Thomas
 More Prep-Marian senior Rebekah Schroeder has been named a Commended 
Scholar in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. The announcement
 was made by official letter to the school on Sept. 19.

In October of their junior year, TMP-Marian students take the 
Preliminary SAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Based on 
their scores, students may qualify for scholarships and academic 
recognition. Only the top 1.4% of test takers are able to achieve 
Commended Scholar, Semifinalist, or Finalist status. That's only 50,000 
out of over 3.5 million students nationwide.

"Congratulations to Rebekah, her family, and her teachers for achieving this honor!" said TMP-Marian Principal Chad Meitner.

Rebekah will receive a letter of commendation, be recognized among 
the high school student body, and have her name added to the plaque in 
the main entryway along with the other students who have achieved 
Commended Scholar, Semifinalist, or Finalist distinction. Rebekah is the
 first Monarch to be named a scholar since 2019 and joins the 79 others 
so honored.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664207762364.jpeg" alt="Rebekah Schroeder" />
 <figcaption>Rebekah Schroeder</figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-MThomas
 More Prep-Marian senior Rebekah Schroeder has been named a Commended 
Scholar in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. The announcement
 was made by official letter to the school on Sept. 19.In October of their junior year, TMP-Marian students take the 
Preliminary SAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Based on 
their scores, students may qualify for scholarships and academic 
recognition. Only the top 1.4% of test takers are able to achieve 
Commended Scholar, Semifinalist, or Finalist status. That's only 50,000 
out of over 3.5 million students nationwide."Congratulations to Rebekah, her family, and her teachers for achieving this honor!" said TMP-Marian Principal Chad Meitner.Rebekah will receive a letter of commendation, be recognized among 
the high school student body, and have her name added to the plaque in 
the main entryway along with the other students who have achieved 
Commended Scholar, Semifinalist, or Finalist distinction. Rebekah is the
 first Monarch to be named a scholar since 2019 and joins the 79 others 
so honored.

TMP-M senior earns Commended Scholar status 

NORTON COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Dylan D. Jones, 16, Norton, was southbound on County Road W-2&nbsp; just south of County Road L.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It traveled into the east ditch and rolled multiple times.

EMS transported Jones to the Norton County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NORTON COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Norton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Dylan D. Jones, 16, Norton, was southbound on County Road W-2&nbsp; just south of County Road L.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It traveled into the east ditch and rolled multiple times.EMS transported Jones to the Norton County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. teen hospitalized after pickup rollover accident

<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/2022/9/1664389383759.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 STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

It is important to check corn and sorghum fields for stalk rot diseases prior to harvest. The two most common types of stalk rot in grain sorghum and corn are charcoal rot and Fusarium stalk rot. Both diseases are known to survive in crop residue and can survive in the soil for many years. Stalk rots have somewhat similar symptoms so it is useful to be able to tell them apart.

Even in fields where lodging has not yet occurred, producers should be prepared to deal with stalk rot issues, especially in drier years.&nbsp;Stalk rot can be more problematic in sorghum than in corn due to generally thinner stalks in sorghum.&nbsp;

Annual losses are difficult to determine because, unless lodging occurs, the disease mostly goes unnoticed. The best estimates are that at least 5% of the sorghum crop is lost each year to stalk rot. The incidence of stalk rot in individual fields may reach 90 to 100% with yield losses of 50%.&nbsp;

Symptoms generally appear several weeks after pollination when the plant appears to prematurely ripen. The leaves become dry, taking on a grayish-green appearance similar to frost injury. The stalk usually dies a few weeks later. Diseased stalks can be easily crushed when squeezed between the thumb and finger and are more susceptible to lodging during wind or rainstorms. The most characteristic symptom of stalk rot is the shredding of the internal tissue in the lowest internodes of the stalk, which can be observed when the stalk is split. This shredded tissue may be tan colored (Fusarium stalk rots); red or salmon, (Fusarium and&nbsp;Gibberella&nbsp;stalk rots); or grayish-black (charcoal rot).

General considerations&nbsp;- stalk rot is a stress-related disease. Any stress on a crop can increase both the incidence and severity of stalk rot. Research has indicated that when the carbohydrates used to fill the grain become unavailable due to nutrient shortage, drought stress, leaf damage from insects, hail, disease or reduced sunlight, the plant uses nitrogen and carbohydrate reserves stored in the stalk to complete grain fill.&nbsp;

Other than irrigation or rain, there is little that can be done to prevent stalk rot by late summer. No hybrid has complete immunity to the stalk rotting pathogens. When choosing a hybrid, a grower should select a hybrid that is not only a high yielder, but one that has good standability and “stay-green” characteristics. This will help assure that if stalk rot does occur, losses due to lodging&nbsp;can be reduced.&nbsp;A balanced nutrition program based on soil tests should be used. Overall fertility levels should be adjusted to fit the hybrid, plant population, soil type, environmental&nbsp;conditions and management program. An excess, as well as a shortage, of nitrogen can lead to increased stalk rot problems.

Producers can check their sorghum for stalk rots by squeezing the lower stem with their thumb and fingers. If the stalks crush easily, they are probably infected with one of the stalk rot organisms and may lodge at any time. Check 100 plants across the field to determine the percent of affected plants. If the percentage of stalk-rot-infected plants is high, sorghum should be harvested as soon as possible, even if it hasn’t dried down adequately in the field. If the stalks are firm, the plants will probably be able to stand just fine in the field for several more weeks.

For more information, see “Stalk Rots of Corn and Sorghum,” K-State publication L-741, at:&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664199213239.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictIt is important to check corn and sorghum fields for stalk rot diseases prior to harvest. The two most common types of stalk rot in grain sorghum and corn are charcoal rot and Fusarium stalk rot. Both diseases are known to survive in crop residue and can survive in the soil for many years. Stalk rots have somewhat similar symptoms so it is useful to be able to tell them apart.Even in fields where lodging has not yet occurred, producers should be prepared to deal with stalk rot issues, especially in drier years.&nbsp;Stalk rot can be more problematic in sorghum than in corn due to generally thinner stalks in sorghum.&nbsp;Annual losses are difficult to determine because, unless lodging occurs, the disease mostly goes unnoticed. The best estimates are that at least 5% of the sorghum crop is lost each year to stalk rot. The incidence of stalk rot in individual fields may reach 90 to 100% with yield losses of 50%.&nbsp;Symptoms generally appear several weeks after pollination when the plant appears to prematurely ripen. The leaves become dry, taking on a grayish-green appearance similar to frost injury. The stalk usually dies a few weeks later. Diseased stalks can be easily crushed when squeezed between the thumb and finger and are more susceptible to lodging during wind or rainstorms. The most characteristic symptom of stalk rot is the shredding of the internal tissue in the lowest internodes of the stalk, which can be observed when the stalk is split. This shredded tissue may be tan colored (Fusarium stalk rots); red or salmon, (Fusarium and&nbsp;Gibberella&nbsp;stalk rots); or grayish-black (charcoal rot).General considerations&nbsp;- stalk rot is a stress-related disease. Any stress on a crop can increase both the incidence and severity of stalk rot. Research has indicated that when the carbohydrates used to fill the grain become unavailable due to nutrient shortage, drought stress, leaf damage from insects, hail, disease or reduced sunlight, the plant uses nitrogen and carbohydrate reserves stored in the stalk to complete grain fill.&nbsp;Other than irrigation or rain, there is little that can be done to prevent stalk rot by late summer. No hybrid has complete immunity to the stalk rotting pathogens. When choosing a hybrid, a grower should select a hybrid that is not only a high yielder, but one that has good standability and “stay-green” characteristics. This will help assure that if stalk rot does occur, losses due to lodging&nbsp;can be reduced.&nbsp;A balanced nutrition program based on soil tests should be used. Overall fertility levels should be adjusted to fit the hybrid, plant population, soil type, environmental&nbsp;conditions and management program. An excess, as well as a shortage, of nitrogen can lead to increased stalk rot problems.Producers can check their sorghum for stalk rots by squeezing the lower stem with their thumb and fingers. If the stalks crush easily, they are probably infected with one of the stalk rot organisms and may lodge at any time. Check 100 plants across the field to determine the percent of affected plants. If the percentage of stalk-rot-infected plants is high, sorghum should be harvested as soon as possible, even if it hasn’t dried down adequately in the field. If the stalks are firm, the plants will probably be able to stand just fine in the field for several more weeks.For more information, see “Stalk Rots of Corn and Sorghum,” K-State publication L-741, at:&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/</a>

CAMPBELL: Check for stalk rots prior to grain sorghum harvest

By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

GREAT BEND — A formal approval of the master plan is expected at an upcoming Great
Bend City Council meeting, but a 10-year capital improvement plan for “quality
of life” projects is taking shape with many ventures expected in the near
future. One of the proposed projects to get started in the next year or two is
the addition of a public shooting range. 
Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis said one idea is to expand the police
department’s shooting range on the Great Bend Expo Complex grounds. "I
 truly don't know all the costs incurred," said Francis. "If it's dirt, 
we can build a berm. There's also shelters and tables that fit into 
this. We're just trying to work our way through it." 
The thought is to extend the berm, or embankment, to the north at the shooting
range for the public. Francis said the city has also considered partnering with
a local provider, or business, to expand their services to include a shooting
range. 
In the master plan, Great Bend plans to set aside $34,000 throughout 2023 and
2024 combined for the project.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664378147271.png" alt="Great Bend's "quality of life" projects include the creation of a public shooting range. One idea is to extend the police department's shooting range, pictured above, at Great Bend Expo Complex grounds." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend's "quality of life" projects include the creation of a public shooting range. One idea is to extend the police department's shooting range, pictured above, at Great Bend Expo Complex grounds.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — A formal approval of the master plan is expected at an upcoming Great
Bend City Council meeting, but a 10-year capital improvement plan for “quality
of life” projects is taking shape with many ventures expected in the near
future. One of the proposed projects to get started in the next year or two is
the addition of a public shooting range. 
Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis said one idea is to expand the police
department’s shooting range on the Great Bend Expo Complex grounds. "I
 truly don't know all the costs incurred," said Francis. "If it's dirt, 
we can build a berm. There's also shelters and tables that fit into 
this. We're just trying to work our way through it." 
The thought is to extend the berm, or embankment, to the north at the shooting
range for the public. Francis said the city has also considered partnering with
a local provider, or business, to expand their services to include a shooting
range. 
In the master plan, Great Bend plans to set aside $34,000 throughout 2023 and
2024 combined for the project.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend reveals plans for public shooting range

BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent domestic dispute and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 5 p.m. Tuesday, Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 3322 Railroad Avenue in reference to a reported disturbance, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Individuals at the scene reported a woman had been struck by a vehicle and there had also been a stabbing.

