H&amp;W Oil Company of Hays is currently seeking a class A CDL driver to haul oilfield fluids. 

H&amp;W offers excellent pay and benefits, which include paid insurance and uniforms. 

Applicant must be able to drive a stick shift and pass all DOT requirements.

 H&amp;W provides a great work environment and well-maintained and updated equipment.

 If interested in joining their team, contact Shawn at (785) 445-2965. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685114004842.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>H&amp;W Oil Company of Hays is currently seeking a class A CDL driver to haul oilfield fluids. No hazmat is required. H&amp;W offers excellent pay and benefits, which include paid insurance and uniforms. They offer bonuses and weekends off. Applicant must be able to drive a stick shift and pass all DOT requirements. H&amp;W provides a great work environment and well-maintained and updated equipment. If interested in joining their team, contact Shawn at (785) 445-2965.

Lincoln resident awarded KS Independent College Foundation scholarship

The Rev. Bill Farmer reached the point where he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/global-methodist-church-breakaway-lgbt-f599979835addfd354856ff5b2024989">couldn’t stay in the United Methodist Church</a>&nbsp;anymore — but the congregation he attended was staying.

Michael Hahn always wanted to stay in the UMC — but his congregation was leaving it.

Each has found new church homes, and they’re not alone.

Thousands of United Methodist congregations have been voting on whether to stay or quit one of the nation’s largest denominations amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-f3fc3ec9e1f39501495d227d5a0963f8">intractable debates</a>&nbsp;over theology and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-marriage-1ed8df15ecbb36700cbe638b29dc6617">role of LGBTQ people</a>. There are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-marriage-b6a4ec4a28ce2674932573ba6c850f4a">stark differences</a>&nbsp;over recognizing same-sex marriage and ordaining LGBTQ clergy.

But the dividing line isn’t just running between congregations. It’s running right through the pews of individual churches, separating people who had long worshipped together.

Those who come up on the short end of a disaffiliation vote face the dilemma of whether to stay or go.

According to the Great Plains conference agenda packet, 103 churches' disassociation are set to be approved by resolution today.

Hays United Methodist Church was not among those who voted to leave.

Kansas churches that have voted to leave the denomination include:

Agra, Arnold, Bazine, Bellevue, Blue Mound, Brewster, Burdett, Burlington, Caney, Cawker City, Cherryvale, Copeland, Deerfield, Denton, Dwight, Elkhart, Ellsworth, Fulton, Glasco, Glen Elder, Grainfield, Green, Greensburg, Gypsum, Healy, Holcomb, Howard, Hugoton, Ionia, Iuka, Jetmore, Kanopolis, Kanorado, Kirwin, Kismet, Lancaster, Lenora, Leonardville, Liberty, Long Island, Lucas, Luray, Lydia, Madison, Marysville, Medicine Lodge, Miltonvale, Natoma, Ness City, Norwich, Offerle, Oketo, Oneida, Oxford, Peru, Plains, Quinter, Randolph, Ransom, Republic, Richfield, Rolla, Roeland Park, Satanta, Sawyer, Sharon Springs, Stockton, Utica, Virgil, Wakefield and Webber.

The splintering — often grievous and tense — has spurred new initiatives to provide havens for the unmoored. Some United Methodist regional conferences have begun designating “Lighthouse” congregations — ones that actively welcome people who wanted to stay United Methodist but whose former churches voted to leave. Other conferences use different names, such as “Beacon” or “Oasis,” but the idea is the same.

"The pain is real, and there is a lot of grief and a lot of heartache over the split in the United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Lynda Ferguson, the great-grandchild of a circuit-riding Methodist pastor.

Her North Carolina church, First United Methodist Asheboro, became a Lighthouse congregation. That assures newcomers that it’s committed to staying United Methodist, so they won’t have to worry about another disaffiliation vote. More than 400 congregations have disaffiliated in North Carolina.

Ferguson said she can personally relate to those from departing congregations. Her childhood church — the one that shaped her faith and where at age 12 she felt the call to ministry — also voted to leave.

"Part of the Lighthouse mission is to let people know the United Methodist Church is still here and still welcoming,” said the Rev. Ed McKinney, pastor of Stokesdale United Methodist Church in Stokesdale, North Carolina, which also became a Lighthouse congregation.

Michael Hahn and his family are among a group of newcomers who have begun participating in Stokesdale after their previous congregations left the denomination.

Hahn, whose family has been Methodist for generations, said he couldn’t imagine leaving the denomination, which he values for blending faith and rationality: “It’s a place where I don’t have to check my logic and reason at the door and blindly accept things.”

Hahn said he, his wife and daughters have found “a very warm and welcoming environment” in the Stokesdale congregation, with people saying, "We’re glad to have you here, we want to walk through this period with you.”

Many of the departing churches are joining the conservative Global Methodist Church, created last year. Others are going independent or joining different denominations.

While the Global Methodist Church doesn’t have a program like the Lighthouse initiative, it has begun launching or adopting congregations that can become homes for those who want to leave the United Methodist Church but whose congregations are staying.

That was the case with the founders of Grace Methodist Church. They launched the church in January in Homosassa, Florida, after their previous congregation voted to stay in the UMC. The new church immediately affiliated with the Global Methodist Church.

Grace Methodist has been renting a former lodge hall for its services and has already started Bible studies and community outreaches, while also working to attract attendees from their neighborhood.

“We’re not there just to go to church on Sunday for an hour; we’re there to help the community," said member Neil Kline. The enthusiasm of participants is evident, he said: “They can’t wait to get to church, and they don’t want to leave.”

Farmer came out of retirement to serve as the church's pastor.

The group's previous congregation “was a good church,” Farmer said, and he wished it well. But “my struggle was with the United Methodist structure, what’s going on in the United States, particularly."

The ongoing schism has been long in the making.

The United Methodist Church — with about 6.5 million members in the United States and at least that many abroad — has long debated its bans on same-sex marriages and the ordination of openly LGBTQ clergy.

The denomination has repeatedly upheld the bans, largely through the voting strength of the growing, more conservative churches abroad. But conservatives chose to form a new denomination amid growing defiance of the bans in U.S. churches.

More than 3,500 U.S. congregations have received their local conferences’ permission to disaffiliate from the UMC, according to United Methodist News Service. With conference season underway, disaffiliations are closing in on 4,000 and could rise even more by the end of the year, said the Rev. Jay Therrell, president of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, a conservative group advocating for departing congregations.

That’s a fraction of the United Methodists’ 30,000 U.S. churches, though several of the departing congregations are among the largest in their states.

Therrell said he had no problem with the Lighthouse concept but renewed his call to allow churches to disaffiliate on reasonable terms.

“I want everyone to be in the theological home that is the best fit,” Therrell said. “Certainly, the United Methodist Church is welcome to try to create churches to do that. I hope they would respect traditionalists and allow us to get to the place where we need to be.”

In the Arkansas Conference, more than 100 churches — out of roughly 600 total — have received permission to disaffiliate. That leaves parts of the state with few or no remaining United Methodist congregations, said the Rev. Michael Roberts, director of the conference’s new Restart Initiative, which is hoping to enlist congregations to be Beacon churches. Such churches would invite self-described “exiles, refugees, nomads” to worship services, help them start home groups or develop other ways to keep them connected.

“We’re just really simply inviting churches to consider how they can provide this kind of hospitality,” Roberts said. “I love the word ‘hospitality’ because the word ‘hospital’ comes from that word. It is about providing healing."

In the Western Pennsylvania Conference, 17 congregations officially became Lighthouse congregations as of May 1.

About a third of the estimated 800 churches in the Western Pennsylvania Conference — a sprawling 23-county region — are seeking to have their disaffiliations approved at the conference's June annual meeting, according to Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi.

“There have been very few votes where it was unanimous,” she said. For those on the short end of those votes — sometimes described as pilgrims — the Lighthouse congregations offer places where they can join or just find temporary harbor until they figure out next steps.

But Lighthouse churches aren’t places to settle into old routines, she said.

“This has been an opportunity to really think about folks who are unchurched, and how this nucleus of people looking for a church home might help us discern needs in the community and create faith communities” to reach people in new ways.

Added B.T. Gilligan, senior pastor at Nixon United Methodist Church, a Lighthouse congregation in Butler, Pennsylvania: “I really hope this extends and goes far beyond the disaffiliation, but allows for people who have been hurt by churches for all different kinds of reasons.”

