The USD 489 Early Childhood Connections program will celebrate its thirty-year anniversary with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on Thursday, Sept. 16,&nbsp;at 9:30 a.m.

USD 489 Early Childhood Connections is a&nbsp;child development, parenting and family services program for pregnant women and families.&nbsp; The program integrates Parents as Teachers, Early Head Start, Head Start and Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program.&nbsp; There is no cost for families receiving Connections services.&nbsp; The program provides services to over 380 children, and their families, in Ellis, Rush, Rooks and Russell Counties. The celebration will be held at the USD 489 Early Childhood Complex located at 2501 E. 13th.&nbsp; In addition to the Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and refreshments, the program will have “birthday party” activities for the children currently enrolled in the program.&nbsp; All celebration activities will be held outside.&nbsp; The ribbon cutting and refreshments are open to the public. For more information about the event, contact Outreach and Grants Coordinator, Dana Stanton at 785-623-2430 or visit the organization’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd489connections.com/">www.usd489connections.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631036106016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe USD 489 Early Childhood Connections program will celebrate its thirty-year anniversary with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on Thursday, Sept. 16,&nbsp;at 9:30 a.m.USD 489 Early Childhood Connections is a&nbsp;child development, parenting and family services program for pregnant women and families.&nbsp; The program integrates Parents as Teachers, Early Head Start, Head Start and Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program.&nbsp; There is no cost for families receiving Connections services.&nbsp; The program provides services to over 380 children, and their families, in Ellis, Rush, Rooks and Russell Counties. The celebration will be held at the USD 489 Early Childhood Complex located at 2501 E. 13th.&nbsp; In addition to the Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and refreshments, the program will have “birthday party” activities for the children currently enrolled in the program.&nbsp; All celebration activities will be held outside.&nbsp; The ribbon cutting and refreshments are open to the public. For more information about the event, contact Outreach and Grants Coordinator, Dana Stanton at 785-623-2430 or visit the organization’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd489connections.com/">www.usd489connections.com</a>.

Early Childhood Connections celebrates 30 years

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher As a girl, I dreamed of a future family and farm life in somewhat vague terms. However, one aspect was clear: I would not want to marry a dairy farmer because they never go on vacation. I may have painted dairy farming unfairly. Willingness to travel now seems to me to be less about the kind of farm and more about the individual. Farmers tend to fall into three categories of travel preferences. Homebodies don’t see any reason to leave the county except maybe for a day trip to the state fair or an educational meeting. Interest-based travelers are willing to make a moderate amount of short-term trips to livestock shows, college football games or whatever piques their interest, as long as they can get back quickly if anything goes wrong at home. Adventurers have a desire to see the world and work to make vacations possible. This travel preference would seem to be a learned behavior, but there may be a genetic component. In recent years, researchers have identified a genetic variant called the Wanderlust gene, which effects dopamine levels making a person more risk-tolerant and adventurous. Since farmers deal with risk every day, it would be logical to assume they should all be world travelers. However, it might be the opposite in many cases. Farmers spend their time trying to manage and mitigate risk, they use new genetics to attempt to offset weather risk or market their grain in a way that spreads out the risk of market movement. Their world by nature is full of risk; most do not want to invite more. But I think it would be a mistake to forget the other variable in the equation — reward. Travel has comes with risk but it also offers an important reward: diversity. Diversity has become somewhat politicized over the pasts few years, but at its core it is a simple and vital concept for our ability to grow and learn. In a graduate school, I learned about homophily and heterophily, or the degree to which the person you are communicating with is the same or different from you respectively. These similarities and differences may be factors of physical location, experience, values, language, technical expertise or many other items. We enjoy people we have homophily with because it is easy to be on the same page with them. People who are heterophilious to us are harder to talk to but we learn more from them and often that learning can help us to grow more quickly. For example, if you only work with the same group of people every day you will develop a common language and can work efficiently together. However, when your group is asked to do something different, you may all come up with the same ideas. Having an outsider’s input can give you more ideas or different information to contribute to the conversation. This is why we go to conferences and hire consultants. Diversity is important because different experiences and perspectives can lead to innovation. In rural America, we need that innovation to keep our communities alive and thriving. It is too easy to dismiss diversity, to decide that we don’t want to take unnecessary risks. One of the recent ways that I have chosen to seek out new ideas and perspectives is by participating in the Casten Fellows program, which is a Kansas Farm Bureau leadership program honoring the memory of former staff member Dr. Jill Casten-Downing. Our Casten Fellows cohort recently completed the capstone of this program, a 14-day international experience in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. This was not a vacation; it was an intense educational experience that took us to farms, agribusinesses, cultural sites and historic places with the goal of understanding culture and agriculture in a part of the world. In the coming weeks, I am excited to share more through this column about our time in the Baltics.&nbsp; I hope that the stories of the people, places and culture we experienced will provide new perspectives to spark conversation and innovation in your community. And hopefully it will create a desire for you to seek out your own adventures.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher As a girl, I dreamed of a future family and farm life in somewhat vague terms. However, one aspect was clear: I would not want to marry a dairy farmer because they never go on vacation. I may have painted dairy farming unfairly. Willingness to travel now seems to me to be less about the kind of farm and more about the individual. Farmers tend to fall into three categories of travel preferences. Homebodies don’t see any reason to leave the county except maybe for a day trip to the state fair or an educational meeting. Interest-based travelers are willing to make a moderate amount of short-term trips to livestock shows, college football games or whatever piques their interest, as long as they can get back quickly if anything goes wrong at home. Adventurers have a desire to see the world and work to make vacations possible. This travel preference would seem to be a learned behavior, but there may be a genetic component. In recent years, researchers have identified a genetic variant called the Wanderlust gene, which effects dopamine levels making a person more risk-tolerant and adventurous. Since farmers deal with risk every day, it would be logical to assume they should all be world travelers. However, it might be the opposite in many cases. Farmers spend their time trying to manage and mitigate risk, they use new genetics to attempt to offset weather risk or market their grain in a way that spreads out the risk of market movement. Their world by nature is full of risk; most do not want to invite more. But I think it would be a mistake to forget the other variable in the equation — reward. Travel has comes with risk but it also offers an important reward: diversity. Diversity has become somewhat politicized over the pasts few years, but at its core it is a simple and vital concept for our ability to grow and learn. In a graduate school, I learned about homophily and heterophily, or the degree to which the person you are communicating with is the same or different from you respectively. These similarities and differences may be factors of physical location, experience, values, language, technical expertise or many other items. We enjoy people we have homophily with because it is easy to be on the same page with them. People who are heterophilious to us are harder to talk to but we learn more from them and often that learning can help us to grow more quickly. For example, if you only work with the same group of people every day you will develop a common language and can work efficiently together. However, when your group is asked to do something different, you may all come up with the same ideas. Having an outsider’s input can give you more ideas or different information to contribute to the conversation. This is why we go to conferences and hire consultants. Diversity is important because different experiences and perspectives can lead to innovation. In rural America, we need that innovation to keep our communities alive and thriving. It is too easy to dismiss diversity, to decide that we don’t want to take unnecessary risks. One of the recent ways that I have chosen to seek out new ideas and perspectives is by participating in the Casten Fellows program, which is a Kansas Farm Bureau leadership program honoring the memory of former staff member Dr. Jill Casten-Downing. Our Casten Fellows cohort recently completed the capstone of this program, a 14-day international experience in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. This was not a vacation; it was an intense educational experience that took us to farms, agribusinesses, cultural sites and historic places with the goal of understanding culture and agriculture in a part of the world. In the coming weeks, I am excited to share more through this column about our time in the Baltics.&nbsp; I hope that the stories of the people, places and culture we experienced will provide new perspectives to spark conversation and innovation in your community. And hopefully it will create a desire for you to seek out your own adventures."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The rewards of adventure

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation is announcing a Request for Information in advance of a Request for Proposal to install electric vehicle charging stations along the state’s most traveled highways.

Through this RFI, KDOT seeks to receive input from industry stakeholders and potential applicants that will help develop program criteria for awarding funding toward the installation of EV charging equipment. KDOT has identified approximately 12 preliminary locations for the installation of Direct Current Fast Charging stations (50 kW or greater) to help advance the state’s effort to support publicly accessible charging stations every 50 miles along primary corridors.

Proposed EV charging station locations (must be within 5 miles of corridor exit):

Nationwide there has been a strong push for the adoption of electric vehicles from both the public and private sectors. While some charging infrastructure already exists, it’s important for Kansas to ensure continuity of travel across the state for travelers and commerce.

“While installing EV charging stations is a new venture for KDOT, we remain committed to our long-term promise of working with Kansans to deliver better results,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “This RFI is the first step in identifying the critical partnerships needed to reduce charging station gaps across the state.”

Funding for the charging stations is being provided by the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust, which has approximately $2 million available for EV charging infrastructure.

Responses to this RFI must be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdot.designcontracts@ks.gov" target="_blank">kdot.designcontracts@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24.

