HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;Sixteen new law enforcement officers, including one from Hays, graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on July 2 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.

Officer Jonathon Davis of the Altamont Police Department was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Finney County Sheriff Kevin Bascue. Mike Satterlee, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 280th Basic Training Class.

Davis and fellow officer Christopher Moyer as well as deputies Sarah Howard, Jesse McOwen and Austin Tillman walked, ran or biked more than 200 miles during their time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club, including push-ups, sit-ups and a timed run. Moyer was singled out during the ceremony for having run more miles than any other student in the 280th. McOwen was honored as the student with the most improved fitness since the beginning of basic training. Spencer Medina from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks was recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class “Top Shot.”

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The graduates, who began their training in March 2021, represented 13 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625845245673.jpeg" alt="Officer Jared Engel, Hays Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Officer Jared Engel, Hays Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KLETCHUTCHINSON —&nbsp;Sixteen new law enforcement officers, including one from Hays, graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on July 2 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.Officer Jonathon Davis of the Altamont Police Department was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Finney County Sheriff Kevin Bascue. Mike Satterlee, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 280th Basic Training Class.Davis and fellow officer Christopher Moyer as well as deputies Sarah Howard, Jesse McOwen and Austin Tillman walked, ran or biked more than 200 miles during their time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club, including push-ups, sit-ups and a timed run. Moyer was singled out during the ceremony for having run more miles than any other student in the 280th. McOwen was honored as the student with the most improved fitness since the beginning of basic training. Spencer Medina from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks was recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class “Top Shot.”Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.The graduates, who began their training in March 2021, represented 13 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Area graduates include:&nbsp;* Jared Engel, Hays Police Department

Hays police officer graduates from Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center

Three-day weather outlook

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,776 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625852180120.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported three new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 3,776 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

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

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny shares the latest from the library.

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

<div><iframe title="Summer activities continue at the Hays Public Library" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=v2yp3-1088cb6-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny shares the latest from the library. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Summer activities continue at the Hays Public Library

The Ellis County Public Works Road and Bridge Division is
announcing that an asphalt overlay project will take place between Butterfield
Trail and Spring Hill Road. 

The 800, 900 and 1000 blocks of 240th Avenue
between Butterfield Trail and Spring Hill Road will be closed to through
traffic as the project progresses. 

This project will begin at 7:30 a.m. on
Monday in the 800 block of 240th Avenue and will open and close as
the project progresses to the north. The estimated completion date is July
16, pending weather conditions. 

Motorists traveling in the affected closure
area should use alternate routes of travel until the project is completed.


Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road and Bridge
Division at 785-628-9455. Your cooperation during this project is appreciated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616104351249.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis CountyThe Ellis County Public Works Road and Bridge Division is
announcing that an asphalt overlay project will take place between Butterfield
Trail and Spring Hill Road. The 800, 900 and 1000 blocks of 240th Avenue
between Butterfield Trail and Spring Hill Road will be closed to through
traffic as the project progresses. This project will begin at 7:30 a.m. on
Monday in the 800 block of 240th Avenue and will open and close as
the project progresses to the north. The estimated completion date is July
16, pending weather conditions. Motorists traveling in the affected closure
area should use alternate routes of travel until the project is completed.
Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road and Bridge
Division at 785-628-9455. Your cooperation during this project is appreciated.

Asphalt overlay to begin Monday on portion of 240th Avenue

By JOE VINDUSKA Barton County Community College

GREAT BEND — Barton Natural Gas Instructor Shawgi Ahmed worked for the Ministry of Oil in Sudan for 16 years as a Senior Project Engineer until his passion for education brought him all the way to the center of the United States to share his knowledge in 2019. He holds a wealth of experience in the field and a doctorate in petroleum engineering. He is a skilled researcher and several of his articles have been published, but teaching is what truly inspires him. “I love to teach students and empower them to advance professionally throughout their prospective careers, which can enable them to have a better quality of life,” he said. “Ultimately, this provides me more pride than anything else I do.”&nbsp; Ahmed said Natural Gas is a vital part of the energy infrastructure for the world and there is a plethora of jobs available right now and beyond.

“The dependency of the energy global market on natural gas is growing,” he said. “Unlike other fuels such as coal and oil, natural gas is clean energy (less CO2 emission), has a lower and more stable price and can be easily transported. The natural gas supply chain includes different business lines, such as production, processing, transportation, storage facilities, and measurement (metering) systems. Therefore, gas companies are always looking for technicians that have knowledge in those areas.”

Ahmed said that finding jobs for his students is his top priority and that there are many. A career in natural gas can be lucrative with starting salaries in some positions fetching up to $50,000 annually or more and said the in-depth and hands-on nature of Barton’s program is rare.&nbsp; “The natural gas program at Barton is designed to provide students with immense knowledge and hands-on skills that can help them to find jobs,” he said. “It is worth mentioning that some of the gas companies continually send us opening positions for gas technicians and operators.”

Ahmed has recently had articles published about best practices for maintaining the integrity of storage containers and transmission systems integrity so that natural gas can be stocked and moved safely and in an environmentally friendly way. He said it is important to him to contribute to the academic community surrounding natural gas and energy so that we may continue to utilize them as a resource in society and he enjoys the dialogue of education at all levels, not just in the classroom.

His most recent published articles are titled “Failure Mechanisms of the Wellbore Mechanical Barrier Systems: Implications for Well Integrity” and “Performance Evaluation of Liner Dual Barrier System in CO2 -rich Geothermal Wells.” “My research provides the reader with invaluable information regarding the existing knowledge gaps and limitations of current industry standards and regulatory guidelines,” he said. “The objective of this article is to minimize the risk of failure in the oil and gas wells and to elevate the safety level.”

For more information on Barton’s Natural Gas Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bartonccc.edu/careerprograms/naturalgas">naturalgas.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or contact Ahmed at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ahmeds@bartonccc.edu">ahmeds@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or call (620) 792-9381.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625782190297.jpeg" alt="Shawgi Ahmed" />
 <figcaption>Shawgi Ahmed</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE VINDUSKA Barton County Community CollegeGREAT BEND — Barton Natural Gas Instructor Shawgi Ahmed worked for the Ministry of Oil in Sudan for 16 years as a Senior Project Engineer until his passion for education brought him all the way to the center of the United States to share his knowledge in 2019. He holds a wealth of experience in the field and a doctorate in petroleum engineering. He is a skilled researcher and several of his articles have been published, but teaching is what truly inspires him. “I love to teach students and empower them to advance professionally throughout their prospective careers, which can enable them to have a better quality of life,” he said. “Ultimately, this provides me more pride than anything else I do.”&nbsp; Ahmed said Natural Gas is a vital part of the energy infrastructure for the world and there is a plethora of jobs available right now and beyond.“The dependency of the energy global market on natural gas is growing,” he said. “Unlike other fuels such as coal and oil, natural gas is clean energy (less CO2 emission), has a lower and more stable price and can be easily transported. The natural gas supply chain includes different business lines, such as production, processing, transportation, storage facilities, and measurement (metering) systems. Therefore, gas companies are always looking for technicians that have knowledge in those areas.”Ahmed said that finding jobs for his students is his top priority and that there are many. A career in natural gas can be lucrative with starting salaries in some positions fetching up to $50,000 annually or more and said the in-depth and hands-on nature of Barton’s program is rare.&nbsp; “The natural gas program at Barton is designed to provide students with immense knowledge and hands-on skills that can help them to find jobs,” he said. “It is worth mentioning that some of the gas companies continually send us opening positions for gas technicians and operators.”Ahmed has recently had articles published about best practices for maintaining the integrity of storage containers and transmission systems integrity so that natural gas can be stocked and moved safely and in an environmentally friendly way. He said it is important to him to contribute to the academic community surrounding natural gas and energy so that we may continue to utilize them as a resource in society and he enjoys the dialogue of education at all levels, not just in the classroom.His most recent published articles are titled “Failure Mechanisms of the Wellbore Mechanical Barrier Systems: Implications for Well Integrity” and “Performance Evaluation of Liner Dual Barrier System in CO2 -rich Geothermal Wells.” “My research provides the reader with invaluable information regarding the existing knowledge gaps and limitations of current industry standards and regulatory guidelines,” he said. “The objective of this article is to minimize the risk of failure in the oil and gas wells and to elevate the safety level.”For more information on Barton’s Natural Gas Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bartonccc.edu/careerprograms/naturalgas">naturalgas.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or contact Ahmed at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ahmeds@bartonccc.edu">ahmeds@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or call (620) 792-9381.

