By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays High School pen pal program is looking for about two dozen letter writers 55 years old or older to partner with students.

The program, which is four years old, has about 45 students who are interested in pen pals this year, said Luke Lundmark, HHS teacher and program sponsor.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df27ab0aa6b27189b03497b">RELATED STORY: Hays High program seeks to revive the dying art of letter writing</a>

Some of the program's older adults have had to leave the program, and program organizers are hoping to have enough pen pals for each of the interested students, Lundmark said.

Participants are asked to write a letter a month to their partner student. 

All outgoing and incoming letters will be screened. The students will only be using their first names for safety reasons. Both letters from students and senior pen pals must meet high school conduct standards and not include any profanity or references to sex or alcohol. 

Senior pen pal partners do not have to live in Hays. The program has several out-of-state partners, Lundmark said.

This will be the first year the program has had students who started with the program as freshmen and will now be entering their senior year.

"They have this adult who is almost like another mentor or an adviser who they can talk about these big decisions with," Lundmark said. "They can develop these meaningful friendships that will hopefully last when they leave Hays High." 

The program allows students another outlet to express themselves.

"They can write out their thoughts in a safe environment," Lundmark said, "and it's just a fun place to get advice and knowledge and stories."

"No one does it anymore. They will text or Snapchat or post a video on TikTok, but writing a letter is a very personal thing. You have to sit down and compose your thoughts and put them in a meaningful way. 

"It is a skill all students need to know because when they go out in the real world, there is that expectation that they have to know how to compose themselves in a professional manner. They have to know how to write at length. It is a good way to practice."

If you are interested in participating, contact Lundmark at <a href="mailto:llundmark@usd489.com">llundmark@usd489.com</a>, Jen Olt at <a href="mailto:jolt@usd489.com">jolt@usd489.com</a> or call the high school at 785-623-2600.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays High School pen pal program is looking for about two dozen letter writers 55 years old or older to partner with students.The program, which is four years old, has about 45 students who are interested in pen pals this year, said Luke Lundmark, HHS teacher and program sponsor.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df27ab0aa6b27189b03497b">RELATED STORY: Hays High program seeks to revive the dying art of letter writing</a> Some of the program's older adults have had to leave the program, and program organizers are hoping to have enough pen pals for each of the interested students, Lundmark said.Participants are asked to write a letter a month to their partner student. All outgoing and incoming letters will be screened. The students will only be using their first names for safety reasons. Both letters from students and senior pen pals must meet high school conduct standards and not include any profanity or references to sex or alcohol. Senior pen pal partners do not have to live in Hays. The program has several out-of-state partners, Lundmark said.This will be the first year the program has had students who started with the program as freshmen and will now be entering their senior year."They have this adult who is almost like another mentor or an adviser who they can talk about these big decisions with," Lundmark said. "They can develop these meaningful friendships that will hopefully last when they leave Hays High." The program allows students another outlet to express themselves."They can write out their thoughts in a safe environment," Lundmark said, "and it's just a fun place to get advice and knowledge and stories."Letter writing is a lost art, he said."No one does it anymore. They will text or Snapchat or post a video on TikTok, but writing a letter is a very personal thing. You have to sit down and compose your thoughts and put them in a meaningful way. "It is a skill all students need to know because when they go out in the real world, there is that expectation that they have to know how to compose themselves in a professional manner. They have to know how to write at length. It is a good way to practice." If you are interested in participating, contact Lundmark at <a href="mailto:llundmark@usd489.com">llundmark@usd489.com</a>, Jen Olt at <a href="mailto:jolt@usd489.com">jolt@usd489.com</a> or call the high school at 785-623-2600.

Hays High seeks older adults for pen pal program

By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

They burn 
weeds, thaw ice, and they're made in America. More specifically, Weed 
Dragon Torch Kits are manufactured by Flame Engineering, Inc. in La 
Crosse. The Weed Dragon Torch, an organic and chemical-free method to 
control grass and weeds, was recently named a semifinalist in the Kansas
 Manufacturing Council's Coolest Thing Made in Kansas contest.&nbsp;

"Basically,
 we make a handheld, weed-burning torch," said Flame Engineering Owner 
Jason Pivonka. "From there, we've adapted that into smaller versions 
that are geared more toward the homeowner in an urban setting where they
 can do weeds and grass along a driveway or sidewalk. We've adapted that
 into roofing equipment for application of torch-down roofing. We've 
adapted that into larger ag equipment for weed control in row crops."

The
 products are used across the agricultural industry, including poultry 
house sanitation, flaming alfalfa for weevils, ground control in 
orchards and vineyards, and on potato vines and blueberry plants to 
enhance produce. 

Flame Engineering employs 30 full-time workers, 
as well as some part-time and independent sales rep agencies all over 
North America and into South America. Manufacturing the torches in La 
Crosse and using supply-chain vendors based in the U.S., the company 
proudly carries the Made in the U.S.A. sticker.

"Ours is one of 
the few that's made in the U.S.," Pivonka said. "Most of our competitors
 - and there aren't a lot of them but there are a few - they're made in 
China and that kind of thing. Ours are all made in the U.S. We get 
people who see that on our website and packaging and call us, and just 
think that's a far superior product, and they like to support their home
 country."

The company sells more than 100,000 handheld torches 
annually and has distributed to all seven continents at one time or 
another. All the while, the company operates safely, recently reaching 
21 years without a lost-time accident. Flame Engineering was certified 
in Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Safety and 
Health Achievement Recognition Program in 2000.

The manufacturing 
contest currently features many goods made in Kansas. The top 16 
vote-getters will advance to a head-to-head contest before a winner is 
named. Vote in the contest by <a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/HSH8PBG/2022PeoplesChoice">CLICKING HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662471035952.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>They burn 
weeds, thaw ice, and they're made in America. More specifically, Weed 
Dragon Torch Kits are manufactured by Flame Engineering, Inc. in La 
Crosse. The Weed Dragon Torch, an organic and chemical-free method to 
control grass and weeds, was recently named a semifinalist in the Kansas
 Manufacturing Council's Coolest Thing Made in Kansas contest.&nbsp;"Basically,
 we make a handheld, weed-burning torch," said Flame Engineering Owner 
Jason Pivonka. "From there, we've adapted that into smaller versions 
that are geared more toward the homeowner in an urban setting where they
 can do weeds and grass along a driveway or sidewalk. We've adapted that
 into roofing equipment for application of torch-down roofing. We've 
adapted that into larger ag equipment for weed control in row crops."The
 products are used across the agricultural industry, including poultry 
house sanitation, flaming alfalfa for weevils, ground control in 
orchards and vineyards, and on potato vines and blueberry plants to 
enhance produce. Flame Engineering employs 30 full-time workers, 
as well as some part-time and independent sales rep agencies all over 
North America and into South America. Manufacturing the torches in La 
Crosse and using supply-chain vendors based in the U.S., the company 
proudly carries the Made in the U.S.A. sticker."Ours is one of 
the few that's made in the U.S.," Pivonka said. "Most of our competitors
 - and there aren't a lot of them but there are a few - they're made in 
China and that kind of thing. Ours are all made in the U.S. We get 
people who see that on our website and packaging and call us, and just 
think that's a far superior product, and they like to support their home
 country."The company sells more than 100,000 handheld torches 
annually and has distributed to all seven continents at one time or 
another. All the while, the company operates safely, recently reaching 
21 years without a lost-time accident. Flame Engineering was certified 
in Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Safety and 
Health Achievement Recognition Program in 2000.The manufacturing 
contest currently features many goods made in Kansas. The top 16 
vote-getters will advance to a head-to-head contest before a winner is 
named. Vote in the contest by <a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/HSH8PBG/2022PeoplesChoice">CLICKING HERE</a>.

Hot & 'Cool': La Crosse company a finalist in manufacturing contest

&nbsp;The Bukovinafest 2022 was a casualty of the COVID pandemic and travel problems.

Programs of the Bukovina German heritage worldwide were planned for Sept. 15 to 17 in Ellis and Hays but canceled due to a very low registration count.

In order to inform members in time to change their plans, the society is contacting those who were planning to attend. The scheduled presenters at the fest represented a wide variety of ethnic and heritage origins.

&nbsp;The program committee has determined that some of the programs will be made available. Information on this will be distributed.

Although more may be added, one program now available on the Society website will be "Fuerstenthal," by Rebecca Hageman, an ancestral village of many people with Ellis ties in Bukovina.

Presentations that will be available very soon include "Early Day Farming" by Van Massirer, "Family Connections" in Bohemia, by Doug Reckmann, and the "Massirer Ancestral Village Tour" by Laura Scott.

The highlight presentation by Kath Garofoli, "From Czernowitz to Sydney," has many photos on the family history of the emigration from Bukovina to other locations in the New World.

