It’s easy to put off one’s estate plan. Who wants to think about his or her own demise? But completing a thoughtful estate plan is an important task and a great gift to those left behind. The opportunity to create your own legacy can actually be a fun and fulfilling process. Anyone wanting to learn about estate planning or charitable giving through estates is invited to attend either of two presentations being given in Colby and Hays next month.

Bryan Clontz, founder and president of Charitable Solutions, LLC, based in Jacksonville, Fla., will enlighten and entertain as he discusses top trends in estate planning and charitable giving during an 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. lunch in Colby and at a 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. dinner in Hays, both on Wednesday, Aug. 25. The Colby event will be at the City Limits Convention Center, and the Hays dinner will be at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Both events are sponsored by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in an effort to encourage Northwest Kansas residents to make a plan for not only their family, but also for their communities.

There is no cost to attend, but RSVP is required by Aug. 20. Register online at <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/cf-event/">https://danehansenfoundation.org/cf-event/</a>.

Clontz is a charitable giving consultant specializing in noncash assets, such as farm ground or real estate. He has worked extensively with community foundations and authored a book called Charitable Gifts of Noncash Assets, as well as the planned giving manual Just Add Water. He has written a dozen articles in financial services and planned giving journals and guest columns on charitable tax issues for Forbes.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston, a master’s degree in risk management and insurance at Georgia State University, and a master’s in financial services and a doctorate in retirement and financial planning at The American College of Financial Services. In addition to being qualified, Clontz is a funny, practical, and passionate presenter.

In addition to the Hansen Foundation, support for these events comes from the Heartland Community Foundation, the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629139873147.jpeg" alt="Bryan Clontz " />
 <figcaption>Bryan Clontz </figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationIt’s easy to put off one’s estate plan. Who wants to think about his or her own demise? But completing a thoughtful estate plan is an important task and a great gift to those left behind. The opportunity to create your own legacy can actually be a fun and fulfilling process. Anyone wanting to learn about estate planning or charitable giving through estates is invited to attend either of two presentations being given in Colby and Hays next month.Bryan Clontz, founder and president of Charitable Solutions, LLC, based in Jacksonville, Fla., will enlighten and entertain as he discusses top trends in estate planning and charitable giving during an 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. lunch in Colby and at a 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. dinner in Hays, both on Wednesday, Aug. 25. The Colby event will be at the City Limits Convention Center, and the Hays dinner will be at the Hilton Garden Inn.Both events are sponsored by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in an effort to encourage Northwest Kansas residents to make a plan for not only their family, but also for their communities.There is no cost to attend, but RSVP is required by Aug. 20. Register online at <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/cf-event/">https://danehansenfoundation.org/cf-event/</a>.Clontz is a charitable giving consultant specializing in noncash assets, such as farm ground or real estate. He has worked extensively with community foundations and authored a book called Charitable Gifts of Noncash Assets, as well as the planned giving manual Just Add Water. He has written a dozen articles in financial services and planned giving journals and guest columns on charitable tax issues for Forbes.He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston, a master’s degree in risk management and insurance at Georgia State University, and a master’s in financial services and a doctorate in retirement and financial planning at The American College of Financial Services. In addition to being qualified, Clontz is a funny, practical, and passionate presenter.In addition to the Hansen Foundation, support for these events comes from the Heartland Community Foundation, the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

Estate planning, charitable giving presentations offered

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Last week, gasoline prices reached the highest national average of the year at $3.19 per gallon. The auto club AAA says that was up two cents from a week earlier, up a nickel from a month earlier and up more than a dollar from a year ago. Today's prices are marginally cheaper. The statewide average in Kansas is just over $2.94. Most stations in Hays are offering regular gas for $2.89. It's going for $2.84 a gallon across Great Bend. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson is fetching $58.75 per barrel, after dropping half a dollar on Friday. Prices are up a quarter from a week ago, down more than five dollars from the first of the month, and $20 a barrel higher than at the first of the year. Crude futures prices continued the slump started last week. The benchmark Nymex contract settled on Friday at $68.44 per barrel. By lunchtime Monday that was down another dollar and change to $67.35. London Brent was also down more than a dollar at $69.57 a barrel. Drilling activity is on the rise in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service's spud reports show an increase of 58%, or 192 more wells drilled so far this year than a year ago.&nbsp; Seventy-six wildcat wells have been permitted this year, up more than 65% from a year ago. Wildcat drilling activity now accounts for nearly 15% of the total number of wells drilled. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas is down two for the week. Drilling was underway on one lease in Barton County, and an operator was preparing to spud a new well in Russell County. Baker Hughes reported an increase of ten active oil rigs nationwide Friday. The count in New Mexico was up four rigs. Texas was up three and North Dakota was up two rigs. Regulators approved 15 new drilling permits in eastern Kansas and 13 west of Wichita, including one in Barton County, two in Ellis County, and one in Stafford County. That's 605 new drilling locations so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 31 new completed wells across Kansas for the week, all but one of them in Western Kansas, including three in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Russell County. Operators have completed 492 Kansas wells so far this year. US crude inventories dropped 400,000 barrels last week to nearly 439 million. The government says US stockpiles are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline inventories are about 3% below the five year average, after dropping slightly last week.&nbsp; The US imported 6.4 million barrels of crude oil per day last week, down by 36,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average of US imports is 16% higher than the same four weeks last year. The Energy Information Administration reported an increase in US crude production of 124,000 barrels per day. At 11.3 million barrels per day, US output is nearly two million barrels per day higher than the same week a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. was down last week. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,188 tankers hauling petroleum, down 101 cars from the week before and nearly ten percent below the totals from a year ago. It might surprise you to learn that the leading offshore oil producer is Brazil. According to new analysis from the firm GlobalData, Brazil is expected to contribute nearly one fourth of all offshore oil produced worldwide over the next four years. Planned and announced projects starting soon are expected to pump up Brazil's offshore output to about 1.3 million barrels per day. The state of North Dakota reported a slight increase in crude-oil production in June. The Department of Mineral Resources announced output of 33.8 million barrels for the month. That's an average of 1.12 million barrels per day, up 143 barrels per day over the month before. The state's operators captured 92 percent of the natural gas produced at oil wells. A government report predicts rising OPEC crude production and lower prices through next year. Brent prices averaged $75 per barrel in July, and should average around $72 for the next few months, according to the government's Short Term Energy Outlook. The report forecasts average Brent prices of $66 per barrel next year. The Energy Information Administration says US crude prices will average just under $66 this year, dropping to just over $62 per barrel next year. EIA says OPEC production will rise nearly a million barrels per day this year over last year. Midwestern lawmakers are pressing their fight with the Fish and Wildlife Service over its potential listing of the lesser prairie chicken as an endangered species. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined lawmakers from Texas and Oklahoma urging the Service to extend the public-comment period on the proposal. Last week that comment period was extended one month to September 1st. But in the letter, the lawmakers are asking for an additional five months. They argue they need more time to consider potential impacts and scientific analysis. They say the listing would damage the construction, agriculture, energy and other industries that are already cooperating in conservation efforts to protect the bird habitat. The biggest oil and gas companies in Europe are going to extraordinary lengths to convince investors that their profits are here to stay. Royal Dutch Shell last week surprised investors, by increasing its dividend nearly 40%, and announcing $2 billion in stock buybacks. French multi-national TotalEnergies last week promised to divert as much as 40% of its surplus cash to stock repurchases. According to a Bloomberg report this marks a big turnaround for the industry, which is trying to convince investors to hold on despite mounting concerns about climate change. Up until recently, both oil majors were focused on paying down debt and strengthening their balance sheets following the pandemic and the price slump.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Last week, gasoline prices reached the highest national average of the year at $3.19 per gallon. The auto club AAA says that was up two cents from a week earlier, up a nickel from a month earlier and up more than a dollar from a year ago. Today's prices are marginally cheaper. The statewide average in Kansas is just over $2.94. Most stations in Hays are offering regular gas for $2.89. It's going for $2.84 a gallon across Great Bend. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson is fetching $58.75 per barrel, after dropping half a dollar on Friday. Prices are up a quarter from a week ago, down more than five dollars from the first of the month, and $20 a barrel higher than at the first of the year. Crude futures prices continued the slump started last week. The benchmark Nymex contract settled on Friday at $68.44 per barrel. By lunchtime Monday that was down another dollar and change to $67.35. London Brent was also down more than a dollar at $69.57 a barrel. Drilling activity is on the rise in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service's spud reports show an increase of 58%, or 192 more wells drilled so far this year than a year ago.&nbsp; Seventy-six wildcat wells have been permitted this year, up more than 65% from a year ago. Wildcat drilling activity now accounts for nearly 15% of the total number of wells drilled. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas is down two for the week. Drilling was underway on one lease in Barton County, and an operator was preparing to spud a new well in Russell County. Baker Hughes reported an increase of ten active oil rigs nationwide Friday. The count in New Mexico was up four rigs. Texas was up three and North Dakota was up two rigs. Regulators approved 15 new drilling permits in eastern Kansas and 13 west of Wichita, including one in Barton County, two in Ellis County, and one in Stafford County. That's 605 new drilling locations so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 31 new completed wells across Kansas for the week, all but one of them in Western Kansas, including three in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Russell County. Operators have completed 492 Kansas wells so far this year. US crude inventories dropped 400,000 barrels last week to nearly 439 million. The government says US stockpiles are about six percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline inventories are about 3% below the five year average, after dropping slightly last week.&nbsp; The US imported 6.4 million barrels of crude oil per day last week, down by 36,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average of US imports is 16% higher than the same four weeks last year. The Energy Information Administration reported an increase in US crude production of 124,000 barrels per day. At 11.3 million barrels per day, US output is nearly two million barrels per day higher than the same week a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. was down last week. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,188 tankers hauling petroleum, down 101 cars from the week before and nearly ten percent below the totals from a year ago. It might surprise you to learn that the leading offshore oil producer is Brazil. According to new analysis from the firm GlobalData, Brazil is expected to contribute nearly one fourth of all offshore oil produced worldwide over the next four years. Planned and announced projects starting soon are expected to pump up Brazil's offshore output to about 1.3 million barrels per day. The state of North Dakota reported a slight increase in crude-oil production in June. The Department of Mineral Resources announced output of 33.8 million barrels for the month. That's an average of 1.12 million barrels per day, up 143 barrels per day over the month before. The state's operators captured 92 percent of the natural gas produced at oil wells. A government report predicts rising OPEC crude production and lower prices through next year. Brent prices averaged $75 per barrel in July, and should average around $72 for the next few months, according to the government's Short Term Energy Outlook. The report forecasts average Brent prices of $66 per barrel next year. The Energy Information Administration says US crude prices will average just under $66 this year, dropping to just over $62 per barrel next year. EIA says OPEC production will rise nearly a million barrels per day this year over last year. Midwestern lawmakers are pressing their fight with the Fish and Wildlife Service over its potential listing of the lesser prairie chicken as an endangered species. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined lawmakers from Texas and Oklahoma urging the Service to extend the public-comment period on the proposal. Last week that comment period was extended one month to September 1st. But in the letter, the lawmakers are asking for an additional five months. They argue they need more time to consider potential impacts and scientific analysis. They say the listing would damage the construction, agriculture, energy and other industries that are already cooperating in conservation efforts to protect the bird habitat. The biggest oil and gas companies in Europe are going to extraordinary lengths to convince investors that their profits are here to stay. Royal Dutch Shell last week surprised investors, by increasing its dividend nearly 40%, and announcing $2 billion in stock buybacks. French multi-national TotalEnergies last week promised to divert as much as 40% of its surplus cash to stock repurchases. According to a Bloomberg report this marks a big turnaround for the industry, which is trying to convince investors to hold on despite mounting concerns about climate change. Up until recently, both oil majors were focused on paying down debt and strengthening their balance sheets following the pandemic and the price slump.

