A Wakeeney man died Wednesday after a tag axel from a semi fell on him in an Ellis County shop near Hays.

"On Oct. 5, at approximately 7:20 a.m., the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and Ellis County EMS were dispatched to 1298 Bison Road to assist a subject that was severely injured due to a vehicle falling on him," according to an announcement from the department

The victim was identified  by the department as Jason Lee Brown, 44. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The county coroner was notified and the cause of death remains under investigation, the department said.

Hays PostA Wakeeney man died Wednesday after a tag axel from a semi fell on him in an Ellis County shop near Hays."On Oct. 5, at approximately 7:20 a.m., the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and Ellis County EMS were dispatched to 1298 Bison Road to assist a subject that was severely injured due to a vehicle falling on him," according to an announcement from the departmentThe victim was identified by the department as Jason Lee Brown, 44. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The county coroner was notified and the cause of death remains under investigation, the department said.

WaKeeney man killed in shop accident near Hays

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Enter to win Eagle Radio's Cash Grab

The Kansas Geological Survey on Wednesday reported a small earthquake Tuesday afternoon in Russell County.

The 2.1-magnitude quake was recorded in the central part of the county at 4:09 p.m. Tuesday, KGS reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664975008442.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Geological Survey on Wednesday reported a small earthquake Tuesday afternoon in Russell County.The 2.1-magnitude quake was recorded in the central part of the county at 4:09 p.m. Tuesday, KGS reported.

Minor earthquake reported in Russell Co. on Tuesday

BUNKER HILL — At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Hays Post and Smoky Hills Public TV will co-sponsor a forum featuring candidates for the 111th Kansas House District.

Incumbent Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, will face Democrat Ed Hammond in the general election.

The forum will cover a variety of topics and will be moderated by Becky Kiser of Hays Post and Eagle Radio of Hays.

The forum will be available streaming on Hays Post, via Smoky Hills Public TV and on the Smoky Hills Public TV YouTube channel.

The forum will also be aired live on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">KAYS 1400 AM / 94.3 FM</a>.

The forum is made possible by the support of The Meckenstock Group.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664890634702.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL — At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Hays Post and Smoky Hills Public TV will co-sponsor a forum featuring candidates for the 111th Kansas House District.Incumbent Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, will face Democrat Ed Hammond in the general election.The forum will cover a variety of topics and will be moderated by Becky Kiser of Hays Post and Eagle Radio of Hays.The forum will be available streaming on Hays Post, via Smoky Hills Public TV and on the Smoky Hills Public TV YouTube channel.The forum will also be aired live on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">KAYS 1400 AM / 94.3 FM</a>.<div><iframe title="KS-111th District election debate set for Oct. 12" 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=x3q3b-12d3fd2-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>The forum is made possible by the support of The Meckenstock Group.

🎙 Hays Post, Smoky Hills will host 111th House candidate forum

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

“Oh, beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain ..."&nbsp;

PHILLIPSBURG — Those lines from "America the Beautiful" seem especially fitting to describe an exciting new wheat processing project in rural Kansas. Its name is Amber Wave.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

J.D. Schlieman is executive chairman and Randy Cimorelli is CEO of this company, located in Phillipsburg, Kan. Amber Wave’s parent company is Summit Ag Investors, an Iowa-based private equity firm focused on agriculture and renewable energy.&nbsp;

The savvy entrepreneurs at this company observed that U.S. food manufacturers used wheat protein products, and more than 70 percent of that was imported. Such dependence on overseas suppliers became a problem when supply chain disruptions hit.&nbsp;

“We’re a solutions-provider to the food industry,” Cimorelli said. In this case, the solution was to generate a domestic source of wheat protein.&nbsp;

The company began researching how to produce more food-grade wheat protein domestically while integrating renewable fuel production. In July 2021, Amber Wave found the site to do so when it purchased an existing corn ethanol plant in Phillipsburg.&nbsp;

The Prairie Agri-Energy ethanol plant had been operating in Phillipsburg since 2006. It will be expanded and converted for this new purpose by Amber Wave.&nbsp;

“We are building a new state-of-the-art wheat mill next to the existing ethanol plant, which will be converted to use wheat starch,” Schlieman said. “The protein from the wheat flour can be extracted for food and feed use, and the starch can be used for the ethanol.”&nbsp;

This will produce a low carbon biofuel, which is especially in high demand in heavily-populated states like California that have standards requiring low carbon fuels.&nbsp;

According to Cimorelli, the innovative and integrated approach can respond to multiple market needs. “We’re creating more value-added opportunities for wheat which ultimately benefits the farmer,” he said. “We’re also helping our food manufacturers by providing a domestic, reliable source of food protein, and our location should provide freight advantages.”&nbsp;

The new wheat flour mill will incorporate the newest technology. “We’ll be able to make better use of water and better use of energy, so the operation will be more sustainable,” Cimorelli said. “We’re bringing new technologies into old space.”&nbsp;

Many know that wheat protein products are used in baking breads, pastas and snacks, but they are also important in pet food and aquaculture. Further, this is a plant-based protein.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Kudos to Summit Ag for having the vision to convert a corn ethanol plant and broaden its scope of products in this way,” Cimorelli said.&nbsp;

The corn ethanol plant in Phillipsburg is continuing to operate while the new wheat mill is under construction. A celebration of the new facility took place in Phillipsburg in August 2022, with Gov. Laura Kelly, Sen. Jerry Moran and others in attendance. The new plant is expected to be fully operational in summer 2023.&nbsp;

Why Phillipsburg?&nbsp;&nbsp;“We looked at a number of alternatives and this achieved the best combination of factors,” Schlieman said. “We needed to be in a location with good access to lots of wheat production, and this is a high-quality working ethanol plant with good employees.”&nbsp;

Speaking of employees, this project is anticipated to add 50-60 jobs to the existing 35 or so now working in the ethanol plant. In the near term, the construction process itself is having a major positive impact on the region.&nbsp;

“We are very pleased with the cooperation we’ve found in working with the community,” Schlieman said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

All told, this could be as much as a $300 million investment when the project is complete. It’s expected to be the largest wheat protein producer in North America.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s an impressive accomplishment to find in a rural community like Phillipsburg, population 2,337 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amberwaveusa.com/">www.amberwaveusa.com</a>.&nbsp;

Now amber waves of grain can produce needed protein and environmentally friendly renewable energy, in addition to a beautiful Kansas landscape. We salute J.D. Schlieman, Randy Cimorelli and all those involved with Amber Wave for making a difference with this innovative investment.&nbsp;

