Beginning Thursday morning, 11th Street will be closed just east of Fort Street. Fort Street will 
remain open, but 11th Street will be closed to through-traffic between Fort
 and Main. &nbsp;The work is anticipated to be completed by Aug. 19.

For more information, call 785 628-7350. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Beginning Thursday morning, 11th Street will be closed just east of Fort Street. Fort Street will 
remain open, but 11th Street will be closed to through-traffic between Fort
 and Main. &nbsp;The work is anticipated to be completed by Aug. 19.For more information, call 785 628-7350. &nbsp;&nbsp;— City of Hays

Portion of 11th Street will be closed for repairs

WICHITA — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court of Kansas will welcome 120 people, including Hays and Plainville residents, as new U.S. citizens Friday at Wichita State University. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mitchell Herren will preside, and a clerk of the court will administer the Oath of Allegiance.

The citizenship candidates originate from 26 countries: Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, Congo (Kinshasa), Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

The citizenship candidates live in Andover, Dodge City, Elkhart, Garden City, Great Bend, Hays, Haysville, Holcomb, Hutchinson, Inman, Lewis, Liberal, McPherson, Newton, Plainville, Salina, Towanda, Ulysses, Valley Center and Wichita.

The East High School color guard will open the ceremony. The League of Women Voters will be in the lobby offering voter registration to new citizens wishing to register.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629927322321.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USCISWICHITA — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court of Kansas will welcome 120 people, including Hays and Plainville residents, as new U.S. citizens Friday at Wichita State University. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mitchell Herren will preside, and a clerk of the court will administer the Oath of Allegiance.The citizenship candidates originate from 26 countries: Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, Congo (Kinshasa), Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.The citizenship candidates live in Andover, Dodge City, Elkhart, Garden City, Great Bend, Hays, Haysville, Holcomb, Hutchinson, Inman, Lewis, Liberal, McPherson, Newton, Plainville, Salina, Towanda, Ulysses, Valley Center and Wichita.The East High School color guard will open the ceremony. The League of Women Voters will be in the lobby offering voter registration to new citizens wishing to register.

Hays, Plainville residents to become U.S. citizens in ceremony

Seeking individuals to fill several open positions. Benefits for all three positions include: &nbsp;Competitive pay based on experience,&nbsp;Mon-Friday work week,&nbsp;Uniforms, paid vacation,&nbsp;Paid Holidays,&nbsp;Health/Dental Insurance,&nbsp;Retirement Plan,&nbsp;Overtime,&nbsp;EOE, air-conditioned shop and heated floors.

Apply in person at dealership, 1980 West 55th, Hays,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;or contact Bill Rowe at 620-793-0780 or 785-621-4045.

Service Adviser Qualified candidate would be responsible for opening and closing all shop repair orders, submitting warranty, working closely with technicians scheduling shop work.

Full Time Parts Adviser Responsibilities include: &nbsp;processing parts order via phone/walk-in customers, shipping/receiving,&nbsp;inventory&nbsp;control. &nbsp;Knowledge of heavy duty trucks is encouraged. &nbsp;Basic computer skills are necessary and possess excellent customer service skills.

Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Technician Qualified candidate would be responsible for diagnosing, repairs and maintenance of heavy duty Class 7 and 8 diesel powered trucks. &nbsp;Must have own tools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659735286130.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Seeking individuals to fill several open positions. Benefits for all three positions include: &nbsp;Competitive pay based on experience,&nbsp;Mon-Friday work week,&nbsp;Uniforms, paid vacation,&nbsp;Paid Holidays,&nbsp;Health/Dental Insurance,&nbsp;Retirement Plan,&nbsp;Overtime,&nbsp;EOE, air-conditioned shop and heated floors.Apply in person at dealership, 1980 West 55th, Hays,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;or contact Bill Rowe at 620-793-0780 or 785-621-4045.Service Adviser Qualified candidate would be responsible for opening and closing all shop repair orders, submitting warranty, working closely with technicians scheduling shop work.Full Time Parts Adviser Responsibilities include: &nbsp;processing parts order via phone/walk-in customers, shipping/receiving,&nbsp;inventory&nbsp;control. &nbsp;Knowledge of heavy duty trucks is encouraged. &nbsp;Basic computer skills are necessary and possess excellent customer service skills.Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Technician Qualified candidate would be responsible for diagnosing, repairs and maintenance of heavy duty Class 7 and 8 diesel powered trucks. &nbsp;Must have own tools.

Contacted about a long-lost relative’s inheritance? Hold on a minute

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Jeff and Melissa Dewey of Hays are the new owners of Doghouse Liquor of Hays, formerly Steinert Liquor, 2522 Vine.

The couple assumed ownership of the business June 13.

The store caries a variety of liquors, beers and wines, from top shelf to less expensive choices.

They have kept most of the same staff and plan to continue with much of the same merchandise and operations as the former owners, including the store's discounts.

"We're all a little family," Melissa Dewey said of the staff. "We couldn't do it without them. They're outstanding."

Fort Hays State University students and staff as well as members of the military receive an everyday 10 percent discount. The store also offers a loyalty program. For every dollar you spend, you receive a point. After you receive 100 points, you receive a 10 percent discount.

Discounts are also offered on bulk orders for events. The store offers a planning service to help customers planning for weddings or other events. They estimate how much alcohol and what types of alcohol customers will need. The planning service is offered free, Melissa Dewey said.

The Deweys already own a real estate business.

"We're just looking to integrate into the community more and meet more people and saw the opportunity there," Jeff Dewey said. "We thought it looked like a fun business to be in."

Melissa Dewey said the couple thought Doghouse was a fun name for the store.

"We work together in real estate and this, and we set out every morning to have fun," Jeff Dewey said. "When you work together and live together, if you don't have the goal to have fun at what you do, it can be a long day. That is the basis of who we are and what we do day in and day out."

Jeff Dewey said as business owners, the couple is constantly looking for what customers want and seeking new products to introduce to the store.

The couple added two new coolers in the store so customers can pick up chilled wine.

If you are buying wine or other products as gifts, the store offers gift bags, as well as gift cards.

Melissa Dewey said customer service is everything to she and Jeff.

"It's very important to us that our staff interact with people when they come in a helpful and positive way," Jeff Dewey said.