News From the Oil Patch: Gas prices retreat from annual highs

Fourth year head coach Tony Crough wore a shirt with a simple message across the chest to the team's first practice this fall — two words simply stating "Prove It." That phrase has been the mantra in the past for Hays High football. But not many inside the program feel they have followed through. There may be no better time that now with a large number juniors and seniors returning for 2021. Seventy-five players donned pads for the first practice.

Fifteen of those upperclassmen saw significant time during a 5-3 campaign that came to a close in the Week 9 game at home to Maize South. It was the Indians second loss to the Mavericks in 2020. The other tally in the loss column came against Kapaun.

Hays claimed its first Western Athletic Conference title since 2014 and will try to win back-to-back crowns for the first time since 2011 and 2012.

Clemson commit Jaren Kanak highlights a group of eight offensive players that were all significant contributors a season ago. Roy Maroni, Carson Kiefer, Jordan Dale and Bryce Salmans all return to the skill positions where they helped the team move the ball for 321 yards per game and average 24 points per contest. Dale earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in the WAC for his play at quarterback and wide receiver.&nbsp; 

Gavin Nutting and Karson Russell anchor the offensive line after starting the past season there.

Defensively, the Indians gave up an average of 16 points per game. Division 1 recruit Gavin Meyers enters his senior year with 259 total tackles. He will be joined at the linebacker spot by fellow senior, Dalton Dale who has 117 tackles to his credit. Wyatt Crain returns to the secondary.

The defensive line will also have Nutting, who enters his senior season with 129 career tackles and Carson Spray, who as a sophomore saw increased time as the season progressed. After starting on the offensive line last season, Grayson Walburn moves to the defensive line.

Senior Jack Fields will handle the kicking duties once again. Fields made 16 of his 21 extra point attempts.

Like every team, questions remain to be answered on day one of the season. The Indians lost Gaven Haselhorst and Trey Adams to graduation. The two defensive ends combined for 348 tackles, 84 of which were for a loss, in their careers. Haselhorst now resides in Manhattan where he is playing for Kansas State University.

Another noticeable absence from the field was Dylan Dreiling. The senior baseball standout has elected not to play this season. Dreiling saw time at both quarterback and running back in 2020.

Hays High opens the season by hosting Wichita East on Sept. 3.

Fourth year head coach Tony Crough wore a shirt with a simple message across the chest to the team's first practice this fall — two words simply stating "Prove It." That phrase has been the mantra in the past for Hays High football. But not many inside the program feel they have followed through. There may be no better time that now with a large number juniors and seniors returning for 2021. Seventy-five players donned pads for the first practice.Fifteen of those upperclassmen saw significant time during a 5-3 campaign that came to a close in the Week 9 game at home to Maize South. It was the Indians second loss to the Mavericks in 2020. The other tally in the loss column came against Kapaun.Hays claimed its first Western Athletic Conference title since 2014 and will try to win back-to-back crowns for the first time since 2011 and 2012.Coach Tony Crough <div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1107266683&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-tony-crough-preseason-2021" title="Coach Tony Crough Preseason 2021" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Tony Crough Preseason 2021</a></div></div>Clemson commit Jaren Kanak highlights a group of eight offensive players that were all significant contributors a season ago. Roy Maroni, Carson Kiefer, Jordan Dale and Bryce Salmans all return to the skill positions where they helped the team move the ball for 321 yards per game and average 24 points per contest. Dale earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in the WAC for his play at quarterback and wide receiver.&nbsp; Gavin Nutting and Karson Russell anchor the offensive line after starting the past season there.Defensively, the Indians gave up an average of 16 points per game. Division 1 recruit Gavin Meyers enters his senior year with 259 total tackles. He will be joined at the linebacker spot by fellow senior, Dalton Dale who has 117 tackles to his credit. Wyatt Crain returns to the secondary.The defensive line will also have Nutting, who enters his senior season with 129 career tackles and Carson Spray, who as a sophomore saw increased time as the season progressed. After starting on the offensive line last season, Grayson Walburn moves to the defensive line.Senior Jack Fields will handle the kicking duties once again. Fields made 16 of his 21 extra point attempts.Like every team, questions remain to be answered on day one of the season. The Indians lost Gaven Haselhorst and Trey Adams to graduation. The two defensive ends combined for 348 tackles, 84 of which were for a loss, in their careers. Haselhorst now resides in Manhattan where he is playing for Kansas State University.Another noticeable absence from the field was Dylan Dreiling. The senior baseball standout has elected not to play this season. Dreiling saw time at both quarterback and running back in 2020.Hays High opens the season by hosting Wichita East on Sept. 3.

🏈 Hays High tries to 'prove it' on the gridiron

Three-day weather outlook

NORTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for allegedly endangering a child.

On Friday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Mykayla Forsberg on a&nbsp;Norton County District Court Warrant for Unlawful Tattooing, Tattooing Minor without Consent and Endangering a Child, according to a social media report from police.&nbsp; She posted bond and is no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629155521243.png" alt="Forsberg-photo Norton County" />
 <figcaption>Forsberg-photo Norton County</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for allegedly endangering a child.On Friday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Mykayla Forsberg on a&nbsp;Norton County District Court Warrant for Unlawful Tattooing, Tattooing Minor without Consent and Endangering a Child, according to a social media report from police.&nbsp; She posted bond and is no longer in custody.

Kan. woman allegedly tattooed a minor without consent

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.&nbsp;

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

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,873 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629134394286.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported nine COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed.Since reporting began, there have been 3,873 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 13 new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

Hays Catholic Schools, TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary are excited to kick off the 2021-22 school year with the Back 2 School Bash on Friday, Aug. 20, located on the campus of Thomas More Prep-Marian. 

All in the Hays community are invited to attend this fun family event.

