Three-day weather outlook

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of solid waste reduction grants, which include the town of Ellis, and Gove and Rawlins counties . 

These annual solid waste grants are awarded to cities, counties and private entities across the state. 

The grants total nearly $450,800 for 2022 and incorporate recycling, source reduction, waste minimization and public education. This year’s 29 grants aware awarded to 24 organizations and range from $2,050 to $73,653. 

The grants are funded through a $1/ton waste disposal fee. The grantees are listed below. For information about their projects and dollar amounts awarded, please visit our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/waste/grants/AwardsSFY2022.pdf">https://www.kdheks.gov/waste/grants/AwardsSFY2022.pdf</a>

City of Ellis, Ellis County - $17,000 for forklift

City of Pittsburg – KS Stormwater Department, Crawford County

Cloud County Recycle Center, Cloud County

Edwards County Conservation District, Edwards County

Gove County, Gove County -$ 18,000 for recycling trailer and mesh pull behind trailer based in Park

Lake Region Solid Waste Authority, Miami County

Linn County Kansas Solid Waste, Linn County

Rawlins County, Rawlins
County - $12,000 for baler at Atwood recycling center&nbsp;

Southeast Kansas Recycling Inc., Crawford County

Sunflower Diversified
Services Inc., Barton County

Twin Valley Developmental Services Inc., Marshall County

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628527068108.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of solid waste reduction grants, which include the town of Ellis, and Gove and Rawlins counties . These annual solid waste grants are awarded to cities, counties and private entities across the state. The grants total nearly $450,800 for 2022 and incorporate recycling, source reduction, waste minimization and public education. This year’s 29 grants aware awarded to 24 organizations and range from $2,050 to $73,653. The grants are funded through a $1/ton waste disposal fee. The grantees are listed below. For information about their projects and dollar amounts awarded, please visit our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/waste/grants/AwardsSFY2022.pdf">https://www.kdheks.gov/waste/grants/AwardsSFY2022.pdf</a>Barton
County, Barton CountyCity of Columbus, Cherokee CountyCity of Dodge City, Ford CountyCity of Ellis, Ellis County - $17,000 for forkliftCity of Leavenworth, Leavenworth CountyCity of Pittsburg – KS Stormwater Department, Crawford CountyCloud County Recycle Center, Cloud CountyEdwards County Conservation District, Edwards CountyFood Cycle KC, Johnson CountyGove County, Gove County -$ 18,000 for recycling trailer and mesh pull behind trailer based in ParkKC Can Compost, Johnson CountyLake Region Solid Waste Authority, Miami CountyLinn County Kansas Solid Waste, Linn CountyMissouri Organic Recycling, Kansas CityNudge Compost, Sedgwick CountyRawlins County, Rawlins
County - $12,000 for baler at Atwood recycling center&nbsp;Republic County, Republic CountyRiley County, Riley CountySoutheast Kansas Recycling Inc., Crawford CountyStanton County, Stanton CountySunflower Diversified
Services Inc., Barton CountyTri-Ko, Miami CountyTwin Valley Developmental Services Inc., Marshall CountyWashington County, Washington County

Gove and Rawlins counties, Ellis receive state waste reduction grants

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp; — All you need to know about this year's Kansas State Fair is now available at <a href="https://ss-usa.s3.amazonaws.com/c/308481169/media/2177610daf29b336d51884024635734/2021%20Visitors%20Guide.pdf?utm_source=SharpSpring&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;utm_campaign=Visitor+Guide&amp;utm_id=State+Fair&amp;sslid=Mzc0MTQzNDY1NLMwAgA&amp;sseid=MzKyMLA0NLE0MQMA&amp;jobid=f3c583d2-93e2-4f53-8021-69b92c0c191f">kanssstatefair.com</a>.&nbsp;

The guide will give you the daily schedule, a list of free entertainment, new contests and ticket deals. Paper copies of the guide should be available at all Dillons stores by Aug. 20. Dillons stores also offer discount rides and admission tickets at all stores. Those ticket discounts are also available at <a href="https://ss-usa.s3.amazonaws.com/c/308481169/media/2177610daf29b336d51884024635734/2021%20Visitors%20Guide.pdf?utm_source=SharpSpring&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;utm_campaign=Visitor+Guide&amp;utm_id=State+Fair&amp;sslid=Mzc0MTQzNDY1NLMwAgA&amp;sseid=MzKyMLA0NLE0MQMA&amp;jobid=f3c583d2-93e2-4f53-8021-69b92c0c191f">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

Free gate admission is still available with any grandstand entertainment ticket purchased. That deal runs through Sunday, Aug. 15.&nbsp;

If you have questions, visit the <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/">fair's website</a> or call the ticket office at 620-662-3618.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628624963749.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp; — All you need to know about this year's Kansas State Fair is now available at <a href="https://ss-usa.s3.amazonaws.com/c/308481169/media/2177610daf29b336d51884024635734/2021%20Visitors%20Guide.pdf?utm_source=SharpSpring&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;utm_campaign=Visitor+Guide&amp;utm_id=State+Fair&amp;sslid=Mzc0MTQzNDY1NLMwAgA&amp;sseid=MzKyMLA0NLE0MQMA&amp;jobid=f3c583d2-93e2-4f53-8021-69b92c0c191f">kanssstatefair.com</a>.&nbsp;The guide will give you the daily schedule, a list of free entertainment, new contests and ticket deals. Paper copies of the guide should be available at all Dillons stores by Aug. 20. Dillons stores also offer discount rides and admission tickets at all stores. Those ticket discounts are also available at <a href="https://ss-usa.s3.amazonaws.com/c/308481169/media/2177610daf29b336d51884024635734/2021%20Visitors%20Guide.pdf?utm_source=SharpSpring&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;utm_campaign=Visitor+Guide&amp;utm_id=State+Fair&amp;sslid=Mzc0MTQzNDY1NLMwAgA&amp;sseid=MzKyMLA0NLE0MQMA&amp;jobid=f3c583d2-93e2-4f53-8021-69b92c0c191f">kansasstatefair.com</a>.Free gate admission is still available with any grandstand entertainment ticket purchased. That deal runs through Sunday, Aug. 15.&nbsp;If you have questions, visit the <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/">fair's website</a> or call the ticket office at 620-662-3618.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

State fair visitors guide available online

By TOMMY REZAC <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

The Kansas City Chiefs practiced in helmets and shorts at training camp Tuesday before they take a day off Wednesday.

It
 appeared weather was going to perhaps move practice indoors. Gusty 
winds and off-and-on rain persisted throughout most of Tuesday's 
session, but the team stayed outside and fans were eventually let in 
once the worst of the storm had passed.

The team had a 10-10-10 
practice - 10 minutes of offensive plays, 10 minutes of defensive plays,
 followed by 10 minutes of special teams work and repeat.

Only one
 more practice on Thursday stands between the Chiefs and their first 
preseason game at San Francisco, which is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. central.

Defensive
 coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says his biggest message to the younger 
players going into that game is don’t forget everything you’ve learned 
in training camp.

"They'll forget all of the leverage and all of 
the things that we've taught them and have gotten really good at," 
Spagnuolo said. "They go out there and all of a sudden in a game, 
sometimes they can go off the radar. So, to me, I tell them to stick to 
the fundamentals and we'll build on it. Don't abort what you've done 
here in the last couple of weeks."

One player on the offensive 
side who's excited to showcase what he can do is left tackle and Pro 
Bowler Orlando Brown, Jr. who was acquired by the Chiefs in a trade with
 the Ravens this offseason.

