'There is no level of safety with COVID. ... What I can tell you is that we did our best to make it as safe as possible ...'

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved a modified COVID-19 mitigation plan at its meeting Monday that will allow some students who are in quarantine to return to school if they wear masks and remain symptom-free.

As of Friday, the district had 22 positive cases with another 60 students in quarantine because of close contacts.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said a large percentage of students in quarantine Monday were eligible to come back to school Tuesday under the amended policy.

He said the policy has been amended from the guidelines released prior to Labor Day.

"This is about reducing quarantining," Wilson said.&nbsp;

Jason Kennedy, Ellis County public health officer, met with the Ellis County school advisory committee on COVID, and he said this compromise will keep more children in school.

The school district is not offering remote learning this school year. Board member Craig Pallister, a former educator, said students who are out of school will likely fall behind.

"I know the people in Hays want to keep our kids in school," he said. "One way we can do that is get vaccinations in the community. The other is do the mitigation like Ron [Wilson] was saying."

The new tiered plan would be re-evaluated every week by the school COVID advisory group. If positive cases decline, a district could move to a less restrictive rung on the mitigation ladder.

"We would love to stay with the least restrictive plan, but it's probably not going to work," Wilson said. "That's based on numbers and visiting with health experts."

The revised policy also sets a benchmark of 35 positive students or staff members as the point masks would be required districtwide. That benchmark was chosen because 35 is about 1 percent of all students and staff occupying the district's buildings.

Students or staff who are vaccinated and are close contacts would not have to wear masks or quarantine as long as the district's positive COVID rate remains less than 35, Wilson said.

At 50 or more cases, the district would require masks and a 10-day quarantine for all close contacts with the option to test out after five days.

The top rung of the ladder would require masks and a 10-day quarantine for close contacts with no test-out option.

If the district's number of positive cases drops below a benchmark for two weeks, the district would return to a lower mitigation rung on the ladder.

Please see the end of this story for the complete policy.

Board President Tammy Wellbrock noted the quarantine and isolation orders from the public health officer trump any decisions by a local school board. By introducing masks as a mitigation measure, Kennedy agreed to relax quarantine guidelines.

Last school year, USD 489 had no transmission attributed to contact within schools. However, within the first two weeks of this school year, there was spread in the schools, Kennedy said.

He said this could be attributed to many factors, including the prevalence of the delta variant in the community.&nbsp;

"I don't want to quarantine healthy kids," Kennedy said. "I don't want these kids at home. I don't want nurses and doctors sitting at home watching their healthy kids not get an education while we need them somewhere else to treat patients.

"There is no level of safety with COVID. ... What I can tell you is that we did our best to make it as safe as possible, and this plan is a continuation of that — to limit impacts to our community and to limit impacts to our children."

Wellbrock said all data supports children are better off from mental, emotional, physical, safety and educational standpoints if they are being educated in school buildings.

"When we rolled out the first COVID guidelines, that has been our goal is to be in the schools," Wellbrock said. "I think it's important to share that we are doing what's best for all people.

"We represent all parents — both pro- and anti-mask parents — and we represent the children who aren't fed at home. We represent the children who are abused at home. We represent the children who don't have a regular place to stay.&nbsp;

"We are doing our best for all these parties, including the employees and the staff."

Wellbrock also urged employers to be more lenient when parents need to be home with a sick child because parents have been sending children to school sick with COVID.

"That should never happen," she said. "We should never put our school administrators, instructors and staff in that kind of position."

Board member Allen Park said he would prefer the mask policy be applied school by school and not to the district as a whole.

Wilson said there is so much co-mingling of people in the community, the COVID schools advisory group said they did not think a school-by-school policy would be effective for USD 489.

The new mitigation policy was adopted on a vote of 4-1, with Park voting against. Board member Lori Hertel was absent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628047577531.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>'There is no level of safety with COVID. ... What I can tell you is that we did our best to make it as safe as possible ...'</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved a modified COVID-19 mitigation plan at its meeting Monday that will allow some students who are in quarantine to return to school if they wear masks and remain symptom-free.As of Friday, the district had 22 positive cases with another 60 students in quarantine because of close contacts.Superintendent Ron Wilson said a large percentage of students in quarantine Monday were eligible to come back to school Tuesday under the amended policy.He said the policy has been amended from the guidelines released prior to Labor Day."This is about reducing quarantining," Wilson said.&nbsp;Jason Kennedy, Ellis County public health officer, met with the Ellis County school advisory committee on COVID, and he said this compromise will keep more children in school.The school district is not offering remote learning this school year. Board member Craig Pallister, a former educator, said students who are out of school will likely fall behind."I know the people in Hays want to keep our kids in school," he said. "One way we can do that is get vaccinations in the community. The other is do the mitigation like Ron [Wilson] was saying."The new tiered plan would be re-evaluated every week by the school COVID advisory group. If positive cases decline, a district could move to a less restrictive rung on the mitigation ladder."We would love to stay with the least restrictive plan, but it's probably not going to work," Wilson said. "That's based on numbers and visiting with health experts."The revised policy also sets a benchmark of 35 positive students or staff members as the point masks would be required districtwide. That benchmark was chosen because 35 is about 1 percent of all students and staff occupying the district's buildings.Students or staff who are vaccinated and are close contacts would not have to wear masks or quarantine as long as the district's positive COVID rate remains less than 35, Wilson said.At 50 or more cases, the district would require masks and a 10-day quarantine for all close contacts with the option to test out after five days.The top rung of the ladder would require masks and a 10-day quarantine for close contacts with no test-out option.If the district's number of positive cases drops below a benchmark for two weeks, the district would return to a lower mitigation rung on the ladder.Please see the end of this story for the complete policy.Board President Tammy Wellbrock noted the quarantine and isolation orders from the public health officer trump any decisions by a local school board. By introducing masks as a mitigation measure, Kennedy agreed to relax quarantine guidelines.Last school year, USD 489 had no transmission attributed to contact within schools. However, within the first two weeks of this school year, there was spread in the schools, Kennedy said.He said this could be attributed to many factors, including the prevalence of the delta variant in the community.&nbsp;"I don't want to quarantine healthy kids," Kennedy said. "I don't want these kids at home. I don't want nurses and doctors sitting at home watching their healthy kids not get an education while we need them somewhere else to treat patients."There is no level of safety with COVID. ... What I can tell you is that we did our best to make it as safe as possible, and this plan is a continuation of that — to limit impacts to our community and to limit impacts to our children."Wellbrock said all data supports children are better off from mental, emotional, physical, safety and educational standpoints if they are being educated in school buildings."When we rolled out the first COVID guidelines, that has been our goal is to be in the schools," Wellbrock said. "I think it's important to share that we are doing what's best for all people."We represent all parents — both pro- and anti-mask parents — and we represent the children who aren't fed at home. We represent the children who are abused at home. We represent the children who don't have a regular place to stay.&nbsp;"We are doing our best for all these parties, including the employees and the staff."Wellbrock also urged employers to be more lenient when parents need to be home with a sick child because parents have been sending children to school sick with COVID."That should never happen," she said. "We should never put our school administrators, instructors and staff in that kind of position."Board member Allen Park said he would prefer the mask policy be applied school by school and not to the district as a whole.Wilson said there is so much co-mingling of people in the community, the COVID schools advisory group said they did not think a school-by-school policy would be effective for USD 489.The new mitigation policy was adopted on a vote of 4-1, with Park voting against. Board member Lori Hertel was absent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631564691447.jpeg" alt="USD 489 COVID -19 Mitigation, updated Sept. 13, 2021" />
 <figcaption>USD 489 COVID -19 Mitigation, updated Sept. 13, 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>