Natural gas instructor travels from Sudan to share his knowledge

High Plains Mental Health Center is pleased to announce it has received funding to implement Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic services. A $2 million, two-year grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will enable HPMHC to significantly expand regional access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services.&nbsp;

“This is great news for Northwest Kansas. Our communities have been telling us they see a need for additional mental health and substance use treatment and resource options, and this funding and enhanced program status will enable us to fill some of the existing rural service gaps,” said Walt Hill, executive director of HPMHC. “This also comes at an ideal time, as we know the Covid-19 pandemic already has and will continue to increase mental health concerns.”

The CCBHC grant project will include several key program areas, which will be implemented within four months of the award. Significant goals will be to provide enhanced and more rapid access to services for clients who need to enter services and reach out for initial assessment. HPMHC will contract with two additional qualified mental health professionals who will assist with screening and referral via telemedicine. We will also hire two client care coordinators/navigators, who will assist new clients entering services and also help coordinate care for established clients.

HPMHC also will significantly expand its existing treatment program for clients with Substance Use Disorders. We will contract with a telemedicine psychiatrist to provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for clients in recovery who could benefit from prescribed medication in addition to therapy. MAT is primarily used to treat those in recovery from addiction to certain opioids, such as heroin or prescribed pain pills. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of the opioids, relieve physical cravings and normalize body functions. HPMHC will also hire two additional SUD counselors and a peer recovery coach to further expand recovery services. Mental illness often co-occurs with substance use disorders; expanded SUD services will equip HPMHC staff to further integrate care and specialize treatment based on each client’s needs.

We will also increase our integrated physical health care efforts by placing two additional outpatient therapists at integrated care locations, such as regional hospitals or primary healthcare clinics. We will also expand an existing “health home” service program for clients with Serious Mental Illness and increase screening for high-risk illnesses, such as HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis. HPMHC staff will work with regional healthcare providers to make referrals for those needing primary services.

The CCBHC implementation project will also create an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) outreach team, an evidence-based intensive and integrated approach to community mental health services. This team will provide outreach services in the community and will include one registered nurse, two case managers, a peer support specialist and an additional qualified mental health professional. This team will work within the community to help stabilize individuals experiencing mental health crises in efforts to help the individual access services and deter hospitalization. While this innovative program will initially be launched in Hays (the region’s most populous city), HPMHC hopes to eventually expand this service and provide enhanced crisis response services throughout the region, either by telemedicine or on-site.

There also will be an enhanced focus on public outreach and education, with emphasis placed on high-risk and underserved populations, including military veterans, regional farm/agriculture workers and Hispanic/Latino populations. An additional Mental Health First Aid instructor will be added to HPMHC’s existing staff team of three trainers. Additional professional development training will be made available to HPMHC staff, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. An advisory work group will be established to provide input and guidance regarding CCBHC implementation. This group will include clients with lived experience or their loved ones/support persons and county stakeholders. Applications are being accepted for the CCBHC work group. For more information, or to see the career opportunities created by this project, visit hpmhc.com.

The CCBHC model of care was approved in the state of Kansas this spring, making Kansas the first state to pass legislation identifying this model as a solution to the current mental health and substance use crisis. The CCBHC model, however, is not new –&nbsp; the U.S. currently has 340 CCBHCs operating in 40 states. Several other Community Mental Health Centers in Kansas already have received or are working toward CCBHC status. CCBHCs are designed to address suicide prevention, overdose deaths, barriers to timely treatment access, inadequate care for veterans and active military, and to reduce existing burdens on jails and hospital emergency departments.&nbsp;

High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed community mental health center dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of Northwest Kansas. Embodied in this pursuit are fundamental principles of establishing quality services as close to home as possible, at an affordable fee, and delivered in the least disruptive manner available. Such services will offer a continuum of care so that treatment can be individualized, and our staff can respond quickly and compassionately to those reaching out to us. We’re Here for You!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578344475899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseHigh Plains Mental Health Center is pleased to announce it has received funding to implement Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic services. A $2 million, two-year grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will enable HPMHC to significantly expand regional access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services.&nbsp;“This is great news for Northwest Kansas. Our communities have been telling us they see a need for additional mental health and substance use treatment and resource options, and this funding and enhanced program status will enable us to fill some of the existing rural service gaps,” said Walt Hill, executive director of HPMHC. “This also comes at an ideal time, as we know the Covid-19 pandemic already has and will continue to increase mental health concerns.”The CCBHC grant project will include several key program areas, which will be implemented within four months of the award. Significant goals will be to provide enhanced and more rapid access to services for clients who need to enter services and reach out for initial assessment. HPMHC will contract with two additional qualified mental health professionals who will assist with screening and referral via telemedicine. We will also hire two client care coordinators/navigators, who will assist new clients entering services and also help coordinate care for established clients.HPMHC also will significantly expand its existing treatment program for clients with Substance Use Disorders. We will contract with a telemedicine psychiatrist to provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for clients in recovery who could benefit from prescribed medication in addition to therapy. MAT is primarily used to treat those in recovery from addiction to certain opioids, such as heroin or prescribed pain pills. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of the opioids, relieve physical cravings and normalize body functions. HPMHC will also hire two additional SUD counselors and a peer recovery coach to further expand recovery services. Mental illness often co-occurs with substance use disorders; expanded SUD services will equip HPMHC staff to further integrate care and specialize treatment based on each client’s needs.We will also increase our integrated physical health care efforts by placing two additional outpatient therapists at integrated care locations, such as regional hospitals or primary healthcare clinics. We will also expand an existing “health home” service program for clients with Serious Mental Illness and increase screening for high-risk illnesses, such as HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis. HPMHC staff will work with regional healthcare providers to make referrals for those needing primary services.The CCBHC implementation project will also create an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) outreach team, an evidence-based intensive and integrated approach to community mental health services. This team will provide outreach services in the community and will include one registered nurse, two case managers, a peer support specialist and an additional qualified mental health professional. This team will work within the community to help stabilize individuals experiencing mental health crises in efforts to help the individual access services and deter hospitalization. While this innovative program will initially be launched in Hays (the region’s most populous city), HPMHC hopes to eventually expand this service and provide enhanced crisis response services throughout the region, either by telemedicine or on-site.There also will be an enhanced focus on public outreach and education, with emphasis placed on high-risk and underserved populations, including military veterans, regional farm/agriculture workers and Hispanic/Latino populations. An additional Mental Health First Aid instructor will be added to HPMHC’s existing staff team of three trainers. Additional professional development training will be made available to HPMHC staff, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. An advisory work group will be established to provide input and guidance regarding CCBHC implementation. This group will include clients with lived experience or their loved ones/support persons and county stakeholders. Applications are being accepted for the CCBHC work group. For more information, or to see the career opportunities created by this project, visit hpmhc.com.The CCBHC model of care was approved in the state of Kansas this spring, making Kansas the first state to pass legislation identifying this model as a solution to the current mental health and substance use crisis. The CCBHC model, however, is not new –&nbsp; the U.S. currently has 340 CCBHCs operating in 40 states. Several other Community Mental Health Centers in Kansas already have received or are working toward CCBHC status. CCBHCs are designed to address suicide prevention, overdose deaths, barriers to timely treatment access, inadequate care for veterans and active military, and to reduce existing burdens on jails and hospital emergency departments.&nbsp;High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed community mental health center dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of Northwest Kansas. Embodied in this pursuit are fundamental principles of establishing quality services as close to home as possible, at an affordable fee, and delivered in the least disruptive manner available. Such services will offer a continuum of care so that treatment can be individualized, and our staff can respond quickly and compassionately to those reaching out to us. We’re Here for You!

