Imagine this, I have spent 55 of my 71 years in elementary, middle or high school buildings. Twelve of these years I was a student, and 43 as a teacher. I have seen a slew of changes during the 55 years of my career but one of the more pressing has been the need for more and more space.&nbsp;

I started first grade in Monument, Kansas, in 1957 having skipped kindergarten. (It wasn’t offered in the Monument School District). Through elementary school, we sat all day at desks, lined up in neat rows. The teacher had a desk in the front of the room. There were pull-down maps of the United States and a world map. Chalk boards lined the wall behind the teacher’s desk. Our desks faced that same long chalkboard wall. Math, English, social studies, reading, science, and handwriting ALL pretty much took place on that wall with an eraser moving quickly across the board between subjects. The teacher and textbooks were the source of information and learning.&nbsp; We only left the room for recess and lunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today, teaching and learning look nothing like the scene of my own elementary and high school years. Today, teachers seldom stand in front of the room all day to impart wisdom and knowledge. Both teachers and students engage in active, hands-on learning. Often, students work in small collaborative groups on science and social studies projects. Small group work is prominent during reading, writing, and math. Discussion groups explore new ideas presented in a shared book students are reading. Collaborative work on science experiments occurs across a week or more. Students work together on the floor, spreading out to make maps during social studies, draw out graphs and charts in math, or work through problems. Younger students often begin the morning on the floor in a large circle as a sharing time or to read a big book together. Students leave the room for art, music, P.E., recess, lunch, as well as special education, language, and social-emotional needs. These wonderful, positive changes in the way students and teachers work in the classroom require more and more space.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As the years moved along in my tenure as a student and teacher, new academic fields opened for students. Art and music programs were added to the curriculum. Band, orchestra, and&nbsp;theatre classes became available. Physical Education became a required class. Many new services and classes for students were added:&nbsp;nurses,&nbsp;physical and occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, Title I&nbsp;reading&nbsp;classes, Reading Recovery for first-grade students struggling to learn to read and write, math intervention, technology classes, k-12 counselors, school psychologists, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), SPED (Special Education/Educational Support for autism, gifted education, etc.). Each of the new academic areas and support services mentioned above require additional space&nbsp;both for teachers and students; however, our USD 489 buildings have stayed the same size, so hallways, custodians’ closets, corners of libraries, closets in classrooms, a cubicle next to a boiler room, a stage in the gym have all morphed into space for students to learn. Space was taken from libraries to squeeze in one or more small cubby holes for the school counselor or reading recovery teacher. Hallways themselves became portable classroom space. It seems every anteroom, booth, chamber, shoebox, and vestibule has been turned into learning spaces out of necessity.&nbsp;

We have entered the second decade of the 21st&nbsp;century. New buildings and classroom design are more important than ever. USD 489 has reached critical mass in providing space for our&nbsp;students and teachers. We need your help to&nbsp;meet the learning needs of all students. Please vote YES on SPACE (HAYS USD 489 BOND ISSUE ON MAY 10TH).&nbsp; For more information on USD 489 current needs for space, go to&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/article/700246">https://www.usd489.com/article/700246</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Imagine this, I have spent 55 of my 71 years in elementary, middle or high school buildings. Twelve of these years I was a student, and 43 as a teacher. I have seen a slew of changes during the 55 years of my career but one of the more pressing has been the need for more and more space.&nbsp;I started first grade in Monument, Kansas, in 1957 having skipped kindergarten. (It wasn’t offered in the Monument School District). Through elementary school, we sat all day at desks, lined up in neat rows. The teacher had a desk in the front of the room. There were pull-down maps of the United States and a world map. Chalk boards lined the wall behind the teacher’s desk. Our desks faced that same long chalkboard wall. Math, English, social studies, reading, science, and handwriting ALL pretty much took place on that wall with an eraser moving quickly across the board between subjects. The teacher and textbooks were the source of information and learning.&nbsp; We only left the room for recess and lunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today, teaching and learning look nothing like the scene of my own elementary and high school years. Today, teachers seldom stand in front of the room all day to impart wisdom and knowledge. Both teachers and students engage in active, hands-on learning. Often, students work in small collaborative groups on science and social studies projects. Small group work is prominent during reading, writing, and math. Discussion groups explore new ideas presented in a shared book students are reading. Collaborative work on science experiments occurs across a week or more. Students work together on the floor, spreading out to make maps during social studies, draw out graphs and charts in math, or work through problems. Younger students often begin the morning on the floor in a large circle as a sharing time or to read a big book together. Students leave the room for art, music, P.E., recess, lunch, as well as special education, language, and social-emotional needs. These wonderful, positive changes in the way students and teachers work in the classroom require more and more space.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the years moved along in my tenure as a student and teacher, new academic fields opened for students. Art and music programs were added to the curriculum. Band, orchestra, and&nbsp;theatre classes became available. Physical Education became a required class. Many new services and classes for students were added:&nbsp;nurses,&nbsp;physical and occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, Title I&nbsp;reading&nbsp;classes, Reading Recovery for first-grade students struggling to learn to read and write, math intervention, technology classes, k-12 counselors, school psychologists, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), SPED (Special Education/Educational Support for autism, gifted education, etc.). Each of the new academic areas and support services mentioned above require additional space&nbsp;both for teachers and students; however, our USD 489 buildings have stayed the same size, so hallways, custodians’ closets, corners of libraries, closets in classrooms, a cubicle next to a boiler room, a stage in the gym have all morphed into space for students to learn. Space was taken from libraries to squeeze in one or more small cubby holes for the school counselor or reading recovery teacher. Hallways themselves became portable classroom space. It seems every anteroom, booth, chamber, shoebox, and vestibule has been turned into learning spaces out of necessity.&nbsp;We have entered the second decade of the 21st&nbsp;century. New buildings and classroom design are more important than ever. USD 489 has reached critical mass in providing space for our&nbsp;students and teachers. We need your help to&nbsp;meet the learning needs of all students. Please vote YES on SPACE (HAYS USD 489 BOND ISSUE ON MAY 10TH).&nbsp; For more information on USD 489 current needs for space, go to&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/article/700246">https://www.usd489.com/article/700246</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jo Ann Jennings, Hays

LETTER: A look at USD 489 classroom, building space across 60 years

The Hays Symphony will be presenting “Voyage to France”, a joint spring concert with the FHSU Choirs and Smoky Hill Chorale on at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

The concert features pivotal works by two Frenchmen:&nbsp;Gloria, by Francis Poulenc with soprano soloist,&nbsp;Dr. Ivalah Allen is conducted by Dr. Terry Crull, and&nbsp;Symphonie Fantastique, by Hector Berlioz, is conducted by Dr. Brian Buckstead.

Gloria&nbsp;was written four years before Poulenc’s death and was described by some as “bordering on the sacrilegious.” In response Poulenc is said to have replied,&nbsp;“While writing it I had in mind those Crozzoli frescoes with angels sticking out their tongues, and also some solemn-looking Benedictine monks that I saw playing football one day.”&nbsp; A music critic of his day described Poulenc’s personality as “something of a monk and something of the rascal.”&nbsp;The work is divided into six short movements and&nbsp;the text of the Gloria is in Latin from the Roman Catholic Mass. The&nbsp;Gloria&nbsp;for soprano soloist, chorus and orchestra enjoyed immediate acclaim and remains popular to this day,

Dr. Terry Crull, conducting&nbsp;Gloria, is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Fort Hays State University. His duties include conducting Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, Women's Chorale, Men's Glee Club, and Smoky Hill Chorale.

Soprano&nbsp;Soloist, Dr. Ivalah Allen, FHSU Associate Professor of Voice,&nbsp;is a clinician, vocal and classroom instructor, conductor, and opera and music theatre director. Dr. Allen has performed as soloist on the opera, recital, symphonic, and oratorio stage throughout the Midwest.

Symphonie Fantastique&nbsp;is&nbsp;a five-movement portrait of romantic obsession, complete with a witches’ Sabbath, a guillotine and wild hallucinations. The work is thought to be an autobiographical expression of Berlioz’s unrequited love for theEnglish actress Harriet Smithson. A central figure of the Romantic Movement, Berlioz creates almost nightmarish sonorities that sweep the listener to experience deep emotions. The composition challenges the members of the orchestra by asking the musicians to play outside of their normal range.&nbsp;Berlioz’&nbsp;Symphonie Fantastique&nbsp;had its premiere at the Paris Conservatory on December 5, 1830, almost two-hundred years ago; yet remains a popular work programed often by American symphony orchestras.

Dr. Brian Buckstead is Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at Fort Hays State University, as well as director of the Hays Symphony. He enjoys a thriving career as a violinist, violist and conductor.&nbsp;Brian is passionate about the education of young musicians. In addition to adjudicating local and national music competitions, he co-developed Bring Back the Music, an initiative to bring string instrument education to two underprivileged public schools in Medicine Hat, Alberta.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This free concert and the post-concert reception made possible by a generous donation from Auto World (Kay and Dick Werth).

All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s web site. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.

