Don’t let healthy eating stop just because school is out. Having kids at home over summer vacation can add more than $300 to your monthly food bill.

Save time and money by taking advantage of free summer meal programs right here in our community.

Join the Hays USD 489 this summer at Roosevelt Elementary from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch. This free summer meal program is on weekdays, May 31 to July 29, and is open to all children 18 and younger. No paperwork or proof of income is required.

Contact USD 489 Nutrition Services for more information.

SubmittedDon’t let healthy eating stop just because school is out. Having kids at home over summer vacation can add more than $300 to your monthly food bill.Save time and money by taking advantage of free summer meal programs right here in our community.Join the Hays USD 489 this summer at Roosevelt Elementary from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch. This free summer meal program is on weekdays, May 31 to July 29, and is open to all children 18 and younger. No paperwork or proof of income is required.Contact USD 489 Nutrition Services for more information.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652734935500.jpeg" alt="2022 Summer Lunch Flyer" />
 <figcaption>2022 Summer Lunch Flyer</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652734963740.jpeg" alt="2022 Summer Lunch Flyer" />
 <figcaption>2022 Summer Lunch Flyer</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652735378872.jpeg" alt="2022 Summer Lunch Menu-June" />
 <figcaption>2022 Summer Lunch Menu-June</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652735409076.jpeg" alt="2022 Summer Lunch Menu-July" />
 <figcaption>2022 Summer Lunch Menu-July</figcaption>
 </figure>

Free children's summer lunch program to start May 31

The TMP-Marian baseball team will take on Larned in the championship game from the 3A regional tournament in Great Bend Wednesday.

The championship game is scheduled to start at approximately 7 p.m.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/393050">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

&nbsp; You can also listen to the game on 99.5 KHAZ or by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The TMP-Marian baseball team will take on Larned in the championship game from the 3A regional tournament in Great Bend Wednesday.The championship game is scheduled to start at approximately 7 p.m.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/393050">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/393050?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>&nbsp; You can also listen to the game on 99.5 KHAZ or by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Larned

The TMP-Marian softball team will take on Beloit in the second semifinal game of the 3A regional tournament Wednesday at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex.

The first pitch is scheduled to start at approximately 5 p.m. The Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show will start at 4:45 p.m.

You can listen to Monarchs softball on 94.3 KAYS or by clicking <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

The TMP-Marian softball team will take on Beloit in the second semifinal game of the 3A regional tournament Wednesday at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex.The first pitch is scheduled to start at approximately 5 p.m. The Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show will start at 4:45 p.m.You can listen to Monarchs softball on 94.3 KAYS or by clicking <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

🥎🔈 LISTEN - Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Beloit

The TMP-Marian baseball team will take on Beloit in the second semifinal game from the 3A regional tournament in Great Bend Wednesday. The first pitch is scheduled to start at approximately 4 p.m. The Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show will start at 3:45 p.m. Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/393049">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

You can also listen to the game on 99.5 KHAZ or by clicking <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

The TMP-Marian baseball team will take on Beloit in the second semifinal game from the 3A regional tournament in Great Bend Wednesday. The first pitch is scheduled to start at approximately 4 p.m. The Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show will start at 3:45 p.m. Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/393049">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/393049?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>You can also listen to the game on 99.5 KHAZ or by clicking <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Beloit

The Hays High softball team takes on Andover Central in their 5A regional opener.&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/393135?autoplay=1%22">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game.&nbsp;

The first pitch is set fro 2 p.m. from Newton. The Hertz Rentral Car Pregame Show is at 1:45 p.m.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/393135?autoplay=1%22">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game.&nbsp;You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

You can also listen to the game on 96.9 KFIX or by clicking <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

The Hays High softball team takes on Andover Central in their 5A regional opener.&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/393135?autoplay=1%22">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game.&nbsp;The first pitch is set fro 2 p.m. from Newton. The Hertz Rentral Car Pregame Show is at 1:45 p.m.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/393135?autoplay=1%22">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game.&nbsp;You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.You can also listen to the game on 96.9 KFIX or by clicking <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

🥎WATCH LIVE Hays High vs Andover Central

RUSSELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Wednesday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota Camry driven by Thomas A. Nelson, 59, Lagrange, IL., was on the off ramp from eastbound Interstate 70 at U.S. 281.

The driver failed to yield at the stop sign at U.S. 281 and struck a northbound 2022 Toyota Tacoma driven by Gregory Grant Carey, 51, Russell.&nbsp; 

Nelson and Carey were transported to the hospital in Russell for treatment. Both were properly restrained according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Wednesday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota Camry driven by Thomas A. Nelson, 59, Lagrange, IL., was on the off ramp from eastbound Interstate 70 at U.S. 281.The driver failed to yield at the stop sign at U.S. 281 and struck a northbound 2022 Toyota Tacoma driven by Gregory Grant Carey, 51, Russell.&nbsp; Nelson and Carey were transported to the hospital in Russell for treatment. Both were properly restrained according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after 2-vehicle Russell County crash

The Larks Alumni will play the Old Fort Hays Post 9 team in a vintage baseball game at 7 p.m. on June 1 at Larks Park.

Admission is free, but fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to help stock the shelves at the Community Assistance Center.

The Larks Alumni will play the Old Fort Hays Post 9 team in a vintage baseball game at 7 p.m. on June 1 at Larks Park.Admission is free, but fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to help stock the shelves at the Community Assistance Center.

Larks alumni to play Old Fort Hays team June 1

GOODLAND, Kan. (AP) — The National Weather Service has confirmed a series of weak tornadoes across rural parts of northwestern Kansas and a county in southwestern Nebraska along the Kansas line. 

The tornadoes hit Tuesday afternoon as a line of storms moved across the Plains. National Weather Service meteorologist Ed Holicky out of Goodland, Kansas, says spotters and video confirmed separate tornadoes in Decatur, Norton and Gove counties in Kansas and an one in Red Willow County in Nebraska. 

Holicky says there were no reports of injuries or damage from the tornadoes. The system brought gusty winds, heavy rain and some hail, leading to downed tree limbs some roof damage across the region.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652885436586.png" alt="National Weather Service Goodland" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>GOODLAND, Kan. (AP) — The National Weather Service has confirmed a series of weak tornadoes across rural parts of northwestern Kansas and a county in southwestern Nebraska along the Kansas line. The tornadoes hit Tuesday afternoon as a line of storms moved across the Plains. National Weather Service meteorologist Ed Holicky out of Goodland, Kansas, says spotters and video confirmed separate tornadoes in Decatur, Norton and Gove counties in Kansas and an one in Red Willow County in Nebraska. Holicky says there were no reports of injuries or damage from the tornadoes. The system brought gusty winds, heavy rain and some hail, leading to downed tree limbs some roof damage across the region.

Weather service confirms weak tornadoes in NW Kan., Nebraska

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays received .65 inches of rain as of 8 a.m. Wednesdays, according to the K-State Agriculture Research Center.

Hays has received 2.45 inches of rain for the month and 5.5 inches for the year, slowing catching up on what has been a dry first half of 2022.

