🎥🥎⚾️Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

Volatility continues in the crude-oil marketplace. Prices dropped nearly 15 dollars a barrel in two days last week, after what MarketWatch called a reassessment of the earlier run-up in prices. On Monday, after several European countries announced a possible ban on Russian crude, prices in New York were seven percent higher. The near-month contract for light sweet crude was up $7.20 to $111.90 per barrel. London Brent was up $7.92 to $115.85 per barrel. At CHS in McPherson, Kansas Common crude starts the week at $95 per barrel after gaining $1.75 on Friday.&nbsp; Gasoline prices continue to drop.&nbsp; After hitting a record $4.33 on March 11, the national average for a gallon of regular has fallen to $4.25 according to the auto club AAA. Drilling activity in Kansas continues at twice the pace of a year ago, with 78 operators spudding 225 wells so far this year. Operators completed 37 new wells across the state last week, including two in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 334 new well-completions so far this year. Kansas regulators approved 41 new drilling locations last week, eighteen of them east of Wichita, and 23 in the western half of the state, including six new permits in Barton County. That's 305 new drilling permits so far this year, nearly double the tally last year at this time. The Rig Count in Kansas is up 15% over last week, 18% over a month ago, and 130% higher than the count last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 46 drilling rigs either scheduled, moving to or currently on drill sites, up six for the week. There are 18 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up three, and 28 west of Wichita, which is also up three. The aggregate Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was unchanged, but reflected a drop of three oil rigs. New Mexico, North Dakota and Pennsylvania were each down one rig for the week. The Energy Information Administration reported domestic crude inventories rose more than four million barrels. By March 11th total stockpiles rose to 415.9 million barrels. That's about 12% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped 3.6 million barrels and are now equal to the five year seasonal average. The government said US crude-oil production was unchanged last week at 11.641 million barrels per day.&nbsp; Imports rose 76,000 barrels to 6.4 million barrels per day. Over the last four weeks, average imports were more than 15% higher than the same four weeks last year. Weekly oil-by-rail totals in the US are down 12% from a year ago, but up from last week's report. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,005 tanker car-loads hauling petroleum and petroleum products in the week through March 12th. That's up 810 carloads over the week before. Oil-by-rail shipments in Canada were up slightly year-over-year, but down slightly from a week ago. Colorado's biggest driller suffers a setback on setbacks. Some big players are among the first to test Colorado's sweeping new environment-friendly oil-and-gas regulations. But the first of them has struck out.&nbsp; The state's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission denied an application by Kerr-McGee to drill dozens of wells near a neighborhood in Firestone, Colorado. The state's new setback rule allows operators to drill within 2,000 feet of homes if they can provide protections that are substantially equivalent to such a buffer. In the case of Kerr-McGee that meant the use of quieter, electric drills and water pipelines to reduce truck traffic. But the commission voted 4-1 last week to deny the drilling application. The Denver Post reports Commissioner Bill Gonzalez was the lone vote in favor of the project. Gonzalez said the protective measures Kerr-McGee planned to take would have provided safeguards similar to drilling farther away. The company did not say how it planned to proceed.&nbsp; If you're in business, and you're thinking of going green, don't expect a cordial welcome in the Lone Star State. Texas is playing hardball with businesses that, in their words, discriminate against the fossil fuel industry. The State Comptroller wrote to more than a dozen major finance firms seeking detailed information on their operations and plans. According to a statement, any company that fails to respond within 60 days will be presumed to be boycotting energy companies. The inquiries come six months after a new Texas law went into effect banning state agencies from investing in finance firms that have “boycotted energy companies.” That includes those that adhere to policies aimed at pivoting away from oil and natural gas in favor of more climate-friendly initiatives. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar and his office have been in charge of creating a list of firms that will be subject to divestment.&nbsp; Several large refiners are turning to Ecuador for crude oil in a rush to replace imports of Russian crude. The South American country's oil trading manager says they held meetings in Louisiana with US refiners Valero Energy and Marathon Petroleum, along with Shell's trading unit. Bloomberg reports fuel makers and trading companies are seeking to plug a supply gap in an already tight market. That has sparked a hunt to replace the Russian barrels amid wild price swings.&nbsp;

By JOHN P. TRETBARVolatility continues in the crude-oil marketplace. Prices dropped nearly 15 dollars a barrel in two days last week, after what MarketWatch called a reassessment of the earlier run-up in prices. On Monday, after several European countries announced a possible ban on Russian crude, prices in New York were seven percent higher. The near-month contract for light sweet crude was up $7.20 to $111.90 per barrel. London Brent was up $7.92 to $115.85 per barrel. At CHS in McPherson, Kansas Common crude starts the week at $95 per barrel after gaining $1.75 on Friday.&nbsp; Gasoline prices continue to drop.&nbsp; After hitting a record $4.33 on March 11, the national average for a gallon of regular has fallen to $4.25 according to the auto club AAA. Drilling activity in Kansas continues at twice the pace of a year ago, with 78 operators spudding 225 wells so far this year. Operators completed 37 new wells across the state last week, including two in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 334 new well-completions so far this year. Kansas regulators approved 41 new drilling locations last week, eighteen of them east of Wichita, and 23 in the western half of the state, including six new permits in Barton County. That's 305 new drilling permits so far this year, nearly double the tally last year at this time. The Rig Count in Kansas is up 15% over last week, 18% over a month ago, and 130% higher than the count last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 46 drilling rigs either scheduled, moving to or currently on drill sites, up six for the week. There are 18 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up three, and 28 west of Wichita, which is also up three. The aggregate Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was unchanged, but reflected a drop of three oil rigs. New Mexico, North Dakota and Pennsylvania were each down one rig for the week. The Energy Information Administration reported domestic crude inventories rose more than four million barrels. By March 11th total stockpiles rose to 415.9 million barrels. That's about 12% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped 3.6 million barrels and are now equal to the five year seasonal average. The government said US crude-oil production was unchanged last week at 11.641 million barrels per day.&nbsp; Imports rose 76,000 barrels to 6.4 million barrels per day. Over the last four weeks, average imports were more than 15% higher than the same four weeks last year. Weekly oil-by-rail totals in the US are down 12% from a year ago, but up from last week's report. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,005 tanker car-loads hauling petroleum and petroleum products in the week through March 12th. That's up 810 carloads over the week before. Oil-by-rail shipments in Canada were up slightly year-over-year, but down slightly from a week ago. Colorado's biggest driller suffers a setback on setbacks. Some big players are among the first to test Colorado's sweeping new environment-friendly oil-and-gas regulations. But the first of them has struck out.&nbsp; The state's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission denied an application by Kerr-McGee to drill dozens of wells near a neighborhood in Firestone, Colorado. The state's new setback rule allows operators to drill within 2,000 feet of homes if they can provide protections that are substantially equivalent to such a buffer. In the case of Kerr-McGee that meant the use of quieter, electric drills and water pipelines to reduce truck traffic. But the commission voted 4-1 last week to deny the drilling application. The Denver Post reports Commissioner Bill Gonzalez was the lone vote in favor of the project. Gonzalez said the protective measures Kerr-McGee planned to take would have provided safeguards similar to drilling farther away. The company did not say how it planned to proceed.&nbsp; If you're in business, and you're thinking of going green, don't expect a cordial welcome in the Lone Star State. Texas is playing hardball with businesses that, in their words, discriminate against the fossil fuel industry. The State Comptroller wrote to more than a dozen major finance firms seeking detailed information on their operations and plans. According to a statement, any company that fails to respond within 60 days will be presumed to be boycotting energy companies. The inquiries come six months after a new Texas law went into effect banning state agencies from investing in finance firms that have “boycotted energy companies.” That includes those that adhere to policies aimed at pivoting away from oil and natural gas in favor of more climate-friendly initiatives. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar and his office have been in charge of creating a list of firms that will be subject to divestment.&nbsp; Several large refiners are turning to Ecuador for crude oil in a rush to replace imports of Russian crude. The South American country's oil trading manager says they held meetings in Louisiana with US refiners Valero Energy and Marathon Petroleum, along with Shell's trading unit. Bloomberg reports fuel makers and trading companies are seeking to plug a supply gap in an already tight market. That has sparked a hunt to replace the Russian barrels amid wild price swings.&nbsp;

News From the Oil Patch: Kansas drilling activity increasing

Beginning Monday, the reconstruction of 27th Street between Lincoln Drive and Fort Street will resume. During this phase of construction, the south side of 27th Street will be reconstructed while maintaining one-way westbound traffic along the north side of 27th Street.&nbsp;

For more, visit the project <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/778/27th-St-Project">webpage</a>&nbsp;or by contact the Office of Project Management at (785)&nbsp; 628-7350 or Paul-Wertenberger Construction at (785) 625-8220. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647872164450.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Beginning Monday, the reconstruction of 27th Street between Lincoln Drive and Fort Street will resume. During this phase of construction, the south side of 27th Street will be reconstructed while maintaining one-way westbound traffic along the north side of 27th Street.&nbsp;For more, visit the project <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/778/27th-St-Project">webpage</a>&nbsp;or by contact the Office of Project Management at (785)&nbsp; 628-7350 or Paul-Wertenberger Construction at (785) 625-8220. &nbsp;

27th Street reconstruction project will resume next week

The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Hays Lodge No. 195 to donate $2,000 to the&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df41901562e4cd17c79971f1f&amp;id=7540efb110&amp;e=0e203346aa" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a>, an organization centered around providing valuable resources and experiences for all people in the local community.