News releaseThe Hays Symphony will be presenting “Voyage to France”, a joint spring concert with the FHSU Choirs and Smoky Hill Chorale on at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.The concert features pivotal works by two Frenchmen:&nbsp;Gloria, by Francis Poulenc with soprano soloist,&nbsp;Dr. Ivalah Allen is conducted by Dr. Terry Crull, and&nbsp;Symphonie Fantastique, by Hector Berlioz, is conducted by Dr. Brian Buckstead.Gloria&nbsp;was written four years before Poulenc’s death and was described by some as “bordering on the sacrilegious.” In response Poulenc is said to have replied,&nbsp;“While writing it I had in mind those Crozzoli frescoes with angels sticking out their tongues, and also some solemn-looking Benedictine monks that I saw playing football one day.”&nbsp; A music critic of his day described Poulenc’s personality as “something of a monk and something of the rascal.”&nbsp;The work is divided into six short movements and&nbsp;the text of the Gloria is in Latin from the Roman Catholic Mass. The&nbsp;Gloria&nbsp;for soprano soloist, chorus and orchestra enjoyed immediate acclaim and remains popular to this day,Dr. Terry Crull, conducting&nbsp;Gloria, is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Fort Hays State University. His duties include conducting Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, Women's Chorale, Men's Glee Club, and Smoky Hill Chorale.Soprano&nbsp;Soloist, Dr. Ivalah Allen, FHSU Associate Professor of Voice,&nbsp;is a clinician, vocal and classroom instructor, conductor, and opera and music theatre director. Dr. Allen has performed as soloist on the opera, recital, symphonic, and oratorio stage throughout the Midwest.Symphonie Fantastique&nbsp;is&nbsp;a five-movement portrait of romantic obsession, complete with a witches’ Sabbath, a guillotine and wild hallucinations. The work is thought to be an autobiographical expression of Berlioz’s unrequited love for theEnglish actress Harriet Smithson. A central figure of the Romantic Movement, Berlioz creates almost nightmarish sonorities that sweep the listener to experience deep emotions. The composition challenges the members of the orchestra by asking the musicians to play outside of their normal range.&nbsp;Berlioz’&nbsp;Symphonie Fantastique&nbsp;had its premiere at the Paris Conservatory on December 5, 1830, almost two-hundred years ago; yet remains a popular work programed often by American symphony orchestras.Dr. Brian Buckstead is Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at Fort Hays State University, as well as director of the Hays Symphony. He enjoys a thriving career as a violinist, violist and conductor.&nbsp;Brian is passionate about the education of young musicians. In addition to adjudicating local and national music competitions, he co-developed Bring Back the Music, an initiative to bring string instrument education to two underprivileged public schools in Medicine Hat, Alberta.&nbsp;&nbsp;This free concert and the post-concert reception made possible by a generous donation from Auto World (Kay and Dick Werth).All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s web site. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Hays Symphony to present 'Voyage to France' in joint concert

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board on March 28 honored several individuals and groups within the district.

The Lincoln Elementary School was recognized by the school board for earning the Kansas Department of Education Challenge Award.

The school had been on improvement under the Department of Education because of low test scores among special populations of students. 

&nbsp;The award is presented to schools that are making a difference in academic achievement despite significant challenges based on Kansas state assessment results.

The school has used multi-tiered systems of support, school redesign and the Kansas Learning Network to achieve increased test scores. 

"This showcases all of the positive academic achievements that are taking place at Lincoln every day," Superintendent Ron Wilson said.

Donna Hudson-Hamilton, Early Childhood Connections director, presented Kansas Head Start Association Awards to Jessica Molnar and Jessica Brown.

&nbsp;Jessica Molnar was named KHSA Support Staff of the Year and Jessica Brown was named KHSA Family Advocate of the Year.

The school board also recognized the Hays High Special Olympics basketball team who recently competed and took first place at the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649449060029.jpeg" alt="Lincoln Elementary School staff were honored at the March 28 USD 489 school board meeting for receiving the Challenge Award from the Kansas Department of Education. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Lincoln Elementary School staff were honored at the March 28 USD 489 school board meeting for receiving the Challenge Award from the Kansas Department of Education. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board on March 28 honored several individuals and groups within the district.The Lincoln Elementary School was recognized by the school board for earning the Kansas Department of Education Challenge Award.The school had been on improvement under the Department of Education because of low test scores among special populations of students. &nbsp;The award is presented to schools that are making a difference in academic achievement despite significant challenges based on Kansas state assessment results. The school has used multi-tiered systems of support, school redesign and the Kansas Learning Network to achieve increased test scores. "This showcases all of the positive academic achievements that are taking place at Lincoln every day," Superintendent Ron Wilson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649448521994.jpeg" alt="Jessica Molnar, left, was named Kansas Head Start Association Support Staff of the Year, and Jessica Brown, right, was named KHSA Family Advocate of the Year. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Jessica Molnar, left, was named Kansas Head Start Association Support Staff of the Year, and Jessica Brown, right, was named KHSA Family Advocate of the Year. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Donna Hudson-Hamilton, Early Childhood Connections director, presented Kansas Head Start Association Awards to Jessica Molnar and Jessica Brown.&nbsp;Jessica Molnar was named KHSA Support Staff of the Year and Jessica Brown was named KHSA Family Advocate of the Year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649448643968.png" alt="The HHS Special Olympics team was honored for its first-place finish at the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament in Hays." />
 <figcaption>The HHS Special Olympics team was honored for its first-place finish at the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>The school board also recognized the Hays High Special Olympics basketball team who recently competed and took first place at the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament in Hays.

Lincoln Elementary honored by state with Challenge Award

The following Hays students were selected for the KMEA All-State Vocal Choir

All-State Choir roster from Hays: Anthony Arial Jordan Aschenbrenner Carson Brooksher Kiki Gonzales Nate Henderson Devlyn Jochum Samantha Vesper

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649451443194.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The following Hays students were selected for the KMEA All-State Vocal ChoirAll-State Choir roster from Hays: Anthony Arial Jordan Aschenbrenner Carson Brooksher Kiki Gonzales Nate Henderson Devlyn Jochum Samantha Vesper

Hays students chosen for All-State Choir

<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/2022/4/1649787326712.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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/524c2630-9bf2-4b99-b204-7d44913d2da7">Read more: Tina Albers: 'Preschool is my happy place'</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5f1002b0-5a78-4bc4-8a1e-ec6ce00e4387#//">Nominate your favorite teacher now through May 2022.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649792010211.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649791930336.jpeg" alt="Mark and Lynette Ottley of Nations Auction Elite Realty present Tina Albers, Hays USD 489 preschool teacher, with the March Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award." />
 <figcaption>Mark and Lynette Ottley of Nations Auction Elite Realty present Tina Albers, Hays USD 489 preschool teacher, with the March Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/524c2630-9bf2-4b99-b204-7d44913d2da7">Read more: Tina Albers: 'Preschool is my happy place'</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5f1002b0-5a78-4bc4-8a1e-ec6ce00e4387#//">Nominate your favorite teacher now through May 2022.</a>

Nations Auction Elite Realty Teacher of the Month: Tina Albers

Kansas State Department of Education

TOPEKA — One-hundred-forty Kansas high school seniors have been named 2022 Kansas Career and Technical Education Scholars, the Kansas State Department of Education announced Tuesday.

The Kansas CTE Scholar program is an opportunity to recognize well-rounded outstanding CTE students who are finishing their senior year of high school. This is the fourth year for the initiative.

Students must be a high school senior and meet the following criteria to be selected as a scholar:

• Have earned or presently enrolled in 3.0 or more CTE credits with verification of technical skill attainment.

• Have a CTE Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or better in CTE coursework.

• Civic engagement or 100 community service hours with verification letter.

• Workplace experience. These experiences can include school-based experiences, internships, clinicals, supervised agricultural experiences, community-based or student-led businesses located on or off the school campus. The experiences should reflect the career interests of the candidate and industry expectations. A minimum of 80 hours of experience is expected prior to submission.

• Career vision summary statement. This is a short reflection of a candidate’s personal career vision and future plans. A maximum of 175 words is allowed.

Scholars receive a commemorative pin, special certificate and statewide recognition.

• Payton Walk, Greeley County High School, Greeley County Unified School District 200. • Kaylee Knouf, Quinter High School, Quinter USD 293. • Jadelyn Betz, Quinter High School, Quinter USD 293. • Jayden Minkler, Phillipsburg High School, Phillipsburg USD 325. • Kaitlyn Windholz, Victoria Junior-Senior High School, Victoria USD 432.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594835635743.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State Department of EducationTOPEKA — One-hundred-forty Kansas high school seniors have been named 2022 Kansas Career and Technical Education Scholars, the Kansas State Department of Education announced Tuesday.The Kansas CTE Scholar program is an opportunity to recognize well-rounded outstanding CTE students who are finishing their senior year of high school. This is the fourth year for the initiative.Students must be a high school senior and meet the following criteria to be selected as a scholar:• Have earned or presently enrolled in 3.0 or more CTE credits with verification of technical skill attainment.• Senior-level status.• Have a CTE Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or better in CTE coursework.• Civic engagement or 100 community service hours with verification letter.• Workplace experience. These experiences can include school-based experiences, internships, clinicals, supervised agricultural experiences, community-based or student-led businesses located on or off the school campus. The experiences should reflect the career interests of the candidate and industry expectations. A minimum of 80 hours of experience is expected prior to submission.• Career vision summary statement. This is a short reflection of a candidate’s personal career vision and future plans. A maximum of 175 words is allowed.Scholars receive a commemorative pin, special certificate and statewide recognition.This year’s Kansas CTE Scholars are:• Payton Walk, Greeley County High School, Greeley County Unified School District 200. • Kaylee Knouf, Quinter High School, Quinter USD 293. • Jadelyn Betz, Quinter High School, Quinter USD 293. • Jayden Minkler, Phillipsburg High School, Phillipsburg USD 325. • Kaitlyn Windholz, Victoria Junior-Senior High School, Victoria USD 432.