Public health eases quarantines; Hays USD 489 sets mask benchmarks

The Kansas benchmark at CHS closed out the month of August with an average price of &nbsp;$57.96 per barrel, the best August average in McPherson in three years. Kansas prices are 20 dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $60 per barrel after gaining $1.50 on Friday. U.S. crude futures prices rose above $70 Monday, after settling Friday at $69.72 per barrel. Baker Hughes reported an increase of seven oil rigs, bringing its weekly Rotary Rig Count to 503 active rigs nationwide. Louisiana saw an increase of four rigs, while the count in Texas was up three. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas was up one rig to nine active rigs in eastern Kansas. The count west of Wichita was unchanged at 25 rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway on one lease in Stafford County. Kansas regulators approved 16 drilling permits last week. That makes 693 new drilling locations statewide so far this year. There are five new permits east of Wichita, and 11 in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 36 newly-completed wells across Kansas, 7 of them east of Wichita and 29 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County, three in Ellis County, and two each in Russell and Stafford counties. Shutdowns in the Gulf of Mexico contributed to a huge decline in U.S. crude production. August production in the Gulf of Mexico was down 300, barrels per day from July. The government said output for the week through September 3rd dropped to just over 10 million barrels per day, down more than one and a half million barrels per day from the week before, but still slightly better than last year at this time. EIA expects Gulf production to rebound by the end of the year. U.S. crude inventories were down 1.5 million barrels last week and are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said imports were down half a million barrels per day but the four-week average is up more than 12 percent from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments last week were down slightly from the week before, but largely unchanged from a year ago at 10,065 tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products. The Association of American Railroads reports a slight weekly decline but another big jump year-over-year in Canada. A consumer group investigating spikes in the price of natural gas during February's cold snap got some bad news last week from the Kansas Corporation Commission. The Natural Gas Transportation Customer Coalition was hoping to receive and make public the supplier invoices from utilities in the region as well as information from S&amp;P Global Platts on its Daily Price Index. The group says ratepayers will soon be asked to pay more than $450 million for seven days of natural gas, and they blame price gouging. But the KCC says it does not have jurisdiction over federal market manipulation, and says all the key investigative bodies in Kansas already have access to the invoices from Kansas utilities. The Commission denied both requests for subpoenas. Kansas regulators have not yet approved any rate increases to pay for the February storm response. A refinery in Texas suspended operations because of a shortage of oxygen brought on in part by a spike in COVID cases. Refineries use oxygen in their sulfur-recovery process to meet emissions standards. Bloomberg cites an environmental filing in Texas which says Citgo Petroleum halted some operations due to a higher medical need for oxygen in the area. The U.S. Coast Guard said it was investigating nearly 350 reports of oil spills in and along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the wake of Hurricane Ida. The storm wreaked havoc on offshore oil production platforms and onshore oil and gas processing plants. More than a week after Ida made landfall on Aug. 29, about 88% of the region's offshore oil production remained shut, and more than 100 of the area's production platforms remained unoccupied. The government says the amount of money we spent on energy in 2019 fell to $1.2 trillion, down five percent in real terms compared to the year before. The Energy Information Administration says total energy consumption fell by one percent, while average prices fell five percent. EIA reported per-capita energy spending in the residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors was down six percent. The most controversial pipeline in the world could be open for business next month. Unnamed sources tell Bloomberg the Russian firm Gazprom plans to start pushing natural gas into Germany through the Nord Stream Two pipeline on October first. The last section of pipe was set to be lowered onto the seabed last week. The next step would be to connect the Danish and German sections before pre-commissioning work is carried out. The project still needs to receive technical certification, insurance, and approval from the German regulator. The long-awaited pipeline could provide some relief to European gas markets facing a supply crunch before the start of winter, with prices already at a record.

By JOHN P. TRETBARThe Kansas benchmark at CHS closed out the month of August with an average price of &nbsp;$57.96 per barrel, the best August average in McPherson in three years. Kansas prices are 20 dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $60 per barrel after gaining $1.50 on Friday. U.S. crude futures prices rose above $70 Monday, after settling Friday at $69.72 per barrel. Baker Hughes reported an increase of seven oil rigs, bringing its weekly Rotary Rig Count to 503 active rigs nationwide. Louisiana saw an increase of four rigs, while the count in Texas was up three. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas was up one rig to nine active rigs in eastern Kansas. The count west of Wichita was unchanged at 25 rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway on one lease in Stafford County. Kansas regulators approved 16 drilling permits last week. That makes 693 new drilling locations statewide so far this year. There are five new permits east of Wichita, and 11 in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 36 newly-completed wells across Kansas, 7 of them east of Wichita and 29 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County, three in Ellis County, and two each in Russell and Stafford counties. Shutdowns in the Gulf of Mexico contributed to a huge decline in U.S. crude production. August production in the Gulf of Mexico was down 300, barrels per day from July. The government said output for the week through September 3rd dropped to just over 10 million barrels per day, down more than one and a half million barrels per day from the week before, but still slightly better than last year at this time. EIA expects Gulf production to rebound by the end of the year. U.S. crude inventories were down 1.5 million barrels last week and are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said imports were down half a million barrels per day but the four-week average is up more than 12 percent from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments last week were down slightly from the week before, but largely unchanged from a year ago at 10,065 tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products. The Association of American Railroads reports a slight weekly decline but another big jump year-over-year in Canada. A consumer group investigating spikes in the price of natural gas during February's cold snap got some bad news last week from the Kansas Corporation Commission. The Natural Gas Transportation Customer Coalition was hoping to receive and make public the supplier invoices from utilities in the region as well as information from S&amp;P Global Platts on its Daily Price Index. The group says ratepayers will soon be asked to pay more than $450 million for seven days of natural gas, and they blame price gouging. But the KCC says it does not have jurisdiction over federal market manipulation, and says all the key investigative bodies in Kansas already have access to the invoices from Kansas utilities. The Commission denied both requests for subpoenas. Kansas regulators have not yet approved any rate increases to pay for the February storm response. A refinery in Texas suspended operations because of a shortage of oxygen brought on in part by a spike in COVID cases. Refineries use oxygen in their sulfur-recovery process to meet emissions standards. Bloomberg cites an environmental filing in Texas which says Citgo Petroleum halted some operations due to a higher medical need for oxygen in the area. The U.S. Coast Guard said it was investigating nearly 350 reports of oil spills in and along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the wake of Hurricane Ida. The storm wreaked havoc on offshore oil production platforms and onshore oil and gas processing plants. More than a week after Ida made landfall on Aug. 29, about 88% of the region's offshore oil production remained shut, and more than 100 of the area's production platforms remained unoccupied. The government says the amount of money we spent on energy in 2019 fell to $1.2 trillion, down five percent in real terms compared to the year before. The Energy Information Administration says total energy consumption fell by one percent, while average prices fell five percent. EIA reported per-capita energy spending in the residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors was down six percent. The most controversial pipeline in the world could be open for business next month. Unnamed sources tell Bloomberg the Russian firm Gazprom plans to start pushing natural gas into Germany through the Nord Stream Two pipeline on October first. The last section of pipe was set to be lowered onto the seabed last week. The next step would be to connect the Danish and German sections before pre-commissioning work is carried out. The project still needs to receive technical certification, insurance, and approval from the German regulator. The long-awaited pipeline could provide some relief to European gas markets facing a supply crunch before the start of winter, with prices already at a record.

News From the Oil Patch: Prices $20 higher than open of 2021

VICTORIA — Victoria High School has announced its 2021 Homecoming royalty.

Pictured above: Kassi Weber, Levi Huser, Kaitlyn Windholz, Nate Windholz, Melany Huser, and Grant Schoenrock.&nbsp; 

The crowning ceremony will be at 6:15 p.m. Friday before the football game against Trego Community High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631546597668.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>VICTORIA — Victoria High School has announced its 2021 Homecoming royalty.Pictured above: Kassi Weber, Levi Huser, Kaitlyn Windholz, Nate Windholz, Melany Huser, and Grant Schoenrock.&nbsp; The crowning ceremony will be at 6:15 p.m. Friday before the football game against Trego Community High School.

Victoria announces 2021 Homecoming royalty

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Unlawful Use
of Weapon—500 block Pine St, Hays; 12:30 AM; 12:32 AM 
Drug Offenses—100 block W 13th St, Hays; 1:25 AM 
Suspicious Activity—200 block W 17th St, Hays; 5:50 AM; 7:49 AM 
Theft of Vehicle—700 block W 12th St, Hays; 8/21 3:26 AM; 8:40 AM 
Search Warrant—2300 block Timber Dr, Hays; 11:55 AM 
Disturbance – General—1200 block Main St, Hay; 2:10 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--27th St and Gen Lawton Rd, Hays; 4:49 PM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:10 PM 
Civil Dispute—400 block E 8th St, Hays; 5:21 PM; 6:18 PM 
Abuse of Child—Ellis; 5:47 PM 
Suspicious Activity—1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:16 PM; 8:20 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--300 block W 2nd St, Hays; 8:22 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1600 block Elm St, Hays; 11:12 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 36 traffic stops Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance –
Noise—1300 block Oak St, Ha; 12:01 AM 
Disorderly Conduct—Hays; 2:10 AM; 2:20 AM 
Intoxicated Subject—3200 block Vine St, Hay; 9:50 AM 
Theft (general)-2900 block Vine St, Hay; 9/2 7:45PM; 9/3 10:15 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--8th and Ash St, Hays; 12:27 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--2nd and Ash, Hays; 1:14 PM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--41st and Autumn, Hays; 2:32 PM 
Theft (general)—1000 block E 43rd St, Hay; 2:56 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--27th and General Lawton Rd, Hays; 3:48 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:03 PM 
Welfare Check—3200 block Willow St, Hays; 8:03 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--400 block Main St, Hays; 11:22 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 40 traffic stops Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving
Under the Influence--2600 block Hall St, Hays; 12:44 AM; 12:45 AM 
Disturbance – Noise—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 2:20 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--400 block E 22nd St, Hays; 2:22 AM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:33 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—200 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:45 AM 
Criminal Trespass—500 block W 37th St, Hays; 2:24 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1100 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 3:03 PM 
Theft (general)—2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 9/3 5:30 PM 
Found/Lost Property--27th and Donald, Hay; 7:05 PM 
Criminal Trespass—400 block W 13th St, Hays; 10:52 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 19 traffic stops Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Unlawful Use
of Weapon—500 block Pine St, Hays; 12:30 AM; 12:32 AM 
Drug Offenses—100 block W 13th St, Hays; 1:25 AM 
Suspicious Activity—200 block W 17th St, Hays; 5:50 AM; 7:49 AM 
Theft of Vehicle—700 block W 12th St, Hays; 8/21 3:26 AM; 8:40 AM 
Search Warrant—2300 block Timber Dr, Hays; 11:55 AM 
Disturbance – General—1200 block Main St, Hay; 2:10 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--27th St and Gen Lawton Rd, Hays; 4:49 PM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:10 PM 
Civil Dispute—400 block E 8th St, Hays; 5:21 PM; 6:18 PM 
Abuse of Child—Ellis; 5:47 PM 
Suspicious Activity—1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:16 PM; 8:20 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--300 block W 2nd St, Hays; 8:22 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1600 block Elm St, Hays; 11:12 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 36 traffic stops Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Disturbance –
Noise—1300 block Oak St, Ha; 12:01 AM 
Disorderly Conduct—Hays; 2:10 AM; 2:20 AM 
Intoxicated Subject—3200 block Vine St, Hay; 9:50 AM 
Theft (general)-2900 block Vine St, Hay; 9/2 7:45PM; 9/3 10:15 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--8th and Ash St, Hays; 12:27 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--2nd and Ash, Hays; 1:14 PM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--41st and Autumn, Hays; 2:32 PM 
Theft (general)—1000 block E 43rd St, Hay; 2:56 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--27th and General Lawton Rd, Hays; 3:48 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:03 PM 
Welfare Check—3200 block Willow St, Hays; 8:03 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--400 block Main St, Hays; 11:22 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 40 traffic stops Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence--2600 block Hall St, Hays; 12:44 AM; 12:45 AM 
Disturbance – Noise—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 2:20 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--400 block E 22nd St, Hays; 2:22 AM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:33 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—200 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:45 AM 
Criminal Trespass—500 block W 37th St, Hays; 2:24 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1100 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 3:03 PM 
Theft (general)—2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 9/3 5:30 PM 
Found/Lost Property--27th and Donald, Hay; 7:05 PM 
Criminal Trespass—400 block W 13th St, Hays; 10:52 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 19 traffic stops Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.No media release provided.

