By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The founder of<a href="https://www.rans.com/"> RANS Aircraft</a> of Hays has handed over the reins of the day-to-day operations to a new president.

Randy Schlitter, who founded the company in 1973, stepped down as president on May 10 in favor of Tony Dopita. Schlitter, 68, remains the company's CEO and will continue to direct research and development.

"We needed a definite sign that the company was going to live beyond me," Schlitter said.

RANS started as a bicycle manufacturer and moved into airplanes in 1983. Today, it manufactures both ready-to-fly and kit airplanes in its plant at 4600 U.S. 183 Bypass in Hays. The Hays site, which employs 27, includes a small airstrip.&nbsp;

Dopita, 38, has worked for RANS for 20 years. He came to work for the company right out of high school as a sandblaster. He learned to weld and welded bike frames. He continued to work his way up in the company and was the productions manager when Schlitter tapped him to be the next president of RANS.

Dopita, a native of Plainville, lives in Hays with his wife and two children.

Dopita's love for aviation started early with him flying in RANS aircraft with his dad when he was just a boy.

"Aviation is one of my passions," Dopita said. "It's great to work in an industry that you have always enjoyed anyway."

Dopita said the company is looking for growth but not at a fast pace. The demand is strong for RANS aircraft despite an otherwise shaky U.S. economic outlook.

The company is booked a year out on airplane kits and through the first quarter of 2026 on its ready-to-fly aircraft.

The company has strong demand for the S-21 Outbound, which is a ready-to-fly, as well as a kit, aircraft that was introduced in 2018. It has a useful load of 815 pounds and a cruising speed of 155 mph.

Schlitter said new products are always in the works. Dopita added the company is constantly improving its existing products even when new products are not being launched.

"We're just very confident that Tony will lead the company into a bright future," Schlitter said. "It has already had a positive effect on our buying audience. They see me as the aging founder, and it gives them the security that the company is more than just me."

Although Schlitter said the company has a young and viable staff, Dopita said the company is looking to hire and has capacity to train new employees.

"If you are able-bodied and willing to learn, we can definitely teach the skills that result in building airplanes," Schlitter said. 

"One of the things we do like to point out here is that we are very family oriented. We have a lot of features to our company that make it very attractive to work for us."

Schlitter said he is very appreciative of the Hays community. RANS Hays location in the center of the United States, a half-mile off of Interstate 70, allows the company to service its customers with greater ease.

Although increased international competition has led the company to focus more on domestic sales, RANS has sold planes and plane kits all over the world, Dopita said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660166029725.jpeg" alt="Tony Dopita, 38, of Hays was named the new president of RANS Aircraft on May 10. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Tony Dopita, 38, of Hays was named the new president of RANS Aircraft on May 10. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe founder of<a href="https://www.rans.com/"> RANS Aircraft</a> of Hays has handed over the reins of the day-to-day operations to a new president.Randy Schlitter, who founded the company in 1973, stepped down as president on May 10 in favor of Tony Dopita. Schlitter, 68, remains the company's CEO and will continue to direct research and development."We needed a definite sign that the company was going to live beyond me," Schlitter said.RANS started as a bicycle manufacturer and moved into airplanes in 1983. Today, it manufactures both ready-to-fly and kit airplanes in its plant at 4600 U.S. 183 Bypass in Hays. The Hays site, which employs 27, includes a small airstrip.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660166206662.jpeg" alt="Tony Dopita and his wife, Nicole Dopita flying in a RANS aircraft. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Tony Dopita and his wife, Nicole Dopita flying in a RANS aircraft. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure>Dopita, 38, has worked for RANS for 20 years. He came to work for the company right out of high school as a sandblaster. He learned to weld and welded bike frames. He continued to work his way up in the company and was the productions manager when Schlitter tapped him to be the next president of RANS.Dopita, a native of Plainville, lives in Hays with his wife and two children.Dopita's love for aviation started early with him flying in RANS aircraft with his dad when he was just a boy. "Aviation is one of my passions," Dopita said. "It's great to work in an industry that you have always enjoyed anyway." Dopita said the company is looking for growth but not at a fast pace. The demand is strong for RANS aircraft despite an otherwise shaky U.S. economic outlook.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660166497782.jpeg" alt="RANS aircraft on the production floor at the company's Hays plant. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>RANS aircraft on the production floor at the company's Hays plant. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The company is booked a year out on airplane kits and through the first quarter of 2026 on its ready-to-fly aircraft.The company has strong demand for the S-21 Outbound, which is a ready-to-fly, as well as a kit, aircraft that was introduced in 2018. It has a useful load of 815 pounds and a cruising speed of 155 mph.Schlitter said new products are always in the works. Dopita added the company is constantly improving its existing products even when new products are not being launched."We're just very confident that Tony will lead the company into a bright future," Schlitter said. "It has already had a positive effect on our buying audience. They see me as the aging founder, and it gives them the security that the company is more than just me."Although Schlitter said the company has a young and viable staff, Dopita said the company is looking to hire and has capacity to train new employees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660166575745.jpeg" alt="Tony Dopita's RANS S-20 Raven, which he built. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Tony Dopita's RANS S-20 Raven, which he built. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>"If you are able-bodied and willing to learn, we can definitely teach the skills that result in building airplanes," Schlitter said. "One of the things we do like to point out here is that we are very family oriented. We have a lot of features to our company that make it very attractive to work for us."Schlitter said he is very appreciative of the Hays community. RANS Hays location in the center of the United States, a half-mile off of Interstate 70, allows the company to service its customers with greater ease.Although increased international competition has led the company to focus more on domestic sales, RANS has sold planes and plane kits all over the world, Dopita said.

RANS Aircraft of Hays names new president

Youngsters attending the 24th annual Youth Outdoor Festival in Hays will have the opportunity to win either a lifetime hunting or fishing license.

The festival has always ended with a drawing for prizes, but this is the first year the festival has been able to offer these prizes — thanks to an anonymous donor — said Clint Newell, volunteer.

Pheasants Forever also will be giving away a 20-gauge youth shotgun.

The festival allows youth 17 and younger to experience outdoor sports, including trap, skeet, muzzleloaders, crossbow and compound bow archery, air rifle/BB guns, .22 rifles, a casting competition, paintball target shooting and computerized target shooting.

"We have a pretty good mix for all of the kids at any age," Newell said of the stations.

All equipment and materials will be provided, and the event is free to all youth. 

"It's to get kids outdoors, experiencing various methods of outdoor sport and encourage them to get out, put their phones down and get out and have some fun," Newell said.

The event is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Hays City Sportsman Club, 5810 230th Ave. The club is behind Celebration Community Church. Take exit 157 on Interstate 70, exit north, go 1/4 mile to the sign and turn east.

Last year, there was a detour because of construction. That work has been finished. 

Lunch, sponsored by Vyve Broadband and Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever, will be served free to participants at noon. The prize drawing will be after lunch.

Youth need to be accompanied by an adult, register onsite and have their guardian sign a release.