&nbsp;The committee will explore presenting future events by way of Zoom, which is working well for other historical and genealogical organizations. With hundreds of members, the Bukovina Society is dedicated to continuing the preservation of their heritage.&nbsp;

Submitted&nbsp;The Bukovinafest 2022 was a casualty of the COVID pandemic and travel problems.Programs of the Bukovina German heritage worldwide were planned for Sept. 15 to 17 in Ellis and Hays but canceled due to a very low registration count.In order to inform members in time to change their plans, the society is contacting those who were planning to attend. The scheduled presenters at the fest represented a wide variety of ethnic and heritage origins.&nbsp;The program committee has determined that some of the programs will be made available. Information on this will be distributed.Although more may be added, one program now available on the Society website will be "Fuerstenthal," by Rebecca Hageman, an ancestral village of many people with Ellis ties in Bukovina.Presentations that will be available very soon include "Early Day Farming" by Van Massirer, "Family Connections" in Bohemia, by Doug Reckmann, and the "Massirer Ancestral Village Tour" by Laura Scott.The highlight presentation by Kath Garofoli, "From Czernowitz to Sydney," has many photos on the family history of the emigration from Bukovina to other locations in the New World.&nbsp;The committee will explore presenting future events by way of Zoom, which is working well for other historical and genealogical organizations. With hundreds of members, the Bukovina Society is dedicated to continuing the preservation of their heritage.&nbsp;

Bukovinafest 2022 programs to go digital

First Care Clinic has announced that&nbsp;Tasha Werth,&nbsp;DNP,&nbsp;APRN&nbsp;is accepting new patients.&nbsp;Werth has been&nbsp;serving as the Clinical Coordinator at First Care Clinic,&nbsp;and&nbsp;she recently graduated&nbsp;from&nbsp;Fort Hays State&nbsp;University&nbsp;with a&nbsp;Doctor of Nursing Practice.&nbsp;&nbsp;She is&nbsp;a&nbsp;Board-Certified&nbsp;Family Nurse Practitioner with&nbsp;the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.&nbsp;

“Tasha&nbsp;provides&nbsp;outstanding&nbsp;patient care,”&nbsp;said Dr. Christine Fisher, First Care Clinic’s Medical Director.&nbsp;“Her expertise and patient&nbsp;dedication are&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;reasons to&nbsp;establish with her as your primary care provider.”

Werth&nbsp;has provided care to patients for over 15 years as a nurse&nbsp;and&nbsp;was&nbsp;also&nbsp;a nursing instructor at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;She is extensively involved in community-based&nbsp;care.

To&nbsp;schedule&nbsp;an appointment at First Care, call 785-621-4990.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662474525856.jpeg" alt="Tasha Werth" />
 <figcaption>Tasha Werth</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseFirst Care Clinic has announced that&nbsp;Tasha Werth,&nbsp;DNP,&nbsp;APRN&nbsp;is accepting new patients.&nbsp;Werth has been&nbsp;serving as the Clinical Coordinator at First Care Clinic,&nbsp;and&nbsp;she recently graduated&nbsp;from&nbsp;Fort Hays State&nbsp;University&nbsp;with a&nbsp;Doctor of Nursing Practice.&nbsp;&nbsp;She is&nbsp;a&nbsp;Board-Certified&nbsp;Family Nurse Practitioner with&nbsp;the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.&nbsp;“Tasha&nbsp;provides&nbsp;outstanding&nbsp;patient care,”&nbsp;said Dr. Christine Fisher, First Care Clinic’s Medical Director.&nbsp;“Her expertise and patient&nbsp;dedication are&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;reasons to&nbsp;establish with her as your primary care provider.”Werth&nbsp;has provided care to patients for over 15 years as a nurse&nbsp;and&nbsp;was&nbsp;also&nbsp;a nursing instructor at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;She is extensively involved in community-based&nbsp;care.To&nbsp;schedule&nbsp;an appointment at First Care, call 785-621-4990.&nbsp;

First Care Clinic welcomes new nurse practitioner

The Hays Police Department responded to 71 calls from Aug. 14 to Aug. 20, according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 71 calls from Aug. 14 to Aug. 20, according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662566231685.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662566293279.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662566368373.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activity Log, Aug. 14-20

<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/2022/9/1662495689422.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

Fall&nbsp;seems terribly slow in arriving this year, but when it does, it becomes my favorite time of the year.&nbsp;The weather&nbsp;FINALLY&nbsp;cools, the&nbsp;Kansas State Fair&nbsp;is held, fall farm crops are harvested and fall mountain man retreats and&nbsp;rendezvous&nbsp;begin.&nbsp;A&nbsp;couple years ago,&nbsp;we&nbsp;attended the annual fall mountain man&nbsp;get-together&nbsp;known as&nbsp;a&nbsp;PrairieRendezvous&nbsp;at the Maxwell Wildlife&nbsp;Refuge, near Canton.

The pungent smell of campfire smoke teased my nostrils as we sauntered into camp. It hung like a faint blue haze beneath the trees in the crisp October air. Teepees pointed skyward like white canvas steeples against the blue morning sky. Camp was tucked into and around a small grove of trees, and bordered behind by a creek. It crouched like&nbsp;an oasis amidst miles of rolling hills carpeted in prairie grass.&nbsp;

During the 1800s, the hub and headquarters of most fur and trading companies was St.&nbsp;Louis. Since mountain men and trappers were the main source of fur and revenue&nbsp;for these companies,&nbsp;annual meetings were organized all across this part of the country to more easily bring both groups together. Known as “rendezvous,” they also became the social event of the year for most mountain men. Here they would exchange their&nbsp;hard-earned&nbsp;collection of furs for rifles, ammo, traps and another&nbsp;year’s&nbsp;worth of supplies and equipment. Here also they met old friends, found temporary female companionship and hot baths, and were offered liquid refreshments to wash a&nbsp;year’s&nbsp;worth of mountain dust from their throats.&nbsp;

As we&nbsp;walked into camp, we met “Lone Wolf.” He was a towering man weighing all of 300 pounds with beautiful long white hair tied&nbsp;behind his head.&nbsp;He wore&nbsp;full length&nbsp;leather leggings&nbsp;and was bare chested with a strand of bear claws around his neck. On&nbsp;a&nbsp;leather&nbsp;belt around his waist was a bear hide pouch with&nbsp;a flap made from a real&nbsp;bear paw, claws intact. The handle of his knife was the lower jaw bone of a bear. He said his ancestry&nbsp;was Lakota, Sac Fox and Cherokee on his mother’s side, and German on his father’s. I asked his English name, and he replied that&nbsp;his Wa Che Chu&nbsp;(Lakota for “white name”) was Ken Feudner. Ken lived&nbsp;in Newton,&nbsp;where he&nbsp;worked 30 years as a postal employee.&nbsp;Lone Wolf’s rendezvous specialty&nbsp;was&nbsp;flint knapping — making tools&nbsp;and weapons from flint — which he did&nbsp;from a leather tarp spread in front of his gray and red teepee home.

Farther into camp, we met “Spoon Thrower,” aka Debby Stoddard, from Halstead.&nbsp;She made her traditional Native American tunic herself from Elk skin&nbsp;purchased in Utah.Around her waist hung a small leather pouch, plus a knife and a sewing awl, representative of what Indian women would have carried. When asked about the name Spoon Thrower, she explained that each rendezvous&nbsp;regular is eventually given&nbsp;a “rendezvous&nbsp;name,”&nbsp;usually according to some specific incident. It seems that she had a bad habit of forgetting about the silverware in the basin when washing dishes, and was constantly throwing it&nbsp;out onto the ground with the dishwater.&nbsp;Debby said&nbsp;that&nbsp;the gathering at Maxwell&nbsp;was&nbsp;an annual getaway for her, where she would set&nbsp;up her little pop-up tent and camp&nbsp;for the weekend, using it as time for herself where she could&nbsp;enjoy the get-together with no responsibilities for a change. &nbsp;

This event was billed as a&nbsp;“Prairie Retreat,” so we&nbsp;saw people garbed in a variety&nbsp;of period costumes.&nbsp;Talking Bear, however, was the real deal!&nbsp;His thick, bushy beard complimented the authentic wolf hat that spilled down his back and across his shoulders, with its face centered over&nbsp;his forehead. Tall leather moccasins completed the buckskin outfit, complete with fringe, making it completely authentic&nbsp;mountain man garb.&nbsp;AKA Gordon Welch, he&nbsp;was&nbsp;a computer tech. with Honeywell Aircraft in Wichita, and spenthis rendezvous time telling stories about Beaver trapping and other mountain man survival skills to anyone who would&nbsp;listen.&nbsp;His rendezvous name came from an incident in which the wolf hat scared a little girl. The girl’s mother told her to think of him as a “big ole’ fuzzy teddy bear,” to which the little girl questioned, “A talking bear?” Gordon sponsors a web page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.talking-bear.com/">www.talking-bear.com</a>.&nbsp;Where&nbsp;he lists and updates mountain man get-togethers all around the country.

I love mountain man lore. Yes, there were some disparities&nbsp;there, like the row of blue and green “porta- potties,” or the&nbsp;DeWalt&nbsp;battery drill in Lone Wolfs teepee, or the fact that Talking Bear had never set a Beaver trap in his life. I’ll bet Spoon Thrower even ate lunch with plastic ware just so she could&nbsp;purposely&nbsp;throw it out! Even so, you have to admire these people’s devotion&nbsp;to keeping alive the spirit of a time that helped to shape this country.&nbsp;

