Harvesting forages for future use during the winter feeding period or during drought represents a significant cost outlay for cattle operations. Previous research conducted at KSU suggests that large round bales composed of Wheat or Sudan hay can incur feed waste of up to 25% of a bale’s weight when unrolled. Much of this loss can be attributed to factors associated with delayed harvest and/or improper storage prior to feeding.&nbsp;

Management practices for large round bales&nbsp;

Forage production for future use as a consequence of dry weather conditions or winter feeding is an important element for all cattle producers who wish to insure the nutritional needs of their cowherd are being met. Proper attention throughout the entire hay harvesting process, including proper storage will pay future dividends towards this effort.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Harvesting forages for future use during the winter feeding period or during drought represents a significant cost outlay for cattle operations. Previous research conducted at KSU suggests that large round bales composed of Wheat or Sudan hay can incur feed waste of up to 25% of a bale’s weight when unrolled. Much of this loss can be attributed to factors associated with delayed harvest and/or improper storage prior to feeding.&nbsp;Management practices for large round bales&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Make a dense bale.&nbsp;A dense bale will sag less, have less surface area in contact with the ground, shed more precipitation and protect the inner bale from weathering, and make more efficient use of the bale wrap deployed. Bale density is affected by the baler, the experience of the operator, and the type of hay.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Store bales end-to-end to reduce storage loss.&nbsp;Tightly stacking bales end to end better utilizes the storage area. If bales are not stacked tightly against each other, rain will penetrate the ends and increase damage. Position the hay bales on a well-drained site. A gently sloping site with a southern or southeastern exposure is ideal to maximize solar drying and encourage drainage. To further reduce wastage on the bottom of the bales, some producers have elevated their bales using old tires, shipping pallets or on a layer of 3 to 4 inches of crushed rock. When more than one row of bales is needed, be mindful to space adjacent rows at least 3 feet apart. This simple action will increase air flow and allow the sun to reach the back row.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Avoid stacking large round bales.&nbsp;Many producers will stack their large round bales in a pyramid formation with the thought of maximizing their utilization of space. However, this strategy will usually increase dry matter losses in the stack as a result of the trapped moisture and reduced air movement.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>DO NOT cover bales.&nbsp;Aside from adding cost, covering bales will potentially trap moisture the same as wrapping them in plastic. If high moisture hay (over 18 percent) is sealed under plastic, quality losses may result from excessive heating and mold development.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>DO NOT store bales under trees.&nbsp;During harvest, many producers will move the large round bales to the field perimeter with good intentions of moving bales to a central location when it is convenient. However, locating bales under trees will encourage degradation of their bales because of trapped moisture and the inability to dry from sunlight.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Forage production for future use as a consequence of dry weather conditions or winter feeding is an important element for all cattle producers who wish to insure the nutritional needs of their cowherd are being met. Proper attention throughout the entire hay harvesting process, including proper storage will pay future dividends towards this effort.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

BOOR: Harvesting forages for future use

LOGAN COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after noon Wednesday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 GMC pickup driven byBrittany&nbsp;Eisenhardt, 23, Park,&nbsp;westbound on U.S. 40 in the driving lane in the city of Oakley. The vehicle rear ended a 1999 Ford pickup driven by Vanessa Wellbrock 51, Oakley, who&nbsp; slowed down to make a turn into a driveway.&nbsp;

EMS transported Wellbrock to the Logan County Hospital. Eisenhardt and two children in the GMC pickup were not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after noon Wednesday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 GMC pickup driven byBrittany&nbsp;Eisenhardt, 23, Park,&nbsp;westbound on U.S. 40 in the driving lane in the city of Oakley. The vehicle rear ended a 1999 Ford pickup driven by Vanessa Wellbrock 51, Oakley, who&nbsp; slowed down to make a turn into a driveway.&nbsp;EMS transported Wellbrock to the Logan County Hospital. Eisenhardt and two children in the GMC pickup were not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Woman from Oakley hospitalized after rear-end crash

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported five new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday. There was no case update Monday due to the Fourth of July holiday.

<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,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported two active COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,770 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

Corrected 2:08 p.m. Wednesday to clarify number of new cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625682738634.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported five new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday. There was no case update Monday due to the Fourth of July holiday.<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,&nbsp;the University of Kansas Health System reported two active COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,770 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.Corrected 2:08 p.m. Wednesday to clarify number of new cases.

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

By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend Post

The Barton County Health Department is continuing to see new cases of COVID-19 in the county.&nbsp;Karen Winkleman, Health Department Director,&nbsp;spoke to Eagle Radio Great Bend&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;about the latest numbers.&nbsp;

“In the last 10 days, we have had&nbsp;10&nbsp;positive cases reported to us,” Winkleman said. “Out of those 10, six of those have been identified as the new Delta variant, the variant of concern.”&nbsp;

The Delta variant&nbsp;is now the dominant strain of the coronavirus in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control.&nbsp;It has been found to be more transmissible&nbsp;than the original virus&nbsp;and&nbsp;can&nbsp;cause more severe illness in those who are infected.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Winkleman said&nbsp;one of the cases involved an 11-year-old child.&nbsp;

“At 11, there is no vaccine that has emergency use authorization yet,&nbsp;so&nbsp;it makes it important for people to be vaccinated to protect those who cannot be,” Winkleman noted.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The vaccine has been approved for children 12 years and older.&nbsp;The CDC is reporting that all of the approved COVID-19 vaccines are&nbsp;effective&nbsp;against the Delta variant.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Free&nbsp;vaccinations&nbsp;are available at the Health Department’s offices Monday through Friday during operating hours.&nbsp;The Health Department will&nbsp;also&nbsp;be offering the vaccine at this week’s Barton County Fair on Thursday and Friday from 6–8 p.m. and on Saturday from 9–11 a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623147851264.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend PostThe Barton County Health Department is continuing to see new cases of COVID-19 in the county.&nbsp;Karen Winkleman, Health Department Director,&nbsp;spoke to Eagle Radio Great Bend&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;about the latest numbers.&nbsp;“In the last 10 days, we have had&nbsp;10&nbsp;positive cases reported to us,” Winkleman said. “Out of those 10, six of those have been identified as the new Delta variant, the variant of concern.”&nbsp;The Delta variant&nbsp;is now the dominant strain of the coronavirus in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control.&nbsp;It has been found to be more transmissible&nbsp;than the original virus&nbsp;and&nbsp;can&nbsp;cause more severe illness in those who are infected.&nbsp;&nbsp;Winkleman said&nbsp;one of the cases involved an 11-year-old child.&nbsp;“At 11, there is no vaccine that has emergency use authorization yet,&nbsp;so&nbsp;it makes it important for people to be vaccinated to protect those who cannot be,” Winkleman noted.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The vaccine has been approved for children 12 years and older.&nbsp;The CDC is reporting that all of the approved COVID-19 vaccines are&nbsp;effective&nbsp;against the Delta variant.&nbsp;&nbsp;Free&nbsp;vaccinations&nbsp;are available at the Health Department’s offices Monday through Friday during operating hours.&nbsp;The Health Department will&nbsp;also&nbsp;be offering the vaccine at this week’s Barton County Fair on Thursday and Friday from 6–8 p.m. and on Saturday from 9–11 a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Delta variant of COVID accounts for the majority of Barton Co. cases

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger talks about the chamber's efforts to launch a health insurance program for members.

<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 exploring insurance options for members" 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=s2dfu-108211a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger talks about the chamber's efforts to launch a health insurance program for members.<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 exploring insurance options for members

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Safe Ride has been temporarily shut down since the pandemic hit in March 2020, but officials do not believe the absence of the service has affected driving under the influence arrests.

Safe Ride was created in 2005 as a free service for the community. The bus picked up and dropped off riders anywhere within the city limits between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. in attempts to curb unsafe driving in Hays.

The director of the Ellis County public transportation program, which also coordinates buses for Safe Ride, said all public transportation riders are required to wear masks and social distance regardless of their vaccination status.

