VICTORIA —&nbsp;After interviewing three quality candidates, the Victoria School District Board of Education has
chosen Mrs. Kimberly Woolf to be its next superintendent. Woolf’s contract was approved at
the Feb. 15 board meeting. Her proposed start date is set for July 1.


Woolf brings with her a wealth of administrative experiences with over 29 years in a variety
of educational roles. She has 16 years in the classroom and 13 years as an administrator;
since 2008, she has been the principal of Stafford Elem/MS School in the USD 349 school district.
Prior to that she was the Reading and Math Interventionist at USD 490 in El Dorado Schools, and
she served six years as a sixth-grade teacher with Ellinwood Public Schools, USD355. Woolf
received her Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&amp;M University
and earned her district level certification from Newman University in 2019.


“I’m pleased Mrs. Woolf has been chosen to serve as our next Victoria USD 432 superintendent
from the search conducted by Kansas Association of School Boards. This intense superintendent
search process was KASB led, involving staff and community input, as well as the interview
process led by the board. Mrs. Woolf’s leadership of Stafford Elementary these past thirteen years
has been exemplary, this coupled with her great knowledge of curriculum and instruction, early
childhood programs, and experience with grant writing and partnerships will serve her well as we
look forward to her future leadership as our next District Superintendent and our moving forward
on our shared vision. I am personally excited about what that means for the future of the Victoria
School District. Mrs. Woolf will be leading the BOE and staff educating our students and serving
as the 7-12th grade High School Principal. Her leadership roles with Stafford Schools district
wide will serve as an excellent foundation in her role to focus on students continued post-
secondary success and promote the growth of our CTE Pathways and opportunities for students
to succeed academically, athletically and social/emotionally. Mrs.Woolf brings with her a wealth
of experience, a leadership style that focuses on relationships, inspires student &amp; staff confidence,
and she possesses a great passion for our children and partnering with our community and
parents,” said Tammy Lichter, president of the USD 432 school board.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613505584390.png" alt="Kimberly Woolf" />
 <figcaption>Kimberly Woolf</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 432VICTORIA —&nbsp;After interviewing three quality candidates, the Victoria School District Board of Education has
chosen Mrs. Kimberly Woolf to be its next superintendent. Woolf’s contract was approved at
the Feb. 15 board meeting. Her proposed start date is set for July 1.
Woolf brings with her a wealth of administrative experiences with over 29 years in a variety
of educational roles. She has 16 years in the classroom and 13 years as an administrator;
since 2008, she has been the principal of Stafford Elem/MS School in the USD 349 school district.
Prior to that she was the Reading and Math Interventionist at USD 490 in El Dorado Schools, and
she served six years as a sixth-grade teacher with Ellinwood Public Schools, USD355. Woolf
received her Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&amp;M University
and earned her district level certification from Newman University in 2019.
“I’m pleased Mrs. Woolf has been chosen to serve as our next Victoria USD 432 superintendent
from the search conducted by Kansas Association of School Boards. This intense superintendent
search process was KASB led, involving staff and community input, as well as the interview
process led by the board. Mrs. Woolf’s leadership of Stafford Elementary these past thirteen years
has been exemplary, this coupled with her great knowledge of curriculum and instruction, early
childhood programs, and experience with grant writing and partnerships will serve her well as we
look forward to her future leadership as our next District Superintendent and our moving forward
on our shared vision. I am personally excited about what that means for the future of the Victoria
School District. Mrs. Woolf will be leading the BOE and staff educating our students and serving
as the 7-12th grade High School Principal. Her leadership roles with Stafford Schools district
wide will serve as an excellent foundation in her role to focus on students continued post-
secondary success and promote the growth of our CTE Pathways and opportunities for students
to succeed academically, athletically and social/emotionally. Mrs.Woolf brings with her a wealth
of experience, a leadership style that focuses on relationships, inspires student &amp; staff confidence,
and she possesses a great passion for our children and partnering with our community and
parents,” said Tammy Lichter, president of the USD 432 school board.

Longtime Kan. educator named superintendent of Victoria schools

LAWRENCE — More than 7,100 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earned honor roll distinction for the fall 2020 semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The honor roll comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences and in the schools of Architecture &amp; Design, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Journalism &amp; Mass Communications, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy and Social Welfare. Honor roll criteria vary among the university’s academic units. Some schools honor the top 10% of students enrolled, some establish a minimum grade-point average, and others raise the minimum GPA for each year students are in school. Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours to be considered for the honor roll.

Student honorees from your area are listed below. Not all Kansas counties are represented this term.

Alex Arnold, Great Bend, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Dawson Clark, Great Bend, School of Health Professions

Macy Moyers, Great Bend, School of Pharmacy

Nicholas Moyers, Great Bend, School of Pharmacy

Alyssia Strickland, Great Bend, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Allen To, Great Bend, School of Engineering

Tanner Blackwell, Hoisington, School of Pharmacy

Lane Milholland, Hoisington, School of Engineering

Taylor Schwartz, Hoisington, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Raegan Billinger, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Brett Bowles, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Alex Feyerherm, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Lacey Gregory, Hays, School of Journalism &amp; Mass Communications

Zachary Hopp, Hays, School of Education &amp; Human Sciences

Jersey Kaiser, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

London Keller, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

John Lowry, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Payton Markley, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Abigail Peeler, Hays, School of Journalism &amp; Mass Communications

Cassandra Quinby, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Jenna Romme, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Dawson Rooney, Hays, School of Engineering

Cameron Rozean, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Ethen Schmidt, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Gracie Schmidt, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Anna Speno, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Jodi Veach, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Weston Erbert, Norton, School of Pharmacy

Macayla Kent, Norton, School of Social Welfare

James Sturgill, Norton, School of Engineering

Callie Uehlin, Norton, School of Business

Keelan Castro, Larned, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Faith Hofaker, Logan, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Cha'ron Ellis, Phillipsburg, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Kathleen Still, Phillipsburg, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Lexie Wood, Phillipsburg, School of Business

Seth Wood, Phillipsburg, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Jared Casey, Plainville, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Jackson Dinsmore, La Crosse, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Garrett Holopirek, La Crosse, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Kate Rues, La Crosse, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Carlos Schwindt, La Crosse, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Addie Kershner, Rush Center, School of Education &amp; Human Sciences

