TREGO COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford Focus driven by&nbsp;Jefferson M. Gray, 58, Charlottesville, Virginia, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of U.S. 283. 

The driver lost control of the car. It struck a guardrail and came to rest in the median facing northeast after rotating 150 degrees.

EMS transported Gray to Trego-Lemke Memorial Hospital.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford Focus driven by&nbsp;Jefferson M. Gray, 58, Charlottesville, Virginia, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of U.S. 283. The driver lost control of the car. It struck a guardrail and came to rest in the median facing northeast after rotating 150 degrees.EMS transported Gray to Trego-Lemke Memorial Hospital.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man hospitalized after car strikes I-70 guardrail

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Fort Hays State University has launched a new centralized advising program with most students enrolling with professional advisers for fall courses.

Departments across campus have rolled out the system differently, but all on-campus freshmen should be using the new system for classes that start in August.

Some departments have also included upperclassmen. Other departments will take a more phased approach to the rollout.

International cross-border and graduate students will still be advised by faculty. Online students were already being advised through a centralized advising system.

Although enrollment advising will no longer be a faculty responsibility under the new system, all students will be assigned a faculty mentor with whom they can discuss professional goals, Jill Arensdorf, FHSU provost, said.

The change will not affect faculty salaries.

The goal of the change is to increase student retention and success, which has been shown in research to be improved with centralized advising, she said.

"We want to keep our students here," Arensdorf said. "We want to make sure they are getting accurate information through to when they graduate and go on to jobs, second majors or graduate degrees."

All but one of the Kansas Board of Regents schools have some sort of centralized advising, although Arensdorf said it varies between campuses.

Grady Dixon, dean of Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, said most of the students in his college have moved to the centralized advising model.

"We've seen faculty responsibilities creep up over the years," he said. "A lot of those responsibilities are areas that they were never really trained in professionally, and this is one of those. ...

"I think one of the advantages is that now we have people that this is their full-time job. They devote 100 percent of their effort to being good at that one thing. That one thing is really valuable for student success."

The FHSU Geosciences Department adopted a single adviser for all its students long before the university moved to adopt centralized advising as a whole.

The students liked the switch because they always knew with whom to discuss advising, Dixon said. The faculty were able to focus more attention on classes and mentoring graduate students. In the first year of the advising change, the department more than doubled the number of graduates from its master's program, Dixon said.

"The driving force behind this is to serve the students better — be better at helping them get the courses they need and understand their progress," he said. 

Coming to campus for the first time can be very intimidating, and centralized advising can help students with answers to the nuts-and-bolts questions, Dixon said.

"It's so disappointing when someone fails out or drops out over those technical details, not over the high-end complex course concepts, but just administration," he said.

All of the professional advisers are on campus and are FHSU employees. An additional five advising employees were added to the already 20-member advising department to accommodate the centralized advising rollout.

Additional training has been provided to advisers so they will be able to better accommodate on-campus students and the new programs with which they will be working.

Advisers will specialize in certain colleges. With a broad knowledge of a college, students should be able to move between majors within a college with the help of their advisers, Arensdorf said.

Officials hope the new system will increase access to advisers.

"We had faculty who were advising 50 to 100 students on top of teaching, on top of research, on top of other service activities," she said. "That was a lot of extra responsibilities on faculty that we hope the professional advisers can supplement some of that work."

A task force studied the move to centralized advising before the rollout. That task force found faculty did not have time to advise on classes and mentor students on their careers, Arensdorf said.

"By giving that responsibility to two people per student," she said, "the student has the adviser who is always up to date on curriculum and system and they also have that faculty mentor that is really familiar with the discipline and career field and the internship and clinical opportunities there might be available for that major and student."

Arensdorf said she has not received any feedback from students on the new systems.

"The university has been talking about it for a long time," Arensdorf said. "It was finally time to implement it, and it dovetailed beautifully with our strategic plan."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637699467538.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFort Hays State University has launched a new centralized advising program with most students enrolling with professional advisers for fall courses.Departments across campus have rolled out the system differently, but all on-campus freshmen should be using the new system for classes that start in August.Some departments have also included upperclassmen. Other departments will take a more phased approach to the rollout. International cross-border and graduate students will still be advised by faculty. Online students were already being advised through a centralized advising system. Although enrollment advising will no longer be a faculty responsibility under the new system, all students will be assigned a faculty mentor with whom they can discuss professional goals, Jill Arensdorf, FHSU provost, said.The change will not affect faculty salaries.The goal of the change is to increase student retention and success, which has been shown in research to be improved with centralized advising, she said. "We want to keep our students here," Arensdorf said. "We want to make sure they are getting accurate information through to when they graduate and go on to jobs, second majors or graduate degrees."All but one of the Kansas Board of Regents schools have some sort of centralized advising, although Arensdorf said it varies between campuses.Grady Dixon, dean of Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, said most of the students in his college have moved to the centralized advising model."We've seen faculty responsibilities creep up over the years," he said. "A lot of those responsibilities are areas that they were never really trained in professionally, and this is one of those. ..."I think one of the advantages is that now we have people that this is their full-time job. They devote 100 percent of their effort to being good at that one thing. That one thing is really valuable for student success."The FHSU Geosciences Department adopted a single adviser for all its students long before the university moved to adopt centralized advising as a whole.The students liked the switch because they always knew with whom to discuss advising, Dixon said. The faculty were able to focus more attention on classes and mentoring graduate students. In the first year of the advising change, the department more than doubled the number of graduates from its master's program, Dixon said."The driving force behind this is to serve the students better — be better at helping them get the courses they need and understand their progress," he said. Coming to campus for the first time can be very intimidating, and centralized advising can help students with answers to the nuts-and-bolts questions, Dixon said. "It's so disappointing when someone fails out or drops out over those technical details, not over the high-end complex course concepts, but just administration," he said. All of the professional advisers are on campus and are FHSU employees. An additional five advising employees were added to the already 20-member advising department to accommodate the centralized advising rollout.Additional training has been provided to advisers so they will be able to better accommodate on-campus students and the new programs with which they will be working. Advisers will specialize in certain colleges. With a broad knowledge of a college, students should be able to move between majors within a college with the help of their advisers, Arensdorf said.Officials hope the new system will increase access to advisers."We had faculty who were advising 50 to 100 students on top of teaching, on top of research, on top of other service activities," she said. "That was a lot of extra responsibilities on faculty that we hope the professional advisers can supplement some of that work."A task force studied the move to centralized advising before the rollout. That task force found faculty did not have time to advise on classes and mentor students on their careers, Arensdorf said."By giving that responsibility to two people per student," she said, "the student has the adviser who is always up to date on curriculum and system and they also have that faculty mentor that is really familiar with the discipline and career field and the internship and clinical opportunities there might be available for that major and student." Arensdorf said she has not received any feedback from students on the new systems. "The university has been talking about it for a long time," Arensdorf said. "It was finally time to implement it, and it dovetailed beautifully with our strategic plan."

Fort Hays State moves to centralized advising

Alexandra Coveney of Hays recently completed her Eagle Scout project and board of review with Boy Scouts of America. She has appropriately completed the requirements for and exemplifies the characteristics of an Eagle Scout. As of June 23, she is the first female Eagle Scout in not only the Wheatland District but also in the Coronado Area Council, which includes 32 counties in northwest and north-central Kansas. This area includes along Interstate 70 from the Colorado border to Manhattan and extends north to the Nebraska border.

