Submitted by Hammond campaign for state representative

Hays Medical Center, Ellis County citizens and their economy have lost in terms of health care and money, said Ed Hammond, Democratic candidate for the Kansas House, at a news conference this morning.

“Patients, HaysMed and the economy of the 111th&nbsp;District have all suffered because of the state’s failure to expand KanCare/Medicaid,” said Hammond. “Our current representative has chosen not to advocate for expansion and in fact has actively participated in blocking it. The time is now to have Medicaid expansion.”

Five years ago, a bi-partisan majority in the Kansas Legislature passed expansion, but then-Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed it. The Legislature has not been able to overcome the obstacles to passage since.

“And our current representative has been one of the obstacles,” said Hammond.

Hammond cited a recent survey from the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas that found 87 percent of Kansans support expansion. An estimated 165,000 people in Kansas would benefit from expanded coverage — people who are currently uninsured or who would be eligible for more health care coverage.

Another survey, an economic study conducted by Kansas State University economist Dr. John Leatherman, indicated that failure to expand Medicare has cost the state $70 million per year&nbsp;in additional tax revenue, direct and indirect.

Kansas is one of only a dozen states that have not accepted the federal Medicaid expansion money, he said. More Republican governors than Democratic governors have presided over expansion, and those include Mike Pence, governor of Indiana before becoming vice president.

All states surrounding Kansas have expanded Medicaid, and that includes three of the reddest states in the country: Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

Hammond emphasized three reasons why he is advocating for Medicaid expansion. The first is health care.

“The first reason I feel so strongly about this issue is because it improves the health of 165,000 Kansans,” he said. These people are not getting services or are getting services and the providers are having to write off the cost, he said.

Under current eligibility requirements, an uninsured parent with two children would have to earn less than $4 an hour, or no more than $8,500 a year, to qualify. He also pointed out that, contrary to a myth perpetrated by opponents of expansion, only U.S. citizens are covered.

“My opponent has decided not to advocate for our citizens, and the time is now,” said Hammond.

The second reason we need expansion is jobs.

“Expansion creates jobs,” he said. “We will have to hire more doctors, nurses, nurses’ aides and hospital staff in order to meet additional demand.”

Statewide, experts estimate an additional 3,800 jobs will be created by expansion, and hospitals and health care facilities need additional resources to deal with the pressures of inflation.

“As with health care for people, my opponent has decided not to advocate for jobs,” said Hammond, “and with growing inflation, the time is now.”

Hammond said the third reason for expanding KanCare/Medicaid is, “It stimulates the economy.”

“We know that since 2014, when Kansas could have expanded eligibility, the state has lost $5.7 billion,” he said.

The 10 percent state share can be taken from budgets that can be reduced because they won’t have to include Medicaid-covered health care costs in their budgets. The largest share would come from prisoner inpatient care, MediKan savings, blind and disability supplement income, and medical needy spenddown.&nbsp;

Health care for inmates is one of the largest savings. Most prisoners would qualify for expansion.

Economists who have studied the effects of expansion in other states agree that it is either revenue neutral or revenue positive. Expansion costs the state nothing or results in additional revenue.

“Kansas has been missing the benefit of these federal funds, and our citizens have been missing the opportunity to be covered for health care,” he said. HaysMed has lost $5.1 million a year, and the First Care Clinic and other health care providers in Ellis County have lost $2.5 million a year.

On top of that, he said, the lack of expansion has cost HaysMed in an even larger way. People without medical coverage, or who have insufficient medical coverage, don’t use hospital services. The result is that HaysMed does not serve enough Medicaid patients to qualify for $10 million a year in prescription drug rebates.

“This has further disadvantaged our economy and cost people 40 percent more in prescription drug costs through the hospital,” he said.

This results in a competitive disadvantage with other cities, such as Garden City, whose hospital does have enough Medicaid patients to qualify for the benefit.&nbsp;

This benefit applies to Medicaid patients and veterans, and the lack of Medicaid expansion meant that, on average, these people pay about 40-percent more for prescription drugs.

In round numbers, patients, HaysMed and the community miss out on $17.5 million in additional revenue. The amount of downstream economic impact is estimated at three to seven times more than the direct revenue as the money circulates in the local economy.

“Over the four years that my opponent has been in office, she has been willing to pass up $70 million in direct spending. We have lost the advantage of this money being in our economy,” said Hammond.

