By LAAH TUCKER Special to Hays Post

NATOMA — In Natoma, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 organized Memorial Day flags for seven cemeteries and Memorial Day services for three rural and one town cemetery in Osborne and Russell counties. 

Following the services, members prepared and served a community-wide “beef and noodle” dinner in the newly restored American Legion Post 109 Hall.

The rich history of the American Legion Auxiliary is a portrait of dedicated women volunteering during war and peace for more than 100 years. From 1919 until today, the Auxiliary is dedicated to the founding purposes: rehabilitation of veterans; children and youth activities; serving the local community; disaster relief; and peace and security.

The American Legion Hall’s five-year restoration project included one additional year after a disastrous flood in 2021.

The finished project illuminates the tenacity and perseverance of veterans, families of veterans, and volunteers in giving new life to the aging building.

The restoration was possible through generous grants from American Legions, American Legion Auxiliaries, Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Osborne County Community Foundation, Midwest Energy, Western Cooperative Electric, Sarver Family Charitable, McFadden Family Charitable, Lions Clubs, and private donors.

The Hall was a former WWII Army Air Corp barrack for B-29 pilots moved to the current site following WWII.

The Natoma community continues to celebrate the beautifully renewed iconic building used for decades in celebrations, memorials, graduations, and community events in the small rural community on the High Plains.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655136126755.jpeg" alt="American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 continues to persevere with the “We Can Do It” American Spirit to serve veterans and the community. Pictured in a sparkling new kitchen are Jenjer Murphy, Shawna Dunlap, Linda Crawford, Bonnie Schamberger, Sheri Beisner, Cindy Elliot, Kathy McNeal, Marge Kertz, Connie Beisner, Cynthia Steeples, and Laah Tucker. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 continues to persevere with the “We Can Do It” American Spirit to serve veterans and the community. Pictured in a sparkling new kitchen are Jenjer Murphy, Shawna Dunlap, Linda Crawford, Bonnie Schamberger, Sheri Beisner, Cindy Elliot, Kathy McNeal, Marge Kertz, Connie Beisner, Cynthia Steeples, and Laah Tucker. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER Special to Hays Post NATOMA — In Natoma, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 organized Memorial Day flags for seven cemeteries and Memorial Day services for three rural and one town cemetery in Osborne and Russell counties. Following the services, members prepared and served a community-wide “beef and noodle” dinner in the newly restored American Legion Post 109 Hall.The rich history of the American Legion Auxiliary is a portrait of dedicated women volunteering during war and peace for more than 100 years. From 1919 until today, the Auxiliary is dedicated to the founding purposes: rehabilitation of veterans; children and youth activities; serving the local community; disaster relief; and peace and security.The American Legion Hall’s five-year restoration project included one additional year after a disastrous flood in 2021.The finished project illuminates the tenacity and perseverance of veterans, families of veterans, and volunteers in giving new life to the aging building.The restoration was possible through generous grants from American Legions, American Legion Auxiliaries, Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Osborne County Community Foundation, Midwest Energy, Western Cooperative Electric, Sarver Family Charitable, McFadden Family Charitable, Lions Clubs, and private donors.The Hall was a former WWII Army Air Corp barrack for B-29 pilots moved to the current site following WWII.The Natoma community continues to celebrate the beautifully renewed iconic building used for decades in celebrations, memorials, graduations, and community events in the small rural community on the High Plains.&nbsp;

Natoma American Legion Auxiliary posts flags at cemeteries 

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="Christopher Echavarria"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/UFQjj2Vv-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/UFQjj2Vv-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/UFQjj2Vv-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Christopher Echavarria" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Christopher Echavarria

<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/2022/6/1655229467869.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

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about upcoming activities.

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="As summer heats up so do Hays Public Library activities" 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=jafkk-124e2e0-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 the Post Podcast, Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about upcoming activities.<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: As summer heats up so do Hays Public Library activities

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Two hotly contested Ellis County Commission races will
likely be decided in the August primary election.

Following the deadline earlier this month for candidates to
file for two county commission districts up for election this fall, there were
a total of six Republican candidates who filed the necessary paperwork.

According to election documents. Republicans Michael Berges of
Hays and Jim Pfeifer of Ellis filed to run for the Ellis County Commission
District No. 1 seat. 

The seat is currently held by commission chair Butch Schlyer, who confirmed earlier this month he would not seek re-election.

The First District represents a portion of Hays and the
northwest part of Ellis County, including the city of Ellis.

There are four candidates vying for the Third District seat
on the county commission. 

Joe Leroux of Victoria was appointed in January to the seat for the
rest of the year, after then-Commissioner Dean Haselhorst resigned.

Leroux has filed for re-election and will face fellow
Republicans Nathan Leiker, Randy Marintzer and Chris McGowne, all of Hays. 

The Third District is the largest in land size of the three
county commission districts. It is made up of six townships, which includes the
entire eastern edge of Ellis County and an area north of Hays.

The winner of the race in the Third District will serve a two-year
term. 

The winner of both districts in the primary election could
face challenges from independent candidates in the November general election. 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostTwo hotly contested Ellis County Commission races will
likely be decided in the August primary election.Following the deadline earlier this month for candidates to
file for two county commission districts up for election this fall, there were
a total of six Republican candidates who filed the necessary paperwork.According to election documents. Republicans Michael Berges of
Hays and Jim Pfeifer of Ellis filed to run for the Ellis County Commission
District No. 1 seat. The seat is currently held by commission chair Butch Schlyer, who confirmed earlier this month he would not seek re-election.The First District represents a portion of Hays and the
northwest part of Ellis County, including the city of Ellis.There are four candidates vying for the Third District seat
on the county commission. Joe Leroux of Victoria was appointed in January to the seat for the
rest of the year, after then-Commissioner Dean Haselhorst resigned.Leroux has filed for re-election and will face fellow
Republicans Nathan Leiker, Randy Marintzer and Chris McGowne, all of Hays. The Third District is the largest in land size of the three
county commission districts. It is made up of six townships, which includes the
entire eastern edge of Ellis County and an area north of Hays.The winner of the race in the Third District will serve a two-year
term. The winner of both districts in the primary election could
face challenges from independent candidates in the November general election.

Six Republicans file for two seats on Ellis County Commission 

Hays Post and Eagle Radio of Hays news, video and graphic design professionals were honored last week with 2022 Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence.

Awards were presented at the annual KPA convention Friday in Newton.

Cristina Janney earned a first-place award for spot news for follow-up coverage of the December Four County Wildfire, as well as first place in the senior story category. Janney also earned to third-place awards in the best environmental portrait and education story categories.

Janney also shared first-place honors with James Bell in the photo package category for overage of UP4014 Big Boy's visit to Hays.

Bell also earned first place in the best digital project category for Post Podcast, and second place in the photo package category.

Jarrod Brantley earned first place in the best sports video category for his work on the Hays High basketball team's 2020-21 highlight reel, as well as second place in the best motion ad category.&nbsp;

Becky Kiser earned a first for best story originating from a public notice, and Jordan Schaeffer earned a first for best motion ad.

Hays Post, one of a handful of digital-only KPA members, competes against the largest publications in the state of Kansas, including the Wichita Eagle, Kansas City Star and Topeka Capital Journal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post and Eagle Radio of Hays news, video and graphic design professionals were honored last week with 2022 Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence.Awards were presented at the annual KPA convention Friday in Newton.Cristina Janney earned a first-place award for spot news for follow-up coverage of the December Four County Wildfire, as well as first place in the senior story category. Janney also earned to third-place awards in the best environmental portrait and education story categories.Janney also shared first-place honors with James Bell in the photo package category for overage of UP4014 Big Boy's visit to Hays.Bell also earned first place in the best digital project category for Post Podcast, and second place in the photo package category.Jarrod Brantley earned first place in the best sports video category for his work on the Hays High basketball team's 2020-21 highlight reel, as well as second place in the best motion ad category.&nbsp;Becky Kiser earned a first for best story originating from a public notice, and Jordan Schaeffer earned a first for best motion ad.Hays Post, one of a handful of digital-only KPA members, competes against the largest publications in the state of Kansas, including the Wichita Eagle, Kansas City Star and Topeka Capital Journal.

Hays Post honored in Kansas Press Association award contest

VICTORIA — On Wednesday, Victoria residents gathered at the Veterans of
Foreign Wars hall, 204 E. Main, to discuss issues the community faces while compiling
data for a Housing Assessment Tool required for state funding applications.