Upon arrival, deputies located the suspect vehicle as it was attempting to flee the scene. The driver identified as 42-year-old Justin Merritt of Hays was taken into custody.

Witnesses at the scene stated the driver of the vehicle, Merritt, accelerated toward the victim several times, at one point striking her causing the victim to go over the hood of the vehicle, according to Bellendir. Further investigation indicated the suspect had several self-inflicted lacerations to an arm.&nbsp;

Great Bend Fire Department EMS service was called to the location to examine Merritt. After medical treatment, Merritt was transported to the Barton County jail without incident and booked on requested charges of aggravated battery and is being held in lieu of a $40,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664395302809.jpeg" alt="Merritt photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Merritt photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent domestic dispute and have a suspect in custody.Just after 5 p.m. Tuesday, Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 3322 Railroad Avenue in reference to a reported disturbance, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Individuals at the scene reported a woman had been struck by a vehicle and there had also been a stabbing.Upon arrival, deputies located the suspect vehicle as it was attempting to flee the scene. The driver identified as 42-year-old Justin Merritt of Hays was taken into custody.Witnesses at the scene stated the driver of the vehicle, Merritt, accelerated toward the victim several times, at one point striking her causing the victim to go over the hood of the vehicle, according to Bellendir. Further investigation indicated the suspect had several self-inflicted lacerations to an arm.&nbsp;Great Bend Fire Department EMS service was called to the location to examine Merritt. After medical treatment, Merritt was transported to the Barton County jail without incident and booked on requested charges of aggravated battery and is being held in lieu of a $40,000 bond.

Man from Hays arrested after woman struck by car in Barton Co.

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-09-28/grab-all-the-fish-you-want-while-theyre-still-alive-this-kansas-lake-is-drying-up">Kansas News Service</a>

ELLIS — Grab the fish at Ellis City Lake by net, by hand — whatever. Just take as many as you want.

So
 on Tuesday, Kansas suspended catch limits and size rules for pulling 
catfish, crappies, bass, bluegills and any other fish you find in the 
rapidly dwindling reservoir about 15 miles west of Hays.

It’s called a public fish salvage, and it took effect immediately.

“You
 just as well take what you can get,” said Bryan Sowards, director of 
the fisheries division at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. 
When the lake finally recovers, whenever that is, “we’re pretty much 
going to restart at that point with new stocking from our hatcheries.”

The
 same hideous drought that’s baking farmland across western Kansas has 
the Big Creek flowing so low that Ellis City Lake — which normally 
covers about 30 acres — can’t get the water recharge it needs.

“Continued
 dry weather may lead to significant fish losses in the near future,” 
the department announced. “The public may collect any remaining fish in 
the designated waterbody by any legal methods, as well as by hand, dip 
net or <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seine" target="_blank">seine</a>.”

The
 temporary free-for-all applies until officials pull down signs about 
the public fish salvage that they’ve posted around the water.

The 
same rules apply to Warren Stone Memorial Lake, a much smaller body (2 
acres) about half an hour south of Hays. But Sowards says this tiny lake
 dries up “all the time.”

A bigger pool like the Ellis City 
reservoir doesn’t dry up as easily, but it happens. Sowards estimates 
bad-enough droughts strike more than once per decade. The severe drought
 that struck Kansas a decade ago was particularly rough.

“It’s not nearly as bad as it was then,” he said.

When water gets too low, as at the two lakes right now, fish burn through the remaining oxygen fast and start dying.

Some
 fish may survive, Sowards said, “but you’ll have enough die to where 
you’d rather have the public (get) in there to harvest them.”

Similar
 problems can happen even in deeper bodies, when heat and dwindling lake
 levels lead to fish getting caught between two unlivable layers of 
water.

“Fish are ‘squeezed,’ ” said Ted Harris, a professor at the 
Kansas Biological Survey &amp; Center for Ecological Research at the 
University of Kansas, “between really hot water (at the surface) and 
water without oxygen (at the bottom).”

Earlier this month, the <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1565355495870894081" target="_blank">National Weather Service said</a> Hays was experiencing its 11th driest summer.

The drought has <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-09-20/how-the-drought-killing-kansas-corn-crops-could-make-you-pay-more-for-gas-and-beef" target="_blank">stunted and shriveled crops</a>
 across western Kansas, contributing to the current steep prices for 
corn and forcing cattle and ethanol companies to haul grain by rail from
 places like Iowa, Illinois and Ohio.

The National Drought 
Mitigation Center predicts that the dry conditions afflicting the region
 will continue through the end of the year.

Sowards said Kansas 
also sometimes announces public fish salvages when the state plans 
renovations or other maintenance that require lowering the water levels.
 Sometimes the state does that to clear out invasive species, such as 
non-native <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/commoncarp/index.html#:~:text=Common%20carp%20are%20one%20of,phosphorus%20that%20increases%20algae%20abundance" target="_blank">common carp</a> that wreak havoc on aquatic ecosystems.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen covers the environment for the Kansas News 
Service. You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664394794987.png" alt=" Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-09-28/grab-all-the-fish-you-want-while-theyre-still-alive-this-kansas-lake-is-drying-up">Kansas News Service</a>ELLIS — Grab the fish at Ellis City Lake by net, by hand — whatever. Just take as many as you want.They will die anyway, the state fears.So
 on Tuesday, Kansas suspended catch limits and size rules for pulling 
catfish, crappies, bass, bluegills and any other fish you find in the 
rapidly dwindling reservoir about 15 miles west of Hays.It’s called a public fish salvage, and it took effect immediately.“You
 just as well take what you can get,” said Bryan Sowards, director of 
the fisheries division at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. 
When the lake finally recovers, whenever that is, “we’re pretty much 
going to restart at that point with new stocking from our hatcheries.”The
 same hideous drought that’s baking farmland across western Kansas has 
the Big Creek flowing so low that Ellis City Lake — which normally 
covers about 30 acres — can’t get the water recharge it needs.“Continued
 dry weather may lead to significant fish losses in the near future,” 
the department announced. “The public may collect any remaining fish in 
the designated waterbody by any legal methods, as well as by hand, dip 
net or <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seine" target="_blank">seine</a>.”The
 temporary free-for-all applies until officials pull down signs about 
the public fish salvage that they’ve posted around the water.The 
same rules apply to Warren Stone Memorial Lake, a much smaller body (2 
acres) about half an hour south of Hays. But Sowards says this tiny lake
 dries up “all the time.”A bigger pool like the Ellis City 
reservoir doesn’t dry up as easily, but it happens. Sowards estimates 
bad-enough droughts strike more than once per decade. The severe drought
 that struck Kansas a decade ago was particularly rough.“It’s not nearly as bad as it was then,” he said.When water gets too low, as at the two lakes right now, fish burn through the remaining oxygen fast and start dying.Some
 fish may survive, Sowards said, “but you’ll have enough die to where 
you’d rather have the public (get) in there to harvest them.”Similar
 problems can happen even in deeper bodies, when heat and dwindling lake
 levels lead to fish getting caught between two unlivable layers of 
water.“Fish are ‘squeezed,’ ” said Ted Harris, a professor at the 
Kansas Biological Survey &amp; Center for Ecological Research at the 
University of Kansas, “between really hot water (at the surface) and 
water without oxygen (at the bottom).”Earlier this month, the <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1565355495870894081" target="_blank">National Weather Service said</a> Hays was experiencing its 11th driest summer.The drought has <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-09-20/how-the-drought-killing-kansas-corn-crops-could-make-you-pay-more-for-gas-and-beef" target="_blank">stunted and shriveled crops</a>
 across western Kansas, contributing to the current steep prices for 
corn and forcing cattle and ethanol companies to haul grain by rail from
 places like Iowa, Illinois and Ohio.The National Drought 
Mitigation Center predicts that the dry conditions afflicting the region
 will continue through the end of the year.Sowards said Kansas 
also sometimes announces public fish salvages when the state plans 
renovations or other maintenance that require lowering the water levels.
 Sometimes the state does that to clear out invasive species, such as 
non-native <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/commoncarp/index.html#:~:text=Common%20carp%20are%20one%20of,phosphorus%20that%20increases%20algae%20abundance" target="_blank">common carp</a> that wreak havoc on aquatic ecosystems.Celia Llopis-Jepsen covers the environment for the Kansas News 
Service. You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Ellis City Lake: Grab all the fish you want while they're still alive

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Sept. 17 to 23. KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County was downgraded from the substantial to moderate incidence category by KDHE. (See map below).&nbsp;

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

Since reporting began, there have been 7,833 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664385809654.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Sept. 17 to 23. KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County was downgraded from the substantial to moderate incidence category by KDHE. (See map below).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,833 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664385853808.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: COVID case numbers in Ellis Co. continue to decline

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Fort Hays State University's Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art is hosting its first traveling exhibit since moving to its new home in the Center for Art and Design building.