Newell said the event drew 178 youth last year, but he expects the lack of construction and the forecast for good weather will likely mean higher participation this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629234633800.jpeg" alt="File photo " />
 <figcaption>File photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostYoungsters attending the 24th annual Youth Outdoor Festival in Hays will have the opportunity to win either a lifetime hunting or fishing license.The festival has always ended with a drawing for prizes, but this is the first year the festival has been able to offer these prizes — thanks to an anonymous donor — said Clint Newell, volunteer.Pheasants Forever also will be giving away a 20-gauge youth shotgun. The festival allows youth 17 and younger to experience outdoor sports, including trap, skeet, muzzleloaders, crossbow and compound bow archery, air rifle/BB guns, .22 rifles, a casting competition, paintball target shooting and computerized target shooting."We have a pretty good mix for all of the kids at any age," Newell said of the stations.All equipment and materials will be provided, and the event is free to all youth. "It's to get kids outdoors, experiencing various methods of outdoor sport and encourage them to get out, put their phones down and get out and have some fun," Newell said. The event is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Hays City Sportsman Club, 5810 230th Ave. The club is behind Celebration Community Church. Take exit 157 on Interstate 70, exit north, go 1/4 mile to the sign and turn east.Last year, there was a detour because of construction. That work has been finished. Lunch, sponsored by Vyve Broadband and Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever, will be served free to participants at noon. The prize drawing will be after lunch. Youth need to be accompanied by an adult, register onsite and have their guardian sign a release.Newell said the event drew 178 youth last year, but he expects the lack of construction and the forecast for good weather will likely mean higher participation this year. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660683331564.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Youth Outdoor Festival set for Saturday; event includes prize drawing

Monday's settlement price for September crude on the Nymex was down $2.68 to $89.41 per barrel. Monday's price for Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was down to $79.75 per barrel. That's down more $3.50 from a week earlier and $4.50 lower than at the first of the month. US gasoline prices dipped below four dollars a gallon for the first time since February. The auto club AAA pegs the national average pump price Tuesday (8/16) at $3.94 per gallon. That's down more than a dollar a gallon in the last two months. The average across Kansas is down to $3.53 per gallon.&nbsp; Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir is hoping you can help solve a $10,000 oilfield theft earlier this month. Sheriff Bellendir says 100 joints of oil well tubing were stolen from a lease near Hitschman, Kansas on August 4th. If you can help, call Crimestoppers at 888-305-1300.&nbsp; Operators (Friday) were drilling on two leases in Ellis County and were about to spud a new well in Stafford County. So far this year, 197 operators in Kansas have spudded 888 wells, an increase of 60% over a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is currently scouting 442 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. The Rig Count in eastern Kansas was unchanged at 25 rigs, while the count west of Wichita was 35 active rigs, up two for the week.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reports 763 active drilling rigs across the US, marking an increase of three oil rigs. The count in Texas was down one while Oklahoma was up one from a week ago. Kansas regulators okayed 35 new drilling locations last week, with 14 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton, Russell and Stafford counties. There are 1,001 new drilling permits across the state so far this year, compared to 605 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 37 newly-completed wells across Kansas last week, 15 of them in the eastern half of the state, and 22 west of Wichita, including two in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 973 wells across the state so far this year compared to 492 wells by this time last year. Domestic crude inventories rose by 5.5 million barrels last week to 432 million barrels. That's about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by five million barrels and are about six percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government said crude imports in the US last week were down 1.2 million barrels per day. Four-week average imports are down slightly from last year. US crude-oil production last week topped 12 million barrels per day for the 8th week in a row.&nbsp; EIA reports output of 12.233 million barrels per day for the week through August 5th, an increase of nearly 100,000 barrels per day from the week before. Oil-by-rail traffic in the US was down slightly last week to 9,681 tanker carloads. The Association of American Railroads reports US shipments are down five percent from a year ago. Oil-by-rail cargoes were also down slightly in Canada. Devon Energy will pay nearly two billion dollars to acquire Validus Energy. The purchase will dramatically expand its footprint in the Eagle Ford Shale play in South Texas. The $1.8 billion deal involves about 35,000 barrels per day in current production from about 42,000 net acres adjacent to Devon's current leasehold in the Eagle Ford. A class-action lawsuit brought against four energy companies in the aftermath of Oklahoma's largest-ever earthquake could soon bear fruit. One of the defendant-companies has agreed to pay $850,000 to the plaintiffs to settle its portion of the lawsuit. Eagle Road denies allegations that it played a role in the quakes. The offer from the wastewater disposal well operator is on the docket for a fairness hearing next month. Litigation will continue against three other firms. The suit was filed in November 2016 after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Pawnee and a 5.0 quake struck near Cushing — both of which caused significant damage to homes and buildings.

By JOHN P. TRETBARMonday's settlement price for September crude on the Nymex was down $2.68 to $89.41 per barrel. Monday's price for Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was down to $79.75 per barrel. That's down more $3.50 from a week earlier and $4.50 lower than at the first of the month. US gasoline prices dipped below four dollars a gallon for the first time since February. The auto club AAA pegs the national average pump price Tuesday (8/16) at $3.94 per gallon. That's down more than a dollar a gallon in the last two months. The average across Kansas is down to $3.53 per gallon.&nbsp; Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir is hoping you can help solve a $10,000 oilfield theft earlier this month. Sheriff Bellendir says 100 joints of oil well tubing were stolen from a lease near Hitschman, Kansas on August 4th. If you can help, call Crimestoppers at 888-305-1300.&nbsp; Operators (Friday) were drilling on two leases in Ellis County and were about to spud a new well in Stafford County. So far this year, 197 operators in Kansas have spudded 888 wells, an increase of 60% over a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is currently scouting 442 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. The Rig Count in eastern Kansas was unchanged at 25 rigs, while the count west of Wichita was 35 active rigs, up two for the week.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reports 763 active drilling rigs across the US, marking an increase of three oil rigs. The count in Texas was down one while Oklahoma was up one from a week ago. Kansas regulators okayed 35 new drilling locations last week, with 14 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton, Russell and Stafford counties. There are 1,001 new drilling permits across the state so far this year, compared to 605 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 37 newly-completed wells across Kansas last week, 15 of them in the eastern half of the state, and 22 west of Wichita, including two in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 973 wells across the state so far this year compared to 492 wells by this time last year. Domestic crude inventories rose by 5.5 million barrels last week to 432 million barrels. That's about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by five million barrels and are about six percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government said crude imports in the US last week were down 1.2 million barrels per day. Four-week average imports are down slightly from last year. US crude-oil production last week topped 12 million barrels per day for the 8th week in a row.&nbsp; EIA reports output of 12.233 million barrels per day for the week through August 5th, an increase of nearly 100,000 barrels per day from the week before. Oil-by-rail traffic in the US was down slightly last week to 9,681 tanker carloads. The Association of American Railroads reports US shipments are down five percent from a year ago. Oil-by-rail cargoes were also down slightly in Canada. Devon Energy will pay nearly two billion dollars to acquire Validus Energy. The purchase will dramatically expand its footprint in the Eagle Ford Shale play in South Texas. The $1.8 billion deal involves about 35,000 barrels per day in current production from about 42,000 net acres adjacent to Devon's current leasehold in the Eagle Ford. A class-action lawsuit brought against four energy companies in the aftermath of Oklahoma's largest-ever earthquake could soon bear fruit. One of the defendant-companies has agreed to pay $850,000 to the plaintiffs to settle its portion of the lawsuit. Eagle Road denies allegations that it played a role in the quakes. The offer from the wastewater disposal well operator is on the docket for a fairness hearing next month. Litigation will continue against three other firms. The suit was filed in November 2016 after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Pawnee and a 5.0 quake struck near Cushing — both of which caused significant damage to homes and buildings.

