The Hays Police Department has reported that a Hays man last seen on April 30 has been located safely.

"Derek (Legleiter) has been located and is OK. Thank you for everyone's assistance," the HPD said in a social media post Wednesday morning.

The Hays Police Department has reported that a Hays man last seen on April 30 has been located safely."Derek (Legleiter) has been located and is OK. Thank you for everyone's assistance," the HPD said in a social media post Wednesday morning.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHaysPD%2Fposts%2F4499173023443485&width=500&show_text=true&height=590&appId" width="500" height="590" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

UPDATE: Missing Hays man located safely

&nbsp;Join The Chamber in Hays, Kansas for a series of exciting events and activities in conjunction with the 12th annual Chamber Golf Tournament sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless this week.

Everyone is invited to bid high and often this week on over $10,000 worth of dining/meal experiences, golf packages, gift certificates, signed Chiefs and Royals memorabilia, spa gift baskets, food and drink gift sets, an Apple iWatch 6, gift certificates, artwork, and more!&nbsp; To preview, register, and bid on items, visit: <a href="https://HACC.cbo.io">https://HACC.cbo.io</a>.&nbsp; Bidding is open now through 3 p.m. on Friday, May 7th.&nbsp; Winning items can be picked up that day at Smoky Hill Country Club until 5 p.m. or at The Chamber office at 2700 Vine St. the following week during normal business hours.

Enjoy a delectable meal prepared by Smoky Hill Country Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 7th.&nbsp; Tickets are on sale until Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. for $20.&nbsp; Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with potential clients and be treated to a game of Plinko to win a fun prize. &nbsp; Call 785-628-8201 to order your tickets this week.

Two items will be raffled off on Friday at the conclusion of the golf tournament.&nbsp; Tickets are $20 each or three for $50 and can be purchased via Click Bid.&nbsp; The raffles include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620149174240.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted&nbsp;Join The Chamber in Hays, Kansas for a series of exciting events and activities in conjunction with the 12th annual Chamber Golf Tournament sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless this week.Click Bid Online AuctionEveryone is invited to bid high and often this week on over $10,000 worth of dining/meal experiences, golf packages, gift certificates, signed Chiefs and Royals memorabilia, spa gift baskets, food and drink gift sets, an Apple iWatch 6, gift certificates, artwork, and more!&nbsp; To preview, register, and bid on items, visit: <a href="https://HACC.cbo.io">https://HACC.cbo.io</a>.&nbsp; Bidding is open now through 3 p.m. on Friday, May 7th.&nbsp; Winning items can be picked up that day at Smoky Hill Country Club until 5 p.m. or at The Chamber office at 2700 Vine St. the following week during normal business hours.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620149257231.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Patio Party PlinkoEnjoy a delectable meal prepared by Smoky Hill Country Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 7th.&nbsp; Tickets are on sale until Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. for $20.&nbsp; Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with potential clients and be treated to a game of Plinko to win a fun prize. &nbsp; Call 785-628-8201 to order your tickets this week.Raffle ItemsTwo items will be raffled off on Friday at the conclusion of the golf tournament.&nbsp; Tickets are $20 each or three for $50 and can be purchased via Click Bid.&nbsp; The raffles include:<ul>
 <li>A stocked bar valued at $800 donated by DSNWK Custom Creations, Kaiser Liquor, and The Chamber board of directors and staff</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>$500 Golf packaged donated by Brad Plumer Family and Smoky Hill Country Club (SHCC).&nbsp; The package includes $300 in SHCC Pro Shop certificates and a round of golf for two at SHCC.</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620149210510.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

12th annual Hays Chamber Golf Tournament set for Friday

On Thursday, the contractor will begin setting up traffic control which will switch traffic over to the west side of the intersection of 27th and Hall in Hays while the east side of that intersection is reconstructed. 

Hall Street traffic will be carried through head-to-head in the west lanes of the intersection similar to how it is currently carried through the east lanes of the intersection. 

Since 27th Street will be blocked off just east of Hall Street, 27th Street traffic will be detoured using Canal Blvd. and 29th Street or Walnut and 17th Street. Those two detour options are shown on the detour map below in blue and yellow respectively.

This phase of construction will take approximately four to five weeks, according to John Braun, Hays project manager.

Once the intersection is finished the reconstruction of 27th Street between Hall and Fort will begin, work that will take nearly the rest of the year.&nbsp;

Braun said the entire project is scheduled to be completed in mid-November.&nbsp;

All this information and more can be found on the project webpage at <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=633">haysusa.com </a>or by contacting the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620166546234.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysOn Thursday, the contractor will begin setting up traffic control which will switch traffic over to the west side of the intersection of 27th and Hall in Hays while the east side of that intersection is reconstructed. Hall Street traffic will be carried through head-to-head in the west lanes of the intersection similar to how it is currently carried through the east lanes of the intersection. Since 27th Street will be blocked off just east of Hall Street, 27th Street traffic will be detoured using Canal Blvd. and 29th Street or Walnut and 17th Street. Those two detour options are shown on the detour map below in blue and yellow respectively.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620166288680.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This phase of construction will take approximately four to five weeks, according to John Braun, Hays project manager.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KkOdtPZIwmU"></iframe>
 <figcaption>(Video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Once the intersection is finished the reconstruction of 27th Street between Hall and Fort will begin, work that will take nearly the rest of the year.&nbsp;Braun said the entire project is scheduled to be completed in mid-November.&nbsp;All this information and more can be found on the project webpage at <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=633">haysusa.com </a>or by contacting the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

🎥 Traffic flow at 27th and Hall moves to west side beginning Thursday

By QUINCY SNOWDON <a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com/">Sentinel Colorado</a>

AURORA, Colo. — A 26-year-old sex offender <a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com/news/metro/aurora-sex-offender-pleads-not-guilty-to-assaulting-3-women-just-days-after-prison-release/?swcfpc=1">previously convicted of raping a woman in Kansas in 2011</a> is standing trial in Colorado this week on more than a dozen charges related to multiple violent crimes in Arapahoe County.

Prosecutors in the 18th Judicial District began trying Tre Carrasco on May 4 for a pair of cases filed out of Aurora 
and Cherry Hills Village in winter 2019. The trial is slated to run 
until May 13.

A native of Hays,&nbsp;Carrasco has been accused of 
assaulting three different women in three different cities days after he
 was released from a Kansas state prison Feb. 1, 2019, according to 
court documents.

Two days after he was released, Kansas police said Carrasco raped a woman at gunpoint in the front seat of her car in Hays.

Less than a week later, investigators accused Carrasco of 
attempting to kidnap a woman in Aurora while stealing her car outside of
 the 24-hour fitness on South Abilene Street. He’s facing felony 
kidnapping, robbery, aggravated car theft and other charges in 
connection with that incident.

The woman whose car was stolen later identified Carrasco 
in a police lineup by comparing him to the R&amp;B star The Weeknd. 
Police agreed that Carrasco “has a passing resemblance to the same 
singer,” according to court documents.