Coveney was a founding member of Wheatland District’s Troop 101G, established in 2019. Since then, Coveney has worked in many different leadership positions as she completed merit badges, nights of camping and volunteer hours to reach the rank of Eagle Scout.&nbsp;

To achieve this rank, Coveney also had to complete an Eagle Scout project.&nbsp;

Coveney fundraised for the project through donations from businesses in the community, O’Loughlin PTA, O’Loughlin Ambassadors, and O’Loughlin Family and Friends.&nbsp;

“For my Eagle Scout project, I restored an old shed behind O’Loughlin Elementary School to give students a place to store playground equipment,” Coveney said. “I also fundraised for playground equipment for students.”

Coveney chose this project because it helped the elementary school she and her younger brothers attended.&nbsp;

“O’Loughlin is also where I started scouting as a Girl Scout,” Coveney said.&nbsp;

Coveney joined Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland at age 6 and decided to expand her scouting journey with BSA when the opportunity arose.

“I joined Troop 101G because I saw my brothers in Boy Scouts doing all these fun campouts and scouting activities,” Coveney said. “I already had experience in scouting, and I wanted to try something new.”

Coveney said she has learned much during her time with Troop 101G, including many practical life skills. She also emphasized the community service experience and fun she had with those in her troop.&nbsp;

“You get to be really close with your troop members,” Coveney said, “and it’s awesome to have people that are completely different from you and somehow connect with them. It’s just really fun.”

Coveney has just graduated from Hays High School and will be attending the University of Kansas in the fall. She plans to major in biology.&nbsp; Coveney is the first of many future female Eagle Scouts for T101G and was the 93rd Eagle scout for T101 of Hays. 

BSA Troop 101 is accepting new members and volunteers. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.beascout.scouting.org/">www.beascout.scouting.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657559547623.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Coveney" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Coveney</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAlexandra Coveney of Hays recently completed her Eagle Scout project and board of review with Boy Scouts of America. She has appropriately completed the requirements for and exemplifies the characteristics of an Eagle Scout. As of June 23, she is the first female Eagle Scout in not only the Wheatland District but also in the Coronado Area Council, which includes 32 counties in northwest and north-central Kansas. This area includes along Interstate 70 from the Colorado border to Manhattan and extends north to the Nebraska border.Coveney was a founding member of Wheatland District’s Troop 101G, established in 2019. Since then, Coveney has worked in many different leadership positions as she completed merit badges, nights of camping and volunteer hours to reach the rank of Eagle Scout.&nbsp;To achieve this rank, Coveney also had to complete an Eagle Scout project.&nbsp;Coveney fundraised for the project through donations from businesses in the community, O’Loughlin PTA, O’Loughlin Ambassadors, and O’Loughlin Family and Friends.&nbsp;“For my Eagle Scout project, I restored an old shed behind O’Loughlin Elementary School to give students a place to store playground equipment,” Coveney said. “I also fundraised for playground equipment for students.”Coveney chose this project because it helped the elementary school she and her younger brothers attended.&nbsp;“O’Loughlin is also where I started scouting as a Girl Scout,” Coveney said.&nbsp;Coveney joined Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland at age 6 and decided to expand her scouting journey with BSA when the opportunity arose.“I joined Troop 101G because I saw my brothers in Boy Scouts doing all these fun campouts and scouting activities,” Coveney said. “I already had experience in scouting, and I wanted to try something new.”Coveney said she has learned much during her time with Troop 101G, including many practical life skills. She also emphasized the community service experience and fun she had with those in her troop.&nbsp;“You get to be really close with your troop members,” Coveney said, “and it’s awesome to have people that are completely different from you and somehow connect with them. It’s just really fun.”Coveney has just graduated from Hays High School and will be attending the University of Kansas in the fall. She plans to major in biology.&nbsp; Coveney is the first of many future female Eagle Scouts for T101G and was the 93rd Eagle scout for T101 of Hays. BSA Troop 101 is accepting new members and volunteers. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.beascout.scouting.org/">www.beascout.scouting.org</a>.

Hays girl achieves Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout rank

Following the $100,000 gift toward the remodel of the Hays Public Library in 2020, the&nbsp;Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation has continued its generous support of the library.&nbsp;

The Schmidt Foundation in 2021 and again in 2022 has gifted $10,000 each year to be used for library programs. These donations provide the library the opportunity to bring speakers, poets, and musicians to Hays to engage, inspire, and entertain the community in the Schmidt Community Commons.&nbsp;

“The Hays Public Library would not be the place it is today without the decades of support and engagement from Bob and Pat Schmidt and their continued legacy of improving the quality of life in our community,” expressed Hays Public Library Director Brandon Hines. “We are grateful and proud the Schmidt Foundation recognizes the value the library delivers to Hays and the area. The support allows us to offer more and higher quality activities in the Schmidt Community Commons.”&nbsp;

The Schmidt Community Commons is the main floor area at the front of the library that provides an engaging space for patrons to gather, to study, to read, or to simply enjoy a cup of coffee. Along with funding for this area, the Schmidt Foundation donation also went to the creation of small meeting rooms, which have been consistently in demand since the completion of the remodel in April 2021.&nbsp;

The library staff will continue to bring in a variety of presentations and entertainment thanks to the Schmidt Foundation. Information on events and activities is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617744946832.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HPLFollowing the $100,000 gift toward the remodel of the Hays Public Library in 2020, the&nbsp;Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation has continued its generous support of the library.&nbsp;The Schmidt Foundation in 2021 and again in 2022 has gifted $10,000 each year to be used for library programs. These donations provide the library the opportunity to bring speakers, poets, and musicians to Hays to engage, inspire, and entertain the community in the Schmidt Community Commons.&nbsp;“The Hays Public Library would not be the place it is today without the decades of support and engagement from Bob and Pat Schmidt and their continued legacy of improving the quality of life in our community,” expressed Hays Public Library Director Brandon Hines. “We are grateful and proud the Schmidt Foundation recognizes the value the library delivers to Hays and the area. The support allows us to offer more and higher quality activities in the Schmidt Community Commons.”&nbsp;The Schmidt Community Commons is the main floor area at the front of the library that provides an engaging space for patrons to gather, to study, to read, or to simply enjoy a cup of coffee. Along with funding for this area, the Schmidt Foundation donation also went to the creation of small meeting rooms, which have been consistently in demand since the completion of the remodel in April 2021.&nbsp;The library staff will continue to bring in a variety of presentations and entertainment thanks to the Schmidt Foundation. Information on events and activities is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>.

Schmidt Foundation supports Hays library programs with grant

SMITH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Monday in Smith County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 International semi driven by Stefon C. Harrison,&nbsp; 41, Chicago, Illinois, was southbound on K8 at mile post 3.2 when a rodent entered the roadway. 

The driver attempted an avoidance maneuver. The vehicle entered the west ditch and the driver over corrected. The semi crossed into the northbound lane, entered the east ditch and overturned on the drivers side.

