Fort Hays State University presented its inaugural Tiger Gear on Friday Community Partner of the Year award to Sunflower Bank. Tiger Gear on Friday is a celebration of the innovative, determined, and caring people that make Tiger Nation unique. TGOF is a partnership involving several on-campus organizations, businesses, and community organizations in the Hays community.

“The TGOF, Community Partner Program, is a great example of the support this community shows for FHSU,” said Brittney Squire, outreach services specialist for the Forsyth Library at FHSU and co-chair of the TGOF Community Outreach Committee. “Sunflower Bank has embodied the Tiger Spirit we hope for with our partners, and we are thrilled to recognize them as our Partner of the Year.”&nbsp;

FHSU created the TGOF Community Partner of the Year award to celebrate an organization in the Hays community that goes above and beyond to share its Tiger pride. The contest launched in January 2022 and ended in June 2022. To earn consideration for the award, TGOF Community Partners were asked to demonstrate their Tiger spirit in any or all of the following four ways:

Sunflower Bank joined the TGOF community partner program in 2016, shortly after the program’s initial launch. Visitors and bank customers can’t miss the infectious Tiger Pride on display every Friday in both of the bank’s offices.

“We are proud to partner with Tiger Gear on Friday and show our Tiger Spirit. We think it’s another great reason to choose Sunflower Bank,” said Chrissy Stacken, senior branch manager, and AVP for Sunflower Bank. ”The tie between FHSU and the Hays community is incredibly important to us, as over 90% of Sunflower Bank’s staff in our region is either an FHSU alumnus or a current student.”

As the 2022 TGOF Partner of the Year, Sunflower Bank will receive several benefits:

For more information on the Tiger Gear on Friday program and to learn how your organization can become a TGOF Community Partner, go to <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/tgof/">fhsu.edu/tgof</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659107898246.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University presented its inaugural Tiger Gear on Friday Community Partner of the Year award to Sunflower Bank. Tiger Gear on Friday is a celebration of the innovative, determined, and caring people that make Tiger Nation unique. TGOF is a partnership involving several on-campus organizations, businesses, and community organizations in the Hays community.“The TGOF, Community Partner Program, is a great example of the support this community shows for FHSU,” said Brittney Squire, outreach services specialist for the Forsyth Library at FHSU and co-chair of the TGOF Community Outreach Committee. “Sunflower Bank has embodied the Tiger Spirit we hope for with our partners, and we are thrilled to recognize them as our Partner of the Year.”&nbsp;FHSU created the TGOF Community Partner of the Year award to celebrate an organization in the Hays community that goes above and beyond to share its Tiger pride. The contest launched in January 2022 and ended in June 2022. To earn consideration for the award, TGOF Community Partners were asked to demonstrate their Tiger spirit in any or all of the following four ways:<ul>
 <li>Producing or sharing TGOF-related social media content</li><li>Encouraging employees to get “caught” wearing FHSU Tiger gear at work and in the community by members of the TGOF community outreach subcommittee</li><li>Ordering FHSU branded apparel for their employees from the Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Company</li><li>Sharing the ways the organization “Tigerized” their workspaces</li>
 </ul>Sunflower Bank joined the TGOF community partner program in 2016, shortly after the program’s initial launch. Visitors and bank customers can’t miss the infectious Tiger Pride on display every Friday in both of the bank’s offices.“We are proud to partner with Tiger Gear on Friday and show our Tiger Spirit. We think it’s another great reason to choose Sunflower Bank,” said Chrissy Stacken, senior branch manager, and AVP for Sunflower Bank. ”The tie between FHSU and the Hays community is incredibly important to us, as over 90% of Sunflower Bank’s staff in our region is either an FHSU alumnus or a current student.”As the 2022 TGOF Partner of the Year, Sunflower Bank will receive several benefits:<ul>
 <li>A special feature on FHSU social media pages&nbsp;</li><li>An invitation to host a Chamber Chat event at the location of their choice, sponsored by the TGOF Steering Committee at FHSU</li><li>Complimentary registration and a prime location at the Back to School Picnic on the FHSU Quad on August 22, 2022.</li><li>Free Tiger Football tickets (up to 20) for the employees to attend the first home game and special on-field recognition during the game.&nbsp;</li><li>A free photo shoot with Victor E. mascot at the location of their choice</li>
 </ul>For more information on the Tiger Gear on Friday program and to learn how your organization can become a TGOF Community Partner, go to <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/tgof/">fhsu.edu/tgof</a>.

FHSU announces 2022 TGOF Community Partner of the Year

<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/2022/8/1659369082674.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

Beginning at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Commerce Parkway in Hays will be closed to through traffic for pavement repairs at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing. 

Work should be complete and the road back open to traffic by 8 a.m. Wednesday. 

City of HaysBeginning at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Commerce Parkway in Hays will be closed to through traffic for pavement repairs at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing. Work should be complete and the road back open to traffic by 8 a.m. Wednesday. For more information, call 785-628-7350.

Commerce closed at railroad crossing Tuesday in Hays

<a href="https://dsnwk.e3applicants.com/careers">Click HERE to apply.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659367796358.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659367779215.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://dsnwk.e3applicants.com/careers">Click HERE to apply.</a>

Another RHID approved for more housing in Hays 

Tickets are still available for this year's Tiger Auction and Dinner on August 20th at the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility.

Website for auction information and to purchase tickets:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/feature/fhsutigerauction?path=general" target="_blank">https://fhsuathletics.com/feature/fhsutigerauction?path=general</a>

Can also call 785-628-4050 to purchase tickets

Tickets cost $100 per person and include bid number, buffet dinner, and drinks

Tables of 12 can be purchased for either $1,200 which gets you 12 bid numbers or $1,500 which gets you 12 bid numbers, mentioned as a Table Sponsor in the Auction Catalog, and 2 General Admission All-Sport tickets for the upcoming 2022-23 school year.

Please purchase your Tiger Auction tickets by Friday, August 12th

Location: Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility Date: Saturday, August 20th Schedule 4:00pm Doors Open 5:00pm Dinner served 6:30pm Live Auction Starts 7:30pm Premium Table #1 closes 8:30pm Premium Table #2 closes

There will be an online auction for those who can’t make the in-person auction starting on Monday, August 15th&nbsp;and ending on Wednesday, August 17th.

For the in-person auction, there will be around 250 items up for grabs overall with 80-85 items as part of the live oral auction. The auction will pause for Item #40 again this year where FHSU Athletics will be accepting cash donations for the new Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex project at Lewis Field. With two matching $100,000 gifts already, this year’s Item #40 goal is $400,000. &nbsp;

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Assistant Athletic Director Matt Cook by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mjcook8@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">mjcook8@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659368444192.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tickets are still available for this year's Tiger Auction and Dinner on August 20th at the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility.Website for auction information and to purchase tickets:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/feature/fhsutigerauction?path=general" target="_blank">https://fhsuathletics.com/feature/fhsutigerauction?path=general</a>Can also call 785-628-4050 to purchase ticketsTickets cost $100 per person and include bid number, buffet dinner, and drinksTables of 12 can be purchased for either $1,200 which gets you 12 bid numbers or $1,500 which gets you 12 bid numbers, mentioned as a Table Sponsor in the Auction Catalog, and 2 General Admission All-Sport tickets for the upcoming 2022-23 school year.Please purchase your Tiger Auction tickets by Friday, August 12thLocation: Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility Date: Saturday, August 20th Schedule 4:00pm Doors Open 5:00pm Dinner served 6:30pm Live Auction Starts 7:30pm Premium Table #1 closes 8:30pm Premium Table #2 closesThere will be an online auction for those who can’t make the in-person auction starting on Monday, August 15th&nbsp;and ending on Wednesday, August 17th.For the in-person auction, there will be around 250 items up for grabs overall with 80-85 items as part of the live oral auction. The auction will pause for Item #40 again this year where FHSU Athletics will be accepting cash donations for the new Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex project at Lewis Field. With two matching $100,000 gifts already, this year’s Item #40 goal is $400,000. &nbsp;For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Assistant Athletic Director Matt Cook by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mjcook8@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">mjcook8@fhsu.edu</a>.