The store follows hours set by city ordinance — 9 a.m. t0 11 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659735747848.jpeg" alt="Jeff and Melissa Dewey of Hays are the new owners of Doghouse Liquor, formerly Steinert Liquor, 2522 Vine. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Jeff and Melissa Dewey of Hays are the new owners of Doghouse Liquor, formerly Steinert Liquor, 2522 Vine. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJeff and Melissa Dewey of Hays are the new owners of Doghouse Liquor of Hays, formerly Steinert Liquor, 2522 Vine. The couple assumed ownership of the business June 13.The store caries a variety of liquors, beers and wines, from top shelf to less expensive choices. They have kept most of the same staff and plan to continue with much of the same merchandise and operations as the former owners, including the store's discounts."We're all a little family," Melissa Dewey said of the staff. "We couldn't do it without them. They're outstanding." Fort Hays State University students and staff as well as members of the military receive an everyday 10 percent discount. The store also offers a loyalty program. For every dollar you spend, you receive a point. After you receive 100 points, you receive a 10 percent discount.Discounts are also offered on bulk orders for events. The store offers a planning service to help customers planning for weddings or other events. They estimate how much alcohol and what types of alcohol customers will need. The planning service is offered free, Melissa Dewey said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659736343527.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The Deweys already own a real estate business. "We're just looking to integrate into the community more and meet more people and saw the opportunity there," Jeff Dewey said. "We thought it looked like a fun business to be in."Melissa Dewey said the couple thought Doghouse was a fun name for the store."We work together in real estate and this, and we set out every morning to have fun," Jeff Dewey said. "When you work together and live together, if you don't have the goal to have fun at what you do, it can be a long day. That is the basis of who we are and what we do day in and day out."Jeff Dewey said as business owners, the couple is constantly looking for what customers want and seeking new products to introduce to the store.The couple added two new coolers in the store so customers can pick up chilled wine.If you are buying wine or other products as gifts, the store offers gift bags, as well as gift cards. Melissa Dewey said customer service is everything to she and Jeff. "It's very important to us that our staff interact with people when they come in a helpful and positive way," Jeff Dewey said.The store follows hours set by city ordinance — 9 a.m. t0 11 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Hays couple opens Doghouse Liquor, formerly Steinert

<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/2022/8/1660165440155.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

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Manuel Hernandez, executive chef at Gella's Diner, is making a career leap from chef to child care provider.

Hernandez, 38, has been a chef for 14 years for Gella's but he said workforce shortages have made the restaurant industry increasingly stressful. His last day at Gella's will be Aug. 14.

Hernandez, who has four children of his own, said he thought he could do something he loves while filling a need in the community. His children are ages 17, 14, 11 and 7.

Child care is definitely a service that is needed in Ellis County.

Ellis County has one open child-care spot for every 10 children needing care. Ellis County is better off than many counties in northwest Kansas, which have no openings for infants or toddlers.

A child care survey conducted by the Hays Chamber in November found 151 of the 800 respondents said they would go back to work in some form if they had quality, affordable child care.

The lack of quality, affordable child care is costing Ellis County more than $11 million annually, according to Child Care Aware.

Flor De Lis Bilingual Daycare will be a a child care group home. Hernandez is in the process of finalizing his license and hopes to hire a second provider, which will allow him to have up to 12 children in his home.

The number of children a child care group can have varies depending on the age of the children. If the home takes infants, that decreases the child care's allowed census.

"I have always loved kids," Hernandez said. "The first five years for a kid are very important. ... The beginning of your life is key, and it affects the rest."

Hernandez, who was born in Mexico and is a native Spanish speaker, said he hopes to expose children in his care to both English and Spanish.

He also hopes to bring some of his talents as a chef to the child care. He will emphasis homemade meals with plenty of vegetables and fresh-squeezed juices. 

He's not above sneaking some healthy veggies in the kids' brownies, either.

"I want to emphasize that your kid will eat healthier than you for lunch," he said.

Henandez's also has a fenced backyard in which the children can play. His home is located near downtown and he hopes to take the children on trips to the library, which is nearby.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63e5a97b-6312-4d82-b0e4-a4122df76646">Despite what many providers in the industry have said is unsustainable economic models in child care, </a>Hernandez said he thinks he has made the right decision to change careers.

"I didn't want to turn around in 10 years and have 25 or 30 years of my life and not own anything," he said. "This is an opportunity for me."

The child care home will begin accepting children as soon as Hernandez's license is approved. His projected opening date is Aug. 17.

Anyone interested in a spot in the child care home can contact Hernandez through his website, <a href="https://www.fdldaycare.com/">https://www.fdldaycare.com/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659454107573.jpeg" alt="Manuel Hernandez's Flor De Lis Bilingual Daycare will be opening in August in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Manuel Hernandez's Flor De Lis Bilingual Daycare will be opening in August in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post Manuel Hernandez, executive chef at Gella's Diner, is making a career leap from chef to child care provider.Hernandez, 38, has been a chef for 14 years for Gella's but he said workforce shortages have made the restaurant industry increasingly stressful. His last day at Gella's will be Aug. 14.Hernandez, who has four children of his own, said he thought he could do something he loves while filling a need in the community. His children are ages 17, 14, 11 and 7.Child care is definitely a service that is needed in Ellis County. Ellis County has one open child-care spot for every 10 children needing care. Ellis County is better off than many counties in northwest Kansas, which have no openings for infants or toddlers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659454500762.jpeg" alt="Hernandez is hoping to open a a child care group home, which will have openings for up to 12 children. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Hernandez is hoping to open a a child care group home, which will have openings for up to 12 children. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>A child care survey conducted by the Hays Chamber in November found 151 of the 800 respondents said they would go back to work in some form if they had quality, affordable child care.The lack of quality, affordable child care is costing Ellis County more than $11 million annually, according to Child Care Aware.Flor De Lis Bilingual Daycare will be a a child care group home. Hernandez is in the process of finalizing his license and hopes to hire a second provider, which will allow him to have up to 12 children in his home.The number of children a child care group can have varies depending on the age of the children. If the home takes infants, that decreases the child care's allowed census."I have always loved kids," Hernandez said. "The first five years for a kid are very important. ... The beginning of your life is key, and it affects the rest."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659454594273.jpeg" alt="Hernandez next to a child's play kitchen in his home. He said he hopes to use his skills as a chef to provide the children in his care healthy meals. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Hernandez next to a child's play kitchen in his home. He said he hopes to use his skills as a chef to provide the children in his care healthy meals. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Hernandez, who was born in Mexico and is a native Spanish speaker, said he hopes to expose children in his care to both English and Spanish.He also hopes to bring some of his talents as a chef to the child care. He will emphasis homemade meals with plenty of vegetables and fresh-squeezed juices. He's not above sneaking some healthy veggies in the kids' brownies, either. "I want to emphasize that your kid will eat healthier than you for lunch," he said.Henandez's also has a fenced backyard in which the children can play. His home is located near downtown and he hopes to take the children on trips to the library, which is nearby. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63e5a97b-6312-4d82-b0e4-a4122df76646">Despite what many providers in the industry have said is unsustainable economic models in child care, </a>Hernandez said he thinks he has made the right decision to change careers. "I didn't want to turn around in 10 years and have 25 or 30 years of my life and not own anything," he said. "This is an opportunity for me." The child care home will begin accepting children as soon as Hernandez's license is approved. His projected opening date is Aug. 17. Anyone interested in a spot in the child care home can contact Hernandez through his website, <a href="https://www.fdldaycare.com/">https://www.fdldaycare.com/</a>.