Hays is still behind in moisture accumulation for the year. The average for Hays is 7.81 inches by the end of May. The average for the month of May is 3.24 inches.

The National Weather Services forecast calls for sunny and hot for Wednesday and Thursday before a cold front comes through and drops the highs to 72 on Friday and 61 on Saturday.

There's a 30-percent chance of rain Friday night and then more rain in the forecast Sunday night through Monday.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays received .65 inches of rain as of 8 a.m. Wednesdays, according to the K-State Agriculture Research Center.Hays has received 2.45 inches of rain for the month and 5.5 inches for the year, slowing catching up on what has been a dry first half of 2022.Hays is still behind in moisture accumulation for the year. The average for Hays is 7.81 inches by the end of May. The average for the month of May is 3.24 inches.The National Weather Services forecast calls for sunny and hot for Wednesday and Thursday before a cold front comes through and drops the highs to 72 on Friday and 61 on Saturday.There's a 30-percent chance of rain Friday night and then more rain in the forecast Sunday night through Monday.

Hays receives .65 inches of rain overnight

The Hays USD 489 school board voted to lower student fees for the 2022-23 school year at its meeting Monday.

Multiple fees were lowered. Parents of elementary school students will save $20 per student. Middle school fees were reduced by $32. Parents of high school students will save at least $36.

In addition, the $35 summer weights fee was eliminated, and the driver's education fee for in-district students was dropped from $225 to $175. The driver's education fee for out-of-district students was dropped from $275 to $225. 

Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district was able to eliminate the technology repair fee because all of the district's computers and iPads will be under warranty for the next three years.

The administration recommended keeping the $90 textbook fee for all students. Wilson said the district is spending all of the textbook funds that it takes in annually through fees.

Revenue from textbook fees ranges from $190,000 to $230,000 each year.

Last year, the district spent about $626,000 from the textbook fund, and the year before it spent about $740,000 from the fund.

The textbook fund is used to buy textbooks, including online subscriptions; curriculum; and consumables, such as student workbooks.

The district transferred $300,000 each of the last two years from the general fund into the textbook fund to supplement revenue from fees. The balance coming into this year was $718,000. Members of the board asked if capital outlay funds can be used for textbooks. They can't.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district had not planned to transfer any funds from the general fund into the textbook fund this year. He is estimating the July 1 balance in the textbook fund will be about $350,000.

The transfers were made in anticipation of several large curriculum purchases upcoming.

Earlier in the evening, the board approved $51,000 in purchases for curriculum material.

"This is revenue," Wilson said of the textbook fees. "You have to look at this as revenue that we will use to help our kids in the classrooms every day."

Board President Tammy Wellbrock said the district is not making money off families. The textbook fees are pass-through fees.

Board member Allen Park said he would like the textbook fee to go to zero. Park suggested dropping the textbook fee to $45.

"I think it is time we be champions for kids and put our money where our mouth is," Park said. 

Wilson said the textbook fee cuts could affect the district's budget in the future.

The COVID relief funds the district has received in the last three years will not be available in the future. State funding levels may change after schools are out from the protection of the Gannon lawsuit that required the Kansas Legislature to increase K-12 education funding, Wilson said.

Board member Ken Brooks suggested the local option budget, which is a local mill levy, could be raised to bring in more revenue for the school district. However, an increase in the local option budget, also referred to as the LOB, has to be approved by voters.

The district has already passed the deadline for an LOB increase for the upcoming budget year, which is set to start July 1.

Wellbrock said she thought voters would be unlikely to approve another mill levy increase after just approving a $143.5 million bond issue.

"I would love to be able to say to the parents and my friends, we were able to get you a savings," Wellbrock said, "but it is really difficult to tell them we are going to charge you more now because we cut too much. ...

"Part of what we have to do from these chairs is not look at it from where we would like it as a parent, but how we have to manage a budget for this business."

Board member Curt Vajnar made a motion to amend the administration's proposal and cut textbook fees for elementary students from $90 to $50.

Board member Craig Palliser said he did not support the motion because he thought the decrease was too large.

The motion failed with Vajnar, Park and Brooks voting for and the rest of the board voting against it.

Pallister followed with a motion to decrease the elementary textbook fee from $90 to $70.

Wilson said he thought the district should be able to make up for the loss in revenue in the coming school year, but the board will have to make decisions on how it will support the textbook fund in the long term.

"I love the idea of helping families, but my job is to manage this district financially," Wilson said.&nbsp;

Vajnar said, "We're really good at increasing, increasing, increasing, but we don't make cuts very often." 

That motion passed with board member Lori Hertel the lone no vote.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board voted to lower student fees for the 2022-23 school year at its meeting Monday. Multiple fees were lowered. Parents of elementary school students will save $20 per student. Middle school fees were reduced by $32. Parents of high school students will save at least $36.In addition, the $35 summer weights fee was eliminated, and the driver's education fee for in-district students was dropped from $225 to $175. The driver's education fee for out-of-district students was dropped from $275 to $225. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652803149986.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district was able to eliminate the technology repair fee because all of the district's computers and iPads will be under warranty for the next three years.The administration recommended keeping the $90 textbook fee for all students. Wilson said the district is spending all of the textbook funds that it takes in annually through fees.Revenue from textbook fees ranges from $190,000 to $230,000 each year.Last year, the district spent about $626,000 from the textbook fund, and the year before it spent about $740,000 from the fund. The textbook fund is used to buy textbooks, including online subscriptions; curriculum; and consumables, such as student workbooks.The district transferred $300,000 each of the last two years from the general fund into the textbook fund to supplement revenue from fees. The balance coming into this year was $718,000. Members of the board asked if capital outlay funds can be used for textbooks. They can't. Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district had not planned to transfer any funds from the general fund into the textbook fund this year. He is estimating the July 1 balance in the textbook fund will be about $350,000. The transfers were made in anticipation of several large curriculum purchases upcoming. Earlier in the evening, the board approved $51,000 in purchases for curriculum material."This is revenue," Wilson said of the textbook fees. "You have to look at this as revenue that we will use to help our kids in the classrooms every day." Board President Tammy Wellbrock said the district is not making money off families. The textbook fees are pass-through fees. Board member Allen Park said he would like the textbook fee to go to zero. Park suggested dropping the textbook fee to $45."I think it is time we be champions for kids and put our money where our mouth is," Park said. Wilson said the textbook fee cuts could affect the district's budget in the future.The COVID relief funds the district has received in the last three years will not be available in the future. State funding levels may change after schools are out from the protection of the Gannon lawsuit that required the Kansas Legislature to increase K-12 education funding, Wilson said.Board member Ken Brooks suggested the local option budget, which is a local mill levy, could be raised to bring in more revenue for the school district. However, an increase in the local option budget, also referred to as the LOB, has to be approved by voters.The district has already passed the deadline for an LOB increase for the upcoming budget year, which is set to start July 1. Wellbrock said she thought voters would be unlikely to approve another mill levy increase after just approving a $143.5 million bond issue."I would love to be able to say to the parents and my friends, we were able to get you a savings," Wellbrock said, "but it is really difficult to tell them we are going to charge you more now because we cut too much. ..."Part of what we have to do from these chairs is not look at it from where we would like it as a parent, but how we have to manage a budget for this business."Board member Curt Vajnar made a motion to amend the administration's proposal and cut textbook fees for elementary students from $90 to $50.Board member Craig Palliser said he did not support the motion because he thought the decrease was too large. The motion failed with Vajnar, Park and Brooks voting for and the rest of the board voting against it.Pallister followed with a motion to decrease the elementary textbook fee from $90 to $70.Wilson said he thought the district should be able to make up for the loss in revenue in the coming school year, but the board will have to make decisions on how it will support the textbook fund in the long term."I love the idea of helping families, but my job is to manage this district financially," Wilson said.&nbsp; Vajnar said, "We're really good at increasing, increasing, increasing, but we don't make cuts very often." That motion passed with board member Lori Hertel the lone no vote.