NW Kan. students named Career and Technical Education Scholars

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

After nearly three hours of deliberating, an Ellis County jury
found a Hays man guilty of aggravated battery.

On Wednesday, a jury found Tristan John Flinn, Hays,
guilty of felony aggravated battery following an incident in March 2019.

According to court documents, Flinn
hit another man in the face twice, resulting in a broken jaw.

During the trial, the state presented a SnapChat video of
Flinn striking the victim and an X-ray of the injury.

Flinn was initially charged with aggravated battery,
recklessly causing great bodily harm, a level five person felony, but Ellis
County Attorney Robert Anderson amended the complaint to charge Flinn with aggravated
battery, knowingly cause great bodily harm, a level four person felony.

Flinn is expected to face between 47 and 52 months in prison.
Sentencing will depend on his criminal history. 

Sentencing is scheduled for 11 a.m. May 5 in Ellis County
District Court.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAfter nearly three hours of deliberating, an Ellis County jury
found a Hays man guilty of aggravated battery.On Wednesday, a jury found Tristan John Flinn, Hays,
guilty of felony aggravated battery following an incident in March 2019.According to court documents, Flinn
hit another man in the face twice, resulting in a broken jaw.During the trial, the state presented a SnapChat video of
Flinn striking the victim and an X-ray of the injury.Flinn was initially charged with aggravated battery,
recklessly causing great bodily harm, a level five person felony, but Ellis
County Attorney Robert Anderson amended the complaint to charge Flinn with aggravated
battery, knowingly cause great bodily harm, a level four person felony.Flinn is expected to face between 47 and 52 months in prison.
Sentencing will depend on his criminal history. Sentencing is scheduled for 11 a.m. May 5 in Ellis County
District Court.

Hays man found guilty of breaking man’s jaw

UPDATE 9 a.m. Tuesday: Due to illness, the unclaimed property search in Hays will be rescheduled at a date to be determined.&nbsp;

TOPEKA — Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers will host an unclaimed property search in Hays on Tuesday. Residents are invited to meet the treasurer to search for unclaimed property and ask questions about the work of the State Treasurer’s Office.

Who: State Treasurer Lynn Rogers&nbsp; What: Unclaimed Property Search When: Tuesday, Apr. 12, 2022, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Dillons, 1902 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601

Returning unclaimed property is a free service provided by the State Treasurer’s Office. Any website requesting credit card information or offering to find property for a fee is&nbsp;not&nbsp;the official website of the State Treasurer.

Kansans can search for unclaimed property anytime by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansascash.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.kansascash.ks.gov</a>.

UPDATE 9 a.m. Tuesday: Due to illness, the unclaimed property search in Hays will be rescheduled at a date to be determined.&nbsp;News releaseTOPEKA — Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers will host an unclaimed property search in Hays on Tuesday. Residents are invited to meet the treasurer to search for unclaimed property and ask questions about the work of the State Treasurer’s Office.Who: State Treasurer Lynn Rogers&nbsp; What: Unclaimed Property Search When: Tuesday, Apr. 12, 2022, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Dillons, 1902 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601Returning unclaimed property is a free service provided by the State Treasurer’s Office. Any website requesting credit card information or offering to find property for a fee is&nbsp;not&nbsp;the official website of the State Treasurer.Kansans can search for unclaimed property anytime by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansascash.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.kansascash.ks.gov</a>.

Unclaimed property search in Hays to be rescheduled

The Ellis County Bar Association&nbsp;has named&nbsp;Gene F. Anderson&nbsp;the recipient of the 2021&nbsp;Willis K. Musick Professionalism Award. &nbsp;The award was created by the bar association to honor past and present members of the Bar who have, by their conduct, honesty, integrity and courtesy, best exemplified, represented and encouraged other lawyers to follow the highest standards of the legal profession. It was first awarded posthumously to attorneys Willis Musick&nbsp;in 2015&nbsp;and Richard Coffelt&nbsp;in 2016. In 2020, the&nbsp;association&nbsp;named&nbsp;Joe Jeter as&nbsp;the award’s recipient.

The award is not given annually but,&nbsp;rather, is&nbsp;presented&nbsp;up to once per year&nbsp;when the members of the&nbsp;Ellis County Bar Association&nbsp;offer nominations. A&nbsp;confidentially appointed&nbsp;committee&nbsp;of association members&nbsp;reviews&nbsp;the nominations&nbsp;and selects the recipient it&nbsp;believes&nbsp;is&nbsp;most deserving among the nominees.&nbsp;

“Those who knew and worked with Gene remember him as someone who&nbsp;embodied the&nbsp;spirit of&nbsp;this award,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Wendy Rohleder-Sook, bar&nbsp;president.&nbsp;“He joins&nbsp;a distinguished group of local lawyers&nbsp;who&nbsp;have&nbsp;been instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of the legal profession.”

Anderson was posthumously honored by his&nbsp;colleagues at&nbsp;the&nbsp;association’s&nbsp;recent&nbsp;annual gathering.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anderson’s former law partner,&nbsp;Ross Wichman,&nbsp;and&nbsp;former colleague&nbsp;and&nbsp;retired&nbsp;Judge Edward&nbsp;Bouker shared remarks at the event. Anderson’s wife, Dody, and son, Matt, were present to accept the award on his behalf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649684997697.jpeg" alt="Wendy Rohleder-Sook, Dody Anderson and Matt Anderson" />
 <figcaption>Wendy Rohleder-Sook, Dody Anderson and Matt Anderson</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe Ellis County Bar Association&nbsp;has named&nbsp;Gene F. Anderson&nbsp;the recipient of the 2021&nbsp;Willis K. Musick Professionalism Award. &nbsp;The award was created by the bar association to honor past and present members of the Bar who have, by their conduct, honesty, integrity and courtesy, best exemplified, represented and encouraged other lawyers to follow the highest standards of the legal profession. It was first awarded posthumously to attorneys Willis Musick&nbsp;in 2015&nbsp;and Richard Coffelt&nbsp;in 2016. In 2020, the&nbsp;association&nbsp;named&nbsp;Joe Jeter as&nbsp;the award’s recipient.The award is not given annually but,&nbsp;rather, is&nbsp;presented&nbsp;up to once per year&nbsp;when the members of the&nbsp;Ellis County Bar Association&nbsp;offer nominations. A&nbsp;confidentially appointed&nbsp;committee&nbsp;of association members&nbsp;reviews&nbsp;the nominations&nbsp;and selects the recipient it&nbsp;believes&nbsp;is&nbsp;most deserving among the nominees.&nbsp;“Those who knew and worked with Gene remember him as someone who&nbsp;embodied the&nbsp;spirit of&nbsp;this award,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Wendy Rohleder-Sook, bar&nbsp;president.&nbsp;“He joins&nbsp;a distinguished group of local lawyers&nbsp;who&nbsp;have&nbsp;been instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of the legal profession.”Anderson was posthumously honored by his&nbsp;colleagues at&nbsp;the&nbsp;association’s&nbsp;recent&nbsp;annual gathering.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anderson’s former law partner,&nbsp;Ross Wichman,&nbsp;and&nbsp;former colleague&nbsp;and&nbsp;retired&nbsp;Judge Edward&nbsp;Bouker shared remarks at the event. Anderson’s wife, Dody, and son, Matt, were present to accept the award on his behalf.

Anderson posthumously honored by Ellis County Bar Association

The Hays USD 489 school board Monday approved a contract with Tree Top Security of Hays for cyber security services.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/008b9faf-0281-4dab-ae4b-e3572a1cf8f5">Owner Dallas Haselhorst was hired after the school district experienced a data breach in February. </a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ad35ba4a-499f-4bba-9f58-697894f2402c">RELATED STORY: Schools increasingly targets of cyber attacks</a>

Haselhorst said the school district has been able to improve its cyber security, but it will never be 100 percent secure.

He said the district was able to relay information about the attack, provide some training and make some purchases toward making the district more secure.

"I commend the IT team at Hays High, the faculty, staff and students that have been dealing with it," Haselhorst said. "A lot of businesses and school districts shut down for a few weeks or more."

He said the cyber security attack was handled with little disruption to school activities.

Haselhorst says his business offers continuous security monitoring.

"You don't have to run faster than the bear," he said. "you just have to run faster than the other guy. That's true in cyber security too."

The district may only need to have tighter security than the next school district, he said.

"When they come knocking on our door, maybe they'll decide it's not worth it and move on to the next district," Haselhorst said.

Board member Curt Vajnar asked Haselhorst on a scale of 1 to 10 where did the district fell in terms of cyber security.

He said the district is a little better than the middle of the road, but the district could still do better.

He said the district administration needs to weigh the cost versus the benefit of implementing further cyber security measures.

"Multi-million and multi-billion businesses and the Department of Defense spend some serious coin on cyber security, and guess what? They get hacked," Haselhorst said.

He said how much an entity wants to spend depends on how much risk it is willing to take. A hospital or energy company may be willing to take less risk than a school district, he said.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said he wanted to let the board know the cyber security efforts will be ongoing and the district plans to purchase some additional cyber security software.

Haselhorst's contract was approved for $100 an hour for up to 400 hours.