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

The Associated PressThe Rev. Bill Farmer reached the point where he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/global-methodist-church-breakaway-lgbt-f599979835addfd354856ff5b2024989">couldn’t stay in the United Methodist Church</a>&nbsp;anymore — but the congregation he attended was staying.Michael Hahn always wanted to stay in the UMC — but his congregation was leaving it.Each has found new church homes, and they’re not alone.Thousands of United Methodist congregations have been voting on whether to stay or quit one of the nation’s largest denominations amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-f3fc3ec9e1f39501495d227d5a0963f8">intractable debates</a>&nbsp;over theology and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-marriage-1ed8df15ecbb36700cbe638b29dc6617">role of LGBTQ people</a>. There are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-marriage-b6a4ec4a28ce2674932573ba6c850f4a">stark differences</a>&nbsp;over recognizing same-sex marriage and ordaining LGBTQ clergy.But the dividing line isn’t just running between congregations. It’s running right through the pews of individual churches, separating people who had long worshipped together.Those who come up on the short end of a disaffiliation vote face the dilemma of whether to stay or go.<h2>Churches leaving</h2>According to the Great Plains conference agenda packet, 103 churches' disassociation are set to be approved by resolution today.Hays United Methodist Church was not among those who voted to leave. Kansas churches that have voted to leave the denomination include:Agra, Arnold, Bazine, Bellevue, Blue Mound, Brewster, Burdett, Burlington, Caney, Cawker City, Cherryvale, Copeland, Deerfield, Denton, Dwight, Elkhart, Ellsworth, Fulton, Glasco, Glen Elder, Grainfield, Green, Greensburg, Gypsum, Healy, Holcomb, Howard, Hugoton, Ionia, Iuka, Jetmore, Kanopolis, Kanorado, Kirwin, Kismet, Lancaster, Lenora, Leonardville, Liberty, Long Island, Lucas, Luray, Lydia, Madison, Marysville, Medicine Lodge, Miltonvale, Natoma, Ness City, Norwich, Offerle, Oketo, Oneida, Oxford, Peru, Plains, Quinter, Randolph, Ransom, Republic, Richfield, Rolla, Roeland Park, Satanta, Sawyer, Sharon Springs, Stockton, Utica, Virgil, Wakefield and Webber.The splintering — often grievous and tense — has spurred new initiatives to provide havens for the unmoored. Some United Methodist regional conferences have begun designating “Lighthouse” congregations — ones that actively welcome people who wanted to stay United Methodist but whose former churches voted to leave. Other conferences use different names, such as “Beacon” or “Oasis,” but the idea is the same."The pain is real, and there is a lot of grief and a lot of heartache over the split in the United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Lynda Ferguson, the great-grandchild of a circuit-riding Methodist pastor.Her North Carolina church, First United Methodist Asheboro, became a Lighthouse congregation. That assures newcomers that it’s committed to staying United Methodist, so they won’t have to worry about another disaffiliation vote. More than 400 congregations have disaffiliated in North Carolina.Ferguson said she can personally relate to those from departing congregations. Her childhood church — the one that shaped her faith and where at age 12 she felt the call to ministry — also voted to leave."Part of the Lighthouse mission is to let people know the United Methodist Church is still here and still welcoming,” said the Rev. Ed McKinney, pastor of Stokesdale United Methodist Church in Stokesdale, North Carolina, which also became a Lighthouse congregation.Michael Hahn and his family are among a group of newcomers who have begun participating in Stokesdale after their previous congregations left the denomination.Hahn, whose family has been Methodist for generations, said he couldn’t imagine leaving the denomination, which he values for blending faith and rationality: “It’s a place where I don’t have to check my logic and reason at the door and blindly accept things.”Hahn said he, his wife and daughters have found “a very warm and welcoming environment” in the Stokesdale congregation, with people saying, "We’re glad to have you here, we want to walk through this period with you.”Many of the departing churches are joining the conservative Global Methodist Church, created last year. Others are going independent or joining different denominations.While the Global Methodist Church doesn’t have a program like the Lighthouse initiative, it has begun launching or adopting congregations that can become homes for those who want to leave the United Methodist Church but whose congregations are staying.That was the case with the founders of Grace Methodist Church. They launched the church in January in Homosassa, Florida, after their previous congregation voted to stay in the UMC. The new church immediately affiliated with the Global Methodist Church.Grace Methodist has been renting a former lodge hall for its services and has already started Bible studies and community outreaches, while also working to attract attendees from their neighborhood.“We’re not there just to go to church on Sunday for an hour; we’re there to help the community," said member Neil Kline. The enthusiasm of participants is evident, he said: “They can’t wait to get to church, and they don’t want to leave.”Farmer came out of retirement to serve as the church's pastor.The group's previous congregation “was a good church,” Farmer said, and he wished it well. But “my struggle was with the United Methodist structure, what’s going on in the United States, particularly."The ongoing schism has been long in the making.The United Methodist Church — with about 6.5 million members in the United States and at least that many abroad — has long debated its bans on same-sex marriages and the ordination of openly LGBTQ clergy.The denomination has repeatedly upheld the bans, largely through the voting strength of the growing, more conservative churches abroad. But conservatives chose to form a new denomination amid growing defiance of the bans in U.S. churches.More than 3,500 U.S. congregations have received their local conferences’ permission to disaffiliate from the UMC, according to United Methodist News Service. With conference season underway, disaffiliations are closing in on 4,000 and could rise even more by the end of the year, said the Rev. Jay Therrell, president of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, a conservative group advocating for departing congregations.That’s a fraction of the United Methodists’ 30,000 U.S. churches, though several of the departing congregations are among the largest in their states.Therrell said he had no problem with the Lighthouse concept but renewed his call to allow churches to disaffiliate on reasonable terms.“I want everyone to be in the theological home that is the best fit,” Therrell said. “Certainly, the United Methodist Church is welcome to try to create churches to do that. I hope they would respect traditionalists and allow us to get to the place where we need to be.”In the Arkansas Conference, more than 100 churches — out of roughly 600 total — have received permission to disaffiliate. That leaves parts of the state with few or no remaining United Methodist congregations, said the Rev. Michael Roberts, director of the conference’s new Restart Initiative, which is hoping to enlist congregations to be Beacon churches. Such churches would invite self-described “exiles, refugees, nomads” to worship services, help them start home groups or develop other ways to keep them connected.“We’re just really simply inviting churches to consider how they can provide this kind of hospitality,” Roberts said. “I love the word ‘hospitality’ because the word ‘hospital’ comes from that word. It is about providing healing."In the Western Pennsylvania Conference, 17 congregations officially became Lighthouse congregations as of May 1.About a third of the estimated 800 churches in the Western Pennsylvania Conference — a sprawling 23-county region — are seeking to have their disaffiliations approved at the conference's June annual meeting, according to Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi.“There have been very few votes where it was unanimous,” she said. For those on the short end of those votes — sometimes described as pilgrims — the Lighthouse congregations offer places where they can join or just find temporary harbor until they figure out next steps.But Lighthouse churches aren’t places to settle into old routines, she said.“This has been an opportunity to really think about folks who are unchurched, and how this nucleus of people looking for a church home might help us discern needs in the community and create faith communities” to reach people in new ways.Added B.T. Gilligan, senior pastor at Nixon United Methodist Church, a Lighthouse congregation in Butler, Pennsylvania: “I really hope this extends and goes far beyond the disaffiliation, but allows for people who have been hurt by churches for all different kinds of reasons.”___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Kansas Methodist churches vote to split from denomination, Hays stays

GREENE COUNTY –One person died in an accident just after midnight Wednesday, May 24, in Greene County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by former Hays and Schoenchen resident, James J. Brackney, 53, Springfield, was northbound on Farm Road 141 three miles north of Springfield.

The motorcycle struck a deer in the road and ejected both occupants.

EMS transported Brackney to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The passenger Brandi A. Brackney, 46, Springfield, was transported to Cox South. They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph PostGREENE COUNTY –One person died in an accident just after midnight Wednesday, May 24, in Greene County, Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by former Hays and Schoenchen resident, James J. Brackney, 53, Springfield, was northbound on Farm Road 141 three miles north of Springfield.The motorcycle struck a deer in the road and ejected both occupants.EMS transported Brackney to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The passenger Brandi A. Brackney, 46, Springfield, was transported to Cox South. They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

Former Hays, Schoenchen resident dead, after motorcycle strikes deer in Missouri

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Another third of an inch of evening rain Tuesday in Hays has helped narrow the moisture deficit for the month.