They are creating a whole new level of value, above the fruited plain.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664370013775.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development“Oh, beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain ..."&nbsp;PHILLIPSBURG — Those lines from "America the Beautiful" seem especially fitting to describe an exciting new wheat processing project in rural Kansas. Its name is Amber Wave.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;J.D. Schlieman is executive chairman and Randy Cimorelli is CEO of this company, located in Phillipsburg, Kan. Amber Wave’s parent company is Summit Ag Investors, an Iowa-based private equity firm focused on agriculture and renewable energy.&nbsp;The savvy entrepreneurs at this company observed that U.S. food manufacturers used wheat protein products, and more than 70 percent of that was imported. Such dependence on overseas suppliers became a problem when supply chain disruptions hit.&nbsp;“We’re a solutions-provider to the food industry,” Cimorelli said. In this case, the solution was to generate a domestic source of wheat protein.&nbsp;The company began researching how to produce more food-grade wheat protein domestically while integrating renewable fuel production. In July 2021, Amber Wave found the site to do so when it purchased an existing corn ethanol plant in Phillipsburg.&nbsp;The Prairie Agri-Energy ethanol plant had been operating in Phillipsburg since 2006. It will be expanded and converted for this new purpose by Amber Wave.&nbsp;“We are building a new state-of-the-art wheat mill next to the existing ethanol plant, which will be converted to use wheat starch,” Schlieman said. “The protein from the wheat flour can be extracted for food and feed use, and the starch can be used for the ethanol.”&nbsp;This will produce a low carbon biofuel, which is especially in high demand in heavily-populated states like California that have standards requiring low carbon fuels.&nbsp;According to Cimorelli, the innovative and integrated approach can respond to multiple market needs. “We’re creating more value-added opportunities for wheat which ultimately benefits the farmer,” he said. “We’re also helping our food manufacturers by providing a domestic, reliable source of food protein, and our location should provide freight advantages.”&nbsp;The new wheat flour mill will incorporate the newest technology. “We’ll be able to make better use of water and better use of energy, so the operation will be more sustainable,” Cimorelli said. “We’re bringing new technologies into old space.”&nbsp;Many know that wheat protein products are used in baking breads, pastas and snacks, but they are also important in pet food and aquaculture. Further, this is a plant-based protein.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Kudos to Summit Ag for having the vision to convert a corn ethanol plant and broaden its scope of products in this way,” Cimorelli said.&nbsp;The corn ethanol plant in Phillipsburg is continuing to operate while the new wheat mill is under construction. A celebration of the new facility took place in Phillipsburg in August 2022, with Gov. Laura Kelly, Sen. Jerry Moran and others in attendance. The new plant is expected to be fully operational in summer 2023.&nbsp;Why Phillipsburg?&nbsp;&nbsp;“We looked at a number of alternatives and this achieved the best combination of factors,” Schlieman said. “We needed to be in a location with good access to lots of wheat production, and this is a high-quality working ethanol plant with good employees.”&nbsp;Speaking of employees, this project is anticipated to add 50-60 jobs to the existing 35 or so now working in the ethanol plant. In the near term, the construction process itself is having a major positive impact on the region.&nbsp;“We are very pleased with the cooperation we’ve found in working with the community,” Schlieman said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All told, this could be as much as a $300 million investment when the project is complete. It’s expected to be the largest wheat protein producer in North America.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s an impressive accomplishment to find in a rural community like Phillipsburg, population 2,337 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amberwaveusa.com/">www.amberwaveusa.com</a>.&nbsp;Now amber waves of grain can produce needed protein and environmentally friendly renewable energy, in addition to a beautiful Kansas landscape. We salute J.D. Schlieman, Randy Cimorelli and all those involved with Amber Wave for making a difference with this innovative investment.&nbsp;They are creating a whole new level of value, above the fruited plain.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: J.D. Schlieman, Randy Cimorelli, Amber Wave 

St. Joseph Food Pantry has received a one-time fresh produce drop and will hold a special drive-through distribution for families in need on Thursday. 

This car-side service will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. or until supplies run out in the St. Joseph school parking lot near the Food Pantry doors. 

Each box includes white potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, acorn squash and grapes.

St. Joseph Food Pantry has received a one-time fresh produce drop and will hold a special drive-through distribution for families in need on Thursday. This car-side service will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. or until supplies run out in the St. Joseph school parking lot near the Food Pantry doors. Each box includes white potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, acorn squash and grapes.— Submitted

St. Joe food pantry will offer fresh produce Thursday

First Care Clinic has announced Eric Flax as its new&nbsp;chief executive officer.&nbsp;

“I am very excited to have been&nbsp;chosen as the next CEO for First Care Clinic. With the recent acquisition of the Hess Clinic&nbsp;and&nbsp;the future completion of&nbsp;our express care clinic&nbsp;and&nbsp;pharmacy, we continue to increase the availability of quality health care to our community, our&nbsp;county,&nbsp;and the northwest Kansas region," Flax said. "I am looking forward to the challenge of the position and am humbled to lead a wonderful and dedicated group of healthcare providers and staff."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Flax has&nbsp;previously served&nbsp;First Care Clinic for over a year&nbsp;as its&nbsp;chief&nbsp;financial&nbsp;officer.&nbsp;The clinic has begun the search for a successor CFO.

ABOUT FIRST CARE CLINIC INC. First Care Clinic is&nbsp;a federally funded community health center, providing non-emergency medical services for people of&nbsp;all ages, regardless of&nbsp;a patient’s ability to pay. We&nbsp;provide general medical care, mental health services&nbsp;and general dentistry, all under one roof.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664810515298.jpeg" alt="Flax" />
 <figcaption>Flax</figcaption>
 </figure>First Care Clinic has announced Eric Flax as its new&nbsp;chief executive officer.&nbsp;“I am very excited to have been&nbsp;chosen as the next CEO for First Care Clinic. With the recent acquisition of the Hess Clinic&nbsp;and&nbsp;the future completion of&nbsp;our express care clinic&nbsp;and&nbsp;pharmacy, we continue to increase the availability of quality health care to our community, our&nbsp;county,&nbsp;and the northwest Kansas region," Flax said. "I am looking forward to the challenge of the position and am humbled to lead a wonderful and dedicated group of healthcare providers and staff."&nbsp;&nbsp;Flax has&nbsp;previously served&nbsp;First Care Clinic for over a year&nbsp;as its&nbsp;chief&nbsp;financial&nbsp;officer.&nbsp;The clinic has begun the search for a successor CFO.ABOUT FIRST CARE CLINIC INC. First Care Clinic is&nbsp;a federally funded community health center, providing non-emergency medical services for people of&nbsp;all ages, regardless of&nbsp;a patient’s ability to pay. We&nbsp;provide general medical care, mental health services&nbsp;and general dentistry, all under one roof.