More information related to this RFI can be found at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MDkuNDU2ODM5NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3Nvcy5rcy5nb3YvcHVibGljYXRpb25zL1JlZ2lzdGVyL1ZvbHVtZS00MC9Jc3N1ZS0zNi1TZXB0ZW1iZXItOS0yMDIxLmh0bWw_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.RPNJ9mXoS62vGnUeWdabooWBNboDYkAWVNhcgBO5qYQ/s/1410649012/br/112105580327-l" target="_blank">https://sos.ks.gov/publications/Register/Volume-40/Issue-36-September-9-2021.html</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631200998773.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOT&nbsp;TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation is announcing a Request for Information in advance of a Request for Proposal to install electric vehicle charging stations along the state’s most traveled highways.Through this RFI, KDOT seeks to receive input from industry stakeholders and potential applicants that will help develop program criteria for awarding funding toward the installation of EV charging equipment. KDOT has identified approximately 12 preliminary locations for the installation of Direct Current Fast Charging stations (50 kW or greater) to help advance the state’s effort to support publicly accessible charging stations every 50 miles along primary corridors.Proposed EV charging station locations (must be within 5 miles of corridor exit):<ol>
 <li>I-70 – Oakley/Grainfield/Grinnell area</li><li>I-70 – WaKeeney</li><li>I-70 – Russell</li><li>I-70 – Ellsworth/U.S. 156 exit</li><li>I-70 – Abilene to Junction City area</li><li>I-70 – Manhattan to Paxico area</li><li>I-35 – Ottawa</li><li>I-35 – Emporia</li><li>I-35 – Cassoday to Matfield-Green area</li><li>I-35 – Belle Plain – Wellington Area</li><li>I-135 – Newton/North Newton</li><li>S. 81 -- Concordia</li>
 </ol>Nationwide there has been a strong push for the adoption of electric vehicles from both the public and private sectors. While some charging infrastructure already exists, it’s important for Kansas to ensure continuity of travel across the state for travelers and commerce.“While installing EV charging stations is a new venture for KDOT, we remain committed to our long-term promise of working with Kansans to deliver better results,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “This RFI is the first step in identifying the critical partnerships needed to reduce charging station gaps across the state.”Funding for the charging stations is being provided by the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust, which has approximately $2 million available for EV charging infrastructure.Responses to this RFI must be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdot.designcontracts@ks.gov" target="_blank">kdot.designcontracts@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24.More information related to this RFI can be found at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MDkuNDU2ODM5NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3Nvcy5rcy5nb3YvcHVibGljYXRpb25zL1JlZ2lzdGVyL1ZvbHVtZS00MC9Jc3N1ZS0zNi1TZXB0ZW1iZXItOS0yMDIxLmh0bWw_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.RPNJ9mXoS62vGnUeWdabooWBNboDYkAWVNhcgBO5qYQ/s/1410649012/br/112105580327-l" target="_blank">https://sos.ks.gov/publications/Register/Volume-40/Issue-36-September-9-2021.html</a>.

Three western Kan. counties considered for EV charging stations

Three-day weather outlook

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevy Equinox driven by Judy K. Fuller, 71, Ellsworth, was westbound on Kansas 140 just west of County Road 23.

The Chevy crossed the center line and struck a 2009 Ford Escape driven by Lyle L. Dunning, 78, Plainville.

EMS transported Fuller, Dunning, a passenger in the Chevy Alvin R Fuller, 82, Ellsworth, and a passenger in the Ford Nancy A. Dunning, 78, Plainville, to Salina Regional Health Center.

All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevy Equinox driven by Judy K. Fuller, 71, Ellsworth, was westbound on Kansas 140 just west of County Road 23.The Chevy crossed the center line and struck a 2009 Ford Escape driven by Lyle L. Dunning, 78, Plainville.EMS transported Fuller, Dunning, a passenger in the Chevy Alvin R Fuller, 82, Ellsworth, and a passenger in the Ford Nancy A. Dunning, 78, Plainville, to Salina Regional Health Center.All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 from Rooks Co. among 4 injured in 2-vehicle crash

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly today announced the members of her new Safer Classrooms Workgroup.

The Workgroup,&nbsp;composed of highly skilled health professionals from across Kansas, will highlight the urgency of protecting kids from COVID-19 and use the best available science and information to support state and local governments, school districts, and school boards to promote health and safety in our schools.&nbsp;

“The perspective of local health care providers will be invaluable in helping Kansans understand the challenges posed by the delta variant, and how to keep our kids safe as they return to school,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to thank all of our Safer Classrooms Workgroup members for dedicating their time, energy, and efforts to keep our kids healthy and in school.”

Dr. Jennifer Bacani McKenney, a practicing Family Physician and Wilson County health officer, and Dr. Stephanie Kuhlmann, Pediatric Hospitalist Division Director at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita and Pediatric Medical Director at Wesley Children’s Hospital, serve as the group’s co-chairs.

The full membership of the Safer Classrooms Workgroup is as follows:

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.RPYFa3CgY8kJQqcxCAVYsp5oY6rxa7ptDS1-2q1UUUI/s/1303161001/br/112115378453-l" target="_blank">Learn more about the Safer Classrooms Workgroup here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631223417702.jpeg" alt="Jennifer Brull, M.D., Post Rock Family Medicine, Rooks County" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Brull, M.D., Post Rock Family Medicine, Rooks County</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov.TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly today announced the members of her new Safer Classrooms Workgroup.The Workgroup,&nbsp;composed of highly skilled health professionals from across Kansas, will highlight the urgency of protecting kids from COVID-19 and use the best available science and information to support state and local governments, school districts, and school boards to promote health and safety in our schools.&nbsp;“The perspective of local health care providers will be invaluable in helping Kansans understand the challenges posed by the delta variant, and how to keep our kids safe as they return to school,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to thank all of our Safer Classrooms Workgroup members for dedicating their time, energy, and efforts to keep our kids healthy and in school.”Dr. Jennifer Bacani McKenney, a practicing Family Physician and Wilson County health officer, and Dr. Stephanie Kuhlmann, Pediatric Hospitalist Division Director at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita and Pediatric Medical Director at Wesley Children’s Hospital, serve as the group’s co-chairs.The full membership of the Safer Classrooms Workgroup is as follows:<ol>
 <li>G.A. Buie,&nbsp;Executive Director, United School Administrators of Kansas</li><li>Jennifer Bacani McKenney, MD,&nbsp;Health Officer, Wilson County</li><li>Jen Brull, MD,&nbsp;Family Physician, Post Rock Family Medicine, Rooks County</li><li>Lindsay Byrnes, MD, MPH, Medical Director, KUSM-Wichita, Wesley Children’s Hospital</li><li>Kristie Clark, MD,&nbsp;Pediatrician, Rural Health Clinic</li><li>Allen Greiner, MD,&nbsp;Family Physician, Wyandotte County Health</li><li>Dena Hubbard, MD,&nbsp;Kansas American Academy of Pediatrics</li><li>Rhonda Hutchinson, BSN, RN, President, Kansas School Nurse Organization</li><li>Kimber Kasitz, BSN, RN,&nbsp;Director of Health, Homebound, and Section 504 Services, USD 259</li><li>Stephanie Kuhlmann, DO,&nbsp;Pediatric Hospitalist Division Director and Pediatric Medical Director, KUSM-W, Wesley Children’s Hospital</li><li>Vernon Mills, MD,&nbsp;Pediatrician, retired</li><li>Kelli Netson, PhD,&nbsp;Neuropsychologist, KUSM-W Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences</li><li>Kevin Riemann,&nbsp;Executive Director, Kansas National Education Association</li><li>Manuel Solano, MD,&nbsp;Physician and program director, Community Health Center of Wyandotte County</li><li>Margaret Thompson, RN, ARNP,&nbsp;Nurse Anesthetist, Kansas Black Nurses Association</li><li>Randy Watson, Ed.D,&nbsp;Commissioner, Kansas State Department of Education</li>
 </ol><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.RPYFa3CgY8kJQqcxCAVYsp5oY6rxa7ptDS1-2q1UUUI/s/1303161001/br/112115378453-l" target="_blank">Learn more about the Safer Classrooms Workgroup here.</a>

Rooks Co. physician named to Safer Classrooms Workgroup by governor

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners will conduct the public hearing Thursday night for the 2022 proposed budget, followed by the budget adoption.

The mill levy remains at 25 while total valuation is up four percent. The budget includes a programmed step and COLA (Cost Of Living Adjustment) for all city employees.

Due to a change in state law for better transparency in governmental budgets, the commission is first required to conduct a revenue neutral rate public hearing.&nbsp;

The revenue neutral rate for tax year 2021 for the city of Hays was calculated as 24.322 mills by the Ellis County Clerk. Because of the valuation increase, budget year 2022 requires the levy of a property tax rate (25.000 mills), exceeding the revenue neutral rate.

* Award of bid for the Parks Department parking lot * Adoption of the 2021 Uniform Public Office Code and Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities * Rezoning request of 210 W. 13th Street, site of the former St. Joseph Catholic Parish Hall, from Public Institutional to Residential Multi-Family District

* Hear an update of the North Vine Street Improvement Project which is in its final phase

The Sept. 9 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092021-1294">here</a>. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

At 6:15 p.m. Mayor Sandy Jacobs will read a proclamation regarding the Hays Larks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631133206001.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners will conduct the public hearing Thursday night for the 2022 proposed budget, followed by the budget adoption.The mill levy remains at 25 while total valuation is up four percent. The budget includes a programmed step and COLA (Cost Of Living Adjustment) for all city employees.Due to a change in state law for better transparency in governmental budgets, the commission is first required to conduct a revenue neutral rate public hearing.&nbsp;The revenue neutral rate for tax year 2021 for the city of Hays was calculated as 24.322 mills by the Ellis County Clerk. Because of the valuation increase, budget year 2022 requires the levy of a property tax rate (25.000 mills), exceeding the revenue neutral rate.Other agenda items include:* Award of bid for the Parks Department parking lot * Adoption of the 2021 Uniform Public Office Code and Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities * Rezoning request of 210 W. 13th Street, site of the former St. Joseph Catholic Parish Hall, from Public Institutional to Residential Multi-Family District* Hear an update of the North Vine Street Improvement Project which is in its final phaseThe Sept. 9 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092021-1294">here</a>. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.At 6:15 p.m. Mayor Sandy Jacobs will read a proclamation regarding the Hays Larks.