Founded in 1881, Hays Lodge No. 195 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has 60 members and supports various local organizations and programs, including the Community Assistance Center, the Firefighters’ Relief Association, and the Kansas Masonic High School Essay Contest. Over the last eight years, the lodge has provided over $30,000 in scholarships to students attending technical and four-year university programs and was able to donate $11,500 to the Fort Hayes State University Virtual Literacy Institute.&nbsp;

“Our lodge is an organization designed to help men be better than before and be better friends, husbands, and citizens,” said Hays Lodge No. 195 Master Christopher Neeley. “The brothers of Hays Lodge No. 195 consider community service an essential part of their lives and one of the keys to self-improvement. For that reason, the Lodge has made supporting our community organizations, particularly those supporting literacy in our area, a primary goal.”

To further their mission of supporting literacy in the area, the Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $2,000 to the Hays Public Library. The library provides community members access to a collection of 300,000 print, non-print, and digital materials, hosts hundreds of programs for all ages annually, and offers free Wi-Fi access and technical assistance to all patrons. The funds will help purchase newborn books for babies born at Hays Medical Center, provide books for Kindergarten milestone prizes, and incentives for other special storytimes and parties. A formal donation announcement will take place later this month.&nbsp;

About the Kansas Masonic Foundation As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df41901562e4cd17c79971f1f&amp;id=0c07cc3abf&amp;e=0e203346aa" target="_blank">https://kansasmasonic.foundation/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647887802964.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;News releaseThe Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Hays Lodge No. 195 to donate $2,000 to the&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df41901562e4cd17c79971f1f&amp;id=7540efb110&amp;e=0e203346aa" target="_blank">Hays Public Library</a>, an organization centered around providing valuable resources and experiences for all people in the local community.Founded in 1881, Hays Lodge No. 195 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge has 60 members and supports various local organizations and programs, including the Community Assistance Center, the Firefighters’ Relief Association, and the Kansas Masonic High School Essay Contest. Over the last eight years, the lodge has provided over $30,000 in scholarships to students attending technical and four-year university programs and was able to donate $11,500 to the Fort Hayes State University Virtual Literacy Institute.&nbsp;“Our lodge is an organization designed to help men be better than before and be better friends, husbands, and citizens,” said Hays Lodge No. 195 Master Christopher Neeley. “The brothers of Hays Lodge No. 195 consider community service an essential part of their lives and one of the keys to self-improvement. For that reason, the Lodge has made supporting our community organizations, particularly those supporting literacy in our area, a primary goal.”To further their mission of supporting literacy in the area, the Brothers at Hays Lodge No. 195 have teamed up with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to donate $2,000 to the Hays Public Library. The library provides community members access to a collection of 300,000 print, non-print, and digital materials, hosts hundreds of programs for all ages annually, and offers free Wi-Fi access and technical assistance to all patrons. The funds will help purchase newborn books for babies born at Hays Medical Center, provide books for Kindergarten milestone prizes, and incentives for other special storytimes and parties. A formal donation announcement will take place later this month.&nbsp;About the Kansas Masonic Foundation As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df41901562e4cd17c79971f1f&amp;id=0c07cc3abf&amp;e=0e203346aa" target="_blank">https://kansasmasonic.foundation/</a>

Hays Masonic Lodge donates $2,000 to Hays Public Library

<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/2022/3/1647890318064.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

As our weather warms, alfalfa producers are reminded to eliminate weeds in their fields before&nbsp;alfalfa&nbsp;plants break dormancy. Herbicide selection is critical now if you need to&nbsp;spray weeds in alfalfa stands that are green and growing.

Herbicides for controlling winter annual weeds such as pennycress, mustards and shepherd's purse should be applied before alfalfa regrowth reaches 2 inches of height. If alfalfa shoots are green when sprayed, its growth may be set back a couple weeks.

Broadleaf weeds can lower yields, reduce hay quality and slow first-cutting alfalfa dry-down. Grassy weeds such as downy brome, cheatgrass and bromegrass can have even higher impact on lowering hay quality.&nbsp;

If your alfalfa variety is Roundup Ready, then glyphosate can be applied to the alfalfa almost any time without harming the fields. Fortunately, if you treat your alfalfa soon, you can have cleaner, healthier alfalfa at first cutting.

Before spraying these weeds, be sure they are causing economic damage to your crop.&nbsp;Spraying will provide a purer alfalfa stand but may reduce your overall total tonnage.&nbsp;

Our new&nbsp;2022&nbsp;Chemical Weed Control&nbsp;for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland&nbsp;guide,&nbsp;lists herbicides labelled to control weeds in alfalfa. To be most successful, apply herbicides before alfalfa shoots green up this spring to avoid&nbsp;alfalfa injury.&nbsp;If it does get late, use either Raptor or Pursuit, because they tend to cause less injury to your alfalfa.

As always with any weed control program it is best to time spraying when weeds are small, and to pay close attention to growth stage of alfalfa and label recommendations to&nbsp;avoid crop injury.

&nbsp;Replacing Thin Alfalfa&nbsp;- planting new fields of alfalfa is expensive.&nbsp;So many of us put off tearing up old fields and planting new ones. But is this&nbsp;the right thing to do?

Alfalfa stands usually reach peak production by year two or three.&nbsp;After this, yields tend to decline each year.&nbsp;By year four or five, yields are often much lower than their peak years, especially for dryland fields, because the subsurface moisture that plants were using during&nbsp;the&nbsp;early years is all gone.&nbsp;This is most noticeable during drought years when regrowth is almost zero after the first or second cutting. Yield decline in irrigated fields is slower but usually is a ton&nbsp;or more less&nbsp;by year five or six. In addition, thin stands with densities of less than 50 stems per square foot can open the door for weed encroachment.

So, should you try to squeeze another year out of your alfalfa stand? Calculate the costs. First, and most obvious, how will the lower yield of your old field compare to yields from a younger field? A second loss is the lost rotation benefit received by crops like corn that follow alfalfa in the rotation.&nbsp;Depending on the alfalfa stand poor (&lt;1 plant/ft2) vs. good (2-5 plants/ft2). Stand destruction with tillage can reduce&nbsp;your nitrogen fertilizer needs from&nbsp;0 (poor stand) to 80&nbsp;(good stand)&nbsp;pounds over the next couple years.&nbsp;If the stand is killed by spraying (no-till) then the nitrogen credit would be reduced by half. Much research has shown that corn after alfalfa often yields&nbsp;more than corn after corn, even after applying&nbsp;extra&nbsp;nitrogen.&nbsp;

This rotation benefit could be especially valuable this year if corn prices stay high.&nbsp;So if you have alfalfa fields that are past their prime, or maybe show winter damage this spring, this might be an excellent time to rotate those fields to a different crop and plant some new, higher yielding acres to alfalfa.

Both your alfalfa crop and the rotated crop could benefit.

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

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictAs our weather warms, alfalfa producers are reminded to eliminate weeds in their fields before&nbsp;alfalfa&nbsp;plants break dormancy. Herbicide selection is critical now if you need to&nbsp;spray weeds in alfalfa stands that are green and growing.Herbicides for controlling winter annual weeds such as pennycress, mustards and shepherd's purse should be applied before alfalfa regrowth reaches 2 inches of height. If alfalfa shoots are green when sprayed, its growth may be set back a couple weeks.Broadleaf weeds can lower yields, reduce hay quality and slow first-cutting alfalfa dry-down. Grassy weeds such as downy brome, cheatgrass and bromegrass can have even higher impact on lowering hay quality.&nbsp;If your alfalfa variety is Roundup Ready, then glyphosate can be applied to the alfalfa almost any time without harming the fields. Fortunately, if you treat your alfalfa soon, you can have cleaner, healthier alfalfa at first cutting.Before spraying these weeds, be sure they are causing economic damage to your crop.&nbsp;Spraying will provide a purer alfalfa stand but may reduce your overall total tonnage.&nbsp;Our new&nbsp;2022&nbsp;Chemical Weed Control&nbsp;for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland&nbsp;guide,&nbsp;lists herbicides labelled to control weeds in alfalfa. To be most successful, apply herbicides before alfalfa shoots green up this spring to avoid&nbsp;alfalfa injury.&nbsp;If it does get late, use either Raptor or Pursuit, because they tend to cause less injury to your alfalfa.As always with any weed control program it is best to time spraying when weeds are small, and to pay close attention to growth stage of alfalfa and label recommendations to&nbsp;avoid crop injury.&nbsp;Replacing Thin Alfalfa&nbsp;- planting new fields of alfalfa is expensive.&nbsp;So many of us put off tearing up old fields and planting new ones. But is this&nbsp;the right thing to do?Alfalfa stands usually reach peak production by year two or three.&nbsp;After this, yields tend to decline each year.&nbsp;By year four or five, yields are often much lower than their peak years, especially for dryland fields, because the subsurface moisture that plants were using during&nbsp;the&nbsp;early years is all gone.&nbsp;This is most noticeable during drought years when regrowth is almost zero after the first or second cutting. Yield decline in irrigated fields is slower but usually is a ton&nbsp;or more less&nbsp;by year five or six. In addition, thin stands with densities of less than 50 stems per square foot can open the door for weed encroachment.So, should you try to squeeze another year out of your alfalfa stand? Calculate the costs. First, and most obvious, how will the lower yield of your old field compare to yields from a younger field? A second loss is the lost rotation benefit received by crops like corn that follow alfalfa in the rotation.&nbsp;Depending on the alfalfa stand poor (&lt;1 plant/ft2) vs. good (2-5 plants/ft2). Stand destruction with tillage can reduce&nbsp;your nitrogen fertilizer needs from&nbsp;0 (poor stand) to 80&nbsp;(good stand)&nbsp;pounds over the next couple years.&nbsp;If the stand is killed by spraying (no-till) then the nitrogen credit would be reduced by half. Much research has shown that corn after alfalfa often yields&nbsp;more than corn after corn, even after applying&nbsp;extra&nbsp;nitrogen.&nbsp;This rotation benefit could be especially valuable this year if corn prices stay high.&nbsp;So if you have alfalfa fields that are past their prime, or maybe show winter damage this spring, this might be an excellent time to rotate those fields to a different crop and plant some new, higher yielding acres to alfalfa.Both your alfalfa crop and the rotated crop could benefit.Stacy Campbell is&nbsp;the Crop Production&nbsp;agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Alfalfa weeds and thinning stands 

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened westbound I-70 at WaKeeney.&nbsp;

KDOT encourages motorists to buckle up and stay alert for changing road and weather conditions.