First Care Clinic announces new chief executive officer

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher My fellow Kansas Farm Bureau members this is a call to action, a challenge, we need you to go out and vote Nov. 8. I am not going to sugarcoat it, instead I am going to hit this head on. Every one of our members need to get out and vote and your neighbors need to get out and vote — agriculture depends on it. Historically when those of us from farms and ranches and our rural communities have shown up at the ballot box, we have carried the day. But recently we have gotten lax about going to the polls. In 2020, just under 68 percent of voters in the largely rural 1st&nbsp;Congressional District cast ballots. In the compact, urban 3rd&nbsp;District, turnout topped 75 percent of eligible voters. I get it if it is fatigue from all of the haggling or wrangling. I am tired of it too. I don’t care why you might not have voted in the past, I am telling you to get out and vote in this election because it absolutely will matter. Recently we have seen elections turn on just a few votes, elections right here in our own state. Don’t tell me your single vote doesn’t matter because it does. My parents instilled in me the need to get out and vote in every election, and I can proudly say I have never missed the opportunity to cast a ballot. I believe my mother told me that you do not have the option to complain about the government if you did not vote. Rural voters might be a minority in Kansas, but we have proven time and time again that when we go to the polls, we have an impact and often sway the election our way. Am I going to tell you how to vote? No, but if you want my advice and opinion, I would be happy to share it with you. I would urge you to look at the list of candidates endorsed by KFB’s Voters Organized To Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF), our organization’s political action committee. VOTE FBF is a group of Farm Bureau members, elected from all 10 districts who research races, solicit feedback from county Farm Bureaus and endorse candidates friendly to agriculture. You may view endorsements at&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=727af882cf&amp;e=5bf0f0e5fe">www.kfb.org/votefbf</a>. We need to make sure we elect farm-friendly legislators who will make decisions in the best interest of agriculture. My message is urgent because we have to mobilize the rural vote. We each need to make sure our friends, family and neighbors are registered to vote by Oct. 18. Make sure they know how critical it is for each of us to exercise our right to cast a ballot. I cannot say it strongly enough, if we do not get out and vote, important decisions that affect our way of life will be made by voters who do not understand how those decisions impact us. So, do your homework, look at the list of Vote FBF endorsed candidates and make sure you get to the polls on Nov. 8. If you can’t make it in person, you still have the opportunity to cast a mail ballot or go to the courthouse and cast an absentee ballot. There are no excuses for not voting, our businesses and livelihoods depend on it.

"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/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher My fellow Kansas Farm Bureau members this is a call to action, a challenge, we need you to go out and vote Nov. 8. I am not going to sugarcoat it, instead I am going to hit this head on. Every one of our members need to get out and vote and your neighbors need to get out and vote — agriculture depends on it. Historically when those of us from farms and ranches and our rural communities have shown up at the ballot box, we have carried the day. But recently we have gotten lax about going to the polls. In 2020, just under 68 percent of voters in the largely rural 1st&nbsp;Congressional District cast ballots. In the compact, urban 3rd&nbsp;District, turnout topped 75 percent of eligible voters. I get it if it is fatigue from all of the haggling or wrangling. I am tired of it too. I don’t care why you might not have voted in the past, I am telling you to get out and vote in this election because it absolutely will matter. Recently we have seen elections turn on just a few votes, elections right here in our own state. Don’t tell me your single vote doesn’t matter because it does. My parents instilled in me the need to get out and vote in every election, and I can proudly say I have never missed the opportunity to cast a ballot. I believe my mother told me that you do not have the option to complain about the government if you did not vote. Rural voters might be a minority in Kansas, but we have proven time and time again that when we go to the polls, we have an impact and often sway the election our way. Am I going to tell you how to vote? No, but if you want my advice and opinion, I would be happy to share it with you. I would urge you to look at the list of candidates endorsed by KFB’s Voters Organized To Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF), our organization’s political action committee. VOTE FBF is a group of Farm Bureau members, elected from all 10 districts who research races, solicit feedback from county Farm Bureaus and endorse candidates friendly to agriculture. You may view endorsements at&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=727af882cf&amp;e=5bf0f0e5fe">www.kfb.org/votefbf</a>. We need to make sure we elect farm-friendly legislators who will make decisions in the best interest of agriculture. My message is urgent because we have to mobilize the rural vote. We each need to make sure our friends, family and neighbors are registered to vote by Oct. 18. Make sure they know how critical it is for each of us to exercise our right to cast a ballot. I cannot say it strongly enough, if we do not get out and vote, important decisions that affect our way of life will be made by voters who do not understand how those decisions impact us. So, do your homework, look at the list of Vote FBF endorsed candidates and make sure you get to the polls on Nov. 8. If you can’t make it in person, you still have the opportunity to cast a mail ballot or go to the courthouse and cast an absentee ballot. There are no excuses for not voting, our businesses and livelihoods depend on it."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The rural impact

RUSSELL — Scared Silly will be sure to get you in the mood for Halloween. RCT’s 103rd production is a compilation of short plays dealing with the spooky and supernatural in a most comedic way.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Randyll Mauro is making her directorial debut with this production. Seven short plays have been selected from Scared Silly and RCT is sure this will be an audience favorite! The following individuals have been cast for various roles: Kiefer Craig, Nikki Kuntzsch, Debora Kreutzer, Teressa Roe, Todd Chance, Monica Harrison, Nakota Allen, Dalton Mauro, Brandon Fitzgerald, Sheila Lamb, Olivia Schreiner and Liberty Kuntzsch.&nbsp;

It’s You by Ian McWethy-The Brillmore Strangler is on the loose--and as a slasher-movie junkie, Lois couldn't be more excited. Her friends are less thrilled, especially when they hear she's tracked the killer to the very room they're in. As the bodies pile up, accusing the right guy (or girl!) proves harder than it looks in this loving send-up of slasher-movie mayhem.&nbsp;

The True Meaning of Halloween by Don Zolidis-On Halloween night, a couple opens their door to a find true monster: a teenager without a costume who demands candy anyway. While Alicia thinks they should just give Jordan a Butterfinger and call it a night, to Jonas, it's about the integrity of trick-or-treating. It's about effort. It's about America. But if there's more to Jordan than meets the eye, it just might also be a Halloween miracle.&nbsp;

The Midnight Club by Jonathan Dorf-It's hard enough for a group of students from different walks of life to get along in detention under the best of circumstances. Try midnight detention at a supernatural school where one kid spiked the punch with holy water and another is trying to slow down his transformation into a zombie. A reminder that in a way, each of us is a brain and an athlete . . . and a ghost . . . and a werewolf.&nbsp;

The Kev-Burger by Peter Bloedel-Even though Trisha's broken her glasses, she's excited to have a nice meal with her boyfriend Ned at the new burger place in town. But Ned can see clearly that something's suspicious here. Like the guy covered in blood lurking around. Or the gangsters delivering "steaks" in a body bag. Macabre farce is on the menu in this delicious comedy.&nbsp;

The (Completely Inaccurate) Legend of the Mummy Witch House by Hillary DePiano-Three urban explorers venture into a haunted house to find proof of a legend, but when they come face-to-face with the creepy place's real residents, they're not quite what the trio expected. Turns out, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction--and way more fun.&nbsp;

Forever Friends by Becca Schlossberg-Ash is devoted to her stuffed animals, even though she's thirteen and people give her a hard time. Turns out someone else knows exactly how she feels--who happens to be a terrifying ghost who lives in her closet. A whimsical tale of friendship between the human, ghostly, and stuffed.&nbsp;

Attack of the Cafeteria Zombies by Ed Monk-Earth faces a peril unlike anything humanity has ever seen, and it looks like cafeteria corn dogs. When the principal and a school bully start acting strangely, a group of students discover that aliens are testing a mind control device on their school lunch. But the invaders have one weakness . . . and you can collect them all!&nbsp;

Performances will run October 18-22, 2022, at the RCT Playhouse (5th and Kansas, Russell). Show time is 8:00 pm. Admission is $12 or by season ticket. Scared Silly is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.&nbsp; &nbsp; Russell Community Theater is a nonprofit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 102 full-scale theatrical productions. For more information, call 785-483-4057 or visit the group's Facebook page.