High Plains receives CCBHC status; plans to enhance regional services

On Monday, Morgan Brothers Construction will begin replacing select areas of 18th Street pavement between Milner and Vine streets. &nbsp;The street will remain open to traffic with some areas coned off. &nbsp;

Construction will take approximately a week and a half. &nbsp;Contact the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625841982856.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysOn Monday, Morgan Brothers Construction will begin replacing select areas of 18th Street pavement between Milner and Vine streets. &nbsp;The street will remain open to traffic with some areas coned off. &nbsp;See the map above.&nbsp;Construction will take approximately a week and a half. &nbsp;Contact the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 for more information.

Portion of 18th Street pavement to be replaced; street remains open

After hearing from several friends recently about pest problems they have, this story from my youth comes to mind. Given society’s current penchant for looking at problems through emotional eyes only, I’ll probably get roasted for this one, but here goes anyway.

&nbsp;Amongst all its other merits, high school FFA was OK in my book because we had pest hunts! Pest hunts started in the fall and ran for a couple months. We divided into teams of four or five and for those couple months killed all the pests we could kill. Everything had a point value; starlings and blackbirds were two points each, pigeons were five and so on and so forth, and it was a simple competition to see which team could accumulate the most points by the end of the time period. As proof of “capture,” the heads of all birds were kept, and the tails were kept from mice, rats, possums’ and most everything else. And since all “trophies” were accumulated until the contest was over, they naturally had to be housed in the freezer. And since most folks only had one freezer back then, it was the same freezer where all the frozen meat, vegetables and fruit were kept. Yup, more than once I remember mom screamin’ my name in capital letters when she came up with a bag full of bird heads or possum tails instead of the frozen corn or hamburgers she was after.

The pest hunting game plan was fairly straightforward. We were all farm kids, so mice and rats were killed as we saw them around the barn. We were also hunters and trappers so possums were found squashed along the road or caught in our coon’ traps. Bird hunting gigs were the trickiest. Most barns where I grew up were three or four stories tall with hay lofts on each end. There was always a window high in each end of the barn with a ladder running up the inside wall to the window. One hunter would climb each ladder up to the window, turn around and prepare to swat birds as they headed toward the window, all the while somehow holding onto the ladder for dear life. Now that doesn’t sound all that dangerous, but here’s the thing; it was all done in the dead of night.&nbsp;

Here’s how the process worked. Our team would quietly converge on a barn around 10pm or so. (Of the whole process, the “quietly” part was the toughest.) Remember this was winter so everyone was dressed in old army jackets and mud boots, except the designated “swatters” for that night’s offensive, who had to dress warmly but in clothing that fit loosely around the shoulders so as not to impede their swing once they got into place at the top of the ladders. Clubs for the battle ranged from top-of-the-line gear like tennis or badminton rackets to more simple weapons like a scrap board with a handle nailed to it. Once the climbing swatters were inserted and in place, the rest of the militia on the floor would turn on lights and make as much noise as possible, attempting to roust any birds roosted inside, which would inevitably head for the windows, now guarded by the “swatters.”&nbsp; Snipers (with pellet guns) would begin picking off any drowsy birds still clinging to their perches after the melee started.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, at the tops of the ladders startled birds were flying into a trap, and the action could be fast and furious as flustered birds of all shapes and sizes tried to fly out the windows, and Heaven help you if one of those birds was an owl, which we obviously did not swat, but that would ring your bell if they flew into you. For starters, you only had one hand available to swat as the other was rather busy holding onto an old rickety ladder that you hoped would not crumble into pieces and dump you into the hay below. These were still the days of small square bales of hay and straw which might have been only a few feet below you, or twenty feet below you depending on how much the farmer had used already. It was still pretty dark up there and with birds often coming at you several at a time, it was impossible to swat them all. The ones you missed either flew around, coming back for a second try, or just hit you in the face from the get-go. In the midst of the assault, it could be raining dead bird carcasses down on the floor and it wasn’t out of the question to get “beaned” with the corpse of a deceased pigeon of starling if you were down there. We always tried to make sure the guys on the ground with the pellet guns were the most even-tempered of the group, thereby lessening the chance that one of the swatters would get shot in the butt for inadvertently beaning someone with a bird cadaver. After all forms of pest-life seemed to be vanquished from a barn, out came the flashlights and it was time to collect the spoils, leaving the neighborhood barn cats quite a feast indeed for allowing us to invade their territory.

&nbsp;How many times have you looked back upon crazy things you did as a kid and wondered how in blazes you ever survived past the age of nine? Every time I drive past a tall barn with windows in each end, I stare up at the windows and ask myself “Did we really used to do that?” Well, I’ve lived well past the age of nine and another part of me has to wonder if the world would be a better place today if we just had more pest hunts. 

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>After hearing from several friends recently about pest problems they have, this story from my youth comes to mind. Given society’s current penchant for looking at problems through emotional eyes only, I’ll probably get roasted for this one, but here goes anyway.&nbsp;Amongst all its other merits, high school FFA was OK in my book because we had pest hunts! Pest hunts started in the fall and ran for a couple months. We divided into teams of four or five and for those couple months killed all the pests we could kill. Everything had a point value; starlings and blackbirds were two points each, pigeons were five and so on and so forth, and it was a simple competition to see which team could accumulate the most points by the end of the time period. As proof of “capture,” the heads of all birds were kept, and the tails were kept from mice, rats, possums’ and most everything else. And since all “trophies” were accumulated until the contest was over, they naturally had to be housed in the freezer. And since most folks only had one freezer back then, it was the same freezer where all the frozen meat, vegetables and fruit were kept. Yup, more than once I remember mom screamin’ my name in capital letters when she came up with a bag full of bird heads or possum tails instead of the frozen corn or hamburgers she was after.The pest hunting game plan was fairly straightforward. We were all farm kids, so mice and rats were killed as we saw them around the barn. We were also hunters and trappers so possums were found squashed along the road or caught in our coon’ traps. Bird hunting gigs were the trickiest. Most barns where I grew up were three or four stories tall with hay lofts on each end. There was always a window high in each end of the barn with a ladder running up the inside wall to the window. One hunter would climb each ladder up to the window, turn around and prepare to swat birds as they headed toward the window, all the while somehow holding onto the ladder for dear life. Now that doesn’t sound all that dangerous, but here’s the thing; it was all done in the dead of night.&nbsp;Here’s how the process worked. Our team would quietly converge on a barn around 10pm or so. (Of the whole process, the “quietly” part was the toughest.) Remember this was winter so everyone was dressed in old army jackets and mud boots, except the designated “swatters” for that night’s offensive, who had to dress warmly but in clothing that fit loosely around the shoulders so as not to impede their swing once they got into place at the top of the ladders. Clubs for the battle ranged from top-of-the-line gear like tennis or badminton rackets to more simple weapons like a scrap board with a handle nailed to it. Once the climbing swatters were inserted and in place, the rest of the militia on the floor would turn on lights and make as much noise as possible, attempting to roust any birds roosted inside, which would inevitably head for the windows, now guarded by the “swatters.”&nbsp; Snipers (with pellet guns) would begin picking off any drowsy birds still clinging to their perches after the melee started.&nbsp;Meanwhile, at the tops of the ladders startled birds were flying into a trap, and the action could be fast and furious as flustered birds of all shapes and sizes tried to fly out the windows, and Heaven help you if one of those birds was an owl, which we obviously did not swat, but that would ring your bell if they flew into you. For starters, you only had one hand available to swat as the other was rather busy holding onto an old rickety ladder that you hoped would not crumble into pieces and dump you into the hay below. These were still the days of small square bales of hay and straw which might have been only a few feet below you, or twenty feet below you depending on how much the farmer had used already. It was still pretty dark up there and with birds often coming at you several at a time, it was impossible to swat them all. The ones you missed either flew around, coming back for a second try, or just hit you in the face from the get-go. In the midst of the assault, it could be raining dead bird carcasses down on the floor and it wasn’t out of the question to get “beaned” with the corpse of a deceased pigeon of starling if you were down there. We always tried to make sure the guys on the ground with the pellet guns were the most even-tempered of the group, thereby lessening the chance that one of the swatters would get shot in the butt for inadvertently beaning someone with a bird cadaver. After all forms of pest-life seemed to be vanquished from a barn, out came the flashlights and it was time to collect the spoils, leaving the neighborhood barn cats quite a feast indeed for allowing us to invade their territory.&nbsp;How many times have you looked back upon crazy things you did as a kid and wondered how in blazes you ever survived past the age of nine? Every time I drive past a tall barn with windows in each end, I stare up at the windows and ask myself “Did we really used to do that?” Well, I’ve lived well past the age of nine and another part of me has to wonder if the world would be a better place today if we just had more pest hunts. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Oh, for pest hunts again!