And on Feb. 12, authorities identified Carrasco as <a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com/news/metro/affidavit-sex-offender-raped-au-pair-at-knifepoint-days-after-being-released-from-kansas-prison-on-prior-sex-charges/">the man who raped a Mexican au pair at knifepoint</a>
 while the woman was working in a Cherry Hills Village home in the 
middle of the day. He’s been charged with felony sexual assault, 
robbery, burglary and other charges in that case.

Aurora police arrested Carrasco on Feb. 12 after pulling 
him over near the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and Galena Street. 
He was driving&nbsp;the same car that was reported stolen from the woman at the local&nbsp;24-Hour fitness the week before.

He was arrested on a warrant for “rape gun” filed against him in connection to the assault in Hays nine days earlier.

Local prosecutors will simultaneously try Carrasco for the
 crimes in Aurora and Cherry Hills Village, according to a spokesperson 
for the district attorney’s office. He pleaded guilty to all charges 
filed against him in August 2019.

Carrasco has a history of lascivious behavior dating back 
more than a decade, according to court documents. He was named as a 
suspect in at least six other crimes in Kansas that were sexual in 
nature between November 2008 and July 2011, records show.

In 2008 and 2009, Carrasco was suspected of peeping into windows and tickling women’s feet and legs as they slept.

In June 2010, he was suspected of raping a woman in Hays. A
 year later, Carrasco was arrested after police said he chased a Hays 
woman walking on a street, beat her and violently sexually assaulted 
her.

In April 2013, Carrasco was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hayspost.com/2013/04/08/hays-teen-will-be-sentenced-today/">sentenced to slightly more than eight years in prison</a>&nbsp;for the July 2011 assault. He was also required to register as a sex offender in Kansas.

Carrasco incurred a litany of disciplinary infractions 
while in Kansas prisons between 2014 and 2018, including using 
stimulants, disobeying orders and disrespecting corrections officers, 
according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.

Carrasco has been held on a $1.1 million bond since he was
 arrested in Aurora in February 2019, records show. In July 2020, he 
pleaded guilty to a felony contraband charge and was sentenced to two 
years in state prison. He’s been detained at the Arkansas Valley 
Correctional Facility in Buena Vista since then.

Carrasco has been transferred back to the Arapahoe County 
jail for his court proceedings in the coming days, according to county 
records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620146916536.png" alt="Tre Carrasco / Colorado Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Tre Carrasco / Colorado Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>By QUINCY SNOWDON <a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com/">Sentinel Colorado</a>AURORA, Colo. — A 26-year-old sex offender <a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com/news/metro/aurora-sex-offender-pleads-not-guilty-to-assaulting-3-women-just-days-after-prison-release/?swcfpc=1">previously convicted of raping a woman in Kansas in 2011</a> is standing trial in Colorado this week on more than a dozen charges related to multiple violent crimes in Arapahoe County.Prosecutors in the 18th Judicial District began trying Tre Carrasco on May 4 for a pair of cases filed out of Aurora 
and Cherry Hills Village in winter 2019. The trial is slated to run 
until May 13.A native of Hays,&nbsp;Carrasco has been accused of 
assaulting three different women in three different cities days after he
 was released from a Kansas state prison Feb. 1, 2019, according to 
court documents.Two days after he was released, Kansas police said Carrasco raped a woman at gunpoint in the front seat of her car in Hays.Less than a week later, investigators accused Carrasco of 
attempting to kidnap a woman in Aurora while stealing her car outside of
 the 24-hour fitness on South Abilene Street. He’s facing felony 
kidnapping, robbery, aggravated car theft and other charges in 
connection with that incident.The woman whose car was stolen later identified Carrasco 
in a police lineup by comparing him to the R&amp;B star The Weeknd. 
Police agreed that Carrasco “has a passing resemblance to the same 
singer,” according to court documents.And on Feb. 12, authorities identified Carrasco as <a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com/news/metro/affidavit-sex-offender-raped-au-pair-at-knifepoint-days-after-being-released-from-kansas-prison-on-prior-sex-charges/">the man who raped a Mexican au pair at knifepoint</a>
 while the woman was working in a Cherry Hills Village home in the 
middle of the day. He’s been charged with felony sexual assault, 
robbery, burglary and other charges in that case.Aurora police arrested Carrasco on Feb. 12 after pulling 
him over near the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and Galena Street. 
He was driving&nbsp;the same car that was reported stolen from the woman at the local&nbsp;24-Hour fitness the week before.He was arrested on a warrant for “rape gun” filed against him in connection to the assault in Hays nine days earlier.Local prosecutors will simultaneously try Carrasco for the
 crimes in Aurora and Cherry Hills Village, according to a spokesperson 
for the district attorney’s office. He pleaded guilty to all charges 
filed against him in August 2019.Carrasco has a history of lascivious behavior dating back 
more than a decade, according to court documents. He was named as a 
suspect in at least six other crimes in Kansas that were sexual in 
nature between November 2008 and July 2011, records show.In 2008 and 2009, Carrasco was suspected of peeping into windows and tickling women’s feet and legs as they slept.In June 2010, he was suspected of raping a woman in Hays. A
 year later, Carrasco was arrested after police said he chased a Hays 
woman walking on a street, beat her and violently sexually assaulted 
her.In April 2013, Carrasco was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hayspost.com/2013/04/08/hays-teen-will-be-sentenced-today/">sentenced to slightly more than eight years in prison</a>&nbsp;for the July 2011 assault. He was also required to register as a sex offender in Kansas.Carrasco incurred a litany of disciplinary infractions 
while in Kansas prisons between 2014 and 2018, including using 
stimulants, disobeying orders and disrespecting corrections officers, 
according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.Carrasco has been held on a $1.1 million bond since he was
 arrested in Aurora in February 2019, records show. In July 2020, he 
pleaded guilty to a felony contraband charge and was sentenced to two 
years in state prison. He’s been detained at the Arkansas Valley 
Correctional Facility in Buena Vista since then.Carrasco has been transferred back to the Arapahoe County 
jail for his court proceedings in the coming days, according to county 
records.

Accused of series of violent crimes, Carrasco stands trial in Colo.

The Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association at Fort Hays State University reached new heights this year.

FHSU won the all-around championship at the 83rd annual International Technology and engineering Educations Association (ITEEA) conference in March.

It was FHSU’s second title in a row, recording the first back-to-back national championships since the inception of the all-around national recognition in 2017. The win helped FHSU erase the memories of barely losing national titles in 2018 (by one point) and again in 2019 (two points).

Fort Hays State scored 16 total points in the event – which was run this year as a virtual format – to edge out Purdue University by a single point for the top spot.

FHSU won two individual titles and added eight other top-three finishes. It has now won 32 individual events in its 36 years of national competition. Purdue actually placed first in more divisions (five), but FHSU recorded more top-three placings.&nbsp;

Finishing first for the TEECA group were its No. 1 robotics team and the graphic design team.