Following the opening prayer and blessing at 4:45 p.m., enjoy a hot dog provided and grilled by Astra Bank of Hays and a cold beverage donated by the Kiwanis Club of Hays and served to you by the TMP-M Key Club. This will be a cool treat, thanks to ice donated by Buff's Car Wash. The Knights of Columbus, Council #6984 will also be serving complimentary watermelon for all to enjoy! Auto World of Hays will provide water throughout the event.&nbsp;

Ice cream, sno-cones, Monarch Football Madness tickets and Hays Catholic Schools yard signs will all be available for purchase.&nbsp;

With the generosity of the following sponsors, Diamond R Jewelry, DW Home Improvement, Gone Logo, Holy Family Home &amp; School Committee, TMP-M PTF, Nex-Tech, Jeff Pinkney CPA, Inc., and Nex-Tech Wireless, and numerous other supporters, there will be numerous fun activities for all ages:

At 5:00p.m., Herrman Physical Therapy and Wellness will be holding a Mini-Monarch Combine where future Monarchs can test their athletic skills. Southwind Crossfit will be hosting a Fun Run for all ages beginning at 6:00 p.m. In addition, there will be several sports scrimmages throughout the evening ending with the Blue and White Football Scrimmage on Cripplegate Field at 7:00 p.m.&nbsp;

The TMP-M cheerleaders will be painting faces as well as performing at 6:45 p.m. Also included is the TMP-M Chess Club, which will show off their skills and the Garden Club featuring amazing homegrown produce.&nbsp;

At the conclusion of the activities at 9:00 p.m., a street dance will continue and prizes donated by the TMP-M High School StuCo will be drawn. You must be present to win.&nbsp;

At approximately 10:00 p.m., this enjoyable evening will end with a literal “bang” as a spectacular firework show will be presented by The Golden Q Bar &amp; Grill and Brick's Rockin’ BBQ. &nbsp;

Non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry will be collected at the welcome table upon entering. 

Parking on campus will be limited to the east and south of Al Billinger Fieldhouse. 

Registration for all events and prizes will be available at the welcome table. Please make sure to bring lawn chairs and come and celebrate the start of another fantastic school year!&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628877951132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted Hays Catholic Schools, TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary are excited to kick off the 2021-22 school year with the Back 2 School Bash on Friday, Aug. 20, located on the campus of Thomas More Prep-Marian. All in the Hays community are invited to attend this fun family event.Following the opening prayer and blessing at 4:45 p.m., enjoy a hot dog provided and grilled by Astra Bank of Hays and a cold beverage donated by the Kiwanis Club of Hays and served to you by the TMP-M Key Club. This will be a cool treat, thanks to ice donated by Buff's Car Wash. The Knights of Columbus, Council #6984 will also be serving complimentary watermelon for all to enjoy! Auto World of Hays will provide water throughout the event.&nbsp;Ice cream, sno-cones, Monarch Football Madness tickets and Hays Catholic Schools yard signs will all be available for purchase.&nbsp;With the generosity of the following sponsors, Diamond R Jewelry, DW Home Improvement, Gone Logo, Holy Family Home &amp; School Committee, TMP-M PTF, Nex-Tech, Jeff Pinkney CPA, Inc., and Nex-Tech Wireless, and numerous other supporters, there will be numerous fun activities for all ages:<ol>
 <li>Bounce houses</li><li>Obstacle courses </li><li>&nbsp;Laser tag</li><li>Dunk tank</li><li>Roller coaster simulator</li><li>DJ with music and karaoke</li><li>Golf nets and games provided by Precision Valley</li><li>Cotton candy served by the TMP Drama Club</li><li>Popcorn served by the Hays Catholic Schools Advancement Office </li>
 </ol>At 5:00p.m., Herrman Physical Therapy and Wellness will be holding a Mini-Monarch Combine where future Monarchs can test their athletic skills. Southwind Crossfit will be hosting a Fun Run for all ages beginning at 6:00 p.m. In addition, there will be several sports scrimmages throughout the evening ending with the Blue and White Football Scrimmage on Cripplegate Field at 7:00 p.m.&nbsp;The TMP-M cheerleaders will be painting faces as well as performing at 6:45 p.m. Also included is the TMP-M Chess Club, which will show off their skills and the Garden Club featuring amazing homegrown produce.&nbsp;At the conclusion of the activities at 9:00 p.m., a street dance will continue and prizes donated by the TMP-M High School StuCo will be drawn. You must be present to win.&nbsp;At approximately 10:00 p.m., this enjoyable evening will end with a literal “bang” as a spectacular firework show will be presented by The Golden Q Bar &amp; Grill and Brick's Rockin’ BBQ. &nbsp;Non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry will be collected at the welcome table upon entering. Parking on campus will be limited to the east and south of Al Billinger Fieldhouse. Registration for all events and prizes will be available at the welcome table. Please make sure to bring lawn chairs and come and celebrate the start of another fantastic school year!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community invited to Back 2 School Bash at TMP-Marian

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall" 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=v7jgb-10b6d9c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

🎤Forward Ever: U.S. Senator Roger Marshall

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs open their third year under
head coach Jay Harris on Monday after putting together one of the most successful
seasons in in the last two decades.

&nbsp;Last year, the
Monarchs clinched the program's first district title, made the playoffs and
hosted a home playoff game for the first time since the 2002 season. 

TMP finished 7-2 with a first-round loss to Beloit. It was
just the second time since 1988 TMP had won seven games.

Coach Harris said they expect to have 26 players out this
fall.

TMP's first practice is set for Monday afternoon.

The Monarchs open the season Sept. 3 at Oakley.

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs open their third year under
head coach Jay Harris on Monday after putting together one of the most successful
seasons in in the last two decades.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1105619392&color=%23004386&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/8-13-21-tmp-football-coach-jay-harris" title="8-13-21 TMP football coach Jay Harris" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">8-13-21 TMP football coach Jay Harris</a></div></div>&nbsp;Last year, the
Monarchs clinched the program's first district title, made the playoffs and
hosted a home playoff game for the first time since the 2002 season. TMP finished 7-2 with a first-round loss to Beloit. It was
just the second time since 1988 TMP had won seven games.Coach Harris said they expect to have 26 players out this
fall.TMP's first practice is set for Monday afternoon.The Monarchs open the season Sept. 3 at Oakley.

🏈TMP looks to build on past successes

Kansas first district congressman Tracy Mann stopped in Hays Thursday to share with constituents the latest activity in the federal government during his latest listening tour of the district.&nbsp;

Mann opened the session with a general overview of the makeup of the congress acknowledging the current climate of extreme divisiveness between the two political parties and the general population.

During his remarks, he spoke about the rapidly expanding national debt.

"I was alarmed 10 years ago when we were at $12 or 13 trillion. We have blown by that," Mann said. "Last year alone, we added $6 trillion to the debt. ... We cannot continue to spend money at this pace and not think that it is going to impact the value of the dollar, not think that it is going to impact and really prohibit our ability to fund things other than just servicing the debt."

Further, he said that many of the recent spending initiatives labeled as infrastructure were items pulled directly from the "Green New Deal," a Democratic-based initiative centered around climate change solutions.

"Of that $2 trillion (spending bill for infrastructure,) only $100 billion would be for roads or bridges, as proposed," he said. "So only five percent for roads of bridges.

"Eighty billion for climate change research, $186 billion for electric vehicle charging stations, $400 billion to upfit peoples' houses and commercial buildings to be more environmentally friendly. I mean, it's basically taken the tenants of the 'Green New Deal' and calling it infrastructure."

While Mann also spoke briefly on several other topics during his remarks, a significant portion of the question and answer time during the town hall focused on elections.

In response to questioning his vote against certifying the 2020 election, he explained his reasoning as coming down to how the electors of each state were selected.

"The metric I looked at, and said I can't - when I get sworn in on Sunday, say I'm going to uphold the constitution, then vote to certify states where our constitution, Article 2, was clearly broken - and that was the case in the four states, that I voted to not certify."

But despite the vote, he said Joe Biden is president.

In response to another question about the events in the capital on Jan. 6, he said the Senate report was "pretty good" after a thorough investigation, but the House investigation was looking to be politically motivated but said understanding what happened at every level is important.

After taking questions on other topics, the 2020 election was again questioned.

"If we don't get to the bottom of 2020, we are down the tubes," an audience member said. "You'll be speaking Chinese; your grandkids will speak Chinese."

"The bedrock of this whole deal is our faith and trust in our elections and in democracy," Mann said.&nbsp;

"There is no trust in this election," the commenter said, claiming votes were changed. "Because those machines were connected to the internet. They flipped hundreds of thousands, millions of votes."

When asked about his thoughts on the 2022 election, he noted that typically the party not holding the presidency would expect to gain seats in congress.

But again, an audience member pushed the question of election integrity.

"We'll never have another fair and legitimate election until we get to the bottom of 2020," they said. "That's a fact. They are going to keep cheating the same way every single time. Because they can. ... I'm sorry, none of this makes any difference until we get to the bottom of that. He is an illegitimate administration. Period."