Public hearing for Hays' 2022 budget is today

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., told the Hays Lions club Wednesday he is troubled by what has transpired in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

He said he would like to see officials from the state department, defense department and secretary of veterans affairs in front of Congress to answer questions about the U.S. exit from Afghanistan.

"I think we are probably past the conversation of whether we should be in a significant way in Afghanistan, but how we leave I thought was important," Moran said. "Setting a deadline, whether it was President Trump or President Biden and making it public, is troublesome to me."

He said he did approve of the United States leaving behind equipment and people in Afghanistan, both Americans and colleagues who assisted the U.S.

Moran's office is receiving calls of people saying, "'We served in Afghanistan, and the person who helped me in Afghanistan and who was my interpreter is still in Afghanistan. He still needs to be brought out.'"

Ken Ediger, Moran's pastor when he was in Hays, has a daughter and son-in-law who were missionaries in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"Their request of me is, 'Can you help us with the Christain people we worked with because we are quite certain Christians will be killed once the Taliban takes over,'" Moran said.

He added later the Taliban is not a group the United States can work with or trust.

Moran is the longest-serving Republican on the senate committee on veterans affairs.

He urged community members to reach out to veterans because calls to the veterans' suicide hotline have increased by double-digits since the stories of the exit from Afghanistan have been made public.

"Our veterans are struggling with the question if their service was of value and worthwhile," Moran said. "I think we all need to reach out. It is not just those who served in Afghanistan. I wouldn't be surprised if there are people in this room who served in Vietnam. It is the same type of circumstance they're reliving."

Those soldiers did what they thought was in the best interest of their country, he said.

"I put the fault, not on the men and women who wore uniforms in Afghanistan," Moran said, "but on people who wear suits in Washington, D.C., and make decisions about those men and women who served in Afghanistan."

Moran said he thought the federal government did not turn the spigot of COVID funds off soon enough.

He said he thought the Payroll Protect Program helped many small businesses retain employees working from home or on-site.

He did not vote for the federal bonus unemployment benefits and said Tuesday he was glad that bouns has lapsed.

"It became a problem in many instances," he said. "Look at your restaurants in Hays and the number of them that can't find people to work."

One audience member asked if conservation efforts, including those addressing water, are a part of the infrastructure package being considered by Congress.&nbsp;

"I think the answer to this question is can we find solutions that are based on science and common sense and not destroy the economy and allow people to work," Moran said.

He said a program is offering farmers, which have marginal wells that they are pumping dry, incentives to get out of irrigation farming.

However, he noted farming remains an important economic element of most rural communities.

"We cannot look the other way on these issues of the environment as much as people sometimes people want to," he said. "My issue is how you do it and not if you do something."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631126796264.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., spoke to the Hays Lions Club on Tuesday. He urged community members to reach out to veterans and offer support in the wake of the U.S. exit from Afghanistan last week.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., spoke to the Hays Lions Club on Tuesday. He urged community members to reach out to veterans and offer support in the wake of the U.S. exit from Afghanistan last week.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostU.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., told the Hays Lions club Wednesday he is troubled by what has transpired in Afghanistan.&nbsp;He said he would like to see officials from the state department, defense department and secretary of veterans affairs in front of Congress to answer questions about the U.S. exit from Afghanistan."I think we are probably past the conversation of whether we should be in a significant way in Afghanistan, but how we leave I thought was important," Moran said. "Setting a deadline, whether it was President Trump or President Biden and making it public, is troublesome to me."He said he did approve of the United States leaving behind equipment and people in Afghanistan, both Americans and colleagues who assisted the U.S.Moran's office is receiving calls of people saying, "'We served in Afghanistan, and the person who helped me in Afghanistan and who was my interpreter is still in Afghanistan. He still needs to be brought out.'"Ken Ediger, Moran's pastor when he was in Hays, has a daughter and son-in-law who were missionaries in Afghanistan.&nbsp;"Their request of me is, 'Can you help us with the Christain people we worked with because we are quite certain Christians will be killed once the Taliban takes over,'" Moran said.He added later the Taliban is not a group the United States can work with or trust.Moran is the longest-serving Republican on the senate committee on veterans affairs.He urged community members to reach out to veterans because calls to the veterans' suicide hotline have increased by double-digits since the stories of the exit from Afghanistan have been made public."Our veterans are struggling with the question if their service was of value and worthwhile," Moran said. "I think we all need to reach out. It is not just those who served in Afghanistan. I wouldn't be surprised if there are people in this room who served in Vietnam. It is the same type of circumstance they're reliving."Those soldiers did what they thought was in the best interest of their country, he said."I put the fault, not on the men and women who wore uniforms in Afghanistan," Moran said, "but on people who wear suits in Washington, D.C., and make decisions about those men and women who served in Afghanistan."<h2>Economy</h2>Moran said he thought the federal government did not turn the spigot of COVID funds off soon enough.He said he thought the Payroll Protect Program helped many small businesses retain employees working from home or on-site.He did not vote for the federal bonus unemployment benefits and said Tuesday he was glad that bouns has lapsed."It became a problem in many instances," he said. "Look at your restaurants in Hays and the number of them that can't find people to work."<h2>Environment</h2>One audience member asked if conservation efforts, including those addressing water, are a part of the infrastructure package being considered by Congress.&nbsp;"I think the answer to this question is can we find solutions that are based on science and common sense and not destroy the economy and allow people to work," Moran said.He said a program is offering farmers, which have marginal wells that they are pumping dry, incentives to get out of irrigation farming.However, he noted farming remains an important economic element of most rural communities."We cannot look the other way on these issues of the environment as much as people sometimes people want to," he said. "My issue is how you do it and not if you do something."

Moran says he wants U.S. officials to be accountable for Afghan exit

Girl Scout Troop 11210 donated activity bags to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County and CASA of the High Plains on Friday.

The bags, which they call Kid Kits, are full of activities for boys and girls of all ages. The girls assembled 100 kits. Seventy-five kits went to BBBS, and 25 kits went to CASA.

The Cadette Scouts, including Alyssa Church, 13, Reghan Byer, 13, Morgan Greenwood, 13, and Ava Schumacher, 13, completed the project for their Silver Award, which is the second-highest award in Girl Scouting.

All of the girls attend Thomas More Prep-Marian.

The leaders for the troop are Amy Church and Leann Schumacher.

The girls gathered both monetary donations and donations of items for the bags. They decorated all of the canvas bags by hand.

They solicited the donations by phone, using videos and in person.

Some of the items in the bags included books, tea party sets, craft sets, woodcraft projects, jewelry crafts, Sternberg Museum passes, puzzles, dolls, action figures and stuffed animals.&nbsp;

Jenny Bates, BBBS executive director, said the bags will be given to new matches.

"We are so thankful for these Kid Kits," Bates said. "These girls have worked so hard for these to come together. ...

"It will be a great way for matches to get to know each other and have something to do."

The bags will be used for a similar purpose by the Court Appointed Special Advocates, who are assigned to children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.

Silver Award projects are required to be sustainable. The girls plan to approach a younger troop, which they hope will take over the project and keep BBBS and CASA restocked with bags.

"These girls have worked hard," Amy Church said. "We started this project in March with the ideas coming from them. As a group, they decided they wanted to help children. After talking and doing research, this idea just sparked."

The following individuals and companies donated to the project: Randy Sauer (Jammin' Randy), Carla Thomas (Mary and Martha), Lauren McNeil (Once Upon a Time Usborne Books), Personalize it by Rhiannon, High Plains Farm Credit, Nex-Tech, The Niche, Jodi Steltz (Paparazzi Jewelry), Fort Hays State University volleyball, Sternberg Museum, Wal-Mart, Allyson Werth (Farmhouse Crafts), Warrior Motorsports, Brookdale, Home Depot, Larks Baseball, Knights of Columbus, Soroptimist of Hays, Mackenzie Relaford, Tim and Teresa Greenwood, Bryan and Amy Chruch, Chris and Stephanie Byer, and Steve and Leann Schumacher.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631032188583.jpeg" alt="Girl Scouts\ Troop 11210 donated Kid Kits to BBBS last week. Pictured from left are Morgan Greenwood, 13,&nbsp;Reghan Byer, 13, Alyssa Church, 13, and Ava Schumacher, 13. All four girls attend school at TMP-M." />
 <figcaption>Girl Scouts\ Troop 11210 donated Kid Kits to BBBS last week. Pictured from left are Morgan Greenwood, 13,&nbsp;Reghan Byer, 13, Alyssa Church, 13, and Ava Schumacher, 13. All four girls attend school at TMP-M.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostGirl Scout Troop 11210 donated activity bags to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County and CASA of the High Plains on Friday.The bags, which they call Kid Kits, are full of activities for boys and girls of all ages. The girls assembled 100 kits. Seventy-five kits went to BBBS, and 25 kits went to CASA.The Cadette Scouts, including Alyssa Church, 13, Reghan Byer, 13, Morgan Greenwood, 13, and Ava Schumacher, 13, completed the project for their Silver Award, which is the second-highest award in Girl Scouting.All of the girls attend Thomas More Prep-Marian.The leaders for the troop are Amy Church and Leann Schumacher.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631032357994.jpeg" alt="Girl Scout Troop 11210 donated Kids Kits to CASA of the High Plains. Pictured from left are Tabitha Keith, CASA executive director, and Scouts Alyssa Church, Ava Schumacher, Reghan Byer and&nbsp;Morgan Greenwood." />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout Troop 11210 donated Kids Kits to CASA of the High Plains. Pictured from left are Tabitha Keith, CASA executive director, and Scouts Alyssa Church, Ava Schumacher, Reghan Byer and&nbsp;Morgan Greenwood.</figcaption>
 </figure>The girls gathered both monetary donations and donations of items for the bags. They decorated all of the canvas bags by hand.They solicited the donations by phone, using videos and in person.Some of the items in the bags included books, tea party sets, craft sets, woodcraft projects, jewelry crafts, Sternberg Museum passes, puzzles, dolls, action figures and stuffed animals.&nbsp;Jenny Bates, BBBS executive director, said the bags will be given to new matches."We are so thankful for these Kid Kits," Bates said. "These girls have worked so hard for these to come together. ..."It will be a great way for matches to get to know each other and have something to do."The bags will be used for a similar purpose by the Court Appointed Special Advocates, who are assigned to children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.Silver Award projects are required to be sustainable. The girls plan to approach a younger troop, which they hope will take over the project and keep BBBS and CASA restocked with bags."These girls have worked hard," Amy Church said. "We started this project in March with the ideas coming from them. As a group, they decided they wanted to help children. After talking and doing research, this idea just sparked."The following individuals and companies donated to the project: Randy Sauer (Jammin' Randy), Carla Thomas (Mary and Martha), Lauren McNeil (Once Upon a Time Usborne Books), Personalize it by Rhiannon, High Plains Farm Credit, Nex-Tech, The Niche, Jodi Steltz (Paparazzi Jewelry), Fort Hays State University volleyball, Sternberg Museum, Wal-Mart, Allyson Werth (Farmhouse Crafts), Warrior Motorsports, Brookdale, Home Depot, Larks Baseball, Knights of Columbus, Soroptimist of Hays, Mackenzie Relaford, Tim and Teresa Greenwood, Bryan and Amy Chruch, Chris and Stephanie Byer, and Steve and Leann Schumacher.