Tage Rothschild and Jordan Sargent teamed up to become the winningest robotics team in FHSU history. With their first-place finish in that event they became three-time national champs. Interestingly, they also finished third in that event with their second robot design.&nbsp;

Members of the national championship graphic design team were Jerry Hoffman, Efrain Flores, and Rodolfo Diaz-Garay.

Although the all-around national champion recognition is new to the organization, Eric Deneault, associate professor of applied technology, said “to be the first to do anything is a special feat in itself.”

Deneault praised the upperclassmen’s high standards and expectations as a key to FHSU’s continued success at the regional and national levels.

“When the expectation is to compete at the highest level with a great deal of success, it motivates the team to achieve that success by committing to the process and putting in the time and effort it takes to be a champion,” he said. “I am extremely proud of our team.”

Following are FHSU’s individual event results:

Tage Rothchild, a senior majoring in manufacturing technology from Superior, Neb.&nbsp;

Jordan Sargent, a senior majoring in manufacturing technology from Ransom.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Efrain Flores, a senior majoring in construction management from Hays.&nbsp;

Rodolfo Diaz-Garay, a junior majoring in technology studies from Salina.&nbsp;

Jerry Hoffman, a senior majoring in technology studies from Hays.

Paige Holopirek, a freshman from La Crosse.&nbsp;

Luke Barber, a junior majoring in engineering design technology from Alma.&nbsp;

Jordan Boone, a senior majoring in construction management from Great Bend.

Matthew Freel, a senior majoring in technology and engineering education from Minneapolis.&nbsp;

Jerry Hoffman, a senior majoring in industrial technology from Hays.&nbsp;

Micah Nuss, a senior majoring in construction management from Russell.&nbsp;

Dason Sweat, a senior majoring in engineering design technology from Minneapolis.

Rodolfo Diaz-Garay, a junior majoring in technology studies from Salina.

Jerry Hoffman, a senior majoring in industrial technology from Hays.

Benjamin Windom III, a senior majoring in manufacturing technology from Aurora, Colo.

Daniel Fagan, a sophomore majoring in construction management from Kinsley.

Edgar Silvestre, a sophomore majoring in engineering design technology from Salina.&nbsp;

Matthew Freel, a senior majoring in technology education from Minneapolis.&nbsp;

Zach Peach, a junior majoring in technology education from La Crosse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620060045908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association at Fort Hays State University reached new heights this year.FHSU won the all-around championship at the 83rd annual International Technology and engineering Educations Association (ITEEA) conference in March.It was FHSU’s second title in a row, recording the first back-to-back national championships since the inception of the all-around national recognition in 2017. The win helped FHSU erase the memories of barely losing national titles in 2018 (by one point) and again in 2019 (two points).Fort Hays State scored 16 total points in the event – which was run this year as a virtual format – to edge out Purdue University by a single point for the top spot.FHSU won two individual titles and added eight other top-three finishes. It has now won 32 individual events in its 36 years of national competition. Purdue actually placed first in more divisions (five), but FHSU recorded more top-three placings.&nbsp;Finishing first for the TEECA group were its No. 1 robotics team and the graphic design team.Tage Rothschild and Jordan Sargent teamed up to become the winningest robotics team in FHSU history. With their first-place finish in that event they became three-time national champs. Interestingly, they also finished third in that event with their second robot design.&nbsp;Members of the national championship graphic design team were Jerry Hoffman, Efrain Flores, and Rodolfo Diaz-Garay.Although the all-around national champion recognition is new to the organization, Eric Deneault, associate professor of applied technology, said “to be the first to do anything is a special feat in itself.”Deneault praised the upperclassmen’s high standards and expectations as a key to FHSU’s continued success at the regional and national levels.“When the expectation is to compete at the highest level with a great deal of success, it motivates the team to achieve that success by committing to the process and putting in the time and effort it takes to be a champion,” he said. “I am extremely proud of our team.”Following are FHSU’s individual event results:<h2>VEX robotics</h2>First placeTage Rothchild, a senior majoring in manufacturing technology from Superior, Neb.&nbsp;Third placeJordan Sargent, a senior majoring in manufacturing technology from Ransom.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Graphic design</h2>First placeEfrain Flores, a senior majoring in construction management from Hays.&nbsp;Rodolfo Diaz-Garay, a junior majoring in technology studies from Salina.&nbsp;Jerry Hoffman, a senior majoring in technology studies from Hays.<h2>Educational display</h2>Second placePaige Holopirek, a freshman from La Crosse.&nbsp;Third placeLuke Barber, a junior majoring in engineering design technology from Alma.&nbsp;<h2>Live manufacturing</h2><h2>Second place</h2>Jordan Boone, a senior majoring in construction management from Great Bend.Matthew Freel, a senior majoring in technology and engineering education from Minneapolis.&nbsp;Jerry Hoffman, a senior majoring in industrial technology from Hays.&nbsp;Micah Nuss, a senior majoring in construction management from Russell.&nbsp;Dason Sweat, a senior majoring in engineering design technology from Minneapolis.<h2>Communications</h2><h2>Second place</h2>Rodolfo Diaz-Garay, a junior majoring in technology studies from Salina.Jerry Hoffman, a senior majoring in industrial technology from Hays.Benjamin Windom III, a senior majoring in manufacturing technology from Aurora, Colo.<h2>Problem solving</h2>Second placeDaniel Fagan, a sophomore majoring in construction management from Kinsley.Edgar Silvestre, a sophomore majoring in engineering design technology from Salina.&nbsp;Benjamin Windom III, a senior majoring in manufacturing technology from Aurora, Colo.<h2>Teaching lesson</h2>Second placeMatthew Freel, a senior majoring in technology education from Minneapolis.&nbsp;Third placeZach Peach, a junior majoring in technology education from La Crosse.

FHSU TEECA team earns second straight national title

Don't let your athlete miss out on a great week of volleyball camp at Hays Middle School 

Middle School: 1 :00-3 :00 pm (open to Hays Middle School athletes only) 

Elementary: 3-4 grade -9:00-10:00 am (open to anyone) 5-6 grade 10:30-12:00 pm (open to anyone) 

Deadline: Please register by June 15th to receive a camp T-shirt. You may register up until the day of camp but will not receive a shirt after June 15th.&nbsp;

See the flyer above for more information and registration information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620069233378.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Don't let your athlete miss out on a great week of volleyball camp at Hays Middle School Clinic Times: Middle School: 1 :00-3 :00 pm (open to Hays Middle School athletes only) Elementary: 3-4 grade -9:00-10:00 am (open to anyone) 5-6 grade 10:30-12:00 pm (open to anyone) Deadline: Please register by June 15th to receive a camp T-shirt. You may register up until the day of camp but will not receive a shirt after June 15th.&nbsp;See the flyer above for more information and registration information.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Logistics logjam

The event begins at 8 a.m. throughout Victoria.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620058083940.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The event begins at 8 a.m. throughout Victoria.