Mann again did not directly respond to the comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629053035233.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostKansas first district congressman Tracy Mann stopped in Hays Thursday to share with constituents the latest activity in the federal government during his latest listening tour of the district.&nbsp;Mann opened the session with a general overview of the makeup of the congress acknowledging the current climate of extreme divisiveness between the two political parties and the general population.During his remarks, he spoke about the rapidly expanding national debt."I was alarmed 10 years ago when we were at $12 or 13 trillion. We have blown by that," Mann said. "Last year alone, we added $6 trillion to the debt. ... We cannot continue to spend money at this pace and not think that it is going to impact the value of the dollar, not think that it is going to impact and really prohibit our ability to fund things other than just servicing the debt."Further, he said that many of the recent spending initiatives labeled as infrastructure were items pulled directly from the "Green New Deal," a Democratic-based initiative centered around climate change solutions."Of that $2 trillion (spending bill for infrastructure,) only $100 billion would be for roads or bridges, as proposed," he said. "So only five percent for roads of bridges."Eighty billion for climate change research, $186 billion for electric vehicle charging stations, $400 billion to upfit peoples' houses and commercial buildings to be more environmentally friendly. I mean, it's basically taken the tenants of the 'Green New Deal' and calling it infrastructure."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629053055485.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While Mann also spoke briefly on several other topics during his remarks, a significant portion of the question and answer time during the town hall focused on elections.In response to questioning his vote against certifying the 2020 election, he explained his reasoning as coming down to how the electors of each state were selected."The metric I looked at, and said I can't - when I get sworn in on Sunday, say I'm going to uphold the constitution, then vote to certify states where our constitution, Article 2, was clearly broken - and that was the case in the four states, that I voted to not certify."But despite the vote, he said Joe Biden is president.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629053073989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In response to another question about the events in the capital on Jan. 6, he said the Senate report was "pretty good" after a thorough investigation, but the House investigation was looking to be politically motivated but said understanding what happened at every level is important.After taking questions on other topics, the 2020 election was again questioned."If we don't get to the bottom of 2020, we are down the tubes," an audience member said. "You'll be speaking Chinese; your grandkids will speak Chinese.""The bedrock of this whole deal is our faith and trust in our elections and in democracy," Mann said.&nbsp;"There is no trust in this election," the commenter said, claiming votes were changed. "Because those machines were connected to the internet. They flipped hundreds of thousands, millions of votes."Mann did not respond to the comments.When asked about his thoughts on the 2022 election, he noted that typically the party not holding the presidency would expect to gain seats in congress.But again, an audience member pushed the question of election integrity."We'll never have another fair and legitimate election until we get to the bottom of 2020," they said. "That's a fact. They are going to keep cheating the same way every single time. Because they can. ... I'm sorry, none of this makes any difference until we get to the bottom of that. He is an illegitimate administration. Period."Mann again did not directly respond to the comment.

Mann talks spending and elections during recent Hays stop

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on about 16 miles of Interstate 70 in Ellis County the week of Aug. 23.

The construction will take place on the westbound and eastbound lanes starting just west of the Trego County line and ending at the U.S.183 junction at exit 159 in Hays. Project work will consist of a mill and inlay on the driving lanes, followed by an overlay on the roadway and shoulders. New pavement markings will also be installed.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zones with a decreased speed limit. Minor delays not exceeding five minutes should be expected.

KDOT anticipates work to be completed in early December, weather permitting.

Venture Corporation of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the $9.3 million project. For more information, please contact KDOT area construction engineer Nick Rogers at 785-625-9718 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nick.rogers@ks.gov" target="_blank">nick.rogers@ks.gov</a>.

Kansas Department of TransportationThe Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on about 16 miles of Interstate 70 in Ellis County the week of Aug. 23.The construction will take place on the westbound and eastbound lanes starting just west of the Trego County line and ending at the U.S.183 junction at exit 159 in Hays. Project work will consist of a mill and inlay on the driving lanes, followed by an overlay on the roadway and shoulders. New pavement markings will also be installed.Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zones with a decreased speed limit. Minor delays not exceeding five minutes should be expected.KDOT anticipates work to be completed in early December, weather permitting.Venture Corporation of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the $9.3 million project. For more information, please contact KDOT area construction engineer Nick Rogers at 785-625-9718 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nick.rogers@ks.gov" target="_blank">nick.rogers@ks.gov</a>.

I-70 roadwork planned in Ellis County

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Towed
Vehicle—400 block E 8th, Hays; 12:05 AM 
Battery – Domestic—400 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:20 AM; 2:38 AM 
Water Use Violation—1600 block Main St, Hays; 7:50 AM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--400 block W 35th St, Hays; 10:04 AM 
Stalking—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 10:32 AM; 11 AM 
Animal At Large—200 block W 6th St, Hays; 11:35 AM 
Unattended Death—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 11:54 AM 
Overdose—1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:58 PM 
Driving Under the Influence—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:14 PM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 2:52 PM 
Theft (general)—500 block Walnut St, Hays; 6/14 5 PM; 8/4 5 PM 
Water Use Violation—300 block E 18th St, Hays; 5:52 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 34 traffic stops Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving
Under the Influence--10th and Main St, Hays; 2:29 AM 
Water Use Violation—1400 block E 17th St, Hays; 3:08 AM 
Unattended Death—300 block W 13th St, Hays; 9:56 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--1900 block Marshall Rd, Hays; 3:09 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—3100 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 3:52 PM 
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ--1200 block Allen St, Hays; 9:27 PM 
Disorderly Conduct--1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 9:28 PM; 10:30 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:10 PM; 9:30 PM 
Drug Offenses--800 block Vine St, Hays; 10:25 PM 
Welfare Check—2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 8/1 
Welfare Check—2900 block Sternberg Dr, Hays; 8/1