SubmittedRUSSELL — Scared Silly will be sure to get you in the mood for Halloween. RCT’s 103rd production is a compilation of short plays dealing with the spooky and supernatural in a most comedic way.&nbsp;&nbsp;Randyll Mauro is making her directorial debut with this production. Seven short plays have been selected from Scared Silly and RCT is sure this will be an audience favorite! The following individuals have been cast for various roles: Kiefer Craig, Nikki Kuntzsch, Debora Kreutzer, Teressa Roe, Todd Chance, Monica Harrison, Nakota Allen, Dalton Mauro, Brandon Fitzgerald, Sheila Lamb, Olivia Schreiner and Liberty Kuntzsch.&nbsp;It’s You by Ian McWethy-The Brillmore Strangler is on the loose--and as a slasher-movie junkie, Lois couldn't be more excited. Her friends are less thrilled, especially when they hear she's tracked the killer to the very room they're in. As the bodies pile up, accusing the right guy (or girl!) proves harder than it looks in this loving send-up of slasher-movie mayhem.&nbsp;The True Meaning of Halloween by Don Zolidis-On Halloween night, a couple opens their door to a find true monster: a teenager without a costume who demands candy anyway. While Alicia thinks they should just give Jordan a Butterfinger and call it a night, to Jonas, it's about the integrity of trick-or-treating. It's about effort. It's about America. But if there's more to Jordan than meets the eye, it just might also be a Halloween miracle.&nbsp;The Midnight Club by Jonathan Dorf-It's hard enough for a group of students from different walks of life to get along in detention under the best of circumstances. Try midnight detention at a supernatural school where one kid spiked the punch with holy water and another is trying to slow down his transformation into a zombie. A reminder that in a way, each of us is a brain and an athlete . . . and a ghost . . . and a werewolf.&nbsp;The Kev-Burger by Peter Bloedel-Even though Trisha's broken her glasses, she's excited to have a nice meal with her boyfriend Ned at the new burger place in town. But Ned can see clearly that something's suspicious here. Like the guy covered in blood lurking around. Or the gangsters delivering "steaks" in a body bag. Macabre farce is on the menu in this delicious comedy.&nbsp;The (Completely Inaccurate) Legend of the Mummy Witch House by Hillary DePiano-Three urban explorers venture into a haunted house to find proof of a legend, but when they come face-to-face with the creepy place's real residents, they're not quite what the trio expected. Turns out, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction--and way more fun.&nbsp;Forever Friends by Becca Schlossberg-Ash is devoted to her stuffed animals, even though she's thirteen and people give her a hard time. Turns out someone else knows exactly how she feels--who happens to be a terrifying ghost who lives in her closet. A whimsical tale of friendship between the human, ghostly, and stuffed.&nbsp;Attack of the Cafeteria Zombies by Ed Monk-Earth faces a peril unlike anything humanity has ever seen, and it looks like cafeteria corn dogs. When the principal and a school bully start acting strangely, a group of students discover that aliens are testing a mind control device on their school lunch. But the invaders have one weakness . . . and you can collect them all!&nbsp;Performances will run October 18-22, 2022, at the RCT Playhouse (5th and Kansas, Russell). Show time is 8:00 pm. Admission is $12 or by season ticket. Scared Silly is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.&nbsp; &nbsp; Russell Community Theater is a nonprofit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 102 full-scale theatrical productions. For more information, call 785-483-4057 or visit the group's Facebook page.

Russell theater group will present 'Scared Silly'

<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/2022/10/1664903049669.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

<div>  <script src="https://embed-1007156.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="6deb1d6c-2b23-4d5b-a063-a42e673e26d6" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff and vice president of marketing and communication Mariah Legleiter stop by to share information about the relaunched Chamber referral program.

For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff and vice president of marketing and communication Mariah Legleiter stop by to share information about the relaunched Chamber referral program.<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber restarts referral program" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ma6d9-12dd1a2-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber restarts referral program

<div>  <script src="https://embed-1007155.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="ec84dde4-5334-4d9f-b764-451eccda133c" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>

On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown about the latest in FHSU Football.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dov6d18hwhw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown about the latest in FHSU Football.

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=RNolan">Click Here for Your Appointment to Donate</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2151979e-1bff-4231-9235-03fc9f743878">Robert Lee Nolan Jr. tribute</a>

<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=RNolan">Click Here for Your Appointment to Donate</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2151979e-1bff-4231-9235-03fc9f743878">Robert Lee Nolan Jr. tribute</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664888179114.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Blood drive set in honor of longtime Hays first responder

As life continues moving
online, the ongoing threat from bad actors continues to grow in frequency and
insidiousness.

While technology becomes
more ubiquitous, remaining safe often comes down to understanding how scammers
operate and how they collect information that will ultimately be used to damage
or steal from the owner.

Local cybersecurity
expert and owner of TreeTop Security Dallas Haselhorst is set to offer three
free training sessions in Hays in October, which is Cybersecurity Awareness
month.

The events are open to
the public and benefits home and business users.

The first hour-long event
is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main. Two
other events are scheduled for noon Oct. 12 and 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th.

Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny said events like this one are important for the community.

"There are so many scams out there that we
thought partnering with TreeTop Security to bring this program to the library
was a great idea,” Kolacny said. “We have patrons who come here to use the
wifi and public computers, so to give them an opportunity to learn more about
how to stay safe online seems like a good fit."

Grow Hays Executive
Director Doug Williams also said cybersecurity is an important topic for many.

“Information systems have become the lifeblood of many
businesses, and protecting those systems is essential to the survival of those
businesses,” Williams said. “Grow Hays is committed to ensuring that local
businesses understand the importance of cybersecurity and the role it plays in
protecting their critical business information.”

The month was designated
as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2004 and has grown in importance since.

“The
Department of Homeland Security is initially who started it,” Haselhorst said. “It
started off as just kind of a U.S.-based thing, and they quickly determined that this
isn't just us, this is the world.”

Back then, he said, the
importance of having a dedicated month to raise cybersecurity awareness seemed of little significance — now, it cannot be overstated.

“At the time, it didn't seem
like that big of a deal,” Haselhorst said. “And now, obviously, it's something
that affects every business, every individual, and if it's not part of your day-to-day,
brace yourself, because it may be coming.”

Key to keeping people safe
from online threats is prevention, and a primary mission in October is to share
information about online dangers and how to avoid them.

“It's a whole month
dedicated to the media and lots of folks like myself, professionals in the
industry, getting together and making sure that everybody is aware of
different topics that could affect them,” Haselhorst said. “From a
cybersecurity standpoint, whether that's ransomware, phishing emails, you name
it, it kind of goes over the full gamut of cybersecurity and making sure that
everybody's aware that it can happen to them.”

Each year a theme is selected
for the month. This year’s theme is See Yourself in Cyber.

“While cybersecurity may seem
like a complex subject, ultimately, it’s really all about people,” according to
the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency website. “This October will focus on the “people” part of
cybersecurity, providing information and resources to help educate CISA
partners and the public and ensure all individuals and organizations make smart
decisions whether on the job, at home or at school – now and in the future.”