Hays Girl Scouts donate Kid Kits to BBBS, CASA

LENORA — Nex-Tech recently announced Kaitlyn Nichols and Zadok Taylor as recipients of the national WTA Advocates for Rural Broadband Foundation scholarship program. Kaitlyn was awarded a $1,000 academic scholarship and Zadok was awarded a $1,250 trade school scholarship. WTA awarded 14 scholarships totaling $18,000 recognizing academic achievement, integrity, and commitment to education.&nbsp;

Kaitlyn is the daughter of Marc and Jessica Nichols of Russell. She is a graduate of Russell High School and plans to major in Biology with a pre-medicine focus at the University of Kansas. Kaitlyn then hopes to further her education at the University of Kansas Medical School to study pediatric medicine.

Zadok is the son of Amber Chestnut of Phillipsburg and Shawn Taylor of Lenora. He is a graduate of Phillipsburg High School and is attending NCK Tech-Hays Campus for HVAC/Plumbing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like WTA that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manager. “We congratulate Kaitlyn and Zadok on their accomplishments thus far and wish them great success in the future.”

The WTA Foundation offers academic and trade school scholarships to children of parents who are employed by a WTA member company. Nex-Tech is a long-time member of WTA.

WTA represents more than 360 rural telecommunications carriers throughout the United States. Its mission is to strengthen the ability of its members to provide affordable, advanced broadband and communications services in rural America through advocacy and education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630439309363.jpeg" alt="Jimmy Todd, Nex-Tech CEO/General Manager presents the 2021 WTA Scholarship Award to Kaitlyn Nichols, a graduate of Russell High School." />
 <figcaption>Jimmy Todd, Nex-Tech CEO/General Manager presents the 2021 WTA Scholarship Award to Kaitlyn Nichols, a graduate of Russell High School.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630439340286.jpeg" alt="Jimmy Todd, Nex-Tech CEO/General Manager presents the 2021 WTA Scholarship Award to Zadok Taylor, a graduate of Phillipsburg High School." />
 <figcaption>Jimmy Todd, Nex-Tech CEO/General Manager presents the 2021 WTA Scholarship Award to Zadok Taylor, a graduate of Phillipsburg High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>LENORA — Nex-Tech recently announced Kaitlyn Nichols and Zadok Taylor as recipients of the national WTA Advocates for Rural Broadband Foundation scholarship program. Kaitlyn was awarded a $1,000 academic scholarship and Zadok was awarded a $1,250 trade school scholarship. WTA awarded 14 scholarships totaling $18,000 recognizing academic achievement, integrity, and commitment to education.&nbsp;Kaitlyn is the daughter of Marc and Jessica Nichols of Russell. She is a graduate of Russell High School and plans to major in Biology with a pre-medicine focus at the University of Kansas. Kaitlyn then hopes to further her education at the University of Kansas Medical School to study pediatric medicine.Zadok is the son of Amber Chestnut of Phillipsburg and Shawn Taylor of Lenora. He is a graduate of Phillipsburg High School and is attending NCK Tech-Hays Campus for HVAC/Plumbing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like WTA that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manager. “We congratulate Kaitlyn and Zadok on their accomplishments thus far and wish them great success in the future.”The WTA Foundation offers academic and trade school scholarships to children of parents who are employed by a WTA member company. Nex-Tech is a long-time member of WTA.WTA represents more than 360 rural telecommunications carriers throughout the United States. Its mission is to strengthen the ability of its members to provide affordable, advanced broadband and communications services in rural America through advocacy and education.— Submitted

Nex-Tech announces 2021 WTA scholarship recipients

I love the start of a new academic year. Taking time to get to know our newest community members and reunite with those we have not been in daily summer contact is pure joy. I especially enjoy celebrating the success of our community through our accolades video and awards ceremony.

The President’s Award is Fort Hays State University’s highest honor, given by the president for substantial contributions to the university through professional and personal achievements. It is not given often – last presented in 2014. This fall I presented the award to our Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) Department.

In just three short weeks, TILT helped overhaul the entire China program to deliver online learning following the COVID-19 shutdown in early spring 2020. it even created tutorials for the students in Mandarin. Following its efforts in China, the team worked tirelessly to create and update its website to provide faculty with detailed information and helpful links when campus classes transitioned to all online courses.

Noting that online students needed a deeper connection, TILT oversaw the implementation of the Tiger-2-Tiger Student Support Platform. In addition to its pandemic response, TILT continued to meet with faculty to develop new courses for programs and incorporated new ideas from the pandemic into the fall 2021 professional development session. They are always scanning and implementing cutting-edge technologies to improve teaching and learning.

The President's Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. Nominees for this honor are evaluated by the analysis of their performance in the categories of scholarship, service, and instruction.&nbsp; Significant levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award based on research/creative activities.

Dr. Hendratta Ali received the 2021 President's Distinguished Scholar Award. Hendratta is an accomplished educator and research scholar in the field of geoscience. She has 25 peer-reviewed publications, a book chapter, over 100 refereed abstracts presented, and is recognized nationally and internationally. Recently, she secured grants totaling more than $500,000, including two from the National Science Foundation and Geoscientist Without Borders. Receiving these awards attests to her research skills, technical expertise, and commitment to education and service.

The Faculty Member-of-the-Year Award is selected from the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research/scholarly activity, and service. Dr. April Park was selected as the recipient of this award because she defines excellence in scholarly activity. She is passionate about her research and working with students.

One of April’s former students sums up her professor’s commitment with this statement, “Her support and guidance shaped me into the researcher, advisor, and graduate student I am today.” April’s impact on her students continues to enhance their learning experience and reflects her goal to be the best professor, researcher, mentor, and colleague possible. &nbsp;

Brooke Mann received the John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor Award for her commitment to foster undergraduate research. Brooke has shown outstanding mentorship by supporting her students throughout the research process. She is committed to the growth and learning of these individuals by making it a priority to oversee and assist in preparing their materials for presentations and conferences. She is open to student ideas and broadening her research interests to enhance the experience for all of our students. These qualities demonstrate her caring demeanor and how deserving she is to receive this award. One student exemplifies this with the statement, “I feel very fortunate that I was able to work with her throughout my undergraduate years, and I know I am a better researcher because of it.”

Our awards also honored the Department of Computer Science with the Advancing Assessment Award and our Department of Leadership Studies with the Closing the Loop Assessment Award. Both of these departments have made great strides in improving teaching and learning.

Our accolades video highlighted several accomplishments made by our faculty and staff over the summer. Dr. Seth Kastle received the 2020 Veterans Knowledge Community Ally and Advocate Award from the National Association of Student Affairs Personnel Administrators. Dr. Patti Griffin was appointed to the advisory board and professional development committee of NACADA:&nbsp;The Global Community for Academic Advising.&nbsp;Dr. Whitney Whitaker served as a professional representative and program chair for the Southwestern Psychological Association.

Grants received over the summer – totaling more than $190,000 – included two projects funded by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. One was awarded to Dr. Bill Starks and the other to graduate student Chloe Million. The National Science Foundation provided funds to Dr. Paul Adams and Earl Legleiter, while a gift from the Hays Masonic Lodge was used to purchase software for the FHSU Virtual Literacy Institute. &nbsp;Dr. Jenny Manry received a grant for more than $150,000 from the Kansas Board of Regents Kansas Nursing Initiative Grant program.

Some of our faculty spent their summers publishing textbooks. Dr. Janet Stramel wrote two textbooks: Early Childhood Mathematics Methods and Science and Mathematics Planning:&nbsp; Lessons of Equity Unit. Heather Musil published Cliff Notes of Writing an IEP. Sue Boldra wrote an elementary social studies methods book, while Mandy Kern, a staff member at our Kansas Wetlands Education Center, authored a children’s book, “Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet.” Several faculty were also recognized for articles published.

