27th Street west of Fort Street is now open to both eastbound and westbound traffic. 

 Some finish-up work remains that could result in temporary lane closures over the next few weeks, but the project is substantially complete and open to traffic. 

City of Hays27th Street west of Fort Street is now open to both eastbound and westbound traffic. Some finish-up work remains that could result in temporary lane closures over the next few weeks, but the project is substantially complete and open to traffic.

City of Hays: 27th Street open to traffic

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 43 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from July&nbsp;16 to 22.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Nearly the entire state is now in the high-incidence classification (see map below). Rawlins and Ness counties are in the moderate classification, while Rooks in 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 7,440 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/2022/7/1658941963304.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 43 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from July&nbsp;16 to 22.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Nearly the entire state is now in the high-incidence classification (see map below). Rawlins and Ness counties are in the moderate classification, while Rooks in 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 7,440 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/2022/7/1658942161160.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 43 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. in past week

Intermittent showers Tuesday resulted in 0.27 inches of rain — and more is on the way.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City&nbsp; is predicting showers and thunderstorms from Wednesday night through Saturday night in the Hays area.

Chance of showers or thunderstorms range from 20 percent to 60 percent for the remainder of the week — and between 1 and 3 inches of total rain is possible in the Hays area. Skies are expected to clear Sunday.

The cooler weather is also expected to linger, with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s expected Thursday through Saturday.

Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658935986534.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Intermittent showers Tuesday resulted in 0.27 inches of rain — and more is on the way.The National Weather Service in Dodge City&nbsp; is predicting showers and thunderstorms from Wednesday night through Saturday night in the Hays area.Chance of showers or thunderstorms range from 20 percent to 60 percent for the remainder of the week — and between 1 and 3 inches of total rain is possible in the Hays area. Skies are expected to clear Sunday.The cooler weather is also expected to linger, with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s expected Thursday through Saturday.Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rainfall potential through Saturday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nwsddc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nwsddc</a> <a href="https://t.co/YWuKGBFfda">pic.twitter.com/YWuKGBFfda</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1552214407215689728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Quarter inch of rain in Hays — more on the way

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Construction noises and breezes from huge fans moving the hot still air echo through a brick building in south Hays that has been mostly vacant for several years. It's being transformed into the new home of KVC Hospitals in Hays, as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://hospitals.kvc.org/2021/12/13/governor-laura-kelly-announces-partnership-to-bring-youth-psychiatric-hospital-to-hays/" target="_blank">a new partnership</a>&nbsp;with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).

In January 2023, the new location will be providing acute inpatient and residential juvenile psychiatric services for youth ages 6-18 experiencing a mental health crisis. All the current KVC psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) services at the Hadley Center, 205 E. 7th, will relocate to the bigger facility.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d3de94af-2857-447a-955b-b0cacf3adeda">downtown site also housed acute patients from 2010 to 2019</a>&nbsp; following the closure of the children’s hospital at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;KVC cited CMS' (Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services) licensure as a reason they closed the acute beds in Hays.&nbsp;CMS required KVC to have acute patients and residential patients in separate spaces. The new facility will allow that.&nbsp;

The space is leased from HaysMed, which purchased the former NEW building in 2016 and operates several hospital business departments in the east end of the facility.&nbsp;

U. S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and a former Hays resident, was invited to tour the remodeling project last week.

"This is designed to meet the unique safety, security, and therapeutic needs of youth receiving both levels of treatment," said Bobby Eklofe, MHSA, KVC Hospitals president, as he and Sarah Berens, LSCSW, Hays clinical director, walked with Moran through the building. "It's our own space."

There will be 32 rooms available in segregated areas, 18 PRTF beds relocating from Hadley, and 14 new acute beds.

According to Eklofe, residential treatment can last up to 120 days.&nbsp;Length of stay is different for each child, but typically, a child receiving care in acute care stays four to six days

The acute program serves youth who are struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, the impacts of trauma and other behavioral health needs.

The acute program's goal is to help stabilize children and return them home as soon as safely possible, equipped with the skills, support and resources they need to continue treatment in their community

KVC estimates the larger facility will allow for serving an additional 600 youth each year.&nbsp;

Western Kansas residents have priority admittance, according to Berens, adding&nbsp; that most clients are between the ages of 10 and 13. "It's a tough age for kids," she said.

KVC has had services in Kansas City, Kansas and Wichita for some time.

"It's not unusual for parents to be driving three or four hours to find a bed for their child. We wanted to make sure we brought the services closer to them," Eklofe said.&nbsp;

"We're very fortunate to be able to work with partners like High Plains Mental Health Center, Hays Medical Center, the police department, the fire department, and other community leaders to be able to put this out here," Eklofe said. "We'll be able to provide safe, secure, and treatment-focused spaces for children."&nbsp;

The facility includes therapy rooms, visitation rooms, a dining room, gymnasium and learning labs, where innovative treatment and education will&nbsp; teach youth about their brains and how to regulate their emotions. 

Movement throughout the living areas is unobstructed while still supporting privacy and maintaining safety and security.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Cameras and motion sensors using state-of-the-art technology will be placed throughout the building for enhanced digital monitoring in addition to the direct supervision of employees 24-hours a day.

A secure play area will be located just outside the door on the south side of the building. "It gives them the space to simply be kids while ensuring safety,"&nbsp;said Eklofe.

Some additional staff will be hired, including a psychiatrist. Most of that staff will be specialized positions in nursing as well as&nbsp; clinicians for the acute program.&nbsp;

"We're very fortunate to have quite a few direct care staff [already] in our residential program," Eklofe added.

KVC has also partnered with Fort Hays State University, working with students and interns in the departments of social work, psychology, counseling, and nursing "to get their feet wet in this profession," said Berens. NCK Tech nursing students have also worked with KVC, doing clinical rotations.

Berens, a Colby native, is herself an FHSU graduate. She earned her master's degree from KU.&nbsp;

KVC staff members have also been recruited from FHSU job fairs with interest coming from students in criminal justice and teaching.

"We've had people come into direct service with teaching degrees, [working] with those clients that really need that specialized care. They've been able to utilize the skills that they're learning at the college level to get some experience and really hone their skills," Berens said.&nbsp;

She's eagerly anticipating the opening of the new facility.

"I think it's such an opportunity to truly provide the therapeutic care that is so needed," Berens said.

"These kids deserve to have the best and we're able to be a step in that right direction.&nbsp;

"It's so exciting to have acute care back in Hays and for northwest Kansas. It's always something that we've loved providing. It's so exciting and so needed."