He said the service has been unwilling to attempt to force riders who may be intoxicated to wear masks. He cited an instance in which a rider in Kansas City broke the jaw of a 74-year-old bus driver in three places after the driver told the man he was required to wear a mask on the bus.

He said Safe Ride will not resume until the mask mandate is lifted.

The Federal Transportation Administration is scheduled to review the mask mandate in September, but officials said they will not lift COVID precautions until 70 percent of the public is vaccinated. In the Kansas, the public is 44 percent vaccinated.

Local officials believe the mask mandate will likely stay in place at least until the end of the year.

Since its launch, Safe Ride has provided more than 250,000 rides. In 2018, Safe Ride was averaging 2,000 to 2,500 rides per month.

During Oktoberfest, the service averages about 1,000 rides.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said Hays saw a dip in DUI arrests in 2020. The city has averaged about 259 DUI arrests per year during the past 10 year.&nbsp;

Hays had 216 DUI arrests in 2020 and only four arrests in April 2020, which was the lowest number of DUI arrests in any month in that 10-year period.

As of the end of June, Hays had 131 DUI arrests, which would put it back on pace to meet the city's 10-year average.

However, Sheibler said he attributed the increase in arrests to other factors than the Safe Ride shutdown.

"I think prior to the pandemic, we saw a huge increase in the number of Uber drivers and Lyft drivers and more people taking advantage of those," he said. "Prior to the pandemic it would not be uncommon for you to see four or five Uber drivers outside of the bars on a Friday or Saturday night."

When the pandemic set in, people weren't going into bars, Scheibler said.

Enforcement also changed during the pandemic. Officers were focusing on emergencies and were being discouraged to make traffic stops or arrests. People were being released from jails in efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, Scheibler said.

"Since people have started being vaccinated, people are more comfortable going out," he said. "Across the state, the chiefs are saying the same thing."

The Partnership for a Safer Community, which founded the program, has not met to discuss the long-term future of Safe Ride.

The partnership contracts with Access, the city's public transportation program, to provide Safe Ride at night. Safe Ride is paid for through a combination of Fort Hays State University student fees and Hays Municipal Court fees.

Safe Ride had already dropped Wednesday night service from its schedule before the pandemic because of decreased ridership.

The community is dealing with a different generation of people who socialize in different ways, Scheibler said. During the '90s, when Scheibler was first an officer, the downtown bars would be packed on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Younger people, who can stay in contact constantly through social media and their phones, seem less likely to frequent bars than their parents were, Scheibler said.

He also said the state has made the punishments for DUIs harsher, and people may be making smarter choices about safe driving than when the city was seeing more than 300 DUIs per year in the 1990s.

With the emergence of ride sharing and taxi services in the community, Scheibler said he personally questioned whether Safe Ride should continue to be publicly funded.

"I think the committee is going to continue to evaluate and see if the service is being used," he said. "It is not just for drunk and intoxicated people. Other people use that to get around."&nbsp;

He said the community will always have a need for public transportation, but he questioned if the buses still needed to run in the early hours of the morning.&nbsp;

"If there is private industry out there — businesses — that can handle this, we don't have to fund this with public money," he said. "Maybe we shouldn't compete with those folks."

Safe Ride's sister program, Access, which provides rides during the day, has continued to run except for a one-month shutdown in April 2020. Although the pandemic cut ridership in about half, the director said he still sees a need for the daytime program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625263605210.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSafe Ride has been temporarily shut down since the pandemic hit in March 2020, but officials do not believe the absence of the service has affected driving under the influence arrests.Safe Ride was created in 2005 as a free service for the community. The bus picked up and dropped off riders anywhere within the city limits between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. in attempts to curb unsafe driving in Hays.The director of the Ellis County public transportation program, which also coordinates buses for Safe Ride, said all public transportation riders are required to wear masks and social distance regardless of their vaccination status.He said the service has been unwilling to attempt to force riders who may be intoxicated to wear masks. He cited an instance in which a rider in Kansas City broke the jaw of a 74-year-old bus driver in three places after the driver told the man he was required to wear a mask on the bus.He said Safe Ride will not resume until the mask mandate is lifted.The Federal Transportation Administration is scheduled to review the mask mandate in September, but officials said they will not lift COVID precautions until 70 percent of the public is vaccinated. In the Kansas, the public is 44 percent vaccinated.Local officials believe the mask mandate will likely stay in place at least until the end of the year.Since its launch, Safe Ride has provided more than 250,000 rides. In 2018, Safe Ride was averaging 2,000 to 2,500 rides per month.During Oktoberfest, the service averages about 1,000 rides.Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said Hays saw a dip in DUI arrests in 2020. The city has averaged about 259 DUI arrests per year during the past 10 year.&nbsp;Hays had 216 DUI arrests in 2020 and only four arrests in April 2020, which was the lowest number of DUI arrests in any month in that 10-year period.As of the end of June, Hays had 131 DUI arrests, which would put it back on pace to meet the city's 10-year average.However, Sheibler said he attributed the increase in arrests to other factors than the Safe Ride shutdown."I think prior to the pandemic, we saw a huge increase in the number of Uber drivers and Lyft drivers and more people taking advantage of those," he said. "Prior to the pandemic it would not be uncommon for you to see four or five Uber drivers outside of the bars on a Friday or Saturday night."When the pandemic set in, people weren't going into bars, Scheibler said.Enforcement also changed during the pandemic. Officers were focusing on emergencies and were being discouraged to make traffic stops or arrests. People were being released from jails in efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, Scheibler said."Since people have started being vaccinated, people are more comfortable going out," he said. "Across the state, the chiefs are saying the same thing."The Partnership for a Safer Community, which founded the program, has not met to discuss the long-term future of Safe Ride.The partnership contracts with Access, the city's public transportation program, to provide Safe Ride at night. Safe Ride is paid for through a combination of Fort Hays State University student fees and Hays Municipal Court fees.Safe Ride had already dropped Wednesday night service from its schedule before the pandemic because of decreased ridership.The community is dealing with a different generation of people who socialize in different ways, Scheibler said. During the '90s, when Scheibler was first an officer, the downtown bars would be packed on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.Younger people, who can stay in contact constantly through social media and their phones, seem less likely to frequent bars than their parents were, Scheibler said.He also said the state has made the punishments for DUIs harsher, and people may be making smarter choices about safe driving than when the city was seeing more than 300 DUIs per year in the 1990s.With the emergence of ride sharing and taxi services in the community, Scheibler said he personally questioned whether Safe Ride should continue to be publicly funded."I think the committee is going to continue to evaluate and see if the service is being used," he said. "It is not just for drunk and intoxicated people. Other people use that to get around."&nbsp;He said the community will always have a need for public transportation, but he questioned if the buses still needed to run in the early hours of the morning.&nbsp;"If there is private industry out there — businesses — that can handle this, we don't have to fund this with public money," he said. "Maybe we shouldn't compete with those folks."Safe Ride's sister program, Access, which provides rides during the day, has continued to run except for a one-month shutdown in April 2020. Although the pandemic cut ridership in about half, the director said he still sees a need for the daytime program.