During the month, the CISA will promote
four key actions that can keep people safer online:

Making people aware of
the threat and how to protect themselves is a vital part of stopping threats
before they happen, Haselhorst said and can especially be impactful to small businesses.

“Education
and free education on top of that is really your best resource,” he said. “I
can't tell you the number of businesses that we work with where somebody says, ‘Hey,
this looks odd.’ And the reason why they say that that looks really odd is
because they've had training that helps them indicate that there's just
something really off about this email.”

For those that cannot
make the scheduled events, Haselhorst said TreeTop Security works to bring the
presentation to any organization that is interested in protecting their digital
assets.

“Back
in 2019, we had put together some cybersecurity awareness training … and some
associated materials and kind of gave that away for anyone in the world to
really take and take back to their community and their businesses.”

That information has since
been used to protect people and businesses across the world, he said.

“We continue to update
it, every six months, sometimes every year, and release that, in accordance
with Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” Haselhorst said.

Whether attending a
session or learning about cybersecurity through independent research, he said understanding
online threats should be a priority for everyone.

“It is one of the best
things that you can do,” Haselhorst said. “If you say, ‘Well, I don't have $1,000s
to spend on security right now.’ You will after something happens,
unfortunately. But the biggest thing is just get in there, get some education.
It's not gimmicky. We're not pitching anything. It is things that every home
user, every business user, can use in their day-to-day.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664478114230.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs life continues moving
online, the ongoing threat from bad actors continues to grow in frequency and
insidiousness.While technology becomes
more ubiquitous, remaining safe often comes down to understanding how scammers
operate and how they collect information that will ultimately be used to damage
or steal from the owner.Local cybersecurity
expert and owner of TreeTop Security Dallas Haselhorst is set to offer three
free training sessions in Hays in October, which is Cybersecurity Awareness
month.<div><iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ApYrJ2SPJ9o" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The events are open to
the public and benefits home and business users.The first hour-long event
is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main. Two
other events are scheduled for noon Oct. 12 and 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th.Hays Public Library Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny said events like this one are important for the community."There are so many scams out there that we
thought partnering with TreeTop Security to bring this program to the library
was a great idea,” Kolacny said. “We have patrons who come here to use the
wifi and public computers, so to give them an opportunity to learn more about
how to stay safe online seems like a good fit."Grow Hays Executive
Director Doug Williams also said cybersecurity is an important topic for many.“Information systems have become the lifeblood of many
businesses, and protecting those systems is essential to the survival of those
businesses,” Williams said. “Grow Hays is committed to ensuring that local
businesses understand the importance of cybersecurity and the role it plays in
protecting their critical business information.”The month was designated
as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2004 and has grown in importance since.“The
Department of Homeland Security is initially who started it,” Haselhorst said. “It
started off as just kind of a U.S.-based thing, and they quickly determined that this
isn't just us, this is the world.”<div><iframe title="AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION: Cybersecurity awareness events help locals understand online threats" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sfuy8-12d8386-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>Back then, he said, the
importance of having a dedicated month to raise cybersecurity awareness seemed of little significance — now, it cannot be overstated.“At the time, it didn't seem
like that big of a deal,” Haselhorst said. “And now, obviously, it's something
that affects every business, every individual, and if it's not part of your day-to-day,
brace yourself, because it may be coming.”Key to keeping people safe
from online threats is prevention, and a primary mission in October is to share
information about online dangers and how to avoid them.“It's a whole month
dedicated to the media and lots of folks like myself, professionals in the
industry, getting together and making sure that everybody is aware of
different topics that could affect them,” Haselhorst said. “From a
cybersecurity standpoint, whether that's ransomware, phishing emails, you name
it, it kind of goes over the full gamut of cybersecurity and making sure that
everybody's aware that it can happen to them.”Each year a theme is selected
for the month. This year’s theme is See Yourself in Cyber.“While cybersecurity may seem
like a complex subject, ultimately, it’s really all about people,” according to
the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency website. “This October will focus on the “people” part of
cybersecurity, providing information and resources to help educate CISA
partners and the public and ensure all individuals and organizations make smart
decisions whether on the job, at home or at school – now and in the future.”During the month, the CISA will promote
four key actions that can keep people safer online:<ul>
 <li>Enable
 Multi-Factor Authentication</li><li>Use&nbsp;Strong
 Passwords</li><li>Recognize
 and Report Phishing</li><li>Update
 Your Software</li>
 </ul>Making people aware of
the threat and how to protect themselves is a vital part of stopping threats
before they happen, Haselhorst said and can especially be impactful to small businesses.“Education
and free education on top of that is really your best resource,” he said. “I
can't tell you the number of businesses that we work with where somebody says, ‘Hey,
this looks odd.’ And the reason why they say that that looks really odd is
because they've had training that helps them indicate that there's just
something really off about this email.”For those that cannot
make the scheduled events, Haselhorst said TreeTop Security works to bring the
presentation to any organization that is interested in protecting their digital
assets.“Back
in 2019, we had put together some cybersecurity awareness training … and some
associated materials and kind of gave that away for anyone in the world to
really take and take back to their community and their businesses.”That information has since
been used to protect people and businesses across the world, he said.“We continue to update
it, every six months, sometimes every year, and release that, in accordance
with Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” Haselhorst said.Whether attending a
session or learning about cybersecurity through independent research, he said understanding
online threats should be a priority for everyone.“It is one of the best
things that you can do,” Haselhorst said. “If you say, ‘Well, I don't have $1,000s
to spend on security right now.’ You will after something happens,
unfortunately. But the biggest thing is just get in there, get some education.
It's not gimmicky. We're not pitching anything. It is things that every home
user, every business user, can use in their day-to-day.”

🎙 OUNCE OF PREVENTION: Cybersecurity awareness events help decipher online threats

Parents of autistic children are invited to attend a new free support group offered by the Center for Life Experience, 103C E. 27th.

Titled “It’s Good to Talk—Neurodivergent,” the group will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month, beginning Oct. 26. Free on-site childcare will be available to those who RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 5, to the center at (785) 259-6859 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@cflehope.org">info@cflehope.org</a>.

Darian Schulte, the center’s executive director, said in an email, “Parents coping with autism face many obstacles, whether that’s developing parenting strategies, learning better ways to communicate, or advocating for their child.

“This group offers an opportunity to build social supports with other parents in similar situations. Share, listen, and learn from other parents/legal guardians on how they handle their own unique experiences with autism.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580856294757.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseParents of autistic children are invited to attend a new free support group offered by the Center for Life Experience, 103C E. 27th.Titled “It’s Good to Talk—Neurodivergent,” the group will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month, beginning Oct. 26. Free on-site childcare will be available to those who RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 5, to the center at (785) 259-6859 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@cflehope.org">info@cflehope.org</a>.Darian Schulte, the center’s executive director, said in an email, “Parents coping with autism face many obstacles, whether that’s developing parenting strategies, learning better ways to communicate, or advocating for their child.“This group offers an opportunity to build social supports with other parents in similar situations. Share, listen, and learn from other parents/legal guardians on how they handle their own unique experiences with autism.”