Editor's note: CORRECTION: This article was updated July 28 to reflect corrections in the additional number of children expected to be served (600) in the new hospital as well as the typical length of stay for residential treatment (120 days).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658862746178.jpeg" alt="RDH Electric employees work at the renovation of the former NEW building, 3000 New Way Blvd. It will become the new home of KVC Hospitals in Hays. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>RDH Electric employees work at the renovation of the former NEW building, 3000 New Way Blvd. It will become the new home of KVC Hospitals in Hays. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostConstruction noises and breezes from huge fans moving the hot still air echo through a brick building in south Hays that has been mostly vacant for several years. It's being transformed into the new home of KVC Hospitals in Hays, as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://hospitals.kvc.org/2021/12/13/governor-laura-kelly-announces-partnership-to-bring-youth-psychiatric-hospital-to-hays/" target="_blank">a new partnership</a>&nbsp;with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).In January 2023, the new location will be providing acute inpatient and residential juvenile psychiatric services for youth ages 6-18 experiencing a mental health crisis. All the current KVC psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) services at the Hadley Center, 205 E. 7th, will relocate to the bigger facility.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d3de94af-2857-447a-955b-b0cacf3adeda">downtown site also housed acute patients from 2010 to 2019</a>&nbsp; following the closure of the children’s hospital at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;KVC cited CMS' (Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services) licensure as a reason they closed the acute beds in Hays.&nbsp;CMS required KVC to have acute patients and residential patients in separate spaces. The new facility will allow that.&nbsp;The space is leased from HaysMed, which purchased the former NEW building in 2016 and operates several hospital business departments in the east end of the facility.&nbsp;U. S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and a former Hays resident, was invited to tour the remodeling project last week."This is designed to meet the unique safety, security, and therapeutic needs of youth receiving both levels of treatment," said Bobby Eklofe, MHSA, KVC Hospitals president, as he and Sarah Berens, LSCSW, Hays clinical director, walked with Moran through the building. "It's our own space."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658863904059.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Kansas, Bobby Eklofe, KVC Hospitals president, and Sarah Berens, KVC&nbsp; Hospitals Hays clinical director, look at architectural plans for the&nbsp;new KVC Hospitals facility in Hays. It will house both psychiatric inpatient and residential treatment services for youth ages 6 to 18. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Kansas, Bobby Eklofe, KVC Hospitals president, and Sarah Berens, KVC&nbsp; Hospitals Hays clinical director, look at architectural plans for the&nbsp;new KVC Hospitals facility in Hays. It will house both psychiatric inpatient and residential treatment services for youth ages 6 to 18. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>There will be 32 rooms available in segregated areas, 18 PRTF beds relocating from Hadley, and 14 new acute beds.According to Eklofe, residential treatment can last up to 120 days.&nbsp;Length of stay is different for each child, but typically, a child receiving care in acute care stays four to six daysThe acute program serves youth who are struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, the impacts of trauma and other behavioral health needs.The acute program's goal is to help stabilize children and return them home as soon as safely possible, equipped with the skills, support and resources they need to continue treatment in their communityKVC estimates the larger facility will allow for serving an additional 600 youth each year.&nbsp;Western Kansas residents have priority admittance, according to Berens, adding&nbsp; that most clients are between the ages of 10 and 13. "It's a tough age for kids," she said.KVC has had services in Kansas City, Kansas and Wichita for some time."It's not unusual for parents to be driving three or four hours to find a bed for their child. We wanted to make sure we brought the services closer to them," Eklofe said.&nbsp;"We're very fortunate to be able to work with partners like High Plains Mental Health Center, Hays Medical Center, the police department, the fire department, and other community leaders to be able to put this out here," Eklofe said. "We'll be able to provide safe, secure, and treatment-focused spaces for children."&nbsp;The facility includes therapy rooms, visitation rooms, a dining room, gymnasium and learning labs, where innovative treatment and education will&nbsp; teach youth about their brains and how to regulate their emotions. Movement throughout the living areas is unobstructed while still supporting privacy and maintaining safety and security.&nbsp; &nbsp;Cameras and motion sensors using state-of-the-art technology will be placed throughout the building for enhanced digital monitoring in addition to the direct supervision of employees 24-hours a day.A secure play area will be located just outside the door on the south side of the building. "It gives them the space to simply be kids while ensuring safety,"&nbsp;said Eklofe.Some additional staff will be hired, including a psychiatrist. Most of that staff will be specialized positions in nursing as well as&nbsp; clinicians for the acute program.&nbsp;"We're very fortunate to have quite a few direct care staff [already] in our residential program," Eklofe added.KVC has also partnered with Fort Hays State University, working with students and interns in the departments of social work, psychology, counseling, and nursing "to get their feet wet in this profession," said Berens. NCK Tech nursing students have also worked with KVC, doing clinical rotations.Berens, a Colby native, is herself an FHSU graduate. She earned her master's degree from KU.&nbsp;KVC staff members have also been recruited from FHSU job fairs with interest coming from students in criminal justice and teaching."We've had people come into direct service with teaching degrees, [working] with those clients that really need that specialized care. They've been able to utilize the skills that they're learning at the college level to get some experience and really hone their skills," Berens said.&nbsp;She's eagerly anticipating the opening of the new facility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658883161541.jpeg" alt="KVC Hospital's new home at 3000 New Way Blvd. in Hays. KVC will begin offering acute and residential psychiatric treatment for up to 32 juveniles at the facility in January. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>KVC Hospital's new home at 3000 New Way Blvd. in Hays. KVC will begin offering acute and residential psychiatric treatment for up to 32 juveniles at the facility in January. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>"I think it's such an opportunity to truly provide the therapeutic care that is so needed," Berens said."These kids deserve to have the best and we're able to be a step in that right direction.&nbsp;"It's so exciting to have acute care back in Hays and for northwest Kansas. It's always something that we've loved providing. It's so exciting and so needed."Editor's note: CORRECTION: This article was updated July 28 to reflect corrections in the additional number of children expected to be served (600) in the new hospital as well as the typical length of stay for residential treatment (120 days).

Remodeling of building underway to house Hays KVC Hospital juvenile psychiatric services  

The United Way of Ellis County recently presented the Champions Circle&nbsp;Trophies to two well-deserving area businesses.

The&nbsp;Small Business award went to Bank of Hays for the second&nbsp;year in a row. &nbsp;They have been a great supporter of United Way with their workplace campaign and several of their employees serving as board members over the years.&nbsp; 

“We are very excited to have won the Small Business Champions Circle Trophy once again," said John Clarke, CFO of Bank of Hays. "Our employees have always been actively involved in United Way of Ellis County and support its mission of giving back to our community. &nbsp;Thank you to Erica, the board of directors and all involved with United&nbsp;Way for everything they do to positively impact the people of Ellis County.”

Midwest Energy was this year’s Large Business Champions Circle Trophy winner. &nbsp;This will also be their second&nbsp;time winning this award. &nbsp;They and their employees have also been a&nbsp;consistent supporter of the United Way of Ellis County.

The United Way of Ellis County’s Champion Circle Trophy is given out to two businesses every year that have the highest giving per capita. &nbsp;The Small Business award is given to a business with 50 employees or less and&nbsp;the Large Business award is given to businesses with 51 employees or more. &nbsp;To learn how your business can hold a workplace campaign, contact the United Way at 785-628-8281 or info@liveunited.us

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658763002802.jpeg" alt="Bank of Hays " />
 <figcaption>Bank of Hays </figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe United Way of Ellis County recently presented the Champions Circle&nbsp;Trophies to two well-deserving area businesses.The&nbsp;Small Business award went to Bank of Hays for the second&nbsp;year in a row. &nbsp;They have been a great supporter of United Way with their workplace campaign and several of their employees serving as board members over the years.&nbsp; “We are very excited to have won the Small Business Champions Circle Trophy once again," said John Clarke, CFO of Bank of Hays. "Our employees have always been actively involved in United Way of Ellis County and support its mission of giving back to our community. &nbsp;Thank you to Erica, the board of directors and all involved with United&nbsp;Way for everything they do to positively impact the people of Ellis County.”Midwest Energy was this year’s Large Business Champions Circle Trophy winner. &nbsp;This will also be their second&nbsp;time winning this award. &nbsp;They and their employees have also been a&nbsp;consistent supporter of the United Way of Ellis County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658763025127.jpeg" alt="Midwest Energy " />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy </figcaption>
 </figure>The United Way of Ellis County’s Champion Circle Trophy is given out to two businesses every year that have the highest giving per capita. &nbsp;The Small Business award is given to a business with 50 employees or less and&nbsp;the Large Business award is given to businesses with 51 employees or more. &nbsp;To learn how your business can hold a workplace campaign, contact the United Way at 785-628-8281 or info@liveunited.us

United Way of Ellis County awards Champions Circle Trophies

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Primary reasons to show up

<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/2022/7/1658856639957.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

To those of you who know me well,&nbsp;you know I hate the Kansas summer. My dad&nbsp;loved heat, and&nbsp;with each passing year, I hope I will become more like him, but if&nbsp;anything,&nbsp;my hatred of the&nbsp;heat just gets worse. I’m trying to smile as I write this, so maybe something in this column will take your mind off this beastly heat&nbsp;for&nbsp;awhile&nbsp;and bring&nbsp;you a smile.

Last Sunday after church, a western Kansas rancher and a visitor from Washington State struck up a conversation and the topic naturally turned to how dry it was there&nbsp;in western KS. “Does it ever rain in this blooming state?” the visitor asked. “Oh sure,” answered the rancher. “Do you remember the story in the Bible where it rained for forty days and forty nights?” “Yes, I’m familiar with Noah’s flood,” replied the visitor. “Well,”&nbsp;began the rancher, “That time we got about 2 ½ inches.”&nbsp;

A new friend of mine, a recent transplant to Kansas&nbsp;from a cooler climate, shared with me some pages from his diary:

June 10th&nbsp;–&nbsp;Just moved to Kansas, now this is a state that knows how to live; beautiful sunny days and warm, balmy evenings. It’s beautiful, I love it here!