Haselhorst has created free cyber security training and he said that is available to the school district.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district in the future will include cyber security as part of its annual training.

The school board also approved a bid for $31,995 from Auto World for a 2021 Equinox to be used as a driver's education car. The car will be used for other purposes during the school year.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board Monday approved a contract with Tree Top Security of Hays for cyber security services.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/008b9faf-0281-4dab-ae4b-e3572a1cf8f5">Owner Dallas Haselhorst was hired after the school district experienced a data breach in February. </a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ad35ba4a-499f-4bba-9f58-697894f2402c">RELATED STORY: Schools increasingly targets of cyber attacks</a>Haselhorst said the school district has been able to improve its cyber security, but it will never be 100 percent secure.He said the district was able to relay information about the attack, provide some training and make some purchases toward making the district more secure."I commend the IT team at Hays High, the faculty, staff and students that have been dealing with it," Haselhorst said. "A lot of businesses and school districts shut down for a few weeks or more."He said the cyber security attack was handled with little disruption to school activities.Haselhorst says his business offers continuous security monitoring."You don't have to run faster than the bear," he said. "you just have to run faster than the other guy. That's true in cyber security too."The district may only need to have tighter security than the next school district, he said."When they come knocking on our door, maybe they'll decide it's not worth it and move on to the next district," Haselhorst said.Board member Curt Vajnar asked Haselhorst on a scale of 1 to 10 where did the district fell in terms of cyber security.He said the district is a little better than the middle of the road, but the district could still do better.He said the district administration needs to weigh the cost versus the benefit of implementing further cyber security measures."Multi-million and multi-billion businesses and the Department of Defense spend some serious coin on cyber security, and guess what? They get hacked," Haselhorst said.He said how much an entity wants to spend depends on how much risk it is willing to take. A hospital or energy company may be willing to take less risk than a school district, he said.Superintendent Ron Wilson said he wanted to let the board know the cyber security efforts will be ongoing and the district plans to purchase some additional cyber security software.Haselhorst's contract was approved for $100 an hour for up to 400 hours. Haselhorst has created free cyber security training and he said that is available to the school district.Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district in the future will include cyber security as part of its annual training.The school board also approved a bid for $31,995 from Auto World for a 2021 Equinox to be used as a driver's education car. The car will be used for other purposes during the school year.

Expert: Cyber security at school district improving but still needs work

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The medical technician who drew blood from New Hampshire Rep. Peter Schmidt after he broke his leg in February was registered with the state, thanks to a 2014 law enacted after a traveling medical technician infected dozens of people with hepatitis C.

But by the time Schmidt was back on his feet, colleagues had hijacked his bill aimed at improving the registry. House lawmakers passed a bill last month eliminating the registration requirement altogether, and Schmidt is now urging senators to reject it.

“Please do not pass this, this is a terrible idea,” Schmidt said. “I think we need to continue to register these medical technicians, otherwise we are opening ourselves up to a potential repeat of the Exeter experience.”

New Hampshire created the Board of Registration for Medical Technicians in response to David Kwiatkowski, who is serving 39 years in prison for stealing painkillers and replacing them with saline-filled syringes tainted with his blood.

At the time, officials hoped the board would become a model for other states, but that hasn’t happened. And those who want to ditch it say it creates unnecessary bureaucracy at a time when health care facilities are struggling to hire workers.

“The actions of one bad actor, however heinous, are not reason to require thousands of technicians to register and pay fees,” said Rep. Carol McGuire, R-Epsom, when the House passed the bill last month.

But Linda Ficken, a Kansas woman who contracted hepatitis C from Kwiatkowski in 2011, said she believes any medical worker with access to drugs should be registered and should undergo frequent drug testing.

“Every time I go into the hospital, I can’t help but wonder, is this a repeat?” she said. “Cured or not, the thoughts and anxiety are still there.”

Despite being fired numerous times over drug allegations, Kwiatkowski had worked in 18 hospitals in seven states before being hired in at Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire. After his arrest in 2012, 46 people in four states were diagnosed with the same strain of the hepatitis C virus he carries, including one who died in Kansas.

In all, 32 patients were infected in New Hampshire, seven in Maryland, six in Kansas and one in Pennsylvania. Kwiatkowski also worked in Michigan, New York, Arizona and Georgia.

The case highlighted the fact that medical technicians aren’t as closely regulated as nurses or doctors, whose misconduct and discipline are tracked via a nationwide database. While some states require certain technicians to be licensed, four of the states where he worked didn’t license any of them at the time of his arrest, including New Hampshire.

The registry New Hampshire eventually created applies to all health care workers who are not otherwise already licensed or registered and have access to both patients and drugs. Hospitals are required to report disciplinary actions to the board, which also investigates complaints and takes disciplinary action.

The board has struggled to maintain a quorum, however, and hasn’t met in more than a year, said Lindsey Courtney, director of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.

“We’re greatly concerned the state is not meeting its obligation to protect the public,” she said at a public hearing.

Courtney, who isn’t taking a position on eliminating the board, supported Schmidt’s original proposal to convert it to an advisory panel that would make recommendations to her office. There are currently 1,691 registered technicians, and although complaints are rare, the board has taken action in a handful of cases each year.

Schmidt said his goal was to shift some of the administrative burden from the board to the larger agency. He hopes the Senate will either kill the amended bill or return to his original idea.

While hospitals are on the front lines of preventing and responding to drug diversion, partnering with public health, licensing and law enforcement agencies is essential, said Dr. Matthew Crist, a medical officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

He said the CDC isn’t aware of outbreaks in recent years related to drug diversion and is cautiously optimistic given that health care facilities have improved security around controlled drugs, and many state licensing agencies have taken steps to improve communication across state lines.

In the decade before Kwiatkowski’s arrests, similar hepatitis C outbreaks had been traced to other hospital technicians in Texas, Colorado and Florida, and CDC officials said at the time that the Kwiatkowski case highlighted a problem that was a growing concern across the public health system.

Even though other states didn’t follow New Hampshire’s lead, the registry likely has deterred people like Kwiatkowski from coming to the state in the first place, said state Sen. Tom Sherman, D-Rye, who led the bipartisan effort to create the board.

Sherman, a gastroenterologist who is running for governor, played a key role in discovering Kwiatkowski’s misconduct when he and his colleagues noticed a cluster of hepatitis C cases among their patients and realized they all had been treated in Exeter Hospital’s cardiac catherization lab. He’s now urging his fellow senators to consider “the price of doing an experiment to see what happens if we get rid of the board.”

“People died because of that outbreak,” he said. “This was a very carefully thought-out solution that has worked. To take it away now means we just don’t learn from history.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576200677174.png" alt="In May 2010, David Kwiatkowski worked at Hays Medical Center. According to the original statement from the United State's Attorney, while Kwiatkowski was working there, a physician told him he had Hepatitis C. At least six patients who were treated at Hays during the time he worked there were found to be infected with a strain of Hepatitis C that has been genetically linked to the strain with which he is infected. One of the patients underwent cardiac catheterization on June 7 and July 12, 2010. A medical examiner has concluded that Hepatitis C played a role in contributing to that patient’s death." />
 <figcaption>In May 2010, David Kwiatkowski worked at Hays Medical Center. According to the original statement from the United State's Attorney, while Kwiatkowski was working there, a physician told him he had Hepatitis C. At least six patients who were treated at Hays during the time he worked there were found to be infected with a strain of Hepatitis C that has been genetically linked to the strain with which he is infected. One of the patients underwent cardiac catheterization on June 7 and July 12, 2010. A medical examiner has concluded that Hepatitis C played a role in contributing to that patient’s death.</figcaption>
 </figure>CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The medical technician who drew blood from New Hampshire Rep. Peter Schmidt after he broke his leg in February was registered with the state, thanks to a 2014 law enacted after a traveling medical technician infected dozens of people with hepatitis C.But by the time Schmidt was back on his feet, colleagues had hijacked his bill aimed at improving the registry. House lawmakers passed a bill last month eliminating the registration requirement altogether, and Schmidt is now urging senators to reject it.“Please do not pass this, this is a terrible idea,” Schmidt said. “I think we need to continue to register these medical technicians, otherwise we are opening ourselves up to a potential repeat of the Exeter experience.”New Hampshire created the Board of Registration for Medical Technicians in response to David Kwiatkowski, who is serving 39 years in prison for stealing painkillers and replacing them with saline-filled syringes tainted with his blood.At the time, officials hoped the board would become a model for other states, but that hasn’t happened. And those who want to ditch it say it creates unnecessary bureaucracy at a time when health care facilities are struggling to hire workers.“The actions of one bad actor, however heinous, are not reason to require thousands of technicians to register and pay fees,” said Rep. Carol McGuire, R-Epsom, when the House passed the bill last month.But Linda Ficken, a Kansas woman who contracted hepatitis C from Kwiatkowski in 2011, said she believes any medical worker with access to drugs should be registered and should undergo frequent drug testing.“Every time I go into the hospital, I can’t help but wonder, is this a repeat?” she said. “Cured or not, the thoughts and anxiety are still there.”Despite being fired numerous times over drug allegations, Kwiatkowski had worked in 18 hospitals in seven states before being hired in at Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire. After his arrest in 2012, 46 people in four states were diagnosed with the same strain of the hepatitis C virus he carries, including one who died in Kansas.In all, 32 patients were infected in New Hampshire, seven in Maryland, six in Kansas and one in Pennsylvania. Kwiatkowski also worked in Michigan, New York, Arizona and Georgia.The case highlighted the fact that medical technicians aren’t as closely regulated as nurses or doctors, whose misconduct and discipline are tracked via a nationwide database. While some states require certain technicians to be licensed, four of the states where he worked didn’t license any of them at the time of his arrest, including New Hampshire.The registry New Hampshire eventually created applies to all health care workers who are not otherwise already licensed or registered and have access to both patients and drugs. Hospitals are required to report disciplinary actions to the board, which also investigates complaints and takes disciplinary action.The board has struggled to maintain a quorum, however, and hasn’t met in more than a year, said Lindsey Courtney, director of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.“We’re greatly concerned the state is not meeting its obligation to protect the public,” she said at a public hearing.Courtney, who isn’t taking a position on eliminating the board, supported Schmidt’s original proposal to convert it to an advisory panel that would make recommendations to her office. There are currently 1,691 registered technicians, and although complaints are rare, the board has taken action in a handful of cases each year.Schmidt said his goal was to shift some of the administrative burden from the board to the larger agency. He hopes the Senate will either kill the amended bill or return to his original idea.While hospitals are on the front lines of preventing and responding to drug diversion, partnering with public health, licensing and law enforcement agencies is essential, said Dr. Matthew Crist, a medical officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.He said the CDC isn’t aware of outbreaks in recent years related to drug diversion and is cautiously optimistic given that health care facilities have improved security around controlled drugs, and many state licensing agencies have taken steps to improve communication across state lines.In the decade before Kwiatkowski’s arrests, similar hepatitis C outbreaks had been traced to other hospital technicians in Texas, Colorado and Florida, and CDC officials said at the time that the Kwiatkowski case highlighted a problem that was a growing concern across the public health system.Even though other states didn’t follow New Hampshire’s lead, the registry likely has deterred people like Kwiatkowski from coming to the state in the first place, said state Sen. Tom Sherman, D-Rye, who led the bipartisan effort to create the board.Sherman, a gastroenterologist who is running for governor, played a key role in discovering Kwiatkowski’s misconduct when he and his colleagues noticed a cluster of hepatitis C cases among their patients and realized they all had been treated in Exeter Hospital’s cardiac catherization lab. He’s now urging his fellow senators to consider “the price of doing an experiment to see what happens if we get rid of the board.”“People died because of that outbreak,” he said. “This was a very carefully thought-out solution that has worked. To take it away now means we just don’t learn from history.”