"Landfall Press: Five Decades Exhibition" is a retrospective of 50 years of Jack Lemon's print shop, which was in Santa Fe, N.M.

Lemon is a 1963 printmaking graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute. Landfall has printed more than 3,000 editions of lithographs, woodcuts, etchings and digital prints, according to the press's website. 

The exhibit includes 60 works. It was supposed to begin touring in 2019, but the pandemic delayed the tour. The Moss-Thorns is the first stop on the exhibition's tour.

Lemon was at a reception Sept. 16 that kicked off the exhibit's time at the Moss-Thorns, which will be on display through Oct. 28 at FHSU.

"I got tired of teaching," he said of the founding of the press. "I decided I would really do something. It just came alive."

Lemon said he choose the prints for the exhibit to represent each decade of the press's operation. There's a book that accompanies the exhibit titled "Landfall Press: Five Decades."

Lemon said he didn't have favorites among the exhibit's work.

"There's a lot of them that I do like," he said, "I actually like most of them because I picked them."

He said his greatest challenge was marketing the work once the prints were completed.

When Lemon started Landfall in the 1970s, the fine art print business was booming. The industry was depressed during the 1990s and stayed that way for some time, he said. 

Lemon said he enjoyed working with the artists in his print shop, some of which included Christo, Philip Pearlstein, Robert Cottingham, Vernon Fisher, Terry Allen, Robert Arneson, Jim Dine, Sal LeWitt, Allen Ruppersberg, Lesley Dill, Kara Walker and James Drake.

"Making is more fun," Lemon said. "If you're working with the artists, it's a lot of fun."

He added of the artists with whom he worked, "You pick one and you work with them. And there is just a lot of good camaraderie that goes on and a lot of connection in talking with them and sitting down at the lunch table.

"It's been a really nice 50 years," he said. "There's been ups and downs and turnarounds, but I like it."

Lemon, 86, is retired and still living in the Southwest. A long-time employee of the press took over the business, and it is now operating as Black Rock.

Lemon said it's been hard to leave the profession. He still sees artists that he would like to work with, including at FHSU.

 The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The gallery will be open from noon to 5 p.m. the first three Saturdays in October, especially for this exhibit.

"This is such a great opportunity for Fort Hays and the Moss-Thorns Gallery," said Colin Schmidtberger, gallery director. "For the community of Hays to have this level of artwork to come here is just fantastic. We can't thank Landfall Press enough for letting us be the inaugural show."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663607128377.jpeg" alt=""Off the Grid," a group of seven lithographs by Mokha Laget (2016) is part of the exhibit, "Landfall Press: Five Decades Exhibition," which is on display now at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>"Off the Grid," a group of seven lithographs by Mokha Laget (2016) is part of the exhibit, "Landfall Press: Five Decades Exhibition," which is on display now at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFort Hays State University's Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art is hosting its first traveling exhibit since moving to its new home in the Center for Art and Design building."Landfall Press: Five Decades Exhibition" is a retrospective of 50 years of Jack Lemon's print shop, which was in Santa Fe, N.M.Lemon is a 1963 printmaking graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute. Landfall has printed more than 3,000 editions of lithographs, woodcuts, etchings and digital prints, according to the press's website. The exhibit includes 60 works. It was supposed to begin touring in 2019, but the pandemic delayed the tour. The Moss-Thorns is the first stop on the exhibition's tour. Lemon was at a reception Sept. 16 that kicked off the exhibit's time at the Moss-Thorns, which will be on display through Oct. 28 at FHSU."I got tired of teaching," he said of the founding of the press. "I decided I would really do something. It just came alive."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663607421035.jpeg" alt=""Tropical Punch," a lithograph by Dan Nice (1994). The artwork is part of "Landfall Press: Five Decades Exhibition," which features 50 years of work produced by the press. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"Tropical Punch," a lithograph by Dan Nice (1994). The artwork is part of "Landfall Press: Five Decades Exhibition," which features 50 years of work produced by the press. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Lemon said he choose the prints for the exhibit to represent each decade of the press's operation. There's a book that accompanies the exhibit titled "Landfall Press: Five Decades." Lemon said he didn't have favorites among the exhibit's work."There's a lot of them that I do like," he said, "I actually like most of them because I picked them."He said his greatest challenge was marketing the work once the prints were completed.When Lemon started Landfall in the 1970s, the fine art print business was booming. The industry was depressed during the 1990s and stayed that way for some time, he said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663607588370.jpeg" alt=""Some Waved," lithographs by Ericka Walker. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>"Some Waved," lithographs by Ericka Walker. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Lemon said he enjoyed working with the artists in his print shop, some of which included Christo, Philip Pearlstein, Robert Cottingham, Vernon Fisher, Terry Allen, Robert Arneson, Jim Dine, Sal LeWitt, Allen Ruppersberg, Lesley Dill, Kara Walker and James Drake."Making is more fun," Lemon said. "If you're working with the artists, it's a lot of fun."He added of the artists with whom he worked, "You pick one and you work with them. And there is just a lot of good camaraderie that goes on and a lot of connection in talking with them and sitting down at the lunch table."It's been a really nice 50 years," he said. "There's been ups and downs and turnarounds, but I like it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663608034356.jpeg" alt="Christo's lithograph and collage, "Wrapped Studebaker." Christo was internationally known for his site installations of landmarks and landscapes wrapped in fabric. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Christo's lithograph and collage, "Wrapped Studebaker." Christo was internationally known for his site installations of landmarks and landscapes wrapped in fabric. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Lemon, 86, is retired and still living in the Southwest. A long-time employee of the press took over the business, and it is now operating as Black Rock.Lemon said it's been hard to leave the profession. He still sees artists that he would like to work with, including at FHSU. The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The gallery will be open from noon to 5 p.m. the first three Saturdays in October, especially for this exhibit."This is such a great opportunity for Fort Hays and the Moss-Thorns Gallery," said Colin Schmidtberger, gallery director. "For the community of Hays to have this level of artwork to come here is just fantastic. We can't thank Landfall Press enough for letting us be the inaugural show."&nbsp;

Moss-Thorns hosts inaugural exhibit of 'Landfall Press: Five Decades Exhibition'

Tuesday night, fire crews were dispatched to Fork That Bakery, 201 E. Main, Victoria, for a report of smoke coming from the roof of the building.

No one was in the building at the time of the fire, and no one was injured.

Brooke Olson is the owner of the bakery, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0abc8fc6-d062-4860-aa27-84c74eda9b1f">which opened in 2021</a>.

The family posted the message below on Facebook this morning.

Hays Post will post more information as it becomes available. Fire officials were still on the scene surveying damage as of Wednesday morning.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTuesday night, fire crews were dispatched to Fork That Bakery, 201 E. Main, Victoria, for a report of smoke coming from the roof of the building.No one was in the building at the time of the fire, and no one was injured.Brooke Olson is the owner of the bakery, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0abc8fc6-d062-4860-aa27-84c74eda9b1f">which opened in 2021</a>.The family posted the message below on Facebook this morning. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664378693217.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post will post more information as it becomes available. Fire officials were still on the scene surveying damage as of Wednesday morning.

Fire burns popular restaurant, Fork That Bakery, in Victoria

TOPEKA — Applicants who successfully passed the Kansas bar examination will be sworn in as Kansas attorneys in an in-person ceremony at 9:40 a.m. Friday in the Georgia Neese Gray Performance Hall at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. New attorneys can choose to be sworn in Friday during the in-person ceremony or at another time by a state or federal judge. Chief Justice Marla Luckert will preside over the Supreme Court, and District Judge Toby Crouse will represent the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Doug Shima, clerk of the Kansas appellate courts, will administer the state oath, and Traci Anderson, courtroom deputy from the U.S. District Court, will administer the federal oath.

New northwest Kansas attorneys to be sworn in include:

Lane County Tara Terwilliger, Dighton

Thomas County Courtney Ress, Colby

Kansas Judicial BranchTOPEKA — Applicants who successfully passed the Kansas bar examination will be sworn in as Kansas attorneys in an in-person ceremony at 9:40 a.m. Friday in the Georgia Neese Gray Performance Hall at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. New attorneys can choose to be sworn in Friday during the in-person ceremony or at another time by a state or federal judge. Chief Justice Marla Luckert will preside over the Supreme Court, and District Judge Toby Crouse will represent the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Doug Shima, clerk of the Kansas appellate courts, will administer the state oath, and Traci Anderson, courtroom deputy from the U.S. District Court, will administer the federal oath.New northwest Kansas attorneys to be sworn in include:Ellis County Brady Tien, HaysLane County Tara Terwilliger, DightonThomas County Courtney Ress, Colby

New northwest Kansas attorneys to be sworn in Friday

Hays USD 489 will be sending surveys soon to the high school and middle school parents on a proposed rebranding of the high school and middle school.

