By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children read to animals at Humane Society

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

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

INSIGHT KANSAS: Why championing American values may not be enough

NW Kansas small businesses to receive COVID response funds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop Kansas Farms helps connect consumers to Kansas producers 

Three-day weather outlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎙Post Podcast: Preparations underway for Ellis Junior Free Fair

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

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

More than 10,000 people entered the Facebook contest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Environmental Office set to move into new offices next week

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

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

🎥 Green & Growing 2021: Protecting water sources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the Ellis Co. Master Gardeners: July garden calendar

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;

Have you had your shot? That question was on the minds of millions as vaccinations for COVID-19 were rolled out across the country. Today we’ll learn about a rural Kansas pharmacy which responded to the pandemic in remarkable ways.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week we learned about Heather Johnson, chief executive of S&amp;S Drug, a family-owned pharmacy in Beloit. Heather and her husband Jim Johnson have three children in college and high school. Jim, an attorney in Beloit, had grown up at the nearby rural community of Randall, population 65 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

“We hosted Jim’s high school class reunion at our house. They had 100% attendance,” Heather said. “Of course, it was only seven people,” she said with a smile.&nbsp;

But serious times hit rural America when the pandemic spread in spring 2020 and stay-at-home orders were issued across the nation. “Like any small business, the pandemic had a big impact on us,” Heather said. S&amp;S closed its doors for four months and reopened in June 2020. Even though the retail operation closed, the pharmacy still had to meet essential needs and provide prescriptions through drive-up and delivery.&nbsp;

The business model had to pivot quickly. “It was like building the airplane while trying to fly it,” Heather said.&nbsp;

Rural areas avoided most of the worst impact of the disease in the early stages, but by fall and winter, COVID-19 had reached the smaller communities as well. Many businesses closed again. The disease even reached the Johnson household in Beloit.&nbsp;

“I had it really bad. I was in the hospital for 10 days,” Heather said. Slowly and painfully, Heather worked her way back into recovery.&nbsp;

“I’m a COVID long-hauler,” Heather said. “Recovery is a long, slow process. I had the extreme fatigue and the muscle weakness – even hair loss,” she said. Eventually, she pulled through.&nbsp;

“I came out of this with a true desire to help as many people as possible avoid what I went through,” Heather said. Then prospects for vaccines began to appear on the horizon.&nbsp;

“Our head pharmacist, Chris Mondero, was very proactive,” Heather said. She credits Chris for learning early on about a program which allocated vaccines to community pharmacies across the nation and signing up as one of the early participants in the program.&nbsp;

“Thanks to Chris, we were able to benefit from early access to the vaccines,” Heather said. “When the local health department was getting 100 doses per week, we got 1,000 doses,” she said. S&amp;S Drug moved quickly to work with the local health department to get those doses administered in the community, and then reached out to the region.&nbsp;

“We realized we needed to take it beyond Beloit,” Heather said. Through word-of-mouth and social media, they informed the public about vaccine availability. As additional categories were added to eligibility, S&amp;S Drug adjusted.&nbsp;

Manhattan became a site for outreach. Trase McQueen, a friend at St. Isidore’s church in Manhattan, arranged for vaccinations there. Four hundred kids signed up in 60 minutes. S&amp;S Drug reached out to sorority houses and fraternities. Heather’s brother took vaccines to Kansas City.&nbsp;

“It kept spiraling, it was such a fast pace,” Heather said. “The S&amp;S team was fantastic.” Pharmacy staff had to maintain day-to-day operations back in Beloit while conducting outreach to other communities. “It took every single person to do it,” she said.&nbsp;

Within eight weeks, S&amp;S Drug administered more than 7,000 vaccinations across Kansas. Not only was this a huge contribution to public health, it helped Heather Johnson recover from COVID-19 itself. “My mind was hazy, and I think the vaccination push helped me refocus,” she said.&nbsp;

“We were blessed,” Heather said. “God gave us a mission to share the vaccines, and every member of our team stepped up to help.”&nbsp;

For more information about the pharmacy, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sandsdrug.com/">www.sandsdrug.com</a>.&nbsp;

