In June of 1902, Theodore Roosevelt&nbsp;was president.&nbsp;The Wizard of Oz opened as a musical in Chicago.&nbsp;And&nbsp;on&nbsp;June 23&nbsp;of that year,&nbsp;57&nbsp;students attended the first day of classes&nbsp;in the infirmary building on the grounds of the former military outpost, Fort Hays.&nbsp;Few could have predicted&nbsp;extraordinary&nbsp;journey of service,&nbsp;innovation,&nbsp;and persistence that would follow for&nbsp;what was then known as the Western Branch of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Kansas State Normal School.&nbsp;As we celebrate our blessings on this 120th&nbsp;anniversary, I thought I would share some massive moments that have shaped our journey.

Congress introduced legislation in 1900 to transfer the abandoned military reservation in Hays, Kansas, to the State of Kansas to establish the Western Branch of the State Normal School.

The state legislature severed the Hays branch from Emporia as part of a more extensive restructuring, thus changing the name to Fort Hays Kansas Normal School on March 6, 1914. Thus, began FHSU’s substantial growth in enrollment, facilities, and, most importantly, in the scope of our academic and cultural mission.

Focusing on building a faculty of scholars and researchers, in March 1927, George Sternberg, the noted fossil hunter and geologist joined the faculty. Discovering the fish within the fish brought international attention to our research prominence.

House Bill No. 487 authorized a name change to Fort Hays Kansas State College in 1931. More importantly, we recognized a much broader role for the institution advancing from a normal school to a liberal arts institution.

In the 1980s, FHSU received a Title III Strengthening Institution Grant for $2,423,567 that provided major IBM mainframe computing equipment for FHSU, laying the foundation for a new high-tech/high-touch learning environment. Today, we are pioneering a university digital master plan, one of the first in the country.

The rise of a basketball powerhouse

In 1984 and 1985, the men’s basketball team won back-to-back NAIA national championships. The women won the NAIA national title in 1991. Five years later, the 1995-1996 men’s team won the NCAA Division II national championship to complete a perfect 34-0 season.

In 1999-2000 the Kansas Board of Regents&nbsp;secured a change to the established tuition&nbsp;model to allow each university to keep any&nbsp;tuition and fees collected. Other institutions&nbsp;used this new authority to raise tuition. FHSU launched an affordability advantage&nbsp;mission that drove enrollment and expanded&nbsp;access.

The introduction of online learning

Education at a distance began in 1911, with&nbsp;coursework offered by mail. Highly successful,&nbsp;the program grew year by year, developing new&nbsp;techniques and adopting new technology. In&nbsp;1977, the Division of Continuing Education&nbsp;emerged, later becoming the Virtual College.&nbsp;The first online courses were offered in 1998,&nbsp;and the first full-degree programs started in&nbsp;1999. The ability to provide online classes was&nbsp;a game-changer for the university. Today we&nbsp;are only one of six universities in the world to&nbsp;earn the United States Distance Learning&nbsp;Association’s rigorous 91-point quality&nbsp;certification.

FHSU established a partnership with Zhengzhou&nbsp;Sias University to offer four-year degrees in&nbsp;China in 1999. FHSU has granted degrees to&nbsp;more than 12,000 Chinese graduates at two&nbsp;partner universities in China – Sias University&nbsp;and Shenyang Normal University. Today our students represent more than 30 countries and a growing number of educational partnerships in Bolivia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Senegal, and China.

Our long history of serving military-connected&nbsp;students included an Army ROTC program&nbsp;(1980-1987). With the increase in distance&nbsp;learning in the late 1990s, FHSU began to&nbsp;deliver education to military students across the&nbsp;nation, joining the Navy College Program&nbsp;Distance Learning Partnership in 2001. Today&nbsp;we serve every branch of the military. Over the&nbsp;past three years, we have launched the&nbsp;Associate of Applied Science (AAS) –&nbsp;Technology &amp; Leadership (2019), the Transfer &amp;&nbsp;Military Center (2020), and the Kansas Army&nbsp;National Guard Officer Candidate School&nbsp;Program (2021).

Expanding the regional reach of FHSU affordability

In 2021, we expanded our commitment&nbsp;to providing a high-quality and accessible education,&nbsp;making a bold move to redefine the meaning of&nbsp;regional tuition. We now offer in-state tuition to students from 13 states across a swath of the central United States.

FHSU today is a regional comprehensive public university where determined, innovative, and caring faculty and staff share a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring students. This commitment, established and built upon for 120 years, will continue to guide us forward.&nbsp;

Our mission remains relentlessly focused on developing the engaged global-citizen leaders our world needs today. This singular focus has been the principal driver of our success for more than 120 years.

FHSU consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the American Midwest. A remarkable 95% of FHSU students secure jobs or higher education opportunities after graduation. Employers tell us the combination of challenging academic programs, close faculty/student relationships, and the abundance of experiential learning opportunities our students enjoy while at FHSU set our students apart in a competitive job market worldwide.

Throughout our history, the quality of our academic programs, our unmatched affordability, and generations of caring and supportive people have been the hallmarks of the Fort Hays State University experience. On this 120th&nbsp;anniversary of the founding of our university, I continue to marvel at the remarkable Tiger Nation we’ve all built.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>In June of 1902, Theodore Roosevelt&nbsp;was president.&nbsp;The Wizard of Oz opened as a musical in Chicago.&nbsp;And&nbsp;on&nbsp;June 23&nbsp;of that year,&nbsp;57&nbsp;students attended the first day of classes&nbsp;in the infirmary building on the grounds of the former military outpost, Fort Hays.&nbsp;Few could have predicted&nbsp;extraordinary&nbsp;journey of service,&nbsp;innovation,&nbsp;and persistence that would follow for&nbsp;what was then known as the Western Branch of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Kansas State Normal School.&nbsp;As we celebrate our blessings on this 120th&nbsp;anniversary, I thought I would share some massive moments that have shaped our journey.Humble beginningsCongress introduced legislation in 1900 to transfer the abandoned military reservation in Hays, Kansas, to the State of Kansas to establish the Western Branch of the State Normal School.Independence Day in HaysThe state legislature severed the Hays branch from Emporia as part of a more extensive restructuring, thus changing the name to Fort Hays Kansas Normal School on March 6, 1914. Thus, began FHSU’s substantial growth in enrollment, facilities, and, most importantly, in the scope of our academic and cultural mission.Building the academyFocusing on building a faculty of scholars and researchers, in March 1927, George Sternberg, the noted fossil hunter and geologist joined the faculty. Discovering the fish within the fish brought international attention to our research prominence.A new name and an expanded roleHouse Bill No. 487 authorized a name change to Fort Hays Kansas State College in 1931. More importantly, we recognized a much broader role for the institution advancing from a normal school to a liberal arts institution.TechnologyIn the 1980s, FHSU received a Title III Strengthening Institution Grant for $2,423,567 that provided major IBM mainframe computing equipment for FHSU, laying the foundation for a new high-tech/high-touch learning environment. Today, we are pioneering a university digital master plan, one of the first in the country.The rise of a basketball powerhouseIn 1984 and 1985, the men’s basketball team won back-to-back NAIA national championships. The women won the NAIA national title in 1991. Five years later, the 1995-1996 men’s team won the NCAA Division II national championship to complete a perfect 34-0 season.Expanded financial freedomIn 1999-2000 the Kansas Board of Regents&nbsp;secured a change to the established tuition&nbsp;model to allow each university to keep any&nbsp;tuition and fees collected. Other institutions&nbsp;used this new authority to raise tuition. FHSU launched an affordability advantage&nbsp;mission that drove enrollment and expanded&nbsp;access.The introduction of online learningEducation at a distance began in 1911, with&nbsp;coursework offered by mail. Highly successful,&nbsp;the program grew year by year, developing new&nbsp;techniques and adopting new technology. In&nbsp;1977, the Division of Continuing Education&nbsp;emerged, later becoming the Virtual College.&nbsp;The first online courses were offered in 1998,&nbsp;and the first full-degree programs started in&nbsp;1999. The ability to provide online classes was&nbsp;a game-changer for the university. Today we&nbsp;are only one of six universities in the world to&nbsp;earn the United States Distance Learning&nbsp;Association’s rigorous 91-point quality&nbsp;certification.East meets west&nbsp;FHSU established a partnership with Zhengzhou&nbsp;Sias University to offer four-year degrees in&nbsp;China in 1999. FHSU has granted degrees to&nbsp;more than 12,000 Chinese graduates at two&nbsp;partner universities in China – Sias University&nbsp;and Shenyang Normal University. Today our students represent more than 30 countries and a growing number of educational partnerships in Bolivia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Senegal, and China.Military partnershipsOur long history of serving military-connected&nbsp;students included an Army ROTC program&nbsp;(1980-1987). With the increase in distance&nbsp;learning in the late 1990s, FHSU began to&nbsp;deliver education to military students across the&nbsp;nation, joining the Navy College Program&nbsp;Distance Learning Partnership in 2001. Today&nbsp;we serve every branch of the military. Over the&nbsp;past three years, we have launched the&nbsp;Associate of Applied Science (AAS) –&nbsp;Technology &amp; Leadership (2019), the Transfer &amp;&nbsp;Military Center (2020), and the Kansas Army&nbsp;National Guard Officer Candidate School&nbsp;Program (2021).Expanding the regional reach of FHSU affordabilityIn 2021, we expanded our commitment&nbsp;to providing a high-quality and accessible education,&nbsp;making a bold move to redefine the meaning of&nbsp;regional tuition. We now offer in-state tuition to students from 13 states across a swath of the central United States.FHSU today is a regional comprehensive public university where determined, innovative, and caring faculty and staff share a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring students. This commitment, established and built upon for 120 years, will continue to guide us forward.&nbsp;Our mission remains relentlessly focused on developing the engaged global-citizen leaders our world needs today. This singular focus has been the principal driver of our success for more than 120 years.FHSU consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the American Midwest. A remarkable 95% of FHSU students secure jobs or higher education opportunities after graduation. Employers tell us the combination of challenging academic programs, close faculty/student relationships, and the abundance of experiential learning opportunities our students enjoy while at FHSU set our students apart in a competitive job market worldwide.Throughout our history, the quality of our academic programs, our unmatched affordability, and generations of caring and supportive people have been the hallmarks of the Fort Hays State University experience. On this 120th&nbsp;anniversary of the founding of our university, I continue to marvel at the remarkable Tiger Nation we’ve all built.&nbsp;