Brandalyn Thyfault, Dorrance, School of Business

Autumn Princ, Lucas, School of Engineering

Jeddrek Rowden, Lucas, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Taelyr Blehm, Russell, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Maci Clark, Russell, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Sheila Gulick, Russell, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Amber Desbien, Smith Center, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Camden Dietz, Smith Center, School of Education &amp; Human Sciences

Julian Coker, Wakeeney, College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences

Libby Frost, Wakeeney, School of Business.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606950387926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE — More than 7,100 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earned honor roll distinction for the fall 2020 semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;The honor roll comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences and in the schools of Architecture &amp; Design, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Journalism &amp; Mass Communications, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy and Social Welfare. Honor roll criteria vary among the university’s academic units. Some schools honor the top 10% of students enrolled, some establish a minimum grade-point average, and others raise the minimum GPA for each year students are in school. Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours to be considered for the honor roll.Student honorees from your area are listed below. Not all Kansas counties are represented this term.BartonAlex Arnold, Great Bend, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesDawson Clark, Great Bend, School of Health ProfessionsMacy Moyers, Great Bend, School of PharmacyNicholas Moyers, Great Bend, School of PharmacyAlyssia Strickland, Great Bend, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesAllen To, Great Bend, School of EngineeringTanner Blackwell, Hoisington, School of PharmacyLane Milholland, Hoisington, School of EngineeringTaylor Schwartz, Hoisington, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesEllisRaegan Billinger, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesBrett Bowles, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesTristan Callis, Hays, School of PharmacyAlex Feyerherm, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesLacey Gregory, Hays, School of Journalism &amp; Mass CommunicationsZachary Hopp, Hays, School of Education &amp; Human SciencesJersey Kaiser, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesLondon Keller, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesJohn Lowry, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesPayton Markley, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesMatthew Moeder, Hays, School of NursingTanner Moore, Hays, School of PharmacyAbigail Peeler, Hays, School of Journalism &amp; Mass CommunicationsCassandra Quinby, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesJenna Romme, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesDawson Rooney, Hays, School of EngineeringCameron Rozean, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesEthen Schmidt, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesGracie Schmidt, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesAnna Speno, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesTaylor Teel, Hays, School of the ArtsJodi Veach, Hays, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesNortonWeston Erbert, Norton, School of PharmacyMacayla Kent, Norton, School of Social WelfareJames Sturgill, Norton, School of EngineeringCallie Uehlin, Norton, School of BusinessPawneeKeelan Castro, Larned, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesPhillipsFaith Hofaker, Logan, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesKayla Hofaker, Logan, School of NursingCha'ron Ellis, Phillipsburg, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesKathleen Still, Phillipsburg, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesLexie Wood, Phillipsburg, School of BusinessSeth Wood, Phillipsburg, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesRooksJared Casey, Plainville, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesRushJackson Dinsmore, La Crosse, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesGarrett Holopirek, La Crosse, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesKate Rues, La Crosse, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesCarlos Schwindt, La Crosse, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesAddie Kershner, Rush Center, School of Education &amp; Human SciencesRussellBrandalyn Thyfault, Dorrance, School of BusinessAutumn Princ, Lucas, School of EngineeringJeddrek Rowden, Lucas, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesRyan Birky, Russell, School of PharmacyTaelyr Blehm, Russell, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesMaci Clark, Russell, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesKoby Decker, Russell, School of BusinessSheila Gulick, Russell, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesSmithAmber Desbien, Smith Center, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesCamden Dietz, Smith Center, School of Education &amp; Human SciencesTregoJulian Coker, Wakeeney, College of Liberal Arts &amp; SciencesLibby Frost, Wakeeney, School of Business.

NW Kansas students named to KU honor roll

First Call For Help is seeking participants in a virtual scavenger hunt fundraiser.

For only $20 per person, grab your friends and fill your car with some of the smartest, funniest and craziest people you know.

Mask up if you’re not all living in the same household.

On Saturday, March 6, take part in the Oh Snap! Pandemic Photo Frenzy! Receive the scavenger hunt clues, virtually, on the morning of the event. Then set out to find the locations. Snap a photo of the answer with your teammates and receive points per correct photo submitted.&nbsp;

First Call for Help strongly urges four person teams, but two people per team will also be accepted. Teams are only limited by the number of people who can safely buckle up in one vehicle, and all passengers must pay the registration fee — $20 for adults or $15 for kids 12 and younger. 

The scavenger hunt will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on March 6. Team scores will be added together and in case of a tie, the teams will compete in a challenge photo. 

Collect additional funds for First Step Housing and your team will be rewarded with extra points.

Prizes will be awarded to the winning team and everyone who registers before the deadline will receive a swag bag.

All funds raised, along with registration fees, will support the First Step Housing Project.

In the event of inclement weather, an alternate date is set for Saturday, March 13.

Sign up today to participate. Call us at First Call For Help 785-623-2800.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581950446822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First Call For Help is seeking participants in a virtual scavenger hunt fundraiser.For only $20 per person, grab your friends and fill your car with some of the smartest, funniest and craziest people you know.Mask up if you’re not all living in the same household.On Saturday, March 6, take part in the Oh Snap! Pandemic Photo Frenzy! Receive the scavenger hunt clues, virtually, on the morning of the event. Then set out to find the locations. Snap a photo of the answer with your teammates and receive points per correct photo submitted.&nbsp;First Call for Help strongly urges four person teams, but two people per team will also be accepted. Teams are only limited by the number of people who can safely buckle up in one vehicle, and all passengers must pay the registration fee — $20 for adults or $15 for kids 12 and younger. The scavenger hunt will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on March 6. Team scores will be added together and in case of a tie, the teams will compete in a challenge photo. Collect additional funds for First Step Housing and your team will be rewarded with extra points.Prizes will be awarded to the winning team and everyone who registers before the deadline will receive a swag bag.All funds raised, along with registration fees, will support the First Step Housing Project.In the event of inclement weather, an alternate date is set for Saturday, March 13.Sign up today to participate. Call us at First Call For Help 785-623-2800.&nbsp;—&nbsp;Submitted<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613408015226.jpeg" alt="Photo Frenzy Flyer 2 PDF.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Photo Frenzy Flyer 2 PDF.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

First Call for Help seeks entries for photo scavenger hunt

Three-day weather outlook

&nbsp;The Hays High Indians travel to Abilene Tuesday for a non-league matchup with the Cowgirls and Cowboys. The girls game is set to start at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow. Our coverage begins at 5:40 with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show. Girls game

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

&nbsp;The Hays High Indians travel to Abilene Tuesday for a non-league matchup with the Cowgirls and Cowboys. The girls game is set to start at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow. Our coverage begins at 5:40 with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show. Girls game<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pxnt5HkmKhw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Boys game<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SGJt72Hv3jw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

 🏀WATCH: Hays High v Abilene

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Ellis.