Decade after hepatitis outbreak, medical registry might end

The Hays Baseball Club has announced its inaugural golf tournament, scheduled for Friday, May 13, at Smoky Hill Country Club.

The event will start with registration at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Hole and hole prize sponsorships are still available by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hbcbaseballhs@gmail.com?subject=Golf%20Tournament">hbcbaseballhs@gmail.com</a>.

Players can register for the golf tournament <a href="https://www.nex-tech.com/haysbaseball.aspx">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649783650683.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Baseball Club has announced its inaugural golf tournament, scheduled for Friday, May 13, at Smoky Hill Country Club.The event will start with registration at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Hole and hole prize sponsorships are still available by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hbcbaseballhs@gmail.com?subject=Golf%20Tournament">hbcbaseballhs@gmail.com</a>.Players can register for the golf tournament <a href="https://www.nex-tech.com/haysbaseball.aspx">HERE</a>.

Hays Baseball Club golf tourney scheduled

Kansas crude prices have had their ups and downs just like the national and international variety. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson began the month at $89.50 per barrel. It jumped four dollars by the fourth, and then dropped to $86.25 per barrel on Thursday the 7th. On Friday prices jumped two dollars to wind up at $88.50, a dollar less than at the first of the month. The benchmark Nymex crude futures contract dropped nearly three percent in lunchtime trading Monday (4/11), shedding $2.86 to drop to $95.40 per barrel. London Brent was down $3.15 at $99.64/bbl. The closely-watched Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reached 689 rigs Friday, an increase of 13 active oil rigs and three drilling for natural gas. The count in Texas was up 11 rigs. Independent Oil and Gas is tracking 355 wells currently in stages of new drilling or completion, compared with just 155 a year ago. In Kansas this year, 101 different operators had spudded 313 wells, a big bump over last year at this time. Drilling activity based on spudded wells is up 93% over last year. Drilling rig counts last week were down one in eastern Kansas and up four rigs west of Wichita.&nbsp; Preparations are underway to spud a new well in Barton County. Operators were drilling Friday on a lease in Barton County and one in Stafford County.&nbsp; Regulators across Kansas okayed 31 new drilling locations last week, with sixteen east of Wichita and 15 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County and two in Stafford County. That's 407 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 212 at this time last year. Operators in Kansas completed 20 new wells in the week through April 7th, according to Independent Oil and Gas Service, with 12 east of Wichita and eight in the western half of the state. They include one new well in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. The year-to-date total is 433 wells, compared to 187 a year ago. Sanctions against Russia are having at least one unexpected adverse effect on the rest of the world. Since the invasion, many Western Countries have banned Russian crude-oil imports. Bloomberg reports some countries, and companies, are shunning the use of Russia's massive fleet of oil tankers.&nbsp; A shipping analyst points out that a Russian state-owned firm boasts the largest fleet in the world of tankers in the versatile Aframax weight class. But now that firm is being shunned by global oil traders, leaving fewer tankers available, and that's driving up shipping rates. The outlook is dimmed for crude oil demand in the world’s second-largest consumer, amid the continued increase in Coronavirus cases and the extended lockdown in Shanghai. Daily cases by Friday had topped 20,000. Because of the movement restrictions and the lockdown, China’s oil demand is already lower. Bloomberg reports demand in China is already down an estimated 1.2 to 1.3 million barrels per day. ExxonMobil received government and regulator approvals for the final leg of its huge Yellowtail development offshore Guyana in South America. The project is expected to produce approximately a quarter-million barrels per day starting in 2025. The $10 billion project will include six drill centers and up to 26 production wells and 25 injection wells. A trade group says the US oilfield services and equipment sector added 2,698 jobs last month, bringing total employment to over 608,000 nationwide. That's according to analysis of government numbers by the Energy Workforce &amp; Technology Council. The employment totals are the highest since September 2021, but still short of the pre-pandemic mark set in February 2020. U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas set a record high last year, increasing 50% from the year before. The Energy Information Administration says expanding US capacity and rising demand in Asia and Europe fueled the increases. US Exports to Asia were up 51%, making us their third-largest supplier, accounting for 12% of the total. South Korea and China are the top two US customers in Asia. Investigators believe high winds are responsible for an oil-field fatality in northern Oklahoma last week. Authorities believe the wind tipped over a rotary drilling rig near Blackwell, Oklahoma. One man was killed and another was injured after both were pinned beneath the fallen rig.&nbsp; Taxpayers in New Mexico will soon get a rebate from their state government to offset the high cost of gasoline. Lawmakers approved a deal under which taxpayers in the number-two crude producing state get $500 apiece to offset higher prices at the pump. New Mexico has a surplus of at least $1-billion thanks largely to the boom in oil and gas production there. A new study with new methodology, funded in part by the fossil fuel industry, shows a much bigger methane problem in the Permian Basin than earlier studies showed. Researchers used sensors on small airplanes to detect methane emissions over some 26,000 active wells. The results showed methane emissions were roughly equal to about nine percent of the overall gas production in the area. That's more than double the rate shown in prior studies. A few bad actors, about 1,000 sites, were responsible for most of the emissions.&nbsp; An industry spokesman tells the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper that since much of the data is now two years old it may not reflect today's conditions. But he added the industry is committed to bringing those numbers down. Government and industry officials in North Dakota are casting a wary eye on the price of crude. There is a price-trigger established by lawmakers eight years ago that raises the state tax on crude oil, from ten to eleven percent, if the Nymex benchmark price averages over $95 a barrel for three consecutive months. March marked the first month since 2014 in which that has happened. The Forum newspaper quotes the governor urging discussion with the Legislature about possible changes.