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Water Use
Violation--1800 block Vine St, Hays; 1:30 AM 
Drug Offenses/DUI--1000 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:01 AM 
Criminal Threat—1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 12:16 AM; 12:37 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--1000 block Vine St, Hays; 3:32 AM 
Animal Call—1300 block Fort St, Hays; 7:57 AM 
Animal At Large—400 block W 13th St, Hays; 8:07 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—200 block E 11th St, Hays; 8:08 AM 
NCIC Hit—200 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:51 AM 
Domestic Disturbance—3800 block Vine St, Hays; 11:31 AM 
Animal At Large—400 block W 18th St, Hays; 11:59 AM 
Theft (general)—1900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:07 PM 
Theft (general)—1100 block E 41st St, Hays; 3:40 PM 
Found/Lost Property—3700 block Vine St, Hays; 5:01 PM 
Burglary/residence—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 5:15 PM; 8 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--3200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:25 PM; 11:27 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 13 traffic stops Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving
Under the Influence—1000 block Elm St, Hays; 2:19 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—2900 block Barclay Dr, Hays; 9:50 AM 
Animal At Large—400 block W 19th St, Hays; 10:31 AM 
Civil Dispute—2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 1:36 PM 
Water Use Violation—2200 block Farley Pl, Hays; 2:21 PM 
Suicidal Subject—700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:54 PM 
Theft (general)—700 block Vine St, Hays; 5:06 PM 
Animal Bite Investigation—1200 block Tamarac Cir, Hays; 5:43 PM 
Suicidal Subject—400 block Walnut St, Hay; 8:41 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Burglary/vehicle—1300
block Douglas Dr, Hays; 5:44 AM; 5:45 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property--1400 block W 42nd St, Hays; 8/6 7:30 AM; 8/9 7:30
AM Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen—1400 block E 25th St, Hays; 9:09 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 10:51 AM 
Robbery—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:34 PM 
Mental Health Call—200 block W 15th St, Hays; 3:30 PM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen—1200 block Tamarac Cir, Hay; 3:38 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8/3&nbsp;
7:42 PM; 8:09 PM 
Theft (general)—1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 6:50 PM 
Sex Offense—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 8:17 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 4 traffic stops Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Animal At
Large—Hays; 2:37 AM 
Water Use Violation—3800 block Post Rd, Hays; 6:38 AM; 6:58 AM 
Mental Health Call—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:46 AM 
Found/Lost Property—1400 block Hall St, Hay; 8:47 AM 
Overdose—400 block E 15th St, Hays; 8:57 AM 
Welfare Check—400 block E 12th St, Hays; 9 AM 
Suspicious Person—1300 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 10:23 AM; 10:28 AM 
Mental Health Call—1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 11:50 AM 
Animal At Large—2400 block Vine St, Hays; 12:07 PM 
Harassment (All Other)—1500 block Main St, Hays; 12:19 PM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:09 PM; 3:10 PM 
Civil Dispute—3300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:59 PM 
Disturbance – General—3300 block Country Ln, Hays; 5:47 PM 
Theft (general)—3400 block Vine St, Hays; 9 AM; 6:45 PM 
Welfare Check--2700 block Hall St, Hays; 9:19 PM 
Drug Offenses—4600 block Roth Ave, Hays; 11:06 PM; 11:08 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 19 traffic stops Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious
Activity—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 6:45 AM 
Animal At Large—1500 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 8:17 AM 
Welfare Check—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 8:37 AM 
Animal At Large--15th and Haney, Hays; 9:22 AM 
Water Use Violation—1700 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 9:44 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--3300 block Vine St, Hays; 12 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—400 block E 7th St, Hays; 1:16 PM 
Lost Animals ONL—1700 block Pine St, Hays; 1:36 PM 
Child in Need of Care—Hays; 2:02 PM 
Civil Dispute—300 block W 7th St, Hays; 3:23 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 4:44 PM 
Welfare Check—200 block E 5th St, Hays; 5:12 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1800 block Walnut St, Hays; 5:16 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 7:41 PM 
Runaway Juvenile—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 2 PM; 10 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:14 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Towed
Vehicle—400 block E 8th, Hays; 12:05 AM 
Battery – Domestic—400 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:20 AM; 2:38 AM 
Water Use Violation—1600 block Main St, Hays; 7:50 AM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--400 block W 35th St, Hays; 10:04 AM 
Stalking—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 10:32 AM; 11 AM 
Animal At Large—200 block W 6th St, Hays; 11:35 AM 
Unattended Death—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 11:54 AM 
Overdose—1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:58 PM 
Driving Under the Influence—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:14 PM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 2:52 PM 
Theft (general)—500 block Walnut St, Hays; 6/14 5 PM; 8/4 5 PM 
Water Use Violation—300 block E 18th St, Hays; 5:52 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 34 traffic stops Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence--10th and Main St, Hays; 2:29 AM 
Water Use Violation—1400 block E 17th St, Hays; 3:08 AM 
Unattended Death—300 block W 13th St, Hays; 9:56 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--1900 block Marshall Rd, Hays; 3:09 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—3100 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 3:52 PM 
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ--1200 block Allen St, Hays; 9:27 PM 
Disorderly Conduct--1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 9:28 PM; 10:30 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:10 PM; 9:30 PM 
Drug Offenses--800 block Vine St, Hays; 10:25 PM 
Welfare Check—2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 8/1 
Welfare Check—2900 block Sternberg Dr, Hays; 8/1The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Water Use
Violation--1800 block Vine St, Hays; 1:30 AM 
Drug Offenses/DUI--1000 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:01 AM 
Criminal Threat—1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 12:16 AM; 12:37 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--1000 block Vine St, Hays; 3:32 AM 
Animal Call—1300 block Fort St, Hays; 7:57 AM 
Animal At Large—400 block W 13th St, Hays; 8:07 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—200 block E 11th St, Hays; 8:08 AM 
NCIC Hit—200 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:51 AM 
Domestic Disturbance—3800 block Vine St, Hays; 11:31 AM 
Animal At Large—400 block W 18th St, Hays; 11:59 AM 
Theft (general)—1900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:07 PM 
Theft (general)—1100 block E 41st St, Hays; 3:40 PM 
Found/Lost Property—3700 block Vine St, Hays; 5:01 PM 
Burglary/residence—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 5:15 PM; 8 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--3200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:25 PM; 11:27 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 13 traffic stops Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence—1000 block Elm St, Hays; 2:19 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—2900 block Barclay Dr, Hays; 9:50 AM 
Animal At Large—400 block W 19th St, Hays; 10:31 AM 
Civil Dispute—2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 1:36 PM 
Water Use Violation—2200 block Farley Pl, Hays; 2:21 PM 
Suicidal Subject—700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:54 PM 
Theft (general)—700 block Vine St, Hays; 5:06 PM 
Animal Bite Investigation—1200 block Tamarac Cir, Hays; 5:43 PM 
Suicidal Subject—400 block Walnut St, Hay; 8:41 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Burglary/vehicle—1300
block Douglas Dr, Hays; 5:44 AM; 5:45 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property--1400 block W 42nd St, Hays; 8/6 7:30 AM; 8/9 7:30
AM Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen—1400 block E 25th St, Hays; 9:09 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 10:51 AM 
Robbery—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:34 PM 
Mental Health Call—200 block W 15th St, Hays; 3:30 PM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen—1200 block Tamarac Cir, Hay; 3:38 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8/3&nbsp;
7:42 PM; 8:09 PM 
Theft (general)—1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 6:50 PM 
Sex Offense—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 8:17 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 4 traffic stops Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Animal At
Large—Hays; 2:37 AM 
Water Use Violation—3800 block Post Rd, Hays; 6:38 AM; 6:58 AM 
Mental Health Call—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:46 AM 
Found/Lost Property—1400 block Hall St, Hay; 8:47 AM 
Overdose—400 block E 15th St, Hays; 8:57 AM 
Welfare Check—400 block E 12th St, Hays; 9 AM 
Suspicious Person—1300 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 10:23 AM; 10:28 AM 
Mental Health Call—1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 11:50 AM 
Animal At Large—2400 block Vine St, Hays; 12:07 PM 
Harassment (All Other)—1500 block Main St, Hays; 12:19 PM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:09 PM; 3:10 PM 
Civil Dispute—3300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:59 PM 
Disturbance – General—3300 block Country Ln, Hays; 5:47 PM 
Theft (general)—3400 block Vine St, Hays; 9 AM; 6:45 PM 
Welfare Check--2700 block Hall St, Hays; 9:19 PM 
Drug Offenses—4600 block Roth Ave, Hays; 11:06 PM; 11:08 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 19 traffic stops Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Suspicious
Activity—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 6:45 AM 
Animal At Large—1500 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 8:17 AM 
Welfare Check—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 8:37 AM 
Animal At Large--15th and Haney, Hays; 9:22 AM 
Water Use Violation—1700 block Western Plains Dr, Hays; 9:44 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--3300 block Vine St, Hays; 12 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—400 block E 7th St, Hays; 1:16 PM 
Lost Animals ONL—1700 block Pine St, Hays; 1:36 PM 
Child in Need of Care—Hays; 2:02 PM 
Civil Dispute—300 block W 7th St, Hays; 3:23 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 4:44 PM 
Welfare Check—200 block E 5th St, Hays; 5:12 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1800 block Walnut St, Hays; 5:16 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 7:41 PM 
Runaway Juvenile—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 2 PM; 10 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:14 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activity Log, Aug. 5-11

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;The Kansas Association of Broadcasters has recognized Smoky Hills PBS for 11 awards.&nbsp; Below are the 2021 KAB Non-Metro Awards for Smoky Hills PBS:

Smoky Hills PBS – 2021&nbsp;Non-Metro Station of the Year

2nd Place - Smoky Hills Writers Contest Winners – Matthew Campbell

Honorable Mention – Real Ag:&nbsp; Global Food Systems – Matthew Campbell

1st Place – 3-2-1A State Wrestling Recap – Les Kinderknecht

1st Place – 3-2-1A State Wrestling – Les Kinderknecht

2nd Place – Wild West Bowl – Les Kinderknecht

HM – Traveling Kansas:&nbsp; Gove County – Les Kinderknecht

1st Place – Smoky Hills PBS Business Partnership - Matthew Campbell

2nd Place – Year in Review – Les Kinderknecht

1st Place - Doctors on Call - Smoky Hills PBS Staff

“I am so proud of the work that our team has done this past year, and I am very excited for the future of Smoky Hills PBS,” said Travis Hendryx, Smoky Hills PBS General Manager.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;The Kansas Association of Broadcasters has recognized Smoky Hills PBS for 11 awards.&nbsp; Below are the 2021 KAB Non-Metro Awards for Smoky Hills PBS:Smoky Hills PBS – 2021&nbsp;Non-Metro Station of the YearSingle Topic Event News2nd Place - Smoky Hills Writers Contest Winners – Matthew CampbellIn-Depth News ReportingHonorable Mention – Real Ag:&nbsp; Global Food Systems – Matthew CampbellSpecial Program1st Place – 3-2-1A State Wrestling Recap – Les KinderknechtStation Promotion Announcement1st Place – 3-2-1A State Wrestling – Les Kinderknecht2nd Place – Wild West Bowl – Les KinderknechtHM – Traveling Kansas:&nbsp; Gove County – Les KinderknechtStation Promotion Campaign1st Place – Smoky Hills PBS Business Partnership - Matthew Campbell2nd Place – Year in Review – Les KinderknechtRecurring Program1st Place - Doctors on Call - Smoky Hills PBS StaffStation Website1st Place - Amanda Smith“I am so proud of the work that our team has done this past year, and I am very excited for the future of Smoky Hills PBS,” said Travis Hendryx, Smoky Hills PBS General Manager.

Smoky Hills PBS receives 11 KAB awards

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Grow Hays Housing Rehab program.

<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="Grow Hays' housing rehab program seeking applicants" allowtransparency="true" height="600" 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=27bm4-10b3fb3-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about the Grow Hays Housing Rehab program. <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:  Grow Hays' housing rehab program seeking applicants

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;

A $2 million, two-year federal grant awarded to High Plains Mental Health Center seeks to increase access and the timeliness of treatment for mental health care in northwest Kansas.

Walt Hill, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, participated in a Zoom press conference last week to discuss the mental health system's implementation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model.

High Plains has a grant pending for another $1.5 million to further implement the program.

The model seeks to address suicide prevention, overdose deaths, barriers to timely treatment, inadequate care for active military, and reduce burdens on jails and hospital emergency rooms.

Chuck Ingoglia, president/CEO of the National Council on Mental Wellbeing, joined the Zoom and said the grant High Plains received is part of a national movement.

"The idea behind the Certified Community Behavioral Health Center model is to make sure everyone regardless of their ability to pay, regardless of their diagnosis, regardless of the type of insurance they have can get access to high quality, evidence-based care when and where they need it,"&nbsp;Ingoglia said.

This includes 24/7 crisis response, which he said he thinks is very important.

"People can get sick any time of the day or night," he said. "You need to make sure they can get into care."

