By Patrick Miller, University of Kansas, and Michael Smith, Emporia State University

Our friend and&nbsp;Insight&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;co-contributor, Dr. Burdett “Bird” Loomis, died on Sept. 25, 2021. Though he never sought elected office, Burdett epitomized a life well-lived in public service. His passing leaves a gigantic hole in civic life in Kansas.

We knew Burdett best as a public citizen who wrote about politics and mentored students. We cannot do him full justice here. His local political activism, scholarly research, love of art for political expression, and myriad other aspects of this multifaceted man could be separate columns themselves.

In over 30 years as a political science professor at the University of Kansas, Burdett taught, mentored students, and published research. But describing his job tasks doesn’t do him justice.

Political science today is often focused on making broad conclusions about politics using “big data” and statistics. But, Burdett was gloriously old school in his approach to understanding politics, relishing in the dramatic trees of political life when others often preferred the forest. He was a storyteller who appreciated real human connections with those involved in the politics industry. If they were lucky, they got an invitation to his house for a cocktail and conversation.

Burdett’s commentary about Kansas politics came with an extra deep layer of understanding because he actually knew many people left, right, and center that he talked about—governors, legislators, key activists and lobbyists. He knew their personalities, motives, and sometimes even their fears. That deep memory of Kansas politics cannot be replaced.

Burdett was realistically honest about politics. He liked to quote an old-fashioned cartoon character named “Mr. Dooley,” who said, “politics ain’t beanbag.”

Nonetheless, he was fundamentally civil about politics. Though occasionally sarcastic and often pointed, he genuinely believed that people who disagree can compromise for the public good to make life better for more people without dwelling on point-scoring theatrics, profiteering, or ego.

He appreciated honest disagreement and, as he once told a colleague, had little appetite for “jerks,” whether he agreed with them or not. He could be genuine friends with people he shared nothing in common with politically, and critique ideas without demeaning the person—a skill that many have lost.

In recent years, Burdett often lamented to us that detailed policymaking and the maximal public good have lost much of their centrality in politics. He feared what that meant for Kansas’s future. That was always a sad conversation to have, but it revealed his core concerns as a public citizen.

Burdett’s legacy will also live on through his students, many of whom have shared stories on social media since his passing about how he helped shape their life trajectories.

He was especially proud of his work running the KU Political Science Department’s internship programs for Washington and Topeka. Hundreds of students completed his program over the decades, including several from other Kansas universities. Many went on to careers in public life as elected officials, policy professionals, advocates and activists, and career public servants. And many of them credit Burdett’s mentoring through the internship program with putting them on that course to public service.

This was Bird in a nutshell—loving politics (as he once knew it) and passionately advocating for an honest and smart political process that elevated the common good. He is irreplaceable, but we know that political life in our state is better for his involvement.

By Patrick Miller, University of Kansas, and Michael Smith, Emporia State University<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632695608718.png" alt="Burdett Loomis " />
 <figcaption>Burdett Loomis </figcaption>
 </figure>Our friend and&nbsp;Insight&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;co-contributor, Dr. Burdett “Bird” Loomis, died on Sept. 25, 2021. Though he never sought elected office, Burdett epitomized a life well-lived in public service. His passing leaves a gigantic hole in civic life in Kansas.We knew Burdett best as a public citizen who wrote about politics and mentored students. We cannot do him full justice here. His local political activism, scholarly research, love of art for political expression, and myriad other aspects of this multifaceted man could be separate columns themselves.In over 30 years as a political science professor at the University of Kansas, Burdett taught, mentored students, and published research. But describing his job tasks doesn’t do him justice.Political science today is often focused on making broad conclusions about politics using “big data” and statistics. But, Burdett was gloriously old school in his approach to understanding politics, relishing in the dramatic trees of political life when others often preferred the forest. He was a storyteller who appreciated real human connections with those involved in the politics industry. If they were lucky, they got an invitation to his house for a cocktail and conversation.Burdett’s commentary about Kansas politics came with an extra deep layer of understanding because he actually knew many people left, right, and center that he talked about—governors, legislators, key activists and lobbyists. He knew their personalities, motives, and sometimes even their fears. That deep memory of Kansas politics cannot be replaced.Burdett was realistically honest about politics. He liked to quote an old-fashioned cartoon character named “Mr. Dooley,” who said, “politics ain’t beanbag.”Nonetheless, he was fundamentally civil about politics. Though occasionally sarcastic and often pointed, he genuinely believed that people who disagree can compromise for the public good to make life better for more people without dwelling on point-scoring theatrics, profiteering, or ego.He appreciated honest disagreement and, as he once told a colleague, had little appetite for “jerks,” whether he agreed with them or not. He could be genuine friends with people he shared nothing in common with politically, and critique ideas without demeaning the person—a skill that many have lost.In recent years, Burdett often lamented to us that detailed policymaking and the maximal public good have lost much of their centrality in politics. He feared what that meant for Kansas’s future. That was always a sad conversation to have, but it revealed his core concerns as a public citizen.Burdett’s legacy will also live on through his students, many of whom have shared stories on social media since his passing about how he helped shape their life trajectories.He was especially proud of his work running the KU Political Science Department’s internship programs for Washington and Topeka. Hundreds of students completed his program over the decades, including several from other Kansas universities. Many went on to careers in public life as elected officials, policy professionals, advocates and activists, and career public servants. And many of them credit Burdett’s mentoring through the internship program with putting them on that course to public service.This was Bird in a nutshell—loving politics (as he once knew it) and passionately advocating for an honest and smart political process that elevated the common good. He is irreplaceable, but we know that political life in our state is better for his involvement.

INSIGHT: Remembering Burdett Loomis the public citizen

Monday marked the start of Estate Planning Awareness week and the Heartland Community Foundation hopes area residents take advantage of free estate planning offered through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

Heartland Community Foundation executive director Sarah Meitner said having a plan in place can help those left behind fulfill final wishes.

"I see different numbers, different stats,
but only like 30 percent of adults have a will or a state plan in place when they
pass," Meitner said. "And all that that does by not having one is complicate it for your heirs."

And for those with children still in the home, she said having a plan in place can also ensure their needs are met.

"That is also, very important to plan ahead and to have had those discussions so that your loved ones aren't left wondering what to do," Meitner said.

Having a plan in place is also a benefit for the organizations a person supports and the community.

"You know, we at the community foundation, want to see our community be
sustainable and prosperous for generations," Meitner said. "And that means talking to donors
talking to people about having an estate plan. We hope that they might have a
charitable component as part of that — to maybe look at their community and
identify something that they're passionate about and leave a little bit to
that organization or to that whatever that passionate cause is."