Tickets still available for 13th annual Tiger Auction and Dinner

For the most updated list of community events, check the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">website</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643752861736.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of Hays<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659365622693.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For the most updated list of community events, check the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">website</a>.&nbsp;

CVB: August happenings in Hays

The mercury is expected to rise again across western Kansas, with near triple-digit temperatures predicted through the week.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City projects highs between 95 and 103 degrees through next weekend, with Tuesday expected to be the warmest day.

The only slight chance for precipitation is Wednesday night, when there is a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659364178629.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The mercury is expected to rise again across western Kansas, with near triple-digit temperatures predicted through the week.The National Weather Service in Dodge City projects highs between 95 and 103 degrees through next weekend, with Tuesday expected to be the warmest day.The only slight chance for precipitation is Wednesday night, when there is a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A warming trend can be expected the first half of the work week across southwest Kansas. Highs of +100 possible Tuesday and Wednesday east of Highway 283. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/TMnBPUKG0a">pic.twitter.com/TMnBPUKG0a</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1553933850954256386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Hot temperatures, clear skies in western Kan. this week

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call the new behavior health/suicide hotline at 988.

High Plains Mental Health Center's emergency after-hours telephone number is 1-800-432-0333.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Suicide rates among farmers in Kansas are up to seven times higher than state rates.

Members of a panel on Thursday said high stress among farmers combined with a reluctance of individuals to seek professional help has led to a mental health crisis.

Representatives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture were in Hays Thursday to talk to local farmers and listen to the panel, which was assembled by High Plains Mental Health Center. 

Attendees included Joseph Palm, regional director, HHS Intergovernmental and External Affairs; Kimberly Nelson, regional administrator of Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration; Nancy Rios, regional administrator of Health Resources and Services Administration; Nickolas Clasen, HHS Intergovernmental and External Affairs; and Christy Davis, Kansas state director of USDA Rural Development.

Kansas' suicide rate is higher than the national average. It increased 65 percent between 2001 and 2020, said Dania Zolk, section director of injury and violence prevention at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Kansans ages 10 to 34. Suicide in 2020 cost the state $5.7 billion in medical expenses and work loss.

The highest rates are among white males. The suicide rates for rural and frontier counties were 58 percent higher than the state rate.

Duane Keller grew up on a farm in Trego County. He and his wife lost their home and all of his belonging in the Four Counties Fire in December. 

Nine hundred acres of farm ground and 50,000 bushels of corn also burned while the couple was visiting Kansas City.

The couple had built the home 40 years ago with the help of their children. 

"We got a call from our daughter, and she said you're home's gone," Keller said with a crack in his voice. 

"On the way home, I told my wife, 'Look in the back seat of the pickup.' She said there is nothing back there except a couple of bags. I said, 'Well, that's all we got.'"

He said it is therapeutic to talk about the loss and each time he tells the story, it gets easier. 

"Out of tragedy, I think comes opportunities," he said. "I think our family's stronger. I think our son and daughter appreciate us a lot more, and we appreciate what we had. 

"I tell people, on a happy side, how many people at 74 years of age get to build a brand new home and put all new crap in it," he said with a smile, "and the insurance company is going to pay for it."

&nbsp;The damage from the fire lingered. Initially, the wind blew away much of the topsoil from the barren land.&nbsp; The ash from the fire damaged the fertility of the soil. Keller planted and lost two rounds of crops on the burnt ground. A third planting of milo is finally growing.

Keller said farming has always been stressful.

"How many of you would check the markets in the afternoon and you've lost $200,000, but you still eat supper that night? You still move on," he said. "Or you go in to buy fertilizer and it's up four times what it was the year before, but you still write the check."

Brenda Seaman is a licensed clinical social worker at High Plains Mental Center but also comes from a multi-generation farm family.

"As has been said, we deal with things that are not in our control — commodity prices, input prices, weather, government policies that change. We are used to that," she said.

"What I have seen in recent years is a dwindling of resources that help us be resilient. What I mean by that is our communities, our connectedness and our growing isolation."

Many farmers are working additional jobs off the farm and rural populations are shrinking as farms consolidate. 

"There's no time to gather in those informal settings that we used to do, drink a cup of coffee at the local elevator or co-op and talk about the mutual stressors and mutual joys," she said.

She added, "Isolation in my view together with the difficult financial time can create despair hopelessness and a loss of shared purpose. When you are doing a really tough job, that's a big deal."

Farms used to be operated by multiple generations of a family — grandfathers, uncles, fathers and children.

"The weight of this now can be on the farmer alone," Seaman said, "because it is no longer financially viable sometimes to hand that farm down, so kids are working off the farm."

&nbsp;Jessie Wyrill, who lives on a farm in Phillips County, said separating work from home life is impossible on a farm.

Wyrill, holding back tears, talked about the heartbreak of losing a cow and her calf during birthing.

"Imagine moments like that building up day after day," she said. "Tomorrow it might be a bolt that breaks on the bailor and keeps them from finishing before supper and they lose out on spending time with their family. Then the guilt comes."

Wyrill, who is on the Phillips County Hospital Board, said wait times for mental health care are a barrier to many rural Americans. These wait times can be anywhere from two weeks to eight months.

"How is someone who is struggling expected to wait that long to get help and how do they feel if they are just put on the back burner," she said.

Farmers, who are subject to the needs of their livestock or the whims of the weather, can't commit to appointments set far in advance, she said.

This coupled with a desire for privacy makes telehealth a more viable option for many farmers, Wyrill said.

Panel members said high-speed internet is still lacking for many rural families. If you happen to be next to a fiber optic line and can access service with that provider, access is good.

However, panel members gave examples of families who couldn't access internet access when the fiber optic cable was as close as across the road from their homes. One company wanted to lay fiber across a farmer's land but refused to give him internet access because the farmer was not in their coverage area.

The panel members said expanding broadband is essential in expanding telehealth services to rural communities, but business models and regulations are getting in the way of access.

Dr. Christine Fisher, medical director of First Care Clinic in Hays, promoted the use of the integrated health approach that is used at First Care. All First Care patients are screened for both physical and mental health needs when they are seen for appointments.

"People don't like to come back and talk about I'm depressed. I have suicidal thoughts," she said. "But if this is just part of the visit — it's included in your visit — they will stay for that. We can do those suicide interventions."

The clinic hired a psychiatric telehealth nurse practitioner for medication management.

"If there is a hole in medical school teaching and nurse practitioner teaching, it is revolving around behavioral health and behavioral health medication management. Very, very poor teaching, unfortunately," she said.

Lauren Mack, is a veterinarian with The Animal Hospital, which has locations in Plainville and Phillipsburg. She works daily with farmers and ranchers.

She talked about the "weight of legends" in farm families.

"When you stand chute side. The legend is grandpa. ... Sometimes it was great-grandpa or it was the neighbor down the road. You not only have an obligation to your family to keep farming but to the whole region and your children. The list becomes vast."

That weight is paired with a lack of secession planning and substance abuse, she said. She said she sees many psychiatric issues and damaged marriages.

Mack added later the ranchers she works with tend to be very isolated, which she said she thought also contributed to mental health issues.

"If you have ever spent all day working by yourself, you have a lot of time to convince yourself of all the things you have done wrong and all of the things that are going wrong and there is a lot of time to get to a place you shouldn't," she said.

