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

The state health department also reported an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 74.

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

As of Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 10 Tuesday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,890 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629308799015.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.&nbsp;The state health department also reported an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 74.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Wednesday, the University of Kansas Health System reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 10 Tuesday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,890 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 17 new virus cases, additional death in Ellis Co. since Monday

Hays Catholic Schools, TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary are excited to kick off the 2021-22 school year with the Back 2 School Bash on Friday on the campus of Thomas More Prep-Marian. 

All in the Hays community are invited to attend this fun family event.

Following the opening prayer and blessing at 4:45 p.m., enjoy a hot dog provided and grilled by Astra Bank of Hays and a cold beverage donated by the Kiwanis Club of Hays and served to you by the TMP-M Key Club. 

This will be a cool treat, thanks to ice donated by Buff's Car Wash. The Knights of Columbus, Council #6984 will also be serving complimentary watermelon. Auto World of Hays will provide water throughout the event.&nbsp;

Ice cream, Sno-Cones, Monarch Football Madness tickets and Hays Catholic Schools yard signs will all be available for purchase.&nbsp;

With the generosity of the following sponsors, Diamond R Jewelry, DW Home Improvement, Gone Logo, Holy Family Home &amp; School Committee, TMP-M PTF, Nex-Tech, Jeff Pinkney CPA, Inc., and Nex-Tech Wireless, and numerous other supporters there will be numerous fun activities for all ages, including bounce houses and obstacle courses, laser tag, dunk tank, roller coaster simulator, DJ with music and karaoke, a four-square volleyball tournament, golf nets and games provided by Precision Valley, cotton candy served by the TMP Drama Club, and popcorn served by the Hays Catholic Schools Advancement Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At 5 p.m., Herrman Physical Therapy and Wellness will be holding a Mini Monarch Combine where future monarchs can test their athletic skills. 

Southwind Crossfit will be hosting a fun run for all ages beginning at 6 p.m. In addition, there will be several sports scrimmages throughout the evening ending with the Blue and White Football Scrimmage on Cripplegate Field at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

The TMP-M Cheerleaders will be painting faces as well as performing at 6:45 p.m. Also included is the TMP-M Chess Club, which will show off their skills, and the Garden Club featuring amazing homegrown produce.&nbsp;

At the conclusion of the activities at 9 p.m., a street dance will continue and prizes donated by the TMP-M High School StuCo will be drawn. You must be present to win.&nbsp;

At 10 p.m., the evening will end with a literal “bang” as a firework show will be presented by The Golden Q Bar &amp; Grill and Brick's Rockin’ BBQ. &nbsp;

Non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, will be collected at the welcome table upon entering. 

Parking on campus will be limited to the east and south of Al Billinger Fieldhouse. 

Registration for all events and prizes will be available at the welcome table. 

Please make sure to bring lawn chairs and come and celebrate the start of another fantastic school year.

<div><iframe title="Hays Catholic schools to host Back to School Bash" 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=ac2hk-10b9f61-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>SubmittedHays Catholic Schools, TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary are excited to kick off the 2021-22 school year with the Back 2 School Bash on Friday on the campus of Thomas More Prep-Marian. All in the Hays community are invited to attend this fun family event.Following the opening prayer and blessing at 4:45 p.m., enjoy a hot dog provided and grilled by Astra Bank of Hays and a cold beverage donated by the Kiwanis Club of Hays and served to you by the TMP-M Key Club. This will be a cool treat, thanks to ice donated by Buff's Car Wash. The Knights of Columbus, Council #6984 will also be serving complimentary watermelon. Auto World of Hays will provide water throughout the event.&nbsp;Ice cream, Sno-Cones, Monarch Football Madness tickets and Hays Catholic Schools yard signs will all be available for purchase.&nbsp;With the generosity of the following sponsors, Diamond R Jewelry, DW Home Improvement, Gone Logo, Holy Family Home &amp; School Committee, TMP-M PTF, Nex-Tech, Jeff Pinkney CPA, Inc., and Nex-Tech Wireless, and numerous other supporters there will be numerous fun activities for all ages, including bounce houses and obstacle courses, laser tag, dunk tank, roller coaster simulator, DJ with music and karaoke, a four-square volleyball tournament, golf nets and games provided by Precision Valley, cotton candy served by the TMP Drama Club, and popcorn served by the Hays Catholic Schools Advancement Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;At 5 p.m., Herrman Physical Therapy and Wellness will be holding a Mini Monarch Combine where future monarchs can test their athletic skills. Southwind Crossfit will be hosting a fun run for all ages beginning at 6 p.m. In addition, there will be several sports scrimmages throughout the evening ending with the Blue and White Football Scrimmage on Cripplegate Field at 7 p.m.&nbsp;The TMP-M Cheerleaders will be painting faces as well as performing at 6:45 p.m. Also included is the TMP-M Chess Club, which will show off their skills, and the Garden Club featuring amazing homegrown produce.&nbsp;At the conclusion of the activities at 9 p.m., a street dance will continue and prizes donated by the TMP-M High School StuCo will be drawn. You must be present to win.&nbsp;At 10 p.m., the evening will end with a literal “bang” as a firework show will be presented by The Golden Q Bar &amp; Grill and Brick's Rockin’ BBQ. &nbsp;Non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, will be collected at the welcome table upon entering. Parking on campus will be limited to the east and south of Al Billinger Fieldhouse. Registration for all events and prizes will be available at the welcome table. Please make sure to bring lawn chairs and come and celebrate the start of another fantastic school year.<figure>
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🎙Post Podcast: Hays Catholic schools to host Back to School Bash

Seven&nbsp;Fort Hays State University alumni will be honored at the Alumni and Friends Awards Banquet on&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;Oct. 1&nbsp;during&nbsp;Homecoming.&nbsp;For details on how you can celebrate&nbsp;these award winners during FHSU’s Homecoming week, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fhsuhomecoming.com/">www.FHSUHomecoming.com</a>.

This year's&nbsp;three&nbsp;Alumni Achievement Award recipients are&nbsp;Dave Fate&nbsp;’83, Fairview, Texas;&nbsp;Col (Ret)&nbsp;Jerry Stecklein&nbsp;’65, Colleyville, Texas;&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dr. John Kim&nbsp;’77, Long Grove, Ill.

The&nbsp;Alumni Achievement Award, the association's highest recognition of its graduates, was established in 1959 to recognize graduates of the university for outstanding achievement based upon meritorious service to society or the community. The award is based upon career and professional achievements, service involving community betterment and philanthropic activities, and educational achievements.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Young Alumni Award&nbsp;recipients&nbsp;for 2021 are Regan Ochs Reif&nbsp;’13, Great Bend; and Dylan Bathurst ’10, Los Angeles, Calif.

The&nbsp;Young Alumni Award&nbsp;is designed to recognize those early in their careers who have had outstanding achievements and recent accomplishments. The award is based on professional and educational achievements, community activities, honors and awards received and other noteworthy items of merit since graduation. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from FHSU, be members of the 10-15-year classes and be under the age of 40 as of Jan. 1 of the year the awards are presented.&nbsp;

This year's&nbsp;Nita M. Landrum&nbsp;Award goes&nbsp;to&nbsp;Josh Dreher&nbsp;’09, Hays.

The&nbsp;Nita M. Landrum Award&nbsp;recognizes alumni or friends who have provided sustained volunteer service for the betterment of the Alumni Association and/or FHSU, in their home communities or at any local level.&nbsp;

The Distinguished Service Award goes to Mary Schreiber Porterfield ’68, ’68, ’77, Goodland.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Distinguished Service Award&nbsp;recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a continuing concern for humanity on a universal, national, state or community level; who support spiritual, cultural and educational objectives; and who endorse and exemplify the highest standards of character and personal attributes. It is reserved for alumni or friends of the university.

Dave Fate, a native Kansan from rural Belleville, KS, graduated in 1983&nbsp;with a&nbsp;B.S.&nbsp;in&nbsp;finance and went on to lead a remarkable career in&nbsp;the commercial finance industry. Currently he is the Chief Executive Officer at Stonebriar Commercial Finance, a company he founded and has led, to become the largest independent commercial finance and leasing company in the United States. He began his career in 1983 as a credit analyst with CIT in Wichita. ITT Capital Finance soon lured Fate to the Plano, Texas area where he quickly assumed key leadership roles first with ITT and then as a co-founder of two commercial finance and leasing companies, all of which started from scratch and each with phenomenal growth and success. Transamerica Equipment Finance grew to $3.2B before it was sold, after which AIG Commercial Asset Finance built a $3.5B portfolio before Fate left AIG to form Stonebriar in March, 2015.

Fate currently leads a team of 47 professionals at Stonebriar, ranked #1 by the finance and leasing industry’s leading trade journal in assets, new business volume, and volume per employee. In 2018 Fate was selected from the industry's most senior leaders for the Monitor's inaugural MVP award, and Goldman Sachs recognized him as one of 2020’s 100 most intriguing entrepreneurs.&nbsp;&nbsp;In July of this year, he was honored by the christening of a new 3,400 hp push boat, the MV Dave B. Fate by one of Stonebriar’s key strategic maritime partners.

Fate has demonstrated the importance of community, education, and helping others. He often serves as a mentor and promotes qualified young employees into leadership roles in the industry. One of his favorite projects, First Tee, is an initiative to raise financial support, teach life skills and provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth through golf. He has been a strong Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) industry advocate during his career through many service roles and is actively involved in the ELFA's Emerging Talent and Women's Counsel initiatives designed to attract, hire and&nbsp;encourage a diverse pool of current and future leaders with the same opportunities he experienced.

William Farrell, Jr., longtime friend, mentor and&nbsp;one-time boss&nbsp;noted, “Success cannot be measured purely by personal gains, but by the legacy you leave behind.&nbsp;Dave is known as a tremendously smart, hardworking innovative leader who is responsible for the success of four large organizations during the span of his career,&nbsp;but more importantly, he will one day be remembered for his positive impact on the industry as a whole and for his immeasurable contributions to the&nbsp;personal and career success of those around him.”

Fate lives in Fairview, Texas with his wife, Tasha Fate. They have two children, 26-year-old son Grant and 23-year-old daughter, Jordan.&nbsp; Both live in Dallas, Texas.

Hays-area native, Jerry Stecklein graduated in 1965 with a degree in Business Administration.&nbsp;Following graduation, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He attended the USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training program, graduating near the top of his class.&nbsp;

However, his love for flight actually began when he was a 9-year-old boy living on a farm near the small town of Munjor, and his father bought a small plane. Stecklein once recounted, “When we flew to other farms and landed in their pastures, my job was to guard the plane and keep the cows from chewing on it. The airplane was covered with a treated fabric, and they loved eating it.”&nbsp; This simple experience led to his love of flight, his decision to join the U.S. Air Force and his distinguished career in the military service and related business ventures spanning decades.

Stecklein’s first assignment was as a flight instructor in the Cessna T-37B jet trainer, teaching USAF Academy, College/University USAF ROTC and Officer Training School graduates, and allied student pilots from NATO countries as well as from Saudi Arabia and Iran. He taught them how to fly and perform all aerobatic, instrument, navigation, and formation maneuvering to military standards in jet aircraft operations. He also was an academic instructor, and as President of the Junior Officer’s Council, initiated a program to introduce junior officers to military and civilian leaders, and spearheaded a campaign to make the public aware of the exceedingly inhumane conditions USAF and Navy airmen endured in prison camps after being shot down and captured while flying combat missions in the Vietnam theater of operations.&nbsp;

Stecklein was then selected to fly the RF-4C, Phantom II jet and assigned to Udorn Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, in 1971. He flew 173 combat missions over North and South Vietnam and Laos and earned four awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force award for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight, and 14 awards of the USAF Air Medal.&nbsp;

Upon returning to the United States where he continued as a combat-ready pilot, Stecklein fulfilled many roles, including work at the Pentagon where he was responsible for moving USAF flight training activities from actual aircraft flight to flight simulators and then served on Project Checkmate to combat Cold War actions.&nbsp; He also served in multiple command positions in the US and overseas, including Commander of the USAF’s largest undergraduate pilot training wing. His final assignment was the Assistant Director of Operations of the USAF Air Training Command where he was responsible for all USAF pilot, navigator and space operator training.&nbsp;

Stecklein then transitioned into management and leadership roles in the defense industry, working for a large defense contractor. In the late 1990s, serving as the company’s Director of Engineering Support, he realized a significant aviation training industry need for automated tools to assist flight training managers and improve the quality and safety of commercial flight training.&nbsp; Unable to convince the company CEO the idea merited the necessary sizeable investment, Stecklein retired from his position and together with three partners started Talon Systems, LLC to meet that aviation training industry need.

Under Stecklein’s leadership, Talon Systems is now the premier cloud-based provider of flight training management, aircraft maintenance management and safety management systems serving nearly 100 universities and colleges and commercial flight training academies and schools in the US and many other countries. The systems are currently being used to manage flight training for over 40,000 flight training students worldwide. The widespread use of Talon Systems' products has contributed toward improving the quality and safety of flight training resulting in measurably improved pilot quality and overall flight safety.&nbsp;

He is also currently serving &nbsp;on the board of trustees for the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) where he recently received the distinguished Chairpersons Award for distinguished service in guiding AABI’s role in worldwide aviation education accreditation. He continues to work as president of Talon Systems and continues his love of flight, frequently flying his own Beechcraft Bonanza.

He currently lives in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Joanne Schmidt Stecklein. They have two daughters, Janalee Corato and Julianne Stecklein.

Upon graduating from Fort Hays State in 1977 with a Master’s in Chemistry, John Kim had no idea he would one day build an international company with expertise importing and exporting a variety of products.&nbsp;

Through hard work and determination to make a better life, Kim left his poor farming village in South Korea to earn a degree in ceramic engineering and rather than enlist in the South Korean army, he traveled to California where he toiled at three menial jobs to save enough money to continue his education. Before his visa would expire, he found his one opportunity at Fort Hays State University. After his first year as a graduate student, he almost dropped out for financial reasons, but thanks to the support of his advisor, the department chair and the woman who provided him room and board, he persevered, graduated and then earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Kansas. Kim went on to have an outstanding career teaching college-level chemistry before working in the industry and founding Unidex in 1990.

Unidex offers a complete line of coilers, formers, wire benders, grinders and special-purpose machinery for producing springs, wire forms and metal stampings. The company has also been a supplier of custom-designed flexible packaging solutions for pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries. Unidex has extensive import and export experience producing on three different continents. Kim won the 1998 US Small Business Administration Award as Illinois Small Business Exporter of the Year.&nbsp;

Kim is described as a "pillar" of the Rotary Club of Chicagoland-Korean Northbrook and served as its president in 2015-2016 and as the longtime chair of the scholarship committee. He also was the champion and grants manager for a major project providing vocational training and employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges. Kim is a member of the International Network of Korean Entrepreneurs and holds a US Patent for a flexible packaging in 2005 and magnetic belt issued in 1996.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fellow member of Rotary International, Lyle Staab stated, “With the help of Fort Hays State, he has made a life, and made a difference. From that poor village in South Korea, John has become the embodiment of the American Dream.”

Kim lives in Long Grove, Ill. with his wife, Dal Kim, and two sons, David and Richard.

This 2013 alumna with a B.S. in organizational leadership has progressed through her career into her current position as Strategic Marketing Manager with The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend.

Reif began her career immediately following graduation from Fort Hays State at Adams, Brown, Beran &amp; Ball, Chtd. in Great Bend as an H.R./Marketing Associate and quickly advanced to Marketing/Executive Administrator and then Chief Operations Officer. Described as a visionary leader and mentor to many, she proved her passion by focusing on the firm's strategic planning and operations. She played a pivotal role in the firm’s recruitment, human resources, and marketing efforts. Recognizing her leadership and service to the community, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce presented her with the 2016 NextGen Leader of the Year award.

Reif then worked at Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. as a Member Services &amp; Key Accounts Manager before moving to her current position as Strategic Marketing Manager at The University of Kansas Health System.

As she did throughout the years as a college student, Reif continues to be active in community organizations and civic leadership. She serves as a member of the FHSU Leadership Studies Advisory Board; a mentor for the Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) at Fort Hays State University; an executive board member and volunteer for the United Way of Central Kansas; a current board member and past ambassador for the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce; volunteer and past chairperson for Barton County Young Professionals along with being active in other area groups.

In addition to the personal success she has achieved, the words of Glenn Growe, Ph.D., FHSU assistant professor of accounting, in a 2013 letter of support for the Torch Award nomination at the university, accurately predicted her future impact: “Her commitment to achieving excellence and her stellar work ethic will help those she leads to achieve success.”

Reif lives in Great Bend with her husband, Cole Reif, and two children: Fitz and Dax.

Young Alumni Award honoree and Kansas native from Talmage, Dylan Bathurst earned his B.S. in information networking and telecommunications from FHSU in 2009 and has been recognized in the information technology industry for his proficiency in web design and work as a software engineer.

Bathurst moved up the ranks at Zappos Family of Companies as a front-end developer building website code to increase user functionality.&nbsp;

He went on to co-found a company, Rumgr, an online garage sale application for buying and selling used products. He created the app when he saw the need for a formalized process to provide greater simplicity and security for users. &nbsp;He and two fellow software developers presented the code and design for the app at Startup Weekend Las Vegas, where the app was named the crowd favorite and won two prizes. In addition, the app earned recognition on CBS and local newspapers and was accepted into the Apple App Store, an achievement allowing wide distribution for iPhone users to download the app for free. While co-managing the new business, in an effort to support other budding entrepreneurs, he also became an organizer for Startup Weekend Las Vegas to secure sponsorships, recruit judges and plan the overall event. In developing Rumgr, Bathurst performed web work for businesses and built a premium product that was then acquired by eBay.

Bathurst expanded his knowledge in the I.T. industry as a software engineer with Close5, Upright Metrics and Purse before his current role as Senior Staff Engineer with&nbsp;<a href="http://blockchain.com/">Blockchain.com</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco, the world’s leading software platform to transact internet commerce. The company deals in trading and processing digital coins and works to accelerate the adoption of crypto currency. As a member of Blockchain staff, Bathurst works to design, build and maintain systems to securely move these digital funds as the company ushers in the future of finance.

Mark Bannister, former Dean of FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, affirmed “Dylan is a bright and diligent Informatics graduate from Chapman who has vigorously and creatively put his skills to work as an entrepreneur.”

Bathurst lives in Los Angeles, Cal. with his wife Crystal Chang and children Coral and Sunhee.

The Nita M. Landrum award winner for 2021, Josh Dreher, Hays, is dedicated to serving the Hays community through volunteerism. Dreher is a 2009 graduate of Fort Hays State University, earning his B.B.A. in management while working at Bank of Hays throughout college as a teller, which, upon earning his degree and gaining more experience, developed into his current career as Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer at Bank of Hays.&nbsp;

As an alumnus, Dreher has continued to serve the university by volunteering for the FHSU Community Drive fundraising team as both a member of several teams and as a team captain. He served as a coach for the 2018 FHSU College of Business' annual startup weekend, helping community members present their entrepreneurial projects. He also has worked closely with the FHSU Small Business Development Center

His community outreach memberships include The United Way of Ellis County, where he served six years on the board, Hays Rotary Club, ARC Park fundraisers, Paint-a-Thon for low-income families in partnership with Tigers for Service, Hays High School technical education advisory committee, Hays Larks board, Big Brothers and Big Sisters telethon, Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course advisory committee, Heartland Community Foundation and Leadership Hays.

Dreher has demonstrated his commitment to serving as an ambassador for Fort Hays State University and bettering the community of Hays through his many areas of volunteerism. &nbsp;Sandy Jacobs, executive director of the Heartland Foundation, noted that he “clearly understands the importance of quality of life issues…. He is not a ‘resume building’ board member, but one who takes his role seriously and dedicates himself to the betterment of our organization, Fort Hays State University and his community as a whole.” As Brandon Prough, Bank of Hays senior vice president, concluded, “Josh has a heart for giving back.”

The Distinguished Service Award winner for 2021 is Mary Schreiber Porterfield. Her primary passion has always been a desire to see the world and bring the world closer to Kansas. Throughout her career as a teacher, Porterfield was also a volunteer for AFS Intercultural Programs. For more than 40 years, she welcomed many students to her home for short and year-long visits. From her school, 17 students studied abroad, and the school community welcomed over 100 students from various countries around the world.&nbsp;

As a Spanish teacher for 46 years in the Goodland school district, Porterfield taught grades 4-12 not only the language, but also the culture and customs of each country. From 1992-2014, her classroom was linked to the Peace Corps' World Wise School Project, which connected her students with Peace Corps volunteers in Spanish-speaking countries to do several projects. In 1998 her classroom was the only US classroom to participate in a project with the World Bank and the World Links Latin American Initiative.

Porterfield received the Kansas Foreign Language Teacher of the Year Award in 1987 and was a finalist for the Kansas Teacher of the Year the same year and again in 1993. In 1995, she attended the Goals 2000 National Teacher Forum in Washington, DC, as one of two teacher representatives from Kansas. In 1999 she was recognized as one of the seven Kansas Master Teachers of the Year.&nbsp;

With Porterfield’s global interests, she served as the chair of AFS-USA Intercultural Programs Board of Directors and the president of Kansas Paraguay Partners of the Americas, which led to trips to multiple countries alone or with other volunteers to collaborate in projects ranging from agriculture to civic education to international high school exchanges. Through her travels, she built many lifetime relationships and opportunities to share her knowledge of other cultures with family, friends and her community, thereby aligning with the AFS-USA mission “to empower people to become globally engaged citizens by delivering meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world.”

Protecting domestic and sexual violence survivors is also a primary concern for Porterfield. In past years, she helped establish safe homes for victims and their families, and she never hesitated to welcome anyone in need to her own home. She currently serves on the board for Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. Once retired, she has also branched out to volunteer at local museums and the county historical society.&nbsp;

Witnessing her mother’s life experiences first-hand, her daughter, Heather Musil, stated that Porterfield “…is an advocate for all cultures, all people, all humans in the world. She lived it, she breathed it, and she shared her passion with everyone.”

Porterfield lives in Goodland with her husband, Clifton Porterfield, and they have a daughter, Heather Jean Musil, who lives in Hays with her husband, Shaun, and their three children.

FHSU Alumni Association announces Homecoming 2021 honorees

As construction progresses on the reconstruction of 27th Street from Hall to Fort in Hays, the construction zone will advance eastward. &nbsp;

On Wednesday, 27th Street will be opened from the Hall Street intersection to Canal Boulevard and closed from just east of Canal to the west side of Walnut south of 27th.

As such, 27th Street traffic will be detoured using Hillcrest north of 27th Street and Walnut south of 27th Street. &nbsp;Those two detour options are shown on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/4130/21-08-18-27th-Street-Detour-Map" target="_blank">above map</a>&nbsp;in blue and yellow respectively.

The reconstruction of 27th Street from Hall to Fort will progress steadily from west to east through the remainder of the year.

All this information and more can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/778/27th-St-Project" target="_blank">project webpage at haysusa.com</a>&nbsp;or by contacting the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350. &nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Hays<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629193660620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As construction progresses on the reconstruction of 27th Street from Hall to Fort in Hays, the construction zone will advance eastward. &nbsp;On Wednesday, 27th Street will be opened from the Hall Street intersection to Canal Boulevard and closed from just east of Canal to the west side of Walnut south of 27th.As such, 27th Street traffic will be detoured using Hillcrest north of 27th Street and Walnut south of 27th Street. &nbsp;Those two detour options are shown on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/4130/21-08-18-27th-Street-Detour-Map" target="_blank">above map</a>&nbsp;in blue and yellow respectively.The reconstruction of 27th Street from Hall to Fort will progress steadily from west to east through the remainder of the year.All this information and more can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/778/27th-St-Project" target="_blank">project webpage at haysusa.com</a>&nbsp;or by contacting the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hall-Canal intersection opens as work moves east on 27th Street

Regretfully, due to increased spread of COVID-19 in our community, and concerns about how to have a safe and successful event, Trinity Lutheran Church and and Downing-Nelson Oil have decided to postpone the upcoming fundraiser for the ARC Park. It was originally scheduled for Aug. 29.

We have tentatively rescheduled for March 2022, and hope to have a fun and successful fundraiser for this amazing organization at that time—look for details after the new year.&nbsp; 

Thank you to Ron and Lila Nelson, the Hays VFW Post #9076, Nelson-Downing Oil, and all those who had signed up to volunteer at this event.&nbsp;

SubmittedRegretfully, due to increased spread of COVID-19 in our community, and concerns about how to have a safe and successful event, Trinity Lutheran Church and and Downing-Nelson Oil have decided to postpone the upcoming fundraiser for the ARC Park. It was originally scheduled for Aug. 29.We have tentatively rescheduled for March 2022, and hope to have a fun and successful fundraiser for this amazing organization at that time—look for details after the new year.&nbsp; Thank you to Ron and Lila Nelson, the Hays VFW Post #9076, Nelson-Downing Oil, and all those who had signed up to volunteer at this event.&nbsp;

Trinity Lutheran barbecue for ARC Park postponed due to COVID

The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in September. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627688829733.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOT&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in September. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.Those celebrating 40 years:<ul>
 <li>Larry Meyer, Construction Manager,&nbsp;Lakin</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 30 years:<ul>
 <li>Leonel Alvarado, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Rossville</li><li>Joseph Beilman, Chemist – Analytical,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>Daniel Espinosa Jr., Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Kinsley</li><li>David Ubel, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Dodge City</li><li>Lynn Whittlesey, Engineering Technician,&nbsp;Manhattan</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 20 years:<ul>
 <li>Terri Rule, Executive Office Administrator,&nbsp;Ozawkie</li><li>Ramona Taylor, Administrative Assistant,&nbsp;Topeka</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 10 years:<ul>
 <li>Justin Deal, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Winfield</li><li>Larry Heim, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Atchison</li><li>David Krieger II, Equipment Mechanic,&nbsp;Salina</li><li>Shannon Moore, CEO Midpoint,&nbsp;Ness City</li><li>Kenneth Peden, Highway Maintenance Supervisor,&nbsp;Troy</li><li>Gary Rainbolt, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Larned</li><li>Larry Roberts, Engineering Technician,&nbsp;Wichita</li><li>Marvin Thomas, Equipment Operator,&nbsp;Auburn</li>
 </ul>

Ness City resident recognized for 10 years of service at KDOT

Professional financial advisers, accountants, and attorneys can learn more about planned giving trends at a continuing education seminar this month, hosted in Hays by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Heartland Community Foundation.&nbsp;

Bryan Clontz, founder and president of Charitable Solutions, LLC, based in Jacksonville, Fla., will enlighten and entertain as he discusses the latest trends in estate planning and charitable giving during a continuing education workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays. Networking and check-in will open at 9:30 a.m.&nbsp;

The day’s topics include “Growing in Generosity: Planned Giving Trends Every Advisor Should Know” and “Shifting Ethical Conundrums: A Case Study Approach” – worth 4.0 Continuing Education (CE) credits, including 1.0 credit in ethics. The workshop will also include lunch, plus a copy of Clontz’ book Charitable Gifts of Noncash Assets for the first 50 registrants.&nbsp;

Pre-registration is required and the cost to attend is $50. Register here by Aug. 19: <a href="http://HaysCEworkshop.com/Register">http://HaysCEworkshop.com/Register</a>.

Clontz’ dynamic and colorful presentation style will keep your attention as he provides insight on trends that have changed the charitable planning landscape. All finance professionals in Northwest Kansas, including certified public accountants, advisors, as well as attorneys are invited to attend.

Charitable Solutions specializes in noncash asset receipt and liquidation, gift annuity reinsurance brokerage, gift annuity risk management consulting, emergency assistance funds and life insurance appraisals and audits. The session is designed to be highly interactive.

“We’re excited to be able to have Bryan Clontz presenting this seminar,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director at the Heartland Community Foundation. “He is an expert in charitable gift planning and he is also very entertaining.”

Clontz is a charitable giving consultant specializing in noncash assets, such as farm ground or real estate. He has worked extensively with community foundations and authored a book called Charitable Gifts of Noncash Assets, as well as the planned giving manual Just Add Water. He has written a dozen articles in financial services and planned giving journals and guest columns on charitable tax issues for Forbes.

In addition to the Hansen Foundation, support for these events comes from the Heartland Community Foundation, the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629139873147.jpeg" alt="Bryan Clontz " />
 <figcaption>Bryan Clontz </figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationProfessional financial advisers, accountants, and attorneys can learn more about planned giving trends at a continuing education seminar this month, hosted in Hays by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Heartland Community Foundation.&nbsp;Bryan Clontz, founder and president of Charitable Solutions, LLC, based in Jacksonville, Fla., will enlighten and entertain as he discusses the latest trends in estate planning and charitable giving during a continuing education workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays. Networking and check-in will open at 9:30 a.m.&nbsp;The day’s topics include “Growing in Generosity: Planned Giving Trends Every Advisor Should Know” and “Shifting Ethical Conundrums: A Case Study Approach” – worth 4.0 Continuing Education (CE) credits, including 1.0 credit in ethics. The workshop will also include lunch, plus a copy of Clontz’ book Charitable Gifts of Noncash Assets for the first 50 registrants.&nbsp;Pre-registration is required and the cost to attend is $50. Register here by Aug. 19: <a href="http://HaysCEworkshop.com/Register">http://HaysCEworkshop.com/Register</a>.Clontz’ dynamic and colorful presentation style will keep your attention as he provides insight on trends that have changed the charitable planning landscape. All finance professionals in Northwest Kansas, including certified public accountants, advisors, as well as attorneys are invited to attend.Charitable Solutions specializes in noncash asset receipt and liquidation, gift annuity reinsurance brokerage, gift annuity risk management consulting, emergency assistance funds and life insurance appraisals and audits. The session is designed to be highly interactive.“We’re excited to be able to have Bryan Clontz presenting this seminar,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director at the Heartland Community Foundation. “He is an expert in charitable gift planning and he is also very entertaining.”Clontz is a charitable giving consultant specializing in noncash assets, such as farm ground or real estate. He has worked extensively with community foundations and authored a book called Charitable Gifts of Noncash Assets, as well as the planned giving manual Just Add Water. He has written a dozen articles in financial services and planned giving journals and guest columns on charitable tax issues for Forbes.In addition to the Hansen Foundation, support for these events comes from the Heartland Community Foundation, the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

Workshop for finance professionals, attorneys set for Hays 

Three-day weather outlook

Many gardeners make compost without understanding how to use it around the home. Composthas a number of horticultural applications, which are described below. Fertilization and soil improvement. Organic materials can be added to improve soil looseness and workability. Heavy, tight clay soils benefit from the loosening effects of composted organic materials. In sandy soils, organic material acts as a sponge to hold water and nutrients.Compost contains nutrients plants require. The amount of specific nutrients depends on the types of materials composted and how much water the pile contains. The suggested application rate is 50 to 100 pounds per 100 square feet, which is about ¼ inch of material spread over the entire garden. The best time to apply compost is just before tillage in either the spring or fall to incorporate the compost throughout the root zone. In Kansas, garden soils are often tilled in the fall. Compost made early in the season should be ready by then, or use last year’s compost if you have a two-pile system. Compost at planting. Apply a band of compost in the bottom of a row trench or add several shovels full to the bottom of planting holes. Tomato plants, perennial flowers, trees, and shrubs benefit from the slow release of nutrients through the early growth period. Compost can be applied as a top dressing for seeded vegetables and flowers to prevent soil crusting. It can be used as a substitute for soluble fertilizer or starter solution when mixed in equal parts with water.Leftover compost can be added to garden soil later. Potting mix for seedlings. Compost that has been screened for large particles can be mixed with soil or sand in approximately equal parts, and then used as a growing medium. To ensure healthy seedlings, compost should be well deteriorated and free of harmful disease organisms and insects. Using compost on a lawn. The best way to use compost is to apply it liberally before planting. Fertilize by adding a thin layer of top dressing every year.&nbsp; Lauren Fick 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.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Many gardeners make compost without understanding how to use it around the home. Composthas a number of horticultural applications, which are described below. Fertilization and soil improvement. Organic materials can be added to improve soil looseness and workability. Heavy, tight clay soils benefit from the loosening effects of composted organic materials. In sandy soils, organic material acts as a sponge to hold water and nutrients.Compost contains nutrients plants require. The amount of specific nutrients depends on the types of materials composted and how much water the pile contains. The suggested application rate is 50 to 100 pounds per 100 square feet, which is about ¼ inch of material spread over the entire garden. The best time to apply compost is just before tillage in either the spring or fall to incorporate the compost throughout the root zone. In Kansas, garden soils are often tilled in the fall. Compost made early in the season should be ready by then, or use last year’s compost if you have a two-pile system. Compost at planting. Apply a band of compost in the bottom of a row trench or add several shovels full to the bottom of planting holes. Tomato plants, perennial flowers, trees, and shrubs benefit from the slow release of nutrients through the early growth period. Compost can be applied as a top dressing for seeded vegetables and flowers to prevent soil crusting. It can be used as a substitute for soluble fertilizer or starter solution when mixed in equal parts with water.Leftover compost can be added to garden soil later. Potting mix for seedlings. Compost that has been screened for large particles can be mixed with soil or sand in approximately equal parts, and then used as a growing medium. To ensure healthy seedlings, compost should be well deteriorated and free of harmful disease organisms and insects. Using compost on a lawn. The best way to use compost is to apply it liberally before planting. Fertilize by adding a thin layer of top dressing every year.&nbsp; Lauren Fick 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.&nbsp;

FICK: Using compost

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

At least one person was loaded for transport to the hospital after an injury accident north of Augusta Lane on Hall Street just after 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Please avoid the area north of 27th and Hall as law enforcement officers were still on scene at 5:40 p.m. Both the northbound and southbound lanes were closed north of Augusta Lane as of this post.

At least two pickup trucks and a car were involved in the accident.

The number of people who may have been injured nor the cause of the accident was known at the publication of this post.

Check back for more details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629240527508.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAt least one person was loaded for transport to the hospital after an injury accident north of Augusta Lane on Hall Street just after 5 p.m. Tuesday.Please avoid the area north of 27th and Hall as law enforcement officers were still on scene at 5:40 p.m. Both the northbound and southbound lanes were closed north of Augusta Lane as of this post.At least two pickup trucks and a car were involved in the accident.The number of people who may have been injured nor the cause of the accident was known at the publication of this post.Check back for more details as they become available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629240736395.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629240848599.jpeg" alt="" />
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BREAKING: Injury accident on Hall north of Augusta Lane

The Kansas State Collegian today profiled freshman and Hays High School alum Gavin Haselhorst, expected to play at linebacker for the Wildcats.

Click <a href="https://www.kstatecollegian.com/2021/08/17/countdown-to-kickoff-18-days-away-with-wide-receiver-eric-hommel-linebacker-gaven-haselhorst/">HERE</a> to read the story.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">300 x 9🦍 <a href="https://t.co/N5B1Fnf70C">pic.twitter.com/N5B1Fnf70C</a>&mdash; 𝐆𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭 (@gavenhasel) <a href="https://twitter.com/gavenhasel/status/1382860573235425281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>The Kansas State Collegian today profiled freshman and Hays High School alum Gavin Haselhorst, expected to play at linebacker for the Wildcats.Click <a href="https://www.kstatecollegian.com/2021/08/17/countdown-to-kickoff-18-days-away-with-wide-receiver-eric-hommel-linebacker-gaven-haselhorst/">HERE</a> to read the story.

Hays High alum Haselhorst featured in preseason profile

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares information about the upcoming Educators Appreciation event.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber shows area educators appreciation during annual event" 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=jjft3-10b8922-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>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger shares information about the upcoming Educators Appreciation event.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Hays Chamber shows area educators appreciation during annual event

With the approach of the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, Eagle Radio and Hays Post reporters are looking for listeners and readers to share their memories, stories and thoughts about 9/11 and its effect on the nation and on northwest Kansas. We want to hear your story. To share, email <a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Please include a contact number.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628784754735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With the approach of the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, Eagle Radio and Hays Post reporters are looking for listeners and readers to share their memories, stories and thoughts about 9/11 and its effect on the nation and on northwest Kansas. We want to hear your story. To share, email <a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Please include a contact number.Pixabay photo

Eagle Radio, Hays Post seeking area memories of 9/11

TMP-M sponsored blood drive Wednesday at Big Creek Crossing

Ellis County teens said they wanted more activities and attractions in Ellis County during a Teen Talk Strategic Doing event Wednesday.

The event was sponsored by the Heartland Community Foundation and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is considering creating youth councils in its service counties that would be charged with reviewing and awarding grants.

The teens split into two groups and were asked to draw maps of the significant locations in Ellis County.

These included schools, churches, the Ellis County Fairgrounds, Big Creek Crossing, HaysMed, Sternberg Museum of Natural History, First Care Clinic, swimming pools, ball parks, Hays Recreation Center, Ellis Railroad Museum, Chrysler boyhood home, Historic Fort Hays, downtown Hays, police and fire departments, and some local restaurants and businesses.

A group of students from Victoria said they spend a lot of time in Hays, but enjoyed the small-town feel of their hometown.

"Everybody knows everybody," said Levi Huser, Victoria High School student.

The students were asked what types of things they liked about their communities.

Tate Dinkel, Thomas More Prep-Marian student, said Hays is a safe community.

"You know a lot of people in Hays," he said. "No one is a stranger to you."

The students said they thought Ellis County has community pride and traditions.

Nadine Sigle, Hansen foundation community consultant, asked the students if they would settle in Ellis County after they finish school. Most of the students said they would.

The students said they liked that Hays has a lot of restaurants, and some students mentioned involvement in their churches.&nbsp;

They said they enjoyed visiting the Sternberg Museum and local historical landmarks.&nbsp;

The youth said outdoor space and activities were important.

Julia Meitner, TMP student, said she liked all the little stores on Main Street in Hays.

The students said they enjoy the activities and attractions that are available, but they said they would like more variety and more community events.&nbsp;

"Once you go to the same places 50 times, it gets kind of boring," said Aliyah Conner, Hays High School student.

The students said they appreciated their schools, but if they were given funds to dedicate to their schools they would put the money toward fixing facilities.

The TMP students said they would like to see improvements to their parking lot and campus roads.

The Victoria students said the high school's gym needs air conditioning.

The students in Victoria also said they would like to build an activity center for their community similar to the Hays Recreation Commission that had gym and meeting space. Victoria has no public fitness facilities.&nbsp;

They would like to see more restaurants in Victoria, as the city only has a couple of dining options.

Conner said if she had money to give to Hays High, she would use it to offset activity fees for her fellow students.

The students were asked for ideas on how to spend $10,000 in their communities.

Julia Meitner suggested an outdoor stage in Municipal Park. She said she would like to see live music in the park.

Dinkel said he would use the money to improve the Ellis County Fairgrounds.

"I would like more consistent things going on there," he said.

Conner said she would like to have a trampoline park in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629133085212.jpeg" alt="Levi Huser discusses important places and organizations in Ellis County with fellow teens (from left) Shelby Schmeidler, Kaitlyn Windholz and Melany Huser during the Heartland Community Foundation Teen Talk event Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>Levi Huser discusses important places and organizations in Ellis County with fellow teens (from left) Shelby Schmeidler, Kaitlyn Windholz and Melany Huser during the Heartland Community Foundation Teen Talk event Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEllis County teens said they wanted more activities and attractions in Ellis County during a Teen Talk Strategic Doing event Wednesday.The event was sponsored by the Heartland Community Foundation and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is considering creating youth councils in its service counties that would be charged with reviewing and awarding grants.The teens split into two groups and were asked to draw maps of the significant locations in Ellis County.These included schools, churches, the Ellis County Fairgrounds, Big Creek Crossing, HaysMed, Sternberg Museum of Natural History, First Care Clinic, swimming pools, ball parks, Hays Recreation Center, Ellis Railroad Museum, Chrysler boyhood home, Historic Fort Hays, downtown Hays, police and fire departments, and some local restaurants and businesses.A group of students from Victoria said they spend a lot of time in Hays, but enjoyed the small-town feel of their hometown."Everybody knows everybody," said Levi Huser, Victoria High School student.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629133480185.jpeg" alt="Local youth Tate Dinkel, Julia Meitner and Henry Meitner talk about what they like about Ellis County during a Heartland Community Foundation Teen Talk event Wednesday at the Hays Public Library." />
 <figcaption>Local youth Tate Dinkel, Julia Meitner and Henry Meitner talk about what they like about Ellis County during a Heartland Community Foundation Teen Talk event Wednesday at the Hays Public Library.</figcaption>
 </figure>The students were asked what types of things they liked about their communities.Tate Dinkel, Thomas More Prep-Marian student, said Hays is a safe community."You know a lot of people in Hays," he said. "No one is a stranger to you."The students said they thought Ellis County has community pride and traditions.Nadine Sigle, Hansen foundation community consultant, asked the students if they would settle in Ellis County after they finish school. Most of the students said they would.The students said they liked that Hays has a lot of restaurants, and some students mentioned involvement in their churches.&nbsp;They said they enjoyed visiting the Sternberg Museum and local historical landmarks.&nbsp;The youth said outdoor space and activities were important.Julia Meitner, TMP student, said she liked all the little stores on Main Street in Hays.The students said they enjoy the activities and attractions that are available, but they said they would like more variety and more community events.&nbsp;"Once you go to the same places 50 times, it gets kind of boring," said Aliyah Conner, Hays High School student.The students said they appreciated their schools, but if they were given funds to dedicate to their schools they would put the money toward fixing facilities.The TMP students said they would like to see improvements to their parking lot and campus roads.The Victoria students said the high school's gym needs air conditioning.The students in Victoria also said they would like to build an activity center for their community similar to the Hays Recreation Commission that had gym and meeting space. Victoria has no public fitness facilities.&nbsp;They would like to see more restaurants in Victoria, as the city only has a couple of dining options.Conner said if she had money to give to Hays High, she would use it to offset activity fees for her fellow students.The students were asked for ideas on how to spend $10,000 in their communities.Julia Meitner suggested an outdoor stage in Municipal Park. She said she would like to see live music in the park.Dinkel said he would use the money to improve the Ellis County Fairgrounds."I would like more consistent things going on there," he said.Conner said she would like to have a trampoline park in Hays.

Youth say they want more community activities during Teen Talk event

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Last week, gasoline prices reached the highest national average of the year at $3.19 per gallon. The auto club AAA says that was up two cents from a week earlier, up a nickel from a month earlier and up more than a dollar from a year ago. Today's prices are marginally cheaper. The statewide average in Kansas is just over $2.94. Most stations in Hays are offering regular gas for $2.89. It's going for $2.84 a gallon across Great Bend. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson is fetching $58.75 per barrel, after dropping half a dollar on Friday. Prices are up a quarter from a week ago, down more than five dollars from the first of the month, and $20 a barrel higher than at the first of the year. Crude futures prices continued the slump started last week. The benchmark Nymex contract settled on Friday at $68.44 per barrel. By lunchtime Monday that was down another dollar and change to $67.35. London Brent was also down more than a dollar at $69.57 a barrel. Drilling activity is on the rise in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service's spud reports show an increase of 58%, or 192 more wells drilled so far this year than a year ago.&nbsp; Seventy-six wildcat wells have been permitted this year, up more than 65% from a year ago. Wildcat drilling activity now accounts for nearly 15% of the total number of wells drilled. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas is down two for the week. Drilling was underway on one lease in Barton County, and an operator was preparing to spud a new well in Russell County. Baker Hughes reported an increase of ten active oil rigs nationwide Friday. The count in New Mexico was up four rigs. Texas was up three and North Dakota was up two rigs. Regulators approved 15 new drilling permits in eastern Kansas and 13 west of Wichita, including one in Barton County, two in Ellis County, and one in Stafford County. That's 605 new drilling locations so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 31 new completed wells across Kansas for the week, all but one of them in Western Kansas, including three in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Russell County. Operators have completed 492 Kansas wells so far this year. US crude inventories dropped 400,000 barrels last week to nearly 439 million. The government says US stockpiles are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline inventories are about 3% below the five year average, after dropping slightly last week.&nbsp; The US imported 6.4 million barrels of crude oil per day last week, down by 36,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average of US imports is 16% higher than the same four weeks last year. The Energy Information Administration reported an increase in US crude production of 124,000 barrels per day. At 11.3 million barrels per day, US output is nearly two million barrels per day higher than the same week a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. was down last week. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,188 tankers hauling petroleum, down 101 cars from the week before and nearly ten percent below the totals from a year ago. It might surprise you to learn that the leading offshore oil producer is Brazil. According to new analysis from the firm GlobalData, Brazil is expected to contribute nearly one fourth of all offshore oil produced worldwide over the next four years. Planned and announced projects starting soon are expected to pump up Brazil's offshore output to about 1.3 million barrels per day. The state of North Dakota reported a slight increase in crude-oil production in June. The Department of Mineral Resources announced output of 33.8 million barrels for the month. That's an average of 1.12 million barrels per day, up 143 barrels per day over the month before. The state's operators captured 92 percent of the natural gas produced at oil wells. A government report predicts rising OPEC crude production and lower prices through next year. Brent prices averaged $75 per barrel in July, and should average around $72 for the next few months, according to the government's Short Term Energy Outlook. The report forecasts average Brent prices of $66 per barrel next year. The Energy Information Administration says US crude prices will average just under $66 this year, dropping to just over $62 per barrel next year. EIA says OPEC production will rise nearly a million barrels per day this year over last year. Midwestern lawmakers are pressing their fight with the Fish and Wildlife Service over its potential listing of the lesser prairie chicken as an endangered species. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined lawmakers from Texas and Oklahoma urging the Service to extend the public-comment period on the proposal. Last week that comment period was extended one month to September 1st. But in the letter, the lawmakers are asking for an additional five months. They argue they need more time to consider potential impacts and scientific analysis. They say the listing would damage the construction, agriculture, energy and other industries that are already cooperating in conservation efforts to protect the bird habitat. The biggest oil and gas companies in Europe are going to extraordinary lengths to convince investors that their profits are here to stay. Royal Dutch Shell last week surprised investors, by increasing its dividend nearly 40%, and announcing $2 billion in stock buybacks. French multi-national TotalEnergies last week promised to divert as much as 40% of its surplus cash to stock repurchases. According to a Bloomberg report this marks a big turnaround for the industry, which is trying to convince investors to hold on despite mounting concerns about climate change. Up until recently, both oil majors were focused on paying down debt and strengthening their balance sheets following the pandemic and the price slump.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Last week, gasoline prices reached the highest national average of the year at $3.19 per gallon. The auto club AAA says that was up two cents from a week earlier, up a nickel from a month earlier and up more than a dollar from a year ago. Today's prices are marginally cheaper. The statewide average in Kansas is just over $2.94. Most stations in Hays are offering regular gas for $2.89. It's going for $2.84 a gallon across Great Bend. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson is fetching $58.75 per barrel, after dropping half a dollar on Friday. Prices are up a quarter from a week ago, down more than five dollars from the first of the month, and $20 a barrel higher than at the first of the year. Crude futures prices continued the slump started last week. The benchmark Nymex contract settled on Friday at $68.44 per barrel. By lunchtime Monday that was down another dollar and change to $67.35. London Brent was also down more than a dollar at $69.57 a barrel. Drilling activity is on the rise in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service's spud reports show an increase of 58%, or 192 more wells drilled so far this year than a year ago.&nbsp; Seventy-six wildcat wells have been permitted this year, up more than 65% from a year ago. Wildcat drilling activity now accounts for nearly 15% of the total number of wells drilled. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas is down two for the week. Drilling was underway on one lease in Barton County, and an operator was preparing to spud a new well in Russell County. Baker Hughes reported an increase of ten active oil rigs nationwide Friday. The count in New Mexico was up four rigs. Texas was up three and North Dakota was up two rigs. Regulators approved 15 new drilling permits in eastern Kansas and 13 west of Wichita, including one in Barton County, two in Ellis County, and one in Stafford County. That's 605 new drilling locations so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 31 new completed wells across Kansas for the week, all but one of them in Western Kansas, including three in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Russell County. Operators have completed 492 Kansas wells so far this year. US crude inventories dropped 400,000 barrels last week to nearly 439 million. The government says US stockpiles are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline inventories are about 3% below the five year average, after dropping slightly last week.&nbsp; The US imported 6.4 million barrels of crude oil per day last week, down by 36,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average of US imports is 16% higher than the same four weeks last year. The Energy Information Administration reported an increase in US crude production of 124,000 barrels per day. At 11.3 million barrels per day, US output is nearly two million barrels per day higher than the same week a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. was down last week. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,188 tankers hauling petroleum, down 101 cars from the week before and nearly ten percent below the totals from a year ago. It might surprise you to learn that the leading offshore oil producer is Brazil. According to new analysis from the firm GlobalData, Brazil is expected to contribute nearly one fourth of all offshore oil produced worldwide over the next four years. Planned and announced projects starting soon are expected to pump up Brazil's offshore output to about 1.3 million barrels per day. The state of North Dakota reported a slight increase in crude-oil production in June. The Department of Mineral Resources announced output of 33.8 million barrels for the month. That's an average of 1.12 million barrels per day, up 143 barrels per day over the month before. The state's operators captured 92 percent of the natural gas produced at oil wells. A government report predicts rising OPEC crude production and lower prices through next year. Brent prices averaged $75 per barrel in July, and should average around $72 for the next few months, according to the government's Short Term Energy Outlook. The report forecasts average Brent prices of $66 per barrel next year. The Energy Information Administration says US crude prices will average just under $66 this year, dropping to just over $62 per barrel next year. EIA says OPEC production will rise nearly a million barrels per day this year over last year. Midwestern lawmakers are pressing their fight with the Fish and Wildlife Service over its potential listing of the lesser prairie chicken as an endangered species. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined lawmakers from Texas and Oklahoma urging the Service to extend the public-comment period on the proposal. Last week that comment period was extended one month to September 1st. But in the letter, the lawmakers are asking for an additional five months. They argue they need more time to consider potential impacts and scientific analysis. They say the listing would damage the construction, agriculture, energy and other industries that are already cooperating in conservation efforts to protect the bird habitat. The biggest oil and gas companies in Europe are going to extraordinary lengths to convince investors that their profits are here to stay. Royal Dutch Shell last week surprised investors, by increasing its dividend nearly 40%, and announcing $2 billion in stock buybacks. French multi-national TotalEnergies last week promised to divert as much as 40% of its surplus cash to stock repurchases. According to a Bloomberg report this marks a big turnaround for the industry, which is trying to convince investors to hold on despite mounting concerns about climate change. Up until recently, both oil majors were focused on paying down debt and strengthening their balance sheets following the pandemic and the price slump.

News From the Oil Patch: Gas prices retreat from annual highs

It’s easy to put off one’s estate plan. Who wants to think about his or her own demise? But completing a thoughtful estate plan is an important task and a great gift to those left behind. The opportunity to create your own legacy can actually be a fun and fulfilling process. Anyone wanting to learn about estate planning or charitable giving through estates is invited to attend either of two presentations being given in Colby and Hays next month.

Bryan Clontz, founder and president of Charitable Solutions, LLC, based in Jacksonville, Fla., will enlighten and entertain as he discusses top trends in estate planning and charitable giving during an 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. lunch in Colby and at a 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. dinner in Hays, both on Wednesday, Aug. 25. The Colby event will be at the City Limits Convention Center, and the Hays dinner will be at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Both events are sponsored by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in an effort to encourage Northwest Kansas residents to make a plan for not only their family, but also for their communities.

There is no cost to attend, but RSVP is required by Aug. 20. Register online at <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/cf-event/">https://danehansenfoundation.org/cf-event/</a>.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston, a master’s degree in risk management and insurance at Georgia State University, and a master’s in financial services and a doctorate in retirement and financial planning at The American College of Financial Services. In addition to being qualified, Clontz is a funny, practical, and passionate presenter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629139873147.jpeg" alt="Bryan Clontz " />
 <figcaption>Bryan Clontz </figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationIt’s easy to put off one’s estate plan. Who wants to think about his or her own demise? But completing a thoughtful estate plan is an important task and a great gift to those left behind. The opportunity to create your own legacy can actually be a fun and fulfilling process. Anyone wanting to learn about estate planning or charitable giving through estates is invited to attend either of two presentations being given in Colby and Hays next month.Bryan Clontz, founder and president of Charitable Solutions, LLC, based in Jacksonville, Fla., will enlighten and entertain as he discusses top trends in estate planning and charitable giving during an 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. lunch in Colby and at a 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. dinner in Hays, both on Wednesday, Aug. 25. The Colby event will be at the City Limits Convention Center, and the Hays dinner will be at the Hilton Garden Inn.Both events are sponsored by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in an effort to encourage Northwest Kansas residents to make a plan for not only their family, but also for their communities.There is no cost to attend, but RSVP is required by Aug. 20. Register online at <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/cf-event/">https://danehansenfoundation.org/cf-event/</a>.Clontz is a charitable giving consultant specializing in noncash assets, such as farm ground or real estate. He has worked extensively with community foundations and authored a book called Charitable Gifts of Noncash Assets, as well as the planned giving manual Just Add Water. He has written a dozen articles in financial services and planned giving journals and guest columns on charitable tax issues for Forbes.He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston, a master’s degree in risk management and insurance at Georgia State University, and a master’s in financial services and a doctorate in retirement and financial planning at The American College of Financial Services. In addition to being qualified, Clontz is a funny, practical, and passionate presenter.In addition to the Hansen Foundation, support for these events comes from the Heartland Community Foundation, the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

Estate planning, charitable giving presentations offered

Fourth year head coach Tony Crough wore a shirt with a simple message across the chest to the team's first practice this fall — two words simply stating "Prove It." That phrase has been the mantra in the past for Hays High football. But not many inside the program feel they have followed through. There may be no better time that now with a large number juniors and seniors returning for 2021. Seventy-five players donned pads for the first practice.

Fifteen of those upperclassmen saw significant time during a 5-3 campaign that came to a close in the Week 9 game at home to Maize South. It was the Indians second loss to the Mavericks in 2020. The other tally in the loss column came against Kapaun.

Hays claimed its first Western Athletic Conference title since 2014 and will try to win back-to-back crowns for the first time since 2011 and 2012.

Clemson commit Jaren Kanak highlights a group of eight offensive players that were all significant contributors a season ago. Roy Maroni, Carson Kiefer, Jordan Dale and Bryce Salmans all return to the skill positions where they helped the team move the ball for 321 yards per game and average 24 points per contest. Dale earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in the WAC for his play at quarterback and wide receiver.&nbsp; 

Gavin Nutting and Karson Russell anchor the offensive line after starting the past season there.

Defensively, the Indians gave up an average of 16 points per game. Division 1 recruit Gavin Meyers enters his senior year with 259 total tackles. He will be joined at the linebacker spot by fellow senior, Dalton Dale who has 117 tackles to his credit. Wyatt Crain returns to the secondary.

The defensive line will also have Nutting, who enters his senior season with 129 career tackles and Carson Spray, who as a sophomore saw increased time as the season progressed. After starting on the offensive line last season, Grayson Walburn moves to the defensive line.

Senior Jack Fields will handle the kicking duties once again. Fields made 16 of his 21 extra point attempts.

Like every team, questions remain to be answered on day one of the season. The Indians lost Gaven Haselhorst and Trey Adams to graduation. The two defensive ends combined for 348 tackles, 84 of which were for a loss, in their careers. Haselhorst now resides in Manhattan where he is playing for Kansas State University.

Another noticeable absence from the field was Dylan Dreiling. The senior baseball standout has elected not to play this season. Dreiling saw time at both quarterback and running back in 2020.

Hays High opens the season by hosting Wichita East on Sept. 3.

Fourth year head coach Tony Crough wore a shirt with a simple message across the chest to the team's first practice this fall — two words simply stating "Prove It." That phrase has been the mantra in the past for Hays High football. But not many inside the program feel they have followed through. There may be no better time that now with a large number juniors and seniors returning for 2021. Seventy-five players donned pads for the first practice.Fifteen of those upperclassmen saw significant time during a 5-3 campaign that came to a close in the Week 9 game at home to Maize South. It was the Indians second loss to the Mavericks in 2020. The other tally in the loss column came against Kapaun.Hays claimed its first Western Athletic Conference title since 2014 and will try to win back-to-back crowns for the first time since 2011 and 2012.Coach Tony Crough <div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1107266683&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-tony-crough-preseason-2021" title="Coach Tony Crough Preseason 2021" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Tony Crough Preseason 2021</a></div></div>Clemson commit Jaren Kanak highlights a group of eight offensive players that were all significant contributors a season ago. Roy Maroni, Carson Kiefer, Jordan Dale and Bryce Salmans all return to the skill positions where they helped the team move the ball for 321 yards per game and average 24 points per contest. Dale earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in the WAC for his play at quarterback and wide receiver.&nbsp; Gavin Nutting and Karson Russell anchor the offensive line after starting the past season there.Defensively, the Indians gave up an average of 16 points per game. Division 1 recruit Gavin Meyers enters his senior year with 259 total tackles. He will be joined at the linebacker spot by fellow senior, Dalton Dale who has 117 tackles to his credit. Wyatt Crain returns to the secondary.The defensive line will also have Nutting, who enters his senior season with 129 career tackles and Carson Spray, who as a sophomore saw increased time as the season progressed. After starting on the offensive line last season, Grayson Walburn moves to the defensive line.Senior Jack Fields will handle the kicking duties once again. Fields made 16 of his 21 extra point attempts.Like every team, questions remain to be answered on day one of the season. The Indians lost Gaven Haselhorst and Trey Adams to graduation. The two defensive ends combined for 348 tackles, 84 of which were for a loss, in their careers. Haselhorst now resides in Manhattan where he is playing for Kansas State University.Another noticeable absence from the field was Dylan Dreiling. The senior baseball standout has elected not to play this season. Dreiling saw time at both quarterback and running back in 2020.Hays High opens the season by hosting Wichita East on Sept. 3.

🏈 Hays High tries to 'prove it' on the gridiron

NORTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for allegedly endangering a child.

On Friday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Mykayla Forsberg on a&nbsp;Norton County District Court Warrant for Unlawful Tattooing, Tattooing Minor without Consent and Endangering a Child, according to a social media report from police.&nbsp; She posted bond and is no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629155521243.png" alt="Forsberg-photo Norton County" />
 <figcaption>Forsberg-photo Norton County</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for allegedly endangering a child.On Friday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Mykayla Forsberg on a&nbsp;Norton County District Court Warrant for Unlawful Tattooing, Tattooing Minor without Consent and Endangering a Child, according to a social media report from police.&nbsp; She posted bond and is no longer in custody.

Kan. woman allegedly tattooed a minor without consent

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.&nbsp;

As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported nine COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,873 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629134394286.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported nine COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,873 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 13 new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

Hays Catholic Schools, TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary are excited to kick off the 2021-22 school year with the Back 2 School Bash on Friday, Aug. 20, located on the campus of Thomas More Prep-Marian. 

Following the opening prayer and blessing at 4:45 p.m., enjoy a hot dog provided and grilled by Astra Bank of Hays and a cold beverage donated by the Kiwanis Club of Hays and served to you by the TMP-M Key Club. This will be a cool treat, thanks to ice donated by Buff's Car Wash. The Knights of Columbus, Council #6984 will also be serving complimentary watermelon for all to enjoy! Auto World of Hays will provide water throughout the event.&nbsp;

Ice cream, sno-cones, Monarch Football Madness tickets and Hays Catholic Schools yard signs will all be available for purchase.&nbsp;

With the generosity of the following sponsors, Diamond R Jewelry, DW Home Improvement, Gone Logo, Holy Family Home &amp; School Committee, TMP-M PTF, Nex-Tech, Jeff Pinkney CPA, Inc., and Nex-Tech Wireless, and numerous other supporters, there will be numerous fun activities for all ages:

At 5:00p.m., Herrman Physical Therapy and Wellness will be holding a Mini-Monarch Combine where future Monarchs can test their athletic skills. Southwind Crossfit will be hosting a Fun Run for all ages beginning at 6:00 p.m. In addition, there will be several sports scrimmages throughout the evening ending with the Blue and White Football Scrimmage on Cripplegate Field at 7:00 p.m.&nbsp;

The TMP-M cheerleaders will be painting faces as well as performing at 6:45 p.m. Also included is the TMP-M Chess Club, which will show off their skills and the Garden Club featuring amazing homegrown produce.&nbsp;

At the conclusion of the activities at 9:00 p.m., a street dance will continue and prizes donated by the TMP-M High School StuCo will be drawn. You must be present to win.&nbsp;

At approximately 10:00 p.m., this enjoyable evening will end with a literal “bang” as a spectacular firework show will be presented by The Golden Q Bar &amp; Grill and Brick's Rockin’ BBQ. &nbsp;

Non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry will be collected at the welcome table upon entering. 

Registration for all events and prizes will be available at the welcome table. Please make sure to bring lawn chairs and come and celebrate the start of another fantastic school year!&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628877951132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted Hays Catholic Schools, TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary are excited to kick off the 2021-22 school year with the Back 2 School Bash on Friday, Aug. 20, located on the campus of Thomas More Prep-Marian. All in the Hays community are invited to attend this fun family event.Following the opening prayer and blessing at 4:45 p.m., enjoy a hot dog provided and grilled by Astra Bank of Hays and a cold beverage donated by the Kiwanis Club of Hays and served to you by the TMP-M Key Club. This will be a cool treat, thanks to ice donated by Buff's Car Wash. The Knights of Columbus, Council #6984 will also be serving complimentary watermelon for all to enjoy! Auto World of Hays will provide water throughout the event.&nbsp;Ice cream, sno-cones, Monarch Football Madness tickets and Hays Catholic Schools yard signs will all be available for purchase.&nbsp;With the generosity of the following sponsors, Diamond R Jewelry, DW Home Improvement, Gone Logo, Holy Family Home &amp; School Committee, TMP-M PTF, Nex-Tech, Jeff Pinkney CPA, Inc., and Nex-Tech Wireless, and numerous other supporters, there will be numerous fun activities for all ages:<ol>
 <li>Bounce houses</li><li>Obstacle courses </li><li>&nbsp;Laser tag</li><li>Dunk tank</li><li>Roller coaster simulator</li><li>DJ with music and karaoke</li><li>Golf nets and games provided by Precision Valley</li><li>Cotton candy served by the TMP Drama Club</li><li>Popcorn served by the Hays Catholic Schools Advancement Office </li>
 </ol>At 5:00p.m., Herrman Physical Therapy and Wellness will be holding a Mini-Monarch Combine where future Monarchs can test their athletic skills. Southwind Crossfit will be hosting a Fun Run for all ages beginning at 6:00 p.m. In addition, there will be several sports scrimmages throughout the evening ending with the Blue and White Football Scrimmage on Cripplegate Field at 7:00 p.m.&nbsp;The TMP-M cheerleaders will be painting faces as well as performing at 6:45 p.m. Also included is the TMP-M Chess Club, which will show off their skills and the Garden Club featuring amazing homegrown produce.&nbsp;At the conclusion of the activities at 9:00 p.m., a street dance will continue and prizes donated by the TMP-M High School StuCo will be drawn. You must be present to win.&nbsp;At approximately 10:00 p.m., this enjoyable evening will end with a literal “bang” as a spectacular firework show will be presented by The Golden Q Bar &amp; Grill and Brick's Rockin’ BBQ. &nbsp;Non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry will be collected at the welcome table upon entering. Parking on campus will be limited to the east and south of Al Billinger Fieldhouse. Registration for all events and prizes will be available at the welcome table. Please make sure to bring lawn chairs and come and celebrate the start of another fantastic school year!&nbsp;&nbsp;