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be reached by email&nbsp;at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Fall&nbsp;seems terribly slow in arriving this year, but when it does, it becomes my favorite time of the year.&nbsp;The weather&nbsp;FINALLY&nbsp;cools, the&nbsp;Kansas State Fair&nbsp;is held, fall farm crops are harvested and fall mountain man retreats and&nbsp;rendezvous&nbsp;begin.&nbsp;A&nbsp;couple years ago,&nbsp;we&nbsp;attended the annual fall mountain man&nbsp;get-together&nbsp;known as&nbsp;a&nbsp;PrairieRendezvous&nbsp;at the Maxwell Wildlife&nbsp;Refuge, near Canton.The pungent smell of campfire smoke teased my nostrils as we sauntered into camp. It hung like a faint blue haze beneath the trees in the crisp October air. Teepees pointed skyward like white canvas steeples against the blue morning sky. Camp was tucked into and around a small grove of trees, and bordered behind by a creek. It crouched like&nbsp;an oasis amidst miles of rolling hills carpeted in prairie grass.&nbsp;During the 1800s, the hub and headquarters of most fur and trading companies was St.&nbsp;Louis. Since mountain men and trappers were the main source of fur and revenue&nbsp;for these companies,&nbsp;annual meetings were organized all across this part of the country to more easily bring both groups together. Known as “rendezvous,” they also became the social event of the year for most mountain men. Here they would exchange their&nbsp;hard-earned&nbsp;collection of furs for rifles, ammo, traps and another&nbsp;year’s&nbsp;worth of supplies and equipment. Here also they met old friends, found temporary female companionship and hot baths, and were offered liquid refreshments to wash a&nbsp;year’s&nbsp;worth of mountain dust from their throats.&nbsp;As we&nbsp;walked into camp, we met “Lone Wolf.” He was a towering man weighing all of 300 pounds with beautiful long white hair tied&nbsp;behind his head.&nbsp;He wore&nbsp;full length&nbsp;leather leggings&nbsp;and was bare chested with a strand of bear claws around his neck. On&nbsp;a&nbsp;leather&nbsp;belt around his waist was a bear hide pouch with&nbsp;a flap made from a real&nbsp;bear paw, claws intact. The handle of his knife was the lower jaw bone of a bear. He said his ancestry&nbsp;was Lakota, Sac Fox and Cherokee on his mother’s side, and German on his father’s. I asked his English name, and he replied that&nbsp;his Wa Che Chu&nbsp;(Lakota for “white name”) was Ken Feudner. Ken lived&nbsp;in Newton,&nbsp;where he&nbsp;worked 30 years as a postal employee.&nbsp;Lone Wolf’s rendezvous specialty&nbsp;was&nbsp;flint knapping — making tools&nbsp;and weapons from flint — which he did&nbsp;from a leather tarp spread in front of his gray and red teepee home.Farther into camp, we met “Spoon Thrower,” aka Debby Stoddard, from Halstead.&nbsp;She made her traditional Native American tunic herself from Elk skin&nbsp;purchased in Utah.Around her waist hung a small leather pouch, plus a knife and a sewing awl, representative of what Indian women would have carried. When asked about the name Spoon Thrower, she explained that each rendezvous&nbsp;regular is eventually given&nbsp;a “rendezvous&nbsp;name,”&nbsp;usually according to some specific incident. It seems that she had a bad habit of forgetting about the silverware in the basin when washing dishes, and was constantly throwing it&nbsp;out onto the ground with the dishwater.&nbsp;Debby said&nbsp;that&nbsp;the gathering at Maxwell&nbsp;was&nbsp;an annual getaway for her, where she would set&nbsp;up her little pop-up tent and camp&nbsp;for the weekend, using it as time for herself where she could&nbsp;enjoy the get-together with no responsibilities for a change. &nbsp;This event was billed as a&nbsp;“Prairie Retreat,” so we&nbsp;saw people garbed in a variety&nbsp;of period costumes.&nbsp;Talking Bear, however, was the real deal!&nbsp;His thick, bushy beard complimented the authentic wolf hat that spilled down his back and across his shoulders, with its face centered over&nbsp;his forehead. Tall leather moccasins completed the buckskin outfit, complete with fringe, making it completely authentic&nbsp;mountain man garb.&nbsp;AKA Gordon Welch, he&nbsp;was&nbsp;a computer tech. with Honeywell Aircraft in Wichita, and spenthis rendezvous time telling stories about Beaver trapping and other mountain man survival skills to anyone who would&nbsp;listen.&nbsp;His rendezvous name came from an incident in which the wolf hat scared a little girl. The girl’s mother told her to think of him as a “big ole’ fuzzy teddy bear,” to which the little girl questioned, “A talking bear?” Gordon sponsors a web page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.talking-bear.com/">www.talking-bear.com</a>.&nbsp;Where&nbsp;he lists and updates mountain man get-togethers all around the country.I love mountain man lore. Yes, there were some disparities&nbsp;there, like the row of blue and green “porta- potties,” or the&nbsp;DeWalt&nbsp;battery drill in Lone Wolfs teepee, or the fact that Talking Bear had never set a Beaver trap in his life. I’ll bet Spoon Thrower even ate lunch with plastic ware just so she could&nbsp;purposely&nbsp;throw it out! Even so, you have to admire these people’s devotion&nbsp;to keeping alive the spirit of a time that helped to shape this country.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be reached by email&nbsp;at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: A step back in time

Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer will be hosting a mass to commemorate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 3 p.m. 

Bishop Jerry Vincke and Fr. Jim Moster will be concelebrants. Music will be provided by Trilogy. Seed wheat will be blessed. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662567021831.png" alt="Holy Cross Church, Pfeifer (Photo courtesy Kansas Sampler Foundation)" />
 <figcaption>Holy Cross Church, Pfeifer (Photo courtesy Kansas Sampler Foundation)</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHoly Cross Church in Pfeifer will be hosting a mass to commemorate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 3 p.m. Bishop Jerry Vincke and Fr. Jim Moster will be concelebrants. Music will be provided by Trilogy. Seed wheat will be blessed. Social following mass. Everyone is welcome.

Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer to celebrate annual Mass Sunday

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

MANHATTAN — Grain growers in central Kansas who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the state’s five grain commodity commissions — corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers — should be gathering petition signatures now to meet the November 30 filing deadline. The 2023 election will cover districts four, five, and six; or the central third of Kansas. &nbsp;

To be eligible to run for any of the five commodity commissions, the candidate must have been actively engaged in growing that commodity (corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers) within the preceding five years and may only represent the district of their primary residence.

Candidates must gather 20 signatures from eligible voters to be included on the 2023 ballot. No more than five signatures from any one county can be used to qualify a candidate. Eligible voters are Kansas residents who will reach age 18 before the election and who have grown corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat for the last three years.

Candidates may choose to complete their petition online, by paper, or a combination of both. The online portal is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9rZ2N2b3Rlcj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.t-sd5v3PIckrkUS_4W6waDO9TIV8bSl5UZ4xESe-cew/s/1377890594/br/143478515310-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>.

Once the candidate has created an account and petition, the candidate will then have a unique URL to share with signors who can then enter their contact information and sign the petition.

Paper candidate registration packets are also available from the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) or directly from the grain commodity commissions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662500196293.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Grain growers in central Kansas who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the state’s five grain commodity commissions — corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers — should be gathering petition signatures now to meet the November 30 filing deadline. The 2023 election will cover districts four, five, and six; or the central third of Kansas. &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>District Four&nbsp;includes Clay, Cloud, Jewell, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Republic, Rooks, Smith and Washington counties.</li><li>District Five&nbsp;includes Barton, Dickinson, Ellis, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Marion, McPherson, Rice, Rush, Russell and Saline counties.</li><li>District Six&nbsp;includes Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Kiowa, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Sedgwick, Stafford and Sumner counties.</li>
 </ul>To be eligible to run for any of the five commodity commissions, the candidate must have been actively engaged in growing that commodity (corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers) within the preceding five years and may only represent the district of their primary residence.Candidates must gather 20 signatures from eligible voters to be included on the 2023 ballot. No more than five signatures from any one county can be used to qualify a candidate. Eligible voters are Kansas residents who will reach age 18 before the election and who have grown corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat for the last three years.Candidates may choose to complete their petition online, by paper, or a combination of both. The online portal is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9rZ2N2b3Rlcj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.t-sd5v3PIckrkUS_4W6waDO9TIV8bSl5UZ4xESe-cew/s/1377890594/br/143478515310-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>.Once the candidate has created an account and petition, the candidate will then have a unique URL to share with signors who can then enter their contact information and sign the petition.Paper candidate registration packets are also available from the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) or directly from the grain commodity commissions.<ul>
 <li>Kansas Department of Agriculture: 785-564-6726 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9rZ2N2b3Rlcj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.bC8dlqZ7QV6go0NagZZfHaW_fZLbrDOsGgWzBfqZvTQ/s/1377890594/br/143478515310-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a></li><li>Kansas Corn Commission: 785-410-5009 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzY29ybi5jb20va2NjLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.omLkI3QMbxe2RUS-Rv6RnRlDFI5gN2Vre744QoGpSMA/s/1377890594/br/143478515310-l" target="_blank">com/kcc</a></li><li>Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission: 785-477-9474 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzZ3JhaW5zb3JnaHVtLm9yZy9jb21taXNzaW9uLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.vpgBFuNcN64fiFTnlzlKy4TYi_vNUxwJZbY24Xpo0Qw/s/1377890594/br/143478515310-l" target="_blank">org/commission</a></li><li>Kansas Soybean Commission: 785-271-1040 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thbnNhc3NveWJlYW5zLm9yZy9hYm91dC10aGUtY29tbWlzc2lvbi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.DFurEu6kqE-a_1PW0m1AYo_gAFhjD_PH3OJBNoH1ZhQ/s/1377890594/br/143478515310-l" target="_blank">org/about-the-commission</a></li><li>Kansas Sunflower Commission: 785-452-1519 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Karlesping@msn.com" target="_blank">karlesping@msn.com</a></li><li>Kansas Wheat Commission: 785-539-0255 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3N3aGVhdC5jb20vYWJvdXQva2Fuc2FzLXdoZWF0LWNvbW1pc3Npb24_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.buPfZHciRxx-wt2Kwnaem1ciq8XzFkmlLPIFTd7qfEw/s/1377890594/br/143478515310-l" target="_blank">com/about/kansas-wheat-commission</a></li>
 </ul>

Seats open for regional Grain Commodity Commissions; filing deadline Nov. 30

ELLIS — Ellis High School has announced it 2022 Ellis High School Homecoming Royalty.  The homecoming football game will be played at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at 7:00 p.m. against the Phillipsburg Panthers. 