Hays USD 489 school board votes to reduce student fees

Twenty-eight students from the Kansas Academy of Mathematics &amp; Science and the Academy of Mathematics &amp; Science were honored at the 2022 completion ceremony Saturday in Fort Hays State University’s Memorial Union. This was the 12th graduating class of the program.

KAMS is Kansas' premier early college residential program designed to provide a STEM-focused academic experience for gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. AMS is an early college program open to international and out-of-state domestic students, offering an unparalleled educational experience for gifted and talented high school students.

This year's student speakers were Cooper Krueger from Bonner Springs and Yao-Wen "Joe" Liu from Taiwan. Student speakers are selected based on academic success achieved during their time in the program and involvement in clubs/activities, research, and community service.

Liu, who is planning on majoring in computer science at the University of Florida next year, thanked everyone who helped him succeed in the program but focused primarily on his friendships while in KAMS.

"My roommate really helped me adjust," Liu said. "We made memories that can't be bought with money, memories I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Krueger, who is planning to study fisheries and wildlife biology and entomology at Michigan State University, focused on the opportunities the KAMS/AMS programs provide while acknowledging its rigor. &nbsp;

"This is not a program for everyone … and the path to get here was full of challenges," Krueger said.

"We would not have made it without each other," Krueger admitted, thanking faculty, staff, and the other graduates for their support and friendship. "It has been an honor to be a part of the KAMS/AMS 2022 cohort."

Will Burns, director of Early College Programs at Fort Hays State, shared some facts about this year's KAMS/AMS students.

"These extremely gifted, talented, and innovative seniors will be the movers and shakers of tomorrow," Burns said.

While continuing on to universities across the nation, including schools like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University, many KAMS/AMS students choose to stay in Kansas, with eight planning to stay at Fort Hays State. No matter where they choose, it is clear that these students are headed for great things.

KAMS/AMS 2022 Completion Ceremony (Students, their hometown, and their sending high school)

Matthew Boyea – Atchison, Pleasant Ridge HS Ellie Bultena – Sublette, Sublette HS Sijia Cathy Cui – Nanjing, China, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Morgan Dilley – Dodge City, Minneola HS Sarah Fay – Ellsworth, Ellsworth HS Chunlin Allan Feng – Beijing, China, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Emma Gilbert – Ellis, Ellis HS Marissa Gonzalez – Topeka, Highland Park HS John Brody Groves, Tonganoxie, Tonganoxie HS Paige Holopirek – La Crosse, La Crosse HS Ziyi Huang – Beijing, China, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Fischer Kent – Maple Hill, St. Marys HS Cooper Krueger – Bonner Springs, Basehor-Linwood HS Andy Kuhl – Hays, Hays HS Lyly Le – Wichita, Wichita North HS Seung-Gu Lee – Seoul, South Korea, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Yao Wen Liu – Taoyuan, Taiwan, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Heming Dylan Lu, Beijing, China, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS KyLee Luchsinger – Salina, Salina Central HS Heon Moon – South Korea, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Graidon Nichol – Topeka, Topeka West HS Yoondo Park – Gwangiu, South Korea, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Haley Pfeifer – Ellsworth, Ellsworth HS Zane Smith – Topeka, Tecumsuh-Shawnee Heights HS Letian Tony Tang – Changzhou, China, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Adam White – Rossville, Rossville HS Nagumi Yamagata – Kaga, Ishikawa, Japan, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Eunseok Yoon – Deokso, South Korea, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652372082668.jpeg" alt="Graduates of the 2022 KAMS/AMS academies of FHSU (Photo by FHSU)" />
 <figcaption>Graduates of the 2022 KAMS/AMS academies of FHSU (Photo by FHSU)</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsTwenty-eight students from the Kansas Academy of Mathematics &amp; Science and the Academy of Mathematics &amp; Science were honored at the 2022 completion ceremony Saturday in Fort Hays State University’s Memorial Union. This was the 12th graduating class of the program.KAMS is Kansas' premier early college residential program designed to provide a STEM-focused academic experience for gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. AMS is an early college program open to international and out-of-state domestic students, offering an unparalleled educational experience for gifted and talented high school students.This year's student speakers were Cooper Krueger from Bonner Springs and Yao-Wen "Joe" Liu from Taiwan. Student speakers are selected based on academic success achieved during their time in the program and involvement in clubs/activities, research, and community service.Liu, who is planning on majoring in computer science at the University of Florida next year, thanked everyone who helped him succeed in the program but focused primarily on his friendships while in KAMS."My roommate really helped me adjust," Liu said. "We made memories that can't be bought with money, memories I will cherish for the rest of my life."Krueger, who is planning to study fisheries and wildlife biology and entomology at Michigan State University, focused on the opportunities the KAMS/AMS programs provide while acknowledging its rigor. &nbsp;"This is not a program for everyone … and the path to get here was full of challenges," Krueger said."We would not have made it without each other," Krueger admitted, thanking faculty, staff, and the other graduates for their support and friendship. "It has been an honor to be a part of the KAMS/AMS 2022 cohort."Will Burns, director of Early College Programs at Fort Hays State, shared some facts about this year's KAMS/AMS students.<ul>
 <li>This class earned over $1 million in scholarships for the next academic year.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>This class's average exiting ACT composite was a 30 composite, which is at the 93 percentile of all national exam takers.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The average exiting SAT score was 1465, which is at the 98 percentile.</li>
 </ul>"These extremely gifted, talented, and innovative seniors will be the movers and shakers of tomorrow," Burns said.While continuing on to universities across the nation, including schools like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University, many KAMS/AMS students choose to stay in Kansas, with eight planning to stay at Fort Hays State. No matter where they choose, it is clear that these students are headed for great things.KAMS/AMS 2022 Completion Ceremony (Students, their hometown, and their sending high school) Matthew Boyea – Atchison, Pleasant Ridge HS Ellie Bultena – Sublette, Sublette HS Sijia Cathy Cui – Nanjing, China, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Morgan Dilley – Dodge City, Minneola HS Sarah Fay – Ellsworth, Ellsworth HS Chunlin Allan Feng – Beijing, China, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Emma Gilbert – Ellis, Ellis HS Marissa Gonzalez – Topeka, Highland Park HS John Brody Groves, Tonganoxie, Tonganoxie HS Paige Holopirek – La Crosse, La Crosse HS Ziyi Huang – Beijing, China, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Fischer Kent – Maple Hill, St. Marys HS Cooper Krueger – Bonner Springs, Basehor-Linwood HS Andy Kuhl – Hays, Hays HS Lyly Le – Wichita, Wichita North HS Seung-Gu Lee – Seoul, South Korea, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Yao Wen Liu – Taoyuan, Taiwan, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Heming Dylan Lu, Beijing, China, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS KyLee Luchsinger – Salina, Salina Central HS Heon Moon – South Korea, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Graidon Nichol – Topeka, Topeka West HS Yoondo Park – Gwangiu, South Korea, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Haley Pfeifer – Ellsworth, Ellsworth HS Zane Smith – Topeka, Tecumsuh-Shawnee Heights HS Letian Tony Tang – Changzhou, China, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Adam White – Rossville, Rossville HS Nagumi Yamagata – Kaga, Ishikawa, Japan, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Eunseok Yoon – Deokso, South Korea, Hays/Thomas More Prep-Marian HS