Only about 35 percent of people who have a serious mental illness are in regular treatment. Only about 12 percent of people with a substance use disorders are in treatment.&nbsp;

Hill said the grant funding is seed money to raise the bar of services in Kansas. Thirteen to 15 new staff positions will be added.

The center has rented a wing of the Hadley Center to handle the staff expansion. This is the first time in many years High Plains has been able to expand, Hill said.

"We have usually been trying to survive with cuts," Hill said. "This is a wonderful opportunity to grow and expand and then to have the services sustained through a whole new model of funding that pays for the cost of services as opposed to just eking by."

The model seeks to create partnerships with community stakeholders, hospitals, local law enforcement, schools and veteran-serving organizations to knit together a safety net for people who suffer from mental illness, he said.

High Plains will add an Assertive Community Treatment Team to provide outreach services in the community. This will include a registered nurse, two case managers and peer support specialist in an effort to help individuals access services and stay out of the hospital.

Hill described the program as similar to the Schwaller Crisis Center in Hays, except on wheels, as the members of the team go to people instead of them coming into the center.

"Part of the CCBHC is getting out of the office and into the community," Hill said.

This will also include adding mental health first aid staff and special training for staff to reach out into the Hispanic, veteran and agriculture communities.

High Plains will add two outpatient therapists in regional hospitals or primary health care clinics.&nbsp;

"People who have mental health problems often don't pay as close as attention to their physical health, so we will be watching metrics on are they taking care of their health and if they're diabetic, are they getting their A1Cs regularly," Hill said.

People who have chronic, long-term mental health issues die on average 25 years sooner than the rest of the population, because of co-existing physical health problems.

Hill said High Plains will be working more with people in jails and with individuals to try to keep them out of jail. He said he has talked to Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun and a high number of locally incarcerated individuals are on mental health medications.

"We want to develop a liaison to get those individuals out of jail and into treatment sooner," Hill said. "Through ACT team (Assertive Community Treatment), we hope to get to those people before they commit a crime to get help."

Ingoglia shared an example of a person from another area who would break windows so he could get arrested. He knew that is how he could get treatment.

Kyle Kessler, executive director of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, said the Kansas Sheriffs' Association, Kansas Peace Officers Association and the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police are all supporters of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model.

"This is something that I think is the intersection of criminal justice reform in our country," Kessler said.

High Plains' goal is people seeking treatment for the first time will be able to be seen the same day or the next day. Across the country, clients are waiting weeks to get in for their first mental health appointments, Hill said.

Jon Evans, president and CEO of innovaTel, a telemedicine firm that works with High Plains, gave credit to High Plains for being forward thinking. He said in some rural areas children in need of psychiatric care are waiting months.

High Plains hopes to add school liaisons to give better access to care to children in its 20 service counties.

Clients at High Plains are waiting at least seven to 10 days for their initial assessments unless it is an emergency, Hill said.

"People when they are ready for mental health, they are ready for mental health," Hill said. "It's like going to convenient care here, when you need to go, you need to go to get things taken care of."

The grant will help enhance treatment for substance use. High Plains will be contracting with a psychiatrist to provide Medication Assisted Treatment.&nbsp;

"You don't just have to pull yourself up by your boot straps with moral will to overcome the darkness," Hill said. "There are some medications that will help change people's biochemistry and neurochemistry to help them overcome."

Fifty percent or more people who have substance use problems also have co-existing mental health issues, Hill said.

"Our goal is to treat the whole person," he said.

Hill acknowledged hiring new staff in a tight job market is going to be difficult. Some providers will likely offer services through telemedicine.

High Plains is also trying to raise compensation and implement retention bonuses to retain current staff and recruit new staff.

Hill said a recent survey indicated half of all public health care providers are considering leaving the profession, because of all the struggles related to COVID.

High Plains plans to put in place means to help staff with self care to deal with the trauma they experience as providers.

An advisory work group will be established to provide input regarding the new model's implementation. The group will include clients, loved ones or support staff for people who have mental illness, and county stakeholders.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612195023244.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;A $2 million, two-year federal grant awarded to High Plains Mental Health Center seeks to increase access and the timeliness of treatment for mental health care in northwest Kansas.Walt Hill, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, participated in a Zoom press conference last week to discuss the mental health system's implementation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model.High Plains has a grant pending for another $1.5 million to further implement the program.The model seeks to address suicide prevention, overdose deaths, barriers to timely treatment, inadequate care for active military, and reduce burdens on jails and hospital emergency rooms.Chuck Ingoglia, president/CEO of the National Council on Mental Wellbeing, joined the Zoom and said the grant High Plains received is part of a national movement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588708399757.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The status quo is lacking, he said."The idea behind the Certified Community Behavioral Health Center model is to make sure everyone regardless of their ability to pay, regardless of their diagnosis, regardless of the type of insurance they have can get access to high quality, evidence-based care when and where they need it,"&nbsp;Ingoglia said.This includes 24/7 crisis response, which he said he thinks is very important."People can get sick any time of the day or night," he said. "You need to make sure they can get into care."Only about 35 percent of people who have a serious mental illness are in regular treatment. Only about 12 percent of people with a substance use disorders are in treatment.&nbsp;Hill said the grant funding is seed money to raise the bar of services in Kansas. Thirteen to 15 new staff positions will be added.The center has rented a wing of the Hadley Center to handle the staff expansion. This is the first time in many years High Plains has been able to expand, Hill said."We have usually been trying to survive with cuts," Hill said. "This is a wonderful opportunity to grow and expand and then to have the services sustained through a whole new model of funding that pays for the cost of services as opposed to just eking by."The model seeks to create partnerships with community stakeholders, hospitals, local law enforcement, schools and veteran-serving organizations to knit together a safety net for people who suffer from mental illness, he said.<h2>Outreach services</h2>High Plains will add an Assertive Community Treatment Team to provide outreach services in the community. This will include a registered nurse, two case managers and peer support specialist in an effort to help individuals access services and stay out of the hospital.Hill described the program as similar to the Schwaller Crisis Center in Hays, except on wheels, as the members of the team go to people instead of them coming into the center."Part of the CCBHC is getting out of the office and into the community," Hill said.This will also include adding mental health first aid staff and special training for staff to reach out into the Hispanic, veteran and agriculture communities.<h2>Taking care of physical health issues</h2>High Plains will add two outpatient therapists in regional hospitals or primary health care clinics.&nbsp;"People who have mental health problems often don't pay as close as attention to their physical health, so we will be watching metrics on are they taking care of their health and if they're diabetic, are they getting their A1Cs regularly," Hill said.People who have chronic, long-term mental health issues die on average 25 years sooner than the rest of the population, because of co-existing physical health problems.<h2>Treatment versus jail</h2>Hill said High Plains will be working more with people in jails and with individuals to try to keep them out of jail. He said he has talked to Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun and a high number of locally incarcerated individuals are on mental health medications."We want to develop a liaison to get those individuals out of jail and into treatment sooner," Hill said. "Through ACT team (Assertive Community Treatment), we hope to get to those people before they commit a crime to get help."Ingoglia shared an example of a person from another area who would break windows so he could get arrested. He knew that is how he could get treatment.Kyle Kessler, executive director of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, said the Kansas Sheriffs' Association, Kansas Peace Officers Association and the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police are all supporters of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model."This is something that I think is the intersection of criminal justice reform in our country," Kessler said.<h2>Rapid access to care</h2>High Plains' goal is people seeking treatment for the first time will be able to be seen the same day or the next day. Across the country, clients are waiting weeks to get in for their first mental health appointments, Hill said.Jon Evans, president and CEO of innovaTel, a telemedicine firm that works with High Plains, gave credit to High Plains for being forward thinking. He said in some rural areas children in need of psychiatric care are waiting months.High Plains hopes to add school liaisons to give better access to care to children in its 20 service counties.Clients at High Plains are waiting at least seven to 10 days for their initial assessments unless it is an emergency, Hill said."People when they are ready for mental health, they are ready for mental health," Hill said. "It's like going to convenient care here, when you need to go, you need to go to get things taken care of."<h2>Substance use treatment</h2>The grant will help enhance treatment for substance use. High Plains will be contracting with a psychiatrist to provide Medication Assisted Treatment.&nbsp;"You don't just have to pull yourself up by your boot straps with moral will to overcome the darkness," Hill said. "There are some medications that will help change people's biochemistry and neurochemistry to help them overcome."Fifty percent or more people who have substance use problems also have co-existing mental health issues, Hill said."Our goal is to treat the whole person," he said.<h2>Challenges to hire staff</h2>Hill acknowledged hiring new staff in a tight job market is going to be difficult. Some providers will likely offer services through telemedicine.High Plains is also trying to raise compensation and implement retention bonuses to retain current staff and recruit new staff.Hill said a recent survey indicated half of all public health care providers are considering leaving the profession, because of all the struggles related to COVID.High Plains plans to put in place means to help staff with self care to deal with the trauma they experience as providers.<h2>Advisory group</h2>An advisory work group will be established to provide input regarding the new model's implementation. The group will include clients, loved ones or support staff for people who have mental illness, and county stakeholders.