The official rain amount measured by the K-State Agricultural Center south of town is 0.33 inches.

That puts the total rainfall through May 30 at 3.16 inches, just shy of the average 3.24 inches.

Hays remains behind in moisture for the year, with 6.21 inches measured so far this year. The 157-cumulative average is 7.81 inches of moisture.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d6d656d6-ac97-4c11-83e7-4232aade0f2c">three-day weather forecast</a> calls for a chance of thunderstorms each day through Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653406429503.jpeg" alt="File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAnother third of an inch of evening rain Tuesday in Hays has helped narrow the moisture deficit for the month.The official rain amount measured by the K-State Agricultural Center south of town is 0.33 inches.That puts the total rainfall through May 30 at 3.16 inches, just shy of the average 3.24 inches.Hays remains behind in moisture for the year, with 6.21 inches measured so far this year. The 157-cumulative average is 7.81 inches of moisture.&nbsp;&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d6d656d6-ac97-4c11-83e7-4232aade0f2c">three-day weather forecast</a> calls for a chance of thunderstorms each day through Friday.

Tuesday rain helps narrow moisture gap in Hays

Crude prices dropped more than four percent on Tuesday. At lunchtime, light sweet Nymex crude for July delivery has dropped below $70 per barrel for the first time in three weeks. London Brent was also lower, trading below $74 per barrel by midday. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $63 per barrel, after gaining a dollar on Friday. Prices are down three dollars from the first of the month and more seven dollars from the first of the year. TC Energy moves from recovery to restoration in Washington County. The U.S. Army Corps &nbsp;of Engineers has given its green light to operators of the Keystone Pipeline to begin restoration work on Mill Creek in north central Kansas. The special waterway permit comes just five months after the pipeline ruptured and spilled 13-thousand barrels of heavy crude oil into the creek and surrounding area. A government investigation confirmed the company's determination that the spill was caused by a weld that was flawed at installation, and failed after years of bending stresses. A government news release indicates the company continues disposal efforts for the tainted soil and other waste. TC Energy now begins restoration of Mill Creek to its original condition, form and functions, plus some unnamed aquatic enhancements. The government reported US crude production increased by more than 100-thousand barrels per day last week. Output topped 12.3 million barrels per day, up from 11.8 million barrels a year ago. Domestic crude-oil inventories dropped by 12-and-a-half million barrels from last week to 455.2 million barrels as of May 19th. The Energy Information Administration says that's three percent below the five-year average for this time of year. US crude imports dropped by more than a million barrels per day to 5.9 million. Average imports over the past four weeks are nearly four percent below the same four weeks last year. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reports 711 active drilling rigs in the US on Friday, down nine from a week ago and down 16 from a year ago. The oil tally was down five rigs. The breakout for horizontal drilling was down by eight rigs. The state count in Oklahoma was down five rigs. Texas was up two. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is up six percent from last week but still nearly twenty rigs behind last year at this time. There are 12 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up two, and 23 in Western Kansas, which is unchanged. Drilling was underway Friday on one lease in Barton County, and they're moving in rotary drilling tools preparing to spud a new well in Ellis County. Operators have spudded 494 new wells so far this year in Kansas. That's down 89 wells from the tally a year ago. Total footage is down 24% compared to last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 15 completed wells across Kansas last week. Seven of those are in eastern Kansas, eight are west of Wichita, including one each in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators okayed 41 new drilling locations across the state last week. This year's running total is 529 new permits, compared to 592 a year ago. There are 13 new permits in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. A federal oil-lease auction last week included tracts northwestern Kansas. The Interior Department on May 25 auctioned off 19 parcels in the Permian Basin in New Mexico, which garnered 99.9% of the bid total of more than $78 million. The government also offered 26 parcels in Cheyenne County, Kansas. Just 18 of those attracted bids, most went for the minimum price of $10 an acre, and all but one went to Murfin Drilling Company of Wichita. The remaining lease was sold to Red Oak Energy. Chevron is dramatically increasing its holdings in two major oil basins in the US. The oil major announced it's buying PDC Energy in an all-stock deal valued at $6.3 BILLION. Chevron will add some 275-thousand acres in the Denver-Julesberg Basin in Colorado and Wyoming, and increases it's holding by 25-thousand acres in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Crude prices dropped more than four percent on Tuesday. At lunchtime, light sweet Nymex crude for July delivery has dropped below $70 per barrel for the first time in three weeks. London Brent was also lower, trading below $74 per barrel by midday. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $63 per barrel, after gaining a dollar on Friday. Prices are down three dollars from the first of the month and more seven dollars from the first of the year. TC Energy moves from recovery to restoration in Washington County. The U.S. Army Corps &nbsp;of Engineers has given its green light to operators of the Keystone Pipeline to begin restoration work on Mill Creek in north central Kansas. The special waterway permit comes just five months after the pipeline ruptured and spilled 13-thousand barrels of heavy crude oil into the creek and surrounding area. A government investigation confirmed the company's determination that the spill was caused by a weld that was flawed at installation, and failed after years of bending stresses. A government news release indicates the company continues disposal efforts for the tainted soil and other waste. TC Energy now begins restoration of Mill Creek to its original condition, form and functions, plus some unnamed aquatic enhancements. The government reported US crude production increased by more than 100-thousand barrels per day last week. Output topped 12.3 million barrels per day, up from 11.8 million barrels a year ago. Domestic crude-oil inventories dropped by 12-and-a-half million barrels from last week to 455.2 million barrels as of May 19th. The Energy Information Administration says that's three percent below the five-year average for this time of year. US crude imports dropped by more than a million barrels per day to 5.9 million. Average imports over the past four weeks are nearly four percent below the same four weeks last year. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reports 711 active drilling rigs in the US on Friday, down nine from a week ago and down 16 from a year ago. The oil tally was down five rigs. The breakout for horizontal drilling was down by eight rigs. The state count in Oklahoma was down five rigs. Texas was up two. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is up six percent from last week but still nearly twenty rigs behind last year at this time. There are 12 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up two, and 23 in Western Kansas, which is unchanged. Drilling was underway Friday on one lease in Barton County, and they're moving in rotary drilling tools preparing to spud a new well in Ellis County. Operators have spudded 494 new wells so far this year in Kansas. That's down 89 wells from the tally a year ago. Total footage is down 24% compared to last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 15 completed wells across Kansas last week. Seven of those are in eastern Kansas, eight are west of Wichita, including one each in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators okayed 41 new drilling locations across the state last week. This year's running total is 529 new permits, compared to 592 a year ago. There are 13 new permits in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. A federal oil-lease auction last week included tracts northwestern Kansas. The Interior Department on May 25 auctioned off 19 parcels in the Permian Basin in New Mexico, which garnered 99.9% of the bid total of more than $78 million. The government also offered 26 parcels in Cheyenne County, Kansas. Just 18 of those attracted bids, most went for the minimum price of $10 an acre, and all but one went to Murfin Drilling Company of Wichita. The remaining lease was sold to Red Oak Energy. Chevron is dramatically increasing its holdings in two major oil basins in the US. The oil major announced it's buying PDC Energy in an all-stock deal valued at $6.3 BILLION. Chevron will add some 275-thousand acres in the Denver-Julesberg Basin in Colorado and Wyoming, and increases it's holding by 25-thousand acres in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices crater

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Fort Hays State University master's student explores movement in her thesis exhibit "Centripetal," which is on display now at the <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/art-and-design/moss-thorns/">Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus</a>.

Katie Petersen's early work focused on taking videos and making collages out of those videos.

Her master's exhibition also focuses heavily on motion.

"My conceptual work that I created for my thesis show was a lot about my experience of dealing with&nbsp;scoliosis and how the body and mind connect together and how they both affect each other and how pain affects our mindset and our bodies," she said.

<a href="https://www.scoliosis.org/">Scoliosis</a> is&nbsp;a sideways curvature of the spine.

Her featured installation includes painting on lighted semi-translucent panels. She said she wanted the pieces to mimic X-rays on a light board.&nbsp;

Other pieces of her art are specifically modeled after X-rays of her back.