June 14th&nbsp;– Really heating up, got to 100 today. Not a problem, I live in an&nbsp;air-conditioned&nbsp;home, and drive an&nbsp;air-conditioned&nbsp;car. What a pleasure to see the sun everyday like this.&nbsp;

June&nbsp;20th&nbsp;–I&nbsp;had the backyard landscaped with western plants today, lots of rocks and cactus. No more mowing the lawn for me. Another scorcher today, but I love it here.

July 3&nbsp;– The temperature hasn’t been below 100 all week. How do people get used to this heat? At least is kind of windy though. Getting used to this heat is taking longer than I expected,&nbsp;but I’ll get there.

July&nbsp;7&nbsp;– The air conditioner shot craps and the repairman charged me $200 to drive by and tell me he needed to order parts. I’ve been sleeping outside on the patio for three nights now; a $225,000 house and can’t even go inside! Why did I ever come here?

July 10&nbsp;– Got the AC fixed; it cost $500 and drops the temperature down to&nbsp;85. If one more wise guy asks“Hot enough for you today?” I’m going to strangle them. I hate this stupid state!

July 12&nbsp;– My new air conditioner barely gets the inside of my house cooler than my morning coffee, my new cactus can’t even live in this blasted heat, and the weather report might as well be a recording! Does it ever rain in this God&nbsp;forsaken place?

July 14&nbsp;– Welcome to HELL! Forgot to crack the car windows at work today and since&nbsp;it was 115, the windshield blew out. When the repairman came to fix it, guess what he asked me??? “Hot enough for you today?” …It cost my sister $1,500 to bail me out of jail. What kind of demented idiot would want to live in a place like this?&nbsp;

Just when&nbsp;you thought you’d heard every possible way to finish this sentence “Its soo dry that … let me offer a&nbsp;couple&nbsp;more:

It’s so dry that the river only runs twice a week.

And finally, it’s so dry that they’ve had to close two lanes at the&nbsp;local&nbsp;swimming pool and swimmers are&nbsp;actually&nbsp;encouraged to pee in the pool.

As a farm boy in Ohio, the Ohio State Fair was the perfect end to summer. We took our flock of registered sheep and stayed there for most of the fair. Just up the midway from the sheep&nbsp;barn was a dunk tank manned by a clown&nbsp;calling himself&nbsp;BoBo. Now BoBo knew&nbsp;just&nbsp;exactly how to&nbsp;taunt kids to the point where they would spend their life savings&nbsp;just to try to dunk him. His famous one-liner that I can still remember echoing across the midway into the wee hours of the morning was “BoBo, High and&nbsp;Dry!” BoBo, I feel your pain! &nbsp;

Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors anyway!&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&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>To those of you who know me well,&nbsp;you know I hate the Kansas summer. My dad&nbsp;loved heat, and&nbsp;with each passing year, I hope I will become more like him, but if&nbsp;anything,&nbsp;my hatred of the&nbsp;heat just gets worse. I’m trying to smile as I write this, so maybe something in this column will take your mind off this beastly heat&nbsp;for&nbsp;awhile&nbsp;and bring&nbsp;you a smile.Last Sunday after church, a western Kansas rancher and a visitor from Washington State struck up a conversation and the topic naturally turned to how dry it was there&nbsp;in western KS. “Does it ever rain in this blooming state?” the visitor asked. “Oh sure,” answered the rancher. “Do you remember the story in the Bible where it rained for forty days and forty nights?” “Yes, I’m familiar with Noah’s flood,” replied the visitor. “Well,”&nbsp;began the rancher, “That time we got about 2 ½ inches.”&nbsp;A new friend of mine, a recent transplant to Kansas&nbsp;from a cooler climate, shared with me some pages from his diary:June 10th&nbsp;–&nbsp;Just moved to Kansas, now this is a state that knows how to live; beautiful sunny days and warm, balmy evenings. It’s beautiful, I love it here!June 14th&nbsp;– Really heating up, got to 100 today. Not a problem, I live in an&nbsp;air-conditioned&nbsp;home, and drive an&nbsp;air-conditioned&nbsp;car. What a pleasure to see the sun everyday like this.&nbsp;June&nbsp;20th&nbsp;–I&nbsp;had the backyard landscaped with western plants today, lots of rocks and cactus. No more mowing the lawn for me. Another scorcher today, but I love it here.July 3&nbsp;– The temperature hasn’t been below 100 all week. How do people get used to this heat? At least is kind of windy though. Getting used to this heat is taking longer than I expected,&nbsp;but I’ll get there.July&nbsp;7&nbsp;– The air conditioner shot craps and the repairman charged me $200 to drive by and tell me he needed to order parts. I’ve been sleeping outside on the patio for three nights now; a $225,000 house and can’t even go inside! Why did I ever come here?July 10&nbsp;– Got the AC fixed; it cost $500 and drops the temperature down to&nbsp;85. If one more wise guy asks“Hot enough for you today?” I’m going to strangle them. I hate this stupid state!July 12&nbsp;– My new air conditioner barely gets the inside of my house cooler than my morning coffee, my new cactus can’t even live in this blasted heat, and the weather report might as well be a recording! Does it ever rain in this God&nbsp;forsaken place?July 14&nbsp;– Welcome to HELL! Forgot to crack the car windows at work today and since&nbsp;it was 115, the windshield blew out. When the repairman came to fix it, guess what he asked me??? “Hot enough for you today?” …It cost my sister $1,500 to bail me out of jail. What kind of demented idiot would want to live in a place like this?&nbsp;Just when&nbsp;you thought you’d heard every possible way to finish this sentence “Its soo dry that … let me offer a&nbsp;couple&nbsp;more:It’s so dry that the river only runs twice a week.And finally, it’s so dry that they’ve had to close two lanes at the&nbsp;local&nbsp;swimming pool and swimmers are&nbsp;actually&nbsp;encouraged to pee in the pool.As a farm boy in Ohio, the Ohio State Fair was the perfect end to summer. We took our flock of registered sheep and stayed there for most of the fair. Just up the midway from the sheep&nbsp;barn was a dunk tank manned by a clown&nbsp;calling himself&nbsp;BoBo. Now BoBo knew&nbsp;just&nbsp;exactly how to&nbsp;taunt kids to the point where they would spend their life savings&nbsp;just to try to dunk him. His famous one-liner that I can still remember echoing across the midway into the wee hours of the morning was “BoBo, High and&nbsp;Dry!” BoBo, I feel your pain! &nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors anyway!&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

 Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Its sooo dry that …

Russell County Leadership introduced the selection for Class I of their leadership program.

Russell County Leadership is an "intense leadership program aimed at developing emerging business leaders in Russell County communities."

Class I members are Becky Anschutz, Lacie Austin, Kelli Johnson, Gage Nichols, Chandler Reich-Sellens, Diana VanBruggen, Sarah Vonfeldt and April Webb.

Classes are expected to begin in few weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658762938810.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Russell County Leadership introduced the selection for Class I of their leadership program.Russell County Leadership is an "intense leadership program aimed at developing emerging business leaders in Russell County communities."Class I members are Becky Anschutz, Lacie Austin, Kelli Johnson, Gage Nichols, Chandler Reich-Sellens, Diana VanBruggen, Sarah Vonfeldt and April Webb.Classes are expected to begin in few weeks.

Russell County Leadership announces first class

The deadline for the inagural Hays High Athletic Hall of Fame banquet is this Friday, July 29th.&nbsp;

Doors open at 6:00 with dinner served at 6:15.&nbsp;

Tickets are available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://uctria.com/auction/HHSATHLETICHALLOFFAME?fbclid=IwAR0sOQa2DEgL3uxy9jzRGRqfu3zuPn5qdeKH_DzrXbukN2hC07kE2DU14oM" target="_blank">http://uctria.com/auction/HHSATHLETICHALLOFFAME</a>&nbsp;or purchase your tickets at the Brian Ruder Agency, located at the corner of 27th and Indian Trail in Hays.

The tickets are $40 and include a meal, dessert, and tea or water. A cash bar will be available.