MASON: FHSU at 120 — a legacy of massive moments  

<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/2022/6/1655925003204.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

Clayton Befort Harvesting of Hays is in the area, and has a fleet of new John Deere combines looking for wheat to cut right now.

Call 785-623-1255 for a free quote. That’s Clayton Befort Harvesting...785-623-1255.

Clayton Befort Harvesting of Hays is in the area, and has a fleet of new John Deere combines looking for wheat to cut right now.Call 785-623-1255 for a free quote. That’s Clayton Befort Harvesting...785-623-1255.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655819968954.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>

Sunflower Electric announces nationwide search for new CEO

More postseason honors for Hays High’s Dylan Dreiling. The
recently graduated senior has been named to the America Baseball Coaches
Association/Rawlings High School All-American Third Team as an outfielder.

Dreiling has also been named to the Sports In Kansas Top-9 as well as the 5A Player of the Year and a first team outfielder in
Class 5A. Garrett Wellbrock was named to the second team as
a utility player by SIK. Fellow seniors Noah Weimer and Dalton Dale are honorable
mention selections.

Dreiling was earlier named the Kansas Association of
Baseball Coaches 5A Player of the Year where he was a first team outfielder and
honorable mention pitcher. Wellbrock was an honorable mention pick at pitcher
and infielder and Weimer an honorable mention infielder by the KABC.

TMP-Marian's Jace Wentling was named a first team catcher in Class 3A. The Monarchs Nick Herrman, Mark Rack, Nick Helget and Caden Morgan were all name honorable mention.

Hays PostMore postseason honors for Hays High’s Dylan Dreiling. The
recently graduated senior has been named to the America Baseball Coaches
Association/Rawlings High School All-American Third Team as an outfielder.Dreiling has also been named to the Sports In Kansas Top-9 as well as the 5A Player of the Year and a first team outfielder in
Class 5A. Garrett Wellbrock was named to the second team as
a utility player by SIK. Fellow seniors Noah Weimer and Dalton Dale are honorable
mention selections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655937051446.jpeg" alt="Courtesy HHS baseball (Jarett Pfannenstiel)" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy HHS baseball (Jarett Pfannenstiel)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dreiling was earlier named the Kansas Association of
Baseball Coaches 5A Player of the Year where he was a first team outfielder and
honorable mention pitcher. Wellbrock was an honorable mention pick at pitcher
and infielder and Weimer an honorable mention infielder by the KABC.TMP-Marian's Jace Wentling was named a first team catcher in Class 3A. The Monarchs Nick Herrman, Mark Rack, Nick Helget and Caden Morgan were all name honorable mention.

⚾ More accolades for Hays High's Dreiling

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 32 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from June 11 to 17.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Several northwest Kansas counties, including Ellis and Trego, were included among those with high incidence of coronavirus.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 7,300 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655918181359.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 32 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from June 11 to 17.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Several northwest Kansas counties, including Ellis and Trego, were included among those with high incidence of coronavirus.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,300 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655917937720.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 32 COVID cases in Ellis Co. in past week

Hundreds of&nbsp;Midwest Energy&nbsp;customers have received&nbsp;scam&nbsp;calls&nbsp;claiming that Evergy,&nbsp;a large utility&nbsp;serving&nbsp;areas&nbsp;of eastern Kansas,&nbsp;has purchased the&nbsp;Hays-based&nbsp;cooperative and that their last payment didn’t go through. &nbsp;Another variation of this scam&nbsp;states&nbsp;the two companies merged,&nbsp;and&nbsp;customers&nbsp;need to&nbsp;provide&nbsp;their banking information&nbsp;so future payments are unaffected.&nbsp;

“There is nothing accurate about these calls,” said Jenna Zeman, Midwest’s Director of Customer Service. &nbsp;“Midwest Energy has not been purchased by Evergy, and these are&nbsp;just another attempt by scammers to separate people from their money.” &nbsp;

Zeman said this summer, scammers have been working extra hard in trying to con customers, often threatening immediate disconnection if the customer doesn’t make an immediate payment. &nbsp;

“They make dozens, sometimes hundreds of calls a day,&nbsp;using&nbsp;‘spoofing’ software to make it appear that the call originates from the 785 or 620 area code,” Zeman said. &nbsp;“We believe it’s&nbsp;likely these calls are originating&nbsp;from&nbsp;overseas.”&nbsp;

•A customer receives a call from a scammer, who informs immediate payment is needed to avoid disconnection within the next 30 minutes. •The scammer insists that payment can only be made by credit card, or by purchasing a gift card or prepaid debit card at a local store. &nbsp;The scammer directs the customer to a nearby retailer to purchase the card, and to scratch off the gift card’s number and read back the code.&nbsp;Once a person does this, that money is gone forever with little hope of recovery. &nbsp;

“Midwest Energy&nbsp;does not accept&nbsp;gift cards as a form of payment,”&nbsp;Zeman&nbsp;said.&nbsp; “If your account&nbsp;is delinquent, our first contact with you is&nbsp;always by&nbsp;a&nbsp;mailed letter, not an email or a phone call. &nbsp;And we never dictate a method of payment to the customer.&nbsp;How a customer chooses to pay&nbsp;is up to them,”&nbsp;she added.

Zeman said the simplest way to avoid falling victim to scams is to never provide payment information on a call that you didn’t initiate. &nbsp;