Citywide garage sale in Victoria set for Saturday

Three-day weather outlook

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/473f3420-c7bf-41be-969a-2e720ecacfb2">UPDATED: Click here for more</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/473f3420-c7bf-41be-969a-2e720ecacfb2">UPDATED: Click here for more</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620171112253.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Police searching for missing person

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


HUTCHINSON — Kansas U.S. Sen. Dr. Roger Marshall hears his constituents in 
their concern for the rural implications of President Biden's plan of 
protecting 30% of the U.S. by 2030.

"You talk about getting people
 fired up," Marshall said. "We've done about 23 town halls now, I think 
and this is the No. 1 emotional issue out there, that President 
Biden is proposing that the federal government control 30% of our land 
by the year 2030. You talk about upsetting people, start messing with 
their property rights."

Marshall notes that it would take a lot to get that much land out of service in Kansas.

"Only
 3 percent of the land in Kansas is owned by the government, by the 
state or the federal government," Marshall said. "Even if we would take 
that and we would put it into CRP, if we would take 30 percent of the 
farmland in Reno County out of production, think what it would do to 
downtown Hutchinson, Kansas."

There's no mistaking it, jobs would be lost, he said.

"If
 we would take 30% of Kansas land out of production, it would be the end
 of so many hospitals in the state of Kansas," Marshall said. "We would 
have to consolidate more schools. It would probably mean losing 75,000 
jobs in the state of Kansas."

<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/biden-commits-to-30-by-2030-conservation-executive-orders">National Geographic reported in January</a>
 that reaching the 30 by 30 target will require conserving an additional
 area twice the size of Texas, more than 440 million acres, within the 
next 10 years.

Below is the full interview with Senator Marshall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617300004254.jpeg" alt="Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — Kansas U.S. Sen. Dr. Roger Marshall hears his constituents in 
their concern for the rural implications of President Biden's plan of 
protecting 30% of the U.S. by 2030."You talk about getting people
 fired up," Marshall said. "We've done about 23 town halls now, I think 
and this is the No. 1 emotional issue out there, that President 
Biden is proposing that the federal government control 30% of our land 
by the year 2030. You talk about upsetting people, start messing with 
their property rights."Marshall notes that it would take a lot to get that much land out of service in Kansas."Only
 3 percent of the land in Kansas is owned by the government, by the 
state or the federal government," Marshall said. "Even if we would take 
that and we would put it into CRP, if we would take 30 percent of the 
farmland in Reno County out of production, think what it would do to 
downtown Hutchinson, Kansas."There's no mistaking it, jobs would be lost, he said."If
 we would take 30% of Kansas land out of production, it would be the end
 of so many hospitals in the state of Kansas," Marshall said. "We would 
have to consolidate more schools. It would probably mean losing 75,000 
jobs in the state of Kansas."<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/biden-commits-to-30-by-2030-conservation-executive-orders">National Geographic reported in January</a>
 that reaching the 30 by 30 target will require conserving an additional
 area twice the size of Texas, more than 440 million acres, within the 
next 10 years.Below is the full interview with Senator Marshall.<div><iframe title="May 4, 2021 Morning Show-U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yetd9-10292ea-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=7" allowfullscreen="" width="100%" height="150"></iframe></div>

🎙Marshall: Constituents 'fired up' over 30 by 30 proposal

There have been a number of plants that have either died over winter or been slow to leaf out. &nbsp;In some cases, this is likely due to accumulated stress. &nbsp;We often think of plants reacting to stress that happened during the current season or possibly the previous year but it may not be that simple. &nbsp;I think this all started during the winter of 2017 - 2018. &nbsp;Many areas of Kansas had virtually no rain or snow from November through most of April during that winter. &nbsp;This put plants under a tremendous amount of stress. &nbsp; Plants under stress often react by setting an abnormal number of fruit buds. &nbsp;This helps ensure the survival of the species even if the parent plant dies. &nbsp;So lots of fruit buds were set during 2018. &nbsp;Those buds matured into flowers and then fruit (seeds) during 2019. &nbsp;Think back to last year. &nbsp;I have never seen certain plants bloom as well as they did last year. &nbsp;Maturing this much fruit takes a great deal of energy. &nbsp;I think this resulted in such low energy levels in the fall that the plants just didn’t have enough energy to make it through the winter or may have delayed leaf out. &nbsp;Areas with too much rain last summer had that additional stress added to the mix. &nbsp;Roots need oxygen as well as water and too much rain can damage root systems. So what do we do? &nbsp;The only thing we can do now is try to avoid any further stress. &nbsp;Basically, that means watering during dry weather. &nbsp;Don’t overdo it as too much moisture can damage root systems. &nbsp;The goal is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged while allowing the top of the soil surface to dry between waterings. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>There have been a number of plants that have either died over winter or been slow to leaf out. &nbsp;In some cases, this is likely due to accumulated stress. &nbsp;We often think of plants reacting to stress that happened during the current season or possibly the previous year but it may not be that simple. &nbsp;I think this all started during the winter of 2017 - 2018. &nbsp;Many areas of Kansas had virtually no rain or snow from November through most of April during that winter. &nbsp;This put plants under a tremendous amount of stress. &nbsp; Plants under stress often react by setting an abnormal number of fruit buds. &nbsp;This helps ensure the survival of the species even if the parent plant dies. &nbsp;So lots of fruit buds were set during 2018. &nbsp;Those buds matured into flowers and then fruit (seeds) during 2019. &nbsp;Think back to last year. &nbsp;I have never seen certain plants bloom as well as they did last year. &nbsp;Maturing this much fruit takes a great deal of energy. &nbsp;I think this resulted in such low energy levels in the fall that the plants just didn’t have enough energy to make it through the winter or may have delayed leaf out. &nbsp;Areas with too much rain last summer had that additional stress added to the mix. &nbsp;Roots need oxygen as well as water and too much rain can damage root systems. So what do we do? &nbsp;The only thing we can do now is try to avoid any further stress. &nbsp;Basically, that means watering during dry weather. &nbsp;Don’t overdo it as too much moisture can damage root systems. &nbsp;The goal is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged while allowing the top of the soil surface to dry between waterings. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

​FICK: Plants slow to leaf out in spring 2021

Becky Hickert has been selected as the assistant high principal for Hays High School starting for the 2021-22 school year.

Hickert is an assistant principal in USD 475 at Junction City High School.

Prior to becoming an assistant principal,&nbsp;Hickert was the coordinator of post-secondary programs at Junction City High. 

Hickert&nbsp;also served as a school counselor and math teacher at Junction City High.

She is a Hays native and is excited about returning to Hays with her husband and two school-aged children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620145169552.jpeg" alt="Becky Hickert" />
 <figcaption>Becky Hickert</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays USD 489Becky Hickert has been selected as the assistant high principal for Hays High School starting for the 2021-22 school year.Hickert is an assistant principal in USD 475 at Junction City High School.Prior to becoming an assistant principal,&nbsp;Hickert was the coordinator of post-secondary programs at Junction City High. Hickert&nbsp;also served as a school counselor and math teacher at Junction City High.She is a Hays native and is excited about returning to Hays with her husband and two school-aged children.