"I'm just super excited to get out 
there and do my job to the best of my ability," Brown said. "It gives me
 an opportunity to showcase to the fans to the organization and to my 
teammates what they got and I'm super excited to get out there."&nbsp;

Brown
 was a three-year starter for the Ravens and started out as a right 
tackle. While he's been learning a more pass-protection heavy offensive 
scheme under Andy Reid, Brown hopes he can set the tone and impress 
people, no matter how many snaps he gets in the first game.

"I 
don't know how long I'll be out there, but however long it is, I'm going
 to give it my all," said Brown. "So, I just look forward to being able 
to showcase and express all of those different things about my game."

Brown
 also gave credit to rookies Trey Smith, Lucas Niang and Creed Humphrey,
 who have been working alongside him in the first-team offensive line 
for the last couple of weeks.

"For them to do what they're able to is something special," Brown said.

The
 Chiefs play at San Francisco on Saturday at 7:30. The game will be 
carried on KFEQ (680 AM, 95.3 FM) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

The
 fourth-year pro has been impressive at the receiver spot this camp, 
making a number of nice plays with both the first and second-team 
offense.

This comes after Kemp missed the entire 2019 season with 
an ACL and MCL injury. He had to fight to stay on the roster in 2020, 
coming on and off the practice squad before resigning with Kansas City 
in March.

Going into his fifth season with the Chiefs, Kemp hopes 
that his entire position group can continue to improve as they get 
closer to the season.

"That's what I'm hoping for," Kemp said. 
"That we can all just do well and that'll pool to the season. Whether 
I'm here or not, it'll help them through the season or me with the 
season. So, it's more about how well we can do personally and less about
 how competitive we can be with each other."

Chad Henne, who's 
solidified his spot as top backup to Patrick Mahomes, has developed 
quite a nice chemistry with Kemp over these last two weeks or so.

"He
 knows the system and knows the right spots and where to be," Henne said
 of Kemp. "He's got a lot of talent. He goes up and gets the ball each 
and every time. I'm thankful he's in with me a lot of times."

Kemp
 has also been a contributor in special teams. In fact, special teams 
coach Dave Toub says Kemp is one of their "top gunner" options on kick 
and punt return coverage.

"If that's what I need to do to get 
better is be out there three hours before the game to work on something 
that I didn't think I was the best at, then that's what I need to do," 
said Kemp. "So, that's what I've continued to do, and at this point, 
(playing special teams) has become a tradition more than anything else."

No
 news is good news. No new injuries to report from Tuesday. Running back
 Darrel Williams returned after missing Monday with a knee injury.

Kyle
 Long (knee), Evan Baylis (ankle), Mike Remmers (back), Alex Okafor 
(hamstring), Malik Herring (knee), Antonio Callaway (bone bruise) and 
Willie Gay (concussion protocol) are still in active. Gay did come to 
the field with his helmet, but went straight to the medical tent.

The Chiefs return to practice Thursday and then again next Monday. Training camp concludes August 18.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628624394991.jpeg" alt="Storm clouds pass by the Mosaic Training Fields on the Missouri Western campus Tuesday as the Chiefs get warmed up on the field. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Storm clouds pass by the Mosaic Training Fields on the Missouri Western campus Tuesday as the Chiefs get warmed up on the field. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZAC <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>The Kansas City Chiefs practiced in helmets and shorts at training camp Tuesday before they take a day off Wednesday.It
 appeared weather was going to perhaps move practice indoors. Gusty 
winds and off-and-on rain persisted throughout most of Tuesday's 
session, but the team stayed outside and fans were eventually let in 
once the worst of the storm had passed.The team had a 10-10-10 
practice - 10 minutes of offensive plays, 10 minutes of defensive plays,
 followed by 10 minutes of special teams work and repeat.Only one
 more practice on Thursday stands between the Chiefs and their first 
preseason game at San Francisco, which is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. central.Defensive
 coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says his biggest message to the younger 
players going into that game is don’t forget everything you’ve learned 
in training camp."They'll forget all of the leverage and all of 
the things that we've taught them and have gotten really good at," 
Spagnuolo said. "They go out there and all of a sudden in a game, 
sometimes they can go off the radar. So, to me, I tell them to stick to 
the fundamentals and we'll build on it. Don't abort what you've done 
here in the last couple of weeks."One player on the offensive 
side who's excited to showcase what he can do is left tackle and Pro 
Bowler Orlando Brown, Jr. who was acquired by the Chiefs in a trade with
 the Ravens this offseason."I'm just super excited to get out 
there and do my job to the best of my ability," Brown said. "It gives me
 an opportunity to showcase to the fans to the organization and to my 
teammates what they got and I'm super excited to get out there."&nbsp;Brown
 was a three-year starter for the Ravens and started out as a right 
tackle. While he's been learning a more pass-protection heavy offensive 
scheme under Andy Reid, Brown hopes he can set the tone and impress 
people, no matter how many snaps he gets in the first game."I 
don't know how long I'll be out there, but however long it is, I'm going
 to give it my all," said Brown. "So, I just look forward to being able 
to showcase and express all of those different things about my game."Brown
 also gave credit to rookies Trey Smith, Lucas Niang and Creed Humphrey,
 who have been working alongside him in the first-team offensive line 
for the last couple of weeks."For them to do what they're able to is something special," Brown said.The
 Chiefs play at San Francisco on Saturday at 7:30. The game will be 
carried on KFEQ (680 AM, 95.3 FM) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.<h2>Marcus Kemp</h2>The
 fourth-year pro has been impressive at the receiver spot this camp, 
making a number of nice plays with both the first and second-team 
offense.This comes after Kemp missed the entire 2019 season with 
an ACL and MCL injury. He had to fight to stay on the roster in 2020, 
coming on and off the practice squad before resigning with Kansas City 
in March.Going into his fifth season with the Chiefs, Kemp hopes 
that his entire position group can continue to improve as they get 
closer to the season."That's what I'm hoping for," Kemp said. 
"That we can all just do well and that'll pool to the season. Whether 
I'm here or not, it'll help them through the season or me with the 
season. So, it's more about how well we can do personally and less about
 how competitive we can be with each other."Chad Henne, who's 
solidified his spot as top backup to Patrick Mahomes, has developed 
quite a nice chemistry with Kemp over these last two weeks or so."He
 knows the system and knows the right spots and where to be," Henne said
 of Kemp. "He's got a lot of talent. He goes up and gets the ball each 
and every time. I'm thankful he's in with me a lot of times."Kemp
 has also been a contributor in special teams. In fact, special teams 
coach Dave Toub says Kemp is one of their "top gunner" options on kick 
and punt return coverage."If that's what I need to do to get 
better is be out there three hours before the game to work on something 
that I didn't think I was the best at, then that's what I need to do," 
said Kemp. "So, that's what I've continued to do, and at this point, 
(playing special teams) has become a tradition more than anything else."<h2>No new injuries</h2>No
 news is good news. No new injuries to report from Tuesday. Running back
 Darrel Williams returned after missing Monday with a knee injury.Kyle
 Long (knee), Evan Baylis (ankle), Mike Remmers (back), Alex Okafor 
(hamstring), Malik Herring (knee), Antonio Callaway (bone bruise) and 
Willie Gay (concussion protocol) are still in active. Gay did come to 
the field with his helmet, but went straight to the medical tent.The Chiefs return to practice Thursday and then again next Monday. Training camp concludes August 18.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628623165677.jpeg" alt="Orlando Brown Jr." />
 <figcaption>Orlando Brown Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628623239643.jpeg" alt="Chad Henne (center) throws a ball in warm-ups while Patrick Mahomes (left) looks on." />
 <figcaption>Chad Henne (center) throws a ball in warm-ups while Patrick Mahomes (left) looks on.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chiefs look toward first preseason game at San Francisco

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will meet for a special session at noon Thursday to discuss its COVID prevention plan for the upcoming school year.