Support group for parents of autistic children forms in Hays

LENORA — Nex-Tech announced this week it is undergoing a rebrand featuring a new logo.

Rural Telephone was founded as a cooperative in February 1951. The cooperative was formed by a group of farmers and businessmen with an elected Board of Trustees who wanted better telephone service for the rural areas of Northwest Kansas. By 1999, Rural Telephone had enlarged its service area and added multiple technology services. This prompted the rebranding of the cooperative under the “Nex-Tech” identity.

The next two decades brought a tremendous amount of progress and diversification for the company. Nex-Tech has remained actively involved within its local communities, while also developing services and offerings that are utilized by corporations around the world. Nex-Tech strives to innovate, grow, and connect communities as both a broadband service provider and a leader in business solutions. The new image of Nex-Tech reflects the organization’s desire for industry leadership, supported by a passion for the local community.

The new logo is a stylized “N” with one of the legs created with a “T.” The result is an easily identifiable visual that not only features the company’s initials, but also makes clear Nex-Tech’s vital foundation of technology. The traditional black and red that harken back to Rural Telephone days remain the primary logo colors. In order to denote Nex-Tech’s various technology services and business segments, the new logo implements additional colors to represent each business segment.

Nex-Tech has already begun the process of updating signs and apparel. January 1, 2023 marks the projected date for a new website launch. At that time, the TV Now, Nex-Tech Directory, and Nex-Tech Classifieds apps will also be updated. Implementation of the new logo will continue through 2023, with all major components to be completed by March 31, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664806521852.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseLENORA — Nex-Tech announced this week it is undergoing a rebrand featuring a new logo.Rural Telephone was founded as a cooperative in February 1951. The cooperative was formed by a group of farmers and businessmen with an elected Board of Trustees who wanted better telephone service for the rural areas of Northwest Kansas. By 1999, Rural Telephone had enlarged its service area and added multiple technology services. This prompted the rebranding of the cooperative under the “Nex-Tech” identity.The next two decades brought a tremendous amount of progress and diversification for the company. Nex-Tech has remained actively involved within its local communities, while also developing services and offerings that are utilized by corporations around the world. Nex-Tech strives to innovate, grow, and connect communities as both a broadband service provider and a leader in business solutions. The new image of Nex-Tech reflects the organization’s desire for industry leadership, supported by a passion for the local community.The new logo is a stylized “N” with one of the legs created with a “T.” The result is an easily identifiable visual that not only features the company’s initials, but also makes clear Nex-Tech’s vital foundation of technology. The traditional black and red that harken back to Rural Telephone days remain the primary logo colors. In order to denote Nex-Tech’s various technology services and business segments, the new logo implements additional colors to represent each business segment.Nex-Tech has already begun the process of updating signs and apparel. January 1, 2023 marks the projected date for a new website launch. At that time, the TV Now, Nex-Tech Directory, and Nex-Tech Classifieds apps will also be updated. Implementation of the new logo will continue through 2023, with all major components to be completed by March 31, 2023.

Nex-Tech unveils rebrand, new logo

Crude prices were higher Monday on expectations of a big output cut from the OPEC+ producers later this week. The group planned to meet by conference call, but will now meet in person for the first time since the pandemic. Prices jumped five percent Monday morning, with the near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude trading $4 higher at $83.56 per barrel. London Brent was trading over $88, up 4 percent on the day.&nbsp; It was a different story in New York Friday, where the benchmark contract settled nearly $2 lower to end the month of September at $79.49 per barrel. That's $10 a barrel lower than at the end of August. It marked the first quarterly loss in futures prices in two years.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude starts the week at $69.75 per barrel at CHS in McPherson, after dropping $1.75 on Friday. The average price for September was $74.28 per barrel, down more than $2 from the first of the month. U.S. crude production for July topped 11.8 million barrels per day, an increase of a tenth of a percent from the month before. The government reports Kansas output rose to 2.5 million barrels or 81,000 barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration says that's more than four percent higher than Kansas production in July of last year. Output in Texas increased nine-tenths of a percent over the month before to top five million barrels per day. Rounding out the top five are New Mexico at 1.5 million barrels per day, North Dakota at just over 1 million, Alaska at 432,000, and Colorado at just over 420,000 barrels per day. The final report on Hurricane Ian from the U.S. offshore energy regulator shows the storm forced the evacuation of 11 production platforms and five drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, while another three rigs were moved out of the storm's path. New analysis from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement shows the storm shut-in just over nine percent of the oil production and nearly six percent of the natural gas output in the Gulf. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was up two oil rigs and down one rig exploring for natural gas. The count in Texas was down two rigs while New Mexico was up two. Oklahoma was down one for the week. The Rig Count in Kansas is up one rig over last week, with 28 active rigs in eastern Kansas, and 32 west of Wichita. Operators on Friday reported drilling ahead on two leases in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 494 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. Operators have spudded 1,237 wells so far this year, up more than 56% over last year. Some 227 operators have spudded new wells in Kansas since the first of the year, up nearly 16% from last year at this time. Kansas regulators okayed 43 new drilling locations across the state last week. That's 1,237 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 784 by the end of September last year. There are 27 new permits east of Wichita, and 16 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton, Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Operators completed 23 new wells across Kansas last week, according to Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service, with 15 in eastern Kansas and eight in the western half of the state. That's 1,209 new completions so far this year, compared to 648 by this time last year. The government says U.S. crude inventories dropped 200,000 barrels to 430.6 million barrels as of September 23rd. That's about 2 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped 2.4 million barrels and are about 6 percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA said U.S. crude production dropped by 96,000 barrels per day last week, but remained above 12 million barrels per day for the ninth week in a row. Output is nearly a million barrels per day higher than a year ago. Imports dropped by half a million barrels to 6.4 million barrels per day. The four-week average is 5.6% higher than imports during the same four weeks a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. dropped to 9,404 tanker carloads last week. The Association of American Railroads says that's down 848 carloads from the week before and a 10 percent decline from the same week last year. Traffic in Canada was up for the week but remains nearly two percent behind the tally last year at this time. A North Dakota law tying tax rates to oil prices is once again causing headaches for budget forecasters there. The state's oil extraction tax rate rose from 5 to 6 percent earlier this year when prices topped the trigger price of $94.69 per barrel for three consecutive months. Current prices are below that trigger and have been through August and September. If the average price in October is also below the trigger price, the tax rate drops back to 5 percent starting in November. According to the Bismarck Tribune, the state collected revenue increases of more than $59 million from June and July production due to the oil tax trigger being in effect.