As part of a bond issue passed in May, USD 489 will build a new high school and renovate the current high school building into a middle school.

Board member Allen Park asked if the district was going to contact alumni about the rebranding. Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district doesn't keep the addresses of alumni, but he said he was open to looking at ways alumni could be included in the discussion.

Wilson said Monday during the KAYS Morning Show he had no preferences on the branding or mascots for the schools.

He said he wants to make sure the community has input on what stamp is on the new high school building and the renovated middle school building.

<div><iframe title="USD 489 Board of Education meeting recap: Sept. 27, 2022" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ugfim-12d3bef-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays USD 489 will be sending surveys soon to the high school and middle school parents on a proposed rebranding of the high school and middle school.As part of a bond issue passed in May, USD 489 will build a new high school and renovate the current high school building into a middle school.Board member Allen Park asked if the district was going to contact alumni about the rebranding. Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district doesn't keep the addresses of alumni, but he said he was open to looking at ways alumni could be included in the discussion.Wilson said Monday during the KAYS Morning Show he had no preferences on the branding or mascots for the schools.He said he wants to make sure the community has input on what stamp is on the new high school building and the renovated middle school building.

🎙 USD 489 to consider rebranding Hays High, Middle schools

Midwest Energy is proposing a new three-part electric rate structure for residential and small business (General Service Small) featuring a customer charge, energy charge and a demand charge and would begin Jan. 1.&nbsp; The proposed rate changes would be revenue-neutral for the cooperative and would be phased in over a period of four years. As demand charges are introduced, energy charges will decline each year, offsetting much (in some cases, all) of the demand charge, resulting in a $0 monthly increase for an average residential customer.​

Currently, most Midwest Energy residential and small business customers have a two-part rate structure; a customer charge, which is a fixed $28 per month charge for all residential customers, and an energy charge, which is based on the volume of kilowatt hours of electricity used during the month.

The proposed rate change would introduce a third component, a demand charge. Demand refers to the amount of electrical power being used at a given time. While the energy charge is based on the volume of electricity used in kilowatt hours (kWh), demand is based on the intensity at which energy is used (or the “demand” one puts on the grid) in kilowatts (kW). &nbsp;

The proposed rate structure sends a price signal for demand, which could lower the cooperative’s costs for system capacity, resulting in lower costs for all customers in the future. &nbsp;Additionally, by adding a demand component to bills, customers will have two ways in which to control their energy savings: through managing their demand, as well as using energy efficiently.&nbsp;

Public information meetings about the new electric rate proposal are scheduled for October. The locations are spread throughout the service area to give as many members as possible a chance to attend. All Midwest Energy electric customers are encouraged to attend.

• Colby:&nbsp; October 11,&nbsp;6:30&nbsp;p.m., Colby Community College, Student Union&nbsp; • Kinsley:&nbsp; October 18,&nbsp;6:30&nbsp;p.m., City Hall, Community Room • Great Bend:&nbsp;October 19,&nbsp;6:30 p.m., Great Bend Front Door, 1615 Tenth St. • Hays:&nbsp; October 20,&nbsp;6:30&nbsp;p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 221&nbsp;W 43rd St.&nbsp;

For more information on the proposed rates, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/residential/demand_rates">www.mwenergy.com/residential/demand_rates</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586196165303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseMidwest Energy is proposing a new three-part electric rate structure for residential and small business (General Service Small) featuring a customer charge, energy charge and a demand charge and would begin Jan. 1.&nbsp; The proposed rate changes would be revenue-neutral for the cooperative and would be phased in over a period of four years. As demand charges are introduced, energy charges will decline each year, offsetting much (in some cases, all) of the demand charge, resulting in a $0 monthly increase for an average residential customer.​Currently, most Midwest Energy residential and small business customers have a two-part rate structure; a customer charge, which is a fixed $28 per month charge for all residential customers, and an energy charge, which is based on the volume of kilowatt hours of electricity used during the month.The proposed rate change would introduce a third component, a demand charge. Demand refers to the amount of electrical power being used at a given time. While the energy charge is based on the volume of electricity used in kilowatt hours (kWh), demand is based on the intensity at which energy is used (or the “demand” one puts on the grid) in kilowatts (kW). &nbsp;The proposed rate structure sends a price signal for demand, which could lower the cooperative’s costs for system capacity, resulting in lower costs for all customers in the future. &nbsp;Additionally, by adding a demand component to bills, customers will have two ways in which to control their energy savings: through managing their demand, as well as using energy efficiently.&nbsp;Public information meetings about the new electric rate proposal are scheduled for October. The locations are spread throughout the service area to give as many members as possible a chance to attend. All Midwest Energy electric customers are encouraged to attend.• Colby:&nbsp; October 11,&nbsp;6:30&nbsp;p.m., Colby Community College, Student Union&nbsp; • Kinsley:&nbsp; October 18,&nbsp;6:30&nbsp;p.m., City Hall, Community Room • Great Bend:&nbsp;October 19,&nbsp;6:30 p.m., Great Bend Front Door, 1615 Tenth St. • Hays:&nbsp; October 20,&nbsp;6:30&nbsp;p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 221&nbsp;W 43rd St.&nbsp;For more information on the proposed rates, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/residential/demand_rates">www.mwenergy.com/residential/demand_rates</a>.

Midwest Energy holding public meetings on proposed rate changes

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau Osage orange trees are still common throughout much of the United States, though not many people appreciate just how much the thorny, dense trees have shaped our country. Before Christopher Columbus’ arrival, Osage orange had a limited range in the Red River basin in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Like the droves of Europeans who followed, the tree eventually spread to all corners of our country, so long as you don’t count Alaska and Hawaii. The thorny, dense trees go by a number of names, including hedge trees, prairie hedge, hedge apple, horse apple, bowwood or yellow wood for the hue of the heartwood. Whatever moniker you choose, the trees were the original barbed wire. After sprouting, the hedge trees were aggressively pruned to promote thick growth that was woven into a living fence considered to be “horse high, bull strong and hog tight." Even after the widespread adoption of barbed wire, wood from the hedge tree is still highly prized for fence posts based on its ability to withstand the elements. Termites and other insects don’t bother the wood. Water doesn’t penetrate the dense grain either. Today, a post made from Osage orange is likely to outlast the strands of barbed wire attached to it. In fact, the posts can be difficult if not impossible to work with if they’re left to season too long after cutting. Hedge posts don’t decay, rather they almost petrify into something between wood and stone. Osage orange’s qualities extend well beyond corralling cattle and other livestock. Its tight grain makes the wood extraordinarily flexible, enough so that a bow made from the tree was worth a horse and blanket in the 1800s. Osage orange also offers the highest heat value of any species when burned as firewood. Osage orange is probably the most popular and widely distributed plant that isn’t a food source for either humans or animals. Its fruit is a softball-sized green ball with folded contours that surround a cluster of seeds. We called them brain blobs growing up because the outer shell consisted of folded contours. They were dense and would make a satisfying sound when flung into a tree trunk. They’ll start falling off trees any day this time of year. Rumor has it the fruits keep all sorts of creepy-crawlies away, from boxelder bugs and crickets to spiders and other pests, especially when placed in basements or near the foundation of a home. Research has yet to find any evidence to support those claims, yet the legends endure. &nbsp;Steel T-posts and pipe braces are gaining favor, but some still prefer to use hedge posts for fencing. Composite compound bows can launch an arrow with a much greater force than the traditional longbow, yet Osage orange bow staves are still readily available. The living fencerows are long gone, but hedge trees planted during the Great Depression as windbreaks still mark the edges of fields. There’s no one quality that has seeded the Osage orange across the countryside, rather versality is its main attribute. From hedge to post or bow to kindling, mankind has found it useful for centuries. While modern materials will eventually win out, they won’t ever have a history quite like hedge.