COVID shutters Safe Ride, but Hays sees no spike in DUIs

Crude prices retreated on Tuesday after posting some big gains. Prices briefly touched highs not seen in six years, after OPEC and its allies failed to reach an agreement on production policy. Before noon on Tuesday, WTI futures prices rose nearly two dollars, and then fell by a like amount. At one point the August contract reached $76.98 per barrel, a price not seen since November 2014. In late morning trading Tuesday, WTI was below $74, dropping $1.20 from the opening bell at $73.96 per barrel. So far this year, WTI prices have gained 57 percent. OPEC and its allies on Friday failed to come to agreement on new production policy and postponed talks indefinitely. OPEC+ took historic measures in April 2020, removing nearly 10 million barrels per day from the marketplace in an effort to support prices. Since then, the group has been slowly returning barrels to the market, while meeting on a near-monthly basis to discuss output policy. But Friday's meeting came to an end after the United Arab Emirates blocked two key votes, and members have not planned a new meeting. At CHS in McPherson, Kansas Common starts the week, and the month of July, at $65.50 per barrel, after a big jump ahead of the holiday weekend. The state benchmark ended the month of June at $63.75 which is nearly six dollars higher than at the start of the month. The average price for the month of June was $61.66 per barrel. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight uptick in the Rig Count in Kansas, with eight active rigs in the eastern half of the state and 22 west of Wichita. Both tallies were up one for the week. Baker Hughes reported 475 active drilling rigs across the country on Friday, an increase of four oil rigs and one gas rig. Colorado notched an increase of three rigs. The counts in North Dakota and Texas were each up one.&nbsp; Regulators gave their okay to 16 new drilling permits in Kansas last week, four in eastern Kansas and 12 west of Wichita. That's 483 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to just 214 through the first six months of last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 31 completions across Kansas for the week, but just two of them were west of Wichita. That's 389 newly-completed wells so far this year. Last year's six-month total was 537, reported before most of the state's shutdown kicked in. Just seven years ago, the six-month total was over 3,000 newly completed wells. The government reported the sixth consecutive weekly drop in US crude-oil inventories. For the week ending June 25, US stockpiles dropped 6.7 million barrels from the week before, to a total of just over 452 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration says US inventories are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles increased by one and a half million barrels last week. Inventories are now equal to the five-year average for this time of year. US crude-oil production topped 11 million barrels per day last week for the third week in a row. US output jumped 103,000 barrels per day compared to the week before. Production is currently about 185,000 barrels per day higher than the output reported a year ago. US crude imports averaged 6.4 million barrels per day last week, down half a million barrels a day. The government says Imports over the last four week averaged 2.8 percent more than the same four week period last year. The current rally in oil prices is setting records for the speed of the increases. Brent crude reached $75 per barrel last week, more than double the price in November.&nbsp; In Canada they're calling it "almost too good to be true." According to The Financial Post, an oil rally this rapid has only happened three times in the last twenty years. If Canadian oil and gas companies continue to maintain their cost discipline, analysts believe they could get substantial returns, a big turnaround for the industry. According to the report, Canadian oil and gas companies are close to hitting their debt-reduction goals and could soon start allocating billions in free cash.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail totals have risen steadily each week since late April. The Association of American Railroads reported another increase for the week ending June 26, with 10,201 tankers hauling petroleum or petroleum products. That's up 416 rail cars from the week before and half a percentage point higher than a year ago. Oil-by-rail in Canada is down slightly for the week, but up more than 50% over a year ago.&nbsp; As you might expect, US energy consumption dropped dramatically last year because of the pandemic response and other factors. The government now says we saw our largest annual decline in energy use ever, a decline of 7.5%. Fossil fuels, including both petroleum for transportation and coal for electrical power, accounted for most of the decline. Fossil fuels consumption dropped last year to its lowest level since 1991. The Energy Information Administration reports non-fossil fuel sources, including nuclear power and renewable sources, rose to their highest share of the energy mix since the early 1900s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices retreated on Tuesday after posting some big gains. Prices briefly touched highs not seen in six years, after OPEC and its allies failed to reach an agreement on production policy. Before noon on Tuesday, WTI futures prices rose nearly two dollars, and then fell by a like amount. At one point the August contract reached $76.98 per barrel, a price not seen since November 2014. In late morning trading Tuesday, WTI was below $74, dropping $1.20 from the opening bell at $73.96 per barrel. So far this year, WTI prices have gained 57 percent. OPEC and its allies on Friday failed to come to agreement on new production policy and postponed talks indefinitely. OPEC+ took historic measures in April 2020, removing nearly 10 million barrels per day from the marketplace in an effort to support prices. Since then, the group has been slowly returning barrels to the market, while meeting on a near-monthly basis to discuss output policy. But Friday's meeting came to an end after the United Arab Emirates blocked two key votes, and members have not planned a new meeting. At CHS in McPherson, Kansas Common starts the week, and the month of July, at $65.50 per barrel, after a big jump ahead of the holiday weekend. The state benchmark ended the month of June at $63.75 which is nearly six dollars higher than at the start of the month. The average price for the month of June was $61.66 per barrel. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight uptick in the Rig Count in Kansas, with eight active rigs in the eastern half of the state and 22 west of Wichita. Both tallies were up one for the week. Baker Hughes reported 475 active drilling rigs across the country on Friday, an increase of four oil rigs and one gas rig. Colorado notched an increase of three rigs. The counts in North Dakota and Texas were each up one.&nbsp; Regulators gave their okay to 16 new drilling permits in Kansas last week, four in eastern Kansas and 12 west of Wichita. That's 483 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to just 214 through the first six months of last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 31 completions across Kansas for the week, but just two of them were west of Wichita. That's 389 newly-completed wells so far this year. Last year's six-month total was 537, reported before most of the state's shutdown kicked in. Just seven years ago, the six-month total was over 3,000 newly completed wells. The government reported the sixth consecutive weekly drop in US crude-oil inventories. For the week ending June 25, US stockpiles dropped 6.7 million barrels from the week before, to a total of just over 452 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration says US inventories are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles increased by one and a half million barrels last week. Inventories are now equal to the five-year average for this time of year. US crude-oil production topped 11 million barrels per day last week for the third week in a row. US output jumped 103,000 barrels per day compared to the week before. Production is currently about 185,000 barrels per day higher than the output reported a year ago. US crude imports averaged 6.4 million barrels per day last week, down half a million barrels a day. The government says Imports over the last four week averaged 2.8 percent more than the same four week period last year. The current rally in oil prices is setting records for the speed of the increases. Brent crude reached $75 per barrel last week, more than double the price in November.&nbsp; In Canada they're calling it "almost too good to be true." According to The Financial Post, an oil rally this rapid has only happened three times in the last twenty years. If Canadian oil and gas companies continue to maintain their cost discipline, analysts believe they could get substantial returns, a big turnaround for the industry. According to the report, Canadian oil and gas companies are close to hitting their debt-reduction goals and could soon start allocating billions in free cash.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail totals have risen steadily each week since late April. The Association of American Railroads reported another increase for the week ending June 26, with 10,201 tankers hauling petroleum or petroleum products. That's up 416 rail cars from the week before and half a percentage point higher than a year ago. Oil-by-rail in Canada is down slightly for the week, but up more than 50% over a year ago.&nbsp; As you might expect, US energy consumption dropped dramatically last year because of the pandemic response and other factors. The government now says we saw our largest annual decline in energy use ever, a decline of 7.5%. Fossil fuels, including both petroleum for transportation and coal for electrical power, accounted for most of the decline. Fossil fuels consumption dropped last year to its lowest level since 1991. The Energy Information Administration reports non-fossil fuel sources, including nuclear power and renewable sources, rose to their highest share of the energy mix since the early 1900s.

News From the Oil Patch: OPEC+ goes home; prices go all over the place

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, R-KS, will hold a public town halls throughout northwest Kansas this week.