Hays PD Activity Log, Sept. 2-5

Future students can now tour the campus of Fort Hays State University from anywhere in the world. While there is no substitute for seeing the most vibrant college campus on the high plains in person, the new virtual tour is designed as a preview of the FHSU experience.

“We knew that as we begin to expand our recruitment efforts into areas of the country that likely don’t know Fort Hays State University that well, we would need a way to showcase living and learning at FHSU in a way that would create a heightened interest in visiting campus,” said Dr. Dennis King, associate vice president for enrollment management.&nbsp;

Visitors to the virtual tour can interact with dynamic videos and location hot spots at more than 45 key campus facilities and event spaces to get an insider’s perspective on the Fort Hays State experience. Videos feature students, faculty, and senior leaders and share the innovation, determination, and ethic of care that distinguish FHSU.&nbsp;

The virtual tour is a resource for prospective on-campus students and families looking to become more familiar with the campus, a way for alumni to see how the campus has evolved throughout the years, and for online students worldwide to engage with their home away from home in Hays.&nbsp;

The launch of the virtual tour coincides with the university’s recent creation of a new regional tuition program that will offer undergraduate and graduate students from 13 states in our region the opportunity to come to Fort Hays State and pay the same tuition and fees as Kansas students.&nbsp;Beginning in the fall of 2022, students from Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming will pay the same tuition and fees as Kansas students.&nbsp;

Under the regional tuition program,&nbsp;students from the 13-state region can expect to pay $5,443 in tuition and fees annually versus the regional average of $8,852. This amounts to a cost savings of more than $3,409 annually, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.&nbsp;

To explore Fort Hays State’s campus via the new virtual tour, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsu.university-tour.com/">fhsu.university-tour.com/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631546503899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFuture students can now tour the campus of Fort Hays State University from anywhere in the world. While there is no substitute for seeing the most vibrant college campus on the high plains in person, the new virtual tour is designed as a preview of the FHSU experience.“We knew that as we begin to expand our recruitment efforts into areas of the country that likely don’t know Fort Hays State University that well, we would need a way to showcase living and learning at FHSU in a way that would create a heightened interest in visiting campus,” said Dr. Dennis King, associate vice president for enrollment management.&nbsp;Visitors to the virtual tour can interact with dynamic videos and location hot spots at more than 45 key campus facilities and event spaces to get an insider’s perspective on the Fort Hays State experience. Videos feature students, faculty, and senior leaders and share the innovation, determination, and ethic of care that distinguish FHSU.&nbsp;The virtual tour is a resource for prospective on-campus students and families looking to become more familiar with the campus, a way for alumni to see how the campus has evolved throughout the years, and for online students worldwide to engage with their home away from home in Hays.&nbsp;The launch of the virtual tour coincides with the university’s recent creation of a new regional tuition program that will offer undergraduate and graduate students from 13 states in our region the opportunity to come to Fort Hays State and pay the same tuition and fees as Kansas students.&nbsp;Beginning in the fall of 2022, students from Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming will pay the same tuition and fees as Kansas students.&nbsp;Under the regional tuition program,&nbsp;students from the 13-state region can expect to pay $5,443 in tuition and fees annually versus the regional average of $8,852. This amounts to a cost savings of more than $3,409 annually, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.&nbsp;To explore Fort Hays State’s campus via the new virtual tour, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsu.university-tour.com/">fhsu.university-tour.com/</a>

Fort Hays State launches new virtual campus tour

Three-day weather outlook

Each year here in Inman, we see one or two hummingbirds in the spring or in the fall, then we’ll hustle to get a feeder up but never see them again. Three weeks ago, the scenario repeated itself, we put up a couple feeders, and three of the little buggers have been regularly slurping sugar water every day since. In researching hummingbird “gurus” here in KS, I was told to contact Chuck Otte, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Geary County.

Chuck told me both his mother and grandmother were avid bird watchers. He says “I was predisposed as early as four years old to be an avid “birder” like them, and now backyard “birding” is my passion.” He says that hummingbirds here in KS “leisurely” begin meandering south in late July; the adult males first, followed by the adult females then this-years young. Otte also says winds and weather fronts &amp; patterns help determine when they leave for their winter digs in southern Mexico or northern Central America. I just assumed they would all go together in one large group, especially so the youngsters could safely follow, but he says that’s not the case. &nbsp;

Here in the Hutchinson area, we are in a transition zone that runs north clear to North Dakota, putting us on the very western edge of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds range, but they are still the most likely species we’ll see. West of us, the Rufous, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned and Calliope species are more prevalent, and being this close to the edge of their boundaries, it’s possible to see some of those species around our area too.&nbsp;

When talking hummingbirds, feeding them always enters the discussion, and Otte had lots of advice. He advises feeding hummingbirds straight sugar water, mixed one-part sugar to four parts water; NO red food color, NO honey, NO sugar substitutes or other additives, just straight sugar water. Don’t mix the syrup stronger than that as hummingbirds get most of their water from the syrup they drink. They are attracted to the color red, so it may be helpful if the feeder is red, but avoid yellow on the feeder as yellow attracts bees and wasps. Put the feeders up in mid-April for the hummers’ arrival and take them down in early June. If you continue seeing a couple birds after that, they are possibly nesting nearby and leaving a feeder up will benefit them. Otherwise, put feeders back up around July 20, and leave them up till the little guys leave in early October. Otte says while there is obviously no guarantee the same hummers will visit you next year, Ruby-throated hummingbirds do remember where they feed in the fall. He also debunked the theory that leaving feeders up longer in the fall will coerce hummingbirds to stay too late, putting their migration in peril. Otte says their instinct and drive to migrate and to leave when they need to leave is stronger than anything we humans can do to keep them here.

Natural attracters can also help draw and possibly keep hummingbirds near your garden. Plants with red or bright orange cone-shaped flowers that produce lots of nectar are especially noticed by hummingbirds. Salvia, red Cannas, Hollyhocks and Trumpet vine are all good. Another fact new to me is that hummers’ need to eat small insects for protein, so as they flit amongst your flowers, they are also looking for snacks besides just nectar.