“If someone calls claiming to be Midwest Energy, the safest thing to do is simply hang up&nbsp;and call us at 1-800-222-3121,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655916171059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest EnergyHundreds of&nbsp;Midwest Energy&nbsp;customers have received&nbsp;scam&nbsp;calls&nbsp;claiming that Evergy,&nbsp;a large utility&nbsp;serving&nbsp;areas&nbsp;of eastern Kansas,&nbsp;has purchased the&nbsp;Hays-based&nbsp;cooperative and that their last payment didn’t go through. &nbsp;Another variation of this scam&nbsp;states&nbsp;the two companies merged,&nbsp;and&nbsp;customers&nbsp;need to&nbsp;provide&nbsp;their banking information&nbsp;so future payments are unaffected.&nbsp;“There is nothing accurate about these calls,” said Jenna Zeman, Midwest’s Director of Customer Service. &nbsp;“Midwest Energy has not been purchased by Evergy, and these are&nbsp;just another attempt by scammers to separate people from their money.” &nbsp;Zeman said this summer, scammers have been working extra hard in trying to con customers, often threatening immediate disconnection if the customer doesn’t make an immediate payment. &nbsp;“They make dozens, sometimes hundreds of calls a day,&nbsp;using&nbsp;‘spoofing’ software to make it appear that the call originates from the 785 or 620 area code,” Zeman said. &nbsp;“We believe it’s&nbsp;likely these calls are originating&nbsp;from&nbsp;overseas.”&nbsp;Here’s how the scams typically work:•A customer receives a call from a scammer, who informs immediate payment is needed to avoid disconnection within the next 30 minutes. •The scammer insists that payment can only be made by credit card, or by purchasing a gift card or prepaid debit card at a local store. &nbsp;The scammer directs the customer to a nearby retailer to purchase the card, and to scratch off the gift card’s number and read back the code.&nbsp;Once a person does this, that money is gone forever with little hope of recovery. &nbsp;“Midwest Energy&nbsp;does not accept&nbsp;gift cards as a form of payment,”&nbsp;Zeman&nbsp;said.&nbsp; “If your account&nbsp;is delinquent, our first contact with you is&nbsp;always by&nbsp;a&nbsp;mailed letter, not an email or a phone call. &nbsp;And we never dictate a method of payment to the customer.&nbsp;How a customer chooses to pay&nbsp;is up to them,”&nbsp;she added.Zeman said the simplest way to avoid falling victim to scams is to never provide payment information on a call that you didn’t initiate. &nbsp;“If someone calls claiming to be Midwest Energy, the safest thing to do is simply hang up&nbsp;and call us at 1-800-222-3121,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scam alert: Claims Evergy has purchased Midwest Energy bogus

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Tour Die Kapellen (Tour of Chapels) bike ride has already exceeded its total registration from last year's event.

However, there is still time to sign up for the bike tour or the event's new bus tour option.

The event, which is in its third year, will be July 9 and begin at Hays Municipal Park.

The event this year will offer 15-, 30-, 50-, 62-, 75- and 100-mile rides. In addition, the event will offer a 54-mile multi-surface ride — 27 miles of which will be on gravel.

Maps of the routes can be found on the <a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/">event website</a>. Registration for both the bike ride and bus tour can be done online at the same website.

The tour will include stops at <a href="https://www.volgagerman.net/catharine-church" target="_blank">St. Catherine Church</a> in Catharine, <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com" target="_blank">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria, <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/holycrosschurch.htm" target="_blank">Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer</a> and <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/stfrancischurchmunjor.htm" target="_blank">St. Francis Church in Munjor. </a>

Riders that choose the 75- or 100-mile options can ride self-supported to visit the churches in Schoenchen and Antonino.

Volunteer-manned support-and-go (SAG) stops with water and snacks will be offered at the main church stops in Catherine, Victoria, Pfiefer and Munjor. Coolers with water and snacks will be left at the churches in Schoenchen and Antonio for riders who choose the self-supported 75- and 100-mile rides.

The 15-mile casual ride will be led by experienced cyclists Kathy Rome and Susan Bowles. They will instruct new cyclists about the rules of road cycling.

"What our hope is to generate a culture of bicycling that is more prominent in our community," Werth said,&nbsp; "from a health perspective and an economical perspective with the cost of gas and for our drivers so that they are accepting ...

"It's a healthy thing for your heart," she said. "It's a healthy thing for the environment."

The early registration deadlines for both the bike ride and bus tour are June 24. Those who register by that date will receive a free event T-shirt. 

The cost of the bike ride is $45 per person. The cost of the bus tour is $60 per person.

After June 24, cost of the bike ride will be $55 per person, and the cost of the bus tour will be $75 per person.

On-site registration will open for the bike ride at 6:30 a.m.

Preregistration is required for the bus tour. Slots are filling fast. A waiting list for the bus tour will be maintained if the bus fills.

In addition to the church stops, the bus tour will also drive by Grant's Villa and Historic Fort Hays. It will also pass by the old Walker Air Base and the remains of the <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/sacredheartemmeram.htm" target="_blank">Emmeram Church</a>.
 All registrants receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt.

The bus will return to 
Municipal Park to join in the After-Ride Party, which will include a German meal, beverage and music by the Joe Dolezal Polka Band.

The tour guide for the bus tour will be local historian Mary Kay Schippers.

Event organizers discourage people from trying to visit the churches that day by car. The increased traffic on the roads could be a hazard to bicyclists, Kay Werth, event coordinator, said.

The Tour Die Kapellen was conceived with the idea proceeds from the event would go to Ellis County nonprofit groups. This year the event will donate proceeds to the St. Francis Church in Munjor, which will use the funds for facility projects.

The event gave money to <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com/" target="_blank">the Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria in 2019 for its remodel, and $12,000 to St. Catherine Church in Catharine for interior repainting in 2021.

Members of the Hays Symphony will be playing portions of musical pieces in Catharine, Victoria, Pfeifer and Munjor. See the schedule below for the musicians and their locations.

"The members of the Hays Symphony will be playing snippets of music in between so people can get the ambiance of the music with those cathedral ceilings," Werth said.

Werth said the ideas behind the bike tour are to promote wellness, bring people to Ellis County, create an appreciation for the rural terrain and Volga German heritage, and promote the Hays Symphony.

6:30–7:15 a.m. — Registration (Pick up packets at Municipal Park, Hays)

7:15 a.m. — Announcements, national anthem, invocation

7:30–8 a.m. — Sheriff escorts riders (cycling 30 or more miles) out of Hays

8– 8:30 a.m. — Bus Tour Participants meet across from Municipal Park, at NCK 
Tech. Participants will check in with Jeannie Kline as they board the 
bus. They will get packets and have their wristbands put on for the 
tour.

8:15–9:15 a.m. — St. Catherine Church, Catharine – Music by Ben Cline, Gamba and Hilary Shepard, Baroque flute

8:30 a.m. — Bus departs from Municipal Park

8:30–9:45 a.m. — St. Fidelis Church, Basilica of the Plains, Victoria — Music by St. Fidelis Brass Quintet

9 a.m. — 15-mile cyclists meet at the shelter house in Municipal Park

9:30–9:45 a.m. —15-mile, casual ride departs Municipal Park

9:30–11:30 a.m. — Holy Cross Church, Pfeifer – Music provided by Hays Symphony Conductor Brian Buckstead, violinist

10–11:30 a.m. — St. Francis Church, Munjor — Music provided by Harpist, Jane Hyde

Optional rides to Schoenchen and Antonino churches are self-supported

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — St. Francis Church, Munjor — Music provided by Hays Symphony principal flutist and clarinetist,&nbsp;Hilary Shepard and Kristin Pisano

11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — German Meal prepared by St. Francis Church, Munjor, Defiance Brewery and root beer and cream soda provided by LB Brewing, Gella’s

Noon to 2 p.m. — music provided by the Joe Dolezal Polka Band in Municipal Park, Hays