Have you had your shot? We salute Heather Johnson, Chris Mondero, and the entire team at S&amp;S Drug plus all health care providers everywhere who have made a difference by responding to the pandemic with such remarkable effort. It was definitely a good shot.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625664983378.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;Have you had your shot? That question was on the minds of millions as vaccinations for COVID-19 were rolled out across the country. Today we’ll learn about a rural Kansas pharmacy which responded to the pandemic in remarkable ways.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week we learned about Heather Johnson, chief executive of S&amp;S Drug, a family-owned pharmacy in Beloit. Heather and her husband Jim Johnson have three children in college and high school. Jim, an attorney in Beloit, had grown up at the nearby rural community of Randall, population 65 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;“We hosted Jim’s high school class reunion at our house. They had 100% attendance,” Heather said. “Of course, it was only seven people,” she said with a smile.&nbsp;But serious times hit rural America when the pandemic spread in spring 2020 and stay-at-home orders were issued across the nation. “Like any small business, the pandemic had a big impact on us,” Heather said. S&amp;S closed its doors for four months and reopened in June 2020. Even though the retail operation closed, the pharmacy still had to meet essential needs and provide prescriptions through drive-up and delivery.&nbsp;The business model had to pivot quickly. “It was like building the airplane while trying to fly it,” Heather said.&nbsp;Rural areas avoided most of the worst impact of the disease in the early stages, but by fall and winter, COVID-19 had reached the smaller communities as well. Many businesses closed again. The disease even reached the Johnson household in Beloit.&nbsp;“I had it really bad. I was in the hospital for 10 days,” Heather said. Slowly and painfully, Heather worked her way back into recovery.&nbsp;“I’m a COVID long-hauler,” Heather said. “Recovery is a long, slow process. I had the extreme fatigue and the muscle weakness – even hair loss,” she said. Eventually, she pulled through.&nbsp;“I came out of this with a true desire to help as many people as possible avoid what I went through,” Heather said. Then prospects for vaccines began to appear on the horizon.&nbsp;“Our head pharmacist, Chris Mondero, was very proactive,” Heather said. She credits Chris for learning early on about a program which allocated vaccines to community pharmacies across the nation and signing up as one of the early participants in the program.&nbsp;“Thanks to Chris, we were able to benefit from early access to the vaccines,” Heather said. “When the local health department was getting 100 doses per week, we got 1,000 doses,” she said. S&amp;S Drug moved quickly to work with the local health department to get those doses administered in the community, and then reached out to the region.&nbsp;“We realized we needed to take it beyond Beloit,” Heather said. Through word-of-mouth and social media, they informed the public about vaccine availability. As additional categories were added to eligibility, S&amp;S Drug adjusted.&nbsp;Manhattan became a site for outreach. Trase McQueen, a friend at St. Isidore’s church in Manhattan, arranged for vaccinations there. Four hundred kids signed up in 60 minutes. S&amp;S Drug reached out to sorority houses and fraternities. Heather’s brother took vaccines to Kansas City.&nbsp;“It kept spiraling, it was such a fast pace,” Heather said. “The S&amp;S team was fantastic.” Pharmacy staff had to maintain day-to-day operations back in Beloit while conducting outreach to other communities. “It took every single person to do it,” she said.&nbsp;Within eight weeks, S&amp;S Drug administered more than 7,000 vaccinations across Kansas. Not only was this a huge contribution to public health, it helped Heather Johnson recover from COVID-19 itself. “My mind was hazy, and I think the vaccination push helped me refocus,” she said.&nbsp;“We were blessed,” Heather said. “God gave us a mission to share the vaccines, and every member of our team stepped up to help.”&nbsp;For more information about the pharmacy, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sandsdrug.com/">www.sandsdrug.com</a>.&nbsp;Have you had your shot? We salute Heather Johnson, Chris Mondero, and the entire team at S&amp;S Drug plus all health care providers everywhere who have made a difference by responding to the pandemic with such remarkable effort. It was definitely a good shot.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Heather Johnson, S&S Drug, Part 2 

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

AURORA, Colo. — A 26-year-old Kansas man has been sentenced
 to life in Colorado state prison for a 2019 crime spree that included 
the rape of a Mexican au pair in a Cherry Hills Village home and the 
carjacking of a woman outside an Aurora gym.

Arapahoe County District Court Judge Ben Leutwyler on 
Friday sentenced Tre Carrasco to a total of 136 years behind bars for 
the gaggle of convictions returned against him earlier this year, 
including felony sexual assault, aggravated robbery, car theft, false 
reporting, trespassing and attempting to influence a public servant.

