The Hays area remains under a heat advisory beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The mercury is expected to rise to nearly 100 degrees again, a day after the temperature topped out at 105 degrees Tuesday.

There is a 40 percent chance for showers or thunderstorms after 4 p.m., the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657127678910.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays area remains under a heat advisory beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday.The mercury is expected to rise to nearly 100 degrees again, a day after the temperature topped out at 105 degrees Tuesday.There is a 40 percent chance for showers or thunderstorms after 4 p.m., the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Anticipated high temperatures this afternoon. Expected Weather: Partly cloudy with a frontal boundary moving through the area. Winds ahead of this front will be from the south with northerly winds behind this feature. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nwsddc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nwsddc</a> <a href="https://t.co/OtGLQ5M99S">pic.twitter.com/OtGLQ5M99S</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1544704994993065986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Hays area remains under heat advisory Wednesday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

PLAINVILLE — Plainville USD 270, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and other community partners have joined forces to open a new child care group home in Plainville this fall.

Plainville was one of four communities that received grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for homes that will be used to house new child-care group homes.

The home will be able to accommodate 12 children at a time ages birth through school age. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The group home will be owned and operated by Plainville USD 270. 

The Rooks County Health Center donated to the child care home project, and it and the school district will each have four reserved spots at the home.

USD 270 received a second grant for a new building for its preschool program. The new preschool will have two rooms with a capacity of 20 students each. Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. The district will double its slots from 40 to 80.

The school already has 45 preschool students enrolled for the fall and a waiting list for the child care home.

The preschool site is under construction, but Lisa Gehring, USD 270 superintendent, said she hopes to have that building open by the start of school in August.

Both the child care home and the new preschool building will be located on land owned by the school district west of Plainville Elementary School at 203 SE Cardinal Ave.

Gehring said the project is essential to building the Plainville community.

"We have families in our community who are not having children because there are no spots available," she said. 

Gehring said demand has been so high for the child care slots that the school district is considering a phase three, which would be a second child care group home.

Gehring said she thinks the preschool and child care's partnership with the school district provides a huge advantage. 

"This allows us to work with our educators," she said. "We can provide a seamless curriculum throughout. We're literally beginning at birth. Then we have a seamless curriculum all through graduation."

The National Forum on Early Childhood Policy and Programs
 has found that high-quality early childhood programs can yield a $4 to 
$9 return per $1 invested. A 2009 study of Perry Preschool, a 
high-quality program for 3-5 year-olds, estimated a return to society of between about $7 and $12 for 
each $1 invested

"We are hoping we can really get them started off postively and work with them and catch some things early," Gehring said. "They will have all the advantages of being read to and be able to write and color and explore, so they have a good start."

&nbsp;Gehring said the project started several years ago with the expansion of the school district's preschool. At one time, Plainville had several preschools, but they closed, leaving just the USD 270 preschool and Sacred Heart Catholic School preschool.

USD 270 opened enrollment at its preschool in 2019. In its second year of operation, the preschool doubled in size. By the end of the last school year, the program was near capacity with 38 of 40 spots filled.

Plainville has several home child cares, but they are at maximum capacity and have lengthy waiting lists, Gehring said.

"We knew that child care was such a need," Gehring said. "If we as a school district can provide that early start for those kids and help our families, that is what we want to do."

The school district has hired a child care director, Leasa Hrabe, and two providers, Jayde Hoiser and Shelby Paramore.

The school district also will offer after-school care for school-age children through the program.

In between the preschool and the child care home will be a storm shelter. The two buildings  also will have a covered walkway so children can easily move between the preschool and the child care home.

Gehring said the proximity of the two programs should be convenient for parents, who will not have to deal with students transferring between preschool and child care.

The two programs should provide a benefit to the community as a whole, Gehring said.

"For the community, I think it's going to help us remain viable," she said. "I think we will see some new families come because we're going to have the services to meet their needs. 

"We have an excellent school system here, and now we're going to be able to start early with their children and provide a space for them."

Gehring said she believes the model Plainville is building can be replicated in other communities in Kansas. She and other local officials are working on a presentation to share with other interested parties.

&nbsp;"We're very excited to get this going," Gehring said. "It's a great opportunity for our families and our community. We are really excited."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657052039741.jpeg" alt="Plainville's new child care group home building was paid for with a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The child care is set to open in August. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Plainville's new child care group home building was paid for with a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The child care is set to open in August. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPLAINVILLE — Plainville USD 270, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and other community partners have joined forces to open a new child care group home in Plainville this fall.Plainville was one of four communities that received grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for homes that will be used to house new child-care group homes.The home will be able to accommodate 12 children at a time ages birth through school age. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.The group home will be owned and operated by Plainville USD 270. The Rooks County Health Center donated to the child care home project, and it and the school district will each have four reserved spots at the home. USD 270 received a second grant for a new building for its preschool program. The new preschool will have two rooms with a capacity of 20 students each. Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. The district will double its slots from 40 to 80.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657052083415.jpeg" alt="The new child care group home in Plainville will have room for 12 children ages birth through school age. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The new child care group home in Plainville will have room for 12 children ages birth through school age. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The school already has 45 preschool students enrolled for the fall and a waiting list for the child care home. The preschool site is under construction, but Lisa Gehring, USD 270 superintendent, said she hopes to have that building open by the start of school in August. Both the child care home and the new preschool building will be located on land owned by the school district west of Plainville Elementary School at 203 SE Cardinal Ave.Gehring said the project is essential to building the Plainville community."We have families in our community who are not having children because there are no spots available," she said. Gehring said demand has been so high for the child care slots that the school district is considering a phase three, which would be a second child care group home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657052108738.jpeg" alt="Plainville USD 270 also received a grant from Dane G. Hansen to purchase a new building to expand its preschool program. The foundation can be seen to the left. Officials hope to also open the new preschool facility in the fall. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Plainville USD 270 also received a grant from Dane G. Hansen to purchase a new building to expand its preschool program. The foundation can be seen to the left. Officials hope to also open the new preschool facility in the fall. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Gehring said she thinks the preschool and child care's partnership with the school district provides a huge advantage. "This allows us to work with our educators," she said. "We can provide a seamless curriculum throughout. We're literally beginning at birth. Then we have a seamless curriculum all through graduation."The National Forum on Early Childhood Policy and Programs
 has found that high-quality early childhood programs can yield a $4 to 
$9 return per $1 invested. A 2009 study of Perry Preschool, a 
high-quality program for 3-5 year-olds, estimated a return to society of between about $7 and $12 for 
each $1 invested"We are hoping we can really get them started off postively and work with them and catch some things early," Gehring said. "They will have all the advantages of being read to and be able to write and color and explore, so they have a good start."&nbsp;Gehring said the project started several years ago with the expansion of the school district's preschool. At one time, Plainville had several preschools, but they closed, leaving just the USD 270 preschool and Sacred Heart Catholic School preschool.USD 270 opened enrollment at its preschool in 2019. In its second year of operation, the preschool doubled in size. By the end of the last school year, the program was near capacity with 38 of 40 spots filled.Plainville has several home child cares, but they are at maximum capacity and have lengthy waiting lists, Gehring said. "We knew that child care was such a need," Gehring said. "If we as a school district can provide that early start for those kids and help our families, that is what we want to do."The school district has hired a child care director, Leasa Hrabe, and two providers, Jayde Hoiser and Shelby Paramore. The school district also will offer after-school care for school-age children through the program.In between the preschool and the child care home will be a storm shelter. The two buildings also will have a covered walkway so children can easily move between the preschool and the child care home.Gehring said the proximity of the two programs should be convenient for parents, who will not have to deal with students transferring between preschool and child care.The two programs should provide a benefit to the community as a whole, Gehring said."For the community, I think it's going to help us remain viable," she said. "I think we will see some new families come because we're going to have the services to meet their needs. "We have an excellent school system here, and now we're going to be able to start early with their children and provide a space for them."Gehring said she believes the model Plainville is building can be replicated in other communities in Kansas. She and other local officials are working on a presentation to share with other interested parties.&nbsp;"We're very excited to get this going," Gehring said. "It's a great opportunity for our families and our community. We are really excited."