“Once again, my opponent has decided not to stand up for her city, her county and her district. I will,” he said, “and the time is now for someone to advocate for the 111th&nbsp;District.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657220948983.jpeg" alt="Hammond" />
 <figcaption>Hammond</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by Hammond campaign for state representativeHays Medical Center, Ellis County citizens and their economy have lost in terms of health care and money, said Ed Hammond, Democratic candidate for the Kansas House, at a news conference this morning.“Patients, HaysMed and the economy of the 111th&nbsp;District have all suffered because of the state’s failure to expand KanCare/Medicaid,” said Hammond. “Our current representative has chosen not to advocate for expansion and in fact has actively participated in blocking it. The time is now to have Medicaid expansion.”Five years ago, a bi-partisan majority in the Kansas Legislature passed expansion, but then-Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed it. The Legislature has not been able to overcome the obstacles to passage since.“And our current representative has been one of the obstacles,” said Hammond.Hammond cited a recent survey from the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas that found 87 percent of Kansans support expansion. An estimated 165,000 people in Kansas would benefit from expanded coverage — people who are currently uninsured or who would be eligible for more health care coverage.Another survey, an economic study conducted by Kansas State University economist Dr. John Leatherman, indicated that failure to expand Medicare has cost the state $70 million per year&nbsp;in additional tax revenue, direct and indirect.Kansas is one of only a dozen states that have not accepted the federal Medicaid expansion money, he said. More Republican governors than Democratic governors have presided over expansion, and those include Mike Pence, governor of Indiana before becoming vice president.All states surrounding Kansas have expanded Medicaid, and that includes three of the reddest states in the country: Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska.Hammond emphasized three reasons why he is advocating for Medicaid expansion. The first is health care.“The first reason I feel so strongly about this issue is because it improves the health of 165,000 Kansans,” he said. These people are not getting services or are getting services and the providers are having to write off the cost, he said.Under current eligibility requirements, an uninsured parent with two children would have to earn less than $4 an hour, or no more than $8,500 a year, to qualify. He also pointed out that, contrary to a myth perpetrated by opponents of expansion, only U.S. citizens are covered.“My opponent has decided not to advocate for our citizens, and the time is now,” said Hammond.The second reason we need expansion is jobs.“Expansion creates jobs,” he said. “We will have to hire more doctors, nurses, nurses’ aides and hospital staff in order to meet additional demand.”Statewide, experts estimate an additional 3,800 jobs will be created by expansion, and hospitals and health care facilities need additional resources to deal with the pressures of inflation.“As with health care for people, my opponent has decided not to advocate for jobs,” said Hammond, “and with growing inflation, the time is now.”Hammond said the third reason for expanding KanCare/Medicaid is, “It stimulates the economy.”“We know that since 2014, when Kansas could have expanded eligibility, the state has lost $5.7 billion,” he said.The 10 percent state share can be taken from budgets that can be reduced because they won’t have to include Medicaid-covered health care costs in their budgets. The largest share would come from prisoner inpatient care, MediKan savings, blind and disability supplement income, and medical needy spenddown.&nbsp;Health care for inmates is one of the largest savings. Most prisoners would qualify for expansion.Economists who have studied the effects of expansion in other states agree that it is either revenue neutral or revenue positive. Expansion costs the state nothing or results in additional revenue.“Kansas has been missing the benefit of these federal funds, and our citizens have been missing the opportunity to be covered for health care,” he said. HaysMed has lost $5.1 million a year, and the First Care Clinic and other health care providers in Ellis County have lost $2.5 million a year.On top of that, he said, the lack of expansion has cost HaysMed in an even larger way. People without medical coverage, or who have insufficient medical coverage, don’t use hospital services. The result is that HaysMed does not serve enough Medicaid patients to qualify for $10 million a year in prescription drug rebates.“This has further disadvantaged our economy and cost people 40 percent more in prescription drug costs through the hospital,” he said.This results in a competitive disadvantage with other cities, such as Garden City, whose hospital does have enough Medicaid patients to qualify for the benefit.&nbsp;This benefit applies to Medicaid patients and veterans, and the lack of Medicaid expansion meant that, on average, these people pay about 40-percent more for prescription drugs.In round numbers, patients, HaysMed and the community miss out on $17.5 million in additional revenue. The amount of downstream economic impact is estimated at three to seven times more than the direct revenue as the money circulates in the local economy.“Over the four years that my opponent has been in office, she has been willing to pass up $70 million in direct spending. We have lost the advantage of this money being in our economy,” said Hammond.“Once again, my opponent has decided not to stand up for her city, her county and her district. I will,” he said, “and the time is now for someone to advocate for the 111th&nbsp;District.”