EMS transported&nbsp;Harrison to the Smith County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SMITH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Monday in Smith County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 International semi driven by Stefon C. Harrison,&nbsp; 41, Chicago, Illinois, was southbound on K8 at mile post 3.2 when a rodent entered the roadway. The driver attempted an avoidance maneuver. The vehicle entered the west ditch and the driver over corrected. The semi crossed into the northbound lane, entered the east ditch and overturned on the drivers side.EMS transported&nbsp;Harrison to the Smith County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver swerved to avoid rodent before semi overturns

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:48 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Sam Hendon"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/aRFhRh9G-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/aRFhRh9G-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/aRFhRh9G-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sam Hendon" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Sam Hendon

<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/2022/7/1657566561469.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

HUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Scholarship 
Program provides educational opportunities and recognition to youth 
livestock exhibitors who have demonstrated excellence, commitment, and 
integrity as ambassadors of the Kansas State Fair Junior Livestock 
Program.

Up to ten $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually.

Recipients are recognized at the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Gala in September.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657209972126.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy Hutch PostHUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Scholarship 
Program provides educational opportunities and recognition to youth 
livestock exhibitors who have demonstrated excellence, commitment, and 
integrity as ambassadors of the Kansas State Fair Junior Livestock 
Program.Up to ten $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually.This year's winners include:Caleb Dechant, Sherman CountyCady Pieper, Rooks CountyRecipients are recognized at the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Gala in September.

NW Kan. students among Kansas State Fair Grand Drive scholarship winners

Midwest Energy is urging the public to report anyone they see hanging banners off of power lines.&nbsp;

"Over the past few weeks, someone has been zip-tying these plastic signs to energized wires on our system — twice in Thomas County and once in Sherman County.  In one instance, the signs were more than 23 feet off the ground — this is more than someone using a ladder or standing in the bed of their pickup," the utility said in a social media post.

"For pretty obvious reasons, hanging signs on energized wires is a REALLY dumb idea, and could get whoever is doing it killed in an instant.  Our linemen only work on energized lines while wearing very specialized protective equipment and using specific tools that are designed for hot work.

"If you see anyone in northwest Kansas that's not in a marked Midwest Energy truck trying to hang signs or otherwise mess with power lines, please call your local sheriff's office immediately and report it.  And if you recognize the signs and know who might be hanging them ... please tell them to stop while they're still alive.  Thank you."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657576698585.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy is urging the public to report anyone they see hanging banners off of power lines.&nbsp;"Over the past few weeks, someone has been zip-tying these plastic signs to energized wires on our system — twice in Thomas County and once in Sherman County. In one instance, the signs were more than 23 feet off the ground — this is more than someone using a ladder or standing in the bed of their pickup," the utility said in a social media post.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657576786341.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"For pretty obvious reasons, hanging signs on energized wires is a REALLY dumb idea, and could get whoever is doing it killed in an instant. Our linemen only work on energized lines while wearing very specialized protective equipment and using specific tools that are designed for hot work."If you see anyone in northwest Kansas that's not in a marked Midwest Energy truck trying to hang signs or otherwise mess with power lines, please call your local sheriff's office immediately and report it. And if you recognize the signs and know who might be hanging them ... please tell them to stop while they're still alive. Thank you."

Midwest Energy: Hanging political signs on power lines 'a really dumb idea'

"Jail and prison are a part of our mental health system, and if we are going to use that as a place to institutionalize and house people with severe mental illness or any mental illness, we need to admit that it is part of our mental health system and provide the care that people need." — Dantia MacDonald, NAMI Connections facilitator

One inmate's sister was just murdered, another is facing an extended prison sentence and is mourning the time he will miss with his child, yet others are battling scars from growing up in the foster care system.

Dantia MacDonald sees a lot of pain in her job as a National Alliance on Mental Illness Connections peer facilitator at the Riley County Jail. 

Many of the people in her fledging support group are dealing with extreme trauma, substance abuse and untreated mental health issues. 

"Even if they have done bad things, they have definitely had bad things happen to them — a lot of them their whole lives," she said.

Mental illness prevalent among inmates

NAMI&nbsp; is bringing mental health support groups and education classes to jails and prisons across the state.

NAMI is offering its Connections support groups in jails in Butler, Douglas, Reno, Thomas and Riley counties and will soon add a group in Ellis County. The Ellis County support group will be offered virtually. The jail is waiting on an order of tablets for the inmates to use.

The organization is offering Peer to Peer education classes at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, Norton Correction Facility and Topeka Correctional Facility.

During fiscal year 2020, 41 percent of the average daily incarcerated population in Kansas had some form of mental illness, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections annual report. That jumps to about 80 percent when addiction is added to statistics.

About 63 percent (three in five) of people with a history of mental illness do not receive mental health treatment while incarcerated in state or federal prisons. About 55 percent of people with a mental illness do not receive mental health treatment while held in local jails.

NAMI was awarded a federal justice assistance grant in 2021 to fund the new programs, said Brittany Brest, director of NAMI's Justice Involved Project.

The Connections support groups are run by NAMI employees who have mental health diagnoses and who also have some experience with incarceration in the criminal justice system.

Dantia works with a co-facilitator, and they offer support groups for both men and women in the Riley County Jail.

Dantia, 47, has a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. She spent a night in jail on a charge of criminal trespass, which she received at the height of a psychotic episode.

Peer to Peer is also taught by peers, but is an eight-week education class during which people learn skills to live better in recovery, what the brain looks like and types of treatment,&nbsp; Brest said.

"We are trying to meet residents of facilities where they're at," Brest said. "It is a lot easier to build rapport and trust and understanding if you have someone with similar experience leading that group than if you have someone who doesn't have those similar experiences."

People who have mental health diagnoses, as well as a history of incarceration, have an additional stigma to overcome, she said.

"I wanted to have people in those positions so [inmates] can see that you can work past it and you can achieve the things that you want to do and they are valuable people in society," Brest said.

"By putting someone in a leadership role who has that experience and has overcome those stigmas and is doing well in their life it shows they can do it too. It provides a more solid role model."

Dantia said she thinks the inmates are much more willing to talk to facilitators they see as peers.

"I think they are much more open," she said. "They feel much safer emotionally. We are not going to be shocked about symptoms or judge or dehumanize them or treat them as lesser because of their mental health symptoms. 

"We talk about our issues too. That creates a power-sharing dynamic and more of a community feel. ... We are all in this together trying to get better."

Dantia said she hopes she is helping people deal with their pain and find healthier coping skills. 

Drug use, especially methamphetamine addiction, is common among the inmates Dantia has encountered in the Riley County groups. 

The inmates with mental illness or who are dealing with trauma have used substances to self-medicate, and now they are without even that negative coping skill, Dantia said.

Stigma, as well as a lack of access to mental health resources, continue to be barriers for many to seek and maintain a treatment plan, she said.

"I think one thing we are doing is modeling that it's OK to get help. It's OK to admit you need help. It's OK to admit you have a mental health problem," Dantia said. "I think the stigma and the fact people don't want to be associated with mental health blocks a lot of people from getting help."

One goal of the grant is to reduce the number of suicidal and self-harm behaviors among incarcerated individuals.

From June 2020 to May 2021, inmates in Kansas correctional facilities had 535 episodes of self-harm, 531 suicide gestures, 67 suicide attempts and four suicides, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Brest said incarcerated individuals tend to have higher rates of suicide completion than those who are not incarcerated.

NAMI's helpline regularly receives calls from incarcerated individuals who are struggling with mental illness or their friends or family members, according to NAMI.

The secondary goal of the program is to help connect inmates with resources they can use in their recovery when they are released in hopes of reducing recidivism.

The results from the program are still preliminary, but Brest said the detention facilities that participated in the NAMI programs are on track to have fewer suicides, attempted suicides and crisis placements.