She said she has had ranchers break down into tears with her, but she said it took asking questions and reaching out as a friend to get someone to talk about their struggles.

Addressing needs, looking for solutions

Alicia Boor, Cottonwood Extension District agent, said her agency is trying to get as many people as possible training in Question, Pursue and Refer, which is also known as QPR. This one-hour training helps lay people learn techniques to deal with mental health emergencies. 

"Most farmers don't want to admit that they are struggling, but they will move mountains to save their buddy," she said.

Andrew Brown, commissioner of Behavioral Health Services for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, said the governor dedicated $1.5 million in her budget this year for suicide prevention.

On July 16, the new 988 mental health/suicide hotline launched. It will work much like 911. The majority of the calls to the line will be answered by workers in Kansas.

Kansas is also working to open crisis centers, as well as mobile crisis units, Brown said.

KDHE has applied for a grant from the Centers for Disease Control for mental health programs among youth in agriculture in frontier communities in Kansas, Zolck with KDHE said.

Cover photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659120294939.jpeg" alt="Representatives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration and High Plains Mental Health Center talk with farmers on a farm southwest of Hays, which is owned by Dylan Bryant, center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Representatives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration and High Plains Mental Health Center talk with farmers on a farm southwest of Hays, which is owned by Dylan Bryant, center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call the new behavior health/suicide hotline at 988.High Plains Mental Health Center's emergency after-hours telephone number is 1-800-432-0333. By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSuicide rates among farmers in Kansas are up to seven times higher than state rates.Members of a panel on Thursday said high stress among farmers combined with a reluctance of individuals to seek professional help has led to a mental health crisis.Representatives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture were in Hays Thursday to talk to local farmers and listen to the panel, which was assembled by High Plains Mental Health Center. Attendees included Joseph Palm, regional director, HHS Intergovernmental and External Affairs; Kimberly Nelson, regional administrator of Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration; Nancy Rios, regional administrator of Health Resources and Services Administration; Nickolas Clasen, HHS Intergovernmental and External Affairs; and Christy Davis, Kansas state director of USDA Rural Development.<h2>Suicide by the numbers in Kansas</h2>Kansas' suicide rate is higher than the national average. It increased 65 percent between 2001 and 2020, said Dania Zolk, section director of injury and violence prevention at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Kansans ages 10 to 34. Suicide in 2020 cost the state $5.7 billion in medical expenses and work loss.The highest rates are among white males. The suicide rates for rural and frontier counties were 58 percent higher than the state rate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659121560317.jpeg" alt="Duane Keller, left, speaks will Walt Hill, director of High Plains Mental Health Center, during a panel Thursday on ag and mental health. Keller lost his home and his farm burned during the Four Counties Fire in December. Photo by Cristina Janney " />
 <figcaption>Duane Keller, left, speaks will Walt Hill, director of High Plains Mental Health Center, during a panel Thursday on ag and mental health. Keller lost his home and his farm burned during the Four Counties Fire in December. Photo by Cristina Janney </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Recovery after the 4-Counties Fire</h2>Duane Keller grew up on a farm in Trego County. He and his wife lost their home and all of his belonging in the Four Counties Fire in December. Nine hundred acres of farm ground and 50,000 bushels of corn also burned while the couple was visiting Kansas City.The couple had built the home 40 years ago with the help of their children. "We got a call from our daughter, and she said you're home's gone," Keller said with a crack in his voice. "On the way home, I told my wife, 'Look in the back seat of the pickup.' She said there is nothing back there except a couple of bags. I said, 'Well, that's all we got.'"He said it is therapeutic to talk about the loss and each time he tells the story, it gets easier. "Out of tragedy, I think comes opportunities," he said. "I think our family's stronger. I think our son and daughter appreciate us a lot more, and we appreciate what we had. "I tell people, on a happy side, how many people at 74 years of age get to build a brand new home and put all new crap in it," he said with a smile, "and the insurance company is going to pay for it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659122582012.jpeg" alt="Mental Health and agriculture panel presented Thursday in Hays. Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Mental Health and agriculture panel presented Thursday in Hays. Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The damage from the fire lingered. Initially, the wind blew away much of the topsoil from the barren land.&nbsp; The ash from the fire damaged the fertility of the soil. Keller planted and lost two rounds of crops on the burnt ground. A third planting of milo is finally growing. Keller said farming has always been stressful."How many of you would check the markets in the afternoon and you've lost $200,000, but you still eat supper that night? You still move on," he said. "Or you go in to buy fertilizer and it's up four times what it was the year before, but you still write the check."<h2>Isolation pervasive for farm families</h2>Brenda Seaman is a licensed clinical social worker at High Plains Mental Center but also comes from a multi-generation farm family."As has been said, we deal with things that are not in our control — commodity prices, input prices, weather, government policies that change. We are used to that," she said."What I have seen in recent years is a dwindling of resources that help us be resilient. What I mean by that is our communities, our connectedness and our growing isolation."Many farmers are working additional jobs off the farm and rural populations are shrinking as farms consolidate. "There's no time to gather in those informal settings that we used to do, drink a cup of coffee at the local elevator or co-op and talk about the mutual stressors and mutual joys," she said. She added, "Isolation in my view together with the difficult financial time can create despair hopelessness and a loss of shared purpose. When you are doing a really tough job, that's a big deal."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659123479655.jpeg" alt="Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo By Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Farms used to be operated by multiple generations of a family — grandfathers, uncles, fathers and children."The weight of this now can be on the farmer alone," Seaman said, "because it is no longer financially viable sometimes to hand that farm down, so kids are working off the farm."<h2>Heartbreak of farm life</h2>&nbsp;Jessie Wyrill, who lives on a farm in Phillips County, said separating work from home life is impossible on a farm.Wyrill, holding back tears, talked about the heartbreak of losing a cow and her calf during birthing. "Imagine moments like that building up day after day," she said. "Tomorrow it might be a bolt that breaks on the bailor and keeps them from finishing before supper and they lose out on spending time with their family. Then the guilt comes."Wyrill, who is on the Phillips County Hospital Board, said wait times for mental health care are a barrier to many rural Americans. These wait times can be anywhere from two weeks to eight months."How is someone who is struggling expected to wait that long to get help and how do they feel if they are just put on the back burner," she said.<h2>Need for telehealth, broadband expansion</h2>Farmers, who are subject to the needs of their livestock or the whims of the weather, can't commit to appointments set far in advance, she said.This coupled with a desire for privacy makes telehealth a more viable option for many farmers, Wyrill said.Panel members said high-speed internet is still lacking for many rural families. If you happen to be next to a fiber optic line and can access service with that provider, access is good.However, panel members gave examples of families who couldn't access internet access when the fiber optic cable was as close as across the road from their homes. One company wanted to lay fiber across a farmer's land but refused to give him internet access because the farmer was not in their coverage area.The panel members said expanding broadband is essential in expanding telehealth services to rural communities, but business models and regulations are getting in the way of access. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659122876270.jpeg" alt="Dr. Christine Fisher, medical director of First Care Clinic, urges the expansion of integrated health care to include mental health care. She along with Angel Romero Jr, hemp farmer, left, and veterinarian Lauren Mack, right, sat on a panel on ag and mental health on Thursday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Dr. Christine Fisher, medical director of First Care Clinic, urges the expansion of integrated health care to include mental health care. She along with Angel Romero Jr, hemp farmer, left, and veterinarian Lauren Mack, right, sat on a panel on ag and mental health on Thursday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Christine Fisher, medical director of First Care Clinic in Hays, promoted the use of the integrated health approach that is used at First Care. All First Care patients are screened for both physical and mental health needs when they are seen for appointments."People don't like to come back and talk about I'm depressed. I have suicidal thoughts," she said. "But if this is just part of the visit — it's included in your visit — they will stay for that. We can do those suicide interventions."The clinic hired a psychiatric telehealth nurse practitioner for medication management."If there is a hole in medical school teaching and nurse practitioner teaching, it is revolving around behavioral health and behavioral health medication management. Very, very poor teaching, unfortunately," she said.<h2>'Weight of legends'</h2>Lauren Mack, is a veterinarian with The Animal Hospital, which has locations in Plainville and Phillipsburg. She works daily with farmers and ranchers.She talked about the "weight of legends" in farm families. "When you stand chute side. The legend is grandpa. ... Sometimes it was great-grandpa or it was the neighbor down the road. You not only have an obligation to your family to keep farming but to the whole region and your children. The list becomes vast."That weight is paired with a lack of secession planning and substance abuse, she said. She said she sees many psychiatric issues and damaged marriages.Mack added later the ranchers she works with tend to be very isolated, which she said she thought also contributed to mental health issues."If you have ever spent all day working by yourself, you have a lot of time to convince yourself of all the things you have done wrong and all of the things that are going wrong and there is a lot of time to get to a place you shouldn't," she said.She said she has had ranchers break down into tears with her, but she said it took asking questions and reaching out as a friend to get someone to talk about their struggles.<h2>Addressing needs, looking for solutions </h2>Alicia Boor, Cottonwood Extension District agent, said her agency is trying to get as many people as possible training in Question, Pursue and Refer, which is also known as QPR. This one-hour training helps lay people learn techniques to deal with mental health emergencies. "Most farmers don't want to admit that they are struggling, but they will move mountains to save their buddy," she said.Andrew Brown, commissioner of Behavioral Health Services for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, said the governor dedicated $1.5 million in her budget this year for suicide prevention.On July 16, the new 988 mental health/suicide hotline launched. It will work much like 911. The majority of the calls to the line will be answered by workers in Kansas.Kansas is also working to open crisis centers, as well as mobile crisis units, Brown said.KDHE has applied for a grant from the Centers for Disease Control for mental health programs among youth in agriculture in frontier communities in Kansas, Zolck with KDHE said. Cover photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post