By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas crude prices have had their ups and downs just like the national and international variety. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson began the month at $89.50 per barrel. It jumped four dollars by the fourth, and then dropped to $86.25 per barrel on Thursday the 7th. On Friday prices jumped two dollars to wind up at $88.50, a dollar less than at the first of the month. The benchmark Nymex crude futures contract dropped nearly three percent in lunchtime trading Monday (4/11), shedding $2.86 to drop to $95.40 per barrel. London Brent was down $3.15 at $99.64/bbl. The closely-watched Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reached 689 rigs Friday, an increase of 13 active oil rigs and three drilling for natural gas. The count in Texas was up 11 rigs. Independent Oil and Gas is tracking 355 wells currently in stages of new drilling or completion, compared with just 155 a year ago. In Kansas this year, 101 different operators had spudded 313 wells, a big bump over last year at this time. Drilling activity based on spudded wells is up 93% over last year. Drilling rig counts last week were down one in eastern Kansas and up four rigs west of Wichita.&nbsp; Preparations are underway to spud a new well in Barton County. Operators were drilling Friday on a lease in Barton County and one in Stafford County.&nbsp; Regulators across Kansas okayed 31 new drilling locations last week, with sixteen east of Wichita and 15 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County and two in Stafford County. That's 407 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 212 at this time last year. Operators in Kansas completed 20 new wells in the week through April 7th, according to Independent Oil and Gas Service, with 12 east of Wichita and eight in the western half of the state. They include one new well in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. The year-to-date total is 433 wells, compared to 187 a year ago. Sanctions against Russia are having at least one unexpected adverse effect on the rest of the world. Since the invasion, many Western Countries have banned Russian crude-oil imports. Bloomberg reports some countries, and companies, are shunning the use of Russia's massive fleet of oil tankers.&nbsp; A shipping analyst points out that a Russian state-owned firm boasts the largest fleet in the world of tankers in the versatile Aframax weight class. But now that firm is being shunned by global oil traders, leaving fewer tankers available, and that's driving up shipping rates. The outlook is dimmed for crude oil demand in the world’s second-largest consumer, amid the continued increase in Coronavirus cases and the extended lockdown in Shanghai. Daily cases by Friday had topped 20,000. Because of the movement restrictions and the lockdown, China’s oil demand is already lower. Bloomberg reports demand in China is already down an estimated 1.2 to 1.3 million barrels per day. ExxonMobil received government and regulator approvals for the final leg of its huge Yellowtail development offshore Guyana in South America. The project is expected to produce approximately a quarter-million barrels per day starting in 2025. The $10 billion project will include six drill centers and up to 26 production wells and 25 injection wells. A trade group says the US oilfield services and equipment sector added 2,698 jobs last month, bringing total employment to over 608,000 nationwide. That's according to analysis of government numbers by the Energy Workforce &amp; Technology Council. The employment totals are the highest since September 2021, but still short of the pre-pandemic mark set in February 2020. U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas set a record high last year, increasing 50% from the year before. The Energy Information Administration says expanding US capacity and rising demand in Asia and Europe fueled the increases. US Exports to Asia were up 51%, making us their third-largest supplier, accounting for 12% of the total. South Korea and China are the top two US customers in Asia. Investigators believe high winds are responsible for an oil-field fatality in northern Oklahoma last week. Authorities believe the wind tipped over a rotary drilling rig near Blackwell, Oklahoma. One man was killed and another was injured after both were pinned beneath the fallen rig.&nbsp; Taxpayers in New Mexico will soon get a rebate from their state government to offset the high cost of gasoline. Lawmakers approved a deal under which taxpayers in the number-two crude producing state get $500 apiece to offset higher prices at the pump. New Mexico has a surplus of at least $1-billion thanks largely to the boom in oil and gas production there. A new study with new methodology, funded in part by the fossil fuel industry, shows a much bigger methane problem in the Permian Basin than earlier studies showed. Researchers used sensors on small airplanes to detect methane emissions over some 26,000 active wells. The results showed methane emissions were roughly equal to about nine percent of the overall gas production in the area. That's more than double the rate shown in prior studies. A few bad actors, about 1,000 sites, were responsible for most of the emissions.&nbsp; An industry spokesman tells the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper that since much of the data is now two years old it may not reflect today's conditions. But he added the industry is committed to bringing those numbers down. Government and industry officials in North Dakota are casting a wary eye on the price of crude. There is a price-trigger established by lawmakers eight years ago that raises the state tax on crude oil, from ten to eleven percent, if the Nymex benchmark price averages over $95 a barrel for three consecutive months. March marked the first month since 2014 in which that has happened. The Forum newspaper quotes the governor urging discussion with the Legislature about possible changes.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude prices continue to drop

Nathan Leiker recently announced his candidacy for Ellis
County Commission.

Leiker filed his paperwork with the Ellis County Clerk’s
office earlier this month for the Ellis County Commission Third District seat.

Leiker currently serves on the county zoning board and has
served on the board for the past seven years. He also just recently finished 10
years on the Ellis County/Cottonwood Extension board and the state Extension
advisory council.

“All of these accomplishments couldn't have been done
without the support of my wife Jena, and kids Ahnalyn, Rexton, Makailyn, and
Reylyn. As well as the support of my father David, and brother Alex,” Leiker
said.

He said several of his friends and family have urged him to
run for commissioner because of his knowledge of the county.

“I have worked in various positions in the oil industry,
taking me to all the corners and crevices of the county,” Leiker said. “Couple
that with work experience, spending five years on the rural fire department.”

Leiker is a partner with his father and brother on their
fifth generation family farm and ranch operation.

“I am proud to be from this county and look forward to
serving it in the future,” Leiker said. 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b8fc9a7c-1cec-4c60-aa64-d7c8b5029fcb">Longtime Ellis County Commissioner Dean Haselhorst stepped down</a>&nbsp;from his Third District seat in January.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/62d42e46-c5f5-495f-9646-7d902d844f0a">Victoria's Joe Leroux&nbsp;</a>was appointed by the Ellis County Republican Party to serve the remainder of Haselhorst's term. Leroux and Chris McGowne have also filed for the seat, so the three will be on the ballot in the August primary.

The seat will be be on the November general election ballot for a two-year term.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649709010370.png" alt="Nathan Leiker" />
 <figcaption>Nathan Leiker</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostNathan Leiker recently announced his candidacy for Ellis
County Commission.Leiker filed his paperwork with the Ellis County Clerk’s
office earlier this month for the Ellis County Commission Third District seat.Leiker currently serves on the county zoning board and has
served on the board for the past seven years. He also just recently finished 10
years on the Ellis County/Cottonwood Extension board and the state Extension
advisory council.“All of these accomplishments couldn't have been done
without the support of my wife Jena, and kids Ahnalyn, Rexton, Makailyn, and
Reylyn. As well as the support of my father David, and brother Alex,” Leiker
said.He said several of his friends and family have urged him to
run for commissioner because of his knowledge of the county.“I have worked in various positions in the oil industry,
taking me to all the corners and crevices of the county,” Leiker said. “Couple
that with work experience, spending five years on the rural fire department.”Leiker is a partner with his father and brother on their
fifth generation family farm and ranch operation.“I am proud to be from this county and look forward to
serving it in the future,” Leiker said. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b8fc9a7c-1cec-4c60-aa64-d7c8b5029fcb">Longtime Ellis County Commissioner Dean Haselhorst stepped down</a>&nbsp;from his Third District seat in January.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/62d42e46-c5f5-495f-9646-7d902d844f0a">Victoria's Joe Leroux&nbsp;</a>was appointed by the Ellis County Republican Party to serve the remainder of Haselhorst's term. Leroux and Chris McGowne have also filed for the seat, so the three will be on the ballot in the August primary.The seat will be be on the November general election ballot for a two-year term.The Third District is the largest in land size of the three county commission districts. It is made up of six townships, which includes the entire eastern edge of Ellis County and an area north of Hays.

Leiker declares candidacy for Ellis County Commission

For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649703670432.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For a full look at the weather forecast click here.

​With Easter getting closer, it is time to share the best food safety practices when handling those&nbsp;ever-popular&nbsp;Easter Eggs. It seems no matter how old we are, there is something special about preparing hard cooked eggs and dying/decorating them for the family Easter Egg hunt. Read on for&nbsp;some great food safety reminders.

​After hard cooking eggs, dye them and return them to the refrigerator within 2 hours. If eggs are to be eaten, use a food-safe coloring. Wash your hands before and after handling eggs.

​Hard cooked eggs that have been lying on the ground can pick up bacteria, especially if the shells are cracked. If the shells crack, bacteria could contaminate the inside. Hide eggs in locations protected from dirt, moisture, pets, and other sources of bacteria. Hide and hunt for the eggs within 2 hours. Toss any of the eggs that have cracked&nbsp;during&nbsp;the Easter Egg hunt. The “found” eggs must be washed, re-refrigerated,&nbsp;and eaten within 7 days of cooking.

​The two-hour rule that I mentioned above is also the advice I give to anyone who is putting out a spread of food for a family celebration.&nbsp;Popular foods like salads and egg dishes should be kept cold, below 40&nbsp;degrees Fahrenheit, until ready to serve. Mayonnaise in salads is very acidic and likely not a foodborne illness issue, but it is the other ingredients, such as potatoes, eggs,&nbsp;chicken,&nbsp;or pasta that can allow bacteria to thrive if handled poorly or temperature abused.&nbsp;

​Another food safety tip is to read the label to know what type of ham you are purchasing, either fresh or ready-to-eat. Fresh ham labels will detail cooking instructions, and the label may state to cook thoroughly. Ready to eat ham can be served out of the package or reheated at an oven temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.&nbsp;

Whatever you have on your Easter dinner menu, I hope you have&nbsp;a Happy Easter celebration with your family!

Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District.&nbsp;You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​With Easter getting closer, it is time to share the best food safety practices when handling those&nbsp;ever-popular&nbsp;Easter Eggs. It seems no matter how old we are, there is something special about preparing hard cooked eggs and dying/decorating them for the family Easter Egg hunt. Read on for&nbsp;some great food safety reminders.​After hard cooking eggs, dye them and return them to the refrigerator within 2 hours. If eggs are to be eaten, use a food-safe coloring. Wash your hands before and after handling eggs.​Hard cooked eggs that have been lying on the ground can pick up bacteria, especially if the shells are cracked. If the shells crack, bacteria could contaminate the inside. Hide eggs in locations protected from dirt, moisture, pets, and other sources of bacteria. Hide and hunt for the eggs within 2 hours. Toss any of the eggs that have cracked&nbsp;during&nbsp;the Easter Egg hunt. The “found” eggs must be washed, re-refrigerated,&nbsp;and eaten within 7 days of cooking.​The two-hour rule that I mentioned above is also the advice I give to anyone who is putting out a spread of food for a family celebration.&nbsp;Popular foods like salads and egg dishes should be kept cold, below 40&nbsp;degrees Fahrenheit, until ready to serve. Mayonnaise in salads is very acidic and likely not a foodborne illness issue, but it is the other ingredients, such as potatoes, eggs,&nbsp;chicken,&nbsp;or pasta that can allow bacteria to thrive if handled poorly or temperature abused.&nbsp;​Another food safety tip is to read the label to know what type of ham you are purchasing, either fresh or ready-to-eat. Fresh ham labels will detail cooking instructions, and the label may state to cook thoroughly. Ready to eat ham can be served out of the package or reheated at an oven temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.&nbsp;Whatever you have on your Easter dinner menu, I hope you have&nbsp;a Happy Easter celebration with your family!Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District.&nbsp;You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.&nbsp;

KRUG: Play it safe with Easter eggs

&nbsp;At its&nbsp;first meeting in April,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Larned City Council&nbsp;unanimously approved a&nbsp;10-year&nbsp;contract for Midwest Energy to provide the day-to-day&nbsp;operations and maintenance of the city’s electric transmission and distribution system.&nbsp;The contact has a&nbsp;clause for a&nbsp;potential five-year&nbsp;extension, should both parties desire&nbsp;it.&nbsp;

“Midwest has been performing operations and maintenance for the City since July 2021, and&nbsp;they’ve been very responsive to the City’s needs&nbsp;ever since,” Larned Mayor William Nusser said.&nbsp;“This contract&nbsp;represents&nbsp;the best path forward&nbsp;in&nbsp;ensuring&nbsp;safe and reliable&nbsp;electric&nbsp;service for the city over the&nbsp;next decade.”

Under the contract, the city of Larned will own the electric system and power plant, and&nbsp;will be responsible for&nbsp;meter reading,&nbsp;bill printing,&nbsp;customer service and bill collection&nbsp;services. &nbsp;Customers&nbsp;needing service will&nbsp;continue to&nbsp;contact the city’s&nbsp;after-hours&nbsp;help line at&nbsp;620-285-8500. &nbsp;The city will contact Midwest Energy whenever&nbsp;customers&nbsp;require service,&nbsp;to repair street lights,&nbsp;and&nbsp;to perform&nbsp;new&nbsp;service connections and disconnections.&nbsp;Midwest Energy crews from&nbsp;the Great&nbsp;Bend&nbsp;District will&nbsp;also&nbsp;provide&nbsp;storm restoration&nbsp;and construction services on an as-needed basis. &nbsp;

“In addition to&nbsp;operating the electrical system, Midwest will&nbsp;support&nbsp;the city&nbsp;with&nbsp;projects such as hanging Christmas&nbsp;lights, installing banners on light poles&nbsp;and setting up&nbsp;temporary&nbsp;electric services for events like fairs and festivals,”&nbsp;said Fred Taylor,&nbsp;Midwest Energy’s vice president for operations. “Midwest&nbsp;provides these services in&nbsp;many&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;cities we serve, and&nbsp;we built these services into the contract because we know they’re important to the community,”&nbsp;Taylor said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Taylor noted that&nbsp;Midwest Energy has deep roots in Larned, providing&nbsp;wholesale power to the city since 2003 and serving&nbsp;the areas around the&nbsp;city for&nbsp;more than 80 years, adding that&nbsp;Midwest paid nearly&nbsp;a half-million dollars in property taxes in Pawnee County in 2021.

“We’ve&nbsp;been&nbsp;in the area here&nbsp;a long time, and this contract&nbsp;makes that&nbsp;commitment all the stronger,” Taylor said. &nbsp;“We look forward to serving Larned&nbsp;well into the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649689288996.jpeg" alt="Midwest Energy crew in Larned / Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Midwest Energy crew in Larned / Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy&nbsp;At its&nbsp;first meeting in April,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Larned City Council&nbsp;unanimously approved a&nbsp;10-year&nbsp;contract for Midwest Energy to provide the day-to-day&nbsp;operations and maintenance of the city’s electric transmission and distribution system.&nbsp;The contact has a&nbsp;clause for a&nbsp;potential five-year&nbsp;extension, should both parties desire&nbsp;it.&nbsp;“Midwest has been performing operations and maintenance for the City since July 2021, and&nbsp;they’ve been very responsive to the City’s needs&nbsp;ever since,” Larned Mayor William Nusser said.&nbsp;“This contract&nbsp;represents&nbsp;the best path forward&nbsp;in&nbsp;ensuring&nbsp;safe and reliable&nbsp;electric&nbsp;service for the city over the&nbsp;next decade.”Under the contract, the city of Larned will own the electric system and power plant, and&nbsp;will be responsible for&nbsp;meter reading,&nbsp;bill printing,&nbsp;customer service and bill collection&nbsp;services. &nbsp;Customers&nbsp;needing service will&nbsp;continue to&nbsp;contact the city’s&nbsp;after-hours&nbsp;help line at&nbsp;620-285-8500. &nbsp;The city will contact Midwest Energy whenever&nbsp;customers&nbsp;require service,&nbsp;to repair street lights,&nbsp;and&nbsp;to perform&nbsp;new&nbsp;service connections and disconnections.&nbsp;Midwest Energy crews from&nbsp;the Great&nbsp;Bend&nbsp;District will&nbsp;also&nbsp;provide&nbsp;storm restoration&nbsp;and construction services on an as-needed basis. &nbsp;“In addition to&nbsp;operating the electrical system, Midwest will&nbsp;support&nbsp;the city&nbsp;with&nbsp;projects such as hanging Christmas&nbsp;lights, installing banners on light poles&nbsp;and setting up&nbsp;temporary&nbsp;electric services for events like fairs and festivals,”&nbsp;said Fred Taylor,&nbsp;Midwest Energy’s vice president for operations. “Midwest&nbsp;provides these services in&nbsp;many&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;cities we serve, and&nbsp;we built these services into the contract because we know they’re important to the community,”&nbsp;Taylor said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taylor noted that&nbsp;Midwest Energy has deep roots in Larned, providing&nbsp;wholesale power to the city since 2003 and serving&nbsp;the areas around the&nbsp;city for&nbsp;more than 80 years, adding that&nbsp;Midwest paid nearly&nbsp;a half-million dollars in property taxes in Pawnee County in 2021.“We’ve&nbsp;been&nbsp;in the area here&nbsp;a long time, and this contract&nbsp;makes that&nbsp;commitment all the stronger,” Taylor said. &nbsp;“We look forward to serving Larned&nbsp;well into the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Midwest Energy will operate Larned electrical system through 2032

A warm front moving into northwest Kansas will bring extremely warm temperatures accompanied by high winds beginning Tuesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for most of northwest Kansas beginning at noon Tuesday and extending into Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

After an expected high of 69 on Monday, the mercury will jump to nearly 90 degrees Tuesday. Winds Tuesday are expected to be sustained at 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 65 mph possible.&nbsp;

Blowing dust is also possible as the humidity is expected to remain extremely low. The risk of fire is heightened, the NWS said, noting any fires that start could lead to wildfire conditions.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649688085623.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A warm front moving into northwest Kansas will bring extremely warm temperatures accompanied by high winds beginning Tuesday.The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for most of northwest Kansas beginning at noon Tuesday and extending into Tuesday evening.&nbsp;After an expected high of 69 on Monday, the mercury will jump to nearly 90 degrees Tuesday. Winds Tuesday are expected to be sustained at 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 65 mph possible.&nbsp;Blowing dust is also possible as the humidity is expected to remain extremely low. The risk of fire is heightened, the NWS said, noting any fires that start could lead to wildfire conditions.&nbsp;

Warm temps, high winds: Red flag warning issued for NW Kan.

Hutchinson, KS—Great White and Quiet Riot perform their powerful arena rock hits for fans at the Kansas State Fair Thursday, Sept. 15. The fashion, the flair...the hair; there was nothing quite like 80s hair bands.

Since 1982, the Great White sound has captivated audiences worldwide, earning them a Grammy-nominated Best Hard Rock Performance hit, “Once Bitten, Twice Shy." They’ve sold more than 10 million albums worldwide, have six Top 100 Billboard hits, nine Top 200 Billboard albums, two platinum albums, and clocked the top of MTV four times.

Quiet Riot, formed in 1980, is famously described as “the first heavy metal band to top the pop charts.”

Their album Metal Health was the first heavy metal album in history to go to Number 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Known for hits such as “Cum on Feel the Noize” and “Bang Your Head,” they've earned the title of “rock &amp; roll phenomenon.”

“Talk about a great show, especially for classic heavy metal and rock fans,” said Bryan Schulz, Kansas State Fair General Manager. “These groups have been performing for decades, and they’re just not slowing down. The energy they bring after all these years is phenomenal!”

Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday, April 15 at KansasStateFair.com. Anyone signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get access to tickets with a presale code, starting 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 14. Sign up for emails <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/general-information/email-updates">here</a>.