Petersen recorded herself doing physical therapy exercises and then brought them back to life in watercolors."I wanted to create a very private and intimate space for these paintings," she said.

Petersen depicted the illusion of movement in paintings, including "The Swimmers," "Skater" and "Chiropractor."

She said the movement is repetitious and also meditative.

When you go to a physical therapist, you have to do the exercises over and over again in order to heal, she said.

Because of her scoliosis, Petersen can't paint for long periods of time. She has to take breaks.&nbsp;

"I've had to adjust the practice of making art," she said, "where I'm standing instead of sitting or slouching. I have to look at my posture and be mindful of my position because I don't want to cause myself discomfort.

"It's not a sprint. It's a marathon. I still want to be doing this when I'm 80 or 90 years old. I have to be mindful of that now."

Petersen said she started to focus on painting in the junior year of her undergraduate degree.

"I just really liked the feeling of the brushes and the paint and how you could cover large space with color very quickly, also the layering," she said.

She said that watercolor has much more intimacy than oils. In her her watercolors, she shows more of her face.

Petersen's exhibit, which will run through June 9, is her last requirement for her degree. She participated in graduation ceremonies in May.

Petersen, 25, of Fremont, Neb., will have an artist residency at the <a href="https://www.redbarnstudio.org/">Red Barn Studio in Lindsborg</a> in July.&nbsp; She also has accepted a position with <a href="https://www.sterling.edu/">Sterling College</a> as an assistant professor of fine arts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685477964058.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University art student Katie Petersen depicts human forms as they might be seen on an X-ray light board in her exhibit "Centripetal," which is on display now at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/art-and-design/moss-thorns/">Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus</a>. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University art student Katie Petersen depicts human forms as they might be seen on an X-ray light board in her exhibit "Centripetal," which is on display now at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/art-and-design/moss-thorns/">Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus</a>. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Fort Hays State University master's student explores movement in her thesis exhibit "Centripetal," which is on display now at the <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/art-and-design/moss-thorns/">Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus</a>.Katie Petersen's early work focused on taking videos and making collages out of those videos.Her master's exhibition also focuses heavily on motion."My conceptual work that I created for my thesis show was a lot about my experience of dealing with&nbsp;scoliosis and how the body and mind connect together and how they both affect each other and how pain affects our mindset and our bodies," she said.<a href="https://www.scoliosis.org/">Scoliosis</a> is&nbsp;a sideways curvature of the spine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685478024853.jpeg" alt="Art student Katie Petersen depicts motion in many of her paintings including this show title piece "Centripetal." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Art student Katie Petersen depicts motion in many of her paintings including this show title piece "Centripetal." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Her featured installation includes painting on lighted semi-translucent panels. She said she wanted the pieces to mimic X-rays on a light board.&nbsp;Other pieces of her art are specifically modeled after X-rays of her back.Petersen recorded herself doing physical therapy exercises and then brought them back to life in watercolors."I wanted to create a very private and intimate space for these paintings," she said.Petersen depicted the illusion of movement in paintings, including "The Swimmers," "Skater" and "Chiropractor."She said the movement is repetitious and also meditative.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685478045503.jpeg" alt=""Skater" by Katie Petersen. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"Skater" by Katie Petersen. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>When you go to a physical therapist, you have to do the exercises over and over again in order to heal, she said.Because of her scoliosis, Petersen can't paint for long periods of time. She has to take breaks.&nbsp;"I've had to adjust the practice of making art," she said, "where I'm standing instead of sitting or slouching. I have to look at my posture and be mindful of my position because I don't want to cause myself discomfort."It's not a sprint. It's a marathon. I still want to be doing this when I'm 80 or 90 years old. I have to be mindful of that now."Petersen said she started to focus on painting in the junior year of her undergraduate degree.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685478067638.jpeg" alt="Several of Petersen's paintings focus on her treatment for&nbsp;scoliosis, including this piece, titled "Chiropractor." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Several of Petersen's paintings focus on her treatment for&nbsp;scoliosis, including this piece, titled "Chiropractor." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>"I just really liked the feeling of the brushes and the paint and how you could cover large space with color very quickly, also the layering," she said.She said that watercolor has much more intimacy than oils. In her her watercolors, she shows more of her face.Petersen's exhibit, which will run through June 9, is her last requirement for her degree. She participated in graduation ceremonies in May.Petersen, 25, of Fremont, Neb., will have an artist residency at the <a href="https://www.redbarnstudio.org/">Red Barn Studio in Lindsborg</a> in July.&nbsp; She also has accepted a position with <a href="https://www.sterling.edu/">Sterling College</a> as an assistant professor of fine arts.

FHSU student art exhibit explores motion, scoliosis

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

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MjUuNzczMDg5NTEifQ.7bE_CJuxZIXrU9Im_al9w3nZYsVEoWkZzNRhA909Cbo/s/1305913623/br/203757330160-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. &nbsp;Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.&nbsp;

KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions. &nbsp;

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.&nbsp;

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNTI1Ljc3MzA4OTUxIn0.BD0FYKtCWc2OInqfC4COb91R-49r8gjdbN35JTizZyk/s/1305913623/br/203757330160-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNTI1Ljc3MzA4OTUxIn0.dP9p16A-IcPq4CozHfyoAkyJ7mTQdIw0GIKqjjNRGpE/s/1305913623/br/203757330160-l" target="_blank">interactive story</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685105826581.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MjUuNzczMDg5NTEifQ.7bE_CJuxZIXrU9Im_al9w3nZYsVEoWkZzNRhA909Cbo/s/1305913623/br/203757330160-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.Active Advisories&nbsp;Warning<ul>
 <li>Marion Lake, Marion County (Added on May 25)</li><li>Norton Lake, Norton County (Added on May 25)</li>
 </ul>Lifted<ul>
 <li>Melvern Lake, Osage County (Lifted on May 25)</li><li>Pomona Lake, Osage County (Lifted on May 25)</li><li>Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (Lifted on May 25)</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. &nbsp;Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.&nbsp;KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions. &nbsp;If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.&nbsp;For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNTI1Ljc3MzA4OTUxIn0.BD0FYKtCWc2OInqfC4COb91R-49r8gjdbN35JTizZyk/s/1305913623/br/203757330160-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNTI1Ljc3MzA4OTUxIn0.dP9p16A-IcPq4CozHfyoAkyJ7mTQdIw0GIKqjjNRGpE/s/1305913623/br/203757330160-l" target="_blank">interactive story</a>.

Norton Lake under blue-green algae warning

By JULIA DEBES Kansas Wheat

From buying her own market lambs to show at her county 4-H fair to testifying before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, Annika Wiebers, Wamego, combines an affinity for agriculture with a mission to bridge the gap between production agriculture and folks like herself who did not grow up on the farm. Combined, these qualities make her an ideal first recipient of the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship.&nbsp;

“Unlike many people in Kansas, I didn’t grow up with a background in production agriculture,” Wiebers said. “I had relatives who were farmers and ranchers, but I didn’t have any personal experience with agriculture until I was in high school and chose to expand my 4-H work to include livestock projects. This involvement opened my eyes to the need for communicating and educating people on the importance of agriculture.”

Wiebers got her earliest touches with production agriculture from relatives who were farmers and ranchers, but it wasn’t until she decided to buy some market lambs to show through 4-H that she had her first real-world experience as a livestock producer.&nbsp;

“The learning curve was incredibly steep, but I loved the experience and enjoyed taking on the responsibility,” Wiebers said. “Since then, I have grown increasingly more interested in agriculture both through my own experiences and those of my friends.”

Wiebers continued to pursue both livestock projects in addition to cultivating a natural skill set for communications. In 2018-2019, she earned the top prize in Kansas as the state 4-H winner in the communications project. Since then, she has put those skills to work advocating for agriculture, including speaking to the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture regarding the 2022 Farm Bill, as part of her experience at that year’s National 4-H Conference. Today, Wiebers is a sophomore at Kansas State University, pursuing a degree in agricultural communications, furthering her goals of connecting consumers and farmers.&nbsp;

“By pursuing a degree in agricultural communications, I am combining my communication skills with my growing affinity for agriculture,” Wiebers said. “As someone who wasn’t born into the industry but instead chose to be involved, I would also be a valuable advocate highlighting the value of agriculture and helping others have this opportunity for discovery.”

One can only imagine the proud chuckles of David Radenberg had he the chance to meet Wiebers in person. 