 The parade will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, and crowning will be at 6:30 p.m. The Homecoming Dance will follow the football game.

(Back row, from left):&nbsp; Carson North, son of Heath and Paula North; William Crawford, son of Bret and Kimberly Andries and the late George Crawford III; Maverick Gnad, son of John and Pam Gnad and the late Sandy Robinson.

Front row, from left: Myah McCoy, daughter of Casey and Melanie McCoy; Madelyn Russell, daughter of Kenton and Jessica Russell; Emily Eck, daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662496658258.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS — Ellis High School has announced it 2022 Ellis High School Homecoming Royalty. The homecoming football game will be played at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at 7:00 p.m. against the Phillipsburg Panthers. The parade will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, and crowning will be at 6:30 p.m. The Homecoming Dance will follow the football game.(Back row, from left):&nbsp; Carson North, son of Heath and Paula North; William Crawford, son of Bret and Kimberly Andries and the late George Crawford III; Maverick Gnad, son of John and Pam Gnad and the late Sandy Robinson.Front row, from left: Myah McCoy, daughter of Casey and Melanie McCoy; Madelyn Russell, daughter of Kenton and Jessica Russell; Emily Eck, daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck.

Ellis High announces 2022 Homecoming royalty

ELLIS — On Thursday, voters will head to the polls to decide
on a $4.55 million bond issue that would be used for improvements at the Ellis
Jr./Senior High School and Washington Elementary.

The vote will mark the third bond attempt since successfully
passing a $1.9 million bond in 1974.

A $10 million proposal was voted down in 2013. A $9 million
proposal was voted down a year later. 

Organizers say now is the time to pass a bond issue and are
using lessons from previous attempts in hopes of wider community support.

The bond would be used to make significant renovations and system
replacements in the schools and is needed after decades of relying on the
district’s capital outlay budget for facility updates for decades, according to&nbsp;Care 4 Kids committee treasurer and former member of the USD 388 Board of Education, Mike Keller.

He said that much of that budget was used to pay
debt acquired years ago to replace the HVAC system in Ellis High.

“It hamstrung us on our capital outlay. It basically took
half of the money available,” Keller said. “So it was really hard to keep up
with maintenance with making that big payment.”

While he said the facilities had been maintained as well as possible, the
lack of funding and years of use have taken a toll.

“We've done a fantastic job of maintaining that facility,”
Keller said of the High School. “When you walk in there, and you see our gym,
or our lobby or our classrooms, they do look nice. Our staff is to be commended
for keeping that facility in top-notch condition.

“But that doesn't mean there aren't needs,” he continued.

Among the projects planned if the bond is successful are a
complete renovation of the High School science labs, as well as exterior door replacement,
a partial roof replacement and the addition of a secure entry.

Washington Elementary would also see a complete HVAC
replacement, electrical system upgrades, interior improvements and a partial
roof replacement.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e1e18c07d7daa72b30eae49">The planned repairs were decided upon during a process that
included a Fort Hays State University Docking Institute survey that outlined
the amount the community would support in a bond issue.</a>

Keller said they worked to keep the proposal within that
amount.

“Basically, I like to tell people when they say what's going
on with this bond, I say, you spoke we listened,” he said. “We're not trying
for anything that we think is going to put this in jeopardy, because these are
pieces that we need.”

If the proposed $4.55 million bond is approved residents within the district would pay additional property taxes for the 15-year term, but impact to property owners may be more significant if the measure fails, Keller said.

“If it does fail, one of the impacts will be it will cost us
it will cost us kids in our district, it'll cost us, staff," he said. "I think I read a USA
Today article and it said school district quality is one of the most important
factors home buyers consider when looking for a place to live, particularly for
a new or expecting parent."

And a good school district can greatly increase a
child's chance of success, Keller said.

For residential property owners for every $100,000 in assessed value, the bond would increase taxes by $11.26 monthly. For commercial property, the increase would be $24.48.

While the increased cost will affect taxpayers, he said the potential damage to the community could be greater.

“If it fails, the property owners who didn't want to pay any
more taxes I guess win in the short run, point blank,” Keller said. “But at what
cost? We can’t keep patching the system together with a wing and a
prayer.”

He said as a former member of the board of education and worked
to find what was needed and this bond issue reflects those needs.

Variable pricing for construction materials also creates a sense of urgency for the bond attempt.

"That was one of the reasons we decided to have a special election," Keller said." We wanted to move the timeline up with some of the uncertainty in our economy right now. If we can get this moved up and get it passed in September, it's about a six-month window for them to do the design process, and put it out to bids."

And he said no one knows what's going to happen with interest rates, but the last bond passed in the middle of a recession, during the oil crisis of that era.

"So I don't think that's a great excuse to vote against this right now," Keller said. "I think now's the time to invest in our kids in our future version of our town."

For more information about the USD 388 Bond Issue visit the USD 388 website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd388.com/page/usd-388-bond">usd388.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582917685536.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS — On Thursday, voters will head to the polls to decide
on a $4.55 million bond issue that would be used for improvements at the Ellis
Jr./Senior High School and Washington Elementary.The vote will mark the third bond attempt since successfully
passing a $1.9 million bond in 1974.A $10 million proposal was voted down in 2013. A $9 million
proposal was voted down a year later. <div><iframe title="Voters head to polls this week for Ellis USD 388 Bond election" 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=kfqa3-12b3ef3-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>Organizers say now is the time to pass a bond issue and are
using lessons from previous attempts in hopes of wider community support.The bond would be used to make significant renovations and system
replacements in the schools and is needed after decades of relying on the
district’s capital outlay budget for facility updates for decades, according to&nbsp;Care 4 Kids committee treasurer and former member of the USD 388 Board of Education, Mike Keller.He said that much of that budget was used to pay
debt acquired years ago to replace the HVAC system in Ellis High.“It hamstrung us on our capital outlay. It basically took
half of the money available,” Keller said. “So it was really hard to keep up
with maintenance with making that big payment.”While he said the facilities had been maintained as well as possible, the
lack of funding and years of use have taken a toll.“We've done a fantastic job of maintaining that facility,”
Keller said of the High School. “When you walk in there, and you see our gym,
or our lobby or our classrooms, they do look nice. Our staff is to be commended
for keeping that facility in top-notch condition.“But that doesn't mean there aren't needs,” he continued.Among the projects planned if the bond is successful are a
complete renovation of the High School science labs, as well as exterior door replacement,
a partial roof replacement and the addition of a secure entry.Washington Elementary would also see a complete HVAC
replacement, electrical system upgrades, interior improvements and a partial
roof replacement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662144049121.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e1e18c07d7daa72b30eae49">The planned repairs were decided upon during a process that
included a Fort Hays State University Docking Institute survey that outlined
the amount the community would support in a bond issue.</a>Keller said they worked to keep the proposal within that
amount.“Basically, I like to tell people when they say what's going
on with this bond, I say, you spoke we listened,” he said. “We're not trying
for anything that we think is going to put this in jeopardy, because these are
pieces that we need.”<h2>&nbsp;Impact to taxpayers</h2>If the proposed $4.55 million bond is approved residents within the district would pay additional property taxes for the 15-year term, but impact to property owners may be more significant if the measure fails, Keller said.“If it does fail, one of the impacts will be it will cost us
it will cost us kids in our district, it'll cost us, staff," he said. "I think I read a USA
Today article and it said school district quality is one of the most important
factors home buyers consider when looking for a place to live, particularly for
a new or expecting parent."And a good school district can greatly increase a
child's chance of success, Keller said.For residential property owners for every $100,000 in assessed value, the bond would increase taxes by $11.26 monthly. For commercial property, the increase would be $24.48.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662144182092.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While the increased cost will affect taxpayers, he said the potential damage to the community could be greater.“If it fails, the property owners who didn't want to pay any
more taxes I guess win in the short run, point blank,” Keller said. “But at what
cost? We can’t keep patching the system together with a wing and a
prayer.”He said as a former member of the board of education and worked
to find what was needed and this bond issue reflects those needs.Variable pricing for construction materials also creates a sense of urgency for the bond attempt."That was one of the reasons we decided to have a special election," Keller said." We wanted to move the timeline up with some of the uncertainty in our economy right now. If we can get this moved up and get it passed in September, it's about a six-month window for them to do the design process, and put it out to bids."And he said no one knows what's going to happen with interest rates, but the last bond passed in the middle of a recession, during the oil crisis of that era."So I don't think that's a great excuse to vote against this right now," Keller said. "I think now's the time to invest in our kids in our future version of our town."For more information about the USD 388 Bond Issue visit the USD 388 website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd388.com/page/usd-388-bond">usd388.com.</a>

🎙 Voters to decide Ellis USD 388 bond issue Thursday

Grow Hays, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, has announced the "Think Like an Entrepreneur" - Ice House Entrepreneurship Program offered in Ellis County will start Sept.
14. Sessions will be held over eight weeks on Wednesdays — Sept. 14 through Nov. 2. The
program fee of $150 for adults and $75 for students. The fee covers catered meals. The goal of the course is to teach participants to
develop an entrepreneurial mindset.


Taught by Kris Munsch, a certified Ice House facilitator, this interactive eight-week program provides practical
entrepreneurial lessons through first-hand experiences of successful, real-life entrepreneurs. Based on the
book, "Who Owns the Ice House?," this curriculum consists case studies along with individual assignments,
assessments, and discussion topics. This popular course is offered only a handful of times per year across the
state and Grow Hays is excited to have local Kris Munsch teaching the course.