&nbsp;The Victoria Community
Coalition organized the meeting, led by Coalition member Jeff Pfeifer and nonprofit
organizer with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Betty Johnson.

“I am tickled pink just to see everybody here,” Pfeifer
said. “It means a lot to me to have every one of you take some time out of your
busy week or evening where you like to relax and come out here to do something
for our community. And that’s what we’re here tonight to do.”

The meeting’s main goal was to allow the coalition to gather
feedback and have surveys completed from area residents that will enable grant
funding applications to benefit the city and its residents.

“We’re trying to partner with the city to go after some of
this grant money that’s out there that could help our community,” Pfeifer said.
“It could be on buildings and could be on roads.”

He noted the ongoing repair work on Cathedral Avenue, funded
with grant funds along with improvements to the city’s water system.

“We need to start someplace,” Pfeifer said. “And that’s just
with getting the community together and having some ideas about what you think
it could look like in the future.”

Kicking off the information gather session, Johnson asked
the crowd to consider the city’s strengths.

The crowd quickly noted the work ethic engrained in the citizens
of Victoria, along with strong ties to faith, family and the community.

And while the community’s strengths centered around the
people, when the time came to discuss weaknesses, a lack of significant business
in town was offered as a primary concern.

Along with the desire to see a grocery store of some sort, perhaps
in the vein of a Dollar General-type location, a lack of housing and child care
was among the top needs for the community. 

While many more significant concerns were prominent parts of
the conversation, smaller actionable ideas also entered the conversation as the
discussion drifted toward opportunities.

And they noted, small steps like planting trees and creating
more activities for city youngsters assists in the effort to recruit and retain
younger families to the city.

“We also need to get more people involved,” Johnson said. 

The group then prioritized needs, with housing and childcare
offered as the most pressing. However, as the conversation continued, prioritizing
shopping locally, whenever possible, was noted as an important way to ensure
businesses that open in Victoria remain viable.

But a farmers market was proposed as a way to encourage
local shopping without the need for a business to open.

“Those are quite popular,” Johnson said. “Then you could
really do some community building around them if you do it on a Wednesday
evening. I’ve got one community that brings in some of the high school kids and
play music, and they have a food truck comes in occasionally, and they kind of
have community events around their middle of the week evening.

“It’s really got to be a little community party every
Wednesday night,” she continued. “So you can really kind of have fun with that and
really take that idea and start building.”

A cooperative grocery store was also proposed.

“We’ve got models out there across northwest Kansas,”
Johnson said. “So we’ve been doing that.”

She also encouraged the crowd to explore what other similarly
size area towns have done to grow their commerce options.

“Reach out to some other similar communities and see what
they’re doing,” Johnson said. “Go visit and talk with some of their
locals and see what they’re doing and see what you could work and what you
could bring back here. … There’s a lot of great things happening in our small
rural communities. A lot of them are really taking a lot of initiative.”

For Victoria, a start to many initiatives is getting surveys
back from the community. While attendees filled in their surveys at the
meeting, many more are needed, and Pfeifer said ultimately, if needed,
committee members will go door to door.

“If you’re trying to get steps and you want to get your
steps done, I’m sure they could use some volunteers to help knock on doors and
enhance some of those out,” Johnson said.

And the more surveys, the better, she said.

“The better the participation, the more chance of getting
the grants and the dollars,” Johnson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655144237516.jpeg" alt="Jeff Pfeifer records Victoria's strengths listed by attendees of a town-hall city meeting last Wednesday.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Pfeifer records Victoria's strengths listed by attendees of a town-hall city meeting last Wednesday.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA — On Wednesday, Victoria residents gathered at the Veterans of
Foreign Wars hall, 204 E. Main, to discuss issues the community faces while compiling
data for a Housing Assessment Tool required for state funding applications.&nbsp;The Victoria Community
Coalition organized the meeting, led by Coalition member Jeff Pfeifer and nonprofit
organizer with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Betty Johnson.“I am tickled pink just to see everybody here,” Pfeifer
said. “It means a lot to me to have every one of you take some time out of your
busy week or evening where you like to relax and come out here to do something
for our community. And that’s what we’re here tonight to do.”The meeting’s main goal was to allow the coalition to gather
feedback and have surveys completed from area residents that will enable grant
funding applications to benefit the city and its residents.“We’re trying to partner with the city to go after some of
this grant money that’s out there that could help our community,” Pfeifer said.
“It could be on buildings and could be on roads.”He noted the ongoing repair work on Cathedral Avenue, funded
with grant funds along with improvements to the city’s water system.“We need to start someplace,” Pfeifer said. “And that’s just
with getting the community together and having some ideas about what you think
it could look like in the future.”Kicking off the information gather session, Johnson asked
the crowd to consider the city’s strengths.The crowd quickly noted the work ethic engrained in the citizens
of Victoria, along with strong ties to faith, family and the community.And while the community’s strengths centered around the
people, when the time came to discuss weaknesses, a lack of significant business
in town was offered as a primary concern.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655144251680.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Along with the desire to see a grocery store of some sort, perhaps
in the vein of a Dollar General-type location, a lack of housing and child care
was among the top needs for the community. While many more significant concerns were prominent parts of
the conversation, smaller actionable ideas also entered the conversation as the
discussion drifted toward opportunities.And they noted, small steps like planting trees and creating
more activities for city youngsters assists in the effort to recruit and retain
younger families to the city.“We also need to get more people involved,” Johnson said. The group then prioritized needs, with housing and childcare
offered as the most pressing. However, as the conversation continued, prioritizing
shopping locally, whenever possible, was noted as an important way to ensure
businesses that open in Victoria remain viable.But a farmers market was proposed as a way to encourage
local shopping without the need for a business to open.“Those are quite popular,” Johnson said. “Then you could
really do some community building around them if you do it on a Wednesday
evening. I’ve got one community that brings in some of the high school kids and
play music, and they have a food truck comes in occasionally, and they kind of
have community events around their middle of the week evening.“It’s really got to be a little community party every
Wednesday night,” she continued. “So you can really kind of have fun with that and
really take that idea and start building.”A cooperative grocery store was also proposed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655144267717.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We’ve got models out there across northwest Kansas,”
Johnson said. “So we’ve been doing that.”She also encouraged the crowd to explore what other similarly
size area towns have done to grow their commerce options.“Reach out to some other similar communities and see what
they’re doing,” Johnson said. “Go visit and talk with some of their
locals and see what they’re doing and see what you could work and what you
could bring back here. … There’s a lot of great things happening in our small
rural communities. A lot of them are really taking a lot of initiative.”For Victoria, a start to many initiatives is getting surveys
back from the community. While attendees filled in their surveys at the
meeting, many more are needed, and Pfeifer said ultimately, if needed,
committee members will go door to door.“If you’re trying to get steps and you want to get your
steps done, I’m sure they could use some volunteers to help knock on doors and
enhance some of those out,” Johnson said.And the more surveys, the better, she said.“The better the participation, the more chance of getting
the grants and the dollars,” Johnson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655144220604.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Victoria residents gather for town-hall discussion of city needs

The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Hays Lodge No. 195 to donate $12,000 to the&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df41901562e4cd17c79971f1f&amp;id=e3b5c89cf3&amp;e=0e203346aa" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University Literacy Institute</a>, an organization that provides free literacy services to all Kansans in need.

Founded in 1881, Hays Lodge No. 195 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has 60 members and supports various local organizations and programs, including the Community Assistance Center, the Firefighters’ Relief Association, and the Kansas Masonic High School Essay Contest. Over the last eight years, the lodge has provided over $30,000 in scholarships to students attending technical and four-year university programs and was able to donate $11,500 to the Fort Hayes State University Virtual Literacy Institute.&nbsp;

“The FHSU Literacy Institute provides free literacy services to all Kansans in need. Because literacy services are scarce in rural areas and costly across the state, it is nearly impossible for rural, low-income families to receive help,” said Hays Lodge No. 195 Master Christopher Neeley. “The FHSU Literacy Institute removes the barriers limiting students from reaching their full potential by providing this free, virtual and in-person service. Dr. Miller's program addresses a specific need which is largely unserved in our area, which is why our Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 are passionate about supporting the organization.”