For the latest information on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="x-webdoc://3812610F-CF2D-4AC3-954D-0E4183EBA483/2020/2019/Templates/www.kandrive.org">www.kandrive.org</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened westbound I-70 at WaKeeney.&nbsp;KDOT encourages motorists to buckle up and stay alert for changing road and weather conditions.For the latest information on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="x-webdoc://3812610F-CF2D-4AC3-954D-0E4183EBA483/2020/2019/Templates/www.kandrive.org">www.kandrive.org</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

UPDATE: Interstate 70 reopened at WaKeeney

A blizzard warning is in effect in Hays and Ellis County from 10 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City has said.

Wind gusting up to 65 mph is expected to accompany a mox of rain and snow as the evening progresses. Total snow accumulation could be up to 4 inches.

The NWS warned of dangerous travel conditions, including slippery roads and poor visibility.

Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647898991995.png" alt="Dodge City NWS" />
 <figcaption>Dodge City NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>A blizzard warning is in effect in Hays and Ellis County from 10 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City has said.Wind gusting up to 65 mph is expected to accompany a mox of rain and snow as the evening progresses. Total snow accumulation could be up to 4 inches.The NWS warned of dangerous travel conditions, including slippery roads and poor visibility.Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.

Blizzard warning issued for Ellis Co., surrounding counties

The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 70 westbound at the Colby exit at the request of Colorado. No further information is available at this time.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 70 westbound at the Colby exit at the request of Colorado. No further information is available at this time.

KDOT closes I-70 westbound at Colby

THOMAS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before noon Monday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven by Stetson M. Barnes, 21, Warner Robbins, Georgia, was eastbound on Interstate 70 one mile west of Country Club Road.

The Jeep exited the roadway to the left, traveled several hundred feet in the median, exited the interstate overpass and collided with a concrete barrier on Range Avenue in Colby.

EMS transported Barnes and passengers 33-year-old Shaequala&nbsp;Shoulars and an 8-year-old girl, both from Omaha, to the hospital in Colby. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before noon Monday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven by Stetson M. Barnes, 21, Warner Robbins, Georgia, was eastbound on Interstate 70 one mile west of Country Club Road.The Jeep exited the roadway to the left, traveled several hundred feet in the median, exited the interstate overpass and collided with a concrete barrier on Range Avenue in Colby.EMS transported Barnes and passengers 33-year-old Shaequala&nbsp;Shoulars and an 8-year-old girl, both from Omaha, to the hospital in Colby. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 adults, 8-year-old injured after Jeep strikes concrete barrier

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f061b1-d7f1-4dba-ad9d-36bcbccc8ee8">RELATED: Drive-through testing site returns to Big Creek Crossing</a>

As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported two COVID inpatients, both recovering.

On Wednesday, the Kansas Hospital Association reported 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are considered fully vaccinated — a figure that has remained constant for several weeks.

<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-tracker">The Mayo Clinic</a>&nbsp;reported that as of March 13, just more than 65 percent of all eligible Americans and about 61 percent of eligible Kansans are considered fully vaccinated.

Since reporting began, there have been 7,133 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647888021439.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported one new COVID-19 case in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f061b1-d7f1-4dba-ad9d-36bcbccc8ee8">RELATED: Drive-through testing site returns to Big Creek Crossing</a>As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported two COVID inpatients, both recovering.On Wednesday, the Kansas Hospital Association reported 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are considered fully vaccinated — a figure that has remained constant for several weeks.<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-tracker">The Mayo Clinic</a>&nbsp;reported that as of March 13, just more than 65 percent of all eligible Americans and about 61 percent of eligible Kansans are considered fully vaccinated.Since reporting began, there have been 7,133 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647888123822.png" alt="Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Statewide COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Just one new COVID case in Ellis Co. since Friday

On Tuesday, March 15, the House debated one resolution and four bills. The House Concurrent Resolution 5032 is in response to the invasion by Russia in Ukraine. The resolution honors the Ukrainians fighting against the Russian invasion.

House Bill 2674 states that if a defendant fails to appear as directed by the court and guaranteed by an appearance bond, the court in which the bond is deposited can issue an arrest warrant for the defendant.

House Bill 2541 shifts the deposits of certain fees with the Judicial Branch to the State General Fund. Then an allocation from the State General Fund will be transferred to the Judicial Branch for funding.

House Bill 2676 allows counties to create a code inspection and enforcement fund and expands the exisiting equipment fund to include technology.

House Bill 2582 amends current law governing access, exhange, and disclosure of information in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children.

On Wednesday, we discussed four bills. House Bill 2528 removes inflatable devices that are owned and operated by a nonprofit from the Kansas Amusement Ride Act.

Senate Bill 348 exempts the practice of threading from cosmetology.

Senate Bill 392 terminates the transfer of unencumbered moneys in the securities fee fund exceeding $50,000 to the State General Fund. I voted “yes” to all of these bills.

Last week the House Appropriations Committee conducted numerous bill hearings, presentations, and completed our committee work regarding the state budget. On Tuesday, we had a bill hearing on House Bill 2492 which is submitting claims against the state. Thursday, we conducted a bill hearing on House Bill 2626 which makes for increased contributions for the Teacher Service Scholarship Program.

We also had a presentation regarding the needs for rural housing across the state of Kansas. We had industry, banking, and economic development leaders discuss the need for additional housing in rural areas of the State. On Wednesday and Thursday, we had deliberations for the budget for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. We are planning to debate the budget next week.

Wednesday and Thursday last week, the House Appropriations Committee began reconstructing the state budget for Kansas. There were many adjustments that needed to be made in order to balance the budget due to legislation that has passed since Governor Kelly submitted her budget in January.

Some of the adjustments that needed to be made were regarding the passage of the APEX bill to generate economic development to entice extremely large corporations to Kansas. The incentives drastically affect the ending balance for the budget.

We also need to make changes to the proposals for the renovation of the Docking Building and the new Kansas Department of Health and Environment lab. We are awaiting the final numbers and how much of Federal funds can by utilized for the projects.

We decided to place $500 million in the Budget Stabilization Fund, commonly referred to as the “Rainy Day Fund.” This will be placed in the fund as savings and used if the state of Kansas experiences a recession or shortfall in future years.

We also discussed across the board pay increase of five percent for all state employees, as mentioned in the Governor’s budget. There was also discussion on the increase to the Intellectually Developmentally Disability waiver, which would be an increase of $27.4 million.

The overall budget position for the House budget when passed out of committee has us with an ending balance of more than $1.7 billion, more than that of the submission by the Governor.

Anytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:

* Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities:Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens,Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center,Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa,Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center(part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver(part), Cedron, Elkhorn(part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner,Center,Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House, R-Bunker Hill" />
 <figcaption>Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House, R-Bunker Hill</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA March 21, 2022Bills Debated in the HouseOn Tuesday, March 15, the House debated one resolution and four bills. The House Concurrent Resolution 5032 is in response to the invasion by Russia in Ukraine. The resolution honors the Ukrainians fighting against the Russian invasion.House Bill 2674 states that if a defendant fails to appear as directed by the court and guaranteed by an appearance bond, the court in which the bond is deposited can issue an arrest warrant for the defendant.House Bill 2541 shifts the deposits of certain fees with the Judicial Branch to the State General Fund. Then an allocation from the State General Fund will be transferred to the Judicial Branch for funding.House Bill 2676 allows counties to create a code inspection and enforcement fund and expands the exisiting equipment fund to include technology.House Bill 2582 amends current law governing access, exhange, and disclosure of information in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children.On Wednesday, we discussed four bills. House Bill 2528 removes inflatable devices that are owned and operated by a nonprofit from the Kansas Amusement Ride Act.Senate Bill 348 exempts the practice of threading from cosmetology.Senate Bill 392 terminates the transfer of unencumbered moneys in the securities fee fund exceeding $50,000 to the State General Fund. I voted “yes” to all of these bills.Appropriations CommitteeLast week the House Appropriations Committee conducted numerous bill hearings, presentations, and completed our committee work regarding the state budget. On Tuesday, we had a bill hearing on House Bill 2492 which is submitting claims against the state. Thursday, we conducted a bill hearing on House Bill 2626 which makes for increased contributions for the Teacher Service Scholarship Program.We also had a presentation regarding the needs for rural housing across the state of Kansas. We had industry, banking, and economic development leaders discuss the need for additional housing in rural areas of the State. On Wednesday and Thursday, we had deliberations for the budget for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. We are planning to debate the budget next week.State Budget Takes ShapeWednesday and Thursday last week, the House Appropriations Committee began reconstructing the state budget for Kansas. There were many adjustments that needed to be made in order to balance the budget due to legislation that has passed since Governor Kelly submitted her budget in January.Some of the adjustments that needed to be made were regarding the passage of the APEX bill to generate economic development to entice extremely large corporations to Kansas. The incentives drastically affect the ending balance for the budget.We also need to make changes to the proposals for the renovation of the Docking Building and the new Kansas Department of Health and Environment lab. We are awaiting the final numbers and how much of Federal funds can by utilized for the projects.We decided to place $500 million in the Budget Stabilization Fund, commonly referred to as the “Rainy Day Fund.” This will be placed in the fund as savings and used if the state of Kansas experiences a recession or shortfall in future years.We also discussed across the board pay increase of five percent for all state employees, as mentioned in the Governor’s budget. There was also discussion on the increase to the Intellectually Developmentally Disability waiver, which would be an increase of $27.4 million.The overall budget position for the House budget when passed out of committee has us with an ending balance of more than $1.7 billion, more than that of the submission by the Governor.Contact InformationAnytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:* Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities:Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens,Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center,Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa,Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center(part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver(part), Cedron, Elkhorn(part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner,Center,Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, March 21, 2022

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1dd6579-e78d-4e27-bf39-c9766a06279f">UPDATED 4:45 p.m. Monday: Blizzard warning issued for Hays, Ellis County</a>

The National Weather Service is calling for widespread rain beginning Monday, change to snow Monday night and into Tuesday.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for area west of U.S. 281.