Longtime Hays chef to explore new career as child care provider

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 63 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from July&nbsp;30 to Aug. 5.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Nearly the entire state is now in the high-incidence classification (see map below). Cheyenne and Wallace counties are the only in northwest Kansas in the substantial-incidence classification.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 7,566 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660154194422.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 63 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from July&nbsp;30 to Aug. 5.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Nearly the entire state is now in the high-incidence classification (see map below). Cheyenne and Wallace counties are the only in northwest Kansas in the substantial-incidence classification.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,566 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660154246584.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 63 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;radio show host Mike Cooper.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Radio show host Mike Cooper" 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=5a6qm-12957a5-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;radio show host Mike Cooper.

🎤Forward Ever: Radio show host Mike Cooper

Aug. 10 is National S’mores Day, and Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland invites the public to a free celebration to create their own delicious s’mores.

Families can enjoy free s’mores and hot dogs for National S’mores Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland’s Hays office, 2707 Vine, Suite 8.

Council staff will be at both the Hays and Wichita events to help girls sign up or renew for Girl Scouts and speak with those interested in making a difference in their community through a variety of volunteer opportunities.

· 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the Hays Girl Scout Office, 2707 Vine, Suite 8 in Hays

· 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 at Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland’s headquarters, 360 Lexington in Wichita

The delicious marshmallow, chocolatey, graham-cracker treat is rooted in Girl Scout history. The recipe for a s’more dates back to a 1925 Girl Scout Leader magazine and a 1927 Girl Scouts of the USA handbook, “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts,” which featured a “Some More” recipe.

For more information on this event or how to join Girl Scouts, go to <a href="http://kansasgirlscouts.org">kansasgirlscouts.org</a>, call 888-686-MINT (6468), or email info@gskh.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659466146485.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay. " />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay. </figcaption>
 </figure>Aug. 10 is National S’mores Day, and Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland invites the public to a free celebration to create their own delicious s’mores.Families can enjoy free s’mores and hot dogs for National S’mores Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland’s Hays office, 2707 Vine, Suite 8.Council staff will be at both the Hays and Wichita events to help girls sign up or renew for Girl Scouts and speak with those interested in making a difference in their community through a variety of volunteer opportunities.National S’mores Day events:· 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the Hays Girl Scout Office, 2707 Vine, Suite 8 in Hays · 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 at Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland’s headquarters, 360 Lexington in Wichita The delicious marshmallow, chocolatey, graham-cracker treat is rooted in Girl Scout history. The recipe for a s’more dates back to a 1925 Girl Scout Leader magazine and a 1927 Girl Scouts of the USA handbook, “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts,” which featured a “Some More” recipe.For more information on this event or how to join Girl Scouts, go to <a href="http://kansasgirlscouts.org">kansasgirlscouts.org</a>, call 888-686-MINT (6468), or email info@gskh.org.

Celebrate free National S’mores Day event with Girl Scouts in Hays today

The Kansas Geological Survey reported a minor earthquake in northeast Ellis County early Wednesday morning.

The 2.0-magnitude quake was recorded at 2:25 a.m. Wednesday just south of Saline River Road and east of Cathedral Avenue.

It was the first earthquake recorded in Ellis County since April.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660140305050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Geological Survey reported a minor earthquake in northeast Ellis County early Wednesday morning.The 2.0-magnitude quake was recorded at 2:25 a.m. Wednesday just south of Saline River Road and east of Cathedral Avenue.It was the first earthquake recorded in Ellis County since April.

Minor earthquake recorded Wednesday in Ellis Co.

The Kansas Department of Transportation, along with the City of Hays, Kirkham Michael, WSP USA and Smoky Hill Construction, recently received the Institute of Transportation Engineers 2022 Transportation Achievement Award in the Traffic Engineering category for the North Vine Street corridor improvements project in Hays.

The transportation achievement awards recognize excellence in the advancement of transportation by entities concerned with transportation. In addition to Traffic Engineering, other award categories include Complete Streets, Transportation Systems Management and Operations, Safety and Planning.

“The North Vine corridor improvement was an elegant solution to a complex problem,” said Hays Mayor Mason Ruder. “Residents and visitors have quickly adapted to the new configuration, which is safer, provides better traffic flow and is pedestrian friendly.&nbsp; The corridor is now positioned for growth and redevelopment.”

The improvement project consisted of removing the traffic signals along the north Vine Street corridor between Mopar Drive and 32nd&nbsp;Street and replacing them with a series of roundabouts to help improve traffic flow and reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes.

Construction began in June 2020 on the $12.2 million project that combined federal, local and state funds. It was completed in November 2021.

“The North Vine Street corridor was completely re-imagined using innovative ideas and concepts to reduce congestion, improve access to local businesses and provide greater economic opportunities, as well as improve safety for the traveling public,” said Julie Lorenz, Kansas Secretary of Transportation.&nbsp;“Led by the City of Hays, this project is a great example of what can be accomplished when local, state and federal partners work toward a common goal.”