News From the Oil Patch: Okla. quake defendant settles class-action suit

Hays High graduate Jaren Kanak was honored recently by USA Today, earning honors for the high school Play of the Year.

Kanak's 61-yard touchdown against Maize made national highlights for the now-Oklahoma Sooner. Watch the play and hear Dustin Armbruster's call above: "What did we just see?!?"

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography">Cover photo by Kim Reel Photography</a>

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Tue Aug 16 2022 11:42:18 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Kanek"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M2S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/dutIjkTo-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/dutIjkTo-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/dutIjkTo-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kanek" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Hays High graduate Jaren Kanak was honored recently by USA Today, earning honors for the high school Play of the Year.Kanak's 61-yard touchdown against Maize made national highlights for the now-Oklahoma Sooner. Watch the play and hear Dustin Armbruster's call above: "What did we just see?!?"<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hays High grad receives the USA TODAY play of the year. I think we remember the run vs Maize! <a href="https://t.co/q5RswcrjX0">https://t.co/q5RswcrjX0</a>&mdash; Hays HS Athletics (@HaysHighAD) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaysHighAD/status/1556817691197022208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography">Cover photo by Kim Reel Photography</a>

🎥 Kanak run earns USA Today Play of the Year honors

<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/2022/8/1660688423247.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher As I was outside with my kids waiting for them to catch their big yellow bus to begin another school year, I was reminded of how all of the back-to-school excitement is similar to the anticipation of fall on the farm. &nbsp; Being that it’s a new school year, the kids are understandably excited to return to school. This has translated to them getting out to their bus stop with plenty of time to spare ensuring they don’t miss the bus and avoiding frantic, last-minute morning chaos. &nbsp; As we get closer to the start of fall harvest, we are also getting out into the fields and testing the moisture of the corn with plenty of time to spare. While some might argue it’s still too early, just like with the kids, we want to make sure we experience a smooth transition into fall harvest with as little unnecessary chaos as possible.&nbsp; &nbsp; In the days leading up to the first day of classes, our school district provided us with a rough estimate of when we should expect the bus to arrive. Although we had a good idea of when to expect the bus, we knew to be ready a little before the expected time while also understanding if it was later.&nbsp; &nbsp; Just like the morning bus, we know fall harvest will get here. We’re not quite sure when exactly that will be; we just have to be ready to go when it’s time. &nbsp; While waiting for their bus, I reminded my two children to be observant as they have the tools needed to identify the bus and know when it’s coming minutes before actually seeing it. If one listens, amid the morning sounds of feed trucks and cattle in the distance, the distinct sound of the bus bouncing down the gravel roads can be heard. &nbsp; As adults, we too have tools to use to help determine when it’s time to harvest. While it might not be our sense of hearing, we do scout fields using our eyes to make observations while also picking and shelling ears of corn before testing for moisture. If we look, the distinct signs of a field that’s ready for harvest can be seen. &nbsp; Once on the morning bus, I watched the silhouettes of my two little ones cautiously walk down the aisle before committing and settling into their seats for the duration of their morning ride. I know both my son and daughter prefer to sit up near the front of the bus to avoid negative results like getting car sick or getting themselves into trouble. &nbsp; We will also be intentional in our field selections prior to committing the machines to a field as we want to make sure our decisions will not cause negative results like dockage once our grain is delivered to the elevator. &nbsp; As the bus slowly moved forward, I scanned the bus windows to see if I could spot any other morning riders. With the sun rising behind the bus, it appeared my two were the first ones on. The saying “first ones on, last ones off” has been true given our location within the school district’s boundaries and bus route. Being first on and last off the bus can make for some long and tiring days for my little kiddos.&nbsp; &nbsp; And just like the bus rides, fall harvest will also bring some exhausting days as expected. In either case, we know that at the end of these long days, whether we’re riding a school bus or driving a combine, we’ll all return and find comfort (and snacks) at home.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher As I was outside with my kids waiting for them to catch their big yellow bus to begin another school year, I was reminded of how all of the back-to-school excitement is similar to the anticipation of fall on the farm. &nbsp; Being that it’s a new school year, the kids are understandably excited to return to school. This has translated to them getting out to their bus stop with plenty of time to spare ensuring they don’t miss the bus and avoiding frantic, last-minute morning chaos. &nbsp; As we get closer to the start of fall harvest, we are also getting out into the fields and testing the moisture of the corn with plenty of time to spare. While some might argue it’s still too early, just like with the kids, we want to make sure we experience a smooth transition into fall harvest with as little unnecessary chaos as possible.&nbsp; &nbsp; In the days leading up to the first day of classes, our school district provided us with a rough estimate of when we should expect the bus to arrive. Although we had a good idea of when to expect the bus, we knew to be ready a little before the expected time while also understanding if it was later.&nbsp; &nbsp; Just like the morning bus, we know fall harvest will get here. We’re not quite sure when exactly that will be; we just have to be ready to go when it’s time. &nbsp; While waiting for their bus, I reminded my two children to be observant as they have the tools needed to identify the bus and know when it’s coming minutes before actually seeing it. If one listens, amid the morning sounds of feed trucks and cattle in the distance, the distinct sound of the bus bouncing down the gravel roads can be heard. &nbsp; As adults, we too have tools to use to help determine when it’s time to harvest. While it might not be our sense of hearing, we do scout fields using our eyes to make observations while also picking and shelling ears of corn before testing for moisture. If we look, the distinct signs of a field that’s ready for harvest can be seen. &nbsp; Once on the morning bus, I watched the silhouettes of my two little ones cautiously walk down the aisle before committing and settling into their seats for the duration of their morning ride. I know both my son and daughter prefer to sit up near the front of the bus to avoid negative results like getting car sick or getting themselves into trouble. &nbsp; We will also be intentional in our field selections prior to committing the machines to a field as we want to make sure our decisions will not cause negative results like dockage once our grain is delivered to the elevator. &nbsp; As the bus slowly moved forward, I scanned the bus windows to see if I could spot any other morning riders. With the sun rising behind the bus, it appeared my two were the first ones on. The saying “first ones on, last ones off” has been true given our location within the school district’s boundaries and bus route. Being first on and last off the bus can make for some long and tiring days for my little kiddos.&nbsp; &nbsp; And just like the bus rides, fall harvest will also bring some exhausting days as expected. In either case, we know that at the end of these long days, whether we’re riding a school bus or driving a combine, we’ll all return and find comfort (and snacks) at home."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Bus rides and harvest

Thank you to these sponsors for making a difference! The Ellis Junior Free Fair was a wonderful success!&nbsp;

