By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Some of the 
unsung heroes are the brave men and women climbing electrical poles to 
restore power to the masses after a storm. Hoisington artist Bruce 
Bitter of B&amp;B Metal Arts is paying tribute to those linemen with his
 "After the Storm" stainless steel installment, recently dedicated to 
Jim McVey at the new Wheatland Electric facility on east 10th Street in 
Great Bend.

The Board of Wheatland Electric dedicated the artwork 
to McVey in recognition of his efforts in managing the design and 
construction of the new facility. Jim's wife, Dana, reached out to 
Bitter for the project. Bitter answered by poring over photographs of 
linemen and speaking with supervisors to get every detail accurate.

"If
 you look, it's got the safety glasses, the current safety straps, the 
right tools," Bitter said. "Everything is up to date with what a 
Wheatland lineman would use. It was also based off their brand new poles
 they are currently using with the fiberglass tops and the bolt 
patterns." 

The full depiction spans 30 feet and includes three 
power poles with two linemen working. Bitter worked on the project from 
August to October, perfecting many of the fine details and colors.

"The
 coloring is what I can get out of the stainless steel," he said. "It's 
more of an art than a science. You can't reproduce it, you have to know 
what you're doing. You take the heat like a paintbrush over the steel to
 create all the different colors."

Much like his previous 9/11 memorial that included steel from an 
actual World Trade Center building, "After the Storm" also incorporates 
various elements to heighten the work's authenticity.

"It actually
 has copper staples in there," Bitter said. "It has a copper ground wire
 ground down it. I simulated the wood on the telephone poles, I used the
 correct insulators, and how they tied the straps and electrical lines. 
Everything was correctly proportioned."

Since opening B&amp;B 
Metal Arts with his brother, Brent, in 1995, Bruce has remained busy. 
Some of his larger projects include the 9/11 Memorial and a Steve 
Fossett memorial at Salina Regional Airport. Closer to home, Bruce 
recently completed an installment for the Barton Community College Fine 
Arts Building. He created the signs for Dry Lake Brewing and P&amp;S 
Security, and the hospital benches for Clara Barton Hospital. In 2013, 
his life-sized baseball and softball players were commissioned for the 
entrance of the Great Bend Sports Complex.

"After the Storm" will 
be on display at Wheatland's open house on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 10 
a.m. to 2 p.m. The new facility is located at 200 10th Street in Great 
Bend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660842193472.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSome of the 
unsung heroes are the brave men and women climbing electrical poles to 
restore power to the masses after a storm. Hoisington artist Bruce 
Bitter of B&amp;B Metal Arts is paying tribute to those linemen with his
 "After the Storm" stainless steel installment, recently dedicated to 
Jim McVey at the new Wheatland Electric facility on east 10th Street in 
Great Bend.The Board of Wheatland Electric dedicated the artwork 
to McVey in recognition of his efforts in managing the design and 
construction of the new facility. Jim's wife, Dana, reached out to 
Bitter for the project. Bitter answered by poring over photographs of 
linemen and speaking with supervisors to get every detail accurate."If
 you look, it's got the safety glasses, the current safety straps, the 
right tools," Bitter said. "Everything is up to date with what a 
Wheatland lineman would use. It was also based off their brand new poles
 they are currently using with the fiberglass tops and the bolt 
patterns." The full depiction spans 30 feet and includes three 
power poles with two linemen working. Bitter worked on the project from 
August to October, perfecting many of the fine details and colors."The
 coloring is what I can get out of the stainless steel," he said. "It's 
more of an art than a science. You can't reproduce it, you have to know 
what you're doing. You take the heat like a paintbrush over the steel to
 create all the different colors."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660842232907.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Much like his previous 9/11 memorial that included steel from an 
actual World Trade Center building, "After the Storm" also incorporates 
various elements to heighten the work's authenticity."It actually
 has copper staples in there," Bitter said. "It has a copper ground wire
 ground down it. I simulated the wood on the telephone poles, I used the
 correct insulators, and how they tied the straps and electrical lines. 
Everything was correctly proportioned."Since opening B&amp;B 
Metal Arts with his brother, Brent, in 1995, Bruce has remained busy. 
Some of his larger projects include the 9/11 Memorial and a Steve 
Fossett memorial at Salina Regional Airport. Closer to home, Bruce 
recently completed an installment for the Barton Community College Fine 
Arts Building. He created the signs for Dry Lake Brewing and P&amp;S 
Security, and the hospital benches for Clara Barton Hospital. In 2013, 
his life-sized baseball and softball players were commissioned for the 
entrance of the Great Bend Sports Complex."After the Storm" will 
be on display at Wheatland's open house on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 10 
a.m. to 2 p.m. The new facility is located at 200 10th Street in Great 
Bend.

'After the Storm': Hoisington artist depicts linemen in new piece

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Rose Garden Banquet Hall owner Kim Barnes discuss the upcoming Education Appreciation Dinner.

<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="Hays Chamber Education Appreciation Dinner set for August 30" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j6429-12a0663-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger along with Rose Garden Banquet Hall owner Kim Barnes discuss the upcoming Education Appreciation Dinner. <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: Hays Chamber Education Appreciation Dinner set for August 30

Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame inducted their inaugural class on Saturday, Aug. 13. A class of 16 made up of teams, athletes, and individuals made up the first group.

The night was hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn and included dinner for the 280 in attendance.

Sponsors of the night included Edward Jones, Jeter Law Firm, Bank of Hays, Premier Business Management, RD Graphics, Shutter Glimpses, Northwestern Printers and Tribe Broadcasting.

A DVD of the night can be purchased by emailing Dan Balman (<a href="mailto:dbalman@usd489.com">dbalman@usd489.com</a>) with Tribe Broadcasting at Hays High School. The cost is $20 with half going back to the Tribe Broadcasting program.

A kiosk is being purchased that will be placed inside Hays High School which will highlight the member of the Athletics Hall of Fame. Sponsorship of the kiosk is available by contacting Board President Kirk Maska.

A nomination form is now available for future classes. The deadline is Feb. 1. The form can be found on the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame Facebook page and <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfifO1Q6LWMtVi2eD-DFfr26J3Oo5YLmBkwBCVFCC0956w7Hg/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1&amp;flr=0">HERE</a>.

There is an eligibility form to review before submitting the document. Some of the key points include athletes being removed from the school for a minimum of ten years and coaches/contributors for five years.

Anybody wishing to make a tax deductible donation to support the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame and the scholarship program they are establishing can send their donation to the USD 489 Foundation tagged for Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame.

- 1944 state champion boys basketball team - 1953 football team (8-0-1) - 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) - 1989 girls track state championship team - Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) - Dale Alexander- Track (1959) - Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) - Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) - Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) - Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) - Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) - Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) - Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) - Coach Jim Maska - Coach Bob Kuhn - Athletic Director Mike Karl&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame inducted their inaugural class on Saturday, Aug. 13. A class of 16 made up of teams, athletes, and individuals made up the first group.The night was hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn and included dinner for the 280 in attendance.Sponsors of the night included Edward Jones, Jeter Law Firm, Bank of Hays, Premier Business Management, RD Graphics, Shutter Glimpses, Northwestern Printers and Tribe Broadcasting.A DVD of the night can be purchased by emailing Dan Balman (<a href="mailto:dbalman@usd489.com">dbalman@usd489.com</a>) with Tribe Broadcasting at Hays High School. The cost is $20 with half going back to the Tribe Broadcasting program.A kiosk is being purchased that will be placed inside Hays High School which will highlight the member of the Athletics Hall of Fame. Sponsorship of the kiosk is available by contacting Board President Kirk Maska.A nomination form is now available for future classes. The deadline is Feb. 1. The form can be found on the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame Facebook page and <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfifO1Q6LWMtVi2eD-DFfr26J3Oo5YLmBkwBCVFCC0956w7Hg/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1&amp;flr=0">HERE</a>.There is an eligibility form to review before submitting the document. Some of the key points include athletes being removed from the school for a minimum of ten years and coaches/contributors for five years.Anybody wishing to make a tax deductible donation to support the Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame and the scholarship program they are establishing can send their donation to the USD 489 Foundation tagged for Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame.2022 Inductees:- 1944 state champion boys basketball team - 1953 football team (8-0-1) - 1954 football team (9-0, #4 in final poll, no playoffs a that time) - 1989 girls track state championship team - Willard Schmidt - Baseball (1946) - Dale Alexander- Track (1959) - Gene Rider - Basketball, Baseball (1964) - Carmen Ginther - Tennis (1978) - Marla Powell - Volleyball, Basketball, Track (1981) - Terrie Sargent - Volleyball, Basketball, Track(1981) - Tamara Munsch - Golf (2000) - Jeff Bieker - Baseball (2001) - Marcus Watts - Football, Basketball, Track (2002) - Coach Jim Maska - Coach Bob Kuhn - Athletic Director Mike Karl&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame inaugural banquet in the books