The project also has been honored with other awards including a Smoky Valley Chapter of KSPE (Salina) Outstanding Engineering Achievement and a 2021 MO/KS Chapter ACPA Paving Award in the municipal streets and intersections category.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation, along with the City of Hays, Kirkham Michael, WSP USA and Smoky Hill Construction, recently received the Institute of Transportation Engineers 2022 Transportation Achievement Award in the Traffic Engineering category for the North Vine Street corridor improvements project in Hays.The transportation achievement awards recognize excellence in the advancement of transportation by entities concerned with transportation. In addition to Traffic Engineering, other award categories include Complete Streets, Transportation Systems Management and Operations, Safety and Planning.“The North Vine corridor improvement was an elegant solution to a complex problem,” said Hays Mayor Mason Ruder. “Residents and visitors have quickly adapted to the new configuration, which is safer, provides better traffic flow and is pedestrian friendly.&nbsp; The corridor is now positioned for growth and redevelopment.”The improvement project consisted of removing the traffic signals along the north Vine Street corridor between Mopar Drive and 32nd&nbsp;Street and replacing them with a series of roundabouts to help improve traffic flow and reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes.Construction began in June 2020 on the $12.2 million project that combined federal, local and state funds. It was completed in November 2021.“The North Vine Street corridor was completely re-imagined using innovative ideas and concepts to reduce congestion, improve access to local businesses and provide greater economic opportunities, as well as improve safety for the traveling public,” said Julie Lorenz, Kansas Secretary of Transportation.&nbsp;“Led by the City of Hays, this project is a great example of what can be accomplished when local, state and federal partners work toward a common goal.”The project also has been honored with other awards including a Smoky Valley Chapter of KSPE (Salina) Outstanding Engineering Achievement and a 2021 MO/KS Chapter ACPA Paving Award in the municipal streets and intersections category.

North Vine roundabout project receives national award

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher I am writing this on the day of the primary elections, complete with my “I Voted” sticker on the left pocket of my shirt. I am proud to say that I exercised my right to vote, and, in my mind, I made all the right choices. To my knowledge I have participated in every election since I turned 18, and I intend to exercise it every opportunity I get for the rest of my life. I don’t know if you have noticed but we are at a serious crossroads in the history of our great nation. That crossroads makes exercising the right to vote even more critical now than ever. That is especially true for those of us in agriculture. We are an ever-shrinking number, and we must take every chance we can get to make our voices heard and that is especially true when it comes to the polls. That is also why it is so critical for each of us as Farm Bureau members to get involved with Voters Organized To Elect Farm Bureau Friends, or VOTE FBF. First, let me encourage you to support it monetarily. The dollars are used to support candidates friendly to agriculture are only generated through donations from members. It doesn’t have to be much if each of us donate every year. More importantly get involved in the county process to decide which candidates to support. Like everything else in Farm Bureau, the decision of which candidates to support starts at the county level. Increasingly we are seeing candidates recognize this and start to attend county board meetings and this gives us an opportunity to have discussions with them about our views. Those recommendations along with voting records are heavily considered by the Vote FBF board when deciding which candidates to endorse. I would also hope that when you do go to the polls you will look at the list of candidates endorsed by VOTE FBF and consider supporting them. They are the candidates who have the best interest of agriculture in mind and most closely align with our policy. In the end you will make up your own mind and vote for the candidates that best represent you, but the list of endorsed candidates is a good place to start. The most important thing is to get out and vote in November. It is the best way for us to make our voices heard. It was ingrained in me early on that if you did not participate and vote, you really had no right to complain. I know I still get a feeling of pride every time I go to the polls and cast my vote. Regardless of how I feel about the slate of candidates or the issues I am voting on, I do get a great deal of satisfaction participating in the process. It isn’t perfect, but it is the best in the world. So go cast your vote and wear that sticker with pride, you earned it.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher I am writing this on the day of the primary elections, complete with my “I Voted” sticker on the left pocket of my shirt. I am proud to say that I exercised my right to vote, and, in my mind, I made all the right choices. To my knowledge I have participated in every election since I turned 18, and I intend to exercise it every opportunity I get for the rest of my life. I don’t know if you have noticed but we are at a serious crossroads in the history of our great nation. That crossroads makes exercising the right to vote even more critical now than ever. That is especially true for those of us in agriculture. We are an ever-shrinking number, and we must take every chance we can get to make our voices heard and that is especially true when it comes to the polls. That is also why it is so critical for each of us as Farm Bureau members to get involved with Voters Organized To Elect Farm Bureau Friends, or VOTE FBF. First, let me encourage you to support it monetarily. The dollars are used to support candidates friendly to agriculture are only generated through donations from members. It doesn’t have to be much if each of us donate every year. More importantly get involved in the county process to decide which candidates to support. Like everything else in Farm Bureau, the decision of which candidates to support starts at the county level. Increasingly we are seeing candidates recognize this and start to attend county board meetings and this gives us an opportunity to have discussions with them about our views. Those recommendations along with voting records are heavily considered by the Vote FBF board when deciding which candidates to endorse. I would also hope that when you do go to the polls you will look at the list of candidates endorsed by VOTE FBF and consider supporting them. They are the candidates who have the best interest of agriculture in mind and most closely align with our policy. In the end you will make up your own mind and vote for the candidates that best represent you, but the list of endorsed candidates is a good place to start. The most important thing is to get out and vote in November. It is the best way for us to make our voices heard. It was ingrained in me early on that if you did not participate and vote, you really had no right to complain. I know I still get a feeling of pride every time I go to the polls and cast my vote. Regardless of how I feel about the slate of candidates or the issues I am voting on, I do get a great deal of satisfaction participating in the process. It isn’t perfect, but it is the best in the world. So go cast your vote and wear that sticker with pride, you earned it."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: A sticker of satisfaction

WICHITA —&nbsp;As tax and financial issues become more complex, Adams Brown continues to grow to keep up with the changes and better serve its local communities.

Rising 24 spots, the firm is now the 120th&nbsp;largest CPA firm in the United States, according to&nbsp;INSIDE Public Accounting’s <a href="https://insidepublicaccounting.com/top-firms/ipa-400/">annual ranking</a>.

This is the eighth consecutive year Adams Brown has been recognized on the list as a top 200 firm. In the past two years, the firm moved up more than 40 spots as its revenue increased as a result of organic growth and strategic acquisition.&nbsp;

“We regularly hear that businesses have either outgrown their CPA firm or feel like their firm is now too big for them as a result of consolidation happening in the accounting industry nationwide,”&nbsp;said Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner. “Our focus remains with these&nbsp;small- and medium-sized businesses.”