The public is invited to attend the town halls to learn about federal legislative issues and ask questions of the senator.&nbsp;

* 8:30-9:15 a.m. at Fresh Seven Coffee,&nbsp;312 Washington St., St. Francis *&nbsp;10:00-10:45 a.m. at Midwest Energy, 303 Main St., Atwood *&nbsp;12:00-12:45 p.m. at Golden Age Recreation Center,&nbsp; 105 W. Maple St., Oberlin *&nbsp;3:00-3:45 p.m. at Oscars of Hoxie,&nbsp;845 Main St., Hoxie *&nbsp;5:00-5:45 p.m. at Jay Johnson Public Library,&nbsp;411 Main St., Quinter

* 8:30-9:15 a.m. at Sunshine Bakery,&nbsp;3502 Hwy 40, Oakley *&nbsp;12:30-1:15 p.m. MT at the Wallace County Senior Center,&nbsp;223 N. Main St., Sharon Springs

*&nbsp;8:30-9:15 a.m. at the Colby Event Center,&nbsp;1200 S. Franklin Ave., Colby * 10:30-11:15 a.m. at Frontier Stage,&nbsp;305 E. Main Street, Hill City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621958703771.jpeg" alt="U.S. Senator Roger Marshall , R-Kansas" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Roger Marshall , R-Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseU.S. Senator Roger Marshall, R-KS, will hold a public town halls throughout northwest Kansas this week.The public is invited to attend the town halls to learn about federal legislative issues and ask questions of the senator.&nbsp;The schedule includes:July 8* 8:30-9:15 a.m. at Fresh Seven Coffee,&nbsp;312 Washington St., St. Francis *&nbsp;10:00-10:45 a.m. at Midwest Energy, 303 Main St., Atwood *&nbsp;12:00-12:45 p.m. at Golden Age Recreation Center,&nbsp; 105 W. Maple St., Oberlin *&nbsp;3:00-3:45 p.m. at Oscars of Hoxie,&nbsp;845 Main St., Hoxie *&nbsp;5:00-5:45 p.m. at Jay Johnson Public Library,&nbsp;411 Main St., QuinterJuly 9* 8:30-9:15 a.m. at Sunshine Bakery,&nbsp;3502 Hwy 40, Oakley *&nbsp;12:30-1:15 p.m. MT at the Wallace County Senior Center,&nbsp;223 N. Main St., Sharon SpringsJuly 10*&nbsp;8:30-9:15 a.m. at the Colby Event Center,&nbsp;1200 S. Franklin Ave., Colby * 10:30-11:15 a.m. at Frontier Stage,&nbsp;305 E. Main Street, Hill City.

Marshall town hall meetings set across NW Kansas this week

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau The big story in agriculture today is how carbon is going to be the next cash crop for farmers and ranchers. There are lots of headlines about how changing agricultural practices can remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it in the soil. While the science is sound, farming practices are just one component in the complex process of accumulation of carbon in the soil. Precipitation, soil type, carbon already present and other variables all factor into just how much of the element can be sequestered underground. What’s grabbing attention is there’s a nascent market blooming where private companies are paying real money to farmers and ranchers who can document increasing stores of carbon in their soils. The idea is the ag producers get some money for changing their practices while the private companies count the sequestered carbon against their own emissions.

There’s a variety of reasons why companies are at the forefront of creating this market, but the primary driver is capitalism. Environmentally conscious customers and investors are demanding goods and services that have less impact on the land, air and water. Companies are responding to these signals by turning to the original conservationists — farmers and ranchers — to lessen the environmental impact of modern life. The public at large is just now discovering what crop and livestock growers have understood for decades — capitalism and conservation are complimentary and not mutually exclusive. Farmers and ranchers understand today’s investments in healthy soil, pristine air and crystal-clear water will pay dividends for generations to come. Farmers and ranchers today are using technology and innovative practices to produce more than ever while using fewer resources. U.S. agriculture would have needed nearly 100 million more acres 30 years ago to match today’s production levels. This is especially true of livestock, which receive a lot of attention for greenhouse gases expelled yet contribute just 4 percent — and falling — of overall emissions. The dairy industry is producing 48 percent more milk with per-unit emissions down 26 percent. Pork production has soared 80 percent while the per-unit emissions have declined by 20 percent. Beef production is up 18 percent and emissions down 8 percent. These efficiencies are driven by simple economics. Livestock emissions are falling because inputs like land and feed are expensive, so producers have a natural incentive to make the most of their resources. In short, market forces are working as they should, and U.S. agriculture is lessening its environmental footprint in addition to offsetting the carbon emissions from other industries. For the most part, this has happened in the absence of government mandates, but that’s not to say government policy doesn’t have a role in further reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. No, the government shouldn’t tell farmers and ranchers how to do their jobs, but policy makers can certainly craft incentive-based programs to speed the adoption of practices that enhance production and profitability on farms and ranches. Legislators also can reduce regulatory barriers in state and federal programs and fund basic research that will help farmers and ranchers achieve greater efficiencies and further enhance the sustainability of their operations. While the government can help facilitate the pace of adoption on proven practices, it should also recognize what works in one field isn’t always the prescription for the next. We have to trust farmers and ranchers, with decades and generations of land management experience, know the capacity of their ground. They’re proven innovators and problem solvers in their own right. And they’re just as invested as the rest of us in successful and sustainable conservation all while continuing to provide a safe, affordable and ample supply of food for a growing population.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau The big story in agriculture today is how carbon is going to be the next cash crop for farmers and ranchers. There are lots of headlines about how changing agricultural practices can remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it in the soil. While the science is sound, farming practices are just one component in the complex process of accumulation of carbon in the soil. Precipitation, soil type, carbon already present and other variables all factor into just how much of the element can be sequestered underground. What’s grabbing attention is there’s a nascent market blooming where private companies are paying real money to farmers and ranchers who can document increasing stores of carbon in their soils. The idea is the ag producers get some money for changing their practices while the private companies count the sequestered carbon against their own emissions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There’s a variety of reasons why companies are at the forefront of creating this market, but the primary driver is capitalism. Environmentally conscious customers and investors are demanding goods and services that have less impact on the land, air and water. Companies are responding to these signals by turning to the original conservationists — farmers and ranchers — to lessen the environmental impact of modern life. The public at large is just now discovering what crop and livestock growers have understood for decades — capitalism and conservation are complimentary and not mutually exclusive. Farmers and ranchers understand today’s investments in healthy soil, pristine air and crystal-clear water will pay dividends for generations to come. Farmers and ranchers today are using technology and innovative practices to produce more than ever while using fewer resources. U.S. agriculture would have needed nearly 100 million more acres 30 years ago to match today’s production levels. This is especially true of livestock, which receive a lot of attention for greenhouse gases expelled yet contribute just 4 percent — and falling — of overall emissions. The dairy industry is producing 48 percent more milk with per-unit emissions down 26 percent. Pork production has soared 80 percent while the per-unit emissions have declined by 20 percent. Beef production is up 18 percent and emissions down 8 percent. These efficiencies are driven by simple economics. Livestock emissions are falling because inputs like land and feed are expensive, so producers have a natural incentive to make the most of their resources. In short, market forces are working as they should, and U.S. agriculture is lessening its environmental footprint in addition to offsetting the carbon emissions from other industries. For the most part, this has happened in the absence of government mandates, but that’s not to say government policy doesn’t have a role in further reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. No, the government shouldn’t tell farmers and ranchers how to do their jobs, but policy makers can certainly craft incentive-based programs to speed the adoption of practices that enhance production and profitability on farms and ranches. Legislators also can reduce regulatory barriers in state and federal programs and fund basic research that will help farmers and ranchers achieve greater efficiencies and further enhance the sustainability of their operations. While the government can help facilitate the pace of adoption on proven practices, it should also recognize what works in one field isn’t always the prescription for the next. We have to trust farmers and ranchers, with decades and generations of land management experience, know the capacity of their ground. They’re proven innovators and problem solvers in their own right. And they’re just as invested as the rest of us in successful and sustainable conservation all while continuing to provide a safe, affordable and ample supply of food for a growing population."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Capitalism and conservation

Three-day weather outlook

General Manager and CEO of Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc., Bruce W. Mueller has won a board of directors’ seat with the National Cooperative Services Corporation, which provides specialized financial services to electric cooperatives across the nation.

Mueller, who joined Wheatland Electric in 2012, will join the 10-member board following his election to the position by fellow NSCS voting members, including cooperative leaders across the country.

NCSC has helped cooperatives, including Wheatland, expand their services to meet community needs and save more than a billion dollars in financing costs through tax-advantaged financings.

The organization’s board of directors provide the knowledge, leadership, and commitment necessary to establish effective policies and goals and sets the organization’s corporate policies, identify strategic initiatives, and approve financing services.

“I am looking forward to working with the NCSC board on their continuance of the NCSC mission: to bridge the financial needs of the rural electric network with expectations of the global capital market, one cooperative at a time,” Mueller said.

As CEO/general manager, Mueller is responsible for directing the cooperative’s overall operations. Prior to Wheatland, he worked in the electric utility industry at Central Power and

Light (now American Electric Power) for 18 years and San Bernard Electric Cooperative in Texas for 10 years in executive management roles.

He holds a B.B.A. in finance from Texas State University, an M.B.A. in management from the University of Houston–Victoria and is also a graduate of NRECA’s Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program. He currently serves on the board of Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Wheatland’s power supplier and is an alternate board member for Kansas Electric Cooperatives.

At NCSC, Mueller will represent District 4, an expansive region encompassing the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming during his three-year term. For more information about NCSC, visit www.ncsc.coop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625581010050.jpeg" alt="Bruce W. Mueller" />
 <figcaption>Bruce W. Mueller</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSGeneral Manager and CEO of Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc., Bruce W. Mueller has won a board of directors’ seat with the National Cooperative Services Corporation, which provides specialized financial services to electric cooperatives across the nation.Mueller, who joined Wheatland Electric in 2012, will join the 10-member board following his election to the position by fellow NSCS voting members, including cooperative leaders across the country.NCSC has helped cooperatives, including Wheatland, expand their services to meet community needs and save more than a billion dollars in financing costs through tax-advantaged financings.The organization’s board of directors provide the knowledge, leadership, and commitment necessary to establish effective policies and goals and sets the organization’s corporate policies, identify strategic initiatives, and approve financing services.“I am looking forward to working with the NCSC board on their continuance of the NCSC mission: to bridge the financial needs of the rural electric network with expectations of the global capital market, one cooperative at a time,” Mueller said.As CEO/general manager, Mueller is responsible for directing the cooperative’s overall operations. Prior to Wheatland, he worked in the electric utility industry at Central Power andLight (now American Electric Power) for 18 years and San Bernard Electric Cooperative in Texas for 10 years in executive management roles.He holds a B.B.A. in finance from Texas State University, an M.B.A. in management from the University of Houston–Victoria and is also a graduate of NRECA’s Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program. He currently serves on the board of Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Wheatland’s power supplier and is an alternate board member for Kansas Electric Cooperatives.At NCSC, Mueller will represent District 4, an expansive region encompassing the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming during his three-year term. For more information about NCSC, visit www.ncsc.coop.— Great Bend Post

Wheatland Electric CEO wins board of directors seat with NCSC

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Symphony in the Flint Hills operations manager Kelly Tastove.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Symphony in the Flint Hills operations manager Kelly Tastove" 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=zadhs-10806f7-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Symphony in the Flint Hills operations manager Kelly Tastove.

🎤Forward Ever: Symphony in the Flint Hills operations manager Kelly Tastove

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has announced appointments, including an Osborne resident, to the following state boards and commissions .&nbsp;

The purpose of the Council is to&nbsp;monitor the delivery of 911 services, develop strategies for future enhancements to the 911 system and distribute available grant funds to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs).&nbsp;

The purpose of the Board is to act as an advisory board to the Kansas Livestock Commission.

The mission of the Kansas Children's Cabinet is to assist the governor in developing and implementing a coordinated, comprehensive service delivery system to serve the children and families of Kansas; identify barriers to service and gaps in service due to strict definitions of boundaries between departments and agencies; facilitate interagency and interdepartmental cooperation toward the common goal of serving children and families; investigate and identify methodologies for the combining of funds across departmental lines; encourage and facilitate joint planning and coordination between the public and private sectors to better serve the needs of children.

Creative Arts Industries Commission&nbsp;

The purpose of the Commission is to measure, promote, support, and expand the creative arts industries in Kansas.

Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing&nbsp;

The mission of the Commission is to advocate for and facilitate equal access to quality, coordinated and comprehensive services that enhance the quality of life for Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing.

The Board is charged with protecting the public’s health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Kansas through the licensure and regulation process of the nursing professions.

Physical Therapy Advisory Council&nbsp;

The purpose of the Council is to advise the Board of Healing Arts on examination and registration of physical therapists.&nbsp;

Kansas Senior Care Task Force&nbsp;

The purpose of the Task Force is to study the following topics: provision of care for Kansas seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other age-related mental health conditions; administration of antipsychotic medication to adult care home residents; Safeguards to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors in the state; adult care home surveys and fines; funding and implementation of the Senior Care Act; senior daycare resources in the state; and rebalancing of home and community-based services.&nbsp;

Kansas Sentencing Commission&nbsp;

The purpose of the Commission is to develop a sentencing guideline model or grid based on fairness and equity and shall provide a mechanism for linking justice and corrections policies.

The purpose of the board is to&nbsp;promote and showcase Kansas agriculture, industry and culture, to create opportunity for commercial activity, and to provide an educational and entertaining experience that is the pride of all Kansans.

The Kansas Volunteer Commission prepares a national service plan for the state; ensures outreach to diverse community-based agencies; and administers certain grant programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606774525728.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has announced appointments, including an Osborne resident, to the following state boards and commissions .&nbsp;911 Coordinating Council&nbsp;The purpose of the Council is to&nbsp;monitor the delivery of 911 services, develop strategies for future enhancements to the 911 system and distribute available grant funds to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs).&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Rob McDonald, Madison (reappointment)</li><li>Jerry Daniels, Humbolt (reappointment)</li><li>Rebecca Snook, Osborne</li><li>Michael Daniels, Gardner (reappointment)</li><li>Jonathan York, Topeka (reappointment)</li><li>Ellen Wernicke, Gardner (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>Kansas Animal Health Board&nbsp;The purpose of the Board is to act as an advisory board to the Kansas Livestock Commission.<ul>
 <li>Troy Wedel, McPherson (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>Kansas Children's Cabinet&nbsp;The mission of the Kansas Children's Cabinet is to assist the governor in developing and implementing a coordinated, comprehensive service delivery system to serve the children and families of Kansas; identify barriers to service and gaps in service due to strict definitions of boundaries between departments and agencies; facilitate interagency and interdepartmental cooperation toward the common goal of serving children and families; investigate and identify methodologies for the combining of funds across departmental lines; encourage and facilitate joint planning and coordination between the public and private sectors to better serve the needs of children.<ul>
 <li>Terri Rice, Wichita (reappointment)</li><li>DiAnne Graham, Wichita (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>Creative Arts Industries Commission&nbsp;The purpose of the Commission is to measure, promote, support, and expand the creative arts industries in Kansas.<ul>
 <li>Aubrey Streit Krug, Salina (reappointment)</li><li>James Oliver, Jr., Pittsburg (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing&nbsp;The mission of the Commission is to advocate for and facilitate equal access to quality, coordinated and comprehensive services that enhance the quality of life for Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing.<ul>
 <li>Kim Hendricks, Garden City (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>Board of NursingThe Board is charged with protecting the public’s health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Kansas through the licensure and regulation process of the nursing professions.<ul>
 <li>Julianna Rieschick, Andover (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>Physical Therapy Advisory Council&nbsp;The purpose of the Council is to advise the Board of Healing Arts on examination and registration of physical therapists.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Saumya Singh, Leawood</li>
 </ul>Kansas Senior Care Task Force&nbsp;The purpose of the Task Force is to study the following topics: provision of care for Kansas seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other age-related mental health conditions; administration of antipsychotic medication to adult care home residents; Safeguards to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors in the state; adult care home surveys and fines; funding and implementation of the Senior Care Act; senior daycare resources in the state; and rebalancing of home and community-based services.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Rachael Pirner, Valley Center</li>
 </ul>Kansas Sentencing Commission&nbsp;The purpose of the Commission is to develop a sentencing guideline model or grid based on fairness and equity and shall provide a mechanism for linking justice and corrections policies.<ul>
 <li>Pat Colloton, Leawood (reappointment)</li><li>Jermaine Wilson, Leavenworth (reappointment)</li><li>Mark Dupree, Kansas City (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>Kansas State Fair Board&nbsp;The purpose of the board is to&nbsp;promote and showcase Kansas agriculture, industry and culture, to create opportunity for commercial activity, and to provide an educational and entertaining experience that is the pride of all Kansans.<ul>
 <li>Paula Landoll-Smith, Marysville (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>Kansas Volunteer Commission&nbsp;The Kansas Volunteer Commission prepares a national service plan for the state; ensures outreach to diverse community-based agencies; and administers certain grant programs.<ul>
 <li>Carolyn Campbell, Topeka (reappointment)</li><li>Stephanie Kupper, Overland Park (reappointment)</li>
 </ul>

Osborne woman appointed to state 911 Coordinating Council 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Summer activities are in full swing this month in Hays, and kicked off with the return of the Wild West Fest concert series.

