his livelihood, he’s had to spend time and 
money rehabilitating his property and his herd while his business 
suffers from tremendous financial losses.

“It’s a little bit tighter this year,” Koester said. “We’ll get by … somehow.”

Koester is far from the 
only rancher facing such challenges. The fire that engulfed his land was
 the largest of several that day, incinerating more than 190 square 
miles. That’s an area larger than all of Wyandotte County or the city of
 Wichita.

His neighbor, Monty Morrill, lost roughly half of his 
cattle to the same fire. Flames consumed a handful of buildings, some 
farm implements and an old homestead where his family stayed when they 
worked in the pasture, too. It melted the plastic trim off of a pickup 
truck.

Even a year after the fire, he’s still picking up scorched pieces of wood and metal debris scattered across his pastures.

“It’s
 starting over from scratch,” Morrill said. “But it’s even worse than 
starting over from scratch because you’ve got to clean up all the stuff.
 … It’s going to be a long process.”

As ranchers have picked up the pieces in the fire’s wake, one of 
their first priorities has been replacing the fences that were 
destroyed. Without a fence, there’s no way to keep cattle in a pasture.

But
 with so many people in a rural area needing the same fencing supplies 
at the same time, it was hard for ranchers to get their hands on the 
materials they needed to start.

And the amount of supplies they’ve needed has been astronomical.

Monte
 Nuss, acting director of the Russell County USDA farm services agency, 
said his office has received relief funding requests for 535 miles of 
fencing.

If you were to start in Russell and build a 535-mile fence in a straight line heading west, you’d nearly make it to Utah.

“It’s a great undertaking,” Nuss said. “It’s just a slow process.”

Then there’s the price tag. Building a fence can cost around $20,000 per mile, Nuss said.

So the total cost for replacing all of the destroyed fencing in this one county will likely be more than $10 million dollars.

That’s just for one step of the rebuilding effort.

Even a full year after the fire, Nuss said, less than half of the fencing in his county has been replaced.

And for ranchers, that federal relief doesn’t cover the full cost. If
 a rancher replaces 20 miles of fence at an average cost of $20,000 per 
mile, the total cost would be $400,000. USDA relief can reimburse for up
 to 75% of that, which would still leave the rancher with a bill for 
$100,000.

On top of that, there’s the drought that’s made it tough for pastures to recover after being burnt to a crisp.

In
 ideal conditions, it still might take a few years for all the grass to 
grow back. But the historically dry conditions this year haven’t helped.
 Morrill has been feeding his cattle hay since earlier this fall because
 there wasn’t much grass left for them to graze.

“Once the rain 
quit this summer, it was pretty much game over,” Morrill said. “It’s 
gonna be pretty tough for a few years unless we get some rain in the 
spring.”

And rebuilding the decimated cattle herds will take even longer than 
replacing the grass they eat and the fences that corral them.

In 
Russell County alone, the fire killed 1,711 cattle — 1,359 cows, 36 
bulls and 316 calves — according to data from the county’s USDA farm 
services agency. The USDA office has paid out just north of $1.3 million
 to Russell County cattle producers to help cover those losses.

Local
 community donations and other organizations have helped, too. The 
Kansas Livestock Association, for instance, distributed $2 million in 
disaster relief funding to 94 farmers statewide, including Morrill.

But Nuss said the losses the ranchers endured stretch beyond what you can write on a check.

Some
 of the cows that died in the fire were about to give birth, so it’s 
essentially losing two generations of cattle and a year’s worth of work.

“Where they lost cows … they lose income,” Nuss said. “No cows means no calves.”

That’s what happened to Koester. His income from raising cows and 
their calves has been way down this year, he said, because he hasn’t had
 the calves to sell. And it’ll take at least a couple more years for him
 to get his herd numbers back up to where they were.

Morrill sells
 bulls from a bloodline that his family has painstakingly bred for 
generations. So replacing the animals he lost isn’t as simple as just 
buying some new ones at auction.

“You have to make those cows,” Morrill said. “(The fire) pretty well killed our business.”

He had planned to sell more than two dozen bulls this year. Because of the fire, he only had eight of them.

He
 estimates it’ll be at least a decade before he can fully restore his 
cattle herd and business. But that’s exactly what he plans to do.

“You don’t have a choice,” Morrill said. “You’ve got a family to take care of.”

In Koester’s pasture, the land looks vastly different than it did a year ago.

Red
 swaths of regrown little bluestem grass rise and fall on distant hills.
 Yucca plants that were reduced to charred stumps are now adorned with 
crowns of long, green leaves. The layer of tan ash that blanketed just 
about everything has blown away or blended into the dirt.

Over the
 past several months, Koester and his family have gradually replaced a 
couple of miles of his ruined fence, too — one wooden post, steel stake 
and stretch of barbed wire at a time.

“You just kind of keep 
going,” Koester said. “Some people ask me, ‘Aren’t you going to retire?’
 And I go, ‘No, this is my life.’”

One silver lining of this 
tragedy, he said, is that having his family work together to rebuild the
 fence has brought them closer together and given his daughters a better
 idea of his life’s work.

But the process is far from over. Koester estimates that this fence project is only around halfway done.

As he climbs up a roadside embankment to check on one of the new 
fence posts, he stops at a small patch of black ground and picks up a 
pinch of fine cinder between his fingers. If you look close enough, the 
pasture is dotted with pockets of this soot — a reminder of the scars 
the fire left here.

Getting his pastures back to where they were before the fire won’t be easy, he said. But in his mind, it’s well worth it.

“It’s
 gonna get better again,” Koester said. “That’s the way I always look at
 it. … We’ve gone through the worst part of it, so it's gotta look up.”