Growth can sometimes be a balancing act, and Adams Brown is using the same focus on its own growth as it does with area businesses from Main Street to the middle market.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As businesses face new obstacles like cybersecurity threats, troubles hiring qualified financial staff and establishing 401k plans to help recruit and retain talent, we’re growing to provide the services they need&nbsp;through the entire business cycle,” Staats said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659978386924.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWICHITA —&nbsp;As tax and financial issues become more complex, Adams Brown continues to grow to keep up with the changes and better serve its local communities.Rising 24 spots, the firm is now the 120th&nbsp;largest CPA firm in the United States, according to&nbsp;INSIDE Public Accounting’s <a href="https://insidepublicaccounting.com/top-firms/ipa-400/">annual ranking</a>.This is the eighth consecutive year Adams Brown has been recognized on the list as a top 200 firm. In the past two years, the firm moved up more than 40 spots as its revenue increased as a result of organic growth and strategic acquisition.&nbsp;“We regularly hear that businesses have either outgrown their CPA firm or feel like their firm is now too big for them as a result of consolidation happening in the accounting industry nationwide,”&nbsp;said Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner. “Our focus remains with these&nbsp;small- and medium-sized businesses.”Growth can sometimes be a balancing act, and Adams Brown is using the same focus on its own growth as it does with area businesses from Main Street to the middle market.&nbsp;&nbsp;“As businesses face new obstacles like cybersecurity threats, troubles hiring qualified financial staff and establishing 401k plans to help recruit and retain talent, we’re growing to provide the services they need&nbsp;through the entire business cycle,” Staats said.

Adams Brown recognized as 120th largest firm in US

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660090312845.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>

Our garden each year consists of six tomato plants, and some years, that’s&nbsp;all. Each winter, using a tried-and-true family recipe, we make tomato soup. So, all our tomatoes, minus a few for BLT’s are cut-up and frozen in one-gallon freezer bags for&nbsp;this winter’s soup. I usually plant my tomatoes early,&nbsp;mid-March to early April, using “Walls-of-Water,”&nbsp;plastic gadgets filled with water that provide each plant with its own little greenhouse. I’ve learned that here in Kansas, planting that early gets them setting fruit and producing tomatoes before the obnoxious hot weather.&nbsp;I plant “indeterminate” tomato plants which will live and continue to produce fruit until frost, allowing for a nice fall harvest also.

As most of you have already noticed, this year has not been a “tomato year” as a Master Gardener friend of mine puts&nbsp;it. My tomatoes were planted later than usual because I had knee surgery, so&nbsp;I have not even put any into the freezer yet. Shirley Buller, my Master Gardener friend from Montezuma&nbsp;and author of the weekly gardening column called “Hoe and Tell,”&nbsp;Kansas explains that tomatoes will not set fruit when the&nbsp;temperature stays above 75 degrees. 

So, since the weather got so hot so early, and the fact that the temperatures barely&nbsp;get as low as&nbsp;the mid 70s at night, combined with the horribly hot days, tomato plants are just not yielding fruit. Her advise is to keep the plants well-watered and well-fertilized until the weather begins to cool, then prepare for a nice fall harvest of tasty Kansas tomatoes.&nbsp;Adding too much nitrogen when fertilizing often results in massive plants but few tomatoes. But this year, Shirley says that extra watering can result in leaching away of nitrogen reserves, so adding a&nbsp;LITTLE&nbsp;nitrogen now may be beneficial.

Each year here in Inman, we see one or two hummingbirds in the spring or in the fall, then we’ll hustle to get a feeder up but never see them again.&nbsp;Late last Augustthat&nbsp;scenario repeated itself, we put up a couple feeders, and&nbsp;four&nbsp;of the little buggers hung-out here with us&nbsp;until they left to go south. In researching hummingbird “gurus” here in KS, I was told to contact Chuck Otte, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Geary County.&nbsp;He says that hummingbirds here in KS “leisurely” begin meandering south in late July; the adult males first, followed by the adult females then this-years young. Otte also says winds and weather fronts&nbsp;&amp; patterns help determine when they leave for their winter digs in southern Mexico or northern Central America. I just assumed they would all go together in one large group, especially so the youngsters could safely follow, but he says that’s not the case. &nbsp;

When talking hummingbirds, feeding them always enters the discussion, and Otte had lots of advice. He advises feeding hummingbirds straight sugar water, mixed one-part sugar to four parts water; NO red food color, NO honey, NO sugar substitutes or other additives, just straight sugar water. Don’t mix the syrup stronger than that,&nbsp;as hummingbirds get most of their water from the syrup they drink. They are attracted to the color red, so it may be helpful if the feeder is red, but avoid yellow on the feeder as yellow attracts bees and wasps. Put the feedersup in late July to begin attracting fall travelers.&nbsp;

Our feeders have been up a week, but with no hummingbirds yet. I spoke with Chuck yesterday and he said he has lots already at his home near Junction City, so his&nbsp;advice&nbsp;for all of us&nbsp;“fall hummingbird hopefuls” is to keep the faith, so we’re looking for fall hummingbirds with our fall tomatoes.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.&nbsp;