The final draft of that plan has yet to be released to the public.

Superintendent Ron Wilson told Hays Post via email Tuesday the school district intends to start the school year without a mask requirement.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will meet for a special session at noon Thursday to discuss its COVID prevention plan for the upcoming school year.The final draft of that plan has yet to be released to the public.Superintendent Ron Wilson told Hays Post via email Tuesday the school district intends to start the school year without a mask requirement.

Hays USD 489 says it will not require masks; BOE to meet to discuss COVID prevention

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger, along with Rose Garden Banquet Hall and Catering owner Kim Barnes, share details about the upcoming Education Appreciation event.

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

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for Chamber's Education Appreciation event" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=x723i-10af684-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger, along with Rose Garden Banquet Hall and Catering owner Kim Barnes, share details about the upcoming Education Appreciation event.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Preparations underway for Education Appreciation event

WASHINGTON, D.C. - First District Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kansas, is scheduled to host 17 town hall meetings with constituents Wednesday through Friday.

Mann will be in Hays Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at High Plains Farm Credit, 2905 Vine.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611836622184.jpeg" alt="First District Congressman Tracey Mann, R-Kansas" />
 <figcaption>First District Congressman Tracey Mann, R-Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Rep. MannWASHINGTON, D.C. - First District Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kansas, is scheduled to host 17 town hall meetings with constituents Wednesday through Friday.Mann will be in Hays Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at High Plains Farm Credit, 2905 Vine.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628589621817.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628589645797.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628589681015.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Rep. Mann to host 17 town hall meetings across Big First District, including Hays

VICTORIA—Soon, area residents will have a new place to grab some classic breakfast and lunch items with the opening of Fork That Bakery, 201 E. Main.&nbsp;

But more than just a place for a quick bite to eat or a cup of coffee, owner Brooke Olson hopes the bakery will become a hub of activity for the community.

And if early interest is any indication, she may soon get her wish.

As Olson has been working to ready the bakery for opening, starting with work on the building which was previously home to a chain pizza restaurant, many in the community have stopped by to check in, curious about what the new business will be and also offering to help out if needed.

 "I would have to lock the door just to get things done," Olson said as people continued to stop by to check out the progress. 

"Which is awesome that they are that excited," she said.

That excitement also helped her to decide to push up the opening timeline.

"Our business plan had been to wait a little while longer, but the community feedback has been so good that we think we are ready now," Olsen said.

Currently, she plans to open on August 19, with a ribbon-cutting scheduled for August 21.

With the building sitting empty for several years, Olson said a lot of work was needed to be ready to open, something Olson took on personally after purchasing the building.

"We have done everything that has been done," she said.

That work included refinishing built-in wood trim, painting, installing new light fixtures and setting up the kitchen from scratch.

"We had to call a guy to even get the doors to open," Olson said. "So we are going to slowly continue to remodel because it couldn't be an all-in-one project."

While this will be the first brick-and-mortar location for Olson, she has worked as a caterer in the area, practicing the craft from a home-based kitchen.

"Our food is very homemade," Olson said. "I like to do it myself. I like to work with my hands. We can't manufacture as someone else does, and we don't plan to."

While not currently living in Victoria, but with children in the school district, she said she wanted to bring something to the town that is not currently available.

"It's definitely more a small-town feel," Olson said. "What is here, they do well...so we are not trying to compete.

"But we thought they could use something else."

The menu, she said, is starting with staple breakfast and lunch items, including harvest meals so that travelers can get a hot meal every day.

Like any good bakery, she said she will offer a variety of breads, including gluten conscious and keto bread, which can be used on any sandwich on the lunch menu.

And the bakery will have a full coffee menu, where dine-in customers can get a cup of "regular" coffee for just 35 cents.

"We also have several selections of loose leaf tea that we are offering too," Olson said.

If locals take to the new shop, Olson said expansion is possible as she continues to fine-tune operations to fit customer needs.

"We would like to still be doing what we are starting off with, but we also want to open up to evenings and doing dinners," she said. "We have a huge backyard and patio area, where we want to be able to open that up and get it remodeled and give it a community place to gather feeling.

"We would really like to be able to do things like having bands in for people to be able to sit and get together."

She is also hopeful that she will be able to launch community meals.

"I think it is something that will go over well once we get to that point," Olson said.

At launch, the bakery will be open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

<a href="https://www.forkthatbakery.com/">The full Fork That Bakery menu can be found, along with online ordering and more information about the business at forkthatbakery.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628548005444.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostVICTORIA—Soon, area residents will have a new place to grab some classic breakfast and lunch items with the opening of Fork That Bakery, 201 E. Main.&nbsp;But more than just a place for a quick bite to eat or a cup of coffee, owner Brooke Olson hopes the bakery will become a hub of activity for the community.And if early interest is any indication, she may soon get her wish.As Olson has been working to ready the bakery for opening, starting with work on the building which was previously home to a chain pizza restaurant, many in the community have stopped by to check in, curious about what the new business will be and also offering to help out if needed. "I would have to lock the door just to get things done," Olson said as people continued to stop by to check out the progress. "Which is awesome that they are that excited," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628548029584.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>That excitement also helped her to decide to push up the opening timeline."Our business plan had been to wait a little while longer, but the community feedback has been so good that we think we are ready now," Olsen said.Currently, she plans to open on August 19, with a ribbon-cutting scheduled for August 21.With the building sitting empty for several years, Olson said a lot of work was needed to be ready to open, something Olson took on personally after purchasing the building."We have done everything that has been done," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628548085817.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>That work included refinishing built-in wood trim, painting, installing new light fixtures and setting up the kitchen from scratch."We had to call a guy to even get the doors to open," Olson said. "So we are going to slowly continue to remodel because it couldn't be an all-in-one project."While this will be the first brick-and-mortar location for Olson, she has worked as a caterer in the area, practicing the craft from a home-based kitchen."Our food is very homemade," Olson said. "I like to do it myself. I like to work with my hands. We can't manufacture as someone else does, and we don't plan to."While not currently living in Victoria, but with children in the school district, she said she wanted to bring something to the town that is not currently available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628548117567.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"It's definitely more a small-town feel," Olson said. "What is here, they do well...so we are not trying to compete."But we thought they could use something else."The menu, she said, is starting with staple breakfast and lunch items, including harvest meals so that travelers can get a hot meal every day.Like any good bakery, she said she will offer a variety of breads, including gluten conscious and keto bread, which can be used on any sandwich on the lunch menu.And the bakery will have a full coffee menu, where dine-in customers can get a cup of "regular" coffee for just 35 cents."We also have several selections of loose leaf tea that we are offering too," Olson said.If locals take to the new shop, Olson said expansion is possible as she continues to fine-tune operations to fit customer needs."We would like to still be doing what we are starting off with, but we also want to open up to evenings and doing dinners," she said. "We have a huge backyard and patio area, where we want to be able to open that up and get it remodeled and give it a community place to gather feeling."We would really like to be able to do things like having bands in for people to be able to sit and get together."She is also hopeful that she will be able to launch community meals."I think it is something that will go over well once we get to that point," Olson said.At launch, the bakery will be open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.<a href="https://www.forkthatbakery.com/">The full Fork That Bakery menu can be found, along with online ordering and more information about the business at forkthatbakery.com.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628547975625.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

More than just food: New Victoria bakery looks to be gathering spot for the community

By JOHN P. TRETBAR The Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association holds its 84th annual Convention &amp; Expo beginning this weekend, Aug. 15 to 17, at Wichita's Century II Convention Center. Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation take part in a panel discussion on "The Changing Face of Energy Policy" on Aug 16 from 10-11 am. Sen. Roger Marshall, Rep. Ron Estes, Rep. Jake LaTurner, and Rep. Tracey Mann will weigh in with KIOGA President Edward Cross moderating. The keynote speaker is former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who addresses the membership luncheon on Monday, Aug. 16, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. You can find more information, including registration and booth information, at KIOGA's website at (<a href="https://kioga.org/">https://kioga.org/</a>).&nbsp; Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $58.50 per barrel, after dropping 75 cents on Friday. Kansas prices are down nearly $6 per barrel from the first of the Month, but are nearly $20 per barrel higher than at the first of the year.&nbsp; Friday's settlement price for Nymex benchmark crude was $68.28 per barrel, down $3 from a week ago. Prices for both WTI and Brent Crude dropped 7 percent last week, marking the worst weekly price-performance since October. In midday trading Monday, the near-month contract for light sweet crude had dropped another $2 to $66.29 per barrel, a three percent dip for the day. The contract traded as low as $65 earlier in the session. Bank of America said COVID uncertainty remains the biggest challenge for the oil markets. Not only are the Saudis raising production, they're raising prices. Bloomberg reports the world's largest crude-oil exporter is raising U.S. September prices by 10 to 20 cents a barrel. Prices in Asia are going up by anywhere from 20 to 60 cents per barrel. Gas prices continue to rise. The auto club AAA says the monthly national average pump price went from $3.00 per gallon in May to $3.15 in July. The average on Monday was $3.19 per gallon, up more than a dollar from a year ago. The average across Kansas $2.92 per gallon, also up more than a dollar from August of 2020.&nbsp; Intent-to-drill filings in the state are approaching pre-pandemic levels. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 90 new intent-to-drill notices filed across the Sunflower State last month, which brings the year-to-date total to 630 new intents. That's just shy of the 641 intents filed by the end of July 2019, and well ahead of the 111 notices filed by this time last year. There were four new intents filed in Barton County last month, one in Ellis County, one in Russell County and six in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight increase in Kansas drilling activity for the week. The Rig Count in Kansas shows nine active rigs east of Wichita, which is unchanged, and 25 in Western Kansas, which is up two rigs. Drilling continued on one lease in Russell County, and operators are about to spud a new well in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and two in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reported 491 active drilling rigs across the US, an increase of two oil rigs. The count in Wyoming was up three rigs. Texas was down one, while Oklahoma and News Mexico were each up one. Kansas regulators approved 18 new drilling permits for the week, 577 so far this year. There were seven new permits issued in eastern Kansas, and 11 west of Wichita, including one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. Operators last week completed two wells in Ellis County and two in Russell County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 34 newly completed wells statewide, for a year-to-date total of 461. U.S. crude inventories increased last week by nearly four million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports domestic stockpiles of just over 439 million barrels, or about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said gasoline inventories were down more than five million barrels, and are now about three percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government said crude-oil production last week dropped by about 71,000 barrels per day compared to the week before. Domestic output averaged just over 11.17 million barrels per day for the week through July 20th. That's up slightly from the same week a year ago.&nbsp; EIA reported a slight decline in U.S. crude-oil imports last week to 6.4 million barrels per day. Average imports for the last four weeks are nearly 16% higher than the same four weeks a year ago. The Association of American Railroads says total U.S. rail traffic in July was up slightly over a year ago, but the percentage increase was significantly lower than in other recent months. Total rail traffic was up 3.8 percent year-over-year. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. last week was down for the week, but remains more than two percent higher than in the same period last year. AAR reports 10,289 petroleum tankers rolling the rails last week, down 241 tankers from the week before. Canadian oil-by-rail was also down for the week, but was 31% higher than the same week a year ago. One energy consultant says a significant U.S. supply response to soaring prices is practically impossible before the first half of next year without a dramatic increase in drilling rigs. That's because tight oil operators in the major shale basins are running out of wells that are drilled but uncompleted. Rystad Energy's head of shale research says without DUCs, any increases in fracking will now require increases in drilling and thus increases in drilling rigs. In the Permian Basin, only about 1,550 horizontal DUCs remained by the end of June, a 37% decline from a year earlier. The Web site World Oil says the industry could see complete normalization of CUD inventories by this fall. Energy consumption in the United States dropped to a 25-year low last year, driven mainly by the pandemic response. The Energy Information Administration reports average nationwide consumption of 18.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2020, the lowest level since 1995. EIA's Monthly Energy Review reports petroleum consumption decreased in every energy-consuming sector. Consumption dropped by a record 15% in the transportation sector.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR The Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association holds its 84th annual Convention &amp; Expo beginning this weekend, Aug. 15 to 17, at Wichita's Century II Convention Center. Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation take part in a panel discussion on "The Changing Face of Energy Policy" on Aug 16 from 10-11 am. Sen. Roger Marshall, Rep. Ron Estes, Rep. Jake LaTurner, and Rep. Tracey Mann will weigh in with KIOGA President Edward Cross moderating. The keynote speaker is former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who addresses the membership luncheon on Monday, Aug. 16, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. You can find more information, including registration and booth information, at KIOGA's website at (<a href="https://kioga.org/">https://kioga.org/</a>).&nbsp; Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $58.50 per barrel, after dropping 75 cents on Friday. Kansas prices are down nearly $6 per barrel from the first of the Month, but are nearly $20 per barrel higher than at the first of the year.&nbsp; Friday's settlement price for Nymex benchmark crude was $68.28 per barrel, down $3 from a week ago. Prices for both WTI and Brent Crude dropped 7 percent last week, marking the worst weekly price-performance since October. In midday trading Monday, the near-month contract for light sweet crude had dropped another $2 to $66.29 per barrel, a three percent dip for the day. The contract traded as low as $65 earlier in the session. Bank of America said COVID uncertainty remains the biggest challenge for the oil markets. Not only are the Saudis raising production, they're raising prices. Bloomberg reports the world's largest crude-oil exporter is raising U.S. September prices by 10 to 20 cents a barrel. Prices in Asia are going up by anywhere from 20 to 60 cents per barrel. Gas prices continue to rise. The auto club AAA says the monthly national average pump price went from $3.00 per gallon in May to $3.15 in July. The average on Monday was $3.19 per gallon, up more than a dollar from a year ago. The average across Kansas $2.92 per gallon, also up more than a dollar from August of 2020.&nbsp; Intent-to-drill filings in the state are approaching pre-pandemic levels. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 90 new intent-to-drill notices filed across the Sunflower State last month, which brings the year-to-date total to 630 new intents. That's just shy of the 641 intents filed by the end of July 2019, and well ahead of the 111 notices filed by this time last year. There were four new intents filed in Barton County last month, one in Ellis County, one in Russell County and six in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight increase in Kansas drilling activity for the week. The Rig Count in Kansas shows nine active rigs east of Wichita, which is unchanged, and 25 in Western Kansas, which is up two rigs. Drilling continued on one lease in Russell County, and operators are about to spud a new well in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and two in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reported 491 active drilling rigs across the US, an increase of two oil rigs. The count in Wyoming was up three rigs. Texas was down one, while Oklahoma and News Mexico were each up one. Kansas regulators approved 18 new drilling permits for the week, 577 so far this year. There were seven new permits issued in eastern Kansas, and 11 west of Wichita, including one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. Operators last week completed two wells in Ellis County and two in Russell County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 34 newly completed wells statewide, for a year-to-date total of 461. U.S. crude inventories increased last week by nearly four million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports domestic stockpiles of just over 439 million barrels, or about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said gasoline inventories were down more than five million barrels, and are now about three percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government said crude-oil production last week dropped by about 71,000 barrels per day compared to the week before. Domestic output averaged just over 11.17 million barrels per day for the week through July 20th. That's up slightly from the same week a year ago.&nbsp; EIA reported a slight decline in U.S. crude-oil imports last week to 6.4 million barrels per day. Average imports for the last four weeks are nearly 16% higher than the same four weeks a year ago. The Association of American Railroads says total U.S. rail traffic in July was up slightly over a year ago, but the percentage increase was significantly lower than in other recent months. Total rail traffic was up 3.8 percent year-over-year. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. last week was down for the week, but remains more than two percent higher than in the same period last year. AAR reports 10,289 petroleum tankers rolling the rails last week, down 241 tankers from the week before. Canadian oil-by-rail was also down for the week, but was 31% higher than the same week a year ago. One energy consultant says a significant U.S. supply response to soaring prices is practically impossible before the first half of next year without a dramatic increase in drilling rigs. That's because tight oil operators in the major shale basins are running out of wells that are drilled but uncompleted. Rystad Energy's head of shale research says without DUCs, any increases in fracking will now require increases in drilling and thus increases in drilling rigs. In the Permian Basin, only about 1,550 horizontal DUCs remained by the end of June, a 37% decline from a year earlier. The Web site World Oil says the industry could see complete normalization of CUD inventories by this fall. Energy consumption in the United States dropped to a 25-year low last year, driven mainly by the pandemic response. The Energy Information Administration reports average nationwide consumption of 18.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2020, the lowest level since 1995. EIA's Monthly Energy Review reports petroleum consumption decreased in every energy-consuming sector. Consumption dropped by a record 15% in the transportation sector.

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices tumble

Child development expert says it’s OK for parents to express their own anxiety&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — The transition back to school during the past year’s pandemic was tough on a lot of people, but just in case you think last year’s challenges are behind us, we have some bad news.&nbsp;

In fact, this year’s transition could be equally demanding, even in cases where mask mandates, social distancing and hybrid learning are not in play.&nbsp;

For starters, Kansas State University child development specialist Bradford Wiles notes that more children than normal could be experiencing in-class school for the first time. Whereas in most years, it’s the preschoolers and kindergarteners heading off to their first day in a strange place, this year creates that same challenge for first graders – some of whom may have spent last year learning entirely from home.&nbsp;

“There’s going to be differences when children return to school,” Wiles said. “They already have this generalized, underlying anxiety about going back to school. We all had that when we were young. It’s new. It’s different.&nbsp;

“But then layering on top of that is the uncertainty of what school is going to look like, who’s going to be there, who’s not. That can really cause some difficulties for children to process what’s going on.”&nbsp;

This is the time for parents to continue being diligent about talking with their children, Wiles said. “Of all the times that we need parents to be really responsive and really invested in what their children are feeling, it’s right now,” he said.&nbsp;

“As adults, we tend to think about thoughts as opposed to emotions, a little bit more. But&nbsp;&nbsp;now is the time when, as parents, we need to have conversations with our children about their feelings.”

"Anxiety" appropriately describes what children may be feeling as the first day of school approaches, “but we don’t want to call it anxieties” when talking with children, Wiles said.&nbsp;

“You want to ask, ‘What are you afraid of?’ or ‘Is there something I can do to help you understand what’s going on?’ ” he said.&nbsp;

Parents who feel anxious don’t need to hide those emotions. Wiles said it’s OK for parents to admit that they, too, feel anxiety or have certain fears in sending their children back to school.&nbsp;

“You don’t want to go overboard, of course,” Wiles said. “You want to talk about how you’re feeling, but not so much show that anxiety. If that happens and your child notices that you’re running around the kitchen re-organizing everything because you’re feeling anxious, then fine, you can address that.&nbsp;

“But really children can learn a ton through age-appropriate conversations. Being able to tell your three-year-old that you’re a little scared too is okay. It’s OK to be scared, but then what do we do when we’re scared? Well, we try to take deep breaths, we try to think of things that aren’t scary; we try to work through and talk through the things that are making us scared and figure out what we’ll do when we get to those things.”&nbsp;

“The best response if you’re scared (as a parent) is to say, ‘I’m scared too. We’ll get through this together.’ ”&nbsp;

Wiles adds that children take very seriously the things that their parents or primary caregiver tell them: “If you say it’s going to be OK, then it’s going to be OK,” he said.&nbsp;

“For parents of younger children, you don’t want to burden them with your own emotional state, but I would recommend that you offer the recognition of a shared understanding.”&nbsp;

Once school begins, Wiles said a good strategy for parents is to ask open-ended questions of children, such as “What was your favorite part of school today?” And, perhaps also share with your child what your favorite part of the day has been.&nbsp;

“You’re connecting,” Wiles said. “And if we approach this new school year that way, we’re going to be in really good shape.”&nbsp;

More information on child development&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hhs.k-state.edu/ahs/extension/child-development">is available online</a>&nbsp;from K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

<h2>Child development expert says it’s OK for parents to express their own anxiety&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN — The transition back to school during the past year’s pandemic was tough on a lot of people, but just in case you think last year’s challenges are behind us, we have some bad news.&nbsp;They’re not.&nbsp;In fact, this year’s transition could be equally demanding, even in cases where mask mandates, social distancing and hybrid learning are not in play.&nbsp;For starters, Kansas State University child development specialist Bradford Wiles notes that more children than normal could be experiencing in-class school for the first time. Whereas in most years, it’s the preschoolers and kindergarteners heading off to their first day in a strange place, this year creates that same challenge for first graders – some of whom may have spent last year learning entirely from home.&nbsp;“There’s going to be differences when children return to school,” Wiles said. “They already have this generalized, underlying anxiety about going back to school. We all had that when we were young. It’s new. It’s different.&nbsp;“But then layering on top of that is the uncertainty of what school is going to look like, who’s going to be there, who’s not. That can really cause some difficulties for children to process what’s going on.”&nbsp;This is the time for parents to continue being diligent about talking with their children, Wiles said. “Of all the times that we need parents to be really responsive and really invested in what their children are feeling, it’s right now,” he said.&nbsp;“As adults, we tend to think about thoughts as opposed to emotions, a little bit more. But&nbsp;&nbsp;now is the time when, as parents, we need to have conversations with our children about their feelings.”"Anxiety" appropriately describes what children may be feeling as the first day of school approaches, “but we don’t want to call it anxieties” when talking with children, Wiles said.&nbsp;“You want to ask, ‘What are you afraid of?’ or ‘Is there something I can do to help you understand what’s going on?’ ” he said.&nbsp;Parents who feel anxious don’t need to hide those emotions. Wiles said it’s OK for parents to admit that they, too, feel anxiety or have certain fears in sending their children back to school.&nbsp;“You don’t want to go overboard, of course,” Wiles said. “You want to talk about how you’re feeling, but not so much show that anxiety. If that happens and your child notices that you’re running around the kitchen re-organizing everything because you’re feeling anxious, then fine, you can address that.&nbsp;“But really children can learn a ton through age-appropriate conversations. Being able to tell your three-year-old that you’re a little scared too is okay. It’s OK to be scared, but then what do we do when we’re scared? Well, we try to take deep breaths, we try to think of things that aren’t scary; we try to work through and talk through the things that are making us scared and figure out what we’ll do when we get to those things.”&nbsp;“The best response if you’re scared (as a parent) is to say, ‘I’m scared too. We’ll get through this together.’ ”&nbsp;Wiles adds that children take very seriously the things that their parents or primary caregiver tell them: “If you say it’s going to be OK, then it’s going to be OK,” he said.&nbsp;“For parents of younger children, you don’t want to burden them with your own emotional state, but I would recommend that you offer the recognition of a shared understanding.”&nbsp;Once school begins, Wiles said a good strategy for parents is to ask open-ended questions of children, such as “What was your favorite part of school today?” And, perhaps also share with your child what your favorite part of the day has been.&nbsp;“You’re connecting,” Wiles said. “And if we approach this new school year that way, we’re going to be in really good shape.”&nbsp;More information on child development&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hhs.k-state.edu/ahs/extension/child-development">is available online</a>&nbsp;from K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

K-State expert: Talk to children before they head back to school

BY STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Typically, wheat growers will keep back enough of their wheat seed to plant again, but also they may be looking to replace a variety in an effort to reduce seed borne diseases, and to improve genetics for various factors including but not limited to yield and disease prevention.&nbsp;

Each year many county agents put out wheat variety demonstration plots and conduct field days to view and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of varieties and wheat production issues. Most demonstration plots are also harvested.&nbsp;

For further details of the cultural practices of the plot go to our web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;This demonstration wheat plot&nbsp;should not be used solely&nbsp;for making your variety selection decisions, it is more for showing and talking about the varieties each year at the field day.

Instead I would highly encourage growers to make your variety selection decisions based on the K-State Agricultural Experiment Stations replicated wheat performance tests. They are randomized replicated trials, meaning each variety is randomly planted in 4 different spots in the field, all seed is either foundation or registered. Replicated field trials will account for or smooth out the variability within a field, and thus are more accurate. These results from the K-State Agricultural Experiment Stations can also be found on our web site.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yield should not be the only consideration in your selection, and multiple years of data should be considered. Some other important considerations are stripe &amp; leaf rust resistance, drought tolerance, winter hardiness, straw strength, shattering reputation, maturity and test weight. Each grower may differ some in what is most important to them and may add other considerations not mentioned.&nbsp; A good resource is “Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings – MF991” publication that is updated yearly, it will be posted on our web site as well, click onto Crops and Livestock, and look under Hot Topics.

Many thanks to L &amp; N Farming, Victoria – Norbert and Leon Kuhn for their many years of making this plot possible!! And to the following businesses for sponsoring the field day meal – Astra Bank, Bank of Hays, Carrico Implement, Commerce Bank, Emprise Bank, Golden Belt Bank, Golden Belt Coop, Gorham State Bank, High Plains Farm Credit, Lang Diesel, 1st&nbsp;Kansas Bank, Kippes Insurance Agency, Midland Marketing, Sunflower Bank, United Ag Service and A &amp; A Coors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578070283981.png" alt="Stacy Campbell&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BY STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictTypically, wheat growers will keep back enough of their wheat seed to plant again, but also they may be looking to replace a variety in an effort to reduce seed borne diseases, and to improve genetics for various factors including but not limited to yield and disease prevention.&nbsp;Each year many county agents put out wheat variety demonstration plots and conduct field days to view and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of varieties and wheat production issues. Most demonstration plots are also harvested.&nbsp;For further details of the cultural practices of the plot go to our web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;This demonstration wheat plot&nbsp;should not be used solely&nbsp;for making your variety selection decisions, it is more for showing and talking about the varieties each year at the field day.Instead I would highly encourage growers to make your variety selection decisions based on the K-State Agricultural Experiment Stations replicated wheat performance tests. They are randomized replicated trials, meaning each variety is randomly planted in 4 different spots in the field, all seed is either foundation or registered. Replicated field trials will account for or smooth out the variability within a field, and thus are more accurate. These results from the K-State Agricultural Experiment Stations can also be found on our web site.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yield should not be the only consideration in your selection, and multiple years of data should be considered. Some other important considerations are stripe &amp; leaf rust resistance, drought tolerance, winter hardiness, straw strength, shattering reputation, maturity and test weight. Each grower may differ some in what is most important to them and may add other considerations not mentioned.&nbsp; A good resource is “Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings – MF991” publication that is updated yearly, it will be posted on our web site as well, click onto Crops and Livestock, and look under Hot Topics.Many thanks to L &amp; N Farming, Victoria – Norbert and Leon Kuhn for their many years of making this plot possible!! And to the following businesses for sponsoring the field day meal – Astra Bank, Bank of Hays, Carrico Implement, Commerce Bank, Emprise Bank, Golden Belt Bank, Golden Belt Coop, Gorham State Bank, High Plains Farm Credit, Lang Diesel, 1st&nbsp;Kansas Bank, Kippes Insurance Agency, Midland Marketing, Sunflower Bank, United Ag Service and A &amp; A Coors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628179839014.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

CAMPBELL: Ellis Co. wheat variety demonstration plot

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a resurfacing project on 8 miles of U.S. 36 in Norton County on Aug. 12.

The project area begins at the east K-383 junction and ends at the Phillips County line. Work will include a surface recycle on the existing pavement, followed by a chip seal and installation of centerline rumble strips. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should be aware to expect possible delays of up to 15 minutes in the construction area.

KDOT plans to complete the project by the end of September, weather permitting.

Dustrol Inc. of Towanda is the primary contractor for the $912,000 project. For more information, contact KDOT area construction engineer Jim Riener at 785-543-2163 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jim.riener@ks.gov">jim.riener@ks.gov</a>.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a resurfacing project on 8 miles of U.S. 36 in Norton County on Aug. 12.The project area begins at the east K-383 junction and ends at the Phillips County line. Work will include a surface recycle on the existing pavement, followed by a chip seal and installation of centerline rumble strips. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should be aware to expect possible delays of up to 15 minutes in the construction area.KDOT plans to complete the project by the end of September, weather permitting.Dustrol Inc. of Towanda is the primary contractor for the $912,000 project. For more information, contact KDOT area construction engineer Jim Riener at 785-543-2163 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jim.riener@ks.gov">jim.riener@ks.gov</a>.

U.S. 36 resurfacing to start in Norton County

The Best Bread recipe had very positive comments and the public could not wait to receive the recipe for the Best Cookie. Congratulations to Logan Leiker and thank you for sharing your recipe. Next week will feature a Cocoa Chiffon Cake exhibited by Kaylee Schumacher. What great bakers we are raising in Ellis County 4-H!&nbsp;

German Chocolate Cookies by Logan Leiker

Ingredients for the cookies:

1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature

½ heaping cup sweetened shredded coconut

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp; Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. &nbsp;

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until well combined and smooth.&nbsp; Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and beat until combined.&nbsp; On low speed gradually add the flour mixture.&nbsp; Fold in the chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.