For the 74th&nbsp;consecutive year, the High Plains Music Camp will offer students the opportunity to work with a wide range of outstanding musicians from across the country. Beginning on Sunday, July 11, Fort Hays State University’s High Plains Music Camp&nbsp;will host a wide range of musical concerts and performances, all open to the public and free of charge.

Performances will include the 35th&nbsp;Infantry Band (Kansas Army National Guard), the Camper Honor Recital, Faculty Strings and Faculty Band, and scenes from&nbsp;Camelot&nbsp;plus additional camper and faculty ensembles.&nbsp;

The week culminates on Saturday, with the collective camp ensembles beginning at 9:00 am and taking place throughout the day. Concurrent events will be held in the Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall and the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in the morning, while all afternoon performances will be in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

View more information about the camp and the full schedule at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGLAejYsId3c0PW7apeG37qI5s5fSZ0sMq0yvDK-2BMuboRjIiMX-2FYDDtwx95meccmNA-3D-3DSgvs_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BtNyYQJPGZifW5RP4sEMKz-2F5NAp2mYGUfBUT7VC9ir361Gs8Jvz410dTVg6kwsWn8qi9Kqx-2BjPk34M6UTIJs-2B1bIa1X6ZggNPwWckFCs5V9-2Bb-2BPXRP9raewoLrWoJvjnYDjoA5HwLElNGJDdOakAVNm49uDAuongGnnbCpytFv-2FiAaiKhaKv4uItWy-2BkmliV1ZUBLgn0XxNN9o-2B-2Bg3uEQsJGUGWWoPiACWmDx8Rx2tV355-2FhMBWUsBhlXuFdx6RPC">fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/musiccamp</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625847796985.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFor the 74th&nbsp;consecutive year, the High Plains Music Camp will offer students the opportunity to work with a wide range of outstanding musicians from across the country. Beginning on Sunday, July 11, Fort Hays State University’s High Plains Music Camp&nbsp;will host a wide range of musical concerts and performances, all open to the public and free of charge.Performances will include the 35th&nbsp;Infantry Band (Kansas Army National Guard), the Camper Honor Recital, Faculty Strings and Faculty Band, and scenes from&nbsp;Camelot&nbsp;plus additional camper and faculty ensembles.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Monday, July 12 at 7:00 pm, HPMC Faculty-Staff Recital in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center (in Sheridan Hall)</li><li>Tuesday, July 13 at 7:00 pm, 35th&nbsp;Infantry Division Band (Kansas Army National Guard) Concert in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center</li><li>Wednesday, July 14 at 7:00 pm, HPMC Student Honor Recital at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center</li><li>Thursday, July 15 at 7:00 pm, Faculty Chamber Strings and Band Concert at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center</li><li>Friday, July 16 at 6:00 pm,&nbsp;Camelot&nbsp;scenes at the Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall followed by the High School Alternative Strings at 6:45 pm.&nbsp;</li><li>Friday, July 16 at 6:00 pm, Student Jazz Concert followed by the Faculty Jazz Concert at 7:30 pm at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center</li>
 </ul>The week culminates on Saturday, with the collective camp ensembles beginning at 9:00 am and taking place throughout the day. Concurrent events will be held in the Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall and the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in the morning, while all afternoon performances will be in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.View more information about the camp and the full schedule at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGLAejYsId3c0PW7apeG37qI5s5fSZ0sMq0yvDK-2BMuboRjIiMX-2FYDDtwx95meccmNA-3D-3DSgvs_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BtNyYQJPGZifW5RP4sEMKz-2F5NAp2mYGUfBUT7VC9ir361Gs8Jvz410dTVg6kwsWn8qi9Kqx-2BjPk34M6UTIJs-2B1bIa1X6ZggNPwWckFCs5V9-2Bb-2BPXRP9raewoLrWoJvjnYDjoA5HwLElNGJDdOakAVNm49uDAuongGnnbCpytFv-2FiAaiKhaKv4uItWy-2BkmliV1ZUBLgn0XxNN9o-2B-2Bg3uEQsJGUGWWoPiACWmDx8Rx2tV355-2FhMBWUsBhlXuFdx6RPC">fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/musiccamp</a>.

High Plains Music Camp free concerts at Fort Hays State

On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares the latest from the Rural Housing Incentive district project and upcoming programs at BriefSpace.

<div><iframe title="Housing project development continues" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=w6exm-1085b5c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares the latest from the Rural Housing Incentive district project and upcoming programs at BriefSpace.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Housing project development continues

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Dogs wagged their tails, kittens purred, and children held paws at the <a href="https://hshponline.org/">Humane Society of the High Plains</a> Thursday afternoon in a special event that paired kids with animals seeking forever homes.

Read with the Animals was sponsored by the <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/">Hays Public Library</a>. Fifty children visited the shelter as part of the event. Registration had to be closed early because of the high demand for limited spots.

"With this particular project, we had two main goals in mind," Amie Tabora, library youth programming coordinator, said. "First, we wanted to bring attention to the animals that were here, of course.

"The main plan on my side was to tell the community they don't need to be an introvert who likes drinking tea and reading encyclopedias to be a reader. You can go out. You can go about. You can read to anything that will listen or not listen."

She said the program allowed some kids to overcome fear or shyness.

"When we had this program last year, I had multiple parents come to me after the program with kids who had hard times talking to adults or just people in school," she said. "They had such a great time reading to the animals because the animals can't judge you."

The event also helped bring awareness and foot traffic to the shelter.&nbsp;

"I enjoyed it," said Georgia Rose Olson, 8, of Hays. "My favorite part was when I got to pet the kittens and hold them. ...

"One of them let me read to them. One of them stayed still enough."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625781428602.jpeg" alt="A boy reads to kittens at the Humane Society of the High Plains as part of the Hays Public Library Read to the Animals event on Thursday. Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A boy reads to kittens at the Humane Society of the High Plains as part of the Hays Public Library Read to the Animals event on Thursday. Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDogs wagged their tails, kittens purred, and children held paws at the <a href="https://hshponline.org/">Humane Society of the High Plains</a> Thursday afternoon in a special event that paired kids with animals seeking forever homes.Read with the Animals was sponsored by the <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/">Hays Public Library</a>. Fifty children visited the shelter as part of the event. Registration had to be closed early because of the high demand for limited spots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625854507140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"With this particular project, we had two main goals in mind," Amie Tabora, library youth programming coordinator, said. "First, we wanted to bring attention to the animals that were here, of course."The main plan on my side was to tell the community they don't need to be an introvert who likes drinking tea and reading encyclopedias to be a reader. You can go out. You can go about. You can read to anything that will listen or not listen."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625855659723.jpeg" alt="Braybee Tincknell, 10, of Hays holds a dog's paw while he reads to it Thursday at the Humane Society of the High Plains." />
 <figcaption>Braybee Tincknell, 10, of Hays holds a dog's paw while he reads to it Thursday at the Humane Society of the High Plains.</figcaption>
 </figure>She said the program allowed some kids to overcome fear or shyness."When we had this program last year, I had multiple parents come to me after the program with kids who had hard times talking to adults or just people in school," she said. "They had such a great time reading to the animals because the animals can't judge you."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625854624411.jpeg" alt="Father Stean Olson reads to his son Jack Olson, 6, and daughter Georgia Rose, 8, in the cat room at the Humane Society of the High Plains Thursday afternoon." />
 <figcaption>Father Stean Olson reads to his son Jack Olson, 6, and daughter Georgia Rose, 8, in the cat room at the Humane Society of the High Plains Thursday afternoon.</figcaption>
 </figure>The event also helped bring awareness and foot traffic to the shelter.&nbsp;"I enjoyed it," said Georgia Rose Olson, 8, of Hays. "My favorite part was when I got to pet the kittens and hold them. ..."One of them let me read to them. One of them stayed still enough."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625855622699.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625854554242.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625855802384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625855860222.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625856270411.jpeg" alt="Braybee Tincknell, 10, of Hays takes a break from reading to a dog awaiting adoption at the Humane Society of the High Plains." />
 <figcaption>Braybee Tincknell, 10, of Hays takes a break from reading to a dog awaiting adoption at the Humane Society of the High Plains.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625856341804.jpeg" alt="Peyton Neuburger, 8, of Hays reads to a dog Thursday at the Humane Society of the High Plains." />
 <figcaption>Peyton Neuburger, 8, of Hays reads to a dog Thursday at the Humane Society of the High Plains.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Children read to animals at Humane Society

When Mike Pompeo launched his “Championing American Values” political action committee recently, with the dark warning that America today faces “the dividing line between freedom and oppression,” the heavy language rubbed some people the wrong way. Understanding why that is may tell us a little about broader fears held by some in America today.