This year, the Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $12,000 to FHSU Literacy Institute, which will be used to purchase the Reading Horizons software needed to offer language and literacy tutoring services online. The program rejects some of the traditionally accepted methods and incorporates more modern instruction based upon experimentally proven methods within the science of reading practices. The program’s brick-and-mortar grand opening will take place on September 15, 2022, and there are currently nine volunteers on staff that will provide literacy tutoring in addition to the FHSU education students. A formal donation announcement was previously made on June 2, 2022, at the lodge’s scholarship banquet.&nbsp;

About the Kansas Masonic Foundation As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df41901562e4cd17c79971f1f&amp;id=87a9f56b2b&amp;e=0e203346aa" target="_blank">https://kansasmasonic.foundation/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647887904337.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Hays Lodge No. 195 to donate $12,000 to the&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df41901562e4cd17c79971f1f&amp;id=e3b5c89cf3&amp;e=0e203346aa" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University Literacy Institute</a>, an organization that provides free literacy services to all Kansans in need.Founded in 1881, Hays Lodge No. 195 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has 60 members and supports various local organizations and programs, including the Community Assistance Center, the Firefighters’ Relief Association, and the Kansas Masonic High School Essay Contest. Over the last eight years, the lodge has provided over $30,000 in scholarships to students attending technical and four-year university programs and was able to donate $11,500 to the Fort Hayes State University Virtual Literacy Institute.&nbsp;“The FHSU Literacy Institute provides free literacy services to all Kansans in need. Because literacy services are scarce in rural areas and costly across the state, it is nearly impossible for rural, low-income families to receive help,” said Hays Lodge No. 195 Master Christopher Neeley. “The FHSU Literacy Institute removes the barriers limiting students from reaching their full potential by providing this free, virtual and in-person service. Dr. Miller's program addresses a specific need which is largely unserved in our area, which is why our Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 are passionate about supporting the organization.”This year, the Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $12,000 to FHSU Literacy Institute, which will be used to purchase the Reading Horizons software needed to offer language and literacy tutoring services online. The program rejects some of the traditionally accepted methods and incorporates more modern instruction based upon experimentally proven methods within the science of reading practices. The program’s brick-and-mortar grand opening will take place on September 15, 2022, and there are currently nine volunteers on staff that will provide literacy tutoring in addition to the FHSU education students. A formal donation announcement was previously made on June 2, 2022, at the lodge’s scholarship banquet.&nbsp;About the Kansas Masonic Foundation As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df41901562e4cd17c79971f1f&amp;id=87a9f56b2b&amp;e=0e203346aa" target="_blank">https://kansasmasonic.foundation/</a>

Hays Masonic Lodge donates $12,000 to FHSU Literacy Institute

Crude prices retreated from three-month highs after China warned of an "explosive" outbreak of COVID-19. By midday Monday, the benchmark futures contract in New York had dropped to $119.83 per barrel. London Brent was down to $121.19 per barrel.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped 75 cents on Friday and starts the week at $111 per barrel. The auto club AAA reports the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was over $5.01 on Monday. A spokesperson said we may soon see people start to change their daily driving habits, or lifestyle, but it hasn't happened yet. Prices are 15 cents higher than a week ago, and nearly two dollars higher than last year at this time. There are 21 states with average prices over $5. The average in Kansas Monday was over $4.66 per gallon. The government reported a slight dip in domestic crude-oil production last week. The Energy Information Administration says US operators pumped 11.945 million barrels per day in the week through June 3rd. That's down 5,000 barrels per day from the week before. Imports were down as well. EIA reports average imports of 6.2 million barrels per day, down by 64,000 barrels from the week before.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reports 733 active drilling rigs across the US on Friday, an increase of six oil rigs. The count in New Mexico was up five rigs. Texas was down one. Drilling was underway Friday on one lease in Russell County and another in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County. Kansas Regulators approved 21 permits for drilling at new locations across the state last week, ten in eastern Kansas and eleven west of Wichita, including one new permit in Stafford County. year-to-date, there are 649 new drilling permits in Kansas. Operators completed 19 new wells last week, nine of them east of Wichita and ten in Western Kansas including one in Barton County. That's 687 new well-completions so far this year. Oil-by-rail across the US was down nearly three hundred tanker carloads from the week before. The Association of American Railroads says that marks a 7.6% drop from a year ago. Traffic in Canada was down week-over-week, but up 4.4% over last year. Russia's export revenues are &nbsp;actually rising since its invasion of Ukraine, thanks in part to a dramatic increase in crude purchases by India and other Asian nations. Analysts say Russia earned more than $97 BILLION dollars from fossil fuel exports in the first 100 days of the invasion. So far this year India has imported nearly 60-million barrels from Russia, nearly five times their total of 12 million barrels for all of &nbsp;last year. The Governor of Colorado last week signed into law a ban on certain chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations. The law banning so-called PFAs takes effect in 2024. It also bans a wide range of consumer items ranging from cosmetics to car seats. The government reports a continuing rise in oil-patch employment. The oilfield services and equipment sector saw employment rising by nearly 5,000 jobs in May, with increases in five out of seven categories they tracked. The biggest spikes were in support activities, and engineering construction. There were slight losses in product and machine manufacturing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports says these are the best job totals in the patch since September 2021. The chief executive at Chevron tells Bloomberg TV there may never be a new refinery built in the US. The last new refinery was built in the 1970s. CEO Mike Wirth says you have to commit capital ten years ahead, and then wait decades for a return on investment, which he says is not easy in the current fiscal and political environment.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices retreated from three-month highs after China warned of an "explosive" outbreak of COVID-19. By midday Monday, the benchmark futures contract in New York had dropped to $119.83 per barrel. London Brent was down to $121.19 per barrel.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped 75 cents on Friday and starts the week at $111 per barrel. The auto club AAA reports the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was over $5.01 on Monday. A spokesperson said we may soon see people start to change their daily driving habits, or lifestyle, but it hasn't happened yet. Prices are 15 cents higher than a week ago, and nearly two dollars higher than last year at this time. There are 21 states with average prices over $5. The average in Kansas Monday was over $4.66 per gallon. The government reported a slight dip in domestic crude-oil production last week. The Energy Information Administration says US operators pumped 11.945 million barrels per day in the week through June 3rd. That's down 5,000 barrels per day from the week before. Imports were down as well. EIA reports average imports of 6.2 million barrels per day, down by 64,000 barrels from the week before.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reports 733 active drilling rigs across the US on Friday, an increase of six oil rigs. The count in New Mexico was up five rigs. Texas was down one. Drilling was underway Friday on one lease in Russell County and another in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County. Kansas Regulators approved 21 permits for drilling at new locations across the state last week, ten in eastern Kansas and eleven west of Wichita, including one new permit in Stafford County. year-to-date, there are 649 new drilling permits in Kansas. Operators completed 19 new wells last week, nine of them east of Wichita and ten in Western Kansas including one in Barton County. That's 687 new well-completions so far this year. Oil-by-rail across the US was down nearly three hundred tanker carloads from the week before. The Association of American Railroads says that marks a 7.6% drop from a year ago. Traffic in Canada was down week-over-week, but up 4.4% over last year. Russia's export revenues are &nbsp;actually rising since its invasion of Ukraine, thanks in part to a dramatic increase in crude purchases by India and other Asian nations. Analysts say Russia earned more than $97 BILLION dollars from fossil fuel exports in the first 100 days of the invasion. So far this year India has imported nearly 60-million barrels from Russia, nearly five times their total of 12 million barrels for all of &nbsp;last year. The Governor of Colorado last week signed into law a ban on certain chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations. The law banning so-called PFAs takes effect in 2024. It also bans a wide range of consumer items ranging from cosmetics to car seats. The government reports a continuing rise in oil-patch employment. The oilfield services and equipment sector saw employment rising by nearly 5,000 jobs in May, with increases in five out of seven categories they tracked. The biggest spikes were in support activities, and engineering construction. There were slight losses in product and machine manufacturing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports says these are the best job totals in the patch since September 2021. The chief executive at Chevron tells Bloomberg TV there may never be a new refinery built in the US. The last new refinery was built in the 1970s. CEO Mike Wirth says you have to commit capital ten years ahead, and then wait decades for a return on investment, which he says is not easy in the current fiscal and political environment.

News From the Oil Patch: COVID warning drops prices

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Mon Jun 13 2022 10:40:54 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Cade Brown"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/rUrIJADZ-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/rUrIJADZ-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/rUrIJADZ-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Cade Brown" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Cade Brown

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655139871538.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>

The Hays City Band will again be filling downtown Hays with
music with three concerts scheduled for June.

The first concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Downtown
Pavillion in Union Pacific Park, 10th and Main.

Concerts will follow weekly at the same time and place for
the following two Tuesdays. 