The advisory was issued&nbsp;for customers located on 11th&nbsp;Street from Cottonwood to Baughman and on&nbsp;Ross Street from Cottonwood to Baughman&nbsp;because of a&nbsp;waterline break&nbsp;causing a loss of pressure in the system. Loss of pressure may cause a loss&nbsp;of&nbsp;chlorine residual&nbsp;which&nbsp;can lead to&nbsp;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 Ellis&nbsp;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;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTYuMzUzNTY4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.PbpiqClVCz4ftXUgrezvLT4o1vjnkVyah35HFLXz6aI/s/1305913623/br/97673032911-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579816186796.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Ellis.The advisory was issued&nbsp;for customers located on 11th&nbsp;Street from Cottonwood to Baughman and on&nbsp;Ross Street from Cottonwood to Baughman&nbsp;because of a&nbsp;waterline break&nbsp;causing a loss of pressure in the system. Loss of pressure may cause a loss&nbsp;of&nbsp;chlorine residual&nbsp;which&nbsp;can lead to&nbsp;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 Ellis&nbsp;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;For consumer questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTYuMzUzNTY4MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.PbpiqClVCz4ftXUgrezvLT4o1vjnkVyah35HFLXz6aI/s/1305913623/br/97673032911-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Ellis; no contamination found

UPDATED 11 a.m. Tuesday: According to Midwest Energy, all customers now have power service as of 10:43 a.m. No further interruptions have been ordered at this time.

The Southwest Power Pool, which is the regional transmission operator for a 14-state region, issued a second Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 3 at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday.&nbsp; An EEA3 is the highest of three levels of energy emergency alert and signals that SPP's operating reserves are below the required minimum.&nbsp;

As part of an EEA3, the SPP may ask member utilities to curtail energy use through controlled interruptions of service. When ordered by SPP, Midwest Energy will begin mandatory interruptions of service to non-critical facilities on a rotational basis, with each rotation lasting no more than two hours.&nbsp; Many of these interruptions would involve non-critical facilities, including oil field service and commercial loads, though some rural residential customers could also be affected.&nbsp; These circuits include: Oil field load in Ellis, Russell, Barton and Ness County, and various commercial loads (these have been coordinated directly with the affected businesses).

To further reduce loads, Midwest Energy is again asking customers whose health permits to turn thermostats down, and to not use appliances with heavy energy consumption, continuing through mid-week.&nbsp; A few specific actions customers can take include: &nbsp;

The record-breaking cold is also putting a significant strain on natural gas supplies. The cold weather is freezing off natural gas production, making less gas available for delivery to customers. Some pipelines are imposing cuts on the amount of gas available to customers, so Midwest Energy is asking its natural gas customers to conserve gas as well.&nbsp; We sincerely appreciate everyone’s efforts at conservation. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586196165303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATED 11 a.m. Tuesday: According to Midwest Energy, all customers now have power service as of 10:43 a.m. No further interruptions have been ordered at this time.Midwest EnergyThe Southwest Power Pool, which is the regional transmission operator for a 14-state region, issued a second Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 3 at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday.&nbsp; An EEA3 is the highest of three levels of energy emergency alert and signals that SPP's operating reserves are below the required minimum.&nbsp;As part of an EEA3, the SPP may ask member utilities to curtail energy use through controlled interruptions of service. When ordered by SPP, Midwest Energy will begin mandatory interruptions of service to non-critical facilities on a rotational basis, with each rotation lasting no more than two hours.&nbsp; Many of these interruptions would involve non-critical facilities, including oil field service and commercial loads, though some rural residential customers could also be affected.&nbsp; These circuits include: Oil field load in Ellis, Russell, Barton and Ness County, and various commercial loads (these have been coordinated directly with the affected businesses).To further reduce loads, Midwest Energy is again asking customers whose health permits to turn thermostats down, and to not use appliances with heavy energy consumption, continuing through mid-week.&nbsp; A few specific actions customers can take include: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>If your health permits, turn your furnace thermostat down 3 to 5 degrees lower than normal. &nbsp;</li><li>Postpone using high-consumption appliances such as clothes dryers, ovens and dishwashers.&nbsp; Delaying laundry a day or two, or making microwave-friendly meals, and hand-washing dishes would save significant amounts of energy. &nbsp;</li><li>Turn off any lights and appliances that you are not using.</li>
 </ul>The record-breaking cold is also putting a significant strain on natural gas supplies. The cold weather is freezing off natural gas production, making less gas available for delivery to customers. Some pipelines are imposing cuts on the amount of gas available to customers, so Midwest Energy is asking its natural gas customers to conserve gas as well.&nbsp; We sincerely appreciate everyone’s efforts at conservation. &nbsp;

UPDATE: Midwest Energy service interruptions end

<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="Hays Chamber preparing for next Business Showcase" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/cjh54-fae654?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><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: Hays Chamber preparing for next Business Showcase

🏀Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

RUSSELL - While communities across the Midwest are experiencing rolling blackouts, the City of Russell is working to keep blackouts from occurring to our customers by generating a portion of our customer's electric demand.

 However, if electric demand exceeds our generating capabilities, controlled service interruptions may become necessary.

The City of Russell has natural gas and diesel electric generation units. The City cannot run the natural gas generation due to the high demand for natural gas and heating priority. The City's diesel generation units are running to cover a portion of customers' electric usage. All customers should prepare for the potential for these periodic outages. If an emergency electricity reduction impacts you, you do not need to report your outage. If you experience an outage that lasts longer than an hour, call 785.483.6311. The City of Russell is again asking customers to take a few specific actions that make a significant impact on electric and natural gas demand.