She said even the donation of a small part of an estate can have a large impact.

 "Leave 95 percent to your heirs. Maybe take 5 percent to leave to whatever
charitable cause or your church is most important to you," Meitner said. "But to think about
that ahead of time, will certainly make it easier for your heirs and faster
for them to tie everything up after you're gone."

And giving even a small amount can ensure money stays within the local economy.

"Here's a great example," Meitner said. "Say there's, you know, Mary and
John donate every year to United Way. And just as an example, it could be any
organization but, you know, the folks that United Way have come to depend on
that $1,000 every year as part of their campaign. ... 

"They know to expect it. Well, after Mary and John are gone and their kids have
inherited all of the money. That money is no longer going to United Way or
whatever other cause. And Mary and John probably would have wanted that $1,000
to continue going to United Way. So it's little things like that."

 So in an effort to support more area residents with estate planning, Ellis County residents can sign up for free planning through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

"So what that does, it takes about four to five
meetings you meet with him, you have your estate plan," Meitner said. "It's all free, you then take your estate plan and you have to then take it to an
attorney to fully execute."

While the attorney fee will apply, the planning she said is done without charge.

"But the planning part, you know, four to five meetings
of discussions each one's about one to two hours of time that part is included," Meitner said. "The only thing that Hansen asks is that you do have a charitable interest."

"So anybody who's interested in taking
advantage of that, Hansen certainly wants to help get you scheduled," she said. "You can
give me a call and I can help put you through the pipeline to help you see
somebody and check that mark check that off your to-do list. ...&nbsp;

"There's still three
months or two and a half months left of the year. You can be working on it and head into the new year feeling like you're making some progress, which is,
you know, really cool."

<div><iframe title="Heartland Community Foundation launches fall grant cycle" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2ijsn-1100ac1-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostMonday marked the start of Estate Planning Awareness week and the Heartland Community Foundation hopes area residents take advantage of free estate planning offered through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.Heartland Community Foundation executive director Sarah Meitner said having a plan in place can help those left behind fulfill final wishes."I see different numbers, different stats,
but only like 30 percent of adults have a will or a state plan in place when they
pass," Meitner said. "And all that that does by not having one is complicate it for your heirs."And for those with children still in the home, she said having a plan in place can also ensure their needs are met."That is also, very important to plan ahead and to have had those discussions so that your loved ones aren't left wondering what to do," Meitner said.Having a plan in place is also a benefit for the organizations a person supports and the community."You know, we at the community foundation, want to see our community be
sustainable and prosperous for generations," Meitner said. "And that means talking to donors
talking to people about having an estate plan. We hope that they might have a
charitable component as part of that — to maybe look at their community and
identify something that they're passionate about and leave a little bit to
that organization or to that whatever that passionate cause is."She said even the donation of a small part of an estate can have a large impact. "Leave 95 percent to your heirs. Maybe take 5 percent to leave to whatever
charitable cause or your church is most important to you," Meitner said. "But to think about
that ahead of time, will certainly make it easier for your heirs and faster
for them to tie everything up after you're gone."And giving even a small amount can ensure money stays within the local economy."Here's a great example," Meitner said. "Say there's, you know, Mary and
John donate every year to United Way. And just as an example, it could be any
organization but, you know, the folks that United Way have come to depend on
that $1,000 every year as part of their campaign. ... "They know to expect it. Well, after Mary and John are gone and their kids have
inherited all of the money. That money is no longer going to United Way or
whatever other cause. And Mary and John probably would have wanted that $1,000
to continue going to United Way. So it's little things like that." So in an effort to support more area residents with estate planning, Ellis County residents can sign up for free planning through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation."So what that does, it takes about four to five
meetings you meet with him, you have your estate plan," Meitner said. "It's all free, you then take your estate plan and you have to then take it to an
attorney to fully execute."While the attorney fee will apply, the planning she said is done without charge."But the planning part, you know, four to five meetings
of discussions each one's about one to two hours of time that part is included," Meitner said. "The only thing that Hansen asks is that you do have a charitable interest.""So anybody who's interested in taking
advantage of that, Hansen certainly wants to help get you scheduled," she said. "You can
give me a call and I can help put you through the pipeline to help you see
somebody and check that mark check that off your to-do list. ...&nbsp;"There's still three
months or two and a half months left of the year. You can be working on it and head into the new year feeling like you're making some progress, which is,
you know, really cool."

🎙 Free estate planning offered by foundation

Three-day weather outlook

Though we often think of soil testing as a spring chore, fall can be a better time.

Soil-testing laboratories are often very busy during the spring resulting in a longer turnaround from submission to recommendations. Also, soils in the spring are often waterlogged, making taking samples difficult.

If your soil test suggests more organic matter, fall is a much better season because materials are more available than in the spring (tree leaves), and fresher materials can be used without harming young tender spring-planted plants.

​Begin by taking a representative sample from at least six locations in the garden or lawn. Each sample should contain soil from the surface to about 6 to 8 inches deep.

This is most easily done with a soil sampler. Many K-State Research and Extension offices have such samplers available for checkout. If you don’t have a sampler, use a shovel to dig straight down into the soil. Then shave a small layer off the back of the hole for your sample. Mix the samples together in a clean plastic container and select about 1 to 1.5 cups of soil. This can be placed in a plastic container such as a resealable plastic bag.

Take the soil to your county extension office to have tests done for a small charge at the K-State soil-testing laboratory. A soil test determines fertility problems, not other conditions that may exist such as poor drainage, poor soil structure, soil-borne diseases or insects, chemical contaminants or damage, or shade with root competition from other plants. All these conditions may reduce plant performance but cannot be evaluated by a soil test. Lauren Walz is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634147981287.jpeg" alt="Lauren Walz is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Lauren Walz is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>Though we often think of soil testing as a spring chore, fall can be a better time.Soil-testing laboratories are often very busy during the spring resulting in a longer turnaround from submission to recommendations. Also, soils in the spring are often waterlogged, making taking samples difficult.If your soil test suggests more organic matter, fall is a much better season because materials are more available than in the spring (tree leaves), and fresher materials can be used without harming young tender spring-planted plants.​Begin by taking a representative sample from at least six locations in the garden or lawn. Each sample should contain soil from the surface to about 6 to 8 inches deep.This is most easily done with a soil sampler. Many K-State Research and Extension offices have such samplers available for checkout. If you don’t have a sampler, use a shovel to dig straight down into the soil. Then shave a small layer off the back of the hole for your sample. Mix the samples together in a clean plastic container and select about 1 to 1.5 cups of soil. This can be placed in a plastic container such as a resealable plastic bag.Take the soil to your county extension office to have tests done for a small charge at the K-State soil-testing laboratory. A soil test determines fertility problems, not other conditions that may exist such as poor drainage, poor soil structure, soil-borne diseases or insects, chemical contaminants or damage, or shade with root competition from other plants. All these conditions may reduce plant performance but cannot be evaluated by a soil test. Lauren Walz is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.