Resources for Kansans experiencing stress or despair in the wake of wildfires, drought and other disasters:&nbsp;

-Kansas Ag Stress, statewide mental health resources for producers and their families <a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/" target="_blank">https://www.kansasagstress.org/</a> 24/7 hotline: 1-800-447-1985

-High Plains Mental Health, based in Hays and covering northwest Kansas <a href="https://hpmhc.com/" target="_blank">https://hpmhc.com/</a> 24/7 hotline 1-800-432-0333

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671637517154.png" alt="Rancher Rich Koester feeds some of his calves that were born just after the wildfire a year ago. Many of the calves needed a surrogate's milk to survive because the fire injured their mothers. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Rancher Rich Koester feeds some of his calves that were born just after the wildfire a year ago. Many of the calves needed a surrogate's milk to survive because the fire injured their mothers. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-12-21/one-year-after-wildfires-kansas-ranchers-vow-to-get-by-somehow">Kansas News Service</a>PARADISE, Kan. — These are the survivors.As rancher Rich Koester walks through his cattle pen, he points them out one by one.The
 cow with a plastic ear tag that’s warped from melting in the fire’s 
heat. Another whose burnt hair never quite grew all the way back. The 
Black Angus who’s still a little jumpy when Koester tries to separate 
her from her calf.It’s been a full year since dry grass and high 
winds fueled the massive wildfire north of Russell, Kansas, last 
December that burned across every inch of Koester’s pasture. And some 
scars still remain.But signs of hope exist, too.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/244e646d-1963-4b42-bcf5-c85c78f9b5bb">RELATED: Drought doubles disaster for rebuilding NW Kansas ranchers</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b816284-349a-4002-b92c-082d727d3727">RELATED: Third-generation farmer gives up ag; fire's effects may linger for years</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671637728598.png" alt="This calf, Ott, is one of several in Koester's herd who were born early this year just after the wildfire. Koester estimates that it'll take at least a couple more years before his herd's numbers are back to where they were before the fire claimed the lives of 100 of his cattle. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>This calf, Ott, is one of several in Koester's herd who were born early this year just after the wildfire. Koester estimates that it'll take at least a couple more years before his herd's numbers are back to where they were before the fire claimed the lives of 100 of his cattle. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Koester crouches to feed a handful of hay to a row of calves eagerly peeking their faces through breaks in a gate.When
 these baby cattle were born in the weeks after the fire, their mothers'
 udders were too badly burned to nurse them. Now one year later, those 
same mother cows have recovered enough to feed the next generation of 
calves.“I always say that when time goes on, time heals,” Koester said. “Time heals up.”But
 healing from a disaster this extensive is an uphill climb. Koester and 
ranchers across the region still face a daunting path forward as they 
push to rebuild their businesses, their herds and their lives.On 
Koester’s property alone, the flames consumed hundreds of acres of 
grass, destroyed miles of fencing and killed roughly 100 cattle. And 
because those cattle are his livelihood, he’s had to spend time and 
money rehabilitating his property and his herd while his business 
suffers from tremendous financial losses.“It’s a little bit tighter this year,” Koester said. “We’ll get by … somehow.”<h2>The way back</h2>Koester is far from the 
only rancher facing such challenges. The fire that engulfed his land was
 the largest of several that day, incinerating more than 190 square 
miles. That’s an area larger than all of Wyandotte County or the city of
 Wichita.His neighbor, Monty Morrill, lost roughly half of his 
cattle to the same fire. Flames consumed a handful of buildings, some 
farm implements and an old homestead where his family stayed when they 
worked in the pasture, too. It melted the plastic trim off of a pickup 
truck.Even a year after the fire, he’s still picking up scorched pieces of wood and metal debris scattered across his pastures.“It’s
 starting over from scratch,” Morrill said. “But it’s even worse than 
starting over from scratch because you’ve got to clean up all the stuff.
 … It’s going to be a long process.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671637780480.png" alt="One year after the fire that devastated this part of Russell County, remnants of the damage remain. Here, a half-burnt wooden fence post dangles from barbed wire next to a charred tree stump. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>One year after the fire that devastated this part of Russell County, remnants of the damage remain. Here, a half-burnt wooden fence post dangles from barbed wire next to a charred tree stump. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>As ranchers have picked up the pieces in the fire’s wake, one of 
their first priorities has been replacing the fences that were 
destroyed. Without a fence, there’s no way to keep cattle in a pasture.But
 with so many people in a rural area needing the same fencing supplies 
at the same time, it was hard for ranchers to get their hands on the 
materials they needed to start.And the amount of supplies they’ve needed has been astronomical.Monte
 Nuss, acting director of the Russell County USDA farm services agency, 
said his office has received relief funding requests for 535 miles of 
fencing.If you were to start in Russell and build a 535-mile fence in a straight line heading west, you’d nearly make it to Utah.“It’s a great undertaking,” Nuss said. “It’s just a slow process.”Then there’s the price tag. Building a fence can cost around $20,000 per mile, Nuss said.So the total cost for replacing all of the destroyed fencing in this one county will likely be more than $10 million dollars.That’s just for one step of the rebuilding effort.Even a full year after the fire, Nuss said, less than half of the fencing in his county has been replaced.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671637852512.png" alt="Rancher Rich Koester installs part of his new fence earlier this year. In Russell County, the fire destroyed more than 500 miles of fencing. Courtesy of the Koester family" />
 <figcaption>Rancher Rich Koester installs part of his new fence earlier this year. In Russell County, the fire destroyed more than 500 miles of fencing. Courtesy of the Koester family</figcaption>
 </figure>And for ranchers, that federal relief doesn’t cover the full cost. If
 a rancher replaces 20 miles of fence at an average cost of $20,000 per 
mile, the total cost would be $400,000. USDA relief can reimburse for up
 to 75% of that, which would still leave the rancher with a bill for 
$100,000.On top of that, there’s the drought that’s made it tough for pastures to recover after being burnt to a crisp.In
 ideal conditions, it still might take a few years for all the grass to 
grow back. But the historically dry conditions this year haven’t helped.
 Morrill has been feeding his cattle hay since earlier this fall because
 there wasn’t much grass left for them to graze.“Once the rain 
quit this summer, it was pretty much game over,” Morrill said. “It’s 
gonna be pretty tough for a few years unless we get some rain in the 
spring.”And rebuilding the decimated cattle herds will take even longer than 
replacing the grass they eat and the fences that corral them.In 
Russell County alone, the fire killed 1,711 cattle — 1,359 cows, 36 
bulls and 316 calves — according to data from the county’s USDA farm 
services agency. The USDA office has paid out just north of $1.3 million
 to Russell County cattle producers to help cover those losses.Local
 community donations and other organizations have helped, too. The 
Kansas Livestock Association, for instance, distributed $2 million in 
disaster relief funding to 94 farmers statewide, including Morrill.But Nuss said the losses the ranchers endured stretch beyond what you can write on a check.Some
 of the cows that died in the fire were about to give birth, so it’s 
essentially losing two generations of cattle and a year’s worth of work.“Where they lost cows … they lose income,” Nuss said. “No cows means no calves.”That’s what happened to Koester. His income from raising cows and 
their calves has been way down this year, he said, because he hasn’t had
 the calves to sell. And it’ll take at least a couple more years for him
 to get his herd numbers back up to where they were.Morrill sells
 bulls from a bloodline that his family has painstakingly bred for 
generations. So replacing the animals he lost isn’t as simple as just 
buying some new ones at auction.“You have to make those cows,” Morrill said. “(The fire) pretty well killed our business.”He had planned to sell more than two dozen bulls this year. Because of the fire, he only had eight of them.He
 estimates it’ll be at least a decade before he can fully restore his 
cattle herd and business. But that’s exactly what he plans to do.“You don’t have a choice,” Morrill said. “You’ve got a family to take care of.”<h2>Through the worst</h2>In Koester’s pasture, the land looks vastly different than it did a year ago.Red
 swaths of regrown little bluestem grass rise and fall on distant hills.
 Yucca plants that were reduced to charred stumps are now adorned with 
crowns of long, green leaves. The layer of tan ash that blanketed just 
about everything has blown away or blended into the dirt.Over the
 past several months, Koester and his family have gradually replaced a 
couple of miles of his ruined fence, too — one wooden post, steel stake 
and stretch of barbed wire at a time.“You just kind of keep 
going,” Koester said. “Some people ask me, ‘Aren’t you going to retire?’
 And I go, ‘No, this is my life.’”One silver lining of this 
tragedy, he said, is that having his family work together to rebuild the
 fence has brought them closer together and given his daughters a better
 idea of his life’s work.But the process is far from over. Koester estimates that this fence project is only around halfway done.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671637929996.png" alt="Koester holds up some of the black ash that still remains on part of his pasture one year after the wildfire. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Koester holds up some of the black ash that still remains on part of his pasture one year after the wildfire. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>As he climbs up a roadside embankment to check on one of the new 
fence posts, he stops at a small patch of black ground and picks up a 
pinch of fine cinder between his fingers. If you look close enough, the 
pasture is dotted with pockets of this soot — a reminder of the scars 
the fire left here.Getting his pastures back to where they were before the fire won’t be easy, he said. But in his mind, it’s well worth it.“It’s
 gonna get better again,” Koester said. “That’s the way I always look at
 it. … We’ve gone through the worst part of it, so it's gotta look up.”Resources for Kansans experiencing stress or despair in the wake of wildfires, drought and other disasters:&nbsp;-Kansas Ag Stress, statewide mental health resources for producers and their families <a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/" target="_blank">https://www.kansasagstress.org/</a> 24/7 hotline: 1-800-447-1985-High Plains Mental Health, based in Hays and covering northwest Kansas <a href="https://hpmhc.com/" target="_blank">https://hpmhc.com/</a> 24/7 hotline 1-800-432-0333David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