Thank you to these sponsors for making a difference! The Ellis Junior Free Fair was a wonderful success!&nbsp;

Farm Bureau Financial Services-Jason Pfeifer

Farmland Auction and Realty Co., Inc. -Hays

Hays Veterinary Hospital Prof. Assoc. -Hays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660581110169.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thank you to these sponsors for making a difference! The Ellis Junior Free Fair was a wonderful success!&nbsp;A&amp;A Coors-HaysAgiliti HealthA.J and Linda PfannenstielAdvantage Glass Plus of Hays, Inc.American Family-Curt StaabArthur's Pizza &amp; Mexican FoodsBank of HaysBig Creek Restoration, LLCBig Creek SupplyBittel-Haas ConstructionBrian and Amanda ShannonBuiltwell Construction and Roofing, LLCCasey'sCCW Farms-Wade PfannenstielChrist Lutheran ChurchChubbs BBQClint &amp; Kevin UrbanCottage Lane Pumpkin PatchDaren FischerDanny KellerDavid and LuAnn PfeiferDavid and Twila WilsonDavon ArmbristerDennis &amp; Rhonda WolfDowning-Nelson Oil Co. , IncDreiling Field Service and TowingDuane &amp; Karen DorzweilerEck &amp; Eck ConstructionEHS CheerleadersEldon &amp; Charlotte PfeiferElite Pipe Testing, Inc.Ellis County Fair BoardEllis County ConcreteEllis Credit UnionEllis High School AlumniEllis NutritionEllis Recreation CommissionEllis Review (Main Street Media)Ellis Volunteer Fire Dept.Equity BankFarm Bureau Financial Services-Jason PfeiferFarmland Auction and Realty Co., Inc. -HaysFinish Line Lease Service, LLCFischer Pipe TestingFischer Well ServiceFlatlander Dirt Works LLCFrozen FrogGD FarmsGlenn KohlGolden B Hydra Drilling LLCGolden Belt BankGolden Belt Cooperative Assoc. Inc.Golden Belt Telephone Assoc.Hays Medical CenterHays Veterinary Hospital Prof. Assoc. -HaysHeartland TankHess ServicesHigh Plains Farm CreditHonas Tank ServiceHorizon Pipe TestingI-70 Truck Repair-HaysIn Memory of Lisa PfannenstielInnovative Automation &amp; ControlsInvenenergyJ.P. FarmsJ and D Pump and SupplyJean DevaderJeff and Emily KohlJim and Becky MetzlerKeithley Funeral HomeKeller Brothers INC.Kent and Shelly HensleyKnights of Columbus-Reed AgencyLane SmithLang DieselLeon’s Welding and Fabrication LLCLG MachineLifetime Dental CareLJB Farms, LLCLouie's Bar and GrillLyle &amp; Lynelle GottschalkMark and Lisa WeberMicheael J. BiekerMike Schuster FamilyMike's Septic, LLCMiracle EarMonique WilliamsNutrienPfeifer FarmsPfeifer Show PigsRadke Implement-HaysRich’s IGARomme Insurance AgencyRupp BlindsRylee WerthSalon 816Sandy WaldschmidtShelter Insurance-Tim KohlrusShelter Insurance-Todd KellerSimpson Farm Enterprises-HaysSwede &amp; Jenni HolmgrenSwift Services, Inc.Tim KinderknechtTom and Marcy McClellandTrio Hometown SupplyTWI Insurance ServicesTwila LargeUltimate Well Service-Terry GaschlerVerlin and Donna HonasVyve BroadbandWade and Sharon PfannenstielWeber Well PumpingWolf MemorialZimmerman Farms

Popeyes restaurant coming to Hays early next year

A jazzy salute to fiddling fun from Anderson, Gould, Gershwin

The Hays Symphony will be presenting an Outdoor Pops Concert as part of the Hays Arts Council’s Art Walk on Friday, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m., in the Hays Pavilion located at 10th&nbsp;and Main.&nbsp;The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor concert celebrating American music in this Pops Potpourri Concert. Each of the featured composers offers a unique representation of music from the Twentieth Century. This group of American composers, Leroy Anderson, George Gershwin, Morton Gould and Richard Hayman were all giants in their field, creating a kind of American songbook.

Once considered as America’s favorite ‘pop’ conductor, Richard Hayman conducted a myriad of ensembles throughout the Eastern United States, eventually becoming the chief arranger for the Boston Pops during Arthur Fielder’s tenure. His&nbsp;Pops Hoedown&nbsp;is a kind of ‘Yeehaar,’ barnyard romp giving the musicians of the orchestra quite a workout.

Maestro Buckstead programmed several of Leroy Anderson’s works for this concert, the most famous of which being the “Syncopated Clock.” The work features the woodblock with a constant rhythmic pulse intertwined with short light melodies in the strings. John Williams described Mr. Anderson as “one of the greatest American masters of light orchestral music.”

Morton Gould was considered a child prodigy, having his first composition published at the age of six. He later went on to study at the prestigious Julliard School and became an accomplished pianist. His was employed at Radio City Music Hall as a staff pianist, exposing him to the both classical and popular programming of the day.&nbsp;Yankee Doodlewas inspired by his lifelong endearment of those who served in our armed services.&nbsp;American Salute&nbsp;was originally written for orchestra (in 24 hours) then later for band. The work represents Gould’s skill in thematic development; he creates the work based solely upon the melody of&nbsp;When Johnny Comes Marching Home.&nbsp;

George Gershwin so well known for his epic&nbsp;Rhapsody in Blue, and jazzy show stopping Broadway tunes showed his more reflective side with his “Lullaby for Strings.”&nbsp;When&nbsp;Lullaby&nbsp;was finally published in 1968, Ira Gershwin wrote, “It may not be the Gershwin of&nbsp;Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, and his other concert works, but I find it charming and kind.”

This free concert and the post-concert reception consisting of cookies and drinks is&nbsp;made possible by Cathy’s Breads and AutoWorld.

<h2>A jazzy salute to fiddling fun from Anderson, Gould, Gershwin</h2>News releaseThe Hays Symphony will be presenting an Outdoor Pops Concert as part of the Hays Arts Council’s Art Walk on Friday, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m., in the Hays Pavilion located at 10th&nbsp;and Main.&nbsp;The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor concert celebrating American music in this Pops Potpourri Concert. Each of the featured composers offers a unique representation of music from the Twentieth Century. This group of American composers, Leroy Anderson, George Gershwin, Morton Gould and Richard Hayman were all giants in their field, creating a kind of American songbook.Once considered as America’s favorite ‘pop’ conductor, Richard Hayman conducted a myriad of ensembles throughout the Eastern United States, eventually becoming the chief arranger for the Boston Pops during Arthur Fielder’s tenure. His&nbsp;Pops Hoedown&nbsp;is a kind of ‘Yeehaar,’ barnyard romp giving the musicians of the orchestra quite a workout.Maestro Buckstead programmed several of Leroy Anderson’s works for this concert, the most famous of which being the “Syncopated Clock.” The work features the woodblock with a constant rhythmic pulse intertwined with short light melodies in the strings. John Williams described Mr. Anderson as “one of the greatest American masters of light orchestral music.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633364673862.png" alt="Dr. Brian Buckstead" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Brian Buckstead</figcaption>
 </figure>Morton Gould was considered a child prodigy, having his first composition published at the age of six. He later went on to study at the prestigious Julliard School and became an accomplished pianist. His was employed at Radio City Music Hall as a staff pianist, exposing him to the both classical and popular programming of the day.&nbsp;Yankee Doodlewas inspired by his lifelong endearment of those who served in our armed services.&nbsp;American Salute&nbsp;was originally written for orchestra (in 24 hours) then later for band. The work represents Gould’s skill in thematic development; he creates the work based solely upon the melody of&nbsp;When Johnny Comes Marching Home.&nbsp;George Gershwin so well known for his epic&nbsp;Rhapsody in Blue, and jazzy show stopping Broadway tunes showed his more reflective side with his “Lullaby for Strings.”&nbsp;When&nbsp;Lullaby&nbsp;was finally published in 1968, Ira Gershwin wrote, “It may not be the Gershwin of&nbsp;Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, and his other concert works, but I find it charming and kind.”This free concert and the post-concert reception consisting of cookies and drinks is&nbsp;made possible by Cathy’s Breads and AutoWorld.

Hays Symphony schedules outdoor pops concert

	The Hays Striders track team were in competition at the AAU Junior Olympic Games July 29 through Aug. 7 in Greensboro, N.C. Of the 125 Striders on the 2022 team, 11 made the trip to compete against the best athletes in the nation. The weeklong competition serves as the culmination of the training and dedication the athletes started in April, with qualifying meets held in Hays and Joplin Missouri in June.