WALZ: ​Fall is a Good Time for Soil Testing 

The October 14 Hays City Commission meeting has been canceled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe October 14 Hays City Commission meeting has been canceled.

City commission meeting canceled this week

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

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

The KDHE reported Wednesday 50.96 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 55.61 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,456 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634150330848.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;The KDHE reported Wednesday 50.96 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 55.61 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,456 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 17 new virus cases in Ellis County since Monday

Each year North Central Kansas
Technical College awards scholarships to a variety of on-campus
students. These opportunities are made possible by the generous donations given
to the NCK Tech Foundation earmarked for student scholarships. 

Every fall, NCK
Tech hosts a reception to honor the scholarship recipients and donors.&nbsp;

 "Our scholarship receptions are
very unique occasions that bring our donors together with our students and give
them the opportunity to meet each other. This is very impacting for our
students to meet the people who have helped them by providing a scholarship to
further their education," said Mendi Anschutz, director of advancement.

To learn more about some of the school's scholarship
opportunities, visit: <a href="https://ncktc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/">ncktc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/</a>.

If you are
interested in becoming a donor to the NCK Tech Foundation, you may contact
Director Anschutz at manschutz@ncktc.edu or call 785-738-9090.


Congratulations to all of the students awarded Foundation scholarships this
Fall 2021:

8 Man Football All Star
Scholarship – Matthew Delaney, Tyler Good, and Trace Tasset

Austin Newell Memorial
Scholarship – Tucker Closman

Stan Creitz Memorial
Scholarship – Brandon Crane

Severance Family Scholarship –
Rhett Griffiths and Nolan Roths

Charles N. Tuley Scholarship –
Grant Nabity, Nathan Snively, and Dylan White

Cunningham Communications
Scholarship – Logan Fickes

Dane G. Hansen Career
Enhancement Scholarship – Mathieu Beougher, Mandy Rowh-Hovis, Said Lahairi,
Madison Renken, Allison Saunders

Evan Dykes Memorial Scholarship
– Tucker Closman

Evelyn A. Jordan Topliff
Scholarship – Cooper Adams

Harold and Eileen Fraiser
Scholarship – Preston Renz

Hays Medical Center Volunteers
Nursing Scholarship –Yamoudji Diarra, Annette Freestone, Tessa Krzycki

Jacob Gallentine Memorial
Scholarship – Garrett Randel

Judy Murphy Memorial Nursing
Scholarship – Annette Freestone

John Matthews Memorial
Scholarship – Logan Fickes

Layton Kaiser Family Scholarship
– Jessica Schield

Mike and Jeannie Michaelis
Scholarship – Derek Eichman, Madalyn William

Osborne Industries Scholarship
– Brycen Detimore

Sue Adams Memorial Scholarship
– Haleigh Gerstmann and Jennifer McCallie

Robert and Dorcas Severence
Scholarship – Lauran Klaus and Patrick O’Toole

Robert and Patricia Schmidt
Foundation General Scholarship – Patrick O’Toole

Robert and Patricia Schmidt
Foundation Nursing Scholarship - Paul Arias, Tabetha Bisnette, Yamoudji Diarra,
Gracie Michelle Dibble, Kylee Girard, Annette Freestone, Lauren Klaus,
Elizabeth Koel, Tessa Krzycki, Jennifer McCallie, Michelle McPherson, Destiny
Rock, Miranda Shellito, Paola Tinoco Hernandez

Robert Severance SVC Foundation
Scholarship – Tucker Closman, Preston Renz, and Benjamin Wick

NCK TechEach year North Central Kansas
Technical College awards scholarships to a variety of on-campus
students. These opportunities are made possible by the generous donations given
to the NCK Tech Foundation earmarked for student scholarships. Every fall, NCK
Tech hosts a reception to honor the scholarship recipients and donors.&nbsp; "Our scholarship receptions are
very unique occasions that bring our donors together with our students and give
them the opportunity to meet each other. This is very impacting for our
students to meet the people who have helped them by providing a scholarship to
further their education," said Mendi Anschutz, director of advancement. To learn more about some of the school's scholarship
opportunities, visit: <a href="https://ncktc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/">ncktc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/</a>. If you are
interested in becoming a donor to the NCK Tech Foundation, you may contact
Director Anschutz at manschutz@ncktc.edu or call 785-738-9090.
Congratulations to all of the students awarded Foundation scholarships this
Fall 2021:8 Man Football All Star
Scholarship – Matthew Delaney, Tyler Good, and Trace TassetAustin Newell Memorial
Scholarship – Tucker ClosmanStan Creitz Memorial
Scholarship – Brandon CraneSeverance Family Scholarship –
Rhett Griffiths and Nolan RothsCharles N. Tuley Scholarship –
Grant Nabity, Nathan Snively, and Dylan WhiteCunningham Communications
Scholarship – Logan FickesDane G. Hansen Career
Enhancement Scholarship – Mathieu Beougher, Mandy Rowh-Hovis, Said Lahairi,
Madison Renken, Allison SaundersEvan Dykes Memorial Scholarship
– Tucker ClosmanEvelyn A. Jordan Topliff
Scholarship – Cooper AdamsHarold and Eileen Fraiser
Scholarship – Preston RenzHays Medical Center Volunteers
Nursing Scholarship –Yamoudji Diarra, Annette Freestone, Tessa KrzyckiJacob Gallentine Memorial
Scholarship – Garrett RandelJudy Murphy Memorial Nursing
Scholarship – Annette FreestoneJohn Matthews Memorial
Scholarship – Logan FickesLayton Kaiser Family Scholarship
– Jessica SchieldMike and Jeannie Michaelis
Scholarship – Derek Eichman, Madalyn WilliamOsborne Industries Scholarship
– Brycen DetimoreSue Adams Memorial Scholarship
– Haleigh Gerstmann and Jennifer McCallieRobert and Dorcas Severence
Scholarship – Lauran Klaus and Patrick O’TooleRobert and Patricia Schmidt
Foundation General Scholarship – Patrick O’TooleRobert and Patricia Schmidt
Foundation Nursing Scholarship - Paul Arias, Tabetha Bisnette, Yamoudji Diarra,
Gracie Michelle Dibble, Kylee Girard, Annette Freestone, Lauren Klaus,
Elizabeth Koel, Tessa Krzycki, Jennifer McCallie, Michelle McPherson, Destiny
Rock, Miranda Shellito, Paola Tinoco HernandezRobert Severance SVC Foundation
Scholarship – Tucker Closman, Preston Renz, and Benjamin Wick

NCK Tech presents fall 2021 foundation scholarships

By DALE YOUNKER Natural Resources Conservation Service One of the biggest concerns I hear about cover crops in dryland cropping systems is that they use moisture that is needed for the next cash crop. I will concede that cover crops use moisture, just like any living, growing green plant. But do they use any more moisture than what is typically lost during the fallow period anyway.

Research from USDA-ARS Great Plains Research Centers and Kansas State University Research and Extension show that only about 25% of the moisture received during a fallow period is captured and stored in the soil. This varies depending on the type and amount of tillage done, weather conditions, soil type and so on. The rest is lost through runoff, evaporation, transpiration from weeds and deep percolation below the root zone. Based on those losses, a field that receives 20 inches of moisture during the fallow period will only gain about 5 inches of soil moisture for the next cash crop and 15 inches is just lost. 

The question then becomes, can we grow a cover crop on the moisture we are losing anyway to help decrease evaporation, improve infiltration rates, increase water holding capacity and provide other soil health benefits? I believe that we can If the cover crop mix is properly designed, and planted and terminated timely

Millets are a good base for summer cover crop mixes planted into wheat stubble. These low water use, shallow rooted species grow and mature quickly once they are established. Because of the small seed size, they need be planted no more than about an inch deep. With the small seed size a few pounds go a long way in the mix, so they are very economical to use. 

Adding a pound or two deep rooted species like radishes or sunflower will help break compaction layers that most cropped fields have. A legume, like sunn hemp, could also be added if allowed to grow long enough to fix nitrogen. 

I prefer to plant these mixes as soon after harvest as soon as possible if there is enough soil moisture to get the seeds to geminate and come up. If not, the planting can be delayed up to mid-August. Most of these mixes are designed to die after a hard freeze but if conditions become dry, or if a large flush of volunteer wheat comes up, the cover crop should be terminated earlier to limit its moisture use.

I like planting cover crops in the fall, behind grain sorghum and corn if they can be planted prior to November 1st. Winter cereal grains like wheat, triticale, rye and barley provide a good base for these mixes. Adding a pound or two of turnips and radishes will help break up compaction layers. A legume, like winter peas, or a vetch, could be added to help fix some nitrogen. 

After November 1st I would delay the planting until early spring and use oats as the base of the mix. If growing conditions are favorable, and the field is going to wheat the next fall, I would delay termination of these mixes to about the early heading stage. If another fall crop is going to be planted that spring, or If conditions become dry, you may want to terminate earlier.

Consider the economics when incorporating cover crops into you cropping system and figure your all your costs and returns. It takes money to establish a cover crop, but that cost may be offset with less spray and/or tillage passes during the fallow period. Other economic gains can be made by potentially grazing the cover crop and increased weed suppression.

We have several producers in western Kansas successfully incorporating cover crops in their fallow cropping systems. As a rule, their cash crop yields haven’t decreased and some years they have seen dramatic increases. The key to their success is paying attention to detail, using the right cover crop mix, and planting and terminating in a timely manner based on the weather and field conditions.

For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is a soil health specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628525048992.jpeg" alt="Dale Younker&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dale Younker&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By DALE YOUNKER Natural Resources Conservation Service One of the biggest concerns I hear about cover crops in dryland cropping systems is that they use moisture that is needed for the next cash crop. I will concede that cover crops use moisture, just like any living, growing green plant. But do they use any more moisture than what is typically lost during the fallow period anyway.Research from USDA-ARS Great Plains Research Centers and Kansas State University Research and Extension show that only about 25% of the moisture received during a fallow period is captured and stored in the soil. This varies depending on the type and amount of tillage done, weather conditions, soil type and so on. The rest is lost through runoff, evaporation, transpiration from weeds and deep percolation below the root zone. Based on those losses, a field that receives 20 inches of moisture during the fallow period will only gain about 5 inches of soil moisture for the next cash crop and 15 inches is just lost. The question then becomes, can we grow a cover crop on the moisture we are losing anyway to help decrease evaporation, improve infiltration rates, increase water holding capacity and provide other soil health benefits? I believe that we can If the cover crop mix is properly designed, and planted and terminated timelyMillets are a good base for summer cover crop mixes planted into wheat stubble. These low water use, shallow rooted species grow and mature quickly once they are established. Because of the small seed size, they need be planted no more than about an inch deep. With the small seed size a few pounds go a long way in the mix, so they are very economical to use. Adding a pound or two deep rooted species like radishes or sunflower will help break compaction layers that most cropped fields have. A legume, like sunn hemp, could also be added if allowed to grow long enough to fix nitrogen. I prefer to plant these mixes as soon after harvest as soon as possible if there is enough soil moisture to get the seeds to geminate and come up. If not, the planting can be delayed up to mid-August. Most of these mixes are designed to die after a hard freeze but if conditions become dry, or if a large flush of volunteer wheat comes up, the cover crop should be terminated earlier to limit its moisture use.I like planting cover crops in the fall, behind grain sorghum and corn if they can be planted prior to November 1st. Winter cereal grains like wheat, triticale, rye and barley provide a good base for these mixes. Adding a pound or two of turnips and radishes will help break up compaction layers. A legume, like winter peas, or a vetch, could be added to help fix some nitrogen. After November 1st I would delay the planting until early spring and use oats as the base of the mix. If growing conditions are favorable, and the field is going to wheat the next fall, I would delay termination of these mixes to about the early heading stage. If another fall crop is going to be planted that spring, or If conditions become dry, you may want to terminate earlier.Consider the economics when incorporating cover crops into you cropping system and figure your all your costs and returns. It takes money to establish a cover crop, but that cost may be offset with less spray and/or tillage passes during the fallow period. Other economic gains can be made by potentially grazing the cover crop and increased weed suppression.We have several producers in western Kansas successfully incorporating cover crops in their fallow cropping systems. As a rule, their cash crop yields haven’t decreased and some years they have seen dramatic increases. The key to their success is paying attention to detail, using the right cover crop mix, and planting and terminating in a timely manner based on the weather and field conditions.For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is a soil health specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

YOUNKER: Cover crops in dryland cropping systems

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Tuesday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Chad Ryan Frey, 47, Wray, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of U.S. 83

A gust of wind caught the trailer and caused it to flip over on the drivers side, blocking all lanes of the highway.

