CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A small city in the top U.S. coal-mining state of Wyoming will be home to a Bill Gates-backed experimental nuclear power project near a coal-fired power plant scheduled to close soon.

 Officials with Bellevue, Washington-based TerraPower announced Tuesday they will build the Natrium plant in Kemmerer, a southwestern Wyoming city of 2,600 people. 

A coal-fired power plant operated by PacifiCorp subsidiary Rocky Mountain Power is set to close in Kemmerer in 2025. 

Proponents of the project featuring a sodium-cooled fast reactor say it would perform better, be safer and cost less than traditional nuclear power.

 Others are skeptical, saying such reactors aren't as safe or practical as claimed.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A small city in the top U.S. coal-mining state of Wyoming will be home to a Bill Gates-backed experimental nuclear power project near a coal-fired power plant scheduled to close soon. Officials with Bellevue, Washington-based TerraPower announced Tuesday they will build the Natrium plant in Kemmerer, a southwestern Wyoming city of 2,600 people. A coal-fired power plant operated by PacifiCorp subsidiary Rocky Mountain Power is set to close in Kemmerer in 2025. Proponents of the project featuring a sodium-cooled fast reactor say it would perform better, be safer and cost less than traditional nuclear power. Others are skeptical, saying such reactors aren't as safe or practical as claimed.

Bill Gates venture picks Wyoming city for sodium nuke plant

Experts warn passing new laws to fight the vaccine mandates could sow 
chaos

By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-11-18/kansas-lawmakers-look-to-undercut-federal-vaccine-mandates-and-that-worries-public-health-officials">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA&nbsp;— Republican lawmakers look determined to take 
on the Biden administration’s insistence that employers pressure their 
workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Legislature meets 
in a special session this week to engage in battle with the federal 
government over the vaccine mandates. But courts will likely have the 
final say on if the mandate is legal, and some factions worry such bold 
action to fight mandates could further atrophy the state's ability to 
respond to public health crises.

Last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration <a href="https://www.natlawreview.com/article/osha-suspends-ets-enforcement-wake-fifth-circuit-s-latest-jab-vaccine-rule-future" target="_blank">paused enforcement </a>of its own temporary emergency standard <a href="https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/11042021" target="_blank">requiring</a> companies with 100 employees or more to mandate that workers either get vaccinated or submit to regular testing.

Legislative
 leaders waited until the emergency standard was in place to call a 
special session. But now that the rule is in legal limbo, it’s unlikely 
the Republicans who dominate the Legislature will abandon plans to give 
workers the freedom to dodge the mandates simply by invoking religious 
objections. Or drop other proposals offered in the spirit of civil 
liberties and aimed to undercut the federal mandates.

“We’re not 
going to let the Biden Administration force businesses to play God or 
doctor and determine whether a religious or medical exemption is valid 
or not,” Republican Senate President Ty Masterson said in a statement 
announcing the session. “We’re going to trust individual Kansans.”

Conservative legislators in Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Wyoming and <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-dakota/articles/2021-11-12/vaccines-race-theory-bills-pass-as-session-comes-to-closehttps://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-dakota/articles/2021-11-12/vaccines-race-theory-bills-pass-as-session-comes-to-close" target="_blank">North Dakota</a> have already completed special sessions and passed bills aimed at nullifying new federal mandates.

Lawmakers in <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2021/11/17/florida-legislature-sends-ron-desantis-the-covid-19-vaccine-bills-now-what/" target="_blank">Florida</a>
 passed a bill that would fine businesses $10,000 per violation if they 
didn’t offer a number of exemptions to their employees. The governor in <a href="https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/governor-signs-the-one-vaccine-mandate-bill-that-survived-wyoming-special-session/article_00096807-84cb-5b7a-98f8-0d2f2b87f2d3.html" target="_blank">Wyoming</a>
 signed only one of the 20 bills that were written during the special 
session — a law that gives his office $4 million dollars to challenge 
federal vaccine mandates. Four of the states, including Kansas, will 
elect governors next year.

The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/18/us/coronavirus-public-health.html" target="_blank">reports</a>
 Kansas lawmakers are among legislators across the country that passed 
more than 100 laws that limit state and local health powers. State 
lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year modifying the Kansas Emergency
 Management Act to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/31/1022907425/as-covid-concern-grows-in-kansas-so-does-confusion-over-who-is-in-charge" target="_blank">shift power away</a> from local public health officials and the governor and toward elected county commissioners.

Yet
 even if the federal mandate is struck down, new state laws making 
changes to religious exemptions in Kansas could transform the legal and 
public health systems for years to come.

“It seems like the bills 
are drafted to let the exemptions swallow the rule,” said Sharon Brett, 
legal director of the Kansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties 
Union.

Brett said there’s no freedom of religion provision in the 
First Amendment that allows a person to put another person in danger by 
practicing their religion.

If employers have incentives to skimp 
on verifying the sincerity of an employee who invokes a religious 
exemption — the way such things are subject to challenge in avoiding 
military service, for instance — Brett said that would mark a 
fundamental change.

“It basically gives a two-tiered system of 
justice,” Brett said, “where the religious rights of people in free 
society are upheld over public safety.”

“That sends a really 
difficult and unfortunate signal about who we are, and how we uphold the
 First Amendment in this country,” she said.

New laws 
strengthening religious exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines could also wind
 up undercutting laws on the books requiring vaccinations for 
school-aged children.

“It sets a precedent,” said Dr. Marcus 
Plescia, the chief medical officer for the Association of State and 
Territorial Health Officials. “It's particularly concerning for 
childhood vaccinations.”

He cited previous national measles 
outbreaks where some people garnered religious exemptions and remained 
unvaccinated. In cases like that, Plescia said, public health officials 
have often been able to lobby religious leaders to convince them of the 
good vaccines would do in their communities.

But in this case, he 
said some of these religious exemptions “aren’t really something that 
religions themselves are even calling for.”

State and local health
 officials face this political and legal fight when they’re already 
besieged by the pandemic. That’s made it harder to campaign against new 
laws that could have far-reaching effects on a range of vaccinations.

“There’s not a clear sort of national advocate who can step in,” Plescia said.

Meanwhile,
 he said groups like the conservative American Legislative Exchange 
Council have drafted model legislation adopted by legislatures across 
the country.

Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @AbigailCensky or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637267848625.png" alt="Kansas lawmakers will return to Topeka next week to push back on the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas lawmakers will return to Topeka next week to push back on the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Experts warn passing new laws to fight the vaccine mandates could sow 
chaos</h2>By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-11-18/kansas-lawmakers-look-to-undercut-federal-vaccine-mandates-and-that-worries-public-health-officials">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA&nbsp;— Republican lawmakers look determined to take 
on the Biden administration’s insistence that employers pressure their 
workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.The Legislature meets 
in a special session this week to engage in battle with the federal 
government over the vaccine mandates. But courts will likely have the 
final say on if the mandate is legal, and some factions worry such bold 
action to fight mandates could further atrophy the state's ability to 
respond to public health crises.Last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration <a href="https://www.natlawreview.com/article/osha-suspends-ets-enforcement-wake-fifth-circuit-s-latest-jab-vaccine-rule-future" target="_blank">paused enforcement </a>of its own temporary emergency standard <a href="https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/11042021" target="_blank">requiring</a> companies with 100 employees or more to mandate that workers either get vaccinated or submit to regular testing.Legislative
 leaders waited until the emergency standard was in place to call a 
special session. But now that the rule is in legal limbo, it’s unlikely 
the Republicans who dominate the Legislature will abandon plans to give 
workers the freedom to dodge the mandates simply by invoking religious 
objections. Or drop other proposals offered in the spirit of civil 
liberties and aimed to undercut the federal mandates.“We’re not 
going to let the Biden Administration force businesses to play God or 
doctor and determine whether a religious or medical exemption is valid 
or not,” Republican Senate President Ty Masterson said in a statement 
announcing the session. “We’re going to trust individual Kansans.”Conservative legislators in Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Wyoming and <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-dakota/articles/2021-11-12/vaccines-race-theory-bills-pass-as-session-comes-to-closehttps://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-dakota/articles/2021-11-12/vaccines-race-theory-bills-pass-as-session-comes-to-close" target="_blank">North Dakota</a> have already completed special sessions and passed bills aimed at nullifying new federal mandates.Lawmakers in <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2021/11/17/florida-legislature-sends-ron-desantis-the-covid-19-vaccine-bills-now-what/" target="_blank">Florida</a>
 passed a bill that would fine businesses $10,000 per violation if they 
didn’t offer a number of exemptions to their employees. The governor in <a href="https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/governor-signs-the-one-vaccine-mandate-bill-that-survived-wyoming-special-session/article_00096807-84cb-5b7a-98f8-0d2f2b87f2d3.html" target="_blank">Wyoming</a>
 signed only one of the 20 bills that were written during the special 
session — a law that gives his office $4 million dollars to challenge 
federal vaccine mandates. Four of the states, including Kansas, will 
elect governors next year.The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/18/us/coronavirus-public-health.html" target="_blank">reports</a>
 Kansas lawmakers are among legislators across the country that passed 
more than 100 laws that limit state and local health powers. State 
lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year modifying the Kansas Emergency
 Management Act to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/31/1022907425/as-covid-concern-grows-in-kansas-so-does-confusion-over-who-is-in-charge" target="_blank">shift power away</a> from local public health officials and the governor and toward elected county commissioners.Yet
 even if the federal mandate is struck down, new state laws making 
changes to religious exemptions in Kansas could transform the legal and 
public health systems for years to come.“It seems like the bills 
are drafted to let the exemptions swallow the rule,” said Sharon Brett, 
legal director of the Kansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties 
Union.Brett said there’s no freedom of religion provision in the 
First Amendment that allows a person to put another person in danger by 
practicing their religion.If employers have incentives to skimp 
on verifying the sincerity of an employee who invokes a religious 
exemption — the way such things are subject to challenge in avoiding 
military service, for instance — Brett said that would mark a 
fundamental change.“It basically gives a two-tiered system of 
justice,” Brett said, “where the religious rights of people in free 
society are upheld over public safety.”“That sends a really 
difficult and unfortunate signal about who we are, and how we uphold the
 First Amendment in this country,” she said.New laws 
strengthening religious exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines could also wind
 up undercutting laws on the books requiring vaccinations for 
school-aged children.“It sets a precedent,” said Dr. Marcus 
Plescia, the chief medical officer for the Association of State and 
Territorial Health Officials. “It's particularly concerning for 
childhood vaccinations.”He cited previous national measles 
outbreaks where some people garnered religious exemptions and remained 
unvaccinated. In cases like that, Plescia said, public health officials 
have often been able to lobby religious leaders to convince them of the 
good vaccines would do in their communities.But in this case, he 
said some of these religious exemptions “aren’t really something that 
religions themselves are even calling for.”State and local health
 officials face this political and legal fight when they’re already 
besieged by the pandemic. That’s made it harder to campaign against new 
laws that could have far-reaching effects on a range of vaccinations.“There’s not a clear sort of national advocate who can step in,” Plescia said.Meanwhile,
 he said groups like the conservative American Legislative Exchange 
Council have drafted model legislation adopted by legislatures across 
the country.Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @AbigailCensky or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

Kansas special session looks to undercut federal vaccine mandates

Featuring selections from holiday favorites

Get in the mood for the most wonderful season of all when the Hays Symphony presents a light program of Christmas favorites on Saturday, Dec. , 7:30 p.m. in the Fort Hays State University Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.

The program features: Anderson’s&nbsp;Sleigh Ride; Coleridge-Taylor’s&nbsp;Christmas Overture; Guaraldi’s&nbsp;A Charlie Brown Christmas; Holcombe’s&nbsp;Festive Sounds of Hanukah; Krogstad’s&nbsp;The Bells of Christmas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Christmas at the Movies; Mozart’s&nbsp;Sleigh Ride; and selections from Tchaikovsky’s&nbsp;Nutcracker Suite.

Sleigh Ride&nbsp;is&nbsp;one of the most recognizable festive works when the orchestra takes us on a ride with jingling sleigh bells, whip cracks, and a neighing horse. Both&nbsp;A Charlie Brown Christmas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Christmas at the Movies&nbsp;will remind listeners of family time gathered around the television for those holiday&nbsp;specials. And the magical&nbsp;Nutcracker Suite&nbsp;transports us to a world of sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers, and a Russian folk dance.

Audience members are invited to attend a post-concert reception, sponsored by Insurance Planning Inc.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633364673862.png" alt="Dr. Brian Buckstead" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Brian Buckstead</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Featuring selections from holiday favorites</h2>News releaseGet in the mood for the most wonderful season of all when the Hays Symphony presents a light program of Christmas favorites on Saturday, Dec. , 7:30 p.m. in the Fort Hays State University Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.The program features: Anderson’s&nbsp;Sleigh Ride; Coleridge-Taylor’s&nbsp;Christmas Overture; Guaraldi’s&nbsp;A Charlie Brown Christmas; Holcombe’s&nbsp;Festive Sounds of Hanukah; Krogstad’s&nbsp;The Bells of Christmas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Christmas at the Movies; Mozart’s&nbsp;Sleigh Ride; and selections from Tchaikovsky’s&nbsp;Nutcracker Suite.Sleigh Ride&nbsp;is&nbsp;one of the most recognizable festive works when the orchestra takes us on a ride with jingling sleigh bells, whip cracks, and a neighing horse. Both&nbsp;A Charlie Brown Christmas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Christmas at the Movies&nbsp;will remind listeners of family time gathered around the television for those holiday&nbsp;specials. And the magical&nbsp;Nutcracker Suite&nbsp;transports us to a world of sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers, and a Russian folk dance.Audience members are invited to attend a post-concert reception, sponsored by Insurance Planning Inc.&nbsp;All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s web site. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corp., or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance

Hays Symphony's 'A Holiday Pops Concert' set for Dec. 4

In October, Fort Hays State University’s Admissions Office and the Department of Teacher Education hosted the third annual Future Educators Day. This event brings together area high school students interested in the teaching profession and the best teachers in Kansas. The goal of this event is to inspire the next generation of teachers through personal interactions, discussions, and examples of dynamic teaching. &nbsp;

This year’s event brought over 70 students and guests from 17 area high schools to the FHSU campus. These potential future educators, high school juniors and seniors, had the opportunity to observe and interact with the Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) &nbsp;team, learn about teacher preparation at FHSU, meet with department representatives and explore their programs, as well as participate in scholarship drawings.

Dr. Chris Jochum, chair of FHSU’s Department of Teacher Education, was excited to host so many area students in person this year. “It is great to have so many students and from such a variety of schools visit this year,” he said. “We hope to introduce students early to the idea of teaching and demonstrate all the possibilities that FHSU has to offer.”

“While the teacher shortage within Kansas and across the country is a real concern, I think it’s also important to highlight events like these which demonstrate the importance of the teaching profession and that there are high school students interesting in teaching as a career,” Jochum said.&nbsp;

FHSU Provost, Dr. Jill Arensdorf, began the day welcoming everyone. In her opening remarks, Arensdorf encouraged students to make a difference, noting that Kansas currently has over 500 teaching vacancies that districts are struggling to fill.&nbsp;

Dr. Paul Adams, Dean of the College of Education at FHSU, encouraged students to embrace “a life of adventure” and challenged them to be willing to explore, saying, “You don’t know where teaching will take you.” Adams recounted some of his own adventures since becoming an educator, ones that have taken him across the United States and around the world.