A few specific actions customers can take to make a significant impact on electric and natural gas demands: • Turn thermostats a little cooler (65-68 degrees) • Avoid the use of electric space heaters • Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat loss through windows. • Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances. • When possible, delay non-essential energy use (washing/drying clothes) to hours lower in energy use (between 10 pm and 5 am). • Businesses are asked to reduce the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible. Customers are also encouraged to:

• Make sure phones, tablets, and other devices stay at a full charge • Fill up your gas tank(s) • Know where your main water valve is. In the unlikely event of an outage, please turn it off and all faucets on to allow pipes to empty to prevent freezing. • Keep a battery-powered charger on hand, if you can • Have an emergency kit on-hand, containing things like blankets, gloves, hats, warm/loose layers of clothes, flashlights, and batteries • Please bring pets indoors. We appreciate everyone's efforts and conservation and your patience as the Midwest region works through this crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of RussellRUSSELL - While communities across the Midwest are experiencing rolling blackouts, the City of Russell is working to keep blackouts from occurring to our customers by generating a portion of our customer's electric demand. However, if electric demand exceeds our generating capabilities, controlled service interruptions may become necessary.The City of Russell has natural gas and diesel electric generation units. The City cannot run the natural gas generation due to the high demand for natural gas and heating priority. The City's diesel generation units are running to cover a portion of customers' electric usage. All customers should prepare for the potential for these periodic outages. If an emergency electricity reduction impacts you, you do not need to report your outage. If you experience an outage that lasts longer than an hour, call 785.483.6311. The City of Russell is again asking customers to take a few specific actions that make a significant impact on electric and natural gas demand.A few specific actions customers can take to make a significant impact on electric and natural gas demands: • Turn thermostats a little cooler (65-68 degrees) • Avoid the use of electric space heaters • Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat loss through windows. • Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances. • When possible, delay non-essential energy use (washing/drying clothes) to hours lower in energy use (between 10 pm and 5 am). • Businesses are asked to reduce the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible. Customers are also encouraged to:• Make sure phones, tablets, and other devices stay at a full charge • Fill up your gas tank(s) • Know where your main water valve is. In the unlikely event of an outage, please turn it off and all faucets on to allow pipes to empty to prevent freezing. • Keep a battery-powered charger on hand, if you can • Have an emergency kit on-hand, containing things like blankets, gloves, hats, warm/loose layers of clothes, flashlights, and batteries • Please bring pets indoors. We appreciate everyone's efforts and conservation and your patience as the Midwest region works through this crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russell residents, businesses should prepare for possible power blackouts

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

For the second consecutive day, a new record overnight low temperature has been set in Hays.

According to official records at the K-State Agricultural Center, the mercury fell to -16 degrees Fahrenheit in Hays Monday night.

The previous record for February 15 was -15 degrees set back in 1903.

The wind chill at 8 a.m. Tuesday was -24 degrees.&nbsp;

The daytime high temperature in Hays yesterday was 2 degrees.&nbsp;One year ago, the high was 53 degrees.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2117d703-56f0-4cb9-aefb-75e8afc39118">Sunday's overnight low</a> in Hays was a record -18 degrees.&nbsp;

Power companies, including Midwest Energy, are asking customers to again <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d61efe15-b5a6-41e4-85ff-3a4c7ae131e1">cut back on their energy use</a> today.

A <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.87743000000006&amp;lon=-99.32681999999994#.YCvee2hKiM8">wind chill warning</a> for Ellis County and most of western Kansas remains in effect until 11 a.m.&nbsp;

It will remain cold the next few days. The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/84568d4f-2c35-4fd6-b191-a0512397f2f5">weather forecast</a> is calling for temperatures to remain below freezing through Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613487559645.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostFor the second consecutive day, a new record overnight low temperature has been set in Hays.According to official records at the K-State Agricultural Center, the mercury fell to -16 degrees Fahrenheit in Hays Monday night.The previous record for February 15 was -15 degrees set back in 1903.The wind chill at 8 a.m. Tuesday was -24 degrees.&nbsp;The daytime high temperature in Hays yesterday was 2 degrees.&nbsp;One year ago, the high was 53 degrees.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2117d703-56f0-4cb9-aefb-75e8afc39118">Sunday's overnight low</a> in Hays was a record -18 degrees.&nbsp;Power companies, including Midwest Energy, are asking customers to again <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d61efe15-b5a6-41e4-85ff-3a4c7ae131e1">cut back on their energy use</a> today.A <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.87743000000006&amp;lon=-99.32681999999994#.YCvee2hKiM8">wind chill warning</a> for Ellis County and most of western Kansas remains in effect until 11 a.m.&nbsp;It will remain cold the next few days. The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/84568d4f-2c35-4fd6-b191-a0512397f2f5">weather forecast</a> is calling for temperatures to remain below freezing through Thursday.

Another record overnight low in Hays

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation

The public is asked to continue conserving electricity and prepare for electricity interruptions. Sunflower Electric Power Corporation was notified by the Southwest Power Pool that the 14-state region is again in an Emergency Energy Alert Level 3 due to weather and resource conditions. 

An EEA3 means there is not currently enough electricity to serve the demand. Electric utilities have been ordered to implement scheduled interruptions. Please help by avoiding all unnecessary use of electricity.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613487018089.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sunflower Electric Power CorporationThe public is asked to continue conserving electricity and prepare for electricity interruptions. Sunflower Electric Power Corporation was notified by the Southwest Power Pool that the 14-state region is again in an Emergency Energy Alert Level 3 due to weather and resource conditions. An EEA3 means there is not currently enough electricity to serve the demand. Electric utilities have been ordered to implement scheduled interruptions. Please help by avoiding all unnecessary use of electricity.&nbsp;

Public again asked to conserve power in midst of cold snap

It has been nearly 40 years since we have been experiencing this prolonged of a cold snap, the last few winters have been cold but temperatures near zero or below for several days. I appreciate you reading this column and responding back to it. I do ask that when you call my office please leave a phone number to contact you. It is tough to have a conversation when we cannot dialogue about your concern. We have several ways to communicate and I like to talk rather than email or text.

The House is pushing for an overhaul of the Kansas Department of Labor and the state’s unemployment system. Last week, the House Commerce Committee held a hearing on House Bill 2196, which is intended to immediately address the short-term problems at KDOL, but also guarantee the long-term stability of the state’s unemployment trust fund. The bill contains three main components:

•Oversight &amp; IT Modernization. HB 2196 creates oversight to ensure IT system upgrades are implemented at KDOL. The bill also requires the department to implement over 30 features and components in their upgraded IT infrastructure to ensure security and convenience for Kansas workers.