Hickert named new Hays High assistant principal

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Demetrius Chance, Fort Hays State University student and founder of the nonprofit Can You See Me?, said black Americans have been historically treated like animals.

They have not had a voice, but allies have voices in situations black Americans don't, he said.

"Fight for me," he said told a audience of about 30 people Friday night.

Chance and a panel of&nbsp; four other FHSU students came together Friday on the college campus for a panel discussion titled "How to be an Ally."&nbsp;The panel, which was sponsored by the FHSU Psychology Club, was made up of students of color as well as members of the LGBTQ community.

Chance said allies have to be ready for push back. He said Anniston Weber, fellow student and panel member, stood up for minority students on social media and was the target of attacks herself as a result.

Chyler Backstrom, FHSU KAMS student who has served as vice president of the FHSU's Black Student Union, said she thought one of the most important aspects of being an ally is to listen to people who are in other cultural groups.

The group talked about using appropriate language when talking to or referring to members of the LGBTQ community and people of color.

Leo Harzman, FHSU student, is non-binary, which is an umbrella term to describe people whose gender is neither man or woman, according to lgbthero.org.&nbsp;

"See me as I see myself," Harzman said. "I also want other people to see me as I see myself."

Harzman uses the they/their/them pronouns.

"As a non-binary person, I have to explain what non-binary is almost every time, and it's exhausting," they said.

Harzman urged people to go beyond Twitter or social media to better understand issues and the correct language to use with members of the LGBTQ community.

Harzman and&nbsp;Backstrom are both members of the LGBTQ community. They both use the word "queer" to identify themselves. However, they noted that word has been used in the past as a slur, and heterosexual people should refrain from using the term.

Jetta Smith, FHSU student, said allies can have better understanding of culture and language if they have personal conversations with people of color.

"I'm always on campus," she said. "You can walk up to me, and I don't mind explaining certain things to certain people.&nbsp;

"We are the future leaders of this world, and we want to educate ourselves more," she said. "Can we go to coffee? Can we have this normal conversation so you can explain me your perspective, and I can explain my perspective?"

"I would say be willing to accept criticism and be open to change," she said.

Smith those tough conversations may begin with your own friends and family. She said her own grandmother made racist comments to her. When she was a young teenager, she started to sweat more. Her grandmother said it was the minority in her.

"That was from somebody that I loved," she said. "How do you have those conversations, and how do I explain to her, 'It's not that I am a minority. It's that I am a four-sport child. ...

"It's going to be uncomfortable, and it's going to be hard, but once you feel comfortable in those awkward situations, I think that is when the best conversations happen."

Harzman said trans people have to fight the perception that they are predators.

"'Oh, that trans woman wants to go into a woman's bathroom, what's going to happen to my children?'" Harzman said. "No, they just want to go pee. They aren't going to harm your kids."

Harzman said by immersing yourself in an unfamiliar community or culture, you can unlearn some of the biases you've learned in your own culture or community.

"It is not a pretty world out there, when we want change," they said.

Backstrom said when a white person sees an instance of racism, they need to use his or her privilege to stand up and speak up.

"If you see a person following me or an attack and you are a white person, you have a lot to say," she said. "You have to do something. If you can't or you are not able to, find somebody else who can.

"The worst thing you can do is stand by and let the injustice happen," she said. "You cannot be docile in the face of an aggressor."

Weber also urged her peers to "Call it out. Call them out."

Chance urged white peers to use their privilege to advocate for people of color.

"Use the voice we are fighting to get," he said. "You already have it. We are fighting for our voice. We are fighting for people to listen, to comprehend, to understand where we are coming from."

Smith urged her peers, especially student athletes, to use their own power. She cited athlete protests at the University of Missouri and the University of Oklahoma.&nbsp;

She said allies need to advocate for injustice every day, not just on what they consider big issue.

"If you can't be trusted to stand up for the little things," she said. "Can we really trust you to stand up for the big things?"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620071904353.jpeg" alt="FHSU students Leo Harzman; Anniston Weber; Chyler Backstrom; Daisi Brand, president of the FHSU Psychology Club and moderator; Demetrius Chance; and Jetta Smith participated Friday in a panel discuss titled "How to be an Ally?"" />
 <figcaption>FHSU students Leo Harzman; Anniston Weber; Chyler Backstrom; Daisi Brand, president of the FHSU Psychology Club and moderator; Demetrius Chance; and Jetta Smith participated Friday in a panel discuss titled "How to be an Ally?"</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDemetrius Chance, Fort Hays State University student and founder of the nonprofit Can You See Me?, said black Americans have been historically treated like animals.They have not had a voice, but allies have voices in situations black Americans don't, he said."Fight for me," he said told a audience of about 30 people Friday night.Chance and a panel of&nbsp; four other FHSU students came together Friday on the college campus for a panel discussion titled "How to be an Ally."&nbsp;The panel, which was sponsored by the FHSU Psychology Club, was made up of students of color as well as members of the LGBTQ community.Chance said allies have to be ready for push back. He said Anniston Weber, fellow student and panel member, stood up for minority students on social media and was the target of attacks herself as a result.<h2>Language and listening</h2>Chyler Backstrom, FHSU KAMS student who has served as vice president of the FHSU's Black Student Union, said she thought one of the most important aspects of being an ally is to listen to people who are in other cultural groups.The group talked about using appropriate language when talking to or referring to members of the LGBTQ community and people of color.Leo Harzman, FHSU student, is non-binary, which is an umbrella term to describe people whose gender is neither man or woman, according to lgbthero.org.&nbsp;"See me as I see myself," Harzman said. "I also want other people to see me as I see myself."Harzman uses the they/their/them pronouns."As a non-binary person, I have to explain what non-binary is almost every time, and it's exhausting," they said.Harzman urged people to go beyond Twitter or social media to better understand issues and the correct language to use with members of the LGBTQ community.Harzman and&nbsp;Backstrom are both members of the LGBTQ community. They both use the word "queer" to identify themselves. However, they noted that word has been used in the past as a slur, and heterosexual people should refrain from using the term.Jetta Smith, FHSU student, said allies can have better understanding of culture and language if they have personal conversations with people of color."I'm always on campus," she said. "You can walk up to me, and I don't mind explaining certain things to certain people.&nbsp;"We are the future leaders of this world, and we want to educate ourselves more," she said. "Can we go to coffee? Can we have this normal conversation so you can explain me your perspective, and I can explain my perspective?"<h2>Having a thick skin</h2>Weber has served as an ally on campus."I would say be willing to accept criticism and be open to change," she said.Smith those tough conversations may begin with your own friends and family. She said her own grandmother made racist comments to her. When she was a young teenager, she started to sweat more. Her grandmother said it was the minority in her."That was from somebody that I loved," she said. "How do you have those conversations, and how do I explain to her, 'It's not that I am a minority. It's that I am a four-sport child. ..."It's going to be uncomfortable, and it's going to be hard, but once you feel comfortable in those awkward situations, I think that is when the best conversations happen."Harzman said trans people have to fight the perception that they are predators."'Oh, that trans woman wants to go into a woman's bathroom, what's going to happen to my children?'" Harzman said. "No, they just want to go pee. They aren't going to harm your kids."Harzman said by immersing yourself in an unfamiliar community or culture, you can unlearn some of the biases you've learned in your own culture or community."It is not a pretty world out there, when we want change," they said.<h2>Stand up, speak out</h2>Backstrom said when a white person sees an instance of racism, they need to use his or her privilege to stand up and speak up."If you see a person following me or an attack and you are a white person, you have a lot to say," she said. "You have to do something. If you can't or you are not able to, find somebody else who can."The worst thing you can do is stand by and let the injustice happen," she said. "You cannot be docile in the face of an aggressor."Weber also urged her peers to "Call it out. Call them out."Chance urged white peers to use their privilege to advocate for people of color."Use the voice we are fighting to get," he said. "You already have it. We are fighting for our voice. We are fighting for people to listen, to comprehend, to understand where we are coming from."Smith urged her peers, especially student athletes, to use their own power. She cited athlete protests at the University of Missouri and the University of Oklahoma.&nbsp;She said allies need to advocate for injustice every day, not just on what they consider big issue."If you can't be trusted to stand up for the little things," she said. "Can we really trust you to stand up for the big things?"