Tickets range from $30 to $40. The show will be Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

New in 2022: each grandstand ticket will also include a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of event only. Some exclusions apply. Visit <a href="http://KansasStateFair.com">KansasStateFair.com</a> to learn more.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit <a href="http://KansasStateFair.com">kansasstatefair.com</a> or call (620) 669-3618.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649677924897.jpeg" alt="Great White Photo-Courtesy Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Great White Photo-Courtesy Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson, KS—Great White and Quiet Riot perform their powerful arena rock hits for fans at the Kansas State Fair Thursday, Sept. 15. The fashion, the flair...the hair; there was nothing quite like 80s hair bands.Since 1982, the Great White sound has captivated audiences worldwide, earning them a Grammy-nominated Best Hard Rock Performance hit, “Once Bitten, Twice Shy." They’ve sold more than 10 million albums worldwide, have six Top 100 Billboard hits, nine Top 200 Billboard albums, two platinum albums, and clocked the top of MTV four times.Quiet Riot, formed in 1980, is famously described as “the first heavy metal band to top the pop charts.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649677993095.jpeg" alt="Quiet Riot-Courtesy Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Quiet Riot-Courtesy Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>Their album Metal Health was the first heavy metal album in history to go to Number 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Known for hits such as “Cum on Feel the Noize” and “Bang Your Head,” they've earned the title of “rock &amp; roll phenomenon.”“Talk about a great show, especially for classic heavy metal and rock fans,” said Bryan Schulz, Kansas State Fair General Manager. “These groups have been performing for decades, and they’re just not slowing down. The energy they bring after all these years is phenomenal!”Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday, April 15 at KansasStateFair.com. Anyone signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get access to tickets with a presale code, starting 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 14. Sign up for emails <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/general-information/email-updates">here</a>.Tickets range from $30 to $40. The show will be Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m.New in 2022: each grandstand ticket will also include a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of event only. Some exclusions apply. Visit <a href="http://KansasStateFair.com">KansasStateFair.com</a> to learn more.To purchase tickets or for more information, visit <a href="http://KansasStateFair.com">kansasstatefair.com</a> or call (620) 669-3618.

Rock legends Great White and Quiet Riot will play Kansas State Fair

ELLIS—The final of three town hall style meeting soliciting
feedback and ideas about the future of Ellis County took place at Gigi,’s Café,
816 Washington St., late Thursday afternoon.

The feedback provided by the packed diner clarified the
growing picture of what residents see as priorities and problems for the county
and its communities for the <a href="https://imagineelliscounty.org/">Imagine Ellis County Committee.</a>

“The concept behind the committee is to look at the county
as a whole, and try and envision where we'd like to be in five, 10, 20, 25
years, and go into the communities and ask the people what they feel like we're
doing right, what they feel like we're doing wrong, and the type of things
they'd like to see,” said Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams.

During the meeting in Ellis, the town’s historic stops, were
identified as a valuable asset to the community, along with the new pool, expanded
campgrounds, good schools and small-town living. 

In the larger view, Fort Hays State University, Hays Med, infrastructure
and recreation options were cited as benefits to life in Ellis County.

But along with the positives, opportunities for the county
mirrored the previous two meetings, with a lack of housing and childcare noted
as particularly critical concerns.

“Certainly, as you look across all the communities, there
are very common themes as well as the business community,” Williams said. “Housing
is a constant, no matter which community you're in. Childcare is a constant, no
matter which community or what your workforce is, it is a constant. So that's
across the board.”

“We heard that from the business community and all three
communities loud and clear,” he continued.

A combined focus from all three major cities in the county –
Hays, Victoria and Ellis – was discussed as a way to improve Ellis County as
well, as participants in Victoria and Ellis both noted sometimes Hays dominates
conversations about the future of the area.

“I do think that each community, for the most, part
understands their role in the county,” Williams said. “Somebody that's looking
for small town living and that type of thing is going to be more attracted to
Victoria or Ellis. The people that live there, live there for a reason.”

“Hays on the other hand is the commerce center for the county
and where most of the jobs are. Most people commute to Hays to work. Not all,
but a lot of them do.” 

He said he understands that some of the feelings that Hays
gets more attention than the other communities are tied to it being the center
of commerce for the county, but working together is in the best interest of
everyone.

“More and more people recognize that we're a community,
we're an entire county, and really, when you get right down to it, we're an
entire region,” Williams said. “We're tied together a lot more than we think
sometimes. And we have to recognize that in many cases, what's good for Hays is
good for WaKeeney, or Stockton or whatnot. And what's good for those
communities is good for Hays.”

Now that all three meeting in the series is complete, the
committee plans to compile what was learned into a report soon, but while the takeaways
are being compiled, the goodwill and actionable ideas linger in the participants.

“We get together, we talk about things, and then we all go
back to our daily lives, and nothing happens,” Williams said. “And that's what
we can't let happen. We have to identify which of these ideas which of these
issues are important. And then we have to engage in the people that were at the
meetings… We're going to ask him to take it to the next step and get engaged in
resolving some of these things or making some of these things happen.”

The work of the committee will also continue as they develop
plans to address the work of the groups.

“There's an obligation on our part to make sure that we
circulate the information that we gathered,” Williams said. And we're working
on that.”

Overall, Williams said the meetings reflected the positive
nature of Ellis County residents and a strong desire to solve problems facing
the county and it’s communities moving into the future.

“By and large it was it was very positive,” Williams said. We
heard “some good ideas, and that's what these sessions are. They're really idea
sessions to take off the limits. You know, the last question I think that Betty
(Johnson) asked was, ‘With no obstacles, what would you like to see this
community look like in 25 years?’ And, you know some crazy stuff comes up, but
out of those kinds of ideas and that kind of thinking, you can get a lot
of positive things done.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649444859393.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS—The final of three town hall style meeting soliciting
feedback and ideas about the future of Ellis County took place at Gigi,’s Café,
816 Washington St., late Thursday afternoon.The feedback provided by the packed diner clarified the
growing picture of what residents see as priorities and problems for the county
and its communities for the <a href="https://imagineelliscounty.org/">Imagine Ellis County Committee.</a>“The concept behind the committee is to look at the county
as a whole, and try and envision where we'd like to be in five, 10, 20, 25
years, and go into the communities and ask the people what they feel like we're
doing right, what they feel like we're doing wrong, and the type of things
they'd like to see,” said Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams.<div><iframe title="Imagine Ellis County wraps town hall events" 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=ykv6y-11f3f75-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>During the meeting in Ellis, the town’s historic stops, were
identified as a valuable asset to the community, along with the new pool, expanded
campgrounds, good schools and small-town living. In the larger view, Fort Hays State University, Hays Med, infrastructure
and recreation options were cited as benefits to life in Ellis County.But along with the positives, opportunities for the county
mirrored the previous two meetings, with a lack of housing and childcare noted
as particularly critical concerns.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649444889813.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Certainly, as you look across all the communities, there
are very common themes as well as the business community,” Williams said. “Housing
is a constant, no matter which community you're in. Childcare is a constant, no
matter which community or what your workforce is, it is a constant. So that's
across the board.”“We heard that from the business community and all three
communities loud and clear,” he continued.A combined focus from all three major cities in the county –
Hays, Victoria and Ellis – was discussed as a way to improve Ellis County as
well, as participants in Victoria and Ellis both noted sometimes Hays dominates
conversations about the future of the area.“I do think that each community, for the most, part
understands their role in the county,” Williams said. “Somebody that's looking
for small town living and that type of thing is going to be more attracted to
Victoria or Ellis. The people that live there, live there for a reason.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649444879125.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Hays on the other hand is the commerce center for the county
and where most of the jobs are. Most people commute to Hays to work. Not all,
but a lot of them do.” He said he understands that some of the feelings that Hays
gets more attention than the other communities are tied to it being the center
of commerce for the county, but working together is in the best interest of
everyone.“More and more people recognize that we're a community,
we're an entire county, and really, when you get right down to it, we're an
entire region,” Williams said. “We're tied together a lot more than we think
sometimes. And we have to recognize that in many cases, what's good for Hays is
good for WaKeeney, or Stockton or whatnot. And what's good for those
communities is good for Hays.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649444868825.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>WHAT COMES NEXT</h2>Now that all three meeting in the series is complete, the
committee plans to compile what was learned into a report soon, but while the takeaways
are being compiled, the goodwill and actionable ideas linger in the participants.“We get together, we talk about things, and then we all go
back to our daily lives, and nothing happens,” Williams said. “And that's what
we can't let happen. We have to identify which of these ideas which of these
issues are important. And then we have to engage in the people that were at the
meetings… We're going to ask him to take it to the next step and get engaged in
resolving some of these things or making some of these things happen.”The work of the committee will also continue as they develop
plans to address the work of the groups.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649444900793.jpeg" alt="Facilitator Betty Johnson speaks to Ellis County residents assembled to discuss the future of Ellis County, during an Imagine Ellis County townhall event at Gigi's Cafe in Ellis." />
 <figcaption>Facilitator Betty Johnson speaks to Ellis County residents assembled to discuss the future of Ellis County, during an Imagine Ellis County townhall event at Gigi's Cafe in Ellis.</figcaption>
 </figure>“There's an obligation on our part to make sure that we
circulate the information that we gathered,” Williams said. And we're working
on that.”Overall, Williams said the meetings reflected the positive
nature of Ellis County residents and a strong desire to solve problems facing
the county and it’s communities moving into the future.“By and large it was it was very positive,” Williams said. We
heard “some good ideas, and that's what these sessions are. They're really idea
sessions to take off the limits. You know, the last question I think that Betty
(Johnson) asked was, ‘With no obstacles, what would you like to see this
community look like in 25 years?’ And, you know some crazy stuff comes up, but
out of those kinds of ideas and that kind of thinking, you can get a lot
of positive things done.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649444848311.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

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