•Fraud Immunity. The bill provides protections so that Kansas businesses are not left to pay the price for fraudulent claims paid out by the department over the past year. Prior the pandemic, the unemployment trust fund was stable with over $1.2 billion in reserves. Today, less than $200 million sits in the fund’s reserves with an unknown chunk of those dollars being paid out in fraudulent claims that were not authorized by employers. Employers should not bear the burden of replenishing funds that were lost due to fraud.

• Rate Table Adjustments. Because the trust fund is exclusively paid for by employers, employers would be required to pay exorbitant amounts in taxes to refill the trust fund due to the non-fraudulent claims paid out through this pandemic. While employers understand taxes will have to be paid to restore the health of the trust fund, there are structural limitations in the rate tables that – if not addressed - would leave employers to disproportionally pay back the fund. HB 2196 seeks to remedy that, establishing parity for businesses by proposing new rate tables that will spread the restoration of the trust fund more evenly across the employer community.

These bills should not be partisan and we are at a time when all of us as elected officials need to pass these bills and the Governor sign them as we work together as one Kansas.

Late last week, the House advanced Senate Bill 15, sending it to the Governor for consideration. This legislation would create the Kansas Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program as a new resource for local businesses that may have been impacted economically by the pandemic.

The loan program, based on similar programs that have proven successful in other states, will make $60 million in state idle funds available – through our local financial institutions – in the form of low-interest loans. Kansas small businesses, farmers and ranchers are eligible for the loans, which may be up to

$250,000 with up to a 10-year term. The bill requires annual reporting on the outcome of the loan program so the Legislature can provide ongoing oversight.

A similar bill passed the House last May but was vetoed by Governor Kelly. It is a good bill for our rural communities. The Legislature remains hopeful the Governor will reconsider last year’s veto and make this financing available to Kansans.

My committee assignments this year: Chairperson of Committee on Agriculture, Member of Higher Education Budget and Member Committee on Appropriations.

Recently, I appeared on The Kansas Legislature show on Smoky Hills Public Television and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/608e35f3-38e8-416d-955d-5801a84b1b48">Forward Ever podcast with Gary Shorman from Eagle</a>. You can find those links on the internet.

Because of COVID, we are not encouraging visitors to come to Topeka but if you would like to contact me my office is still located in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296- 7463 and email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. When you call or write you might hear from Terry Bernatis, my assistant during the session. You can also follow me on Facebook @kenforkansas

It is my honor to be your representative.

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek(part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog(part),&nbsp;Lookout(part) and Wheatland(part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City(part) and Nicodemus(part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581437228209.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>02-16-21Hello from Topeka! It has been nearly 40 years since we have been experiencing this prolonged of a cold snap, the last few winters have been cold but temperatures near zero or below for several days. I appreciate you reading this column and responding back to it. I do ask that when you call my office please leave a phone number to contact you. It is tough to have a conversation when we cannot dialogue about your concern. We have several ways to communicate and I like to talk rather than email or text.The House is pushing for an overhaul of the Kansas Department of Labor and the state’s unemployment system. Last week, the House Commerce Committee held a hearing on House Bill 2196, which is intended to immediately address the short-term problems at KDOL, but also guarantee the long-term stability of the state’s unemployment trust fund. The bill contains three main components:•Oversight &amp; IT Modernization. HB 2196 creates oversight to ensure IT system upgrades are implemented at KDOL. The bill also requires the department to implement over 30 features and components in their upgraded IT infrastructure to ensure security and convenience for Kansas workers.•Fraud Immunity. The bill provides protections so that Kansas businesses are not left to pay the price for fraudulent claims paid out by the department over the past year. Prior the pandemic, the unemployment trust fund was stable with over $1.2 billion in reserves. Today, less than $200 million sits in the fund’s reserves with an unknown chunk of those dollars being paid out in fraudulent claims that were not authorized by employers. Employers should not bear the burden of replenishing funds that were lost due to fraud.• Rate Table Adjustments. Because the trust fund is exclusively paid for by employers, employers would be required to pay exorbitant amounts in taxes to refill the trust fund due to the non-fraudulent claims paid out through this pandemic. While employers understand taxes will have to be paid to restore the health of the trust fund, there are structural limitations in the rate tables that – if not addressed - would leave employers to disproportionally pay back the fund. HB 2196 seeks to remedy that, establishing parity for businesses by proposing new rate tables that will spread the restoration of the trust fund more evenly across the employer community.These bills should not be partisan and we are at a time when all of us as elected officials need to pass these bills and the Governor sign them as we work together as one Kansas.Late last week, the House advanced Senate Bill 15, sending it to the Governor for consideration. This legislation would create the Kansas Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program as a new resource for local businesses that may have been impacted economically by the pandemic.The loan program, based on similar programs that have proven successful in other states, will make $60 million in state idle funds available – through our local financial institutions – in the form of low-interest loans. Kansas small businesses, farmers and ranchers are eligible for the loans, which may be up to$250,000 with up to a 10-year term. The bill requires annual reporting on the outcome of the loan program so the Legislature can provide ongoing oversight.A similar bill passed the House last May but was vetoed by Governor Kelly. It is a good bill for our rural communities. The Legislature remains hopeful the Governor will reconsider last year’s veto and make this financing available to Kansans.My committee assignments this year: Chairperson of Committee on Agriculture, Member of Higher Education Budget and Member Committee on Appropriations.Recently, I appeared on The Kansas Legislature show on Smoky Hills Public Television and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/608e35f3-38e8-416d-955d-5801a84b1b48">Forward Ever podcast with Gary Shorman from Eagle</a>. You can find those links on the internet.Because of COVID, we are not encouraging visitors to come to Topeka but if you would like to contact me my office is still located in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296- 7463 and email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. When you call or write you might hear from Terry Bernatis, my assistant during the session. You can also follow me on Facebook @kenforkansasIt is my honor to be your representative.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek(part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog(part),&nbsp;Lookout(part) and Wheatland(part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City(part) and Nicodemus(part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich

RAHJES REPORT: Feb. 16

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A new 27,000-square-foot indoor sports facility has opened in Big Creek Crossing in Hays.

The Yard is in the former pharmacy on the south end of the mall. However, there is no public access to the facility from the mall. Patrons need to enter through a door on the east side of the mall.

The facility, which opened Feb. 2, has an artificial turf practice field and batting cages, which are primarily designed for baseball and softball training, owner Blake Wolf said.