A year after wildfires, Kansas ranchers vow to ‘get by ... somehow’

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly Friday announced the recipients of the fall 2022 Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize underused and dilapidated downtown buildings and turn them into economic drivers in Kansas communities. A total of 15 projects from across the state are receiving almost $773,000 in matching grant funds.

HEAL was created in 2021 as a partnership between the Patterson Family Foundation and the Department of Commerce. The first round of HEAL grants resulted in 32 commercial buildings being rehabilitated.

“I have long believed that when you make downtowns attractive, safe places to be, more businesses, better jobs, and greater community follow,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s why my administration has worked to bring life back into our town squares by resurrecting the Kansas Main Street program and by pursuing this partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation.

Interest in the program remains strong. A total of 30 applications were received during the latest HEAL grant round.&nbsp;

The fall 2022 HEAL grant awardees include:

This program is possible because of a strategic collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation. Through leveraging resources, greater impact is possible for these Kansas communities. The re-utilization of these buildings as economic drivers creates additional opportunities for investment in downtown areas and is key to growing strong Kansas communities.

“Active downtown areas give a sense of place to small communities,”&nbsp;said Lindsey Patterson Smith, president of the Patterson Family Foundation.&nbsp;“We were happy to join the Department of Commerce and its partners in helping create new opportunities through revitalization.”

The spring 2023 HEAL round will open February 15 and close March 31. An informational webinar will be offered via Zoom at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 2. Register for the webinar and find more information about the spring 2023 HEAL program at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMjMuNjg3NTc2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9oZWFsIn0.EAtMCOVOtcm0jEojBRPGLXq3hqzcbQ6v-b5hiKPzYDU/s/1303161001/br/151222049172-l" target="_blank">kansascommerce.gov/heal</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671812532257.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov. KellyTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly Friday announced the recipients of the fall 2022 Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize underused and dilapidated downtown buildings and turn them into economic drivers in Kansas communities. A total of 15 projects from across the state are receiving almost $773,000 in matching grant funds.HEAL was created in 2021 as a partnership between the Patterson Family Foundation and the Department of Commerce. The first round of HEAL grants resulted in 32 commercial buildings being rehabilitated.“I have long believed that when you make downtowns attractive, safe places to be, more businesses, better jobs, and greater community follow,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s why my administration has worked to bring life back into our town squares by resurrecting the Kansas Main Street program and by pursuing this partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation.Interest in the program remains strong. A total of 30 applications were received during the latest HEAL grant round.&nbsp;The fall 2022 HEAL grant awardees include:<ul>
 <li>Cheyenne Center for Creativity, Cheyenne County – $29,000</li><li>City of Arkansas City, Cowley County – $45,500</li><li>City of Bonner Springs, Wyandotte County – $75,000</li><li>City of Corning, Nemaha County – $75,000</li><li>City of Meriden, Jefferson County – $33,950</li><li>City of Ottawa, Franklin County – $75,000</li><li>City of White Cloud, Doniphan County – $25,000</li><li>Go! Augusta, Butler County – $30,000</li><li>Main Street Dodge City, Ford County – $23,273</li><li>Overbrook Community Foundation, Osage County – $33,700</li><li>Revitalize YC, Woodson County – $75,000</li><li>Russell PRIDE Inc., Russell County – $52,000</li><li>Seneca Downtown Impact Inc., Nemaha County – $75,000</li><li>Solomon Valley Economic Development, Mitchell County – $75,000</li><li>Sylvan Senior Center, Lincoln County – $50,400</li>
 </ul>This program is possible because of a strategic collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation. Through leveraging resources, greater impact is possible for these Kansas communities. The re-utilization of these buildings as economic drivers creates additional opportunities for investment in downtown areas and is key to growing strong Kansas communities.“Active downtown areas give a sense of place to small communities,”&nbsp;said Lindsey Patterson Smith, president of the Patterson Family Foundation.&nbsp;“We were happy to join the Department of Commerce and its partners in helping create new opportunities through revitalization.”The spring 2023 HEAL round will open February 15 and close March 31. An informational webinar will be offered via Zoom at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 2. Register for the webinar and find more information about the spring 2023 HEAL program at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMjMuNjg3NTc2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9oZWFsIn0.EAtMCOVOtcm0jEojBRPGLXq3hqzcbQ6v-b5hiKPzYDU/s/1303161001/br/151222049172-l" target="_blank">kansascommerce.gov/heal</a>.