Using a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop, drop the dough by 1 ½ tablespoon rounds onto the prepared baking sheets.

Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cookies are set.&nbsp; Let cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes before removing the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

In a small saucepan set over medium heat combine the milk, sugar, egg yolk and butter.&nbsp; Cook, stirring frequently until the mixture has thickened about 10 minutes.&nbsp; Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, coconut and pecans.&nbsp; Let cool until thick enough to spread on top of the cooled cookies.

Drizzle the melted chocolate all over the cookies.&nbsp; Let everything set for at least 15 minutes before serving.&nbsp; Cookies are best served the day they’re made.

For more information about the 4-H Program in Ellis County, check out the Cottonwood District Extension web page <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> or contact the Cottonwood District Extension office in Hays, 601 Main Street, Hays, KS or email Susan Schlichting at <a href="mailto:sschlich@ksu.edu">sschlich@ksu.edu</a>

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Best Bread recipe had very positive comments and the public could not wait to receive the recipe for the Best Cookie. Congratulations to Logan Leiker and thank you for sharing your recipe. Next week will feature a Cocoa Chiffon Cake exhibited by Kaylee Schumacher. What great bakers we are raising in Ellis County 4-H!&nbsp;German Chocolate Cookies by Logan LeikerIngredients for the cookies:1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder1 teaspoon baking powder¼ teaspoon salt1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature¾ cup lightly packed dark brown sugar¼ cup granulated sugar1 large egg1 large egg yolk½ teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup semisweet chocolate chipsIngredients for the topping:½ cup evaporated milk½ cup granulated sugar1 large egg yolk4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter½ teaspoon vanilla extract½ heaping cup sweetened shredded coconut½ cup chopped pecans2 ounces semisweet chocolate, meltedDirections:Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp; Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. &nbsp;In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until well combined and smooth.&nbsp; Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and beat until combined.&nbsp; On low speed gradually add the flour mixture.&nbsp; Fold in the chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.Using a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop, drop the dough by 1 ½ tablespoon rounds onto the prepared baking sheets.Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cookies are set.&nbsp; Let cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes before removing the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.For the topping:In a small saucepan set over medium heat combine the milk, sugar, egg yolk and butter.&nbsp; Cook, stirring frequently until the mixture has thickened about 10 minutes.&nbsp; Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, coconut and pecans.&nbsp; Let cool until thick enough to spread on top of the cooled cookies.Drizzle the melted chocolate all over the cookies.&nbsp; Let everything set for at least 15 minutes before serving.&nbsp; Cookies are best served the day they’re made.For more information about the 4-H Program in Ellis County, check out the Cottonwood District Extension web page <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> or contact the Cottonwood District Extension office in Hays, 601 Main Street, Hays, KS or email Susan Schlichting at <a href="mailto:sschlich@ksu.edu">sschlich@ksu.edu</a>	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: 2021 Ellis County Fair Best Cookie

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628540453865.png" alt="National Weather Service in Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service in Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">There is a Marginal Risk of severe thunderstorms this evening across northwest and north central Kansas. On Tuesday, a larger region of southwest into central Kansas is within the Marginal Risk for severe storms. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/CW2rWtyROW">pic.twitter.com/CW2rWtyROW</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1424800879287300096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Marginal risk of severe weather Monday, Tuesday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 11 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.&nbsp;

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,833 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628530780655.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 11 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported nine COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,833 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 11 new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation executive director Ryan Vincent.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: KHRC Executive Director Ryan Vincent" 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=afubr-10ada92-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation executive director Ryan Vincent.

🎤Forward Ever: KHRC Executive Director Ryan Vincent

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

Tuesday is national S'mores Day, and while many may only use the day as an opportunity to partake in the gooey, sweet treat The Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland are doing even more by bringing the community together with a snack linked directly to the scouts.

"What some people don't know is that Girl Scouts s'mores are actually known - even by the Hershy's Company - as the first known recipe for an actual s'more," said&nbsp;Muriel Boyce, director of marketing and communications, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. "So who better to celebrate National S'mores Day than with Girl Scouts."

To celebrate the day, the group will offer a free community meal from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Hays Girl Scout office,&nbsp;2707 Vine, Ste. 8.

"You can come have lunch with us and bring a friend," Boyce said. "It is hot dogs and chips, a bottle of water, and to end with a perfect dessert, a s'more. And everybody can be thankfully together and find out more about what it is like to be a Girl Scout in today's world.

"We are very excited to have that going on and share that with the community."

And after so many canceled events and group restrictions, she said even being able to offer the meal is a reason to celebrate.

"It's a free event," Boyce said. "It's fun to celebrate the community and everybody being back together again. So we are excited to just invite everyone."

Leaders will also be available to talk about Scout membership, something she said has evolved to accommodate modern life while also honoring tradition.

"What we have done is evolve with the speed of girls," she said. "We still have all of those wonderful outdoor experiences that girls love, but now we just this week introduced 28 new badges that kinda help girls navigate this rapidly changing world."

She also said it is a great time to renew memberships for current members.

One of the most notable aspects of girl scouts is undoubtedly the annual sales of cookies. Still, she said making those sales is as much about teaching valuable life skills as generating operating revenue.

"People always associate cookies with Girl Scouts, but we just want the community to, and everyone, to know that there is just a lot of business skills that go into that program and oftentimes these girls are learning business skills, goal setting, communications, decision making, all of those things,"&nbsp; Boyce said.

Along with the cooking selling operation badges, entrepreneurship badges have also been introduced, reflecting the desire to offer relevant life skills to girls.

While keeping an eye on traditional activities, new opportunities are developed in the program she said, building skills that will be vital in the near future.

That's really what Girl Scouts does. It builds future leaders for all of us,"  Boyce said. "We are very excited just to be getting to help the girls see this at a very young age and then carry it out throughout their whole lives."

Tuesday's event will serve as an opportunity to share more about the modern scouts, but she also said it is a Thank You to the community, reflecting their mission of service.

"That's really a big part of Girl Scouting is giving back to the community," she said.

<a href="https://www.kansasgirlscouts.org/">&nbsp;For more information about Girl Scouts visit kansasgirlscouts.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628300200714.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="S'mores Day event opportunity to explore scouting" 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=56kc5-10ab542-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostTuesday is national S'mores Day, and while many may only use the day as an opportunity to partake in the gooey, sweet treat The Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland are doing even more by bringing the community together with a snack linked directly to the scouts."What some people don't know is that Girl Scouts s'mores are actually known - even by the Hershy's Company - as the first known recipe for an actual s'more," said&nbsp;Muriel Boyce, director of marketing and communications, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. "So who better to celebrate National S'mores Day than with Girl Scouts."To celebrate the day, the group will offer a free community meal from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Hays Girl Scout office,&nbsp;2707 Vine, Ste. 8."You can come have lunch with us and bring a friend," Boyce said. "It is hot dogs and chips, a bottle of water, and to end with a perfect dessert, a s'more. And everybody can be thankfully together and find out more about what it is like to be a Girl Scout in today's world."We are very excited to have that going on and share that with the community."And after so many canceled events and group restrictions, she said even being able to offer the meal is a reason to celebrate."It's a free event," Boyce said. "It's fun to celebrate the community and everybody being back together again. So we are excited to just invite everyone."Leaders will also be available to talk about Scout membership, something she said has evolved to accommodate modern life while also honoring tradition."What we have done is evolve with the speed of girls," she said. "We still have all of those wonderful outdoor experiences that girls love, but now we just this week introduced 28 new badges that kinda help girls navigate this rapidly changing world."She also said it is a great time to renew memberships for current members.One of the most notable aspects of girl scouts is undoubtedly the annual sales of cookies. Still, she said making those sales is as much about teaching valuable life skills as generating operating revenue."People always associate cookies with Girl Scouts, but we just want the community to, and everyone, to know that there is just a lot of business skills that go into that program and oftentimes these girls are learning business skills, goal setting, communications, decision making, all of those things,"&nbsp; Boyce said.Along with the cooking selling operation badges, entrepreneurship badges have also been introduced, reflecting the desire to offer relevant life skills to girls.While keeping an eye on traditional activities, new opportunities are developed in the program she said, building skills that will be vital in the near future.That's really what Girl Scouts does. It builds future leaders for all of us," Boyce said. "We are very excited just to be getting to help the girls see this at a very young age and then carry it out throughout their whole lives."Tuesday's event will serve as an opportunity to share more about the modern scouts, but she also said it is a Thank You to the community, reflecting their mission of service."That's really a big part of Girl Scouting is giving back to the community," she said.<a href="https://www.kansasgirlscouts.org/">&nbsp;For more information about Girl Scouts visit kansasgirlscouts.org.</a>