Farm stress drives up suicide rates; Hays panel looks for solutions

Two Union Pacific Railroad crossings on U.S. 83 and K-25 will temporarily close for repairs this week.

The first closure will occur Aug. 2 and 3 on the crossing located on U.S. 83 near Oakley. Upon completion of those repairs, Union Pacific will close the crossing located on K-25 between U.S. 40 and I-70 Aug. 4 and 5. The Kansas Department of Transportation will close U.S. 83 and K-25 in both directions at the crossings while the repairs are being completed.

Through traffic will be detoured on I-70 and U.S. 40. Union Pacific and their traffic control subcontractor will oversee the crossing repairs and detour signing.

KDOTTwo Union Pacific Railroad crossings on U.S. 83 and K-25 will temporarily close for repairs this week.The first closure will occur Aug. 2 and 3 on the crossing located on U.S. 83 near Oakley. Upon completion of those repairs, Union Pacific will close the crossing located on K-25 between U.S. 40 and I-70 Aug. 4 and 5. The Kansas Department of Transportation will close U.S. 83 and K-25 in both directions at the crossings while the repairs are being completed.Through traffic will be detoured on I-70 and U.S. 40. Union Pacific and their traffic control subcontractor will oversee the crossing repairs and detour signing.

U.S. 83, K-25 railroad crossings to close for repairs

TOPEKA — It is a familiar sight in smaller Kansas communities throughout the state: vibrant downtown districts whose allure is somewhat diminished by one or two vacant or dilapidated buildings. In many cases, a major barrier to making these structures useful again is the high cost of renovation.

Last fall, the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) launched a new community revitalization program, the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL), to address the issue. With HEAL, the state assists building owners with matching grants to cover eligible expenses as historic properties are revitalized. HEAL was made possible through a collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, which has been dedicated to strengthening rural communities since 2007.

Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland has announced the inaugural HEAL grant recipients. Slightly more than $1.8 million in matching grants will be awarded to help 32 projects across the state.

“The goal of the HEAL is to rescue downtown buildings and restore them as productive spaces for business and community use,” Toland said. “Seeing our downtown districts turned into more attractive and vibrant places to live and work, along with creating new jobs and services for Kansans, is key to our state’s prosperity.”

Grants are divided into two funding categories, Emergency and Regular, for cities with fewer than 50,000 residents. The program is designed to transform buildings for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare or entrepreneurship – and once again become economic drivers in the community.

“Vibrant downtown areas are important to the future prospects of smaller communities, so it was not a difficult decision for us to join the Department of Commerce and its partners in funding HEAL grants,”&nbsp;said Lindsey Patterson Smith, president of the Patterson Family Foundation. “HEAL grants give architecturally significant buildings a new lease on life, so they can continue to play vital roles in their communities.”

Emergency HEAL was established to make strategic investments in underutilized, dilapidated or buildings in danger of collapse. Twenty-four applications were received for this category. A total of 10 projects are receiving $585,000 in matching grant funds.

Emergency HEAL Award recipients include:

A total of 220 applications were received for Regular HEAL grants. Twenty-two projects from across the state are receiving $1,294,715 in matching grant funds.

Regular HEAL award recipients include:

About the Patterson Family Foundation Where you come from says a lot about you. But what you do says even more. The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson to improve the rural communities we come from through healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and beyond. Learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation and how it can help your community at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MjYuNjEzMjkwODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZwYXR0ZXJzb25mYW1pbHlmb3VuZGF0aW9uLm9yZyUyRiZkYXRhPTA1JTdDMDElN0NQYXRyaWNrLkxvd3J5JTQwa3MuZ292JTdDNTI5MDI4OTRkZWE4NDc0ZTVlMDgwOGRhNmYxY2U0NzIlN0NkY2FlODEwMWM5MmQ0ODBjYmM0M2M2NzYxY2NjY2M1YSU3QzAlN0MwJTdDNjM3OTQ0NDY3MTQzMjYxODk3JTdDVW5rbm93biU3Q1RXRnBiR1pzYjNkOGV5SldJam9pTUM0d0xqQXdNREFpTENKUUlqb2lWMmx1TXpJaUxDSkJUaUk2SWsxaGFXd2lMQ0pYVkNJNk1uMCUzRCU3QzMwMDAlN0MlN0MlN0Mmc2RhdGE9SGtIN2piTmRxNGo2JTJCc1dxcG8lMkJZSnU5bHNYbmx3b2RyTFF4RDlMQ1Z3WjAlM0QmcmVzZXJ2ZWQ9MCJ9.dP6TlJZJDRqiOXrmJ0RskcvyWqt-YPzrDTc-1a-dNdo/s/1303161001/br/141599091068-l" target="_blank">https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659024545305.png" alt="(Photo by Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDCTOPEKA — It is a familiar sight in smaller Kansas communities throughout the state: vibrant downtown districts whose allure is somewhat diminished by one or two vacant or dilapidated buildings. In many cases, a major barrier to making these structures useful again is the high cost of renovation.Last fall, the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) launched a new community revitalization program, the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL), to address the issue. With HEAL, the state assists building owners with matching grants to cover eligible expenses as historic properties are revitalized. HEAL was made possible through a collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, which has been dedicated to strengthening rural communities since 2007.Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland has announced the inaugural HEAL grant recipients. Slightly more than $1.8 million in matching grants will be awarded to help 32 projects across the state.“The goal of the HEAL is to rescue downtown buildings and restore them as productive spaces for business and community use,” Toland said. “Seeing our downtown districts turned into more attractive and vibrant places to live and work, along with creating new jobs and services for Kansans, is key to our state’s prosperity.”Grants are divided into two funding categories, Emergency and Regular, for cities with fewer than 50,000 residents. The program is designed to transform buildings for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare or entrepreneurship – and once again become economic drivers in the community.“Vibrant downtown areas are important to the future prospects of smaller communities, so it was not a difficult decision for us to join the Department of Commerce and its partners in funding HEAL grants,”&nbsp;said Lindsey Patterson Smith, president of the Patterson Family Foundation. “HEAL grants give architecturally significant buildings a new lease on life, so they can continue to play vital roles in their communities.”Emergency HEAL was established to make strategic investments in underutilized, dilapidated or buildings in danger of collapse. Twenty-four applications were received for this category. A total of 10 projects are receiving $585,000 in matching grant funds.Emergency HEAL Award recipients include:<ul>
 <li>Elmo Building, Burden – $40,000,</li><li>Union Gas Building Renovation, Caney – $65,000,</li><li>Pretty Boy Floyd's Underground Restaurant and Event Venue, Ellsworth – $65,000,</li><li>Cohn-Gardner Hill Department Store, Eudora – $65,000,</li><li>The Eureka Project, Eureka – $41,000,</li><li>McDonald Hall, Fort Scott – $65,000,</li><li>Kollock and Bragunier-Otte Buildings, Peabody – $65,000,</li><li>David Rettiger Building, Strong City – $65,000,</li><li>Jacob Engles Dry Goods/Restaurant and Distillery, Wellington – $64,000, and</li><li>Stiles Mortuary Building, Wilson – $50,000.</li>
 </ul>A total of 220 applications were received for Regular HEAL grants. Twenty-two projects from across the state are receiving $1,294,715 in matching grant funds.Regular HEAL award recipients include:<ul>
 <li>The Star Block Restaurant/Retail, Osage City – $65,000,</li><li>Restoration of 17 E. Fourth Ave – Brewery Manufacturing, Emporia – $65,000,</li><li>HL Hart Building Coworking &amp; Apartment, Newton – $65,000,</li><li>Historic Lowis Building – Nesting Expansion, Colby – $65,000,</li><li>Atchison Riverfront Brewery Project, Atchison – $65,000,</li><li>Letha’s, Plainville – $8,000,</li><li>Farmer &amp; Florist Renovation/Expansion, Marysville – $65,000,</li><li>Weathered Wood Home Store, Council Grove – $65,000,</li><li>Heartland Gamebirds &amp; Lodge, Courtland – $65,000,</li><li>The Gym at Matfield Green Recording Studio, Matfield Green – $65,000,</li><li>1010 Main, Goodland – $65,000,</li><li>113 W. Lincoln Ave – Fitness Center, Lincoln – $65,000,</li><li>Bill and Essie’s BBQ LLC, Marion – $65,000,</li><li>Farmers Union Co-op Rehab-Children’s Museum, Alma – $65,000,</li><li>Farmhouse Fresh in Jetmore, Jetmore – $57,260,</li><li>OmGrown Yoga &amp; Wellness Collective, Baldwin City– $41,780,</li><li>The Landing Restaurant &amp; Outdoor Gathering Place, Great Bend – $43,960,</li><li>Junction City Brewery &amp; Restaurant, Junction City – $65,000,</li><li>Midland Theater Front of the House &amp; Stage Restoration, Coffeyville – $65,000,</li><li>Marquee Performing arts Center, Winfield – $38,715,</li><li>Tree House of Early Learning, Independence – $65,000, and</li><li>Robin’s Nest, Minneola – $65,000.</li>
 </ul>About the Patterson Family Foundation Where you come from says a lot about you. But what you do says even more. The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson to improve the rural communities we come from through healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and beyond. Learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation and how it can help your community at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.dP6TlJZJDRqiOXrmJ0RskcvyWqt-YPzrDTc-1a-dNdo/s/1303161001/br/141599091068-l" target="_blank">https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/</a>

NW. Kan. towns receive $$ from new community revitalization program 

&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

Businesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a spring or summer 2023 intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program.

A Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant made 25 paid internships possible for next spring and summer. Applications from employers will be accepted through Sept. 16.

Eligible employers must be located in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County area east to include the Republic-Saline County area, including Ellsworth County. However, students do not have to be from the northwest Kansas area to apply.

A participating employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the Hansen Foundation grant provides the remaining funding. Each internship is for one semester or summer. Spring interns will work 240 hours, and summer interns will work 300 hours.

“We’re grateful for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of this program,” said Lisa Karlin, internship career advisor. “It provides employers access to new talent and allows students to gain professional work experience through internships.”

Interested employers should go to the Career Services page on the FHSU website at <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program">fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program</a> to learn more about the program and complete the application. The employer must also provide a detailed job description for the internship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659046756458.png" alt="(File photo/FHSU)" />
 <figcaption>(File photo/FHSU)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University CommunicationsBusinesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a spring or summer 2023 intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program.A Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant made 25 paid internships possible for next spring and summer. Applications from employers will be accepted through Sept. 16.Eligible employers must be located in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County area east to include the Republic-Saline County area, including Ellsworth County. However, students do not have to be from the northwest Kansas area to apply.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659046634213.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A participating employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the Hansen Foundation grant provides the remaining funding. Each internship is for one semester or summer. Spring interns will work 240 hours, and summer interns will work 300 hours.“We’re grateful for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of this program,” said Lisa Karlin, internship career advisor. “It provides employers access to new talent and allows students to gain professional work experience through internships.”Interested employers should go to the Career Services page on the FHSU website at <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program">fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program</a> to learn more about the program and complete the application. The employer must also provide a detailed job description for the internship.

Employer applications now open for FHSU Hansen interns

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659130316611.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

In drier years I get this question.&nbsp;When the soil is dry, will it be able to hold anhydrous ammonia or will some or most of the ammonia be lost shortly after application?

There are three factors that come into play when applying anhydrous ammonia to dry soils.

Chemical&nbsp;- Ammonia (NH3) needs to react with water shortly after application in order to convert into ammonium (NH4+), which is the molecule that can adhere to clay and organic matter in the soil. Ammonia is very soluble in water. After it is placed in the soil, NH3&nbsp;reacts with water in the soil to form NH4+, which is retained on the soil cation exchange capacity sites. This process takes a little time – it does not occur immediately upon contact with the soil. The main controlling factors in the conversion of NH3&nbsp;to NH4+&nbsp;are soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil&nbsp;pH.&nbsp;The higher the soil temperature and the wetter the soil, the more rapid the conversion occurs. If the ammonia does not react with water, it will remain as a gas that could escape from the soil. Also, equilibrium between NH3&nbsp;and NH4+&nbsp;is affected by soil&nbsp;pH.&nbsp;More NH3&nbsp;will remain unconverted in the soil longer at higher application rates and at higher soil pH levels.

Physical&nbsp;- Dry soils may be cloddy, with large air spaces where the soil has cracked. This can allow the gas to physically escape into the air before it has a chance to be converted into ammonium. Getting the soil sealed properly above the injection slot can also be a problem in dry soils. Loss of the ammonium gas can begin immediately&nbsp;after application continuing for several days to weeks if there is no moisture. N losses can be greater than 50%.

Application depth&nbsp;- The deeper the ammonia is applied, the more likely the ammonia will have moisture to react with, and the easier the sealing.

So, can anhydrous ammonia be applied to dry soils?

The answer is&nbsp;yes&nbsp;- as long as the ammonia is applied deep enough to get it in some moisture and the soil is well sealed above the injection slot. If the soil is dry and cloddy, there may be considerable losses of ammonia within just a few days of application if the soil is not well sealed above the injection slot and/or the injection point is too shallow.