Hays, area students honored during annual KAMS/AMS completion ceremony at FHSU

MANHATTAN — Riders with rhymes will once again be gathering across Kansas, as the Kansas Cowboy Poetry Contest will resume in-person in 2022.

“We are mighty pleased to be able to gather and share in person again, beginning May 6 in Fredonia and May 20 in Hays,”said poetry contest chair Ron Wilson of the Lazy T Ranch near Manhattan.&nbsp; “In addition to the adult cowboy poetry contest, we will offer a youth division for those age 18 and younger.&nbsp; We invite current and aspiring poets to enter our regional contests where they would perform their original poems,” he said.

Qualifying contests were held May 6 in Fredonia. Another is scheduled for Friday, May 20, 6 p.m., at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.&nbsp; Those interested in competing&nbsp;can enter online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cowboypoetrycontest.com/">www.cowboypoetrycontest.com</a>.&nbsp;

The top qualifiers at each of the two regional contests advance to the finals which will be held at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan on June 10.&nbsp; State champions at the finals will receive the Saddlejack Bradrick Award, the coveted Governor’s Buckle, discounts and gift certificates from leading western wear stores, free membership in the International Western Music Association-Kansas Chapter, and two tickets to the Symphony in the Flint Hills plus an opportunity to present their poems in the story circle after the symphony.&nbsp; Youth winners will also receive scholarships.

“We are much obliged to our sponsors who make this possible,” Wilson said.&nbsp; “Many thanks to the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, the Kansas Farm Bureau, the Western Wordsmiths and Kansas chapters of the International Western Music Association, the Hays Public Library, Lawton Nuss, and our western wear donors.”

Contestants can enter online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cowboypoetrycontest.com/">www.cowboypoetrycontest.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are two categories:&nbsp; Serious poems or humorous poems.&nbsp; Contestants can recite a serious poem, humorous poem or both.&nbsp; Only the contestant’s original work is allowed.&nbsp; Awards will be presented in both categories plus youth.&nbsp; The finals will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at the Discovery Center on the night before the Symphony in the Flint Hills.

There is no admission charge and the public is invited to attend all of these events.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information or to enter a regional contest, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cowboypoetrycontest.com/">www.cowboypoetrycontest.com</a>.

State contest committee members include: Orin Friesen, President, Kansas Chapter of the International Western Music Association, Benton;&nbsp; Jeff Davidson, Eureka; Brad Hamilton, Hoyt;&nbsp;Martha Farrell, Towanda;&nbsp;and Ron Wilson, Manhattan.&nbsp; For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cowboypoetrycontest.com/">www.cowboypoetrycontest.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634553504169.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseMANHATTAN — Riders with rhymes will once again be gathering across Kansas, as the Kansas Cowboy Poetry Contest will resume in-person in 2022.“We are mighty pleased to be able to gather and share in person again, beginning May 6 in Fredonia and May 20 in Hays,”said poetry contest chair Ron Wilson of the Lazy T Ranch near Manhattan.&nbsp; “In addition to the adult cowboy poetry contest, we will offer a youth division for those age 18 and younger.&nbsp; We invite current and aspiring poets to enter our regional contests where they would perform their original poems,” he said.Qualifying contests were held May 6 in Fredonia. Another is scheduled for Friday, May 20, 6 p.m., at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.&nbsp; Those interested in competing&nbsp;can enter online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cowboypoetrycontest.com/">www.cowboypoetrycontest.com</a>.&nbsp;The top qualifiers at each of the two regional contests advance to the finals which will be held at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan on June 10.&nbsp; State champions at the finals will receive the Saddlejack Bradrick Award, the coveted Governor’s Buckle, discounts and gift certificates from leading western wear stores, free membership in the International Western Music Association-Kansas Chapter, and two tickets to the Symphony in the Flint Hills plus an opportunity to present their poems in the story circle after the symphony.&nbsp; Youth winners will also receive scholarships.“We are much obliged to our sponsors who make this possible,” Wilson said.&nbsp; “Many thanks to the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, the Kansas Farm Bureau, the Western Wordsmiths and Kansas chapters of the International Western Music Association, the Hays Public Library, Lawton Nuss, and our western wear donors.”Contestants can enter online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cowboypoetrycontest.com/">www.cowboypoetrycontest.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are two categories:&nbsp; Serious poems or humorous poems.&nbsp; Contestants can recite a serious poem, humorous poem or both.&nbsp; Only the contestant’s original work is allowed.&nbsp; Awards will be presented in both categories plus youth.&nbsp; The finals will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at the Discovery Center on the night before the Symphony in the Flint Hills.There is no admission charge and the public is invited to attend all of these events.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information or to enter a regional contest, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cowboypoetrycontest.com/">www.cowboypoetrycontest.com</a>.State contest committee members include: Orin Friesen, President, Kansas Chapter of the International Western Music Association, Benton;&nbsp; Jeff Davidson, Eureka; Brad Hamilton, Hoyt;&nbsp;Martha Farrell, Towanda;&nbsp;and Ron Wilson, Manhattan.&nbsp; For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cowboypoetrycontest.com/">www.cowboypoetrycontest.com</a>.