For those cyclists continuing the self-supported 75- or 
100-mile options, arrange your schedule to enjoy the meal and 
music in the window provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326007341.jpeg" alt="Tour Die Kapellen 2021. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Tour Die Kapellen 2021. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Tour Die Kapellen (Tour of Chapels) bike ride has already exceeded its total registration from last year's event.However, there is still time to sign up for the bike tour or the event's new bus tour option.The event, which is in its third year, will be July 9 and begin at Hays Municipal Park.The event this year will offer 15-, 30-, 50-, 62-, 75- and 100-mile rides. In addition, the event will offer a 54-mile multi-surface ride — 27 miles of which will be on gravel.Maps of the routes can be found on the <a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/">event website</a>. Registration for both the bike ride and bus tour can be done online at the same website.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326092559.jpeg" alt="Tour Die Kapellen 2022. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Tour Die Kapellen 2022. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The tour will include stops at <a href="https://www.volgagerman.net/catharine-church" target="_blank">St. Catherine Church</a> in Catharine, <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com" target="_blank">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria, <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/holycrosschurch.htm" target="_blank">Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer</a> and <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/stfrancischurchmunjor.htm" target="_blank">St. Francis Church in Munjor. </a>Riders that choose the 75- or 100-mile options can ride self-supported to visit the churches in Schoenchen and Antonino.Volunteer-manned support-and-go (SAG) stops with water and snacks will be offered at the main church stops in Catherine, Victoria, Pfiefer and Munjor. Coolers with water and snacks will be left at the churches in Schoenchen and Antonio for riders who choose the self-supported 75- and 100-mile rides.The 15-mile casual ride will be led by experienced cyclists Kathy Rome and Susan Bowles. They will instruct new cyclists about the rules of road cycling.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326200783.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com" target="_blank">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com" target="_blank">The Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>"What our hope is to generate a culture of bicycling that is more prominent in our community," Werth said,&nbsp; "from a health perspective and an economical perspective with the cost of gas and for our drivers so that they are accepting ..."It's a healthy thing for your heart," she said. "It's a healthy thing for the environment." The early registration deadlines for both the bike ride and bus tour are June 24. Those who register by that date will receive a free event T-shirt. The cost of the bike ride is $45 per person. The cost of the bus tour is $60 per person.After June 24, cost of the bike ride will be $55 per person, and the cost of the bus tour will be $75 per person.On-site registration will open for the bike ride at 6:30 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655326279635.jpeg" alt="Tour of Chapels in 2019. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Tour of Chapels in 2019. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Bus tour</h2>Preregistration is required for the bus tour. Slots are filling fast. A waiting list for the bus tour will be maintained if the bus fills.In addition to the church stops, the bus tour will also drive by Grant's Villa and Historic Fort Hays. It will also pass by the old Walker Air Base and the remains of the <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/sacredheartemmeram.htm" target="_blank">Emmeram Church</a>.
 All registrants receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt.The bus will return to 
Municipal Park to join in the After-Ride Party, which will include a German meal, beverage and music by the Joe Dolezal Polka Band.The tour guide for the bus tour will be local historian Mary Kay Schippers.Event organizers discourage people from trying to visit the churches that day by car. The increased traffic on the roads could be a hazard to bicyclists, Kay Werth, event coordinator, said.<h2>Donation</h2>The Tour Die Kapellen was conceived with the idea proceeds from the event would go to Ellis County nonprofit groups. This year the event will donate proceeds to the St. Francis Church in Munjor, which will use the funds for facility projects.The event gave money to <a href="https://www.stfidelischurch.com/" target="_blank">the Basilica on the Plains</a> in Victoria in 2019 for its remodel, and $12,000 to St. Catherine Church in Catharine for interior repainting in 2021.<h2>Music</h2>Members of the Hays Symphony will be playing portions of musical pieces in Catharine, Victoria, Pfeifer and Munjor. See the schedule below for the musicians and their locations."The members of the Hays Symphony will be playing snippets of music in between so people can get the ambiance of the music with those cathedral ceilings," Werth said. Werth said the ideas behind the bike tour are to promote wellness, bring people to Ellis County, create an appreciation for the rural terrain and Volga German heritage, and promote the Hays Symphony. <h2>Schedule</h2>Saturday, July 9 6:30–7:15 a.m. — Registration (Pick up packets at Municipal Park, Hays)7:15 a.m. — Announcements, national anthem, invocation7:30–8 a.m. — Sheriff escorts riders (cycling 30 or more miles) out of Hays8– 8:30 a.m. — Bus Tour Participants meet across from Municipal Park, at NCK 
Tech. Participants will check in with Jeannie Kline as they board the 
bus. They will get packets and have their wristbands put on for the 
tour.8:15–9:15 a.m. — St. Catherine Church, Catharine – Music by Ben Cline, Gamba and Hilary Shepard, Baroque flute8:30 a.m. — Bus departs from Municipal Park8:30–9:45 a.m. — St. Fidelis Church, Basilica of the Plains, Victoria — Music by St. Fidelis Brass Quintet9 a.m. — 15-mile cyclists meet at the shelter house in Municipal Park9:30–9:45 a.m. —15-mile, casual ride departs Municipal Park9:30–11:30 a.m. — Holy Cross Church, Pfeifer – Music provided by Hays Symphony Conductor Brian Buckstead, violinist10–11:30 a.m. — St. Francis Church, Munjor — Music provided by Harpist, Jane HydeOptional rides to Schoenchen and Antonino churches are self-supported11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — St. Francis Church, Munjor — Music provided by Hays Symphony principal flutist and clarinetist,&nbsp;Hilary Shepard and Kristin Pisano11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — German Meal prepared by St. Francis Church, Munjor, Defiance Brewery and root beer and cream soda provided by LB Brewing, Gella’sNoon to 2 p.m. — music provided by the Joe Dolezal Polka Band in Municipal Park, Hays For those cyclists continuing the self-supported 75- or 
100-mile options, arrange your schedule to enjoy the meal and 
music in the window provided.

Tour Die Kapellen adds bus tour, taking registrations

LENORA — A free trip to Washington, D.C., does not come along every day, but for two students, it became a reality. Through its association with the Foundation for Rural Service, Nex-Tech sponsored two students to attend the FRS Youth Tour, June 1 to 5. 

Students applied through an online application, which addressed the benefits of attending the Youth Tour and the impact that it would have on their career goals. This year’s winners were Benjamin Dome and Jordin Myers, who joined nearly 60 other students from across the country at the FRS Youth Tour.

Youth tour participants received a first-hand glimpse at how the legislative and regulatory decisions made in Washington, D.C., affect how their local service providers operate in their own hometowns. The trip featured a comprehensive overview of the communications industry and the critical role communications plays in rural America. In addition to the educational component, the Youth Tour also introduced students to various historical landmarks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655730471148.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseLENORA — A free trip to Washington, D.C., does not come along every day, but for two students, it became a reality. Through its association with the Foundation for Rural Service, Nex-Tech sponsored two students to attend the FRS Youth Tour, June 1 to 5. Students applied through an online application, which addressed the benefits of attending the Youth Tour and the impact that it would have on their career goals. This year’s winners were Benjamin Dome and Jordin Myers, who joined nearly 60 other students from across the country at the FRS Youth Tour.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655730505516.jpeg" alt="Benjamin, an upcoming sophomore at Victoria High School, is the son of Aaron and Kolleen Dome, Hays." />
 <figcaption>Benjamin, an upcoming sophomore at Victoria High School, is the son of Aaron and Kolleen Dome, Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>Youth tour participants received a first-hand glimpse at how the legislative and regulatory decisions made in Washington, D.C., affect how their local service providers operate in their own hometowns. The trip featured a comprehensive overview of the communications industry and the critical role communications plays in rural America. In addition to the educational component, the Youth Tour also introduced students to various historical landmarks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655730529923.jpeg" alt="Jordin, an upcoming senior at Hays High School, is the son of Darin and Kelly Myers, Hays." />
 <figcaption>Jordin, an upcoming senior at Hays High School, is the son of Darin and Kelly Myers, Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Victoria, Hays students earn trip to Washington, D.C.