Farm Bureau Financial Services-Jason Pfeifer	

Farmland Auction and Realty  Co., Inc. -Hays  	

Hays Veterinary Hospital Prof. Assoc. -Hays  	

Leon’s Welding and Fabrication LLC     	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660581110169.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thank you to these sponsors for making a difference! The Ellis Junior Free Fair was a wonderful success!&nbsp;A&amp;A Coors-Hays	Agiliti Health	A.J and Linda Pfannenstiel	Advantage Glass Plus of Hays, Inc. 	American Family-Curt Staab	Arthur's Pizza &amp; Mexican Foods	Bank of Hays	Big Creek Restoration, LLC 	Big Creek Supply	Bittel-Haas Construction	Brian and Amanda Shannon	Builtwell Construction and Roofing, LLC	Casey's 	CCW Farms-Wade Pfannenstiel	Christ Lutheran Church	Chubbs BBQ	Clint &amp; Kevin Urban	Cottage Lane Pumpkin Patch	Daren Fischer	Danny Keller 	David and LuAnn Pfeifer	David and Twila Wilson	Davon Armbrister	Dennis &amp; Rhonda Wolf	Downing-Nelson Oil Co. , Inc 	Dreiling Field Service and Towing	Duane &amp; Karen Dorzweiler	Eck &amp; Eck Construction 	EHS Cheerleaders	Eldon &amp; Charlotte Pfeifer 	Elite Pipe Testing, Inc. 	Ellis County Fair Board	Ellis County Concrete	Ellis Credit Union 	Ellis High School Alumni	Ellis Nutrition	Ellis Recreation Commission	Ellis Review (Main Street Media)	Ellis Volunteer Fire Dept.	Equity Bank 	Farm Bureau Financial Services-Jason Pfeifer	Farmland Auction and Realty Co., Inc. -Hays 	Finish Line Lease Service, LLC	Fischer Pipe Testing	Fischer Well Service 	Flatlander Dirt Works LLC	Frozen Frog	GD Farms 	Glenn Kohl	Golden B Hydra Drilling LLC 	Golden Belt Bank 	Golden Belt Cooperative Assoc. Inc. 	Golden Belt Telephone Assoc. 	Hays Medical Center	Hays Veterinary Hospital Prof. Assoc. -Hays 	Heartland Tank	Hess Services	High Plains Farm Credit	Honas Tank Service	Horizon Pipe Testing 	I-70 Truck Repair-Hays	In Memory of Lisa Pfannenstiel	Innovative Automation &amp; Controls 	Invenenergy	J.P. Farms 	J and D Pump and Supply	Jean Devader	Jeff and Emily Kohl	Jim and Becky Metzler	Keithley Funeral Home	Keller Brothers INC.	Kent and Shelly Hensley	Knights of Columbus-Reed Agency	Lane Smith	Lang Diesel	Leon’s Welding and Fabrication LLC 	LG Machine 	Lifetime Dental Care	LJB Farms, LLC	Louie's Bar and Grill	Lyle &amp; Lynelle Gottschalk	Mark and Lisa Weber	Micheael J. Bieker	Mike Schuster Family	Mike's Septic, LLC	Miracle Ear	Monique Williams	Nutrien	Pfeifer Farms	Pfeifer Show Pigs	Radke Implement-Hays	Rich’s IGA 	Romme Insurance Agency 	Rupp Blinds	Rylee Werth	Salon 816 	Sandy Waldschmidt	Shelter Insurance-Tim Kohlrus	Shelter Insurance-Todd Keller	Simpson Farm Enterprises-Hays	Swede &amp; Jenni Holmgren	Swift Services, Inc. 	Tim Kinderknecht	Tom and Marcy McClelland	Trio Hometown Supply	TWI Insurance Services	Twila Large	Ultimate Well Service-Terry Gaschler	Verlin and Donna Honas	Vyve Broadband	Wade and Sharon Pfannenstiel	Weber Well Pumping	Wolf Memorial	Zimmerman Farms

KWEC inviting kids to get WILD for treasure hunt at Bottoms

The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued a statement Tuesday after contacting the Hays USD 489 school board regarding <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/232ef2ef-ffa2-4666-9afa-3fe0993b01bb">its ban on satanic symbolism on clothing.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/24c6b81b-04e0-4505-baea-4a1de45f026a">The school board reversed its decision in a special meeting last week.</a>

Click <a href="https://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/41401-ffrf-prompts-kan-school-board-to-repeal-discriminatory-dress-code">HERE</a> to read the statement.

On Aug. 11, the foundation issued<a href="https://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/41389-kan-school-district-s-satanic-clothing-prohibition-infringes-free-speech-asserts-ffrf"> this statement.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660683658961.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued a statement Tuesday after contacting the Hays USD 489 school board regarding <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/232ef2ef-ffa2-4666-9afa-3fe0993b01bb">its ban on satanic symbolism on clothing.&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/24c6b81b-04e0-4505-baea-4a1de45f026a">The school board reversed its decision in a special meeting last week.</a>Click <a href="https://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/41401-ffrf-prompts-kan-school-board-to-repeal-discriminatory-dress-code">HERE</a> to read the statement.On Aug. 11, the foundation issued<a href="https://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/41389-kan-school-district-s-satanic-clothing-prohibition-infringes-free-speech-asserts-ffrf"> this statement.&nbsp;</a>

Freedom From Religion Foundation on Hays dress code decision

On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian's Kim Stoecklein and Joe Roth Share details of the upcoming Back 2 School Bash.

<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="Hays Catholic schools kick off year with Back 2 School Bash" 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=yv66v-129daa8-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 Thomas More Prep-Marian's Kim Stoecklein and Joe Roth Share details of the upcoming Back 2 School Bash. <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: Hays Catholic schools kick off year with Back 2 School Bash

Cooler temperatures will stick around into the weekend, the National Weather Service in Dodge City predicts.

After a high of 106 degrees Monday afternoon, a cold front swept into the area, bringing with it 0.34 inches of rain. There is a chance of additional precipitation before 3 p.m. Tuesday and again between 3 and 4 p.m. Tuesday, the NWS said.&nbsp;

Highs will be below 90 degrees through the remainder of the week, with overnight lows dropping to the mid-50s.

A chance of rain returns this weekend, with a 20 percent to 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms early Saturday morning through Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660662239651.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cooler temperatures will stick around into the weekend, the National Weather Service in Dodge City predicts.After a high of 106 degrees Monday afternoon, a cold front swept into the area, bringing with it 0.34 inches of rain. There is a chance of additional precipitation before 3 p.m. Tuesday and again between 3 and 4 p.m. Tuesday, the NWS said.&nbsp;Highs will be below 90 degrees through the remainder of the week, with overnight lows dropping to the mid-50s.A chance of rain returns this weekend, with a 20 percent to 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms early Saturday morning through Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Cooler weather is set to arrive and stay for a while. Have we seen our last 100 degree day until 2023? <a href="https://t.co/E5NQpj99ju">pic.twitter.com/E5NQpj99ju</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1559364384698183681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Cooler weather will hang around after cold front enters NW Kan.