Russell, Cheyenne counties to revitalize downtown buildings with HEAL grants

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly recently announced Kansas has received nearly $5.7 million to expand broadband access, adoption, and affordability, from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Office.

"Communities across the Kansas have enormous potential for a new chapter of innovation and success,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"This funding will propel the state forward, accelerating our efforts to ensure all Kansans can fully participate in the digital world."

The funds are part of the designated $65 billion as outlined in the federal bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, dubbed the “Internet for All Initiative.”

“The Internet for All initiative will bridge the digital divide in Kansas and ensure rural areas have the service they need to access telehealth, education and jobs,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.&nbsp;"I appreciate Governor Kelly's commitment to connecting all Kansas homes and businesses to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service."&nbsp;

“Kansans use the internet to work, learn, keep in touch with family, grow a business, get health care, and more. While access to high-speed internet is a gateway to opportunity, that opportunity is not distributed equally in our state,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03). “I’m proud to have voted for this new federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law that will help every Kansan thrive in the digital age.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) will use these funds in a variety of ways. Almost $5 million will be used to deploy the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program that is part of the Internet for All Initiative. The remaining $692,000 will be used to deploy the first phase of NTIA’s Digital Equity Act.

“Broadband equity starts with access, but also includes adoption and application,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The state is committed to providing capacity and resources to ensure everyone has the access and skills needed to benefit from digital technologies in their lives.”

OBD will engage with stakeholders across Kansas to develop both a five-year action plan and a Statewide Digital Equity Plan, which will provide direction and measures to assist in deployment of high-speed affordable and reliable internet to all Kansans. Both plans will be submitted to NTIA by August 2023.

The office will hold events at 25 to 30 locations around the state beginning in January. Special attention will be paid to groups and communities that are disproportionately impacted by digital inequity. These groups include low-income households, aging populations, people with disabilities or language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, rural inhabitants, incarcerated individuals, and veterans.

“These planning dollars will allow our office the opportunity to connect and engage with all Kansans,”&nbsp;said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “We will launch our planning efforts at our inaugural Kansas Broadband Summit on January 19 at Wichita State University.&nbsp; This event will be the first opportunity to connect with communities across Kansas and ask for partnership and support as we coordinate efforts to connect Kansans with high-speed, reliable internet access.”

All 50 U.S. states and six territories applied for planning grant funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act program. Grant awards for all 56 eligible entities will be announced on a rolling basis.

Please visit the Kansas Office of Broadband Development website&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMjIuNjg2ODkwMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3Yvb2ZmaWNlb2Zicm9hZGJhbmRkZXZlbG9wbWVudC8ifQ.EsJJNAhRysBWQB5uQ2GlkpvphaqXlnOMPcyZKDDsT8E/s/1303161001/br/151136056006-l" target="_blank">here</a>. More information about the federal efforts is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMjIuNjg2ODkwMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LkFmZm9yZGFibGVDb25uZWN0aXZpdHkuZ292In0.DgTDTXSJMUpg0nBJemDl6t1flHh3l3RtV-8BjdRBp2Y/s/1303161001/br/151136056006-l" target="_blank">AffordableConnectivity.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMjIuNjg2ODkwMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LkludGVybmV0Zm9yQWxsLmdvdiJ9.5K_7kZMgI-1VdjvQl2jn-JAcNuBYb_CSYJM03IuRXvQ/s/1303161001/br/151136056006-l" target="_blank">InternetforAll.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672141063800.jpeg" alt="(Photo courtesy Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov. KellyTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly recently announced Kansas has received nearly $5.7 million to expand broadband access, adoption, and affordability, from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Office."Communities across the Kansas have enormous potential for a new chapter of innovation and success,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"This funding will propel the state forward, accelerating our efforts to ensure all Kansans can fully participate in the digital world."The funds are part of the designated $65 billion as outlined in the federal bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, dubbed the “Internet for All Initiative.”“The Internet for All initiative will bridge the digital divide in Kansas and ensure rural areas have the service they need to access telehealth, education and jobs,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.&nbsp;"I appreciate Governor Kelly's commitment to connecting all Kansas homes and businesses to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service."&nbsp;“Kansans use the internet to work, learn, keep in touch with family, grow a business, get health care, and more. While access to high-speed internet is a gateway to opportunity, that opportunity is not distributed equally in our state,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03). “I’m proud to have voted for this new federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law that will help every Kansan thrive in the digital age.”The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) will use these funds in a variety of ways. Almost $5 million will be used to deploy the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program that is part of the Internet for All Initiative. The remaining $692,000 will be used to deploy the first phase of NTIA’s Digital Equity Act.“Broadband equity starts with access, but also includes adoption and application,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The state is committed to providing capacity and resources to ensure everyone has the access and skills needed to benefit from digital technologies in their lives.”OBD will engage with stakeholders across Kansas to develop both a five-year action plan and a Statewide Digital Equity Plan, which will provide direction and measures to assist in deployment of high-speed affordable and reliable internet to all Kansans. Both plans will be submitted to NTIA by August 2023.The office will hold events at 25 to 30 locations around the state beginning in January. Special attention will be paid to groups and communities that are disproportionately impacted by digital inequity. These groups include low-income households, aging populations, people with disabilities or language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, rural inhabitants, incarcerated individuals, and veterans.“These planning dollars will allow our office the opportunity to connect and engage with all Kansans,”&nbsp;said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “We will launch our planning efforts at our inaugural Kansas Broadband Summit on January 19 at Wichita State University.&nbsp; This event will be the first opportunity to connect with communities across Kansas and ask for partnership and support as we coordinate efforts to connect Kansans with high-speed, reliable internet access.”All 50 U.S. states and six territories applied for planning grant funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act program. Grant awards for all 56 eligible entities will be announced on a rolling basis.Please visit the Kansas Office of Broadband Development website&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMjIuNjg2ODkwMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3Yvb2ZmaWNlb2Zicm9hZGJhbmRkZXZlbG9wbWVudC8ifQ.EsJJNAhRysBWQB5uQ2GlkpvphaqXlnOMPcyZKDDsT8E/s/1303161001/br/151136056006-l" target="_blank">here</a>. More information about the federal efforts is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMjIuNjg2ODkwMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LkFmZm9yZGFibGVDb25uZWN0aXZpdHkuZ292In0.DgTDTXSJMUpg0nBJemDl6t1flHh3l3RtV-8BjdRBp2Y/s/1303161001/br/151136056006-l" target="_blank">AffordableConnectivity.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMjIuNjg2ODkwMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LkludGVybmV0Zm9yQWxsLmdvdiJ9.5K_7kZMgI-1VdjvQl2jn-JAcNuBYb_CSYJM03IuRXvQ/s/1303161001/br/151136056006-l" target="_blank">InternetforAll.gov</a>.