High Plains Mental Health hopes to increase access with grant

Beginning Monday, Fifth Street will be closed between Santa Fe and Milner for reconstruction of pavement. &nbsp;

This section of 5th Street will remain closed for approximately one week.&nbsp;

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. &nbsp;

Contact the Office of Project Management at 785 628-7350 with questions.

City of HaysBeginning Monday, Fifth Street will be closed between Santa Fe and Milner for reconstruction of pavement. &nbsp;This section of 5th Street will remain closed for approximately one week.&nbsp;The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. &nbsp;Contact the Office of Project Management at 785 628-7350 with questions.

5th Street between Santa Fe and Milner closed beginning Monday

Madison, WI - Four finalists, including a couple from Healy, have been selected for the 2021 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care. &nbsp;

In Kansas the $10,000 award is presented annually by&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tu10dIH13bXsbEER7PyikDm-2Bai-2BMzPN27xTIsB5pnGITdXJy_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeKVYqLB2aSAXvy-2Byd5-2FOoSLnDQheS4P6RWPOOHmk4qzmaOMjGaSS7NpD4RyyseYuWUPfS-2FT3VkTPKzbZvAUWIElivak60OKeDPJs6tLL-2FQFGz3-2FQGIXkuzooNLQ-2B367MyQoOlxIdFVWG117jBJqdX-2FU0iXRCjfqnMJz9aAfQMeBB2GfGwik9OAlhTPsYUcWtsshF4xFnBAjjBGUvUrGKOhDUYpqxtJwG0FfvPCztEiVMWHrrSO0GCLmGd2Cgj9M1l" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3DxY9R_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeKVYqLB2aSAXvy-2Byd5-2FOoSLnDQheS4P6RWPOOHmk4qzmaOMjGaSS7NpD4RyyseYuWUPfS-2FT3VkTPKzbZvAUWIEgZ7OJRzKrczbCmODJVXyxwCPCumagN3DCJx6FdsMtHy80i5dAAQgr-2Bv36DEXnZCd-2BLYBzX3slvUEhtrNBaxpR20A8e-2FzfhGeuW7I5cJA8aMsWqOG-2Fx6OtjukTQP4UVLYjJevpcCruFj6rlLiTLzeXNrMma9wFdxnuICRwQtBuyV" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TlAh-2Fwkr9O-2FK9u-2BV2PzMW8ksV8YQtSwUDFFYOR-2BNK9bbeBS-_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeKVYqLB2aSAXvy-2Byd5-2FOoSLnDQheS4P6RWPOOHmk4qzmaOMjGaSS7NpD4RyyseYuWUPfS-2FT3VkTPKzbZvAUWIEugqKu3HkAL-2BK3eirNaXFeKRH08D6bLEQMEDh7IHFRHFVWFKD3AWyEPjrXnvd-2FZvIy8Ey5VX1B4JdYRlNtJRmI3gzmtcX59w1RsthhdCkOYVb0lkBClgNB6bVGAjlEfMTYyFoOn5rdUGgRc99cFOO1pZUPn5YWqW0y22h3ccqf9W" target="_blank">Kansas Association of Conservation Districts</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2Zvco6lW3OMrNPzqzlv0fvN84SI_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeKVYqLB2aSAXvy-2Byd5-2FOoSLnDQheS4P6RWPOOHmk4qzmaOMjGaSS7NpD4RyyseYuWUPfS-2FT3VkTPKzbZvAUWIEixmUwztdpidSTPczBAYKezXBWyG7xBUWRylhrltTtVC-2BnSTs8TdgtBqi-2F7YYaHLm-2BKJqfW-2FeBzWgCwiKmwIEequ9bYdsyrjy4kLCHHLZKfTZhX7-2BpZ3mT8ctn-2FBy1vNs8UTQ-2FecTuD5Rnl4JOghKtlSFHrSc1vcYBvLNXkM8c7q" target="_blank">Ranchland Trust of Kansas</a>.

The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 77th&nbsp;Annual Convention in Wichita in November. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.

“Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is excited to recognize these outstanding landowners who are committed to conservation on their land,” said Dan Meyerhoff, KACD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with Sand County Foundation and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas to give these families the recognition they deserve."

“The Ranchland Trust of Kansas congratulates the finalists for the Leopold Conservation Award. RTK is proud to be a supporter of this award showcasing and celebrating the achievements of landowners who invest and succeed in conservation efforts of private lands,” said Chelsea Good, Ranchland Trust of Kansas vice chairman.

“Recipients of this award are real life examples of conservation-minded agriculture,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation president and chief executive officer. “These hard-working families are essential to our environment, food system and rural economy.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust, celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Kansas award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT president and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

The first Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient was named in 2015. The 2020 recipient was Flying W Ranch (Josh and Gwen Hoy) of Cedar Point.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Kansas is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Evergy, Kansas Department of Agriculture (Division of Conservation), Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Kansas Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kansas, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, and a Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient.

In his influential 1949 book,&nbsp;A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”

Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DNgxT_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeKVYqLB2aSAXvy-2Byd5-2FOoSLnDQheS4P6RWPOOHmk4qzmaOMjGaSS7NpD4RyyseYuWUPfS-2FT3VkTPKzbZvAUWIEmLW-2FJR2EdlqIcshHUd8D-2B4NBaVmtyGwUn5yM1SWGB8Nz9HbfzGJ5Xv490xEoYHvQy3gXBAw73S9XxfqYjOO7YU6uFkj-2Fwf-2FbLecRFsXQ7lcZ7SziyAliMSi52MFRTw4Fb0lGQtlY6ZMtHPCRj4XjDK4Dax3O-2Bk6AEBz8QsODas6" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628878537167.jpeg" alt="Vance and Louise Ehmke of Healy&nbsp; (Photo courtesy Sand County Foundation)" />
 <figcaption>Vance and Louise Ehmke of Healy&nbsp; (Photo courtesy Sand County Foundation)</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseMadison, WI - Four finalists, including a couple from Healy, have been selected for the 2021 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award®.Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care. &nbsp;In Kansas the $10,000 award is presented annually by&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tu10dIH13bXsbEER7PyikDm-2Bai-2BMzPN27xTIsB5pnGITdXJy_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeKVYqLB2aSAXvy-2Byd5-2FOoSLnDQheS4P6RWPOOHmk4qzmaOMjGaSS7NpD4RyyseYuWUPfS-2FT3VkTPKzbZvAUWIElivak60OKeDPJs6tLL-2FQFGz3-2FQGIXkuzooNLQ-2B367MyQoOlxIdFVWG117jBJqdX-2FU0iXRCjfqnMJz9aAfQMeBB2GfGwik9OAlhTPsYUcWtsshF4xFnBAjjBGUvUrGKOhDUYpqxtJwG0FfvPCztEiVMWHrrSO0GCLmGd2Cgj9M1l" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3DxY9R_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeKVYqLB2aSAXvy-2Byd5-2FOoSLnDQheS4P6RWPOOHmk4qzmaOMjGaSS7NpD4RyyseYuWUPfS-2FT3VkTPKzbZvAUWIEgZ7OJRzKrczbCmODJVXyxwCPCumagN3DCJx6FdsMtHy80i5dAAQgr-2Bv36DEXnZCd-2BLYBzX3slvUEhtrNBaxpR20A8e-2FzfhGeuW7I5cJA8aMsWqOG-2Fx6OtjukTQP4UVLYjJevpcCruFj6rlLiTLzeXNrMma9wFdxnuICRwQtBuyV" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TlAh-2Fwkr9O-2FK9u-2BV2PzMW8ksV8YQtSwUDFFYOR-2BNK9bbeBS-_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeKVYqLB2aSAXvy-2Byd5-2FOoSLnDQheS4P6RWPOOHmk4qzmaOMjGaSS7NpD4RyyseYuWUPfS-2FT3VkTPKzbZvAUWIEugqKu3HkAL-2BK3eirNaXFeKRH08D6bLEQMEDh7IHFRHFVWFKD3AWyEPjrXnvd-2FZvIy8Ey5VX1B4JdYRlNtJRmI3gzmtcX59w1RsthhdCkOYVb0lkBClgNB6bVGAjlEfMTYyFoOn5rdUGgRc99cFOO1pZUPn5YWqW0y22h3ccqf9W" target="_blank">Kansas Association of Conservation Districts</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2Zvco6lW3OMrNPzqzlv0fvN84SI_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeKVYqLB2aSAXvy-2Byd5-2FOoSLnDQheS4P6RWPOOHmk4qzmaOMjGaSS7NpD4RyyseYuWUPfS-2FT3VkTPKzbZvAUWIEixmUwztdpidSTPczBAYKezXBWyG7xBUWRylhrltTtVC-2BnSTs8TdgtBqi-2F7YYaHLm-2BKJqfW-2FeBzWgCwiKmwIEequ9bYdsyrjy4kLCHHLZKfTZhX7-2BpZ3mT8ctn-2FBy1vNs8UTQ-2FecTuD5Rnl4JOghKtlSFHrSc1vcYBvLNXkM8c7q" target="_blank">Ranchland Trust of Kansas</a>.The finalists are:<ul>
 <li>Vance and Louise Ehmke of Healy.&nbsp;The Ehmkes remain profitable while conserving soil and water, by experimenting with crops like triticale. This cross between wheat and rye is popular as cattle feed and produces enough crop residue to protect fields from soil erosion. With more than 50 playas on their land, the Ehmkes are involved in research, education and outreach on playas’ contribution to recharging the Ogallala aquifer. They also have hundreds of acres for migratory bird and pollinator habitat.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Ray and Susan Flickner of Wichita.&nbsp;The Flickner family farms in McPherson, Hodgeman, Dickinson and Norton counties. They installed sub-surface drip irrigation technology to become more efficient with water and nutrient applications on crops. They experiment with cover crops to improve water infiltration and suppress weeds. Their Flickner Innovation Farm is a collaboration of more than a dozen university, industry and agency partners where new methods to improve soil health and conserve water are demonstrated.</li><li>Dwane Roth of Manhattan.&nbsp;Roth owns Big D Farms in Finney County. He uses cover crops to build soil health and combat wind erosion on sandy soils. As one of Kansas’ first Water Technology Farmers, he is passionate about addressing declining water levels and extending the life of the Ogallala aquifer. His participation involves researching and testing new irrigation strategies and technologies that maintain crop production while reducing water usage. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville.&nbsp;The Walkers are improving soil health, wildlife habitat and water distribution on their properties in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Rice, Russell and Saline counties. By using rotational grazing to feed their beef cattle, they are also managing grassland to improve habitat for greater prairie chickens, turkeys and deer. Their investment in removing invasive red cedar trees improves water resources. Several of their properties are enrolled in the Kansas Walk-in Hunting program. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 77th&nbsp;Annual Convention in Wichita in November. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.“Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is excited to recognize these outstanding landowners who are committed to conservation on their land,” said Dan Meyerhoff, KACD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with Sand County Foundation and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas to give these families the recognition they deserve."“The Ranchland Trust of Kansas congratulates the finalists for the Leopold Conservation Award. RTK is proud to be a supporter of this award showcasing and celebrating the achievements of landowners who invest and succeed in conservation efforts of private lands,” said Chelsea Good, Ranchland Trust of Kansas vice chairman.“Recipients of this award are real life examples of conservation-minded agriculture,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation president and chief executive officer. “These hard-working families are essential to our environment, food system and rural economy.”“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust, celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Kansas award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT president and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”The first Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient was named in 2015. The 2020 recipient was Flying W Ranch (Josh and Gwen Hoy) of Cedar Point.The Leopold Conservation Award in Kansas is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Evergy, Kansas Department of Agriculture (Division of Conservation), Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Kansas Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kansas, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, and a Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient.In his influential 1949 book,&nbsp;A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DNgxT_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeKVYqLB2aSAXvy-2Byd5-2FOoSLnDQheS4P6RWPOOHmk4qzmaOMjGaSS7NpD4RyyseYuWUPfS-2FT3VkTPKzbZvAUWIEmLW-2FJR2EdlqIcshHUd8D-2B4NBaVmtyGwUn5yM1SWGB8Nz9HbfzGJ5Xv490xEoYHvQy3gXBAw73S9XxfqYjOO7YU6uFkj-2Fwf-2FbLecRFsXQ7lcZ7SziyAliMSi52MFRTw4Fb0lGQtlY6ZMtHPCRj4XjDK4Dax3O-2Bk6AEBz8QsODas6" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>.&nbsp;