An Arapahoe County jury convicted Carrasco of 11 charges following a five-day trial in May. He was acquitted of two charges.

Jurors agreed Carrasco&nbsp;<a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com/0trending/kansas-man-accused-of-trying-to-assault-multiple-women-1-in-aurora-days-after-getting-out-of-prison/">attempted to kidnap a woman in Aurora</a>&nbsp;while
 stealing her car outside of a 24-hour Fitness on South Abilene Street 
on Feb. 7, 2019. They also concluded that he used the same car to drive 
to a Cherry Hills Village home in the middle of the day, where he raped 
another woman less than a week later.

Aurora police arrested Carrasco, a native of Hays,
 on Feb. 12 after pulling him over near the intersection of East Colfax 
Avenue and Galena Street.

Carrasco has also been accused of raping another woman at 
gunpoint in the passenger seat of her car Kansas days prior to the 
Colorado crimes. He has yet to face charges filed against him in that 
case.

At the sentencing hearing Friday, prosecutors outlined 
Carrasco’s extensive history of lecherous behavior, dating back to his 
first offenses committed when he was 13 years old in Kansas.

Deputy District Attorney Casey Brown pointed to more than 
half a dozen instances of Carrasco peeping into windows and violently 
sexually assaulting women around Hays starting in 2008. The pattern 
culminated in July 2011, when Carrasco was tried and convicted as an 
adult for pinning a woman down and forcing her to perform oral sex on 
him. Carrasco, who was 16 when the offense occurred, reportedly told the
 woman that he would “be back” as he fled the scene.

In April 2013, Carrasco was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hayspost.com/2013/04/08/hays-teen-will-be-sentenced-today/">sentenced to slightly more than eight years in prison</a>&nbsp;for the July 2011 assault. He was released form prison in Kansas days before his crime spree in Colorado, records show.

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

Carrasco’s public defense attorney argued that the Kansas 
man has not had the chance to engage with meaningful rehabilitation 
because he was entered in the Kansas foster care system at age 11, and 
spent the latter half of his teens and early 20s in prison.

Brown, who argued for Leutwyler to impose the maximum sentence of 168 years in prison, disagreed.

“The defendant has made no effort to engage himself in 
rehabilitation,” he said. “He’s shown the court that he is not only 
unwilling but also incapable of being rehabilitated at this point.

Carrasco’s attorney said that his client has met with a 
counselor while detained at the Arapahoe County jail and gotten a job as
 a barber while detained in prison.

In July 2020, Carrasco pleaded guilty to a felony 
contraband charge while in custody in Arapahoe County, and he was 
sentenced to two years in Colorado state prison. He’s been detained at 
the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility in Buena Vista since then, but
 he was transferred back to the local county jail to await his 
sentencing.

Carrasco has been detained since being arrested in early 2019, earning 878 days of time served.

Leutwyler said the sentence was intended to prevent Carrasco from ultimately offending again.

“I am fully convinced — 100% convinced — that there is no woman safe in America if you are out of prison,” he said. “You
 will continue to rape people. You will steal from them, you will break 
into their homes, break into their cars; you will do whatever you feel 
you want to do.”

Neither Carrasco nor the women he victimized addressed the court at the hearing Friday.

Carrasco’s attorney suggested his client plans to appeal the convictions returned against him.

<a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com">Republished with permission.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625857242457.jpeg" alt="Tre Carrasco / Aurora Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Tre Carrasco / Aurora Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By QUINCY SNOWDEN <a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com">Sentinel Colorado</a> AURORA, Colo. — A 26-year-old Kansas man has been sentenced
 to life in Colorado state prison for a 2019 crime spree that included 
the rape of a Mexican au pair in a Cherry Hills Village home and the 
carjacking of a woman outside an Aurora gym.Arapahoe County District Court Judge Ben Leutwyler on 
Friday sentenced Tre Carrasco to a total of 136 years behind bars for 
the gaggle of convictions returned against him earlier this year, 
including felony sexual assault, aggravated robbery, car theft, false 
reporting, trespassing and attempting to influence a public servant.An Arapahoe County jury convicted Carrasco of 11 charges following a five-day trial in May. He was acquitted of two charges.Jurors agreed Carrasco&nbsp;<a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com/0trending/kansas-man-accused-of-trying-to-assault-multiple-women-1-in-aurora-days-after-getting-out-of-prison/">attempted to kidnap a woman in Aurora</a>&nbsp;while
 stealing her car outside of a 24-hour Fitness on South Abilene Street 
on Feb. 7, 2019. They also concluded that he used the same car to drive 
to a Cherry Hills Village home in the middle of the day, where he raped 
another woman less than a week later.Aurora police arrested Carrasco, a native of Hays,
 on Feb. 12 after pulling him over near the intersection of East Colfax 
Avenue and Galena Street.Carrasco has also been accused of raping another woman at 
gunpoint in the passenger seat of her car Kansas days prior to the 
Colorado crimes. He has yet to face charges filed against him in that 
case.At the sentencing hearing Friday, prosecutors outlined 
Carrasco’s extensive history of lecherous behavior, dating back to his 
first offenses committed when he was 13 years old in Kansas.Deputy District Attorney Casey Brown pointed to more than 
half a dozen instances of Carrasco peeping into windows and violently 
sexually assaulting women around Hays starting in 2008. The pattern 
culminated in July 2011, when Carrasco was tried and convicted as an 
adult for pinning a woman down and forcing her to perform oral sex on 
him. Carrasco, who was 16 when the offense occurred, reportedly told the
 woman that he would “be back” as he fled the scene.In April 2013, Carrasco was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hayspost.com/2013/04/08/hays-teen-will-be-sentenced-today/">sentenced to slightly more than eight years in prison</a>&nbsp;for the July 2011 assault. He was released form prison in Kansas days before his crime spree in Colorado, records show.Carrasco incurred a litany of disciplinary infractions 
while in Kansas prisons between 2014 and 2018, including using 
stimulants, disobeying orders and disrespecting corrections officers, 
according to Kansas Department of Corrections records.Carrasco’s public defense attorney argued that the Kansas 
man has not had the chance to engage with meaningful rehabilitation 
because he was entered in the Kansas foster care system at age 11, and 
spent the latter half of his teens and early 20s in prison.Brown, who argued for Leutwyler to impose the maximum sentence of 168 years in prison, disagreed.“The defendant has made no effort to engage himself in 
rehabilitation,” he said. “He’s shown the court that he is not only 
unwilling but also incapable of being rehabilitated at this point.Carrasco’s attorney said that his client has met with a 
counselor while detained at the Arapahoe County jail and gotten a job as
 a barber while detained in prison.In July 2020, Carrasco pleaded guilty to a felony 
contraband charge while in custody in Arapahoe County, and he was 
sentenced to two years in Colorado state prison. He’s been detained at 
the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility in Buena Vista since then, but
 he was transferred back to the local county jail to await his 
sentencing.Carrasco has been detained since being arrested in early 2019, earning 878 days of time served.Leutwyler said the sentence was intended to prevent Carrasco from ultimately offending again.“I am fully convinced — 100% convinced — that there is no woman safe in America if you are out of prison,” he said. “You
 will continue to rape people. You will steal from them, you will break 
into their homes, break into their cars; you will do whatever you feel 
you want to do.”Neither Carrasco nor the women he victimized addressed the court at the hearing Friday.Carrasco’s attorney suggested his client plans to appeal the convictions returned against him.<a href="https://sentinelcolorado.com">Republished with permission.</a>

Hays native sentenced to 136 years for 2019 rape, carjacking in Colo.

Jackie Creamer’s Vision Dance Company attended Legacy Dance Championships National Competition in Grapevine, TX. Below are their results.

Mini Advanced Solos: 7th - Landry Callahan 9th - Cailynn Luck

Mini Novice Solos: 2nd - Sabrie VanKooten 4th - Peyton Neuburger

Mini Advanced Duo/Trio: 1st - Hound Dog 8th - Love Shack

Mini Novice Duo/Trio: 1st - Sweet Stuff 4th - Route 66

Teen Advanced Solos: 7th - Adelyn Wagner 11th - Nevaeh Weigel

Teen Advanced Duo/Trio: 2nd - Talk Is Cheap 5th - Shake It Up and Make It Fizz

Teen Intermediate Duo/Trio: 10th - Who I’m Meant To Be

Senior Advanced Duo/Trio: 5th - Better Half of Me

Mini Small Groups: 2nd - Big Bad Handsome Man 3rd - Brave

Advanced Petite Small Groups: 2nd - Via Dolorosa 6th - So Good

Advanced Junior Small Groups: 2nd - Do It Like This 7th - Do What I Do

Advanced Teen Small Groups: 4th - North 8th - I Feel Like I’m Drowning 10th - Look at Me

Advanced Senior Small Groups: 5th - Tension

Mini Large Groups: 1st - Great Big Kiss

Advanced Teen Large Groups: 6th - Lay Down

Advanced Senior Large Groups: 2nd - In This Time

Advanced Teen Productions: 1st - In The Spotlight

Championship - Showdown of the Legends 2nd - Great Big Kiss 2nd - Do It Like This 3rd - North 3rd - In The Spotlight 3rd - In This Time

Vision Dance Company qualified in finals in every category that they participated in.&nbsp;

Jackie Creamer’s Vision Dance Company won the ADCC (Association of Dance Competitions and Conventions) “Studio of Excellence” award. The team showed all the characteristics of what the ADCC honors such as: dedication, sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, great performing skills, and hard work in the studio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625863478647.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedJackie Creamer’s Vision Dance Company attended Legacy Dance Championships National Competition in Grapevine, TX. Below are their results.Mini Advanced Solos: 7th - Landry Callahan 9th - Cailynn LuckMini Novice Solos: 2nd - Sabrie VanKooten 4th - Peyton NeuburgerMini Advanced Duo/Trio: 1st - Hound Dog 8th - Love ShackMini Novice Duo/Trio: 1st - Sweet Stuff 4th - Route 66Petite Advanced Duo/Trio: 2nd - HowlTeen Advanced Solos: 7th - Adelyn Wagner 11th - Nevaeh Weigel<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625863627984.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Teen Advanced Duo/Trio: 2nd - Talk Is Cheap 5th - Shake It Up and Make It FizzTeen Intermediate Duo/Trio: 10th - Who I’m Meant To BeSenior Advanced Duo/Trio: 5th - Better Half of MeMini Small Groups: 2nd - Big Bad Handsome Man 3rd - BraveAdvanced Petite Small Groups: 2nd - Via Dolorosa 6th - So GoodAdvanced Junior Small Groups: 2nd - Do It Like This 7th - Do What I DoAdvanced Teen Small Groups: 4th - North 8th - I Feel Like I’m Drowning 10th - Look at MeAdvanced Senior Small Groups: 5th - TensionMini Large Groups: 1st - Great Big KissAdvanced Teen Large Groups: 6th - Lay DownAdvanced Senior Large Groups: 2nd - In This TimeAdvanced Teen Productions: 1st - In The SpotlightChampionship - Showdown of the Legends 2nd - Great Big Kiss 2nd - Do It Like This 3rd - North 3rd - In The Spotlight 3rd - In This TimeVision Dance Company qualified in finals in every category that they participated in.&nbsp;Jackie Creamer’s Vision Dance Company won the ADCC (Association of Dance Competitions and Conventions) “Studio of Excellence” award. The team showed all the characteristics of what the ADCC honors such as: dedication, sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, great performing skills, and hard work in the studio.

Vision Dance Company brings home honors from Dallas nationals

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Smith County Rural Water District No. 1 water supply system. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system and affected customers South of Road 140 and East of M Road, the advisory did not include the City of Smith Center. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from Smith County Rural Water District No. 1 indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

KDHETOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Smith County Rural Water District No. 1 water supply system. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system and affected customers South of Road 140 and East of M Road, the advisory did not include the City of Smith Center. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contaminationPublic water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing samples collected from Smith County Rural Water District No. 1 indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

Boil order for Smith Co. water system rescinded

UPDATED AT 3:20 P.M. with a news release from Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans.

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Former Hays resident Seth Toepfer and his wife Caysha, now living in Austin, Texas, were back in town visiting her mom and woke up to smoke in the house late Friday morning.

"We were all sleeping in and woke up to the smell of smoke," Seth Toepfer said, as the family stood across the street&nbsp;watching Hays firefighters at Dianne Johnson's home, 212 W. 17th.

"I thought my&nbsp; mom was fixing breakfast," Caysha Toepfer said.

As his mother-in-law called 911 shortly at 11:17 a.m., Seth Toepfer found smoke in the attic.

According to a news release from Ryan Hagans, fire chief, crews arrived on scene at 11:20 a.m. and reported smoke coming out of the roof. All occupants were outside.  The fire was located in the attic on the front side of the house.

The fire was extinguished by cutting a hole in the roof above the fire using a 1 ¾” handline.&nbsp; Fire crews covered most of the occupants' belongings with salvage covers before removing the ceiling and insulation to check for fire spread.

A large ceiling fan was removed and brought out the front door.

The fire department stayed on scene until 1:50 p.m. and will return several times throughout the afternoon checking on the structure and occupants.&nbsp; 

The cause of the fire was malfunctioning electrical equipment.

The Hays Fire Department was assisted by the Hays Police Department, Ellis County Fire Department and Ellis County EMS.

At the scene, Hagans said no one had been injured.

Another family member, 11-year-old Daltyn Schleder had also been sleeping in the house.

"He's at a neighbor's house now," said his mom Diane Johnson. "He was pretty upset."

Johnson said she had "just made a claim with my insurance agent about hail damage from the recent storm, but fortunately, the roof hasn't been replaced yet."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625853565613.jpeg" alt="Hays firefighters cut a hole in the roof of a house Friday morning to help evacuate smoke after responding to a structure fire at 212 W. 17th." />
 <figcaption>Hays firefighters cut a hole in the roof of a house Friday morning to help evacuate smoke after responding to a structure fire at 212 W. 17th.</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATED AT 3:20 P.M. with a news release from Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans.By BECKY KISER Hays PostFormer Hays resident Seth Toepfer and his wife Caysha, now living in Austin, Texas, were back in town visiting her mom and woke up to smoke in the house late Friday morning."We were all sleeping in and woke up to the smell of smoke," Seth Toepfer said, as the family stood across the street&nbsp;watching Hays firefighters at Dianne Johnson's home, 212 W. 17th."I thought my&nbsp; mom was fixing breakfast," Caysha Toepfer said.As his mother-in-law called 911 shortly at 11:17 a.m., Seth Toepfer found smoke in the attic.According to a news release from Ryan Hagans, fire chief, crews arrived on scene at 11:20 a.m. and reported smoke coming out of the roof. All occupants were outside. The fire was located in the attic on the front side of the house.The fire was extinguished by cutting a hole in the roof above the fire using a 1 ¾” handline.&nbsp; Fire crews covered most of the occupants' belongings with salvage covers before removing the ceiling and insulation to check for fire spread.A large ceiling fan was removed and brought out the front door.The fire department stayed on scene until 1:50 p.m. and will return several times throughout the afternoon checking on the structure and occupants.&nbsp; The cause of the fire was malfunctioning electrical equipment.The Hays Fire Department was assisted by the Hays Police Department, Ellis County Fire Department and Ellis County EMS.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625854043162.jpeg" alt="Firefighters begin sawing a hole in the roof." />
 <figcaption>Firefighters begin sawing a hole in the roof.</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene, Hagans said no one had been injured.Another family member, 11-year-old Daltyn Schleder had also been sleeping in the house."He's at a neighbor's house now," said his mom Diane Johnson. "He was pretty upset."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625854269013.jpeg" alt="An Ellis County EMS paramedic watches Hays firefighters at the scene of house fire Friday morning. No one in the home was injured.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>An Ellis County EMS paramedic watches Hays firefighters at the scene of house fire Friday morning. No one in the home was injured.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson said she had "just made a claim with my insurance agent about hail damage from the recent storm, but fortunately, the roof hasn't been replaced yet."&nbsp;

UPDATE: Family escapes injury in late morning house fire in Hays

DODGE CITY - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Dodge City has issued a heat advisory for Ellis, Trego, Rush, Ness, Lane, Phillips, Smith, Jewel, Rooks, Osborne, and Mitchell counties from 1 p.m. this afternoon until 8 p.m. tonight.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625847089624.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NWSDODGE CITY - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Dodge City has issued a heat advisory for Ellis, Trego, Rush, Ness, Lane, Phillips, Smith, Jewel, Rooks, Osborne, and Mitchell counties from 1 p.m. this afternoon until 8 p.m. tonight.&nbsp;Heat index values up to 105 degrees are expected.&nbsp;Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat&nbsp;illnesses to occur.Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out&nbsp;of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young&nbsp;children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When&nbsp;possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or&nbsp;evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat&nbsp;stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when&nbsp;possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational&nbsp;Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent&nbsp;rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone&nbsp;overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.&nbsp;Heat stroke is an emergency.&nbsp; Call 911.