The field on the lower level can accommodate a full college-level baseball infield with 90-foot bases.

"That is super helpful for a lot of kids as they start to get older," he said.

&nbsp;It also have seven permanent batting cages. Some of the cages are reserved for members only. Others are available to non-members.

However, the space can be used for other sports. A soccer team was practicing on the field the night the Hays Post visited. Football teams have also expressed interest.

Wolf said he also would like to make the facility available for other community events, such as a cornhole, dodgeball, whiffle ball or kickball tournaments. He also has been asked if the space can be used for pickleball.

The space, which includes two floors, is still under construction. Most of the bottom floor has been completed with the exception of a pro shop, which is planned for the east end of the lower floor.

The upper floor will include pitching tunnels that can also be transformed to batting cages, Wolf said.

"We're going to be under construction for awhile, but we have the mentality that you have to be forward thinking," Wolf said. "You've got to be planning for the future and constantly building. If not, you get stuck."

The facility will not have a full gym, but it will have accommodations for strength and agility training, including ladders, dumbbells, boxes for box jumps, medicine balls and slam balls.

The facility is equipped with HitTrax, which is similar to a golf simulator, but for hitting for baseball or softball.

"We can play games on it, and it can be a fun way for kids to compete against other kids, but it also tells us all the analytics from the their swing," Wolf said, "where's their swing path, where are they contacting the ball, how hard are they hitting the ball, what is their head doing, what is their hips doing.&nbsp;

"There is just a lot of analytics that we can gather from this that helps kids from 7 years old to all the way up to professional players using it."

The Yard has already established HitTrax leagues. They consist of three to six players per team and are separated by age groups. Leagues are available for boy and girls, as well as slow pitch softball for adults.&nbsp;

You hit off a normal pitcher and the software calculates wether you would have hit a single, double, or out, etc. In that way, the software can simulate a game.

Blake and Brianna Wolf of Hill City have a daughter and son who play softball and baseball. The couple wanted somewhere their children could practice, but they also wanted to share that space with community, the couple said.

Blake also coaches the youth Hays Wildcats baseball team.

Brianna said the facility gives kids a chance to be active even when the weather is bad. HitTrax allows the kids to play a game, gets them off their electronic devices and encourages them to be active, she said.

The Wolfs were considering building a new structure to house The Yard, but after they were introduced to the former pharmacy location, they discovered it had more than enough room to accommodate the business's needs.

The couple said they think the business will benefit from its central location. Although you can't enter the facility through the mall, the windows from the former mall entrance have attracted a lot of attention for the new facility, Blake said.

The facility also has a lounge area that has been dubbed The Dugout. Siblings can sit and work on homework while brothers or sisters work out, Brianna said. Parents can also watch their kids on field through a long bay of windows.

Brianna said the couple had some qualms about opening a new business during the pandemic, but the couple thought the facility was needed at this time.

"Them walking in here and just being able to run and play and there is so much space here for them to be able to do that," she said of local youth. "It gives you just a little bit of hope that it's not all bad. It's not all negative. It's a little bit of what we had before, while still being careful."

The facility's hours are 1 to 6 p.m. seven days a week for walk ins, 24/7 for members via passcodes.&nbsp;

For more information on memberships, cost to rent facilities and upcoming events, see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheYardKS">The Yard's Facebook page</a> or <a href="http://www.theyardks.com/">website</a>.

"Even if you don't have a membership, you're still welcome," Blake said. "You are not going to be thought of any differently if you don't have a membership. That is one of the things we are trying to accomplish. Everyone is welcome. Come on in, enjoy, have fun and get better at whatever you're training at."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613165924705.jpeg" alt="Blake and Brianna Wolf and their two children at the new indoor sports facility, The Yard, in Hays." />
 <figcaption>Blake and Brianna Wolf and their two children at the new indoor sports facility, The Yard, in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new 27,000-square-foot indoor sports facility has opened in Big Creek Crossing in Hays.The Yard is in the former pharmacy on the south end of the mall. However, there is no public access to the facility from the mall. Patrons need to enter through a door on the east side of the mall.The facility, which opened Feb. 2, has an artificial turf practice field and batting cages, which are primarily designed for baseball and softball training, owner Blake Wolf said.The field on the lower level can accommodate a full college-level baseball infield with 90-foot bases."That is super helpful for a lot of kids as they start to get older," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613166292226.jpeg" alt="Owner of The Yard, Blake Wolf's son hits balls in one of the facility's batting cages." />
 <figcaption>Owner of The Yard, Blake Wolf's son hits balls in one of the facility's batting cages.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;It also have seven permanent batting cages. Some of the cages are reserved for members only. Others are available to non-members.However, the space can be used for other sports. A soccer team was practicing on the field the night the Hays Post visited. Football teams have also expressed interest.Wolf said he also would like to make the facility available for other community events, such as a cornhole, dodgeball, whiffle ball or kickball tournaments. He also has been asked if the space can be used for pickleball.The space, which includes two floors, is still under construction. Most of the bottom floor has been completed with the exception of a pro shop, which is planned for the east end of the lower floor.The upper floor will include pitching tunnels that can also be transformed to batting cages, Wolf said."We're going to be under construction for awhile, but we have the mentality that you have to be forward thinking," Wolf said. "You've got to be planning for the future and constantly building. If not, you get stuck."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613166809679.jpeg" alt="A soccer team practices Thursday night at The Yard indoor sports facility in Big Creek Crossing in Hays." />
 <figcaption>A soccer team practices Thursday night at The Yard indoor sports facility in Big Creek Crossing in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>The facility will not have a full gym, but it will have accommodations for strength and agility training, including ladders, dumbbells, boxes for box jumps, medicine balls and slam balls.The facility is equipped with HitTrax, which is similar to a golf simulator, but for hitting for baseball or softball."We can play games on it, and it can be a fun way for kids to compete against other kids, but it also tells us all the analytics from the their swing," Wolf said, "where's their swing path, where are they contacting the ball, how hard are they hitting the ball, what is their head doing, what is their hips doing.&nbsp;"There is just a lot of analytics that we can gather from this that helps kids from 7 years old to all the way up to professional players using it."The Yard has already established HitTrax leagues. They consist of three to six players per team and are separated by age groups. Leagues are available for boy and girls, as well as slow pitch softball for adults.&nbsp;You hit off a normal pitcher and the software calculates wether you would have hit a single, double, or out, etc. In that way, the software can simulate a game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613167269344.jpeg" alt="Blake and Brianna Wolf's daughter hits a softball in one of The Yard's batting cages." />
 <figcaption>Blake and Brianna Wolf's daughter hits a softball in one of The Yard's batting cages.</figcaption>
 </figure>Blake and Brianna Wolf of Hill City have a daughter and son who play softball and baseball. The couple wanted somewhere their children could practice, but they also wanted to share that space with community, the couple said.Blake also coaches the youth Hays Wildcats baseball team.Brianna said the facility gives kids a chance to be active even when the weather is bad. HitTrax allows the kids to play a game, gets them off their electronic devices and encourages them to be active, she said.The Wolfs were considering building a new structure to house The Yard, but after they were introduced to the former pharmacy location, they discovered it had more than enough room to accommodate the business's needs.The couple said they think the business will benefit from its central location. Although you can't enter the facility through the mall, the windows from the former mall entrance have attracted a lot of attention for the new facility, Blake said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613167984508.jpeg" alt="The Yard's lounge, which has be dubbed The Dugout." />
 <figcaption>The Yard's lounge, which has be dubbed The Dugout.</figcaption>
 </figure>The facility also has a lounge area that has been dubbed The Dugout. Siblings can sit and work on homework while brothers or sisters work out, Brianna said. Parents can also watch their kids on field through a long bay of windows.Brianna said the couple had some qualms about opening a new business during the pandemic, but the couple thought the facility was needed at this time."Them walking in here and just being able to run and play and there is so much space here for them to be able to do that," she said of local youth. "It gives you just a little bit of hope that it's not all bad. It's not all negative. It's a little bit of what we had before, while still being careful."The facility's hours are 1 to 6 p.m. seven days a week for walk ins, 24/7 for members via passcodes.&nbsp;For more information on memberships, cost to rent facilities and upcoming events, see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheYardKS">The Yard's Facebook page</a> or <a href="http://www.theyardks.com/">website</a>."Even if you don't have a membership, you're still welcome," Blake said. "You are not going to be thought of any differently if you don't have a membership. That is one of the things we are trying to accomplish. Everyone is welcome. Come on in, enjoy, have fun and get better at whatever you're training at."