Cowboy Poetry Contest makes its way to Hays this week

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher It’s beginning to feel and look a lot more like summer is quickly nearing! The kids have wrapped up their school year, the alfalfa is about to bloom, the cows have come home to graze, and the wheat is waving in the warm Kansas winds.&nbsp; After a week of cool rainy days, it’s as if Mother Nature has decided it’s time to contemplate beginning a new season. The days are warmer. The sun is shining brighter. The crops are growing rapidly. Before long there should be first cuttings of alfalfa in fields. The alfalfa’s tiny purple blossoms are beginning to show themselves hinting that it’s getting closer to begin making hay.&nbsp; While driving to town to pick up my kids from their last day of school, the bright blue sky was dotted with planes swooping down to spray fields. The colorful airplanes flying low and running patterns back and forth over fields is a sight I see almost every year around this time.&nbsp; From my porch, the distant buzz of an airplane suggesting a quick descent followed by a plane emerging above tree rows is something that still catches my attention. I can’t help but stop what I’m doing to watch these planes dance through the sky for a few moments before I refocus on my current task. The cattle have returned to the pasture just south of our house to begin their summer grazing. It’s always a happy day when I can look out my kitchen window in the morning and see fat cattle grazing along the creek. The sight and sound of cattle switching their tails and taking slow steps while grazing on lush grass allows me to briefly calm my mind and appreciate a simple moment during this part of the year. In recent afternoons I have caught myself briefly looking out into the wheat fields to soak in the view. The wheat has definitely grown and with the combination of the height of the plants and the continuous wind, it has begun to collectively wave daily. The synchronized movement of green is mesmerizing like ocean waves and is both soothing to watch while also reminding me that the green wheat before me will soon ripen to its golden harvest-ready beauty. Soon we will enter our busy season of summer, but for now, I’ll appreciate moments within these days knowing that summer is definitely in sight!

"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" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher It’s beginning to feel and look a lot more like summer is quickly nearing! The kids have wrapped up their school year, the alfalfa is about to bloom, the cows have come home to graze, and the wheat is waving in the warm Kansas winds.&nbsp; After a week of cool rainy days, it’s as if Mother Nature has decided it’s time to contemplate beginning a new season. The days are warmer. The sun is shining brighter. The crops are growing rapidly. Before long there should be first cuttings of alfalfa in fields. The alfalfa’s tiny purple blossoms are beginning to show themselves hinting that it’s getting closer to begin making hay.&nbsp; While driving to town to pick up my kids from their last day of school, the bright blue sky was dotted with planes swooping down to spray fields. The colorful airplanes flying low and running patterns back and forth over fields is a sight I see almost every year around this time.&nbsp; From my porch, the distant buzz of an airplane suggesting a quick descent followed by a plane emerging above tree rows is something that still catches my attention. I can’t help but stop what I’m doing to watch these planes dance through the sky for a few moments before I refocus on my current task. The cattle have returned to the pasture just south of our house to begin their summer grazing. It’s always a happy day when I can look out my kitchen window in the morning and see fat cattle grazing along the creek. The sight and sound of cattle switching their tails and taking slow steps while grazing on lush grass allows me to briefly calm my mind and appreciate a simple moment during this part of the year. In recent afternoons I have caught myself briefly looking out into the wheat fields to soak in the view. The wheat has definitely grown and with the combination of the height of the plants and the continuous wind, it has begun to collectively wave daily. The synchronized movement of green is mesmerizing like ocean waves and is both soothing to watch while also reminding me that the green wheat before me will soon ripen to its golden harvest-ready beauty. Soon we will enter our busy season of summer, but for now, I’ll appreciate moments within these days knowing that summer is definitely in sight!"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: Summer in sight

<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/2022/5/1652816801552.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

NWS warns of slight chance of thunderstorms Tuesday

The Ellis County Commission, acting as the canvas board, certified the Hays USD 489 bond issue Monday night.

Both the bond issue and a half-cent city sales question to help pay for the bond were approved.

The final vote on the bond issue was 3,288 votes yes and 2,804 votes no. The final vote on the sales tax issue was 3,071 votes yes and 2,061 votes no.

Monday morning the canvas board voted to accept 64 provisional ballots. Ten ballots were rejected because the voters were not registered in Ellis County.

• There were 54 ballots accepted because of address changes. • There were three ballots accepted because of address and name changes • There were four ballots accepted because of name changes. • There was one ballot accepted because an advance mail ballot was lost. • There was one ballot accepted because of poll worker error. • There was one ballot accepted because Johnson County had pulled this voter from Ellis County in error so the name did not appear in the Ellis County poll books. Once election staff figured out the mistake, they pulled the person's registration back from the Johnson County rolls.

The Hays school board Monday night approved a resolution issuing $2 million in temporary bonds to be used for the bond projects. This will pay for aspects of the project over the next few months, including design.

The district's bond counsel Piper Sandler is estimating an 11.5 mill levy for the bond once the full bond amount is levied. That should appear on taxpayers' November bills.

The City of Hays half-cent sales tax will take effect on Oct. 1. The new tax will increase the city tax rate from 8.75 percent to 9.25 percent.

Dustin Avey, Piper Sandler managing director, said the growth of the sales tax has been estimated conservatively. He expects growth in sales tax revenue will result in the bond being paid off early.

Superintendent Ron Wilson thanked the Vote Yes Committee for their work to pass the $143.5 million bond.&nbsp; 

"What we accomplished with the Vote Yes Committee is going to be great for kids, staff and the community," Wilson said. "Nothing like this could have happened without such hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and positivity.&nbsp; That sums up what the Vote Yes Committee is all about."

Board members also thanked the committee, as well as everyone who worked to pass the bond. They also thanked the Hays City Commission for its support of the sales tax.

Wilson said the district administration will begin discussions with architect DLR next week.

DLR will begin immediately on a site survey for the new high school, which will be built on property east of the current high school. That land is already owned by the school district.

Nabholz Construction, the district's construction manager at risk, will have an informational meeting with local suppliers and contractors in mid-June. The date and time for that meeting have not been set.

Wilson said the school board and the district's website will be continually updated throughout the bond process.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission, acting as the canvas board, certified the Hays USD 489 bond issue Monday night.Both the bond issue and a half-cent city sales question to help pay for the bond were approved.The final vote on the bond issue was 3,288 votes yes and 2,804 votes no. The final vote on the sales tax issue was 3,071 votes yes and 2,061 votes no.Monday morning the canvas board voted to accept 64 provisional ballots. Ten ballots were rejected because the voters were not registered in Ellis County.• There were 54 ballots accepted because of address changes. • There were three ballots accepted because of address and name changes • There were four ballots accepted because of name changes. • There was one ballot accepted because an advance mail ballot was lost. • There was one ballot accepted because of poll worker error. • There was one ballot accepted because Johnson County had pulled this voter from Ellis County in error so the name did not appear in the Ellis County poll books. Once election staff figured out the mistake, they pulled the person's registration back from the Johnson County rolls.<h2>Temporary bonds</h2>The Hays school board Monday night approved a resolution issuing $2 million in temporary bonds to be used for the bond projects. This will pay for aspects of the project over the next few months, including design.The district's bond counsel Piper Sandler is estimating an 11.5 mill levy for the bond once the full bond amount is levied. That should appear on taxpayers' November bills.The City of Hays half-cent sales tax will take effect on Oct. 1. The new tax will increase the city tax rate from 8.75 percent to 9.25 percent.Dustin Avey, Piper Sandler managing director, said the growth of the sales tax has been estimated conservatively. He expects growth in sales tax revenue will result in the bond being paid off early. Superintendent Ron Wilson thanked the Vote Yes Committee for their work to pass the $143.5 million bond.&nbsp; "What we accomplished with the Vote Yes Committee is going to be great for kids, staff and the community," Wilson said. "Nothing like this could have happened without such hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and positivity.&nbsp; That sums up what the Vote Yes Committee is all about."Board members also thanked the committee, as well as everyone who worked to pass the bond. They also thanked the Hays City Commission for its support of the sales tax. Wilson said the district administration will begin discussions with architect DLR next week.DLR will begin immediately on a site survey for the new high school, which will be built on property east of the current high school. That land is already owned by the school district.Nabholz Construction, the district's construction manager at risk, will have an informational meeting with local suppliers and contractors in mid-June. The date and time for that meeting have not been set. Wilson said the school board and the district's website will be continually updated throughout the bond process.