Of course, a certain kind of fear is actually part of Pompeo’s argument. If “the encroachment of socialism” and “the woke cancel culture” really are dire threats to “our liberty and freedoms,” as Pompeo’s announcement suggests, then every America should rightfully fear whether our constitutional democracy will survive.

But at the same time, Pompeo’s appeal does exactly what, according to one understanding of our constitution, we are democratically expected to do. On this reading, our entire system is premised upon the idea that we Americans, with all our disagreements over various values, will form discrete factions, and through those factions attempt to influence the government one way or another. Given the diversity of America, however, none of these factions will ever achieve majority support on their own. Thus they’re forced to compromise, to work together. None of the relevant groups ever get all that they want, but all get enough to keep on going.

As I said, that’s one understanding—an understanding that looks at Pompeo’s new PAC, and salutes him for taking the exact same electoral actions (raising money, campaigning for candidates, informing voters, etc.) which every other political action committee, working on behalf of every other possible set of values, also does. We may be deeply divided in our policy preferences when it comes to what we want our government to do, but how can we worry too much about the influence of one division or another when we’re all going about our political business in the same way anyway?

Some worry, I suspect, because we recognize that the bumpy but supposedly consistent “going” mentioned above actually doesn’t always work the way some constitutional thinkers believed it would. What happens when factions, thanks to government dysfunction and cultural divides, become sources of permanent frustration and anger? The traditional story of American pluralism provides no solution. The Civil War, which there was no compromising out of, is proof of that.

Vague talk about how we may be facing “another civil war” is pretty common, on both the left and right. Partly, that’s to be expected—the whole system assumes people will be passionate believers, and will fight hard for their factional causes. But technology and money have long since broken down the electoral structures and responsible practices by which those factions were once defined. As a result, it’s become easy for passionate believers to believe they face uncompromising extremists, not fellow citizens that they’ll have to deal with eventually

This is a somewhat dark diagnosis, and there is plenty of reason to think things aren’t all that bad. Still, if you’re one of those who look at political actors like Pompeo and—even if you agree with the values he expresses—wonder a little about just what the endgame of his language is, then you’re like those of us who are beginning to fear that our constitutional machinery for dealing with disagreement may not be able to handle the internet-empowered, shame-resistant, mutual-destruction, cultural factions of today. Does that mean that some entirely new electoral and political machinery is necessary? I suspect so—but unfortunately, getting any compromise on what that machinery should be remains far away as well.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>When Mike Pompeo launched his “Championing American Values” political action committee recently, with the dark warning that America today faces “the dividing line between freedom and oppression,” the heavy language rubbed some people the wrong way. Understanding why that is may tell us a little about broader fears held by some in America today.Of course, a certain kind of fear is actually part of Pompeo’s argument. If “the encroachment of socialism” and “the woke cancel culture” really are dire threats to “our liberty and freedoms,” as Pompeo’s announcement suggests, then every America should rightfully fear whether our constitutional democracy will survive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But at the same time, Pompeo’s appeal does exactly what, according to one understanding of our constitution, we are democratically expected to do. On this reading, our entire system is premised upon the idea that we Americans, with all our disagreements over various values, will form discrete factions, and through those factions attempt to influence the government one way or another. Given the diversity of America, however, none of these factions will ever achieve majority support on their own. Thus they’re forced to compromise, to work together. None of the relevant groups ever get all that they want, but all get enough to keep on going.As I said, that’s one understanding—an understanding that looks at Pompeo’s new PAC, and salutes him for taking the exact same electoral actions (raising money, campaigning for candidates, informing voters, etc.) which every other political action committee, working on behalf of every other possible set of values, also does. We may be deeply divided in our policy preferences when it comes to what we want our government to do, but how can we worry too much about the influence of one division or another when we’re all going about our political business in the same way anyway?Some worry, I suspect, because we recognize that the bumpy but supposedly consistent “going” mentioned above actually doesn’t always work the way some constitutional thinkers believed it would. What happens when factions, thanks to government dysfunction and cultural divides, become sources of permanent frustration and anger? The traditional story of American pluralism provides no solution. The Civil War, which there was no compromising out of, is proof of that.Vague talk about how we may be facing “another civil war” is pretty common, on both the left and right. Partly, that’s to be expected—the whole system assumes people will be passionate believers, and will fight hard for their factional causes. But technology and money have long since broken down the electoral structures and responsible practices by which those factions were once defined. As a result, it’s become easy for passionate believers to believe they face uncompromising extremists, not fellow citizens that they’ll have to deal with eventuallyThis is a somewhat dark diagnosis, and there is plenty of reason to think things aren’t all that bad. Still, if you’re one of those who look at political actors like Pompeo and—even if you agree with the values he expresses—wonder a little about just what the endgame of his language is, then you’re like those of us who are beginning to fear that our constitutional machinery for dealing with disagreement may not be able to handle the internet-empowered, shame-resistant, mutual-destruction, cultural factions of today. Does that mean that some entirely new electoral and political machinery is necessary? I suspect so—but unfortunately, getting any compromise on what that machinery should be remains far away as well.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Why championing American values may not be enough

NW Kansas small businesses to receive COVID response funds

First Friday speaker says more than 148,000 have joined the effort&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Rick McNary thought he had a great idea when he started an online group to connect America’s consumers to Kansas farm and ranch families.&nbsp;

One year and more than 148,500 members later, it appears he was right.&nbsp;

McNary is the founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopkansasfarms">Shop Kansas Farms, a Facebook group</a>&nbsp;that is helping to direct consumers across the country buy locally grown foods from Kansas producers.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;was a featured speaker July 2 during K-State Research and Extension’s monthly online series,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship">First Friday e-Calls</a>, which helps to nurture small businesses and inspire entrepreneurship in Kansas.&nbsp;

Shop Kansas Farms, he said, was partly inspired by a beef dinner he and his wife had a little more than a year ago.&nbsp;

“We noticed at our local grocery store that the meat counter was empty that day,” McNary said. “It got me to thinking, we just had some great beef (purchased directly from a local producer), so how can I connect people I know with that farmer and the beef they are producing.”&nbsp;

Shortly after, McNary launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopkansasfarms">Shop Kansas Farms on Facebook</a>&nbsp;and within 24 hours, he had more than 5,000 members. “I felt like a little kid who was walking along a dam, saw a leak and I was trying to plug it,” he said.&nbsp;

Shop Kansas Farms, LLC has since added a&nbsp;<a href="https://shopkansasfarms.com/">website</a>&nbsp;and is helping to connect consumers from across the United States with Kansas products. It has formed connections with another popular program –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fromthelandofkansas.com/">From the Land of Kansas</a>, managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture – to help inspire consumer interest in Kansas-grown products.&nbsp;

McNary said many producers on his site have reported as much as a 500% to 600% increase in direct sales to consumers. He pointed to one such producer who had 20 customers in 2019, and more than 500 in 2020.&nbsp;

There are more than 775 farmers selling products on his site. “When I look at that list, I see 775 entrepreneurs,” he said. “To me, the best part of this is that we have stimulated entrepreneurship in Kansas.”&nbsp;

Deb Brown, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://saveyour.town/">Save Your Town</a>, a consulting business that guides people toward making their small towns a better place to live, said post-pandemic surveys have indicated that a growing number of consumers have become disappointed in the selections at their grocery stores, and are moving toward supporting local farmers.&nbsp;

“96% of those who responded to one survey indicated that locally grown food is the healthiest available in their community,” Brown said.&nbsp;