The Yard indoor sports facility opens in Big Creek Crossing

A total of 955 students completed associate, bachelor’s or graduate degrees at Fort Hays State University in the fall 2020 term.

Graduates are listed with their degrees and majors and, in parentheses, areas of concentration. The university conferred 265 graduate degrees (master’s, Education Specialist and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees), 662 bachelor’s degrees and 28 associate degrees. Of those, 16 students graduated with two degrees. Graduates who requested privacy are included in the count but omitted from this listing.

FHSU does not release degree lists until transcripts have been verified as having met all requirements for graduation.

Graduates are arranged alphabetically by home county, city and ZIP. Graduates from other states are listed alphabetically by state, city and ZIP. International students are listed by country and city.

The complete list of summer 2020 graduates of Fort Hays State University can be viewed at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtNVaQyYdAYjwNUrqPpf9LplWP3WSStqloFBYh5V2xoRyPKML1m7UY2cXmxF4vdnXdbcQAmvU8o3A3qtk1iAyFptcFDJ-2F0RfKvtdmuEMwATPK2x46_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemX0InqCrNwv4oIRPVFSADDQE19r2A51qklx2yjMFcn9VkrPTCMv7NOqt5j-2B9o0FLF2HQkpynKo3c-2FptmUqRFu8xbfOoj6AX1-2FcftyHuw8P-2F4JJ-2FnWuST3B69dBPsXqrK-2BextxzVjMFreEtq-2BAQhh3sMIWugrq370PWDXjbIWdjBjURMKLsFT-2BXIZJ-2FOIo7-2B2oRFD9-2FheL6AwTdL2NIi-2BmF67GD5puGnbG9DcImxbaeugKB-2B9HgS2Sf1maSAsOHz-2BWQAK5ZqpwwsHKhNJw47HyeA-3D-3D">https://fhsu.edu/news/2021/02/fort-hays-state-university-announces-fall-2020-graduates</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613403099806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsA total of 955 students completed associate, bachelor’s or graduate degrees at Fort Hays State University in the fall 2020 term.Graduates are listed with their degrees and majors and, in parentheses, areas of concentration. The university conferred 265 graduate degrees (master’s, Education Specialist and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees), 662 bachelor’s degrees and 28 associate degrees. Of those, 16 students graduated with two degrees. Graduates who requested privacy are included in the count but omitted from this listing.FHSU does not release degree lists until transcripts have been verified as having met all requirements for graduation.Graduates are arranged alphabetically by home county, city and ZIP. Graduates from other states are listed alphabetically by state, city and ZIP. International students are listed by country and city.The complete list of summer 2020 graduates of Fort Hays State University can be viewed at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtNVaQyYdAYjwNUrqPpf9LplWP3WSStqloFBYh5V2xoRyPKML1m7UY2cXmxF4vdnXdbcQAmvU8o3A3qtk1iAyFptcFDJ-2F0RfKvtdmuEMwATPK2x46_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemX0InqCrNwv4oIRPVFSADDQE19r2A51qklx2yjMFcn9VkrPTCMv7NOqt5j-2B9o0FLF2HQkpynKo3c-2FptmUqRFu8xbfOoj6AX1-2FcftyHuw8P-2F4JJ-2FnWuST3B69dBPsXqrK-2BextxzVjMFreEtq-2BAQhh3sMIWugrq370PWDXjbIWdjBjURMKLsFT-2BXIZJ-2FOIo7-2B2oRFD9-2FheL6AwTdL2NIi-2BmF67GD5puGnbG9DcImxbaeugKB-2B9HgS2Sf1maSAsOHz-2BWQAK5ZqpwwsHKhNJw47HyeA-3D-3D">https://fhsu.edu/news/2021/02/fort-hays-state-university-announces-fall-2020-graduates</a>.

Fort Hays State University announces Fall 2020 graduates

The Hays Kiwanis Club met Thursday to celebrate the Legion of Honor Award winners.