USD 489 bond vote certified; temporary bonds issued

NORTON — The <a href="https://nwkeici.org/">Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center</a> has announced that Dana Jo Stanton has been named the new Childcare Program Director for NWKEICI’s newest initiative.

According to NWKEICI Programs Director,&nbsp;Lucas Goddard, the Childcare Program Director will work alongside childcare centers and group homes across the 26 county region serviced by NWKEICI. “The primary objective of the position is to identify pinch points and support better business practices for childcare centers so that center directors can focus on the things they do best – taking care of children,” stated Goddard.

Stanton brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, as for the past 17 years she has served as the Grants and Outreach Coordinator for USD 489 Early Childhood Connections based in Hays.&nbsp;

In her previous position at Early Childhood Connections, Stanton’s numerous responsibilities included coordinating early childhood grant programs, supervising the Parents as Teachers program, and coordinating the Connections volunteer and work study programs, among other impressive duties.

Stanton recognizes the desperate need for quality childcare faced by so many Northwest Kansas families and looks forward to getting started in her new position. “I am excited to use my skills in early childhood, grant writing and communication to improve childcare in Northwest Kansas. Across the country, access to quality and affordable childcare is at crisis level proportions. Qualified providers are leaving the field in droves due to financial concerns and burn-out. The current childcare provider exodus leaves parents scrambling and desperate to find suitable care for their children,” Stanton explained.

NWKEICI is in the process of fully developing this new initiative and will provide more program details as they become available. Stanton’s position with EICI will begin in July.&nbsp;

“Many major employers list childcare as the number one need for their employees.&nbsp; Northwest Kansas is no exception to this nation-wide trend. It is my goal to work directly with our providers to identify and address common barriers to quality childcare. It is my goal to build upon the impressive programs already implemented by NWKEICI to build effective systems of support for childcare providers,” said Stanton.

Stanton is married to Northwest Kansas native Andy Stanton.&nbsp; They have made their home in Hays since 2005.&nbsp; They are the proud parents of Jackson, Gracie Jo and Gabriel.

To learn more about this initiative or with any questions, please contact <a href="https://nwkeici.org/">NWKEICI</a> by email at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:office@nwkeici.org">office@nwkeici.org</a>&nbsp; or by phone at 785-874-5150.

About Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center

Based in Norton, NWKEICI provides&nbsp;economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses in rural Northwest Kansas. The private operating foundation serves 26 counties in the region with a variety of programs.

By working with existing businesses or entrepreneurs throughout the coverage area with targeted programs, NWKEICI strives to reverse the outflow of people and businesses from Northwest Kansas. Through its current and future initiatives that extend resources to these businesses and entrepreneurs, NWKEICI hopes to increase population and to foster economic innovation in Northwest Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652474300359.jpeg" alt="Dana Stanton" />
 <figcaption>Dana Stanton</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseNORTON — The <a href="https://nwkeici.org/">Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center</a> has announced that Dana Jo Stanton has been named the new Childcare Program Director for NWKEICI’s newest initiative.According to NWKEICI Programs Director,&nbsp;Lucas Goddard, the Childcare Program Director will work alongside childcare centers and group homes across the 26 county region serviced by NWKEICI. “The primary objective of the position is to identify pinch points and support better business practices for childcare centers so that center directors can focus on the things they do best – taking care of children,” stated Goddard.Stanton brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, as for the past 17 years she has served as the Grants and Outreach Coordinator for USD 489 Early Childhood Connections based in Hays.&nbsp;In her previous position at Early Childhood Connections, Stanton’s numerous responsibilities included coordinating early childhood grant programs, supervising the Parents as Teachers program, and coordinating the Connections volunteer and work study programs, among other impressive duties.Stanton recognizes the desperate need for quality childcare faced by so many Northwest Kansas families and looks forward to getting started in her new position. “I am excited to use my skills in early childhood, grant writing and communication to improve childcare in Northwest Kansas. Across the country, access to quality and affordable childcare is at crisis level proportions. Qualified providers are leaving the field in droves due to financial concerns and burn-out. The current childcare provider exodus leaves parents scrambling and desperate to find suitable care for their children,” Stanton explained.NWKEICI is in the process of fully developing this new initiative and will provide more program details as they become available. Stanton’s position with EICI will begin in July.&nbsp;“Many major employers list childcare as the number one need for their employees.&nbsp; Northwest Kansas is no exception to this nation-wide trend. It is my goal to work directly with our providers to identify and address common barriers to quality childcare. It is my goal to build upon the impressive programs already implemented by NWKEICI to build effective systems of support for childcare providers,” said Stanton.Stanton is married to Northwest Kansas native Andy Stanton.&nbsp; They have made their home in Hays since 2005.&nbsp; They are the proud parents of Jackson, Gracie Jo and Gabriel.To learn more about this initiative or with any questions, please contact <a href="https://nwkeici.org/">NWKEICI</a> by email at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:office@nwkeici.org">office@nwkeici.org</a>&nbsp; or by phone at 785-874-5150.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652474841232.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>About Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation CenterBased in Norton, NWKEICI provides&nbsp;economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses in rural Northwest Kansas. The private operating foundation serves 26 counties in the region with a variety of programs.By working with existing businesses or entrepreneurs throughout the coverage area with targeted programs, NWKEICI strives to reverse the outflow of people and businesses from Northwest Kansas. Through its current and future initiatives that extend resources to these businesses and entrepreneurs, NWKEICI hopes to increase population and to foster economic innovation in Northwest Kansas.