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson&nbsp;County farmer and rancher Every year around this time, the world around me has the potential to quickly turn into a continuous swirl that would be perfect for a TV series.&nbsp; &nbsp; In cinematic effect, I imagine my story would begin with a black and white tight shot of my eyes opening wide from slumber and darting back and forth in a semi-confused state. &nbsp; The background music at the start of my episode would consist of an odd pattern of guitar plinks and orchestral bursts, and over this hair-raising musical selection would include a Rod Serling-like narration: &nbsp; “You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You’re moving into a land of both shadow and substance. Of things and ideas. You’ve just crossed over into … the ‘Harvest Zone.’” &nbsp; Harvest crews are making their way through wheat fields in my part of the world right now. As a farming family, this begins the busy season of not only harvesting wheat from the fields while racing the summer storms, but also finishing up the planting of our fall crops, and beginning the long, hot summer days of irrigation. Sprinkle in a variety of summer activities for our kids like Vacation Bible School, baseball games and swim lessons, and you have a swirling vortex of days that leave people like me asking at times, “What day is it?”&nbsp; &nbsp; It’s during this time of the year I have to intentionally look at my calendar every morning to identify which kid has a baseball game that evening, if I have a scheduled Zoom call at some point during the day, or if my newspaper column is due. In reality, I also have to look at my calendar to know what the actual&nbsp;day is. &nbsp; It’s during this part of the year where I intentionally set two alerts on all of my calendar entries. One alert is set for “1 day before” and the second for “1 hour before” to help remind me of daily events.&nbsp; &nbsp; And it’s during this part of the year while conducting my daily morning calendar review, I will also routinely set alarms on my phone to go off approximately 30-minutes prior to any calendar entries that demand me to be at a certain place at a certain time.&nbsp; &nbsp; While it seems excessive, all of this helps me to avoid wandering through a timeless dimension exacerbated by the hustle of wheat harvest and other continuously flowing summer farm and family tasks and appointments that can easily blend into one big summer blur if not contained. &nbsp; To know what day&nbsp;it is and to be aware of what time&nbsp;it is helps me stay as grounded and focused as possible. These are the steps I take to keep moving forward and not overlook important tasks needing my attention.&nbsp; &nbsp; Whether it’s getting my kids to their games on time, delivering seed to a field at the right time, or consistently delivering our harvest crew their meals twice daily at mealtime, it’s just one of the ways I try to maintain awareness of real time&nbsp;while living in the “Harvest Zone.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson&nbsp;County farmer and rancher Every year around this time, the world around me has the potential to quickly turn into a continuous swirl that would be perfect for a TV series.&nbsp; &nbsp; In cinematic effect, I imagine my story would begin with a black and white tight shot of my eyes opening wide from slumber and darting back and forth in a semi-confused state. &nbsp; The background music at the start of my episode would consist of an odd pattern of guitar plinks and orchestral bursts, and over this hair-raising musical selection would include a Rod Serling-like narration: &nbsp; “You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You’re moving into a land of both shadow and substance. Of things and ideas. You’ve just crossed over into … the ‘Harvest Zone.’” &nbsp; Harvest crews are making their way through wheat fields in my part of the world right now. As a farming family, this begins the busy season of not only harvesting wheat from the fields while racing the summer storms, but also finishing up the planting of our fall crops, and beginning the long, hot summer days of irrigation. Sprinkle in a variety of summer activities for our kids like Vacation Bible School, baseball games and swim lessons, and you have a swirling vortex of days that leave people like me asking at times, “What day is it?”&nbsp; &nbsp; It’s during this time of the year I have to intentionally look at my calendar every morning to identify which kid has a baseball game that evening, if I have a scheduled Zoom call at some point during the day, or if my newspaper column is due. In reality, I also have to look at my calendar to know what the actual&nbsp;day is. &nbsp; It’s during this part of the year where I intentionally set two alerts on all of my calendar entries. One alert is set for “1 day before” and the second for “1 hour before” to help remind me of daily events.&nbsp; &nbsp; And it’s during this part of the year while conducting my daily morning calendar review, I will also routinely set alarms on my phone to go off approximately 30-minutes prior to any calendar entries that demand me to be at a certain place at a certain time.&nbsp; &nbsp; While it seems excessive, all of this helps me to avoid wandering through a timeless dimension exacerbated by the hustle of wheat harvest and other continuously flowing summer farm and family tasks and appointments that can easily blend into one big summer blur if not contained. &nbsp; To know what day&nbsp;it is and to be aware of what time&nbsp;it is helps me stay as grounded and focused as possible. These are the steps I take to keep moving forward and not overlook important tasks needing my attention.&nbsp; &nbsp; Whether it’s getting my kids to their games on time, delivering seed to a field at the right time, or consistently delivering our harvest crew their meals twice daily at mealtime, it’s just one of the ways I try to maintain awareness of real time&nbsp;while living in the “Harvest Zone.”"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The harvest zone

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Mon Jun 13 2022 10:40:53 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Austen Jaslove"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/nUYbfEzQ-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/nUYbfEzQ-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/nUYbfEzQ-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Austen Jaslove" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Austen Jaslove

SCOTT COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Tuesday in Scott County.

&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Mitusubishi Eclipse driven by Tiffany A. King, 44, Healy, was westbound on Kansas Highway 4 at Taos Road.

The Mitsubishi rear-ended a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by Jacob A. Rios, 29, Scott City, who was slowing to make a right turn onto Taos Road.&nbsp;

EMS transported King to the Scott County hospital.&nbsp; Rios was not injured. King was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SCOTT COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Tuesday in Scott County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Mitusubishi Eclipse driven by Tiffany A. King, 44, Healy, was westbound on Kansas Highway 4 at Taos Road.The Mitsubishi rear-ended a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by Jacob A. Rios, 29, Scott City, who was slowing to make a right turn onto Taos Road.&nbsp;EMS transported King to the Scott County hospital.&nbsp; Rios was not injured. King was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after rear-end crash

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655828019452.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>

LENORA — Nex-Tech has announced Emerson Nichols as a national award recipient of the Foundation for Rural Service scholarship program. Emerson received the $7,000 Everett Kneece scholarship, which is awarded to the highest achieving applicant who demonstrates a strong interest in returning to a rural community. &nbsp; Emerson is the daughter of Matthew and Beverly Nichols of Russell. She is a Russell High School graduate and will attend Kansas State University to major in Nutritional Sciences (Pre-Med). Her plan is to then attend medical school with the hope of becoming a pediatrician or dermatologist. The FRS awarded $120,000 to 40 students from rural communities served by members, like Nex-Tech, of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.&nbsp; The FRS Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to students from across rural America for their first year of college, university, or vocational-technical school, and one scholarship to a student entering law school. Each student is sponsored by an NTCA member company. FRS had tremendous response to their scholarship program, receiving over 900 applications. &nbsp; “Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like FRS that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manger. “We congratulate Emerson on her accomplishments thus far and wish her great success in the future.” “It is a privilege for FRS to have a small role in supporting the continued education of these students through our scholarship program,” said FRS Executive Director, Pam Becker. “Every applicant was impressive and demonstrated a deep knowledge of and dedication to their rural communities. We thank all our donors for making this scholarship program possible year after year.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655473612768.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseLENORA — Nex-Tech has announced Emerson Nichols as a national award recipient of the Foundation for Rural Service scholarship program. Emerson received the $7,000 Everett Kneece scholarship, which is awarded to the highest achieving applicant who demonstrates a strong interest in returning to a rural community. &nbsp; Emerson is the daughter of Matthew and Beverly Nichols of Russell. She is a Russell High School graduate and will attend Kansas State University to major in Nutritional Sciences (Pre-Med). Her plan is to then attend medical school with the hope of becoming a pediatrician or dermatologist. The FRS awarded $120,000 to 40 students from rural communities served by members, like Nex-Tech, of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.&nbsp; The FRS Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to students from across rural America for their first year of college, university, or vocational-technical school, and one scholarship to a student entering law school. Each student is sponsored by an NTCA member company. FRS had tremendous response to their scholarship program, receiving over 900 applications. &nbsp; “Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like FRS that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manger. “We congratulate Emerson on her accomplishments thus far and wish her great success in the future.” “It is a privilege for FRS to have a small role in supporting the continued education of these students through our scholarship program,” said FRS Executive Director, Pam Becker. “Every applicant was impressive and demonstrated a deep knowledge of and dedication to their rural communities. We thank all our donors for making this scholarship program possible year after year.”&nbsp;

Russell student earns Foundation for Rural Service scholarship

Effective immediately, Oak Street is closed to 
through traffic between 25th and 26th streets. Oak Street should 
be reopened by the end of the day on Wednesday.

City of HaysEffective immediately, Oak Street is closed to 
through traffic between 25th and 26th streets. Oak Street should 
be reopened by the end of the day on Wednesday.For more information, call 785-628-7350.

Block of Oak Street closed through Wednesday

MARION COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges.

Just after midnight early Tuesday, police conducted a&nbsp;traffic stop on Highway 56 near Ridge Road for a vehicle traveling over the posted speed limit, according to a social media report.

While speaking with the driver, later identified as 37-year-old Joshua Bradley of Downs, he indicated the presence of marijuana in his vehicle. 

 A subsequent search led to the location of 14.3 grams of methamphetamine, 7.3 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. 

The officer arrested Bradley on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, no drug tax stamp, no proof of liabliity insurance and speed over posted maximum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655833173409.png" alt="Bradley-photo Marion County" />
 <figcaption>Bradley-photo Marion County</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges.Just after midnight early Tuesday, police conducted a&nbsp;traffic stop on Highway 56 near Ridge Road for a vehicle traveling over the posted speed limit, according to a social media report.While speaking with the driver, later identified as 37-year-old Joshua Bradley of Downs, he indicated the presence of marijuana in his vehicle. A subsequent search led to the location of 14.3 grams of methamphetamine, 7.3 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. The officer arrested Bradley on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, no drug tax stamp, no proof of liabliity insurance and speed over posted maximum.

Downs man arrested on drug charges after traffic stop

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division announced in a news release that an asphalt maintenance project will take place on Hall Street between 45th and 48th streets. 

Repairs will begin at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday and will 
reopen when the project is completed. The road will be closed to through traffic
for the safety of staff and the traveling public. The estimated completion date is the same day, weather permitting. 