Fort Hays State student to white allies: 'Fight for me'

On Saturday, the Kansas Scholastic Press Association released the results from its annual state journalism contests, and Hays High School students placed in 12 contests against Class 5A and 6A competitors and finished third overall in Class 5A with 44 points behind Mill Valley High School (63 points) and Salina Central High School (50 points).

For reference, entries compete against both Class 5A and 6A students for individual awards, and entries had to place in the top six spots for recognition.  For teams, KSPA divides the classes.

5A/6A State Champions Cayden Sanders – Nature Photography Ryan Schuckman – Video Sports Promo

Allison Brooks – Headline Writing &amp; Design Alicia Feyerherm – Video PSA

Alicia Feyerherm – Feature Writing Alicia Feyerherm – Video News Jersey Johnson – Yearbook Copy Writing

Cade Becker &amp; Ryan Schuckman – Video News Allison Brooks – Review Writing

Cade Becker – Editorial Writing Ryan Schuckman &amp; Gracie Wente – Video PSA

On Saturday, the Kansas Scholastic Press Association released the results from its annual state journalism contests, and Hays High School students placed in 12 contests against Class 5A and 6A competitors and finished third overall in Class 5A with 44 points behind Mill Valley High School (63 points) and Salina Central High School (50 points).For reference, entries compete against both Class 5A and 6A students for individual awards, and entries had to place in the top six spots for recognition. For teams, KSPA divides the classes.Team – Third Place in Class 5A<h2>First Place</h2>5A/6A State Champions Cayden Sanders – Nature Photography Ryan Schuckman – Video Sports Promo<h2>Second Place</h2>Allison Brooks – Headline Writing &amp; Design Alicia Feyerherm – Video PSA<h2>Third Place</h2>Alicia Feyerherm – Feature Writing Alicia Feyerherm – Video News Jersey Johnson – Yearbook Copy Writing<h2>Fourth Place</h2>Cade Becker &amp; Ryan Schuckman – Video News Allison Brooks – Review Writing<h2>Fifth Place</h2>Fernando Zarate – Yearbook Design<h2>Sixth Place</h2>Cade Becker – Editorial Writing Ryan Schuckman &amp; Gracie Wente – Video PSA— Submitted

Hays High students honored in statewide journalism contest

WAKEENEY — The Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the National Society of the
Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a
dedication ceremony April 26 for the Never Forget Garden at the
Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney.


NSDAR is partnering with the Society of the Honor Guard of the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate its centennial this
year. The WaKeeney Garden is in honor of that commemoration.
It includes lilacs, maiden grass, double knockout roses and Rose
of Sharon. Matt Jacobs Landscaping and Lawn LLC installed the
plants. The Chapter received grants from Dane G. Hansen
Foundation and the Midwest Energy Community Fund for the
project.


Courtney-Spalding Regent Diana Crouch acted as emcee for the
program, which also celebrated the 95th anniversary of the
Courtney-Spalding Chapter. 
The Hays VFW Post 9076 Honor Guard presented the flag,
performed a rifle salute, played taps and retired the flag. Many
of whom were included in the recognition of Vietnam veterans and
surviving spouses presented by Sherrie Smith, Northwest District
director and Courtney-Spalding honorary chapter regent and
Retired U.S. Army Major Kathryn Walker West, NSDAR
corresponding secretary general and honorary state regent. Other
NSDAR dignitaries attending included Mary Bannister Frisch,
honorary vice president general and honorary state regent, and
Margaret Bates, vice chair VIS.

State officers attending included Rebecca Kline, vice regent;
Peggi Barrett, recording secretary and Denise Bullock, organizing
secretary.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620053705748.jpeg" alt="6 Never Forget Garden Plaque.JPG" />
 <figcaption>6 Never Forget Garden Plaque.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>WAKEENEY — The Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the National Society of the
Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a
dedication ceremony April 26 for the Never Forget Garden at the
Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney.
NSDAR is partnering with the Society of the Honor Guard of the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate its centennial this
year. The WaKeeney Garden is in honor of that commemoration.
It includes lilacs, maiden grass, double knockout roses and Rose
of Sharon. Matt Jacobs Landscaping and Lawn LLC installed the
plants. The Chapter received grants from Dane G. Hansen
Foundation and the Midwest Energy Community Fund for the
project.
Courtney-Spalding Regent Diana Crouch acted as emcee for the
program, which also celebrated the 95th anniversary of the
Courtney-Spalding Chapter. 
The Hays VFW Post 9076 Honor Guard presented the flag,
performed a rifle salute, played taps and retired the flag. Many
of whom were included in the recognition of Vietnam veterans and
surviving spouses presented by Sherrie Smith, Northwest District
director and Courtney-Spalding honorary chapter regent and
Retired U.S. Army Major Kathryn Walker West, NSDAR
corresponding secretary general and honorary state regent. Other
NSDAR dignitaries attending included Mary Bannister Frisch,
honorary vice president general and honorary state regent, and
Margaret Bates, vice chair VIS.
State officers attending included Rebecca Kline, vice regent;
Peggi Barrett, recording secretary and Denise Bullock, organizing
secretary.