"To think like an entrepreneur, you need to begin at the beginning. The beginning is 'what is a mindset?' I
believe we need that understanding, a foundational building block of self. From there, we can seek, explore,
and build our path," Munsch said.


For more information, contact Ernee Sly at 785.628.3102 or ernee@growhays.com


To register for the Think Like an Entrepreneur program online, visit
https://briefspace.app.proximity.space/account/memberships/change


For more information about NetWork Kansas or the E-Community Partnership, visit www.networkkansas.com.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579031298910.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Grow HaysGrow Hays, in association with the Network Kansas E-Community Partnership, has announced the "Think Like an Entrepreneur" - Ice House Entrepreneurship Program offered in Ellis County will start Sept.
14. Sessions will be held over eight weeks on Wednesdays — Sept. 14 through Nov. 2. The
program fee of $150 for adults and $75 for students. The fee covers catered meals. The goal of the course is to teach participants to
develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
Taught by Kris Munsch, a certified Ice House facilitator, this interactive eight-week program provides practical
entrepreneurial lessons through first-hand experiences of successful, real-life entrepreneurs. Based on the
book, "Who Owns the Ice House?," this curriculum consists case studies along with individual assignments,
assessments, and discussion topics. This popular course is offered only a handful of times per year across the
state and Grow Hays is excited to have local Kris Munsch teaching the course.
"To think like an entrepreneur, you need to begin at the beginning. The beginning is 'what is a mindset?' I
believe we need that understanding, a foundational building block of self. From there, we can seek, explore,
and build our path," Munsch said.
For more information, contact Ernee Sly at 785.628.3102 or ernee@growhays.com
To register for the Think Like an Entrepreneur program online, visit
https://briefspace.app.proximity.space/account/memberships/change
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660241772899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For more information about NetWork Kansas or the E-Community Partnership, visit www.networkkansas.com.

2022 Think Like an Entrepreneur session launches in September

Natural gas prices surged more than 35% on Monday, after Russia announced it will keep its main gas pipeline to Europe shut indefinitely. Moscow said service on the Nord Stream Pipeline will not resume until what it called the "collective West" lifts sanctions imposed over the invasion of Ukraine. European gas prices jumped as much as 30% to levels 400% higher than a year ago. Oil prices in August registered a third straight monthly decline, marking the longest losing run in more than two years. West Texas Intermediate lost more than 9% in August, the largest monthly decline since November. The US oil benchmark last week settled below $90 a barrel for the first time in two weeks. In daytime trading Tuesday, prices were over $86 per barrel for the near-month Nymex contract. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by more than a million barrels last week, but retail prices continue their two-month cascade. Gasoline inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year according to weekly data from the government. Pump prices continued to drop, with the national average down to $3.77 per gallon Tuesday, according to the auto club Triple-A.&nbsp; Baker Hughes on Friday announced a big drop in the number of drilling rigs actively seeking oil in the US. The Rotary Rig Count on Friday was 760 rigs. Of those, 596 were exploring for oil, down nine rigs from the week before. The weekly report shows 162 were drilling for natural gas, which is up four rigs. The count in Texas was down nine rigs, while New Mexico and North Dakota were each up two. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was scouting 483 wells in various stages of drilling or completion. So far this year, 211 Kansas operators have spudded 1,014 wells, up 61% from a year ago. The Rig Count in Kansas was unchanged in the eastern half of the state at 26 active rigs. The count west of Wichita was down one at 33 rigs. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Ellis County, and operators were about to spud new wells in Ellis and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators okayed 35 new drilling permits across the state in the week through September 1. There were 20 in eastern Kansas and 15 in the western half of the state. Those include one new drilling location in Barton County and six in Ellis County. That's 1,108 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 677 at this time last year. Operators completed 31 new wells last week in Kansas, 13 of them east of Wichita and 18 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 1,064 new well-completions so far this year, which is nearly double the tally last year at this time. The number of benchmark crude contracts that have not been settled, so called "open interest," recently dropped 26% to a seven-year low. That's drawn the attention of OPEC ministers and conspiracy theorists alike. Most analysts weighing in thus far agree with the government explanation, suggesting the decline reflects a wider drop in hedging activity.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports US crude-oil production last week rose by more than 100,000 barrels per day to 12.118 million barrels per day. Production a year ago was closer to 11.5 million barrels per day. The government reported crude inventories dropped by another three million barrels. The tally as of August 26th was 418.3 million barrels, marking the third consecutive weekly decline. Stockpiles are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by more than a million barrels last week, but retail prices continue their two-month cascade. Gasoline inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year according to weekly data from the government. Pump prices continued to drop, with the national average down to $3.84 per gallon, according to the auto club Triple-A. US crude-oil imports dropped to six million barrels per day last week, down more than 200,000 barrels from the week before. Over the last four weeks crude imports are down about three percent from the same four weeks last year. Shale producers in the United States are on course for their most profitable year on record, with earnings possibly reaching $200 billion this year. An industry consulting firm tells Bloomberg the worldwide oil patch is on target to generate a record $1.4 trillion of free cash flow.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic in the US is down 11% year-over-year. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,642 tanker carloads hauling petroleum in the week through August 27th, down 41 carloads from the week before. Canadian traffic was down more than 300 carloads for the week and more than six percent year-over-year. The war over green investments escalated last week in Texas, where ten financial firms are now barred from doing business because they shun the oil patch. Comptroller Glenn Hegar is a Republican running for reelection. His office targeted banks and investment firms, as well as some funds within large banks such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan. They are no longer eligible for most contracts with state and local government entities. Earlier this year, Hegar sent inquiries to hundreds of companies requesting information about whether they were avoiding investments in the oil and gas industry in favor of renewable energy companies. State pension funds and local governments issuing municipal bonds will have to divest from the companies on the list, though there are some exemptions. The state oil and gas regulator in Texas announced a new searchable database which includes all historic oil and gas production records dating back to the 1930s. In an announcement, the Railroad Commission of Texas said more than 1,300 rolls of microfilm containing about 2.2 million images were digitized for the project. Those original records are still available if you want to travel Austin, but the Commission says the digitized records can be searched and downloaded anytime and anywhere you have an internet connection.

By JOHN P. TRETBARNatural gas prices surged more than 35% on Monday, after Russia announced it will keep its main gas pipeline to Europe shut indefinitely. Moscow said service on the Nord Stream Pipeline will not resume until what it called the "collective West" lifts sanctions imposed over the invasion of Ukraine. European gas prices jumped as much as 30% to levels 400% higher than a year ago. Oil prices in August registered a third straight monthly decline, marking the longest losing run in more than two years. West Texas Intermediate lost more than 9% in August, the largest monthly decline since November. The US oil benchmark last week settled below $90 a barrel for the first time in two weeks. In daytime trading Tuesday, prices were over $86 per barrel for the near-month Nymex contract. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by more than a million barrels last week, but retail prices continue their two-month cascade. Gasoline inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year according to weekly data from the government. Pump prices continued to drop, with the national average down to $3.77 per gallon Tuesday, according to the auto club Triple-A.&nbsp; Baker Hughes on Friday announced a big drop in the number of drilling rigs actively seeking oil in the US. The Rotary Rig Count on Friday was 760 rigs. Of those, 596 were exploring for oil, down nine rigs from the week before. The weekly report shows 162 were drilling for natural gas, which is up four rigs. The count in Texas was down nine rigs, while New Mexico and North Dakota were each up two. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was scouting 483 wells in various stages of drilling or completion. So far this year, 211 Kansas operators have spudded 1,014 wells, up 61% from a year ago. The Rig Count in Kansas was unchanged in the eastern half of the state at 26 active rigs. The count west of Wichita was down one at 33 rigs. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Ellis County, and operators were about to spud new wells in Ellis and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators okayed 35 new drilling permits across the state in the week through September 1. There were 20 in eastern Kansas and 15 in the western half of the state. Those include one new drilling location in Barton County and six in Ellis County. That's 1,108 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 677 at this time last year. Operators completed 31 new wells last week in Kansas, 13 of them east of Wichita and 18 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 1,064 new well-completions so far this year, which is nearly double the tally last year at this time. The number of benchmark crude contracts that have not been settled, so called "open interest," recently dropped 26% to a seven-year low. That's drawn the attention of OPEC ministers and conspiracy theorists alike. Most analysts weighing in thus far agree with the government explanation, suggesting the decline reflects a wider drop in hedging activity.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports US crude-oil production last week rose by more than 100,000 barrels per day to 12.118 million barrels per day. Production a year ago was closer to 11.5 million barrels per day. The government reported crude inventories dropped by another three million barrels. The tally as of August 26th was 418.3 million barrels, marking the third consecutive weekly decline. Stockpiles are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by more than a million barrels last week, but retail prices continue their two-month cascade. Gasoline inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year according to weekly data from the government. Pump prices continued to drop, with the national average down to $3.84 per gallon, according to the auto club Triple-A. US crude-oil imports dropped to six million barrels per day last week, down more than 200,000 barrels from the week before. Over the last four weeks crude imports are down about three percent from the same four weeks last year. Shale producers in the United States are on course for their most profitable year on record, with earnings possibly reaching $200 billion this year. An industry consulting firm tells Bloomberg the worldwide oil patch is on target to generate a record $1.4 trillion of free cash flow.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic in the US is down 11% year-over-year. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,642 tanker carloads hauling petroleum in the week through August 27th, down 41 carloads from the week before. Canadian traffic was down more than 300 carloads for the week and more than six percent year-over-year. The war over green investments escalated last week in Texas, where ten financial firms are now barred from doing business because they shun the oil patch. Comptroller Glenn Hegar is a Republican running for reelection. His office targeted banks and investment firms, as well as some funds within large banks such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan. They are no longer eligible for most contracts with state and local government entities. Earlier this year, Hegar sent inquiries to hundreds of companies requesting information about whether they were avoiding investments in the oil and gas industry in favor of renewable energy companies. State pension funds and local governments issuing municipal bonds will have to divest from the companies on the list, though there are some exemptions. The state oil and gas regulator in Texas announced a new searchable database which includes all historic oil and gas production records dating back to the 1930s. In an announcement, the Railroad Commission of Texas said more than 1,300 rolls of microfilm containing about 2.2 million images were digitized for the project. Those original records are still available if you want to travel Austin, but the Commission says the digitized records can be searched and downloaded anytime and anywhere you have an internet connection.