The 2022 Kansas Teacher-of-the-Year team, which includes the top eight teachers, provided an interactive presentation centered around the theme of making connections. Entitled “Taking Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students from Surviving to Thriving,” the team focused on the importance of teachers connecting personally with all students.&nbsp;

One of the responsibilities of the KTOY team is to provide expert knowledge and experiences to current and future teachers. This year, the 2022 team, including the 2022 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Suzanne Stevenson, made its very first stop at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

The KTOY team led many activities where participants connected with others at the event, demonstrating the relative ease of making connections to others. Stevenson stressed to participants, “you will need to step outside of your comfort zone and make these connections.”&nbsp;

Other activities at the event included opportunities for visitors to interact with current education majors. This question and answer session allowed potential future educators a real behind-the-scenes look at the education program at FHSU. Additionally, students were able to learn about FHSU programs, majors, and other campus opportunities.

The final activity of the day included a drawing for scholarships. The FHSU School of Education awarded four $250 and two $500 scholarships. The FHSU Admissions Office provided three $1,000 awards. A fourth $1000 scholarship was awarded thanks to the generous donation by Barbary and Craig Ramsey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637255860016.jpeg" alt="FHSU Alum and KTOY team member Amanda Ketterling" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Alum and KTOY team member Amanda Ketterling</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsIn October, Fort Hays State University’s Admissions Office and the Department of Teacher Education hosted the third annual Future Educators Day. This event brings together area high school students interested in the teaching profession and the best teachers in Kansas. The goal of this event is to inspire the next generation of teachers through personal interactions, discussions, and examples of dynamic teaching. &nbsp;This year’s event brought over 70 students and guests from 17 area high schools to the FHSU campus. These potential future educators, high school juniors and seniors, had the opportunity to observe and interact with the Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) &nbsp;team, learn about teacher preparation at FHSU, meet with department representatives and explore their programs, as well as participate in scholarship drawings.Dr. Chris Jochum, chair of FHSU’s Department of Teacher Education, was excited to host so many area students in person this year. “It is great to have so many students and from such a variety of schools visit this year,” he said. “We hope to introduce students early to the idea of teaching and demonstrate all the possibilities that FHSU has to offer.”“While the teacher shortage within Kansas and across the country is a real concern, I think it’s also important to highlight events like these which demonstrate the importance of the teaching profession and that there are high school students interesting in teaching as a career,” Jochum said.&nbsp;FHSU Provost, Dr. Jill Arensdorf, began the day welcoming everyone. In her opening remarks, Arensdorf encouraged students to make a difference, noting that Kansas currently has over 500 teaching vacancies that districts are struggling to fill.&nbsp;Dr. Paul Adams, Dean of the College of Education at FHSU, encouraged students to embrace “a life of adventure” and challenged them to be willing to explore, saying, “You don’t know where teaching will take you.” Adams recounted some of his own adventures since becoming an educator, ones that have taken him across the United States and around the world.The 2022 Kansas Teacher-of-the-Year team, which includes the top eight teachers, provided an interactive presentation centered around the theme of making connections. Entitled “Taking Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students from Surviving to Thriving,” the team focused on the importance of teachers connecting personally with all students.&nbsp;One of the responsibilities of the KTOY team is to provide expert knowledge and experiences to current and future teachers. This year, the 2022 team, including the 2022 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Suzanne Stevenson, made its very first stop at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;The KTOY team led many activities where participants connected with others at the event, demonstrating the relative ease of making connections to others. Stevenson stressed to participants, “you will need to step outside of your comfort zone and make these connections.”&nbsp;Other activities at the event included opportunities for visitors to interact with current education majors. This question and answer session allowed potential future educators a real behind-the-scenes look at the education program at FHSU. Additionally, students were able to learn about FHSU programs, majors, and other campus opportunities.The final activity of the day included a drawing for scholarships. The FHSU School of Education awarded four $250 and two $500 scholarships. The FHSU Admissions Office provided three $1,000 awards. A fourth $1000 scholarship was awarded thanks to the generous donation by Barbary and Craig Ramsey.

Fort Hays State’s third annual Future Educators Day

	The United Nations (UN) completed the COP26 climate talks in November 2021 in Glasgow, UK.&nbsp; Sadly, the highlights were more of the same old hysterical alarmism.

	COP26 climate summit was expensive, energy-burning theater.&nbsp; One hundred eighteen private jets flew into the airport and President Biden’s motorcade had 24 vehicles.

	The 20,000 wealthy diplomats, Wall Street financiers, and activists who attended claim that the world’s future is their priority, but their actions reveal a disdain for humanity that should undermine any ideas they propose.&nbsp; The main message was people should use less and do with less.

	President Biden should have touted America's successes in reducing emissions.&nbsp; From 2005 to 2018, total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions fell 12% while global energy-related emissions increased nearly 24%.&nbsp; Since 2005, national greenhouse gas emissions fell by 10%, and power sector emissions by 27% — as the US economy grew by 25%.&nbsp; Biden should have compared that to China's announcement of 30 new coal-fired power plants and China being the world's biggest polluter.&nbsp; The president should have stood up for his people. Our people.

As winter approaches, Europe is getting cold.&nbsp; Low energy supplies, mortgaged to Russian control of the Nord Stream II gas pipeline (given the go-ahead by Biden), and shortages of wind power are jacking up energy prices and making leaders there nervous.

Winter is approaching in the United States as well.&nbsp; Gasoline prices have been rising steadily and they are about to be joined by heating oil and natural gas heat.&nbsp; President Biden should be rethinking permits for the Keystone Pipeline.&nbsp; Instead, the president asked - demanded – that OPEC pump more oil and shipping it halfway around the world in diesel or coal powered ships to American ports with offloading problems.&nbsp; OPEC has said no.&nbsp; That is not surprising to anyone but, perhaps, the president.

In an effort to woo Iran, the administration came into office deriding Saudi Arabia and what it called "the Saudi war in Yemen."&nbsp; More correctly, that war is the Iranian-fostered Houthi war in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, in which Saudi cities and oil production facilities have been attacked.&nbsp; But in September, the administration pulled American Patriot Missile batteries out of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and some from Jordan, leaving those countries exposed to increasingly long range and accurate missiles supplied to the Houthis by Tehran.

In what universe would Saudi Arabia pump more oil, lower the price, and help out the United States?

Americans have had fairly stable energy prices for the past few years, and fairly low ones, in part due to the tremendous increase in energy production in the United States – both oil and natural gas.&nbsp; In 2018, the U.S. produced 95% of its domestic energy requirements, the largest share since 1967.&nbsp; Gas prices, the marker Americans watch almost to the exclusion of everything else, averaged $2.60/gal in 2019, 4% lower than in 2018.

Then in 2019, Russia and Saudi Arabia colluded oddly, not to keep the price up but to outdo one another in production to drive it down to where it would bankrupt American producers, looking for market share for when they drove us out.&nbsp;

President Trump used the situation to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which President Biden is now considering tapping.

The truth of the climate summit and energy policy is that people don't want high energy costs or to be cold, and their governments have to respond – in China, in Europe, or in America the ramifications of high energy costs and cold citizens are politically dangerous whether they go to the ballot box or have revolutions.

For all the high-minded talk at the climate summit, the reality is it is all about production.&nbsp; And for Americans, it should be domestic production for domestic consumption.

America's president is failing the people.&nbsp; Our people.