Hays woman named Childcare Program Director at NWKS Economic Innovation Center

Crude futures prices continue to rise, with the benchmark contract in New York topping $111 on Monday for the first time since March. London Brent was just over $112. The spread between US and London benchmarks dropped to just 49 cents, the smallest in recent memory. Kansas crude prices gained four dollars on Friday to once again top $100 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $100.75 per barrel. Kansas, is one of just three states with average pump prices below four dollars a gallon. The auto club Triple-A says Monday’s national average for a gallon of regular gas set another record at $4.48. That's 40 cents more than a month ago, and $1.43 more than a year ago. Most local retailers are offering regular under four dollars a gallon. Baker Hughes reports 714 active drilling rigs across the US Friday, up six oil rigs and three drilling for natural gas. The count in Texas was up four rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 21 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one from last week, and 29 in the western half of the state, which is unchanged.&nbsp; Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Barton and Stafford counties.&nbsp; Kansas operators completed 20 wells last week, with 13 east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas, including one well in Stafford County. That's 582 new well-completions so far this year compared to 265 at this time last year Kansas regulators approved 47 permits for drilling at new locations during the week through May 12th. There are ten new permits in the eastern half of the state and 37 west of Wichita, including three in Barton County and one in Russell County. Last week for the first time the war in Ukraine has Russian natural gas flows to Europe. Reuters reports Ukraine shut down its natural gas transit point, because of interference by occupying forces. That dropped Russian gas deliveries to Europe by 25%.&nbsp; Prices on the energy markets reversed course on the news. The government reports US crude inventories increased by more than eight million barrels to 424.2 million barrels on May 6th. The Energy Information Administration reports US stockpiles are about 13 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles were down more than three million barrels and are about 5% below the five year seasonal average. Crude production in the US was down slightly from the week before but remains nearly a million barrels a day higher than a year ago. The EIA reported US output of 11.847 million barrels per day for the week through May 6th. US imports were down 62,000 barrels per day to 6.3 million. The four-week average is more than six percent higher than imports for the same four weeks a year ago. Oil by rail traffic last week increased slightly over the week before, but remains more than eleven percent below the tally last year at this time. The Association of American Railroads reports 8,940 tanker carloads hauling petroleum and or petroleum products during the week through May 7th. That's up 116 carloads from the week before. Canadian oil-by-rail traffic dropped by more than 700 tanker carloads, but remains about ten percent above the total a year ago. The world's largest crude-oil exporter is enjoying a giant leap in profits. Saudi Aramco said it's net income rose 84% in the first quarter to $39.5 BILLION, owing largely to the 45% increase in prices since the start of the year. A Senate committee has approved a bill allowing anti-trust lawsuits against OPEC and its members for market manipulation. The No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act, or NOPEC, has been on and off the table for decades, but never advanced past committee discussion. The measure passed 17-4 in the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month. The move is opposed by almost everyone in the industry, from OPEC to the American Petroleum Institute and the US Chamber of Commerce.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude futures prices continue to rise, with the benchmark contract in New York topping $111 on Monday for the first time since March. London Brent was just over $112. The spread between US and London benchmarks dropped to just 49 cents, the smallest in recent memory. Kansas crude prices gained four dollars on Friday to once again top $100 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $100.75 per barrel. Kansas, is one of just three states with average pump prices below four dollars a gallon. The auto club Triple-A says Monday’s national average for a gallon of regular gas set another record at $4.48. That's 40 cents more than a month ago, and $1.43 more than a year ago. Most local retailers are offering regular under four dollars a gallon. Baker Hughes reports 714 active drilling rigs across the US Friday, up six oil rigs and three drilling for natural gas. The count in Texas was up four rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 21 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one from last week, and 29 in the western half of the state, which is unchanged.&nbsp; Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Barton and Stafford counties.&nbsp; Kansas operators completed 20 wells last week, with 13 east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas, including one well in Stafford County. That's 582 new well-completions so far this year compared to 265 at this time last year Kansas regulators approved 47 permits for drilling at new locations during the week through May 12th. There are ten new permits in the eastern half of the state and 37 west of Wichita, including three in Barton County and one in Russell County. Last week for the first time the war in Ukraine has Russian natural gas flows to Europe. Reuters reports Ukraine shut down its natural gas transit point, because of interference by occupying forces. That dropped Russian gas deliveries to Europe by 25%.&nbsp; Prices on the energy markets reversed course on the news. The government reports US crude inventories increased by more than eight million barrels to 424.2 million barrels on May 6th. The Energy Information Administration reports US stockpiles are about 13 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles were down more than three million barrels and are about 5% below the five year seasonal average. Crude production in the US was down slightly from the week before but remains nearly a million barrels a day higher than a year ago. The EIA reported US output of 11.847 million barrels per day for the week through May 6th. US imports were down 62,000 barrels per day to 6.3 million. The four-week average is more than six percent higher than imports for the same four weeks a year ago. Oil by rail traffic last week increased slightly over the week before, but remains more than eleven percent below the tally last year at this time. The Association of American Railroads reports 8,940 tanker carloads hauling petroleum and or petroleum products during the week through May 7th. That's up 116 carloads from the week before. Canadian oil-by-rail traffic dropped by more than 700 tanker carloads, but remains about ten percent above the total a year ago. The world's largest crude-oil exporter is enjoying a giant leap in profits. Saudi Aramco said it's net income rose 84% in the first quarter to $39.5 BILLION, owing largely to the 45% increase in prices since the start of the year. A Senate committee has approved a bill allowing anti-trust lawsuits against OPEC and its members for market manipulation. The No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act, or NOPEC, has been on and off the table for decades, but never advanced past committee discussion. The measure passed 17-4 in the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month. The move is opposed by almost everyone in the industry, from OPEC to the American Petroleum Institute and the US Chamber of Commerce.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. one of three states below $4/gal

Nine students from the region have been awarded the National Science Foundation’s Noyce Scholarship at Fort Hays State University for the 2022-23 school year.

The Noyce Teacher-Leader Program at FHSU offers a renewable scholarship designed to help support high-achieving math and science students who want to become secondary or middle level teachers after graduation. The scholarship is a ‘cost-of-attendance’ scholarship worth over $14,000 per year.

Four of the newest recipients currently attend Fort Hays State, and five will transfer to FHSU from area community colleges – Seward County CC&nbsp; in Liberal, Allen CC in Iola, Garden City CC, and Colby CC.

In addition to the scholarship, recipients of the Noyce Teacher-Leader awards enroll in courses designed to help them learn how to succeed teaching in rural school districts. In addition to preparation for teaching, additional resources are provided to support undergraduate research experiences and travel to conferences.

For juniors and seniors only, the Noyce scholarship recipients agree to teach in a high-needs school district for two years for each year they receive the scholarship. In his remarks at the recent Noyce signing ceremony on the FHSU campus, Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education, refers to the Noyce scholarship as “the academic Super Bowl of scholarships.”

Including this new group, FHSU has now given nearly $2 million in scholarships through the Noyce program over 10 years. Now with over 50 students have benefited from the program, and nearly all of them still teaching, Adams said, “this scholarship allows (recipients) the opportunity to focus on being a solid scientist or mathematician and a solid teacher.”

Hannah Bailey came to Fort Hays State already knowing she wanted to become a math teacher. She found out about the Noyce scholarship program from her high school biology teacher, Ashley Billips, who had been a Fort Hays State student and participant in the program before teaching at Norton Community High School. Staying close to home was also important to Bailey. “I wanted to be able to get back and see my family,” she said. “I want to either go back and teach in, or at least near, Norton.”