"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/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau Osage orange trees are still common throughout much of the United States, though not many people appreciate just how much the thorny, dense trees have shaped our country. Before Christopher Columbus’ arrival, Osage orange had a limited range in the Red River basin in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Like the droves of Europeans who followed, the tree eventually spread to all corners of our country, so long as you don’t count Alaska and Hawaii. The thorny, dense trees go by a number of names, including hedge trees, prairie hedge, hedge apple, horse apple, bowwood or yellow wood for the hue of the heartwood. Whatever moniker you choose, the trees were the original barbed wire. After sprouting, the hedge trees were aggressively pruned to promote thick growth that was woven into a living fence considered to be “horse high, bull strong and hog tight." Even after the widespread adoption of barbed wire, wood from the hedge tree is still highly prized for fence posts based on its ability to withstand the elements. Termites and other insects don’t bother the wood. Water doesn’t penetrate the dense grain either. Today, a post made from Osage orange is likely to outlast the strands of barbed wire attached to it. In fact, the posts can be difficult if not impossible to work with if they’re left to season too long after cutting. Hedge posts don’t decay, rather they almost petrify into something between wood and stone. Osage orange’s qualities extend well beyond corralling cattle and other livestock. Its tight grain makes the wood extraordinarily flexible, enough so that a bow made from the tree was worth a horse and blanket in the 1800s. Osage orange also offers the highest heat value of any species when burned as firewood. Osage orange is probably the most popular and widely distributed plant that isn’t a food source for either humans or animals. Its fruit is a softball-sized green ball with folded contours that surround a cluster of seeds. We called them brain blobs growing up because the outer shell consisted of folded contours. They were dense and would make a satisfying sound when flung into a tree trunk. They’ll start falling off trees any day this time of year. Rumor has it the fruits keep all sorts of creepy-crawlies away, from boxelder bugs and crickets to spiders and other pests, especially when placed in basements or near the foundation of a home. Research has yet to find any evidence to support those claims, yet the legends endure. &nbsp;Steel T-posts and pipe braces are gaining favor, but some still prefer to use hedge posts for fencing. Composite compound bows can launch an arrow with a much greater force than the traditional longbow, yet Osage orange bow staves are still readily available. The living fencerows are long gone, but hedge trees planted during the Great Depression as windbreaks still mark the edges of fields. There’s no one quality that has seeded the Osage orange across the countryside, rather versality is its main attribute. From hedge to post or bow to kindling, mankind has found it useful for centuries. While modern materials will eventually win out, they won’t ever have a history quite like hedge."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: History of hedge

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664298403840.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>

WALLACE COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Tuesday in Wallace County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Trudy Unruh, 68, Sharon Springs, was westbound on Nighthawk Road. The driver failed to yield to traffic on Kansas 27.&nbsp;

A northbound 2010 Kenworth semi driven by Scott L. Ricke, 46, Leoti, collided with the SUV.

EMS transported Unruh to the Greeley County Medical Center. Ricke was not injured. Unruh was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

WALLACE COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Tuesday in Wallace County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Trudy Unruh, 68, Sharon Springs, was westbound on Nighthawk Road. The driver failed to yield to traffic on Kansas 27.&nbsp;A northbound 2010 Kenworth semi driven by Scott L. Ricke, 46, Leoti, collided with the SUV.EMS transported Unruh to the Greeley County Medical Center. Ricke was not injured. Unruh was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after semi collides with SUV

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

ELLIS — Recent drought conditions resulting in minimal inflow at Ellis City Lake are having detrimental effects on local fish populations. And, continued dry weather may lead to significant fish losses in the near future. That’s why the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the City of Ellis have issued a temporary order to open the lake to public salvage, effective immediately.

When a public fish salvage is in effect, the public may collect any remaining fish in the designated waterbody by any legal methods, as well as by hand, dip net, or seine, per K.A.R. 115-7-1. The Ellis City Lake fish salvage order also temporarily removes all daily creel limits and size limits, per K.A.R. 115-25-14.

Anglers should pay special mind to posted notices around the lake, as this order will remain in effect only until posted notice is removed.

Under normal conditions, anglers can expect to find the following species at Ellis City Lake:

Other waterbodies with a temporary fish salvage order in place due to drought include Warren Stone Memorial Lake, 2 miles east of La Crosse.

For information on Ellis City Lake, including directions, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjcuNjQzMTY3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0Zpc2hpbmcvV2hlcmUtdG8tRmlzaC1pbi1LYW5zYXMvRmlzaGluZy1Mb2NhdGlvbnMtUHVibGljLVdhdGVycy9Ob3J0aHdlc3QtUmVnaW9uL0VsbGlzLUNpdHktTGFrZSJ9.IQqNShG_3PaRNOdQ67qKuPhfMr5Diaim51oEAkjsdi0/s/1303183450/br/144802726810-l">HERE</a>.

For information on Warren Stone Memorial Lake, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjcuNjQzMTY3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0Zpc2hpbmcvV2hlcmUtdG8tRmlzaC1pbi1LYW5zYXMvRmlzaGluZy1Mb2NhdGlvbnMtUHVibGljLVdhdGVycy9Tb3V0aHdlc3QtUmVnaW9uL0xhLUNyb3NzZS1XYXJyZW4tU3RvbmUtTWVtb3JpYWwtTGFrZSJ9.L__8m4E1dQD2RCCPkzEV-3Kg5mctJhieXPj1d-Qjhuw/s/1303183450/br/144802726810-l">HERE</a>.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and ParksELLIS — Recent drought conditions resulting in minimal inflow at Ellis City Lake are having detrimental effects on local fish populations. And, continued dry weather may lead to significant fish losses in the near future. That’s why the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the City of Ellis have issued a temporary order to open the lake to public salvage, effective immediately.When a public fish salvage is in effect, the public may collect any remaining fish in the designated waterbody by any legal methods, as well as by hand, dip net, or seine, per K.A.R. 115-7-1. The Ellis City Lake fish salvage order also temporarily removes all daily creel limits and size limits, per K.A.R. 115-25-14.Anglers should pay special mind to posted notices around the lake, as this order will remain in effect only until posted notice is removed.Under normal conditions, anglers can expect to find the following species at Ellis City Lake:<ul>
 <li>Bluegill</li><li>Black Bullhead</li><li>Channel Catfish</li><li>Crappie</li><li>Flathead Catfish</li><li>Green Sunfish</li><li>Largemouth Bass</li><li>Saugeye</li><li>Wiper</li>
 </ul>Other waterbodies with a temporary fish salvage order in place due to drought include Warren Stone Memorial Lake, 2 miles east of La Crosse.For information on Ellis City Lake, including directions, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjcuNjQzMTY3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0Zpc2hpbmcvV2hlcmUtdG8tRmlzaC1pbi1LYW5zYXMvRmlzaGluZy1Mb2NhdGlvbnMtUHVibGljLVdhdGVycy9Ob3J0aHdlc3QtUmVnaW9uL0VsbGlzLUNpdHktTGFrZSJ9.IQqNShG_3PaRNOdQ67qKuPhfMr5Diaim51oEAkjsdi0/s/1303183450/br/144802726810-l">HERE</a>.For information on Warren Stone Memorial Lake, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MjcuNjQzMTY3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0Zpc2hpbmcvV2hlcmUtdG8tRmlzaC1pbi1LYW5zYXMvRmlzaGluZy1Mb2NhdGlvbnMtUHVibGljLVdhdGVycy9Tb3V0aHdlc3QtUmVnaW9uL0xhLUNyb3NzZS1XYXJyZW4tU3RvbmUtTWVtb3JpYWwtTGFrZSJ9.L__8m4E1dQD2RCCPkzEV-3Kg5mctJhieXPj1d-Qjhuw/s/1303183450/br/144802726810-l">HERE</a>.

DROUGHT: Public temporarily can salvage fish at Ellis City Lake

Hays USD 489 will be sending letters to families affected by a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/008b9faf-0281-4dab-ae4b-e3572a1cf8f5">data breach at the district in February.</a>

Families who had personal data affected will be offered one year of identity theft and credit monitoring for free.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ad35ba4a-499f-4bba-9f58-697894f2402c">RELATED STORY: Schools increasingly targeted by cyber attacks</a>

Nationally, Seesaw, an education software messaging app, has reported recent hacking issues in which an explicit photo was sent to parents.

Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, said Monday on Seesaw is addressing the issue. She said the Hays USD 489 network remains secure, and no USD 489 parents have reported issues.

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays USD 489 will be sending letters to families affected by a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/008b9faf-0281-4dab-ae4b-e3572a1cf8f5">data breach at the district in February.</a>Families who had personal data affected will be offered one year of identity theft and credit monitoring for free.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ad35ba4a-499f-4bba-9f58-697894f2402c">RELATED STORY: Schools increasingly targeted by cyber attacks</a> Nationally, Seesaw, an education software messaging app, has reported recent hacking issues in which an explicit photo was sent to parents.Hays USD 489 uses the software. Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, said Monday on Seesaw is addressing the issue. She said the Hays USD 489 network remains secure, and no USD 489 parents have reported issues. Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay

Hays USD 489 offering free identity theft monitoring after data breach

Investigations are underway after the death of a Kansas man in an oilfield explosion in North Dakota.&nbsp; According to his obituary, Oscar Gilberto Gandara, 37, of Liberal, Kansas, died September 15 from injuries he suffered in an explosion and fire at a drilling site. The website&nbsp;<a href="http://inforum.com/">Inforum.com</a>&nbsp;obtained an accident report from the local Sheriff in which a witness described a "lack of all safety procedures." The witness said fumes were visible all over the site. Gandara was one of three men injured in the blast west of Minot, North Dakota, on Sept. 2. The operator Chord Energy says it is cooperating with a government investigation, and is conducting one of its own. Crude prices at CHS in McPherson dropped nearly five dollars Friday (9/23). Kansas Common started the week at $69 a barrel, eight dollars lower than at the first of the month. The benchmark Nymex crude contract settled Friday below $80 a barrel for the first time since January. Prices on Tuesday were over $78 a barrel in New York and over $85 in London. Until last week, gasoline pump prices had gone down every day since June, when rising prices peaked just over $5 a gallon nationwide. But prices have now gone up five days in a row. The auto club AAA now says the average pump price across the U.S. Tuesday was $3.74 per gallon, a nickel higher than a week ago. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reached 764 active rigs, an increase of three oil rigs. The number or rigs drilling for natural gas was down two. The count in New Mexico was up three rigs, Texas was down two and Oklahoma was up one. The Rig Count in Kansas was unchanged from last week, with 27 active rigs in the eastern half of the state, and 32 in Western Kansas. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Ellis County, and operators were about to spud three more in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties.&nbsp; Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was tracking 489 wells in various stages of drilling or completion, up more than 50% from the tally a year ago. Operators completed 35 new wells across the state last week. Ten were in eastern Kansas and 25 west of Wichita including two in Ellis County and one in Russell County. That's 1,186 new well-completions so far this year, compared to 630 by this time last year. &nbsp; Regulators in the Sunflower State approved 22 new drilling permits last week, with eight in eastern Kansas and 14 west of Wichita, including three new drilling locations in Ellis County. The tally so far this year is 1,194 new drilling permits, compared to 763 a year ago. U.S. crude inventories increased by 1.1 million barrels to 430.8 million barrels as of September 16th. That's about two percent below the five-year average for this time of year.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says gasoline stockpiles rose by 1.6 million barrels and are about five percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA said crude imports last week averaged 6.9 million barrels per day, up 1.2 million barrels per day from the week before. The four week average is up 4.5% from last year. U.S. operators produced 12.13 million barrels per day during the week through September 16th, marking a slight dip from the week before but more than 1.5 million barrels per day higher than a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. last week was up 901 tanker carloads from the week before, but lags behind the tally a year ago by just over two percent. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,252 tankers hauling petroleum and petroleum products in the week through September 17th. Canadian traffic is down nearly two percent week over week, after dropping by more than six hundred tanker carloads. The Department of Energy will offer more crude for sale from strategic reserves ahead of plans by the European Union to ban most Russian oil in December.&nbsp; The U.S. will offer 10 million barrels for supply in November. DOE’s 180-million barrel release was originally scheduled over a six-month period starting in May. To date, 155 million barrels of crude oil have changed hands. Of the 10 million barrels slated for November delivery, one million are being marked for possible export. Operators are increasingly turning their attention to natural gas, thanks to higher prices, better export opportunities, and government edicts. U.S. energy companies are ramping up their search for natural gas at the fastest pace since 1992. Reporting by the Houston Chronicle and Bloomberg shows high prices and renewed attention to flaring are driving the switch. A commodity that not too long ago was flared off at the well head is now fetching six times its equivalent in oil in Europe. So far this year, U.S. natural gas prices have more than doubled and gas drilling here has soared more than 50%. Some huge producers, including Callon Petroleum, Continental Resources and Pioneer Natural Resources have switched more than 10% of their overall output to gas from oil. Shippers are paying a lot more to ship crude oil a lot farther, thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The largest of the crude supertankers will now cost you more than $50,000 a day, the highest rate since June of 2020.&nbsp; Bloomberg reports Europe’s oil refiners are pulling more crude from farther away, and that is boosting demand for the world’s biggest oil tankers. China is ramping up crude-oil imports from both Russia and Saudi Arabia, even as it's total imports drop. Reuters reports Russian shipments to China increased 28% last month, to 1.96 million barrels per day. Saudi deliveries rose five percent to nearly two million. Earlier this year, Russia replaced Saudi Arabia as China’s largest supplier of crude but the Saudi's retook that honor in August. China's total crude imports fell more than nine percent from a year earlier to about 9.5 million barrels per day.

By JOHN P. TRETBARInvestigations are underway after the death of a Kansas man in an oilfield explosion in North Dakota.&nbsp; According to his obituary, Oscar Gilberto Gandara, 37, of Liberal, Kansas, died September 15 from injuries he suffered in an explosion and fire at a drilling site. The website&nbsp;<a href="http://inforum.com/">Inforum.com</a>&nbsp;obtained an accident report from the local Sheriff in which a witness described a "lack of all safety procedures." The witness said fumes were visible all over the site. Gandara was one of three men injured in the blast west of Minot, North Dakota, on Sept. 2. The operator Chord Energy says it is cooperating with a government investigation, and is conducting one of its own. Crude prices at CHS in McPherson dropped nearly five dollars Friday (9/23). Kansas Common started the week at $69 a barrel, eight dollars lower than at the first of the month. The benchmark Nymex crude contract settled Friday below $80 a barrel for the first time since January. Prices on Tuesday were over $78 a barrel in New York and over $85 in London. Until last week, gasoline pump prices had gone down every day since June, when rising prices peaked just over $5 a gallon nationwide. But prices have now gone up five days in a row. The auto club AAA now says the average pump price across the U.S. Tuesday was $3.74 per gallon, a nickel higher than a week ago. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reached 764 active rigs, an increase of three oil rigs. The number or rigs drilling for natural gas was down two. The count in New Mexico was up three rigs, Texas was down two and Oklahoma was up one. The Rig Count in Kansas was unchanged from last week, with 27 active rigs in the eastern half of the state, and 32 in Western Kansas. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Ellis County, and operators were about to spud three more in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties.&nbsp; Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was tracking 489 wells in various stages of drilling or completion, up more than 50% from the tally a year ago. Operators completed 35 new wells across the state last week. Ten were in eastern Kansas and 25 west of Wichita including two in Ellis County and one in Russell County. That's 1,186 new well-completions so far this year, compared to 630 by this time last year. &nbsp; Regulators in the Sunflower State approved 22 new drilling permits last week, with eight in eastern Kansas and 14 west of Wichita, including three new drilling locations in Ellis County. The tally so far this year is 1,194 new drilling permits, compared to 763 a year ago. U.S. crude inventories increased by 1.1 million barrels to 430.8 million barrels as of September 16th. That's about two percent below the five-year average for this time of year.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says gasoline stockpiles rose by 1.6 million barrels and are about five percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA said crude imports last week averaged 6.9 million barrels per day, up 1.2 million barrels per day from the week before. The four week average is up 4.5% from last year. U.S. operators produced 12.13 million barrels per day during the week through September 16th, marking a slight dip from the week before but more than 1.5 million barrels per day higher than a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. last week was up 901 tanker carloads from the week before, but lags behind the tally a year ago by just over two percent. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,252 tankers hauling petroleum and petroleum products in the week through September 17th. Canadian traffic is down nearly two percent week over week, after dropping by more than six hundred tanker carloads. The Department of Energy will offer more crude for sale from strategic reserves ahead of plans by the European Union to ban most Russian oil in December.&nbsp; The U.S. will offer 10 million barrels for supply in November. DOE’s 180-million barrel release was originally scheduled over a six-month period starting in May. To date, 155 million barrels of crude oil have changed hands. Of the 10 million barrels slated for November delivery, one million are being marked for possible export. Operators are increasingly turning their attention to natural gas, thanks to higher prices, better export opportunities, and government edicts. U.S. energy companies are ramping up their search for natural gas at the fastest pace since 1992. Reporting by the Houston Chronicle and Bloomberg shows high prices and renewed attention to flaring are driving the switch. A commodity that not too long ago was flared off at the well head is now fetching six times its equivalent in oil in Europe. So far this year, U.S. natural gas prices have more than doubled and gas drilling here has soared more than 50%. Some huge producers, including Callon Petroleum, Continental Resources and Pioneer Natural Resources have switched more than 10% of their overall output to gas from oil. Shippers are paying a lot more to ship crude oil a lot farther, thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The largest of the crude supertankers will now cost you more than $50,000 a day, the highest rate since June of 2020.&nbsp; Bloomberg reports Europe’s oil refiners are pulling more crude from farther away, and that is boosting demand for the world’s biggest oil tankers. China is ramping up crude-oil imports from both Russia and Saudi Arabia, even as it's total imports drop. Reuters reports Russian shipments to China increased 28% last month, to 1.96 million barrels per day. Saudi deliveries rose five percent to nearly two million. Earlier this year, Russia replaced Saudi Arabia as China’s largest supplier of crude but the Saudi's retook that honor in August. China's total crude imports fell more than nine percent from a year earlier to about 9.5 million barrels per day.

News From the Oil Patch: Oil prices dropping, gas prices rising

For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

<div><iframe title="KS-111th District election debate set for Oct. 12" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=x3q3b-12d3fd2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast: KS-111th District election debate set for Oct. 12

A $6.28 million resurfacing project is expected to begin around Oct. 10 on parts of K-156 and U.S. 183 in Pawnee County. The Kansas Department of Transportation project involves a mill and hot-mix-asphalt overlay at various locations on K-156 from the Hodgeman/Pawnee county line to the west city limits of Larned. The overall project will start on K-156, at the Hodgeman/Pawnee county line. The project will also involve K-264 in Larned from Larned State Hospital to the K-156 junction. And the work will involve U.S. 183 from K-156 to the Pawnee/Rush county line. The full length of the project is about 37 miles. The work is expected to be completed around the end of November. During the project, traffic will be reduced to one lane and controlled by flaggers and a pilot car, so motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop for the work zone. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes. Venture Corp., of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for the $6,285,352 project. The map below shows the approximate project locations, marked in red. For updated information on other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>.