I won’t get into hummingbird trivia here, like how fast their little hearts beat or how fast their tiny delicate wings move, but I challenge you to watch one for any length of time without finding yourself completely in awe of God’s handiwork the day He Created hummingbirds.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Each year here in Inman, we see one or two hummingbirds in the spring or in the fall, then we’ll hustle to get a feeder up but never see them again. Three weeks ago, the scenario repeated itself, we put up a couple feeders, and three of the little buggers have been regularly slurping sugar water every day since. In researching hummingbird “gurus” here in KS, I was told to contact Chuck Otte, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Geary County.Chuck told me both his mother and grandmother were avid bird watchers. He says “I was predisposed as early as four years old to be an avid “birder” like them, and now backyard “birding” is my passion.” He says that hummingbirds here in KS “leisurely” begin meandering south in late July; the adult males first, followed by the adult females then this-years young. Otte also says winds and weather fronts &amp; patterns help determine when they leave for their winter digs in southern Mexico or northern Central America. I just assumed they would all go together in one large group, especially so the youngsters could safely follow, but he says that’s not the case. &nbsp;Here in the Hutchinson area, we are in a transition zone that runs north clear to North Dakota, putting us on the very western edge of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds range, but they are still the most likely species we’ll see. West of us, the Rufous, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned and Calliope species are more prevalent, and being this close to the edge of their boundaries, it’s possible to see some of those species around our area too.&nbsp;When talking hummingbirds, feeding them always enters the discussion, and Otte had lots of advice. He advises feeding hummingbirds straight sugar water, mixed one-part sugar to four parts water; NO red food color, NO honey, NO sugar substitutes or other additives, just straight sugar water. Don’t mix the syrup stronger than that as hummingbirds get most of their water from the syrup they drink. They are attracted to the color red, so it may be helpful if the feeder is red, but avoid yellow on the feeder as yellow attracts bees and wasps. Put the feeders up in mid-April for the hummers’ arrival and take them down in early June. If you continue seeing a couple birds after that, they are possibly nesting nearby and leaving a feeder up will benefit them. Otherwise, put feeders back up around July 20, and leave them up till the little guys leave in early October. Otte says while there is obviously no guarantee the same hummers will visit you next year, Ruby-throated hummingbirds do remember where they feed in the fall. He also debunked the theory that leaving feeders up longer in the fall will coerce hummingbirds to stay too late, putting their migration in peril. Otte says their instinct and drive to migrate and to leave when they need to leave is stronger than anything we humans can do to keep them here.Natural attracters can also help draw and possibly keep hummingbirds near your garden. Plants with red or bright orange cone-shaped flowers that produce lots of nectar are especially noticed by hummingbirds. Salvia, red Cannas, Hollyhocks and Trumpet vine are all good. Another fact new to me is that hummers’ need to eat small insects for protein, so as they flit amongst your flowers, they are also looking for snacks besides just nectar.I won’t get into hummingbird trivia here, like how fast their little hearts beat or how fast their tiny delicate wings move, but I challenge you to watch one for any length of time without finding yourself completely in awe of God’s handiwork the day He Created hummingbirds.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com. &nbsp;

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Hummingbirds in Kansas

MANHATTAN — Raising and marketing purebred livestock has never been easy, but in recent years, it has become increasingly challenging. For five weeks this fall, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will be offering a free webinar series designed to provide more insight into innovative livestock marketing plans and strategies. The five-part webinar series will be held Wednesday evenings, from October 6 through November 3, at 7:00 p.m.

“In order to support their customers, successful seedstock operations are continually seeking improvement, whether it be the genetic quality of the livestock they are selling, or the marketing programs and services offered to customers,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. Innovative programming and educational opportunities help Kansas’ farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses grow and expand and serve as economic engines in their communities.

Through the webinar series,&nbsp;Marketing Like a Champion, participants can expect to learn the basics of marketing strategies used in the livestock industry. Rachel Cutrer of Ranch House Designs, Inc. and B.R. Cutrer, Inc. will cover building your brand name, identifying your target customer, and building international markets. Crystal Blin of Hundred Acre Media will discuss content calendars, Facebook advertising, and strategies to grow your email list. Abram Mertz with Livestock Direct will discuss how to optimize your marketing strategy including how to transition from marketing to sales.

Registration is now open and there is no cost to participate in the webinars. Participants will register for each of the five sessions separately. Find out more and register at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MDkuNDU2OTkyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9CdXNpbmVzc0RldmVsb3BtZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.XocNBv_rcT-YmtkD2kTaxI2yCPkYFzTkgR0IKKAHKdA/s/1377890594/br/112125157336-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/BusinessDevelopment</a>.

It is the mission of KDA to support all facets of agriculture, including lending support to those who wish to market and sell livestock. For more information, contact KDA compliance education coordinator Dana Ladner at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Dana.Ladner@ks.gov" target="_blank">Dana.Ladner@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6660.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631223220989.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Raising and marketing purebred livestock has never been easy, but in recent years, it has become increasingly challenging. For five weeks this fall, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will be offering a free webinar series designed to provide more insight into innovative livestock marketing plans and strategies. The five-part webinar series will be held Wednesday evenings, from October 6 through November 3, at 7:00 p.m.“In order to support their customers, successful seedstock operations are continually seeking improvement, whether it be the genetic quality of the livestock they are selling, or the marketing programs and services offered to customers,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. Innovative programming and educational opportunities help Kansas’ farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses grow and expand and serve as economic engines in their communities.Through the webinar series,&nbsp;Marketing Like a Champion, participants can expect to learn the basics of marketing strategies used in the livestock industry. Rachel Cutrer of Ranch House Designs, Inc. and B.R. Cutrer, Inc. will cover building your brand name, identifying your target customer, and building international markets. Crystal Blin of Hundred Acre Media will discuss content calendars, Facebook advertising, and strategies to grow your email list. Abram Mertz with Livestock Direct will discuss how to optimize your marketing strategy including how to transition from marketing to sales.Registration is now open and there is no cost to participate in the webinars. Participants will register for each of the five sessions separately. Find out more and register at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MDkuNDU2OTkyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9CdXNpbmVzc0RldmVsb3BtZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.XocNBv_rcT-YmtkD2kTaxI2yCPkYFzTkgR0IKKAHKdA/s/1377890594/br/112125157336-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/BusinessDevelopment</a>.It is the mission of KDA to support all facets of agriculture, including lending support to those who wish to market and sell livestock. For more information, contact KDA compliance education coordinator Dana Ladner at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Dana.Ladner@ks.gov" target="_blank">Dana.Ladner@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6660.

Free livestock marketing webinar series offered by KDA

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 20 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

There have been 391 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

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

As of Monday morning, there were 14 COVID inpatients at HaysMed.&nbsp;

The KDHE reported Friday 47 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the entire Kansas population is approximately 58 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,195 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631553247156.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 20 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.There have been 391 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Monday morning, there were 14 COVID inpatients at HaysMed.&nbsp;The KDHE reported Friday 47 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the entire Kansas population is approximately 58 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,195 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 20 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

The Wonder Women League of Ellis County is hosting an elegant social evening to raise money for the United Way and other causes the league supports.

Power of the Purse, which will be at 5 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Hilton Garden Inn, will include an inspirational speaker, meal, and raffles as well as live and silent auctions for new purses. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m.

This year's featured speaker is Lisa McGrath, author of "The Journey Between Us." She will give an inspirational message about how her faith led her through several unthinkable events.

Wonder Women League is a non-profit that is under the umbrella of the United Way of Ellis County.&nbsp;

"By giving a portion of our profit from the Power of the Purse, we are able to support the [United Way] partner agencies," Nancy Jeter, co-chairwoman of the league, said. "They support all sections of the community and all sorts of populations."

"In addition, Wonder Women League — its membership fees and Power of the Purse — allows us to do some really awesome projects in town. 

"We've done projects that supported the elderly, that have supported children, that have supported people who have disabilities, and have supported women and families in general."

Two of the league's ongoing projects include Project Suitcase, which provides duffle bags to children removed from their homes for abuse or neglect; and Matthew's Gift, which provides bags containing comfort items to people who have family members airlifted from HaysMed.

Recently the league has also made donations to the First Step Housing Project, DSNWK's Custom Creations business and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' "What You Were Wearing?" art installation.

"There are so many things Wonder Women can do as a group that a woman individually doesn't have the means to do," Jeter said.

You can learn more about the league by visiting the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way of Ellis County website</a>. Annual dues in the league are a minimum donation of $50. A membership application is available <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">online</a>.

Tickets can be purchased for Power of the Purse for $40 <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/power-purse">online</a>, at the United Way of Ellis County and the Hays Welcome Center. Sept. 23 is the last day to buy tickets.

A table of eight costs $300. Attendees can also purchase advance raffle tickets for $5 each or five tickets for $20.

You do not have to be a member of the Wonder Women League to attend, and there is no obligation to join.

Tickets entitle the attendee to a meal plus two free alcoholic drink tickets. Beer and wine will be served.

The league plans to take measures to address COVID concerns.

Should COVID restrictions cause the cancelation of the event, ticket holders will have the option of using their tickets at a future Power of the Purse event. If the in-person event is canceled, the WWL intends to mount an online auction for the purses it currently has on hand.

Watch the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty">United Way Facebook page</a> in the coming weeks for a sampling of the purses that will be auctioned and raffled at the event.

Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of the Wonder Women League.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631315480078.jpeg" alt="Nancy Jeter, co-chairwoman of the Wonder Women League, at a previous Power of the Purse event. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Nancy Jeter, co-chairwoman of the Wonder Women League, at a previous Power of the Purse event. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Wonder Women League of Ellis County is hosting an elegant social evening to raise money for the United Way and other causes the league supports.Power of the Purse, which will be at 5 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Hilton Garden Inn, will include an inspirational speaker, meal, and raffles as well as live and silent auctions for new purses. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m.This year's featured speaker is Lisa McGrath, author of "The Journey Between Us." She will give an inspirational message about how her faith led her through several unthinkable events.Wonder Women League is a non-profit that is under the umbrella of the United Way of Ellis County.&nbsp;"By giving a portion of our profit from the Power of the Purse, we are able to support the [United Way] partner agencies," Nancy Jeter, co-chairwoman of the league, said. "They support all sections of the community and all sorts of populations.""In addition, Wonder Women League — its membership fees and Power of the Purse — allows us to do some really awesome projects in town. "We've done projects that supported the elderly, that have supported children, that have supported people who have disabilities, and have supported women and families in general."Two of the league's ongoing projects include Project Suitcase, which provides duffle bags to children removed from their homes for abuse or neglect; and Matthew's Gift, which provides bags containing comfort items to people who have family members airlifted from HaysMed.Recently the league has also made donations to the First Step Housing Project, DSNWK's Custom Creations business and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' "What You Were Wearing?" art installation."There are so many things Wonder Women can do as a group that a woman individually doesn't have the means to do," Jeter said.You can learn more about the league by visiting the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way of Ellis County website</a>. Annual dues in the league are a minimum donation of $50. A membership application is available <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">online</a>.Tickets can be purchased for Power of the Purse for $40 <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/power-purse">online</a>, at the United Way of Ellis County and the Hays Welcome Center. Sept. 23 is the last day to buy tickets.A table of eight costs $300. Attendees can also purchase advance raffle tickets for $5 each or five tickets for $20.You do not have to be a member of the Wonder Women League to attend, and there is no obligation to join.Tickets entitle the attendee to a meal plus two free alcoholic drink tickets. Beer and wine will be served.The league plans to take measures to address COVID concerns.Should COVID restrictions cause the cancelation of the event, ticket holders will have the option of using their tickets at a future Power of the Purse event. If the in-person event is canceled, the WWL intends to mount an online auction for the purses it currently has on hand.Watch the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty">United Way Facebook page</a> in the coming weeks for a sampling of the purses that will be auctioned and raffled at the event.Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of the Wonder Women League.

Wonder Women League sets Power of Purse fundraiser

On this episode of the Post Podcast Wanda Billinger shares information about the upcoming Thomas More Prep-Marian homecoming.

<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="TMP-M readies for homecoming" 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=dbbh2-10db63c-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 Wanda Billinger shares information about the upcoming Thomas More Prep-Marian homecoming.<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: TMP-M readies for homecoming

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6d4d259a-b924-4f49-9893-e00ae80557e9">RELATED: Thomas More Prep-Marian readies for Homecoming celebration</a>

The Thomas More Prep-Marian 2021 Homecoming court, pictured from left:

Jace Wentling and Kassidi Yost – Jace is the son of Trey &amp; Rachel
 (Class of 1995) (Reynolds) Wentling and Kassidi is the daughter of Greg
 &amp; Candace Yost.

Lance Lang and Emma Dinkel – Lance is the son of Mark (Class of 1995)
 &amp; Amanda Lang and Emma is the daughter of Danny (Class of 1993) 
&amp; Jill (Class of 2000) (Hammerschmidt) Dinkel.

Bryce Seib &amp; Grace Pope – Bryce is the son of Brent &amp; Jessica
 Seib and Grace is the daughter of Jason &amp; Michelle Pope.

Mark Rack &amp; Izzy Speno – Mark is the son of Marvin &amp; Jennifer Rack and Izzy is the daughter of Tim &amp; Jessica Speno.

Nick Herrman &amp; Sophia Linenberger – Nick is the son of Troy &amp;
 Tina Herrman and Sophia is the daughter of Stan &amp; Jenny 
Linenberger.

The 2021 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the
 Homecoming football game on Friday at Lewis Field when 
the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Plainville Cardinals at 7:00 PM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631547034640.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6d4d259a-b924-4f49-9893-e00ae80557e9">RELATED: Thomas More Prep-Marian readies for Homecoming celebration</a>TMP-MThe Thomas More Prep-Marian 2021 Homecoming court, pictured from left:Jace Wentling and Kassidi Yost – Jace is the son of Trey &amp; Rachel
 (Class of 1995) (Reynolds) Wentling and Kassidi is the daughter of Greg
 &amp; Candace Yost.Lance Lang and Emma Dinkel – Lance is the son of Mark (Class of 1995)
 &amp; Amanda Lang and Emma is the daughter of Danny (Class of 1993) 
&amp; Jill (Class of 2000) (Hammerschmidt) Dinkel.Bryce Seib &amp; Grace Pope – Bryce is the son of Brent &amp; Jessica
 Seib and Grace is the daughter of Jason &amp; Michelle Pope.Mark Rack &amp; Izzy Speno – Mark is the son of Marvin &amp; Jennifer Rack and Izzy is the daughter of Tim &amp; Jessica Speno.Nick Herrman &amp; Sophia Linenberger – Nick is the son of Troy &amp;
 Tina Herrman and Sophia is the daughter of Stan &amp; Jenny 
Linenberger.The 2021 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the
 Homecoming football game on Friday at Lewis Field when 
the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Plainville Cardinals at 7:00 PM.

TMP-M announces 2021 Homecoming court

RILEY COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Riley County.

A 2012 Ford Fusion driven by Camden Iwanski, 17, Stockton, was northbound on North Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The driver attempted to turn left onto Top of the World Drive in front of a southbound 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Jonathan Losey, 32, of Wamego.&nbsp; The vehicles collided.

Beatrice Griebel, 19, of Stockton, a passenger in the Ford Fusion, was transported by Life Star to Stormont Vail for treatment of her injuries.

RILEY COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Riley County.A 2012 Ford Fusion driven by Camden Iwanski, 17, Stockton, was northbound on North Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The driver attempted to turn left onto Top of the World Drive in front of a southbound 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Jonathan Losey, 32, of Wamego.&nbsp; The vehicles collided.Beatrice Griebel, 19, of Stockton, a passenger in the Ford Fusion, was transported by Life Star to Stormont Vail for treatment of her injuries.The RCPD reported no additional details.

Rooks Co. teen airlifted to hospital after crash

By&nbsp;Fr. GNANASEKAR KULANDAI <a href="https://salinadiocese.org">Salina Diocese</a>

I grew up in a village in India. We lived about ten kilometers from 
the big city. I was the youngest of five children. It was nice being the
 baby of the family! My dad was a farmer. We grew rice, vegetables and 
flowers. We would have to get up early in the mornings and collect 
everything to take to market.&nbsp;

My family are all devout Catholics. I do not know for how many 
generations we are Catholic, but we are Catholic for as far back as I 
can remember. Most of India&nbsp;(80%)&nbsp;is Hindu, only about 2.3% of the 
country is Christian,&nbsp;in which 1.5% is&nbsp;Catholic. My Catholic faith made 
me distinct, but it didn’t harm my friendships or relationships with 
people. My best&nbsp;childhood&nbsp;friend was&nbsp;a&nbsp;Hindu. In our simple home, we 
didn’t worry about differences in faith. There was unity in the 
diversity.&nbsp;

My greatest role models were my parents. They cultivated my faith and
 conscience, but so did the priests and religious sisters at the 
Catholic school I attended. There was one teacher who made a tremendous 
impact on me. He was very quiet and never used corporal punishment. 
Corporal punishment was allowed back in those days. Just his stern look 
would calm us. It inspired me and taught me that we should do our jobs 
with love.&nbsp;

When I was in grade school, and people asked me what I wanted to be 
when I grew up, I said a priest! But then when I was older, sometime 
after the 5th&nbsp;grade, my answer would vary from police officer
 to engineer to doctor to farmer. I had many different desires. There 
were other parts of the world I wanted to explore. I was always 
comfortable with those dreams, but I wasn’t fully satisfied. I was 
aiming for everything, but I felt like I was neglecting the most 
important call.&nbsp;One of my sisters is a religious sister for 
the&nbsp;Sisters&nbsp;of Good News. When I was in 10th&nbsp;grade, she came 
home for a visit. We talked for about 30 minutes and she expressed to me
 her vocation and the way God calls. We talked about the mission of 
priests.&nbsp;I knew then that I was hiding from the priesthood. So, when I 
was 16, I decided to enter the seminary. It was kind of funny, but my 
cousin, who I am very close with, entered seminary at the same time that
 I did. We went through everything together. It was very comforting.&nbsp;

When I told my family about my decision, my mom and siblings&nbsp;were 
extremely happy. My dad was sad. He wanted me to be close to him. He 
knew that I would not be home very often, and that was hard for him. He 
died before I was ordained a priest, but I know that he was proud of 
me.&nbsp;The first four years of seminary were not easy. I was not yet sure 
that the priesthood is where I was being called. I could foresee the 
challenges, like being far from home. I also knew that I would have to 
give up my desires for a family.&nbsp;