One of the members of the Riley County Jail Connections group joined the NAMI Connections group in the community after her release, Dantia said. 

Still a lack of treatment behind bars

The state prison system has a mental health team that oversees inmate screening and treatment. Not all medications that are available in the community are available to incarcerated individuals, Brest said.

Treatment in jails varies from site to site, Brest said.

"I have some jails that do have mental health services on staff. They do the same thing that prisons do," Brest said, "but people do report issues with medication, obtaining it, not getting the same medication they have in the community, not being able to access mental health as much or as often as they would like. ... 

"Then we have jails that do not have mental health services. They do not have a partnership with a community mental health center or service provider," she said. "People aren't receiving medications or mental health services."

Dantia sees barriers to treatment even within the Riley County Jail.

One of Dantia's friends, who suffers from bipolar disorder, was recently in the Riley County Jail. He was in solitary confinement and not invited by jail staff to the Connections group. He also was not receiving the proper medication, she said.

"Jail and prison is a part of our mental health system, and if we are going to use that as a place to institutionalize and house people with severe mental illness or any mental illness," Dantia said, "we need to admit that it is part of our mental health system and provide the care that people need."

This situation is more common in western Kansas where fewer resources are available, Brest said.

The lack of services can be extremely detrimental to inmates who are under great stress, which can worsen their conditions, Brest said.

Inmates who are released without any treatment have little stability and are more likely to end up back in jail, she said.

"It's a continual cycle that doesn't end until there is some type of intervention," Brest said, "if that is the root cause of their criminal behavior."

Often these criminal behaviors are misdemeanors or non-violent crimes. It is a myth that people who have mental illness are violent. Brest said the percentage of people with severe mental illness, such as psychosis, who are violent is very small.

"The vast majority of people with mental health conditions will never be violent," she said. "They will seek the appropriate treatment. They will learn how to manage their anger. They will learn how to manage their illness. They will do just fine in the community."

Often incarcerated individuals who also have mental health issues are in jail because of addiction issues. The co-morbidity of other mental health issues and addiction is about 86 percent.

The NAMI justice program is not in youth detention facilities, but the organization is hoping to expand its programming to that age group, Brest said.

Dantia said her dream is jail and prison will not be part of the mental health system someday and people will get help before law enforcement has to intervene.

Dantia's brother, who is schizophrenic, was in prison. He had repeated minor infractions when he was sick that ultimately led to him being incarcerated because of probation violations.

He did not receive adequate treatment for his illness while he was incarcerated, Dantia said. He was attacked in jail and beaten and lost several teeth.

"This is part of my motivation," she said. "This could have been me. I was very delusional and very sick and not believing that I was sick and it went on for months and months. 

"I could have ended up in jail or prison and maybe someday I will."

Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a NAMI member.

<h2>"Jail and prison are a part of our mental health system, and if we are going to use that as a place to institutionalize and house people with severe mental illness or any mental illness, we need to admit that it is part of our mental health system and provide the care that people need." — Dantia MacDonald, NAMI Connections facilitator </h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostOne inmate's sister was just murdered, another is facing an extended prison sentence and is mourning the time he will miss with his child, yet others are battling scars from growing up in the foster care system. Dantia MacDonald sees a lot of pain in her job as a National Alliance on Mental Illness Connections peer facilitator at the Riley County Jail. Many of the people in her fledging support group are dealing with extreme trauma, substance abuse and untreated mental health issues. "Even if they have done bad things, they have definitely had bad things happen to them — a lot of them their whole lives," she said.<h2>Mental illness prevalent among inmates </h2>NAMI&nbsp; is bringing mental health support groups and education classes to jails and prisons across the state.NAMI is offering its Connections support groups in jails in Butler, Douglas, Reno, Thomas and Riley counties and will soon add a group in Ellis County. The Ellis County support group will be offered virtually. The jail is waiting on an order of tablets for the inmates to use. The organization is offering Peer to Peer education classes at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, Norton Correction Facility and Topeka Correctional Facility.During fiscal year 2020, 41 percent of the average daily incarcerated population in Kansas had some form of mental illness, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections annual report. That jumps to about 80 percent when addiction is added to statistics. About 63 percent (three in five) of people with a history of mental illness do not receive mental health treatment while incarcerated in state or federal prisons. About 55 percent of people with a mental illness do not receive mental health treatment while held in local jails. NAMI was awarded a federal justice assistance grant in 2021 to fund the new programs, said Brittany Brest, director of NAMI's Justice Involved Project.<h2>Building rapport through peers</h2>The Connections support groups are run by NAMI employees who have mental health diagnoses and who also have some experience with incarceration in the criminal justice system.Dantia works with a co-facilitator, and they offer support groups for both men and women in the Riley County Jail.Dantia, 47, has a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. She spent a night in jail on a charge of criminal trespass, which she received at the height of a psychotic episode.Peer to Peer is also taught by peers, but is an eight-week education class during which people learn skills to live better in recovery, what the brain looks like and types of treatment,&nbsp; Brest said."We are trying to meet residents of facilities where they're at," Brest said. "It is a lot easier to build rapport and trust and understanding if you have someone with similar experience leading that group than if you have someone who doesn't have those similar experiences."People who have mental health diagnoses, as well as a history of incarceration, have an additional stigma to overcome, she said. "I wanted to have people in those positions so [inmates] can see that you can work past it and you can achieve the things that you want to do and they are valuable people in society," Brest said."By putting someone in a leadership role who has that experience and has overcome those stigmas and is doing well in their life it shows they can do it too. It provides a more solid role model."Dantia said she thinks the inmates are much more willing to talk to facilitators they see as peers."I think they are much more open," she said. "They feel much safer emotionally. We are not going to be shocked about symptoms or judge or dehumanize them or treat them as lesser because of their mental health symptoms. "We talk about our issues too. That creates a power-sharing dynamic and more of a community feel. ... We are all in this together trying to get better."Dantia said she hopes she is helping people deal with their pain and find healthier coping skills. Drug use, especially methamphetamine addiction, is common among the inmates Dantia has encountered in the Riley County groups. The inmates with mental illness or who are dealing with trauma have used substances to self-medicate, and now they are without even that negative coping skill, Dantia said.Stigma, as well as a lack of access to mental health resources, continue to be barriers for many to seek and maintain a treatment plan, she said."I think one thing we are doing is modeling that it's OK to get help. It's OK to admit you need help. It's OK to admit you have a mental health problem," Dantia said. "I think the stigma and the fact people don't want to be associated with mental health blocks a lot of people from getting help."<h2>Suicide in jail, reducing recidivism </h2>One goal of the grant is to reduce the number of suicidal and self-harm behaviors among incarcerated individuals.From June 2020 to May 2021, inmates in Kansas correctional facilities had 535 episodes of self-harm, 531 suicide gestures, 67 suicide attempts and four suicides, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Brest said incarcerated individuals tend to have higher rates of suicide completion than those who are not incarcerated. NAMI's helpline regularly receives calls from incarcerated individuals who are struggling with mental illness or their friends or family members, according to NAMI.The secondary goal of the program is to help connect inmates with resources they can use in their recovery when they are released in hopes of reducing recidivism.The results from the program are still preliminary, but Brest said the detention facilities that participated in the NAMI programs are on track to have fewer suicides, attempted suicides and crisis placements.One of the members of the Riley County Jail Connections group joined the NAMI Connections group in the community after her release, Dantia said. <h2>Still a lack of treatment behind bars </h2>The state prison system has a mental health team that oversees inmate screening and treatment. Not all medications that are available in the community are available to incarcerated individuals, Brest said. Treatment in jails varies from site to site, Brest said."I have some jails that do have mental health services on staff. They do the same thing that prisons do," Brest said, "but people do report issues with medication, obtaining it, not getting the same medication they have in the community, not being able to access mental health as much or as often as they would like. ... "Then we have jails that do not have mental health services. They do not have a partnership with a community mental health center or service provider," she said. "People aren't receiving medications or mental health services."Dantia sees barriers to treatment even within the Riley County Jail. One of Dantia's friends, who suffers from bipolar disorder, was recently in the Riley County Jail. He was in solitary confinement and not invited by jail staff to the Connections group. He also was not receiving the proper medication, she said."Jail and prison is a part of our mental health system, and if we are going to use that as a place to institutionalize and house people with severe mental illness or any mental illness," Dantia said, "we need to admit that it is part of our mental health system and provide the care that people need." This situation is more common in western Kansas where fewer resources are available, Brest said. The lack of services can be extremely detrimental to inmates who are under great stress, which can worsen their conditions, Brest said.Inmates who are released without any treatment have little stability and are more likely to end up back in jail, she said."It's a continual cycle that doesn't end until there is some type of intervention," Brest said, "if that is the root cause of their criminal behavior."Often these criminal behaviors are misdemeanors or non-violent crimes. It is a myth that people who have mental illness are violent. Brest said the percentage of people with severe mental illness, such as psychosis, who are violent is very small."The vast majority of people with mental health conditions will never be violent," she said. "They will seek the appropriate treatment. They will learn how to manage their anger. They will learn how to manage their illness. They will do just fine in the community."Often incarcerated individuals who also have mental health issues are in jail because of addiction issues. The co-morbidity of other mental health issues and addiction is about 86 percent.<h2>Dreams for a different future</h2>The NAMI justice program is not in youth detention facilities, but the organization is hoping to expand its programming to that age group, Brest said.Dantia said her dream is jail and prison will not be part of the mental health system someday and people will get help before law enforcement has to intervene.Dantia's brother, who is schizophrenic, was in prison. He had repeated minor infractions when he was sick that ultimately led to him being incarcerated because of probation violations.He did not receive adequate treatment for his illness while he was incarcerated, Dantia said. He was attacked in jail and beaten and lost several teeth. "This is part of my motivation," she said. "This could have been me. I was very delusional and very sick and not believing that I was sick and it went on for months and months. "I could have ended up in jail or prison and maybe someday I will." Cover photo courtesy of PixabayEditor's note: Cristina Janney is a NAMI member.