Plainville welcomes new child care home, expanded preschool

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The long Independence Day holiday weekend has come and gone but there's plenty of July remaining. There are also plenty of activities and events remaining this month for everyone to enjoy.&nbsp;

Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, has some of the highlights.&nbsp;

For an updated list of Hays activities, check the CVB calendar at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643752861736.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe long Independence Day holiday weekend has come and gone but there's plenty of July remaining. There are also plenty of activities and events remaining this month for everyone to enjoy.&nbsp;Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, has some of the highlights.&nbsp;<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Tue Jul 05 2022 15:49:16 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Cvb July Remaining"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H3M33S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/thumbs/eYJAGjkO-1920.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/eYJAGjkO-AMBVbJQD.mp4"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/eYJAGjkO-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Cvb July Remaining" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657040590689.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657040613823.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For an updated list of Hays activities, check the CVB calendar at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.

 🎥 CVB: July events in Hays

The August contract for light sweet crude on the Nymex posted big gains on Friday, up nearly three dollars a barrel to settle at $108.43 per barrel. But by Tuesday the bottom fell out. Crude futures prices on Tuesday were down eight percent in New York and nine percent in London.&nbsp; New York prices fell to eight-week lows, dipping below $100 per barrel for the first time since May 11. In lunchtime trading the benchmark Nymex contract was down nearly nine dollars to $99.67 per barrel. London Brent was down more than ten dollars to $103.15 per barrel. The auto club AAA says fewer Americans fueled up over the last two weeks and that has helped drop pump prices by eight cents in the last seven days. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline Tuesday was $4.80. Motorists in Kansas were paying $4.55, about four cents less than last week. The United States Supreme Court dealt a blow to the Administration's climate-change agenda. The court said the Administration does not have the legal authority to force power plants to shift away from fossil fuels to cleaner sources. The high court says it is up to Congress to give the EPA that authority.&nbsp; Kansas regulators posted 201 new intent-to-drill notices last month. That's 851 new notices so far this year compared to 540 through the first half of last year. There are three new intents in Barton County, three in Ellis County, two in Russell County, and one in Stafford County. The Rig Count in Kansas from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service increased slightly, with 32 active drilling rigs in Western Kansas, up two rigs. The count east of Wichita was down one at 24. There are two new drilling permits in Russell County this week, out of 29 in western Kansas and 42 statewide. Midway through this year there are 801 permits for drilling at new locations, compared to 483 by the end of June last year. Operators completed 29 wells during the week through June 30th, all of them in Western Kansas. IOGSI reports 672 spuds in the Kansas oil patch at the midway point this year, and is currently scouting oilfield activity at 388 well sites across the state. The spud count is up 74% from last year. The weekly Rotary Rig County from Baker Hughes dropped slightly, with 750 active drilling rigs, with gas rigs dropping by four and oil rigs up one. The count in Texas was down two, although the count in the Eagle Ford play of South Texas was down four rigs. New Mexico was up one for the week. U.S. exports of crude oil and petroleum products reached a record of 9.8 million barrels per day during last month, based on a four-week rolling average through May 27th. The Energy Information Administration said exports of crude oil, finished motor gasoline, and distillate fuels have all increased since the beginning of 2022, partly due to increased demand from Europe, although they all remain below their record highs.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic in the US is down just over three percent from year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,884 tanker carloads for the week through June 25th, down four tankers from a week earlier. Canadian traffic rose 613 carloads for the week. The current tally in Canada is up 15% year-over-year. The Energy Information Administration reported output for the week through June 24th reached 12.129 million barrels per day, the highest weekly average since April of 2020. Tallies from the week before were delayed by what were called systems issues that blocked or delayed several regular government reports. EIA now says output for the week through June 17th averaged just over 12 million barrels per day. The all-time record weekly production report from EIA dates back to February of 2020, when the average reached 13.174 million barrels per day. US crude inventories dropped by 2.8 million barrels last week, to 415.6 million barrels as of June 24th. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are about 13% below the five-year seasonal average. Total motor gasoline inventories increased by 2.6 million barrels last week and are about 8% below the five-year average for this time of year.&nbsp; EIA reports crude imports dropped 200,000 barrels to six million barrels per day. The four week rolling average show imports 5.1 percent lower than the same four weeks last year. Houston-based pipeline company Targa Resources has agreed to acquire Lucid Energy, one of the largest natural gas processors in the Permian Basin, in a deal valued at $3.55 billion. Lucid gathers, treats and processes natural gas in the Delaware Basin, the portion of the Permian Basin that straddles West Texas and New Mexico. The firm has natural gas processing capacity of around 1.4 billion cubic feet per day. A trade group says Texas employment in the oil patch dropped for the first time in four months. According to the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), direct employment in exploration and production for May was over 188,000, down 1,400 jobs from April but still an increase of 25,500 positions over a year earlier. The group the industry payed $666 million in severance taxes in April, the highest in history and nearly double the total paid in April of last year.&nbsp; President Joe Biden said he’ll ask U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf region to boost oil production when he meets with them during a trip to Saudi Arabia next month. But recent news accounts indicate that is not something that can happen quickly. According to its own market analysis, the so-called OPEC-Plus crude export alliance is now half a billion barrels behind in its pledge to increase supplies. That's 2.7 million barrels a day below their collective output targets. Last week, the UAE and Saudi oil ministers told world leaders and energy ministers they're already pumping about as much as they can.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR&nbsp;The August contract for light sweet crude on the Nymex posted big gains on Friday, up nearly three dollars a barrel to settle at $108.43 per barrel. But by Tuesday the bottom fell out. Crude futures prices on Tuesday were down eight percent in New York and nine percent in London.&nbsp; New York prices fell to eight-week lows, dipping below $100 per barrel for the first time since May 11. In lunchtime trading the benchmark Nymex contract was down nearly nine dollars to $99.67 per barrel. London Brent was down more than ten dollars to $103.15 per barrel. The auto club AAA says fewer Americans fueled up over the last two weeks and that has helped drop pump prices by eight cents in the last seven days. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline Tuesday was $4.80. Motorists in Kansas were paying $4.55, about four cents less than last week. The United States Supreme Court dealt a blow to the Administration's climate-change agenda. The court said the Administration does not have the legal authority to force power plants to shift away from fossil fuels to cleaner sources. The high court says it is up to Congress to give the EPA that authority.&nbsp; Kansas regulators posted 201 new intent-to-drill notices last month. That's 851 new notices so far this year compared to 540 through the first half of last year. There are three new intents in Barton County, three in Ellis County, two in Russell County, and one in Stafford County. The Rig Count in Kansas from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service increased slightly, with 32 active drilling rigs in Western Kansas, up two rigs. The count east of Wichita was down one at 24. There are two new drilling permits in Russell County this week, out of 29 in western Kansas and 42 statewide. Midway through this year there are 801 permits for drilling at new locations, compared to 483 by the end of June last year. Operators completed 29 wells during the week through June 30th, all of them in Western Kansas. IOGSI reports 672 spuds in the Kansas oil patch at the midway point this year, and is currently scouting oilfield activity at 388 well sites across the state. The spud count is up 74% from last year. The weekly Rotary Rig County from Baker Hughes dropped slightly, with 750 active drilling rigs, with gas rigs dropping by four and oil rigs up one. The count in Texas was down two, although the count in the Eagle Ford play of South Texas was down four rigs. New Mexico was up one for the week. U.S. exports of crude oil and petroleum products reached a record of 9.8 million barrels per day during last month, based on a four-week rolling average through May 27th. The Energy Information Administration said exports of crude oil, finished motor gasoline, and distillate fuels have all increased since the beginning of 2022, partly due to increased demand from Europe, although they all remain below their record highs.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic in the US is down just over three percent from year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,884 tanker carloads for the week through June 25th, down four tankers from a week earlier. Canadian traffic rose 613 carloads for the week. The current tally in Canada is up 15% year-over-year. The Energy Information Administration reported output for the week through June 24th reached 12.129 million barrels per day, the highest weekly average since April of 2020. Tallies from the week before were delayed by what were called systems issues that blocked or delayed several regular government reports. EIA now says output for the week through June 17th averaged just over 12 million barrels per day. The all-time record weekly production report from EIA dates back to February of 2020, when the average reached 13.174 million barrels per day. US crude inventories dropped by 2.8 million barrels last week, to 415.6 million barrels as of June 24th. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are about 13% below the five-year seasonal average. Total motor gasoline inventories increased by 2.6 million barrels last week and are about 8% below the five-year average for this time of year.&nbsp; EIA reports crude imports dropped 200,000 barrels to six million barrels per day. The four week rolling average show imports 5.1 percent lower than the same four weeks last year. Houston-based pipeline company Targa Resources has agreed to acquire Lucid Energy, one of the largest natural gas processors in the Permian Basin, in a deal valued at $3.55 billion. Lucid gathers, treats and processes natural gas in the Delaware Basin, the portion of the Permian Basin that straddles West Texas and New Mexico. The firm has natural gas processing capacity of around 1.4 billion cubic feet per day. A trade group says Texas employment in the oil patch dropped for the first time in four months. According to the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), direct employment in exploration and production for May was over 188,000, down 1,400 jobs from April but still an increase of 25,500 positions over a year earlier. The group the industry payed $666 million in severance taxes in April, the highest in history and nearly double the total paid in April of last year.&nbsp; President Joe Biden said he’ll ask U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf region to boost oil production when he meets with them during a trip to Saudi Arabia next month. But recent news accounts indicate that is not something that can happen quickly. According to its own market analysis, the so-called OPEC-Plus crude export alliance is now half a billion barrels behind in its pledge to increase supplies. That's 2.7 million barrels a day below their collective output targets. Last week, the UAE and Saudi oil ministers told world leaders and energy ministers they're already pumping about as much as they can.