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email 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>Our garden each year consists of six tomato plants, and some years, that’s&nbsp;all. Each winter, using a tried-and-true family recipe, we make tomato soup. So, all our tomatoes, minus a few for BLT’s are cut-up and frozen in one-gallon freezer bags for&nbsp;this winter’s soup. I usually plant my tomatoes early,&nbsp;mid-March to early April, using “Walls-of-Water,”&nbsp;plastic gadgets filled with water that provide each plant with its own little greenhouse. I’ve learned that here in Kansas, planting that early gets them setting fruit and producing tomatoes before the obnoxious hot weather.&nbsp;I plant “indeterminate” tomato plants which will live and continue to produce fruit until frost, allowing for a nice fall harvest also.As most of you have already noticed, this year has not been a “tomato year” as a Master Gardener friend of mine puts&nbsp;it. My tomatoes were planted later than usual because I had knee surgery, so&nbsp;I have not even put any into the freezer yet. Shirley Buller, my Master Gardener friend from Montezuma&nbsp;and author of the weekly gardening column called “Hoe and Tell,”&nbsp;Kansas explains that tomatoes will not set fruit when the&nbsp;temperature stays above 75 degrees. So, since the weather got so hot so early, and the fact that the temperatures barely&nbsp;get as low as&nbsp;the mid 70s at night, combined with the horribly hot days, tomato plants are just not yielding fruit. Her advise is to keep the plants well-watered and well-fertilized until the weather begins to cool, then prepare for a nice fall harvest of tasty Kansas tomatoes.&nbsp;Adding too much nitrogen when fertilizing often results in massive plants but few tomatoes. But this year, Shirley says that extra watering can result in leaching away of nitrogen reserves, so adding a&nbsp;LITTLE&nbsp;nitrogen now may be beneficial.---------Each year here in Inman, we see one or two hummingbirds in the spring or in the fall, then we’ll hustle to get a feeder up but never see them again.&nbsp;Late last Augustthat&nbsp;scenario repeated itself, we put up a couple feeders, and&nbsp;four&nbsp;of the little buggers hung-out here with us&nbsp;until they left to go south. In researching hummingbird “gurus” here in KS, I was told to contact Chuck Otte, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Geary County.&nbsp;He says that hummingbirds here in KS “leisurely” begin meandering south in late July; the adult males first, followed by the adult females then this-years young. Otte also says winds and weather fronts&nbsp;&amp; patterns help determine when they leave for their winter digs in southern Mexico or northern Central America. I just assumed they would all go together in one large group, especially so the youngsters could safely follow, but he says that’s not the case. &nbsp;When talking hummingbirds, feeding them always enters the discussion, and Otte had lots of advice. He advises feeding hummingbirds straight sugar water, mixed one-part sugar to four parts water; NO red food color, NO honey, NO sugar substitutes or other additives, just straight sugar water. Don’t mix the syrup stronger than that,&nbsp;as hummingbirds get most of their water from the syrup they drink. They are attracted to the color red, so it may be helpful if the feeder is red, but avoid yellow on the feeder as yellow attracts bees and wasps. Put the feedersup in late July to begin attracting fall travelers.&nbsp;Our feeders have been up a week, but with no hummingbirds yet. I spoke with Chuck yesterday and he said he has lots already at his home near Junction City, so his&nbsp;advice&nbsp;for all of us&nbsp;“fall hummingbird hopefuls” is to keep the faith, so we’re looking for fall hummingbirds with our fall tomatoes.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.&nbsp;Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Tomatoes (or lack thereof) and fall hummingbirds 

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659367796358.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659367779215.png" alt="" />
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Ellis Co. Health Department investigates monkeypox cases

PHILLIPSBURG — Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday joined Amber Wave, a leader in sustainable agriculture, food ingredients, and low-carbon fuels, to cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art wheat protein ingredients facility in Phillipsburg that will be the largest wheat protein producer in North America within two years. The company is investing more than $250 million into the facility and is creating more than 60 new jobs as it ramps up to full capacity.

The ribbon-cutting comes during the Governor's Prosperity on the Plains tour promoting economic development in Kansas.

“Kansas is known for its high-quality wheat, and this cutting-edge facility will strengthen the competitive edge we have in the market,” Kelly said. “Now, Kansas wheat farming families will have a massive direct buyer close to home and major food, baking, and pet food companies are able to have their wheat needs met here in Phillipsburg. This investment shows why our constant efforts to bring businesses to Kansas matter: Every local business owner and community member benefits.”

The plant’s location puts it in the heart of the country with rail access to both coasts and core Midwest customers for the diverse variety of products being made in Phillipsburg. All the wheat Amber Wave needs is grown within 100 miles of the plant.

“This is a big win not just for Phillipsburg and western Kansas but the entire state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.“Amber Wave's facility underscores Governor Kelly’s continued commitment to increasing prosperity in all areas of the Kansas.”

In addition to building a wheat mill and vital wheat gluten plant, the company retrofitted the existing Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy corn-based ethanol plant to produce ethanol from wheat starch. The plant will use the latest technology in wheat milling and protein extraction while creating a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional corn ethanol plants to produce biofuels.

“Recognizing the rising demand for high-protein ingredients and innovative feed products, coupled with renewable fuels that reduce our carbon footprint, this investment fits with what we have successfully done many times in Summit’s history,”&nbsp;said Bruce Rastetter, CEO of Summit Agricultural Group, Amber Wave’s parent organization.&nbsp;“We evaluated several sites in various wheat-growing areas and Prairie Horizon is ideally located. The wheat protein we will produce is a healthy ingredient used widely within baked goods, pet food and growing aquaculture feed markets.

“Today, wheat protein demand in the U.S. is heavily reliant on imports,”&nbsp;Rastetter said, “and with consumers demanding more transparency about the origins of the food they eat, we see a real opportunity.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660070954340.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the GovernorPHILLIPSBURG — Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday joined Amber Wave, a leader in sustainable agriculture, food ingredients, and low-carbon fuels, to cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art wheat protein ingredients facility in Phillipsburg that will be the largest wheat protein producer in North America within two years. The company is investing more than $250 million into the facility and is creating more than 60 new jobs as it ramps up to full capacity.The ribbon-cutting comes during the Governor's Prosperity on the Plains tour promoting economic development in Kansas.“Kansas is known for its high-quality wheat, and this cutting-edge facility will strengthen the competitive edge we have in the market,” Kelly said. “Now, Kansas wheat farming families will have a massive direct buyer close to home and major food, baking, and pet food companies are able to have their wheat needs met here in Phillipsburg. This investment shows why our constant efforts to bring businesses to Kansas matter: Every local business owner and community member benefits.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660071156921.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The plant’s location puts it in the heart of the country with rail access to both coasts and core Midwest customers for the diverse variety of products being made in Phillipsburg. All the wheat Amber Wave needs is grown within 100 miles of the plant.“This is a big win not just for Phillipsburg and western Kansas but the entire state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.“Amber Wave's facility underscores Governor Kelly’s continued commitment to increasing prosperity in all areas of the Kansas.”In addition to building a wheat mill and vital wheat gluten plant, the company retrofitted the existing Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy corn-based ethanol plant to produce ethanol from wheat starch. The plant will use the latest technology in wheat milling and protein extraction while creating a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional corn ethanol plants to produce biofuels.“Recognizing the rising demand for high-protein ingredients and innovative feed products, coupled with renewable fuels that reduce our carbon footprint, this investment fits with what we have successfully done many times in Summit’s history,”&nbsp;said Bruce Rastetter, CEO of Summit Agricultural Group, Amber Wave’s parent organization.&nbsp;“We evaluated several sites in various wheat-growing areas and Prairie Horizon is ideally located. The wheat protein we will produce is a healthy ingredient used widely within baked goods, pet food and growing aquaculture feed markets.“Today, wheat protein demand in the U.S. is heavily reliant on imports,”&nbsp;Rastetter said, “and with consumers demanding more transparency about the origins of the food they eat, we see a real opportunity.”