Hammond advocates expanding KanCare/Medicaid in campaign event

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

After 31 years, Hays USD 489 has ended its relationship with High Plains Mental Health Center.

USD 489 plans to take over the day-to-day operations of the center, which assists children with mental health needs that can't be addressed in their home schools.

The program can accommodate up to 40 students. Students from the full special education co-op can qualify for the program. That includes children from Hays, Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse public schools, as well as local private schools.

The school offers academic instruction for elementary, middle school and high school students.

Students at Westside have a normal academic schedule just as those children in the other USD 489 schools. However, in addition, they had groups with High Plains staff twice a day and a social-emotional skills session once a day.

In May, High Plains Mental Health Center gave the district notice that it would like to switch to having the district take over the day-to-day administration of Westside School, USD 489 officials said in a news release.

 After meeting several times to discuss this transition, it was determined High Plains Mental Health Center could not commit to keeping the same number of staff at Westside for the next school year as the previous years, and those staff that would be at Westside would not be available consistently when students needed support in the classroom, USD 489 said.

With the reduced support, Westside students would have reduced access to timely services for what they need and when they would need it, the release said.

"After careful consideration, the district determined that the recommended reduction would take away flexibility and support that our students and teachers would need," the USD 489 news release said. 

To give that support the district will be hiring a mental health therapist, a Westside liaison, and two behavior support assistants who will work full time at Westside School.

"The district will do everything possible to minimize the impact on students and their families and continue to support students and families at Westside as they have come to expect," the news release said.

All scheduled summer groups will continue as normal at the Westside School at this time.

Walt Hill, High Plains Mental Health Center executive director, said in a letter dated July 1, "Although our staff will no longer have full-time offices at the Westside School building, High Plains Mental Health Center staff will continue to be available to provide mental health services (therapy, case management and medication services) for local students and their families.

"As the new school year approaches, we expect discussions to continue about how High Plains Mental Health Center staff will be working with any newly hired staff at Westside School to support students," Hill said in the letter.

"It always has been and will remain our goal to continue to work with Hays USD 489 in providing needed mental health services to the students and families within the district who wish to continue working with us," Hill said.

USD 489 said in its press release, "USD 489 and West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative want to recognize the 31-year relationship with High Plains Mental Health that has helped many students and families navigate difficult situations. 

"The district will continue to collaborate with High Plains, as well as other mental health agencies in the community to support the needs of all of our students."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642524538587.jpeg" alt="File photo " />
 <figcaption>File photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter 31 years, Hays USD 489 has ended its relationship with High Plains Mental Health Center.USD 489 plans to take over the day-to-day operations of the center, which assists children with mental health needs that can't be addressed in their home schools.The program can accommodate up to 40 students. Students from the full special education co-op can qualify for the program. That includes children from Hays, Ellis, Victoria and La Crosse public schools, as well as local private schools.The school offers academic instruction for elementary, middle school and high school students.Students at Westside have a normal academic schedule just as those children in the other USD 489 schools. However, in addition, they had groups with High Plains staff twice a day and a social-emotional skills session once a day.In May, High Plains Mental Health Center gave the district notice that it would like to switch to having the district take over the day-to-day administration of Westside School, USD 489 officials said in a news release. After meeting several times to discuss this transition, it was determined High Plains Mental Health Center could not commit to keeping the same number of staff at Westside for the next school year as the previous years, and those staff that would be at Westside would not be available consistently when students needed support in the classroom, USD 489 said.With the reduced support, Westside students would have reduced access to timely services for what they need and when they would need it, the release said. "After careful consideration, the district determined that the recommended reduction would take away flexibility and support that our students and teachers would need," the USD 489 news release said. To give that support the district will be hiring a mental health therapist, a Westside liaison, and two behavior support assistants who will work full time at Westside School."The district will do everything possible to minimize the impact on students and their families and continue to support students and families at Westside as they have come to expect," the news release said.All scheduled summer groups will continue as normal at the Westside School at this time.Walt Hill, High Plains Mental Health Center executive director, said in a letter dated July 1, "Although our staff will no longer have full-time offices at the Westside School building, High Plains Mental Health Center staff will continue to be available to provide mental health services (therapy, case management and medication services) for local students and their families."As the new school year approaches, we expect discussions to continue about how High Plains Mental Health Center staff will be working with any newly hired staff at Westside School to support students," Hill said in the letter."It always has been and will remain our goal to continue to work with Hays USD 489 in providing needed mental health services to the students and families within the district who wish to continue working with us," Hill said. USD 489 said in its press release, "USD 489 and West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative want to recognize the 31-year relationship with High Plains Mental Health that has helped many students and families navigate difficult situations. "The district will continue to collaborate with High Plains, as well as other mental health agencies in the community to support the needs of all of our students."