Light rain is expected to begin in the Hays area early Monday afternoon, changing to snow in the early morning hours Tuesday. The front will be accompanied by strong sustained winds of 20 to 25 mph Monday, increasing to 29 to 36 mph Tuesday. Gusts as high as 50 mph are expected.

Less than an inch of rain and up to 2 inches of snow are possible in the Hays area, the NWS predicted.&nbsp;

Skies are expected to clear Tuesday night and remain clear through the rest of the week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647873015019.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1dd6579-e78d-4e27-bf39-c9766a06279f">UPDATED 4:45 p.m. Monday: Blizzard warning issued for Hays, Ellis County</a>The National Weather Service is calling for widespread rain beginning Monday, change to snow Monday night and into Tuesday.A winter weather advisory is in effect for area west of U.S. 281.Light rain is expected to begin in the Hays area early Monday afternoon, changing to snow in the early morning hours Tuesday. The front will be accompanied by strong sustained winds of 20 to 25 mph Monday, increasing to 29 to 36 mph Tuesday. Gusts as high as 50 mph are expected.Less than an inch of rain and up to 2 inches of snow are possible in the Hays area, the NWS predicted.&nbsp;Skies are expected to clear Tuesday night and remain clear through the rest of the week.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Widespread soaking rain Monday and Monday evening is expected to change to a wind blown wet snow after midnight Monday night through early Tuesday morning. Winds will gust near 60 mph for the Tuesday morning commute, with limited visibility expected. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/gGv6ulM7uB">pic.twitter.com/gGv6ulM7uB</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1505881058683731969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Rain, snow, wind on the way to NW Kan. to open the week

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The owners of Big Creek Crossing - Hays Mall LLC -&nbsp; have asked for a modification to their original CID (Community Improvement District) agreement with the city of Hays.

The one-cent sales tax on purchases made at the shopping mall, located at 2918 Vine, was approved in 2014 and is in effect for up to 22 years.

The city commission&nbsp;approved up to $3.1 million in eligible reimbursement costs - hard infrastructure costs determined by city policy.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"They were broken into Phase 1 and Phase 2 with completion deadlines set by the owner," said City Manager Toby Dougherty during last week's commission work session.

Both deadlines, selected by the property owners, were in 2016.

The developer has spent $2 million of the $3.1 million, which was certified by the city. 

&nbsp;"There was a million dollars that was never certified, never made the project deadline. That's what they're asking the development agreement to be amended for, to include that," Dougherty explained. "So far out of the sales tax collections, they've been reimbursed $1.3 million of the $2 million that was certified."&nbsp;

Phase 2 expenditures were to be for interior renovations and finish work.&nbsp;

If commissioners approve the amendment request at their Thursday meeting, it will create an 18-month deadline for the owners to expend the dollars and submit for reimbursement of the $1 million.&nbsp;

"What they would like to do is be reimbursed to do is be reimbursed for dollars they are spending for the creation of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/55fbb118-f74e-471a-92f2-b2cd0fd4fb1d">Ollie's Bargain Outlet</a>, which is being done now," Dougherty continued.

"They have interior renovations; they've got some work in the parking lot. They've got some exterior work they need to do and they've got quite a bit of HVAC work they need to do."&nbsp;

Sandy Jacobs, commissioner, said she recently checked out&nbsp;Ollie's Bargain Outlet in Wichita and liked it. "It's a good operation," she said.&nbsp;

"I think (Big Creek Crossing) is working diligently. ... I hope they're redoing the mall for all outside entries with anything new that comes up.

"I just don't want that place sitting empty," Jacobs added. "I think that would be really detrimental to that area of Vine Street. I don't have any problem with extending (this)."

Shaun Musil was on the city commission in 2014 when the CID was created.&nbsp;

He said he's excited about Ollie's coming into the north end of the mall but is disappointed with the overall renovation progress.

"The key thing is how much (city sales tax) it brings in," Musil said. "We're a community where sales tax pays our general fund." Fire, police and parks are among the city departments supported by the general fund.&nbsp;

Based on information from the owners, the city estimates Ollie's Bargain Outlet annual sales tax to be between $70,000 and $87,500 each year the CID is in effect.&nbsp;

"I feel like they do everything on the cheap," Musil said. "I drove through the parking lot just before I came here. You get past the front, it's an absolute mess.

"But people still go there to shop. They've brought businesses in."

Musil said it would be difficult for him to vote for the CID amendment request, noting an area of brick facade that has been missing from the front west side of the facility for about three years.&nbsp;

He asked Dougherty if the city can hold future CIDs to higher standards, such as taking care of a business parking lot. "Or is that overreach?" Musil wondered.&nbsp;

Dougherty noted this is the city's first and only renovation CID as opposed to several CIDs also in effect that are outcome-based.

"Maybe we should have been a little more specific on exact details...&nbsp; The parking lot, they were going to 1.5 to 2 inch mill and overlay, but we didn't nail them down to the specific geographic size." Dougherty and Musil both said they accepted blame for the 2014 negotiations. "I think we could have done a better job of asking for details," Dougherty said, "and then you can hold them to more accountability."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mayor Mason Ruder said he didn't see why the city wouldn't approve the CID modification.

"We've done it before for other (CID) projects. It's not necessarily changing anything," Ruder said. "It's just kind of allowing them to potentially&nbsp; hold on to another anchor store, hopefully."

Ruder also agreed with Musil that he was "disappointed in them for kind of pushing it off for as long as they have and not taking care of it as they should have."&nbsp;

The city has not given "one dime" to Hays Mall, LLC, Musil pointed out.&nbsp;"Anytime the city has a CID, and we have multiple, the city doesn't give them money. If you shop there, you're contributing it."&nbsp;

Jacobs feels Big Creek Crossing is almost becoming a "discount mall."

"There are some nice stores in there. But there's absolutely a demographic we need to be focused on."&nbsp;

Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the work session.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629496877324.jpeg" alt="(Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by James Bell/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe owners of Big Creek Crossing - Hays Mall LLC -&nbsp; have asked for a modification to their original CID (Community Improvement District) agreement with the city of Hays.The one-cent sales tax on purchases made at the shopping mall, located at 2918 Vine, was approved in 2014 and is in effect for up to 22 years.The city commission&nbsp;approved up to $3.1 million in eligible reimbursement costs - hard infrastructure costs determined by city policy.&nbsp; &nbsp;"They were broken into Phase 1 and Phase 2 with completion deadlines set by the owner," said City Manager Toby Dougherty during last week's commission work session.Both deadlines, selected by the property owners, were in 2016.The developer has spent $2 million of the $3.1 million, which was certified by the city. &nbsp;"There was a million dollars that was never certified, never made the project deadline. That's what they're asking the development agreement to be amended for, to include that," Dougherty explained. "So far out of the sales tax collections, they've been reimbursed $1.3 million of the $2 million that was certified."&nbsp;Phase 2 expenditures were to be for interior renovations and finish work.&nbsp;If commissioners approve the amendment request at their Thursday meeting, it will create an 18-month deadline for the owners to expend the dollars and submit for reimbursement of the $1 million.&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CxF0-wOpD9Y"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"What they would like to do is be reimbursed to do is be reimbursed for dollars they are spending for the creation of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/55fbb118-f74e-471a-92f2-b2cd0fd4fb1d">Ollie's Bargain Outlet</a>, which is being done now," Dougherty continued. "They have interior renovations; they've got some work in the parking lot. They've got some exterior work they need to do and they've got quite a bit of HVAC work they need to do."&nbsp;Sandy Jacobs, commissioner, said she recently checked out&nbsp;Ollie's Bargain Outlet in Wichita and liked it. "It's a good operation," she said.&nbsp;"I think (Big Creek Crossing) is working diligently. ... I hope they're redoing the mall for all outside entries with anything new that comes up."I just don't want that place sitting empty," Jacobs added. "I think that would be really detrimental to that area of Vine Street. I don't have any problem with extending (this)."Shaun Musil was on the city commission in 2014 when the CID was created.&nbsp;He said he's excited about Ollie's coming into the north end of the mall but is disappointed with the overall renovation progress."The key thing is how much (city sales tax) it brings in," Musil said. "We're a community where sales tax pays our general fund." Fire, police and parks are among the city departments supported by the general fund.&nbsp;Based on information from the owners, the city estimates Ollie's Bargain Outlet annual sales tax to be between $70,000 and $87,500 each year the CID is in effect.&nbsp;"I feel like they do everything on the cheap," Musil said. "I drove through the parking lot just before I came here. You get past the front, it's an absolute mess."But people still go there to shop. They've brought businesses in."Musil said it would be difficult for him to vote for the CID amendment request, noting an area of brick facade that has been missing from the front west side of the facility for about three years.&nbsp;He asked Dougherty if the city can hold future CIDs to higher standards, such as taking care of a business parking lot. "Or is that overreach?" Musil wondered.&nbsp;Dougherty noted this is the city's first and only renovation CID as opposed to several CIDs also in effect that are outcome-based."Maybe we should have been a little more specific on exact details...&nbsp; The parking lot, they were going to 1.5 to 2 inch mill and overlay, but we didn't nail them down to the specific geographic size." Dougherty and Musil both said they accepted blame for the 2014 negotiations. "I think we could have done a better job of asking for details," Dougherty said, "and then you can hold them to more accountability."&nbsp;&nbsp;Mayor Mason Ruder said he didn't see why the city wouldn't approve the CID modification."We've done it before for other (CID) projects. It's not necessarily changing anything," Ruder said. "It's just kind of allowing them to potentially&nbsp; hold on to another anchor store, hopefully."Ruder also agreed with Musil that he was "disappointed in them for kind of pushing it off for as long as they have and not taking care of it as they should have."&nbsp;The city has not given "one dime" to Hays Mall, LLC, Musil pointed out.&nbsp;"Anytime the city has a CID, and we have multiple, the city doesn't give them money. If you shop there, you're contributing it."&nbsp;Jacobs feels Big Creek Crossing is almost becoming a "discount mall.""There are some nice stores in there. But there's absolutely a demographic we need to be focused on."&nbsp;Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the work session.&nbsp;