News From the Oil Patch: Prices surge after Russia closes pipeline

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is predicting another hot week with clear skies — but also is calling for the strongest cold front of the season to arrive this weekend.

High temperatures will be in the mid- to upper-90s through the week, with overnight lows dipping to the low- to mid-60s.

Friday night, a cold front is expected to move into the area, bringing a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms.

The high temperatures Saturday and Sunday are only expected to get to the mid- to upper-70s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662475925288.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City is predicting another hot week with clear skies — but also is calling for the strongest cold front of the season to arrive this weekend.High temperatures will be in the mid- to upper-90s through the week, with overnight lows dipping to the low- to mid-60s.Friday night, a cold front is expected to move into the area, bringing a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms.The high temperatures Saturday and Sunday are only expected to get to the mid- to upper-70s.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The heat will drag on for the next several days, with 90s common each afternoon. The strongest cold front so far this young fall season is expected Friday night, with much cooler temperatures over the upcoming weekend. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/xYtjyupg7m">pic.twitter.com/xYtjyupg7m</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1567119158185463810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Another scorcher of a week — then a cool snap this weekend

Movement of quarter million people joined by local participants in&nbsp;Hays

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide&nbsp;can be prevented. Volunteers from&nbsp;western Kansas&nbsp;are joining the quarter of a million people who are walking in towns across the United States to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention. The annual&nbsp;Hays Area&nbsp;Out of the Darkness&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Walk, hosted by the&nbsp;Greater Kansas Chapter&nbsp;will be held at&nbsp;2 p.m. Sept 17 at&nbsp;Municipal Park in Hays. This walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education and support programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual U.S. rate of suicide 20 percent by the year 2025.

Registration is available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.afsp.org/hays">www.afsp.org/hays</a>, or onsite on Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. Register early and raise $150 and you will receive a free walk T-shirt.

“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our&nbsp;ultimate goal&nbsp;is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said&nbsp;Kyle Carlin,&nbsp;Hays Area Walk co-chair.

The&nbsp;Hays Area&nbsp;Out of the Darkness&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Walk is one of more than 550 Out of the Darkness Overnight, Community and Campus Walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 300,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. Last year, these walks raised over $21 million for suicide prevention. Last year this local walk, raised over&nbsp;$6000&nbsp;and had&nbsp;87participants.&nbsp;

Speakers at the&nbsp;Hays Area&nbsp;Out of the Darkness&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Walk will&nbsp;include former FHSU President Ed Hammond.&nbsp;

“These walks are about turning hope into action,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://afsp.org/about-afsp/robert-gebbia/">AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia</a>. “The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight, the science is only going to get&nbsp;better&nbsp;and our culture will get smarter about mental health. With the efforts of our courageous volunteers, and a real investment from our nation’s leaders, we hope to significantly reduce the suicide rate in the United States.”&nbsp;

Local sponsors for the&nbsp;Hays Area&nbsp;Out of the Darkness Walk include&nbsp;High Plains Mental Health Center, Camber Children’s Mental Health, Bank of Hays, A-1 Scaffolding, and McDonalds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Applebees&nbsp;of Hays is&nbsp;also supporting the walk with a Together We Care event on September&nbsp;13, where 50% of orders from the special menu will be donated to the Hays Area Walk.

Register for the walk at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.afsp.com/hays">www.afsp.com/hays</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.afsp.org/">American Foundation for Suicide Prevention</a>&nbsp;is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AFSPnational/">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/afspnational">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/afspnational/">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/AFSPNational">YouTube</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662408563611.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Movement of quarter million people joined by local participants in&nbsp;Hays</h2>News releaseSuicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide&nbsp;can be prevented. Volunteers from&nbsp;western Kansas&nbsp;are joining the quarter of a million people who are walking in towns across the United States to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention. The annual&nbsp;Hays Area&nbsp;Out of the Darkness&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Walk, hosted by the&nbsp;Greater Kansas Chapter&nbsp;will be held at&nbsp;2 p.m. Sept 17 at&nbsp;Municipal Park in Hays. This walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education and support programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual U.S. rate of suicide 20 percent by the year 2025.Registration is available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.afsp.org/hays">www.afsp.org/hays</a>, or onsite on Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. Register early and raise $150 and you will receive a free walk T-shirt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662408734442.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our&nbsp;ultimate goal&nbsp;is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said&nbsp;Kyle Carlin,&nbsp;Hays Area Walk co-chair.The&nbsp;Hays Area&nbsp;Out of the Darkness&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Walk is one of more than 550 Out of the Darkness Overnight, Community and Campus Walks being held nationwide this year. The walks are expected to unite more than 300,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. Last year, these walks raised over $21 million for suicide prevention. Last year this local walk, raised over&nbsp;$6000&nbsp;and had&nbsp;87participants.&nbsp;Speakers at the&nbsp;Hays Area&nbsp;Out of the Darkness&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Walk will&nbsp;include former FHSU President Ed Hammond.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662408767567.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“These walks are about turning hope into action,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://afsp.org/about-afsp/robert-gebbia/">AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia</a>. “The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight, the science is only going to get&nbsp;better&nbsp;and our culture will get smarter about mental health. With the efforts of our courageous volunteers, and a real investment from our nation’s leaders, we hope to significantly reduce the suicide rate in the United States.”&nbsp;Local sponsors for the&nbsp;Hays Area&nbsp;Out of the Darkness Walk include&nbsp;High Plains Mental Health Center, Camber Children’s Mental Health, Bank of Hays, A-1 Scaffolding, and McDonalds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Applebees&nbsp;of Hays is&nbsp;also supporting the walk with a Together We Care event on September&nbsp;13, where 50% of orders from the special menu will be donated to the Hays Area Walk.Register for the walk at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.afsp.com/hays">www.afsp.com/hays</a>.The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.afsp.org/">American Foundation for Suicide Prevention</a>&nbsp;is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AFSPnational/">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/afspnational">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/afspnational/">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/AFSPNational">YouTube</a>.

Hays-area volunteers will walk to help fight suicide 

Students kicked off the month of September at the annual Awareness Day event in Fort Hays State University’s Robbins Center. While enjoying a free lunch, students learned about the importance of private support and fundraising at FHSU.&nbsp;

With generous support from Astra Bank, $2,500 in scholarships was awarded. Students who shared photos from the event on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using the hashtag #AwarenessDay were entered to receive an additional $500 scholarship. Students wearing FHSU apparel also gained an extra entry in the drawings.&nbsp;

The following students received Astra Bank Awareness Day scholarships to support their education:

$1,000 – Caleb Humble, Elementary Education, Junior, Longmont, Colorado $500 – Aimee Merrill, Art (Interior Design), Freshman, Trenton, Nebraska&nbsp; $250 – Shaleena Cook, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Junior, Marysville, Kansas $250 – Kylin Rudzik, Health and Human Performance, Freshman, Meade, Kansas $250 – Brandon Stegman, Accounting, Junior, Holcomb, Kansas $250 – Jaycee Vath, Health and Human Performance, Sophomore, Lincoln, Kansas

“It’s awesome that Astra Bank has made these scholarships possible. The extra money will be a huge help,” said Jaycee Vath, a scholarship recipient.

“Astra Bank is grateful for the opportunity to sponsor Awareness Day and provide scholarships that will help FHSU students fulfill their dreams. It is amazing to see the difference that the FHSU Foundation and donors have made for students, and we appreciate being part of that rewarding project,” said Astra Bank IT support specialist Mitchell Sahlfeld.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662147742991.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU FoundationStudents kicked off the month of September at the annual Awareness Day event in Fort Hays State University’s Robbins Center. While enjoying a free lunch, students learned about the importance of private support and fundraising at FHSU.&nbsp;With generous support from Astra Bank, $2,500 in scholarships was awarded. Students who shared photos from the event on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using the hashtag #AwarenessDay were entered to receive an additional $500 scholarship. Students wearing FHSU apparel also gained an extra entry in the drawings.&nbsp;The following students received Astra Bank Awareness Day scholarships to support their education:$1,000 – Caleb Humble, Elementary Education, Junior, Longmont, Colorado $500 – Aimee Merrill, Art (Interior Design), Freshman, Trenton, Nebraska&nbsp; $250 – Shaleena Cook, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Junior, Marysville, Kansas $250 – Kylin Rudzik, Health and Human Performance, Freshman, Meade, Kansas $250 – Brandon Stegman, Accounting, Junior, Holcomb, Kansas $250 – Jaycee Vath, Health and Human Performance, Sophomore, Lincoln, Kansas“It’s awesome that Astra Bank has made these scholarships possible. The extra money will be a huge help,” said Jaycee Vath, a scholarship recipient.“Astra Bank is grateful for the opportunity to sponsor Awareness Day and provide scholarships that will help FHSU students fulfill their dreams. It is amazing to see the difference that the FHSU Foundation and donors have made for students, and we appreciate being part of that rewarding project,” said Astra Bank IT support specialist Mitchell Sahlfeld.