Radenberg, a lifelong wheat farmer in Claflin and long-time Kansas Wheat Commissioner, could often be spotted peaking over the cubicles or sitting laid back in an office to chat with staff. Radenberg passed in 2021 after a lengthy battle with cancer, but the scholarship in his name is a testament to continuing his support of the future of Kansas agriculture.&nbsp;

This year is the first offering of the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship, which awards one $1,000 scholarship to a current undergraduate or graduate student from Kansas who is pursuing a career in the field of agriculture.&nbsp;

Radenberg represented central Kansas on the Kansas Wheat Commission from April 2011 to March 2020, including serving as chairman from August 2018 to May 2019. Radenberg was also a founding board member of the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation.

During his tenure as a commissioner, he supported wheat research and international marketing efforts, including attending the 31st annual Latin American Millers Conference in Lima, Peru, in 2013. At the time, he expressed how he enjoyed sharing with millers, bakers and merchandisers about the research investments Kansas farmers are making to provide a better-quality product.&nbsp;

The selection of Wiebers - as a communications major - as the scholarship recipient furthers Radenberg’s legacy as an advocate for sharing the story of Kansas agriculture with others.&nbsp;

“My background gives me a strong awareness of how much people simply don’t know about where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture in our society,” Wiebers said. “I now have a better understanding of what it’s like to be on both ends of the production agriculture spectrum and believe I will be valuable in bridging the gap between what can seem like two completely different worlds.”&nbsp;

Learn more about the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001F7HpzrklnoV-g7yyJ62Er82C5etg4X0h9xCw7Z9dPDsslceQlEO_lwYPZjoxl-lxuXvNHdlybjVeEeSvV6JXakiPFenS13ZegjWvFdw5X8DFW1XC8hSDhEZlwA35jH6U8UOXDTzUfjsKOwjsznFKJvxFI-LpqMhIWdcWByGLHZwO6rAFUOgQWCEEGGoMmg3zN_sshFEP003bFSWUqRjSP9jRYvZQYIwZ&amp;c=apABoUl-ajgL4CxXjmALtQ2JjXigcG3JtJpREUHGpywNshmpWBe_iQ==&amp;ch=SrZyeV25JfPMqOa0bcFpLvx2xp2_otUEd8fuzL-XHaBJpgTfZwnoSQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/growers/scholarships/david-radenberg-memorial-scholarship</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685027004416.jpeg" alt="David Radenberg in South Korea (third from the left). Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>David Radenberg in South Korea (third from the left). Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatFrom buying her own market lambs to show at her county 4-H fair to testifying before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, Annika Wiebers, Wamego, combines an affinity for agriculture with a mission to bridge the gap between production agriculture and folks like herself who did not grow up on the farm. Combined, these qualities make her an ideal first recipient of the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship.&nbsp;“Unlike many people in Kansas, I didn’t grow up with a background in production agriculture,” Wiebers said. “I had relatives who were farmers and ranchers, but I didn’t have any personal experience with agriculture until I was in high school and chose to expand my 4-H work to include livestock projects. This involvement opened my eyes to the need for communicating and educating people on the importance of agriculture.”Wiebers got her earliest touches with production agriculture from relatives who were farmers and ranchers, but it wasn’t until she decided to buy some market lambs to show through 4-H that she had her first real-world experience as a livestock producer.&nbsp;“The learning curve was incredibly steep, but I loved the experience and enjoyed taking on the responsibility,” Wiebers said. “Since then, I have grown increasingly more interested in agriculture both through my own experiences and those of my friends.”Wiebers continued to pursue both livestock projects in addition to cultivating a natural skill set for communications. In 2018-2019, she earned the top prize in Kansas as the state 4-H winner in the communications project. Since then, she has put those skills to work advocating for agriculture, including speaking to the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture regarding the 2022 Farm Bill, as part of her experience at that year’s National 4-H Conference. Today, Wiebers is a sophomore at Kansas State University, pursuing a degree in agricultural communications, furthering her goals of connecting consumers and farmers.&nbsp;“By pursuing a degree in agricultural communications, I am combining my communication skills with my growing affinity for agriculture,” Wiebers said. “As someone who wasn’t born into the industry but instead chose to be involved, I would also be a valuable advocate highlighting the value of agriculture and helping others have this opportunity for discovery.”One can only imagine the proud chuckles of David Radenberg had he the chance to meet Wiebers in person. Radenberg, a lifelong wheat farmer in Claflin and long-time Kansas Wheat Commissioner, could often be spotted peaking over the cubicles or sitting laid back in an office to chat with staff. Radenberg passed in 2021 after a lengthy battle with cancer, but the scholarship in his name is a testament to continuing his support of the future of Kansas agriculture.&nbsp;This year is the first offering of the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship, which awards one $1,000 scholarship to a current undergraduate or graduate student from Kansas who is pursuing a career in the field of agriculture.&nbsp;Radenberg represented central Kansas on the Kansas Wheat Commission from April 2011 to March 2020, including serving as chairman from August 2018 to May 2019. Radenberg was also a founding board member of the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation.During his tenure as a commissioner, he supported wheat research and international marketing efforts, including attending the 31st annual Latin American Millers Conference in Lima, Peru, in 2013. At the time, he expressed how he enjoyed sharing with millers, bakers and merchandisers about the research investments Kansas farmers are making to provide a better-quality product.&nbsp;The selection of Wiebers - as a communications major - as the scholarship recipient furthers Radenberg’s legacy as an advocate for sharing the story of Kansas agriculture with others.&nbsp;“My background gives me a strong awareness of how much people simply don’t know about where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture in our society,” Wiebers said. “I now have a better understanding of what it’s like to be on both ends of the production agriculture spectrum and believe I will be valuable in bridging the gap between what can seem like two completely different worlds.”&nbsp;Learn more about the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001F7HpzrklnoV-g7yyJ62Er82C5etg4X0h9xCw7Z9dPDsslceQlEO_lwYPZjoxl-lxuXvNHdlybjVeEeSvV6JXakiPFenS13ZegjWvFdw5X8DFW1XC8hSDhEZlwA35jH6U8UOXDTzUfjsKOwjsznFKJvxFI-LpqMhIWdcWByGLHZwO6rAFUOgQWCEEGGoMmg3zN_sshFEP003bFSWUqRjSP9jRYvZQYIwZ&amp;c=apABoUl-ajgL4CxXjmALtQ2JjXigcG3JtJpREUHGpywNshmpWBe_iQ==&amp;ch=SrZyeV25JfPMqOa0bcFpLvx2xp2_otUEd8fuzL-XHaBJpgTfZwnoSQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/growers/scholarships/david-radenberg-memorial-scholarship</a>.&nbsp;

Inaugural David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship honors Claflin man

The board of directors and staff of Divine Mercy Radio, Inc. based in Hays, will celebrate the start of the network’s fifth station, 89.1, KGOH in Colby. The celebration will take place with a tower blessing and supper Sunday, June 4.

“This latest station has been a labor of love for the people in western Kansas,” said Donetta Robben, executive director. “We look forward to celebrating with our new listeners.”

Blessing of the tower will take place at 5 p.m. at the tower site, which is located one mile south of the Oasis Travel Center in Colby. Father Fred Gatschet, Vicar General of the Diocese of Salina, will conduct the blessing. Supper will follow at City Limits, 227 S Range Ave. in Colby. The supper is limited to the first 100 people, so RSVPs are necessary and can be made by emailing donetta@dvmercy.com or calling the station at 785.621.4110.

There will also be a Hays City Chamber Chat and Ribbon Cutting at the Fox Theatre in Hays at 9 a.m., June 30.

Divine Mercy Radio began broadcasting in 2010 with 88.1 KVDM, Hays, which is currently broadcasting EWTN classics. Since then, Divine Mercy Radio has added four more stations, 88.1, KRTT, Great Bend, 101.7, KJDM Lindsborg/Salina, 105.7 KMDG, Hays, and 89.1, KGOH, Colby, which was officially on the air May 9.