I love starting each new school year celebrating the accomplishments of my colleagues. They truly inspire me. I am proud of the work they are doing and especially the impact they make on our students, professions, community, and the world. Indeed, our lives are improved through their devotion to their work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>I love the start of a new academic year. Taking time to get to know our newest community members and reunite with those we have not been in daily summer contact is pure joy. I especially enjoy celebrating the success of our community through our accolades video and awards ceremony.The President’s Award is Fort Hays State University’s highest honor, given by the president for substantial contributions to the university through professional and personal achievements. It is not given often – last presented in 2014. This fall I presented the award to our Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) Department.In just three short weeks, TILT helped overhaul the entire China program to deliver online learning following the COVID-19 shutdown in early spring 2020. it even created tutorials for the students in Mandarin. Following its efforts in China, the team worked tirelessly to create and update its website to provide faculty with detailed information and helpful links when campus classes transitioned to all online courses.Noting that online students needed a deeper connection, TILT oversaw the implementation of the Tiger-2-Tiger Student Support Platform. In addition to its pandemic response, TILT continued to meet with faculty to develop new courses for programs and incorporated new ideas from the pandemic into the fall 2021 professional development session. They are always scanning and implementing cutting-edge technologies to improve teaching and learning.The President's Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. Nominees for this honor are evaluated by the analysis of their performance in the categories of scholarship, service, and instruction.&nbsp; Significant levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award based on research/creative activities.Dr. Hendratta Ali received the 2021 President's Distinguished Scholar Award. Hendratta is an accomplished educator and research scholar in the field of geoscience. She has 25 peer-reviewed publications, a book chapter, over 100 refereed abstracts presented, and is recognized nationally and internationally. Recently, she secured grants totaling more than $500,000, including two from the National Science Foundation and Geoscientist Without Borders. Receiving these awards attests to her research skills, technical expertise, and commitment to education and service.The Faculty Member-of-the-Year Award is selected from the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research/scholarly activity, and service. Dr. April Park was selected as the recipient of this award because she defines excellence in scholarly activity. She is passionate about her research and working with students.One of April’s former students sums up her professor’s commitment with this statement, “Her support and guidance shaped me into the researcher, advisor, and graduate student I am today.” April’s impact on her students continues to enhance their learning experience and reflects her goal to be the best professor, researcher, mentor, and colleague possible. &nbsp;Brooke Mann received the John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor Award for her commitment to foster undergraduate research. Brooke has shown outstanding mentorship by supporting her students throughout the research process. She is committed to the growth and learning of these individuals by making it a priority to oversee and assist in preparing their materials for presentations and conferences. She is open to student ideas and broadening her research interests to enhance the experience for all of our students. These qualities demonstrate her caring demeanor and how deserving she is to receive this award. One student exemplifies this with the statement, “I feel very fortunate that I was able to work with her throughout my undergraduate years, and I know I am a better researcher because of it.”Our awards also honored the Department of Computer Science with the Advancing Assessment Award and our Department of Leadership Studies with the Closing the Loop Assessment Award. Both of these departments have made great strides in improving teaching and learning.Our accolades video highlighted several accomplishments made by our faculty and staff over the summer. Dr. Seth Kastle received the 2020 Veterans Knowledge Community Ally and Advocate Award from the National Association of Student Affairs Personnel Administrators. Dr. Patti Griffin was appointed to the advisory board and professional development committee of NACADA:&nbsp;The Global Community for Academic Advising.&nbsp;Dr. Whitney Whitaker served as a professional representative and program chair for the Southwestern Psychological Association.Grants received over the summer – totaling more than $190,000 – included two projects funded by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. One was awarded to Dr. Bill Starks and the other to graduate student Chloe Million. The National Science Foundation provided funds to Dr. Paul Adams and Earl Legleiter, while a gift from the Hays Masonic Lodge was used to purchase software for the FHSU Virtual Literacy Institute. &nbsp;Dr. Jenny Manry received a grant for more than $150,000 from the Kansas Board of Regents Kansas Nursing Initiative Grant program.Some of our faculty spent their summers publishing textbooks. Dr. Janet Stramel wrote two textbooks: Early Childhood Mathematics Methods and Science and Mathematics Planning:&nbsp; Lessons of Equity Unit. Heather Musil published Cliff Notes of Writing an IEP. Sue Boldra wrote an elementary social studies methods book, while Mandy Kern, a staff member at our Kansas Wetlands Education Center, authored a children’s book, “Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet.” Several faculty were also recognized for articles published.I love starting each new school year celebrating the accomplishments of my colleagues. They truly inspire me. I am proud of the work they are doing and especially the impact they make on our students, professions, community, and the world. Indeed, our lives are improved through their devotion to their work.

MASON: Celebrating success to kick off new school year

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by Eskandar Farhadiyeh, 50, Colorado Springs, Co., was west bound on Interstate 70 five miles east of Goodland.

The vehicle left the roadway to the right, entered the north ditch, rolled and caught fire.

Farhadiyeh was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Coomes mortuary. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631139824763.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the crash- image courtesy KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the crash- image courtesy KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERMAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by Eskandar Farhadiyeh, 50, Colorado Springs, Co., was west bound on Interstate 70 five miles east of Goodland.The vehicle left the roadway to the right, entered the north ditch, rolled and caught fire.Farhadiyeh was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Coomes mortuary. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver dies after semi crash, fire on Interstate 70

The Technology Services Department at Fort Hays State University has three open positions on our team.&nbsp; We are looking for an Information Security Officer, a Windows System Administrator, and a Production Support Technical Coordinator.&nbsp; 

FHSU offers 22 days of annual vacation, professional development opportunities, tuition assistance, and a great work environment! 

If you think you have the skills we need and are looking for a great opportunity to join an awesome team, check out the full job descriptions and apply on our website: <a href="https://fhsu.edu/technology">https://fhsu.edu/technology</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630683920696.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Technology Services Department at Fort Hays State University has three open positions on our team.&nbsp; We are looking for an Information Security Officer, a Windows System Administrator, and a Production Support Technical Coordinator.&nbsp; FHSU offers 22 days of annual vacation, professional development opportunities, tuition assistance, and a great work environment! If you think you have the skills we need and are looking for a great opportunity to join an awesome team, check out the full job descriptions and apply on our website: <a href="https://fhsu.edu/technology">https://fhsu.edu/technology</a>

FICK: Preventing sunscald on thin-barked trees

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 61 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

There was no report issued on Monday due to the Labor Day holiday.

There have been 354 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 Wednesday morning, there were 14 COVID inpatients at HaysMed. Twelve of the 14 were unvaccinated, the hospital said.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,158 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.

Corrected to clarify the total number of cases to date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631120244720.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 61 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.There was no report issued on Monday due to the Labor Day holiday.There have been 354 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 Wednesday morning, there were 14 COVID inpatients at HaysMed. Twelve of the 14 were unvaccinated, the hospital said.Since reporting began, there have been 4,158 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 74 coronavirus-related deaths.Corrected to clarify the total number of cases to date.

KDHE: 61 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

By DALE YOUNKER Natural Resources Conservation Service

With fall harvest beginning in many parts of the state now is the time to think about planting a cover crop after your fall crop is harvested.

A cover crop can provide many soil health benefits. This includes building organic matter, improve water infiltration, increase nutrient cycling, and improve soil water holding capacity. A cover crop can also provide excellent weed suppression and a fair amount of livestock forage through the winter and spring if planted timely.

The species you use in the mix will depend on what you are trying to accomplish. If you have some compaction issues deep tap rooted plants like radishes and turnips are a good choice. Winter cereal grains like triticale, barley, wheat, and rye can help build organic matter and increase water holding capacity in the soil.

A combination of deep-rooted and fibrous rooted plants can be used to increase water infiltration. Decaying tap roots provide direct channels for water to infiltrate into the soil. 

Fibrous rooted plants help feed the soil microbes. These bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms produce the organic glues that help bind the individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay into larger soil aggregates. This provides more pore space in the soil where water can enter the soil when it rains.

For grazing you will want to have a mix that is wheat, barley, triticale, or rye. Mixes that are heavy with these species are also good for weed suppression since they cover and shade the ground quickly and compete well with weeds.

It is best to get the cover crop planted as soon as possible after the cash crop is harvested. This will give the cover crop time to get established and get some growth before it gets to cold. If the cover crop can’t be planted prior to November 1st it may be better to delay the planting until the next spring.

Always consider the economics of planting a cover crop. There is no reason to plant a $30.00 - $40.00 mix when one that cost $15.00 will do the job. Wheat may be a good choice since it is readily available and reasonably priced in comparison to other species.