DAR dedicates remembrance garden at WaKeeney cemetery

The Arctic cold blast that swept through the southern U.S. in February caused a much bigger loss in oil supply than previously estimated, with output falling to a three-year low. A report from the Energy Information Administration shows drillers cut production by almost 1.2 million barrels per day in February, a much bigger hit than previously reported. U.S. production for February was down 10 percent from January, and was 22% lower than a year earlier. The cold snap shut down the power grid and other infrastructure including a brief shutdown at the HollyFrontier refinery in El Dorado February 18, according to reports under the refinery's current Consent Decree. The EIA report shows a big drop in Kansas output in February as well. Production averaged 66,000 barrels per day, a 12% drop from January and 25% lower than February of 2020.

Benchmark crude futures settled Friday at $63.58 per barrel, up more than a dollar on the week and about three dollars higher than a month ago. In morning trading Monday, WTI for June delivery was fetching $64.25 per barrel.

Kansas Common crude ends the month of April at $53.75 per barrel, up a dollar fifty from a week earlier and two dollars higher than at the first of the month. The average price for April was a fraction shy of $52 per barrel, down about 89 cents from the average for March.

The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reports 440 active rigs nationwide, a decline of one oil rig but an increase of two rigs seeking natural gas. The count in Texas was up one and New Mexico was down one.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported 18 active oil-and-gas drilling rigs in Western Kansas this week, an increase of two rigs over last week. The count in the eastern half of the state was unchanged at six active rigs. Operators in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties drilled four wells to total depth last week.

Kansas regulators approved 20 new drilling permits last week, nine east of Wichita and eleven in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County and one in Russell County. That's 265 new permits so far this year.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas reports ten newly-completed wells in Kansas this week, five east of Wichita and five west, including one new well-completion in Ellis County. Operators have completed 224 wells so far this year.

Operators filed 100 Intent-to-Drill notices with the state of Kansas last month. That marks a slight decline from the month before, but is much higher than any other monthly total for the last year or so. There are four new intents in Barton County, six in Ellis County, two in Russell County and one in Stafford County.

US crude production dropped by more than 100,000 barrels to average just less than 11 million barrels per day last week. The Energy Information Administration says we're still more than a million barrels per day behind last year's record pace.

EIA says domestic crude-oil stockpiles were up slightly to just over 493 million barrels. That's equal to the five-year average. Gasoline stockpiles were also up slightly. But overall petroleum inventories dropped by a big margin, led by diesel and fuel-oil stockpiles which were down more than three percent.

The government reported US crude imports increased more than a million barrels per day to 6.6 million. The four-week average is nearly 11% higher than the same four-week period last year.

The government reports a big spike in gasoline demand, and the auto club AAA says that means we're filling our tanks more often. The latest measurement of demand nationwide reached its highest springtime total in two years, and just three percent below the same week in 2019. That's according to a report from the Energy Information Administration. On Thursday (4/29), the national average pump price for a gallon of regular gasoline was a fraction short of $2.89. That's half a cent higher on the week. The average in Kansas was nearly $2.73 a gallon, up a penny on the week and about seven cents higher than a month ago. We spotted two seventy-four across Great Bend and two sixty-nine in Hays. Filling up your 15-gallon tank cost a few cents less than last week, and about 30 cents more than a month ago.

Oil-by-rail traffic across the US is up over last week and last year at this time. The Association of American Railroads reports 11,131 tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products last week, up 302 tankers from last week and a 17.1 percent increase over the same week last year, when the pandemic response reduced nearly all rail traffic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp; JOHN P. TRETBARThe Arctic cold blast that swept through the southern U.S. in February caused a much bigger loss in oil supply than previously estimated, with output falling to a three-year low. A report from the Energy Information Administration shows drillers cut production by almost 1.2 million barrels per day in February, a much bigger hit than previously reported. U.S. production for February was down 10 percent from January, and was 22% lower than a year earlier. The cold snap shut down the power grid and other infrastructure including a brief shutdown at the HollyFrontier refinery in El Dorado February 18, according to reports under the refinery's current Consent Decree. The EIA report shows a big drop in Kansas output in February as well. Production averaged 66,000 barrels per day, a 12% drop from January and 25% lower than February of 2020.Benchmark crude futures settled Friday at $63.58 per barrel, up more than a dollar on the week and about three dollars higher than a month ago. In morning trading Monday, WTI for June delivery was fetching $64.25 per barrel.Kansas Common crude ends the month of April at $53.75 per barrel, up a dollar fifty from a week earlier and two dollars higher than at the first of the month. The average price for April was a fraction shy of $52 per barrel, down about 89 cents from the average for March. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes reports 440 active rigs nationwide, a decline of one oil rig but an increase of two rigs seeking natural gas. The count in Texas was up one and New Mexico was down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported 18 active oil-and-gas drilling rigs in Western Kansas this week, an increase of two rigs over last week. The count in the eastern half of the state was unchanged at six active rigs. Operators in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties drilled four wells to total depth last week. Kansas regulators approved 20 new drilling permits last week, nine east of Wichita and eleven in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County and one in Russell County. That's 265 new permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas reports ten newly-completed wells in Kansas this week, five east of Wichita and five west, including one new well-completion in Ellis County. Operators have completed 224 wells so far this year. Operators filed 100 Intent-to-Drill notices with the state of Kansas last month. That marks a slight decline from the month before, but is much higher than any other monthly total for the last year or so. There are four new intents in Barton County, six in Ellis County, two in Russell County and one in Stafford County. US crude production dropped by more than 100,000 barrels to average just less than 11 million barrels per day last week. The Energy Information Administration says we're still more than a million barrels per day behind last year's record pace. EIA says domestic crude-oil stockpiles were up slightly to just over 493 million barrels. That's equal to the five-year average. Gasoline stockpiles were also up slightly. But overall petroleum inventories dropped by a big margin, led by diesel and fuel-oil stockpiles which were down more than three percent. The government reported US crude imports increased more than a million barrels per day to 6.6 million. The four-week average is nearly 11% higher than the same four-week period last year. The government reports a big spike in gasoline demand, and the auto club AAA says that means we're filling our tanks more often. The latest measurement of demand nationwide reached its highest springtime total in two years, and just three percent below the same week in 2019. That's according to a report from the Energy Information Administration. On Thursday (4/29), the national average pump price for a gallon of regular gasoline was a fraction short of $2.89. That's half a cent higher on the week. The average in Kansas was nearly $2.73 a gallon, up a penny on the week and about seven cents higher than a month ago. We spotted two seventy-four across Great Bend and two sixty-nine in Hays. Filling up your 15-gallon tank cost a few cents less than last week, and about 30 cents more than a month ago. Oil-by-rail traffic across the US is up over last week and last year at this time. The Association of American Railroads reports 11,131 tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products last week, up 302 tankers from last week and a 17.1 percent increase over the same week last year, when the pandemic response reduced nearly all rail traffic.The Arctic cold blast that swept through the southern U.S. in February caused a much bigger loss in oil supply than previously estimated, with output falling to a three-year low. A report from the Energy Information Administration shows drillers cut production by almost 1.2 million barrels per day in February, a much bigger hit than previously reported. U.S. production for February was down 10 percent from January, and was 22% lower than a year earlier. The cold snap shut down the power grid and other infrastructure including a brief shutdown at the HollyFrontier refinery in El Dorado February 18, according to reports under the refinery's current Consent Decree. The EIA report shows a big drop in Kansas output in February as well. Production averaged 66,000 barrels per day, a 12% drop from January and 25% lower than February of 2020.