Rehearsals for the City Band have commenced, but director
Matt Rome said all are welcome to join at any time.

“City band is well underway for our 2022 season,” he said. “But
don’t let that stop you from coming out if you’re hearing about it for the
first time.”

He said it is common for participants to perform in only one
or two concerts as people come and go during the summer.

“We have people that will play the entire season. They’ll
play every rehearsal and every concert,” Rome said. “But of course, there’s
vacations, family trips, and so we work around that. The name of the game is no
stress. It’s light. It’s fun. We just want to get people playing again.

“And so if maybe you can only make the last week, great, we’ll
take you for that,” he continued. “Or if you want to play more, certainly happy
to do that, too.”

For those that wish to play, no advance registration is required.

“They’re more than welcome to just show up,” Rome said. If
an instrument is needed, he said players could reach out in advance, “otherwise,
if you own your own instrument, just bring it on over. We’ve got music for you.
We’ve got folders. Be glad to have you.”

The band members come from a diverse group of area residents,
from advanced junior high students to seniors.

“It really is the full gamut,” Rome said. “We have amateur
to professional and everything in between. So it’s a really cool vibe in the
rehearsal hall.”

And any level of ability is welcome, and no notice is
required.

“It’s all a testament to the music scene in Hays and how
diverse and how strong it is,” Rome said. “It’s great, and it’s a pleasure to
be a part of it. I love that we’re able to keep this tradition going and look
forward to seeing where it’s going to go by the end of the month.”

Rehearsals are scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. June 13, 20
and 27 at Hays Middle School, 201 W. 29th.

“If you’re a little gunshy and thinking, ‘Yeah, I haven’t
played in years,’ just come on out and try it,” Rome said. “After the first
rehearsal, a couple people had come up to me and said, ‘You know, I forgot what
this was like. But it’s kind of fun to do it again.’ ”

Performances will include city band standards, but each
concert will feature different music.

“I’m sticking to that kind of concert band repertoire
idea throughout,” Rome said. “We will substitute pieces in and out as the season
goes on. So some of the sets will remain constant. But the idea is, we’ll have
new things each week if someone were to come out and listen to all three.”

The concerts are free and open to the public, and he said they
are a great way to explore music.

“The beauty of what I think is summer bands and city band
tradition is. It is lighter. It’s not the snobby, nose-in-the-air concert fare
that you must only clap at certain times,” Rome said. “Bring the kids, bring
lawn chairs out. Just have a good time and enjoy some great music. It’s just relaxed
for everybody, players and audience alike. And I think that it’s a really,
really great experience.”

This year’s theme, he said, is Past meets Present and also
features a diverse lineup.

“I’ve tried to pick a variety of just good concert band
repertoire, some staples, some classics, written as early as the 60s,” Rome
said. “And then some modern compositions by a variety of composers that have
been written as recently ... as 2018.

“We’re playing the whole spectrum of music,” he continued. “And
so I just thought that it fit the group. We’ve got a wide spectrum of players,
and so the repertoire should reflect that.

“So, if you just want to come out, hear some great band
literature, please do come out and support these musicians,” Rome said. “They
sound fabulous.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623075342039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays City Band will again be filling downtown Hays with
music with three concerts scheduled for June.The first concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Downtown
Pavillion in Union Pacific Park, 10th and Main.Concerts will follow weekly at the same time and place for
the following two Tuesdays. Rehearsals for the City Band have commenced, but director
Matt Rome said all are welcome to join at any time.“City band is well underway for our 2022 season,” he said. “But
don’t let that stop you from coming out if you’re hearing about it for the
first time.”<div><iframe title="Hays City Band returns for 2022" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=44i5b-1249a83-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>He said it is common for participants to perform in only one
or two concerts as people come and go during the summer.“We have people that will play the entire season. They’ll
play every rehearsal and every concert,” Rome said. “But of course, there’s
vacations, family trips, and so we work around that. The name of the game is no
stress. It’s light. It’s fun. We just want to get people playing again.“And so if maybe you can only make the last week, great, we’ll
take you for that,” he continued. “Or if you want to play more, certainly happy
to do that, too.”For those that wish to play, no advance registration is required.“They’re more than welcome to just show up,” Rome said. If
an instrument is needed, he said players could reach out in advance, “otherwise,
if you own your own instrument, just bring it on over. We’ve got music for you.
We’ve got folders. Be glad to have you.”The band members come from a diverse group of area residents,
from advanced junior high students to seniors.“It really is the full gamut,” Rome said. “We have amateur
to professional and everything in between. So it’s a really cool vibe in the
rehearsal hall.”And any level of ability is welcome, and no notice is
required.“It’s all a testament to the music scene in Hays and how
diverse and how strong it is,” Rome said. “It’s great, and it’s a pleasure to
be a part of it. I love that we’re able to keep this tradition going and look
forward to seeing where it’s going to go by the end of the month.”Rehearsals are scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. June 13, 20
and 27 at Hays Middle School, 201 W. 29th.“If you’re a little gunshy and thinking, ‘Yeah, I haven’t
played in years,’ just come on out and try it,” Rome said. “After the first
rehearsal, a couple people had come up to me and said, ‘You know, I forgot what
this was like. But it’s kind of fun to do it again.’ ”<h2>Hays City Band concert lineup locked in</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620767739463.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Performances will include city band standards, but each
concert will feature different music.“I’m sticking to that kind of concert band repertoire
idea throughout,” Rome said. “We will substitute pieces in and out as the season
goes on. So some of the sets will remain constant. But the idea is, we’ll have
new things each week if someone were to come out and listen to all three.”The concerts are free and open to the public, and he said they
are a great way to explore music.“The beauty of what I think is summer bands and city band
tradition is. It is lighter. It’s not the snobby, nose-in-the-air concert fare
that you must only clap at certain times,” Rome said. “Bring the kids, bring
lawn chairs out. Just have a good time and enjoy some great music. It’s just relaxed
for everybody, players and audience alike. And I think that it’s a really,
really great experience.”This year’s theme, he said, is Past meets Present and also
features a diverse lineup.“I’ve tried to pick a variety of just good concert band
repertoire, some staples, some classics, written as early as the 60s,” Rome
said. “And then some modern compositions by a variety of composers that have
been written as recently ... as 2018.“We’re playing the whole spectrum of music,” he continued. “And
so I just thought that it fit the group. We’ve got a wide spectrum of players,
and so the repertoire should reflect that.“So, if you just want to come out, hear some great band
literature, please do come out and support these musicians,” Rome said. “They
sound fabulous.”

🎙 Hays City Band brings musical diversity to summer concert series

By NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON — The newly crowned Miss Kansas, Ayanna Hensley, is still running on adrenaline and shock after being crowned in Pratt on Saturday.

"I don't think it will set in until a couple weeks down the road," Hensley said. "It's still just so surreal to me. When it was time for crowning, the feeling, you can't describe. The best way I can describe it is static. When you're holding hands with the first runner up or the current Miss Kansas, you just never really know, but at that moment, you know, you're both so qualified and you're both so ready for this moment. If you look back at my crowning moment with my awesome first runner up, Jetta Smith, she was actually speaking over me, she was speaking over the legacy that I'll leave as Miss Kansas and as Ayanna, myself. I'm getting really emotional in that moment. From that moment on, it's been a whirlwind."

Hensley's platform of ACEs Low: Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences is personally important to her.

"It entails going through your past and being able to work through the things that haunt you at night," Hensley said. "It's obviously geared towards children, because they are able to digest it a little bit faster. It's really fresh for them and obviously that catapults them into a brighter future."

For Hensley, her faith has helped her to become the person she is today and overcome her own childhood trauma.

"My parents were really young when they had me," Hensley said. "I was the result of a teen pregnancy. Obviously, there was a lot of growing on both ends that was involved. My parents struggled with addiction in and out of my life. That was just a form of inconsistency. The biggest thing I struggled with is a very inconsistent childhood and even early adulthood."