A $6.28 million resurfacing project is expected to begin around Oct. 10 on parts of K-156 and U.S. 183 in Pawnee County. The Kansas Department of Transportation project involves a mill and hot-mix-asphalt overlay at various locations on K-156 from the Hodgeman/Pawnee county line to the west city limits of Larned. The overall project will start on K-156, at the Hodgeman/Pawnee county line. The project will also involve K-264 in Larned from Larned State Hospital to the K-156 junction. And the work will involve U.S. 183 from K-156 to the Pawnee/Rush county line. The full length of the project is about 37 miles. The work is expected to be completed around the end of November. During the project, traffic will be reduced to one lane and controlled by flaggers and a pilot car, so motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop for the work zone. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes. Venture Corp., of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for the $6,285,352 project. The map below shows the approximate project locations, marked in red. For updated information on other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664285543541.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Parts of K-156, U.S. 183 to be resurfaced in Pawnee County

GOODLAND — Northwest Tech&nbsp;continues to demonstrate strong&nbsp;national graduation rate rankings, according to a recent report published by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The Almanac, an annual publication produced by The Chronicle of Higher Education, provides national insights on data and trends throughout higher education.&nbsp;The&nbsp;college has&nbsp;maintained&nbsp;steady success with graduation rates,&nbsp;and&nbsp;this year Northwest Tech was ranked #21&nbsp;among&nbsp;815&nbsp;two-year publicly-funded colleges in the United States. The new ranking places&nbsp;Northwest Tech&nbsp;among the top 3% in success rates in the nation.&nbsp;Perhaps more remarkable is the college has been among the Top 25 for six out of the last seven years.&nbsp; “We are&nbsp;proud&nbsp;of&nbsp;our&nbsp;ability to&nbsp;produce consistently&nbsp;high graduation rates, and it serves as a reflection of the commitment by our faculty and staff to&nbsp;provide pathways and support for our&nbsp;students&nbsp;to&nbsp;reach graduation,” said Northwest Tech President Ben Schears.&nbsp;“One of the beauties of Northwest Tech is that we are small, responsive, and can provide a more individualized learning experience for our students that larger institutions simply cannot deliver.”&nbsp;Schears indicated the small campus and classes, combined with the high amount of contact time students have with faculty members is the real key for the college. “When students walk down our hallways, we know them and often know&nbsp;aspects&nbsp;of their personal story. If they miss class, we are willing and able to reach out and see why,” said Schears. According to the latest Almanac, Kansas&nbsp;public&nbsp;two-year colleges&nbsp;had a total of&nbsp;four&nbsp;institutions in the rankings – all of whom were Kansas technical colleges:&nbsp;NCK Tech (#9),&nbsp;Flint Hills&nbsp;Tech (#10),&nbsp;Salina Tech (#15), and Northwest Tech (#21).&nbsp;“Kansas technical colleges have&nbsp;incredibly high success rates&nbsp;and frankly, we’re very effective at the work we do,” said Schears. “Our role is to develop skilled labor for&nbsp;a hungry&nbsp;workforce,&nbsp;and it is great to see that reflected in national graduation rankings.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664296465675.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseGOODLAND — Northwest Tech&nbsp;continues to demonstrate strong&nbsp;national graduation rate rankings, according to a recent report published by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The Almanac, an annual publication produced by The Chronicle of Higher Education, provides national insights on data and trends throughout higher education.&nbsp;The&nbsp;college has&nbsp;maintained&nbsp;steady success with graduation rates,&nbsp;and&nbsp;this year Northwest Tech was ranked #21&nbsp;among&nbsp;815&nbsp;two-year publicly-funded colleges in the United States. The new ranking places&nbsp;Northwest Tech&nbsp;among the top 3% in success rates in the nation.&nbsp;Perhaps more remarkable is the college has been among the Top 25 for six out of the last seven years.&nbsp; “We are&nbsp;proud&nbsp;of&nbsp;our&nbsp;ability to&nbsp;produce consistently&nbsp;high graduation rates, and it serves as a reflection of the commitment by our faculty and staff to&nbsp;provide pathways and support for our&nbsp;students&nbsp;to&nbsp;reach graduation,” said Northwest Tech President Ben Schears.&nbsp;“One of the beauties of Northwest Tech is that we are small, responsive, and can provide a more individualized learning experience for our students that larger institutions simply cannot deliver.”&nbsp;Schears indicated the small campus and classes, combined with the high amount of contact time students have with faculty members is the real key for the college. “When students walk down our hallways, we know them and often know&nbsp;aspects&nbsp;of their personal story. If they miss class, we are willing and able to reach out and see why,” said Schears. According to the latest Almanac, Kansas&nbsp;public&nbsp;two-year colleges&nbsp;had a total of&nbsp;four&nbsp;institutions in the rankings – all of whom were Kansas technical colleges:&nbsp;NCK Tech (#9),&nbsp;Flint Hills&nbsp;Tech (#10),&nbsp;Salina Tech (#15), and Northwest Tech (#21).&nbsp;“Kansas technical colleges have&nbsp;incredibly high success rates&nbsp;and frankly, we’re very effective at the work we do,” said Schears. “Our role is to develop skilled labor for&nbsp;a hungry&nbsp;workforce,&nbsp;and it is great to see that reflected in national graduation rankings.”

Northwest Tech repeats top 3% in national graduation rates

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

Nelson Krueger, a 1972 graduate of Fort Hays State University, looks forward to attending FHSU Homecoming in just a few short weeks as he says the weekend events evoke warm memories and nostalgia.&nbsp;

During the annual celebration, Nelson will be inducted into the university’s Half Century Club for having graduated from FHSU 50 years ago. In addition, Nelson is serving as the Half Century Club host for the Class of 1972 and is looking forward to seeing many familiar faces on campus.&nbsp;

“It’s our 50th&nbsp;reunion, and that’s reason enough to celebrate,” he said.

One Homecoming stands out against the rest for Krueger as he met his wife, Judy, during FHSU Homecoming years ago and recalls holding her hand at Lewis Field. They later married in 1967. A few years later in 1972, he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration.&nbsp;

While attending Fort Hays State, Krueger was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda and served as a pledge father for several fraternity members. After graduation, he remained involved with FHSU by serving on the Alumni Association board from 1978-1981 and the Foundation Board of Trustees from 2004-2006.&nbsp;

His lifelong passion for airplanes directed his career as a pilot and instructor. At just 21 years old, Krueger became a flight engineer and was Trans World Airlines’ youngest pilot. In 1979, Krueger flew Pope John Paul II on Shepherd One for a tour of the United States. He then taught generations of pilots how to fly, including the Trans World Airline’s first five female pilots.&nbsp;

“For a boy that grew up in a rural town like Natoma, Kansas, to go through Fort Hays State and be allowed to fly a $200 million airplane carrying 450 passengers is amazing,” Krueger said.&nbsp;

Now, 50 years later, Krueger is reminded of his favorite memories of Fort Hays State University and Homecoming and is looking forward to this year’s festivities. When asked what he’s most looking forward to, Krueger says he can’t wait to be reunited with his classmates.&nbsp;

Of all Homecoming festivities, the most nostalgic to Krueger is the annual bonfire and snake dance. Each year, students join hand in hand and work the snake down to the bonfire location to kick off the weekend celebrations. &nbsp;

“The bonfire was always a big attraction. We could sit by the fire and enjoy the camaraderie and atmosphere,” he recalls.&nbsp;

In addition to seeing his peers and reminiscing over fond memories shared, Krueger can’t wait to see how much the beautiful Fort Hays State University campus has changed through the years.&nbsp;

“I can’t wait to sit by the fountain in front of Picken Hall where I used to look into the reflecting pool and daydream,” Krueger said.&nbsp;