	“We are just so proud of our kids,” Coach Dave Haberman said of the Striders. “They have put in the work required to compete at this meet, and it definitely shows with their results.” 

The Striders have had athletes compete in every Junior Olympic meet since its inception and look to continue that tradition next year at the USATF Junior Olympic meet in Eugene, Oregon, and the AAU meet in Des Moines, Iowa.

	“Everybody is excited about the potential to compete next year at ‘Track Town, USA’ in Eugene next year,” Haberman said. Eugene is home to numerous championships, including the Olympic Trials for the USA. “Quite a few of our athletes will continue to compete in their school programs this fall and next spring, and then start up with us again once those seasons ends."

	Even though the Striders sent a contingent of athletes to the Junior Olympics every year, Haberman feels it’s important not to discount those who do not go or even qualify. 

“We have a great team of athletes with wonderful families in our area,” Haberman said. “It’s those athletes, maybe out for their first or second year, as well as those nationally competitive kids that come out every day to train, that are the backbone of our team. They are the future of track and field in Hays and their communities, and this program will hopefully give them a good start when that interscholastic season comes around with their schools. We tell parents every year that we’re just hoping that ‘track bug’ bites so they will love track and field like we hope they will.”&nbsp;

The following are the Hays Striders results from the Junior Olympics of the Girls Division:

Aliviah Ball, 14, brought home a 3rd Place medal in the high jump with a leap of 5’3”

Audrina Ortiz, 14, placed 38th in the 100 meter hurdles at 17.25 seconds, and 52nd in the 200 meter hurdles with 31.61.&nbsp;

Lyndi Zimmerman, 13, placed 12th in the Pentathlon with 2,191 points; and 27th in the 200 meter hurdles at 31.53 seconds.

Makayla Lewallen, 13, placed 9th in the Pentathlon with 2,316 points; 7612st in the 1500 meter run at 5:36.48, and 31st in the 100 meter hurdles with a run of 17.80 seconds.

Sydney Lewallen, 12, placed 87th in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:49.75.

On the Boys side, results include:

Emery Zimmerman, 10, bringing home a 3rd place medal in the 1500 meter run with a time of 5:05.10; and a 10th place finish in the 800 meter run at 2:28.86

Tayte Lewallen, 10, placed 22nd in the Triathlon with 489 points; 69th in the 800 meter&nbsp;run with a time of 2:51.16, and 39th in the 1500 meter run at 5:40.39

Kobe Schmidt, 11, placed 49th in the 400 meter dash with a run of 1:06,75

Caleb Englert, 14, took a 23rd place finish in the Shot Put with a toss of 39’1 ¼”

Auston Bland, 13, placed 11th in the Javelin with a throw of 104’11”

Grayson Walburn, 17-18, placed 10th in the Discus with a throw of 153’9”; and 59th in the&nbsp;Shot Put at 40”6”.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660330630700.jpeg" alt="Emery Zimmerman, 3rd Place" />
 <figcaption>Emery Zimmerman, 3rd Place</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted	The Hays Striders track team were in competition at the AAU Junior Olympic Games July 29 through Aug. 7 in Greensboro, N.C. Of the 125 Striders on the 2022 team, 11 made the trip to compete against the best athletes in the nation. The weeklong competition serves as the culmination of the training and dedication the athletes started in April, with qualifying meets held in Hays and Joplin Missouri in June.	“We are just so proud of our kids,” Coach Dave Haberman said of the Striders. “They have put in the work required to compete at this meet, and it definitely shows with their results.” The Striders have had athletes compete in every Junior Olympic meet since its inception and look to continue that tradition next year at the USATF Junior Olympic meet in Eugene, Oregon, and the AAU meet in Des Moines, Iowa.	“Everybody is excited about the potential to compete next year at ‘Track Town, USA’ in Eugene next year,” Haberman said. Eugene is home to numerous championships, including the Olympic Trials for the USA. “Quite a few of our athletes will continue to compete in their school programs this fall and next spring, and then start up with us again once those seasons ends."	Even though the Striders sent a contingent of athletes to the Junior Olympics every year, Haberman feels it’s important not to discount those who do not go or even qualify. “We have a great team of athletes with wonderful families in our area,” Haberman said. “It’s those athletes, maybe out for their first or second year, as well as those nationally competitive kids that come out every day to train, that are the backbone of our team. They are the future of track and field in Hays and their communities, and this program will hopefully give them a good start when that interscholastic season comes around with their schools. We tell parents every year that we’re just hoping that ‘track bug’ bites so they will love track and field like we hope they will.”&nbsp;	The following are the Hays Striders results from the Junior Olympics of the Girls Division:Aliviah Ball, 14, brought home a 3rd Place medal in the high jump with a leap of 5’3”Audrina Ortiz, 14, placed 38th in the 100 meter hurdles at 17.25 seconds, and 52nd in the 200 meter hurdles with 31.61.&nbsp;Lyndi Zimmerman, 13, placed 12th in the Pentathlon with 2,191 points; and 27th in the 200 meter hurdles at 31.53 seconds.Makayla Lewallen, 13, placed 9th in the Pentathlon with 2,316 points; 7612st in the 1500 meter run at 5:36.48, and 31st in the 100 meter hurdles with a run of 17.80 seconds.Sydney Lewallen, 12, placed 87th in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:49.75.On the Boys side, results include:Emery Zimmerman, 10, bringing home a 3rd place medal in the 1500 meter run with a time of 5:05.10; and a 10th place finish in the 800 meter run at 2:28.86Tayte Lewallen, 10, placed 22nd in the Triathlon with 489 points; 69th in the 800 meter&nbsp;run with a time of 2:51.16, and 39th in the 1500 meter run at 5:40.39Kobe Schmidt, 11, placed 49th in the 400 meter dash with a run of 1:06,75Caleb Englert, 14, took a 23rd place finish in the Shot Put with a toss of 39’1 ¼”Auston Bland, 13, placed 11th in the Javelin with a throw of 104’11”Grayson Walburn, 17-18, placed 10th in the Discus with a throw of 153’9”; and 59th in the&nbsp;Shot Put at 40”6”.

👟 11 Hays Striders compete in Junior Olympics in N.C.

Kali DeBey is a nursing student at Fort Hays State University. Like many non-traditional students, she must balance the immense demands of full-time work, a challenging academic program, and her responsibilities as a wife and mother of three boys, ages 4-11. Kali works as a surgical scrub technician in the operating rooms of the Hays Medical Center. This year, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. 

Her goal is to work in a nursing home. She believes the elderly deserve the best care possible, and she wants to be part of giving them the best quality of life possible.&nbsp;

This fall, Kali will begin a demanding and time-intensive course of study in the classrooms and nursing laboratories of Stroup Hall. Her middle son, Abel, will join her for part of her morning and afternoon routines on campus. Kali and Abel will start and end their day on campus in Rarick Hall, the home of the Tiger Tots Preschool Center. The premiere program of its kind in our region, Tiger Tots,&nbsp;offers a positive and safe environment that promotes each child’s social, physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. Tiger Tots opened its doors in the fall of 1981 with the primary purpose of serving FHSU students. Now more than 40 years later, this focus remains.&nbsp;

Kali appreciates the tremendous resource the Tiger Tots Preschool Center is for the campus community. “It’s a fun and interactive place for the children and a super helpful asset for any student-parent looking to go to or back to school. Like my mother, I trust the faculty and staff. For me, the best feature may be that I can visit Abel between classes,” said Kali.

Kali DeBey has a special connection to Tiger Tots. She is herself an alumna of the program. As she prepares to drop Abel off at preschool, she remembers her mother, then a social work major, dropping her off at Tiger Tots each morning. And when she and Abel arrive, a familiar face will be there to greet them. It is the same face Kali used to see every morning when she was a Tiger Tot herself-the face and the welcoming smile of veteran Sara Stroup. She was one of Kali’s teachers when she was a Tiger Tot.

Sara is also an alumna of FHSU. While earning her master’s degree, Sara was teaching at Tiger Tots, where she had the opportunity to enjoy Kali and her family. She then taught at Hays, USD #489 Head Start program until 2009, when she returned to FHSU as an instructor in the Teacher Education Department. In early 2014, Natalie Unruh and Sara wrote a proposal to make the Tiger Tots Nurtury Center part of the Teacher Education Department. In&nbsp;2015,&nbsp;Natalie and Sara began their leadership roles at Tiger Tots while continuing to teach courses in the early childhood unified program. They shifted the focus from a daycare setting with preschool activities to a preschool setting with daycare available in the afternoon. In 2015, they hired lead teacher Penny McGinnis. Sara and lead teacher Penny McGinnis wanted the facility’s name to reflect the center’s focus on learning more accurately, so in 2019, the Tiger Tots Nurtury Center officially became the FHSU Tiger Tots Preschool Center.&nbsp;

The recent renovation of Rarick Hall that I discussed in a previous Heart of a Tiger Column included a total makeover of the Tiger Tots spaces. The renovation added space for the children to spread out and explore in the classroom and the outside play area, office space for the director and lead teacher, better lighting, and a sound-dampening system built around a big artificial tree in the middle of the room. The renovation also provided an observation&nbsp;room&nbsp;forparents and FHSU students&nbsp;in education, social services, and allied health majors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The new academic year begins next week, and Tiger Tots is at full enrollment. On hand to greet the students and parents will be Sharon Tallman, the program’s new lead teacher. Sharon brings more than 27 years of teaching experience to the program.