That's why she wants to spread the message to kids and to Kansas that you can recover and become whatever you dream to be, even a Miss Kansas winner. The date for the Miss America pageant has not yet been announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655145007906.jpeg" alt="2022 Miss Kansas Crowning-Photo by Bill Rea" />
 <figcaption>2022 Miss Kansas Crowning-Photo by Bill Rea</figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON — The newly crowned Miss Kansas, Ayanna Hensley, is still running on adrenaline and shock after being crowned in Pratt on Saturday."I don't think it will set in until a couple weeks down the road," Hensley said. "It's still just so surreal to me. When it was time for crowning, the feeling, you can't describe. The best way I can describe it is static. When you're holding hands with the first runner up or the current Miss Kansas, you just never really know, but at that moment, you know, you're both so qualified and you're both so ready for this moment. If you look back at my crowning moment with my awesome first runner up, Jetta Smith, she was actually speaking over me, she was speaking over the legacy that I'll leave as Miss Kansas and as Ayanna, myself. I'm getting really emotional in that moment. From that moment on, it's been a whirlwind."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655145107993.jpeg" alt="Ayanna Hensley is a recent graduate of Fort Hays State-Photo by Josh Rosener Photography" />
 <figcaption>Ayanna Hensley is a recent graduate of Fort Hays State-Photo by Josh Rosener Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>Hensley's platform of ACEs Low: Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences is personally important to her."It entails going through your past and being able to work through the things that haunt you at night," Hensley said. "It's obviously geared towards children, because they are able to digest it a little bit faster. It's really fresh for them and obviously that catapults them into a brighter future."For Hensley, her faith has helped her to become the person she is today and overcome her own childhood trauma."My parents were really young when they had me," Hensley said. "I was the result of a teen pregnancy. Obviously, there was a lot of growing on both ends that was involved. My parents struggled with addiction in and out of my life. That was just a form of inconsistency. The biggest thing I struggled with is a very inconsistent childhood and even early adulthood."That's why she wants to spread the message to kids and to Kansas that you can recover and become whatever you dream to be, even a Miss Kansas winner. The date for the Miss America pageant has not yet been announced.

Fort Hays State grad crowned Miss Kansas 2022 

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Kansas Farm Bureau will be hosting a two-hour moderated discussion July 6 at 8:30 a.m. in Hutchinson to talk about water policy. Participants are encouraged to register at <a href="https://form.jotform.com/kfbforms/2022-regional-water-meetings">www.kfb.org/advocacy</a>.

During the 2022 legislative session in Topeka, water was a large topic of discussion. Kansas Farm Bureau staff testified against proposed legislation that would have consolidated the state’s water regulatory agencies because it would have increased government bureaucracy and consolidated enormous power under the control of a single political appointee.

The meeting will include a short educational presentation on Kansas water issues followed by facilitated member discussions. 

The outcomes from the five sessions will be presented to the KFB Board during its July meeting. If any recommendations for policy change come from these discussions, the board will have the option of referring those to the Resolutions Committee for consideration during its August meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653412777201.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Kansas Farm Bureau will be hosting a two-hour moderated discussion July 6 at 8:30 a.m. in Hutchinson to talk about water policy. Participants are encouraged to register at <a href="https://form.jotform.com/kfbforms/2022-regional-water-meetings">www.kfb.org/advocacy</a>.During the 2022 legislative session in Topeka, water was a large topic of discussion. Kansas Farm Bureau staff testified against proposed legislation that would have consolidated the state’s water regulatory agencies because it would have increased government bureaucracy and consolidated enormous power under the control of a single political appointee.The meeting will include a short educational presentation on Kansas water issues followed by facilitated member discussions. The outcomes from the five sessions will be presented to the KFB Board during its July meeting. If any recommendations for policy change come from these discussions, the board will have the option of referring those to the Resolutions Committee for consideration during its August meeting.

Kansas Farm Bureau water meeting in Hutchinson next month

Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame announces their inaugural class of inductees. The 2022 class is comprised of four teams, nine athletes, two coaches and one athletic director. The list includes: &nbsp;- 1944 state champion boys basketball team &nbsp;- 1953 football team (8-0-1) &nbsp;- 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) &nbsp;- 1989 girls track state championship team &nbsp;- Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) &nbsp;- Dale Alexander- Track (1959) &nbsp;- Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) &nbsp;- Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) &nbsp;- Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) &nbsp;- Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) &nbsp;- Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) &nbsp;- Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) &nbsp;- Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) &nbsp;- Coach Jim Maska &nbsp;- Coach Bob Kuhn &nbsp;- Athletic Director Mike Karl A banquet to honor the inductees will be held Saturday, August 13th, 2022 at the Hilton Garden Inn. Tickets are available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://event.auctria.com/25e8b3bb-8e0f-4d7e-a893-15ee1dba95f9/">https://event.auctria.com/25e8b3bb-8e0f-4d7e-a893-15ee1dba95f9/</a> . A small number of tickets are available to purchase in person by visiting American Family Insurance/Brian Ruder Agency at 1601 E 27th. The tickets are $40 and include a meal, dessert, and tea or water. A cash bar will be available. There are a total of 450 tickets available for the event and attendance will be limited to this amount. The newly formed Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame committee began working towards their inaugural class earlier in 2022 with the intent of having the induction in the same calendar year. This first class is larger than what future classes will be. Viewing of the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame and their accomplishments will be made available on a website currently being built and also at a kiosk to be located inside of Hays High School in the future. With so many more deserving individuals and teams, nominations for potential inductees will be accepted after the banquet in August. A website will be made available for nominations at that time. Questions about the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame or about the banquet can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayshighhof@gmail.com" target="_blank">hayshighhof@gmail.com</a>

Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame announces their inaugural class of inductees. The 2022 class is comprised of four teams, nine athletes, two coaches and one athletic director. The list includes: &nbsp;- 1944 state champion boys basketball team &nbsp;- 1953 football team (8-0-1) &nbsp;- 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) &nbsp;- 1989 girls track state championship team &nbsp;- Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) &nbsp;- Dale Alexander- Track (1959) &nbsp;- Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) &nbsp;- Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) &nbsp;- Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) &nbsp;- Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) &nbsp;- Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) &nbsp;- Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) &nbsp;- Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) &nbsp;- Coach Jim Maska &nbsp;- Coach Bob Kuhn &nbsp;- Athletic Director Mike Karl A banquet to honor the inductees will be held Saturday, August 13th, 2022 at the Hilton Garden Inn. Tickets are available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://event.auctria.com/25e8b3bb-8e0f-4d7e-a893-15ee1dba95f9/">https://event.auctria.com/25e8b3bb-8e0f-4d7e-a893-15ee1dba95f9/</a> . A small number of tickets are available to purchase in person by visiting American Family Insurance/Brian Ruder Agency at 1601 E 27th. The tickets are $40 and include a meal, dessert, and tea or water. A cash bar will be available. There are a total of 450 tickets available for the event and attendance will be limited to this amount. The newly formed Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame committee began working towards their inaugural class earlier in 2022 with the intent of having the induction in the same calendar year. This first class is larger than what future classes will be. Viewing of the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame and their accomplishments will be made available on a website currently being built and also at a kiosk to be located inside of Hays High School in the future. With so many more deserving individuals and teams, nominations for potential inductees will be accepted after the banquet in August. A website will be made available for nominations at that time. Questions about the Hays High School Athletics Hall of Fame or about the banquet can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayshighhof@gmail.com" target="_blank">hayshighhof@gmail.com</a>

HHS Athletics HOF announces inaugural class and banquet

KANSAS LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS SINE DIE ON MAY 23RD

On May 23rd, the Kansas Legislature wrapped up the 2022 regular session.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The day included two additional veto overrides and the passage of two tax bills, one of which headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The session was able to conclude on one day due to the Kansas Supreme Court ruling that both the Congressional and state legislative maps were constitutional in a decision rendered last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Known in the legislature as Sine Die, it officially marks the final adjournment for the 2022 Legislative Session and ended on Day 86.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate sent 45 bills to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a total of 266 Senate bills introduced in 2022 for a total during this last two-year cycle of 581. 

Barring a special session, the full legislature will return on January 9th, 2023.