Producers should be able to tell if anhydrous is escaping from the soil during application or if the ammonia isn’t being applied deeply enough. If ammonia can be smelled, the producer should either change the equipment setup to get better sealing or deeper injection, or wait until the soil has better moisture conditions.

In short, producers can minimize this potential loss problem by applying the anhydrous ammonia at the proper depth (at least 6 to 8 inches in 30 to&nbsp;40 inch&nbsp;spacings), and using covering disks behind the knives or sealing wings ("beaver tails") on the knives.

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658843503783.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictIn drier years I get this question.&nbsp;When the soil is dry, will it be able to hold anhydrous ammonia or will some or most of the ammonia be lost shortly after application?There are three factors that come into play when applying anhydrous ammonia to dry soils.Chemical&nbsp;- Ammonia (NH3) needs to react with water shortly after application in order to convert into ammonium (NH4+), which is the molecule that can adhere to clay and organic matter in the soil. Ammonia is very soluble in water. After it is placed in the soil, NH3&nbsp;reacts with water in the soil to form NH4+, which is retained on the soil cation exchange capacity sites. This process takes a little time – it does not occur immediately upon contact with the soil. The main controlling factors in the conversion of NH3&nbsp;to NH4+&nbsp;are soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil&nbsp;pH.&nbsp;The higher the soil temperature and the wetter the soil, the more rapid the conversion occurs. If the ammonia does not react with water, it will remain as a gas that could escape from the soil. Also, equilibrium between NH3&nbsp;and NH4+&nbsp;is affected by soil&nbsp;pH.&nbsp;More NH3&nbsp;will remain unconverted in the soil longer at higher application rates and at higher soil pH levels.Physical&nbsp;- Dry soils may be cloddy, with large air spaces where the soil has cracked. This can allow the gas to physically escape into the air before it has a chance to be converted into ammonium. Getting the soil sealed properly above the injection slot can also be a problem in dry soils. Loss of the ammonium gas can begin immediately&nbsp;after application continuing for several days to weeks if there is no moisture. N losses can be greater than 50%.Application depth&nbsp;- The deeper the ammonia is applied, the more likely the ammonia will have moisture to react with, and the easier the sealing.So, can anhydrous ammonia be applied to dry soils?The answer is&nbsp;yes&nbsp;- as long as the ammonia is applied deep enough to get it in some moisture and the soil is well sealed above the injection slot. If the soil is dry and cloddy, there may be considerable losses of ammonia within just a few days of application if the soil is not well sealed above the injection slot and/or the injection point is too shallow.Producers should be able to tell if anhydrous is escaping from the soil during application or if the ammonia isn’t being applied deeply enough. If ammonia can be smelled, the producer should either change the equipment setup to get better sealing or deeper injection, or wait until the soil has better moisture conditions.In short, producers can minimize this potential loss problem by applying the anhydrous ammonia at the proper depth (at least 6 to 8 inches in 30 to&nbsp;40 inch&nbsp;spacings), and using covering disks behind the knives or sealing wings ("beaver tails") on the knives.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.

CAMPBELL: Can dry soils affect anhydrous applications?

By CHRISTOPHER ADAMS <a href="http://www.emporiagazette.com/sports/article_3999e6f4-0ea4-11ed-a3e2-03b7182e40fc.html">The Emporia Gazette</a>

The nearly 100-year-old baseball 
institution of American Legion is hurting. It’s a 20th century 
organization struggling against the conventions of 2022.

It
 appears the 21st century is challenging the mid-century values of 
Legion ball with the existential indifference of Generation Z and a 
brave new America.

The
 Washington Post reported in 2017 that America Legion lost 25% of its 
teams nationwide over a 10-season span, adding that the figure was close
 to 80% in some states.

According to the Bangor Daily News, Oklahoma has two Legion teams, Georgia seven, Texas eight and Arizona nine.

The beleaguered youth program is having trouble in Kansas too.

“This
 is the first year, that I know of there has not been Emporia Legion,” 
said Lebo-Waverly head baseball coach Jason Konrade via email. “It's an 
unusual summer for baseball in the Emporia area with no legion. That’s 
big news in itself.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/855c1d2c-633f-4a24-aaef-070615eee7b0">RELATED: Bizarre ending for Hays Eagles at Legion state tournament.</a>

There are a few reasons for Legion’s dwindling popularity in the Jayhawk state.

Foremost
 seems to be the decade-long emergence of showcase tournaments that 
promote the player, not the team. They’re basically expensive 
opportunities to display individual skill sets to college coaches.

“I
 think these showcase baseball tournaments also kind of putting a hurt 
on…Topeka and Kansas City Schools used to have tons of Legion programs,”
 said Ryan Redeker, who coached an Emporia independent team this summer.
 “Topeka has one or two Legion programs now (one, according to the 
Legion website, which appears to only have information through the 2021 
season), and I don't think there's a single one in Kansas City at all.”

He rests the blame on these tournaments, saying summer baseball has been trending in this direction.

“Everybody's
 going to these showcase baseball things where you go play in front of 
college coaches on the weekend,” Redeker said. “All the elite players 
have gone to that, so your Legion has gone down to your smaller type 
schools.”

But even the best players from smaller schools or rural communities are defecting to elite showcase teams.

Tanner
 Willhoft, who coaches the Hays America Baseball Club 18U team, said the
 reality of the situation is that Legion ball isn’t a viable option.

“We had nobody really close to 
us at the AAA level of American Legion that we could really play…So it 
was one of those things where it's like, we don't have the competition 
to play, why are we doing it?”

Willhoft
 grew up playing Legion ball but agrees that showcase tournaments have 
become the preference and de facto system of summer baseball.

“In
 the summer, (Legion baseball) gives you great structure…where you have 
something to play for at the end of the year,” Willhoft said. “Whereas 
now, everybody's playing a different tournament every weekend. So you 
win one tournament. It's like, ‘Oh, nice you won a tournament,’ but not 
every team in the state is trying to get to it anymore.”

Kansas American Legion chairman Joe Durham said the organization is experiencing a slow time right now but is on the mend.

“We’re
 down this year there’s no doubt about it,” he said. “Covid hit us hard.
 We were just starting to get our feet back under us, and then we had 
some problems, and now we’re working our way through them.”

Durham cited scholarships as one of the reasons kids and parents are still drawn to American Legion.

“(Showcase tournaments) try to get coaches to come and give scholarships,” he said. “Well, we’re going to offer a scholarship.”

American Legion provides scholarships to qualifying high school seniors in the amount of $500 and potentially $2,500.

Durham also said parents have tired of the steep costs of showcase baseball, where the money is pocketed by coaches.

The
 Florida Times-Union reported that one of the reasons youth baseball is 
on the decline is the showcase cost. The publication stated, “Many 
families simply do not have the financial ability to pay for their sons 
to be on a traveling showcase team. One organization in Florida costs 
$3,800 for just one summer. Others are between $2,200 and $2,500.”

Emporia High School baseball 
coach Anthony Markowitz said the cost-benefit aspect of American Legion 
doesn’t favor the teams or players either.

“I
 think the only thing I would have to say is…the cost that teams had to 
pay for registration and insurance was more than what we got in return,”
 he said in a text message. “Kansas American Legion Baseball really 
never started until the middle of July when they organized Zone 
Tournaments. So we’re paying about $2,000 and only guaranteed a spot in a
 double elimination tournament.”