USD 489, High Plains Mental Health end relationship at Westside school

Two speakers with Operation Christmas Child will be telling their stories at 7 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the Lincoln Building, 920 Lincoln, Quinter.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief ministry headquartered in Boone, N.C. Each year thousands of individuals pack shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items. These boxes are then collected and shipped to children in need all over the world, including some poverty-stricken areas in the U.S.

For many of these children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Each box also contains a pamphlet, written in that child’s language, telling the child about Jesus and how these gifts represent the love that He has for each child.

Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his wife, Cherry, serve Grace Baptist Church in Wild Peach, Texas.

In 2016, the church had but 30 members. They packed more than 2,000 shoebox gifts. The following year, in 2017, they packed 8,030 shoeboxes despite the fact that flooding from Hurricane Harvey had devastated many of the members’ homes. The congregation even raised the suggested donation of $9 per shoebox to cover the cost of shipping.

Shortly afterwards, the Brumbelows were invited to travel to storm-ravaged Barbuda to distribute shoebox gifts to children who had lost their homes to Hurricane Irma.

Rachel Albin of Hays, OCC area coordinator for Northwest Kansas, urged families to “come hear how God has been using the Brumbelows for His glory.” The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656777374912.jpeg" alt="Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his wife, Cherry, will be speaking in Quinter July 22. Photo submitted by Operation Christmas Child" />
 <figcaption>Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his wife, Cherry, will be speaking in Quinter July 22. Photo submitted by Operation Christmas Child</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseTwo speakers with Operation Christmas Child will be telling their stories at 7 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the Lincoln Building, 920 Lincoln, Quinter.Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief ministry headquartered in Boone, N.C. Each year thousands of individuals pack shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items. These boxes are then collected and shipped to children in need all over the world, including some poverty-stricken areas in the U.S.For many of these children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Each box also contains a pamphlet, written in that child’s language, telling the child about Jesus and how these gifts represent the love that He has for each child.Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his wife, Cherry, serve Grace Baptist Church in Wild Peach, Texas.In 2016, the church had but 30 members. They packed more than 2,000 shoebox gifts. The following year, in 2017, they packed 8,030 shoeboxes despite the fact that flooding from Hurricane Harvey had devastated many of the members’ homes. The congregation even raised the suggested donation of $9 per shoebox to cover the cost of shipping.Shortly afterwards, the Brumbelows were invited to travel to storm-ravaged Barbuda to distribute shoebox gifts to children who had lost their homes to Hurricane Irma.Rachel Albin of Hays, OCC area coordinator for Northwest Kansas, urged families to “come hear how God has been using the Brumbelows for His glory.” The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Operation Christmas Child event scheduled in Quinter

A Garden City man arrested in Hays faces drug distribution charges following an early morning traffic stop&nbsp;late last month.

At around 1:20 a.m. June 24, Cpl. Dakota Reese initiated a traffic stop&nbsp;in the 500 block of West Seventh, according to Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler.

The vehicle stopped a block to the east, and the driver exited the vehicle.

As Reese ordered the driver back into the vehicle, he fled on foot.

A pursuit began, and the suspect was detained without incident a short time later.

During a subsequent vehicle search, approximately one pound of marijuana was discovered along with 85 grams of cocaine. Edibles containing THC were also located, Scheibler said.&nbsp;

The suspect, later identified as Matthew J. Douglas, 31, Garden City, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drug possession with the intent to distribute, interference with law enforcement, no drug tax stamp, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container of alcohol.&nbsp;

"I appreciate Cpl. Reese's proactive work out there initiating the traffic stop and running this guy down, and getting him into custody, resulting in a seizure of a significant amount of cocaine that would have been sold in our community," Scheibler said. "Cpl. Reese continues to be a leader in the Patrol Division."

Douglas has convictions for drug and traffic infractions dating back to crimes committed in 2018, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.