SENATE FLOOR ACTION&nbsp; The first veto override was on HB 2252.&nbsp; This bill prevents the governor or Secretary of State from entering into a consent decree or other agreements without approval of the legislature regarding the alteration of election procedures or the enforcement of election law.&nbsp; This was a simple separation of powers issue, as it is the legislature which enacts law and therefore any change to that law should be by the legislature as well.&nbsp; The Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on a vote of 27-10. The House also voted to override the veto; therefore, the measure will now become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

The second veto override was on HB 2387.&nbsp; The bill contains two important provisions. First, it prevents the governor from closing churches during an emergency as in 2020.&nbsp; Secondly, it states that the governor nor the administration can issue a request for proposal for the administration and provision of benefits under the medical assistance program or enter into any new contract with managed care organizations for the administration and provision of benefits under the medical assistance program until January 31, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on a vote of 27-10. The House also voted to override the veto; therefore, the measure will now become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

Both the Senate and House passed HB 2136, which provides targeted tax relief in two ways.&nbsp; First, it would eliminate a provision requiring retailers with annual sales tax liability in excess of $40,000 to remit estimated payment for the first 15 days of the current month when the tax return for the previous month is filed.&nbsp; Second, it would enact the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act to provide for claims for refunds to be paid for tax years 2020 and 2021 for certain claimants that were operationally shut down or restricted at their retail storefront by a COVID-19-related order or action imposed by the State, a local unit of government, or a local health officer.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2136 passed the Senate 35-0. It then also passed the House and is now headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

HAVE FUN WITH SUMMER READING – KANSAS STATE LIBRARY

Summer reading programs at public libraries in Kansas offer creative, fun, and FREE ways to build a love for reading. This year’s theme is Oceans of Possibilities: from pirates to sea creatures, from ocean exploration and navigation to sunken treasure. Take a deep dive into books and come up for air at fun and free events. Programs typically take place from late May until late July or early August. Check your local library for their dates.

The State Library has downloadable books for all ages: audiobooks, e-books, and digital storybooks are available to all Kansas residents. Some of the benefits of downloadable books:

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkslib.info%2Fdigitalbooks&amp;data=04%7C01%7CCindy.Roupe%40ks.gov%7Ca27ca5e5ad2b49fd869d08d91006efbf%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637558444235964611%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=qhqnFRdmq7V0YjI8kzbidERoJSpC2SlAuxFQYN55S90%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kslib.info/digitalbooks</a>&nbsp;to learn more. New users will want to check the “Instructions &amp; Devices” link.&nbsp; Choose your device and you’ll see which services work with it along with an instructions link. Most resources will need a Kansas Library eCard, which you may get at any public, school, or academic library in Kansas.&nbsp; Need help with setup? Call 785-296-3296 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kslc@ks.gov" target="_blank">kslc@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;.

UNCLAIMED PROPERTY IN KANSAS&nbsp;&nbsp;

The State of Kansas has over $400 million dollars in unclaimed property waiting for the rightful owner to find and claim. Unclaimed property stats from the first of the year include 437,320 searches, $8,065,732.67 returned with the average claim paid at $1999.47.&nbsp;&nbsp;These holdings at the Treasurer’s office include bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, refunds (utilities), royalties, insurance proceeds and even safe deposit box contents.&nbsp;

To search for your name, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/" target="_blank">www.kansasstatetreasurer.com</a>&nbsp;and enter your name or business name to see if your name is on this list.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senate District #36 has over 4,000 entries in the thirteen counties it covers.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you would like more personal assistance, call 800-432-0386 or 785-296-4165.&nbsp;

&nbsp;KANSAS SECRETARY OF STATE&nbsp;

The Secretary of State is one of four state offices authorized by the&nbsp;Kansas Constitution. Although created by the state constitution, the duties of the office are defined by almost 1,000 state laws. Among the many duties of the Office of the Kansas Secretary of State is maintaining primary responsibility for administering elections, collecting certain records of Kansas businesses and publishing the official publications for the State of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The agency oversees cemeteries, Kansas notaries and even trademarks.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result, hundreds of thousands of documents are kept by the Secretary of State. Generally, they fall into four categories – executive, legislative, elections and business.&nbsp;&nbsp;You will also be able to find election facts answering recent questions related to audits, voting machines and election processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several YouTube Videos highlighting the agency and brief clips on processes can be found on their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sos.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.sos.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF APPOINTMENTS

The Office of Appointments assists the governor with the appointment of over 1,000 individuals to serve on Kansas’ boards and commissions. All qualified and service-minded Kansans are encouraged to participate in our state's government by offering to serve on a board or commission or by recommending qualified candidates.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">https://governor.kansas.gov</a>. Find the Serving Kansans tab where you will find a screen to apply for service.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are interested in the opportunity to serve or would like to nominate someone, please call the office at 785 368-8500 or apply online.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH RE-RUNS OF LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER AND COMMITTEE ACTION

If you would like to review the past session - Senate and House floor activity or watch committee hearings from each Chamber – you are able to find many choices at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature YouTube</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature Audio</a>.

The 2023 Kansas Legislative Session will begin January 9th&nbsp;at 2:00 p.m. when we will be back in our offices at the Capitol in Topeka.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Over the summer and fall, I may be reached at my legislative email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or my work email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine@concordiaautomart.com" target="_blank">elaine@concordiaautomart.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;My work address in Concordia is 212 E. 6th&nbsp;St., Concordia, KS&nbsp;&nbsp;66901 and if you are in Concordia, drop by.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;My daytime work number is 785 243-3325x2 or email me questions, concerns or ideas for legislative bills for the next session.&nbsp;

Visit the&nbsp;Kansas Legislature website in the off session at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;which has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, past sessions, historical data, internships, and pages for next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is an honor to serve you in the 36th&nbsp;Kansas Senate District and please feel free to contact me anytime.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes:

* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville;&nbsp;Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek,&nbsp;Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum,&nbsp;Rushville, Solomon (part), Sumner,&nbsp;Valley and Walnut