News From the Oil Patch: Oil prices dip below $100

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

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

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Dylan Dreiling

GOVE COUNTY —Three Kansas teens were injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Tuesday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Isabella M.&nbsp;Gutierrez-Myers, 17, Scott City, was eastbound on Old US 40 two miles west of Quinter.

The driver lost control when the pickup traveled over some washboard areas in the roadway. The vehicle entered the north ditch and rolled.

EMS transported&nbsp;Gutierrez-Myers and passenger Ryann E. Myers, 15, Park and Aniston L. Dunn, 17, Oakley, to the Gove County Medical Center. Gutierrez-Myers and Dunn were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

GOVE COUNTY —Three Kansas teens were injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Tuesday in Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Isabella M.&nbsp;Gutierrez-Myers, 17, Scott City, was eastbound on Old US 40 two miles west of Quinter.The driver lost control when the pickup traveled over some washboard areas in the roadway. The vehicle entered the north ditch and rolled.EMS transported&nbsp;Gutierrez-Myers and passenger Ryann E. Myers, 15, Park and Aniston L. Dunn, 17, Oakley, to the Gove County Medical Center. Gutierrez-Myers and Dunn were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

3 NW Kansas teens hospitalized after rollover accident

The Hays Police Department responded to 99 calls from June 12 to June 25, 2022, according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 99 calls from June 12 to June 25, 2022, according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
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Hays PD Activity Report, June 12-25 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657046734682.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

&nbsp;By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Summer temperatures have arrived, if you are planning herbicide applications, here are some things to consider when applying herbicides during hot weather;&nbsp;provided by Sarah Lancaster,&nbsp;Extension Weed Specialist.

Heat or drought stress slows plant growth processes.&nbsp;This is especially important for systemic herbicides such as glyphosate and grass-killing herbicides like clethodim (Select) or&nbsp;quizalofop(Assure). As temperatures increase above 85°F, many plants begin to slow or stop metabolic processes that move herbicides throughout the plant. Notable exceptions to this rule are HPPD-inhibiting herbicides like&nbsp;Callisto&nbsp;or Balance&nbsp;Flexx. Palmer amaranth plants are able to overcome applications of these herbicides when applied at high temperatures (90°F and greater).

Management:&nbsp;In general, applying systemic herbicides early in the morning, after plants have had a chance to recover from heat stress, will give the best chance for the herbicide to reach the active site and effectively kill weeds.

Leaves change in response to heat.&nbsp;In order to prevent water loss, plant cuticles become waxier in response to heat or drought stress. The greater wax content makes it more difficult for water-based spray solutions to penetrate the plant. In addition, the leaf angle of many plants changes in response to heat or drought stress. Often, this results in less herbicide contacting the leaf surface to enter the plant.

Management:&nbsp;Using maximum labeled rates of herbicides and surfactants can help get more spray solution into the plant, increasing effectiveness. Spraying during the cooler parts of the day will reduce the&nbsp;impact of altered leaf angle.&nbsp;

Crop response to foliar applied, non-translocated herbicides is greater in hot temperatures.&nbsp;When applied in hot, humid conditions, contact herbicides, such as Cobra, Liberty, or Reflex will likely result in greater foliar injury to crops, but also&nbsp;greater weed control.

Management:&nbsp;If possible, postpone application of these herbicides if temperatures are over 90°F. If weed size requires immediate herbicide application, reduce the rate of herbicide and adjuvant, and apply later in the day, when the air temperature will decrease after application.

Herbicide volatility increases with high temperatures and low humidity.&nbsp;Herbicides in group four, such as dicamba and 2,4-D are prone to volatility, which means the herbicide becomes a&nbsp;vapor and can move long distances with slight breezes. Volatility of these herbicides increases as temperature rise above 60°F and is greatest at temperatures above 90°F.

Management:&nbsp;Avoid applying these herbicides when temperatures are over 90°F. This may occur during morning or late afternoon hours, when temperature inversions are likely to occur. Herbicides should not be sprayed during inversions, when small spray droplets can become trapped in a layer of cooler air near the earth’s&nbsp;surface.Use&nbsp;larger spray droplets to reduce evaporation, which can be accomplished by reducing spray pressure or increasing nozzle orifice size.