At one point, I was upset with one of my formators. I was so 
frustrated and wanted to leave. I remember talking to a friend and she 
said, “Sekar, did you enter the seminary for that priest? Or did you 
enter the seminary for Jesus?” It was a simple thing that motivated me 
to return.&nbsp;

There were always questions, but less with each year. Around year 
five, I knew without any doubt that God wanted me to be a priest. I came
 to realize that God’s will for me is better than my desires. God wants 
what is best for me. Something I like to reflect on that one of my 
formators shared with me is, “The&nbsp;Will&nbsp;of God will not lead you where 
the grace of God cannot keep you.”&nbsp;

I was ordained as a priest for the Heralds of Good News (HGN) on 
February 3, 2009. The HGNs are a clerical missionary society that seek 
to train saintly, hardworking, dedicated missionaries and supply them 
wherever there is a need. I chose them mainly because my sister’s order 
was founded by the same priest. I did not know very much about the 
mission congregation when I joined, but I knew I would be sent out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After I was ordained, my first assignment was to teach philosophy at 
the seminary. I did that for four years. Near the end of my term, Bishop
 Weisenburger contacted my superiors in need of two priests. My 
superiors came to me and all I could say is, “Yes, I will go.”&nbsp;

I strongly believe that God speaks through the superiors. God sends 
us to the right place. So, he sent me and Father&nbsp;Soosai&nbsp;Rathinam, HGN to
 Salina. We did not know where Kansas was.&nbsp;

I remember flying into Kansas City, and Father Leo Blasi picked us up
 at the airport. He was a seminarian at the time. He drove us to Salina.
 I looked out the car window the whole time and couldn’t believe it. 
There were no people and no honking! India is the second most densely 
populated country in the world, so the space out here was hard to 
believe. We stopped for lunch, and I had no idea what to order! The food
 is very different here.&nbsp;

My first assignment was in Hays. Father Kevin Weber was my mentor. He
 was great and did not grow tired of me. While I had already been a 
priest for four years, I had never served at a parish. Serving at 
Immaculate Heart of Mary in Hays was my first time ministering to the 
people.&nbsp;

One of the hardest things for me when I got here was cooking! In 
India, the women do most of the cooking. It’s the way of the culture. 
So, the only thing I knew how to do was boil water.&nbsp;On my first day in 
Hays,&nbsp;Father Kevin gave me some cash and&nbsp;went to his farm for his day 
off.&nbsp; I went&nbsp;to buy groceries&nbsp;at Dillons. I did not know what to buy! I
 walked up and down the aisles for a long time. Thankfully, a very nice 
woman from the parish saw me and helped me out.&nbsp;

I have loved being in the Salina Diocese. And I love being a priest –
 it is a special call. The best part of being a priest is bringing God’s
 love to people and watching them come alive. Recently, I visited a man 
who had strayed from the faith for most of his life. After hearing his 
Confession, seeing the joy in him was priceless. What else is there?&nbsp;

I am happy here, but I do miss my home and my family. It’s strange, 
but I’ve never&nbsp;been assigned to a place where I could speak and 
celebrate Mass in my mother tongue, Tamil.&nbsp;

I know that God wanted me to be a priest. I remember one time when I 
was young, I was walking&nbsp;in the&nbsp;field, and I heard my name being called.
 I looked all around and ran home, wondering who had called me. No one 
had. Sometimes I wonder if it was God – similar to the&nbsp;way he called 
Samuel. I think everything circles back to how God calls. Once I knew I 
was being called to the priesthood, I never regretted it. God continues 
to keep me safe, happy and joyful.&nbsp;

I am greatly indebted to the&nbsp;Bishop, priests and people 
of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Diocese for&nbsp;the love, friendship&nbsp;and support&nbsp;I receive, 
and&nbsp;to&nbsp;Heralds of Good News&nbsp;for&nbsp;the formation and mission I cherish.&nbsp;

From the <a href="https://salinadiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WEB-Register-032221.pdf">March 26, 2021</a> issue of The Register

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631559499802.png" alt="Fr. Gnanasekar Kulandai" />
 <figcaption>Fr. Gnanasekar Kulandai</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Fr. GNANASEKAR KULANDAI <a href="https://salinadiocese.org">Salina Diocese</a>I grew up in a village in India. We lived about ten kilometers from 
the big city. I was the youngest of five children. It was nice being the
 baby of the family! My dad was a farmer. We grew rice, vegetables and 
flowers. We would have to get up early in the mornings and collect 
everything to take to market.&nbsp;My family are all devout Catholics. I do not know for how many 
generations we are Catholic, but we are Catholic for as far back as I 
can remember. Most of India&nbsp;(80%)&nbsp;is Hindu, only about 2.3% of the 
country is Christian,&nbsp;in which 1.5% is&nbsp;Catholic. My Catholic faith made 
me distinct, but it didn’t harm my friendships or relationships with 
people. My best&nbsp;childhood&nbsp;friend was&nbsp;a&nbsp;Hindu. In our simple home, we 
didn’t worry about differences in faith. There was unity in the 
diversity.&nbsp;My greatest role models were my parents. They cultivated my faith and
 conscience, but so did the priests and religious sisters at the 
Catholic school I attended. There was one teacher who made a tremendous 
impact on me. He was very quiet and never used corporal punishment. 
Corporal punishment was allowed back in those days. Just his stern look 
would calm us. It inspired me and taught me that we should do our jobs 
with love.&nbsp;When I was in grade school, and people asked me what I wanted to be 
when I grew up, I said a priest! But then when I was older, sometime 
after the 5th&nbsp;grade, my answer would vary from police officer
 to engineer to doctor to farmer. I had many different desires. There 
were other parts of the world I wanted to explore. I was always 
comfortable with those dreams, but I wasn’t fully satisfied. I was 
aiming for everything, but I felt like I was neglecting the most 
important call.&nbsp;One of my sisters is a religious sister for 
the&nbsp;Sisters&nbsp;of Good News. When I was in 10th&nbsp;grade, she came 
home for a visit. We talked for about 30 minutes and she expressed to me
 her vocation and the way God calls. We talked about the mission of 
priests.&nbsp;I knew then that I was hiding from the priesthood. So, when I 
was 16, I decided to enter the seminary. It was kind of funny, but my 
cousin, who I am very close with, entered seminary at the same time that
 I did. We went through everything together. It was very comforting.&nbsp;When I told my family about my decision, my mom and siblings&nbsp;were 
extremely happy. My dad was sad. He wanted me to be close to him. He 
knew that I would not be home very often, and that was hard for him. He 
died before I was ordained a priest, but I know that he was proud of 
me.&nbsp;The first four years of seminary were not easy. I was not yet sure 
that the priesthood is where I was being called. I could foresee the 
challenges, like being far from home. I also knew that I would have to 
give up my desires for a family.&nbsp;At one point, I was upset with one of my formators. I was so 
frustrated and wanted to leave. I remember talking to a friend and she 
said, “Sekar, did you enter the seminary for that priest? Or did you 
enter the seminary for Jesus?” It was a simple thing that motivated me 
to return.&nbsp;There were always questions, but less with each year. Around year 
five, I knew without any doubt that God wanted me to be a priest. I came
 to realize that God’s will for me is better than my desires. God wants 
what is best for me. Something I like to reflect on that one of my 
formators shared with me is, “The&nbsp;Will&nbsp;of God will not lead you where 
the grace of God cannot keep you.”&nbsp;I was ordained as a priest for the Heralds of Good News (HGN) on 
February 3, 2009. The HGNs are a clerical missionary society that seek 
to train saintly, hardworking, dedicated missionaries and supply them 
wherever there is a need. I chose them mainly because my sister’s order 
was founded by the same priest. I did not know very much about the 
mission congregation when I joined, but I knew I would be sent out.&nbsp;&nbsp;After I was ordained, my first assignment was to teach philosophy at 
the seminary. I did that for four years. Near the end of my term, Bishop
 Weisenburger contacted my superiors in need of two priests. My 
superiors came to me and all I could say is, “Yes, I will go.”&nbsp;I strongly believe that God speaks through the superiors. God sends 
us to the right place. So, he sent me and Father&nbsp;Soosai&nbsp;Rathinam, HGN to
 Salina. We did not know where Kansas was.&nbsp;I remember flying into Kansas City, and Father Leo Blasi picked us up
 at the airport. He was a seminarian at the time. He drove us to Salina.
 I looked out the car window the whole time and couldn’t believe it. 
There were no people and no honking! India is the second most densely 
populated country in the world, so the space out here was hard to 
believe. We stopped for lunch, and I had no idea what to order! The food
 is very different here.&nbsp;My first assignment was in Hays. Father Kevin Weber was my mentor. He
 was great and did not grow tired of me. While I had already been a 
priest for four years, I had never served at a parish. Serving at 
Immaculate Heart of Mary in Hays was my first time ministering to the 
people.&nbsp;One of the hardest things for me when I got here was cooking! In 
India, the women do most of the cooking. It’s the way of the culture. 
So, the only thing I knew how to do was boil water.&nbsp;On my first day in 
Hays,&nbsp;Father Kevin gave me some cash and&nbsp;went to his farm for his day 
off.&nbsp; I went&nbsp;to buy groceries&nbsp;at Dillons. I did not know what to buy! I
 walked up and down the aisles for a long time. Thankfully, a very nice 
woman from the parish saw me and helped me out.&nbsp;I have loved being in the Salina Diocese. And I love being a priest –
 it is a special call. The best part of being a priest is bringing God’s
 love to people and watching them come alive. Recently, I visited a man 
who had strayed from the faith for most of his life. After hearing his 
Confession, seeing the joy in him was priceless. What else is there?&nbsp;I am happy here, but I do miss my home and my family. It’s strange, 
but I’ve never&nbsp;been assigned to a place where I could speak and 
celebrate Mass in my mother tongue, Tamil.&nbsp;I know that God wanted me to be a priest. I remember one time when I 
was young, I was walking&nbsp;in the&nbsp;field, and I heard my name being called.
 I looked all around and ran home, wondering who had called me. No one 
had. Sometimes I wonder if it was God – similar to the&nbsp;way he called 
Samuel. I think everything circles back to how God calls. Once I knew I 
was being called to the priesthood, I never regretted it. God continues 
to keep me safe, happy and joyful.&nbsp;I am greatly indebted to the&nbsp;Bishop, priests and people 
of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;Diocese for&nbsp;the love, friendship&nbsp;and support&nbsp;I receive, 
and&nbsp;to&nbsp;Heralds of Good News&nbsp;for&nbsp;the formation and mission I cherish.&nbsp;From the <a href="https://salinadiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WEB-Register-032221.pdf">March 26, 2021</a> issue of The Register