By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices were higher Monday on expectations of a big output cut from the OPEC+ producers later this week. The group planned to meet by conference call, but will now meet in person for the first time since the pandemic. Prices jumped five percent Monday morning, with the near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude trading $4 higher at $83.56 per barrel. London Brent was trading over $88, up 4 percent on the day.&nbsp; It was a different story in New York Friday, where the benchmark contract settled nearly $2 lower to end the month of September at $79.49 per barrel. That's $10 a barrel lower than at the end of August. It marked the first quarterly loss in futures prices in two years.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude starts the week at $69.75 per barrel at CHS in McPherson, after dropping $1.75 on Friday. The average price for September was $74.28 per barrel, down more than $2 from the first of the month. U.S. crude production for July topped 11.8 million barrels per day, an increase of a tenth of a percent from the month before. The government reports Kansas output rose to 2.5 million barrels or 81,000 barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration says that's more than four percent higher than Kansas production in July of last year. Output in Texas increased nine-tenths of a percent over the month before to top five million barrels per day. Rounding out the top five are New Mexico at 1.5 million barrels per day, North Dakota at just over 1 million, Alaska at 432,000, and Colorado at just over 420,000 barrels per day. The final report on Hurricane Ian from the U.S. offshore energy regulator shows the storm forced the evacuation of 11 production platforms and five drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, while another three rigs were moved out of the storm's path. New analysis from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement shows the storm shut-in just over nine percent of the oil production and nearly six percent of the natural gas output in the Gulf. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was up two oil rigs and down one rig exploring for natural gas. The count in Texas was down two rigs while New Mexico was up two. Oklahoma was down one for the week. The Rig Count in Kansas is up one rig over last week, with 28 active rigs in eastern Kansas, and 32 west of Wichita. Operators on Friday reported drilling ahead on two leases in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 494 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. Operators have spudded 1,237 wells so far this year, up more than 56% over last year. Some 227 operators have spudded new wells in Kansas since the first of the year, up nearly 16% from last year at this time. Kansas regulators okayed 43 new drilling locations across the state last week. That's 1,237 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 784 by the end of September last year. There are 27 new permits east of Wichita, and 16 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton, Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Operators completed 23 new wells across Kansas last week, according to Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service, with 15 in eastern Kansas and eight in the western half of the state. That's 1,209 new completions so far this year, compared to 648 by this time last year. The government says U.S. crude inventories dropped 200,000 barrels to 430.6 million barrels as of September 23rd. That's about 2 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped 2.4 million barrels and are about 6 percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA said U.S. crude production dropped by 96,000 barrels per day last week, but remained above 12 million barrels per day for the ninth week in a row. Output is nearly a million barrels per day higher than a year ago. Imports dropped by half a million barrels to 6.4 million barrels per day. The four-week average is 5.6% higher than imports during the same four weeks a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. dropped to 9,404 tanker carloads last week. The Association of American Railroads says that's down 848 carloads from the week before and a 10 percent decline from the same week last year. Traffic in Canada was up for the week but remains nearly two percent behind the tally last year at this time. A North Dakota law tying tax rates to oil prices is once again causing headaches for budget forecasters there. The state's oil extraction tax rate rose from 5 to 6 percent earlier this year when prices topped the trigger price of $94.69 per barrel for three consecutive months. Current prices are below that trigger and have been through August and September. If the average price in October is also below the trigger price, the tax rate drops back to 5 percent starting in November. According to the Bismarck Tribune, the state collected revenue increases of more than $59 million from June and July production due to the oil tax trigger being in effect.

News From the Oil Patch: OPEC+ meeting shuffle sparks crude rally

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664812300293.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>

PHILLIPS COUNTY — The Phillips County Economic Development Board voted to increase funding for commercial properties as well as residential through the Demolition Assistance Program.

The program is now able to assist you with the removal of commercial buildings that are no longer of service to the community and cannot be rehabilitated. 

For more information or to apply, visit The PCED&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phillipscountyks.org/departments/EconomicDevelopment">website</a>.

Applications will not be accepted for projects that are either completed or currently in progress. The number of applications per year per program are limited.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664818175511.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PCEDPHILLIPS COUNTY — The Phillips County Economic Development Board voted to increase funding for commercial properties as well as residential through the Demolition Assistance Program. This change will take effect on Jan. 1.The program is now able to assist you with the removal of commercial buildings that are no longer of service to the community and cannot be rehabilitated. For more information or to apply, visit The PCED&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phillipscountyks.org/departments/EconomicDevelopment">website</a>.Applications will not be accepted for projects that are either completed or currently in progress. The number of applications per year per program are limited.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Phillips Co. to expand demolition assistance funds to commercial buildings

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays Area Children's Center is seeking sponsors for its annual Bright Lights for Little Tykes fundraiser from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Fox Theatre.

The center is a non-profit child care facility that offers care for children from birth through preschool. The center is licensed for 88 children. That includes school-age children during the summer.

Only 75 percent of the operating costs for the facility are covered by student tuition.

Grant funding has helped with capital needs, but the center relies on fundraising to cover the operational expenses gap.

The center's fundraising goal is $100,000 for the 2022-23 school year.

Jessamyn Staples, center board member, said preserving the child care spots at the center is essential to the community. A survey conducted by the Ellis County Child Care Task Force indicated there are 10 children for every one child care spot available in the county. 

The center remodeled its kitchen about five months ago. The center's chef, Austin Petz, has introduced 500 new meals to the center. This has included ethnic foods, as well as a farm-to-table program that includes produce from an onsite garden. Petz estimated the center will reap more than 100 pounds of produce from the garden this season.

The preschool students have snacktivity breaks, during which they learn to prepare their own snacks and learn meal manners.

Tickets for the fundraiser will be $75 each or a table of eight for $550. The philanthropist, benefactor and contributor sponsorships come with varying levels of benefits, including tickets to the fundraiser.

The center's board is accepting both monetary donations and in-kind donations of auction items.

The fundraiser will include a gourmet meal, two drink tickets, a short program, an auction and live music entertainment with DOC.

The center is hoping to secure all donations and sponsorships by Nov. 1.

Tickets are available now. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bright-lights-for-little-tykes-a-night-of-giving-tickets-423679716437">Click here to purchase tickets online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664486023988.jpeg" alt="Children play in the toddler room of the Hays Area Children's Center. Student tuition only covers 75 percent of operating costs for the nonprofit center. Photo by Cristina Janney " />
 <figcaption>Children play in the toddler room of the Hays Area Children's Center. Student tuition only covers 75 percent of operating costs for the nonprofit center. Photo by Cristina Janney </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Area Children's Center is seeking sponsors for its annual Bright Lights for Little Tykes fundraiser from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Fox Theatre.The center is a non-profit child care facility that offers care for children from birth through preschool. The center is licensed for 88 children. That includes school-age children during the summer. Only 75 percent of the operating costs for the facility are covered by student tuition.Grant funding has helped with capital needs, but the center relies on fundraising to cover the operational expenses gap.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664486094481.jpeg" alt="Babies get ready for nap time in the infant room at the Hays Area Children's Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Babies get ready for nap time in the infant room at the Hays Area Children's Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The center's fundraising goal is $100,000 for the 2022-23 school year. Jessamyn Staples, center board member, said preserving the child care spots at the center is essential to the community. A survey conducted by the Ellis County Child Care Task Force indicated there are 10 children for every one child care spot available in the county. The center remodeled its kitchen about five months ago. The center's chef, Austin Petz, has introduced 500 new meals to the center. This has included ethnic foods, as well as a farm-to-table program that includes produce from an onsite garden. Petz estimated the center will reap more than 100 pounds of produce from the garden this season. The preschool students have snacktivity breaks, during which they learn to prepare their own snacks and learn meal manners.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664486123034.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Tickets for the fundraiser will be $75 each or a table of eight for $550. The philanthropist, benefactor and contributor sponsorships come with varying levels of benefits, including tickets to the fundraiser.The center's board is accepting both monetary donations and in-kind donations of auction items. The fundraiser will include a gourmet meal, two drink tickets, a short program, an auction and live music entertainment with DOC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664486162076.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The center is hoping to secure all donations and sponsorships by Nov. 1. Tickets are available now. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bright-lights-for-little-tykes-a-night-of-giving-tickets-423679716437">Click here to purchase tickets online</a>.