Motorists traveling in the affected area should use alternate routes of travel until the project is complete. 
For more information, call 785-628-9455.&nbsp;

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division announced in a news release that an asphalt maintenance project will take place on Hall Street between 45th and 48th streets. Repairs will begin at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday and will 
reopen when the project is completed. The road will be closed to through traffic
for the safety of staff and the traveling public. The estimated completion date is the same day, weather permitting. Motorists traveling in the affected area should use alternate routes of travel until the project is complete. 
For more information, call 785-628-9455.&nbsp;

Portion of Hall will be closed Wednesday for maintenance

Make a plan, and get to the checkout stand, says Martin&nbsp;

By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — If you’ve gasped at the grocery store checkout line recently, you’re probably not alone.&nbsp;

Inflation has hit American’s dinner table and it’s been painfully obvious on food eaten at home where consumers paid 11.9% more in May 2022 compared to May 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm">according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>.&nbsp;

“It’s amazing,” said Lisa Martin, an extension agent in K-State Research and Extension’s Shawnee County office. “Every time I go to the store, something I normally buy has increased 50 cents or even a dollar.”&nbsp;

Martin notes that supply chain shortages, bottlenecks in shipping and transportation, and a tight labor pool have all contributed to rising food prices. “It’s a time when all of us really need to think about how much we are spending on food and ways we can cut back,” she said.&nbsp;

Some recommendations are not new, she said:&nbsp;

Then, Martin said, stick to the plan.&nbsp;

“Once you’ve gotten the items on your list, get to the checkout stand,” she said. “Statistics have shown – and it may be higher now – that for every minute you spend looking around the store, and before you get to the checkout register, you’re going to spend another $2 in food.&nbsp;

“If you’re looking around for five minutes, that’s another $10 on your grocery bill.”&nbsp;

Saving on food costs also includes eating everything you buy, Martin said. Food waste is a major contributor to lost money. Martin suggests making the grocery store your last stop before going home, and storing perishable foods in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.&nbsp;

“One of the things I do with foods that I need to use up quickly is I store them toward the front of the refrigerator,” she said. “Or if there is something that can be stored at room temperature, keep them on the counter so that you can easily see them when you walk into the kitchen.”&nbsp;

To encourage good nutrition, look for fresh produce – which is more abundant during the summer – and buy whole grains, brown rice, and low sodium foods. Farmers Markets can be a good source for low-cost, nutritious food.&nbsp;

“People still think fresh is the best,” Martin said. “If it’s just been picked, harvested, and delivered to the grocery store, it’s going to be full of nutrition. But fruit and vegetables also are processed soon after harvesting, so canned and frozen foods are a good option as well.”&nbsp;

Other ways to battle rising food costs, according to Martin, include:&nbsp;

Martin, whose job includes coordinating the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/efnep/">Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program</a>&nbsp;(EFNEP) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/snap-ed">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program</a>&nbsp;(SNAP-Ed) in Shawnee County, also has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/health-home-safety/">more information online to help consumers cut grocery costs</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>Make a plan, and get to the checkout stand, says Martin&nbsp;</h2>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — If you’ve gasped at the grocery store checkout line recently, you’re probably not alone.&nbsp;Inflation has hit American’s dinner table and it’s been painfully obvious on food eaten at home where consumers paid 11.9% more in May 2022 compared to May 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm">according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>.&nbsp;“It’s amazing,” said Lisa Martin, an extension agent in K-State Research and Extension’s Shawnee County office. “Every time I go to the store, something I normally buy has increased 50 cents or even a dollar.”&nbsp;Martin notes that supply chain shortages, bottlenecks in shipping and transportation, and a tight labor pool have all contributed to rising food prices. “It’s a time when all of us really need to think about how much we are spending on food and ways we can cut back,” she said.&nbsp;Some recommendations are not new, she said:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Prepare a food budget; decide how much you are willing to spend.&nbsp;</li><li>Make a grocery list before you go to the store.&nbsp;</li><li>Plan menus, preferably for an entire week, but even a few days is recommended.&nbsp;</li><li>Shop when you are well-rested; you make better decisions when you are rested.&nbsp;</li><li>Eat before you go to cut back on impulse buying.&nbsp;&nbsp; </li>
 </ul>Then, Martin said, stick to the plan.&nbsp;“Once you’ve gotten the items on your list, get to the checkout stand,” she said. “Statistics have shown – and it may be higher now – that for every minute you spend looking around the store, and before you get to the checkout register, you’re going to spend another $2 in food.&nbsp;“If you’re looking around for five minutes, that’s another $10 on your grocery bill.”&nbsp;Saving on food costs also includes eating everything you buy, Martin said. Food waste is a major contributor to lost money. Martin suggests making the grocery store your last stop before going home, and storing perishable foods in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.&nbsp;“One of the things I do with foods that I need to use up quickly is I store them toward the front of the refrigerator,” she said. “Or if there is something that can be stored at room temperature, keep them on the counter so that you can easily see them when you walk into the kitchen.”&nbsp;To encourage good nutrition, look for fresh produce – which is more abundant during the summer – and buy whole grains, brown rice, and low sodium foods. Farmers Markets can be a good source for low-cost, nutritious food.&nbsp;“People still think fresh is the best,” Martin said. “If it’s just been picked, harvested, and delivered to the grocery store, it’s going to be full of nutrition. But fruit and vegetables also are processed soon after harvesting, so canned and frozen foods are a good option as well.”&nbsp;Other ways to battle rising food costs, according to Martin, include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Shop when the store isn’t crowded.&nbsp;</li><li>Compare prices between stores; changing grocers may save you money.&nbsp;</li><li>Consider food co-ops and warehouse stores.&nbsp;</li><li>Sign up for loyalty programs, if offered.&nbsp;</li><li>Use coupons, but only on products you already use.&nbsp;</li><li>Shop sale items as much as possible.&nbsp;</li><li>Substitute ingredients when you find them on sale.&nbsp;</li><li>Look up and look down: Eye-level products are usually more expensive.&nbsp;</li><li>Be wary of displays on the end caps; those items may not be on sale.&nbsp;</li><li>Read the use-by dates on foods to make sure they are fresh.&nbsp;</li><li>Keep a running total as you shop.&nbsp; </li>
 </ul>Martin, whose job includes coordinating the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/efnep/">Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program</a>&nbsp;(EFNEP) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/snap-ed">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program</a>&nbsp;(SNAP-Ed) in Shawnee County, also has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/health-home-safety/">more information online to help consumers cut grocery costs</a>.&nbsp;

Grocery bill high? Extension expert shares tips to cut costs 

USD 407 RUSSELL - Superintendent Shelly Swayne submitted her resignation from USD 407 Russell County Schools, effective June 30, 2022.&nbsp; Ms. Swayne was hired in June 2018.&nbsp;

Under Swayne’s leadership, the schools saw growth in areas such as building improvements in electrical, lighting, and HVAC.&nbsp; Further improvements in curriculum research and implementation of professional development also occurred. However, the overall district declined in student enrollment over the course of the four years and experienced licensed staff turnover rates averaging 21% yearly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Since 2018, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as the Superintendent of Schools in a wonderful community where the faculty, staff, and leaders work for #KidsFirst407,” wrote Swayne in her resignation letter. In an email addressed to USD 407 to staff, she went on to say, “I am committed to finishing this work through my assignment for the 2021-2022 school year and being certain that the 2023 school year is set in motion with character.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Board of Education officially accepted Swayne’s resignation at a special meeting on June 21.&nbsp; The board has committed to working with the Kansas Association of School Boards’ leadership team to determine the next steps in searching for and hiring a new district leader.

USD 407 RUSSELL - Superintendent Shelly Swayne submitted her resignation from USD 407 Russell County Schools, effective June 30, 2022.&nbsp; Ms. Swayne was hired in June 2018.&nbsp;Under Swayne’s leadership, the schools saw growth in areas such as building improvements in electrical, lighting, and HVAC.&nbsp; Further improvements in curriculum research and implementation of professional development also occurred. However, the overall district declined in student enrollment over the course of the four years and experienced licensed staff turnover rates averaging 21% yearly.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Since 2018, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as the Superintendent of Schools in a wonderful community where the faculty, staff, and leaders work for #KidsFirst407,” wrote Swayne in her resignation letter. In an email addressed to USD 407 to staff, she went on to say, “I am committed to finishing this work through my assignment for the 2021-2022 school year and being certain that the 2023 school year is set in motion with character.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Board of Education officially accepted Swayne’s resignation at a special meeting on June 21.&nbsp; The board has committed to working with the Kansas Association of School Boards’ leadership team to determine the next steps in searching for and hiring a new district leader.

Swayne resigns as USD 407 Russell superintendent

The Hays school board approved a contract with teachers on Monday that included $1,200 added to the base salary for certified staff salaries.

The new minimum pay would be $42,700. The agreement also allows for horizontal and vertical movement on the pay scale.