Outside of the listening area, those interested can listen via Divine Mercy Radio’s free phone app, on computer or Amazon Alexa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684878755160.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe board of directors and staff of Divine Mercy Radio, Inc. based in Hays, will celebrate the start of the network’s fifth station, 89.1, KGOH in Colby. The celebration will take place with a tower blessing and supper Sunday, June 4.“This latest station has been a labor of love for the people in western Kansas,” said Donetta Robben, executive director. “We look forward to celebrating with our new listeners.”Blessing of the tower will take place at 5 p.m. at the tower site, which is located one mile south of the Oasis Travel Center in Colby. Father Fred Gatschet, Vicar General of the Diocese of Salina, will conduct the blessing. Supper will follow at City Limits, 227 S Range Ave. in Colby. The supper is limited to the first 100 people, so RSVPs are necessary and can be made by emailing donetta@dvmercy.com or calling the station at 785.621.4110.There will also be a Hays City Chamber Chat and Ribbon Cutting at the Fox Theatre in Hays at 9 a.m., June 30.Divine Mercy Radio began broadcasting in 2010 with 88.1 KVDM, Hays, which is currently broadcasting EWTN classics. Since then, Divine Mercy Radio has added four more stations, 88.1, KRTT, Great Bend, 101.7, KJDM Lindsborg/Salina, 105.7 KMDG, Hays, and 89.1, KGOH, Colby, which was officially on the air May 9.Outside of the listening area, those interested can listen via Divine Mercy Radio’s free phone app, on computer or Amazon Alexa.

Divine Mercy Radio in Colby to host tower blessing June 4

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685459278600.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

🎥 Green & Growing: Protecting water sources

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland has announced 10 communities received almost $3.2 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Grant awards were made in three categories: Water and Sewer, Commercial Rehabilitation, and Housing.

The three programs, which provide crucial funding for community development projects in Kansas, received a total of $3,193,740.

“CDBG grants are tailored to assist in funding broader needs of communities across our great state,” Toland said. “These programs play a vital role in the health and well-being of cities and counties throughout Kansas.”

The Water and Sewer Program is designed to support communities by upgrading and expanding their water and sewer infrastructure. The following cities and counties have been awarded Water and Sewer grants for a total of $2,299,990:

The Commercial Rehabilitation program provides funding to assist private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted structures in downtown commercial districts. The following cities have been awarded Commercial Rehabilitation grants for a total of $593,750:

Finally, the CDBG Housing program provides funding to support the rehabilitation of housing units and the demolition of blighted structures in communities across the state. One city received a Housing grant award this round:

For more information about CDBG grant programs, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9jZGJnLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MjQuNzcyNDQxNjEifQ.3iJ3ghoJh2B3M9ifCJoLlw4mgjAJdekfw8FSR_vBIyc/s/1303161001/br/203673477977-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577789937052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDCTOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland has announced 10 communities received almost $3.2 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Grant awards were made in three categories: Water and Sewer, Commercial Rehabilitation, and Housing.The three programs, which provide crucial funding for community development projects in Kansas, received a total of $3,193,740.“CDBG grants are tailored to assist in funding broader needs of communities across our great state,” Toland said. “These programs play a vital role in the health and well-being of cities and counties throughout Kansas.”The Water and Sewer Program is designed to support communities by upgrading and expanding their water and sewer infrastructure. The following cities and counties have been awarded Water and Sewer grants for a total of $2,299,990:<ul>
 <li>Belle Plaine; $476,760; removing nitrates from potable water sources</li><li>Herndon; $152,583; repairing lagoons</li><li>Miami County; $305,126; building a lift station to pump sewage</li><li>Osage City; $470,801; rehabilitating sewer mains and manholes</li><li>Palco; $417,960; constructing a new water treatment plant</li><li>Wakefield; $476,760; constructing additional lagoons</li>
 </ul>The Commercial Rehabilitation program provides funding to assist private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted structures in downtown commercial districts. The following cities have been awarded Commercial Rehabilitation grants for a total of $593,750:<ul>
 <li>Atchison; $250,000; repairing a historic property downtown</li><li>Independence; $250,000; rehabilitating a historic downtown building</li><li>Meriden; $93,750; rehabilitating a local bar and restaurant</li>
 </ul>Finally, the CDBG Housing program provides funding to support the rehabilitation of housing units and the demolition of blighted structures in communities across the state. One city received a Housing grant award this round:<ul>
 <li>Holyrood; $300,000; rehabilitating eight homes and demolishing three</li>
 </ul>For more information about CDBG grant programs, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9jZGJnLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MjQuNzcyNDQxNjEifQ.3iJ3ghoJh2B3M9ifCJoLlw4mgjAJdekfw8FSR_vBIyc/s/1303161001/br/203673477977-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

CDBG grant to Palco will help finance new water treatment plant

"I just want to get it down as low as possible."

That was the comment of one attendee, and others agreed, during Thursday's presentation at the Hays Senior Center about Midwest Energy's new rate structure for residential customers.

Two previous components - a monthly customer charge, and an energy charge based on the number of kilowatt hours used - remain unchanged. There is now a new third component, a demand charge.

Demand rates are already in place for commercial customers.

Justin Macdonald, vice-president of customer service at Midwest Energy, Hays, spoke to the crowd about how to keep the demand charge low.

A demand charge is not unusual. Several electric companies in Kansas have already implemented one, as well as companies in other states.

Midwest Energy is a customer cooperative, "so this is revenue neutral. There is no intention to either raise rates or lower rates," Macdonald pointed out.

Demand refers to the amount of electrical power being used at a given time. Demand charges will be a monthly charge based on “peak demand,” or the maximum number of kilowatts a customer used in an hour, measured in 15-minute increments.&nbsp;

In the summer months of June 1 through September 30, when it's hot and cooling devices are in high use, demand would be billed based on peak demand between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. That's when the heat of the day is the hottest - the air conditioning is cranked up - and most households are using appliances to prepare supper, running the dishwasher afterwards, and throwing in a load of laundry.

 The rest of the year - October through May - the billed demand would be based on whenever peak demand was reached during each month.

Macdonald talked to the senior center crowd about why the rate changed in January, bill impacts, and steps customers can take to save money on their energy bills.

Bottom line, the change which occurs over four years, will "lower costs for all of us," Macdonald told the audience and it will "result in no overall increase for the average customer."

The goal is to spread out the peak uses, smoothing out the highest potential demand from all customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The presentation to older adults included several suggestions on how to lower the peak demand charge.

"When in doubt, spread it out," Macdonald repeated several times during his 30-minute presentation. By spreading out the use of large electrical appliances throughout the day, you can decrease your demand charge.&nbsp;

Comparisons of kW use by major appliances were reviewed. 

Macdonald told one attendee the use of his microwave at 7 p.m. each day for popcorn would be negligible.&nbsp; Another senior asked about the kW reduction if he used an air fryer instead of his oven or microwave. "I honestly don't know," Macdonald admitted, and he told the customer he would research air fryers and get back to him personally with an answer.

All audience members were invited to sign up for a free estimation of how their Midwest Energy bills will change over the next four years.

Most residential customers' bills are expected to change minimally, either going up slightly, or even reducing a small amount.

It's costly to build and maintain the electrical grid for the biggest use - or stress - placed on it for that short time during the year.

"By decreasing demand, we can eventually lower the cooperative's capacity for the electrical system, resulting in lower costs for all customers in the future," Macdonald explained.&nbsp;

Although the change was effective at the first of the year, during all of 2023, there is a $0 demand charge levied to allow residential customers to get a better understanding of demand charges and bill impacts.

Unchanged is the $28 monthly customer charge.&nbsp;

The energy charge is variable based on the amount of kilowatt hours used during any month. As demand charges phase in over four years, the energy charge will reduce each year.&nbsp;

Macdonald said energy charges are projected to from 7.8¢ today to 4.2¢ per kWh by 2026, making the changes revenue-neutral for Midwest Energy customers.

You can view your actual demand by logging into the Midwest Energy CustomerConnect portal. To access CustomerConnect, visit www.mwenergy.com, log-in to your Midwest Energy account and click the house icon in the upper right of the screen. 

For more information about demand and demand rates, and tips on how to reduce your demand visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mwenergy.com/residential/demand-rates">the demand rates page</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Macdonald and two other senior Midwest Energy employees are in the midst of visiting more than 50 communities in the electric/gas company's service area to explain the changes, more importantly, answer questions from customers.