Ed Cross is president of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584027001010.png" alt="Ed Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association." />
 <figcaption>Ed Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.</figcaption>
 </figure>	The United Nations (UN) completed the COP26 climate talks in November 2021 in Glasgow, UK.&nbsp; Sadly, the highlights were more of the same old hysterical alarmism.	COP26 climate summit was expensive, energy-burning theater.&nbsp; One hundred eighteen private jets flew into the airport and President Biden’s motorcade had 24 vehicles.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>	The 20,000 wealthy diplomats, Wall Street financiers, and activists who attended claim that the world’s future is their priority, but their actions reveal a disdain for humanity that should undermine any ideas they propose.&nbsp; The main message was people should use less and do with less.	President Biden should have touted America's successes in reducing emissions.&nbsp; From 2005 to 2018, total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions fell 12% while global energy-related emissions increased nearly 24%.&nbsp; Since 2005, national greenhouse gas emissions fell by 10%, and power sector emissions by 27% — as the US economy grew by 25%.&nbsp; Biden should have compared that to China's announcement of 30 new coal-fired power plants and China being the world's biggest polluter.&nbsp; The president should have stood up for his people. Our people.As winter approaches, Europe is getting cold.&nbsp; Low energy supplies, mortgaged to Russian control of the Nord Stream II gas pipeline (given the go-ahead by Biden), and shortages of wind power are jacking up energy prices and making leaders there nervous.Winter is approaching in the United States as well.&nbsp; Gasoline prices have been rising steadily and they are about to be joined by heating oil and natural gas heat.&nbsp; President Biden should be rethinking permits for the Keystone Pipeline.&nbsp; Instead, the president asked - demanded – that OPEC pump more oil and shipping it halfway around the world in diesel or coal powered ships to American ports with offloading problems.&nbsp; OPEC has said no.&nbsp; That is not surprising to anyone but, perhaps, the president.In an effort to woo Iran, the administration came into office deriding Saudi Arabia and what it called "the Saudi war in Yemen."&nbsp; More correctly, that war is the Iranian-fostered Houthi war in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, in which Saudi cities and oil production facilities have been attacked.&nbsp; But in September, the administration pulled American Patriot Missile batteries out of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and some from Jordan, leaving those countries exposed to increasingly long range and accurate missiles supplied to the Houthis by Tehran.In what universe would Saudi Arabia pump more oil, lower the price, and help out the United States?Americans have had fairly stable energy prices for the past few years, and fairly low ones, in part due to the tremendous increase in energy production in the United States – both oil and natural gas.&nbsp; In 2018, the U.S. produced 95% of its domestic energy requirements, the largest share since 1967.&nbsp; Gas prices, the marker Americans watch almost to the exclusion of everything else, averaged $2.60/gal in 2019, 4% lower than in 2018.Then in 2019, Russia and Saudi Arabia colluded oddly, not to keep the price up but to outdo one another in production to drive it down to where it would bankrupt American producers, looking for market share for when they drove us out.&nbsp;President Trump used the situation to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which President Biden is now considering tapping.The truth of the climate summit and energy policy is that people don't want high energy costs or to be cold, and their governments have to respond – in China, in Europe, or in America the ramifications of high energy costs and cold citizens are politically dangerous whether they go to the ballot box or have revolutions.For all the high-minded talk at the climate summit, the reality is it is all about production.&nbsp; And for Americans, it should be domestic production for domestic consumption.America's president is failing the people.&nbsp; Our people.Ed Cross is president of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

CROSS: Biden energy policies failing the people — our people

Three-day weather outlook

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A new couple has assumed ownership of the historic Bissing House, 117 W. 13th in Hays.

Casey Kelly and his wife, Manamee Guha, bought the house several months ago.

The couple became interested in owning the bed and breakfast when Guha was hired at Fort Hays State University. Casey works in IT and his work is remote. The couple just moved to Hays from Miami.

The couple is living on the third floor of the historic home and renting the three bedrooms on the second floor. The living room is shared space with the guests. 

The home was formerly owned by Kris and Larissa Munsch, who remodeled the home and ran it under the name The Inn at 117. Prior to that, the home was operated as the Tea Rose Inn.

Kelly said he and his wife plan to amp up breakfast and make other changes to enhance their borders' stays in the house.

The name Bissing House came from the original builders and owners of the home.&nbsp; The house was built in 1909 by a prominent Hays entrepreneur and carpenter, Justus Bissing Jr.

After living in the home for a few years, he sold the home to the Basgall family. The Basgall family loved and cared for the home for over 80 years. The home is filled with antiques that have been luckily inherited from the Basgall family, original to the house. 

Each suite is named after a historic figure tied to the house with a history binder relating to that person/family.

Kelly said despite the hit the hospitality industry took during COVID, their business has been busy since they took over the bed and breakfast.

"People are wanting to get back together," he said. "In the summer when we first moved in, we were getting the tail end of the summer road trip — of people who were kind of feeling cooped up a little bit.

"They wanted to get out, but they wanted a nice place to stay. I can't say anything for 2020, but I think things have really picked up again."

"Given, yes, I've lived everywhere, we've neither of us have really lived in suburbs or rural or just out of the way," he said. "We like walking to Gella's on a Friday. We like walking to the Golden Q and just grabbing a bite, but with the caveat that we can still jump in the car and go to Vine or Salina."

He added, "I'm excited about how downtown is going to be. It's kind of on the move up."

You can book a room at the Bissing House through AirBNB. You can access bookings through the AirBNB app or click the AirBNB icon on the <a href="https://bissinghouse.com/">Bissing House website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637189035761.jpeg" alt="Casey Kelly and his wife are the new owners of the historic Bissing House bed and breakfast. " />
 <figcaption>Casey Kelly and his wife are the new owners of the historic Bissing House bed and breakfast. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new couple has assumed ownership of the historic Bissing House, 117 W. 13th in Hays.Casey Kelly and his wife, Manamee Guha, bought the house several months ago.The couple became interested in owning the bed and breakfast when Guha was hired at Fort Hays State University. Casey works in IT and his work is remote. The couple just moved to Hays from Miami. The couple is living on the third floor of the historic home and renting the three bedrooms on the second floor. The living room is shared space with the guests. The home was formerly owned by Kris and Larissa Munsch, who remodeled the home and ran it under the name The Inn at 117. Prior to that, the home was operated as the Tea Rose Inn.Kelly said he and his wife plan to amp up breakfast and make other changes to enhance their borders' stays in the house.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637189220137.jpeg" alt="One of the bedrooms in the Bissing House bed and breakfast. " />
 <figcaption>One of the bedrooms in the Bissing House bed and breakfast. </figcaption>
 </figure>The name Bissing House came from the original builders and owners of the home.&nbsp; The house was built in 1909 by a prominent Hays entrepreneur and carpenter, Justus Bissing Jr.After living in the home for a few years, he sold the home to the Basgall family. The Basgall family loved and cared for the home for over 80 years. The home is filled with antiques that have been luckily inherited from the Basgall family, original to the house. Each suite is named after a historic figure tied to the house with a history binder relating to that person/family.Kelly said despite the hit the hospitality industry took during COVID, their business has been busy since they took over the bed and breakfast."People are wanting to get back together," he said. "In the summer when we first moved in, we were getting the tail end of the summer road trip — of people who were kind of feeling cooped up a little bit."They wanted to get out, but they wanted a nice place to stay. I can't say anything for 2020, but I think things have really picked up again."Kelly said he loves downtown Hays."Given, yes, I've lived everywhere, we've neither of us have really lived in suburbs or rural or just out of the way," he said. "We like walking to Gella's on a Friday. We like walking to the Golden Q and just grabbing a bite, but with the caveat that we can still jump in the car and go to Vine or Salina."He added, "I'm excited about how downtown is going to be. It's kind of on the move up." You can book a room at the Bissing House through AirBNB. You can access bookings through the AirBNB app or click the AirBNB icon on the <a href="https://bissinghouse.com/">Bissing House website</a>.

Bissing House opens under new owners as hospitality rebounds

By JOE VINDUSKA Barton Community College

There is an old saying that “TV rots your brain,” but for 23-year-old Seth Gruber that was not the case. In fact, his penchant for crime shows lead to his career in law enforcement.&nbsp; “Criminal Justice was always an area that interested me since I was young,” he said. “I was always fascinated by all the small details that investigators were able to uncover during various investigations you’d see on TV.”