🎥 Mayor: 'Let Big Creek Crossing continue renovations with amended 2014 CID agreement'

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

<a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">Wild West Festival</a> tickets are on sale now. Despite some increases in costs, the old favorites will be back, including the fireworks and the carnival.

VIP tickets are $200 up from $150. General admission tickets for all three nights will be $25 this year — up from $20. Tickets at the gate will be $30 per night. Children 5 years and younger will be admitted free.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72c571d3-c2a8-466d-b9d5-7dfda02cdfc8">The Wild West Festival has already set its music lineup. </a>

Lainey Wilson, who will appear July 2, recently won two Academy of Country Music Awards — one for new young female artist for the year and the other for Song of the Year, "Things a Man Oughta Know."

She has been nominated for a CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Video of the Year for "Things a Man Oughta Know."

VIP tickets include alcoholic drinks and dinner, as well as preferred seating. Gella's Diner, Fuzzy's Tacos and the Rose Garden will be catering the meals for the VIPs this year. 

Which nights the three caters will be serving has yet to be determined. Hard alcohol is served in the VIP area until 9 p.m. Beer is served until 10:30 p.m.

The Kiwanis will be hosting beer garden sales for general admission again this year.

Concert tickets can be purchased online now. They will be available at all three Cervs locations and possibly other locations starting May 1.

Sandi Maier, event coordinator, said tickets are going up this year to help cover costs. The cost to ship a container of fireworks from China to the United States went from about $9,000 to $50,000.

What used to cost the festival $15,000 for fireworks is now going to cost $25,000.

To further help defray the increased costs for fireworks, the festival is asking for fireworks sponsors this year.

Sponsorship levels are available from $400 to $10,000 and above. Sponsors receive festival concert tickets based on their sponsorship amounts. To become a sponsor, contact Maier at 785-639-3365 or at <a href="mailto:contact@wildwestfestival.com">contact@wildwestfestival.com</a>.

Maier said sponsorships also help the festival keep ticket prices affordable.

The festival will have a carnival again this year provided by Ozark Amusements of Springfield, Mo.

The carnival will be open from Friday, July 1, through Monday, July 4.

The annual festival parade will be at 10 a.m. down Main Street. There is no cost to have an entry in the parade, but pre-registration is suggested, which will help with parade lineup. 

Candy or items can't be thrown from vehicles per the Hays Police Department. These items must be handed out by walkers.

The parade theme is yet to be announced. Registration forms will be available through the website soon.

The 5K, which is sponsored by another group in conjunction with the Wild West Festival, also will be back this year. Look for more information on that event to be announced at a later date.

The Convention and Visitor's Bureau also is sponsoring a kite festival at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex during the Fourth of July weekend. More information will be announced on this event at a later date.

The Wild West Fest Committee annually sponsors the Wichita Special Olympics team when they visit Hays for the annual basketball tournament in Hays. That event was Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

They usually provide a $100 donation to the group in addition to playing host to the club.

Burglars broke into the group's storage shed shortly before this year's tournament and stole all of the group's athletic gear. Maier has asked the festival committee to increase its contribution to the group to $300 this year to help the club replace some of that equipment.

CORRECTION: This story was updated to correct the price of the three-day General Admission tickets. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647631192190.jpeg" alt="File photo " />
 <figcaption>File photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post<a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">Wild West Festival</a> tickets are on sale now. Despite some increases in costs, the old favorites will be back, including the fireworks and the carnival.VIP tickets are $200 up from $150. General admission tickets for all three nights will be $25 this year — up from $20. Tickets at the gate will be $30 per night. Children 5 years and younger will be admitted free. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72c571d3-c2a8-466d-b9d5-7dfda02cdfc8">The Wild West Festival has already set its music lineup. </a>Lainey Wilson, who will appear July 2, recently won two Academy of Country Music Awards — one for new young female artist for the year and the other for Song of the Year, "Things a Man Oughta Know."She has been nominated for a CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Video of the Year for "Things a Man Oughta Know."VIP tickets include alcoholic drinks and dinner, as well as preferred seating. Gella's Diner, Fuzzy's Tacos and the Rose Garden will be catering the meals for the VIPs this year. Which nights the three caters will be serving has yet to be determined. Hard alcohol is served in the VIP area until 9 p.m. Beer is served until 10:30 p.m.The Kiwanis will be hosting beer garden sales for general admission again this year. Concert tickets can be purchased online now. They will be available at all three Cervs locations and possibly other locations starting May 1.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647632399429.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Sandi Maier, event coordinator, said tickets are going up this year to help cover costs. The cost to ship a container of fireworks from China to the United States went from about $9,000 to $50,000.What used to cost the festival $15,000 for fireworks is now going to cost $25,000. To further help defray the increased costs for fireworks, the festival is asking for fireworks sponsors this year.Sponsorship levels are available from $400 to $10,000 and above. Sponsors receive festival concert tickets based on their sponsorship amounts. To become a sponsor, contact Maier at 785-639-3365 or at <a href="mailto:contact@wildwestfestival.com">contact@wildwestfestival.com</a>. Maier said sponsorships also help the festival keep ticket prices affordable. The festival will have a carnival again this year provided by Ozark Amusements of Springfield, Mo.The carnival will be open from Friday, July 1, through Monday, July 4.The annual festival parade will be at 10 a.m. down Main Street. There is no cost to have an entry in the parade, but pre-registration is suggested, which will help with parade lineup. Candy or items can't be thrown from vehicles per the Hays Police Department. These items must be handed out by walkers. The parade theme is yet to be announced. Registration forms will be available through the website soon.The 5K, which is sponsored by another group in conjunction with the Wild West Festival, also will be back this year. Look for more information on that event to be announced at a later date. The Convention and Visitor's Bureau also is sponsoring a kite festival at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex during the Fourth of July weekend. More information will be announced on this event at a later date.The Wild West Fest Committee annually sponsors the Wichita Special Olympics team when they visit Hays for the annual basketball tournament in Hays. That event was Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. They usually provide a $100 donation to the group in addition to playing host to the club. Burglars broke into the group's storage shed shortly before this year's tournament and stole all of the group's athletic gear. Maier has asked the festival committee to increase its contribution to the group to $300 this year to help the club replace some of that equipment. CORRECTION: This story was updated to correct the price of the three-day General Admission tickets. Hays Post apologizes for the error.

Wild West Festival tickets on sale; fireworks on despite cost increase

Hays will be hosting the annual Kansas Mission of Mercy free dental clinic on March 25 to 26 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds in Hays. 

After intense planning by the steering committee, the state team and local organizers are ready to receive patients. Chairs of the local committee are Dr. Jarrod Jones and Dr. Kurt Martin of Hays.

Volunteers from across the state are registered to help with the clinic. From dentists, dental professionals and medical staff to security, parking and food preparation, the clinic is prepared to serve patients in need of fillings and extractions.

The clinic is free – there are no eligibility or income requirements and no appointments will be taken. It will be first-come, first served. Breakfast and lunch will be served to the patients with doors opening at 5:30 a.m. on Friday.

The Kansas Mission of Mercy is celebrating its 21st project of offering free dental service, beginning in Garden City in 2003. Since that time, the organizers and volunteers have developed an efficient system which has served 31,135 patients with dental care valued at more than $20.8 million.

Hays will be welcoming the volunteers from across the state beginning Wednesday and Thursday with the clinic setup to take place on Thursday. Anyone needing dental work should consider coming to the clinic and receiving the service.