In the next few days, Midwest Energy will make the following similar presentations:

May 30-Goodland, 10 a.m. at Goodland Senior Center June 1-Victoria, 10 a.m. at Victoria High School Cafeteria June 6-St. John, 10 a.m. at Goodman Library June 6-Great Bend, 11:30 a.m. at Great Bend Senior Center

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685400215376.jpeg" alt="Justin Macdonald, vice-president of customer service at Midwest Energy, Hays, answers a question from the audience at the Hays Senior Center Thursday about the new demand charge the electric/gas cooperative has implemented. Photo by Becky Kiser" />
 <figcaption>Justin Macdonald, vice-president of customer service at Midwest Energy, Hays, answers a question from the audience at the Hays Senior Center Thursday about the new demand charge the electric/gas cooperative has implemented. Photo by Becky Kiser</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post"I just want to get it down as low as possible."That was the comment of one attendee, and others agreed, during Thursday's presentation at the Hays Senior Center about Midwest Energy's new rate structure for residential customers.Two previous components - a monthly customer charge, and an energy charge based on the number of kilowatt hours used - remain unchanged. There is now a new third component, a demand charge.Demand rates are already in place for commercial customers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685402843827.png" alt="Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>Justin Macdonald, vice-president of customer service at Midwest Energy, Hays, spoke to the crowd about how to keep the demand charge low.A demand charge is not unusual. Several electric companies in Kansas have already implemented one, as well as companies in other states.Midwest Energy is a customer cooperative, "so this is revenue neutral. There is no intention to either raise rates or lower rates," Macdonald pointed out.Demand refers to the amount of electrical power being used at a given time. Demand charges will be a monthly charge based on “peak demand,” or the maximum number of kilowatts a customer used in an hour, measured in 15-minute increments.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685400571795.png" alt="Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>In the summer months of June 1 through September 30, when it's hot and cooling devices are in high use, demand would be billed based on peak demand between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. That's when the heat of the day is the hottest - the air conditioning is cranked up - and most households are using appliances to prepare supper, running the dishwasher afterwards, and throwing in a load of laundry. The rest of the year - October through May - the billed demand would be based on whenever peak demand was reached during each month.Macdonald talked to the senior center crowd about why the rate changed in January, bill impacts, and steps customers can take to save money on their energy bills.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/PgIhMnjr-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Mwe Macdonald 1" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Bottom line, the change which occurs over four years, will "lower costs for all of us," Macdonald told the audience and it will "result in no overall increase for the average customer."The goal is to spread out the peak uses, smoothing out the highest potential demand from all customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685399801827.png" alt="Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685400752498.png" alt="Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>The presentation to older adults included several suggestions on how to lower the peak demand charge."When in doubt, spread it out," Macdonald repeated several times during his 30-minute presentation. By spreading out the use of large electrical appliances throughout the day, you can decrease your demand charge.&nbsp;Comparisons of kW use by major appliances were reviewed. Macdonald told one attendee the use of his microwave at 7 p.m. each day for popcorn would be negligible.&nbsp; Another senior asked about the kW reduction if he used an air fryer instead of his oven or microwave. "I honestly don't know," Macdonald admitted, and he told the customer he would research air fryers and get back to him personally with an answer.All audience members were invited to sign up for a free estimation of how their Midwest Energy bills will change over the next four years.Most residential customers' bills are expected to change minimally, either going up slightly, or even reducing a small amount.It's costly to build and maintain the electrical grid for the biggest use - or stress - placed on it for that short time during the year."By decreasing demand, we can eventually lower the cooperative's capacity for the electrical system, resulting in lower costs for all customers in the future," Macdonald explained.&nbsp;Although the change was effective at the first of the year, during all of 2023, there is a $0 demand charge levied to allow residential customers to get a better understanding of demand charges and bill impacts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685400036766.png" alt="Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>Unchanged is the $28 monthly customer charge.&nbsp;The energy charge is variable based on the amount of kilowatt hours used during any month. As demand charges phase in over four years, the energy charge will reduce each year.&nbsp;Macdonald said energy charges are projected to from 7.8¢ today to 4.2¢ per kWh by 2026, making the changes revenue-neutral for Midwest Energy customers.You can view your actual demand by logging into the Midwest Energy CustomerConnect portal. To access CustomerConnect, visit www.mwenergy.com, log-in to your Midwest Energy account and click the house icon in the upper right of the screen. For more information about demand and demand rates, and tips on how to reduce your demand visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mwenergy.com/residential/demand-rates">the demand rates page</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Macdonald and two other senior Midwest Energy employees are in the midst of visiting more than 50 communities in the electric/gas company's service area to explain the changes, more importantly, answer questions from customers.In the next few days, Midwest Energy will make the following similar presentations:May 30-Goodland, 10 a.m. at Goodland Senior Center June 1-Victoria, 10 a.m. at Victoria High School Cafeteria June 6-St. John, 10 a.m. at Goodman Library June 6-Great Bend, 11:30 a.m. at Great Bend Senior Center

🎥 Senior citizens learn how to reduce new peak energy demand rate at Midwest Energy

Far above the streets of Ellis, a giant mural depicting Ellis High School athletes is taking shape.

Dennis Schiel of Hays is working on his largest and what may be his last mural.

The Ellis mural, which is 35 by 65 feet, is on the side of a grain elevator that faces Washington Street in downtown Ellis.

Schiel, who has lived in Hays for 16 years, has painted murals across the area. He coordinated the downtown Hays Brush the Bricks mural project and personally painted four of the murals for that project.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c249f967-7e8d-4a80-897e-25bccb78992e">• The three amigos mural on the S&amp;W building</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/274e05fe-f437-4c8a-95f7-2d33bdfb4c44">• The Arc mural on the Arc Thrift Store building</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d8987c98-30c5-4304-8b88-cabf4ef0efb4">• The Hays postcard mural on the side of the Golden Q building</a> •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fc07702-44b6-4f24-a80c-bb9aa092c12f">The farmer and team mural on the side of the&nbsp;Midland Marketing building.</a>

He also painted the mural on the north side of the <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2016/09/23/community-connection-dennis-schiel/">Fox Theatre in Hays</a> and the mural on the north side of the <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2017/08/18/%f0%9f%8e%a5-150-years-of-service-mural-nearing-completion/">Hays VFW</a>.

A mural&nbsp;Schiel painted depicting famous people and places in the state hangs in the Kansas capitol.

Schiel said he hopes he has left an artistic legacy in the community.

Schiel's grandchildren attended Ellis High School, which sparked the idea for his latest mural. EHS wrote grants, and the Ellis Foundation raised funds to support the mural.

Although&nbsp;Schiel said he has tried to keep most of the athletes generic, one of the softball players is loosely based on his granddaughter. The mural also depicts a train crashing out of the grain elevator. EHS' mascot is the Railroaders.

Schiel has been working on the mural for about a month. He is in the process of moving to Colorado to be closer to family and may not be able to finish the mural until mid-summer.

Schiel, 65, said he would likely continue to paint smaller works, but the mural in Ellis may be his last mural. He said it is becoming harder to stand on ladders and scaffolding for long periods of time to paint large outdoor paintings.&nbsp;

"It's bittersweet," he said. "It's good that it's a fun one because it's a lot of whatever I want to paint.

Schiel said he thought the community is enjoying seeing the mural take shape.&nbsp;

Schiel said he is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren in Colorado. A former Colorado resident and Rockies fan, he hopes to attend some baseball games when he moves back.&nbsp;He did some artwork for the Rockies earlier in his career.