🎙S'mores Day event opportunity to explore scouting

FORT MCCOY, Wis. — A Hays native was honored when an Army Reserve
facility was memorialized as the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bryan J. Nichols Army Reserve
Center and Aviation Support Facility on Aug. 6 in New
Century, Kan.


On the night of Aug. 5, 2011, Nichols as pilot and four other crew members of
Extortion 17 were tasked to transport a platoon of U.S. Army Rangers into the Tangi
Valley of Wardak Province in Afghanistan to neutralize a known Taliban leader. U.S.
forces quickly became engaged with enemy ground forces shortly after the insertion.


During the operation, a small group of insurgents was observed leaving the area. A
SEAL Team Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to intercept the insurgents and
determine whether the Taliban leader was among the group. Despite the high threat
level and presence of enemy forces, Nichols and his crew stepped forward to
transport the QRF to the Tangi Valley. As Extortion 17 approached the landing zone,
a series of rocket-propelled grenades were fired at the aircraft. One of the RPGs
struck the aft rotor system, causing the Chinook helicopter to spin and crash in a dry
river bed. The aircraft exploded on impact, killing all 33 passengers and all five crew
members, making it the single deadliest day to date of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.


During his 14 years of distinguished service, Nichols received many awards and
decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action
Badge and Basic Army Aviator Badge.


News releaseFORT MCCOY, Wis. — A Hays native was honored when an Army Reserve
facility was memorialized as the Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bryan J. Nichols Army Reserve
Center and Aviation Support Facility on Aug. 6 in New
Century, Kan.
On the night of Aug. 5, 2011, Nichols as pilot and four other crew members of
Extortion 17 were tasked to transport a platoon of U.S. Army Rangers into the Tangi
Valley of Wardak Province in Afghanistan to neutralize a known Taliban leader. U.S.
forces quickly became engaged with enemy ground forces shortly after the insertion.
During the operation, a small group of insurgents was observed leaving the area. A
SEAL Team Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to intercept the insurgents and
determine whether the Taliban leader was among the group. Despite the high threat
level and presence of enemy forces, Nichols and his crew stepped forward to
transport the QRF to the Tangi Valley. As Extortion 17 approached the landing zone,
a series of rocket-propelled grenades were fired at the aircraft. One of the RPGs
struck the aft rotor system, causing the Chinook helicopter to spin and crash in a dry
river bed. The aircraft exploded on impact, killing all 33 passengers and all five crew
members, making it the single deadliest day to date of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
During his 14 years of distinguished service, Nichols received many awards and
decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action
Badge and Basic Army Aviator Badge.

Hays native honored with Army Reserve facility memorialization

Beginning this fall, Fort Hays State University undergraduates in psychology will have the opportunity to apply for participation in an internship at new partner locations. Initiated by department chair Dr. Dharma Jairam, this program is the first of its kind for psychology.

According to Dr. Jairam, “We have launched a new internship program for undergraduate students and have already partnered with four separate local entities that will provide these internships. Students will be able to get vital hands-on experience and earn college credit.”

Currently, the program partners include the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Early Childhood Connections, Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, and FHSU’s Health and Wellness Services. Jairam is optimistic that the number of partners will grow quickly. He anticipates having at least one more before the fall semester begins and over twice this number by the spring semester.&nbsp;

One aspect of this program that Jairam believes will be most useful to undergraduates interested in psychology is the variety of potential career paths these different partnerships highlight. “I wanted the students to be able to explore the variety of different opportunities, so the experiences are pretty broad. They can get everything from peer counseling to working with children in early childhood environments, to observing in the court and legal systems.” This program will highlight the significant flexibility students have with a degree in psychology.

According to Jairam, “I was unsure how well this idea would be received by our partners when I began reaching out to them. So far, we have had only positive and very enthusiastic responses, which has been very encouraging.”&nbsp;

Jairam believes the program can expand beyond Hays and across the state of Kansas, making it possible for students who attend through one of the virtual programs to also complete these types of internships in the future.&nbsp;

“We have found that our virtual students often want more ways to connect with the university, and these internships could be a way to further that relationship,” Jairam said.

Students interested in participating will need to submit an application and rank the sites they would most like to intern. Students will also need to include a letter of intent, a current resume, and a letter of support from a faculty member. A committee within the psychology department will review applications to match selected members with the internship sites. For more information on the internship program visit&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsu.edu/psych/internships">fhsu.edu/psych/internships</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627998501536.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsBeginning this fall, Fort Hays State University undergraduates in psychology will have the opportunity to apply for participation in an internship at new partner locations. Initiated by department chair Dr. Dharma Jairam, this program is the first of its kind for psychology.According to Dr. Jairam, “We have launched a new internship program for undergraduate students and have already partnered with four separate local entities that will provide these internships. Students will be able to get vital hands-on experience and earn college credit.”Currently, the program partners include the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Early Childhood Connections, Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, and FHSU’s Health and Wellness Services. Jairam is optimistic that the number of partners will grow quickly. He anticipates having at least one more before the fall semester begins and over twice this number by the spring semester.&nbsp;One aspect of this program that Jairam believes will be most useful to undergraduates interested in psychology is the variety of potential career paths these different partnerships highlight. “I wanted the students to be able to explore the variety of different opportunities, so the experiences are pretty broad. They can get everything from peer counseling to working with children in early childhood environments, to observing in the court and legal systems.” This program will highlight the significant flexibility students have with a degree in psychology.According to Jairam, “I was unsure how well this idea would be received by our partners when I began reaching out to them. So far, we have had only positive and very enthusiastic responses, which has been very encouraging.”&nbsp;Jairam believes the program can expand beyond Hays and across the state of Kansas, making it possible for students who attend through one of the virtual programs to also complete these types of internships in the future.&nbsp;“We have found that our virtual students often want more ways to connect with the university, and these internships could be a way to further that relationship,” Jairam said.Students interested in participating will need to submit an application and rank the sites they would most like to intern. Students will also need to include a letter of intent, a current resume, and a letter of support from a faculty member. A committee within the psychology department will review applications to match selected members with the internship sites. For more information on the internship program visit&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsu.edu/psych/internships">fhsu.edu/psych/internships</a>.

Local