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657034270364.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictSummer temperatures have arrived, if you are planning herbicide applications, here are some things to consider when applying herbicides during hot weather;&nbsp;provided by Sarah Lancaster,&nbsp;Extension Weed Specialist.Heat or drought stress slows plant growth processes.&nbsp;This is especially important for systemic herbicides such as glyphosate and grass-killing herbicides like clethodim (Select) or&nbsp;quizalofop(Assure). As temperatures increase above 85°F, many plants begin to slow or stop metabolic processes that move herbicides throughout the plant. Notable exceptions to this rule are HPPD-inhibiting herbicides like&nbsp;Callisto&nbsp;or Balance&nbsp;Flexx. Palmer amaranth plants are able to overcome applications of these herbicides when applied at high temperatures (90°F and greater).Management:&nbsp;In general, applying systemic herbicides early in the morning, after plants have had a chance to recover from heat stress, will give the best chance for the herbicide to reach the active site and effectively kill weeds.Leaves change in response to heat.&nbsp;In order to prevent water loss, plant cuticles become waxier in response to heat or drought stress. The greater wax content makes it more difficult for water-based spray solutions to penetrate the plant. In addition, the leaf angle of many plants changes in response to heat or drought stress. Often, this results in less herbicide contacting the leaf surface to enter the plant.Management:&nbsp;Using maximum labeled rates of herbicides and surfactants can help get more spray solution into the plant, increasing effectiveness. Spraying during the cooler parts of the day will reduce the&nbsp;impact of altered leaf angle.&nbsp;Crop response to foliar applied, non-translocated herbicides is greater in hot temperatures.&nbsp;When applied in hot, humid conditions, contact herbicides, such as Cobra, Liberty, or Reflex will likely result in greater foliar injury to crops, but also&nbsp;greater weed control.Management:&nbsp;If possible, postpone application of these herbicides if temperatures are over 90°F. If weed size requires immediate herbicide application, reduce the rate of herbicide and adjuvant, and apply later in the day, when the air temperature will decrease after application. Herbicide volatility increases with high temperatures and low humidity.&nbsp;Herbicides in group four, such as dicamba and 2,4-D are prone to volatility, which means the herbicide becomes a&nbsp;vapor and can move long distances with slight breezes. Volatility of these herbicides increases as temperature rise above 60°F and is greatest at temperatures above 90°F.Management:&nbsp;Avoid applying these herbicides when temperatures are over 90°F. This may occur during morning or late afternoon hours, when temperature inversions are likely to occur. Herbicides should not be sprayed during inversions, when small spray droplets can become trapped in a layer of cooler air near the earth’s&nbsp;surface.Use&nbsp;larger spray droplets to reduce evaporation, which can be accomplished by reducing spray pressure or increasing nozzle orifice size.Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Herbicide applications and high temperatures

After a sunny day with temperatures expected to reach up to 105 Tuesday, a chance of showers or thunderstorms returns Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service in Dodge City predicts a 30 percent chance of precipitation between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. While temperatures are expected to remain in the mid- to upper-90s Wednesday and Thursday, there remains a 30 percent to 50 percent chance for showers or storms in the afternoon and evening both days.&nbsp;

A heat advisory will remain in effect in the Hays area until 8 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;

After a sunny day with temperatures expected to reach up to 105 Tuesday, a chance of showers or thunderstorms returns Tuesday evening.&nbsp;The National Weather Service in Dodge City predicts a 30 percent chance of precipitation between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. While temperatures are expected to remain in the mid- to upper-90s Wednesday and Thursday, there remains a 30 percent to 50 percent chance for showers or storms in the afternoon and evening both days.&nbsp;A heat advisory will remain in effect in the Hays area until 8 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;

NWS: Chance for showers, storms through Thursday

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Hays Public Library director Brandon Hines.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Hays Library director Brandon Hines" 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=mnfsp-12674da-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Hays Public Library director Brandon Hines.

🎤Forward Ever: Hays Library director Brandon Hines

Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post

Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037505620.jpeg" alt="Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037535331.jpeg" alt="Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037559721.jpeg" alt="Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037583232.jpeg" alt="Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037608378.jpeg" alt="Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037626703.jpeg" alt="Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037645390.jpeg" alt="Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037671570.jpeg" alt="Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lainey Wilson at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037689896.jpeg" alt="Kameron Marlowe Saturday at the Wild West Festival in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kameron Marlowe Saturday at the Wild West Festival in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037706637.jpeg" alt="Joshua Ray Walker Saturday at the Wild West Festival in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Ray Walker Saturday at the Wild West Festival in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657037737450.jpeg" alt="Joshua Ray Walker's guitarist at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Ray Walker's guitarist at the Wild West Festival Saturday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Wild West Fest in photos — Saturday

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin work on a pair of road construction projects in Gove and Logan counties starting Tuesday.

In Gove County, crews will be completing a mill and overlay on 15 miles of K-23 starting at the south city limits in Gove and ending at the Sheridan County line. The project area will also include the K-23 alternate through Grainfield and K-23 spur.

Crews will also mill and overlay 26 miles of U.S. 40 in Logan County. Work will begin at the Wallace County line and extend east to the east K-25 junction.

Traffic will be directed through both work zones by flaggers and a pilot car operation. Delays up to 15 minutes should be anticipated.

KDOT expects the projects to be completed by the end of August, weather permitting.

The primary contractor for the Gove County project is APAC Kansas Inc. Shears Division, of Hutchison, with a total contract cost of approximately $3.5 million. Venture Corp. of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the nearly $3.8 million Logan County project.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation will begin work on a pair of road construction projects in Gove and Logan counties starting Tuesday.In Gove County, crews will be completing a mill and overlay on 15 miles of K-23 starting at the south city limits in Gove and ending at the Sheridan County line. The project area will also include the K-23 alternate through Grainfield and K-23 spur.Crews will also mill and overlay 26 miles of U.S. 40 in Logan County. Work will begin at the Wallace County line and extend east to the east K-25 junction.Traffic will be directed through both work zones by flaggers and a pilot car operation. Delays up to 15 minutes should be anticipated.KDOT expects the projects to be completed by the end of August, weather permitting.The primary contractor for the Gove County project is APAC Kansas Inc. Shears Division, of Hutchison, with a total contract cost of approximately $3.5 million. Venture Corp. of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the nearly $3.8 million Logan County project.

Road construction projects begin in Gove, Logan counties

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post As the Ellis County Commission continues to work through the
2023 budget process, it will consider the largest funding request from
outside agencies in the last five years.

Last month, the commission heard updates from 20 of the 21
outside agencies requesting funds as part of the 2023 budget process.

In previous budget conversations, the commission had
requested that each agency request the same funding for 2023 that they are set
to receive in 2022.

According to commission documents, the agencies requested
$1.387 million for 2023, an increase of $280,000 from the year before.

The 2023 request from the Ellis County Historical Society was among the largest increases from 2022.

After receiving $72,000 in both 2021 and 2022, the society has requested $150,000 for 2023.

The county commission was critical of the group’s perceived lack
of a plan last year. But since then, members of the group have come before the
commission several times to update them on the society’s progress.

“The board has decided and taken a vote, that we are going
to save the brick church building and we are going to be a vibrant part of
downtown again,” Historical Society Executive Director Amanda Rupp told the commission.

Commission Chair Butch Schlyer was the most vocal critic of
the historical society last year but was complementary of the group’s efforts
this year.

“You have done a bang-up job throughout the year, and I
think you guys are really on your way to doing something,” Schlyer said. “It is
really good, valuable that there is a historical perspective in the community.”

Rupp told the commission they are continuing to apply for
grant opportunities to help fund their efforts but they need the staff to
manage the grants.

“I’m very pleased to say that the small staff that we had has
done a massive amount of work in the past year,” Rupp said. “We have the people
here that want to do the work and (are) dedicated.” 