NAMI brings mental health support to jails, prisons

MANHATTAN — Do you know someone in your community who has made an outstanding contribution to agriculture this year? Nominate them to be recognized as one of the 2022 Kansas Ag Heroes at this summer’s Ag Growth Summit!

Each year, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) honors remarkable Kansans and share the stories of their outstanding service from across the Kansas agriculture community. Kansas Ag Heroes was established as a way to recognize those in the agriculture industry who went above and beyond to serve others and better their community.

KDA encourages you to nominate any individual, family, or business in Kansas agriculture which you feel provided a notable contribution to the agriculture industry or their community as a whole this year. Nominations will be accepted through August 12. The nomination instructions can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MDcuNjA0NDc3MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9BZ0hlcm9lcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.K0Vr8j8nKcrjk0DiQJFjnI6g_XCzEvNdT8zm5pk2BNI/s/1377890594/br/136612677643-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgHeroes</a>.

KDA leadership will review each nomination and will recognize a select number of agriculture heroes during the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan on August 18.

For questions about the Kansas Agricultural Heroes nomination process, please contact Brittney Grother at 785-564-6797 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Brittney.Grother@ks.gov" target="_blank">Brittney.Grother@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657576360763.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Do you know someone in your community who has made an outstanding contribution to agriculture this year? Nominate them to be recognized as one of the 2022 Kansas Ag Heroes at this summer’s Ag Growth Summit!Each year, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) honors remarkable Kansans and share the stories of their outstanding service from across the Kansas agriculture community. Kansas Ag Heroes was established as a way to recognize those in the agriculture industry who went above and beyond to serve others and better their community.KDA encourages you to nominate any individual, family, or business in Kansas agriculture which you feel provided a notable contribution to the agriculture industry or their community as a whole this year. Nominations will be accepted through August 12. The nomination instructions can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MDcuNjA0NDc3MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9BZ0hlcm9lcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.K0Vr8j8nKcrjk0DiQJFjnI6g_XCzEvNdT8zm5pk2BNI/s/1377890594/br/136612677643-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgHeroes</a>.KDA leadership will review each nomination and will recognize a select number of agriculture heroes during the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan on August 18.For questions about the Kansas Agricultural Heroes nomination process, please contact Brittney Grother at 785-564-6797 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Brittney.Grother@ks.gov" target="_blank">Brittney.Grother@ks.gov</a>.

KDA seeks nominations for Kansas Ag Heroes

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

As the temperature began warming up last month for the summer season, the city of Hays turned its focus to outdoor projects for many departments.

An unwanted consequence of the hotter weather is water leaks.

Water leaks last month resulted in the replacement of street concrete and bricks in several areas of town.

"Obviously, when it's very warm the ground shifts which often creates breaks in the water lines. It's not uncommon at all, unfortunately," said Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, during the June progress report to city commissioners.

Bielser ran through some of the June projects and work highlights by city departments.

In addition to hosting an open house about the new fire station to be built at 1732 W. 41st, the Hays Fire Department members underwent training for trench collapse rescue, along with Ellis County rural firefighters, and live fire fighting during June.

East Frontier Park has a new parking lot, including drainage for stormwater runoff.

A new batting cage outside the Larks Park spectator area has been constructed. The Hays Baseball Association provided $20,000 in funding for the project.&nbsp;

Prior to the Hays Larks season opening, artificial turf was replaced at the pitcher's mound and the catcher's receiving area.

Two Hays police officers, Cpl. Brandon Bell and Sgt. Jason Bonczynski, were recognized for their lifesaving actions.