Consumers’ growing interest in local foods is largely credited for the rise of such popular sites as&nbsp;<a href="http://eatwild.com/">EatWild.com</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://grassrootscoop.com/">GrassRootsCoop.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://choplocal.com/">ChopLocal.com</a>, among others, she added.&nbsp;

Brown’s and McNary’s full talk and other&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship">First Friday presentations are available online</a>&nbsp;from K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625753509532.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>First Friday speaker says more than 148,000 have joined the effort&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN — Rick McNary thought he had a great idea when he started an online group to connect America’s consumers to Kansas farm and ranch families.&nbsp;One year and more than 148,500 members later, it appears he was right.&nbsp;McNary is the founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopkansasfarms">Shop Kansas Farms, a Facebook group</a>&nbsp;that is helping to direct consumers across the country buy locally grown foods from Kansas producers.&nbsp;He&nbsp;was a featured speaker July 2 during K-State Research and Extension’s monthly online series,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship">First Friday e-Calls</a>, which helps to nurture small businesses and inspire entrepreneurship in Kansas.&nbsp;Shop Kansas Farms, he said, was partly inspired by a beef dinner he and his wife had a little more than a year ago.&nbsp;“We noticed at our local grocery store that the meat counter was empty that day,” McNary said. “It got me to thinking, we just had some great beef (purchased directly from a local producer), so how can I connect people I know with that farmer and the beef they are producing.”&nbsp;Shortly after, McNary launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopkansasfarms">Shop Kansas Farms on Facebook</a>&nbsp;and within 24 hours, he had more than 5,000 members. “I felt like a little kid who was walking along a dam, saw a leak and I was trying to plug it,” he said.&nbsp;Shop Kansas Farms, LLC has since added a&nbsp;<a href="https://shopkansasfarms.com/">website</a>&nbsp;and is helping to connect consumers from across the United States with Kansas products. It has formed connections with another popular program –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fromthelandofkansas.com/">From the Land of Kansas</a>, managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture – to help inspire consumer interest in Kansas-grown products.&nbsp;McNary said many producers on his site have reported as much as a 500% to 600% increase in direct sales to consumers. He pointed to one such producer who had 20 customers in 2019, and more than 500 in 2020.&nbsp;There are more than 775 farmers selling products on his site. “When I look at that list, I see 775 entrepreneurs,” he said. “To me, the best part of this is that we have stimulated entrepreneurship in Kansas.”&nbsp;Deb Brown, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://saveyour.town/">Save Your Town</a>, a consulting business that guides people toward making their small towns a better place to live, said post-pandemic surveys have indicated that a growing number of consumers have become disappointed in the selections at their grocery stores, and are moving toward supporting local farmers.&nbsp;“96% of those who responded to one survey indicated that locally grown food is the healthiest available in their community,” Brown said.&nbsp;Consumers’ growing interest in local foods is largely credited for the rise of such popular sites as&nbsp;<a href="http://eatwild.com/">EatWild.com</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://grassrootscoop.com/">GrassRootsCoop.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://choplocal.com/">ChopLocal.com</a>, among others, she added.&nbsp;Brown’s and McNary’s full talk and other&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship">First Friday presentations are available online</a>&nbsp;from K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

Shop Kansas Farms helps connect consumers to Kansas producers 

 For the 74th&nbsp;consecutive year, the High Plains Music Camp will offer students the opportunity to work with a wide range of outstanding musicians from across the country. Beginning on Sunday, July 11, Fort Hays State University’s High Plains Music Camp&nbsp;will host a wide range of musical concerts and performances, all open to the public and free of charge.

Performances will include the 35th&nbsp;Infantry Band (Kansas Army National Guard), the Camper Honor Recital, Faculty Strings and Faculty Band, and scenes from&nbsp;Camelot&nbsp;plus additional camper and faculty ensembles.

The week culminates on Saturday, with the collective camp ensembles beginning at 9:00 a.m. and taking place throughout the day. Concurrent events will be held in the Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall and the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in the morning, while all afternoon performances will be in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

View more information about the camp and the full schedule at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGLAejYsId3c0PW7apeG37qI5s5fSZ0sMq0yvDK-2BMuboRjIiMX-2FYDDtwx95meccmNA-3D-3DF7r0_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVb47RhEEhxk10UKD7hg8-2Fel3QEOhYE4VOIny-2FMJSVbGsyWnjqsDD4Diyaf6P4IXGfx-2B0MkMRInaq5Os9etZRokIesCMCrpXFCDuh1v0nSCHVQgbXpeDBinvbJhvP3cfSGsAEXHaeKbKlATkZSqLWYXIB3FBnU83-2F81tf88NxikyeIIcfB6DZGYLvDBNU7zaps7hlPwxMWHf0jUySobPHLyaXL-2FwIBl1vuZQ-2BK-2Fm1dyZagNIeXoPwzxd3-2BHtjZNEV7ungiT6n0MkTNaaczUBt2GPw-3D-3D" target="_blank">fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/musiccamp</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625848226246.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University Relations For the 74th&nbsp;consecutive year, the High Plains Music Camp will offer students the opportunity to work with a wide range of outstanding musicians from across the country. Beginning on Sunday, July 11, Fort Hays State University’s High Plains Music Camp&nbsp;will host a wide range of musical concerts and performances, all open to the public and free of charge.Performances will include the 35th&nbsp;Infantry Band (Kansas Army National Guard), the Camper Honor Recital, Faculty Strings and Faculty Band, and scenes from&nbsp;Camelot&nbsp;plus additional camper and faculty ensembles.<ul>
 <li>Monday, July 12 at 7:00 p.m., HPMC Faculty-Staff Recital in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center (in Sheridan Hall)</li><li>Tuesday, July 13 at 7:00 p.m., 35th&nbsp;Infantry Division Band (Kansas Army National Guard) Concert in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center</li><li>Wednesday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m., HPMC Student Honor Recital at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center</li><li>Thursday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m., Faculty Chamber Strings and Band Concert at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center</li><li>Friday, July 16 at 6:00 p.m.,&nbsp;Camelot&nbsp;scenes at the Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall followed by the High School Alternative Strings at 6:45 p.m.</li><li>Friday, July 16 at 6:00 p.m., Student Jazz Concert followed by the Faculty Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center</li>
 </ul>The week culminates on Saturday, with the collective camp ensembles beginning at 9:00 a.m. and taking place throughout the day. Concurrent events will be held in the Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall and the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in the morning, while all afternoon performances will be in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.View more information about the camp and the full schedule at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGLAejYsId3c0PW7apeG37qI5s5fSZ0sMq0yvDK-2BMuboRjIiMX-2FYDDtwx95meccmNA-3D-3DF7r0_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVb47RhEEhxk10UKD7hg8-2Fel3QEOhYE4VOIny-2FMJSVbGsyWnjqsDD4Diyaf6P4IXGfx-2B0MkMRInaq5Os9etZRokIesCMCrpXFCDuh1v0nSCHVQgbXpeDBinvbJhvP3cfSGsAEXHaeKbKlATkZSqLWYXIB3FBnU83-2F81tf88NxikyeIIcfB6DZGYLvDBNU7zaps7hlPwxMWHf0jUySobPHLyaXL-2FwIBl1vuZQ-2BK-2Fm1dyZagNIeXoPwzxd3-2BHtjZNEV7ungiT6n0MkTNaaczUBt2GPw-3D-3D" target="_blank">fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/musiccamp</a>.

High Plains Music Camp in 74th year at Fort Hays State University

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis Alliance executive director, Sophia Henrickson shares information about the upcoming 89th annual Ellis Junior Free Fair.

<div><iframe title="Preparations underway for Ellis Junior Free Fair" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pmdm3-1085b4e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&font-color=&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis Alliance executive director, Sophia Henrickson shares information about the upcoming 89th annual Ellis Junior Free Fair.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Preparations underway for Ellis Junior Free Fair

Mallory Koerner is the winner of 101.9 The Bull's Backyard Bash contest.

She received a $2,000 gift certificate from&nbsp;Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg on Friday.

More than 10,000 people entered the Facebook contest.

Koerner, 33, and her husband are building a new home on Hickok Road on the outskirts of Hays. The home is set to be finished by the end of the year.