Kansas receives $5.7M to expand equitable broadband access

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — Every hunting 
season is different. With the deer seasons coming to a close at the end 
of the year, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner reflected on
 some of the things he and other hunters saw this season. One ongoing 
theme that made this year different: broken deer antlers.

"First 
thing they pointed out is we've had a lot of broken antlers this year," 
Wagner said. "There are a lot of bucks that have broken off points or 
half racks, or almost broke off all their antlers completely."

Wagner
 gave a few reasons why the bucks have broken antlers, and all are 
related. "The first of which is when we have a buck-to-doe ratio that's 
really close," Wagner said. "So for every buck, there's one doe. What 
happens in that scenario, the bucks are fighting a lot in order to win 
over the heart of the does."

Another cause could be the drought 
throughout Central Kansas. Deer grow their antlers through late July or 
early August. While the antlers have a hard exterior, the inside is more
 like a sponge, with blood carrying nutrients to harden the antlers. 
Typically, the bucks begin to use nutrients from other parts of the 
body, usually a rib, to harden the antlers. That may not have happened 
this year.

"If they're nutritionally stressed, which they would 
have been this year, all that calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and 
minerals they take up, they commit more of that to preserving their body
 structure," said Wagner.

Finally, Wagner said an extended rut 
could be to blame. It is uncommon to see bucks fighting or breeding this
 late in the season, especially in the numbers Wagner has seen. The 
prolonged rut may have made some hunters happy, but it could have 
lasting impacts on the deer.

"What you want to see is a very 
close, like a two-week period, of intense rut," Wagner said. "What I've 
noticed this year, it was a very long, drawn-out rut, which isn't a good
 thing necessarily. That puts a lot of stress onto the bucks."

The
 extended rut could mean a longer birthing period of fawns, which puts 
the baby deer at greater risk of being grabbed by predators.  A 
combination of poor grain quality, the cold snap, the extended rut, and 
the drought could all mean a higher mortality rate for bucks and smaller
 antlers for next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672090198884.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — Every hunting 
season is different. With the deer seasons coming to a close at the end 
of the year, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner reflected on
 some of the things he and other hunters saw this season. One ongoing 
theme that made this year different: broken deer antlers."First 
thing they pointed out is we've had a lot of broken antlers this year," 
Wagner said. "There are a lot of bucks that have broken off points or 
half racks, or almost broke off all their antlers completely."Wagner
 gave a few reasons why the bucks have broken antlers, and all are 
related. "The first of which is when we have a buck-to-doe ratio that's 
really close," Wagner said. "So for every buck, there's one doe. What 
happens in that scenario, the bucks are fighting a lot in order to win 
over the heart of the does."Another cause could be the drought 
throughout Central Kansas. Deer grow their antlers through late July or 
early August. While the antlers have a hard exterior, the inside is more
 like a sponge, with blood carrying nutrients to harden the antlers. 
Typically, the bucks begin to use nutrients from other parts of the 
body, usually a rib, to harden the antlers. That may not have happened 
this year."If they're nutritionally stressed, which they would 
have been this year, all that calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and 
minerals they take up, they commit more of that to preserving their body
 structure," said Wagner.Finally, Wagner said an extended rut 
could be to blame. It is uncommon to see bucks fighting or breeding this
 late in the season, especially in the numbers Wagner has seen. The 
prolonged rut may have made some hunters happy, but it could have 
lasting impacts on the deer."What you want to see is a very 
close, like a two-week period, of intense rut," Wagner said. "What I've 
noticed this year, it was a very long, drawn-out rut, which isn't a good
 thing necessarily. That puts a lot of stress onto the bucks."The
 extended rut could mean a longer birthing period of fawns, which puts 
the baby deer at greater risk of being grabbed by predators. A 
combination of poor grain quality, the cold snap, the extended rut, and 
the drought could all mean a higher mortality rate for bucks and smaller
 antlers for next year.