Priority enrollment in the Tiger Tots Preschool Center is given to FHSU students and students enrolled in the North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) or the Hays Academy of Hair partnership programs. The “<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/student-affairs/ncktc-gateway-program/">NCKTC Gateway Program</a>” provides students enrolled in a two-year associate’s degree program to live and take classes on the FHSU campus. Enrollment is also open to the children of FHSU staff and faculty. Learn more about the Tiger Tots Preschool program at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/tigertots/">fhsu.edu/tigertots</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Kali DeBey is a nursing student at Fort Hays State University. Like many non-traditional students, she must balance the immense demands of full-time work, a challenging academic program, and her responsibilities as a wife and mother of three boys, ages 4-11. Kali works as a surgical scrub technician in the operating rooms of the Hays Medical Center. This year, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Her goal is to work in a nursing home. She believes the elderly deserve the best care possible, and she wants to be part of giving them the best quality of life possible.&nbsp;This fall, Kali will begin a demanding and time-intensive course of study in the classrooms and nursing laboratories of Stroup Hall. Her middle son, Abel, will join her for part of her morning and afternoon routines on campus. Kali and Abel will start and end their day on campus in Rarick Hall, the home of the Tiger Tots Preschool Center. The premiere program of its kind in our region, Tiger Tots,&nbsp;offers a positive and safe environment that promotes each child’s social, physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. Tiger Tots opened its doors in the fall of 1981 with the primary purpose of serving FHSU students. Now more than 40 years later, this focus remains.&nbsp;Kali appreciates the tremendous resource the Tiger Tots Preschool Center is for the campus community. “It’s a fun and interactive place for the children and a super helpful asset for any student-parent looking to go to or back to school. Like my mother, I trust the faculty and staff. For me, the best feature may be that I can visit Abel between classes,” said Kali.Kali DeBey has a special connection to Tiger Tots. She is herself an alumna of the program. As she prepares to drop Abel off at preschool, she remembers her mother, then a social work major, dropping her off at Tiger Tots each morning. And when she and Abel arrive, a familiar face will be there to greet them. It is the same face Kali used to see every morning when she was a Tiger Tot herself-the face and the welcoming smile of veteran Sara Stroup. She was one of Kali’s teachers when she was a Tiger Tot.Sara is also an alumna of FHSU. While earning her master’s degree, Sara was teaching at Tiger Tots, where she had the opportunity to enjoy Kali and her family. She then taught at Hays, USD #489 Head Start program until 2009, when she returned to FHSU as an instructor in the Teacher Education Department. In early 2014, Natalie Unruh and Sara wrote a proposal to make the Tiger Tots Nurtury Center part of the Teacher Education Department. In&nbsp;2015,&nbsp;Natalie and Sara began their leadership roles at Tiger Tots while continuing to teach courses in the early childhood unified program. They shifted the focus from a daycare setting with preschool activities to a preschool setting with daycare available in the afternoon. In 2015, they hired lead teacher Penny McGinnis. Sara and lead teacher Penny McGinnis wanted the facility’s name to reflect the center’s focus on learning more accurately, so in 2019, the Tiger Tots Nurtury Center officially became the FHSU Tiger Tots Preschool Center.&nbsp;The recent renovation of Rarick Hall that I discussed in a previous Heart of a Tiger Column included a total makeover of the Tiger Tots spaces. The renovation added space for the children to spread out and explore in the classroom and the outside play area, office space for the director and lead teacher, better lighting, and a sound-dampening system built around a big artificial tree in the middle of the room. The renovation also provided an observation&nbsp;room&nbsp;forparents and FHSU students&nbsp;in education, social services, and allied health majors.&nbsp;&nbsp;The new academic year begins next week, and Tiger Tots is at full enrollment. On hand to greet the students and parents will be Sharon Tallman, the program’s new lead teacher. Sharon brings more than 27 years of teaching experience to the program.Priority enrollment in the Tiger Tots Preschool Center is given to FHSU students and students enrolled in the North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) or the Hays Academy of Hair partnership programs. The “<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/student-affairs/ncktc-gateway-program/">NCKTC Gateway Program</a>” provides students enrolled in a two-year associate’s degree program to live and take classes on the FHSU campus. Enrollment is also open to the children of FHSU staff and faculty. Learn more about the Tiger Tots Preschool program at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/tigertots/">fhsu.edu/tigertots</a>.&nbsp;

Heart of a Tiger: Four decades, two generations of Tiger Tots 

<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/2022/8/1660753413950.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Good fences make good neighbors is the old saying we’ve all heard. The challenge is that there are many things that property owners need to be aware of when it comes to fences and fence laws.&nbsp;

Roger McEowen, Washburn University School of Law &amp;&nbsp;KSU Ag Economist, a&nbsp;noted agricultural law specialist, will present an informative program on Kansas fence law.&nbsp;It will be held on Tuesday, August 23rd&nbsp;at 7:00 pm at the Geary County 4-H/Senior Citizens Building, 1025 S. Spring Valley Road, Junction City, KS. The seminar will also be&nbsp;Livestreamed&nbsp;Online.&nbsp;To register for the&nbsp;Livestream&nbsp;go to&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3C6V2v3">https://bit.ly/3C6V2v3</a>

Topics to be addressed include basics of the Kansas fence law statutes; partition fences; locating, building and maintaining legal fences; handling fence disputes; highway fences; adverse possession and other regularly encountered fence law questions.&nbsp;

There is no charge to attend this seminar,&nbsp;it is open to the public&nbsp;but registration is required. A recording of the presentation will be available afterward. To find that information following the seminar go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agmanager.info/">www.agmanager.info</a>

If you have any questions you can contact myself or Alicia Boor in either Cottonwood District Office or also contact Chuck Otte, Geary County Extension agent at 785-238-4161,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cotte@ksu.edu">cotte@ksu.edu</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660758678943.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictGood fences make good neighbors is the old saying we’ve all heard. The challenge is that there are many things that property owners need to be aware of when it comes to fences and fence laws.&nbsp;Roger McEowen, Washburn University School of Law &amp;&nbsp;KSU Ag Economist, a&nbsp;noted agricultural law specialist, will present an informative program on Kansas fence law.&nbsp;It will be held on Tuesday, August 23rd&nbsp;at 7:00 pm at the Geary County 4-H/Senior Citizens Building, 1025 S. Spring Valley Road, Junction City, KS. The seminar will also be&nbsp;Livestreamed&nbsp;Online.&nbsp;To register for the&nbsp;Livestream&nbsp;go to&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3C6V2v3">https://bit.ly/3C6V2v3</a>Topics to be addressed include basics of the Kansas fence law statutes; partition fences; locating, building and maintaining legal fences; handling fence disputes; highway fences; adverse possession and other regularly encountered fence law questions.&nbsp;There is no charge to attend this seminar,&nbsp;it is open to the public&nbsp;but registration is required. A recording of the presentation will be available afterward. To find that information following the seminar go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agmanager.info/">www.agmanager.info</a>If you have any questions you can contact myself or Alicia Boor in either Cottonwood District Office or also contact Chuck Otte, Geary County Extension agent at 785-238-4161,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cotte@ksu.edu">cotte@ksu.edu</a>Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

Kansas fence law seminar will be livestreamed

Rooks Co. man sentenced 24+ years in prison for 2020 murder

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 38 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Aug. 6 to 12.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Nearly the entire state is now in the high-incidence classification (see map below). In northwest Kansas, Rush, Ness, Graham, Sheridan and Rawlins counties were in low, moderate or substantial incidence categories.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 7,604 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660757413684.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 38 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Aug. 6 to 12.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Nearly the entire state is now in the high-incidence classification (see map below). In northwest Kansas, Rush, Ness, Graham, Sheridan and Rawlins counties were in low, moderate or substantial incidence categories.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,604 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths as of April 1. KDHE has also discontinued county-by-county death totals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660757448004.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 38 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

Correction: Due to an error posted on the Kansas Highway Patrol crash log, according to Trooper Michael Racy. The story has been corrected.

PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Tuesday in Pawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Clifton Wade&nbsp;Rodriguez, 35 Larned, was southbound on Kansas 19 two miles south of the K19 East junction. 