A chemistry major from Wichita, Reagan Lathem initially chose Fort Hays State for its affordability as well as another program – the pre-professional options that allow students to begin a program at FHSU, then transfer to one of several professional schools of their choice. “Once I was at Fort Hays State, getting a quality education at a great price, I decided to switch to chemistry and look into education,” Lathem said. She decided to apply for the Noyce scholarship after hearing about it from her advisor, Dr. Arvin Cruz, chair of the Department of Chemistry. “I decided to make the switch as a freshman, and when Dr. Cruz heard I was interested in teaching, he immediately said I needed to look into the Noyce scholarship. He helped me get everything started,” Lathem said.

Of the nine new recipients for the upcoming 2022-23 school year, five were in attendance at the initial signing ceremony, including students from Fort Hays State, Garden City Community College, and Colby Community College. Separate ceremonies were held at Allen County Community College and Seward County Community College for students from those schools.

The following recipients are listed in alphabetical order, followed by their home towns and current schools. All are receiving the Noyce Scholarship for the 2022-23 school year.

Hannah Bailey,&nbsp;Norton, Fort Hays State University Lacy Brite,&nbsp;Leroy, Allen County Community College Jonathon Flores,&nbsp;Hugoton, Fort Hays State University Elizabeth Horinek,&nbsp;Sublette, Seward County Community College Grace Jenkins,&nbsp;West Valley City, Utah, Colby Community College Reagan Lathem,&nbsp;Wichita, Fort Hays State University Sofia Montoya Ortiz,&nbsp;Garden City, Garden City Community College Nathan Stark,&nbsp;Liebenthal, Fort Hays State University William Swanson,&nbsp;Liberal, Seward County Community College

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652450670199.jpeg" alt="From left, Sofia Montoya Ortiz, Reagan Lathem, Grace Jenkins, Jonathon Flores, and Hannah Bailey." />
 <figcaption>From left, Sofia Montoya Ortiz, Reagan Lathem, Grace Jenkins, Jonathon Flores, and Hannah Bailey.</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsNine students from the region have been awarded the National Science Foundation’s Noyce Scholarship at Fort Hays State University for the 2022-23 school year.The Noyce Teacher-Leader Program at FHSU offers a renewable scholarship designed to help support high-achieving math and science students who want to become secondary or middle level teachers after graduation. The scholarship is a ‘cost-of-attendance’ scholarship worth over $14,000 per year.Four of the newest recipients currently attend Fort Hays State, and five will transfer to FHSU from area community colleges – Seward County CC&nbsp; in Liberal, Allen CC in Iola, Garden City CC, and Colby CC.In addition to the scholarship, recipients of the Noyce Teacher-Leader awards enroll in courses designed to help them learn how to succeed teaching in rural school districts. In addition to preparation for teaching, additional resources are provided to support undergraduate research experiences and travel to conferences.For juniors and seniors only, the Noyce scholarship recipients agree to teach in a high-needs school district for two years for each year they receive the scholarship. In his remarks at the recent Noyce signing ceremony on the FHSU campus, Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education, refers to the Noyce scholarship as “the academic Super Bowl of scholarships.”Including this new group, FHSU has now given nearly $2 million in scholarships through the Noyce program over 10 years. Now with over 50 students have benefited from the program, and nearly all of them still teaching, Adams said, “this scholarship allows (recipients) the opportunity to focus on being a solid scientist or mathematician and a solid teacher.”Hannah Bailey came to Fort Hays State already knowing she wanted to become a math teacher. She found out about the Noyce scholarship program from her high school biology teacher, Ashley Billips, who had been a Fort Hays State student and participant in the program before teaching at Norton Community High School. Staying close to home was also important to Bailey. “I wanted to be able to get back and see my family,” she said. “I want to either go back and teach in, or at least near, Norton.”A chemistry major from Wichita, Reagan Lathem initially chose Fort Hays State for its affordability as well as another program – the pre-professional options that allow students to begin a program at FHSU, then transfer to one of several professional schools of their choice. “Once I was at Fort Hays State, getting a quality education at a great price, I decided to switch to chemistry and look into education,” Lathem said. She decided to apply for the Noyce scholarship after hearing about it from her advisor, Dr. Arvin Cruz, chair of the Department of Chemistry. “I decided to make the switch as a freshman, and when Dr. Cruz heard I was interested in teaching, he immediately said I needed to look into the Noyce scholarship. He helped me get everything started,” Lathem said.Of the nine new recipients for the upcoming 2022-23 school year, five were in attendance at the initial signing ceremony, including students from Fort Hays State, Garden City Community College, and Colby Community College. Separate ceremonies were held at Allen County Community College and Seward County Community College for students from those schools.The following recipients are listed in alphabetical order, followed by their home towns and current schools. All are receiving the Noyce Scholarship for the 2022-23 school year.Hannah Bailey,&nbsp;Norton, Fort Hays State University Lacy Brite,&nbsp;Leroy, Allen County Community College Jonathon Flores,&nbsp;Hugoton, Fort Hays State University Elizabeth Horinek,&nbsp;Sublette, Seward County Community College Grace Jenkins,&nbsp;West Valley City, Utah, Colby Community College Reagan Lathem,&nbsp;Wichita, Fort Hays State University Sofia Montoya Ortiz,&nbsp;Garden City, Garden City Community College Nathan Stark,&nbsp;Liebenthal, Fort Hays State University William Swanson,&nbsp;Liberal, Seward County Community College

Liebenthal, Norton students awarded Noyce Scholarship at FHSU

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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>

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysCVB/">Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> announced on social media&nbsp; late Monday afternoon the ARC Park Splash Pad, 3300 Hillcrest Drive, is now open for the season.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652739153091.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysCVB/">Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> announced on social media&nbsp; late Monday afternoon the ARC Park Splash Pad, 3300 Hillcrest Drive, is now open for the season.&nbsp;

CITY: ARC Park Splash Pad now open for the season

TMP softball hosts Colby Monday in the first-round of the 3A TMP regional.

First pitch is set for 5 p.m. from TMP field with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show at 4:45 p.m.&nbsp;

You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

&nbsp; You can hear TMP softball on 94.3 KAYS or you can listen online by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

TMP softball hosts Colby Monday in the first-round of the 3A TMP regional.First pitch is set for 5 p.m. from TMP field with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show at 4:45 p.m.&nbsp;You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/392777?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>&nbsp; You can hear TMP softball on 94.3 KAYS or you can listen online by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Colby

The TMP baseball team is the two-seed in the Ellsworth
3A regional and they open with Ellinwood Monday at TMP Field.

First pitch is set for 5 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show at 4:45 p.m.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/370195">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

&nbsp; &nbsp; You can hear TMP baseball on 99.5 KHAZ or you can listen online by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The TMP baseball team is the two-seed in the Ellsworth
3A regional and they open with Ellinwood Monday at TMP Field.First pitch is set for 5 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show at 4:45 p.m.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/370195">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/392711?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>&nbsp; &nbsp; You can hear TMP baseball on 99.5 KHAZ or you can listen online by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KHAZ">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Ellinwood

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