ANDOVER&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz have announced 11 Expansion and Modernization highway projects, including Ellis, Sheridan and Osborne counties, – a total investment of more than $520 million – have been committed to construction as part of the Kelly Administration’s bipartisan transportation plan, IKE.&nbsp;

“Expanding and modernizing our highways will improve roadway safety, create good jobs, and deliver more economic opportunities across Kansas, both now and in the future,” said Governor Kelly. “These 11 projects demonstrate that investing in transportation benefits our communities, taxpayers, and businesses.” &nbsp;

Combined with the first round of IKE Construction Pipeline projects, the Kelly Administration to date has committed to construction nearly $1.3 billion for highway modernization and expansion projects.&nbsp;

After hosting a series of local consult meetings in 2019 and 2021, Kansas Department of Transportation staff worked with community leaders to help identify regional transportation priorities and determine cost-effective ways to deliver them.&nbsp;

Secretary Lorenz said KDOT is fully committed to the announced projects and noted the importance of watching inflationary prices and being flexible in scheduling.&nbsp;

“We need to balance the short-term urgency to address as many needs as possible with long term responsibility of making sure we’re good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars,” said Secretary Lorenz. “Today’s announcement helps us meet that balance.”&nbsp;

Projects were announced in the City of Andover, where less than four months ago the community was ravaged by an EF-3 tornado. The community stands to benefit from the largest of the announced construction projects, improvements on East Kellogg (U.S. 54/400) from the K-96 interchange east to the 159th&nbsp;Street interchange.&nbsp; The $230 million project was identified as the highest priority project in south central Kansas local consult discussions.&nbsp;

Also selected for the IKE Construction Pipeline is the widening from two lanes to four along a seven-mile stretch of K-10 in Douglas County from north of the K-10/U.S. 40 junction south and east to the K-10/U.S. 59/Iowa Street junction. This $124 million South Lawrence Trafficway project is the first of two construction projects in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Kelly highlighted the balance of urban and rural projects included in the pipeline announcements. Construction projects were also announced in Ellis, Geary, Franklin, Miami, Morris, Osborne, Saline, Sheridan, and Wabaunsee counties.&nbsp;

KDOT has also kept its promise to let to construction one phase of all T-WORKS projects before construction begins on highway improvement projects. Consistent with IKE’s goals of community participation, each community is participating in a cost-share approach for the expansion projects.&nbsp;

To see more information on these projects and other details, visit KDOT’s IKE webpage <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MTUuNjIyODc2MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rc2RvdGlrZS5vcmcvIn0.GUCaIisS5b4lhDH9G60HduUjPEnyEbel-DY3Do_IfXY/s/1303161001/br/142599558307-l" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630526008903.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov.ANDOVER&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz have announced 11 Expansion and Modernization highway projects, including Ellis, Sheridan and Osborne counties, – a total investment of more than $520 million – have been committed to construction as part of the Kelly Administration’s bipartisan transportation plan, IKE.&nbsp;“Expanding and modernizing our highways will improve roadway safety, create good jobs, and deliver more economic opportunities across Kansas, both now and in the future,” said Governor Kelly. “These 11 projects demonstrate that investing in transportation benefits our communities, taxpayers, and businesses.” &nbsp;Combined with the first round of IKE Construction Pipeline projects, the Kelly Administration to date has committed to construction nearly $1.3 billion for highway modernization and expansion projects.&nbsp;After hosting a series of local consult meetings in 2019 and 2021, Kansas Department of Transportation staff worked with community leaders to help identify regional transportation priorities and determine cost-effective ways to deliver them.&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said KDOT is fully committed to the announced projects and noted the importance of watching inflationary prices and being flexible in scheduling.&nbsp;“We need to balance the short-term urgency to address as many needs as possible with long term responsibility of making sure we’re good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars,” said Secretary Lorenz. “Today’s announcement helps us meet that balance.”&nbsp;Projects were announced in the City of Andover, where less than four months ago the community was ravaged by an EF-3 tornado. The community stands to benefit from the largest of the announced construction projects, improvements on East Kellogg (U.S. 54/400) from the K-96 interchange east to the 159th&nbsp;Street interchange.&nbsp; The $230 million project was identified as the highest priority project in south central Kansas local consult discussions.&nbsp;Also selected for the IKE Construction Pipeline is the widening from two lanes to four along a seven-mile stretch of K-10 in Douglas County from north of the K-10/U.S. 40 junction south and east to the K-10/U.S. 59/Iowa Street junction. This $124 million South Lawrence Trafficway project is the first of two construction projects in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Governor Kelly highlighted the balance of urban and rural projects included in the pipeline announcements. Construction projects were also announced in Ellis, Geary, Franklin, Miami, Morris, Osborne, Saline, Sheridan, and Wabaunsee counties.&nbsp;KDOT has also kept its promise to let to construction one phase of all T-WORKS projects before construction begins on highway improvement projects. Consistent with IKE’s goals of community participation, each community is participating in a cost-share approach for the expansion projects.&nbsp;To see more information on these projects and other details, visit KDOT’s IKE webpage <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA4MTUuNjIyODc2MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rc2RvdGlrZS5vcmcvIn0.GUCaIisS5b4lhDH9G60HduUjPEnyEbel-DY3Do_IfXY/s/1303161001/br/142599558307-l" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660642538328.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660642641438.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660642693661.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

NW Kansas road projects added to KDOT's to-do list

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A former Fort Hays State University All-American wrestler
will spend more than five and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to a
pair of aggravated battery charges earlier this year.

Last Monday, Efe Osaghae, St. Louis, was sentenced to a total
68 months in prison after pleading guilty to the two charges in April. He was
sentenced to 34 months for each charge with to run consecutively for the total
of 68 months in prison. 

He will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years and
he will be subject to lifetime post-release supervision.

According to court documents, the two charges stem from
incidents that occurred in December 2019. 

Documents said he entered the room of a 19-year-old woman on campus and assaulted
her. During the investigation, the second assault was discovered.

Osaghae, who was also a former member of Fort Hays State
men’s soccer team, initially was charged with five felony counts including rape
and aggravated criminal sodomy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600434512769.png" alt="Osaghae / Ellis County photo" />
 <figcaption>Osaghae / Ellis County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA former Fort Hays State University All-American wrestler
will spend more than five and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to a
pair of aggravated battery charges earlier this year.Last Monday, Efe Osaghae, St. Louis, was sentenced to a total
68 months in prison after pleading guilty to the two charges in April. He was
sentenced to 34 months for each charge with to run consecutively for the total
of 68 months in prison. He will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years and
he will be subject to lifetime post-release supervision.According to court documents, the two charges stem from
incidents that occurred in December 2019. Documents said he entered the room of a 19-year-old woman on campus and assaulted
her. During the investigation, the second assault was discovered.Osaghae, who was also a former member of Fort Hays State
men’s soccer team, initially was charged with five felony counts including rape
and aggravated criminal sodomy.

Former FHSU athlete sentenced to more than five years for sex crimes

North Central Regional Planning Commission

BELOIT&nbsp;— A 
new program that seeks to attract new residents to move to north-central
 Kansas is now available in Cloud, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell,
 Ottawa, Republic and Saline counties. &nbsp;

The pilot project 
known as the "North Central Kansas Regional Relocation Program" seeks to
 make home ownership more affordable for those relocating to the region 
by reducing the barriers of down payments and closing costs. It offers a
 combination of a 0% down payment assistance loan of $10,000 and closing
 cost grant of $2,500 when purchasing a home of $50,000 of greater.&nbsp; 
Eligible home purchase types include existing homes, existing homes with
 planned/financed upgrades totaling $50,000 or greater, manufactured 
homes including lot and infrastructure, or new construction. Funds are 
limited and available on a first come, first served basis. The program 
officially launched August 15, 2022.