The SUV traveled into the west ditch. The driver overcorrected, traveled into the east ditch and the SUV struck a tree.

EMS transported Rodriguez to the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital for treatment of serious injures. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Correction: Due to an error posted on the Kansas Highway Patrol crash log, according to Trooper Michael Racy. The story has been corrected.PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Tuesday in Pawnee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Clifton Wade&nbsp;Rodriguez, 35 Larned, was southbound on Kansas 19 two miles south of the K19 East junction. The SUV traveled into the west ditch. The driver overcorrected, traveled into the east ditch and the SUV struck a tree.EMS transported Rodriguez to the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital for treatment of serious injures. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Correction: Larned man injured after SUV strikes a tree 

UPDATE: At 7:22 p.m. the man sought by the Russell Police Department that had fled from the Russell Regional Hospital was reported to be in custody.

The Russell Police Department Wednesday morning was looking for an injured man that had fled on foot.

A notification sent through the city's emergency alert system at 6:55 a.m. said the suspect was on foot and was described as a "white male, 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, with dark shaved hair."

"He wearing a black zip-up jacket or is shirtless and wearing blue shorts with an injury to the right lower leg," the alert continued. "If you see him please do not approach and call 911."

An update a minute later reported the man was last seen fleeing from Russell Regional Hospital.

<a href="http://www.russellcity.org//AlertCenter.aspx?AID=136">The alert can be seen at&nbsp;http://www.russellcity.org//AlertCenter.aspx?AID=136.</a>

UPDATE: At 7:22 p.m. the man sought by the Russell Police Department that had fled from the Russell Regional Hospital was reported to be in custody.Original storyThe Russell Police Department Wednesday morning was looking for an injured man that had fled on foot.A notification sent through the city's emergency alert system at 6:55 a.m. said the suspect was on foot and was described as a "white male, 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, with dark shaved hair.""He wearing a black zip-up jacket or is shirtless and wearing blue shorts with an injury to the right lower leg," the alert continued. "If you see him please do not approach and call 911."An update a minute later reported the man was last seen fleeing from Russell Regional Hospital.<a href="http://www.russellcity.org//AlertCenter.aspx?AID=136">The alert can be seen at&nbsp;http://www.russellcity.org//AlertCenter.aspx?AID=136.</a>

UPDATE: Russell Police searching for injured man 

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> Kansas Reflector

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/"></a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly nominated a banker, educator and a chamber of commerce official Tuesday to vacancies on the Kansas Board of Regents and completed a process of placing her imprint on all nine positions of the higher education coordinating board.

The governor selected John B. Dicus, chairman of Capitol Federal Savings; Diana Mendoza, Dodge City public school director of English for speakers of other languages; and Blake Benson, president of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. If confirmed, each could serve four-year terms.

“Blake, John and Diana bring a depth of knowledge and a diverse set of professional expertise that will serve our students well,” Kelly said. “I look forward to collaborating with them and the rest of the Board of Regents to further strengthen our higher education system, prepare our students for careers of the future and expand our state’s workforce to drive economic growth.”

The bipartisan Board of Regents has jurisdiction over state universities in Emporia, Hays, Lawrence, Manhattan, Pittsburg and Wichita as well as satellite campuses of those universities. The board also has oversight of the state’s community colleges and technical colleges as well as Washburn University in Topeka.

The Democratic governor’s nominees will be subject to confirmation hearings and votes in the Republican-led Kansas Senate. The process historically was a low-key affair resulting in approval of a governor’s selections. In 2022, however, a group of GOP senators engaged in a contentious examination of nominees Wint Winter, Cynthia Lane and Carl Ice. All three were eventually confirmed by the Senate.

Kelly’s latest selections would replace board members Bill Feuerborn, Mark Hutton and Allen Schmidt — all former members of the Kansas Legislature. Their terms expired in June. Feuerborn had been appointed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, while Hutton and Schmidt were put on the board by GOP Gov. Jeff Colyer.

Dicus, who has worked at Capitol Federal Savings for 37 years, serves as chairman, chief executive officer and president of the bank. Dicus received bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business at the University of Kansas.

He’s a trustee of the Washburn University Foundation and an executive committee trustee of the KU Endowment Association. In 2012, the Capitol Federal Foundation committed $20 million toward construction of the School of Business building at KU.

Mendoza, director of diversity and English programs in Dodge City schools, has worked in public education for more than 20 years. In her current job, she works with teachers to improve delivery of instruction to a diverse student population.

She earned an associate’s degre at Dodge City Community College. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Kansas State University.

Benson, president of the Chamber of Commerce in Pittsburg, received a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Arkansas State University. In Pittsburg, he’s worked 16 years to further economic development in southeast Kansas. He’s on the Pittsburg Sate University Foundation board.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660728406045.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly nominated three to serve on the Kansas Board of Regents, the state’s coordinating higher education board. They are, left to right, Diana Mendoza of the Dodge City Public School District; Blake Benson, president of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce; and John B. Dicus, of Capitol Federal Savings. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly nominated three to serve on the Kansas Board of Regents, the state’s coordinating higher education board. They are, left to right, Diana Mendoza of the Dodge City Public School District; Blake Benson, president of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce; and John B. Dicus, of Capitol Federal Savings. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> Kansas Reflector<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/"></a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly nominated a banker, educator and a chamber of commerce official Tuesday to vacancies on the Kansas Board of Regents and completed a process of placing her imprint on all nine positions of the higher education coordinating board.The governor selected John B. Dicus, chairman of Capitol Federal Savings; Diana Mendoza, Dodge City public school director of English for speakers of other languages; and Blake Benson, president of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. If confirmed, each could serve four-year terms.“Blake, John and Diana bring a depth of knowledge and a diverse set of professional expertise that will serve our students well,” Kelly said. “I look forward to collaborating with them and the rest of the Board of Regents to further strengthen our higher education system, prepare our students for careers of the future and expand our state’s workforce to drive economic growth.”The bipartisan Board of Regents has jurisdiction over state universities in Emporia, Hays, Lawrence, Manhattan, Pittsburg and Wichita as well as satellite campuses of those universities. The board also has oversight of the state’s community colleges and technical colleges as well as Washburn University in Topeka.The Democratic governor’s nominees will be subject to confirmation hearings and votes in the Republican-led Kansas Senate. The process historically was a low-key affair resulting in approval of a governor’s selections. In 2022, however, a group of GOP senators engaged in a contentious examination of nominees Wint Winter, Cynthia Lane and Carl Ice. All three were eventually confirmed by the Senate.Kelly’s latest selections would replace board members Bill Feuerborn, Mark Hutton and Allen Schmidt — all former members of the Kansas Legislature. Their terms expired in June. Feuerborn had been appointed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, while Hutton and Schmidt were put on the board by GOP Gov. Jeff Colyer.Dicus, who has worked at Capitol Federal Savings for 37 years, serves as chairman, chief executive officer and president of the bank. Dicus received bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business at the University of Kansas.He’s a trustee of the Washburn University Foundation and an executive committee trustee of the KU Endowment Association. In 2012, the Capitol Federal Foundation committed $20 million toward construction of the School of Business building at KU.Mendoza, director of diversity and English programs in Dodge City schools, has worked in public education for more than 20 years. In her current job, she works with teachers to improve delivery of instruction to a diverse student population.She earned an associate’s degre at Dodge City Community College. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Kansas State University.Benson, president of the Chamber of Commerce in Pittsburg, received a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Arkansas State University. In Pittsburg, he’s worked 16 years to further economic development in southeast Kansas. He’s on the Pittsburg Sate University Foundation board.

W. Kansas woman among nominees to KS Board of Regents

The founder of<a href="https://www.rans.com/"> RANS Aircraft</a> of Hays has handed over the reins of the day-to-day operations to a new president.

Randy Schlitter, who founded the company in 1973, stepped down as president on May 10 in favor of Tony Dopita. Schlitter, 68, remains the company's CEO and will continue to direct research and development.

"We needed a definite sign that the company was going to live beyond me," Schlitter said.

RANS started as a bicycle manufacturer and moved into airplanes in 1983. Today, it manufactures both ready-to-fly and kit airplanes in its plant at 4600 U.S. 183 Bypass in Hays. The Hays site, which employs 27, includes a small airstrip.&nbsp;

Dopita, 38, has worked for RANS for 20 years. He came to work for the company right out of high school as a sandblaster. He learned to weld and welded bike frames. He continued to work his way up in the company and was the productions manager when Schlitter tapped him to be the next president of RANS.

Dopita, a native of Plainville, lives in Hays with his wife and two children.

Dopita's love for aviation started early with him flying in RANS aircraft with his dad when he was just a boy.

"Aviation is one of my passions," Dopita said. "It's great to work in an industry that you have always enjoyed anyway."