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS SINE DIE ON MAY 23RDOn May 23rd, the Kansas Legislature wrapped up the 2022 regular session.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The day included two additional veto overrides and the passage of two tax bills, one of which headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;The session was able to conclude on one day due to the Kansas Supreme Court ruling that both the Congressional and state legislative maps were constitutional in a decision rendered last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Known in the legislature as Sine Die, it officially marks the final adjournment for the 2022 Legislative Session and ended on Day 86.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate sent 45 bills to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a total of 266 Senate bills introduced in 2022 for a total during this last two-year cycle of 581. Barring a special session, the full legislature will return on January 9th, 2023.SENATE FLOOR ACTION&nbsp; The first veto override was on HB 2252.&nbsp; This bill prevents the governor or Secretary of State from entering into a consent decree or other agreements without approval of the legislature regarding the alteration of election procedures or the enforcement of election law.&nbsp; This was a simple separation of powers issue, as it is the legislature which enacts law and therefore any change to that law should be by the legislature as well.&nbsp; The Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on a vote of 27-10. The House also voted to override the veto; therefore, the measure will now become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;The second veto override was on HB 2387.&nbsp; The bill contains two important provisions. First, it prevents the governor from closing churches during an emergency as in 2020.&nbsp; Secondly, it states that the governor nor the administration can issue a request for proposal for the administration and provision of benefits under the medical assistance program or enter into any new contract with managed care organizations for the administration and provision of benefits under the medical assistance program until January 31, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on a vote of 27-10. The House also voted to override the veto; therefore, the measure will now become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;Both the Senate and House passed HB 2136, which provides targeted tax relief in two ways.&nbsp; First, it would eliminate a provision requiring retailers with annual sales tax liability in excess of $40,000 to remit estimated payment for the first 15 days of the current month when the tax return for the previous month is filed.&nbsp; Second, it would enact the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act to provide for claims for refunds to be paid for tax years 2020 and 2021 for certain claimants that were operationally shut down or restricted at their retail storefront by a COVID-19-related order or action imposed by the State, a local unit of government, or a local health officer.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2136 passed the Senate 35-0. It then also passed the House and is now headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;HAVE FUN WITH SUMMER READING – KANSAS STATE LIBRARYSummer reading programs at public libraries in Kansas offer creative, fun, and FREE ways to build a love for reading. This year’s theme is Oceans of Possibilities: from pirates to sea creatures, from ocean exploration and navigation to sunken treasure. Take a deep dive into books and come up for air at fun and free events. Programs typically take place from late May until late July or early August. Check your local library for their dates.Summer Reading for AllThe State Library has downloadable books for all ages: audiobooks, e-books, and digital storybooks are available to all Kansas residents. Some of the benefits of downloadable books:<ul>
 <li>You don’t have to worry about lost books at the end of the summer. Once a book is finished, it automatically returns to its digital home.</li><li>E-books are basically indestructible.</li><li>No heavy bag of books to take on trips.</li>
 </ul>Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkslib.info%2Fdigitalbooks&amp;data=04%7C01%7CCindy.Roupe%40ks.gov%7Ca27ca5e5ad2b49fd869d08d91006efbf%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637558444235964611%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=qhqnFRdmq7V0YjI8kzbidERoJSpC2SlAuxFQYN55S90%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kslib.info/digitalbooks</a>&nbsp;to learn more. New users will want to check the “Instructions &amp; Devices” link.&nbsp; Choose your device and you’ll see which services work with it along with an instructions link. Most resources will need a Kansas Library eCard, which you may get at any public, school, or academic library in Kansas.&nbsp; Need help with setup? Call 785-296-3296 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kslc@ks.gov" target="_blank">kslc@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;.UNCLAIMED PROPERTY IN KANSAS&nbsp;&nbsp;The State of Kansas has over $400 million dollars in unclaimed property waiting for the rightful owner to find and claim. Unclaimed property stats from the first of the year include 437,320 searches, $8,065,732.67 returned with the average claim paid at $1999.47.&nbsp;&nbsp;These holdings at the Treasurer’s office include bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, refunds (utilities), royalties, insurance proceeds and even safe deposit box contents.&nbsp;To search for your name, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/" target="_blank">www.kansasstatetreasurer.com</a>&nbsp;and enter your name or business name to see if your name is on this list.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senate District #36 has over 4,000 entries in the thirteen counties it covers.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you would like more personal assistance, call 800-432-0386 or 785-296-4165.&nbsp;&nbsp;KANSAS SECRETARY OF STATE&nbsp;The Secretary of State is one of four state offices authorized by the&nbsp;Kansas Constitution. Although created by the state constitution, the duties of the office are defined by almost 1,000 state laws. Among the many duties of the Office of the Kansas Secretary of State is maintaining primary responsibility for administering elections, collecting certain records of Kansas businesses and publishing the official publications for the State of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The agency oversees cemeteries, Kansas notaries and even trademarks.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result, hundreds of thousands of documents are kept by the Secretary of State. Generally, they fall into four categories – executive, legislative, elections and business.&nbsp;&nbsp;You will also be able to find election facts answering recent questions related to audits, voting machines and election processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several YouTube Videos highlighting the agency and brief clips on processes can be found on their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sos.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.sos.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF APPOINTMENTSThe Office of Appointments assists the governor with the appointment of over 1,000 individuals to serve on Kansas’ boards and commissions. All qualified and service-minded Kansans are encouraged to participate in our state's government by offering to serve on a board or commission or by recommending qualified candidates.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">https://governor.kansas.gov</a>. Find the Serving Kansans tab where you will find a screen to apply for service.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are interested in the opportunity to serve or would like to nominate someone, please call the office at 785 368-8500 or apply online.&nbsp;&nbsp;WATCH RE-RUNS OF LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER AND COMMITTEE ACTIONIf you would like to review the past session - Senate and House floor activity or watch committee hearings from each Chamber – you are able to find many choices at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature YouTube</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature Audio</a>.OFF SESSION CONTACT INFORMATIONThe 2023 Kansas Legislative Session will begin January 9th&nbsp;at 2:00 p.m. when we will be back in our offices at the Capitol in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the summer and fall, I may be reached at my legislative email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or my work email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine@concordiaautomart.com" target="_blank">elaine@concordiaautomart.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;My work address in Concordia is 212 E. 6th&nbsp;St., Concordia, KS&nbsp;&nbsp;66901 and if you are in Concordia, drop by.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;My daytime work number is 785 243-3325x2 or email me questions, concerns or ideas for legislative bills for the next session.&nbsp;Visit the&nbsp;Kansas Legislature website in the off session at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;which has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, past sessions, historical data, internships, and pages for next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is an honor to serve you in the 36th&nbsp;Kansas Senate District and please feel free to contact me anytime.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes:* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville;&nbsp;Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek,&nbsp;Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum,&nbsp;Rushville, Solomon (part), Sumner,&nbsp;Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: Senate Scene 2022 legislative wrap-up

<a href="https://salinapost.com">Salina Post</a>

SALINA — The Catholic Diocese of Salina has earned a somewhat unique 
distinction: all of its schools have earned accreditation through 
Cognia, a nonprofit educational accrediting organization.

"This 
makes the Salina Diocese the first diocese in the state of Kansas to 
have the schools be accredited as a whole instead of individually," the 
diocese noted in a news release.

"I am ecstatic that our schools 
received such high marks on the recent accreditation review. I know a 
lot of hard work by many people went in to make this possible. It is 
reaffirming to know our students are receiving a great education at our 
Catholic schools," said Bishop Gerald L. Vincke.

The diocese 
operates 15 schools in Abilene, Beloit, Colby, Ellis, Hanover, Hays, 
Junction City, Manhattan, Oakley, Plainville, Salina, Tipton, according 
to information on the diocese website. Counties included in the diocese 
are Cheyenne, Sherman, Wallace, Logan, Thomas, Rawlins, Decatur, 
Sheridan, Gove, Trego, Graham, Norton, Phillips, Rooks, Ellis, Russell, 
Osborne, Smith, Jewel, Mitchell, Lincoln, Ellsworth, Saline, Ottawa, 
Cloud, Republic, Washington, Clay, Dickinson, Geary, and Riley.

The
 process for the accreditation began in 2016, when former superintendent
 and principal of St. Mary’s Grade School in Salina, Nick Compagnone, 
began working with Cognia, the diocese noted in the news release. The 
process, which was put on hold for a year because of the COVID-19 
pandemic, concluded in May.

"The Diocese of Salina had a very 
intentional long-running start facilitated by excellent leadership in 
their efforts to transition into a more systemic diocese. These efforts 
resulted in 25 of 31 standards rated at Impacting and the other six at 
Improving. With the recent additions to the diocesan office staff who 
are now available to maintain the momentum, the diocese is 
well-positioned to tweak the system to enhance their students' learning 
opportunities further. This will mean working with each school to 
highlight and share its strengths while each school works together to 
find strategies to improve. This could be as simple as sharing ideas and
 looking for patterns across the district more intentionally. The 
diocese is to be congratulated for its strategic work, and the team 
looks forward to watching it grow in the future," Cognia noted in its 
report.

"The collaborative efforts of school leaders, teachers, 
students, parents, and community members is something we can all be 
proud of. This process has brought our schools closer together, and we 
are looking forward at continued improvements," said Superintendent 
Geoff Andrews.

Despite the good news from Cognia, the Salina 
diocese will not rest on its laurels. The next five-year accreditation 
cycle will begin during the 2022-23 school year and will conclude in 
2027, according to information from the diocese.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594990793482.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://salinapost.com">Salina Post</a>SALINA — The Catholic Diocese of Salina has earned a somewhat unique 
distinction: all of its schools have earned accreditation through 
Cognia, a nonprofit educational accrediting organization."This 
makes the Salina Diocese the first diocese in the state of Kansas to 
have the schools be accredited as a whole instead of individually," the 
diocese noted in a news release."I am ecstatic that our schools 
received such high marks on the recent accreditation review. I know a 
lot of hard work by many people went in to make this possible. It is 
reaffirming to know our students are receiving a great education at our 
Catholic schools," said Bishop Gerald L. Vincke.The diocese 
operates 15 schools in Abilene, Beloit, Colby, Ellis, Hanover, Hays, 
Junction City, Manhattan, Oakley, Plainville, Salina, Tipton, according 
to information on the diocese website. Counties included in the diocese 
are Cheyenne, Sherman, Wallace, Logan, Thomas, Rawlins, Decatur, 
Sheridan, Gove, Trego, Graham, Norton, Phillips, Rooks, Ellis, Russell, 
Osborne, Smith, Jewel, Mitchell, Lincoln, Ellsworth, Saline, Ottawa, 
Cloud, Republic, Washington, Clay, Dickinson, Geary, and Riley.The
 process for the accreditation began in 2016, when former superintendent
 and principal of St. Mary’s Grade School in Salina, Nick Compagnone, 
began working with Cognia, the diocese noted in the news release. The 
process, which was put on hold for a year because of the COVID-19 
pandemic, concluded in May."The Diocese of Salina had a very 
intentional long-running start facilitated by excellent leadership in 
their efforts to transition into a more systemic diocese. These efforts 
resulted in 25 of 31 standards rated at Impacting and the other six at 
Improving. With the recent additions to the diocesan office staff who 
are now available to maintain the momentum, the diocese is 
well-positioned to tweak the system to enhance their students' learning 
opportunities further. This will mean working with each school to 
highlight and share its strengths while each school works together to 
find strategies to improve. This could be as simple as sharing ideas and
 looking for patterns across the district more intentionally. The 
diocese is to be congratulated for its strategic work, and the team 
looks forward to watching it grow in the future," Cognia noted in its 
report."The collaborative efforts of school leaders, teachers, 
students, parents, and community members is something we can all be 
proud of. This process has brought our schools closer together, and we 
are looking forward at continued improvements," said Superintendent 
Geoff Andrews.Despite the good news from Cognia, the Salina 
diocese will not rest on its laurels. The next five-year accreditation 
cycle will begin during the 2022-23 school year and will conclude in 
2027, according to information from the diocese.