Cheyenne Bottoms expert explains '22 broken antler theme

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672163636895.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>

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Operators of the Keystone Pipeline announced on Friday federal regulators have OKed planning to restart the segment of pipe that spilled 14,000 barrels of heavy Canadian crude in northern Kansas.

TC Energy said earlier the impacted segment of what it calls the Cushing Segment had been removed and sent to a lab for testing.

On Friday the company said the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration had approved its Restart Plan. The statement said the plan includes several days of testing and inspections.

TC Energy said activities on the spill site would continue despite the cold weather's impact on some equipment. The company reported approximately 8,395 barrels of oil had been recovered as of Friday. TC Energy dramatically ramped up crude flows through the Keystone system in the weeks leading up to the oil spill in Washington County on Dec. 8.

That's according to a Bloomberg report citing data from an energy research firm. Wood-Mackenzie confirmed the numbers for us via email.

"The half-hourly data point Wood-Mackenzie recorded before the decrease in flows was 649,868 bpd. This occurred at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 7," according to the Wood-Mackenzie email.

Those flows rose from a baseline of 622,000 barrels per day. The company reported in October it would raise flows to test the system's operational efficiency. Kansas regulators approved eight new drilling permits for the week, 1,581 for the year, including three in eastern Kansas and five west of Wichita. There was one new permit filed in Barton County last week. Operators completed 38 wells last week, bringing the total for the year to 1,589, compared to 959 completions a year ago.

The Kansas Rig Count was down two rigs in eastern Kansas and down two west of Wichita. That's down 8 percent from the week before.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported two operators about to spud new wells in Ellis County. Operators completed one new well in Barton County, one in Ellis County and two in Stafford County. The rotary rig count from Baker Hughes last week dropped by five oil rigs, with Texas dropping by three rigs, Wyoming down two, and Colorado, North Dakota and Oklahoma each down one. The rig count in Kansas from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was up one east of Wichita and unchanged in western Kansas. Drilling was underway or about to begin on three wells in Ellis County and one in Stafford County Monday. The Kansas Geology Society's Nomenclature Committee met earlier this month to recognize and name four new oil fields in Kansas. They're located in Butler, Cheyenne, Gove and Scott counties. According to a release from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service, that's 40 new fields in the calendar year 2022, compared to 21 last year. The second felt earthquake in West Texas in less than a month struck northwest of Midland with a magnitude of 5.3, the fourth-largest in state history. It occurred in an area where saltwater disposal operations were halted a year ago after a string of three felt quakes in just over a year.

Another felt quake last month struck in a different seismic response area southwest of Midland. Regulators last week responded with new disposal limits there.

On Nov. 16, a 5.4-magnitude shook a desolate stretch of desert in Reeves County, Texas. The quake was the third largest in Texas history, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.&nbsp; The chief energy regulator in Texas has a new leader. Commissioner Christi Craddick was unanimously elected chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas during a meeting Dec. 13. Craddick replaces Commissioner Wayne Christian as chairman of the three-member panel. The latest numbers from the No. 3 crude-producing state show October output dropped a fraction of a percent. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports output of 1.112 million barrels per day, down 123 barrels per day from September.&nbsp; The gas-capture tally statewide remains at 95 percent, with some ups and downs in the various basins and leaseholds. That means operators were able to limit the venting or flaring to just 5 percent of the natural gas produced at oil wells. Gasoline inventories increased by 2.5 million barrels, according to a government report. The auto club Triple-A says the national average for regular gasoline has fallen by another four cents to $3.10 per gallon. Pump prices have dropped a dime a week for the last month.

Diesel stockpiles dropped slightly, and are about 7 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. National diesel prices dropped last week to $4.70 per gallon, down more than half a dollar from a month ago, but still more than a dollar higher than last year at this time. A government report predicts the huge profit margins currently enjoyed by U.S. refiners will drop by almost 20 percent early next year. The EPA report also suggests refiners will maximize diesel fuel production amid a slight contraction in the U.S. economy, which could reduce historically high diesel pump prices beginning next year. The government reported a slight uptick in U.S. crude production last week, to 12.15 million barrels per day, up from 11.5 million barrels per day a year ago. U.S. crude imports decreased by a million barrels per day last week to 5.8 million barrels per day. The four-week average is about 4 percent lower than during the same four weeks last year. Commercial crude inventories dropped by almost 6 million barrels last week. The tally as of Dec. 16 was 418.2 million barrels, or about 7 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Oil-by-rail shipments in the U.S. dropped slightly across the U.S. but rose in Canada. Ahead of the expected holiday lull, U.S. operators originated 10,582 tanker carloads of petroleum and petroleum products in the week through Dec. 17, according to a weekly report from the Association of American Railroads. Russia's deputy prime minister said last week they are ready to reduce Russian production by 500,000 to 700,000 barrels per day early next year, just as crude demand in China is expected to spike. The production cuts are viewed as a response to the G-7 nations' recent move to cap the price they'll pay for Russian crude. Another fire at another Liquefied Natural Gas facility prompts another warning of the impact on winter supplies. Bloomberg reports Shell has suspended production at a floating LNG facility off the coast of Australia after a fire broke out. The move puts a crimp in supplies to Asia right as winter starts to boost consumption. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission sent detailed demands to Freeport LNG on 64 items following a visit to the company's Texas facility last month. Freeport shut down the plant June 8 after an explosion and fire that energy consultants blamed on inadequate procedures, human error and fatigue.