Officials cut ribbon at Phillipsburg wheat protein plant

Vyve Broadband on Monday warned its customers of a phishing scam circulating recently.

"The spam email currently circulating appears to be sent from Eaglecom and presents as a request to update your payment information," the company said in an email. "This is a phishing attempt. Please keep in mind that we wouldn't request this information through email. If you receive such a message, please mark it as spam and delete it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629909201625.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vyve Broadband on Monday warned its customers of a phishing scam circulating recently."The spam email currently circulating appears to be sent from Eaglecom and presents as a request to update your payment information," the company said in an email. "This is a phishing attempt. Please keep in mind that we wouldn't request this information through email. If you receive such a message, please mark it as spam and delete it."

Vyve warns customers of phishing scam

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a theft. 

On Aug. 4, approximately 100 joints of 2 and 3/8 tubing was stolen from a lease near Hitschman in rural Barton County. The loss is estimated to be roughly $10,000.

If you have information about this person or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660056593460.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a theft. On Aug. 4, approximately 100 joints of 2 and 3/8 tubing was stolen from a lease near Hitschman in rural Barton County. The loss is estimated to be roughly $10,000.If you have information about this person or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300.

Barton Co. law enforcement seeking help in stolen oilfield tubing

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After more than an hour-long discussion Thursday, Hays city commissioners are still debating some of the 2023 funding requests from outside agencies.

Mayor Mason Ruder, who was in Colorado, joined the meeting via Zoom. The work session was conducted by Vice-Mayor Michael Berges.

The draft 2023 budget leaves the outside agency requests at the 2022 levels.

Asking for more money next year are the Ellis County Historical Society, Downtown Hays Development Corporation, Wild West Festival and CARE Council.

 The Hays Chamber is making a first-time request of $45,000.

"We expect it to be a one-time request," Hays Chamber President/CEO Sarah Wasinger told the commission last week, "to help pay our staff a more equitable pay to be able to retain them. With four full-time staff on hand, it does give me the ability to spend more time off-campus to be able to work on issues such as child care and things of that nature."

The chamber is leading a community-wide taskforce to study the needs and solutions for more child care in Ellis County.

Wasinger noted several of the chamber's regular fundraisers had to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic and other events have had lower attendance. 

"We've not been able to earn as much income from those events as we have in the past," she said.

"This request is to give us a year to re-tweak what we're doing event-wise to try to come up with the different fundraisers. We've already done some exploration on what other chambers are doing and will continue to do so in order to earn this income for ourselves versus coming to the city year after year."

Wasinger said the chamber is instituting a 10 percent increase in membership costs for 2023, and she&nbsp;anticipates about 25 members will drop out as a result.

"We had a dues increase also this year and that's about what we saw with that drop increase," she said.

In answer to a question from Commissioner Sandy Jacobs, Wasinger said the chamber has not considered an additional assessment for members.

"We know there is a fine line for affordability for membership for smaller businesses in making the investment for the benefits that they get, and they still have to finance other marketing efforts."

Expenses for the chamber's 2022 budget have been scaled back to what they were in 2006, Wasinger said. "We've trimmed quite a bit as an organization on what we're spending."

This spring the Hays Chamber joined nearly 40 other chambers of commerce across Kansas in the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8226877d-9155-4e0d-830b-ae244e222d46">Chamber Blue of Kansas Association Health Care Plan</a>.

The employee health insurance plan will be available for Hays Chamber members Jan. 1.

"We've already had some new members join this year based on the health insurance offering," Wasinger reported. "If we can get this off the ground, we believe that would be a huge win for us in our business community."

The commission praised Wasinger's leadership and the many community issues and projects the chamber has taken on during her tenure. But they were reluctant to fund the request as presented, pointing out that many other nonprofit groups and businesses have suffered a financial downturn because of COVID and the current inflationary economy.

"This is a tough one. It's definitely the toughest one I'm having difficulty with," said Mason. "It's not that they don't deserve it. It's just that I want to make sure that we are continuing to operate our finances as we should for the rest of the taxpayer base."

Jacobs favors any city potential funding going to a specific project. "Operations (funding) is a difficult thing for me," Jacobs said.

Commissioners also could not make a decision on the DHDC request of $60,000, up from $54,000 in 2022.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7c4e3889-88b0-406c-a465-066d221e2e43">Sara Bloom resigned</a> at the end of May after serving seven years as DHDC executive director to join the Kansas Department of Commerce. The commission wondered what the new direction is for DHDC.

A large $8,000 funding increase request came from the historical society, which recently hired a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9db863ca-00f4-4ff7-8415-b86fbecf070e">new permanent director</a>.&nbsp;

Jacobs favored approval of the $21,116 funding ask. "<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b82c3c2-8654-43f3-b842-f85a8deace1b">They're reaching stability</a>. I'm not sure about sustainability."

However, Commissioner Reese Barrick, executive director of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, feels the Ellis County Historical Society and its museum need to change more dramatically.&nbsp; He described the role of the city-owned Smoky Hill Museum in Salina.

"[ECHS] needs a new mission and a new name. It needs an aspirational plan or there's no point to it.

"We should make the choice to see it as an investment, to be impactful with intention, " Barrick said. "It should be another draw to downtown."&nbsp;

Barrick said he would be "OK with $40,000 in city funding and intentional conversations with Ellis County and Fort Hays State University" about potential partnerships. "It has huge potential to have a bigger economic impact on our economy."

In all, the total request in 2023 city funding from outside agencies is about $72,000 more than what was provided in 2022.

The Aug. 18 work session will include discussion of the budget draft one final time.