An award from the 
Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan assisted in funding the program, 
along with a donation from NCK Housing Opportunities, Inc. North Central
 Regional Planning Commission in Beloit is administering the program. 
NCK Housing Opportunities, Inc. is an affiliate of the North Central 
Regional Planning Commission.

“This initiative would not be possible without the generous 
assistance from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the tremendous support
 we have received from area banks and economic development groups,” 
Program Manager Debra Peters said.

Program eligibility 
includes relocating to an eligible county in north-central Kansas within
 18 months of the request. Additionally, the primary bank loan must be 
provided by a bank having a physical location in the North Central 
Regional Planning Commission 12-county service area.

“We are 
pleased to bring this program to north-central Kansas,” Peters said. “It
 offers new residents up to 18 months to experience all the region has 
to offer before staking roots here.”

Results of the pilot program will be used to develop a permanent regional relocation program in 2024.

For more information about the program, contact your local bank or realtor or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncrpc.org/nckregionalrelocationincentive/" target="_blank">www.ncrpc.org/nckregionalrelocationincentive</a>.

About North Central Regional Planning Commission The
 North Central Regional Planning Commission is committed to advancing 
rural Kansas through comprehensive planning and development services. 
Its primary service area includes 12 counties and 83 cities in 
north-central Kansas. For more information about the NCRPC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncrpc.org/" target="_blank">www.ncrpc.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648424661939.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Central Regional Planning CommissionBELOIT&nbsp;— A 
new program that seeks to attract new residents to move to north-central
 Kansas is now available in Cloud, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell,
 Ottawa, Republic and Saline counties. &nbsp; The pilot project 
known as the "North Central Kansas Regional Relocation Program" seeks to
 make home ownership more affordable for those relocating to the region 
by reducing the barriers of down payments and closing costs. It offers a
 combination of a 0% down payment assistance loan of $10,000 and closing
 cost grant of $2,500 when purchasing a home of $50,000 of greater.&nbsp; 
Eligible home purchase types include existing homes, existing homes with
 planned/financed upgrades totaling $50,000 or greater, manufactured 
homes including lot and infrastructure, or new construction. Funds are 
limited and available on a first come, first served basis. The program 
officially launched August 15, 2022.An award from the 
Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan assisted in funding the program, 
along with a donation from NCK Housing Opportunities, Inc. North Central
 Regional Planning Commission in Beloit is administering the program. 
NCK Housing Opportunities, Inc. is an affiliate of the North Central 
Regional Planning Commission.“This initiative would not be possible without the generous 
assistance from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the tremendous support
 we have received from area banks and economic development groups,” 
Program Manager Debra Peters said. Program eligibility 
includes relocating to an eligible county in north-central Kansas within
 18 months of the request. Additionally, the primary bank loan must be 
provided by a bank having a physical location in the North Central 
Regional Planning Commission 12-county service area. “We are 
pleased to bring this program to north-central Kansas,” Peters said. “It
 offers new residents up to 18 months to experience all the region has 
to offer before staking roots here.”Results of the pilot program will be used to develop a permanent regional relocation program in 2024.For more information about the program, contact your local bank or realtor or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncrpc.org/nckregionalrelocationincentive/" target="_blank">www.ncrpc.org/nckregionalrelocationincentive</a>.About North Central Regional Planning Commission The
 North Central Regional Planning Commission is committed to advancing 
rural Kansas through comprehensive planning and development services. 
Its primary service area includes 12 counties and 83 cities in 
north-central Kansas. For more information about the NCRPC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncrpc.org/" target="_blank">www.ncrpc.org</a>.

Hansen helps fund relocation program in north-central Kansas

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-08-08/western-kansas-was-hells-aquarium-80-million-years-ago-heres-what-it-can-teach-us-today">Kansas News Service</a>

CASTLE ROCK BADLANDS — How do you save sea turtles from climate change? Maybe start by digging around in the arid badlands of western Kansas.

Eighty million years ago, this dry, desolate landscape was completely covered by water, teeming with exotic forms of life.

And
 the remnants of that life — embedded in the region’s rocky outcrops — 
have made western Kansas a magnet for generations of scientists studying
 long-gone oceans.

A lot has to go right for any fossil to last 80 million years. 

Scientists estimate they’ve only found fossilized evidence of <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180215-how-does-fossilisation-happen" target="_blank">less than 1%</a>
 of all the species that have ever lived. And most layers of sediments 
that settled to the bottom of prehistoric oceans are still underwater 
today.

So without the discoveries made possible by the badlands of
 western Kansas, the world might never have the chance to learn about 
the ecosystems that thrived beneath the ancient waves.

“If we 
didn't have these sediments,” Fort Hays State University paleontologist 
Laura Wilson said, “we would just be looking at the dinosaurs on land. 
And that’s only half the picture.”

Western Kansas might hold clues for the future of ocean life, too.

Wilson is the chief curator at the <a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Sternberg Museum of Natural History</a>
 in Hays and studies how prehistoric sea turtles grew and evolved on a 
greenhouse planet hotter than the one we know today. Her studies of 
Kansas fossils could inform conservationists about how modern turtles 
might adapt to a warming climate.

“(Scientists are) looking to see
 what allowed animals to survive huge environmental disruptions,” Wilson
 said, “and what that could mean for biodiversity on the planet going 
forward.”

In the Cretaceous Period — it ran from about <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/Cretaceous-Period" target="_blank">145 million years ago to 66 million years ago</a>
 — western Kansas sat beneath the waves of the Western Interior Seaway, a
 body of water hundreds of miles wide that split North America in half 
from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

Back then, sea 
monsters patrolled these waters. Bus-length reptiles with razor-sharp 
teeth. Giant, carnivorous fish. Clams the size of car hoods.

“My favorite description I’ve heard of the Western Interior Seaway,” Wilson said, “is ‘hell’s aquarium.’”

Wilson’s research on ancient sea turtles marks just the latest 
chapter in a surprisingly rich tradition of discovery in western Kansas 
that dates back to the late 1800s and has shaped our understanding of 
prehistoric ocean life.

From swimming mosasaurs to flying pteranodons — the two <a href="https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/state-fossils/18626" target="_blank">state fossils</a>
 of Kansas — some of America’s biggest early paleontological discoveries
 happened on these plains. Specimens from these chalk beds now grace the
 halls of the world’s premier museums, from New York to London to 
Germany.

“I consider western Kansas the birthplace of American 
paleontology,” Wilson said. “Western Kansas made an impact on 
paleontology around the globe.”

This particular corner of Kansas rose to international fame <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEUKTJctyO4" target="_blank">70 years ago</a> this summer, thanks to pioneering Hays-based paleontologist <a href="https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/george-f-sternberg/17251" target="_blank">George F. Sternberg</a>, whose family is the museum’s namesake.

That’s when he dug up a 14-foot-long fish with a perfectly intact 
eight-foot-long fish in its belly, meaning it swallowed the colossal 
prey whole right before it died. Their intertwined skeletons are so 
large that they wouldn’t fit in Sternberg’s truck and had to be sawed in
 half.