The company says they have nothing new to report on plans to restart operations this month. Reuters reports Freeport missed three previous restart targets. In November, it said it expects to be processing about 2 billion cubic feet of gas per day in January, and reach full production in March 2023.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Operators of the Keystone Pipeline announced on Friday federal regulators have OKed planning to restart the segment of pipe that spilled 14,000 barrels of heavy Canadian crude in northern Kansas.TC Energy said earlier the impacted segment of what it calls the Cushing Segment had been removed and sent to a lab for testing.On Friday the company said the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration had approved its Restart Plan. The statement said the plan includes several days of testing and inspections.TC Energy said activities on the spill site would continue despite the cold weather's impact on some equipment. The company reported approximately 8,395 barrels of oil had been recovered as of Friday. TC Energy dramatically ramped up crude flows through the Keystone system in the weeks leading up to the oil spill in Washington County on Dec. 8.That's according to a Bloomberg report citing data from an energy research firm. Wood-Mackenzie confirmed the numbers for us via email."The half-hourly data point Wood-Mackenzie recorded before the decrease in flows was 649,868 bpd. This occurred at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 7," according to the Wood-Mackenzie email.Those flows rose from a baseline of 622,000 barrels per day. The company reported in October it would raise flows to test the system's operational efficiency. Kansas regulators approved eight new drilling permits for the week, 1,581 for the year, including three in eastern Kansas and five west of Wichita. There was one new permit filed in Barton County last week. Operators completed 38 wells last week, bringing the total for the year to 1,589, compared to 959 completions a year ago.The Kansas Rig Count was down two rigs in eastern Kansas and down two west of Wichita. That's down 8 percent from the week before.Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported two operators about to spud new wells in Ellis County. Operators completed one new well in Barton County, one in Ellis County and two in Stafford County. The rotary rig count from Baker Hughes last week dropped by five oil rigs, with Texas dropping by three rigs, Wyoming down two, and Colorado, North Dakota and Oklahoma each down one. The rig count in Kansas from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was up one east of Wichita and unchanged in western Kansas. Drilling was underway or about to begin on three wells in Ellis County and one in Stafford County Monday. The Kansas Geology Society's Nomenclature Committee met earlier this month to recognize and name four new oil fields in Kansas. They're located in Butler, Cheyenne, Gove and Scott counties. According to a release from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service, that's 40 new fields in the calendar year 2022, compared to 21 last year. The second felt earthquake in West Texas in less than a month struck northwest of Midland with a magnitude of 5.3, the fourth-largest in state history. It occurred in an area where saltwater disposal operations were halted a year ago after a string of three felt quakes in just over a year.Another felt quake last month struck in a different seismic response area southwest of Midland. Regulators last week responded with new disposal limits there.On Nov. 16, a 5.4-magnitude shook a desolate stretch of desert in Reeves County, Texas. The quake was the third largest in Texas history, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.&nbsp; The chief energy regulator in Texas has a new leader. Commissioner Christi Craddick was unanimously elected chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas during a meeting Dec. 13. Craddick replaces Commissioner Wayne Christian as chairman of the three-member panel. The latest numbers from the No. 3 crude-producing state show October output dropped a fraction of a percent. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports output of 1.112 million barrels per day, down 123 barrels per day from September.&nbsp; The gas-capture tally statewide remains at 95 percent, with some ups and downs in the various basins and leaseholds. That means operators were able to limit the venting or flaring to just 5 percent of the natural gas produced at oil wells. Gasoline inventories increased by 2.5 million barrels, according to a government report. The auto club Triple-A says the national average for regular gasoline has fallen by another four cents to $3.10 per gallon. Pump prices have dropped a dime a week for the last month.Diesel stockpiles dropped slightly, and are about 7 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. National diesel prices dropped last week to $4.70 per gallon, down more than half a dollar from a month ago, but still more than a dollar higher than last year at this time. A government report predicts the huge profit margins currently enjoyed by U.S. refiners will drop by almost 20 percent early next year. The EPA report also suggests refiners will maximize diesel fuel production amid a slight contraction in the U.S. economy, which could reduce historically high diesel pump prices beginning next year. The government reported a slight uptick in U.S. crude production last week, to 12.15 million barrels per day, up from 11.5 million barrels per day a year ago. U.S. crude imports decreased by a million barrels per day last week to 5.8 million barrels per day. The four-week average is about 4 percent lower than during the same four weeks last year. Commercial crude inventories dropped by almost 6 million barrels last week. The tally as of Dec. 16 was 418.2 million barrels, or about 7 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Oil-by-rail shipments in the U.S. dropped slightly across the U.S. but rose in Canada. Ahead of the expected holiday lull, U.S. operators originated 10,582 tanker carloads of petroleum and petroleum products in the week through Dec. 17, according to a weekly report from the Association of American Railroads. Russia's deputy prime minister said last week they are ready to reduce Russian production by 500,000 to 700,000 barrels per day early next year, just as crude demand in China is expected to spike. The production cuts are viewed as a response to the G-7 nations' recent move to cap the price they'll pay for Russian crude. Another fire at another Liquefied Natural Gas facility prompts another warning of the impact on winter supplies. Bloomberg reports Shell has suspended production at a floating LNG facility off the coast of Australia after a fire broke out. The move puts a crimp in supplies to Asia right as winter starts to boost consumption. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission sent detailed demands to Freeport LNG on 64 items following a visit to the company's Texas facility last month. Freeport shut down the plant June 8 after an explosion and fire that energy consultants blamed on inadequate procedures, human error and fatigue. The company says they have nothing new to report on plans to restart operations this month. Reuters reports Freeport missed three previous restart targets. In November, it said it expects to be processing about 2 billion cubic feet of gas per day in January, and reach full production in March 2023.

News from the Oil Patch: Earthquakes prompt parallel O&G investigations in Texas

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams recaps Ellis County development projects in 2022.

<div><iframe title="As 2022 draws to a close Grow Hays director reflects on projects" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wxd5s-1349908-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams recaps Ellis County development projects in 2022.

🎙 Post Podcast: As 2022 draws to a close Grow Hays director reflects on projects

LANE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on drug allegations following a traffic stop and arrest.

Just before 9:30 p.m. Monday, a Lane County sheriff's sergeant observed a vehicle driving through the city of Dighton with its high beams activated. The vehicle failed to dim its lights as it passed the sergeant and a traffic stop was initiated.

During the stop, the sergeant noticed the smell of marijuana coming from inside the truck. There was also a loaded rifle tucked in between the seats, within reach of all four occupants. He also recognized two of the occupants from a previous law enforcement contact that resulted in criminal charges earlier in the year. All four occupants were ordered to exit the truck.

Several of the occupants became argumentative and refused to comply with orders. A Use of Force incident occurred when the sergeant attempted to detain a passenger, identified as 39-year-old Zachariah Dittrick, in handcuffs. 

The sergeant and Dittrick sustained minor injuries during the incident. With additional deputies arriving to assist, the other three individuals were detained without further incident.