"Kansas, I've liked Kansas. I hate to lose Kansas, to leave here. Some things have to be," he said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/43961af5-98c5-41fe-980d-1b731a33083c">Ellis Railroad Museum improvements almost complete; murals finished</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/96983f5b-a3e7-4109-9922-07963f8c5889">Cut, Shave and a beer: Blue Moon Lounge set to open Monday in Hays</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/069474fd-90fb-49e4-a971-0d7ea5d2f88c">Dolce Vita event venue opens in Ellis, seats up to 800</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684947969740.jpeg" alt="Hays artist Dennis Schiel paints the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis Schiel, who has painted murals across the region, said this may be his last mural. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays artist Dennis Schiel paints the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis Schiel, who has painted murals across the region, said this may be his last mural. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFar above the streets of Ellis, a giant mural depicting Ellis High School athletes is taking shape.Dennis Schiel of Hays is working on his largest and what may be his last mural.The Ellis mural, which is 35 by 65 feet, is on the side of a grain elevator that faces Washington Street in downtown Ellis.Schiel, who has lived in Hays for 16 years, has painted murals across the area. He coordinated the downtown Hays Brush the Bricks mural project and personally painted four of the murals for that project.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c249f967-7e8d-4a80-897e-25bccb78992e">• The three amigos mural on the S&amp;W building</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/274e05fe-f437-4c8a-95f7-2d33bdfb4c44">• The Arc mural on the Arc Thrift Store building</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d8987c98-30c5-4304-8b88-cabf4ef0efb4">• The Hays postcard mural on the side of the Golden Q building</a> •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fc07702-44b6-4f24-a80c-bb9aa092c12f">The farmer and team mural on the side of the&nbsp;Midland Marketing building.</a>He also painted the mural on the north side of the <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2016/09/23/community-connection-dennis-schiel/">Fox Theatre in Hays</a> and the mural on the north side of the <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2017/08/18/%f0%9f%8e%a5-150-years-of-service-mural-nearing-completion/">Hays VFW</a>.A mural&nbsp;Schiel painted depicting famous people and places in the state hangs in the Kansas capitol.Schiel said he hopes he has left an artistic legacy in the community.Schiel's grandchildren attended Ellis High School, which sparked the idea for his latest mural. EHS wrote grants, and the Ellis Foundation raised funds to support the mural.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684948132093.jpeg" alt="A closer view of the Ellis High School athletic mural, which is on the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A closer view of the Ellis High School athletic mural, which is on the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Although&nbsp;Schiel said he has tried to keep most of the athletes generic, one of the softball players is loosely based on his granddaughter. The mural also depicts a train crashing out of the grain elevator. EHS' mascot is the Railroaders.Schiel has been working on the mural for about a month. He is in the process of moving to Colorado to be closer to family and may not be able to finish the mural until mid-summer.Schiel, 65, said he would likely continue to paint smaller works, but the mural in Ellis may be his last mural. He said it is becoming harder to stand on ladders and scaffolding for long periods of time to paint large outdoor paintings.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684948271189.jpeg" alt="Artist Dennis Schiel paints a mural depicting Ellis High School athletes on the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Artist Dennis Schiel paints a mural depicting Ellis High School athletes on the side of a grain elevator in downtown Ellis. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's bittersweet," he said. "It's good that it's a fun one because it's a lot of whatever I want to paint."It's the end of a career," he added.Schiel said he thought the community is enjoying seeing the mural take shape.&nbsp;Schiel said he is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren in Colorado. A former Colorado resident and Rockies fan, he hopes to attend some baseball games when he moves back.&nbsp;He did some artwork for the Rockies earlier in his career.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669059521628.jpeg" alt="Schiel's mural on the side of the Midland Marketing building in Hays. This mural was part of the Brush the Bricks project. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Schiel's mural on the side of the Midland Marketing building in Hays. This mural was part of the Brush the Bricks project. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Kansas, I've liked Kansas. I hate to lose Kansas, to leave here. Some things have to be," he said.He added, "Thank you, Hays and Kansas."<h2>Other Schiel projects</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684948670823.jpeg" alt="Ellis Railroad Museum exterior murals by Dennis Schiel. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Ellis Railroad Museum exterior murals by Dennis Schiel. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/43961af5-98c5-41fe-980d-1b731a33083c">Ellis Railroad Museum improvements almost complete; murals finished</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/96983f5b-a3e7-4109-9922-07963f8c5889">Cut, Shave and a beer: Blue Moon Lounge set to open Monday in Hays</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684948760505.jpeg" alt="The west room in the newly opened Dolce Vita event center in Ellis is graced with a mural of the Ellis depot. A portion of the mural was existing, but Schiel rehabilitated the mural and expanded it. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The west room in the newly opened Dolce Vita event center in Ellis is graced with a mural of the Ellis depot. A portion of the mural was existing, but Schiel rehabilitated the mural and expanded it. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/069474fd-90fb-49e4-a971-0d7ea5d2f88c">Dolce Vita event venue opens in Ellis, seats up to 800</a>

Ellis High School mural may be last for prolific Hays artist

The Hays City Band will return this summer,
bringing musicians young and old together for a series of concerts downtown.

“It
doesn't matter if you're a person who regularly plays or if you've got an
instrument that's been sitting in a closet collecting dust, no better time to
break it out and make sure that thing still works,” said director Matt Rome,
who during the school year serves as the Hays High School band director.

Work in
other district buildings will drive rehearsals to his regular practice location.

“The
high school is where we're going to be hosting rehearsals this year,” Rome
said. “Last year, those of you may remember, we had to be at his middle school as
they were ripping the AC unit out of my ceiling. So no falling debris this time.
That'll be fun.”

And
returning to Hays High allows participants to use their band instruments, for
those in need, especially larger instruments like tubas, he said.

Like
previous years, practices will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through June.

Performances
are set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays on June 13, 20 and 27 in the downtown Hays pavilion
and run for around an hour.

<div><iframe title="Strike up the band: Area musicians to gather for summer sessions" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=js8bx-1411ff3-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594154454880.jpeg" alt="The Downtown Pavillion at 10th and Main will host the upcoming Hays City Band concerts in June. File photo" />
 <figcaption>The Downtown Pavillion at 10th and Main will host the upcoming Hays City Band concerts in June. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays City Band will return this summer,
bringing musicians young and old together for a series of concerts downtown.“It
doesn't matter if you're a person who regularly plays or if you've got an
instrument that's been sitting in a closet collecting dust, no better time to
break it out and make sure that thing still works,” said director Matt Rome,
who during the school year serves as the Hays High School band director.Work in
other district buildings will drive rehearsals to his regular practice location.“The
high school is where we're going to be hosting rehearsals this year,” Rome
said. “Last year, those of you may remember, we had to be at his middle school as
they were ripping the AC unit out of my ceiling. So no falling debris this time.
That'll be fun.”And
returning to Hays High allows participants to use their band instruments, for
those in need, especially larger instruments like tubas, he said.Like
previous years, practices will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through June.Performances
are set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays on June 13, 20 and 27 in the downtown Hays pavilion
and run for around an hour.“I just
really want to encourage anyone and everyone who's maybe been on the fence,
maybe you've come out to a concert or something and thought it might be fun to
join in, please do,” Rome said. “Just give it a shot. The beautiful thing about
the city band is it really is comprised of everything from amateurs and
students in the area all the way up to teachers and professionals. And then, of
course, everything in between.”And
while attending the entire season of practices and performances is ideal, he
said, those who can participate for a limited time are also welcome.So far,
those pledging to attend have created a good blend of performers from the
community.“I think
we've got a really good mix of college students, high school students, and a handful
of middle school students are even stepping up,” Rome said. “A bunch of Fort
Hays faculty I've talked to, and it sounds like they're in. I mean, it just
sounds like it's going to be a really, really good band. And I just want as
many people to experience that as we can.”He said
the music selections reflect the ability typical of an advanced middle school
student.“We kind
of know that advanced middle school into like high school repertoire, we might
have one or two things that stretch just a little beyond that, but most of its going
to sit in that in that kind of range.”“And
like last summer, what I've tried to do is pick just a really broad variety of band
literature, written as early as 1909,” Rome said. “And then up to, in fact, I
think we'll play a couple that were copywritten in 2022.“So, a
really wide variety of really diverse variety of music, some classics, some new
things, but like I said, really trying to stick into that, that kind of generic
high school level of, of repertoire so that hopefully nobody's too stressed out
trying to sit in.”For the
listener, that level of music also means it is enjoyable to most audiences. And
with the performances set in the pavilion, attendees will find a relaxed
atmosphere to enjoy the selections.“People
can bring their lawn chairs and just relax and enjoy an evening of some really
quality, but easy listening band music,” Rome said.And
while Rome will serve as the principal director, he said others will join in.“I'm
happy to step off the podium and give some other people the chance to do that,”
Rome said.Among those others that will take the podium are Hays High principal
Shawn Henderson, TMP band director Hector Hernandez and members of the FHSU
faculty.If you have questions, he said he can be contacted via email at <a href="mailto:mrome2@usd489.com">mrome2@usd489.com</a>, otherwise, performers
can simply attend the rehearsals.The Hays
High School band room can be accessed by parking in the main student parking
lot in front of the building.“I'll
have signs to guide you in, but there's a door directly in, so you don't have
to go through the building,” Rome said.

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