EMS transported Frey to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Tuesday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Chad Ryan Frey, 47, Wray, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of U.S. 83A gust of wind caught the trailer and caused it to flip over on the drivers side, blocking all lanes of the highway.EMS transported Frey to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver injured after wind flips semi on I-70

Realizing the importance of soft skills and their importance for students to use their academic skills successfully after graduation, Thomas More Prep-Marian is working with students to instill those skills in students alongside their traditional studies.

"As a state, we've kind of said, 'Hey, maybe we've focused so much on academic skills, we've let some of the soft skills, the executive functioning skills about interacting with others slide and maybe, we need to get back and focus on that,'" said Thomas More Prep-Marian principal Chad Meitner.

With the pandemic directly impacting students, he said helping students learn to cope is a pressing concern.

"When we're up against a stressful situation, anxiety, a hardship in our lives, that manifests itself in other areas," Meitner said. "And so our kids are no different. They're going to come to school, carrying some of that baggage from home and from life. And so yeah, we're doing some really cool things, I think, in our community systems to help address those things we're seeing."

But while the pandemic brought these issues to the surface, he said it had been a growing concern across the state.

"Even prior to the pandemic, the state of Kansas, the education department, did a lot of surveys with business leaders, asking them, what did they want to see in graduates from the colleges and the high schools that were coming to them for jobs," Meitner said. 

"What by far, the top things were soft skills. When you looked at it, it wasn't that they were better at calculus. It wasn't that they could have better grammar in the writing. Those are still important. You still have to have those skills to get to get those jobs.

 "But they all were noticing a lack of, the ability to introduce (themselves) and have that small talk in a comfortable way and the ability to organize their day and be on time and just some of those things that maybe we took for granted."

With the religious education offered at TMP, he said empathy and compassion also factor into those missing skills.

 "As a Catholic school, we also want to make sure that we're treating people right, that we have empathetic hearts and a heart of service. 

"You learn from our faith that we are put on this Earth to serve God and to serve [your] neighbor. And so that really dovetails nicely with all these skills we're trying to learn because it's about loving."

So he said they have taken that need into account in their faith teaching, tweaking it a little bit for the needs of this current generation.

The school is also talking about dealing with negative feelings and thoughts and how to address conflicts.

"You do take a class in a sense on those skills," Meitner said, "but then another way we do that is just by doing things together in that community."

He hopes those skills will translate to students who are better able to deal with negative situations.

"When you do go through a depressive state or a rough patch in your life, especially our young kids, we want them to know that it's time to reach out. It's okay to ask a peer, preferably a trusted adult, for that kind of help," Meitner said.

Even at TMP in recent years, he said negative thoughts and emotions have become more prevalent in the school.

 "We take a survey every year, and we have for at least seven, eight years at TMP-Marion. Some of the data we get back is about how long have they been depressed about something for longer than two weeks, how long have they had suicidal thoughts, a lot of those tough topics.

"It's anonymous data, but it's a survey that gives us a chance to see how big of a problem it is within our student body," Meitner said. "And, you know, unfortunately, we see just like in the society around us, there is just a little more of that in our kids' lives right now."

 Using that data, teachers can now be more proactive and help students understand what is going on within themselves.

And with teachers asked to more than ever before, having those abilities can be a tremendous benefit.

"Teachers in all schools are being asked more and more to be more than just providers of content and teachers of material," Meitner said. 

"They're also asked to be a counselor. They're asked to be a social worker. They're asked to be a health coach ... and they're very willing to do that.

 "Our teachers at TMP Marian are just amazing in their hearts, how big they are, because they're there for the kids. They'll do what it takes. 

"This is one of those things that this year ... we're going to focus on building those skills, soft skills for professionals, but also mental health skills so that they can have a quality of life that we think they deserve."

<div><iframe title="TMP-M students learn value of soft skills with new intuitive" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rh9tq-1100d0d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostRealizing the importance of soft skills and their importance for students to use their academic skills successfully after graduation, Thomas More Prep-Marian is working with students to instill those skills in students alongside their traditional studies."As a state, we've kind of said, 'Hey, maybe we've focused so much on academic skills, we've let some of the soft skills, the executive functioning skills about interacting with others slide and maybe, we need to get back and focus on that,'" said Thomas More Prep-Marian principal Chad Meitner.With the pandemic directly impacting students, he said helping students learn to cope is a pressing concern."When we're up against a stressful situation, anxiety, a hardship in our lives, that manifests itself in other areas," Meitner said. "And so our kids are no different. They're going to come to school, carrying some of that baggage from home and from life. And so yeah, we're doing some really cool things, I think, in our community systems to help address those things we're seeing."But while the pandemic brought these issues to the surface, he said it had been a growing concern across the state."Even prior to the pandemic, the state of Kansas, the education department, did a lot of surveys with business leaders, asking them, what did they want to see in graduates from the colleges and the high schools that were coming to them for jobs," Meitner said. "What by far, the top things were soft skills. When you looked at it, it wasn't that they were better at calculus. It wasn't that they could have better grammar in the writing. Those are still important. You still have to have those skills to get to get those jobs. "But they all were noticing a lack of, the ability to introduce (themselves) and have that small talk in a comfortable way and the ability to organize their day and be on time and just some of those things that maybe we took for granted."With the religious education offered at TMP, he said empathy and compassion also factor into those missing skills. "As a Catholic school, we also want to make sure that we're treating people right, that we have empathetic hearts and a heart of service. "You learn from our faith that we are put on this Earth to serve God and to serve [your] neighbor. And so that really dovetails nicely with all these skills we're trying to learn because it's about loving."So he said they have taken that need into account in their faith teaching, tweaking it a little bit for the needs of this current generation.The school is also talking about dealing with negative feelings and thoughts and how to address conflicts."You do take a class in a sense on those skills," Meitner said, "but then another way we do that is just by doing things together in that community."He hopes those skills will translate to students who are better able to deal with negative situations."When you do go through a depressive state or a rough patch in your life, especially our young kids, we want them to know that it's time to reach out. It's okay to ask a peer, preferably a trusted adult, for that kind of help," Meitner said.Even at TMP in recent years, he said negative thoughts and emotions have become more prevalent in the school. "We take a survey every year, and we have for at least seven, eight years at TMP-Marion. Some of the data we get back is about how long have they been depressed about something for longer than two weeks, how long have they had suicidal thoughts, a lot of those tough topics."It's anonymous data, but it's a survey that gives us a chance to see how big of a problem it is within our student body," Meitner said. "And, you know, unfortunately, we see just like in the society around us, there is just a little more of that in our kids' lives right now." Using that data, teachers can now be more proactive and help students understand what is going on within themselves.And with teachers asked to more than ever before, having those abilities can be a tremendous benefit."Teachers in all schools are being asked more and more to be more than just providers of content and teachers of material," Meitner said. "They're also asked to be a counselor. They're asked to be a social worker. They're asked to be a health coach ... and they're very willing to do that. "Our teachers at TMP Marian are just amazing in their hearts, how big they are, because they're there for the kids. They'll do what it takes. "This is one of those things that this year ... we're going to focus on building those skills, soft skills for professionals, but also mental health skills so that they can have a quality of life that we think they deserve."

🎙TMP-M students learn the value of soft skills with new initiative

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays received .79 inches of rain overnight.

Winds reached 39 mph at 10 meters, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

The storm brings Hays' rainfall total to 1.10 inches for the month. The area's average for the month is 1.47 inches.

Hays has received 26.10 inches of moisture year to date, compared to an average of 21.42 inches by the end of October.

Today's forecast calls for sunny skies with a high of 66. There is a 20 percent chance for rain Thursday night and before 8 a.m. Friday morning. 

Lows are forecast in the mid-30s on Friday and Saturday night with a warm up to 72 on Sunday.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays received .79 inches of rain overnight.Winds reached 39 mph at 10 meters, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.The storm brings Hays' rainfall total to 1.10 inches for the month. The area's average for the month is 1.47 inches.Hays has received 26.10 inches of moisture year to date, compared to an average of 21.42 inches by the end of October. Today's forecast calls for sunny skies with a high of 66. There is a 20 percent chance for rain Thursday night and before 8 a.m. Friday morning. Lows are forecast in the mid-30s on Friday and Saturday night with a warm up to 72 on Sunday.

Hays receives .79 inches of rain during overnight storm

A crew from the Outdoor Channel will be in Trego County through today filming for "Fishing University."

Hosts Charlie Ingram and Ray Brazier will be fishing for bass along with executives from Honda Marine, a program sponsor, on Cedar Bluff Reservoir.

Ingram said they monitor social media for posts about hot fishing spots, and they were seeing good reviews on Cedar Bluff.

The hosts and crew gathered at <a href="https://www.shilohvineyard.com/">Shiloh Vineyard</a> south of WaKeeney to meet local officials on Sunday night. They also will visit <a href="https://www.tregocountyks.com/2274/WaKeeney-Travel-Tourism">WaKeneey</a>, as well as speak to youth at Trego Community High School about careers in the outdoors.

The hosts planned to fish about 10 hours on Monday for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass in a head-to-head competition. The fishermen will catch and record the length and weight of their fish and then release them back into the lake.

The best five fish the teams catch will determine the winner.

This is the first time either host will be fishing on Cedar Bluff, although the men said they have fished at Wilson Lake and intended to stop there later in the week.

Ingram has more than 40 years as a professional angler. Ray Brazier is a veteran tournament angler with 20 plus years' experience, according to the Outdoor Channel's website. He also gained recognition in the early years as the engineer that could tweak a boat to its fastest speed, the website said.

Cedar Bluff has about 6,000 to 7,000 acres of surface water when it is at full pool. The lake is about 12 feet under conservation pool.

Matt Schmidt, local game warden, said the anglers should have good fishing this week, especially along the mile of reservoir's damn.

The lake is also home to crappie, walleye and stripper. <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Northwest-Region/Cedar-Bluff-Reservoir">You can find more on fishing at the state park by visiting the state park's website.</a>

<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Cedar-Bluff">Cedar Bluff State Park</a> is divided into two sections encompassing 350 acres. Amenities include boat ramps, utility and primitive campsites, shower houses, dump stations, rental cabins, picnic areas, sand volleyball court, horseshoes pits, shore-side basketball court, BMX track, and swimming beach.

Brazier said visiting schools helps rally the community around the goal of promoting the area as a destination. 

Lynelle Shubert, WaKeeney Travel Tourism director, said she is trying to promote WaKeeney as the gateway to Cedar Bluff.

Both men said one of the most important aspects of their fishing trips is interacting with youth.

"There are so many opportunities out there that the kids don't realize that they can be outside and make a living — game wardens and biologists. It's just endless," Brazier said. ...

"We've got to get our kids off cell phones and video games."

Ingram said speaking with the youth is aimed at encouraging them to further their educations.

Visiting local schools is bringing young people back to the sport of fishing, Brazier said.

"Ten years ago the average age of a bass boat buyer, whether aluminum or fiberglass, was 57 years old," he said. "With what we're doing with colleges and high schools and programs we have, we're bringing that age down. Fishing was a dying sport."

Shubert said keeping young people in rural Kansas is important as population numbers in rural Kansas counties continue to decline.

"If they get jobs in the outdoors and they come back to the rural parts of America, for us we're talking about rural Kansas, that is such a huge goal is to get those kids to come back," she said. "They have a career. They have a job. They have something they can do here."

Brazier said it opens students eyes to opportunities.

"There are nurses and doctors. I wanted to be a veterinarian," he said. "It's all wonderful, but not everyone is cut out for that. Some kids need to be game wardens, and some kids need to be farming."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634052119407.jpeg" alt="Cedar Bluff&nbsp; Reservior. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Cedar Bluff&nbsp; Reservior. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA crew from the Outdoor Channel will be in Trego County through today filming for "Fishing University."Hosts Charlie Ingram and Ray Brazier will be fishing for bass along with executives from Honda Marine, a program sponsor, on Cedar Bluff Reservoir.Ingram said they monitor social media for posts about hot fishing spots, and they were seeing good reviews on Cedar Bluff. The hosts and crew gathered at <a href="https://www.shilohvineyard.com/">Shiloh Vineyard</a> south of WaKeeney to meet local officials on Sunday night. They also will visit <a href="https://www.tregocountyks.com/2274/WaKeeney-Travel-Tourism">WaKeneey</a>, as well as speak to youth at Trego Community High School about careers in the outdoors.The hosts planned to fish about 10 hours on Monday for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass in a head-to-head competition. The fishermen will catch and record the length and weight of their fish and then release them back into the lake.The best five fish the teams catch will determine the winner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634053695617.jpeg" alt="Outdoor Channel "Fishing University" hosts Charlie Ingram (front row left) and Ray Brazier (front row center) along with crew, Honda Marine executives and Kirk Johnston, Shiloh Vineyard owner. " />
 <figcaption>Outdoor Channel "Fishing University" hosts Charlie Ingram (front row left) and Ray Brazier (front row center) along with crew, Honda Marine executives and Kirk Johnston, Shiloh Vineyard owner. </figcaption>
 </figure>This is the first time either host will be fishing on Cedar Bluff, although the men said they have fished at Wilson Lake and intended to stop there later in the week.Ingram has more than 40 years as a professional angler. Ray Brazier is a veteran tournament angler with 20 plus years' experience, according to the Outdoor Channel's website. He also gained recognition in the early years as the engineer that could tweak a boat to its fastest speed, the website said.Cedar Bluff has about 6,000 to 7,000 acres of surface water when it is at full pool. The lake is about 12 feet under conservation pool.Matt Schmidt, local game warden, said the anglers should have good fishing this week, especially along the mile of reservoir's damn. The lake is also home to crappie, walleye and stripper. <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Northwest-Region/Cedar-Bluff-Reservoir">You can find more on fishing at the state park by visiting the state park's website.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634053942979.jpeg" alt="The hosts and crew from the Outdoor Channel's "Fishing University" met with members of the Wakeeney Travel and Tourism board on Sunday along with local game warden Matt Schmidt (center front row) at Shiloh Vineyard Sunday before several days of filming and fishing in the area. " />
 <figcaption>The hosts and crew from the Outdoor Channel's "Fishing University" met with members of the Wakeeney Travel and Tourism board on Sunday along with local game warden Matt Schmidt (center front row) at Shiloh Vineyard Sunday before several days of filming and fishing in the area. </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Cedar-Bluff">Cedar Bluff State Park</a> is divided into two sections encompassing 350 acres. Amenities include boat ramps, utility and primitive campsites, shower houses, dump stations, rental cabins, picnic areas, sand volleyball court, horseshoes pits, shore-side basketball court, BMX track, and swimming beach.Brazier said visiting schools helps rally the community around the goal of promoting the area as a destination. Lynelle Shubert, WaKeeney Travel Tourism director, said she is trying to promote WaKeeney as the gateway to Cedar Bluff. Both men said one of the most important aspects of their fishing trips is interacting with youth."There are so many opportunities out there that the kids don't realize that they can be outside and make a living — game wardens and biologists. It's just endless," Brazier said. ..."We've got to get our kids off cell phones and video games."Ingram said speaking with the youth is aimed at encouraging them to further their educations.Visiting local schools is bringing young people back to the sport of fishing, Brazier said."Ten years ago the average age of a bass boat buyer, whether aluminum or fiberglass, was 57 years old," he said. "With what we're doing with colleges and high schools and programs we have, we're bringing that age down. Fishing was a dying sport."Shubert said keeping young people in rural Kansas is important as population numbers in rural Kansas counties continue to decline. "If they get jobs in the outdoors and they come back to the rural parts of America, for us we're talking about rural Kansas, that is such a huge goal is to get those kids to come back," she said. "They have a career. They have a job. They have something they can do here."Brazier said it opens students eyes to opportunities."There are nurses and doctors. I wanted to be a veterinarian," he said. "It's all wonderful, but not everyone is cut out for that. Some kids need to be game wardens, and some kids need to be farming."

Outdoor Channel 'Fishing Univeristy' filming at Cedar Bluff

Hays USD 489 school board members toured the new secure entrance at Wilson Elementary School during their work session on Tuesday.

With the exception of Westside school, Wilson is the last school in the district to receive a secure entrance.

In addition to making the school more secure, the ongoing construction at the school includes new offices, a conference room and a staff bathroom. The school only has one staff bathroom now.

The project will cost $782,000, and Superintendent Ron Wilson said he hoped the project will be finished in the next month. However, some of the construction materials for the project have been on backorder.

The USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence has donated funds toward improving security at all the district's schools.

Wilson's office was very small. This will give school staff more room to work and open up space for other district staff, including the school's counselor and psychologist. The school psychologist is meeting with students in a closet and has no phone.

Other people who visit the building regularly, including social workers and occupational and physical therapists, also will have a place to meet with students.

"It's going to be more secure space and more usable space," Wilson said.

Board President Tammy Wellbrock was a member of the facilities team in 2013. The Monday the group toured district buildings was right after the Sandy Hook school shooting. 

The district has been working ever since to enhance security at its schools, she said.

"To me, it's more of a slow down of someone who intends harm, but at least it's going to give us a fighting chance to be able to protect our employees and our children," Wellbrock said.

Anita Scheve, principal, said she feels more comfortable with the new entrance is going in.

The district is being forced to call back requests for qualifications that it issued on the Hays High School HVAC contract.

Dwayne Vaughn, engineer, told the school board Tuesday the district was hoping to hire a construction manager that could also function as the prime mechanical contractor on the HVAC project.

This would have allowed the district to involve the construction firm in the design phase of the project and move the project along more quickly.&nbsp; Officials also hoped the process would bring back a lower bid.

The project will likely take two summers to complete. The district officials hope to have the project started this summer.

However, Vaughn was informed after the requests for qualification were sent Friday the district's project would not qualify under the state statute for the bidding process that it hoped to use.

Now all of the design work will be done in advance. The mechanical bid will be done separately. District officials still hope to have the bid ready for board approval by the board's Dec. 13 meeting.

This project will replace the original HVAC system for Hays High, which was built in 1979. It will include a majority of the building. Repairs to HHS's gym HVAC system have already been completed.

Wilson also announced preliminary district enrollment numbers are in. The district is up 18 full-time equivalent students from the prior year.

Wilson said this is good news, considering schools across the state are seeing declining enrollments as populations in rural counties decrease.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634071751121.jpeg" alt="From left: USD 489 Board President Tammy Wellbrock, Superintendent Ron Wilson, board candidate Ken Brooks and Wilson Elementary School Principal Anita Scheve in the Wilson's new secure entrance, which is under construction. " />
 <figcaption>From left: USD 489 Board President Tammy Wellbrock, Superintendent Ron Wilson, board candidate Ken Brooks and Wilson Elementary School Principal Anita Scheve in the Wilson's new secure entrance, which is under construction. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays USD 489 school board members toured the new secure entrance at Wilson Elementary School during their work session on Tuesday.With the exception of Westside school, Wilson is the last school in the district to receive a secure entrance.In addition to making the school more secure, the ongoing construction at the school includes new offices, a conference room and a staff bathroom. The school only has one staff bathroom now.The project will cost $782,000, and Superintendent Ron Wilson said he hoped the project will be finished in the next month. However, some of the construction materials for the project have been on backorder.The USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence has donated funds toward improving security at all the district's schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634072098004.jpeg" alt="The new Wilson entrance also includes new offices, a conference room and staff bathroom. " />
 <figcaption>The new Wilson entrance also includes new offices, a conference room and staff bathroom. </figcaption>
 </figure>Wilson's office was very small. This will give school staff more room to work and open up space for other district staff, including the school's counselor and psychologist. The school psychologist is meeting with students in a closet and has no phone. Other people who visit the building regularly, including social workers and occupational and physical therapists, also will have a place to meet with students. "It's going to be more secure space and more usable space," Wilson said.Board President Tammy Wellbrock was a member of the facilities team in 2013. The Monday the group toured district buildings was right after the Sandy Hook school shooting. The district has been working ever since to enhance security at its schools, she said."To me, it's more of a slow down of someone who intends harm, but at least it's going to give us a fighting chance to be able to protect our employees and our children," Wellbrock said.Anita Scheve, principal, said she feels more comfortable with the new entrance is going in.<h2>Hays High HVAC contract</h2>The district is being forced to call back requests for qualifications that it issued on the Hays High School HVAC contract.Dwayne Vaughn, engineer, told the school board Tuesday the district was hoping to hire a construction manager that could also function as the prime mechanical contractor on the HVAC project.This would have allowed the district to involve the construction firm in the design phase of the project and move the project along more quickly.&nbsp; Officials also hoped the process would bring back a lower bid. The project will likely take two summers to complete. The district officials hope to have the project started this summer.However, Vaughn was informed after the requests for qualification were sent Friday the district's project would not qualify under the state statute for the bidding process that it hoped to use.Now all of the design work will be done in advance. The mechanical bid will be done separately. District officials still hope to have the bid ready for board approval by the board's Dec. 13 meeting.This project will replace the original HVAC system for Hays High, which was built in 1979. It will include a majority of the building. Repairs to HHS's gym HVAC system have already been completed. <h2>Enrollment</h2>Wilson also announced preliminary district enrollment numbers are in. The district is up 18 full-time equivalent students from the prior year.Wilson said this is good news, considering schools across the state are seeing declining enrollments as populations in rural counties decrease.

Construction ongoing for Wilson secure entrance; HHS HVAC project to be rebid

PRATT – For the first time ever, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is offering a fully-online Hunter Education course for prospective hunters aged 16 and older. Upon successful completion of the self-paced course, students will be issued a Kansas Hunter Education Certificate, allowing them to purchase hunting licenses and permits, and be eligible to hunt without the direct supervision of a licensed adult in Kansas.

Historically, KDWP has offered two delivery methods for Hunter Education certification: a traditional, 10-hour minimum in-person course, and an internet-assisted option that requires an in-person “field day.” The newly-added, fully-online course – developed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) – is currently offered in 12 states and covers 14 subjects across four modules – Firearm Basics, Firearm Handling, Field Safety and Hunter Ethics.

“While researching online course options for our Kansas resident hunters, our team was very critical of online delivery options. We wanted a course that was comprehensive, interactive, inclusive and free,” said Aaron Austin, KDWP education section chief. 

“The NRA Online Hunter Education course exceeded our expectations. The engaging online activities have the students applying what they learn in the course to real-life situations, giving them practical knowledge they can use while hunting.”

Kansas’ full-online option will not replace traditional courses or internet-assisted courses; it is being offered in conjunction with previous course formats.

To access the fully-online Hunter Education course for Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FNRA-Online-Course&amp;data=04%7C01%7CNadia.Reimer%40KS.GOV%7C81da8bde463a4ba5831308d98913f1ec%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637691541015902776%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=kvYkoLgxESpgjjhI8oW3St%2FjtAJ46HlTyCuwD581wQU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/NRA-Online-Course</a>.

For more information on all things Kansas Hunter Education – including information on upcoming traditional and internet-assisted opportunities – visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Education/Hunter/Hunter-Ed-Courses">ksoutdoors.com/Services/Education/Hunter/Hunter-Ed-Courses</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633972833091.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDWP PRATT – For the first time ever, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is offering a fully-online Hunter Education course for prospective hunters aged 16 and older. Upon successful completion of the self-paced course, students will be issued a Kansas Hunter Education Certificate, allowing them to purchase hunting licenses and permits, and be eligible to hunt without the direct supervision of a licensed adult in Kansas.Historically, KDWP has offered two delivery methods for Hunter Education certification: a traditional, 10-hour minimum in-person course, and an internet-assisted option that requires an in-person “field day.” The newly-added, fully-online course – developed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) – is currently offered in 12 states and covers 14 subjects across four modules – Firearm Basics, Firearm Handling, Field Safety and Hunter Ethics.“While researching online course options for our Kansas resident hunters, our team was very critical of online delivery options. We wanted a course that was comprehensive, interactive, inclusive and free,” said Aaron Austin, KDWP education section chief. “The NRA Online Hunter Education course exceeded our expectations. The engaging online activities have the students applying what they learn in the course to real-life situations, giving them practical knowledge they can use while hunting.”Kansas’ full-online option will not replace traditional courses or internet-assisted courses; it is being offered in conjunction with previous course formats.To access the fully-online Hunter Education course for Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FNRA-Online-Course&amp;data=04%7C01%7CNadia.Reimer%40KS.GOV%7C81da8bde463a4ba5831308d98913f1ec%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637691541015902776%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=kvYkoLgxESpgjjhI8oW3St%2FjtAJ46HlTyCuwD581wQU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/NRA-Online-Course</a>.For more information on all things Kansas Hunter Education – including information on upcoming traditional and internet-assisted opportunities – visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Education/Hunter/Hunter-Ed-Courses">ksoutdoors.com/Services/Education/Hunter/Hunter-Ed-Courses</a>.

Fully-online KDWP Hunter Education Certification now offered

Members of the Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution participated in the National DAR Day of Service by recognizing first responders in area counties.

Treats were delivered in Hays to the Kansas Highway Patrol Office, Ellis County EMS/Emergency Manager, Ellis County Rural Fire Department, Hays Fire Department, Hays Police Department/Dispatch/Animal Control and the Ellis County Sheriff s Office.

The National DAR Day of Service began Oct. 11, 2015, on the 125th anniversary of the founding of DAR

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 </figure>Members of the Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution participated in the National DAR Day of Service by recognizing first responders in area counties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634051780051.jpeg" alt="sheriff dept.jpg" />
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 </figure>Treats were delivered in Hays to the Kansas Highway Patrol Office, Ellis County EMS/Emergency Manager, Ellis County Rural Fire Department, Hays Fire Department, Hays Police Department/Dispatch/Animal Control and the Ellis County Sheriff s Office.The National DAR Day of Service began Oct. 11, 2015, on the 125th anniversary of the founding of DAR<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634051720659.jpeg" alt=" " />
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