&nbsp;- 1944 state champion boys basketball team &nbsp;- 1953 football team (8-0-1) &nbsp;- 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) &nbsp;- 1989 girls track state championship team &nbsp;- Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) &nbsp;- Dale Alexander- Track (1959) &nbsp;- Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) &nbsp;- Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) &nbsp;- Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) &nbsp;- Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) &nbsp;- Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) &nbsp;- Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) &nbsp;- Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) &nbsp;- Coach Jim Maska &nbsp;- Coach Bob Kuhn &nbsp;- Athletic Director Mike Karl&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is now a Facebook page named Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame with updated information and details about the honorees.

&nbsp; Questions about the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame or about the banquet can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayshighhof@gmail.com" target="_blank">hayshighhof@gmail.com</a>

The deadline for the inagural Hays High Athletic Hall of Fame banquet is this Friday, July 29th.&nbsp;Doors open at 6:00 with dinner served at 6:15.&nbsp;Tickets are available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://uctria.com/auction/HHSATHLETICHALLOFFAME?fbclid=IwAR0sOQa2DEgL3uxy9jzRGRqfu3zuPn5qdeKH_DzrXbukN2hC07kE2DU14oM" target="_blank">http://uctria.com/auction/HHSATHLETICHALLOFFAME</a>&nbsp;or purchase your tickets at the Brian Ruder Agency, located at the corner of 27th and Indian Trail in Hays.The tickets are $40 and include a meal, dessert, and tea or water. A cash bar will be available.The first class inducted includes:&nbsp;- 1944 state champion boys basketball team &nbsp;- 1953 football team (8-0-1) &nbsp;- 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) &nbsp;- 1989 girls track state championship team &nbsp;- Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) &nbsp;- Dale Alexander- Track (1959) &nbsp;- Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) &nbsp;- Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) &nbsp;- Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) &nbsp;- Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) &nbsp;- Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) &nbsp;- Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) &nbsp;- Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) &nbsp;- Coach Jim Maska &nbsp;- Coach Bob Kuhn &nbsp;- Athletic Director Mike Karl&nbsp;&nbsp;There is now a Facebook page named Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame with updated information and details about the honorees.&nbsp; Questions about the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame or about the banquet can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayshighhof@gmail.com" target="_blank">hayshighhof@gmail.com</a>

LAST CALL: Ticket deadline for Hays High HOF banquet this Friday

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger, shares details of the 2022 Community Cruise.

<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="Area leaders tour FHSU campus" 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=k6y3r-1283319-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, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger, shares details of the 2022 Community Cruise.<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: Area leaders tour FHSU campus

MANHATTAN — After serving as president of Kansas Farm Bureau since 2014, Montgomery County farmer Rich&nbsp;Felts&nbsp;has announced he will retire Dec. 5.&nbsp;Felts&nbsp;previously served as vice president of the organization for three years and on the board of directors before moving into leadership of the organization. “The decision to retire was not an easy one,”&nbsp;Felts, says. “I have enjoyed my time working for and with Farm Bureau members of Kansas. My wife, Shirley, and I look forward to returning to the farm and know our organization will continue to advocate, educate and serve Kansans.” “Rich has been a steadfast and strong leader of our farm organization,” Terry Holdren, KFB CEO, says. “His work on behalf of our members, our state and agriculture has put us in a great position for the future.” Felts&nbsp;began his service to Farm Bureau at the county level and held leadership and volunteer positions for extension, conservation, rural fire, church and township boards. At Kansas Farm Bureau he served on the American Farm Bureau Federation board of directors; chaired the board of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated boards and committees; and was appointed to numerous taskforces by governors and others on behalf of Kansas farmers and ranchers. Under his leadership,&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=5f39ddb0c2&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">Kansas Farm Bureau Health Plans</a>&nbsp;was created; more than $150,000 was raised and shared across the state to&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=5cc00ca115&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">end hunger</a>&nbsp;in Kansas communities; supported the expansion of mental health resources for farmers and ranchers; consumers were educated about sustainable agriculture; and innovation and entrepreneurship were improved in rural communities. A new president will be elected at the organization's annual meeting on Dec. 5 in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau's mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658851020897.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — After serving as president of Kansas Farm Bureau since 2014, Montgomery County farmer Rich&nbsp;Felts&nbsp;has announced he will retire Dec. 5.&nbsp;Felts&nbsp;previously served as vice president of the organization for three years and on the board of directors before moving into leadership of the organization. “The decision to retire was not an easy one,”&nbsp;Felts, says. “I have enjoyed my time working for and with Farm Bureau members of Kansas. My wife, Shirley, and I look forward to returning to the farm and know our organization will continue to advocate, educate and serve Kansans.” “Rich has been a steadfast and strong leader of our farm organization,” Terry Holdren, KFB CEO, says. “His work on behalf of our members, our state and agriculture has put us in a great position for the future.” Felts&nbsp;began his service to Farm Bureau at the county level and held leadership and volunteer positions for extension, conservation, rural fire, church and township boards. At Kansas Farm Bureau he served on the American Farm Bureau Federation board of directors; chaired the board of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated boards and committees; and was appointed to numerous taskforces by governors and others on behalf of Kansas farmers and ranchers. Under his leadership,&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=5f39ddb0c2&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">Kansas Farm Bureau Health Plans</a>&nbsp;was created; more than $150,000 was raised and shared across the state to&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=5cc00ca115&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">end hunger</a>&nbsp;in Kansas communities; supported the expansion of mental health resources for farmers and ranchers; consumers were educated about sustainable agriculture; and innovation and entrepreneurship were improved in rural communities. A new president will be elected at the organization's annual meeting on Dec. 5 in Manhattan.&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau's mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Kansas Farm Bureau president to retire in December

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The <a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2920809/season-pass-2022-hutchinson-kansas-state-fair">online deal for 10 admissions to the Kansas State Fair for $50 is available now</a>.

It includes 10 gate entry scans on a credit-card style card. They can be used once a day, all at once or in any increment.

Limited quantities are available. The offer is good through Sept. 8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632137511353.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The <a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2920809/season-pass-2022-hutchinson-kansas-state-fair">online deal for 10 admissions to the Kansas State Fair for $50 is available now</a>. It includes 10 gate entry scans on a credit-card style card. They can be used once a day, all at once or in any increment.Limited quantities are available. The offer is good through Sept. 8.

Kansas State Fair admission $50 deal is on now

This weekend, residents will have the opportunity to travel to the magical land of Oz as the Hays Community Theatre presents, The Wizard of Oz, the classic story of a Kansas girl’s adventures in a faraway land.

The production will feature more than 40 local actors, singers, and dancers of all ages taking the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus.

Wendy Richmeier, director said the musical follows much of the classic movie but includes scenes cut from the 40s film.&nbsp;

"It's very similar," Richmeier said. "We start out in the black and white mindset. And then we go to the vivid color when Dorothy lands in Munchkin land and through her adventure in Munchkin land to see the Wizard to get back home. And then it goes back to our black and white as we did in the movie."

She said during the show the audience will see some similarities and some differences to the film, but being a live production creates an exciting new experience, even for those that know the story.

"This is an aesthetic show," Richmeier said. "We want to keep it as close to the Wizard of Oz that everybody knows and loves as much as possible. Of course, it is theater. We have some limitations, but when we can put an amazing show out there that everybody knows and loves, we're super excited."

And this year, she said, there was increased interest in the community theatre.

"This has been the summer to participate again," she said. 

That participation includes a variety of people from the community, creating an event for the community.

"We are a community theater, and that's what we do is we produce our shows for our community to come enjoy," Richmeier said. "The thing that I love about community theater is we are here for the community. Not everybody can be in a business organization or in a shotgun club. But we have a place for anyone and everyone that wants to do something or be part of our production."

"Parts of theater are not just the performing," she continued. "It takes all hands on deck to build set to paint set to create the set to create costuming, to put costuming together to create props, to just move things around on stage."

And for those interested in becoming involved, she said they welcome anyone and everyone.

 "The best thing to do if you want to give it a try is check out our website," Richmeier said. "And then also go to our Facebook page, Twitter, we're out everywhere. We have an email, give us a shout, and someone will get back to you. Or just show up at one of our productions. Talk to one of our stage crew, one of our directors or one of our board members."

And as the cast presents the show from the FHSU campus, the location is not the only tie to the university as FHSU's "First Dog" Gracie Mason will play the part of Toto.