For more information on the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation and KMOM, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksdentalfoundation.org">www.ksdentalfoundation.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637346509792.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted Hays will be hosting the annual Kansas Mission of Mercy free dental clinic on March 25 to 26 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds in Hays. After intense planning by the steering committee, the state team and local organizers are ready to receive patients. Chairs of the local committee are Dr. Jarrod Jones and Dr. Kurt Martin of Hays.Volunteers from across the state are registered to help with the clinic. From dentists, dental professionals and medical staff to security, parking and food preparation, the clinic is prepared to serve patients in need of fillings and extractions.The clinic is free – there are no eligibility or income requirements and no appointments will be taken. It will be first-come, first served. Breakfast and lunch will be served to the patients with doors opening at 5:30 a.m. on Friday.The Kansas Mission of Mercy is celebrating its 21st project of offering free dental service, beginning in Garden City in 2003. Since that time, the organizers and volunteers have developed an efficient system which has served 31,135 patients with dental care valued at more than $20.8 million.Hays will be welcoming the volunteers from across the state beginning Wednesday and Thursday with the clinic setup to take place on Thursday. Anyone needing dental work should consider coming to the clinic and receiving the service.For more information on the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation and KMOM, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksdentalfoundation.org">www.ksdentalfoundation.org</a>.

KMOM annual free dental clinic ready for patients in Hays

WICHITA — Wichita State University has announced the names of 3,246 students who were on the WSU dean's honor roll for fall 2021.&nbsp;

To be included on the dean's honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. 

Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 16,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries.&nbsp;

Northwest Kansas students earning academic honors include: Almena Elexsa R Anderson &nbsp;Ross G Cole Atwood Zita A Mead Colby Faith M Brackett &nbsp;Alli M Franz Ellis Lyndsy L Hinman &nbsp;Michaela H Keller &nbsp;Trace A Patee &nbsp;Clay M Shaw Goodland Sara B Amend &nbsp;Ella B Ihrig &nbsp;Kelly N Jefferson &nbsp;Jessica M Kannady Grainfield Morgan E Zimmerman Hays Alan J Dick &nbsp;Hannah R Flynn &nbsp;Gabriel L McGuire &nbsp;Emelia R Morley &nbsp;Isabel A Peine &nbsp;James C Roe &nbsp;Mattison L Schlaefli &nbsp;Anne E Wasinger Lucas Douglas J Kressly Oakley Lauren R Baalman &nbsp;Jaime K Berkgren &nbsp;Katie R Hefner &nbsp;Cody J Zimmerman Plainville Lindsey N Pierce Quinter Codi L Kentner Rexford Devin J Carter Russell Isabella E Boxberger &nbsp;Dylan J Peeler &nbsp;Jacob L Sohm Smith Center Dylan J Bray &nbsp;Jaci M Charbonneau &nbsp;Melissa Guiboa &nbsp;Mitchell D Topel &nbsp;Sharon M Topel Stockton Kimberly J Pulec

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637721410874.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WSUWICHITA — Wichita State University has announced the names of 3,246 students who were on the WSU dean's honor roll for fall 2021.&nbsp;To be included on the dean's honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 16,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries.&nbsp;Northwest Kansas students earning academic honors include: Almena Elexsa R Anderson &nbsp;Ross G Cole Atwood Zita A Mead Colby Faith M Brackett &nbsp;Alli M Franz Ellis Lyndsy L Hinman &nbsp;Michaela H Keller &nbsp;Trace A Patee &nbsp;Clay M Shaw Goodland Sara B Amend &nbsp;Ella B Ihrig &nbsp;Kelly N Jefferson &nbsp;Jessica M Kannady Grainfield Morgan E Zimmerman Hays Alan J Dick &nbsp;Hannah R Flynn &nbsp;Gabriel L McGuire &nbsp;Emelia R Morley &nbsp;Isabel A Peine &nbsp;James C Roe &nbsp;Mattison L Schlaefli &nbsp;Anne E Wasinger Lucas Douglas J Kressly Oakley Lauren R Baalman &nbsp;Jaime K Berkgren &nbsp;Katie R Hefner &nbsp;Cody J Zimmerman Plainville Lindsey N Pierce Quinter Codi L Kentner Rexford Devin J Carter Russell Isabella E Boxberger &nbsp;Dylan J Peeler &nbsp;Jacob L Sohm Smith Center Dylan J Bray &nbsp;Jaci M Charbonneau &nbsp;Melissa Guiboa &nbsp;Mitchell D Topel &nbsp;Sharon M Topel Stockton Kimberly J Pulec

NW Kan. students earn academic honors at Wichita State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647626641135.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>