Hays Area Children's Center's Bright Lights Little Tykes tickets on sale; donors sought

On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian counselor David Zachman stops by to talk about career exploration programs in the Hays Catholic Schools.

On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian counselor David Zachman stops by to talk about career exploration programs in the Hays Catholic Schools.<div><iframe title="TMP-Marian students prepare for future with career exploration programs" 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=xpe4x-12db5ac-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>For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.

🎙 Post Podcast: TMP-Marian students prepare for future with career exploration programs

Purple Light Nights October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services is bringing awareness to our communities through several awareness and educational events.

Options invites community members to take action, prevent domestic violence, and support survivors. Options is excited to be hosting three tree lighting ceremonies this year to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. These tree lightings will be across Options’ 18-county service area:

· Monday, Oct. 3 in Hill City at East City Park at 7 p.m. · Tuesday, Oct. 4 in Hays at Union Pacific Park at 7 p.m. · Wednesday, Oct. 5 in Colby at Fike Park at 7 p.m.

Options invites the community to show their support for survivors at these ceremonies.

Turn the Lights SalON! is returning this year to Options’ Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a competition between area salons to decorate their windows for the month of October.

Salons will have the opportunity to participate in a special training for the CUT IT OUT program. CUT IT OUT builds awareness of domestic abuse through materials displayed in salons through the “Give the Power Back” initiative. Options is offering several free training opportunities throughout the month for any salon/spa professional or student, which gives them tools they need to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients to resources.

Contact Options for more information about the training: 785-625-4202.

In Her Shoes In Her Shoes is an interactive activity where participants can walk through a simulation of a survivor’s journey through an abusive relationship.

Options is hosting In Her Shoes at the libraries in Hays, Hill City, Colby, and Atwood. This event is designed to give participants a direct view of the triumphs and struggles that many survivors face while experiencing abuse and recovering from it. Options will host four In Her Shoes events throughout the month:

· Tuesday, Oct. 11 in Hays at the Hays Public Library from 5 to 8 p.m. · Monday, Oct. 17 in Hill City at the Graham County Library from 2 to 5 p.m. · Thursday, Oct. 20 in Atwood at the Atwood Public Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m. · Friday, Oct. 28 in Colby at the Pioneer Memorial Library from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

These events contain sensitive and potentially graphic content; descriptions of domestic and sexual abuse, rape, and personal trauma are included. Discretion is advised.

Paint the Town Purple Paint the Town Purple is an art therapy painting event to encourage community members to express themselves and their experiences.

Options and Fort Hays State University Student Groups Arts for Social Change and the Criminal Justice Club will host a come-and-go event at Union Pacific Park in Downtown Hays from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. 

All supplies will be provided. The finished pieces will be combined into a larger work that will be on display at Fort Hays State University.

Options will host a second Paint the Town Purple event on campus at Colby Community College from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.

SubmittedPurple Light Nights October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services is bringing awareness to our communities through several awareness and educational events.Options invites community members to take action, prevent domestic violence, and support survivors. Options is excited to be hosting three tree lighting ceremonies this year to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. These tree lightings will be across Options’ 18-county service area:· Monday, Oct. 3 in Hill City at East City Park at 7 p.m. · Tuesday, Oct. 4 in Hays at Union Pacific Park at 7 p.m. · Wednesday, Oct. 5 in Colby at Fike Park at 7 p.m.Options invites the community to show their support for survivors at these ceremonies.Turn the Lights SalON! is returning this year to Options’ Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a competition between area salons to decorate their windows for the month of October.Salons will have the opportunity to participate in a special training for the CUT IT OUT program. CUT IT OUT builds awareness of domestic abuse through materials displayed in salons through the “Give the Power Back” initiative. Options is offering several free training opportunities throughout the month for any salon/spa professional or student, which gives them tools they need to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients to resources.Contact Options for more information about the training: 785-625-4202.In Her Shoes In Her Shoes is an interactive activity where participants can walk through a simulation of a survivor’s journey through an abusive relationship. Options is hosting In Her Shoes at the libraries in Hays, Hill City, Colby, and Atwood. This event is designed to give participants a direct view of the triumphs and struggles that many survivors face while experiencing abuse and recovering from it. Options will host four In Her Shoes events throughout the month:· Tuesday, Oct. 11 in Hays at the Hays Public Library from 5 to 8 p.m. · Monday, Oct. 17 in Hill City at the Graham County Library from 2 to 5 p.m. · Thursday, Oct. 20 in Atwood at the Atwood Public Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m. · Friday, Oct. 28 in Colby at the Pioneer Memorial Library from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.These events contain sensitive and potentially graphic content; descriptions of domestic and sexual abuse, rape, and personal trauma are included. Discretion is advised.Paint the Town Purple Paint the Town Purple is an art therapy painting event to encourage community members to express themselves and their experiences. Options and Fort Hays State University Student Groups Arts for Social Change and the Criminal Justice Club will host a come-and-go event at Union Pacific Park in Downtown Hays from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. All supplies will be provided. The finished pieces will be combined into a larger work that will be on display at Fort Hays State University.Options will host a second Paint the Town Purple event on campus at Colby Community College from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.

Options sets events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The National Weather Service is warning that a hot, dry and windy Monday will increase the risk of wildfires to start the week.

"Avoid any outdoor burning or anything that may produce a spark in these conditions this afternoon," the NWS said.

Sustained wind of 16 to 22 mph will be accompanied by gusts up to 33 mph, and relative humidity across most of western Kansas will be below 20 percent.

There is a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms Monday night and into Tuesday morning before skies clear Tuesday evening. The next chance of rain in the Hays area is a 40 percent chance of showers Friday, the NWS predicted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664811220728.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service is warning that a hot, dry and windy Monday will increase the risk of wildfires to start the week."Avoid any outdoor burning or anything that may produce a spark in these conditions this afternoon," the NWS said.Sustained wind of 16 to 22 mph will be accompanied by gusts up to 33 mph, and relative humidity across most of western Kansas will be below 20 percent.There is a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms Monday night and into Tuesday morning before skies clear Tuesday evening. The next chance of rain in the Hays area is a 40 percent chance of showers Friday, the NWS predicted.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A very dry atmosphere along with gusty south-southwest winds will lead to elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions this afternoon. Avoid any outdoor burning or anything that may produce a spark in these conditions this afternoon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/MQdGaHb7jT">pic.twitter.com/MQdGaHb7jT</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1576953538042744832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>