The stormwater division of the Department of Water Resources has a new mascot, "Stormwater Dog Chetolah." The furry blue dog is named after Chetolah Creek which runs through Hays and who will appear alongside "WaterSmart Wally" in promoting water conservation at various public events and in schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657574361928.jpeg" alt="Dept. of Water Resources employees repair a water leak at 12th and Vine last month in Hays. (Photo by City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>Dept. of Water Resources employees repair a water leak at 12th and Vine last month in Hays. (Photo by City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAs the temperature began warming up last month for the summer season, the city of Hays turned its focus to outdoor projects for many departments.An unwanted consequence of the hotter weather is water leaks.Water leaks last month resulted in the replacement of street concrete and bricks in several areas of town."Obviously, when it's very warm the ground shifts which often creates breaks in the water lines. It's not uncommon at all, unfortunately," said Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, during the June progress report to city commissioners.Bielser ran through some of the June projects and work highlights by city departments.<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Mon Jul 11 2022 15:13:36 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="June Progress Report"/><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/thumbs/hN0A4OzL-1920.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/hN0A4OzL-AMBVbJQD.mp4"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/hN0A4OzL-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="June Progress Report" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657573569733.jpeg" alt="Hays Fire Dept. trench collapse rescue training (Photos by City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>Hays Fire Dept. trench collapse rescue training (Photos by City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to hosting an open house about the new fire station to be built at 1732 W. 41st, the Hays Fire Department members underwent training for trench collapse rescue, along with Ellis County rural firefighters, and live fire fighting during June.East Frontier Park has a new parking lot, including drainage for stormwater runoff.A new batting cage outside the Larks Park spectator area has been constructed. The Hays Baseball Association provided $20,000 in funding for the project.&nbsp;Prior to the Hays Larks season opening, artificial turf was replaced at the pitcher's mound and the catcher's receiving area.Two Hays police officers, Cpl. Brandon Bell and Sgt. Jason Bonczynski, were recognized for their lifesaving actions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657573439643.jpeg" alt="WaterSmart Willy and Stormwater Dog Chetolah at Larks Park. (Photos by City of Hays)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>WaterSmart Willy and Stormwater Dog Chetolah at Larks Park. (Photos by City of Hays)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The stormwater division of the Department of Water Resources has a new mascot, "Stormwater Dog Chetolah." The furry blue dog is named after Chetolah Creek which runs through Hays and who will appear alongside "WaterSmart Wally" in promoting water conservation at various public events and in schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥 Hot temps create water leaks in Hays streets last month

TOPEKA – The Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board will hold its initial organizational meeting on Thursday to begin discussion of the process for distributing funds to combat opioid and other addictions in Kansas, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.

Under the Kansas Fights Addiction Act, proposed by Schmidt and enacted last year by the state legislature, money recovered by the attorney general pursuant to opioid litigation will be used to address substance abuse and help ensure addiction services are provided throughout the state. Funding will be available through the grant review board created by the statute. State agencies, local governments and not-for-profit entities operating within the state may apply for funding for addiction treatment and abatement through the board.

Schmidt has appointed Pat George of Dodge City, a former state representative and commerce secretary, to chair the board. George also previously served as president and CEO of Valley Hope, an addiction treatment organization based in Norton. Additional members of the board have been appointed by other state leaders and organizations, in accordance with the Kansas Fights Addiction Act and are listed on the website linked below.

The board will meet on July 14, at 1 p.m. in the auditorium of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Center, 2001 SW Washburn Avenue, Topeka. The organizational meeting will inform the board members of their statutory charge and begin discussion of the grant process. Additional information on the grant application and review process will be announced at a later date.

Schmidt’s office has negotiated settlements resulting in nearly $200 million related to unlawful opioid manufacturing, marketing and distribution, to be paid in installments over the next several years. Under the provisions of the Kansas Fights Addiction Act, a portion of the settlements will be distributed directly to local Kansas jurisdictions, with the remaining funds to be distributed by the grant review board.

More information about the Kansas Fights Addiction Act, the board and the opioid litigation is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/opioids" target="_blank">https://www.ag.ks.gov/opioids</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645113218229.png" alt="Oxycodone pills (Photo courtesy U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration)" />
 <figcaption>Oxycodone pills (Photo courtesy U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration)</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseTOPEKA – The Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board will hold its initial organizational meeting on Thursday to begin discussion of the process for distributing funds to combat opioid and other addictions in Kansas, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.Under the Kansas Fights Addiction Act, proposed by Schmidt and enacted last year by the state legislature, money recovered by the attorney general pursuant to opioid litigation will be used to address substance abuse and help ensure addiction services are provided throughout the state. Funding will be available through the grant review board created by the statute. State agencies, local governments and not-for-profit entities operating within the state may apply for funding for addiction treatment and abatement through the board.Schmidt has appointed Pat George of Dodge City, a former state representative and commerce secretary, to chair the board. George also previously served as president and CEO of Valley Hope, an addiction treatment organization based in Norton. Additional members of the board have been appointed by other state leaders and organizations, in accordance with the Kansas Fights Addiction Act and are listed on the website linked below.The board will meet on July 14, at 1 p.m. in the auditorium of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Center, 2001 SW Washburn Avenue, Topeka. The organizational meeting will inform the board members of their statutory charge and begin discussion of the grant process. Additional information on the grant application and review process will be announced at a later date.Schmidt’s office has negotiated settlements resulting in nearly $200 million related to unlawful opioid manufacturing, marketing and distribution, to be paid in installments over the next several years. Under the provisions of the Kansas Fights Addiction Act, a portion of the settlements will be distributed directly to local Kansas jurisdictions, with the remaining funds to be distributed by the grant review board.More information about the Kansas Fights Addiction Act, the board and the opioid litigation is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/opioids" target="_blank">https://www.ag.ks.gov/opioids</a>.

Former Valley Hope CEO to chair Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board 