Rupp said most of the grants have to be used for a specific
purpose and the majority of the county funding will be used for operational
costs.

“We have secured almost $70,000 worth of grants and
donations this year,” Rupp said.

Grow Hays also requested an increase from 2022. Since the
commission voted not to fund the Ellis County Coalition for Economic
Development, now Grow Hays in 2019, the group received $27,500 in 2020 and 2021
and will get $150,000 in 2022.

Executive Director Doug Williams told the county commission
the increased funding, from both the county and City of Hays, allowed Grow Hays
to add David Clingan, Director of Recruitment and Retention.

“Since that time, we’re able to obtain a $2.63 million base
grant from the state of Kansas for the construction of a microfactory that will
go up at the corner of Ninth and Commerce Parkway,” Williams said.

He added that, “In the time that David’s been here, we’ve
never had more retail prospects and other prospect for things going on then we
do right now.”

Grow Hays has requested an increase of $30,000 in funding
for 2023.

Last year, Williams, on behalf of Grow Hays, had requested
that the county earmark funding equivalent to a half-mill for economic development.
The commission was against the idea.

Williams said this year’s request is still less than what half-mill
would equal, “but we still feel that is a significant investment and will allow
us to do what we need to do.”

Schlyer asked what Grow Hays will do
with the increased funding.

Williams said they will use the funding for extra staffing.

The Kid-Link Program through Developmental Services of
Northwest Kansas was a new funding request for 2023 but the county has
previously help to fund the program.

The Hays Area Children’s Center had previously provided the
Tiny K Part C services. 

Sarah Biggs, Director of Programs for DSNWK said the state
asked DSNWK’s Kid-Link to take on the early intervention services and that more
than doubled the program.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County was also a new
agency requesting funding in 2023. They requested $5,000.

The commission have scheduled a meeting for later this month
to discuss budget requests from department heads.

The 2023 budget is scheduled to be published in August with
final approval set for September.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656726796965.jpeg" alt="Outside agencies requested an increase of nearly $300,000 in funding for 2023 from Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Outside agencies requested an increase of nearly $300,000 in funding for 2023 from Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post As the Ellis County Commission continues to work through the
2023 budget process, it will consider the largest funding request from
outside agencies in the last five years.Last month, the commission heard updates from 20 of the 21
outside agencies requesting funds as part of the 2023 budget process.In previous budget conversations, the commission had
requested that each agency request the same funding for 2023 that they are set
to receive in 2022.According to commission documents, the agencies requested
$1.387 million for 2023, an increase of $280,000 from the year before.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656728556431.jpeg" alt="ECHS Director Amanda Rupp, County Liaison Sheriff Detective Brad Ricke and Curator Adam Conkey discuss their funding request with the commission" />
 <figcaption>ECHS Director Amanda Rupp, County Liaison Sheriff Detective Brad Ricke and Curator Adam Conkey discuss their funding request with the commission</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2023 request from the Ellis County Historical Society was among the largest increases from 2022.After receiving $72,000 in both 2021 and 2022, the society has requested $150,000 for 2023.The county commission was critical of the group’s perceived lack
of a plan last year. But since then, members of the group have come before the
commission several times to update them on the society’s progress.“The board has decided and taken a vote, that we are going
to save the brick church building and we are going to be a vibrant part of
downtown again,” Historical Society Executive Director Amanda Rupp told the commission.Commission Chair Butch Schlyer was the most vocal critic of
the historical society last year but was complementary of the group’s efforts
this year.“You have done a bang-up job throughout the year, and I
think you guys are really on your way to doing something,” Schlyer said. “It is
really good, valuable that there is a historical perspective in the community.”Rupp told the commission they are continuing to apply for
grant opportunities to help fund their efforts but they need the staff to
manage the grants.“I’m very pleased to say that the small staff that we had has
done a massive amount of work in the past year,” Rupp said. “We have the people
here that want to do the work and (are) dedicated.” Rupp said most of the grants have to be used for a specific
purpose and the majority of the county funding will be used for operational
costs.“We have secured almost $70,000 worth of grants and
donations this year,” Rupp said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656729635573.jpeg" alt="Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams talked with the commission during his budget update" />
 <figcaption>Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams talked with the commission during his budget update</figcaption>
 </figure>Grow Hays also requested an increase from 2022. Since the
commission voted not to fund the Ellis County Coalition for Economic
Development, now Grow Hays in 2019, the group received $27,500 in 2020 and 2021
and will get $150,000 in 2022.Executive Director Doug Williams told the county commission
the increased funding, from both the county and City of Hays, allowed Grow Hays
to add David Clingan, Director of Recruitment and Retention.“Since that time, we’re able to obtain a $2.63 million base
grant from the state of Kansas for the construction of a microfactory that will
go up at the corner of Ninth and Commerce Parkway,” Williams said.He added that, “In the time that David’s been here, we’ve
never had more retail prospects and other prospect for things going on then we
do right now.”Grow Hays has requested an increase of $30,000 in funding
for 2023.Last year, Williams, on behalf of Grow Hays, had requested
that the county earmark funding equivalent to a half-mill for economic development.
The commission was against the idea.Williams said this year’s request is still less than what half-mill
would equal, “but we still feel that is a significant investment and will allow
us to do what we need to do.”Schlyer asked what Grow Hays will do
with the increased funding.Williams said they will use the funding for extra staffing.The Kid-Link Program through Developmental Services of
Northwest Kansas was a new funding request for 2023 but the county has
previously help to fund the program.The Hays Area Children’s Center had previously provided the
Tiny K Part C services. Sarah Biggs, Director of Programs for DSNWK said the state
asked DSNWK’s Kid-Link to take on the early intervention services and that more
than doubled the program.They requested $120,000 for 2023.Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County was also a new
agency requesting funding in 2023. They requested $5,000.The commission have scheduled a meeting for later this month
to discuss budget requests from department heads.The 2023 budget is scheduled to be published in August with
final approval set for September.

Ellis County Commission set to consider funding increase for outside agencies

A master's student at Fort Hays State University is highlighting the mistreatment of wild creatures and the environment in his MFA art exhibit "Inhumane."

Jordan Brown's exhibit is on display now through Wednesday at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays during the summer months.

"My inspiration for my thesis is to bring about awareness to the inhumane acts that humans are putting on animals," he said, "whether that be through trafficking, poaching or pollution or the absent thought of the animal and the environment."

Brown, 29, a Concordia native, works in ceramics, but also has several cast pieces.

The artwork that sparked it all is titled "Battery Bear."

In Asia, Asiatic black bears are captured from the wild or raised in captivity so their bile from their gallbladders can be harvested for traditional medicine. The bears are kept in small cages and repeatedly stabbed to extract the bile until their early deaths, Brown said.

The captive bears' teeth and claws are also removed. The bears live about 30 years in the wild, but only about five years in captivity.

"It's been going on for thousands of years, and I was shocked that I never heard of it," he said. ... "For me to be an animal lover and see this inhumane act on animals is shocking."

Several of his pieces highlight rhinoceros poaching.&nbsp; A large ceramic rhino head titled "Why Me?" is exhibited with its horns cut off. Sanctuaries in Africa often remove a significant portion of rhinos' horns to help protect them from poachers. 

"It's a horrible thing, because it leaves the rhino unprotected from other animals and situations," Brown said. "It leaves them pretty much defenseless."

Some rhino sanctuaries assign 24-hour armed guards to rhinos, who are killed for their horns, which are used in traditional medicines.