In February of 2019, he was convicted of driving while suspended and drug possession in Thomas County, stemming from an arrest on July 19 of that year.

He was convicted of drug possession with the intent to distribute in Ellis County in March 2019 from an August 2018 arrest and with DUI from a separate incident in June of that year.

Douglas was also convicted of DUI in Trego County in June 2020 after an arrest in November 2019.

By JAMES BELL Hays PostA Garden City man arrested in Hays faces drug distribution charges following an early morning traffic stop&nbsp;late last month.At around 1:20 a.m. June 24, Cpl. Dakota Reese initiated a traffic stop&nbsp;in the 500 block of West Seventh, according to Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler.The vehicle stopped a block to the east, and the driver exited the vehicle.As Reese ordered the driver back into the vehicle, he fled on foot.A pursuit began, and the suspect was detained without incident a short time later.During a subsequent vehicle search, approximately one pound of marijuana was discovered along with 85 grams of cocaine. Edibles containing THC were also located, Scheibler said.&nbsp;The suspect, later identified as Matthew J. Douglas, 31, Garden City, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drug possession with the intent to distribute, interference with law enforcement, no drug tax stamp, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container of alcohol.&nbsp;"I appreciate Cpl. Reese's proactive work out there initiating the traffic stop and running this guy down, and getting him into custody, resulting in a seizure of a significant amount of cocaine that would have been sold in our community," Scheibler said. "Cpl. Reese continues to be a leader in the Patrol Division."Douglas has convictions for drug and traffic infractions dating back to crimes committed in 2018, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.In February of 2019, he was convicted of driving while suspended and drug possession in Thomas County, stemming from an arrest on July 19 of that year.He was convicted of drug possession with the intent to distribute in Ellis County in March 2019 from an August 2018 arrest and with DUI from a separate incident in June of that year.Douglas was also convicted of DUI in Trego County in June 2020 after an arrest in November 2019.

Traffic stop leads to drug distribution arrest in Hays

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:51 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Preston Tabor"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/Ni3yvSWL-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/Ni3yvSWL-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/Ni3yvSWL-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Preston Tabor" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Preston Tabor

If you’ve read this column regularly over the past several years, you know how much I love commencement weekend at Fort Hays State University. For the graduating students and their families, this is a time of tremendous joy, and it is an honor and a privilege for me to greet each one as they cross the stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Several days after our spring commencement weekend in May, I received a note from Mallory Fischer. For Mallory, graduation day was a celebration ten tough years in the making. After years of struggling to find her way, she decided to take control of her life. “I made a lot of mistakes. I got kicked out of college. I was basically homeless. Finally, I decided I didn’t want to be mediocre anymore,” said Mallory.&nbsp;

In 2014, Mallory enrolled at Seward Community College in Liberal, where she went on to earn two associate’s degrees that led to her starting a career as a certified surgical technologist. She then came to FHSU in 2019 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology with the goal of becoming a physician’s assistant. At FHSU, Mallory decided to pursue a minor in Chemistry and began working in the department.&nbsp;

Four days before graduation, Mallory was studying in the Memorial Union. She looked out the window and saw a group of students playing volleyball on the quad. She decided to take a break and join in the action. In the heat of competition, Mallory recalls hearing and feeling a “pop” as she fell to the grass. While on the ground and initially a bit embarrassed after her tumble, she noticed that the lower half of her leg-didn’t look right. As the result of the fall, Mallory ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), suffered several micro-fractures in her lower leg, and strained both her posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and her medial collateral ligament (MCL). In short, very little was holding her leg together below her knee.

Immediately, her fellow students, most of whom she didn’t even know, sprung to her aid. Several headed for the Medical Services office in the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success to help. They came back with a medical team and a wheelchair. While waiting for the medical staff to arrive, graduate student Misael Trejo sat with Mallory and kept her calm and alert.&nbsp;

Mallory admits that she probably should have gone immediately to the Hays Medical Center, but at the time insisted on going home to Dodge City to seek the attention of an orthopedist she knew well and trusted from her time working in the operating room.&nbsp;

It was about this time, just a few days before the graduation ceremony she had looked forward to for so long, that Mallory began to despair. Before she could even think about it and how she might be able to participate in commencement, she still had one more exam she had to complete-a chemistry final. With her leg secured in a brace but still suffering from significant pain from a major injury that would require an operation, Mallory made the trek back to campus to take her final. She recalls three things from this last academic challenge. First, she cried most of the way through the exam.&nbsp;Second, she bombed the test. And third, her professor, Dr. Krisztina&nbsp;Benze, was there to remind her that she had done so well in the class that failing her exam final would have no bearing on her grade or her being able to graduate.&nbsp;