Hays Rec looking for fall/winter season class instructors

Crude-oil prices rose two dollars on Friday, and dropped about two dollars Monday. In midday trading, the benchmark Nymex crude contract was hovering near $103 per barrel after dropping below $100 last week. London Brent was also lower Monday, trading under $106 by lunchtime. Prices in McPherson for Kansas Common crude averaged over $104 per barrel in June, the best monthly average since August of 2008. Kansas prices last week dipped into the upper 80s, but then regained some lost ground. As of Friday, the posted price for Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was $95 a barrel. Gasoline prices continue to drop. The auto club Triple-A says the national average pump price for regular gasoline on Monday was four sixty-seven per gallon, down 13 cents from last week, and 23 cents lower than a month ago. Kansas prices average four forty-six per gallon, down nearly twenty cents from last month. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says it has fixed most the systems issues that delayed data publications for several weeks. But the agency announces the hardware failure that sparked the problems in late June continues to cause problems with data on diesel fuel prices, delaying weekly publications on that subject since June 13th. The agency last week came through with several publications, including its monthly petroleum supply report for April. Crude output in the US and in Kansas declined slightly. US operators pumped nearly 349 million barrels, or 11.62 million barrels per day, down about 60,000 barrels per day from the month before. Kansas output was also down slightly, to about 76,000 barrels per day in April. EIA reports domestic crude inventories increased by 8.2 million barrels last week. At 423.8 million barrels, stockpiles on July 1 were about ten percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by 2.5 million barrels and are about eight percent below the five-year seasonal average. US crude-oil imports rose 800,000 barrels per day last week to 6.8 million barrels per day. The four-week rolling average is less than one percent ahead of last year at this time. US crude production dipped slightly, with average daily output down 23,000 barrels per day to just over 12.1 million.&nbsp; US Oil-by-rail tallies for the week through July 2nd were up 222 carloads over the week before. The Association of American Railroads says that's about one percent higher than a year earlier. Canadian traffic is up 13% over last year. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes noted 752 active drilling rigs across the US, an increase of two oil rigs. The counts in Texas and Louisiana were each up one from a week ago. The Rig Count in Kansas was down slightly, with 23 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one, and 30 west of Wichita, which is down two. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported 38 completed wells across the state in the week through July 7th. There were 18 in Western Kansas, including three in Barton County, and one each in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. New drilling permits were okayed in Barton, Russell and Stafford counties last week. Kansas regulators okayed 46 new drilling locations statewide. That's 847 so far this year, compared to 515 through the first week in July last year. The oil patch in Texas continues to set tax-revenue records. Oil production taxes in June, a whopping $679 million, increased more than $84 million from the month before, the previous record, and nearly doubled the collections from June 2021. The State Comptroller says natural gas producers also paid record production taxes in June, a total of $439 million. The Midland Reporter-Telegram newspaper reports the nearly $1.12 BILLION paid in just one month tops some annual collections from a few years ago.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude-oil prices rose two dollars on Friday, and dropped about two dollars Monday. In midday trading, the benchmark Nymex crude contract was hovering near $103 per barrel after dropping below $100 last week. London Brent was also lower Monday, trading under $106 by lunchtime. Prices in McPherson for Kansas Common crude averaged over $104 per barrel in June, the best monthly average since August of 2008. Kansas prices last week dipped into the upper 80s, but then regained some lost ground. As of Friday, the posted price for Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was $95 a barrel. Gasoline prices continue to drop. The auto club Triple-A says the national average pump price for regular gasoline on Monday was four sixty-seven per gallon, down 13 cents from last week, and 23 cents lower than a month ago. Kansas prices average four forty-six per gallon, down nearly twenty cents from last month. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says it has fixed most the systems issues that delayed data publications for several weeks. But the agency announces the hardware failure that sparked the problems in late June continues to cause problems with data on diesel fuel prices, delaying weekly publications on that subject since June 13th. The agency last week came through with several publications, including its monthly petroleum supply report for April. Crude output in the US and in Kansas declined slightly. US operators pumped nearly 349 million barrels, or 11.62 million barrels per day, down about 60,000 barrels per day from the month before. Kansas output was also down slightly, to about 76,000 barrels per day in April. EIA reports domestic crude inventories increased by 8.2 million barrels last week. At 423.8 million barrels, stockpiles on July 1 were about ten percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by 2.5 million barrels and are about eight percent below the five-year seasonal average. US crude-oil imports rose 800,000 barrels per day last week to 6.8 million barrels per day. The four-week rolling average is less than one percent ahead of last year at this time. US crude production dipped slightly, with average daily output down 23,000 barrels per day to just over 12.1 million.&nbsp; US Oil-by-rail tallies for the week through July 2nd were up 222 carloads over the week before. The Association of American Railroads says that's about one percent higher than a year earlier. Canadian traffic is up 13% over last year. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes noted 752 active drilling rigs across the US, an increase of two oil rigs. The counts in Texas and Louisiana were each up one from a week ago. The Rig Count in Kansas was down slightly, with 23 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one, and 30 west of Wichita, which is down two. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported 38 completed wells across the state in the week through July 7th. There were 18 in Western Kansas, including three in Barton County, and one each in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. New drilling permits were okayed in Barton, Russell and Stafford counties last week. Kansas regulators okayed 46 new drilling locations statewide. That's 847 so far this year, compared to 515 through the first week in July last year. The oil patch in Texas continues to set tax-revenue records. Oil production taxes in June, a whopping $679 million, increased more than $84 million from the month before, the previous record, and nearly doubled the collections from June 2021. The State Comptroller says natural gas producers also paid record production taxes in June, a total of $439 million. The Midland Reporter-Telegram newspaper reports the nearly $1.12 BILLION paid in just one month tops some annual collections from a few years ago.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. June crude prices best since 2008

The Hays area will get a brief respite from the extreme heat to start the work week, with a high of 94 projected Monday, a high of 88 on Tuesday, and a high of 93 Wednesday.

There is a slight chance of thunderstorms overnight, mainly between 2 and 3 a.m. Tuesday, although the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported only a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.&nbsp;

The extreme heat is projected to return Thursday, with highs between 99 and 104 predicted through the weekend.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657557994871.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays area will get a brief respite from the extreme heat to start the work week, with a high of 94 projected Monday, a high of 88 on Tuesday, and a high of 93 Wednesday.There is a slight chance of thunderstorms overnight, mainly between 2 and 3 a.m. Tuesday, although the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported only a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.&nbsp;The extreme heat is projected to return Thursday, with highs between 99 and 104 predicted through the weekend.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will be possible early this evening. A few of the stronger thunderstorms this evening may be capable of producing wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/3ywFfhlKvB">pic.twitter.com/3ywFfhlKvB</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1546477528331665410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Relief from heat, slight chance of storms for Hays area

The Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals will meet at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main Street.

Agenda items include a request for a public hearing&nbsp;by Justin MacDonald for a 14-inch variance to allow a
66-inch tall fence within the front setback at 1303 Tallgrass Dr.

The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06082022-1349">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals will meet at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main Street.Agenda items include a request for a public hearing&nbsp;by Justin MacDonald for a 14-inch variance to allow a
66-inch tall fence within the front setback at 1303 Tallgrass Dr.The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06082022-1349">here</a>.&nbsp;

Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals meets Wednesday morning

Fort Hays State University,&nbsp;Boot Hill Distillery and Affinity Licensing have partnered to launch Victor E. Bourbon Whiskey, the officially licensed whiskey of Tiger Nation. Bottles of the new Kansas-made whiskey are available now in stores across the state.

“We are thrilled to work with Hayes, the Boot Hill Distillery staff, and our Affinity Licensing partners to develop this new spirit,” said FHSU Chief Communications Officer Scott Cason. “We hope Victor E. Bourbon Whiskey becomes an essential part of gatherings among the FHSU Tiger faithful for years to come.”&nbsp;

With a unique mash bill of corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley, Victor E. Bourbon is bottled at 80 proof and aged at least two years. It boasts notes of vanilla, cedar, toasted marshmallow, and strawberry shortcake on the nose, and kettle corn, sugar cookie, baked pie dough, baking spice, and petrichor on the palate.&nbsp;

“Bourbon is a great way to celebrate achievements and bring friends and family together,” Boot Hill Distillery CEO Hayes Kelman said. “FHSU fans and alumni alike will enjoy this bourbon made especially for them.”

“This is a unique and exciting collaboration to promote the FHSU brand,” says Wil Spires of Affinity Licensing, FHSU’s official collegiate licensing partner.&nbsp;Affinity worked with the Boot Hill team to design the crisp black and gold label and create the whiskey’s distinctive tag line, “Pour the Roar!”&nbsp; Tiger fans are encouraged to visit their local liquor stores throughout Kansas and purchase a bottle while initial supplies last. Distributed in Kansas by Standard Beverage, Victor E. Bourbon Whiskey will also be available in bars and restaurants within the state and for purchase online for out-of-state fans.

Boot Hill Distillery distills its spirits from grain grown on their Kansas farm. Kelman purchased the dilapidated city municipal building atop the footprint of Boot Hill Cemetery in Dodge City. After extensive restoration, BHD opened its doors in 2016 as a destination location for locals and visitors alike, where the “Soil to Sip” spirits are distilled, aged, and bottled.