Gruber, a Russell native, found his way to law enforcement through Barton’s Emergency Medical Services program. He discovered that taking EMS courses would count toward his Criminal Justice degree, so he dove in and worked his way through Barton’s program including the real-life-scenario-packed “Field Ops Day” that the department holds each spring.

“I was able to do the Field Ops Day with the EMS program in 2017 and was very ecstatic that I did, as it was a great opportunity to see how all the agencies work together and see some scenarios I could be faced with in the future,” he said. “Then, as a part of the Criminal Justice program, I was also able to participate in the law enforcement side of Field Ops Day in the Spring of 2018. Again, this was a great opportunity to have certified officers from the surrounding areas come to share with us scenarios they have faced previously and provide us with advice to ensure we would have long-lasting careers.”

However, it was not just the hands-on experience he received during Field Ops Day that he found beneficial.

“Some of my closest friends from Barton that were in the criminal justice program at the same time I was are now certified law enforcement officers all around the state, and they are a valuable tool and resource to reach out to,” he said.

Gruber left Barton with his associate degree in Criminal Justice in 2018. However, he was still too young to enroll in the Kansas Highway Patrol’s training program, so he worked for the City of Hoisington in various roles learning more and more about civic infrastructure that he hoped to one day protect and serve as an officer of the law. He also volunteered as an EMT for the Hoisington and Moundridge departments.&nbsp; Gruber turned 21 in late 2018 and enrolled in the KHP’s program. He was hired in June of 2019 and stationed in western Kansas along Interstate 70 in Logan County.

While there were numerous agencies Gruber could’ve worked for, choosing the KHP was a no-brainer.&nbsp; “I chose to become a State Trooper as they were always viewed as the elite group in Kansas,” he said. “Also, there are no boundary or jurisdiction lines or restrictions on where they can go to help someone in need.”

Gruber said he took the job knowing it was a difficult one, but vital to the very existence of our society. His day-to-day life is filled with unknowns, but that is part of the allure for him.&nbsp; “Law enforcement officers are a necessity to hold everyone accountable for their actions, whether someone was watching or not,” he said. “My favorite part is never knowing what my day will consist of or who I will have the opportunity to meet. My office views from my patrol vehicle are something you won’t find anywhere else.”

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://criminaljustice.bartonccc.edu/">criminaljustice.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;for more information on the Criminal Justice program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637092499532.jpeg" alt="Seth Gruber / Photo by Joe Vinduska" />
 <figcaption>Seth Gruber / Photo by Joe Vinduska</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE VINDUSKA Barton Community CollegeThere is an old saying that “TV rots your brain,” but for 23-year-old Seth Gruber that was not the case. In fact, his penchant for crime shows lead to his career in law enforcement.&nbsp; “Criminal Justice was always an area that interested me since I was young,” he said. “I was always fascinated by all the small details that investigators were able to uncover during various investigations you’d see on TV.”Gruber, a Russell native, found his way to law enforcement through Barton’s Emergency Medical Services program. He discovered that taking EMS courses would count toward his Criminal Justice degree, so he dove in and worked his way through Barton’s program including the real-life-scenario-packed “Field Ops Day” that the department holds each spring.“I was able to do the Field Ops Day with the EMS program in 2017 and was very ecstatic that I did, as it was a great opportunity to see how all the agencies work together and see some scenarios I could be faced with in the future,” he said. “Then, as a part of the Criminal Justice program, I was also able to participate in the law enforcement side of Field Ops Day in the Spring of 2018. Again, this was a great opportunity to have certified officers from the surrounding areas come to share with us scenarios they have faced previously and provide us with advice to ensure we would have long-lasting careers.”However, it was not just the hands-on experience he received during Field Ops Day that he found beneficial.“Some of my closest friends from Barton that were in the criminal justice program at the same time I was are now certified law enforcement officers all around the state, and they are a valuable tool and resource to reach out to,” he said.Gruber left Barton with his associate degree in Criminal Justice in 2018. However, he was still too young to enroll in the Kansas Highway Patrol’s training program, so he worked for the City of Hoisington in various roles learning more and more about civic infrastructure that he hoped to one day protect and serve as an officer of the law. He also volunteered as an EMT for the Hoisington and Moundridge departments.&nbsp; Gruber turned 21 in late 2018 and enrolled in the KHP’s program. He was hired in June of 2019 and stationed in western Kansas along Interstate 70 in Logan County.While there were numerous agencies Gruber could’ve worked for, choosing the KHP was a no-brainer.&nbsp; “I chose to become a State Trooper as they were always viewed as the elite group in Kansas,” he said. “Also, there are no boundary or jurisdiction lines or restrictions on where they can go to help someone in need.”Gruber said he took the job knowing it was a difficult one, but vital to the very existence of our society. His day-to-day life is filled with unknowns, but that is part of the allure for him.&nbsp; “Law enforcement officers are a necessity to hold everyone accountable for their actions, whether someone was watching or not,” he said. “My favorite part is never knowing what my day will consist of or who I will have the opportunity to meet. My office views from my patrol vehicle are something you won’t find anywhere else.”Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://criminaljustice.bartonccc.edu/">criminaljustice.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;for more information on the Criminal Justice program.

Barton grad, Russell native finds success as western Kan. state trooper

LA CROSSE — The Rush County Historical Society and Kansas Barbed Wire Museum will host the annual Old-Fashioned Christmas on Friday, Nov. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the museum complex in La Crosse. 

Visitors can browse the five unique museums beautifully decorated for the holidays: the Historical Museum in the 19th Century Timken Depot; the Post Rock Museum, one of the seven wonders of Kansas Customs; the Nekoma Bank Museum, a restored 1916 rural bank; the Pleasant Point School Museum; and nationally recognized Kansas Barbed Wire Museum. There will be live musical performances including piano and organ. Visitors can enjoy hot cider, homemade cookies and popcorn, or roast their own marshmallows over an open fire. There will be a take-home crafts project for kids.

Santa Claus will arrive at 6 p.m. on the fire truck and hand out candy sacks to the kids in front of the bank museum. For kids of all ages, La Crosse Fire District #4 will be serving hot dogs and chocolate milk or water.

There will be a one-night only display of antique toys in the recently restored Pleasant Point One-Room School Museum. The century-old school is a time capsule of early 20th century rural education with nearly all of its original furnishings and books. In the Barbed Wire Museum, visitors can view models and schematics from the Fort Hays State University Exhibits Design class project to renovate and expand the museum’s galleries.

Events begin at 5 p.m., Friday, November 26 at the museum campus on the south edge of La Crosse on West First Street. To ease congestion, visitors are asked to park north of the creek on Third Street across the bridge. Visitors can access the complex by the footbridge in the park. Persons with mobility issues are welcome to park in the museum parking lot.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Rush County Historical Society on Facebook, on the web at <a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/RCHS">www.rushcounty.org/RCHS</a> or call 785-222-2808.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637008013759.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LA CROSSE — The Rush County Historical Society and Kansas Barbed Wire Museum will host the annual Old-Fashioned Christmas on Friday, Nov. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the museum complex in La Crosse. Visitors can browse the five unique museums beautifully decorated for the holidays: the Historical Museum in the 19th Century Timken Depot; the Post Rock Museum, one of the seven wonders of Kansas Customs; the Nekoma Bank Museum, a restored 1916 rural bank; the Pleasant Point School Museum; and nationally recognized Kansas Barbed Wire Museum. There will be live musical performances including piano and organ. Visitors can enjoy hot cider, homemade cookies and popcorn, or roast their own marshmallows over an open fire. There will be a take-home crafts project for kids.Santa Claus will arrive at 6 p.m. on the fire truck and hand out candy sacks to the kids in front of the bank museum. For kids of all ages, La Crosse Fire District #4 will be serving hot dogs and chocolate milk or water.There will be a one-night only display of antique toys in the recently restored Pleasant Point One-Room School Museum. The century-old school is a time capsule of early 20th century rural education with nearly all of its original furnishings and books. In the Barbed Wire Museum, visitors can view models and schematics from the Fort Hays State University Exhibits Design class project to renovate and expand the museum’s galleries.Events begin at 5 p.m., Friday, November 26 at the museum campus on the south edge of La Crosse on West First Street. To ease congestion, visitors are asked to park north of the creek on Third Street across the bridge. Visitors can access the complex by the footbridge in the park. Persons with mobility issues are welcome to park in the museum parking lot.All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Rush County Historical Society on Facebook, on the web at <a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/RCHS">www.rushcounty.org/RCHS</a> or call 785-222-2808.

La Crosse will host annual Old-Fashioned Christmas

Beginning Saturday through Nov. 29, the Hays Police Department will join many other law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas *Thanksgiving Safe Arrival traffic enforcement campaign. 

Although all Kansas traffic laws will be enforced, this extra provision will be aggressively enforcing the state's occupant protection laws and driving under the influence enforcement.

On the drive to zero, YOU are in the driver’s seat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633024031174.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentBeginning Saturday through Nov. 29, the Hays Police Department will join many other law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas *Thanksgiving Safe Arrival traffic enforcement campaign. Although all Kansas traffic laws will be enforced, this extra provision will be aggressively enforcing the state's occupant protection laws and driving under the influence enforcement. Remember: Make the right choice. On the drive to zero, YOU are in the driver’s seat.

Hays PD launches holiday traffic enforcement campaign

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

If you have a sore foot, you don’t want your doctor to treat you for a headache. If you have a stomachache, you don’t want your doctor to put a cast on your hand.&nbsp;

The treatment should be driven by the precise diagnosis.&nbsp;

Such is the case in modern agriculture, where farmers are recognizing that different types or amounts of soil treatments can be applied more precisely exactly where they are needed. Today we’ll meet a company that is helping farmers use data to apply their inputs in a more efficient, effective and environmentally friendly way.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Landon Oldham is the founder and owner of Heartland Soil Services, headquartered in Cunningham with representatives in several other Kansas towns. Landon grew up in Cunningham, working for multiple farmers in the region. He met Vicki in grade school and they would eventually marry. He earned a degree in agribusiness at K-State.&nbsp;

During and after college, he worked for a Missouri company installing precision agriculture equipment. “It seemed to me that there was a missing link,” Landon said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Farmers needed more data in order to use those systems to their full potential.” &nbsp;

He saw how more information would help farmers use this equipment more effectively and thought there might be a business opportunity there.&nbsp;

“It was the end of 2009,” Landon said. “My wife was eight months pregnant with our first child and we had signed a contract on a house. I told her my idea and she said, `Yes, it could work.’ I said, `Well, I hope it does, because I quit my job today.”&nbsp;

It was a leap of faith, but that was the beginning of Heartland Soil Services. Today, Heartland Soil Services&nbsp;specializes in soil sampling, yield mapping, imagery, irrigation management tools, variable rate seeding and fertilizer prescriptions, and end of season data analysis. This is useful for precision agriculture, which means applying precise amounts of field inputs only where needed and in the amounts needed.&nbsp;

In previous decades, farmers might apply blanket amounts of fertilizer to their fields.&nbsp;&nbsp;Heartland Soil Services can gather the data to enable farmers to adjust their field applications according to nature’s needs. The process begins with testing soil samples from a field.&nbsp;

“Unless you test, it’s just a guess” is a Heartland Soil Services motto. The soil tests indicate what nutrients are needed where.&nbsp;

“Our field technician will physically drive the boundary of a field, lay out a grid map, and pull (soil) core samples for testing,” Landon said. The samples are tested in a lab and the results are entered into the Heartland Soil Services software system.&nbsp;

“From that, we create a soil surface nutrient analysis and product recommendation,” Landon said. “Those recommendations are specific to that crop, that field, that grower, and that acre,” he said.&nbsp;

The analysis covers both major and micro-nutrient needs. Furthermore, he said, that information can be loaded onto a thumb drive that can be plugged into the equipment so that inputs can be applied at various rates as needed in the field.&nbsp;

When Heartland Soil Services’ system was first developed in 2013, the data files were too large for practical use. “We built our own file storage and transfer system,” Landon said. Now, Heartland Soil Services offers several services including DataFarm, which allows producers or co-ops to download files into a tractor or to control a spreader or sprayer.&nbsp;

“The data is accessible on a cell phone,” Landon said.&nbsp;

Heartland Soil Services works with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service on a program called FarmComp, which compiles and formats data that farmers need to submit in order to comply with soil and water conservation programs.&nbsp;

All this creates a modern, high-tech way of farming that is good for the producer and the environment. It’s great to find this cutting-edge business in a rural community such as Cunningham, population 454 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

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

We commend Landon Oldham and all the people at Heartland Soil Services for making a difference with their innovative, high-tech approach to farming. Can their system help a farmer and the environment?&nbsp;&nbsp;Precisely.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637157513181.png" alt="Landon Oldham" />
 <figcaption>Landon Oldham</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;If you have a sore foot, you don’t want your doctor to treat you for a headache. If you have a stomachache, you don’t want your doctor to put a cast on your hand.&nbsp;The treatment should be driven by the precise diagnosis.&nbsp;Such is the case in modern agriculture, where farmers are recognizing that different types or amounts of soil treatments can be applied more precisely exactly where they are needed. Today we’ll meet a company that is helping farmers use data to apply their inputs in a more efficient, effective and environmentally friendly way.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Landon Oldham is the founder and owner of Heartland Soil Services, headquartered in Cunningham with representatives in several other Kansas towns. Landon grew up in Cunningham, working for multiple farmers in the region. He met Vicki in grade school and they would eventually marry. He earned a degree in agribusiness at K-State.&nbsp;During and after college, he worked for a Missouri company installing precision agriculture equipment. “It seemed to me that there was a missing link,” Landon said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Farmers needed more data in order to use those systems to their full potential.” &nbsp;He saw how more information would help farmers use this equipment more effectively and thought there might be a business opportunity there.&nbsp;“It was the end of 2009,” Landon said. “My wife was eight months pregnant with our first child and we had signed a contract on a house. I told her my idea and she said, `Yes, it could work.’ I said, `Well, I hope it does, because I quit my job today.”&nbsp;It was a leap of faith, but that was the beginning of Heartland Soil Services. Today, Heartland Soil Services&nbsp;specializes in soil sampling, yield mapping, imagery, irrigation management tools, variable rate seeding and fertilizer prescriptions, and end of season data analysis. This is useful for precision agriculture, which means applying precise amounts of field inputs only where needed and in the amounts needed.&nbsp;In previous decades, farmers might apply blanket amounts of fertilizer to their fields.&nbsp;&nbsp;Heartland Soil Services can gather the data to enable farmers to adjust their field applications according to nature’s needs. The process begins with testing soil samples from a field.&nbsp;“Unless you test, it’s just a guess” is a Heartland Soil Services motto. The soil tests indicate what nutrients are needed where.&nbsp;“Our field technician will physically drive the boundary of a field, lay out a grid map, and pull (soil) core samples for testing,” Landon said. The samples are tested in a lab and the results are entered into the Heartland Soil Services software system.&nbsp;“From that, we create a soil surface nutrient analysis and product recommendation,” Landon said. “Those recommendations are specific to that crop, that field, that grower, and that acre,” he said.&nbsp;The analysis covers both major and micro-nutrient needs. Furthermore, he said, that information can be loaded onto a thumb drive that can be plugged into the equipment so that inputs can be applied at various rates as needed in the field.&nbsp;When Heartland Soil Services’ system was first developed in 2013, the data files were too large for practical use. “We built our own file storage and transfer system,” Landon said. Now, Heartland Soil Services offers several services including DataFarm, which allows producers or co-ops to download files into a tractor or to control a spreader or sprayer.&nbsp;“The data is accessible on a cell phone,” Landon said.&nbsp;Heartland Soil Services works with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service on a program called FarmComp, which compiles and formats data that farmers need to submit in order to comply with soil and water conservation programs.&nbsp;All this creates a modern, high-tech way of farming that is good for the producer and the environment. It’s great to find this cutting-edge business in a rural community such as Cunningham, population 454 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.heartlandsoilservices.com/">www.heartlandsoilservices.com</a>.&nbsp;We commend Landon Oldham and all the people at Heartland Soil Services for making a difference with their innovative, high-tech approach to farming. Can their system help a farmer and the environment?&nbsp;&nbsp;Precisely.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Landon Oldham, Heartland Soil Services 

Brian McClendon, CEO of CVKey Project, and creator of Google Earth and Maps, will be the keynote speaker at the 17th Annual Jack Kilby Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Day from 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 22 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. His speech is free and open to the public. McClendon is currently a Research Professor at the University of Kansas after spending two years at Uber leading their Maps and Business Platform efforts. For 10 years prior, Brian was a Vice President with Google and led the entire Geo business unit including Google Maps, Street View and Google Earth.

He was a co-founder and angel investor in Keyhole, Inc., a geospatial data visualization company that was purchased by Google in 2004 which led to Google Earth. In the 1990s, Brian spent eight years at Silicon Graphics, designing 3D graphics workstations. 

He was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2015 and holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kansas.

JKSD is designed to increase student interest in STEM majors and careers by providing opportunities for high school students to participate in breakout sessions led by STEM professionals.&nbsp; Hands-on activities related to each presenter’s field give students a chance to “try out a job.”&nbsp;&nbsp; The day will close with an Academic Carnival and lunch for registered participants.

For more information, please contact Charlotte Cates at (620) 792-9331 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:catesc@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">catesc@bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637265158822.jpeg" alt="Brian McClendon" />
 <figcaption>Brian McClendon</figcaption>
 </figure>Brian McClendon, CEO of CVKey Project, and creator of Google Earth and Maps, will be the keynote speaker at the 17th Annual Jack Kilby Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Day from 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 22 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. His speech is free and open to the public. McClendon is currently a Research Professor at the University of Kansas after spending two years at Uber leading their Maps and Business Platform efforts. For 10 years prior, Brian was a Vice President with Google and led the entire Geo business unit including Google Maps, Street View and Google Earth. He was a co-founder and angel investor in Keyhole, Inc., a geospatial data visualization company that was purchased by Google in 2004 which led to Google Earth. In the 1990s, Brian spent eight years at Silicon Graphics, designing 3D graphics workstations. He was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2015 and holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kansas.JKSD is designed to increase student interest in STEM majors and careers by providing opportunities for high school students to participate in breakout sessions led by STEM professionals.&nbsp; Hands-on activities related to each presenter’s field give students a chance to “try out a job.”&nbsp;&nbsp; The day will close with an Academic Carnival and lunch for registered participants.For more information, please contact Charlotte Cates at (620) 792-9331 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:catesc@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">catesc@bartonccc.edu</a>.

Google Earth and Maps creator to speak on Barton's campus

Hays High School was locked late in the school day on Friday due to an incident in the neighborhood.

According to a message to parents, the Hays Police Department requested the district at 2:25 p.m. to secure doors due to an attempted armed robbery in the area.&nbsp;

Staff and students remained inside and no visitors were allowed into the building.

The go-ahead for a systematic dismissal has been given by the HPS, the district reported just after 3 p.m.

Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

Hays High School was locked late in the school day on Friday due to an incident in the neighborhood.According to a message to parents, the Hays Police Department requested the district at 2:25 p.m. to secure doors due to an attempted armed robbery in the area.&nbsp;Staff and students remained inside and no visitors were allowed into the building.The go-ahead for a systematic dismissal has been given by the HPS, the district reported just after 3 p.m.Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

Hays High locked down after attempted armed robbery in area

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.9 percent in October. This was unchanged from 3.9 percent in September and a decrease from 4.7 percent in October 2020.

“The Kansas unemployment rate remains steady at 3.9 percent. Additionally, for the fifth consecutive month Kansas nonfarm jobs estimates have increased,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “October estimates indicate that the hardest hit industry during the pandemic, leisure and hospitality, has recovered nearly 82 percent of jobs since April 2020." 

The jobless rate in Ellis County fell slightly, from 2.1 percent in September to 2 percent in October. Barton County was the only area county with a jobless rate of 3 percent or higher. The state's lowest unemployment rate was in far western Kansas' Greeley County, at 1.3 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 1,100 from September. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 2,500 from the previous month, while government decreased by 1,400.

“October job estimates for the private sector indicate a continuing upward trend for Kansas, with 2,500 jobs added over-the-month,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Current estimates are only 2.5 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Private sector job estimates for the U.S. are also 2.5 percent below February 2020 levels."

Since October 2020, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 30,900. This change is due to an increase of 28,800 private sector jobs and 2,100 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637354195982.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.9 percent in October. This was unchanged from 3.9 percent in September and a decrease from 4.7 percent in October 2020.“The Kansas unemployment rate remains steady at 3.9 percent. Additionally, for the fifth consecutive month Kansas nonfarm jobs estimates have increased,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “October estimates indicate that the hardest hit industry during the pandemic, leisure and hospitality, has recovered nearly 82 percent of jobs since April 2020." The jobless rate in Ellis County fell slightly, from 2.1 percent in September to 2 percent in October. Barton County was the only area county with a jobless rate of 3 percent or higher. The state's lowest unemployment rate was in far western Kansas' Greeley County, at 1.3 percent.Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 1,100 from September. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 2,500 from the previous month, while government decreased by 1,400.“October job estimates for the private sector indicate a continuing upward trend for Kansas, with 2,500 jobs added over-the-month,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Current estimates are only 2.5 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Private sector job estimates for the U.S. are also 2.5 percent below February 2020 levels."Since October 2020, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 30,900. This change is due to an increase of 28,800 private sector jobs and 2,100 government jobs.

NW Kansas unemployment rates remain extremely low

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 22 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

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

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 19 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 17 on Wednesday.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 48 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (5 and older) is approximately 48.6 percent.

The department noted vaccination rates decreased since the last reporting due to the inclusion of pediatric populations (5-11) Wednesday.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,770 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637349628496.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 22 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 19 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 17 on Wednesday.The KDHE reported Wednesday 48 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (5 and older) is approximately 48.6 percent.The department noted vaccination rates decreased since the last reporting due to the inclusion of pediatric populations (5-11) Wednesday.Since reporting began, there have been 4,770 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 22 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

My husband recently
 approached me with an idea for our money. He wants us to set up an 
account where we both put 10 percent of our income for discretionary 
spending. My husband makes more money than I do, and because of this, he
 says it is fair that he would be able to spend more than I would. How 
do you feel about this?

I’m sure 
deep down he’s a decent guy and he loves you very much. But he’s looking
 at this all wrong. Right now, he’s being pretty immature and selfish 
about the whole situation. It’s a bad plan.

Let’s look at this 
from another angle. There are lots of families where only one person 
works outside the home and generates an income. Would it be fair, then, 
to say only the person making money is allowed a little cash to spend 
for fun once in a while? Of course, not.

When two people are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/the-truth-about-money-and-relationships" target="_blank">married</a>, they are pronounced “as one.” That means even if you only have one person with an income, it becomes&nbsp;our&nbsp;income. If you have kids, they become&nbsp;our&nbsp;kids. See where I’m going with this? Marriage is not a&nbsp;me&nbsp;thing, it’s a&nbsp;we&nbsp;thing. Always.

When
 it comes to paying off credit cards and getting out of debt, I’ve heard
 you talk about cutting up the cards and closing the accounts. Should I 
pay off the balances before or after I close the accounts?