Philanthropy the focus of FHSU Foundation Awareness Day

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly last week announced appointments to state commissions. &nbsp;

Among the appointments was La Crosse's Jeremiah Hobbs.

Kansas Water Authority Purpose:&nbsp;Review plans for the development, management and use of the water resources of the state by any state or local agency.

Office of the GovernorTOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly last week announced appointments to state commissions. &nbsp;Among the appointments was La Crosse's Jeremiah Hobbs.Kansas Water Authority Purpose:&nbsp;Review plans for the development, management and use of the water resources of the state by any state or local agency.<ul>
 <li>Jeremiah Hobbs, La Crosse (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>

La Crosse man reappointed to Kan. water board

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662138462099.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>

Submitted by STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

This article&nbsp;written by Dorivar&nbsp;Ruiz Diaz, K-State Extension Nutrient Management Specialist,&nbsp;gives a great summary on planning the best wheat fertility program through timely soil testing.&nbsp;It&nbsp;addresses the correlation between the amount of&nbsp;fall&nbsp;nitrate-N&nbsp;in the soil profile and wheat yield.

Taking 24-inch soil profile-N samples in the fall has been a recommended practice for making an N recommendation for winter wheat for many years. However, due to the mobility of nitrate-N in the soil, soil test values observed in the fall may be different from values observed in the spring, particularly on soils prone to leaching. Because many producers wait until spring green-up to make their N application, does soil sampling in the fall for nitrate-N,&nbsp;really provide useful information for N management in wheat?&nbsp;That is a legitimate question.

Analysis of yields taken from K-State&nbsp;research plots that received no N fertilizer shows a strong positive relationship with fall soil profile nitrate-N&nbsp;level and wheat yield.&nbsp;

We found that at low soil nitrate levels, wheat yields responded well to applied&nbsp;N&nbsp;fertilizer&nbsp;in the fall.&nbsp;We also found that when fall soil profile nitrate-N levels are greater than 80 to 100 lbs./acre, it is unlikely the site will respond to additional fertilizer N applied in the spring.

In short, a strong relationship was found between wheat yield and fall nitrate-N levels from 24-inch profile soil test analyses when no N fertilizer was applied. Although new practices have been developed to improve N management in winter wheat, soil sampling in the fall for nitrate-N remains an important practice to manage N efficiently and can result in considerable savings for producers.

When soil sampling for N is not done, the K-State fertilizer recommendation formula defaults to a standard value of 30 lbs./acre available N&nbsp;in the soil profile.&nbsp;In this particular dataset, the average profile N level was 39 lbs.&nbsp;N/acre. However, the N level at individual sites ranged from 11 to 197 lbs.&nbsp;N/acre. Most recommendation systems default to a standardized set of N recommendations based on yield goal and/or the cost&nbsp;of N. Without sampling for N or using some alternative method of measuring the soil’s ability to supply N to a crop, such as crop sensing, the recommendations made for N will be inaccurate, resulting in a reduction in yield or profit per acre and increased environmental impact.

Failure to account for the N present in the soil wastes a valuable resource and can result in excess foliage, increased plant disease, inefficient use of soil water, and reduced yield.&nbsp;Twenty-four-inchprofile soil sampling in fall for nitrate-N can have a significant impact on N recommendations&nbsp;and profitability&nbsp;for winter wheat in Kansas soils.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

Submitted by STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThis article&nbsp;written by Dorivar&nbsp;Ruiz Diaz, K-State Extension Nutrient Management Specialist,&nbsp;gives a great summary on planning the best wheat fertility program through timely soil testing.&nbsp;It&nbsp;addresses the correlation between the amount of&nbsp;fall&nbsp;nitrate-N&nbsp;in the soil profile and wheat yield.Taking 24-inch soil profile-N samples in the fall has been a recommended practice for making an N recommendation for winter wheat for many years. However, due to the mobility of nitrate-N in the soil, soil test values observed in the fall may be different from values observed in the spring, particularly on soils prone to leaching. Because many producers wait until spring green-up to make their N application, does soil sampling in the fall for nitrate-N,&nbsp;really provide useful information for N management in wheat?&nbsp;That is a legitimate question.Analysis of yields taken from K-State&nbsp;research plots that received no N fertilizer shows a strong positive relationship with fall soil profile nitrate-N&nbsp;level and wheat yield.&nbsp;We found that at low soil nitrate levels, wheat yields responded well to applied&nbsp;N&nbsp;fertilizer&nbsp;in the fall.&nbsp;We also found that when fall soil profile nitrate-N levels are greater than 80 to 100 lbs./acre, it is unlikely the site will respond to additional fertilizer N applied in the spring.In short, a strong relationship was found between wheat yield and fall nitrate-N levels from 24-inch profile soil test analyses when no N fertilizer was applied. Although new practices have been developed to improve N management in winter wheat, soil sampling in the fall for nitrate-N remains an important practice to manage N efficiently and can result in considerable savings for producers.When soil sampling for N is not done, the K-State fertilizer recommendation formula defaults to a standard value of 30 lbs./acre available N&nbsp;in the soil profile.&nbsp;In this particular dataset, the average profile N level was 39 lbs.&nbsp;N/acre. However, the N level at individual sites ranged from 11 to 197 lbs.&nbsp;N/acre. Most recommendation systems default to a standardized set of N recommendations based on yield goal and/or the cost&nbsp;of N. Without sampling for N or using some alternative method of measuring the soil’s ability to supply N to a crop, such as crop sensing, the recommendations made for N will be inaccurate, resulting in a reduction in yield or profit per acre and increased environmental impact.Failure to account for the N present in the soil wastes a valuable resource and can result in excess foliage, increased plant disease, inefficient use of soil water, and reduced yield.&nbsp;Twenty-four-inchprofile soil sampling in fall for nitrate-N can have a significant impact on N recommendations&nbsp;and profitability&nbsp;for winter wheat in Kansas soils.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

CAMPBELL: Fall profile nitrate-N level and wheat yield 

NORTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris Ranger ATV driven by Riley E. Hager, 24, Almena, was northbound on Norton County Road W9 eight miles west of Norton. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 36 and sideswiped a westbound 2011 Honda Pilot driven by Lacy&nbsp;Chestnut, 36, Norton.&nbsp;

Hager was ejected from the ATV that came to rest in the north ditch. The Honda&nbsp;rolled and came to rest facing south in the north ditch.

EMS transported Hager to&nbsp;CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska and a passenger in the Honda Evan Chestnut, 39, Norton, to the Norton County Hospital.

Lacy Chestnut and three children in the Honda were not injured. All five were properly restrained.&nbsp;

NORTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Norton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris Ranger ATV driven by Riley E. Hager, 24, Almena, was northbound on Norton County Road W9 eight miles west of Norton. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 36 and sideswiped a westbound 2011 Honda Pilot driven by Lacy&nbsp;Chestnut, 36, Norton.&nbsp;Hager was ejected from the ATV that came to rest in the north ditch. The Honda&nbsp;rolled and came to rest facing south in the north ditch.EMS transported Hager to&nbsp;CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska and a passenger in the Honda Evan Chestnut, 39, Norton, to the Norton County Hospital.Lacy Chestnut and three children in the Honda were not injured. All five were properly restrained.&nbsp;

2 NW Kansas men injured after ATV sideswipes SUV 

An FHSU graduate student explores nature through fiber and natural dying processes in her MFA exhibit on display now through Sept. 9 at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus.

Kammy Downs, 60, grew up in Leon in southcentral Kansas. As a child she spent many hours with her family in the outdoors, as her parents fished and hunted.

"While my parents were doing that, I was playing along a river or in a forest or grassy area and so I had a lot of creative time to spend that way," she said. 

"Then as I grew up I have just continued to feel very comfortable and relaxed in amongst nature, so I do take lots of walks. It's my meditation to spend time in nature ..."

Downs chose the specific flowers and plants to highlight in her exhibit because of their medicinal effects. Downs struggled with health problems and turned to natural remedies to augment modern medicine.

Downs' emphasis in the art department is drawing, but most of her art in her MFA exhibit are mixed media fiber piece

She grew up in a creative family. Her mother and grandmothers were all quilters. Her mother makes wedding dresses. One of the pieces in her exhibit is made from an old quilt back that belonged to her grandmother.

Downs, who taught art for 37 years, also was a member of a quilt guild for a time.

All of her pieces are hand sewn. In addition, she used natural dies from plants such as red cabbage, red onion, nettles, turmeric and elderberries.

"It's just a magical experience," she said. "For example, the red onion skins, you would think it would come out red, right? Forever, I was trying all these things to get a green color, and it was red onion skins that turned my fabric a beautiful green."

She also used a natural dying process called echo printing. Plant material is rolled in wet fabric and dried. The impression of the leaf or flower is left on the material.

During her graduate studies, Downs conducted an art research project. For a semester, she kept a journal of her emotions. Each day she also created a 6X6-inch art piece that depicted the dominant emotion she was feeling that day.

The resulting piece is titled "Color Emotion" and is in her MFA exhibit.

She found that she expressed anger most often in black and red and happiness in yellow. The project spanned the spring 2020 semester.

"That was when we had to go home and take all of our stuff from campus," she said. "I had to move all my stuff from my studio there on campus and move it back to my apartment. ...

"There was one whole week where it was just black scribbles because that was all I could think. It was so disturbing."

At first, Downs said she was concerned COVID had ruined the project, but in retrospect, she said she thought the project helped her deal with difficult emotions.