Dopita said the company is looking for growth but not at a fast pace. The demand is strong for RANS aircraft despite an otherwise shaky U.S. economic outlook.

The company is booked a year out on airplane kits and through the first quarter of 2026 on its ready-to-fly aircraft.

The company has strong demand for the S-21 Outbound, which is a ready-to-fly, as well as a kit, aircraft that was introduced in 2018. It has a useful load of 815 pounds and a cruising speed of 155 mph.

Schlitter said new products are always in the works. Dopita added the company is constantly improving its existing products even when new products are not being launched.

"We're just very confident that Tony will lead the company into a bright future," Schlitter said. "It has already had a positive effect on our buying audience. They see me as the aging founder, and it gives them the security that the company is more than just me."

Although Schlitter said the company has a young and viable staff, Dopita said the company is looking to hire and has capacity to train new employees.

"If you are able-bodied and willing to learn, we can definitely teach the skills that result in building airplanes," Schlitter said. 

"One of the things we do like to point out here is that we are very family oriented. We have a lot of features to our company that make it very attractive to work for us."

Schlitter said he is very appreciative of the Hays community. RANS Hays location in the center of the United States, a half-mile off of Interstate 70, allows the company to service its customers with greater ease.

Although increased international competition has led the company to focus more on domestic sales, RANS has sold planes and plane kits all over the world, Dopita said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660166029725.jpeg" alt="Tony Dopita, 38, of Hays was named the new president of RANS Aircraft on May 10. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Tony Dopita, 38, of Hays was named the new president of RANS Aircraft on May 10. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe founder of<a href="https://www.rans.com/"> RANS Aircraft</a> of Hays has handed over the reins of the day-to-day operations to a new president.Randy Schlitter, who founded the company in 1973, stepped down as president on May 10 in favor of Tony Dopita. Schlitter, 68, remains the company's CEO and will continue to direct research and development."We needed a definite sign that the company was going to live beyond me," Schlitter said.RANS started as a bicycle manufacturer and moved into airplanes in 1983. Today, it manufactures both ready-to-fly and kit airplanes in its plant at 4600 U.S. 183 Bypass in Hays. The Hays site, which employs 27, includes a small airstrip.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660166206662.jpeg" alt="Tony Dopita and his wife, Nicole Dopita flying in a RANS aircraft. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Tony Dopita and his wife, Nicole Dopita flying in a RANS aircraft. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure>Dopita, 38, has worked for RANS for 20 years. He came to work for the company right out of high school as a sandblaster. He learned to weld and welded bike frames. He continued to work his way up in the company and was the productions manager when Schlitter tapped him to be the next president of RANS.Dopita, a native of Plainville, lives in Hays with his wife and two children.Dopita's love for aviation started early with him flying in RANS aircraft with his dad when he was just a boy. "Aviation is one of my passions," Dopita said. "It's great to work in an industry that you have always enjoyed anyway." Dopita said the company is looking for growth but not at a fast pace. The demand is strong for RANS aircraft despite an otherwise shaky U.S. economic outlook.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660166497782.jpeg" alt="RANS aircraft on the production floor at the company's Hays plant. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>RANS aircraft on the production floor at the company's Hays plant. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The company is booked a year out on airplane kits and through the first quarter of 2026 on its ready-to-fly aircraft.The company has strong demand for the S-21 Outbound, which is a ready-to-fly, as well as a kit, aircraft that was introduced in 2018. It has a useful load of 815 pounds and a cruising speed of 155 mph.Schlitter said new products are always in the works. Dopita added the company is constantly improving its existing products even when new products are not being launched."We're just very confident that Tony will lead the company into a bright future," Schlitter said. "It has already had a positive effect on our buying audience. They see me as the aging founder, and it gives them the security that the company is more than just me."Although Schlitter said the company has a young and viable staff, Dopita said the company is looking to hire and has capacity to train new employees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660166575745.jpeg" alt="Tony Dopita's RANS S-20 Raven, which he built. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Tony Dopita's RANS S-20 Raven, which he built. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>"If you are able-bodied and willing to learn, we can definitely teach the skills that result in building airplanes," Schlitter said. "One of the things we do like to point out here is that we are very family oriented. We have a lot of features to our company that make it very attractive to work for us."Schlitter said he is very appreciative of the Hays community. RANS Hays location in the center of the United States, a half-mile off of Interstate 70, allows the company to service its customers with greater ease.Although increased international competition has led the company to focus more on domestic sales, RANS has sold planes and plane kits all over the world, Dopita said.

RANS Aircraft of Hays names new president

Youngsters attending the 24th annual Youth Outdoor Festival in Hays will have the opportunity to win either a lifetime hunting or fishing license.

The festival has always ended with a drawing for prizes, but this is the first year the festival has been able to offer these prizes — thanks to an anonymous donor — said Clint Newell, volunteer.

Pheasants Forever also will be giving away a 20-gauge youth shotgun.

The festival allows youth 17 and younger to experience outdoor sports, including trap, skeet, muzzleloaders, crossbow and compound bow archery, air rifle/BB guns, .22 rifles, a casting competition, paintball target shooting and computerized target shooting.

"We have a pretty good mix for all of the kids at any age," Newell said of the stations.

All equipment and materials will be provided, and the event is free to all youth. 

"It's to get kids outdoors, experiencing various methods of outdoor sport and encourage them to get out, put their phones down and get out and have some fun," Newell said.

The event is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Hays City Sportsman Club, 5810 230th Ave. The club is behind Celebration Community Church. Take exit 157 on Interstate 70, exit north, go 1/4 mile to the sign and turn east.

Last year, there was a detour because of construction. That work has been finished. 

Lunch, sponsored by Vyve Broadband and Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever, will be served free to participants at noon. The prize drawing will be after lunch.

Youth need to be accompanied by an adult, register onsite and have their guardian sign a release.

Newell said the event drew 178 youth last year, but he expects the lack of construction and the forecast for good weather will likely mean higher participation this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629234633800.jpeg" alt="File photo " />
 <figcaption>File photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostYoungsters attending the 24th annual Youth Outdoor Festival in Hays will have the opportunity to win either a lifetime hunting or fishing license.The festival has always ended with a drawing for prizes, but this is the first year the festival has been able to offer these prizes — thanks to an anonymous donor — said Clint Newell, volunteer.Pheasants Forever also will be giving away a 20-gauge youth shotgun. The festival allows youth 17 and younger to experience outdoor sports, including trap, skeet, muzzleloaders, crossbow and compound bow archery, air rifle/BB guns, .22 rifles, a casting competition, paintball target shooting and computerized target shooting."We have a pretty good mix for all of the kids at any age," Newell said of the stations.All equipment and materials will be provided, and the event is free to all youth. "It's to get kids outdoors, experiencing various methods of outdoor sport and encourage them to get out, put their phones down and get out and have some fun," Newell said. The event is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Hays City Sportsman Club, 5810 230th Ave. The club is behind Celebration Community Church. Take exit 157 on Interstate 70, exit north, go 1/4 mile to the sign and turn east.Last year, there was a detour because of construction. That work has been finished. Lunch, sponsored by Vyve Broadband and Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever, will be served free to participants at noon. The prize drawing will be after lunch. Youth need to be accompanied by an adult, register onsite and have their guardian sign a release.Newell said the event drew 178 youth last year, but he expects the lack of construction and the forecast for good weather will likely mean higher participation this year. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660683331564.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Youth Outdoor Festival set for Saturday; event includes prize drawing