The trade in elephant tusks and rhino horns is about a $10 billion industry, Brown said.

"Broken Treaty" is a piece that hits closer to home. Brown said Kansas, especially Ellis County, has many open pits associated with oil production. Waterfowl land on what they think is water and are covered in oil or other chemicals.

President Trump eased punishments for companies under the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918. 

"There were a lot of animals that died because there was no one there to speak for them," Brown said.

Brown's art also explores pollution in the world's oceans. 

"I think it's still inhumane to throw your trash and not think about where your trash is going. It is the lack of thought for the animal and the environment that is angering me," he said.

"I think we should be conscientious of what we are doing. We know we are doing a little bit of bad. We should try to do a little bit of good. If you recycle just a little, that is your part. If someone sees that, you may spark them to recycle. It is a chain effect."

He said was inspired by ancient Greek, Chinese and European pottery styles in creating large vessels for his thesis exhibit.

"Their exceptional skill and knowledge of the potter's wheel has significantly inspired my work," he said in his thesis statement.

Brown and his wife have bought a house in Ellis, and he hopes to open a studio in the area.

If you are interested in purchasing or learning more about Brown's work, he can be reached at jordanbrownceramics@outlook.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656618903376.jpeg" alt=""Battery Bear" by Jordan Brown highlights the plight of Asiatic black bears, which are kept in captivity to harvest their bile. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>"Battery Bear" by Jordan Brown highlights the plight of Asiatic black bears, which are kept in captivity to harvest their bile. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA master's student at Fort Hays State University is highlighting the mistreatment of wild creatures and the environment in his MFA art exhibit "Inhumane."Jordan Brown's exhibit is on display now through Wednesday at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the Fort Hays State University campus. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays during the summer months."My inspiration for my thesis is to bring about awareness to the inhumane acts that humans are putting on animals," he said, "whether that be through trafficking, poaching or pollution or the absent thought of the animal and the environment."Brown, 29, a Concordia native, works in ceramics, but also has several cast pieces.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656619084401.jpeg" alt="Jordan Brown MFA exhibit "Inhumane" highlights humans' mistreatment of animals and the environment. The exhibit is on display at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus through Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Jordan Brown MFA exhibit "Inhumane" highlights humans' mistreatment of animals and the environment. The exhibit is on display at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus through Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The artwork that sparked it all is titled "Battery Bear."In Asia, Asiatic black bears are captured from the wild or raised in captivity so their bile from their gallbladders can be harvested for traditional medicine. The bears are kept in small cages and repeatedly stabbed to extract the bile until their early deaths, Brown said.The captive bears' teeth and claws are also removed. The bears live about 30 years in the wild, but only about five years in captivity. "It's been going on for thousands of years, and I was shocked that I never heard of it," he said. ... "For me to be an animal lover and see this inhumane act on animals is shocking."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656619522570.jpeg" alt=""Why Me? "&nbsp; stoneware clay by Jordan Brown " />
 <figcaption>"Why Me? "&nbsp; stoneware clay by Jordan Brown </figcaption>
 </figure>Several of his pieces highlight rhinoceros poaching.&nbsp; A large ceramic rhino head titled "Why Me?" is exhibited with its horns cut off. Sanctuaries in Africa often remove a significant portion of rhinos' horns to help protect them from poachers. "It's a horrible thing, because it leaves the rhino unprotected from other animals and situations," Brown said. "It leaves them pretty much defenseless." Some rhino sanctuaries assign 24-hour armed guards to rhinos, who are killed for their horns, which are used in traditional medicines.The trade in elephant tusks and rhino horns is about a $10 billion industry, Brown said."Broken Treaty" is a piece that hits closer to home. Brown said Kansas, especially Ellis County, has many open pits associated with oil production. Waterfowl land on what they think is water and are covered in oil or other chemicals.President Trump eased punishments for companies under the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656619412656.jpeg" alt=""Broken Treaty" by Jordan Brown. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>"Broken Treaty" by Jordan Brown. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>"There were a lot of animals that died because there was no one there to speak for them," Brown said.Brown's art also explores pollution in the world's oceans. "I think it's still inhumane to throw your trash and not think about where your trash is going. It is the lack of thought for the animal and the environment that is angering me," he said."I think we should be conscientious of what we are doing. We know we are doing a little bit of bad. We should try to do a little bit of good. If you recycle just a little, that is your part. If someone sees that, you may spark them to recycle. It is a chain effect."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656619229550.jpeg" alt=""Smuggled" iron sculpture by Jordan Brown. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>"Smuggled" iron sculpture by Jordan Brown. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>He said was inspired by ancient Greek, Chinese and European pottery styles in creating large vessels for his thesis exhibit."Their exceptional skill and knowledge of the potter's wheel has significantly inspired my work," he said in his thesis statement. Brown and his wife have bought a house in Ellis, and he hopes to open a studio in the area. If you are interested in purchasing or learning more about Brown's work, he can be reached at jordanbrownceramics@outlook.com.

Moss-Thorns exhibit at FHSU focuses on animal mistreatment

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Fri Jun 17 2022 10:04:55 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Kaleb Meredith"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/tKPU3EhU-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/tKPU3EhU-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/tKPU3EhU-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kaleb Meredith" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Kaleb Meredith

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656969804224.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>

On July 03, 2022, approximately 5:50 p.m. the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in a detached garage located at 110 W 15th Steet in Hays.

On duty firefighters spotted smoke and flames and notified the dispatch center. Arriving fire crews found fire spreading from the garage to a neighboring structure. Fire crews deployed 2 attack lines to protect both homes and extinguish to the flames. The fire was quickly brought under control.

The electrical power line for the residence was damaged by the fire and Midwest Energy responded to secure the downed power line. The home was occupied at the time. No injuries from the occupants or first responders were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.

The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Hays Police Department, and Midwest Energy for their assistance.

The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are functioning corre

Hays Fire DepartmentOn July 03, 2022, approximately 5:50 p.m. the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in a detached garage located at 110 W 15th Steet in Hays.On duty firefighters spotted smoke and flames and notified the dispatch center. Arriving fire crews found fire spreading from the garage to a neighboring structure. Fire crews deployed 2 attack lines to protect both homes and extinguish to the flames. The fire was quickly brought under control.The electrical power line for the residence was damaged by the fire and Midwest Energy responded to secure the downed power line. The home was occupied at the time. No injuries from the occupants or first responders were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.The Hays Fire Department would like to thank Ellis County Communications, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, Hays Police Department, and Midwest Energy for their assistance.The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are functioning corre

Garage fire stopped from spreading to home by Hays Fire Department

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Fri Jun 17 2022 10:04:55 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Hunter Rosson"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/N1BWa8Qo-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/N1BWa8Qo-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/N1BWa8Qo-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Hunter Rosson" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Hunter Rosson

It may only be mid-summer, but the Hays Chamber is already preparing for its annual celebration of area educators.

The Education Appreciation dinner is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall,&nbsp;2350 E. Eighth.

But for those looking to get involved in the event, now is the time, said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger.

"Timing is of the essence for this event, just because we do have to put a few
things together to be ready for that day," she said. "So if your business is interested in
being a sponsor for the upcoming event, we would love to sit down and visit
with you either at the Chamber office or come to your location and talk
to you about what that all looks like. "

She said they hope to have details finalized by the end of July.

"We want to have all
that prep material and content ready for the night of the event, as well as
give you some time to pick you out if you want to include any items in the swag
bag," Wasinger said. "As we know, things delivering on time doesn't always happen nowadays, some
delays from supply chain issues. So we want to make sure there's plenty of time
for you to be happy with how that all turns out."