Downs also took on the community art project "Seeds4HOPE" during her graduate studies. The project seeks to bring to light the issue of depression and suicide in rural and agricultural communities.

A thin strip of brown fabric is decorated with seed shapes that depict words or images that people focus on to get them through difficult times.

The pandemic kept her from visiting rural communities in person for the project as she had hoped. Instead, she created a Facebook event. The result was seeds submitted from far and wide, including internationally.

Downs will be doing a workshop on Sept. 10 in Topeka on the Seeds4HOPE project as part of an art festival there.

"I want to start talking about depression and [help people] be aware that people might look like they are doing OK, but they might not be really doing OK," she said.

She will offer resources on how to reach out for help and get training on dealing with mental illness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661891210270.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University graduate student Kammy Downs' MFA exhibit will be on display at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art through Sept. 9. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University graduate student Kammy Downs' MFA exhibit will be on display at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art through Sept. 9. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAn FHSU graduate student explores nature through fiber and natural dying processes in her MFA exhibit on display now through Sept. 9 at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus.Kammy Downs, 60, grew up in Leon in southcentral Kansas. As a child she spent many hours with her family in the outdoors, as her parents fished and hunted."While my parents were doing that, I was playing along a river or in a forest or grassy area and so I had a lot of creative time to spend that way," she said. "Then as I grew up I have just continued to feel very comfortable and relaxed in amongst nature, so I do take lots of walks. It's my meditation to spend time in nature ..."Downs chose the specific flowers and plants to highlight in her exhibit because of their medicinal effects. Downs struggled with health problems and turned to natural remedies to augment modern medicine.Downs' emphasis in the art department is drawing, but most of her art in her MFA exhibit are mixed media fiber piece<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661891470620.jpeg" alt="Kammy Downs, FHSU graduate student, focused on plants in her mixed media art pieces for her MFA exhibit. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Kammy Downs, FHSU graduate student, focused on plants in her mixed media art pieces for her MFA exhibit. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>She grew up in a creative family. Her mother and grandmothers were all quilters. Her mother makes wedding dresses. One of the pieces in her exhibit is made from an old quilt back that belonged to her grandmother.Downs, who taught art for 37 years, also was a member of a quilt guild for a time.All of her pieces are hand sewn. In addition, she used natural dies from plants such as red cabbage, red onion, nettles, turmeric and elderberries."It's just a magical experience," she said. "For example, the red onion skins, you would think it would come out red, right? Forever, I was trying all these things to get a green color, and it was red onion skins that turned my fabric a beautiful green." She also used a natural dying process called echo printing. Plant material is rolled in wet fabric and dried. The impression of the leaf or flower is left on the material.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661891362697.jpeg" alt="FHSU&nbsp; art student Kammy Downs' "Color of Emotion" is a chronicle of her emotions during the spring 2020 semester, including the pandemic lockdown. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>FHSU&nbsp; art student Kammy Downs' "Color of Emotion" is a chronicle of her emotions during the spring 2020 semester, including the pandemic lockdown. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'Color Emotion'</h2>During her graduate studies, Downs conducted an art research project. For a semester, she kept a journal of her emotions. Each day she also created a 6X6-inch art piece that depicted the dominant emotion she was feeling that day.The resulting piece is titled "Color Emotion" and is in her MFA exhibit.She found that she expressed anger most often in black and red and happiness in yellow. The project spanned the spring 2020 semester."That was when we had to go home and take all of our stuff from campus," she said. "I had to move all my stuff from my studio there on campus and move it back to my apartment. ..."There was one whole week where it was just black scribbles because that was all I could think. It was so disturbing."At first, Downs said she was concerned COVID had ruined the project, but in retrospect, she said she thought the project helped her deal with difficult emotions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661891842852.jpeg" alt="Kammy Downs' project "Seeds4HOPE" explores how people deal with challenges in their lives. The piece seeks to address depression and suicide in rural and agricultural areas. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Kammy Downs' project "Seeds4HOPE" explores how people deal with challenges in their lives. The piece seeks to address depression and suicide in rural and agricultural areas. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'Seeds4HOPE'</h2>Downs also took on the community art project "Seeds4HOPE" during her graduate studies. The project seeks to bring to light the issue of depression and suicide in rural and agricultural communities.A thin strip of brown fabric is decorated with seed shapes that depict words or images that people focus on to get them through difficult times. The pandemic kept her from visiting rural communities in person for the project as she had hoped. Instead, she created a Facebook event. The result was seeds submitted from far and wide, including internationally.Downs will be doing a workshop on Sept. 10 in Topeka on the Seeds4HOPE project as part of an art festival there.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661892269600.jpeg" alt="Kammy Downs, FHSU graduate student, used natural dies in many of her pieces for her MFA exhibit. This piece is titled "Jerusalem Artichokes." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Kammy Downs, FHSU graduate student, used natural dies in many of her pieces for her MFA exhibit. This piece is titled "Jerusalem Artichokes." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>"I want to start talking about depression and [help people] be aware that people might look like they are doing OK, but they might not be really doing OK," she said.She will offer resources on how to reach out for help and get training on dealing with mental illness.

FHSU art grad student plants 'Seeds4HOPE' in exhibit at Moss Thorns

On Sept. 17, area car enthusiasts will again come together in
Hays for the Thunder on the Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show. 

But the show will offer much more than just vehicles on
display. In its seventh year, the event will host various family-friendly events,
starting the night before the show.

“We're actually starting on Friday night,” said organizer
Jackie Lang. “We have a cruise night, where we’re meeting at 27th and Vine in
the parking lot by the Convention and Visitors Bureau.”

After gathering, attendees will cruise together down to
municipal park where Crazy Horse 2.0 is set to perform. 

“We'll have a dance, and there will be a food vendor
available,” Lang said. “Hopefully, we'll have a good crowd there, and people
can enjoy the night.”

On Saturday, the show begins with registration beginning
at 8 a.m. Elite Realty/Nations Auction, 700 W. 48th, with other events planned
throughout the day.

On-site will be a beer garden, hosted by Soroptimist&nbsp;International
of&nbsp;Hays, the Hays Toy Show, inflatables, Pfonz Smokehouse, Sunshine
Kitchen and Snow Cone Express. A live auction is planned for 1 p.m. and awards
at 3 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599072426200.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostOn Sept. 17, area car enthusiasts will again come together in
Hays for the Thunder on the Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show. But the show will offer much more than just vehicles on
display. In its seventh year, the event will host various family-friendly events,
starting the night before the show.“We're actually starting on Friday night,” said organizer
Jackie Lang. “We have a cruise night, where we’re meeting at 27th and Vine in
the parking lot by the Convention and Visitors Bureau.”After gathering, attendees will cruise together down to
municipal park where Crazy Horse 2.0 is set to perform. <div><iframe title="Thunder on the Plains returns to Hays Sept. 17" 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=mxfjk-12afaad-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>“We'll have a dance, and there will be a food vendor
available,” Lang said. “Hopefully, we'll have a good crowd there, and people
can enjoy the night.”On Saturday, the show begins with registration beginning
at 8 a.m. Elite Realty/Nations Auction, 700 W. 48th, with other events planned
throughout the day.On-site will be a beer garden, hosted by Soroptimist&nbsp;International
of&nbsp;Hays, the Hays Toy Show, inflatables, Pfonz Smokehouse, Sunshine
Kitchen and Snow Cone Express. A live auction is planned for 1 p.m. and awards
at 3 p.m.“Our major auction item is the refurbished 7Up cooler,”
said organizer Shelby Doty. “It's an old-style 7Up cooler that some of our
folks have refurbished into a bar. It's got a refrigerator in it
and shelving.”The cooler was displayed at Thirsty's, 2704 Vine, in recent
weeks.“It's cool. It's really cool,” Lang said. “It's also on our
website.”Doty said they again have brought in judges from across
Kansas for the judging.Those judges will give cash awards and trophies, including
$500 for Best of Show car or truck and $200 for Best of Show motorcycle. In total, twenty-seven class, awards are planned along with an award for furthest
distance traveled.“We do have cash awards,” Doty said. “We've got trophies
this year. ... So dust your cars off and your trucks and get them out of the
garage and come on out.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599072410075.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“Best of Show for car truck will get $500,” Lang said. “Motorcycle
gets $200, so it's worth it to bring your car out.”While the day will be filled with fun and camaraderie, the
event also serves a good cause.“One of our main objectives is to raise money,” Lang said. “We
have a lot of really great sponsors that allow us to do that.”Sponsors provided both cash and in-kind donations, she said.
The items will be auctioned off during Saturday's events.“We've got lots of great items,” Lang said. “So far for the
auction, we've got a meat package, we've got a really, really nice Polaris
cooler that one of our sponsors has donated. We've gotten some grills.”Since the first event in 2017, she said the car show has
donated over $54,000 to local organizations. “That's our main objective is to raise money to give back to
the community,” Lang said.Among those recipients last year was an NCK Tech student.“Something new that we did establish this past year is a
scholarship to a Hays High or TMP student that plans to attend NCK Tech,” Doty
said. “Our recipient this past year was Cameron Roth, who received a $1,000
scholarship to NCK. So we're pretty proud of that. And I think he's excited as
well.”After the show, the event site will host a classic car
auction.“Mark Ottley at Elite Realty and Auction is allowing us to
host our car show there again this year,” Lang said. “After our event is over,
he and his staff are looking to have a classic car auction of their own at that
location. So I guess if anybody has a car out there that they've been wanting
to, or thinking about maybe selling, reach out to them and see if they can't
help you.”For more information or to register in advance for the Thunder
on the Plains Car, Truck and Cycle Show, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thunderontheplainsks.com/">thunderontheplainsks.com.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599072437941.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>