Relieved as she was to complete all of her academic requirements despite the injury, Mallory still doubted whether she would be able to physically make it into the ceremony and participate with her graduating class as she had envisioned. That’s when her mentors in the Chemistry Department stepped in.&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;Benze, Dr. Arvin Cruz,&nbsp;and Dr. James&nbsp;Balthazor&nbsp;were adamant. They told her she had no choice. They told her they all had decided that she would graduate with her class, and they would be there to support her throughout the event.&nbsp;

Mallory then decided to reach out to the Office of the Provost to explore any accommodations the university might make so she could participate at some level. She really wanted to process with her fellow graduates and walk across the stage to receive her diploma, but she was ready to accept something lesser if she could still attend the ceremony. Executive Administrative Specialist Cynthia Cline answered her phone call. She is one of our principal commencement ceremony organizers. Cline told her not to worry. She would meet Mallory at Gross Memorial Coliseum on the morning of the event and ensure everything would be OK.&nbsp;

Mallory arrived on graduation morning, and Cynthia&nbsp;was there as promised. She told Mallory that her significant other could sit with her and push her wheelchair as necessary. While Mallory was waiting for the event to begin, she encountered Dr.&nbsp;Balthazor. She told him she thought she was going to her seat on the coliseum floor ahead of the student procession and would probably miss joining this part of the event.&nbsp;Balthazor, slated to guide the procession as a commencement marshal, told her that not only would she participate in the procession, she would lead it! He then stepped behind her wheelchair, and Mallory, with the help of her friend and mentor, Dr.&nbsp;Balthazor, led the procession.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In her email to me, Mallory shared these thoughts:

I am so proud of how far I have come, and thanks to this incredible university, I was able to celebrate this very special day in front of my friends and family.&nbsp;

FHSU is my happy place. I received an excellent education that has prepared me for my future and simultaneously allowed me to cultivate relationships I will always treasure with many brilliant professors and my fellow students. I will miss this campus dearly. And I will never forget the kindness the professors, staff, and students provided me throughout this experience. You have an amazing team.&nbsp;