Brandon Cooley, marketing manager of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, talks about some of the other events coming up.

For an up-to-date calendar of events, check the Hays CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575300742886.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostSummer activities are in full swing this month in Hays, and kicked off with the return of the Wild West Fest concert series.Brandon Cooley, marketing manager of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, talks about some of the other events coming up.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WuFo9fgGgBI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For an up-to-date calendar of events, check the Hays CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.&nbsp;

🎥 July events in Hays

As Karen Thorns accepted a Legacy Society gift from Developmental Service of Northwest Kansas on behalf of her late father, John Thorns, you could feel the love that she had for him.

She stared intently at the name on the bottom of the clock and felt the hands of her aunt Margaret comforting her. Karen remembered her father who passed away in 2014 and proudly showed the gift to everyone who walked by. &nbsp;

The gift was given by Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president, to Karen at Reed Developmental Center on June 15.&nbsp; The gift, a book clock, was given in memory of John Thorns, who demonstrated his support to DSNWK by remembering DSNWK in his estate plan. &nbsp;

DSNWK has been presenting special gifts to all of its Legacy Society members during the past several months. The Legacy Society recognizes and honors people who have shared with DSNWK that they have included a gift in their estate plan or have made a cash gift of $10,000 or more.

This type of giving ensures that future funding will be available to support the growing needs and priorities of DSNWK and its mission.

John Thorns was a former chairman of the Fort Hays State University Department of Art and Design.

He taught classes in basic design, art history, architectural and interior designs. His daughter Karen receives services from DSNWK at Reed Developmental Center.

John Thorns passion for art continues to be seen through Karen. Springing from their painting together as father and daughter, she loves to participate in art classes at the Reed Center and she is an active participant in the Art Collaboration Project through FHSU. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625070416358.jpeg" alt="DSNWK client Karen Thorns with her aunt&nbsp;Margaret. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>DSNWK client Karen Thorns with her aunt&nbsp;Margaret. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAs Karen Thorns accepted a Legacy Society gift from Developmental Service of Northwest Kansas on behalf of her late father, John Thorns, you could feel the love that she had for him.She stared intently at the name on the bottom of the clock and felt the hands of her aunt Margaret comforting her. Karen remembered her father who passed away in 2014 and proudly showed the gift to everyone who walked by. &nbsp;The gift was given by Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president, to Karen at Reed Developmental Center on June 15.&nbsp; The gift, a book clock, was given in memory of John Thorns, who demonstrated his support to DSNWK by remembering DSNWK in his estate plan. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625070828381.jpeg" alt="Karen Thorns, center, John Thorns' daughter, displays a clock that was given as a gift for her father's gift to DSNWK in his estate. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karen Thorns, center, John Thorns' daughter, displays a clock that was given as a gift for her father's gift to DSNWK in his estate. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWK has been presenting special gifts to all of its Legacy Society members during the past several months. The Legacy Society recognizes and honors people who have shared with DSNWK that they have included a gift in their estate plan or have made a cash gift of $10,000 or more.This type of giving ensures that future funding will be available to support the growing needs and priorities of DSNWK and its mission.John Thorns was a former chairman of the Fort Hays State University Department of Art and Design.He taught classes in basic design, art history, architectural and interior designs. His daughter Karen receives services from DSNWK at Reed Developmental Center.John Thorns passion for art continues to be seen through Karen. Springing from their painting together as father and daughter, she loves to participate in art classes at the Reed Center and she is an active participant in the Art Collaboration Project through FHSU. &nbsp;

Karen Thorns accepts a Legacy Society gift on behalf of father 

Since Megan Mawhirter understands that patients and families are unfamiliar with all the paperwork and financial aspects of a hospital visit, she is pleased to be in her expanded position at Larned and Hays.

Mawhirter was recently named manager of Health Information Management (HIM) at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus and HaysMed. Previously, her HIM responsibilities were focused on the Larned hospital.

“I am continuing to supervise the HIM office here at Pawnee Valley and taking on my new duties at HaysMed,” Mawhirter said. “I am involved in many different functions of the department and will help with special projects as needed at either facility.”

HIM manager is an important position because it helps patients and families understand the documentation and financial issues associated with a visit to the hospital, Mawhirter commented.

“The documentation aspects of a hospital visit can be overwhelming and confusing at times,” she acknowledged. “But I am available to answer patients’ questions about their medical records, billing and insurance.

“I want to be an asset to the patients of both facilities. We can help bridge the gap in information to help patients find answers.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625238244396.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Since Megan Mawhirter understands that patients and families are unfamiliar with all the paperwork and financial aspects of a hospital visit, she is pleased to be in her expanded position at Larned and Hays.Mawhirter was recently named manager of Health Information Management (HIM) at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus and HaysMed. Previously, her HIM responsibilities were focused on the Larned hospital.“I am continuing to supervise the HIM office here at Pawnee Valley and taking on my new duties at HaysMed,” Mawhirter said. “I am involved in many different functions of the department and will help with special projects as needed at either facility.”HIM manager is an important position because it helps patients and families understand the documentation and financial issues associated with a visit to the hospital, Mawhirter commented.“The documentation aspects of a hospital visit can be overwhelming and confusing at times,” she acknowledged. “But I am available to answer patients’ questions about their medical records, billing and insurance.“I want to be an asset to the patients of both facilities. We can help bridge the gap in information to help patients find answers.”

Mawhirter now HIM manager at Pawnee Valley Campus and HaysMed

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has announced the return of the Poet Laureate program to the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC).

“Promoting the humanities preserves the legacy of the generations&nbsp;that&nbsp;came before us, inspires the artists of the future, and drives community and economic development,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“KCAIC does great work in measuring, promoting, supporting, and expanding the arts to grow the state's economy and generate creative industry-related jobs – and I know the Commission will be a good steward of the Poet Laureate program to continue that mission."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Poet Laureate program is designed to encourage the appreciation of poetry in Kansas by making high quality poetry freely available to a wider audience. It recognizes a citizen poet of exceptional talent and accomplishment and designates them as the top poet representing the state.

The program is returning to KCAIC after having previously been housed within&nbsp;Humanities Kansas. KCAIC is part of the Community Development Division in the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“As the state’s leading agency in support of all creative disciplines, I’m very excited the Poet Laureate program is making its way back to KCAIC and Commerce,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“The arts are a vital part of economic development – they’re how we remind each other why we do the work we do to build our communities and our world. Sharing beauty and perspective with the people of Kansas is a fantastic way to ensure they’re happy to continue living and working in our state, and I’m very pleased that we are resurrecting this program at the Department of Commerce.”

“Kansas has a long and proud history of supporting poetry and producing great poets. Incorporating the Poet Laureate into our programming will allow us to highlight that legacy and build upon its success,”&nbsp;KCAIC Director Peter Jasso said.

To learn more about the Poet Laureate Program, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.SE6noY3jk5FrAAe4GUDRA6ZKzz_iP_9lJ03jTifRE4Y/s/1303161001/br/108753455638-l" target="_blank">Poet Laureate page</a>&nbsp;at the Department of Commerce website.

The current Poet Laureate of Kansas is&nbsp;Huascar Medina.&nbsp;Medina is a poet, writer, and performer based in Topeka. He currently works as a freelance copywriter and as the Literary Editor for&nbsp;seveneightfive&nbsp;magazine publishing stories that spotlight literary and artistic events in northeast Kansas.

The Poet Laureate program is free of charge to all Kansas non-profit organizations. If you are interested in hosting Huascar Medina as a speaker or presenter, please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kcaic@ks.gov" target="_blank">kcaic@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625179093084.jpeg" alt="Huascar Medina, Kansas Poet Laureate" />
 <figcaption>Huascar Medina, Kansas Poet Laureate</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has announced the return of the Poet Laureate program to the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC).“Promoting the humanities preserves the legacy of the generations&nbsp;that&nbsp;came before us, inspires the artists of the future, and drives community and economic development,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“KCAIC does great work in measuring, promoting, supporting, and expanding the arts to grow the state's economy and generate creative industry-related jobs – and I know the Commission will be a good steward of the Poet Laureate program to continue that mission."&nbsp;&nbsp;The Poet Laureate program is designed to encourage the appreciation of poetry in Kansas by making high quality poetry freely available to a wider audience. It recognizes a citizen poet of exceptional talent and accomplishment and designates them as the top poet representing the state.The program is returning to KCAIC after having previously been housed within&nbsp;Humanities Kansas. KCAIC is part of the Community Development Division in the Kansas Department of Commerce.“As the state’s leading agency in support of all creative disciplines, I’m very excited the Poet Laureate program is making its way back to KCAIC and Commerce,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“The arts are a vital part of economic development – they’re how we remind each other why we do the work we do to build our communities and our world. Sharing beauty and perspective with the people of Kansas is a fantastic way to ensure they’re happy to continue living and working in our state, and I’m very pleased that we are resurrecting this program at the Department of Commerce.”“Kansas has a long and proud history of supporting poetry and producing great poets. Incorporating the Poet Laureate into our programming will allow us to highlight that legacy and build upon its success,”&nbsp;KCAIC Director Peter Jasso said.To learn more about the Poet Laureate Program, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.SE6noY3jk5FrAAe4GUDRA6ZKzz_iP_9lJ03jTifRE4Y/s/1303161001/br/108753455638-l" target="_blank">Poet Laureate page</a>&nbsp;at the Department of Commerce website.The current Poet Laureate of Kansas is&nbsp;Huascar Medina.&nbsp;Medina is a poet, writer, and performer based in Topeka. He currently works as a freelance copywriter and as the Literary Editor for&nbsp;seveneightfive&nbsp;magazine publishing stories that spotlight literary and artistic events in northeast Kansas.The Poet Laureate program is free of charge to all Kansas non-profit organizations. If you are interested in hosting Huascar Medina as a speaker or presenter, please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kcaic@ks.gov" target="_blank">kcaic@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Poet Laureate Program returns to Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission

K-State's Upham explains reasons, offers solutions&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – For Kansas gardeners, watching vegetables bloom but not set fruit can be very frustrating.&nbsp;

Yet, for various reasons, that often happens this is the time of year, says Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham.&nbsp;

“There are several possible reasons,” he said. “One condition that can affect several species is over-fertilization.”&nbsp;

Upham said that too much nitrogen in the soil causes the plant to emphasize vegetative growth, often to the detriment of fruit production. Over-fertilization can lead to a delay in flower production and a decrease in fruit set among the flowers that do produce.&nbsp;

“This is especially true of tomatoes,” Upham said. “Over-fertilized tomatoes will produce a large, apparently healthy plant with no flowers, or flowers that don’t set fruit.”&nbsp;

Tomatoes, a popular choice of many gardeners, also won’t set fruit if the night-time temperature falls below 50 degrees F, which leads to sparse pollen production, according to Upham.&nbsp;

“They also won’t set when night-time temperatures are above 75 degree and daytime temperatures are above 95 degrees with hot, dry winds,” he said. “Under such conditions, fertilization is not completed and no fruit develops. However, cherry tomatoes may be more forgiving of high temperatures than the larger slicers and will often set fruit in the heat.”&nbsp;

Upham said that many other crops – including squash, cucumbers, watermelon and muskmelon – can experience other problems.&nbsp;

“First, the early flowers on these plants are usually all male; the production of male and female flowers becomes more balanced as time passes,” he said. “You can easily tell the difference between the two because only the female flower has a tiny fruit behind the blossom.”&nbsp;

Upham said that if gardeners see both male and female flowers, have not fertilized, but still have a problem, it could be that the garden does not have enough pollinators.&nbsp;

“Look for the presence of bees visiting the plants,” Upham said. “If you don’t see any, try hand-pollinating several flowers. Use a painter’s brush to transfer pollen from the anther of the male flower to the stigma of the female flower. If you get fruit on any of those flowers you pollinated, you need more pollinators.”&nbsp;

Upham also cautioned against the over-use of insecticides, which can kill pollinators. He advises spraying near dusk when flowers have closed.&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625444048167.jpeg" alt="Temperature and the amount of fertilizer used can affect tomato production. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Temperature and the amount of fertilizer used can affect tomato production. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State's Upham explains reasons, offers solutions&nbsp;</h2>MANHATTAN – For Kansas gardeners, watching vegetables bloom but not set fruit can be very frustrating.&nbsp;Yet, for various reasons, that often happens this is the time of year, says Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham.&nbsp;“There are several possible reasons,” he said. “One condition that can affect several species is over-fertilization.”&nbsp;Upham said that too much nitrogen in the soil causes the plant to emphasize vegetative growth, often to the detriment of fruit production. Over-fertilization can lead to a delay in flower production and a decrease in fruit set among the flowers that do produce.&nbsp;“This is especially true of tomatoes,” Upham said. “Over-fertilized tomatoes will produce a large, apparently healthy plant with no flowers, or flowers that don’t set fruit.”&nbsp;Tomatoes, a popular choice of many gardeners, also won’t set fruit if the night-time temperature falls below 50 degrees F, which leads to sparse pollen production, according to Upham.&nbsp;“They also won’t set when night-time temperatures are above 75 degree and daytime temperatures are above 95 degrees with hot, dry winds,” he said. “Under such conditions, fertilization is not completed and no fruit develops. However, cherry tomatoes may be more forgiving of high temperatures than the larger slicers and will often set fruit in the heat.”&nbsp;Upham said that many other crops – including squash, cucumbers, watermelon and muskmelon – can experience other problems.&nbsp;“First, the early flowers on these plants are usually all male; the production of male and female flowers becomes more balanced as time passes,” he said. “You can easily tell the difference between the two because only the female flower has a tiny fruit behind the blossom.”&nbsp;Upham said that if gardeners see both male and female flowers, have not fertilized, but still have a problem, it could be that the garden does not have enough pollinators.&nbsp;“Look for the presence of bees visiting the plants,” Upham said. “If you don’t see any, try hand-pollinating several flowers. Use a painter’s brush to transfer pollen from the anther of the male flower to the stigma of the female flower. If you get fruit on any of those flowers you pollinated, you need more pollinators.”&nbsp;Upham also cautioned against the over-use of insecticides, which can kill pollinators. He advises spraying near dusk when flowers have closed.&nbsp;Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

Are your vegetables blooming…but no fruit? 

&nbsp;On the outside, one of Hays' newest businesses may seem like an average salon.

"It's pretty standard; we do all of the regular services," said Emerald Image co-owner Amber Lane Isley.

But behind the scenes, Isley and business partner&nbsp;Maddie Tanger are dedicated to sustainability, becoming the first <a href="https://greencirclesalons.com/directory/emerald-image/">Green Certified Salon in western Kansas.</a>

"We just do it with the initiative of trying to be better for the environment and be more aware of the waste we are putting out there," Isley said. "We recycle and repurpose everything we can."

The certification comes from Green Circle Salons - the same group that collects the bulk of the used materials to be recycled from the salon.

When needed, Isley said she also uses the local recycling center.

Even leftover hair is handled in an environmentally friendly way; composting.

"Composting hair is just like composting anything else," Isley said. "It's just a better way of breaking it down, so it doesn't create harmful gases to go into the atmosphere, which is what usually happens we you just send things to landfills.

"The salon industry creates a lot of waste," Isley said.

While Isley said they are the only green-certified salon in western Kansas, she hopes more will come along.

A salon's commitment to being eco-friendly does not impact the customer experience, and the products used are the same, only the waste gets treated differently, she said.