For more information on this special release and a continually updated list of carriers, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGGwzL-2BSnxz-2BvWBl2QP0d8fLhZfA8FJTXsascKWQx1FMODdeMqEgvF4mbYmPvOjTR8nwJuxlz2Jr0Y8T9qnX-2FJ4-3DFY0w_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BnKIIZGqVRiBXxBc5aS6sFPzxhRWHnqQQizfRCoCKupo8riLUdX2clWI2V7mcYtUf5d65AUB5mnf-2BYyeOb1DdoGx1RGTH0pYmcLG3bbMZIaZ60K5LT-2BOjZyu1-2BZZlJYEWqa7cUxZIjDDBJBdVVHhkn0w2mUiK-2BDBYUKxGezJLu7GU866bMKR0HWch8gD2fuaFo6bCPKyli-2FmHFs7QBB8ZkpSd9U2qHGrZoXHjy8j8GAOVmJ2D2IKs58r5fzDSEPEI">https://www.boothilldistillery.com/fort-hays-state-university-bourbon</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657213457921.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University,&nbsp;Boot Hill Distillery and Affinity Licensing have partnered to launch Victor E. Bourbon Whiskey, the officially licensed whiskey of Tiger Nation. Bottles of the new Kansas-made whiskey are available now in stores across the state.“We are thrilled to work with Hayes, the Boot Hill Distillery staff, and our Affinity Licensing partners to develop this new spirit,” said FHSU Chief Communications Officer Scott Cason. “We hope Victor E. Bourbon Whiskey becomes an essential part of gatherings among the FHSU Tiger faithful for years to come.”&nbsp;With a unique mash bill of corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley, Victor E. Bourbon is bottled at 80 proof and aged at least two years. It boasts notes of vanilla, cedar, toasted marshmallow, and strawberry shortcake on the nose, and kettle corn, sugar cookie, baked pie dough, baking spice, and petrichor on the palate.&nbsp;“Bourbon is a great way to celebrate achievements and bring friends and family together,” Boot Hill Distillery CEO Hayes Kelman said. “FHSU fans and alumni alike will enjoy this bourbon made especially for them.”“This is a unique and exciting collaboration to promote the FHSU brand,” says Wil Spires of Affinity Licensing, FHSU’s official collegiate licensing partner.&nbsp;Affinity worked with the Boot Hill team to design the crisp black and gold label and create the whiskey’s distinctive tag line, “Pour the Roar!”&nbsp; Tiger fans are encouraged to visit their local liquor stores throughout Kansas and purchase a bottle while initial supplies last. Distributed in Kansas by Standard Beverage, Victor E. Bourbon Whiskey will also be available in bars and restaurants within the state and for purchase online for out-of-state fans.Boot Hill Distillery distills its spirits from grain grown on their Kansas farm. Kelman purchased the dilapidated city municipal building atop the footprint of Boot Hill Cemetery in Dodge City. After extensive restoration, BHD opened its doors in 2016 as a destination location for locals and visitors alike, where the “Soil to Sip” spirits are distilled, aged, and bottled.For more information on this special release and a continually updated list of carriers, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGGwzL-2BSnxz-2BvWBl2QP0d8fLhZfA8FJTXsascKWQx1FMODdeMqEgvF4mbYmPvOjTR8nwJuxlz2Jr0Y8T9qnX-2FJ4-3DFY0w_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BnKIIZGqVRiBXxBc5aS6sFPzxhRWHnqQQizfRCoCKupo8riLUdX2clWI2V7mcYtUf5d65AUB5mnf-2BYyeOb1DdoGx1RGTH0pYmcLG3bbMZIaZ60K5LT-2BOjZyu1-2BZZlJYEWqa7cUxZIjDDBJBdVVHhkn0w2mUiK-2BDBYUKxGezJLu7GU866bMKR0HWch8gD2fuaFo6bCPKyli-2FmHFs7QBB8ZkpSd9U2qHGrZoXHjy8j8GAOVmJ2D2IKs58r5fzDSEPEI">https://www.boothilldistillery.com/fort-hays-state-university-bourbon</a>.

FHSU announces Victor E. Bourbon Whiskey partnership

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:49 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Leo Jiminian"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/un5ikset-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/un5ikset-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/un5ikset-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Leo Jiminian" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Leo Jiminian

MANHATTAN — Public hearings will be conducted in western Kansas on July 26 and 27 to consider the proposed renewal of two Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA) management plans in the region. The hearings by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Division of Water Resources will provide the opportunity for in-person oral statements, and written comments may be submitted prior to the hearings.

A LEMA is a tool that allows local groundwater management districts (GMDs) to set goals and corrective control measures to aid in water conservation.

The Sheridan 6 LEMA was established in a designated area in Sheridan and Thomas counties in 2013 and extended in 2017. 

The GMD 4 LEMA was established in a designated area in Cheyenne, Decatur, Rawlins, Gove, Graham, Logan, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas and Wallace counties in 2018.

For both LEMAs, the plans for proposed renewal were previously submitted to the chief engineer by GMD No. 4 and were found to be acceptable for further consideration.

The chief engineer will serve as the presiding officer at both hearings and will consider the effectiveness of the current LEMA plans’ provisions in meeting those plans’ stated goals. The chief engineer will also consider whether conditions within the LEMA boundaries continue to warrant the designation of a LEMA and whether the corrective controls proposed by the LEMA plans are in the public interest, and will ultimately determine whether the LEMA plans should be renewed as proposed.

Anyone may submit written or oral statements to be included in the record of the hearings. Oral comments will be accepted only in person at the public hearings. Written comments may be submitted at the public hearings or sent to KDA, labeled either “Sheridan 6 LEMA” or “GMD 4 LEMA,” or c/o Ronda Hutton; 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, faxed to 785-564-6777, or e-mailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov" target="_blank">Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov</a>. Written comments will be accepted if delivered on or before August 9 (Sheridan 6) or August 10 (GMD 4), 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576097995550.jpeg" alt="(Photo courtesy USDA)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy USDA)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Public hearings will be conducted in western Kansas on July 26 and 27 to consider the proposed renewal of two Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA) management plans in the region. The hearings by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Division of Water Resources will provide the opportunity for in-person oral statements, and written comments may be submitted prior to the hearings.<ul>
 <li>Sheridan 6 LEMA hearing:&nbsp;Tuesday, July 26, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at the Sheridan County Courthouse, 926 9th&nbsp;Street in Hoxie.</li><li>GMD 4 LEMA hearing:&nbsp;Wednesday, July 27, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at the City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range Avenue in Colby.</li>
 </ul>A LEMA is a tool that allows local groundwater management districts (GMDs) to set goals and corrective control measures to aid in water conservation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657360874029.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Sheridan 6 LEMA was established in a designated area in Sheridan and Thomas counties in 2013 and extended in 2017. The GMD 4 LEMA was established in a designated area in Cheyenne, Decatur, Rawlins, Gove, Graham, Logan, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas and Wallace counties in 2018.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657361197294.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For both LEMAs, the plans for proposed renewal were previously submitted to the chief engineer by GMD No. 4 and were found to be acceptable for further consideration.The chief engineer will serve as the presiding officer at both hearings and will consider the effectiveness of the current LEMA plans’ provisions in meeting those plans’ stated goals. The chief engineer will also consider whether conditions within the LEMA boundaries continue to warrant the designation of a LEMA and whether the corrective controls proposed by the LEMA plans are in the public interest, and will ultimately determine whether the LEMA plans should be renewed as proposed.Anyone may submit written or oral statements to be included in the record of the hearings. Oral comments will be accepted only in person at the public hearings. Written comments may be submitted at the public hearings or sent to KDA, labeled either “Sheridan 6 LEMA” or “GMD 4 LEMA,” or c/o Ronda Hutton; 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, faxed to 785-564-6777, or e-mailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov" target="_blank">Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov</a>. Written comments will be accepted if delivered on or before August 9 (Sheridan 6) or August 10 (GMD 4), 2022.More details about the hearings including a copy of the proposed plan and related documents are available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MDguNjA1MDk3NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9MRU1BP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.pPTktRM3IJeAyjnJBXkGIsJw6PeV-H_r27iWrqdKwZs/s/1377890594/br/137176039569-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/LEMA</a>.