Monday's settlement price for September crude on the Nymex was down $2.68 to $89.41 per barrel. Monday's price for Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was down to $79.75 per barrel. That's down more $3.50 from a week earlier and $4.50 lower than at the first of the month. US gasoline prices dipped below four dollars a gallon for the first time since February. The auto club AAA pegs the national average pump price Tuesday (8/16) at $3.94 per gallon. That's down more than a dollar a gallon in the last two months. The average across Kansas is down to $3.53 per gallon.&nbsp; Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir is hoping you can help solve a $10,000 oilfield theft earlier this month. Sheriff Bellendir says 100 joints of oil well tubing were stolen from a lease near Hitschman, Kansas on August 4th. If you can help, call Crimestoppers at 888-305-1300.&nbsp; Operators (Friday) were drilling on two leases in Ellis County and were about to spud a new well in Stafford County. So far this year, 197 operators in Kansas have spudded 888 wells, an increase of 60% over a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is currently scouting 442 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. The Rig Count in eastern Kansas was unchanged at 25 rigs, while the count west of Wichita was 35 active rigs, up two for the week.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reports 763 active drilling rigs across the US, marking an increase of three oil rigs. The count in Texas was down one while Oklahoma was up one from a week ago. Kansas regulators okayed 35 new drilling locations last week, with 14 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton, Russell and Stafford counties. There are 1,001 new drilling permits across the state so far this year, compared to 605 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 37 newly-completed wells across Kansas last week, 15 of them in the eastern half of the state, and 22 west of Wichita, including two in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 973 wells across the state so far this year compared to 492 wells by this time last year. Domestic crude inventories rose by 5.5 million barrels last week to 432 million barrels. That's about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by five million barrels and are about six percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government said crude imports in the US last week were down 1.2 million barrels per day. Four-week average imports are down slightly from last year. US crude-oil production last week topped 12 million barrels per day for the 8th week in a row.&nbsp; EIA reports output of 12.233 million barrels per day for the week through August 5th, an increase of nearly 100,000 barrels per day from the week before. Oil-by-rail traffic in the US was down slightly last week to 9,681 tanker carloads. The Association of American Railroads reports US shipments are down five percent from a year ago. Oil-by-rail cargoes were also down slightly in Canada. Devon Energy will pay nearly two billion dollars to acquire Validus Energy. The purchase will dramatically expand its footprint in the Eagle Ford Shale play in South Texas. The $1.8 billion deal involves about 35,000 barrels per day in current production from about 42,000 net acres adjacent to Devon's current leasehold in the Eagle Ford. A class-action lawsuit brought against four energy companies in the aftermath of Oklahoma's largest-ever earthquake could soon bear fruit. One of the defendant-companies has agreed to pay $850,000 to the plaintiffs to settle its portion of the lawsuit. Eagle Road denies allegations that it played a role in the quakes. The offer from the wastewater disposal well operator is on the docket for a fairness hearing next month. Litigation will continue against three other firms. The suit was filed in November 2016 after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Pawnee and a 5.0 quake struck near Cushing — both of which caused significant damage to homes and buildings.

By JOHN P. TRETBARMonday's settlement price for September crude on the Nymex was down $2.68 to $89.41 per barrel. Monday's price for Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was down to $79.75 per barrel. That's down more $3.50 from a week earlier and $4.50 lower than at the first of the month. US gasoline prices dipped below four dollars a gallon for the first time since February. The auto club AAA pegs the national average pump price Tuesday (8/16) at $3.94 per gallon. That's down more than a dollar a gallon in the last two months. The average across Kansas is down to $3.53 per gallon.&nbsp; Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir is hoping you can help solve a $10,000 oilfield theft earlier this month. Sheriff Bellendir says 100 joints of oil well tubing were stolen from a lease near Hitschman, Kansas on August 4th. If you can help, call Crimestoppers at 888-305-1300.&nbsp; Operators (Friday) were drilling on two leases in Ellis County and were about to spud a new well in Stafford County. So far this year, 197 operators in Kansas have spudded 888 wells, an increase of 60% over a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is currently scouting 442 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. The Rig Count in eastern Kansas was unchanged at 25 rigs, while the count west of Wichita was 35 active rigs, up two for the week.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reports 763 active drilling rigs across the US, marking an increase of three oil rigs. The count in Texas was down one while Oklahoma was up one from a week ago. Kansas regulators okayed 35 new drilling locations last week, with 14 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton, Russell and Stafford counties. There are 1,001 new drilling permits across the state so far this year, compared to 605 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 37 newly-completed wells across Kansas last week, 15 of them in the eastern half of the state, and 22 west of Wichita, including two in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 973 wells across the state so far this year compared to 492 wells by this time last year. Domestic crude inventories rose by 5.5 million barrels last week to 432 million barrels. That's about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by five million barrels and are about six percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government said crude imports in the US last week were down 1.2 million barrels per day. Four-week average imports are down slightly from last year. US crude-oil production last week topped 12 million barrels per day for the 8th week in a row.&nbsp; EIA reports output of 12.233 million barrels per day for the week through August 5th, an increase of nearly 100,000 barrels per day from the week before. Oil-by-rail traffic in the US was down slightly last week to 9,681 tanker carloads. The Association of American Railroads reports US shipments are down five percent from a year ago. Oil-by-rail cargoes were also down slightly in Canada. Devon Energy will pay nearly two billion dollars to acquire Validus Energy. The purchase will dramatically expand its footprint in the Eagle Ford Shale play in South Texas. The $1.8 billion deal involves about 35,000 barrels per day in current production from about 42,000 net acres adjacent to Devon's current leasehold in the Eagle Ford. A class-action lawsuit brought against four energy companies in the aftermath of Oklahoma's largest-ever earthquake could soon bear fruit. One of the defendant-companies has agreed to pay $850,000 to the plaintiffs to settle its portion of the lawsuit. Eagle Road denies allegations that it played a role in the quakes. The offer from the wastewater disposal well operator is on the docket for a fairness hearing next month. Litigation will continue against three other firms. The suit was filed in November 2016 after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Pawnee and a 5.0 quake struck near Cushing — both of which caused significant damage to homes and buildings.

News From the Oil Patch: Okla. quake defendant settles class-action suit

Hays High graduate Jaren Kanak was honored recently by USA Today, earning honors for the high school Play of the Year.

Kanak's 61-yard touchdown against Maize made national highlights for the now-Oklahoma Sooner. Watch the play and hear Dustin Armbruster's call above: "What did we just see?!?"

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography">Cover photo by Kim Reel Photography</a>

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Tue Aug 16 2022 11:42:18 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Kanek"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M2S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/dutIjkTo-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/dutIjkTo-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/dutIjkTo-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kanek" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Hays High graduate Jaren Kanak was honored recently by USA Today, earning honors for the high school Play of the Year.Kanak's 61-yard touchdown against Maize made national highlights for the now-Oklahoma Sooner. Watch the play and hear Dustin Armbruster's call above: "What did we just see?!?"<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hays High grad receives the USA TODAY play of the year. I think we remember the run vs Maize! <a href="https://t.co/q5RswcrjX0">https://t.co/q5RswcrjX0</a>&mdash; Hays HS Athletics (@HaysHighAD) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaysHighAD/status/1556817691197022208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography">Cover photo by Kim Reel Photography</a>

🎥 Kanak run earns USA Today Play of the Year honors

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

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher As I was outside with my kids waiting for them to catch their big yellow bus to begin another school year, I was reminded of how all of the back-to-school excitement is similar to the anticipation of fall on the farm. &nbsp; Being that it’s a new school year, the kids are understandably excited to return to school. This has translated to them getting out to their bus stop with plenty of time to spare ensuring they don’t miss the bus and avoiding frantic, last-minute morning chaos. &nbsp; As we get closer to the start of fall harvest, we are also getting out into the fields and testing the moisture of the corn with plenty of time to spare. While some might argue it’s still too early, just like with the kids, we want to make sure we experience a smooth transition into fall harvest with as little unnecessary chaos as possible.&nbsp; &nbsp; In the days leading up to the first day of classes, our school district provided us with a rough estimate of when we should expect the bus to arrive. Although we had a good idea of when to expect the bus, we knew to be ready a little before the expected time while also understanding if it was later.&nbsp; &nbsp; Just like the morning bus, we know fall harvest will get here. We’re not quite sure when exactly that will be; we just have to be ready to go when it’s time. &nbsp; While waiting for their bus, I reminded my two children to be observant as they have the tools needed to identify the bus and know when it’s coming minutes before actually seeing it. If one listens, amid the morning sounds of feed trucks and cattle in the distance, the distinct sound of the bus bouncing down the gravel roads can be heard. &nbsp; As adults, we too have tools to use to help determine when it’s time to harvest. While it might not be our sense of hearing, we do scout fields using our eyes to make observations while also picking and shelling ears of corn before testing for moisture. If we look, the distinct signs of a field that’s ready for harvest can be seen. &nbsp; Once on the morning bus, I watched the silhouettes of my two little ones cautiously walk down the aisle before committing and settling into their seats for the duration of their morning ride. I know both my son and daughter prefer to sit up near the front of the bus to avoid negative results like getting car sick or getting themselves into trouble. &nbsp; We will also be intentional in our field selections prior to committing the machines to a field as we want to make sure our decisions will not cause negative results like dockage once our grain is delivered to the elevator. &nbsp; As the bus slowly moved forward, I scanned the bus windows to see if I could spot any other morning riders. With the sun rising behind the bus, it appeared my two were the first ones on. The saying “first ones on, last ones off” has been true given our location within the school district’s boundaries and bus route. Being first on and last off the bus can make for some long and tiring days for my little kiddos.&nbsp; &nbsp; And just like the bus rides, fall harvest will also bring some exhausting days as expected. In either case, we know that at the end of these long days, whether we’re riding a school bus or driving a combine, we’ll all return and find comfort (and snacks) at home.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher As I was outside with my kids waiting for them to catch their big yellow bus to begin another school year, I was reminded of how all of the back-to-school excitement is similar to the anticipation of fall on the farm. &nbsp; Being that it’s a new school year, the kids are understandably excited to return to school. This has translated to them getting out to their bus stop with plenty of time to spare ensuring they don’t miss the bus and avoiding frantic, last-minute morning chaos. &nbsp; As we get closer to the start of fall harvest, we are also getting out into the fields and testing the moisture of the corn with plenty of time to spare. While some might argue it’s still too early, just like with the kids, we want to make sure we experience a smooth transition into fall harvest with as little unnecessary chaos as possible.&nbsp; &nbsp; In the days leading up to the first day of classes, our school district provided us with a rough estimate of when we should expect the bus to arrive. Although we had a good idea of when to expect the bus, we knew to be ready a little before the expected time while also understanding if it was later.&nbsp; &nbsp; Just like the morning bus, we know fall harvest will get here. We’re not quite sure when exactly that will be; we just have to be ready to go when it’s time. &nbsp; While waiting for their bus, I reminded my two children to be observant as they have the tools needed to identify the bus and know when it’s coming minutes before actually seeing it. If one listens, amid the morning sounds of feed trucks and cattle in the distance, the distinct sound of the bus bouncing down the gravel roads can be heard. &nbsp; As adults, we too have tools to use to help determine when it’s time to harvest. While it might not be our sense of hearing, we do scout fields using our eyes to make observations while also picking and shelling ears of corn before testing for moisture. If we look, the distinct signs of a field that’s ready for harvest can be seen. &nbsp; Once on the morning bus, I watched the silhouettes of my two little ones cautiously walk down the aisle before committing and settling into their seats for the duration of their morning ride. I know both my son and daughter prefer to sit up near the front of the bus to avoid negative results like getting car sick or getting themselves into trouble. &nbsp; We will also be intentional in our field selections prior to committing the machines to a field as we want to make sure our decisions will not cause negative results like dockage once our grain is delivered to the elevator. &nbsp; As the bus slowly moved forward, I scanned the bus windows to see if I could spot any other morning riders. With the sun rising behind the bus, it appeared my two were the first ones on. The saying “first ones on, last ones off” has been true given our location within the school district’s boundaries and bus route. Being first on and last off the bus can make for some long and tiring days for my little kiddos.&nbsp; &nbsp; And just like the bus rides, fall harvest will also bring some exhausting days as expected. In either case, we know that at the end of these long days, whether we’re riding a school bus or driving a combine, we’ll all return and find comfort (and snacks) at home."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Bus rides and harvest