Thank you, Mallory. I think you are right. We do have an amazing team at FHSU. I call it our “ethic of care,” and it’s&nbsp;a fine description of&nbsp;the&nbsp;compassionate and caring people who make this&nbsp;university community&nbsp;special.&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>If you’ve read this column regularly over the past several years, you know how much I love commencement weekend at Fort Hays State University. For the graduating students and their families, this is a time of tremendous joy, and it is an honor and a privilege for me to greet each one as they cross the stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several days after our spring commencement weekend in May, I received a note from Mallory Fischer. For Mallory, graduation day was a celebration ten tough years in the making. After years of struggling to find her way, she decided to take control of her life. “I made a lot of mistakes. I got kicked out of college. I was basically homeless. Finally, I decided I didn’t want to be mediocre anymore,” said Mallory.&nbsp;In 2014, Mallory enrolled at Seward Community College in Liberal, where she went on to earn two associate’s degrees that led to her starting a career as a certified surgical technologist. She then came to FHSU in 2019 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology with the goal of becoming a physician’s assistant. At FHSU, Mallory decided to pursue a minor in Chemistry and began working in the department.&nbsp;Four days before graduation, Mallory was studying in the Memorial Union. She looked out the window and saw a group of students playing volleyball on the quad. She decided to take a break and join in the action. In the heat of competition, Mallory recalls hearing and feeling a “pop” as she fell to the grass. While on the ground and initially a bit embarrassed after her tumble, she noticed that the lower half of her leg-didn’t look right. As the result of the fall, Mallory ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), suffered several micro-fractures in her lower leg, and strained both her posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and her medial collateral ligament (MCL). In short, very little was holding her leg together below her knee.Immediately, her fellow students, most of whom she didn’t even know, sprung to her aid. Several headed for the Medical Services office in the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success to help. They came back with a medical team and a wheelchair. While waiting for the medical staff to arrive, graduate student Misael Trejo sat with Mallory and kept her calm and alert.&nbsp;Mallory admits that she probably should have gone immediately to the Hays Medical Center, but at the time insisted on going home to Dodge City to seek the attention of an orthopedist she knew well and trusted from her time working in the operating room.&nbsp;It was about this time, just a few days before the graduation ceremony she had looked forward to for so long, that Mallory began to despair. Before she could even think about it and how she might be able to participate in commencement, she still had one more exam she had to complete-a chemistry final. With her leg secured in a brace but still suffering from significant pain from a major injury that would require an operation, Mallory made the trek back to campus to take her final. She recalls three things from this last academic challenge. First, she cried most of the way through the exam.&nbsp;Second, she bombed the test. And third, her professor, Dr. Krisztina&nbsp;Benze, was there to remind her that she had done so well in the class that failing her exam final would have no bearing on her grade or her being able to graduate.&nbsp;Relieved as she was to complete all of her academic requirements despite the injury, Mallory still doubted whether she would be able to physically make it into the ceremony and participate with her graduating class as she had envisioned. That’s when her mentors in the Chemistry Department stepped in.&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;Benze, Dr. Arvin Cruz,&nbsp;and Dr. James&nbsp;Balthazor&nbsp;were adamant. They told her she had no choice. They told her they all had decided that she would graduate with her class, and they would be there to support her throughout the event.&nbsp;Mallory then decided to reach out to the Office of the Provost to explore any accommodations the university might make so she could participate at some level. She really wanted to process with her fellow graduates and walk across the stage to receive her diploma, but she was ready to accept something lesser if she could still attend the ceremony. Executive Administrative Specialist Cynthia Cline answered her phone call. She is one of our principal commencement ceremony organizers. Cline told her not to worry. She would meet Mallory at Gross Memorial Coliseum on the morning of the event and ensure everything would be OK.&nbsp;Mallory arrived on graduation morning, and Cynthia&nbsp;was there as promised. She told Mallory that her significant other could sit with her and push her wheelchair as necessary. While Mallory was waiting for the event to begin, she encountered Dr.&nbsp;Balthazor. She told him she thought she was going to her seat on the coliseum floor ahead of the student procession and would probably miss joining this part of the event.&nbsp;Balthazor, slated to guide the procession as a commencement marshal, told her that not only would she participate in the procession, she would lead it! He then stepped behind her wheelchair, and Mallory, with the help of her friend and mentor, Dr.&nbsp;Balthazor, led the procession.&nbsp;&nbsp;In her email to me, Mallory shared these thoughts:I am so proud of how far I have come, and thanks to this incredible university, I was able to celebrate this very special day in front of my friends and family.&nbsp;FHSU is my happy place. I received an excellent education that has prepared me for my future and simultaneously allowed me to cultivate relationships I will always treasure with many brilliant professors and my fellow students. I will miss this campus dearly. And I will never forget the kindness the professors, staff, and students provided me throughout this experience. You have an amazing team.&nbsp;Thank you, Mallory. I think you are right. We do have an amazing team at FHSU. I call it our “ethic of care,” and it’s&nbsp;a fine description of&nbsp;the&nbsp;compassionate and caring people who make this&nbsp;university community&nbsp;special.&nbsp;

MASON: Team Mallory

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657128669998.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

Great Rubber Ducky Run set for July 17 in Colby

In a news release Wednesday, Randy Marintzer announced he has filed to run for the Ellis County Commission Third District seat.

Hello, My name is Randy Marintzer.  I am a candidate for the 3rd District, Ellis County Commissioner seat.

I was born in McCook, Neb., and grew up on a farm near Herndon, Kan.

I graduated from Herndon Rural High School in 1967.  After high school, I attended NWK Vo-Tech school in Goodland, Kan., studying Auto Body Mechanics and graduated in 1969.

After Vo-Tech school, I was drafted into the United States Army and did my tour of duty Germany at an infantry soldier and welder.  I was Honorably Discharged in 1971.

In the fall of 1971 , I enrolled at Fort Hays State College and studied Business Administration. In 1975 , I graduated Cum Laude from Fort Hays with my Business Administration degree.

After college, I went to work selling Ag Equipment out of Garden City, Kan.   In 1979, I bought a small parcel of land in Ellis County and started farming.  During the early years of farming, I started my own company, Buckeye Implement Co., and continued selling "short" lines of machinery and equipment, mostly sprayers.  I also worked in the oilfield business during that time.  I continued to expand my farming and ranching operation.

Eventually, I became certified as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator and did commercial spraying for neighbors.