Catholic Diocese of Salina schools earn accreditation

Seventeen registered nurses at HaysMed were honored recently at a recognition ceremony and luncheon.&nbsp; They completed the yearlong RN Residency Program offered at HaysMed.

The program began a year ago in July 2021 with training focused on clinical experience, one on one mentorship with their preceptor, high-fidelity simulations and on the job training. Additionally, nurses received training from professionals in several departments, such as radiology, pharmacy, cardiac care, peri-op and others.

The RN Residency class from Hays included Alexis Clarke, RN, Lyric Dewey, RN, Yetunde Egundyti, RN, Amethyst Encarnacion, RN, Julia Gfeller, RN, Tina Ariano Kirton, RN, Lori Leiker, RN, Olubukola Ogunsakin, RN, Beverley Sammons, RN, Sarah Schaffer, RN, Cassie Schemm, RN, Sara Schippers, RN, Gannon Spresser, RN, Taylor Wade, RN, Jenna Wark, RN, Rystal Waldman, RN and Lee Ann Wilson, RN.

“It is so important for new nursing graduates to have a group of peers and mentors who assist them in enhancing their skills and becoming comfortable with the challenges of practice,” said Jennifer Peirano, RN Residency Coordinator. “Our program is evidence based, with positive clinical outcomes that will help not only the participating nurses, but also our patients.”

Currently there are 20 nurses scheduled in the next program which begins July 11, 2023.&nbsp; The program is open to newly graduated RNs and RNs that have less than one year of acute care experience.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654805254863.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedSeventeen registered nurses at HaysMed were honored recently at a recognition ceremony and luncheon.&nbsp; They completed the yearlong RN Residency Program offered at HaysMed.The program began a year ago in July 2021 with training focused on clinical experience, one on one mentorship with their preceptor, high-fidelity simulations and on the job training. Additionally, nurses received training from professionals in several departments, such as radiology, pharmacy, cardiac care, peri-op and others.The RN Residency class from Hays included Alexis Clarke, RN, Lyric Dewey, RN, Yetunde Egundyti, RN, Amethyst Encarnacion, RN, Julia Gfeller, RN, Tina Ariano Kirton, RN, Lori Leiker, RN, Olubukola Ogunsakin, RN, Beverley Sammons, RN, Sarah Schaffer, RN, Cassie Schemm, RN, Sara Schippers, RN, Gannon Spresser, RN, Taylor Wade, RN, Jenna Wark, RN, Rystal Waldman, RN and Lee Ann Wilson, RN.“It is so important for new nursing graduates to have a group of peers and mentors who assist them in enhancing their skills and becoming comfortable with the challenges of practice,” said Jennifer Peirano, RN Residency Coordinator. “Our program is evidence based, with positive clinical outcomes that will help not only the participating nurses, but also our patients.”Currently there are 20 nurses scheduled in the next program which begins July 11, 2023.&nbsp; The program is open to newly graduated RNs and RNs that have less than one year of acute care experience.

HaysMed honors nurses completing RN Residency Program

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654886316294.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>

RUSSELL COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Ashton C. Tabor, 20, Wichita, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of Bunker Hill Road when it struck a deer.

The car crossed the median and and traveled westbound on the interstate until coming to a stop.

EMS transported Tabor to the hospital in Russell. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Ashton C. Tabor, 20, Wichita, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of Bunker Hill Road when it struck a deer.The car crossed the median and and traveled westbound on the interstate until coming to a stop.EMS transported Tabor to the hospital in Russell. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after car strikes a deer on I-70

Although graduations are over and Fort Hays State University students are settling into summer break, the university will stay busy as camps, classes and
activities continue throughout the season.

Among the summer activities and returning for its 75th season,<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/musiccamp/"> the High Plains Music
Camp</a>, scheduled for July 10-16, will once again bring music students from
across the plains to Hays.

During the camp, recitals will be hosted Monday through Saturday, showcasing
the work the students and staff put in during the week.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/492ee1e8-09a8-4abf-9c02-124f8c7712d7">The
Hispanic College Institue,</a> which gave students a preview of college life, took
place the first week of June.

<a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/education-outreach/science-camps/index.html">And
the Sternberg Museum will also host a series of Summer Camps at locations
across the U.S.</a> alongside local events.

“If you’ve not been to the Sternberg museums website to see the variety of
camps, they are spectacular,” said Tisa Mason, FHSU president.

The museum will remain open through the summer, welcoming guests from across
the region and beyond to the city.

“It’s great for our community because they’ll be going to the restaurants
and hopefully doing a little shopping locally,” Mason said.

<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/camps/">Science and Math Institute camps,</a>
including a math camp, will return this summer.

“What I really think is great is that the students get to use math to solve
problems and then create their own businesses,” Mason said. “How great to take
young people who have math skills and start having them think about business
planning and entrepreneurship.”

A math camp and camp Norstar, a program to explore rocketry and
nanotechnology, is also scheduled.

Athletes of all stripes will also have the opportunity to explore FHSU
through ongoing athletic camps.

“We’ve got everything from football, cheerleading men and women’s
basketball, wrestling, volleyball, men and women’s soccer,” Mason said. “It’s
just a great opportunity.”

While not in store for this summer, she said $5 million in funding from the
Kansas Legislature would allow air conditioning installation in Gross Memorial
Colesium, expanding those opportunities even more during future years.

“That’ll change opportunities for summer camps and conferences and hosting
different regional events there as well,” Mason said. “So we’re excited about
that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630727435520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAlthough graduations are over and Fort Hays State University students are settling into summer break, the university will stay busy as camps, classes and
activities continue throughout the season.Among the summer activities and returning for its 75th season,<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/musiccamp/"> the High Plains Music
Camp</a>, scheduled for July 10-16, will once again bring music students from
across the plains to Hays.During the camp, recitals will be hosted Monday through Saturday, showcasing
the work the students and staff put in during the week.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/492ee1e8-09a8-4abf-9c02-124f8c7712d7">The
Hispanic College Institue,</a> which gave students a preview of college life, took
place the first week of June.<div><iframe title="School is out, but FHSU busy as ever" 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=j85n4-12499af-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><a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/education-outreach/science-camps/index.html">And
the Sternberg Museum will also host a series of Summer Camps at locations
across the U.S.</a> alongside local events.“If you’ve not been to the Sternberg museums website to see the variety of
camps, they are spectacular,” said Tisa Mason, FHSU president.The museum will remain open through the summer, welcoming guests from across
the region and beyond to the city.“It’s great for our community because they’ll be going to the restaurants
and hopefully doing a little shopping locally,” Mason said.<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/camps/">Science and Math Institute camps,</a>
including a math camp, will return this summer.“What I really think is great is that the students get to use math to solve
problems and then create their own businesses,” Mason said. “How great to take
young people who have math skills and start having them think about business
planning and entrepreneurship.”A math camp and camp Norstar, a program to explore rocketry and
nanotechnology, is also scheduled.Athletes of all stripes will also have the opportunity to explore FHSU
through ongoing athletic camps.“We’ve got everything from football, cheerleading men and women’s
basketball, wrestling, volleyball, men and women’s soccer,” Mason said. “It’s
just a great opportunity.”While not in store for this summer, she said $5 million in funding from the
Kansas Legislature would allow air conditioning installation in Gross Memorial
Colesium, expanding those opportunities even more during future years.“That’ll change opportunities for summer camps and conferences and hosting
different regional events there as well,” Mason said. “So we’re excited about
that.”And while special activities create spurts of activity on campus, a few
classes will be ongoing. And preparations for next year will also advance,
including new student orientations.“For incoming freshmen and transfer students, that will happen all
throughout June and July,” Mason said. “We’re excited about that.”And as the fall semester approaches, efforts will be underway to prepare.“We’re excited our housing contracts are filling up,” Mason said. “So, if
people are thinking about living on campus, now’s the time to check into that (as) we continue to enroll students.”And with a program in place that allows students from across the region to
take advantage of in-state tuition rates, she said more out-of-state students would
descend upon Hays in the coming months.“There are lots of opportunities, both online and on-campus,” Mason said. “We
started that new regional tuition … and we’re seeing increases in students from
out of state that are going to come and live in our community. Again, good for
businesses, as well as we’re just thrilled to have those students on our
campus.”

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