Eighth Hays Toy Show scheduled for April

<a href="https://okstate.com/index.aspx">Oklahoma State Athletics</a>

STILLWATER&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=3651">Jacie Hoyt</a>&nbsp;was introduced as the head coach of Oklahoma State women's basketball on March 20, 2022. She came to OSU after serving as head coach at Kansas City from 2017-22. Her roots in Big 12 country run deep. Her mother, Shelly Hoyt, is a Kansas High School coaching legend and Jacie, who played for her mother in high school at Hoxie, went on to play collegiately at Wichita State. In addition to leading the Kansas City program, Hoyt's coaching career includes stops at Fort Hays State, Nevada and Kansas State. "There are a million reasons to be excited about Oklahoma State," Hoyt said. "First and foremost, it's the people and the leadership there. Everyone I've had conversations with at OSU aligns with the beliefs and characteristics that lead to success. It's the community as well. OSU has a fan base that supports the program and we are passionate about giving them something to proud of." Her work at Kansas City was transformational. In her five seasons at the helm of the Roos, she compiled an 81-65 overall record (55.5 percent) and a 48-31 mark in conference play (60.8 percent). For perspective, the six Kansas City coaches before her combined to go 242-437 overall (35.6 percent) and 144-215 in conference play (40.1 percent). In 2021-22, she coached the Roos to their first postseason appearance in a decade. Hoyt led the Roos to the 2020 Western Athletic Conference regular season championship – the first in program history – and more than 20 wins in two of her final three seasons. She was honored as the 2020 WAC Coach of the Year to become the first Kansas City coach to ever receive such an honor and her top player, Ericka Mattingly, was named WAC Player of the Year. Despite moving to the more difficult Summit League in 2020-21, the Roos finished two spots better than predicted during their first year in the league and placed third in their second year. In 2018-19, the Roos led the WAC and ranked 24th nationally by averaging 76.0 points per game. Making that even more remarkable is that Hoyt inherited a Kansas City program that finished seventh, eighth and fifth in the WAC in scoring offense in the three years prior to her arrival. Twice during Hoyt's tenure did Kansas City finish among the top 50 nationally in scoring offense (2018-19 and 2021-22). "When we started the search for the next head coach of OSU Cowgirl Basketball, we were looking for a program builder, someone with high integrity and energy, a role model for our student-athletes and a recruiter with experience attracting Big 12 caliber players," OSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=369">Chad Weiberg</a>&nbsp;said. "We believe we have found that in Jacie and I look forward to our players and fans getting to know her." A consistent trait the Roos displayed during Hoyt's time as head coach was the ability to shoot. Her 2021-22 squad ranked in the top 30 nationally in both three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage and her 2020-21 squad finished 17th nationally in three-point field goals made per game. Kansas City ranked 62nd or better nationally in three-point field goals made in four of her five years as head coach and in her final two seasons, ranked 37th and 28th, respectively, in three-point field goal percentage. Another signature trait of Hoyt's Kansas City teams was sharing the ball. In four of her five seasons, the Roos ranked either first or second in the conference in assists per game, leading the league in 2018-19 and 2020-21. She took the reins of the Kansas City program after gaining three years of Big 12 experience as an assistant coach under Jeff Mittie at Kansas State from 2014-17. Hoyt helped the Wildcats to NCAA Tournament victories in back-to-back seasons. The 2016-17 squad won 22 games overall and 11 in Big 12 play, which marked the highest totals for the program in nine seasons. Hoyt recruited and coached seven All-Big 12 student-athletes, including two All-Defensive Team and two All-Freshman Team selections, headlined by Breanna Lewis, the 23rd pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. She assisted in all facets of recruiting, scouting, game planning and on-court coaching for the Wildcats. Hoyt also coordinated and managed all areas of the elite, overnight and day camps, in addition to the High School Coaching Academy. She was a Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 30 Under 30 honoree in 2017. Prior to her time in Manhattan, Hoyt's first full-time Division I coaching job came at Nevada, where she was an assistant under her college coach, Jane Albright, from 2011-14. During her time there, Nevada achieved the program's first winning season in three years in 2013-14 and set a program record with 12 victories in Mountain West Conference play. She recruited and coached four all-conference players, including Mimi Mungedi, the 2013-14 Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year and 25th selection in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock. Hoyt was a graduate assistant coach at Fort Hays State during the 2010-11 season, where she recruited and coached two All-MIAA selections. She earned a Master of Science in Communication from FHSU. As a student-athlete at Wichita State from 2006-09, Hoyt was a team captain for Albright and started every game at point guard during her final two seasons. In 2008-09, she ranked fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference in assists. She earned the 2009 Iron Shocker Award. Hoyt was also a standout in the classroom, earning a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference, WSU Athletic Director and WSU Dean's Honor Rolls. She graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in 2009. During her high school years, Hoyt enjoyed one of the most prolific scoring careers in Kansas prep history, finishing with 2,016 points in only three seasons at Hoxie (Kan.) HS. Her career average of 26.6 points per game ranks sixth in state history. As a senior, she averaged 28.4 points, 7.4 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 steals per game. She was a three-time all-state performer in basketball and volleyball, and was also a state champion in multiple track events. Hoyt comes from a family of educators. She is the daughter of Kansas high school coaching legend Shelly Hoyt, who at one point led Hoxie HS to a state record 107 straight wins and four consecutive state titles. Her mother is currently the head coach at Eureka (Kan.) HS. Her father, Scott, is the superintendent in Eureka and two of her sisters, Tabitha and Corinna, are teachers. A third sister, Terran, served as a graduate assistant on Jacie's staff at Kansas City. She is married to Daniel Heflin. Her appointment is subject to board approval and background check.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://okstate.com/index.aspx">Oklahoma State Athletics</a>STILLWATER&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=3651">Jacie Hoyt</a>&nbsp;was introduced as the head coach of Oklahoma State women's basketball on March 20, 2022. She came to OSU after serving as head coach at Kansas City from 2017-22. Her roots in Big 12 country run deep. Her mother, Shelly Hoyt, is a Kansas High School coaching legend and Jacie, who played for her mother in high school at Hoxie, went on to play collegiately at Wichita State. In addition to leading the Kansas City program, Hoyt's coaching career includes stops at Fort Hays State, Nevada and Kansas State. "There are a million reasons to be excited about Oklahoma State," Hoyt said. "First and foremost, it's the people and the leadership there. Everyone I've had conversations with at OSU aligns with the beliefs and characteristics that lead to success. It's the community as well. OSU has a fan base that supports the program and we are passionate about giving them something to proud of." Her work at Kansas City was transformational. In her five seasons at the helm of the Roos, she compiled an 81-65 overall record (55.5 percent) and a 48-31 mark in conference play (60.8 percent). For perspective, the six Kansas City coaches before her combined to go 242-437 overall (35.6 percent) and 144-215 in conference play (40.1 percent). In 2021-22, she coached the Roos to their first postseason appearance in a decade. Hoyt led the Roos to the 2020 Western Athletic Conference regular season championship – the first in program history – and more than 20 wins in two of her final three seasons. She was honored as the 2020 WAC Coach of the Year to become the first Kansas City coach to ever receive such an honor and her top player, Ericka Mattingly, was named WAC Player of the Year. Despite moving to the more difficult Summit League in 2020-21, the Roos finished two spots better than predicted during their first year in the league and placed third in their second year. In 2018-19, the Roos led the WAC and ranked 24th nationally by averaging 76.0 points per game. Making that even more remarkable is that Hoyt inherited a Kansas City program that finished seventh, eighth and fifth in the WAC in scoring offense in the three years prior to her arrival. Twice during Hoyt's tenure did Kansas City finish among the top 50 nationally in scoring offense (2018-19 and 2021-22). "When we started the search for the next head coach of OSU Cowgirl Basketball, we were looking for a program builder, someone with high integrity and energy, a role model for our student-athletes and a recruiter with experience attracting Big 12 caliber players," OSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=369">Chad Weiberg</a>&nbsp;said. "We believe we have found that in Jacie and I look forward to our players and fans getting to know her." A consistent trait the Roos displayed during Hoyt's time as head coach was the ability to shoot. Her 2021-22 squad ranked in the top 30 nationally in both three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage and her 2020-21 squad finished 17th nationally in three-point field goals made per game. Kansas City ranked 62nd or better nationally in three-point field goals made in four of her five years as head coach and in her final two seasons, ranked 37th and 28th, respectively, in three-point field goal percentage. Another signature trait of Hoyt's Kansas City teams was sharing the ball. In four of her five seasons, the Roos ranked either first or second in the conference in assists per game, leading the league in 2018-19 and 2020-21. She took the reins of the Kansas City program after gaining three years of Big 12 experience as an assistant coach under Jeff Mittie at Kansas State from 2014-17. Hoyt helped the Wildcats to NCAA Tournament victories in back-to-back seasons. The 2016-17 squad won 22 games overall and 11 in Big 12 play, which marked the highest totals for the program in nine seasons. Hoyt recruited and coached seven All-Big 12 student-athletes, including two All-Defensive Team and two All-Freshman Team selections, headlined by Breanna Lewis, the 23rd pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. She assisted in all facets of recruiting, scouting, game planning and on-court coaching for the Wildcats. Hoyt also coordinated and managed all areas of the elite, overnight and day camps, in addition to the High School Coaching Academy. She was a Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 30 Under 30 honoree in 2017. Prior to her time in Manhattan, Hoyt's first full-time Division I coaching job came at Nevada, where she was an assistant under her college coach, Jane Albright, from 2011-14. During her time there, Nevada achieved the program's first winning season in three years in 2013-14 and set a program record with 12 victories in Mountain West Conference play. She recruited and coached four all-conference players, including Mimi Mungedi, the 2013-14 Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year and 25th selection in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock. Hoyt was a graduate assistant coach at Fort Hays State during the 2010-11 season, where she recruited and coached two All-MIAA selections. She earned a Master of Science in Communication from FHSU. As a student-athlete at Wichita State from 2006-09, Hoyt was a team captain for Albright and started every game at point guard during her final two seasons. In 2008-09, she ranked fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference in assists. She earned the 2009 Iron Shocker Award. Hoyt was also a standout in the classroom, earning a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference, WSU Athletic Director and WSU Dean's Honor Rolls. She graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in 2009. During her high school years, Hoyt enjoyed one of the most prolific scoring careers in Kansas prep history, finishing with 2,016 points in only three seasons at Hoxie (Kan.) HS. Her career average of 26.6 points per game ranks sixth in state history. As a senior, she averaged 28.4 points, 7.4 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 steals per game. She was a three-time all-state performer in basketball and volleyball, and was also a state champion in multiple track events. Hoyt comes from a family of educators. She is the daughter of Kansas high school coaching legend Shelly Hoyt, who at one point led Hoxie HS to a state record 107 straight wins and four consecutive state titles. Her mother is currently the head coach at Eureka (Kan.) HS. Her father, Scott, is the superintendent in Eureka and two of her sisters, Tabitha and Corinna, are teachers. A third sister, Terran, served as a graduate assistant on Jacie's staff at Kansas City. She is married to Daniel Heflin. Her appointment is subject to board approval and background check.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Hoyt named new Oklahoma State women's coach

On Monday, Feedlot Road from U.S. 183 to 230th Avenue will be closed until further notice for continued construction of the Northwest Business Corridor. The
project is currently progressing and will be transitioning to Phase 2, which includes the reconstruction of this section of Feedlot Road. Adjacent property owners will be
provided access to their property, however no through-access will be permitted.


Traffic along U.S. 183 will be diverted to 55th Street to access 230th Avenue. For questions pertaining to the project, call the contractor representative Clayton Pagenkopf
(316) 640-2733 with Wildcat Construction or contact Buck Driggs with Driggs Design Group PA at (785) 313-1346.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647526433228.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseOn Monday, Feedlot Road from U.S. 183 to 230th Avenue will be closed until further notice for continued construction of the Northwest Business Corridor. The
project is currently progressing and will be transitioning to Phase 2, which includes the reconstruction of this section of Feedlot Road. Adjacent property owners will be
provided access to their property, however no through-access will be permitted.
Traffic along U.S. 183 will be diverted to 55th Street to access 230th Avenue. For questions pertaining to the project, call the contractor representative Clayton Pagenkopf
(316) 640-2733 with Wildcat Construction or contact Buck Driggs with Driggs Design Group PA at (785) 313-1346.

Feedlot Road will be closed as business corridor build continues

Oakley High School plans to host&nbsp;“Nashville Legacy”&nbsp;at 3 p.m. CST, on Sunday,&nbsp;March 27.

This 52nd&nbsp;anniversary season concert is made possible from businesses and individual donors throughout northwest Kansas including special grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation for Logan County, Bird City. At the door admission is $20 adults and $10 students.

The musicians&nbsp;bring new life to the&nbsp;“Nashville&nbsp;Sound”&nbsp;pioneered by their legendary forerunners –&nbsp;Jason&nbsp;Coleman’s grandfather&nbsp;Floyd Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Meagan&nbsp;Taylor’s uncle&nbsp;Chet Atkins&nbsp;– in this nostalgic concert,&nbsp;“Nashville Legacy.”&nbsp;You’ll hear&nbsp;the musicians&nbsp;perform songs like&nbsp;Cramer’s “Last Date” on piano and&nbsp;Atkins’&nbsp;“Freight Train” on guitar.

Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;were&nbsp;legends at their instruments, two giants in the music industry.&nbsp;Cramer’s unique “slip note” piano style was an essential part of countless country, pop, and rock hits in the 1950s and ‘60s and is widely regarded as the standard for country piano.&nbsp;As&nbsp;innovative thumb-style guitar led&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;to become known as one of the world’s pre-eminent guitar virtuosos, and many of the records he produced for RCA have become classics.

Though&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;have passed away, their&nbsp;Nashville Legacy&nbsp;lives on through pianist&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;and&nbsp;guitarist&nbsp;Taylor.&nbsp;In this concert,&nbsp;the musicians&nbsp;take audiences on a journey back in time to Nashville’s “golden era,” sharing the music made famous by&nbsp;Cramer and Atkins, as well as by the countless country, pop, and rock artists whose careers they impacted, including Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, the&nbsp;Everly&nbsp;Brothers, Roy Orbison, Don Gibson, Dolly Parton&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jim Reeves.

The concert is much more than just music, the two share their&nbsp;personal stories of growing up with “Granddad” and “Uncle Chester,” and audiences will enjoy hearing tales of Nashville’s early recording days as told straight from the source.&nbsp;Nashville Legacy&nbsp;is&nbsp;topped off&nbsp;by&nbsp;a&nbsp;heartwarming series of video duets with&nbsp;the descendants&nbsp;and their legendary predecessors that you’ll have to see to believe.