"We were hoping to have some backyard stuff maybe next year, but we doubted that we could afford it, so now we do," she said.

Koerner said she is a 101.9 The Bull fan and usually listens to the station on her way to work.

In addition to Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg, the contest sponsors included: • TK Construction of Stockton • JDR Painting Services of Hays • Farm Bureau Financial Services agent Jamie Cunningham in Larned • Heaven's Best Carpet Cleaning in Hays • R5 Roofing in Hays. Grand True Value Rental in Hays

Editor's note: 101.9 The Bull is owned and operated by Eagle Radio, which also owns and operates the Hays Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625863985423.jpeg" alt="Mallory&nbsp;Koerner of Hays accepts a $2,000 gift certificate from Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg from&nbsp; 101.9 The Bull&nbsp; Morning Show co-host Mike Holliday. Koerner won 101.9 The Bull's Backyard Bash contest." />
 <figcaption>Mallory&nbsp;Koerner of Hays accepts a $2,000 gift certificate from Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg from&nbsp; 101.9 The Bull&nbsp; Morning Show co-host Mike Holliday. Koerner won 101.9 The Bull's Backyard Bash contest.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostMallory Koerner is the winner of 101.9 The Bull's Backyard Bash contest.She received a $2,000 gift certificate from&nbsp;Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg on Friday.More than 10,000 people entered the Facebook contest.Koerner, 33, and her husband are building a new home on Hickok Road on the outskirts of Hays. The home is set to be finished by the end of the year."We were hoping to have some backyard stuff maybe next year, but we doubted that we could afford it, so now we do," she said.Koerner said she is a 101.9 The Bull fan and usually listens to the station on her way to work.In addition to Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg, the contest sponsors included: • TK Construction of Stockton • JDR Painting Services of Hays • Farm Bureau Financial Services agent Jamie Cunningham in Larned • Heaven's Best Carpet Cleaning in Hays • R5 Roofing in Hays. Grand True Value Rental in HaysEditor's note: 101.9 The Bull is owned and operated by Eagle Radio, which also owns and operates the Hays Post.

101.9 The Bull's Backyard Bash winner takes home $2,000 prize

The <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">Ellis County Fair</a> will kick off with seven nights of main event action tonight with RPM Speedway races.

The fair will feature RPM races tonight and Sunday, KPRA rodeo Tuesday and Wednesday nights, a new ranch rodeo Thursday night and a thrill show, including monster trucks, Friday and July 17. All main events start a 7 p.m. with the exception of the two nights of thrill show, which start at 8 p.m.

Instead of just monster trucks on the second weekend of the fair, the thrill show also will include transformers, motorcycle stunt riders and the Globe of Death, which is a spherical motorcycle stunt cage.

Advance tickets for all events are $20 per individual. Gate tickets are $10 for a single night. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.

Tickets can be purchased at Casey's, Cerv's, the Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau and Walmart in Hays. They can also be purchased at the Casey's stores in Ellis and La Crosse, Short Stop in Plainville and Total Convenience in Victoria.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/4322/2021-Ellis-County-Fair-Schedule">You can see a complete schedule by clicking here.</a>

The theme for this year's fair is "It's a Jungle Out There."

Free music will be offered on the Midway from Tuesday through Saturday. Adam Capps Band will play Tuesday, Sam Cox on Wednesday, DOC on Thursday, Paramount on Friday and Sunset Sinners on Saturday.

The inflatable carnival and laser tag are back this year. Wristbands will cost $5. The fair has added a NASCAR simulator in the Unrein Building and a mechanical bull on the midway near the beer garden.&nbsp;

Commercial booths will be back in the Unrein Building and 4-H and open class exhibits will be in the Schenk Building. The Schenck Building will be open to the public starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday. It will continue to be open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through July 17.

This is a change as exhibits used to be picked up on Saturday morning. They will now be picked up on Sunday morning.

"Everybody is ready to get back to the way we have done it in the past,"&nbsp; said Jill&nbsp;Pfannenstiel, fair board president. "The fair is just a really great week for 4-H kids to bond with each other and bond with their families.&nbsp;

"They have worked hard on their animals and projects, so now it's their time to see how it went and get judged on their exhibits," she said.

Susan Schlichting, county extension agent for 4-H youth, said the fair has received more entries than last year, but entries have not quite rebounded to pre-pandemic numbers.&nbsp;

"Things are picking up definitely," she said. "People had all this time on their hands, so they put it to good use."

Although hand sanitizer will be offered and volunteers will regularly clean fair areas, many of the intense COVID precautions observed last year will be gone, she said. Youth will no longer have to social distance from judges, and masks will not be required.

The fair has chosen not to bring back the food challenge or the barbecue quite yet because of lingering health concerns,&nbsp;Schlichting said.

The fair will have a special class for aprons this year. In foods, the special class is dips, which can be entered on Tuesday morning. Barn quilts is another special class, which has carried over from previous years.

Every year photography has a special category. This year the special category is sunflowers. Next year the special category will be rainbows.

Other special events include: • Kids workshop sponsored by the Ellis County Drug Enforcement at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Deustchfest Hall • Farm Bureau Kids Scavenger Hunt at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Schenk Building. • The Amazing Race at the Ellis County Fair at 10 a.m. Thursday&nbsp; • Lego Bricks contest at 2 p.m. Thursday at Deustchfest Hall • Free root beer floats at 5 p.m. Thursday at the show arena

The annual 4-H livestock auction will be at 6 p.m. July 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625770577488.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">Ellis County Fair</a> will kick off with seven nights of main event action tonight with RPM Speedway races.The fair will feature RPM races tonight and Sunday, KPRA rodeo Tuesday and Wednesday nights, a new ranch rodeo Thursday night and a thrill show, including monster trucks, Friday and July 17. All main events start a 7 p.m. with the exception of the two nights of thrill show, which start at 8 p.m.Instead of just monster trucks on the second weekend of the fair, the thrill show also will include transformers, motorcycle stunt riders and the Globe of Death, which is a spherical motorcycle stunt cage.Advance tickets for all events are $20 per individual. Gate tickets are $10 for a single night. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.Tickets can be purchased at Casey's, Cerv's, the Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau and Walmart in Hays. They can also be purchased at the Casey's stores in Ellis and La Crosse, Short Stop in Plainville and Total Convenience in Victoria.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/4322/2021-Ellis-County-Fair-Schedule">You can see a complete schedule by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625762618759.jpeg" alt="A 4-H youth has his project judged at last year's fair. File photo" />
 <figcaption>A 4-H youth has his project judged at last year's fair. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The theme for this year's fair is "It's a Jungle Out There."Free music will be offered on the Midway from Tuesday through Saturday. Adam Capps Band will play Tuesday, Sam Cox on Wednesday, DOC on Thursday, Paramount on Friday and Sunset Sinners on Saturday.The inflatable carnival and laser tag are back this year. Wristbands will cost $5. The fair has added a NASCAR simulator in the Unrein Building and a mechanical bull on the midway near the beer garden.&nbsp;Commercial booths will be back in the Unrein Building and 4-H and open class exhibits will be in the Schenk Building. The Schenck Building will be open to the public starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday. It will continue to be open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through July 17.This is a change as exhibits used to be picked up on Saturday morning. They will now be picked up on Sunday morning."Everybody is ready to get back to the way we have done it in the past,"&nbsp; said Jill&nbsp;Pfannenstiel, fair board president. "The fair is just a really great week for 4-H kids to bond with each other and bond with their families.&nbsp;"They have worked hard on their animals and projects, so now it's their time to see how it went and get judged on their exhibits," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625762403186.jpeg" alt="A young fair participant washes a cow at last year's fair. File photo" />
 <figcaption>A young fair participant washes a cow at last year's fair. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Susan Schlichting, county extension agent for 4-H youth, said the fair has received more entries than last year, but entries have not quite rebounded to pre-pandemic numbers.&nbsp;"Things are picking up definitely," she said. "People had all this time on their hands, so they put it to good use."Although hand sanitizer will be offered and volunteers will regularly clean fair areas, many of the intense COVID precautions observed last year will be gone, she said. Youth will no longer have to social distance from judges, and masks will not be required.The fair has chosen not to bring back the food challenge or the barbecue quite yet because of lingering health concerns,&nbsp;Schlichting said.The fair will have a special class for aprons this year. In foods, the special class is dips, which can be entered on Tuesday morning. Barn quilts is another special class, which has carried over from previous years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625762490937.jpeg" alt="A judge smiles at a 4-H photo entry at last year's fair. File photo" />
 <figcaption>A judge smiles at a 4-H photo entry at last year's fair. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Every year photography has a special category. This year the special category is sunflowers. Next year the special category will be rainbows.Other special events include: • Kids workshop sponsored by the Ellis County Drug Enforcement at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Deustchfest Hall • Farm Bureau Kids Scavenger Hunt at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Schenk Building. • The Amazing Race at the Ellis County Fair at 10 a.m. Thursday&nbsp; • Lego Bricks contest at 2 p.m. Thursday at Deustchfest Hall • Free root beer floats at 5 p.m. Thursday at the show arenaThe annual 4-H livestock auction will be at 6 p.m. July 17.