"I appreciate the work everybody did and the in-depth discussions and thorough dialog," Board President Tammy Wellbrock said.

The board approved a 75-cents-per-hour (about 5.14-percent) raise for classified staff.

The board also approved a 3.29-percent raise for administrative staff. Teachers and administrators are receiving the same percentage raise.

Other items the teachers' contract included were changes to professional development credits, sick leave, the building leadership team stipend, special education chairperson pay, emergency substitute pay, elementary reimbursement for pre-assessment meetings and summer weightlifting pay.

The district also approved: • An easement agreement with Midwest Energy for a transmission line project • The USD 489 school board calendar • A new district technology help desk manager • The district workman's compensation insurance contract • Had a first reading on the 2022-23 student handbook

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board approved a contract with teachers on Monday that included $1,200 added to the base salary for certified staff salaries.The new minimum pay would be $42,700. The agreement also allows for horizontal and vertical movement on the pay scale."I appreciate the work everybody did and the in-depth discussions and thorough dialog," Board President Tammy Wellbrock said. The board approved a 75-cents-per-hour (about 5.14-percent) raise for classified staff.The board also approved a 3.29-percent raise for administrative staff. Teachers and administrators are receiving the same percentage raise. Other items the teachers' contract included were changes to professional development credits, sick leave, the building leadership team stipend, special education chairperson pay, emergency substitute pay, elementary reimbursement for pre-assessment meetings and summer weightlifting pay.The district also approved: • An easement agreement with Midwest Energy for a transmission line project • The USD 489 school board calendar • A new district technology help desk manager • The district workman's compensation insurance contract • Had a first reading on the 2022-23 student handbook Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Hays BOE approves raises for teachers, staff, administrators

TOPEKA&nbsp;– This year’s list of Kansas Notable Books continues the tradition of celebrating the rich stories and culture of Kansas.

“The 2022 Kansas Notable Books list recognizes 15 books written by Kansans or about Kansas,” said Ray Walling, acting state librarian.&nbsp; “Through their work, the authors take readers on a journey through the wetlands of the Cheyenne Bottoms to the baseball fields of the Kansas City Monarchs.&nbsp; Readers can be transported back in time to the 1887 election in&nbsp;Argonia or to the epic battle of twin sisters enabled with superpowers facing a sinister force. This year’s titles include something for everyone.&nbsp; I hope all Kansans will visit their local public library to check out these wonderful titles.”

Each year, the Kansas Notable Books list features 15 books, published during the previous calendar year, which are about or set in Kansas, or written by a Kansas author. This year’s selection committee includes representatives of public, university, and school libraries, teachers, academics, and writers.

Kansas Notable Books authors will be awarded their medals at the Kansas Book Festival on September 24 at Washburn University. The public is invited.

Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas which is the state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The mission of the Kansas Center for the Book is to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading, and libraries.

For more information or questions about Kansas Notable Books program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MDMuNTg4ODM1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsaWIuaW5mby9ub3RhYmxlYm9va3MifQ.NN6YUt_BmpIteeUlWwTlWovcWXxdrK2ZwWn2rIVR__0/s/1303161001/br/132405070540-l" target="_blank">kslib.info/notablebooks</a>&nbsp;or contact the State Library of Kansas at 785-296-3296 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a>.

Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet&nbsp;by Mandy Kern (Great Bend), illustrated by Onalee Nicklin (Emporia), Meadowlark Press

Blue Collar Saint: Poems&nbsp;by Brenda Leigh White (Emporia), Meadowlark Press

Field Journal: Volume XIII, 2021, The Santa Fe Trail&nbsp;by Symphony in the Flint Hills (Cottonwood Falls)

From This Moment: A Novel&nbsp;by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Hutchinson), Waterbrook

The Greatest Thing: A Story About Buck O'Neil&nbsp;by Kristy Nerstheimer (Overland Park), illustrated by Christian Paniagua, (Queens, NY) The Little Fig

Haven’s Secret (The Powers Book 1)&nbsp;by Melissa Benoist, Jessica Benoist (Council Grove), Mariko Tamaki, Abrams Books

How to Resist Amazon and Why&nbsp;by Danny Caine (Lawrence), Microcosm Publishing

Killing Dragons: Order of the Dolphin&nbsp;by Kristie Clark (Jetmore), Delphi Imprint

Mad Prairie: Stories and a Novella&nbsp;by Kate McIntyre (Worcester MA), University of Georgia Press

Policing Sex in the Sunflower State: The Story of the Kansas State Industrial Farm for Women&nbsp;by Nicole Perry (Lawrence), University Press of Kansas

Running Out: In Search of Water on the High Plains&nbsp;by Lucas Bessire (Norman OK), Princeton University Press

Stormbreak: A Seafire Novel&nbsp;by Natalie C. Parker (Lawrence), Razorbill

A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor&nbsp;by Karen M. Greenwald (Rockville MD), illustrated&nbsp;by Sian James (Cambridge UK), Albert Whitman &amp; Co.

White Hot Hate: A True Story of Domestic Terrorism in America's Heartland&nbsp;by Dick Lehr (Belmont MA), Mariner Books

Words Is a Powerful Thing: Twenty Years of Teaching Creative Writing at Douglas County Jail&nbsp;by Brian Daldorph (Lawrence), University Press of Kansas

The State Library of Kansas – To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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._EZPBeL1bRGO7MCk300Tn9Yx04vKZIUvo-LJSC23Sas/s/1303161001/br/132405070540-l" target="_blank">kslib.info</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655759926093.jpeg" alt="Ava, a 2022 Kansas Notable Book, takes readers on a journey through the wetlands of Cheyenne Bottoms. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Ava, a 2022 Kansas Notable Book, takes readers on a journey through the wetlands of Cheyenne Bottoms. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>KS State Library&nbsp;TOPEKA&nbsp;– This year’s list of Kansas Notable Books continues the tradition of celebrating the rich stories and culture of Kansas.“The 2022 Kansas Notable Books list recognizes 15 books written by Kansans or about Kansas,” said Ray Walling, acting state librarian.&nbsp; “Through their work, the authors take readers on a journey through the wetlands of the Cheyenne Bottoms to the baseball fields of the Kansas City Monarchs.&nbsp; Readers can be transported back in time to the 1887 election in&nbsp;Argonia or to the epic battle of twin sisters enabled with superpowers facing a sinister force. This year’s titles include something for everyone.&nbsp; I hope all Kansans will visit their local public library to check out these wonderful titles.”Each year, the Kansas Notable Books list features 15 books, published during the previous calendar year, which are about or set in Kansas, or written by a Kansas author. This year’s selection committee includes representatives of public, university, and school libraries, teachers, academics, and writers.Kansas Notable Books authors will be awarded their medals at the Kansas Book Festival on September 24 at Washburn University. The public is invited.Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas which is the state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The mission of the Kansas Center for the Book is to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading, and libraries.For more information or questions about Kansas Notable Books program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MDMuNTg4ODM1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NsaWIuaW5mby9ub3RhYmxlYm9va3MifQ.NN6YUt_BmpIteeUlWwTlWovcWXxdrK2ZwWn2rIVR__0/s/1303161001/br/132405070540-l" target="_blank">kslib.info/notablebooks</a>&nbsp;or contact the State Library of Kansas at 785-296-3296 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a>.2022 Kansas Notable BooksAva: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet&nbsp;by Mandy Kern (Great Bend), illustrated by Onalee Nicklin (Emporia), Meadowlark PressBlue Collar Saint: Poems&nbsp;by Brenda Leigh White (Emporia), Meadowlark PressField Journal: Volume XIII, 2021, The Santa Fe Trail&nbsp;by Symphony in the Flint Hills (Cottonwood Falls)From This Moment: A Novel&nbsp;by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Hutchinson), WaterbrookThe Greatest Thing: A Story About Buck O'Neil&nbsp;by Kristy Nerstheimer (Overland Park), illustrated by Christian Paniagua, (Queens, NY) The Little FigHaven’s Secret (The Powers Book 1)&nbsp;by Melissa Benoist, Jessica Benoist (Council Grove), Mariko Tamaki, Abrams BooksHow to Resist Amazon and Why&nbsp;by Danny Caine (Lawrence), Microcosm PublishingKilling Dragons: Order of the Dolphin&nbsp;by Kristie Clark (Jetmore), Delphi ImprintMad Prairie: Stories and a Novella&nbsp;by Kate McIntyre (Worcester MA), University of Georgia PressPolicing Sex in the Sunflower State: The Story of the Kansas State Industrial Farm for Women&nbsp;by Nicole Perry (Lawrence), University Press of KansasRunning Out: In Search of Water on the High Plains&nbsp;by Lucas Bessire (Norman OK), Princeton University PressStormbreak: A Seafire Novel&nbsp;by Natalie C. Parker (Lawrence), RazorbillA Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor&nbsp;by Karen M. Greenwald (Rockville MD), illustrated&nbsp;by Sian James (Cambridge UK), Albert Whitman &amp; Co.White Hot Hate: A True Story of Domestic Terrorism in America's Heartland&nbsp;by Dick Lehr (Belmont MA), Mariner BooksWords Is a Powerful Thing: Twenty Years of Teaching Creative Writing at Douglas County Jail&nbsp;by Brian Daldorph (Lawrence), University Press of KansasThe State Library of Kansas – To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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._EZPBeL1bRGO7MCk300Tn9Yx04vKZIUvo-LJSC23Sas/s/1303161001/br/132405070540-l" target="_blank">kslib.info</a>.