From a young age, it was evident that&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;had inherited his grandfather’s “slip note” touch at the piano, as it managed to “slip” its way into even the most elementary songs from his early piano lessons.&nbsp;Coleman’s keen ability to play music by ear led to a childhood spent arranging his own renditions of the songs he loved, just as his “Granddad” did throughout his career.&nbsp;He&nbsp;grew up performing with&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;at his concerts and on national&nbsp;television.Though he was only 12 years old when&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;passed away, the close relationship they shared formed the foundation upon which&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;has built his own&nbsp;music&nbsp;career.&nbsp;He&nbsp;made his Grand Ole Opry debut at age 17, and two years later, he was given the honor of playing for the Medallion Ceremony recognizing&nbsp;Cramer’s induction into&nbsp;the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Taylor&nbsp;started out playing piano and then switched to fiddle around age 10, when Atkins gave her a lesson. She did not begin playing guitar until she was 18. While his health had begun failing by then,&nbsp;Atkins’ friends were able to teach&nbsp;her&nbsp;many&nbsp;of his techniques, and today is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist herself.

See&nbsp;jasoncolemanmusic.com&nbsp;for&nbsp;album&nbsp;information.&nbsp;Coleman and Taylor have&nbsp;produced&nbsp;a number of&nbsp;albums&nbsp;individually or together&nbsp;over&nbsp;the nearly 20&nbsp;years they have known one another.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581542018976.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WPAAOakley High School plans to host&nbsp;“Nashville Legacy”&nbsp;at 3 p.m. CST, on Sunday,&nbsp;March 27.This 52nd&nbsp;anniversary season concert is made possible from businesses and individual donors throughout northwest Kansas including special grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation for Logan County, Bird City. At the door admission is $20 adults and $10 students.The musicians&nbsp;bring new life to the&nbsp;“Nashville&nbsp;Sound”&nbsp;pioneered by their legendary forerunners –&nbsp;Jason&nbsp;Coleman’s grandfather&nbsp;Floyd Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Meagan&nbsp;Taylor’s uncle&nbsp;Chet Atkins&nbsp;– in this nostalgic concert,&nbsp;“Nashville Legacy.”&nbsp;You’ll hear&nbsp;the musicians&nbsp;perform songs like&nbsp;Cramer’s “Last Date” on piano and&nbsp;Atkins’&nbsp;“Freight Train” on guitar.Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;were&nbsp;legends at their instruments, two giants in the music industry.&nbsp;Cramer’s unique “slip note” piano style was an essential part of countless country, pop, and rock hits in the 1950s and ‘60s and is widely regarded as the standard for country piano.&nbsp;As&nbsp;innovative thumb-style guitar led&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;to become known as one of the world’s pre-eminent guitar virtuosos, and many of the records he produced for RCA have become classics.Though&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Atkins&nbsp;have passed away, their&nbsp;Nashville Legacy&nbsp;lives on through pianist&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;and&nbsp;guitarist&nbsp;Taylor.&nbsp;In this concert,&nbsp;the musicians&nbsp;take audiences on a journey back in time to Nashville’s “golden era,” sharing the music made famous by&nbsp;Cramer and Atkins, as well as by the countless country, pop, and rock artists whose careers they impacted, including Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, the&nbsp;Everly&nbsp;Brothers, Roy Orbison, Don Gibson, Dolly Parton&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jim Reeves.The concert is much more than just music, the two share their&nbsp;personal stories of growing up with “Granddad” and “Uncle Chester,” and audiences will enjoy hearing tales of Nashville’s early recording days as told straight from the source.&nbsp;Nashville Legacy&nbsp;is&nbsp;topped off&nbsp;by&nbsp;a&nbsp;heartwarming series of video duets with&nbsp;the descendants&nbsp;and their legendary predecessors that you’ll have to see to believe.From a young age, it was evident that&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;had inherited his grandfather’s “slip note” touch at the piano, as it managed to “slip” its way into even the most elementary songs from his early piano lessons.&nbsp;Coleman’s keen ability to play music by ear led to a childhood spent arranging his own renditions of the songs he loved, just as his “Granddad” did throughout his career.&nbsp;He&nbsp;grew up performing with&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;at his concerts and on national&nbsp;television.Though he was only 12 years old when&nbsp;Cramer&nbsp;passed away, the close relationship they shared formed the foundation upon which&nbsp;Coleman&nbsp;has built his own&nbsp;music&nbsp;career.&nbsp;He&nbsp;made his Grand Ole Opry debut at age 17, and two years later, he was given the honor of playing for the Medallion Ceremony recognizing&nbsp;Cramer’s induction into&nbsp;the Country Music Hall of Fame.Taylor&nbsp;started out playing piano and then switched to fiddle around age 10, when Atkins gave her a lesson. She did not begin playing guitar until she was 18. While his health had begun failing by then,&nbsp;Atkins’ friends were able to teach&nbsp;her&nbsp;many&nbsp;of his techniques, and today is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist herself.See&nbsp;jasoncolemanmusic.com&nbsp;for&nbsp;album&nbsp;information.&nbsp;Coleman and Taylor have&nbsp;produced&nbsp;a number of&nbsp;albums&nbsp;individually or together&nbsp;over&nbsp;the nearly 20&nbsp;years they have known one another.

'Nashville Legacy' will take stage at Oakley High School

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647626511088.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>

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

Let’s take a trip back in time. How far?&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s say, a couple of thousand years. That’s the premise of a play that one rural Kansas community performs live on Easter Sunday, using a remarkable stone outcropping as a natural stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dale and Berny Unruh and Roy and Tricia Prescott are co-organizers of the working committee that produces this play as the Pawnee Rock Easter Pageant. Dale is a native of the area who taught agriculture before farming. While at K-State, he met his wife Berny, who became an extension agent. Berny is originally from the rural community of Munden, population 100 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Tricia grew up at Pawnee Rock. She went to Fort Hays State, married Roy, and is a teacher. Both the Unruhs and the Prescotts live near Pawnee Rock today.&nbsp;

The town of Pawnee Rock is named for the actual rock, a remarkable sandstone outcropping that stands 50 feet above the surrounding plains. For centuries it has been a landmark for natives and travelers across the prairie.&nbsp;

In 1932, an east-coast author wrote an Easter-themed play called&nbsp;The Way of the Cross.&nbsp;&nbsp;It tells the story of a modern-day person who goes back in time and is observing the events in the city of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’s crucifixion. According to the Bible, the crucifixion took place on a hill near Jerusalem.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647437315419.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Let’s take a trip back in time. How far?&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s say, a couple of thousand years. That’s the premise of a play that one rural Kansas community performs live on Easter Sunday, using a remarkable stone outcropping as a natural stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dale and Berny Unruh and Roy and Tricia Prescott are co-organizers of the working committee that produces this play as the Pawnee Rock Easter Pageant. Dale is a native of the area who taught agriculture before farming. While at K-State, he met his wife Berny, who became an extension agent. Berny is originally from the rural community of Munden, population 100 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Tricia grew up at Pawnee Rock. She went to Fort Hays State, married Roy, and is a teacher. Both the Unruhs and the Prescotts live near Pawnee Rock today.&nbsp;The town of Pawnee Rock is named for the actual rock, a remarkable sandstone outcropping that stands 50 feet above the surrounding plains. For centuries it has been a landmark for natives and travelers across the prairie.&nbsp;In 1932, an east-coast author wrote an Easter-themed play called&nbsp;The Way of the Cross.&nbsp;&nbsp;It tells the story of a modern-day person who goes back in time and is observing the events in the city of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’s crucifixion. According to the Bible, the crucifixion took place on a hill near Jerusalem.&nbsp;In 1936, the ministerial alliance at Pawnee Rock decided to perform this play outside as a sunrise Easter pageant, using the rock itself as the natural backdrop. Three crosses were temporarily placed atop the rock. A choir provided accompaniment. It worked so well that, until 1972, the pageant was performed annually (except for World War II) on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;In 1981, the pageant was revived by local volunteers with the plan to perform it every other year. That tradition continues today, although the pandemic forced a postponement in 2021. On April 17, volunteers will again perform the pageant at the historic Pawnee Rock.&nbsp;Vivian Bright was the organizer of this event for more than 20 years. Vivian turns 90 in 2022. In 2019, her daughter Tricia Prescott and Tricia’s husband Roy assumed the co-organizer role along with the Unruhs.&nbsp;This is a multi-generational community event. Tricia and Dale remember their parents hauling them to the pageant as kids. Tricia now plays the part of Salome, which her mother Vivian had played at one time. “(Vivian’s) mom had helped with the choir in the 1940s,” Tricia said.&nbsp;There are also roles in the play for children. “I was told, `We’d like your daughter to play one of the children’s parts. And by the way, since you’re here anyway, we’ve got an opening for a Pharisee,” Dale said. The Unruhs have been involved ever since.&nbsp;Dale and Berny’s daughters are now grown. Both live in Manhattan but return for the pageant. Nicolette is a managing partner of Nico’s Little Italy restaurant and Danette is a radiology technician. In the pageant, Nicolette plays Mary Magdalene and Danette is the Spirit of Easter. Their mom Berny helps with the costuming.&nbsp;In 2022, Tricia Prescott’s seven-year-old granddaughter will fill one of the children’s roles. That would make the fifth generation of her family to participate in the event.&nbsp;A professional sound company provides sound for a discounted fee. Volunteers do setup and cleanup. After the pageant, the owner of the old train depot opens it up for donuts and coffee.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is a fun event for our little community to really grab hold of, and the play has a great message,” Dale said. The rock itself is a prominent feature of the play.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That setting makes you feel like you’re going back in time,” he said. “It’s a really bright spot for our community,” Tricia said.&nbsp;For more information about the pageant, search for Pawnee Rock Easter on Facebook.&nbsp;It’s time to return to the present, where the rural community of Pawnee Rock is preparing for the 2022 Easter pageant. We commend all the volunteers who are making a difference by conducting this performance. I hope they rock on!&nbsp;

Local