Homecoming will take place Oct. 6-8 and has a lot in store for those returning home to Fort Hays State. For a full schedule of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCICcv7Yeu2svFs97iFDFy16cETtgLJH7eLfsIAjA4BwQ_L0_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BSHKd97ucQI9CTQTRTNIHIjFAS9j7XjEaTNgo831RMlHImGsRkZnbGNryuGWl1VP8UbKZb9U2kb5Fwd1w6Xb4N4yhHaXpcsIGhMmsjrMhCQTwN2OWlxmrMwzhTa-2BUaQsyNDp-2FRMWwvXO4yJlfH5nEpiU7QVVPt-2BYT8dpLe3QHEnMl-2FH2oSRe0Filz7kHcizVk-2BVpjblz6QjcIOwBQO7SpgjZBgkKWB31BvwanO-2F2L15-2FvfvXok0VZCe0QB8owlXcx">https://fhsuhomecoming.com</a>. Note that select events require advanced registration, which closes on Sept. 29. For questions or additional information, contact the FHSU Alumni Association at 785-628-4430 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:alumni@fhsu.edu">alumni@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664205611907.png" alt="Nelson Krueger" />
 <figcaption>Nelson Krueger</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Alumni AssociationNelson Krueger, a 1972 graduate of Fort Hays State University, looks forward to attending FHSU Homecoming in just a few short weeks as he says the weekend events evoke warm memories and nostalgia.&nbsp;During the annual celebration, Nelson will be inducted into the university’s Half Century Club for having graduated from FHSU 50 years ago. In addition, Nelson is serving as the Half Century Club host for the Class of 1972 and is looking forward to seeing many familiar faces on campus.&nbsp;“It’s our 50th&nbsp;reunion, and that’s reason enough to celebrate,” he said.One Homecoming stands out against the rest for Krueger as he met his wife, Judy, during FHSU Homecoming years ago and recalls holding her hand at Lewis Field. They later married in 1967. A few years later in 1972, he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration.&nbsp;While attending Fort Hays State, Krueger was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda and served as a pledge father for several fraternity members. After graduation, he remained involved with FHSU by serving on the Alumni Association board from 1978-1981 and the Foundation Board of Trustees from 2004-2006.&nbsp;His lifelong passion for airplanes directed his career as a pilot and instructor. At just 21 years old, Krueger became a flight engineer and was Trans World Airlines’ youngest pilot. In 1979, Krueger flew Pope John Paul II on Shepherd One for a tour of the United States. He then taught generations of pilots how to fly, including the Trans World Airline’s first five female pilots.&nbsp;“For a boy that grew up in a rural town like Natoma, Kansas, to go through Fort Hays State and be allowed to fly a $200 million airplane carrying 450 passengers is amazing,” Krueger said.&nbsp;Now, 50 years later, Krueger is reminded of his favorite memories of Fort Hays State University and Homecoming and is looking forward to this year’s festivities. When asked what he’s most looking forward to, Krueger says he can’t wait to be reunited with his classmates.&nbsp;Of all Homecoming festivities, the most nostalgic to Krueger is the annual bonfire and snake dance. Each year, students join hand in hand and work the snake down to the bonfire location to kick off the weekend celebrations. &nbsp;“The bonfire was always a big attraction. We could sit by the fire and enjoy the camaraderie and atmosphere,” he recalls.&nbsp;In addition to seeing his peers and reminiscing over fond memories shared, Krueger can’t wait to see how much the beautiful Fort Hays State University campus has changed through the years.&nbsp;“I can’t wait to sit by the fountain in front of Picken Hall where I used to look into the reflecting pool and daydream,” Krueger said.&nbsp;Homecoming will take place Oct. 6-8 and has a lot in store for those returning home to Fort Hays State. For a full schedule of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCICcv7Yeu2svFs97iFDFy16cETtgLJH7eLfsIAjA4BwQ_L0_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BSHKd97ucQI9CTQTRTNIHIjFAS9j7XjEaTNgo831RMlHImGsRkZnbGNryuGWl1VP8UbKZb9U2kb5Fwd1w6Xb4N4yhHaXpcsIGhMmsjrMhCQTwN2OWlxmrMwzhTa-2BUaQsyNDp-2FRMWwvXO4yJlfH5nEpiU7QVVPt-2BYT8dpLe3QHEnMl-2FH2oSRe0Filz7kHcizVk-2BVpjblz6QjcIOwBQO7SpgjZBgkKWB31BvwanO-2F2L15-2FvfvXok0VZCe0QB8owlXcx">https://fhsuhomecoming.com</a>. Note that select events require advanced registration, which closes on Sept. 29. For questions or additional information, contact the FHSU Alumni Association at 785-628-4430 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:alumni@fhsu.edu">alumni@fhsu.edu</a>.

1972 graduate excited for Fort Hays State homecoming

Project is part of $65M national project to further sorghum as ‘climate-smart commodity’&nbsp;

By PAT MELGARES K-State Research &amp; Extension&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University researchers say a $2 million grant that they received recently will help to modernize recommendations for applying nitrogen to sorghum in a three-state region, ultimately boosting the value of grain sorghum in the United States.&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension environmental quality specialist Peter Tomlinson said the grant is part of a five-year, $65 million award to the National Sorghum Producers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/climate-solutions/climate-smart-commodities">Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities</a>&nbsp;project.&nbsp;

The grant was announced in mid-September.&nbsp;

“This is a watershed day for the sorghum industry,” said Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers, calling sorghum a “resource-conserving crop. We appreciate the USDA for the opportunity to realize sorghum’s potential as a climate-smart commodity.”&nbsp;

According to Lust, the overall project creates a pathway to quantify, track and verify the impact of all practices related to sorghum production with the intent to “monetize these practices in ecosystems services markets of all kinds.” The initial focus, Lust said, is low carbon fuel markets.&nbsp;

Tomlinson noted that K-State’s work will be part of a three-state effort with colleagues at Oklahoma State University and Texas A&amp;M University.&nbsp;

“One of the things we had hoped to do in the last couple years is to modernize our soil fertility recommendations for grain sorghum,” Tomlinson said. “This project will provide funding to do that, particularly around our recommendations for applying nitrogen.”&nbsp;

In Kansas, field trials will be conducted in Manhattan (led by Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, a professor of soil fertility and nutrient management); Hays (led by soil scientist Augustine Obour); and Colby (led by northwest area agronomist Lucas Haag). Tomlinson is the project leader.&nbsp;

Similar trials will be set up in Oklahoma and Texas, Tomlinson said. Most of the work is in dryland settings, though some trials with limited irrigation will be tested in Texas.&nbsp;

“We believe that through all of these combined efforts over the next four years, we will be able to modernize and advance the N recommendations for grain sorghum across the region,” Tomlinson said.&nbsp;

He added that modernizing the recommendations for nitrogen in sorghum production will allow producers to apply nitrogen in proper amounts, while maximizing yields.&nbsp;

That’s important, for example, in markets like the California ethanol market, which has stringent guidelines for verifying how a crop is grown. To capitalize on such markets, Tomlinson said “we need to be able to show that grain sorghum is produced sustainably and efficiently.”&nbsp;

“The other piece of that,” he said, “is when they develop a carbon intensity score (a measure of hydrocarbons emitted versus the amount of energy consumed) for grain sorghum, nitrogen plays an important part in that calculation. Through this work, if we can find that we can reduce nitrogen recommendations even by a couple percentage points, we may be able to ultimately reduce that carbon intensity score for grain sorghum.”&nbsp;

The $65 million project is funded for five years, but Tomlinson said he hopes to complete the nitrogen management project in four, “so that we have time in the final year to communicate the findings and incorporate those into our extension programs across the region.”&nbsp;

“We’ll see how the fertility trials pan out over the next couple of years, but if we can optimize our nitrogen application rates, that comes with the added benefits of reducing nitrogen runoff and leaching,” he said. “It speaks to the overall sustainability efforts of improving our crop production systems. Water quality is essential to my position, and even though we won’t be directly looking at water quality, we know that there are added benefits to the crop production system if we can optimize our nitrogen rates and reduce excess nitrogen.”&nbsp;

More information on USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/climate-solutions/climate-smart-commodities">available online</a>. The National Sorghum Producers also has&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.com/climatesmart/">published information on the project online.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664199213239.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Project is part of $65M national project to further sorghum as ‘climate-smart commodity’&nbsp;</h2>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research &amp; Extension&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University researchers say a $2 million grant that they received recently will help to modernize recommendations for applying nitrogen to sorghum in a three-state region, ultimately boosting the value of grain sorghum in the United States.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension environmental quality specialist Peter Tomlinson said the grant is part of a five-year, $65 million award to the National Sorghum Producers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/climate-solutions/climate-smart-commodities">Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities</a>&nbsp;project.&nbsp;The grant was announced in mid-September.&nbsp;“This is a watershed day for the sorghum industry,” said Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers, calling sorghum a “resource-conserving crop. We appreciate the USDA for the opportunity to realize sorghum’s potential as a climate-smart commodity.”&nbsp;According to Lust, the overall project creates a pathway to quantify, track and verify the impact of all practices related to sorghum production with the intent to “monetize these practices in ecosystems services markets of all kinds.” The initial focus, Lust said, is low carbon fuel markets.&nbsp;Tomlinson noted that K-State’s work will be part of a three-state effort with colleagues at Oklahoma State University and Texas A&amp;M University.&nbsp;“One of the things we had hoped to do in the last couple years is to modernize our soil fertility recommendations for grain sorghum,” Tomlinson said. “This project will provide funding to do that, particularly around our recommendations for applying nitrogen.”&nbsp;In Kansas, field trials will be conducted in Manhattan (led by Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, a professor of soil fertility and nutrient management); Hays (led by soil scientist Augustine Obour); and Colby (led by northwest area agronomist Lucas Haag). Tomlinson is the project leader.&nbsp;Similar trials will be set up in Oklahoma and Texas, Tomlinson said. Most of the work is in dryland settings, though some trials with limited irrigation will be tested in Texas.&nbsp;“We believe that through all of these combined efforts over the next four years, we will be able to modernize and advance the N recommendations for grain sorghum across the region,” Tomlinson said.&nbsp;He added that modernizing the recommendations for nitrogen in sorghum production will allow producers to apply nitrogen in proper amounts, while maximizing yields.&nbsp;That’s important, for example, in markets like the California ethanol market, which has stringent guidelines for verifying how a crop is grown. To capitalize on such markets, Tomlinson said “we need to be able to show that grain sorghum is produced sustainably and efficiently.”&nbsp;“The other piece of that,” he said, “is when they develop a carbon intensity score (a measure of hydrocarbons emitted versus the amount of energy consumed) for grain sorghum, nitrogen plays an important part in that calculation. Through this work, if we can find that we can reduce nitrogen recommendations even by a couple percentage points, we may be able to ultimately reduce that carbon intensity score for grain sorghum.”&nbsp;The $65 million project is funded for five years, but Tomlinson said he hopes to complete the nitrogen management project in four, “so that we have time in the final year to communicate the findings and incorporate those into our extension programs across the region.”&nbsp;“We’ll see how the fertility trials pan out over the next couple of years, but if we can optimize our nitrogen application rates, that comes with the added benefits of reducing nitrogen runoff and leaching,” he said. “It speaks to the overall sustainability efforts of improving our crop production systems. Water quality is essential to my position, and even though we won’t be directly looking at water quality, we know that there are added benefits to the crop production system if we can optimize our nitrogen rates and reduce excess nitrogen.”&nbsp;More information on USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/climate-solutions/climate-smart-commodities">available online</a>. The National Sorghum Producers also has&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.com/climatesmart/">published information on the project online.</a>&nbsp;

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