The Chamber works with sponsors to ensure their contribution is visible during the event.

"We find different ways to feature businesses and our sponsors," Wasinger said. "So depending
on which level of membership you have, we invite some of those
sponsors to attend the event, we do feature our higher level our premier
sponsors, that's an investment of $700, and that would include a 30-second commercial
that would be shared within the event."

She said the sponsorship is a way to introduce a business or service to the education community.

"We have three different levels of sponsorship for people to take advantage of if they want to be a part of the event," Wasinger said, adding new sponsors are always welcome.

Booth spaces are available as well as "a good way to mingle with the folks who are
attending," she said.

"And then we also have different ways on social media that will be
advertising the event as well, as well as on our digital newsletter for the
chamber, and kind of some of our invitations that will go out, we'll be
featuring our sponsors, so lots of great visibility, but really just a chance to
say thank you to the great work that they do," Wasinger said.

While the Chamber and the event sponsors come together for those educators that want to attend, the only thing to do for now is to save the date.

"We will be working with the administrators from each of the different school sections to kind of collect RSVPs with us," Wasinger said. "More details will be coming. If for any reason they don't see that information ahead, they can definitely feel free to contact the Chamber and let us know that they would plan to attend that night."

She said the RSVPs are needed to complete an accurate meal count, and as they come in, the Chamber will keep a master list of attendees from across the county.

"This event is for all Ellis County educators, and not just Hays," Wasinger said. "We have Hays, Catholic schools, Hays public schools, obviously, Victoria and Ellis have their public school systems too. And then, of course, we have St. Mary's over in Ellis. We also include Fort Hays State University and NCK Tech, as well as Hays Academy of Hair Design. ... We want all the educators who have added touch points on our children's or students lives to come celebrate that evening with us."&nbsp;

Along with the dinner, the first 150 attendees will also receive assorted items from the sponsors.

"Then we
just give them time to sit together and socialize, and maybe get to see friends
that they haven't seen over the summer, or introduce themselves as well to the
new educators," Wasinger said. "This is kind of a formal event, you don't have to dress up
fancy, but we want to give people all the different superintendents or
principals a chance to introduce their new staff that are in attendance."

But most importantly, she said they hope they can share their full appreciation of their work with the educators.

"There's no greater
gift than being able to open up someone's mind to help them realize their
capabilities," Wasinger said. "That's not an easy job, and there's a
lot that goes into that. So that's the purpose behind education appreciation is
to just have a night where we can say thank you for everything that you do. And
it's really just a great way for our business community to rally around our area's educators."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656007244767.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostIt may only be mid-summer, but the Hays Chamber is already preparing for its annual celebration of area educators.The Education Appreciation dinner is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall,&nbsp;2350 E. Eighth.But for those looking to get involved in the event, now is the time, said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger."Timing is of the essence for this event, just because we do have to put a few
things together to be ready for that day," she said. "So if your business is interested in
being a sponsor for the upcoming event, we would love to sit down and visit
with you either at the Chamber office or come to your location and talk
to you about what that all looks like. "She said they hope to have details finalized by the end of July.<div><iframe title="Planning underway for 2022 Educators Appreciation dinner" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wj8c5-1259d84-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>"We want to have all
that prep material and content ready for the night of the event, as well as
give you some time to pick you out if you want to include any items in the swag
bag," Wasinger said. "As we know, things delivering on time doesn't always happen nowadays, some
delays from supply chain issues. So we want to make sure there's plenty of time
for you to be happy with how that all turns out."The Chamber works with sponsors to ensure their contribution is visible during the event."We find different ways to feature businesses and our sponsors," Wasinger said. "So depending
on which level of membership you have, we invite some of those
sponsors to attend the event, we do feature our higher level our premier
sponsors, that's an investment of $700, and that would include a 30-second commercial
that would be shared within the event."She said the sponsorship is a way to introduce a business or service to the education community."We have three different levels of sponsorship for people to take advantage of if they want to be a part of the event," Wasinger said, adding new sponsors are always welcome.Booth spaces are available as well as "a good way to mingle with the folks who are
attending," she said."And then we also have different ways on social media that will be
advertising the event as well, as well as on our digital newsletter for the
chamber, and kind of some of our invitations that will go out, we'll be
featuring our sponsors, so lots of great visibility, but really just a chance to
say thank you to the great work that they do," Wasinger said.While the Chamber and the event sponsors come together for those educators that want to attend, the only thing to do for now is to save the date."We will be working with the administrators from each of the different school sections to kind of collect RSVPs with us," Wasinger said. "More details will be coming. If for any reason they don't see that information ahead, they can definitely feel free to contact the Chamber and let us know that they would plan to attend that night."She said the RSVPs are needed to complete an accurate meal count, and as they come in, the Chamber will keep a master list of attendees from across the county."This event is for all Ellis County educators, and not just Hays," Wasinger said. "We have Hays, Catholic schools, Hays public schools, obviously, Victoria and Ellis have their public school systems too. And then, of course, we have St. Mary's over in Ellis. We also include Fort Hays State University and NCK Tech, as well as Hays Academy of Hair Design. ... We want all the educators who have added touch points on our children's or students lives to come celebrate that evening with us."&nbsp;Along with the dinner, the first 150 attendees will also receive assorted items from the sponsors."Then we
just give them time to sit together and socialize, and maybe get to see friends
that they haven't seen over the summer, or introduce themselves as well to the
new educators," Wasinger said. "This is kind of a formal event, you don't have to dress up
fancy, but we want to give people all the different superintendents or
principals a chance to introduce their new staff that are in attendance."But most importantly, she said they hope they can share their full appreciation of their work with the educators."There's no greater
gift than being able to open up someone's mind to help them realize their
capabilities," Wasinger said. "That's not an easy job, and there's a
lot that goes into that. So that's the purpose behind education appreciation is
to just have a night where we can say thank you for everything that you do. And
it's really just a great way for our business community to rally around our area's educators."

🎙 Planning underway for 2022 Educators Appreciation dinner

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656792285131.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>

Photos by Cristina Janney and James Bell/Hays Post and Cayden Sanders/Tiger Media Network

Photos by Cristina Janney and James Bell/Hays Post and Cayden Sanders/Tiger Media Network <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656793537129.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival on Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival on Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656713944644.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656798441630.jpeg" alt="Lonestar performs in the rain during the Wild West Festival Thursday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Lonestar performs in the rain during the Wild West Festival Thursday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656713971305.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656714007786.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656714054066.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cayden Sanders / Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795446385.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795419561.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795386694.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795346492.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795322553.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795292599.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795238751.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795128020.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795128019.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795128018.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795128017.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794993732.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777255.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777254.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777252.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777253.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777251.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777250.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777249.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777247.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777245.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777246.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777244.jpeg" alt="Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wild West Fest Parade. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656794777241.jpeg" alt="The Hays CVB celebrates 40 years with a kite festival. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays CVB celebrates 40 years with a kite festival. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656795128016.jpeg" alt="Kite Festival. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kite Festival. Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797201488.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797230295.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797257166.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797287859.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797315872.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797338820.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797360355.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797383070.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797489636.jpeg" alt="Fans cheer to the sounds of DoC at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fans cheer to the sounds of DoC at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797513739.jpeg" alt="Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hairball at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797536083.jpeg" alt="Robert and Susan LeDuc of Wilson kiss after dancing during the DoC performance Friday night at the Wild West Festival in Hays. The couple has been married 35 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Robert and Susan LeDuc of Wilson kiss after dancing during the DoC performance Friday night at the Wild West Festival in Hays. The couple has been married 35 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797560820.jpeg" alt="Fans clap during DoC at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fans clap during DoC at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797588182.jpeg" alt="Sandi Maier, Wild West Festival director, rocks out Friday at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sandi Maier, Wild West Festival director, rocks out Friday at the Wild West Festival Friday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656797635037.jpeg" alt="Kim and Mark Kronewitter of Hays dance during the DoC performance Friday night at the Wild West Festival. The couple has been married 14 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Kim and Mark Kronewitter of Hays dance during the DoC performance Friday night at the Wild West Festival. The couple has been married 14 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>

Wild West Fest 2022 in photos

High Plains Mental Health Center has been certified as one of the first Community Behavioral Health Clinics in the state of Kansas. This week, High Plains received a provisional, two-year certification from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Implementing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic system of care will “raise the bar” by providing a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use disorder services and focusing on care coordination, said Executive Director Walt Hill.

“Whole person care is a major focus of the CCBHC model. We are proud to continue offering innovative new services and expanded treatment options for the people of Northwest Kansas,” Hill said. “We are grateful to the State of Kansas for supporting CCBHC implementation, and we are very thankful for the efforts of our hard-working and dedicated staff to make this possible.”

With this news, High Plains is among the first six Community Mental Health Centers to achieve certified CCBHC status in Kansas. In April 2021, Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill establishing the CCBHC model for providing behavioral health services in Kansas. Kansas is the first state in the nation to pass legislation adopting the CCBHC model statewide. Eventually, it is expected that all 26 Community Mental Health Centers in Kansas will transition to the CCBHC model of care. This state designation will enhance Medicaid reimbursement for services, which will be helpful for expanding and sustaining needed services, Hill said.&nbsp;

Due to increased behavioral healthcare needs, High Plains applied for and received a two-year federal grant in 2021 to begin implementing CCBHC required programs. The grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is providing up to $2 million in annual funding and will expire in September 2023. As a result of the grant, High Plains has implemented several new programs and onboarded an additional 14 staff members. New programs include Medication Assisted Treatment to improve recovery outcomes for those experiencing opioid addiction and a mobile Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team currently serving Ellis County. The multi-disciplinary ACT team provides community-based services to better engage clients with serious mental illness and to help stabilize crisis situations in efforts to reduce hospitalization. Other programs include expanded integrated care locations and expanded outreach office sites, and increased focus on screening for certain physical health conditions and referring clients for needed primary medical care. High Plains has also expanded its prevention, education and outreach department. High Plains implemented early CCBHC services in January and has been working throughout the year to continue building the program.

While the CCBHC system of care is new to Kansas, it is not new. The U.S. currently has more than 430 CCBHCs nationwide operating in 42 states. CCBHCs are designed to improve suicide prevention, reduce drug overdose deaths, remove barriers to timely treatment access, improve access to care for veterans and active military, and reduce existing burdens on jails and hospital emergency departments.&nbsp;

Services will be available to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.&nbsp;

“Implementing and continuing to grow CCBHC services will ultimately result in better access to behavioral health services and better outcomes for those seeking needed health care,” said Mark Dinkel, High Plains CCBHC project director. “This is exciting news for Northwest Kansas and the expansion comes at a time when we continue to see increased needs for behavioral healthcare services.”

High Plains Mental Health Center currently has 25 service locations in the 20 counties served in northwest Kansas, in addition to school-based services. Telehealth services are also widely available from the privacy and comfort of home. To learn more, or to find the service location nearest you, call 1-800-432-0333 or visit hpmhc.com.

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 </figure>News releaseHigh Plains Mental Health Center has been certified as one of the first Community Behavioral Health Clinics in the state of Kansas. This week, High Plains received a provisional, two-year certification from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Implementing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic system of care will “raise the bar” by providing a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use disorder services and focusing on care coordination, said Executive Director Walt Hill.“Whole person care is a major focus of the CCBHC model. We are proud to continue offering innovative new services and expanded treatment options for the people of Northwest Kansas,” Hill said. “We are grateful to the State of Kansas for supporting CCBHC implementation, and we are very thankful for the efforts of our hard-working and dedicated staff to make this possible.”With this news, High Plains is among the first six Community Mental Health Centers to achieve certified CCBHC status in Kansas. In April 2021, Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill establishing the CCBHC model for providing behavioral health services in Kansas. Kansas is the first state in the nation to pass legislation adopting the CCBHC model statewide. Eventually, it is expected that all 26 Community Mental Health Centers in Kansas will transition to the CCBHC model of care. This state designation will enhance Medicaid reimbursement for services, which will be helpful for expanding and sustaining needed services, Hill said.&nbsp;Due to increased behavioral healthcare needs, High Plains applied for and received a two-year federal grant in 2021 to begin implementing CCBHC required programs. The grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is providing up to $2 million in annual funding and will expire in September 2023. As a result of the grant, High Plains has implemented several new programs and onboarded an additional 14 staff members. New programs include Medication Assisted Treatment to improve recovery outcomes for those experiencing opioid addiction and a mobile Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team currently serving Ellis County. The multi-disciplinary ACT team provides community-based services to better engage clients with serious mental illness and to help stabilize crisis situations in efforts to reduce hospitalization. Other programs include expanded integrated care locations and expanded outreach office sites, and increased focus on screening for certain physical health conditions and referring clients for needed primary medical care. High Plains has also expanded its prevention, education and outreach department. High Plains implemented early CCBHC services in January and has been working throughout the year to continue building the program.While the CCBHC system of care is new to Kansas, it is not new. The U.S. currently has more than 430 CCBHCs nationwide operating in 42 states. CCBHCs are designed to improve suicide prevention, reduce drug overdose deaths, remove barriers to timely treatment access, improve access to care for veterans and active military, and reduce existing burdens on jails and hospital emergency departments.&nbsp;Services will be available to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.&nbsp;“Implementing and continuing to grow CCBHC services will ultimately result in better access to behavioral health services and better outcomes for those seeking needed health care,” said Mark Dinkel, High Plains CCBHC project director. “This is exciting news for Northwest Kansas and the expansion comes at a time when we continue to see increased needs for behavioral healthcare services.”High Plains Mental Health Center currently has 25 service locations in the 20 counties served in northwest Kansas, in addition to school-based services. Telehealth services are also widely available from the privacy and comfort of home. To learn more, or to find the service location nearest you, call 1-800-432-0333 or visit hpmhc.com.

High Plains receives Community Behavioral Health Clinic Certification 

The reconstruction of 22nd Street between Allen and 
Vine Street begins Tuesday. &nbsp;This project replaces the 
pavement and select areas of curb and gutter. &nbsp;As such, 22nd Street will
 be closed to through traffic for approximately six weeks.&nbsp;

For more information, call the contractor, T&amp;T Builders 
at 785 650-4507 or the Office of Project Management at 785 628-7350. &nbsp;

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 </figure>City of HaysThe reconstruction of 22nd Street between Allen and 
Vine Street begins Tuesday. &nbsp;This project replaces the 
pavement and select areas of curb and gutter. &nbsp;As such, 22nd Street will
 be closed to through traffic for approximately six weeks.&nbsp;For more information, call the contractor, T&amp;T Builders 
at 785 650-4507 or the Office of Project Management at 785 628-7350. &nbsp;

Section of 22nd Street will be closed for six weeks

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

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