News From the Oil Patch: Feb. cold snap more costly than reported

Students at Roosevelt Elementary School are getting a taste of being adults, learning how to write checks, interviewing for jobs and having their own elections.

The lessons are a part of the the AmeriTowne curriculum, which the school is using for the first time this year.

The students participated in a general election on Wednesday for a mayor and judge for their AmeriTowne city. These two students will represent the fifth graders when Roosevelt's three classes travel to Lenora for activities in May.

The program is sponsored by Nex-Tech's Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth.

"When they attend AmeriTowne, it's a field trip in Lenora, our kids turn into miniature adults," fifth-grade teacher Katelyn Schmidt said. "They have a job. They interview for their job. They have a checking account. They learn how to write checks."

Prior to Wednesday, the students participated in a primary election.

Candidates gave short speeches, displayed campaign posters and handed out campaign buttons or stickers to their peers on Wednesday. 

Then the students voted in a secret ballot, using the voting stations and one of the same ballot boxes that are used by adults in Ellis County. These items were loaned to the school by Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling.

"They definitely get real-life skills," Schmidt said. "They get a little more hands-on experience as to what an election is and what it entails."

Fifth-grade teacher Erika Norris said the students are learning vital life skills.

"That is something they really need to know — how to manage their money," she said. "We talked about spending money on things that are needed before our wants.

"They are learning job interviewing skills, which I would have so loved to know at a young age. They are already going to know how to interview for a job they are interested in when they are older and be able to speak in front of people they don't necessarily know."

The students are learning the importance of being informed voters rather than voting for something they think sounds good or what their friends might be voting for, Norris said.

"This is something they are really excited for," she said. "This is something they really look forward to. When we say we're going to do an AmeriTowne lesson, they're pumped. They're ready for it."

Kylee Odom ran for mayor during the AmeriTowne election. She said she thought it would be fun to run a city.

She said she thought she would be a good mayor because she follows the principles her school has established for a good student, including being honest, respectful, compassionate, independent and motivated.

Madicyn Urban, fifth-grader, ran for the position of AmeriTowne judge.

She said enjoyed learning about things she is going to have to do in the future as an adult. She said she liked learning about writing checks and using a check register.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619807162331.jpeg" alt="Roosevelt Elementary School fifth-grader Kyle Burkholder votes for mayor and judge during the fifth grade's AmeriTowne general election on Wednesday at the school." />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt Elementary School fifth-grader Kyle Burkholder votes for mayor and judge during the fifth grade's AmeriTowne general election on Wednesday at the school.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostStudents at Roosevelt Elementary School are getting a taste of being adults, learning how to write checks, interviewing for jobs and having their own elections.The lessons are a part of the the AmeriTowne curriculum, which the school is using for the first time this year.The students participated in a general election on Wednesday for a mayor and judge for their AmeriTowne city. These two students will represent the fifth graders when Roosevelt's three classes travel to Lenora for activities in May.The program is sponsored by Nex-Tech's Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth."When they attend AmeriTowne, it's a field trip in Lenora, our kids turn into miniature adults," fifth-grade teacher Katelyn Schmidt said. "They have a job. They interview for their job. They have a checking account. They learn how to write checks."Prior to Wednesday, the students participated in a primary election.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619807524045.jpeg" alt="A Roosevelt fifth-grader KJ Walker holds up a campaign poster while Rylee Heeren gives her campaign speech during the school's AmeriTowne general election on Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>A Roosevelt fifth-grader KJ Walker holds up a campaign poster while Rylee Heeren gives her campaign speech during the school's AmeriTowne general election on Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>Candidates gave short speeches, displayed campaign posters and handed out campaign buttons or stickers to their peers on Wednesday. Then the students voted in a secret ballot, using the voting stations and one of the same ballot boxes that are used by adults in Ellis County. These items were loaned to the school by Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling."They definitely get real-life skills," Schmidt said. "They get a little more hands-on experience as to what an election is and what it entails."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619807639483.jpeg" alt="Kylee Odom, Roosevelt fifth-grader gives a campaign speech while Jenna Schmeidler holds her poster. Roosevelt fifth-graders ran for mayor and judge. The students who win will preside over the three fifth-grade classes when they take a field trip to Lenora to complete their AmeriTowne curriculum later this month." />
 <figcaption>Kylee Odom, Roosevelt fifth-grader gives a campaign speech while Jenna Schmeidler holds her poster. Roosevelt fifth-graders ran for mayor and judge. The students who win will preside over the three fifth-grade classes when they take a field trip to Lenora to complete their AmeriTowne curriculum later this month.</figcaption>
 </figure>Fifth-grade teacher Erika Norris said the students are learning vital life skills."That is something they really need to know — how to manage their money," she said. "We talked about spending money on things that are needed before our wants."They are learning job interviewing skills, which I would have so loved to know at a young age. They are already going to know how to interview for a job they are interested in when they are older and be able to speak in front of people they don't necessarily know."The students are learning the importance of being informed voters rather than voting for something they think sounds good or what their friends might be voting for, Norris said."This is something they are really excited for," she said. "This is something they really look forward to. When we say we're going to do an AmeriTowne lesson, they're pumped. They're ready for it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619807787135.jpeg" alt="Fifth grader Kaylee Kollman drops her ballot in a ballot box while&nbsp;Riley Zimmerman waits behind her during the Roosevelt student election on Wednesday. Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling lent the school voting stations, ballot clipboards and a ballot box for their election." />
 <figcaption>Fifth grader Kaylee Kollman drops her ballot in a ballot box while&nbsp;Riley Zimmerman waits behind her during the Roosevelt student election on Wednesday. Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling lent the school voting stations, ballot clipboards and a ballot box for their election.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kylee Odom ran for mayor during the AmeriTowne election. She said she thought it would be fun to run a city.She said she thought she would be a good mayor because she follows the principles her school has established for a good student, including being honest, respectful, compassionate, independent and motivated.Madicyn Urban, fifth-grader, ran for the position of AmeriTowne judge.She said enjoyed learning about things she is going to have to do in the future as an adult. She said she liked learning about writing checks and using a check register.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619807893314.jpeg" alt="Campaign buttons the students handed out during their election." />
 <figcaption>Campaign buttons the students handed out during their election.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Roosevelt students learn life skills as part of AmeriTowne project

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported just one new case of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday.

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

As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported one COVID-19 inpatient at HaysMed in the active phase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620061921226.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported just one new case of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported one COVID-19 inpatient at HaysMed in the active phase.Since reporting began, there have been 3,735 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 71 coronavirus-related deaths — the last of which was reported on March 10.NOTE:&nbsp;KDHE revised the death total Friday and again Monday, lowering the figure by two.