I
 like the idea of cutting up the cards and closing the accounts first. 
Sometimes credit card companies will respond to this by jacking up the 
interest rates, or doing other shady things, but the point is to get 
them out of your life as quickly as possible and stop using the stupid 
things. Personal finance is 80 percent behavior. Ridding yourself of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/how-credit-cards-work" target="_blank">credit cards</a>,
 and getting credit card debt out of your life for good, is a great 
first step in learning to behave with your money. You don’t build 
wealth&nbsp;or&nbsp;save money by using credit cards, no matter what anyone
 says. If you’re naïve enough to think you’re going to play around with a
 multi-billion-dollar industry and beat them at their own game, you’re 
sadly mistaken.

The only way to win against credit card companies is by refusing to play their game!

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has
 appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox 
News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped 
people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their 
lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635524005597.png" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>It’s always a 'we' thing</h2>Dear Dave,My husband recently
 approached me with an idea for our money. He wants us to set up an 
account where we both put 10 percent of our income for discretionary 
spending. My husband makes more money than I do, and because of this, he
 says it is fair that he would be able to spend more than I would. How 
do you feel about this?LizDear Liz,I’m sure 
deep down he’s a decent guy and he loves you very much. But he’s looking
 at this all wrong. Right now, he’s being pretty immature and selfish 
about the whole situation. It’s a bad plan.Let’s look at this 
from another angle. There are lots of families where only one person 
works outside the home and generates an income. Would it be fair, then, 
to say only the person making money is allowed a little cash to spend 
for fun once in a while? Of course, not.When two people are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/the-truth-about-money-and-relationships" target="_blank">married</a>, they are pronounced “as one.” That means even if you only have one person with an income, it becomes&nbsp;our&nbsp;income. If you have kids, they become&nbsp;our&nbsp;kids. See where I’m going with this? Marriage is not a&nbsp;me&nbsp;thing, it’s a&nbsp;we&nbsp;thing. Always.Dave<h2>Before or after?</h2>Dear Dave,When
 it comes to paying off credit cards and getting out of debt, I’ve heard
 you talk about cutting up the cards and closing the accounts. Should I 
pay off the balances before or after I close the accounts?AdrianDear Adrian,I
 like the idea of cutting up the cards and closing the accounts first. 
Sometimes credit card companies will respond to this by jacking up the 
interest rates, or doing other shady things, but the point is to get 
them out of your life as quickly as possible and stop using the stupid 
things. Personal finance is 80 percent behavior. Ridding yourself of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/how-credit-cards-work" target="_blank">credit cards</a>,
 and getting credit card debt out of your life for good, is a great 
first step in learning to behave with your money. You don’t build 
wealth&nbsp;or&nbsp;save money by using credit cards, no matter what anyone
 says. If you’re naïve enough to think you’re going to play around with a
 multi-billion-dollar industry and beat them at their own game, you’re 
sadly mistaken.The only way to win against credit card companies is by refusing to play their game!Dave. . .<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has
 appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox 
News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped 
people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their 
lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: It’s always a 'we' thing; Before or after?

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The city of Hays has laid out plans for a little more than $1 million in annual street maintenance during 2022.

City commissioner Shaun Musil is concerned about the stability of product prices.

"With everything that's going up in our world right now, is this attainable?" Musil wondered.&nbsp;

Jesse Rohr, public works director, said he has seen a few product price increases this year but expects the biggest impact next year "will probably be just getting the product, even more so than the cost."

"We have noticed with [recent] repair parts on equipment, if we can get them, it takes awhile.&nbsp;

"We'll structure our bids accordingly," Rohr told city commissioners during their Thursday night work session.

"We're hoping to get a lot for our dollars again [next] year."

The street maintenance projects are primarily funded through special highway funds.&nbsp;

The plan is based on the pavement
maintenance strategies in place for more than 14 years. It includes seal coat,
polypatch, major rehab (street and concrete alley), bridge deck repair,
sidewalk improvements, and in-house crack seal and asphalt/concrete repair.

A pavement condition assessment will be performed in early
2022.

The major project planned for 2022 is reconstruction of 22nd Street from Vine to Allen, according to Rohr.&nbsp;

"There are lots of areas of poly-patch on this street. We have lots of failures every year, especially after winter.&nbsp;

"It's a highly traveled street so we do want to reconstruct that. Our estimate was roughly $210,000. It will be replaced with concrete. We'll do the street and then any areas of curb and gutter as needed."

Bids for the proposed work will be solicited and brought back to commissioners for approval early next year.&nbsp;

Mason Ruder, vice-mayor, asked about the impact of the recently passed federal infrastructure bill which includes $110 billion for U.S. roads and bridges.

Rohr said city staff has had internal discussions about the monies.

"We are planning on preparing some&nbsp;larger reconstruction  projects for use of funds if funds trickle down our way. We have a 10-year plan with at least 10 different projects besides what you see here. They'd be more full reconstruction projects of half a million to three million dollars.&nbsp;

 "We want to be prepared and maybe even get some projects on the shelf."

Toby Dougherty, city manager, said the federal guidelines for the rules and the monies are to be written within 30 to 60 days.&nbsp;

"Nothing will be certain until then," Dougherty said. "We do think that a lot of it is gonna go through the state agencies, KDOT and KDHE, directing us on how to handle that.

"We're trying to prepare ourselves for it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637293220198.jpeg" alt="A major rehab of 22nd Street between Allen and Vine is planned as part of the city of Hays' $1 million street maintenance program for 2022. (City of Hays)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A major rehab of 22nd Street between Allen and Vine is planned as part of the city of Hays' $1 million street maintenance program for 2022. (City of Hays)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe city of Hays has laid out plans for a little more than $1 million in annual street maintenance during 2022.City commissioner Shaun Musil is concerned about the stability of product prices."With everything that's going up in our world right now, is this attainable?" Musil wondered.&nbsp;Jesse Rohr, public works director, said he has seen a few product price increases this year but expects the biggest impact next year "will probably be just getting the product, even more so than the cost.""We have noticed with [recent] repair parts on equipment, if we can get them, it takes awhile.&nbsp;"We'll structure our bids accordingly," Rohr told city commissioners during their Thursday night work session."We're hoping to get a lot for our dollars again [next] year."The street maintenance projects are primarily funded through special highway funds.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637290368177.jpeg" alt="(City of Hays)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>(City of Hays)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The plan is based on the pavement
maintenance strategies in place for more than 14 years. It includes seal coat,
polypatch, major rehab (street and concrete alley), bridge deck repair,
sidewalk improvements, and in-house crack seal and asphalt/concrete repair.A pavement condition assessment will be performed in early
2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637291215762.jpeg" alt="(City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>(City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/upc_j81bLwA"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The major project planned for 2022 is reconstruction of 22nd Street from Vine to Allen, according to Rohr.&nbsp;"There are lots of areas of poly-patch on this street. We have lots of failures every year, especially after winter.&nbsp;"It's a highly traveled street so we do want to reconstruct that. Our estimate was roughly $210,000. It will be replaced with concrete. We'll do the street and then any areas of curb and gutter as needed."Bids for the proposed work will be solicited and brought back to commissioners for approval early next year.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637294679108.jpeg" alt="(City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>(City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure>Mason Ruder, vice-mayor, asked about the impact of the recently passed federal infrastructure bill which includes $110 billion for U.S. roads and bridges.Rohr said city staff has had internal discussions about the monies."We are planning on preparing some&nbsp;larger reconstruction projects for use of funds if funds trickle down our way. We have a 10-year plan with at least 10 different projects besides what you see here. They'd be more full reconstruction projects of half a million to three million dollars.&nbsp; "We want to be prepared and maybe even get some projects on the shelf."Toby Dougherty, city manager, said the federal guidelines for the rules and the monies are to be written within 30 to 60 days.&nbsp;"Nothing will be certain until then," Dougherty said. "We do think that a lot of it is gonna go through the state agencies, KDOT and KDHE, directing us on how to handle that."We're trying to prepare ourselves for it."

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