He said neighboring states’ programs do a better job administratively and structurally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626957930788.jpeg" alt="The 2021 Hays Eagles. The team dropped its affiliation with the American Legion in 2022. File photo" />
 <figcaption>The 2021 Hays Eagles. The team dropped its affiliation with the American Legion in 2022. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CHRISTOPHER ADAMS <a href="http://www.emporiagazette.com/sports/article_3999e6f4-0ea4-11ed-a3e2-03b7182e40fc.html">The Emporia Gazette</a>The nearly 100-year-old baseball 
institution of American Legion is hurting. It’s a 20th century 
organization struggling against the conventions of 2022.It
 appears the 21st century is challenging the mid-century values of 
Legion ball with the existential indifference of Generation Z and a 
brave new America.The
 Washington Post reported in 2017 that America Legion lost 25% of its 
teams nationwide over a 10-season span, adding that the figure was close
 to 80% in some states.According to the Bangor Daily News, Oklahoma has two Legion teams, Georgia seven, Texas eight and Arizona nine.The beleaguered youth program is having trouble in Kansas too.“This
 is the first year, that I know of there has not been Emporia Legion,” 
said Lebo-Waverly head baseball coach Jason Konrade via email. “It's an 
unusual summer for baseball in the Emporia area with no legion. That’s 
big news in itself.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/855c1d2c-633f-4a24-aaef-070615eee7b0">RELATED: Bizarre ending for Hays Eagles at Legion state tournament.</a>There are a few reasons for Legion’s dwindling popularity in the Jayhawk state.Foremost
 seems to be the decade-long emergence of showcase tournaments that 
promote the player, not the team. They’re basically expensive 
opportunities to display individual skill sets to college coaches.“I
 think these showcase baseball tournaments also kind of putting a hurt 
on…Topeka and Kansas City Schools used to have tons of Legion programs,”
 said Ryan Redeker, who coached an Emporia independent team this summer.
 “Topeka has one or two Legion programs now (one, according to the 
Legion website, which appears to only have information through the 2021 
season), and I don't think there's a single one in Kansas City at all.”He rests the blame on these tournaments, saying summer baseball has been trending in this direction.“Everybody's
 going to these showcase baseball things where you go play in front of 
college coaches on the weekend,” Redeker said. “All the elite players 
have gone to that, so your Legion has gone down to your smaller type 
schools.”But even the best players from smaller schools or rural communities are defecting to elite showcase teams.Tanner
 Willhoft, who coaches the Hays America Baseball Club 18U team, said the
 reality of the situation is that Legion ball isn’t a viable option.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626961541174.png" alt="Willhoft" />
 <figcaption>Willhoft</figcaption>
 </figure>“We had nobody really close to 
us at the AAA level of American Legion that we could really play…So it 
was one of those things where it's like, we don't have the competition 
to play, why are we doing it?”Willhoft
 grew up playing Legion ball but agrees that showcase tournaments have 
become the preference and de facto system of summer baseball.“In
 the summer, (Legion baseball) gives you great structure…where you have 
something to play for at the end of the year,” Willhoft said. “Whereas 
now, everybody's playing a different tournament every weekend. So you 
win one tournament. It's like, ‘Oh, nice you won a tournament,’ but not 
every team in the state is trying to get to it anymore.”Kansas American Legion chairman Joe Durham said the organization is experiencing a slow time right now but is on the mend.“We’re
 down this year there’s no doubt about it,” he said. “Covid hit us hard.
 We were just starting to get our feet back under us, and then we had 
some problems, and now we’re working our way through them.”Durham cited scholarships as one of the reasons kids and parents are still drawn to American Legion.“(Showcase tournaments) try to get coaches to come and give scholarships,” he said. “Well, we’re going to offer a scholarship.”American Legion provides scholarships to qualifying high school seniors in the amount of $500 and potentially $2,500.Durham also said parents have tired of the steep costs of showcase baseball, where the money is pocketed by coaches.The
 Florida Times-Union reported that one of the reasons youth baseball is 
on the decline is the showcase cost. The publication stated, “Many 
families simply do not have the financial ability to pay for their sons 
to be on a traveling showcase team. One organization in Florida costs 
$3,800 for just one summer. Others are between $2,200 and $2,500.”Emporia High School baseball 
coach Anthony Markowitz said the cost-benefit aspect of American Legion 
doesn’t favor the teams or players either.“I
 think the only thing I would have to say is…the cost that teams had to 
pay for registration and insurance was more than what we got in return,”
 he said in a text message. “Kansas American Legion Baseball really 
never started until the middle of July when they organized Zone 
Tournaments. So we’re paying about $2,000 and only guaranteed a spot in a
 double elimination tournament.”He said neighboring states’ programs do a better job administratively and structurally.Republished with permission

What has happened to American Legion baseball in Kansas?

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares insights from recent tours of Ellis County's largest employers.

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Ellis County’s largest employers continue to help drive local economy" 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=mtj5v-12870e1-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares insights from recent tours of Ellis County's largest employers. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Ellis County’s largest employers continue to help drive local economy

Community leaders and elected officials went on a tour of the three of the newest buildings on the Fort Hays State University campus on Tuesday.

The Community Cruise, which is used to raise awareness among Ellis County leaders of community issues, had been an annual event, but this is the first Cruise since the onset of the pandemic.

The community members toured the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success, Center for Applied Technology and Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design.

The Fischli-Wills Center was opened in fall 2021 and is a one-stop shop for student services. It includes offices for advising, the student health clinic, the mental health clinic, tutoring center, student engagement space and student government offices.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4f942018-8f6f-443e-95b4-3adf49bb4ad5">FHSU has moved to centralized advising. Those offices are located in the Fischli-Wills Center.&nbsp; </a>

"This building as you tour around, you will see a variety of spaces that were reimagined to help students be successful and all they have to do is make it to this building," said Taylor Kriley, FHSU assistant vice president for student affairs. 

Jason Williby, FHSU Foundation president and FHSU graduate, said he didn't know where anything was until halfway through his sophomore year.

"I think the beauty of this building is its simplicity," he said. "If you think of students today, they may need more hand-holding than when we were in school. They are not quite as independent. It makes sense to put everything they need their freshman year in one place so it's easy to find."