Further investigation inside the vehicle revealed several more firearms, various amounts of methamphetamine in various forms, marijuana, and identity documents belonging to two people unknown to any of the four occupants.

Dittrick was arrested and taken to the Scott County Jail on requested charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, battery on a law enforcement officer, and interference with a law enforcement officer.

Shawn Lee Colton, 37, was arrested and transported to the Scott County Jail on requested charges of unlawful possession and distribution of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal use of Weapons.

Clayton Lawrence Hines, 41, was arrested on requested charges of criminal deprivation of property, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

 Jesse James Biggs, 40, was released on scene with charges being forwarded to the Lane County Attorney's Office for possession of marijuana.

Dittrick has previous convictions that include battery against a judge who was performing his duties, arson and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672156999251.jpeg" alt="Photo Lane Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lane Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LANE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on drug allegations following a traffic stop and arrest.Just before 9:30 p.m. Monday, a Lane County sheriff's sergeant observed a vehicle driving through the city of Dighton with its high beams activated. The vehicle failed to dim its lights as it passed the sergeant and a traffic stop was initiated.During the stop, the sergeant noticed the smell of marijuana coming from inside the truck. There was also a loaded rifle tucked in between the seats, within reach of all four occupants. He also recognized two of the occupants from a previous law enforcement contact that resulted in criminal charges earlier in the year. All four occupants were ordered to exit the truck.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672159100493.png" alt="Dittrick has previous convictions that include battery against a judge who was performing his duties, arson and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Dittrick has previous convictions that include battery against a judge who was performing his duties, arson and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>Several of the occupants became argumentative and refused to comply with orders. A Use of Force incident occurred when the sergeant attempted to detain a passenger, identified as 39-year-old Zachariah Dittrick, in handcuffs. The sergeant and Dittrick sustained minor injuries during the incident. With additional deputies arriving to assist, the other three individuals were detained without further incident.Further investigation inside the vehicle revealed several more firearms, various amounts of methamphetamine in various forms, marijuana, and identity documents belonging to two people unknown to any of the four occupants.Dittrick was arrested and taken to the Scott County Jail on requested charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, battery on a law enforcement officer, and interference with a law enforcement officer.Shawn Lee Colton, 37, was arrested and transported to the Scott County Jail on requested charges of unlawful possession and distribution of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal use of Weapons.Clayton Lawrence Hines, 41, was arrested on requested charges of criminal deprivation of property, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Jesse James Biggs, 40, was released on scene with charges being forwarded to the Lane County Attorney's Office for possession of marijuana.Dittrick has previous convictions that include battery against a judge who was performing his duties, arson and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Sheriff's sergeant injured during arrest of 3 Kansas men

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672088051940.jpeg" alt="Alaina Cunningham, is welcomed as the newly appointed Hays city commissioner by Reese Barrick, commissioner, and Vice-Mayor Michael Berges, who is vacating his seat to become an Ellis County Commissioner. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Alaina Cunningham, is welcomed as the newly appointed Hays city commissioner by Reese Barrick, commissioner, and Vice-Mayor Michael Berges, who is vacating his seat to become an Ellis County Commissioner. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWith the resignation of Michael Berges after his election to the Ellis County Commission's First District, his seat on the Hays City Commission will be officially vacant after Dec. 31.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672087390440.jpeg" alt="Outgoing Vice-Mayor Michael Berges, right, is thanked for his service by Mayor Mason Ruder with a key to the city of Hays during Berges' final city commission meeting on Dec. 22. Berges has been elected to the Ellis County Commission's First District. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Outgoing Vice-Mayor Michael Berges, right, is thanked for his service by Mayor Mason Ruder with a key to the city of Hays during Berges' final city commission meeting on Dec. 22. Berges has been elected to the Ellis County Commission's First District. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The commissioners asked for interested residents to apply for the vacancy and appointed Alaina Cunningham to the position at their Dec. 22 meeting.Cunningham was nominated by Commissioner Sandy Jacobs and affirmed with a unanimous vote by the commission.&nbsp;Cunningham, a registered nurse, has been a volunteer and officer with the Downtown Hays Development Corporation board of directors and is currently president of Hays Med Foundation board, according to her application letter read aloud by Jacobs. Cunningham serves as secretary of the USD 489 Hays Academic Booster Club and has been active in the O'Loughlin Elementary School PTA.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whenever you want to find somebody to do something important, find the busiest person you can find," said Commissioner Reese Barrick.Mayor Mason Ruder met earlier with the citizens who had applied for the position."It's pretty refreshing to see people who are willing to step up and do this for their community," Ruder said to Cunningham, who was in the audience. "Thank you for offering your support to the city."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672091723217.jpeg" alt="Alaina Cunningham, right, is offered a hug of congratulations by Commissioner Sandy Jacobs for becoming the newest Hays city commissioner. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Alaina Cunningham, right, is offered a hug of congratulations by Commissioner Sandy Jacobs for becoming the newest Hays city commissioner. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jacobs noted Cunningham has attended most of the city commission meetings since learning Berges had been elected to the county commission. "I think that shows commitment starting right out of the gate," Jacobs said. "I hope when it comes June 1st, we have some filings of those other people interested."&nbsp;&nbsp;Cunningham will be sworn into office during the first official commission meeting in January and will serve the remaining year of Berges' term.&nbsp;Berges said he's enjoyed serving with his fellow commissioners, as well as previous commissioner Ron Mellick."We've done some great things," Berges said."I'm the eyes and ears for the city of Ellis&nbsp;as the county commissioner now, and for you as well," he said to the Hays city commission. "I take that role seriously and the relationship we built while I served."&nbsp;The First District represents a portion of Hays and the northwest part of Ellis County, including the city of Ellis.He also thanked Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty, city staff and city employees. "The city is very well-run," Berges said.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/AUX6Y0Oc-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Berges' Last Meeting" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Jacobs is excited about the experience Berges will carry into the Ellis County Commission."I think we're going to forge some partnerships between the city and county just because of the knowledge you're going to take with you, and then learning about [the county.] I'm looking forward to what's going to happen over the next couple of years," Jacobs said.&nbsp;