For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@usda.gov or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is a soil health specialist with the&nbsp; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628525048992.jpeg" alt="Dale Younker&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dale Younker&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By DALE YOUNKER Natural Resources Conservation ServiceWith fall harvest beginning in many parts of the state now is the time to think about planting a cover crop after your fall crop is harvested. A cover crop can provide many soil health benefits. This includes building organic matter, improve water infiltration, increase nutrient cycling, and improve soil water holding capacity. A cover crop can also provide excellent weed suppression and a fair amount of livestock forage through the winter and spring if planted timely.The species you use in the mix will depend on what you are trying to accomplish. If you have some compaction issues deep tap rooted plants like radishes and turnips are a good choice. Winter cereal grains like triticale, barley, wheat, and rye can help build organic matter and increase water holding capacity in the soil.A combination of deep-rooted and fibrous rooted plants can be used to increase water infiltration. Decaying tap roots provide direct channels for water to infiltrate into the soil. Fibrous rooted plants help feed the soil microbes. These bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms produce the organic glues that help bind the individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay into larger soil aggregates. This provides more pore space in the soil where water can enter the soil when it rains.For grazing you will want to have a mix that is wheat, barley, triticale, or rye. Mixes that are heavy with these species are also good for weed suppression since they cover and shade the ground quickly and compete well with weeds.It is best to get the cover crop planted as soon as possible after the cash crop is harvested. This will give the cover crop time to get established and get some growth before it gets to cold. If the cover crop can’t be planted prior to November 1st it may be better to delay the planting until the next spring.Always consider the economics of planting a cover crop. There is no reason to plant a $30.00 - $40.00 mix when one that cost $15.00 will do the job. Wheat may be a good choice since it is readily available and reasonably priced in comparison to other species.For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@usda.gov or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is a soil health specialist with the&nbsp; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

YOUNKER: Fall cover crop options 

MUNJOR - Part of Munjor Water District customers on 280th Ave will have the water turned off for maintenance&nbsp;repairs around 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;

For questions, call&nbsp;Colleen Nieman, Munjor Water District, at 785-737-6180.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SubmittedMUNJOR - Part of Munjor Water District customers on 280th Ave will have the water turned off for maintenance&nbsp;repairs around 11:00 a.m.&nbsp; For questions, call&nbsp;Colleen Nieman, Munjor Water District, at 785-737-6180.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Water off today for some Munjor Water District customers 

Hays USD 489 is trying to fill open staff positions, and the empty positions are putting a strain on the district's existing staff, Superintendent Ron Wilson said Tuesday.

The district had a job fair last week looking for substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, teachers' aides, bus drivers, cooks and custodians.&nbsp;

"We are bare-bones," Wilson said. "We are actually not full on custodians and cooks."

Most of the jobs the district needs to fill are part-time positions that do not have benefits.

When a para gets sick or has to be quarantined, the shortage of paras means children have to go without that support.

"It affects kids and what they are able to achieve," Wilson said.

A shortage of substitute teachers means staff members have to be pulled from planning periods and other positions or classrooms combined.

"We always figure out how to make it work," he said. "We continue as is with less. I think where the detrimental effect is that it drains people because we are asking people to take on more."

Wilson said the school district is facing the same worker shortage many other businesses in the region are facing. He said those shortages could be in part due to COVID, but he said there are also likely other contributing factors.

As restaurants increase pay to try to retain and hire employees, the district has struggled to hire and retain kitchen staff. The district increased classified staff wages last year, but Wilson said the district may have to look at wages again, especially for food workers.

Wilson said the district had a good turnout for its job fair last week and a good number of applicants.&nbsp;

However, substitute teachers have to go through several steps to qualify for a substitute license.&nbsp;

To qualify for an emergency substitute license, you must have completed 60 hours of college, pass a background check and have no felonies on your record.

The district's rate for substitute teachers is $110 per day.&nbsp;

Anyone interested in applying for a <a href="https://www.usd489.com/">job with USD 489 can do so online</a> or call the district office at 785-623-2400.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631051879788.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays USD 489 is trying to fill open staff positions, and the empty positions are putting a strain on the district's existing staff, Superintendent Ron Wilson said Tuesday.The district had a job fair last week looking for substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, teachers' aides, bus drivers, cooks and custodians.&nbsp;"We are bare-bones," Wilson said. "We are actually not full on custodians and cooks."Most of the jobs the district needs to fill are part-time positions that do not have benefits.When a para gets sick or has to be quarantined, the shortage of paras means children have to go without that support."It affects kids and what they are able to achieve," Wilson said.A shortage of substitute teachers means staff members have to be pulled from planning periods and other positions or classrooms combined."We always figure out how to make it work," he said. "We continue as is with less. I think where the detrimental effect is that it drains people because we are asking people to take on more."Wilson said the school district is facing the same worker shortage many other businesses in the region are facing. He said those shortages could be in part due to COVID, but he said there are also likely other contributing factors.As restaurants increase pay to try to retain and hire employees, the district has struggled to hire and retain kitchen staff. The district increased classified staff wages last year, but Wilson said the district may have to look at wages again, especially for food workers.Wilson said the district had a good turnout for its job fair last week and a good number of applicants.&nbsp;However, substitute teachers have to go through several steps to qualify for a substitute license.&nbsp;To qualify for an emergency substitute license, you must have completed 60 hours of college, pass a background check and have no felonies on your record.The district's rate for substitute teachers is $110 per day.&nbsp;Anyone interested in applying for a <a href="https://www.usd489.com/">job with USD 489 can do so online</a> or call the district office at 785-623-2400.

Hays USD 489 facing worker shortage

The FHSU Tiger Fitness Center will be hosting a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Walk. The goal is to host a memorial event of what happened 20 years ago.

Cover image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/12019-12019/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=100720">David Mark</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=100720">Pixabay</a>

SubmittedThe FHSU Tiger Fitness Center will be hosting a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Walk. The goal is to host a memorial event of what happened 20 years ago.<ul>
 <li>The firefighters on 9/11 climbed 110 flights of stairs to reach victims. Participants can climb the same number of stairs in remembrance, can walk the same distance, have a combination of the two or participate at their own level in remembrance of all the lives lost and impacted on that day.</li><li>Individuals are able to choose what they want to do for the event, no obligation on stairs or walking or how far either.</li><li>Free of charge</li><li>Lewis Field</li><li>Saturday, September 11</li><li>Registration and waiver release at 7:10</li><li>Online Pre-register at:&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCM94cE8-K48W8m_3kdK-e-1UAh880VzeJbvkynyJmyX4K3A/viewform">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCM94cE8-K48W8m_3kdK-e-1UAh880VzeJbvkynyJmyX4K3A/viewform</a></li><li>Event starts at 7:46 a.m., the time the first plane hit the World Trade Center</li>
 </ul>Cover image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/12019-12019/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=100720">David Mark</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=100720">Pixabay</a>

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Walk set for Lewis Field

The College Board Release

Congratulations
to Thomas More Prep-Marian High School senior Julia Meitner, who was named as a
2022 National Hispanic Scholar by The College Board. Meitner also was named as
a 2022 National Rural and Small Town Recognition Scholar by The College Board.

Each year, the
National Hispanic Recognition Program recognizes between 5,000 and 7,000
academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students nationwide who
excelled on the PSAT administered during their junior year and scored in the
top 2% of more than 400,000 eligible students. Honorees must meet a regional
standard score, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and be of at least
one-quarter Hispanic or Latino descent. The minimum required PSAT cutoff score varies
by state, region, and territory each year.

The National Rural
and Small Town Recognition Program recognizes students for the same PSAT score
criteria and GPA academic performance, but also recognizes the student’s
community and school size. 

As a National
Hispanic Scholar and Rural and Small Town Recognition Program Scholar, The
College Board will help make it easier for winners to connect directly to
colleges across the country with scholarship opportunities. The board will help
colleges see the range of their talents and interests by sharing their
achievements. 

“You have
accomplished these milestones in the face of an immensely demanding year — one
of disruption, challenge, missed milestones and loss,” said David Coleman,
chief executive of The College Board in a letter to Meitner. “In a year of hardship,
you demonstrated resilience and an unwavering commitment to owning your future.
You have put in the effort and your future is bright. I couldn’t be more delighted
to share this great news,” he continued. 

In addition to the
national recognition honor, Meitner is a member of several organizations at
TMP-Marian, including Key Club, co-editor of the yearbook, stage manager of
theatrical performances, Monarch Music, and Spanish Club. She plans to study
engineering in college.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631040703349.jpeg" alt="Julia Meitner" />
 <figcaption>Julia Meitner</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy Thomas More Prep-Marian
 The College Board Release
 Congratulations
to Thomas More Prep-Marian High School senior Julia Meitner, who was named as a
2022 National Hispanic Scholar by The College Board. Meitner also was named as
a 2022 National Rural and Small Town Recognition Scholar by The College Board.Each year, the
National Hispanic Recognition Program recognizes between 5,000 and 7,000
academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students nationwide who
excelled on the PSAT administered during their junior year and scored in the
top 2% of more than 400,000 eligible students. Honorees must meet a regional
standard score, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and be of at least
one-quarter Hispanic or Latino descent. The minimum required PSAT cutoff score varies
by state, region, and territory each year.The National Rural
and Small Town Recognition Program recognizes students for the same PSAT score
criteria and GPA academic performance, but also recognizes the student’s
community and school size. As a National
Hispanic Scholar and Rural and Small Town Recognition Program Scholar, The
College Board will help make it easier for winners to connect directly to
colleges across the country with scholarship opportunities. The board will help
colleges see the range of their talents and interests by sharing their
achievements. “You have
accomplished these milestones in the face of an immensely demanding year — one
of disruption, challenge, missed milestones and loss,” said David Coleman,
chief executive of The College Board in a letter to Meitner. “In a year of hardship,
you demonstrated resilience and an unwavering commitment to owning your future.
You have put in the effort and your future is bright. I couldn’t be more delighted
to share this great news,” he continued. In addition to the
national recognition honor, Meitner is a member of several organizations at
TMP-Marian, including Key Club, co-editor of the yearbook, stage manager of
theatrical performances, Monarch Music, and Spanish Club. She plans to study
engineering in college.