I continue in most of these interests at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657140614886.jpeg" alt="Marintzer" />
 <figcaption>Marintzer</figcaption>
 </figure>In a news release Wednesday, Randy Marintzer announced he has filed to run for the Ellis County Commission Third District seat.His statement follows:Hello, My name is Randy Marintzer. I am a candidate for the 3rd District, Ellis County Commissioner seat.I was born in McCook, Neb., and grew up on a farm near Herndon, Kan.I graduated from Herndon Rural High School in 1967. After high school, I attended NWK Vo-Tech school in Goodland, Kan., studying Auto Body Mechanics and graduated in 1969.After Vo-Tech school, I was drafted into the United States Army and did my tour of duty Germany at an infantry soldier and welder. I was Honorably Discharged in 1971.In the fall of 1971 , I enrolled at Fort Hays State College and studied Business Administration. In 1975 , I graduated Cum Laude from Fort Hays with my Business Administration degree.After college, I went to work selling Ag Equipment out of Garden City, Kan. In 1979, I bought a small parcel of land in Ellis County and started farming. During the early years of farming, I started my own company, Buckeye Implement Co., and continued selling "short" lines of machinery and equipment, mostly sprayers. I also worked in the oilfield business during that time. I continued to expand my farming and ranching operation.Eventually, I became certified as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator and did commercial spraying for neighbors.I continue in most of these interests at this time.

Marintzer declares candidacy for Ellis County Commission

RAWLINS COUNTY — Authorities are working to determine the cause of rural northwest Kansas fire.

Just before 9 p.m. Tuesday, Rawlins County Rural Fire District No. 2 was paged to a large fire at a private gun range at Blakeman, an unincorporated community 5 miles west of Atwood, according to the fire district.

Volunteer firefighters from the fire district responded.

Crews battled the raging flames, heavy smoke and fought the wind for approximately three hours to bring the fire under control. Law enforcement helped direct traffic on U.S. 36 as high winds were causing near zero visibility. Rawlins County EMS kept a watchful eye on the firefighters who were working in the extreme heat and heavy smoke.

Crews continued to put out hot spots for another two hours. Farmers showed up with discs and water. There were no structures, lives or livestock lost or damaged in the fire that burned approximately 265 acres of pasture, cropland and fence post.

&nbsp;Fire Chief Chris Neirmeier requested and received assistance from McDonald, Herndon, Bird City and Decatur County to battle the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

RAWLINS COUNTY — Authorities are working to determine the cause of rural northwest Kansas fire.Just before 9 p.m. Tuesday, Rawlins County Rural Fire District No. 2 was paged to a large fire at a private gun range at Blakeman, an unincorporated community 5 miles west of Atwood, according to the fire district.Volunteer firefighters from the fire district responded.Crews battled the raging flames, heavy smoke and fought the wind for approximately three hours to bring the fire under control. Law enforcement helped direct traffic on U.S. 36 as high winds were causing near zero visibility. Rawlins County EMS kept a watchful eye on the firefighters who were working in the extreme heat and heavy smoke.Crews continued to put out hot spots for another two hours. Farmers showed up with discs and water. There were no structures, lives or livestock lost or damaged in the fire that burned approximately 265 acres of pasture, cropland and fence post.&nbsp;Fire Chief Chris Neirmeier requested and received assistance from McDonald, Herndon, Bird City and Decatur County to battle the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

265 acres burn in rural NW Kansas fire

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 28 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from June 25 and July 1.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Several northwest Kansas counties (see map below) were included among those with high incidence of coronavirus.&nbsp;

<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 7,350 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/2022/7/1657130553013.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 28 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from June 25 and July 1.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Several northwest Kansas counties (see map below) were included among those with high incidence of coronavirus.&nbsp;<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 7,350 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/2022/7/1657130530725.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 28 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. in past week

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

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

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

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

NWS: Hays area remains under heat advisory Wednesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plainville welcomes new child care home, expanded preschool

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

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

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

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

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

 🎥 CVB: July events in Hays

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

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

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

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

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Dylan Dreiling

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

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

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

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

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

3 NW Kansas teens hospitalized after rollover accident

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

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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 99 calls from June 12 to June 25, 2022, according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
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Hays PD Activity Report, June 12-25 

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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>

&nbsp;By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAMPBELL: Herbicide applications and high temperatures

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

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

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

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

NWS: Chance for showers, storms through Thursday

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

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Hays Library director Brandon Hines" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mnfsp-12674da-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Hays Public Library director Brandon Hines.

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