Healy couple is finalist for Kansas Leopold Conservation Award

Kansas drivers are advised that during the period of Aug. 20 through Labor Day, September 6, the Hays Police Department will join other local and state law enforcement agencies across the state in a crackdown aimed at removing drunk and other impaired drivers from the roadways during the "You Drink. You Drive. You Lose." campaign.&nbsp; &nbsp;

It is illegal everywhere to drive while impaired, yet, in 2019, over 10,000 people in the U.S. were killed in drunk driving crashes. Impaired driving fatalities every day are the direct result of decisions people make. Driving after consuming ANY potentially impairing substance is a decision YOU make.

You know that it is wrong and dangerous. You tell yourself you won’t do it again, but you do. It’s time to stop.

Start a new habit, the habit of NOT driving to situations where you will be tempted to drink or partake in other impairing substances. Ask to ride with a non-drinking friend, designate a driver, or use one of the many other options available. Start today.

According to Don Scheibler, police chief, the "You Drink. You Drive. You Lose." enforcement campaign is intended to remind drivers: &nbsp;

* Don’t consume impairing substances and get behind the wheel. Impaired driving is a major cause of crashes and a danger not just to you and those riding with you, but to every single person on the road.

* Make it a habit to have a sober driver lined up before you drink alcohol away from home.

"We also want to remind everyone to always have your seatbelts on. I t’s your best defense in case of a crash.

You can always count on this department to vigorously enforce impaired driving and other traffic laws, not just during this enforcement campaign but all through the year." Scheibler said in a news release.&nbsp; &nbsp;

This&nbsp;traffic enforcement campaign is supported by a federal grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628772749696.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HPDKansas drivers are advised that during the period of Aug. 20 through Labor Day, September 6, the Hays Police Department will join other local and state law enforcement agencies across the state in a crackdown aimed at removing drunk and other impaired drivers from the roadways during the "You Drink. You Drive. You Lose." campaign.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is illegal everywhere to drive while impaired, yet, in 2019, over 10,000 people in the U.S. were killed in drunk driving crashes. Impaired driving fatalities every day are the direct result of decisions people make. Driving after consuming ANY potentially impairing substance is a decision YOU make.You know that it is wrong and dangerous. You tell yourself you won’t do it again, but you do. It’s time to stop.Start a new habit, the habit of NOT driving to situations where you will be tempted to drink or partake in other impairing substances. Ask to ride with a non-drinking friend, designate a driver, or use one of the many other options available. Start today.According to Don Scheibler, police chief, the "You Drink. You Drive. You Lose." enforcement campaign is intended to remind drivers: &nbsp;* Don’t consume impairing substances and get behind the wheel. Impaired driving is a major cause of crashes and a danger not just to you and those riding with you, but to every single person on the road.* Make it a habit to have a sober driver lined up before you drink alcohol away from home."We also want to remind everyone to always have your seatbelts on. I t’s your best defense in case of a crash.You can always count on this department to vigorously enforce impaired driving and other traffic laws, not just during this enforcement campaign but all through the year." Scheibler said in a news release.&nbsp; &nbsp;This&nbsp;traffic enforcement campaign is supported by a federal grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. &nbsp;

Hays police to join in statewide crackdown on impaired drivers

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many of our daily routines in a way no one anticipated. Isolation and being at home often cause a temptation to eat snacks or meals that are high in sugar, fat, or salt, rather than nutrient-dense whole foods that can also be delicious. A day that previously included many steps and other physical activity has undergone an unprecedented lifestyle shift. A more sedentary lifestyle, either watching TV or sitting at your computer for hours has become the norm.

So, what are some things we can do to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and routine while the world around us has adapted to limiting exposure to COVID-19?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many of our daily routines in a way no one anticipated. Isolation and being at home often cause a temptation to eat snacks or meals that are high in sugar, fat, or salt, rather than nutrient-dense whole foods that can also be delicious. A day that previously included many steps and other physical activity has undergone an unprecedented lifestyle shift. A more sedentary lifestyle, either watching TV or sitting at your computer for hours has become the norm.So, what are some things we can do to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and routine while the world around us has adapted to limiting exposure to COVID-19?<ul>
 <li>Stay active – While you may not feel comfortable with sessions at the gym, there are lots of safe alternatives for getting physical activity. Going for a brisk walk outside in an uncrowded area is always a great idea. My daily bike rides to and from my office continue to energize me and provide me the perfect time to de-stress, morning, noon, or at the end of the workday.&nbsp;</li><li>Adequate sleep – Good sleep is essential to our overall health. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Immune system activation alters sleep, and sleep in turn affects our body’s defense system.” While the amount of sleep needed for good health and optimum performance depends on the individual, the CDC recommends adults aged 18-60 years get seven or more hours of sleep per night.</li><li>Diet and nutrition – Practicing self-discipline and avoiding “emotional eating” due to stress that may be related to the changes surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is imperative. Whole foods like dark, leafy greens, as well as other colorful fruits and vegetables, are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Many herbs and seasonings bolster the immune system as well. Adding whole grains to your everyday meal plan is always a good idea. Make it a habit to try to eat more nutritious foods instead of highly processed snacks or fast food.</li><li>Self-care – We’ve heard a lot about self-care during the past 18 months. Consider practicing meditation, relaxation techniques, or spending quality time with family to help promote overall wellness. Find a positive coping mechanism that works for you. Perhaps it is spending time with your hobby like playing the piano, reading, or creating something with wood or fabric.&nbsp;</li><li>Stay connected – Our busy lives before COVID-19 may have limited how often we connected with distant loved ones. Take time to utilize the multitude of technologies that can help you stay in touch with those you love.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Continue to be diligent in your personal hygiene with regular handwashing and wearing a mask when in crowded public places. Stay healthy and safe in the weeks ahead!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

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