TMP-M senior receives national awards

The Kansas benchmark closed out the month of August with an average price of &nbsp;$57.96 per barrel, the best August average in three years. Kansas prices are 20 dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year. Prices at CHS in McPherson dropped 75 cents on Friday, but Kansas Common remains 75 cents a barrel higher than a week ago to start the week at $59.50 per barrel. &nbsp; The U.S. Coast Guard said on Monday 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. About 88% of the region's offshore oil production remains shut, and more than 100 of the area's production platforms remain unoccupied, more than a week after Ida made landfall on Aug. 29. The government loaned a large amount of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Exxon Mobil. According to a report from Reuters, The U.S. Energy Secretary authorized the loan of 1.5 million barrels of crude oil to a refinery in Louisiana, to keep the gasoline flowing in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Baker Hughes reports the Rotary Rig Count was 497 rigs Friday, down 16 oil rigs. The count in Louisiana was down 14 rigs. Oklahoma and New Mexico were each up one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports eight active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is unchanged for the third week in a row. In Western Kansas, the count is down one at 25 active rigs. Operators in Barton County have reached total depth and are evaluating four wells. They're about to spud a new well on a lease in Stafford County, where two other drillers report reaching total depth. Regulators okayed 17 new drilling locations across Kansas last week, five in eastern Kansas and 12 west of Wichita, making 677 new permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 14 newly-completed wells across Kansas last week, 542 so far this year. OPEC and its allies last week agreed to stick to their existing policy of gradual oil output increases, despite increasing demand and ongoing U.S. pressure for faster increases. The OPEC-Plus oil exporters are increasing output by 400,000 barrels per day per month. The government reported declining U.S. crude inventories for the third week in a row. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles totaled 425.4 million barrels, an increase of more than seven million barrels. EIA said U.S. inventories are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. In a weekly report, EIA said gasoline stockpiles increased last week by 1.3 million barrels, and are currently about two percent below the five-year seasonal average. U.S. crude-oil imports rose 183,000 barrels to 6.3 million barrels per day. EIA said the four-week average is nearly 14% higher than the same period a year ago. Crude production in the United States increased slightly. For the week through August 27th, output averaged just over 11.5 million barrels, marking an increase of 81,000 barrels per day over the week before. EIA says production is nearly two million barrels per day higher than in the same week last year. A government report shows U.S. crude-oil production for the first half of the year is down nearly seven percent compared to last year. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. output for the first six months of 2021 averaged 10.92 million barrels per day, compared to 11.7 million last year at mid-year. Kansas output for January through June was 74,571 barrels per day. That's down nearly two percent from just over 76,000 barrels per day last year. EIA said U.S. output for June was over 339 million barrels, or 11.3 million barrels per day.&nbsp; That's down about 5,000 barrels per day from May's output. Texas retains the top spot with production in June of nearly 4.8 million barrels per day, or 42% of total U.S. output. For the fourth month in a row, output in New Mexico beat North Dakota's totals and is once again the number-two crude-producing state. June output in Kansas totaled 2.3 million barrels, or nearly 78,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; The government said gasoline prices across the country rose to their highest Pre-Labor Day levels since 2014. EIA said Prices rose 92 cents or 42% compared to last year.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail shipments across the U.S. and Canada accelerated last week. The Association of America Railroads reports 10,878 tanker cars hauling petroleum across the U.S. during the week through August 28th. That's up 570 cars from the week before, and a 6.4% increase over the same week last year. Canadian oil-by-rail is up 269 cars over last week and up 62% over last year. AAR reports total rail traffic of all cargo was down slightly last month. Carload counts were up but intermodal shipments was down more than three percent.

By JOHN P. TRETBARThe Kansas benchmark closed out the month of August with an average price of &nbsp;$57.96 per barrel, the best August average in three years. Kansas prices are 20 dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year. Prices at CHS in McPherson dropped 75 cents on Friday, but Kansas Common remains 75 cents a barrel higher than a week ago to start the week at $59.50 per barrel. &nbsp; The U.S. Coast Guard said on Monday 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. About 88% of the region's offshore oil production remains shut, and more than 100 of the area's production platforms remain unoccupied, more than a week after Ida made landfall on Aug. 29. The government loaned a large amount of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Exxon Mobil. According to a report from Reuters, The U.S. Energy Secretary authorized the loan of 1.5 million barrels of crude oil to a refinery in Louisiana, to keep the gasoline flowing in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Baker Hughes reports the Rotary Rig Count was 497 rigs Friday, down 16 oil rigs. The count in Louisiana was down 14 rigs. Oklahoma and New Mexico were each up one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports eight active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is unchanged for the third week in a row. In Western Kansas, the count is down one at 25 active rigs. Operators in Barton County have reached total depth and are evaluating four wells. They're about to spud a new well on a lease in Stafford County, where two other drillers report reaching total depth. Regulators okayed 17 new drilling locations across Kansas last week, five in eastern Kansas and 12 west of Wichita, making 677 new permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 14 newly-completed wells across Kansas last week, 542 so far this year. OPEC and its allies last week agreed to stick to their existing policy of gradual oil output increases, despite increasing demand and ongoing U.S. pressure for faster increases. The OPEC-Plus oil exporters are increasing output by 400,000 barrels per day per month. The government reported declining U.S. crude inventories for the third week in a row. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles totaled 425.4 million barrels, an increase of more than seven million barrels. EIA said U.S. inventories are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. In a weekly report, EIA said gasoline stockpiles increased last week by 1.3 million barrels, and are currently about two percent below the five-year seasonal average. U.S. crude-oil imports rose 183,000 barrels to 6.3 million barrels per day. EIA said the four-week average is nearly 14% higher than the same period a year ago. Crude production in the United States increased slightly. For the week through August 27th, output averaged just over 11.5 million barrels, marking an increase of 81,000 barrels per day over the week before. EIA says production is nearly two million barrels per day higher than in the same week last year. A government report shows U.S. crude-oil production for the first half of the year is down nearly seven percent compared to last year. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. output for the first six months of 2021 averaged 10.92 million barrels per day, compared to 11.7 million last year at mid-year. Kansas output for January through June was 74,571 barrels per day. That's down nearly two percent from just over 76,000 barrels per day last year. EIA said U.S. output for June was over 339 million barrels, or 11.3 million barrels per day.&nbsp; That's down about 5,000 barrels per day from May's output. Texas retains the top spot with production in June of nearly 4.8 million barrels per day, or 42% of total U.S. output. For the fourth month in a row, output in New Mexico beat North Dakota's totals and is once again the number-two crude-producing state. June output in Kansas totaled 2.3 million barrels, or nearly 78,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; The government said gasoline prices across the country rose to their highest Pre-Labor Day levels since 2014. EIA said Prices rose 92 cents or 42% compared to last year.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail shipments across the U.S. and Canada accelerated last week. The Association of America Railroads reports 10,878 tanker cars hauling petroleum across the U.S. during the week through August 28th. That's up 570 cars from the week before, and a 6.4% increase over the same week last year. Canadian oil-by-rail is up 269 cars over last week and up 62% over last year. AAR reports total rail traffic of all cargo was down slightly last month. Carload counts were up but intermodal shipments was down more than three percent.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. crude prices end summer on high note

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become less a fan of primitive camping, but I love the rental cabins placed in our Kansas State Parks. Our church men’s fellowship group often utilizes a couple of the cabins at Kanapolis for a spring fishing trip. Currently, I count rental cabins at 20 Kansas State Parks, on the KS State Fairgrounds and on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. Sadly, I just found out the cabin at McPherson State Fishing Lake is no longer available as a rental.&nbsp;

My brother lives in a cabin in the middle of his 200 acres of southeastern Ohio land. Joe bought some of the land 30 years or so ago as a place to hunt deer, and in the package, also got a place to hunt turkeys and wild hogs, which are not just feral pigs, but descendants of the true Russian wild boars. Beavers inhabit the stream that meanders through the property, and wild ginseng also grows there. Both the land and the cabin have been added-to over the years and now he and his wife live there year-round. I will always remember my first visit there for one wonderful night when the cabin was small.

&nbsp;Much of the land in this area was bought up by coal companies decades ago, strip mined, and, or logged. The rutted, gravel, township road simply became the lane some distance off the blacktop, and we continued driving for several hundred yards, going well beyond the sign that read “the middle of nowhere.” A nice Whitetail buck snubbed us and cantered out of a power line clear cut we passed. We arrived at the nice pole building turned get-away cabin, a little before dark. After the usual time of catching up on the front porch, we drew our sleeping spots and prepared for the night. My metal-framed cot broke as soon as I sat on it, so I tried various ways to make it work, all of which failed miserably. (I blame this on the Denver Bronco blanket my sister-in-law gave me to sleep under. I’m a Chiefs fan, and she knows it!)&nbsp; Anyway, there I lay, trying to coax some sleep from the situation. A symphony of tree frogs began at dark and suddenly ended around midnight, as if by the wave of the conductor’s wand. Calling the night quite is an understatement. Even though Inman KS is small town America, I can’t remember the last time I’d experienced that kind of quiet.

I must have slept some, because the next thing I knew, the first rays of morning light filtered through the cabin window. I decided to rise and make the most of the opportunity. I was not quite early enough to see morning awaken, but as I sat there on the marvelous deck that ran the full width of the cabin, morning was still stretching and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Two humming birds entertained me as they buzzed and chased each other from feeder to feeder. I heard the morning songs of more different birds than I knew existed. The scene before me constantly changed and evolved as the morning sun chased the shadows across the timbered stage.