Fr. Kulandai: A change in country, but not in my religion

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran used a word Saturday he rarely 
uses on the record when talking about President Biden's choices in the 
pullout from Afghanistan.

"I'm angry about what's transpired," 
Moran said. "The decision was made to leave and I don't think that's the
 topic of conversation. That's not necessarily the debate today, but how
 we leave Afghanistan is hugely important and we did it in a way that 
angers me and creates lots of challenges for us."

Moran doesn't see the logic behind the administration's actions.

"I
 don't know why any administration, why you would ever set a deadline 
for a departure of a war. If you set a deadline that was your goal, you 
wouldn't make it public. If you had a goal of a certain date, you 
wouldn't have to live up to it, if there were still things that needed 
to be done, like the evacuation of Americans and our allies from 
Afghanistan."

That's not the only issue left behind, though, according to Moran.

"Our
 pastor's daughter and her husband in Hays were Afghan missionaries," 
Moran said. "Their request is, can you help us get Christians out of 
Afghanistan? I cannot understand the failure to have a plan to evacuate 
those people whose lives are in danger before we started the process of 
leaving and why the visas weren't more readily available and why we 
didn't have an airport and a secure place in which to take care of those
 people during the process of our departure."

Moran is back in Washington on Monday, weeks after he asked leader Schumer to bring them back to get answers to these questions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604336319153.png" alt="Moran" />
 <figcaption>Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a> 
HUTCHINSON — Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran used a word Saturday he rarely 
uses on the record when talking about President Biden's choices in the 
pullout from Afghanistan."I'm angry about what's transpired," 
Moran said. "The decision was made to leave and I don't think that's the
 topic of conversation. That's not necessarily the debate today, but how
 we leave Afghanistan is hugely important and we did it in a way that 
angers me and creates lots of challenges for us."Moran doesn't see the logic behind the administration's actions."I
 don't know why any administration, why you would ever set a deadline 
for a departure of a war. If you set a deadline that was your goal, you 
wouldn't make it public. If you had a goal of a certain date, you 
wouldn't have to live up to it, if there were still things that needed 
to be done, like the evacuation of Americans and our allies from 
Afghanistan."That's not the only issue left behind, though, according to Moran."Our
 pastor's daughter and her husband in Hays were Afghan missionaries," 
Moran said. "Their request is, can you help us get Christians out of 
Afghanistan? I cannot understand the failure to have a plan to evacuate 
those people whose lives are in danger before we started the process of 
leaving and why the visas weren't more readily available and why we 
didn't have an airport and a secure place in which to take care of those
 people during the process of our departure."Moran is back in Washington on Monday, weeks after he asked leader Schumer to bring them back to get answers to these questions.

Moran still has questions about Afghanistan pullout

SCOTT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Monday in Scott County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Kia 4-door passenger vehicle driven by Phillip Brandon Kemp, 34, Garden City, was eastbound on Kansas 96.

As the vehicle arrived in Scott City, it traveled off the road to the right at Jackson and 5th Street, struck a light pole and rolled onto its top side.

EMS transported Kemp and a passenger&nbsp;Kemp, and a passenger Latraiz Spencer Kemp, 27, Overland Park, to the Scott County Hospital. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

SCOTT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Monday in Scott County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Kia 4-door passenger vehicle driven by Phillip Brandon Kemp, 34, Garden City, was eastbound on Kansas 96.As the vehicle arrived in Scott City, it traveled off the road to the right at Jackson and 5th Street, struck a light pole and rolled onto its top side.EMS transported Kemp and a passenger&nbsp;Kemp, and a passenger Latraiz Spencer Kemp, 27, Overland Park, to the Scott County Hospital. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after vehicle strikes a light pole, rolls

There’s no question
 lives have changed over the past several months. Work has evolved as well, which is why Rural &amp; Remote will be focusing on the future of work at its summit later this month. 

The Summit, which will take place Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Hilton Garden Inn
 in Hays, provides an opportunity to learn how remote work is impacting rural communities and the resources for free training available to Northwest Kansas residents. The free event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gretchin Staples,
 Rural &amp; Remote NWKS program coordinator, said 100 participants attended a similar event in 2019. This year, organizers hope to double that amount.&nbsp;

“At that time, the
 program was brand new,” Staples noted. “Now, the program has been working in Northwest Kansas and we can discuss the opportunities available, but also the successes that we’ve seen and the impact it is having on our region’s economy.”&nbsp;

Rural &amp; Remote is
 an initiative launched in northwest Kansas in 2019 that offers training for residents of the region to secure professional opportunities in any geographic location while living in the rural area they call home. So far, there have been more than 100 graduates
 from the program, with 21 professionals placed in remote careers. Currently, there are 15 active job seekers.&nbsp;

Paul Hill, of the
 Rural Online Initiative in Utah, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Utah’s program is statewide, versus regional-based in Kansas. Staples said Rural &amp; Remote has worked with Hill and the ROI through the program’s educational component.

“The information
 Paul will share that day will not just be talking about the concept of remote work,” Staples said. “It will be real-world examples and practical, applicable information based upon the results they are seeing.”

Professionals interested
 in pursuing a remote career are not the only ones encouraged to attend. Economic development professionals and business professionals will also benefit from the day.&nbsp;

“It really is about
 the future of work,” said Kade Wilcox, Rural &amp; Remote Program Director. “Work as we know it is changing, and Northwest Kansas is not getting left behind. The summit is a great opportunity to walk away with a lot of insight on how to keep up with what’s coming
 next and how the pandemic is changing the landscape of work."

Breakout sessions
 will feature additional information about the training available as well as how community members can support and businesses can benefit as well.&nbsp;

Scott Sproul, President/CEO
 of the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc. said it’s been exciting to see the multifaceted approach of Rural &amp; Remote help professionals achieve their goals in life, while also providing a trained workforce for companies that are remote from
 Kansas or in-state companies with remote capabilities.&nbsp;

“Rural &amp; Remote
 creates economic vitality for our 26-county area because you see it bringing those quality jobs to the area,” said Sproul, noting NWKEICI was the catalyst that brought the Rural &amp; Remote program to northwest Kansas and remains committed to the success of showing
 rural life and remote work.&nbsp;“It’s really opened
 up the opportunity for people to do what they are skilled and trained in if those jobs aren’t physically available in our area … it allows them a pathway home,” Sproul said. “Rural &amp; Remote has met its initial goals, and we are now at a point where we see
 enough success that we can continue to innovate and get better and better.”&nbsp;

For more information
 visit <a href="http://ruralandremote.org/">ruralandremote.org</a>. To register for the free event click here:
<a href="https://bit.ly/3z0LGfb">https://bit.ly/3z0LGfb</a>

The Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc.&nbsp; provides
 economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses in rural Northwest Kansas. The private operating foundation serves 26 counties in the region with a variety of programs. By working with existing businesses or entrepreneurs throughout the coverage area
 with targeted programs, NWKEICI strives to reverse the outflow of people and businesses from Northwest Kansas. Through its current and future initiatives that extend resources to these businesses and entrepreneurs, NWKEICI hopes to increase population and
 to foster economic innovation in Northwest Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631281355883.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThere’s no question
 lives have changed over the past several months. Work has evolved as well, which is why Rural &amp; Remote will be focusing on the future of work at its summit later this month. The Summit, which will take place Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Hilton Garden Inn
 in Hays, provides an opportunity to learn how remote work is impacting rural communities and the resources for free training available to Northwest Kansas residents. The free event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gretchin Staples,
 Rural &amp; Remote NWKS program coordinator, said 100 participants attended a similar event in 2019. This year, organizers hope to double that amount.&nbsp;“At that time, the
 program was brand new,” Staples noted. “Now, the program has been working in Northwest Kansas and we can discuss the opportunities available, but also the successes that we’ve seen and the impact it is having on our region’s economy.”&nbsp;Rural &amp; Remote is
 an initiative launched in northwest Kansas in 2019 that offers training for residents of the region to secure professional opportunities in any geographic location while living in the rural area they call home. So far, there have been more than 100 graduates
 from the program, with 21 professionals placed in remote careers. Currently, there are 15 active job seekers.&nbsp;Paul Hill, of the
 Rural Online Initiative in Utah, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Utah’s program is statewide, versus regional-based in Kansas. Staples said Rural &amp; Remote has worked with Hill and the ROI through the program’s educational component.“The information
 Paul will share that day will not just be talking about the concept of remote work,” Staples said. “It will be real-world examples and practical, applicable information based upon the results they are seeing.”Professionals interested
 in pursuing a remote career are not the only ones encouraged to attend. Economic development professionals and business professionals will also benefit from the day.&nbsp;“It really is about
 the future of work,” said Kade Wilcox, Rural &amp; Remote Program Director. “Work as we know it is changing, and Northwest Kansas is not getting left behind. The summit is a great opportunity to walk away with a lot of insight on how to keep up with what’s coming
 next and how the pandemic is changing the landscape of work."Breakout sessions
 will feature additional information about the training available as well as how community members can support and businesses can benefit as well.&nbsp;Scott Sproul, President/CEO
 of the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc. said it’s been exciting to see the multifaceted approach of Rural &amp; Remote help professionals achieve their goals in life, while also providing a trained workforce for companies that are remote from
 Kansas or in-state companies with remote capabilities.&nbsp;“Rural &amp; Remote
 creates economic vitality for our 26-county area because you see it bringing those quality jobs to the area,” said Sproul, noting NWKEICI was the catalyst that brought the Rural &amp; Remote program to northwest Kansas and remains committed to the success of showing
 rural life and remote work.&nbsp;“It’s really opened
 up the opportunity for people to do what they are skilled and trained in if those jobs aren’t physically available in our area … it allows them a pathway home,” Sproul said. “Rural &amp; Remote has met its initial goals, and we are now at a point where we see
 enough success that we can continue to innovate and get better and better.”&nbsp;For more information
 visit <a href="http://ruralandremote.org/">ruralandremote.org</a>. To register for the free event click here:
<a href="https://bit.ly/3z0LGfb">https://bit.ly/3z0LGfb</a>The Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc.&nbsp; provides
 economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses in rural Northwest Kansas. The private operating foundation serves 26 counties in the region with a variety of programs. By working with existing businesses or entrepreneurs throughout the coverage area
 with targeted programs, NWKEICI strives to reverse the outflow of people and businesses from Northwest Kansas. Through its current and future initiatives that extend resources to these businesses and entrepreneurs, NWKEICI hopes to increase population and
 to foster economic innovation in Northwest Kansas.

Remote Work Summit scheduled this month in Hays

Disc golf players from across the region descended on Hays this weekend for the 37th annual Frontier Open in Frontier Park.

Since 1984, players have made their way to the course, now the last remaining grassroots course in the state.

&nbsp;It was the fourth built in Kansas,&nbsp; according to the Kansas Disc Golf Association, with the first three courses having been redesigned or removed.

"It's a fun course," Trevor McMurray, Salina, who participated in the juniors event. "With some monster shots, for us anyway, junior wise."

He was especially impressed with the first hole, with a tee-off crossing Big Creek.

Hays resident Bryton Unsworth, played in McMurray's group and also said he enjoys the course.

"Honestly the layouts they have right now are really fun, I enjoyed them a lot," Unsworth said. "There are some hard shots, some getable birdies that you should walk out for because they can easily boogie them."

"The terrain of the Frontier Disc Golf Course, which is built in 75 acres of parkland, presents natural difficulties including water hazards from Big Creek and heavily wooded areas with creative elevation shots," the KDGA said. "The biggest potential hazard of tournament play during the Frontier Open is not so much the course as it is Mother Nature's wind. Tournaments are played in all weather conditions, excluding life-threatening ones, and test a player's skills."

The course was the 113th in the U.S., originally built as disc golf gained recognition and increasing popularity.

"The concept of the game was to create a recreational sport that would be free of charge to local citizens," the KDGA said. "The city provides the course and the players provide their equipment."

While the course dates back to the '80s, the game itself was being played in Hays long before, by Fort Hays State University students.

"Players included Ron Rice, Karen Elder, Les Dreiling, and Deb Ewy; most were students at the university," the KDGA said. "Fort Hays' security officers opposed the activity because they felt the student disc golfers were damaging the grass. Although names and faces have changed, disc golfers now have a course less than a mile away next to the bison in Frontier Park."

Along with the Hays Parks Department, those players would design and construct the Flying Bison Course.

"Rice left the university in 1976," The KDGA said "In 1982 he became an employee for the City of Hays Parks Department. He is still currently employed with the City as the Parks Technician, completing his 36th year."

Now across the U.S. there are now more than 8,000 courses and a growing number abroad, with more than 2,500 tournaments each year, they said. And the sport continues to grow.

Take a look at some of the tournament action below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477739510.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostDisc golf players from across the region descended on Hays this weekend for the 37th annual Frontier Open in Frontier Park.Since 1984, players have made their way to the course, now the last remaining grassroots course in the state.&nbsp;It was the fourth built in Kansas,&nbsp; according to the Kansas Disc Golf Association, with the first three courses having been redesigned or removed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477857794.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"It's a fun course," Trevor McMurray, Salina, who participated in the juniors event. "With some monster shots, for us anyway, junior wise."He was especially impressed with the first hole, with a tee-off crossing Big Creek.Hays resident Bryton Unsworth, played in McMurray's group and also said he enjoys the course.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477661485.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Honestly the layouts they have right now are really fun, I enjoyed them a lot," Unsworth said. "There are some hard shots, some getable birdies that you should walk out for because they can easily boogie them.""The terrain of the Frontier Disc Golf Course, which is built in 75 acres of parkland, presents natural difficulties including water hazards from Big Creek and heavily wooded areas with creative elevation shots," the KDGA said. "The biggest potential hazard of tournament play during the Frontier Open is not so much the course as it is Mother Nature's wind. Tournaments are played in all weather conditions, excluding life-threatening ones, and test a player's skills."The course was the 113th in the U.S., originally built as disc golf gained recognition and increasing popularity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477672407.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The concept of the game was to create a recreational sport that would be free of charge to local citizens," the KDGA said. "The city provides the course and the players provide their equipment."While the course dates back to the '80s, the game itself was being played in Hays long before, by Fort Hays State University students."Players included Ron Rice, Karen Elder, Les Dreiling, and Deb Ewy; most were students at the university," the KDGA said. "Fort Hays' security officers opposed the activity because they felt the student disc golfers were damaging the grass. Although names and faces have changed, disc golfers now have a course less than a mile away next to the bison in Frontier Park."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477684968.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Along with the Hays Parks Department, those players would design and construct the Flying Bison Course."Rice left the university in 1976," The KDGA said "In 1982 he became an employee for the City of Hays Parks Department. He is still currently employed with the City as the Parks Technician, completing his 36th year."Now across the U.S. there are now more than 8,000 courses and a growing number abroad, with more than 2,500 tournaments each year, they said. And the sport continues to grow.Take a look at some of the tournament action below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477698708.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477754176.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477772530.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477789948.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477800108.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477811129.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477822741.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477834090.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631477845908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

📷Area disc golfers fill Frontier Park for 37th annual Frontier Open

COLBY — About 450 contestants from 26 Kansas and Oklahoma colleges will compete in the annual Colby Community College National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Rodeo Sept. 17, 18 and 19 in the E.L. Garrett Arena at the Thomas County Fairgrounds.&nbsp;

Performances on Friday and Saturday begin at 7 p.m. The finals on Sunday featuring the top 10 in each event will start at 1 p.m.

Men’s events include bareback bronc riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping&nbsp;and&nbsp;bull riding.

The women will compete in breakaway roping, goat tying, team roping and barrel racing.

Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Fans under five years old will&nbsp;be admitted&nbsp;free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631221295135.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Colby Community CollegeCOLBY — About 450 contestants from 26 Kansas and Oklahoma colleges will compete in the annual Colby Community College National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Rodeo Sept. 17, 18 and 19 in the E.L. Garrett Arena at the Thomas County Fairgrounds.&nbsp;Performances on Friday and Saturday begin at 7 p.m. The finals on Sunday featuring the top 10 in each event will start at 1 p.m.Men’s events include bareback bronc riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping&nbsp;and&nbsp;bull riding.The women will compete in breakaway roping, goat tying, team roping and barrel racing.Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Fans under five years old will&nbsp;be admitted&nbsp;free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

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