Cheyenne Bottoms wetlands is topic of 2022 Kansas Notable Books winner

Crude futures settled Friday at $109.56 per barrel, marking a weekly loss of nearly nine percent. Prices briefly dropped to a four-week low just over $108 per barrel. US markets and banks were closed Monday to mark the Juneteenth holiday. Kansas crude prices dropped below $100 a barrel for the first time in a month. Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $99.75 per barrel, the lowest price in McPherson since May 18th. Gasoline prices have dropped below five dollars a gallon nationwide. The auto club AAA reports the average pump price across the US for a gallon of regular was just over $4.98. That's down three cents from a week ago. The average across Kansas was a fraction over $4.65 a gallon, We spotted $4.69 at most outlets in Hays on Monday and $4.79 across Great Bend. US natural gas prices fell by about 16% after a major export facility announced it won't reopen anytime soon. Freeport LNG suffered a major fire and explosion two weeks ago and now says a return to full operations won't happen until late this year. The Rig Count in Kansas is unchanged from a week ago, with 23 active rigs east of Wichita and 32 in Western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway Friday on a lease in Barton and drilling underway or about to start on two sites in Russell County. So far this year, 154 Kansas operators have spudded 596 wells, up more than 75% from a year ago. Operators completed 44 wells across Kansas last week, 16 in eastern Kansas and 28 west of Wichita, including six in Barton County and one in Ellis County. That's 731 completed wells so far this year. Kansas regulators okayed 67 permits for drilling at new locations. Thirty were west of Wichita including three in Ellis County.&nbsp; The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes 740, up seven rigs. The count in New Mexico was up seven. US crude inventories increased by two million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of 418.7 million barrels as of June 10th. US inventories are about 14% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by 700,000 barrels last week and are about 11% below the five-year average. The family trust of billionaire-founder Harold Hamm is hoping to take Continental Resources private. In a news release, the company said it received an all-cash offer of $70 per share to those holding the approximately 17% of the company that his family does not already own. The deal could take the huge U.S. shale producer private at a valuation of $25.41 billion. Reuters reported Continental's shares jumped 16% to nearly $75 a share on the news, indicating investors believe a higher offer could be forthcoming. Russia has passed Saudi Arabia to become India's second biggest crude-oil supplier, and China's largest, despite international sanctions. India imported 819,000 barrels per day from Russia in May, according to a report from Reuters. They are taking advantage of record discounts, now reaching $30 under the international benchmark. Russian sales to China reached nearly two million barrels per day, an increase of 25% from the month before. Despite pledging to increase production last month, OPEC and its export partners fell short by more than a million barrels per day of their announced production increases. According to the cartel's Monthly Oil Market Report on Monday, May output was just over 28.5 million barrels per day, down 176,000 barrels per day from the month before. US operators increased crude production last week by 90,000 barrels a day, topping 12-million barrels per day for the first time since April of 2020. During the week through June 10th, domestic output reached 12.035 million barrels per day, according to a weekly government report. That's up 789,000 barrels a day over the same week a year ago. The Energy Information Administration reports crude imports increased 800,000 barrels per day over the week before, to average seven million barrels per day. The four-week average is up about two percent over the same four weeks a year ago. Winter weather plagued the North Dakota oil patch in April, dropping crude production by 20%. Back-to-back blizzards knocked out electrical power to the patch, costing some operators between 45% and 100% of their output. Director Lynn Helms of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources told reporters the problems continued into the month of May. Statewide production in April, totaled just over 900,000 barrels per day. At 93%, the state's gas-capture rate dipped slightly from the record set the month before. US oil-by-rail numbers were up week-over-week, but still trail last year's tallies. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,037 tanker carloads hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week through June 11th. That's up 715 carloads from the week before but nearly six percent behind the count last year at this time. Canadian traffic increased nearly 14% over last year, gaining more than 400 carloads week over week.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude futures settled Friday at $109.56 per barrel, marking a weekly loss of nearly nine percent. Prices briefly dropped to a four-week low just over $108 per barrel. US markets and banks were closed Monday to mark the Juneteenth holiday. Kansas crude prices dropped below $100 a barrel for the first time in a month. Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $99.75 per barrel, the lowest price in McPherson since May 18th. Gasoline prices have dropped below five dollars a gallon nationwide. The auto club AAA reports the average pump price across the US for a gallon of regular was just over $4.98. That's down three cents from a week ago. The average across Kansas was a fraction over $4.65 a gallon, We spotted $4.69 at most outlets in Hays on Monday and $4.79 across Great Bend. US natural gas prices fell by about 16% after a major export facility announced it won't reopen anytime soon. Freeport LNG suffered a major fire and explosion two weeks ago and now says a return to full operations won't happen until late this year. The Rig Count in Kansas is unchanged from a week ago, with 23 active rigs east of Wichita and 32 in Western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway Friday on a lease in Barton and drilling underway or about to start on two sites in Russell County. So far this year, 154 Kansas operators have spudded 596 wells, up more than 75% from a year ago. Operators completed 44 wells across Kansas last week, 16 in eastern Kansas and 28 west of Wichita, including six in Barton County and one in Ellis County. That's 731 completed wells so far this year. Kansas regulators okayed 67 permits for drilling at new locations. Thirty were west of Wichita including three in Ellis County.&nbsp; The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes 740, up seven rigs. The count in New Mexico was up seven. US crude inventories increased by two million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of 418.7 million barrels as of June 10th. US inventories are about 14% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by 700,000 barrels last week and are about 11% below the five-year average. The family trust of billionaire-founder Harold Hamm is hoping to take Continental Resources private. In a news release, the company said it received an all-cash offer of $70 per share to those holding the approximately 17% of the company that his family does not already own. The deal could take the huge U.S. shale producer private at a valuation of $25.41 billion. Reuters reported Continental's shares jumped 16% to nearly $75 a share on the news, indicating investors believe a higher offer could be forthcoming. Russia has passed Saudi Arabia to become India's second biggest crude-oil supplier, and China's largest, despite international sanctions. India imported 819,000 barrels per day from Russia in May, according to a report from Reuters. They are taking advantage of record discounts, now reaching $30 under the international benchmark. Russian sales to China reached nearly two million barrels per day, an increase of 25% from the month before. Despite pledging to increase production last month, OPEC and its export partners fell short by more than a million barrels per day of their announced production increases. According to the cartel's Monthly Oil Market Report on Monday, May output was just over 28.5 million barrels per day, down 176,000 barrels per day from the month before. US operators increased crude production last week by 90,000 barrels a day, topping 12-million barrels per day for the first time since April of 2020. During the week through June 10th, domestic output reached 12.035 million barrels per day, according to a weekly government report. That's up 789,000 barrels a day over the same week a year ago. The Energy Information Administration reports crude imports increased 800,000 barrels per day over the week before, to average seven million barrels per day. The four-week average is up about two percent over the same four weeks a year ago. Winter weather plagued the North Dakota oil patch in April, dropping crude production by 20%. Back-to-back blizzards knocked out electrical power to the patch, costing some operators between 45% and 100% of their output. Director Lynn Helms of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources told reporters the problems continued into the month of May. Statewide production in April, totaled just over 900,000 barrels per day. At 93%, the state's gas-capture rate dipped slightly from the record set the month before. US oil-by-rail numbers were up week-over-week, but still trail last year's tallies. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,037 tanker carloads hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week through June 11th. That's up 715 carloads from the week before but nearly six percent behind the count last year at this time. Canadian traffic increased nearly 14% over last year, gaining more than 400 carloads week over week.

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