Farm Bureau Financial Services-Jason Pfeifer	

Farmland Auction and Realty  Co., Inc. -Hays  	

Hays Veterinary Hospital Prof. Assoc. -Hays  	

Leon’s Welding and Fabrication LLC     	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660581110169.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thank you to these sponsors for making a difference! The Ellis Junior Free Fair was a wonderful success!&nbsp;A&amp;A Coors-Hays	Agiliti Health	A.J and Linda Pfannenstiel	Advantage Glass Plus of Hays, Inc. 	American Family-Curt Staab	Arthur's Pizza &amp; Mexican Foods	Bank of Hays	Big Creek Restoration, LLC 	Big Creek Supply	Bittel-Haas Construction	Brian and Amanda Shannon	Builtwell Construction and Roofing, LLC	Casey's 	CCW Farms-Wade Pfannenstiel	Christ Lutheran Church	Chubbs BBQ	Clint &amp; Kevin Urban	Cottage Lane Pumpkin Patch	Daren Fischer	Danny Keller 	David and LuAnn Pfeifer	David and Twila Wilson	Davon Armbrister	Dennis &amp; Rhonda Wolf	Downing-Nelson Oil Co. , Inc 	Dreiling Field Service and Towing	Duane &amp; Karen Dorzweiler	Eck &amp; Eck Construction 	EHS Cheerleaders	Eldon &amp; Charlotte Pfeifer 	Elite Pipe Testing, Inc. 	Ellis County Fair Board	Ellis County Concrete	Ellis Credit Union 	Ellis High School Alumni	Ellis Nutrition	Ellis Recreation Commission	Ellis Review (Main Street Media)	Ellis Volunteer Fire Dept.	Equity Bank 	Farm Bureau Financial Services-Jason Pfeifer	Farmland Auction and Realty Co., Inc. -Hays 	Finish Line Lease Service, LLC	Fischer Pipe Testing	Fischer Well Service 	Flatlander Dirt Works LLC	Frozen Frog	GD Farms 	Glenn Kohl	Golden B Hydra Drilling LLC 	Golden Belt Bank 	Golden Belt Cooperative Assoc. Inc. 	Golden Belt Telephone Assoc. 	Hays Medical Center	Hays Veterinary Hospital Prof. Assoc. -Hays 	Heartland Tank	Hess Services	High Plains Farm Credit	Honas Tank Service	Horizon Pipe Testing 	I-70 Truck Repair-Hays	In Memory of Lisa Pfannenstiel	Innovative Automation &amp; Controls 	Invenenergy	J.P. Farms 	J and D Pump and Supply	Jean Devader	Jeff and Emily Kohl	Jim and Becky Metzler	Keithley Funeral Home	Keller Brothers INC.	Kent and Shelly Hensley	Knights of Columbus-Reed Agency	Lane Smith	Lang Diesel	Leon’s Welding and Fabrication LLC 	LG Machine 	Lifetime Dental Care	LJB Farms, LLC	Louie's Bar and Grill	Lyle &amp; Lynelle Gottschalk	Mark and Lisa Weber	Micheael J. Bieker	Mike Schuster Family	Mike's Septic, LLC	Miracle Ear	Monique Williams	Nutrien	Pfeifer Farms	Pfeifer Show Pigs	Radke Implement-Hays	Rich’s IGA 	Romme Insurance Agency 	Rupp Blinds	Rylee Werth	Salon 816 	Sandy Waldschmidt	Shelter Insurance-Tim Kohlrus	Shelter Insurance-Todd Keller	Simpson Farm Enterprises-Hays	Swede &amp; Jenni Holmgren	Swift Services, Inc. 	Tim Kinderknecht	Tom and Marcy McClelland	Trio Hometown Supply	TWI Insurance Services	Twila Large	Ultimate Well Service-Terry Gaschler	Verlin and Donna Honas	Vyve Broadband	Wade and Sharon Pfannenstiel	Weber Well Pumping	Wolf Memorial	Zimmerman Farms

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The saying "For the birds" originated as military slang during WWII. It's a little fitting, then, that Cheyenne Bottoms, not particularly busy with birds now, will take on a slightly different role on Aug. 27. Given the dry conditions at the Bottoms, the next WILD Club activity will be a treasure hunt in search of old WWII shells.

"Things could change if we do get water before Aug. 27," said Kansas Wetlands Education Center Program Specialist Mandy Kern. "We might have to cancel that, but as of right now, it looks like the Bottoms will probably be dry. That's an excellent opportunity to go out and look for this history of the Bottoms."

For a brief stretch in the mid-1940s, during the height of WWII, the U.S. Army leased nearly 7,000 acres of Cheyenne Bottoms for what was called the Great Bend Air-to-Ground Gunnery Range. The space was used for all kinds of munition training, including bombs, chemical weapons, and large-caliber artillery. Many shells were not recovered from the Bottoms.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, KWEC's WILD program will feature a treasure hunt for some of those shells, along with the shells of animal species like snails and mussels. The use of metal detectors is encouraged.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660572693134.png" alt="kwecshells.png" />
 <figcaption>kwecshells.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe saying "For the birds" originated as military slang during WWII. It's a little fitting, then, that Cheyenne Bottoms, not particularly busy with birds now, will take on a slightly different role on Aug. 27. Given the dry conditions at the Bottoms, the next WILD Club activity will be a treasure hunt in search of old WWII shells."Things could change if we do get water before Aug. 27," said Kansas Wetlands Education Center Program Specialist Mandy Kern. "We might have to cancel that, but as of right now, it looks like the Bottoms will probably be dry. That's an excellent opportunity to go out and look for this history of the Bottoms."For a brief stretch in the mid-1940s, during the height of WWII, the U.S. Army leased nearly 7,000 acres of Cheyenne Bottoms for what was called the Great Bend Air-to-Ground Gunnery Range. The space was used for all kinds of munition training, including bombs, chemical weapons, and large-caliber artillery. Many shells were not recovered from the Bottoms.On Saturday, Aug. 27, KWEC's WILD program will feature a treasure hunt for some of those shells, along with the shells of animal species like snails and mussels. The use of metal detectors is encouraged."I thought with as dry as it is, that's a perfect opportunity to walk the pools since they are so dry," Kern said. "We can find the .50 caliber shells, but they are other things to find out there also." WILD is a monthly program for school-aged kids and their families. The club promotes getting outside and away from screens. The Aug. 27 treasure hunt is free with no registration required. The event is tentatively scheduled for 4 p.m. but may be moved if the summer heat proves to be too much. For more information, call the KWEC at (877) 243-9268.

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