"We even recycle the unused colors," Isley said. "If we overmake color, we can recycle that as well, and it gets reused for petroleum."

Tanger estimates 95 percent of waste created by Emerald Image is being recycled.

"Even single-use items," she said. "So if we wax somebody's eyebrows, that wax and the strips and everything like that is recycled too."

In the future, Isley said she hopes the salon may also do even more by offering green beauty products, like a bulk shampoo dispenser, saving countless plastic bottles from being used once and discarded.

Outside of their green efforts, the salon also is a&nbsp;Wigs for Kids affiliate, helping those in need with wig fitting and styling.

"We do a lot of hair donations, too," Isley said. "I'm always pushing for hair donations."

While the salon is new, both partners are industry veterans and have worked together for years.

While working together, they frequently spoke of opening their own location. When the facility that was previously home to Classic Hair Care, 335 E. 8th St., became open, they jumped at the opportunity.

So far, they said business has been generally steady, but they are accepting new clients and are identifying times for specials.

They also are looking forward to putting in a tanning bed in the location at some point in the future. And have identified another person who may offer late-day haircuts in the location and are looking for items from local vendors that could be sold in the salon.

<a href="https://www.emeraldimagesalon.com/">For more about the business, including booking, visit the salon's website&nbsp;emeraldimagesalon.com.</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/EmeraldImageSalon">The salon also maintains a presence on social media, including facebook.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625343853912.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays Post&nbsp;On the outside, one of Hays' newest businesses may seem like an average salon."It's pretty standard; we do all of the regular services," said Emerald Image co-owner Amber Lane Isley.But behind the scenes, Isley and business partner&nbsp;Maddie Tanger are dedicated to sustainability, becoming the first <a href="https://greencirclesalons.com/directory/emerald-image/">Green Certified Salon in western Kansas.</a>"We just do it with the initiative of trying to be better for the environment and be more aware of the waste we are putting out there," Isley said. "We recycle and repurpose everything we can."The certification comes from Green Circle Salons - the same group that collects the bulk of the used materials to be recycled from the salon.When needed, Isley said she also uses the local recycling center.Even leftover hair is handled in an environmentally friendly way; composting."Composting hair is just like composting anything else," Isley said. "It's just a better way of breaking it down, so it doesn't create harmful gases to go into the atmosphere, which is what usually happens we you just send things to landfills.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625343812253.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The salon industry creates a lot of waste," Isley said.While Isley said they are the only green-certified salon in western Kansas, she hopes more will come along.A salon's commitment to being eco-friendly does not impact the customer experience, and the products used are the same, only the waste gets treated differently, she said."We even recycle the unused colors," Isley said. "If we overmake color, we can recycle that as well, and it gets reused for petroleum."Tanger estimates 95 percent of waste created by Emerald Image is being recycled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625343898364.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Even single-use items," she said. "So if we wax somebody's eyebrows, that wax and the strips and everything like that is recycled too."In the future, Isley said she hopes the salon may also do even more by offering green beauty products, like a bulk shampoo dispenser, saving countless plastic bottles from being used once and discarded.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625343920313.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Outside of their green efforts, the salon also is a&nbsp;Wigs for Kids affiliate, helping those in need with wig fitting and styling."We do a lot of hair donations, too," Isley said. "I'm always pushing for hair donations."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625343960751.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While the salon is new, both partners are industry veterans and have worked together for years.While working together, they frequently spoke of opening their own location. When the facility that was previously home to Classic Hair Care, 335 E. 8th St., became open, they jumped at the opportunity.So far, they said business has been generally steady, but they are accepting new clients and are identifying times for specials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625343986321.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>They also are looking forward to putting in a tanning bed in the location at some point in the future. And have identified another person who may offer late-day haircuts in the location and are looking for items from local vendors that could be sold in the salon.<a href="https://www.emeraldimagesalon.com/">For more about the business, including booking, visit the salon's website&nbsp;emeraldimagesalon.com.</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EmeraldImageSalon">The salon also maintains a presence on social media, including facebook.</a>&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625344009805.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625344057960.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

First green certified salon in western Kansas opens in Hays

Hays city commissioners got their first look at the draft
2022 budget during their work session Thursday night. The mill levy will remain at
25 mills according to Toby Dougherty, city manager, even as three more city employees
will be hired next year.

"The biggest part of the allocation increases in the operating budgets are the salaries," Dougherty said. "We are making investments in our personnel this year."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The budget contains a two percent programmed step increase and three percent cost-of-living increase for all city employees.

The number of employees will increase from 181 - where it has remained since 2011 - to 184.

The city will hire another IT technician, an airport maintenance
worker, and a parks maintenance worker.

Sales tax revenues, which make up most of the general operating fund, were not down&nbsp;as drastically during last year's coronavirus pandemic as officials had feared.

They're back up in 2021, nine percent year-to-date.

"We're looking at sales tax revenues up two percent on top of that in 2022," Dougherty told commissioners. The city's share of the recently adopted Ellis County sales tax will be about $825,000.&nbsp;

Those dollars contribute most of the revenue to the general fund which pays for things such as police and fire protection, parks, sports complex,&nbsp; golf course, swimming pool, social services and economic development.

Grow Hays, the city's economic development arm, will see its budget increased to $180,000 from $100,000 as directed by city commissioners during a discussion earlier this year.&nbsp;

Still cautious of the COVID environment, Dougherty and Finance Director Kim Rupp plan to keep the unreserved fund balance a little higher than usual next year.

"Just in case we happen to see a sharp revenue reduction that we weren't planning or expecting because of things going on nationwide, we would have little bit of a buffer built into it so that we can absorb that."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625279663425.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners got their first look at the draft
2022 budget during their work session Thursday night. The mill levy will remain at
25 mills according to Toby Dougherty, city manager, even as three more city employees
will be hired next year."The biggest part of the allocation increases in the operating budgets are the salaries," Dougherty said. "We are making investments in our personnel this year."&nbsp;&nbsp;The budget contains a two percent programmed step increase and three percent cost-of-living increase for all city employees.The number of employees will increase from 181 - where it has remained since 2011 - to 184.The city will hire another IT technician, an airport maintenance
worker, and a parks maintenance worker.Sales tax revenues, which make up most of the general operating fund, were not down&nbsp;as drastically during last year's coronavirus pandemic as officials had feared.They're back up in 2021, nine percent year-to-date."We're looking at sales tax revenues up two percent on top of that in 2022," Dougherty told commissioners. The city's share of the recently adopted Ellis County sales tax will be about $825,000.&nbsp;Those dollars contribute most of the revenue to the general fund which pays for things such as police and fire protection, parks, sports complex,&nbsp; golf course, swimming pool, social services and economic development.Grow Hays, the city's economic development arm, will see its budget increased to $180,000 from $100,000 as directed by city commissioners during a discussion earlier this year.&nbsp;Still cautious of the COVID environment, Dougherty and Finance Director Kim Rupp plan to keep the unreserved fund balance a little higher than usual next year."Just in case we happen to see a sharp revenue reduction that we weren't planning or expecting because of things going on nationwide, we would have little bit of a buffer built into it so that we can absorb that."&nbsp;Commission policy requires the city to carry a 10 percent unreserved balance in the general fund.&nbsp;The city's total assessed valuation is up four percent."As usual, the budget is balanced and reserves are funded," Dougherty emphasized.&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yOu2NmvChvM"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Other highlights in the 2022 budget include purchase of new municipal court records software and an additional $50,000 allocation for fuel due to rising prices.One of the largest capital improvement projects scheduled for 2022 is $2.85 million dollars for reconstruction of south Vine Street from 13th to the Highway 183 Bypass.Due to changes in state legislation, the city budget calendar is elongated this year by a month. The public hearing will be held September 9 and the approved budget submitted to the Ellis County Clerk on October 1.Commissioners will continue reviewing the draft budget during work sessions on July 15 and August 5 and 19.The <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/154">2022 draft budget</a> is available on the city's website.&nbsp;