The cabin sets against a steep hill, so the front deck is several feet above the driveway below. Downhill and beyond the drive, a small creek meandered through a flat, broad meadow between hills. The meadow was littered with hulks of standing, dead trees, reminders of a time when the whole meadow was a beaver pond. Since the property was logged years ago, much of the timber was second growth, making the hillsides thick and overgrown. By sticking to an old perimeter road, we were able to hike and see the lay of the land, despite the dense, tangled overgrowth. Upstream we found the current beaver settlement where they had again dammed the creek into a pond, much smaller than the flooded meadow, but no less an engineering wonder. I walked onto the dam and marveled at the structure of gnawed-off branches and mud that I stood on. (Maybe we should hire beavers to do our highway construction; at least they would work all night!) From the dam, I could see the beaver’s house, a craggy lodge in the upper end of the pond, also built of sticks and mud. A steep climb up a hillside thick with small saplings and vines brought us to a looming rock wall, which seemed strangely out of place. Our destination was a spot where a large cave was formed when the wall separated and a large portion fell down and away from the rest. Water trickled somewhere inside as we shone a flashlight down and into the chasm.&nbsp;

Back at the cabin, I stood in the doorway of the stone “springhouse,” built into the hill behind the cabin, a remnant of life decades ago. These were literally built over running springs of water, and used to cool cans of milk and other perishable food. We all sat on the deck and marveled aloud at God’s Creation on display all around us. As we prepared to follow the rocky drive back toward the blacktop, one last glance assured me that many quiet nights would be spent, many deer and turkeys harvested, and many thoughts of God’s goodness sent skyward, here at this cabin in the southern Ohio woods.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become less a fan of primitive camping, but I love the rental cabins placed in our Kansas State Parks. Our church men’s fellowship group often utilizes a couple of the cabins at Kanapolis for a spring fishing trip. Currently, I count rental cabins at 20 Kansas State Parks, on the KS State Fairgrounds and on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. Sadly, I just found out the cabin at McPherson State Fishing Lake is no longer available as a rental.&nbsp;My brother lives in a cabin in the middle of his 200 acres of southeastern Ohio land. Joe bought some of the land 30 years or so ago as a place to hunt deer, and in the package, also got a place to hunt turkeys and wild hogs, which are not just feral pigs, but descendants of the true Russian wild boars. Beavers inhabit the stream that meanders through the property, and wild ginseng also grows there. Both the land and the cabin have been added-to over the years and now he and his wife live there year-round. I will always remember my first visit there for one wonderful night when the cabin was small.&nbsp;Much of the land in this area was bought up by coal companies decades ago, strip mined, and, or logged. The rutted, gravel, township road simply became the lane some distance off the blacktop, and we continued driving for several hundred yards, going well beyond the sign that read “the middle of nowhere.” A nice Whitetail buck snubbed us and cantered out of a power line clear cut we passed. We arrived at the nice pole building turned get-away cabin, a little before dark. After the usual time of catching up on the front porch, we drew our sleeping spots and prepared for the night. My metal-framed cot broke as soon as I sat on it, so I tried various ways to make it work, all of which failed miserably. (I blame this on the Denver Bronco blanket my sister-in-law gave me to sleep under. I’m a Chiefs fan, and she knows it!)&nbsp; Anyway, there I lay, trying to coax some sleep from the situation. A symphony of tree frogs began at dark and suddenly ended around midnight, as if by the wave of the conductor’s wand. Calling the night quite is an understatement. Even though Inman KS is small town America, I can’t remember the last time I’d experienced that kind of quiet.I must have slept some, because the next thing I knew, the first rays of morning light filtered through the cabin window. I decided to rise and make the most of the opportunity. I was not quite early enough to see morning awaken, but as I sat there on the marvelous deck that ran the full width of the cabin, morning was still stretching and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Two humming birds entertained me as they buzzed and chased each other from feeder to feeder. I heard the morning songs of more different birds than I knew existed. The scene before me constantly changed and evolved as the morning sun chased the shadows across the timbered stage.The cabin sets against a steep hill, so the front deck is several feet above the driveway below. Downhill and beyond the drive, a small creek meandered through a flat, broad meadow between hills. The meadow was littered with hulks of standing, dead trees, reminders of a time when the whole meadow was a beaver pond. Since the property was logged years ago, much of the timber was second growth, making the hillsides thick and overgrown. By sticking to an old perimeter road, we were able to hike and see the lay of the land, despite the dense, tangled overgrowth. Upstream we found the current beaver settlement where they had again dammed the creek into a pond, much smaller than the flooded meadow, but no less an engineering wonder. I walked onto the dam and marveled at the structure of gnawed-off branches and mud that I stood on. (Maybe we should hire beavers to do our highway construction; at least they would work all night!) From the dam, I could see the beaver’s house, a craggy lodge in the upper end of the pond, also built of sticks and mud. A steep climb up a hillside thick with small saplings and vines brought us to a looming rock wall, which seemed strangely out of place. Our destination was a spot where a large cave was formed when the wall separated and a large portion fell down and away from the rest. Water trickled somewhere inside as we shone a flashlight down and into the chasm.&nbsp;Back at the cabin, I stood in the doorway of the stone “springhouse,” built into the hill behind the cabin, a remnant of life decades ago. These were literally built over running springs of water, and used to cool cans of milk and other perishable food. We all sat on the deck and marveled aloud at God’s Creation on display all around us. As we prepared to follow the rocky drive back toward the blacktop, one last glance assured me that many quiet nights would be spent, many deer and turkeys harvested, and many thoughts of God’s goodness sent skyward, here at this cabin in the southern Ohio woods.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: In praise of cabins

One state group sees increase of kids who have not previously sought treatment&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Even as many parts of society begin to return to near normal routines, mental health specialists continue to monitor how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the mental health of Americans.&nbsp;

Elaine Johannes,&nbsp;the Kansas Health Foundation Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, is especially interested in how teenagers are adjusting to new rules and ways of doing things.&nbsp;

“Many of us have had kids at home and we’ve raised some teenagers into adulthood and we understand what happens in that developmental stage where maybe the young person is not sure of their identity, not sure of how well they’re performing compared to peers, and maybe they’re not comfortable in their own skin because they’re growing so quickly – and that all creates anxiety,” Johannes said.&nbsp;

In the first few months of the pandemic, the&nbsp;<a href="https://4-h.org/about/research/#!healthy-living">National 4-H Council commissioned a survey</a>&nbsp;that concluded that more than 7 in 10 kids between the ages of 13-19 are struggling with their mental health.&nbsp;

Those numbers have seemingly not gotten better in the year since, as the global pandemic creeps toward two years of changed routines.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587396580203.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>One state group sees increase of kids who have not previously sought treatment&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – Even as many parts of society begin to return to near normal routines, mental health specialists continue to monitor how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the mental health of Americans.&nbsp;Elaine Johannes,&nbsp;the Kansas Health Foundation Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, is especially interested in how teenagers are adjusting to new rules and ways of doing things.&nbsp;“Many of us have had kids at home and we’ve raised some teenagers into adulthood and we understand what happens in that developmental stage where maybe the young person is not sure of their identity, not sure of how well they’re performing compared to peers, and maybe they’re not comfortable in their own skin because they’re growing so quickly – and that all creates anxiety,” Johannes said.&nbsp;In the first few months of the pandemic, the&nbsp;<a href="https://4-h.org/about/research/#!healthy-living">National 4-H Council commissioned a survey</a>&nbsp;that concluded that more than 7 in 10 kids between the ages of 13-19 are struggling with their mental health.&nbsp;Those numbers have seemingly not gotten better in the year since, as the global pandemic creeps toward two years of changed routines.&nbsp;James Roberson, the vice president of programs and innovation for KVC Hospitals -- a system that provides children’s psychiatric treatment at facilities in Kansas City, Wichita and Hays – said his organization is seeing an increase of kids who have never sought treatment for mental health previously.&nbsp;“The scary part is what we know about mental health,” he said. “It’s a little different from physical health because we don’t just look at the organic. We look at the context of the child in their environment, and the pandemic has really changed all of their environments.”&nbsp;Roberson said support groups like KVC are working to become more visible in communities, break down the stigma of mental illness and work directly with families.&nbsp;“I have not met a family yet that has regretted having their child engage in therapy,” he said. “The opportunity to get your child in front of a professional who can do an assessment and tell you that everything is okay, keep doing what you’re doing -- or to let you know that what they’re feeling is clinical – I think that is really valuable.”&nbsp;Johannes said parents are key to their child’s mental well-being.&nbsp;“It’s really up to the adults to understand their role in modeling, coping, talking about and helping the child to become resilient,” she said. “It’s the adults that can look for positive behaviors that they can support.”&nbsp;Roberson added: “You don’t have to sit back and say, ‘is my child resilient or not resilient?’ No matter how old your child is, they’re actively developing resilience. If you’re present in their lives and you are helping them navigate the problems that they’re facing at school or in relationships…every time you help them solve problems, you’re building their resilience.”&nbsp;Johannes said K-State Research and Extension is working to provide a mental health curriculum to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/">Kansas 4-H</a>&nbsp;Clubs that is a self-guided study on how children can recognize behavioral health in themselves.&nbsp;KVC Hospitals also is&nbsp;<a href="https://hospitals.kvc.org/freeceus/">hosting a free, three-part webinar series</a>&nbsp;beginning Sept. 13 to help families recognize and cope with mental health issues. That series also is offering free continuing education units for professionals.&nbsp;Recognizing and treating mental health, “is just not that clean and simple,” Roberson said.&nbsp; “We want people to have a sophisticated understanding of how they’re experiencing the world and how people around them support that. And I think teens are ready for this; they’re eager. We as providers and as a state system owe them solutions so that they can be their best selves and live a happy, long life.”&nbsp;

Local