The commission also heard from Jesse Rohr, public works director, about a request to annex city-owned property at 1732 W. 41st where a planned third fire station would be built. The land, which is the site of a city water well, would have to be rezoned from agriculture to public and institutional district.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657359548888.jpeg" alt="The public hearing for the Hays 2023 budget will be held Sept. 8. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>The public hearing for the Hays 2023 budget will be held Sept. 8. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter more than an hour-long discussion Thursday, Hays city commissioners are still debating some of the 2023 funding requests from outside agencies.Mayor Mason Ruder, who was in Colorado, joined the meeting via Zoom. The work session was conducted by Vice-Mayor Michael Berges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659916553389.jpeg" alt="Mayor Mason Ruder participates via Zoom in the Aug. 4 Hays city commission work session which was conducted by Vice-mayor Michael Berges (right). (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Mason Ruder participates via Zoom in the Aug. 4 Hays city commission work session which was conducted by Vice-mayor Michael Berges (right). (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>The draft 2023 budget leaves the outside agency requests at the 2022 levels.Asking for more money next year are the Ellis County Historical Society, Downtown Hays Development Corporation, Wild West Festival and CARE Council. The Hays Chamber is making a first-time request of $45,000."We expect it to be a one-time request," Hays Chamber President/CEO Sarah Wasinger told the commission last week, "to help pay our staff a more equitable pay to be able to retain them. With four full-time staff on hand, it does give me the ability to spend more time off-campus to be able to work on issues such as child care and things of that nature."The chamber is leading a community-wide taskforce to study the needs and solutions for more child care in Ellis County.Wasinger noted several of the chamber's regular fundraisers had to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic and other events have had lower attendance. "We've not been able to earn as much income from those events as we have in the past," she said."This request is to give us a year to re-tweak what we're doing event-wise to try to come up with the different fundraisers. We've already done some exploration on what other chambers are doing and will continue to do so in order to earn this income for ourselves versus coming to the city year after year."Wasinger said the chamber is instituting a 10 percent increase in membership costs for 2023, and she&nbsp;anticipates about 25 members will drop out as a result."We had a dues increase also this year and that's about what we saw with that drop increase," she said.<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Sun Aug 07 2022 22:29:15 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Chamber Funding Debate 2"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H2M4S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/thumbs/q6L8OPQc-1920.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/q6L8OPQc-AMBVbJQD.mp4"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/q6L8OPQc-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Chamber Funding Debate 2" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>In answer to a question from Commissioner Sandy Jacobs, Wasinger said the chamber has not considered an additional assessment for members."We know there is a fine line for affordability for membership for smaller businesses in making the investment for the benefits that they get, and they still have to finance other marketing efforts."Expenses for the chamber's 2022 budget have been scaled back to what they were in 2006, Wasinger said. "We've trimmed quite a bit as an organization on what we're spending."This spring the Hays Chamber joined nearly 40 other chambers of commerce across Kansas in the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8226877d-9155-4e0d-830b-ae244e222d46">Chamber Blue of Kansas Association Health Care Plan</a>.The employee health insurance plan will be available for Hays Chamber members Jan. 1."We've already had some new members join this year based on the health insurance offering," Wasinger reported. "If we can get this off the ground, we believe that would be a huge win for us in our business community."The commission praised Wasinger's leadership and the many community issues and projects the chamber has taken on during her tenure. But they were reluctant to fund the request as presented, pointing out that many other nonprofit groups and businesses have suffered a financial downturn because of COVID and the current inflationary economy."This is a tough one. It's definitely the toughest one I'm having difficulty with," said Mason. "It's not that they don't deserve it. It's just that I want to make sure that we are continuing to operate our finances as we should for the rest of the taxpayer base."Jacobs favors any city potential funding going to a specific project. "Operations (funding) is a difficult thing for me," Jacobs said.Commissioners also could not make a decision on the DHDC request of $60,000, up from $54,000 in 2022.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7c4e3889-88b0-406c-a465-066d221e2e43">Sara Bloom resigned</a> at the end of May after serving seven years as DHDC executive director to join the Kansas Department of Commerce. The commission wondered what the new direction is for DHDC.A large $8,000 funding increase request came from the historical society, which recently hired a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9db863ca-00f4-4ff7-8415-b86fbecf070e">new permanent director</a>.&nbsp;Jacobs favored approval of the $21,116 funding ask. "<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b82c3c2-8654-43f3-b842-f85a8deace1b">They're reaching stability</a>. I'm not sure about sustainability."However, Commissioner Reese Barrick, executive director of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, feels the Ellis County Historical Society and its museum need to change more dramatically.&nbsp; He described the role of the city-owned Smoky Hill Museum in Salina."[ECHS] needs a new mission and a new name. It needs an aspirational plan or there's no point to it."We should make the choice to see it as an investment, to be impactful with intention, " Barrick said. "It should be another draw to downtown."&nbsp;Barrick said he would be "OK with $40,000 in city funding and intentional conversations with Ellis County and Fort Hays State University" about potential partnerships. "It has huge potential to have a bigger economic impact on our economy."In all, the total request in 2023 city funding from outside agencies is about $72,000 more than what was provided in 2022.The Aug. 18 work session will include discussion of the budget draft one final time.The commission also heard from Jesse Rohr, public works director, about a request to annex city-owned property at 1732 W. 41st where a planned third fire station would be built. The land, which is the site of a city water well, would have to be rezoned from agriculture to public and institutional district.

🎥 Hays commission undecided on '23 agency funding requests

Six Fort Hays State University alumni will be honored on Friday, Oct. 7 at the Alumni and Friends Awards Banquet during Homecoming. For details on how you can help celebrate these award winners during FHSU’s Homecoming, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJCxLW743nRNf7b0z4mWX9q-2BfpwKCkDXVQQiuEVjJxMLHP1im_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BWHrLSPuo74uwQn53ugaqc8KSL-2Bd-2FnFDKHZ9tvNMrvgDQsmildYd-2F9LnFql6jAPyhq9F6ddWGBh-2FDzLQay0uf1-2BjTAwr0ywnIRejS3xyeggPftyXbv98cMz-2FhFUEN5QTuH9T8ZUixS2jMiZYIJkMNvfap4yspAn5P-2Bqso3eR-2FMv8dFQagRyOlbba6t-2FugPAi0bo3Im22MV4M1lDKu4BdNNzBHI1-2F0tJf9-2FSh-2FC3gYfL71eOEa4oQSk1afZbGevUUz">www.FHSUHomecoming.com</a>.

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