"That was a bit of a challenge," Richmeier said. "We wanted to use a live dog and I've never used a live animal before. But I'll tell you what, it is so fun having her on stage and the support that Fort Hays has given. It's gonna be a great show."

For all those making the show possible, she said she is grateful.

"I just want to give a shout-out to everybody that has taken part in this production in any aspect," Richmeier said. "It takes a lot to put a show together. It's not just one person sitting in a chair shouting out, do this do that, they have to have their hearts in it. And this has been a great production. I hope everybody comes out to see everybody's heart that's been in the show."

Tickets are now on sale at the Hays Community Theatre website, <a href="http://hctks.com/">hctks.com</a>, or at the door for $15.

All seats purchased in advance are reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658800899137.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThis weekend, residents will have the opportunity to travel to the magical land of Oz as the Hays Community Theatre presents, The Wizard of Oz, the classic story of a Kansas girl’s adventures in a faraway land.The production will feature more than 40 local actors, singers, and dancers of all ages taking the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus.Wendy Richmeier, director said the musical follows much of the classic movie but includes scenes cut from the 40s film.&nbsp;"It's very similar," Richmeier said. "We start out in the black and white mindset. And then we go to the vivid color when Dorothy lands in Munchkin land and through her adventure in Munchkin land to see the Wizard to get back home. And then it goes back to our black and white as we did in the movie."<div><iframe title="Hays Community Theatre Presents ‘Wizard of Oz’ this weekend" 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=dvqdz-1281f80-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>She said during the show the audience will see some similarities and some differences to the film, but being a live production creates an exciting new experience, even for those that know the story."This is an aesthetic show," Richmeier said. "We want to keep it as close to the Wizard of Oz that everybody knows and loves as much as possible. Of course, it is theater. We have some limitations, but when we can put an amazing show out there that everybody knows and loves, we're super excited."And this year, she said, there was increased interest in the community theatre."This has been the summer to participate again," she said. That participation includes a variety of people from the community, creating an event for the community."We are a community theater, and that's what we do is we produce our shows for our community to come enjoy," Richmeier said. "The thing that I love about community theater is we are here for the community. Not everybody can be in a business organization or in a shotgun club. But we have a place for anyone and everyone that wants to do something or be part of our production."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658800921934.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Parts of theater are not just the performing," she continued. "It takes all hands on deck to build set to paint set to create the set to create costuming, to put costuming together to create props, to just move things around on stage."And for those interested in becoming involved, she said they welcome anyone and everyone. "The best thing to do if you want to give it a try is check out our website," Richmeier said. "And then also go to our Facebook page, Twitter, we're out everywhere. We have an email, give us a shout, and someone will get back to you. Or just show up at one of our productions. Talk to one of our stage crew, one of our directors or one of our board members."And as the cast presents the show from the FHSU campus, the location is not the only tie to the university as FHSU's "First Dog" Gracie Mason will play the part of Toto.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658800948611.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"That was a bit of a challenge," Richmeier said. "We wanted to use a live dog and I've never used a live animal before. But I'll tell you what, it is so fun having her on stage and the support that Fort Hays has given. It's gonna be a great show."For all those making the show possible, she said she is grateful."I just want to give a shout-out to everybody that has taken part in this production in any aspect," Richmeier said. "It takes a lot to put a show together. It's not just one person sitting in a chair shouting out, do this do that, they have to have their hearts in it. And this has been a great production. I hope everybody comes out to see everybody's heart that's been in the show."Tickets are now on sale at the Hays Community Theatre website, <a href="http://hctks.com/">hctks.com</a>, or at the door for $15.All seats purchased in advance are reserved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658800857626.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Hays Community Theatre Presents ‘Wizard of Oz’ this weekend

In morning trading Monday, the benchmark crude futures contract in New York was up $1.48 from Friday's close, at $96.18 per barrel. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $85 a barrel at CHS in McPherson, down more than $13 from July 1. Gasoline prices continue to drop. Local prices are as low as $4.24 a gallon at a few stations in Hays and $4.19 across Great Bend. The cost of a 15-gallon fill-up is down more than eight dollars from a month ago.&nbsp; Nine states are now posting average prices below four dollars a gallon, according to the auto club AAA. The national average pump price on Monday was $4.35 a gallon. The average across Kansas was $4.05. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reached 758 rigs, an increase of two gas rigs. The count in Alaska was up two rigs while New Mexico was down one. The Rig Count in Kansas shows 25 active rigs east of Wichita, up one, and 31 in Western Kansas, also up one. So far this year, 182 active operators have spudded 770 wells, an increase of 298 wells from a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 414 wells with drilling or completion operations underway.&nbsp; Kansas regulators approved 35 new drilling locations last week. There are four new permits in Ellis County and one in Stafford County among the 18 approved in Western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 27 newly-completed wells across Kansas during the week through July 21. There were 15 in eastern Kansas and 12 west of Wichita including one in Barton County and one in Stafford County. The government last month closed the book on the probe of the fatal fire at the HollyFrontier refinery in El Dorado, Kansas in 2017. The Environmental Protection Agency will collect a $1.6 million penalty to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act. The company had already entered into a consent decree requiring them to conduct audits to evaluate risk management compliance. According to EPA, the company stores regulated hazardous substances and failed to comply with requirements intended to protect the public from accidental releases. The government says that failure contributed to a large fire that resulted in the 2017 death of a HollyFrontier employee. The government reported a slight drop in its weekly production report. The Energy Information Administration reports output of 11.935 million barrels per day during the week through July 15th. That's down from just over 12 million barrels per day the week before. Imports last week averaged 6.5 million barrels per day, down 200,000 barrels from the week before. Over the last four weeks, imports averaged nearly two percent more than the same four-weeks last year. EIA reports US crude-oil inventories dropped by 400,000 barrels last week to 426.6 million barrels as of July 15. Stockpiles are about 6 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Total motor gasoline inventories increased by 3.5 million barrels last week and are about 3% below the five year average for this time of year. Oil-by-rail traffic in the US is up for the week but slightly behind the totals from a year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,175 tanker carloads rolling the rails in the week through July 16th, up 780 carloads from the week before, but down over three percent from the same week in 2021. Canadian traffic is up 704 carloads on the week and more than 22% higher than the tally a year ago. The number-three crude producing state in the US reports a big production spike in May. Output for May was over 32 million barrels, or nearly 1.06 million barrels per day. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports production in May was up 17% from the month before. Director Lynn Helms says they have almost recovered what they lost in April, when back-to-back blizzards shut down electrical power across much of the state. The state's gas capture statistics in May reached 95% to tie that state's previous best effort set back in March. Operators of the Keystone Pipeline resumed normal operations Saturday, after reducing transit volumes on July 17. A power supply in South Dakota was damaged in what's described as a non-operational incident. Operator TC Energy announced resumption of normal operations July 22. Company officials said they were unable to discuss details of what it called commercially sensitive information, but said there was no material impact to TC Energy-owned facilities during the incident.&nbsp; The state of New Mexico is basking in big bucks, thanks to rising crude prices. The state's Tax and Revenue Department reports oil and gas revenues topped $1.7 BILLION in the first four months of the year. That's more than double the tally from the first four months of last year. Legislative economists estimate New Mexico will rake in more than five billion dollars for the fiscal year, roughly one billion dollars more than last year's tally. There are tentative signs that Russia's diversion of crude oil to Asia from long-time European customers is faltering. Shipments to China and India are down by almost 30% from their post-invasion peak. Bloomberg reports there are early signs that Asian nations may not be able to fully replace Russia’s European buyers.&nbsp; Russia is now seeking payment for some oil exports to India in the dirham, the currency of the United Arab Emirates. Moscow is moving away from the U.S. dollar to insulate itself from the effects of Western sanctions.

By JOHN P. TRETBARIn morning trading Monday, the benchmark crude futures contract in New York was up $1.48 from Friday's close, at $96.18 per barrel. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $85 a barrel at CHS in McPherson, down more than $13 from July 1. Gasoline prices continue to drop. Local prices are as low as $4.24 a gallon at a few stations in Hays and $4.19 across Great Bend. The cost of a 15-gallon fill-up is down more than eight dollars from a month ago.&nbsp; Nine states are now posting average prices below four dollars a gallon, according to the auto club AAA. The national average pump price on Monday was $4.35 a gallon. The average across Kansas was $4.05. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reached 758 rigs, an increase of two gas rigs. The count in Alaska was up two rigs while New Mexico was down one. The Rig Count in Kansas shows 25 active rigs east of Wichita, up one, and 31 in Western Kansas, also up one. So far this year, 182 active operators have spudded 770 wells, an increase of 298 wells from a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 414 wells with drilling or completion operations underway.&nbsp; Kansas regulators approved 35 new drilling locations last week. There are four new permits in Ellis County and one in Stafford County among the 18 approved in Western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 27 newly-completed wells across Kansas during the week through July 21. There were 15 in eastern Kansas and 12 west of Wichita including one in Barton County and one in Stafford County. The government last month closed the book on the probe of the fatal fire at the HollyFrontier refinery in El Dorado, Kansas in 2017. The Environmental Protection Agency will collect a $1.6 million penalty to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act. The company had already entered into a consent decree requiring them to conduct audits to evaluate risk management compliance. According to EPA, the company stores regulated hazardous substances and failed to comply with requirements intended to protect the public from accidental releases. The government says that failure contributed to a large fire that resulted in the 2017 death of a HollyFrontier employee. The government reported a slight drop in its weekly production report. The Energy Information Administration reports output of 11.935 million barrels per day during the week through July 15th. That's down from just over 12 million barrels per day the week before. Imports last week averaged 6.5 million barrels per day, down 200,000 barrels from the week before. Over the last four weeks, imports averaged nearly two percent more than the same four-weeks last year. EIA reports US crude-oil inventories dropped by 400,000 barrels last week to 426.6 million barrels as of July 15. Stockpiles are about 6 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Total motor gasoline inventories increased by 3.5 million barrels last week and are about 3% below the five year average for this time of year. Oil-by-rail traffic in the US is up for the week but slightly behind the totals from a year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,175 tanker carloads rolling the rails in the week through July 16th, up 780 carloads from the week before, but down over three percent from the same week in 2021. Canadian traffic is up 704 carloads on the week and more than 22% higher than the tally a year ago. The number-three crude producing state in the US reports a big production spike in May. Output for May was over 32 million barrels, or nearly 1.06 million barrels per day. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports production in May was up 17% from the month before. Director Lynn Helms says they have almost recovered what they lost in April, when back-to-back blizzards shut down electrical power across much of the state. The state's gas capture statistics in May reached 95% to tie that state's previous best effort set back in March. Operators of the Keystone Pipeline resumed normal operations Saturday, after reducing transit volumes on July 17. A power supply in South Dakota was damaged in what's described as a non-operational incident. Operator TC Energy announced resumption of normal operations July 22. Company officials said they were unable to discuss details of what it called commercially sensitive information, but said there was no material impact to TC Energy-owned facilities during the incident.&nbsp; The state of New Mexico is basking in big bucks, thanks to rising crude prices. The state's Tax and Revenue Department reports oil and gas revenues topped $1.7 BILLION in the first four months of the year. That's more than double the tally from the first four months of last year. Legislative economists estimate New Mexico will rake in more than five billion dollars for the fiscal year, roughly one billion dollars more than last year's tally. There are tentative signs that Russia's diversion of crude oil to Asia from long-time European customers is faltering. Shipments to China and India are down by almost 30% from their post-invasion peak. Bloomberg reports there are early signs that Asian nations may not be able to fully replace Russia’s European buyers.&nbsp; Russia is now seeking payment for some oil exports to India in the dirham, the currency of the United Arab Emirates. Moscow is moving away from the U.S. dollar to insulate itself from the effects of Western sanctions.

News From the Oil Patch: Nine states now below $4/gallon

On Wednesday, the seal coat contractor will return to finish sealing various 
city streets. See map above. Seal coat is spray applied in two coats with a dry time of 2 to 3 
hours per pass, so the streets being sealed will be temporarily closed 
during this time. &nbsp;

On the date scheduled for treatment, all cars need to
 be moved from the street by 8 a.m. &nbsp;Streets being sealed will be 
closed from approximately 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. &nbsp;Access can be achieved
 in cases of emergency. &nbsp;Parking on adjacent streets is recommended 
during the daytime. &nbsp;Parking in driveways is OK if you DO NOT plan on 
moving the vehicle between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. &nbsp;The Seal Coat treatment
 should not be driven on until it has set up (dried). &nbsp;It will stain 
surfaces such as concrete, carpet, or flooring if tracked from 
construction areas. Please have all lawn watering devices turned off 
the evening before the scheduled date. Please help keep the streets 
clean and dry for a smooth and lasting project. Traffic control will be 
set in areas of work being completed and picked up by the end of the 
work day. &nbsp;Notification of adjacent properties will be made door to door
 24 hours in advance of the work.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658762818448.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysOn Wednesday, the seal coat contractor will return to finish sealing various 
city streets. See map above. Seal coat is spray applied in two coats with a dry time of 2 to 3 
hours per pass, so the streets being sealed will be temporarily closed 
during this time. &nbsp;On the date scheduled for treatment, all cars need to
 be moved from the street by 8 a.m. &nbsp;Streets being sealed will be 
closed from approximately 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. &nbsp;Access can be achieved
 in cases of emergency. &nbsp;Parking on adjacent streets is recommended 
during the daytime. &nbsp;Parking in driveways is OK if you DO NOT plan on 
moving the vehicle between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. &nbsp;The Seal Coat treatment
 should not be driven on until it has set up (dried). &nbsp;It will stain 
surfaces such as concrete, carpet, or flooring if tracked from 
construction areas. Please have all lawn watering devices turned off 
the evening before the scheduled date. Please help keep the streets 
clean and dry for a smooth and lasting project. Traffic control will be 
set in areas of work being completed and picked up by the end of the 
work day. &nbsp;Notification of adjacent properties will be made door to door
 24 hours in advance of the work.&nbsp;For more information, call (785) 628-7350.&nbsp;

City updates seal coat schedule for Hays streets

PHILLIPSBURG — Curtis Chance loves rodeo.

And when he was in need, the Phillipsburg rodeo helped him out.

The Phillipsburg native was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in May of 2021, and by the end of last year, it had spread into the gland under his ear.&nbsp;

In March of this year, he underwent 25 rounds of radiation within four weeks.&nbsp;

Hope in the Heartland, the nonprofit entity that is funded in part by donations from the Phillipsburg rodeo, donated funds to Chance and his wife Debbie, to help pay for travel, lodging and meals as he traveled to and from Hays for treatment.&nbsp;

Chance has volunteered with the rodeo since 1984, the year he moved back to his hometown after having been gone for about ten years. He was sitting in a bar when the stock contractor’s wranglers came in, and they struck up a conversation. They asked if he’d want to help, and he agreed. Since then, he’s never missed a performance of Kansas Biggest Rodeo.&nbsp;

He helps feed the bucking horses, bulls, calves and steers that are housed on the grounds, and he’ll pull the barrier at the timed event chute during slack and the rodeo performances. He’s volunteered at rodeos across the area: Hill City, Bennington, Abbyville, and Pretty Prairie, Kan.; North Platte, Neb., and Elk City and Duncan, Okla.&nbsp;

When his cancer treatment began, he told his wife he had a goal: to be well enough to help at the Ft. Hays State University college rodeo, held the weekend of April 15-16. “And I was there,” he said. “I set my goal and made it. I’m on the mend now.”&nbsp;

He's had financial assistance from other sources as well, including the Ron Schneider Fund, the Never Flinch Foundation and the Christian Church. He’s grateful to them all, and is returning the favor by donating back to each organization. For Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the rodeo, this year held on August 4, Chance will make a large donation, knowing it will go to help others. &nbsp;

“I’m going to give a whole bunch of money back,” he said. &nbsp;

He is appreciative of his hometown, Phillipsburg.&nbsp;

“That’s the good part of being in a small town. People take care of you. I tell you what, small town living pays off. That’s why I’m never going to move.”&nbsp;

And when the Phillipsburg rodeo rolls around, he’ll be there, ready to work.&nbsp;

Nearly $120,000 has been raised since pink night at the rodeo began in 2006. Funds are given to people in the area undergoing cancer treatment and are matched by these sponsors: B&amp;B&nbsp;Redimix, Inc., Farmers State Bank, Amber Wave, Rodgers &amp; Associates Insurance, Inc., Shearer Services LLC, and the Phillipsburg Rodeo Association.&nbsp;

The 93rd&nbsp;annual Kansas Biggest Rodeo takes place August 4-6 with performances at 8 pm nightly. Tickets are on sale online at<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>&nbsp;and at Heritage Insurance in Phillipsburg. Prices start at $17 for adults and $13 for children. For the August 4 show, children ages 10 and under have free admittance with the purchase of an adult ticket.&nbsp;

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>&nbsp;or call 785.543.2448.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658754171568.jpeg" alt="Curt Chance, Phillipsburg, got financial help from the Hope in the Heartland fund when he underwent cancer treatment. The fund raises its money in part from Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the Phillipsburg Rodeo, where Chance also volunteers. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Curt Chance, Phillipsburg, got financial help from the Hope in the Heartland fund when he underwent cancer treatment. The fund raises its money in part from Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the Phillipsburg Rodeo, where Chance also volunteers. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>News releasePHILLIPSBURG — Curtis Chance loves rodeo.And when he was in need, the Phillipsburg rodeo helped him out.The Phillipsburg native was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in May of 2021, and by the end of last year, it had spread into the gland under his ear.&nbsp;In March of this year, he underwent 25 rounds of radiation within four weeks.&nbsp;Hope in the Heartland, the nonprofit entity that is funded in part by donations from the Phillipsburg rodeo, donated funds to Chance and his wife Debbie, to help pay for travel, lodging and meals as he traveled to and from Hays for treatment.&nbsp;Chance has volunteered with the rodeo since 1984, the year he moved back to his hometown after having been gone for about ten years. He was sitting in a bar when the stock contractor’s wranglers came in, and they struck up a conversation. They asked if he’d want to help, and he agreed. Since then, he’s never missed a performance of Kansas Biggest Rodeo.&nbsp;He helps feed the bucking horses, bulls, calves and steers that are housed on the grounds, and he’ll pull the barrier at the timed event chute during slack and the rodeo performances. He’s volunteered at rodeos across the area: Hill City, Bennington, Abbyville, and Pretty Prairie, Kan.; North Platte, Neb., and Elk City and Duncan, Okla.&nbsp;When his cancer treatment began, he told his wife he had a goal: to be well enough to help at the Ft. Hays State University college rodeo, held the weekend of April 15-16. “And I was there,” he said. “I set my goal and made it. I’m on the mend now.”&nbsp;He's had financial assistance from other sources as well, including the Ron Schneider Fund, the Never Flinch Foundation and the Christian Church. He’s grateful to them all, and is returning the favor by donating back to each organization. For Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the rodeo, this year held on August 4, Chance will make a large donation, knowing it will go to help others. &nbsp;“I’m going to give a whole bunch of money back,” he said. &nbsp;He is appreciative of his hometown, Phillipsburg.&nbsp;“That’s the good part of being in a small town. People take care of you. I tell you what, small town living pays off. That’s why I’m never going to move.”&nbsp;And when the Phillipsburg rodeo rolls around, he’ll be there, ready to work.&nbsp;“I just love it,” he said.&nbsp;Nearly $120,000 has been raised since pink night at the rodeo began in 2006. Funds are given to people in the area undergoing cancer treatment and are matched by these sponsors: B&amp;B&nbsp;Redimix, Inc., Farmers State Bank, Amber Wave, Rodgers &amp; Associates Insurance, Inc., Shearer Services LLC, and the Phillipsburg Rodeo Association.&nbsp;The 93rd&nbsp;annual Kansas Biggest Rodeo takes place August 4-6 with performances at 8 pm nightly. Tickets are on sale online at<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>&nbsp;and at Heritage Insurance in Phillipsburg. Prices start at $17 for adults and $13 for children. For the August 4 show, children ages 10 and under have free admittance with the purchase of an adult ticket.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>&nbsp;or call 785.543.2448.

Phillipsburg Rodeo benefits man’s fight against cancer 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658775796177.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>

As we prepared for the fair, I had the opportunity to work with both 4-H and Open Class superintendents to review Youth Program Quality Principles&nbsp;from the Kansas 4-H Club Corner. There are eight critical principles for youth program quality as defined by 4-H. I do believe that these apply to any youth program!

1)Physical and psychological safety – Youth need to feel safe in 4-H programs and be able to interact positively with others.Volunteers for Kansas 4-H go through background checks and have access to trainings to provide an appropriate environment for youth to develop.

2)Appropriate structure – Whether it is a club meeting or leadership camp, 4-H programs must have clear and consistent rules and expectations, with clear boundaries and age-appropriate monitoring.

3)Supportive relationships – All youth need to feel warmth from and closeness to others in 4-H. Youth need to feel others care about and support them. They also need to receive clear guidance and communication from 4-H volunteers and staff.

4)Opportunities to belong – All youth need to feel included in a meaningful way in 4-H, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. Youth have opportunities to share their culture and heritage with others and to forge a positive identity.For myself, at the end of the day, did I help a youth feel valued and that they have a support system?

5)Positive social norms – Youth should experience clear rules and expectations for participating in 4-H, including the values, morals, and ethical expectations of being a 4-H member.Opportunities bring responsibility and that is a life skill which includes abiding by deadlines and a Code of Conduct for appropriate behavior, especially when you are representing your family, club, county, and state at events.

6)Support for efficacy and mattering – Youth in 4-H should be taken seriously and respected for their ideas and contributions. Youth should be given opportunities to develop responsibility and be challenged to set and achieve new goals.Representing their club at 4-H Council, serving in Junior Leaders, and being selected to a 4-H Ambassador role, and serving as club officers are all great examples of providing opportunities for developing responsibility. Each new 4-H year brings the opportunity to set new project goals for learning. These are all important life skills!

7)Opportunities for skill building – Youth need to develop physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional, and social skills as they grow and develop. 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop these skills, skills that support a young person into adulthood and the workplace.One of the hallmarks of 4-H is the nearly forty project areas offered to learn about everything from Arts and Crafts to Woodworking. While youth explore the specific project material, they are also learning communication skills, responsibility, time management, and a sense of belonging.

8)Integration of family, school, and community – Youth in 4-H do best when there is a connection to their 4-H experience with their family, school, and community. This is why 4-H programs begin at the local level, in the community where youth can practice their emerging leadership skills as they grow and develop. As a teacher, do you have a 4-H member in your class? Invite them to share about a project! Are you part of a civic organization that would like to know more about what 4-H members are learning? Reach out to them and ask them to present! Your engagement and support help to enrich their 4-H experience and learning opportunities.

If you want to have an active part in developing the next generation of community leaders, business owners, and work&nbsp;force&nbsp;– consider volunteering with a youth organization! If often means checking your own attitude and agenda at the door but the results are incredible!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>As we prepared for the fair, I had the opportunity to work with both 4-H and Open Class superintendents to review Youth Program Quality Principles&nbsp;from the Kansas 4-H Club Corner. There are eight critical principles for youth program quality as defined by 4-H. I do believe that these apply to any youth program!1)Physical and psychological safety – Youth need to feel safe in 4-H programs and be able to interact positively with others.Volunteers for Kansas 4-H go through background checks and have access to trainings to provide an appropriate environment for youth to develop.2)Appropriate structure – Whether it is a club meeting or leadership camp, 4-H programs must have clear and consistent rules and expectations, with clear boundaries and age-appropriate monitoring.3)Supportive relationships – All youth need to feel warmth from and closeness to others in 4-H. Youth need to feel others care about and support them. They also need to receive clear guidance and communication from 4-H volunteers and staff.4)Opportunities to belong – All youth need to feel included in a meaningful way in 4-H, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. Youth have opportunities to share their culture and heritage with others and to forge a positive identity.For myself, at the end of the day, did I help a youth feel valued and that they have a support system?5)Positive social norms – Youth should experience clear rules and expectations for participating in 4-H, including the values, morals, and ethical expectations of being a 4-H member.Opportunities bring responsibility and that is a life skill which includes abiding by deadlines and a Code of Conduct for appropriate behavior, especially when you are representing your family, club, county, and state at events.6)Support for efficacy and mattering – Youth in 4-H should be taken seriously and respected for their ideas and contributions. Youth should be given opportunities to develop responsibility and be challenged to set and achieve new goals.Representing their club at 4-H Council, serving in Junior Leaders, and being selected to a 4-H Ambassador role, and serving as club officers are all great examples of providing opportunities for developing responsibility. Each new 4-H year brings the opportunity to set new project goals for learning. These are all important life skills!7)Opportunities for skill building – Youth need to develop physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional, and social skills as they grow and develop. 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop these skills, skills that support a young person into adulthood and the workplace.One of the hallmarks of 4-H is the nearly forty project areas offered to learn about everything from Arts and Crafts to Woodworking. While youth explore the specific project material, they are also learning communication skills, responsibility, time management, and a sense of belonging.8)Integration of family, school, and community – Youth in 4-H do best when there is a connection to their 4-H experience with their family, school, and community. This is why 4-H programs begin at the local level, in the community where youth can practice their emerging leadership skills as they grow and develop. As a teacher, do you have a 4-H member in your class? Invite them to share about a project! Are you part of a civic organization that would like to know more about what 4-H members are learning? Reach out to them and ask them to present! Your engagement and support help to enrich their 4-H experience and learning opportunities.If you want to have an active part in developing the next generation of community leaders, business owners, and work&nbsp;force&nbsp;– consider volunteering with a youth organization! If often means checking your own attitude and agenda at the door but the results are incredible!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Youth development

The Hays Police Department has identified two of the three suspects on an armed robbery Sunday at the Hays Dollar General at 1208 E. 27th.

Batalova Olatide Senuoke, 38, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated criminal threat, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Bryan Parsley, 42, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery

Both are being held in the Ellis County jail.

The
 third person allegedly involved in this incident has not been arrested at this 
time. This person suffered an injury and remains in the hospital, the HPD said in a news release, noting&nbsp;all suspects are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the court of law. 

The
 case will be referred to the Ellis County Attorney’s Office for 
prosecution.&nbsp;

The Hays Police Department has identified two of the three suspects on an armed robbery Sunday at the Hays Dollar General at 1208 E. 27th.Batalova Olatide Senuoke, 38, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated criminal threat, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.Bryan Parsley, 42, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated robberyBoth are being held in the Ellis County jail.The
 third person allegedly involved in this incident has not been arrested at this 
time. This person suffered an injury and remains in the hospital, the HPD said in a news release, noting&nbsp;all suspects are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the court of law. The
 case will be referred to the Ellis County Attorney’s Office for 
prosecution.&nbsp;

UPDATE: Police identify two suspects in Dollar General armed robbery

Families from Rooks and Barton counties have been named the Kansas Farm Bureau Families of the Year.

Jesse and Anna Luna were the honorees from Rooks County, and Rick and Sharon Hiss were the honorees from Barton County.

The full list of recipients is below.

2022 Farm Family Recipients Chad and Cassondra Basinger –
 Reno County Brance and Natalie Boone&nbsp;–
Greenwood County Dallas and Leah Fuller –&nbsp;&nbsp;Mitchell County Rick and Sharon Hiss&nbsp;–&nbsp;Barton County Garrett and Randee Holaday&nbsp;–&nbsp;Jackson County Garrett and Caley Love&nbsp;–&nbsp;Gray County Jesse and Anna Luna – Rooks County Kent and Rebecca Ott&nbsp;–&nbsp;Sedgwick County Ryan and Ashley Stainbrook&nbsp;–&nbsp;Linn County Lacey and Mark Wray&nbsp;–&nbsp;Franklin County

The 10 Kansas Farm Family of the Year Awards (one per Kansas Farm Bureau district) will be presented at the Kansas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Manhattan, Kan. Honorees will receive special recognition, a commemorative gift and an invite for immediate family to the recognition banquet. 

The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding Farm 
Bureau families who have distinguished themselves through participation 
in Farm Bureau programs and leadership, family activities, community and
 civic service, as well as displaying good farm operation management.

The award is an opportunity to recognize 105 farm families 
(single or extended) at the county level and 10 (one per Kansas Farm Bureau district) 
farm families (single or extended) at the state level. Applicants must 
be actively participating in production agriculture and selected by the 
county Farm Bureau. Current Farm Bureau board members, their families and Farm Bureau 
staff members are not eligible.
      

Each county Farm Bureau is encouraged to annually select a 
deserving family and honor them at the county annual meeting or similar 
event. Each county Farm Bureau may submit their winning family 
application for one of the 10 Kansas Farm Family of the Year awards to 
Kansas Farm Bureau.
      

Each county will receive an attractive Farm Family of the 
Year yard sign to be presented to the winning family at the county 
annual meeting. Counties may also choose to give other recognition items
 at their discretion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575384916134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Farm BureauFamilies from Rooks and Barton counties have been named the Kansas Farm Bureau Families of the Year.Jesse and Anna Luna were the honorees from Rooks County, and Rick and Sharon Hiss were the honorees from Barton County.The full list of recipients is below. 2022 Farm Family Recipients Chad and Cassondra Basinger –
 Reno County Brance and Natalie Boone&nbsp;–
Greenwood County Dallas and Leah Fuller –&nbsp;&nbsp;Mitchell County Rick and Sharon Hiss&nbsp;–&nbsp;Barton County Garrett and Randee Holaday&nbsp;–&nbsp;Jackson County Garrett and Caley Love&nbsp;–&nbsp;Gray County Jesse and Anna Luna – Rooks County Kent and Rebecca Ott&nbsp;–&nbsp;Sedgwick County Ryan and Ashley Stainbrook&nbsp;–&nbsp;Linn County Lacey and Mark Wray&nbsp;–&nbsp;Franklin CountyThe 10 Kansas Farm Family of the Year Awards (one per Kansas Farm Bureau district) will be presented at the Kansas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Manhattan, Kan. Honorees will receive special recognition, a commemorative gift and an invite for immediate family to the recognition banquet. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding Farm 
Bureau families who have distinguished themselves through participation 
in Farm Bureau programs and leadership, family activities, community and
 civic service, as well as displaying good farm operation management.The award is an opportunity to recognize 105 farm families 
(single or extended) at the county level and 10 (one per Kansas Farm Bureau district) 
farm families (single or extended) at the state level. Applicants must 
be actively participating in production agriculture and selected by the 
county Farm Bureau. Current Farm Bureau board members, their families and Farm Bureau 
staff members are not eligible.
 Each county Farm Bureau is encouraged to annually select a 
deserving family and honor them at the county annual meeting or similar 
event. Each county Farm Bureau may submit their winning family 
application for one of the 10 Kansas Farm Family of the Year awards to 
Kansas Farm Bureau.
 Each county will receive an attractive Farm Family of the 
Year yard sign to be presented to the winning family at the county 
annual meeting. Counties may also choose to give other recognition items
 at their discretion.

Rooks Co. family among the KFB's Farm Families of Year

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the impact of continued low unemployment rates across northwest Kansas.

<div><iframe title="Low area unemployment continues to impact economies" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vjr7t-12819ce-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the impact of continued low unemployment rates across northwest Kansas.<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: Low area unemployment continues to impact economies

WICHITA – The Hays Larks have earned an at-large bid into the NBC
World Series which gets underway later this week in Hutchinson. 

The Larks will open with the Austin Shockers at 3 p.m. Thursday
afternoon at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson. 

WICHITA – The Hays Larks have earned an at-large bid into the NBC
World Series which gets underway later this week in Hutchinson. The Larks will open with the Austin Shockers at 3 p.m. Thursday
afternoon at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson. The first three days of the 88th NBC World Series
will be played in Hutchinson at Hobart-Detter Field.The final week of the tournament, Aug. 1 – Aug. 6 will be
played at Eck Stadium in Wichita.The Larks are in pool C with the Austin Shocker (TX), Lonestar
Kraken (TX) and the Seattle Studs (WA).After Thursday’s first pool play game the Larks are scheduled
to play again Saturday and Monday. The times and matchups will be announced later
this week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658755030133.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; You can find a link to the bracket on the&nbsp;<a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/">NBC World Series&nbsp;</a>website or by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-NBCWS-Schedule.pdf">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;