The first floor of Fischli-Wills Center has places where students can receive job coaching or work on interviewing skills, as well as smaller offices in which students can do video interviews with potential employers.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostCommunity leaders and elected officials went on a tour of the three of the newest buildings on the Fort Hays State University campus on Tuesday. The Community Cruise, which is used to raise awareness among Ellis County leaders of community issues, had been an annual event, but this is the first Cruise since the onset of the pandemic.The community members toured the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success, Center for Applied Technology and Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658952502876.jpeg" alt="The FHSU freshmen seminar classroom in the new Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success. All freshmen are required to take the seminar, which FHSU officials say helps with student retention. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The FHSU freshmen seminar classroom in the new Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success. All freshmen are required to take the seminar, which FHSU officials say helps with student retention. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Fischli-Wills Center</h2>The Fischli-Wills Center was opened in fall 2021 and is a one-stop shop for student services. It includes offices for advising, the student health clinic, the mental health clinic, tutoring center, student engagement space and student government offices.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4f942018-8f6f-443e-95b4-3adf49bb4ad5">FHSU has moved to centralized advising. Those offices are located in the Fischli-Wills Center.&nbsp; </a>"This building as you tour around, you will see a variety of spaces that were reimagined to help students be successful and all they have to do is make it to this building," said Taylor Kriley, FHSU assistant vice president for student affairs. Jason Williby, FHSU Foundation president and FHSU graduate, said he didn't know where anything was until halfway through his sophomore year."I think the beauty of this building is its simplicity," he said. "If you think of students today, they may need more hand-holding than when we were in school. They are not quite as independent. It makes sense to put everything they need their freshman year in one place so it's easy to find."The first floor of Fischli-Wills Center has places where students can receive job coaching or work on interviewing skills, as well as smaller offices in which students can do video interviews with potential employers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658952867220.jpeg" alt="The Tailored for Tigers program offers free business wear to FHSU students. The program is provided through clothing donations. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Tailored for Tigers program offers free business wear to FHSU students. The program is provided through clothing donations. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Tailored for Tigers program is in the Fischli-Wills Center. Students can receive free business wear and accessories through the program. The program takes donations of gently used dress clothing, suits, shoes, ties and accessories.The tutoring center on the first floor of Fischli-Wills Center provided about 170 appointments during its first semester in its new location. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658953736820.jpeg" alt="FHSU tutoring center is new in the Fischli-Wills Center. It offers tutoring both by appointment during the day and drop-in tutoring during the evenings. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>FHSU tutoring center is new in the Fischli-Wills Center. It offers tutoring both by appointment during the day and drop-in tutoring during the evenings. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Tutoring is offered Sunday through Thursday. Appointments are available during the day as well as drop-in tutoring that covers most of the general education courses during the evenings.&nbsp; The university also has the Smarthinking online tutoring app for online students.Students attend their required freshmen seminar in Fischli-Wills, where they will explore careers and opportunities to join organizations on campus, as well as learn study and time-management skills.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658954410044.jpeg" alt="The student engagement office and workroom and student government offices share the second floor of the Fischli-Wills Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The student engagement office and workroom and student government offices share the second floor of the Fischli-Wills Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The second floor of Fischli-Wills houses the student engagement center, as well as Student Governing Association offices. Student groups have a workroom on this floor, as well as storage space. Greek organizations also have conference rooms they can use on this floor.Fischli-Wills is open the same hours as the student union, and students often use the second floor of Fischli-Wills to study during the school year, Kriley said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658954962152.jpeg" alt="Exam room on the third floor of Fischli-Wills Center in the student health center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Exam room on the third floor of Fischli-Wills Center in the student health center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Student health and mental health are now on the third floor of the Fischli-Wills Center."A lot of times mental and physical — all of that blends together," Kriley said. "There is an opportunity to provide support and collaboration. This floor is helping us really change the game for students," Kriley said. <h2>Center for Applied Technology</h2><a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2017/10/06/%f0%9f%8e%a5-welcome-to-the-journey-fhsu-center-for-applied-technology-dedicated/">The Center for Applied Technology was opened in fall 2017. </a>Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) class students might make paper roller coasters, work on robots, use virtual reality modeling or test concrete in the center's STEM lab. The FHSU technical program is competing regionally with universities, including BYU and Purdue and performs very well in technical competitions, said Nathan Howard, assistant professor in STEM and construction management. The program has multiple robotics national titles and this year placed third. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658957555847.jpeg" alt="The FHSU STEM lab in the Center for Applied Technology. At the center of the room is virtual reality goggles that are used with 3-D modeling programs. To the right is the FHSU robot that took third at the national robotics competition this year. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The FHSU STEM lab in the Center for Applied Technology. At the center of the room is virtual reality goggles that are used with 3-D modeling programs. To the right is the FHSU robot that took third at the national robotics competition this year. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>"Mr. [Eric] Deneault has been drawing his dream home for the last five years on [construction modeling software] and changing it up," Howard said. "He uploaded that so you can actually walk in the front door and walk around his house and go out to the garage, look from the outside, look out the windows and see if you like the windows or not and see the flow of the house right there virtually." <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658958208010.jpeg" alt="Metal manufacturing lab in the Center for Applied Technology. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Metal manufacturing lab in the Center for Applied Technology. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU's newest purchase for its metal manufacturing lab is a water jet, which can cut up to 3-inch thick steel using water and aggregate. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658958953282.jpeg" alt="FHSU welding lab. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>FHSU welding lab. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The FHSU welding lab is used by both FHSU and NCK Tech students. FHSU has a partnership with NCK Tech that allows NCK Tech students to live on campus, buy meal plans and participate in intramurals just like the university's four-year students. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658959368431.jpeg" alt="FHSU created this charging station as a research project. Electricity is generated through solar energy from panels on top of the station, as well as from mechanical energy when the swing is in motion. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>FHSU created this charging station as a research project. Electricity is generated through solar energy from panels on top of the station, as well as from mechanical energy when the swing is in motion. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU students created a charging station that uses solar and mechanical energy to create electricity. Energy is derived from solar panels on top of the station and when the swing moves. The university hopes to install the station on campus soon."I think it will be a great way to show community members, potential students and parents, what is possible if you apply yourself here," Williby said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658960083481.jpeg" alt="FHSU plastics lab in the Center for Applied Technology. This includes injection molding machinery. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>FHSU plastics lab in the Center for Applied Technology. This includes injection molding machinery. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Several Center for Applied Technology instructors do undergraduate research in areas including wind energy and electric cars.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658960815383.jpeg" alt="The graphic design lab in the Center for Applied Technology includes a screen printer and a vinyl printer. Students learn how to create logos, print T-shirts and edit videos. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The graphic design lab in the Center for Applied Technology includes a screen printer and a vinyl printer. Students learn how to create logos, print T-shirts and edit videos. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>"The nice thing about us is that we are stand-alone. Our students are getting a well-rounded [education], not just what [specific companies] want, but what everybody wants" Howard said."Even our construction management guys are getting a little plastics, a little bit of woodworking, a little bit of metal machining if you want, and STEM. They get a taste of it all."The technology program has a 98 percent job placement rate within a year after graduation. Howard said the only reason why the rate is only 98 percent is that some students choose to rejoin family farms after graduation.Howard said the department can't put out enough graduates to supply the employer demand.Susan Dumler, assistant professor, said there is especially a shortage of industrial arts teachers because the wages in private industry are so much higher than in education. <h2>Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design</h2>The Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design was opened in fall 2019. The art department had been housed in Rarick Hall, but Karrie Simpson Voth, department chairwoman, said the department had outgrown that space at least 15 years ago. The new building expanded the department's space by about 40 percent."We really wanted to have light and interaction," Simpson Voth said of the building's art studios. "You can actually see into the classrooms and see out. A lot of things will connect from one room to the next, so it creates a really nice flow."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659051978196.jpeg" alt="Students Tuesday fire ceramics in a wood-fire kiln at FHSU. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Students Tuesday fire ceramics in a wood-fire kiln at FHSU. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The print-making lab allows students to explore working with lithography, copper plate etching and relief prints."It's a really great connector in all the things in art that we do from drawing to painting to graphic design," Simpson Voth said. "Everything connects right here, so it's a really nice anchor point."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659052493510.jpeg" alt="The FHSU printmaking lab in Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design on the FHSU campus. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The FHSU printmaking lab in Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design on the FHSU campus. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659052853554.jpeg" alt="This demonstration kitchen allows interior design students to see examples of kitchen cabinets and fixtures. The samples were a donation to the program, which is the second largest within the art department. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>This demonstration kitchen allows interior design students to see examples of kitchen cabinets and fixtures. The samples were a donation to the program, which is the second largest within the art department. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>A donor last fall wanted a room in McCartney Hall redone, so the university gave the task to interior design students, Williby said. "Students got the real-world experience of giving a presentation to a multi-millionaire who was going to tell them exactly what he thought of each of their designs," he said.In about a year the design will be part of McCartney Hall."It is a sign of Fort Hays looking back into the classroom for things and saying what can our students and faculty do so we are not outsourcing that to someone else," Williby said.FHSU is one of the few universities that still has a functioning up-to-date darkroom. The art department also has a photography/video studio complete with a green screen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659053960073.jpeg" alt="The FHSU painting lab is an open space that can easily be reconfigured for whatever class is using it. The lab also hosts the department's figure drawing course. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The FHSU painting lab is an open space that can easily be reconfigured for whatever class is using it. The lab also hosts the department's figure drawing course. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>

Local