Ellis County Fair kicks off tonight with races, runs through July 17

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Members of the Ellis County Environmental Office are
preparing to move into their new space at the landfill.

The environmental offices will be closed July 14 to 16 to allow
staff to move from their offices in the basement of the Administrative Center,
718 Main, into the new building. The office will reopen to the public in its new location July 19.

Ellis County Environmental Planning Supervisor Mason Ruder
told the county commission Monday crews were finishing the last few
things that need to be done. 

“Just a few things here and there that they’re hoping to be
done by the end of the week,” Ruder said. 

Members of the public that need to contact the Environmental
Office while they are closed can still call the office.

The moves are part of the creation of the Environmental
Office that combines the landfill and planning and zoning and environmental
into one department. 

Ruder said&nbsp; an open house at the new
location is planned for later this summer.

The new office building is part of larger construction effort at the Landfill. That includes construction of a new scale house and addition of a second scale to allow for two separate lines, one for entering the landfill and a second for exiting.&nbsp;

In other business, the commission approved the reappointment of Nathan Leiker to the Joint Planning Commission. They also approved the appointment of a second person who has expressed interest in filling an open spot of the commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625839079141.jpeg" alt="New&nbsp;Ellis County Environmental Office" />
 <figcaption>New&nbsp;Ellis County Environmental Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostMembers of the Ellis County Environmental Office are
preparing to move into their new space at the landfill.The environmental offices will be closed July 14 to 16 to allow
staff to move from their offices in the basement of the Administrative Center,
718 Main, into the new building. The office will reopen to the public in its new location July 19.Ellis County Environmental Planning Supervisor Mason Ruder
told the county commission Monday crews were finishing the last few
things that need to be done. “Just a few things here and there that they’re hoping to be
done by the end of the week,” Ruder said. Members of the public that need to contact the Environmental
Office while they are closed can still call the office.The moves are part of the creation of the Environmental
Office that combines the landfill and planning and zoning and environmental
into one department. Ruder said&nbsp; an open house at the new
location is planned for later this summer.The new office building is part of larger construction effort at the Landfill. That includes construction of a new scale house and addition of a second scale to allow for two separate lines, one for entering the landfill and a second for exiting.&nbsp;In other business, the commission approved the reappointment of Nathan Leiker to the Joint Planning Commission. They also approved the appointment of a second person who has expressed interest in filling an open spot of the commission.

Environmental Office set to move into new offices next week

Runoff water after storms can cause our water supply to be contaminated if we don't take precautions to ensure a healthy and habitable drinking supply.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QhOUYsnDRic"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Runoff water after storms can cause our water supply to be contaminated if we don't take precautions to ensure a healthy and habitable drinking supply.

🎥 Green & Growing 2021: Protecting water sources

Kansashealthyyards.org recommends the completion of these tasks in July:

As the heat picks up, so do pest problems and water needs. Take a little extra care of your plants this month to get them through.

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Harvest fruits of your labor and enjoy 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Control weed growth to preserve water and nutrients 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize vegetables to encourage plant development 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Watch for foliar disease development on lower tomato leaves and treat with a fungicide 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prepare for fall gardening. Plant potatoes, broccoli, and other fall crops 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Spray sweet corn to control corn earworms as silks emerge 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Be on the lookout for pests of the garden and control 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove old raspberry canes after harvest

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove faded flowers from annuals to stimulate more flowers for late summer color, and from 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; perennials to prevent reseeding 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Keep gardens well mulched 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Cut fresh bouquets for enjoyment on hot summer days 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Lightly fertilize annuals to promote growth 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Dig, divide, and replant crowded irises 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize roses for fall blossoms 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize and water container gardens 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Complete the final pinching of chrysanthemum tips for bushier plants

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mow bluegrass and tall fescue around 3 to 3 1/2 inches 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mow zoysia at 1 1/2 inches 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize zoysia to encourage summer growth with a high nitrogen fertilizer. Let grass clippings fall to 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; return nutrients to soil and grass 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Be on the lookout for summer diseases such as brown patch 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Watch for grubs. If they begin to hatch, an insecticide may be required. Apply in late July or early August. 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Keep mower blades sharpened 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Replace lawn mower air filter and change lawn mower oil per owner's manual 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prepare to control perennial grassy weeds such as zoysia, fescue, and nimblewill 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Take a soil test to prepare for fall lawn renovation 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Water deeply and less often for deep roots and a healthy lawn

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Water newly planted shrubs and young trees (planted within the last three to five years) during dry weather 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Keep plants mulched to conserve moisture and cool roots 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove sucker growth from the base of trees and along branches 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prune diseased, dead, or hazardous limbs

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Water weekly by deeply soaking the soil. Use surface irrigation and avoid watering late at night to help 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; reduce disease development. 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Take photos of gardens

Master Gardeners of Ellis County, Cottonwood District.&nbsp; More information available at www. cottonwood.ksu.edu or visit Facebook at Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614966296214.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansashealthyyards.org recommends the completion of these tasks in July:As the heat picks up, so do pest problems and water needs. Take a little extra care of your plants this month to get them through.<h2>Vegetables and Fruits</h2>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Harvest fruits of your labor and enjoy 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Control weed growth to preserve water and nutrients 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize vegetables to encourage plant development 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Watch for foliar disease development on lower tomato leaves and treat with a fungicide 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prepare for fall gardening. Plant potatoes, broccoli, and other fall crops 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Spray sweet corn to control corn earworms as silks emerge 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Be on the lookout for pests of the garden and control 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove old raspberry canes after harvest<h2>Flowers</h2>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove faded flowers from annuals to stimulate more flowers for late summer color, and from 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; perennials to prevent reseeding 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Keep gardens well mulched 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Cut fresh bouquets for enjoyment on hot summer days 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Lightly fertilize annuals to promote growth 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Dig, divide, and replant crowded irises 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize roses for fall blossoms 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize and water container gardens 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Complete the final pinching of chrysanthemum tips for bushier plants<h2>Lawns</h2>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mow bluegrass and tall fescue around 3 to 3 1/2 inches 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mow zoysia at 1 1/2 inches 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize zoysia to encourage summer growth with a high nitrogen fertilizer. Let grass clippings fall to 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; return nutrients to soil and grass 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Be on the lookout for summer diseases such as brown patch 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Watch for grubs. If they begin to hatch, an insecticide may be required. Apply in late July or early August. 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Keep mower blades sharpened 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Replace lawn mower air filter and change lawn mower oil per owner's manual 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prepare to control perennial grassy weeds such as zoysia, fescue, and nimblewill 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Take a soil test to prepare for fall lawn renovation 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Water deeply and less often for deep roots and a healthy lawn<h2>Trees and Shrubs</h2>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Water newly planted shrubs and young trees (planted within the last three to five years) during dry weather 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Keep plants mulched to conserve moisture and cool roots 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove sucker growth from the base of trees and along branches 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prune diseased, dead, or hazardous limbs<h2>Miscellaneous</h2>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Water weekly by deeply soaking the soil. Use surface irrigation and avoid watering late at night to help 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; reduce disease development. 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Take photos of gardensMaster Gardeners of Ellis County, Cottonwood District.&nbsp; More information available at www. cottonwood.ksu.edu or visit Facebook at Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners.