The Ellis County Public Works Road and Bridge Division is announcing that an&nbsp;asphalt overlay project on Rome Road will take place beginning in the 1300 block&nbsp;of Rome Road.

&nbsp;This area between 220th Avenue and 230th Avenue will be closed&nbsp;to through traffic beginning at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday and will remain&nbsp;closed until the project is completed.&nbsp;The estimated completion date is&nbsp;Wednesday, June 23rd, pending weather conditions.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601476427799.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTYThe Ellis County Public Works Road and Bridge Division is announcing that an&nbsp;asphalt overlay project on Rome Road will take place beginning in the 1300 block&nbsp;of Rome Road.&nbsp;This area between 220th Avenue and 230th Avenue will be closed&nbsp;to through traffic beginning at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday and will remain&nbsp;closed until the project is completed.&nbsp;The estimated completion date is&nbsp;Wednesday, June 23rd, pending weather conditions.&nbsp;Motorists traveling in the&nbsp;affected closure area should use alternate routes of travel until the project is&nbsp;completed.Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road and Bridge&nbsp;Division at 785-628-9455. Your cooperation during this project is appreciated.

1300 block of Rome Road closed for asphalt overlay 

By TAYLOR JAMISON K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN – Six couples will be honored during this year’s Kansas State Fair as the 2020 class of Kansas Master Farmers and Master Farm Homemakers in recognition of their leadership in agriculture, environmental stewardship and service to their communities.&nbsp;

The statewide awards program is in its 94th year and is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension and Kansas Farmer magazine.&nbsp;

The annual awards banquet will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. A reception is planned for 3:30 p.m. in the 4-H Encampment Building, followed by dinner at 5;30 p.m. in the adjacent Dillon Hall.&nbsp;

Reservations for dinner are required and are available by contacting Sue Robinson at 785-532-5820 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:srobinso@ksu.edu">srobinso@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

Below are short biographies on each couple:&nbsp;

Keith and Marsha Doane – Osborne County&nbsp;

Keith Doane began farming in high school on land rented from his grandfather and knowledge passed down from his father. Today, Doane Family Farms has expanded greatly, but still remains primarily within the family.&nbsp;

Doane Family Farms operates on principles of mentorship, leadership, and cooperative management; by renting and working on the farm, Keith’s sons were able to earn enough money to pay for their college education.&nbsp;

Doane Family Farms manages livestock and crops. One of the longest running operations is their spring cow-calf herd. The Doanes say one of their favorite activities is to check the cow pastures together early in the morning during calving season.&nbsp;

The primary crops grown are winter wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, and alfalfa hay. Additionally, Doane Family Farms works closely with the Post Rock Extension wheat trials and Kansas Agriculture Research and Technology Association.&nbsp;

“We believe we can be in service of advancing unbiased data to support better decision making on our farm and for the benefit of our neighbors,” they said.&nbsp;

Conservation is also of great importance to the Doanes, who have been awarded the Bankers Association Soil Conservation Award for Smith County in 2012 and Osborne County in 2019.&nbsp;

The couple has four sons: Michael, Rodney, Brett, and Craig; and 10 grandchildren. Together, the family has been deeply involved with their church (Rose Valley United Methodist), school district, 4-H club, and as hosts for international exchange students. They note: “In a small community like Downs, being a willing and active servant leader is necessary to build a high quality of life together with our neighbors and friends.”&nbsp;

Howard and Lori Elliot&nbsp;– Brown County&nbsp;

The Elliot family farm is on its fourth and fifth generation of continuous operation in northeast Kansas, starting with Howard Elliot’s great grandfather in 1901. Howard and his wife Lori continue to farm alongside their children today and hope to pass on the same lessons they have learned to their grandchildren.&nbsp;

Howard was born on his family farm operation, helping with chores as he grew up. In high school, he was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA – two programs that would continue to make a large impact in the Elliot's’ lives.&nbsp;

Howard then went on to graduate from North Central Area Vo-Tech School in production agriculture. After graduating, Howard began farming full-time on his family farm.&nbsp;

In his career, Howard served various cabinet positions in the Roy’s Creek Watershed, Northeast Kansas Beef Breeder Association, and Brown-Nemaha pork producers. Outside of agricultural-related activities, Howard has served on the St. Ann’s Catholic Church board, is a member of the Knights of Columbus and helped coach baseball and softball teams.&nbsp;

Lori grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Marysville. Like Howard, she was also very involved with 4-H. Lori met Howard at North Central Area Vo-Tech School where she was the only female in her production agriculture class. Lori is very active in her community, serving on the Hiawatha Community Hospital Board and Hospital Foundation Board, Roy’s Creek Watershed and as a leader of the local 4-H club. Lori also serves as president of the Ladies Altar society of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.&nbsp;

The couple has three children: Mathew, Teresa, and Sara, all of whom are still involved with the family farm. The Elliot’s also have five grandchildren.&nbsp;

The Elliots believe growing up in agriculture teaches profound life lessons. “Livestock taught [our children] about the miracle of birth, and the sadness of death...Crops taught them that sometimes no matter how hard you work and do things the best you know how, that there are times when things out of your control...can make things go bad,” they said.&nbsp;

John and Sharon Hendricks – Cheyenne County&nbsp;

John and Sharon Hendricks have been involved in agriculture since they were young and continue to pass down valuable knowledge to their children and grandchildren. John hopes that “Through his experiences, he has led by example and encouraged the next generation(s) to be fair, honest, and to do what’s right.”&nbsp;

After graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in agricultural mechanization and serving two years in the military during the Korean War, John returned to his family farm following his father’s death in 1973. Since John has taken up the farm from his father, it has expanded extensively and adopted new, improved agricultural practices.&nbsp;

Sharon graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in elementary education. After graduating, she taught second grade at Bird City Elementary before returning home to help the farm with her three sons.&nbsp;

The couple has three children, David, Chad and Nathan; and eight grandchildren.&nbsp;

Today, the Hendricks family farm grows corn, wheat, soybeans, and milo. To improve crop yield and lower labor requirements, they have adopted no-till and strip-till practices. The Hendricks use data from Farm Management, field days, conferences, readings, and farm research guides to assist in their decision-making processes. The farm has also been the recipient of the Cheyenne County Soil Conservation Bankers Award in 1976 and in 2007, and the Goodyear Award of Merit in 1987.&nbsp;

Family and work ethic are the foundations of the Hendricks family farm. They said: “While there is always work to be done on the farm, attending and supporting the children and grandchildren’s activities is a priority, and the work is not neglected, just done at a different time”.&nbsp;

Jay and Stacy Rezac&nbsp;– Pottawatomie County&nbsp;

Jay and Stacy Rezac grew up in production agriculture, so continuing their livelihood in it was a natural decision to them. They are grateful seeing their children and grandchildren also grow up in a close-knit agricultural community, and look forward to seeing the farm thrive with future generations.&nbsp;

Jay and Stacy’s paths intertwined early-on: they met at the Pottawatomie County Fair in high school, married after their simultaneous graduations from college, and began farming together after forming a partnership with Jay’s brother, Lance - who still remains a vital part of operations today.&nbsp;

Jay attended Kansas State University and received a degree in animal science. He remains very involved in his local community, where he serves as the president of the Onaga Lions Club and Caring Community Foundation Board.&nbsp;

Stacy attended K-State University alongside Jay and received a degree in education. She taught 2nd and 1st grades in the Onaga School District for 28 years. Since retiring from teaching, she works at the local pharmacy as a certified technician.&nbsp;

The couple has three children, Jayme, Russel and Matthew; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;

All of the members of the Rezac family have been involved in 4-H, the National Cattleman Association, Kansas Farm Bureau and community events. Notably, every year the Rezacs provide their weighing facilities for the Pottawatomie County 4-H beef project, donate a hog for the Onaga firemen’s barbeque, and put on the Ranch Rodeo.&nbsp;

Additionally, the Rezacs highly value supporting the continuing education of young people. Since 1990, they have hosted college seniors from K-State to practice checking cows for pregnancy. “Being active in these organizations has been both rewarding and enjoyable because we get to interact with the best people in agriculture,” they said.&nbsp;

Jay and Stacy are thankful that family lives close-by and continues to help the family farm grow. “Raising our family in a small agricultural community with 4-H, FFA, sports, and a rural lifestyle has been one of our greatest joys,” they said.&nbsp;

Kevin and Vera Schultz – Kiowa County&nbsp;

Kevin and Vera Schultz have been interested in cattle all their lives. Their involvement in their family farms and active participation in 4H led them to foster a successful and nationally recognized agricultural operation at Sandhill Farms.&nbsp;

Kevin grew up on a family farm in Edwards County, Kansas and purchased his first registered polled Hereford heifer while still in high school. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in animal science. Kevin utilized his degree by focusing on developing high-quality genetics for his cattle.&nbsp;

Vera grew up in the sandhills of Holt County, Nebraska where she was involved in her family’s commercial cow herd. She also attended Kansas State University and graduated with a degree in elementary education. Vera substituted at local area schools before devoting her time to raising her family and helping the farm.&nbsp;

Kevin and Vera met in a speech class during their time at K-State. Initially, Vera was not impressed with Kevin’s speech on “How to Polish Your Boots.” Even so, she reluctantly agreed to attend a Farmhouse Barn party with him, and the rest is history.&nbsp;

After the couple graduated from K-State and married, they maintained livestock as an intricate part of their lives. Even while on their honeymoon, the couple made a ranch visit and purchased more registered Hereford heifers for their return to the Schultz family farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The couple has three children, Brooke, Tyler and Courtney; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;

Faith and family are cornerstones of the Schultz farm operation. Kevin and Vera are heavily involved in Trousdale United Methodist, where Kevin serves as the Chairman of the Board. They believe strong values have been passed down to their children. Who they say “are outstanding adults.”&nbsp;

The couple said they deeply appreciate their local community and have been involved in the Sunflower 4H Club, Edwards County Extension Council and Macksville School Board, among many other organizations and projects. “[We] enjoy interacting with other farmers and ranchers, who tend to have the same strong values,” they said.&nbsp;

Ellis and Rita Yoder&nbsp;– McPherson County&nbsp;

The agricultural roots of the Ellis and Rita Yoder’s family run deep on their farm. The Yoder farmstead has been in the family for over 120 years. Like their parents and grandparents before them, Ellis and Rita strongly value their local community, their faith and their family.&nbsp;

Ellis grew up on the farm in which he now lives. During his grade school and high school years he was highly involved in 4-H and FFA, where his passion for agriculture continued to grow. He went on to attend McPherson College and received a degree in agricultural and rural life.&nbsp;

After college, Ellis served extensively in the U.S. Air Force for 28 years, earning the rank of lieutenant colonel. Today he remains active in his church, the Kansas Farm Management Association, a local Continuing Care Retirement Community, and on his Township board.&nbsp;

Rita grew up in Dickinson County on her family’s farm. She was also in 4-H, where she was involved in projects ranging from beef to leadership to clothing, and won the Key Award.&nbsp;

Rita attended Sterling College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in home economics education. She worked as county home economist in Trego and McPherson counties. Even after beginning her family with Ellis, she remained highly active with her work and community, notably serving as a part-time preschool teacher at Good Beginnings in McPherson and various roles in her church; and working part-time for The Old Muffin Factory, a local business.&nbsp;

The couple has three children, Bradley, Kevin and Lane; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;

Ellis regularly attends the No-Till on the Plains and Soil Health U conferences to expand his knowledge of sustainable agriculture. “I have sat next to attendees who traveled from the other side of the world just to hear how to implement sustainable farming methods,” he said. “I’ve got no excuse not to travel 60 miles.”&nbsp;

The farm’s efforts won them the Bankers Award for Soil Conservation in 1986. Yoder Farms also participates in global outreach with Growing Hope Globally – a Christian service organization that assists small farmers in developing countries practice sustainable agriculture.&nbsp;

Ellis and Rita are thankful for their local community and the values that growing up in agriculture has instilled in their sons. “We love our community and the rural values of hard work and honesty...[Our sons] too, in turn, are helping others and making this world a better place in which to live.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615992626413.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TAYLOR JAMISON K-State Research and Extension MANHATTAN – Six couples will be honored during this year’s Kansas State Fair as the 2020 class of Kansas Master Farmers and Master Farm Homemakers in recognition of their leadership in agriculture, environmental stewardship and service to their communities.&nbsp;The statewide awards program is in its 94th year and is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension and Kansas Farmer magazine.&nbsp;This year’s honorees are:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Keith and Marsha Doane – Osborne County&nbsp;</li><li>Howard and Lori Elliot – Brown County&nbsp;</li><li>John and Sharon Hendricks – Cheyenne County&nbsp;</li><li>Jay and Stacy Rezac – Pottawatomie County&nbsp;</li><li>Keith and Vera Schultz – Kiowa County&nbsp;</li><li>Ellis and Rita Yoder – McPherson County&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The annual awards banquet will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. A reception is planned for 3:30 p.m. in the 4-H Encampment Building, followed by dinner at 5;30 p.m. in the adjacent Dillon Hall.&nbsp;Reservations for dinner are required and are available by contacting Sue Robinson at 785-532-5820 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:srobinso@ksu.edu">srobinso@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;Below are short biographies on each couple:&nbsp;<h2>Keith and Marsha Doane – Osborne County&nbsp;</h2>Keith Doane began farming in high school on land rented from his grandfather and knowledge passed down from his father. Today, Doane Family Farms has expanded greatly, but still remains primarily within the family.&nbsp;Doane Family Farms operates on principles of mentorship, leadership, and cooperative management; by renting and working on the farm, Keith’s sons were able to earn enough money to pay for their college education.&nbsp;Doane Family Farms manages livestock and crops. One of the longest running operations is their spring cow-calf herd. The Doanes say one of their favorite activities is to check the cow pastures together early in the morning during calving season.&nbsp;The primary crops grown are winter wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, and alfalfa hay. Additionally, Doane Family Farms works closely with the Post Rock Extension wheat trials and Kansas Agriculture Research and Technology Association.&nbsp;“We believe we can be in service of advancing unbiased data to support better decision making on our farm and for the benefit of our neighbors,” they said.&nbsp;Conservation is also of great importance to the Doanes, who have been awarded the Bankers Association Soil Conservation Award for Smith County in 2012 and Osborne County in 2019.&nbsp;The couple has four sons: Michael, Rodney, Brett, and Craig; and 10 grandchildren. Together, the family has been deeply involved with their church (Rose Valley United Methodist), school district, 4-H club, and as hosts for international exchange students. They note: “In a small community like Downs, being a willing and active servant leader is necessary to build a high quality of life together with our neighbors and friends.”&nbsp;<h2>Howard and Lori Elliot&nbsp;– Brown County&nbsp;</h2>The Elliot family farm is on its fourth and fifth generation of continuous operation in northeast Kansas, starting with Howard Elliot’s great grandfather in 1901. Howard and his wife Lori continue to farm alongside their children today and hope to pass on the same lessons they have learned to their grandchildren.&nbsp;Howard was born on his family farm operation, helping with chores as he grew up. In high school, he was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA – two programs that would continue to make a large impact in the Elliot's’ lives.&nbsp;Howard then went on to graduate from North Central Area Vo-Tech School in production agriculture. After graduating, Howard began farming full-time on his family farm.&nbsp;In his career, Howard served various cabinet positions in the Roy’s Creek Watershed, Northeast Kansas Beef Breeder Association, and Brown-Nemaha pork producers. Outside of agricultural-related activities, Howard has served on the St. Ann’s Catholic Church board, is a member of the Knights of Columbus and helped coach baseball and softball teams.&nbsp;Lori grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Marysville. Like Howard, she was also very involved with 4-H. Lori met Howard at North Central Area Vo-Tech School where she was the only female in her production agriculture class. Lori is very active in her community, serving on the Hiawatha Community Hospital Board and Hospital Foundation Board, Roy’s Creek Watershed and as a leader of the local 4-H club. Lori also serves as president of the Ladies Altar society of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.&nbsp;The couple has three children: Mathew, Teresa, and Sara, all of whom are still involved with the family farm. The Elliot’s also have five grandchildren.&nbsp;The Elliots believe growing up in agriculture teaches profound life lessons. “Livestock taught [our children] about the miracle of birth, and the sadness of death...Crops taught them that sometimes no matter how hard you work and do things the best you know how, that there are times when things out of your control...can make things go bad,” they said.&nbsp;<h2>John and Sharon Hendricks – Cheyenne County&nbsp;</h2>John and Sharon Hendricks have been involved in agriculture since they were young and continue to pass down valuable knowledge to their children and grandchildren. John hopes that “Through his experiences, he has led by example and encouraged the next generation(s) to be fair, honest, and to do what’s right.”&nbsp;After graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in agricultural mechanization and serving two years in the military during the Korean War, John returned to his family farm following his father’s death in 1973. Since John has taken up the farm from his father, it has expanded extensively and adopted new, improved agricultural practices.&nbsp;Sharon graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in elementary education. After graduating, she taught second grade at Bird City Elementary before returning home to help the farm with her three sons.&nbsp;The couple has three children, David, Chad and Nathan; and eight grandchildren.&nbsp;Today, the Hendricks family farm grows corn, wheat, soybeans, and milo. To improve crop yield and lower labor requirements, they have adopted no-till and strip-till practices. The Hendricks use data from Farm Management, field days, conferences, readings, and farm research guides to assist in their decision-making processes. The farm has also been the recipient of the Cheyenne County Soil Conservation Bankers Award in 1976 and in 2007, and the Goodyear Award of Merit in 1987.&nbsp;Family and work ethic are the foundations of the Hendricks family farm. They said: “While there is always work to be done on the farm, attending and supporting the children and grandchildren’s activities is a priority, and the work is not neglected, just done at a different time”.&nbsp;<h2>Jay and Stacy Rezac&nbsp;– Pottawatomie County&nbsp;</h2>Jay and Stacy Rezac grew up in production agriculture, so continuing their livelihood in it was a natural decision to them. They are grateful seeing their children and grandchildren also grow up in a close-knit agricultural community, and look forward to seeing the farm thrive with future generations.&nbsp;Jay and Stacy’s paths intertwined early-on: they met at the Pottawatomie County Fair in high school, married after their simultaneous graduations from college, and began farming together after forming a partnership with Jay’s brother, Lance - who still remains a vital part of operations today.&nbsp;Jay attended Kansas State University and received a degree in animal science. He remains very involved in his local community, where he serves as the president of the Onaga Lions Club and Caring Community Foundation Board.&nbsp;Stacy attended K-State University alongside Jay and received a degree in education. She taught 2nd and 1st grades in the Onaga School District for 28 years. Since retiring from teaching, she works at the local pharmacy as a certified technician.&nbsp;The couple has three children, Jayme, Russel and Matthew; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;All of the members of the Rezac family have been involved in 4-H, the National Cattleman Association, Kansas Farm Bureau and community events. Notably, every year the Rezacs provide their weighing facilities for the Pottawatomie County 4-H beef project, donate a hog for the Onaga firemen’s barbeque, and put on the Ranch Rodeo.&nbsp;Additionally, the Rezacs highly value supporting the continuing education of young people. Since 1990, they have hosted college seniors from K-State to practice checking cows for pregnancy. “Being active in these organizations has been both rewarding and enjoyable because we get to interact with the best people in agriculture,” they said.&nbsp;Jay and Stacy are thankful that family lives close-by and continues to help the family farm grow. “Raising our family in a small agricultural community with 4-H, FFA, sports, and a rural lifestyle has been one of our greatest joys,” they said.&nbsp;<h2>Kevin and Vera Schultz – Kiowa County&nbsp;</h2>Kevin and Vera Schultz have been interested in cattle all their lives. Their involvement in their family farms and active participation in 4H led them to foster a successful and nationally recognized agricultural operation at Sandhill Farms.&nbsp;Kevin grew up on a family farm in Edwards County, Kansas and purchased his first registered polled Hereford heifer while still in high school. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in animal science. Kevin utilized his degree by focusing on developing high-quality genetics for his cattle.&nbsp;Vera grew up in the sandhills of Holt County, Nebraska where she was involved in her family’s commercial cow herd. She also attended Kansas State University and graduated with a degree in elementary education. Vera substituted at local area schools before devoting her time to raising her family and helping the farm.&nbsp;Kevin and Vera met in a speech class during their time at K-State. Initially, Vera was not impressed with Kevin’s speech on “How to Polish Your Boots.” Even so, she reluctantly agreed to attend a Farmhouse Barn party with him, and the rest is history.&nbsp;After the couple graduated from K-State and married, they maintained livestock as an intricate part of their lives. Even while on their honeymoon, the couple made a ranch visit and purchased more registered Hereford heifers for their return to the Schultz family farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;The couple has three children, Brooke, Tyler and Courtney; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;Faith and family are cornerstones of the Schultz farm operation. Kevin and Vera are heavily involved in Trousdale United Methodist, where Kevin serves as the Chairman of the Board. They believe strong values have been passed down to their children. Who they say “are outstanding adults.”&nbsp;The couple said they deeply appreciate their local community and have been involved in the Sunflower 4H Club, Edwards County Extension Council and Macksville School Board, among many other organizations and projects. “[We] enjoy interacting with other farmers and ranchers, who tend to have the same strong values,” they said.&nbsp;<h2>Ellis and Rita Yoder&nbsp;– McPherson County&nbsp;</h2>The agricultural roots of the Ellis and Rita Yoder’s family run deep on their farm. The Yoder farmstead has been in the family for over 120 years. Like their parents and grandparents before them, Ellis and Rita strongly value their local community, their faith and their family.&nbsp;Ellis grew up on the farm in which he now lives. During his grade school and high school years he was highly involved in 4-H and FFA, where his passion for agriculture continued to grow. He went on to attend McPherson College and received a degree in agricultural and rural life.&nbsp;After college, Ellis served extensively in the U.S. Air Force for 28 years, earning the rank of lieutenant colonel. Today he remains active in his church, the Kansas Farm Management Association, a local Continuing Care Retirement Community, and on his Township board.&nbsp;Rita grew up in Dickinson County on her family’s farm. She was also in 4-H, where she was involved in projects ranging from beef to leadership to clothing, and won the Key Award.&nbsp;Rita attended Sterling College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in home economics education. She worked as county home economist in Trego and McPherson counties. Even after beginning her family with Ellis, she remained highly active with her work and community, notably serving as a part-time preschool teacher at Good Beginnings in McPherson and various roles in her church; and working part-time for The Old Muffin Factory, a local business.&nbsp;The couple has three children, Bradley, Kevin and Lane; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;Ellis regularly attends the No-Till on the Plains and Soil Health U conferences to expand his knowledge of sustainable agriculture. “I have sat next to attendees who traveled from the other side of the world just to hear how to implement sustainable farming methods,” he said. “I’ve got no excuse not to travel 60 miles.”&nbsp;The farm’s efforts won them the Bankers Award for Soil Conservation in 1986. Yoder Farms also participates in global outreach with Growing Hope Globally – a Christian service organization that assists small farmers in developing countries practice sustainable agriculture.&nbsp;Ellis and Rita are thankful for their local community and the values that growing up in agriculture has instilled in their sons. “We love our community and the rural values of hard work and honesty...[Our sons] too, in turn, are helping others and making this world a better place in which to live.”&nbsp;

Western Kansans among those honored as Master Farmers

PHILLIPSBURG — There’s a little piece of Cajun in Phillipsburg when the rodeo comes to town.

Brothers Jerremy and Michael Wilson, twins and native Kansans, now live in Louisiana but make the trip for Kansas Biggest Rodeo nearly every year.&nbsp;

Abd when they come, they bring the party with them.

Having grown up in Hays, the men attended the Phillipsburg rodeo periodically as kids. While they were students at Ft. Hays State University, they started going every year.

After graduation, the brothers, who are 39, worked in Kansas City for a while. A friend got a promotion and moved his office to Louisiana, taking the Wilsons with him as employees in 2007.&nbsp; They now live in Baton Rouge, where they love it.&nbsp;

“You can’t go wrong,” in Baton Rouge, Jerremy said. “I came up with my own phrase for why I like it here. Ice goes in a glass, not on the road,” he quipped.&nbsp;

They have rarely missed a year of the rodeo, making the fourteen to sixteen hour trip.

And when they’re in Phillipsburg, they bring the spice with them, cooking Cajun for friends and family.

Because they can’t buy Cajun ingredients in Phillips County, they have it shipped: boudin, crawfish, “whatever we feel like getting,” to cook at their aunt Carolyn Rumbaugh’s place.&nbsp;

It’s a big party at their aunt’s house, with two dozen family and friends eating Cajun style, then heading to the rodeo, where the party continues.&nbsp;

“It’s a family reunion with the benefit of having the rodeo, too,” Jerremy said. They often pitch tents and camp out in the yard, sometimes bringing Louisiana friends with them.&nbsp;

They usually attend all three nights of rodeo, but especially like the Tough Enough to Wear Pink night, which is August 5 this year, because Aunt Carolyn had cancer, and was a recipient of funds through Hope in the Heartland, the organization that dispenses monies raised by the rodeo’s pink night.&nbsp;

The Cajun cooking goes beyond the rodeo, now. They’ve done crawfish boils for family members, and people love it.&nbsp;

It’s just part of the Wilson brothers’ routine.

And every August, the Wilson brothers are headed north. Ready to cook Cajun, ready to rodeo.

This year’s Kansas Biggest Rodeo is August 5-7 with performances beginning at 8 pm each night in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>&nbsp;and range in price from $16-19 for adults and $12-$15 for children.&nbsp;

The August 5 night of rodeo is family night, with children ages 10 and under free with the purchase of an adult ticket.&nbsp;

For more information, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>&nbsp;or call 785.543.2448.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624283941357.jpeg" alt="Jerremy Wilson and his twin brother Michael (in the green shirt, to the right) stand with their cousin Hollie Kendall at the Phillipsburg rodeo. The brothers, who grew up in Kansas but now live in Louisiana, make the trip back to the Phillipsburg rodeo each year. Photo courtesy Jerremy Wilson." />
 <figcaption>Jerremy Wilson and his twin brother Michael (in the green shirt, to the right) stand with their cousin Hollie Kendall at the Phillipsburg rodeo. The brothers, who grew up in Kansas but now live in Louisiana, make the trip back to the Phillipsburg rodeo each year. Photo courtesy Jerremy Wilson.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedPHILLIPSBURG — There’s a little piece of Cajun in Phillipsburg when the rodeo comes to town.Brothers Jerremy and Michael Wilson, twins and native Kansans, now live in Louisiana but make the trip for Kansas Biggest Rodeo nearly every year.&nbsp;Abd when they come, they bring the party with them.Having grown up in Hays, the men attended the Phillipsburg rodeo periodically as kids. While they were students at Ft. Hays State University, they started going every year.After graduation, the brothers, who are 39, worked in Kansas City for a while. A friend got a promotion and moved his office to Louisiana, taking the Wilsons with him as employees in 2007.&nbsp; They now live in Baton Rouge, where they love it.&nbsp;“You can’t go wrong,” in Baton Rouge, Jerremy said. “I came up with my own phrase for why I like it here. Ice goes in a glass, not on the road,” he quipped.&nbsp;They have rarely missed a year of the rodeo, making the fourteen to sixteen hour trip.And when they’re in Phillipsburg, they bring the spice with them, cooking Cajun for friends and family.Because they can’t buy Cajun ingredients in Phillips County, they have it shipped: boudin, crawfish, “whatever we feel like getting,” to cook at their aunt Carolyn Rumbaugh’s place.&nbsp;It’s a big party at their aunt’s house, with two dozen family and friends eating Cajun style, then heading to the rodeo, where the party continues.&nbsp;“It’s a family reunion with the benefit of having the rodeo, too,” Jerremy said. They often pitch tents and camp out in the yard, sometimes bringing Louisiana friends with them.&nbsp;They usually attend all three nights of rodeo, but especially like the Tough Enough to Wear Pink night, which is August 5 this year, because Aunt Carolyn had cancer, and was a recipient of funds through Hope in the Heartland, the organization that dispenses monies raised by the rodeo’s pink night.&nbsp;The Cajun cooking goes beyond the rodeo, now. They’ve done crawfish boils for family members, and people love it.&nbsp;It’s just part of the Wilson brothers’ routine.And every August, the Wilson brothers are headed north. Ready to cook Cajun, ready to rodeo.This year’s Kansas Biggest Rodeo is August 5-7 with performances beginning at 8 pm each night in Phillipsburg, Kansas.Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>&nbsp;and range in price from $16-19 for adults and $12-$15 for children.&nbsp;The August 5 night of rodeo is family night, with children ages 10 and under free with the purchase of an adult ticket.&nbsp;For more information, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasbiggestrodeo.com/">KansasBiggestRodeo.com</a>&nbsp;or call 785.543.2448.

Kansans-turned-Cajuns return to Phillipsburg for rodeo every year

Three-day weather outlook

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board will hear a proposal to replace the district's network at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.

The estimated cost for replacement is about $384,000.&nbsp;

The district will also hear a proposal to purchase two new ovens for the kitchens at O'Loughlin and Roosevelt elementary schools at a cost of about $23,000.

In other capital purchases, the board will consider the renewal of elementary social studies textbooks at a cost of&nbsp;$40,825.

The board will consider approval of the classified handbook, as well as the student handbooks for the elementary schools and Hays Middle School.

The board will also consider approval of a resolution for the Emergency Hazard Mitigation Plan for region. The board is required every five years to approve a plan in cooperation with Ellis County Emergency Management.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board will hear a proposal to replace the district's network at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.The estimated cost for replacement is about $384,000.&nbsp;The district will also hear a proposal to purchase two new ovens for the kitchens at O'Loughlin and Roosevelt elementary schools at a cost of about $23,000.In other capital purchases, the board will consider the renewal of elementary social studies textbooks at a cost of&nbsp;$40,825.The board will consider approval of the classified handbook, as well as the student handbooks for the elementary schools and Hays Middle School.The board will also consider approval of a resolution for the Emergency Hazard Mitigation Plan for region. The board is required every five years to approve a plan in cooperation with Ellis County Emergency Management.

Hays school board to consider $384,000 network replacement

TOPEKA – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.5 percent in May. This was unchanged from 3.5 percent in April and a decrease from 9.0 percent in May 2020.

“Kansas maintained a relatively low unemployment rate, at 3.5 percent in May,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “The state has seen significant improvement over the past year as community spread of COVID- 19 has declined and the number of Kansans employed has increased.”

Jobless rates across northwest Kansas continued to be extremely low in May, with Ellis County posting a 2.1 percent unemployment rate. Only Decatur and Barton counties had jobless rates at or above 3 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs decreased by 1,500 from April. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, decreased by 2,000 from the previous month, while government increased by 500.

“As economic recovery continues in Kansas, we can see employment levels in multiple industries approach pre-pandemic levels,” said Labor Economist Todd Rilinger. “Five of the eleven major sectors have seen a recovery of over 70 percent of jobs lost due to the pandemic.”

Since May 2020, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 68,300. This change is due to an increase of 64,800 private sector jobs and 3,500 government jobs.

BLS revised seasonally adjusted preliminary total nonfarm jobs estimates for April downward by 900 jobs, from 1,372,400 to 1,371,500. Seasonally adjusted private sector jobs were also revised downward by 1,100 jobs, from 1,125,500 to 1,124,400.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624296245009.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.5 percent in May. This was unchanged from 3.5 percent in April and a decrease from 9.0 percent in May 2020.“Kansas maintained a relatively low unemployment rate, at 3.5 percent in May,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “The state has seen significant improvement over the past year as community spread of COVID- 19 has declined and the number of Kansans employed has increased.”Jobless rates across northwest Kansas continued to be extremely low in May, with Ellis County posting a 2.1 percent unemployment rate. Only Decatur and Barton counties had jobless rates at or above 3 percent.Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs decreased by 1,500 from April. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, decreased by 2,000 from the previous month, while government increased by 500.“As economic recovery continues in Kansas, we can see employment levels in multiple industries approach pre-pandemic levels,” said Labor Economist Todd Rilinger. “Five of the eleven major sectors have seen a recovery of over 70 percent of jobs lost due to the pandemic.”Since May 2020, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 68,300. This change is due to an increase of 64,800 private sector jobs and 3,500 government jobs.BLS revised seasonally adjusted preliminary total nonfarm jobs estimates for April downward by 900 jobs, from 1,372,400 to 1,371,500. Seasonally adjusted private sector jobs were also revised downward by 1,100 jobs, from 1,125,500 to 1,124,400.

Jobless rates across NW Kan. remain extremely low in May

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 3,760 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624295832902.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 3,760 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: No new virus cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with District 111 Representative Barbara Wasinger.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: District 111 Representative Barbara Wasinger" 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=88k3q-106d392-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with District 111 Representative Barbara Wasinger.&nbsp;

🎤Forward Ever: District 111 Representative Barbara Wasinger

Imagine you never had your own new pair of pajamas. A project in Hays changed that for one little boy.

The boy had to be removed from his home and placed in foster care. The Wonder Women League's Project Suitcase provided the little boy with a pair of Batman pajamas along with a duffle bag of hygiene and comfort items.

The boy was so excited he wanted to put the pajamas on right away, said Nancy Jeter, co-chairwoman of the Wonder Woman League, during a Hays Chamber ribbon cutting June 11.

The pandemic put a damper on the launch of Wonder Women League's Project Suitcase, but a crowd crammed into the Jeter Law Firm office&nbsp; last week to launch the second year of the project.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e713b52afae0f4d5f5d59c7">Each year, an average of 125 children in Ellis County must be removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment.</a>&nbsp;Foster care officials report the number of children removed from homes could be up this year as high as 175 children, Jeter told the crowd.

"When they are removed from their homes, as you can imagine, it's traumatic," Jeter said. "They don't know what is going to happen to them. They're scared. They are going to a place they don't know."

Prior to the launch last year of the Project Suitcase, many of those children had to grab what belongs they could and stuff them into trash bags.

"What does that say? All my things can fit in a trash bag. I'm not a trash bag kid. I deserve much better than this," Jeter said.

The Wonder Women League, which is a non-profit under the umbrella of the United Way of Ellis County, partnered with law enforcement and social service agencies to provide duffel bags filled with hygiene products, comfort items, a McDonald's gift certificate and a bag in which the children can place their belongings.

Also included in the bags are new pajamas, underwear and socks, fleece blankets, snacks, a stuffed animal, note of support from the league and a notes from two former foster children, as well as small toys, such as a deck of cards, fidget spinner or Rubik's Cube.&nbsp;

Diapers, wipes and baby formula are included when needed.

The bags are coordinated for appropriate gender and age of the children.

Once they reach their foster home, the children are able to bathe, brush their teeth and comb their hair with their own toothbrush and comb, and dress in clean underwear, socks and pajamas.

"It sets their scene for bed. It gives them a little trust in the new surroundings, and one foster parent said it gives them an idea of what bedtime should be like when you are child," Jeter said. 

"That you get a bath. You brush your teeth. You put on clean pajamas and, hopefully, get a book read to you and a hug at the end of the evening."

The bags cost about $50 each. The cost has been funded through the league, as well as grants, monetary donations and gifts of items from community members and businesses.

Members of the league meet regularly to pack new bags for the project.

The league received a $5,000 grant from the Heartland Community Foundation in 2020 to launch the project, and a $5,000 donation from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation and a $500 donation from the Ellis County Bar Association in 2021.

Other sponsors of Project Suitcase, all of which have signed on to support the program for a second year, include Erin and Trevor Giebler, Hamlin Creative Consulting, McDonald’s, eyeSmile Dental &amp; Vision, Pepsi Bottling Group, Color/Cut Salon, RD Graphics, Jeter Law Firm and First Kansas Bank.

You can learn more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">Wonder Women League</a>&nbsp;on the United Way of Ellis County website. The individual annual membership donation starts at $50. You can join and donate online.

Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of the Wonder Women League, which supports Project Suitcase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623968281656.jpeg" alt="Wonder Women League co-chairwoman Nancy Jeter holds up a stuffed animal, which is an example of what is in the duffle bags given to foster children as part of the league's Project Suitcase." />
 <figcaption>Wonder Women League co-chairwoman Nancy Jeter holds up a stuffed animal, which is an example of what is in the duffle bags given to foster children as part of the league's Project Suitcase.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostImagine you never had your own new pair of pajamas. A project in Hays changed that for one little boy.The boy had to be removed from his home and placed in foster care. The Wonder Women League's Project Suitcase provided the little boy with a pair of Batman pajamas along with a duffle bag of hygiene and comfort items.The boy was so excited he wanted to put the pajamas on right away, said Nancy Jeter, co-chairwoman of the Wonder Woman League, during a Hays Chamber ribbon cutting June 11.The pandemic put a damper on the launch of Wonder Women League's Project Suitcase, but a crowd crammed into the Jeter Law Firm office&nbsp; last week to launch the second year of the project.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e713b52afae0f4d5f5d59c7">Each year, an average of 125 children in Ellis County must be removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment.</a>&nbsp;Foster care officials report the number of children removed from homes could be up this year as high as 175 children, Jeter told the crowd."When they are removed from their homes, as you can imagine, it's traumatic," Jeter said. "They don't know what is going to happen to them. They're scared. They are going to a place they don't know."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623968393187.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Prior to the launch last year of the Project Suitcase, many of those children had to grab what belongs they could and stuff them into trash bags."What does that say? All my things can fit in a trash bag. I'm not a trash bag kid. I deserve much better than this," Jeter said.The Wonder Women League, which is a non-profit under the umbrella of the United Way of Ellis County, partnered with law enforcement and social service agencies to provide duffel bags filled with hygiene products, comfort items, a McDonald's gift certificate and a bag in which the children can place their belongings.Also included in the bags are new pajamas, underwear and socks, fleece blankets, snacks, a stuffed animal, note of support from the league and a notes from two former foster children, as well as small toys, such as a deck of cards, fidget spinner or Rubik's Cube.&nbsp;Diapers, wipes and baby formula are included when needed.The bags are coordinated for appropriate gender and age of the children.Once they reach their foster home, the children are able to bathe, brush their teeth and comb their hair with their own toothbrush and comb, and dress in clean underwear, socks and pajamas."It sets their scene for bed. It gives them a little trust in the new surroundings, and one foster parent said it gives them an idea of what bedtime should be like when you are child," Jeter said. "That you get a bath. You brush your teeth. You put on clean pajamas and, hopefully, get a book read to you and a hug at the end of the evening."The bags cost about $50 each. The cost has been funded through the league, as well as grants, monetary donations and gifts of items from community members and businesses.Members of the league meet regularly to pack new bags for the project.The league received a $5,000 grant from the Heartland Community Foundation in 2020 to launch the project, and a $5,000 donation from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation and a $500 donation from the Ellis County Bar Association in 2021.Other sponsors of Project Suitcase, all of which have signed on to support the program for a second year, include Erin and Trevor Giebler, Hamlin Creative Consulting, McDonald’s, eyeSmile Dental &amp; Vision, Pepsi Bottling Group, Color/Cut Salon, RD Graphics, Jeter Law Firm and First Kansas Bank.You can learn more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">Wonder Women League</a>&nbsp;on the United Way of Ellis County website. The individual annual membership donation starts at $50. You can join and donate online.Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of the Wonder Women League, which supports Project Suitcase.

Wonder Women League Project Suitcase seeks to meet increased demand

First Call for Help is making its last push to raise the remaining funds to open its transitional housing program in Hays.

Work on the four units at its building at 607 E. 13th is almost complete. The First Step Housing Project hopes to welcome its first residents in August.

The program is $11,000 from a goal to raise $50,000 by the end of June to earn a $50,000 match from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation.&nbsp;

If the program is able to raise enough funds to receive its full match, it will be within $15,000 of raising the total $250,000 to purchase items needed for the start-up of the program.

However, First Call for Help Director Linda Mills said enough has been raised to complete construction and open in August.

The project has the appliances for the renovated space, as well as bedding. The Heartland Community Foundation awarded the project a grant to pay for the project's keyless entry system and exterior security cameras.

You can donate to the program in a variety of ways.&nbsp;

You can donate <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/firstcallelliscounty?code=General%20Donations">online</a>. You have the option on the online form to designate your gift to the First Step project. Only funds designated for the First Step project will be doubled by the Schmidt Foundation.

You can drop off or mail a donation to 607 E. 13th, Hays, KS 67601.

You can also shop for items for the FirstStep program through its wish list on Amazon. A link can be found on the <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help homepage</a>. The items can also be purchased locally if the donor wishes.

In the month of June, the First Step program is hosting a Chef's Cuisine Fundraiser. Sake2Me, Chartwells and Gella's have recorded cooking demonstrations. 

Each cooking demonstration consists of a main dish, side dish, and/or dessert, and lasts about 60 minutes. The cost per video link is $15 or $40 for all three links.&nbsp;For more information or to register, call Laura Shoaff at 785-623-2800 or 785-259-3811.

The First Step project will focus on people who live in Hays or the area and have become temporarily homeless.

The First Step facility encompasses about 1,000 square feet and consist of four units in the rear of First Call for Help's existing building.

Each bedroom will have bunk beds with its own private bathroom. One unit is handicap accessible. The facility will have a shared laundry facility and kitchenette, as well as a small community room.

The facility have room for eight people, possibly more if a family with children uses a cot or a crib.

The walls and sheet rock are up. Workers are ready to putty and sand and will soon install the flooring.

The program will accept families, single parents with children and single females — no single males. Participants have to be drug- and alcohol-free and not have a criminal history that includes violent or sexual crimes.

The participants will stay at in the transitional units up to six months, Mills said.

During that time, Laura Allen, First Call for Help client services specialist, will help the resident work through a financial literacy program. They can save for a deposit for their own rental. If they are unemployed, they can work toward finding a job, Mills said.

"What we want to focus on with them is the obstacles that have caused them to struggle in the area of housing," Mills said. "Whether that is straight up not enough income, then we will work on that."

First Call for Help has already had a trial run with the financial classes thanks to a grant from New York Life. The agency is using a free financial literacy program available through the FDIC.

Mills said it is hard to determine how many homeless people are in Hays or the surrounding area.

"We know from the number of people who come in here every year that ask us if we can help them get a house ... We have probably had four calls in the last two weeks. ... We do get a lot of calls of people looking for help to get into housing," she said.

First Call for Helps' programs are an oasis in northwest Kansas. No other homeless shelters exist between Salina and Denver.

The program used to issue vouchers to individuals and families for overnight stays in local hotels. This was often used by the transient homeless population, however, this program was discontinued.

Two of the hotels First Call for Help used have been torn down. The other hotels will no longer accept the vouchers because of behavior problems with the voucher guests in the past.

First Call for Help continues to provide rental and utility assistance to people who qualify, as well as a small food and diaper pantry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623958677673.jpeg" alt="The First Step transitional Housing Project remains under construction, but program officials hope to have it open by early August. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The First Step transitional Housing Project remains under construction, but program officials hope to have it open by early August. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFirst Call for Help is making its last push to raise the remaining funds to open its transitional housing program in Hays.Work on the four units at its building at 607 E. 13th is almost complete. The First Step Housing Project hopes to welcome its first residents in August.The program is $11,000 from a goal to raise $50,000 by the end of June to earn a $50,000 match from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation.&nbsp;If the program is able to raise enough funds to receive its full match, it will be within $15,000 of raising the total $250,000 to purchase items needed for the start-up of the program.However, First Call for Help Director Linda Mills said enough has been raised to complete construction and open in August.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623958801209.jpeg" alt="The First Step Housing Project will have four units, each with a bunk bed and a private bathroom. This is one of the bedrooms, which is nearing completion.&nbsp;Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The First Step Housing Project will have four units, each with a bunk bed and a private bathroom. This is one of the bedrooms, which is nearing completion.&nbsp;Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The project has the appliances for the renovated space, as well as bedding. The Heartland Community Foundation awarded the project a grant to pay for the project's keyless entry system and exterior security cameras.You can donate to the program in a variety of ways.&nbsp;You can donate <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/firstcallelliscounty?code=General%20Donations">online</a>. You have the option on the online form to designate your gift to the First Step project. Only funds designated for the First Step project will be doubled by the Schmidt Foundation.You can drop off or mail a donation to 607 E. 13th, Hays, KS 67601.You can also shop for items for the FirstStep program through its wish list on Amazon. A link can be found on the <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help homepage</a>. The items can also be purchased locally if the donor wishes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623959012844.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the month of June, the First Step program is hosting a Chef's Cuisine Fundraiser. Sake2Me, Chartwells and Gella's have recorded cooking demonstrations. Each cooking demonstration consists of a main dish, side dish, and/or dessert, and lasts about 60 minutes. The cost per video link is $15 or $40 for all three links.&nbsp;For more information or to register, call Laura Shoaff at 785-623-2800 or 785-259-3811.The First Step project will focus on people who live in Hays or the area and have become temporarily homeless.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623959147180.jpeg" alt="The new First Step Housing Project will be in the rear of the First Call for Help building,&nbsp;607 E. 13th St., Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The new First Step Housing Project will be in the rear of the First Call for Help building,&nbsp;607 E. 13th St., Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The First Step facility encompasses about 1,000 square feet and consist of four units in the rear of First Call for Help's existing building.Each bedroom will have bunk beds with its own private bathroom. One unit is handicap accessible. The facility will have a shared laundry facility and kitchenette, as well as a small community room.The facility have room for eight people, possibly more if a family with children uses a cot or a crib.The walls and sheet rock are up. Workers are ready to putty and sand and will soon install the flooring.The program will accept families, single parents with children and single females — no single males. Participants have to be drug- and alcohol-free and not have a criminal history that includes violent or sexual crimes.The participants will stay at in the transitional units up to six months, Mills said.During that time, Laura Allen, First Call for Help client services specialist, will help the resident work through a financial literacy program. They can save for a deposit for their own rental. If they are unemployed, they can work toward finding a job, Mills said."What we want to focus on with them is the obstacles that have caused them to struggle in the area of housing," Mills said. "Whether that is straight up not enough income, then we will work on that."First Call for Help has already had a trial run with the financial classes thanks to a grant from New York Life. The agency is using a free financial literacy program available through the FDIC.Mills said it is hard to determine how many homeless people are in Hays or the surrounding area."We know from the number of people who come in here every year that ask us if we can help them get a house ... We have probably had four calls in the last two weeks. ... We do get a lot of calls of people looking for help to get into housing," she said.First Call for Helps' programs are an oasis in northwest Kansas. No other homeless shelters exist between Salina and Denver.The program used to issue vouchers to individuals and families for overnight stays in local hotels. This was often used by the transient homeless population, however, this program was discontinued.Two of the hotels First Call for Help used have been torn down. The other hotels will no longer accept the vouchers because of behavior problems with the voucher guests in the past.First Call for Help continues to provide rental and utility assistance to people who qualify, as well as a small food and diaper pantry.

Funds still needed for First Step Housing project; opening set for August

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-06-17/housing-crisis-threatens-to-stifle-rural-kansas-towns-hoping-to-grow">Kansas News Service</a>

On the east edge of Hays, an empty sidewalk 
flanked by dirt and gravel curls around a bend into the shape of a 
cul-de-sac. Soon, it will lead to the front doors of three dozen new 
homes — the first houses in Hays built to sell for $225,000 or less in 
the past several years.

Doug Williams, who heads the local housing and economic development coalition <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>,
 expects the first homebuyers to move in by the end of this year. And in
 his view, it’s not a moment too soon. Nor is it enough.

“We
 have what I would deem an extreme undersupply of housing,” Williams 
said. “And we've been fighting that for going on nine to 10 months now.”

In the space of one year from late 2019 to late 2020, Grow Hays’ <a href="https://www.growhays.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Grow-Hays-Annual-Report_press.pdf" target="_blank">housing report</a> found that the number of homes for sale in the northwest Kansas town plummeted from 101 to 50. And it keeps dropping.

“I checked this morning,” he said, “and it was 41.”

Fueled
 by historically low mortgage rates and years of underbuilt housing 
supply, the American housing market has become increasingly strained. 
Nationwide, the housing deficit has grown more than 50% over the past 
two years and now stands <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-housing-market-is-nearly-4-million-homes-short-of-buyer-demand-11618484400" target="_blank">nearly 4 million</a> homes short of estimated demand.

In
 rural areas where lending, labor and materials are already harder to 
come by, the housing crunch puts towns like Hays in a bind.

Population forecasts from Wichita State University <a href="https://kansaseconomy.org/local-forecasts/county-population" target="_blank">estimate</a>
 that some western Kansas counties will lose more than 50% of their 
residents over the next 50 years. And if a town like Hays hopes to avoid
 that fate, Williams said finding ways to provide more quality, 
affordable housing options should be the priority.

But the 
town of roughly 21,000 people still has work left to do to reach that 
goal. Williams said he routinely hears stories from real estate agents 
about potential buyers who can’t get a bid in before a home has already 
sold. If they do make an offer quickly enough, bidding wars often run 
the price well above the asking price.

“I've never seen anything quite like this before.”

Several factors converged to 
create the current strain on housing markets in rural areas. Robert 
Dietz, chief economist with the National Association of Home Builders, 
said that housing was underbuilt pretty much everywhere from 2012 to 
2019.

“So when housing demand took off in 2020 and there wasn't a lot of additional capacity,” Dietz said, “the price skyrocketed.”

Dietz
 described the barriers that keep new homes from being built as “the 
five Ls”: labor, land, lending, laws and lumber. He said that for rural 
areas, finding land and friendly development laws usually aren’t a 
problem. But the other three factors can be even more challenging for 
small towns than big cities.

In rural markets, developers 
often get financing to acquire land from smaller local lenders. Dietz 
said those banks and mortgage companies have become more wary of taking 
big risks since the Great Recession. So, the loans are harder to come by
 and often have tighter lending conditions such as higher rates.

“The
 financing component,” Dietz said, “is kind of a headwind, particularly 
in smaller markets where you don't have access to Wall Street.”

Shortages
 of skilled construction workers also hamper rural markets. Dietz said 
there’s a “geographic mismatch” that finds construction workers in 
larger metropolitan areas when the greatest need for their skills falls 
in outer suburbs and rural markets. And the lack of affordable housing 
in those lower-density markets makes it even more difficult for those 
workers to move there.

Finally, the recent jump in lumber 
prices has eaten up much of the margin rural developers had left when 
building affordable homes. Dietz said the 9% tariffs on lumber imported 
from Canada are intended to make U.S. lumber more attractive to American
 builders. But domestic lumber production hasn’t been able to make up 
the shortfall, sending prices soaring.

Lumber costs have climbed more than 300% over the past year, adding <a href="https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/industry-news/press-releases/2021/04/skyrocketing-lumber-prices-add-nearly-36000-to-new-home-prices" target="_blank">roughly $36,000</a>
 to the price of a typical single-family home. While single-family home 
building was up 12% last year, lumber production grew only 3%.

And
 lumber’s not the only thing builders are having trouble getting a hold 
of. In a recent home builders association’s survey of builders, 94% said
 lumber was in short supply and 95% had trouble getting appliances.

“We don’t have enough of the raw materials,” Dietz said, “(and) lumber is the ultimate example of that right now.”

But
 even amid shortages of financing, workers and materials, the housing 
boom has rolled on. Dietz said markets are growing everywhere, but are 
expanding especially quickly in outer suburbs and rural areas. He 
attributes the trend largely to people working from home more.

To seize the moment, those outlying areas will be competing with each other to draw new residents with the best housing options.

“There's
 a race on right now between all communities in the United States,” 
Dietz said, “(to see) what communities are able to add housing to their 
local market.”

Kansas doesn’t have current, comprehensive data on its housing stock.

The
 Kansas Housing Resources Corporation and the Kansas Office of Rural 
Prosperity are compiling the state’s first housing needs assessment in 
nearly 30 years, including an <a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/kansas-statewide-housing-needs-assessment-2021/" target="_blank">online survey</a> and nine listening sessions across the state.

“Whether
 we were meeting with folks in Wyandotte and Johnson County or in 
southwest Kansas, we're hearing a lot of the same themes over and over 
again,” said Emily Sharp, a spokesperson for the housing group.

Those
 themes include a lack of moderate-income and senior housing, an aging 
housing stock and a shortage of skilled trade workers.

And 
just because the home prices are generally lower in rural markets, that 
doesn’t mean new houses cost less to build there — it’s often the 
opposite. Sharp said that the logistics of transporting materials and 
labor to remote places, paired with the lower wages in small towns, have
 created a situation where building new affordable homes in rural areas 
can ultimately be cost-prohibitive.

“We’re hearing about 
situations where folks could maybe have a contract on a single-family 
home that cost $200,000 to build,” Sharp said, “but it may only appraise
 for $150,000.”

In Hays, the housing deficit is especially 
stark in that very price range. It’s what Doug Williams of Grow Hays 
described as the “sweet spot” — between $175,000 and $225,000 — where a 
lot of first-time homebuyers and young families are looking.

He
 hopes the new development being built on the town’s east side will help
 fill that gap when it opens later this year. But after originally 
committing to build some homes at the low end of that price range, the 
developers have now told Williams that’s no longer financially feasible.

“They are saying they cannot build a $175,000 house in Hays right now,” Williams said, “because of the price of materials.”

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624025620777.png" alt="A for sale sign posted outside a home in Hays. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A for sale sign posted outside a home in Hays. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-06-17/housing-crisis-threatens-to-stifle-rural-kansas-towns-hoping-to-grow">Kansas News Service</a>On the east edge of Hays, an empty sidewalk 
flanked by dirt and gravel curls around a bend into the shape of a 
cul-de-sac. Soon, it will lead to the front doors of three dozen new 
homes — the first houses in Hays built to sell for $225,000 or less in 
the past several years.Doug Williams, who heads the local housing and economic development coalition <a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>,
 expects the first homebuyers to move in by the end of this year. And in
 his view, it’s not a moment too soon. Nor is it enough.“We
 have what I would deem an extreme undersupply of housing,” Williams 
said. “And we've been fighting that for going on nine to 10 months now.”In the space of one year from late 2019 to late 2020, Grow Hays’ <a href="https://www.growhays.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Grow-Hays-Annual-Report_press.pdf" target="_blank">housing report</a> found that the number of homes for sale in the northwest Kansas town plummeted from 101 to 50. And it keeps dropping.“I checked this morning,” he said, “and it was 41.”Fueled
 by historically low mortgage rates and years of underbuilt housing 
supply, the American housing market has become increasingly strained. 
Nationwide, the housing deficit has grown more than 50% over the past 
two years and now stands <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-housing-market-is-nearly-4-million-homes-short-of-buyer-demand-11618484400" target="_blank">nearly 4 million</a> homes short of estimated demand.In
 rural areas where lending, labor and materials are already harder to 
come by, the housing crunch puts towns like Hays in a bind.Population forecasts from Wichita State University <a href="https://kansaseconomy.org/local-forecasts/county-population" target="_blank">estimate</a>
 that some western Kansas counties will lose more than 50% of their 
residents over the next 50 years. And if a town like Hays hopes to avoid
 that fate, Williams said finding ways to provide more quality, 
affordable housing options should be the priority.But the 
town of roughly 21,000 people still has work left to do to reach that 
goal. Williams said he routinely hears stories from real estate agents 
about potential buyers who can’t get a bid in before a home has already 
sold. If they do make an offer quickly enough, bidding wars often run 
the price well above the asking price.“I've never seen anything quite like this before.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624025756521.png" alt="The future site of a new affordable housing development in Hays. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>The future site of a new affordable housing development in Hays. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Supply and Demand</h2>Several factors converged to 
create the current strain on housing markets in rural areas. Robert 
Dietz, chief economist with the National Association of Home Builders, 
said that housing was underbuilt pretty much everywhere from 2012 to 
2019.“So when housing demand took off in 2020 and there wasn't a lot of additional capacity,” Dietz said, “the price skyrocketed.”Dietz
 described the barriers that keep new homes from being built as “the 
five Ls”: labor, land, lending, laws and lumber. He said that for rural 
areas, finding land and friendly development laws usually aren’t a 
problem. But the other three factors can be even more challenging for 
small towns than big cities.In rural markets, developers 
often get financing to acquire land from smaller local lenders. Dietz 
said those banks and mortgage companies have become more wary of taking 
big risks since the Great Recession. So, the loans are harder to come by
 and often have tighter lending conditions such as higher rates.“The
 financing component,” Dietz said, “is kind of a headwind, particularly 
in smaller markets where you don't have access to Wall Street.”Shortages
 of skilled construction workers also hamper rural markets. Dietz said 
there’s a “geographic mismatch” that finds construction workers in 
larger metropolitan areas when the greatest need for their skills falls 
in outer suburbs and rural markets. And the lack of affordable housing 
in those lower-density markets makes it even more difficult for those 
workers to move there.Finally, the recent jump in lumber 
prices has eaten up much of the margin rural developers had left when 
building affordable homes. Dietz said the 9% tariffs on lumber imported 
from Canada are intended to make U.S. lumber more attractive to American
 builders. But domestic lumber production hasn’t been able to make up 
the shortfall, sending prices soaring.Lumber costs have climbed more than 300% over the past year, adding <a href="https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/industry-news/press-releases/2021/04/skyrocketing-lumber-prices-add-nearly-36000-to-new-home-prices" target="_blank">roughly $36,000</a>
 to the price of a typical single-family home. While single-family home 
building was up 12% last year, lumber production grew only 3%.And
 lumber’s not the only thing builders are having trouble getting a hold 
of. In a recent home builders association’s survey of builders, 94% said
 lumber was in short supply and 95% had trouble getting appliances.“We don’t have enough of the raw materials,” Dietz said, “(and) lumber is the ultimate example of that right now.”But
 even amid shortages of financing, workers and materials, the housing 
boom has rolled on. Dietz said markets are growing everywhere, but are 
expanding especially quickly in outer suburbs and rural areas. He 
attributes the trend largely to people working from home more.To seize the moment, those outlying areas will be competing with each other to draw new residents with the best housing options.“There's
 a race on right now between all communities in the United States,” 
Dietz said, “(to see) what communities are able to add housing to their 
local market.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624025801217.png" alt="A graphic promoting the listening session in Colby that was part of the statewide housing needs assessment. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation's Twitter" />
 <figcaption>A graphic promoting the listening session in Colby that was part of the statewide housing needs assessment. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation's Twitter</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Taking stock</h2>Kansas doesn’t have current, comprehensive data on its housing stock.The
 Kansas Housing Resources Corporation and the Kansas Office of Rural 
Prosperity are compiling the state’s first housing needs assessment in 
nearly 30 years, including an <a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/kansas-statewide-housing-needs-assessment-2021/" target="_blank">online survey</a> and nine listening sessions across the state.“Whether
 we were meeting with folks in Wyandotte and Johnson County or in 
southwest Kansas, we're hearing a lot of the same themes over and over 
again,” said Emily Sharp, a spokesperson for the housing group.Those
 themes include a lack of moderate-income and senior housing, an aging 
housing stock and a shortage of skilled trade workers.And 
just because the home prices are generally lower in rural markets, that 
doesn’t mean new houses cost less to build there — it’s often the 
opposite. Sharp said that the logistics of transporting materials and 
labor to remote places, paired with the lower wages in small towns, have
 created a situation where building new affordable homes in rural areas 
can ultimately be cost-prohibitive.“We’re hearing about 
situations where folks could maybe have a contract on a single-family 
home that cost $200,000 to build,” Sharp said, “but it may only appraise
 for $150,000.”In Hays, the housing deficit is especially 
stark in that very price range. It’s what Doug Williams of Grow Hays 
described as the “sweet spot” — between $175,000 and $225,000 — where a 
lot of first-time homebuyers and young families are looking.He
 hopes the new development being built on the town’s east side will help
 fill that gap when it opens later this year. But after originally 
committing to build some homes at the low end of that price range, the 
developers have now told Williams that’s no longer financially feasible.“They are saying they cannot build a $175,000 house in Hays right now,” Williams said, “because of the price of materials.”David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

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