The specimen is now known far and wide as the <a href="https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/3035" target="_blank">fish-within-a-fish</a>. Images of the famous fossil adorn billboards, t-shirts, even the can of a <a href="https://www.hdnews.net/2022/06/06/sternberg-museum-defiance-release-gillicus-island-brew/" target="_blank">new beer from the local brewery</a>.

And today, this wall-length double-fish spectacle greets visitors as they step into the Sternberg Museum.

“This
 is the most photographed fossil in our collection by a longshot,” 
collections manager Aly Baumgartner said. “Everybody takes their picture
 with this.”

But giant monster skeletons like this one make up only a small fraction of all the fossils found here.

In
 the museum basement, Baumgartner slides open drawer after drawer of 
specimens — from iridescent ammonite shells to dainty pterosaur wings to
 mosasaur teeth shaped like ping pong balls that were used for crunching
 up oysters.

In all, this collection is home to more than 20,000 fossils. And that’s what continues to draw the world’s scientists here.

On the other side of the room, Japanese researcher Mori Chida holds 
up a fossilized fish jaw and compares it with a scanned image on her 
laptop of another jaw.

Chida traveled to Hays from the University 
of Alberta in Canada specifically to study the abundance of fish fossils
 in this building. Nowhere else has this many well-preserved fossils, 
she said, so it’s well worth the trip.

“That is not common in the other places in the world,” Chida said. “That’s why here is special.”

So what makes western Kansas such a paleontological marvel?

To 
dig up the bottom of most prehistoric oceans, scientists would have to 
dive to the depths of the Pacific or the Atlantic. But in Kansas, stuff 
that used to cover the seafloor lingers in the crust of the prairies. 
That makes it easy for scientists to get to.

Also, 
80-million-year-old marine fossils tend to be extremely fragile. Think 
of the thin bones of today’s fish. Or the hollow bones that enabled 
pteranodons to soar over the ancient seas even though they had wingspans
 the size of Uhaul trucks.

Western Kansas is one of few places on 
Earth where the rock encasing those bones is actually more delicate than
 the bones themselves. These badlands are made of soft chalk, so 
scientists can brush it away without wrecking the fragile skeletons 
inside.

At a counter across from the fish-within-a-fish display, Baumgartner 
greets a wide-eyed young visitor who walks over to watch a Fort Hays 
State student in a lab coat gently scrape chalk from a mosasaur vertebra
 with a bamboo skewer. His parents are surprised to learn this sea 
monster came from the western Kansas county they just drove through on 
their way to the museum.

Time and time again, Baumgartner said, 
Kansans find it hard to believe that this often-overlooked part of the 
world plays such a pivotal role in the chronicles of scientific 
discovery. That makes it all the more gratifying when she gets to tell 
them.

“It’s fun to tell people from Kansas how important this is 
because we are often the butt of jokes, and it shouldn’t be the case,” 
Baumgartner said. “The history of Kansas includes sea monsters. How cool
 is that?”

A lot has changed since George Sternberg unearthed his fish-within-a-fish masterpiece.

Modern trucks have grown big enough to carry a 14-foot fish. New technology can make <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sternberg.museum/posts/pfbid0sEcJ8NaLpzkgs4PqHppapusYrYQnUnh7ehJGYvkecYQoawek2UG3Tv7Z3rDP9i6yl" target="_blank">three-dimensional scans</a> of a fossil with lasers and electronically share those detailed images with researchers around the globe.

And
 the philosophy of paleontology, Baumgartner said, has shifted away from
 prioritizing showmanship — making the prettiest fossils for display — 
to prioritizing preservation and ensuring that future generations have 
the chance to discover new things about mounted fossils that today’s 
scientists might have missed.

But one thing that hasn’t changed all that much? The actual work of finding and excavating fossils.

Paleontologists
 continue to rely on a lot of the same tools that Sternberg would have 
used in the field 70 years ago — often repurposed household items like 
paint scrapers, dental picks and brushes.

And making a new discovery in the western Kansas chalk beds still requires a lot of staring down at the ground.

One morning at the Castle Rock badlands, paleobiologist David 
Levering leads a group from Fort Hays State through the towering pillars
 of white and golden rock.

Each member of the party fans out, 
slowly and methodically making their way up a draw toward the top of a 
ridge. One square foot at a time, they squat down to sift through the 
rubble, looking for any small sign of the creatures that once swam here.

“There’s
 fragments of them all over the place,” Levering said. “I can see maybe 
seven at your feet right now where I'm standing.”

Out here, those signs of ancient life are everywhere.

But spotting a pea-sized fossil fragment in a sea of broken chalk takes resolve. And patience.

Program
 assistant Katie Gatlin brushes her hand across a small pile of rocks 
that have collected on the uphill side of a sagebrush. That’s a good 
place to start, she said, because it’s where pieces of these fragile 
chalk formations end up when the rain washes them down.

“If I don't see anything,” Gatlin said,
 “I'll stand up and then take one or two steps forward and just do the 
same thing. Over and over again.”

Being a paleontologist more 
often involves small incremental discoveries than earth-shattering 
revelations. But those incremental discoveries add up — especially when 
scientists across the globe can share their research with each other — 
like putting together a giant puzzle one tiny piece at a time.

By the end of the morning, Levering’s group had examined dozens of 
clam pieces, some fish bones and a few shark teeth. One still looks 
sharp, a glistening black arrow rooted in the white chalk.

Each 
little puzzle piece marks another small step toward understanding life 
in this dried-up sea — and maybe another step toward building more 
Kansas pride in the watery world that once called this place home.

“Kansas
 has a lot of appreciation for the modern prairie,” Levering said. “The 
seaway is worthy of a similar level of respect and … celebration.”

Chuck Bonner knows the triumphs and travails of western Kansas fossil hunting all too well.

About an hour west of Castle Rock, Bonner flips through photos from decades of family fossil expeditions inside <a href="https://www.keystonegallery.com/" target="_blank">Keystone Gallery</a>,
 the 1916 stone church that he and his wife, Barbara, turned into a DIY 
fossil museum that their brochures tout as “conveniently located in the 
middle of nowhere.”

There’s a picture that shows his father and 
brother digging out the skull of a long-necked marine reptile called a 
plesiosaur. Another shows him and his son excavating a skeleton that’s 
now at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles.

On the wall hangs a childhood portrait of his older sister at a 
family fossil hunt. She’s holding up a white cloth to shade her head 
from the sun.

“That’s my diaper,” Bonner said. “So that's how long I’ve been in the fossil bed. … I was just born into it.”

As
 a kid, Bonner remembers seeing his dad — who was a friend and 
collaborator of George Sternberg’s — assemble plesiosaur skeletons on 
the family’s dining room table.

To remove minerals from the fossils, sometimes his dad would heat them up in their oven.

“It was a joke that we were going to have plesiosaur for supper,” Bonner said. “But it didn’t ever go that far.”

Fossils the Bonner family have discovered are now part of prestigious
 museum collections from Germany to China. They even had a species of 
pteranodon named after them.

And Bonner has carried on that family
 tradition, excavating hundreds of fossils over the years, all dug up 
within a 30-mile radius of his home in Logan County. The first mosasaur 
he ever found is now at the Field Museum in Chicago — he’s never seen it
 there, but it’s on his bucket list.

For Bonner, fossil hunting isn’t about fame or purely academic study —
 he said he’d rather be out in the field than in a museum basement.

He hunts for the thrill of discovery. To unearth a new clue about a bizarre, bygone era right in his backyard.

And he said that’s what will keep him digging around in the western Kansas badlands for as long as he has the strength to do it.

“People say, ‘What’s your favorite fossil?’” Bonner said. “I say, ‘The next one.’”

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank"> @davidcondos</a>.

80M years ago, western Kansas was 'hell's aquarium' — here's what it can teach us

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660594846581.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 RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

This Kansas business is for the birds – gamebirds, that is. Today we’ll meet a young ruralpreneur who has created a business of raising pheasants and guiding pheasant hunts in his home region of rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week we learned about Bethany Wallin, who founded a physical therapy and fitness center in her community of Courtland. Today we’ll meet her husband and learn about his business.&nbsp;

Clay Wallin and his friend Nathan Lindberg are owners of Heartland Game Birds. Wallin and his wife are from Republic County originally. Clay went to K-State and earned degrees in golf course management and agronomy before he and Bethany were married. He worked in crop seed sales in Kansas and Nebraska. For six years, they lived in Manhattan.&nbsp;

In 2018, Bethany took a position at the hospital in Belleville and they moved to Clay’s hometown of Courtland. Clay became an independent Channel seedsman and raised corn and soybeans.&nbsp;

Clay also joined his boyhood pal Nathan Lindberg and another friend in creating a pheasant business. “We grew up pheasant hunting together,” Wallin said. He remembered the excitement of the beginning of pheasant season. “Opening weekend was better than Christmas for me.”&nbsp;

Because of their location in the heartland of the nation, they named their business Heartland Game Birds. Today, they raise thousands of pheasants, lease many acres of farmground for hunting, provide guided hunts, and have even opened a hunting lodge in Courtland.&nbsp;

“We aim to provide (customers) with the best upland hunting experience the Heartland has to offer,” the website states.&nbsp;

“We raise our own birds,” Wallin said. “This year we’ll raise 11,000 birds, and our goal is to get to 25,000.”&nbsp;

Heartland Game Birds raises and sells birds by contract to others in addition to their own local use. “The guided hunts are growing,” Wallin said. “Our goal is to double the number of hunts each year.”&nbsp;

During busy times, two other individuals help Wallin and Lindberg guide groups of hunters.&nbsp;

In 2020, the business purchased a historic downtown building that had been built in the 1890s. “It was one of the first buildings in Courtland,” Wallin said. They gutted and remodeled the building which has become their hunting lodge. It operates as an Airbnb, but during the busiest part of hunting season from November through February, the lodge is reserved for hunters only.&nbsp;

For the hunters, they provide home-cooked meals and will clean, process and vacuum package the birds.&nbsp;

“I’m a huge hometown supporter,” Wallin said. “I want to see more vehicles on Main Street and draw people to downtown. This old building helps us tell the story. Every customer we have asks about the history of the place.”&nbsp;

For many people, part of the experience is reconnecting with the memory of a time when they might have gone hunting with a dad or grandpa. “Usually there’s one in every crowd that grew up doing this, and now they’re wanting to share it with other people,” Wallin said. “There’s a camaraderie to the hunt. Our greatest joy is helping bring back good memories for them.”&nbsp;

He adds: “This is a people business. We’re tailored to the smaller groups so we can build relationships. It’s fun to meet people from other walks of life. We’ve made friends and great connections.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660142351162.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;This Kansas business is for the birds – gamebirds, that is. Today we’ll meet a young ruralpreneur who has created a business of raising pheasants and guiding pheasant hunts in his home region of rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week we learned about Bethany Wallin, who founded a physical therapy and fitness center in her community of Courtland. Today we’ll meet her husband and learn about his business.&nbsp;Clay Wallin and his friend Nathan Lindberg are owners of Heartland Game Birds. Wallin and his wife are from Republic County originally. Clay went to K-State and earned degrees in golf course management and agronomy before he and Bethany were married. He worked in crop seed sales in Kansas and Nebraska. For six years, they lived in Manhattan.&nbsp;In 2018, Bethany took a position at the hospital in Belleville and they moved to Clay’s hometown of Courtland. Clay became an independent Channel seedsman and raised corn and soybeans.&nbsp;Clay also joined his boyhood pal Nathan Lindberg and another friend in creating a pheasant business. “We grew up pheasant hunting together,” Wallin said. He remembered the excitement of the beginning of pheasant season. “Opening weekend was better than Christmas for me.”&nbsp;Because of their location in the heartland of the nation, they named their business Heartland Game Birds. Today, they raise thousands of pheasants, lease many acres of farmground for hunting, provide guided hunts, and have even opened a hunting lodge in Courtland.&nbsp;“We aim to provide (customers) with the best upland hunting experience the Heartland has to offer,” the website states.&nbsp;“We raise our own birds,” Wallin said. “This year we’ll raise 11,000 birds, and our goal is to get to 25,000.”&nbsp;Heartland Game Birds raises and sells birds by contract to others in addition to their own local use. “The guided hunts are growing,” Wallin said. “Our goal is to double the number of hunts each year.”&nbsp;During busy times, two other individuals help Wallin and Lindberg guide groups of hunters.&nbsp;In 2020, the business purchased a historic downtown building that had been built in the 1890s. “It was one of the first buildings in Courtland,” Wallin said. They gutted and remodeled the building which has become their hunting lodge. It operates as an Airbnb, but during the busiest part of hunting season from November through February, the lodge is reserved for hunters only.&nbsp;For the hunters, they provide home-cooked meals and will clean, process and vacuum package the birds.&nbsp;“I’m a huge hometown supporter,” Wallin said. “I want to see more vehicles on Main Street and draw people to downtown. This old building helps us tell the story. Every customer we have asks about the history of the place.”&nbsp;For many people, part of the experience is reconnecting with the memory of a time when they might have gone hunting with a dad or grandpa. “Usually there’s one in every crowd that grew up doing this, and now they’re wanting to share it with other people,” Wallin said. “There’s a camaraderie to the hunt. Our greatest joy is helping bring back good memories for them.”&nbsp;He adds: “This is a people business. We’re tailored to the smaller groups so we can build relationships. It’s fun to meet people from other walks of life. We’ve made friends and great connections.”&nbsp;Repeat customers have been a foundation of the business as it has grown. Many customers have come from the east coast. “We’ve had people from Florida, Washington DC, California, Utah, Wyoming, Michigan, North Carolina,” Wallin said.&nbsp;During the recent pandemic, business actually increased as people wanted to get away from the crowded cities.&nbsp;It's an impressive record for a business based in the rural community of Courtland, population 294 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.heartlandgamebirds.com/">www.heartlandgamebirds.com</a>.&nbsp;This business is for the birds – for gamebirds by the thousands, that is, and that’s a good thing. We commend Clay Wallin and Nathan Lindberg for making a difference by using the great outdoors to create positive memories for their customers. These birds got game.&nbsp;

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