Legion of Honor awardees have served the Kiwanis Club in Hays for at least 25 years.&nbsp; Combined, these Kiwanians have spent over 275 years dedicating their time to improve the world — one child and one community at a time.&nbsp;

Pictured from left: Jim Fouts, Kevin Schukman, Dennis Zimmerman, Connie Mermis, Perry Henman, Marion Dreher (former Legion of Honor recipient), and Andrew Rupp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613403810795.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Kiwanis Club met Thursday to celebrate the Legion of Honor Award winners.Legion of Honor awardees have served the Kiwanis Club in Hays for at least 25 years.&nbsp; Combined, these Kiwanians have spent over 275 years dedicating their time to improve the world — one child and one community at a time.&nbsp;Pictured from left: Jim Fouts, Kevin Schukman, Dennis Zimmerman, Connie Mermis, Perry Henman, Marion Dreher (former Legion of Honor recipient), and Andrew Rupp.<ul>
 <li>40 years of service awardees: Dale Montgomery, Andrew Rupp and Dennis Zimmerman</li><li>35 years of service awardees: Jim Fouts and Perry Henman</li><li>30 years of service awardees: Mark McCullick and Kevin Schukman</li><li>25 years of service awardees:&nbsp; Connie Mermis</li>
 </ul>

Hays Kiwanis Club honors Legion of Honor award winners

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $49.75 per barrel after jumping nearly two dollars on Friday. Prices in McPherson are up nearly $3 from a week ago, and are six dollars higher than at the first of the month.&nbsp; Nymex crude futures on Monday were trading over $60 for the first time since early January. WTI prices have advanced 25 percent so far this year. The benchmark contract was up 66 cents in afternoon trading Monday to $60.13 per barrel. London Brent was up 78 cents at $63.21 per barrel. Of the 195 drilling rigs in Kansas this week, 138 are inactive and cold stacked, an increase of three rigs in that category over the week before. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says there are nine active rigs in Western Kansas, which is up one for the week. The count east of Wichita is unchanged at seven active rigs.&nbsp; Drillers reached total depth on a well in Ellis County and an operator is about to spud a new well on a lease in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports 397 active drilling rigs nationwide, an increase of seven oil rigs in its weekly Rotary Rig Count.&nbsp; The count in Texas was up four rigs. Canada was up five at 176 active rigs. Regulators approved five new drilling permits last week. That's 90 so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 10 newly completed wells across Kansas, 73 so far this year. There were four new completions in eastern Kansas, and six west of Wichita, including one in Barton County and one in Ellis County. The government said domestic crude-oil inventories rose 6.6 million barrels last week to 469 million. That's about two percent above the five-year average for this time of year. EIA reported an uptick in U.S. crude production last week. Production jumped nearly 100,000 barrels per day on the week to just over 11 million barrels per day. Output remains remain nearly two million barrels per day behind the record-setting pace of a year ago. when U.S. operators pumped just shy of 13 million barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration reported imports of 5.9 million barrels per day for the week ending February 5. That's down 700,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average for crude imports remains 12% below the same four-week period a year ago. In a monthly report, the Energy Information Administration reported worldwide oil prices in January were $5 per barrel higher than the month before, $9 per barrel lower than a year earlier. EIA said consumption worldwide was down 2.8 million barrels per day from a year earlier. Democratic politicians in a slew of oil-dependent states are now forced to reckon with a clash of progressive ideals: Their support for President Biden’s plan to fight global warming could damage the fossil-fuel economy that has been a huge source of revenue for schools in New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, coastal hurricane remediation, and other government programs. That was upwards of $1.8 billion total last year. Biden last month paused new leases on federal lands, and could soon deliver on a campaign promise for a permanent ban.&nbsp; OPEC confirmed what we've been telling you, that the world's major benchmark prices have increased roughly ten percent month over month. The cartel credits the rise on improving market fundamentals, including the prospect of shrinking global oil stockpiles and tighter supplies. Oil-by-rail shipments are up for the week ending February 6th, but still trail the totals from the same week last year. The Association of American Railroads reports 11,453 tanker cars moving petroleum and petroleum products last week, up from 11,291 the week before. Industry sources say the cancellation of the Keystone Pipeline will likely result in a spike in oil-by-rail deliveries, but just how big a spike is still up in the air. Analysts say the price spread will remain the biggest driver of Canadian heavy crude shipments. The wobbly fate of the Dakota Access Pipeline is propping up oil prices in North Dakota, as operators there rein in output and charge higher premiums. The pipeline is the main artery running crude oil out of the region. Reuters reports Bakken prices have surged to their highest levels in about six months. A court hearing scheduled last week was postponed until April by the Army Corps of Engineers, which is working on a new review of the impact of the line’s passage under a key source of water for indigenous communities in the Dakotas.&nbsp; It's not political or ethnic differences blocking oil exports in Libya; it's unpaid salaries. Bloomberg reports a tanker had to leave a Libyan export terminal without any oil after members of the Petroleum Facilities Guard stopped them from loading. Security guards are on strike for unpaid salaries. This is the second tanker blocked from loading this year. Last year Libya ended a decade-long civil war, and was able to ramp up oil production from zero to more than a million barrels per day. But they've been unable to keep that up due to the strikes, leaky pipelines, and the lack of maintenance funding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $49.75 per barrel after jumping nearly two dollars on Friday. Prices in McPherson are up nearly $3 from a week ago, and are six dollars higher than at the first of the month.&nbsp; Nymex crude futures on Monday were trading over $60 for the first time since early January. WTI prices have advanced 25 percent so far this year. The benchmark contract was up 66 cents in afternoon trading Monday to $60.13 per barrel. London Brent was up 78 cents at $63.21 per barrel. Of the 195 drilling rigs in Kansas this week, 138 are inactive and cold stacked, an increase of three rigs in that category over the week before. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says there are nine active rigs in Western Kansas, which is up one for the week. The count east of Wichita is unchanged at seven active rigs.&nbsp; Drillers reached total depth on a well in Ellis County and an operator is about to spud a new well on a lease in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports 397 active drilling rigs nationwide, an increase of seven oil rigs in its weekly Rotary Rig Count.&nbsp; The count in Texas was up four rigs. Canada was up five at 176 active rigs. Regulators approved five new drilling permits last week. That's 90 so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 10 newly completed wells across Kansas, 73 so far this year. There were four new completions in eastern Kansas, and six west of Wichita, including one in Barton County and one in Ellis County. The government said domestic crude-oil inventories rose 6.6 million barrels last week to 469 million. That's about two percent above the five-year average for this time of year. EIA reported an uptick in U.S. crude production last week. Production jumped nearly 100,000 barrels per day on the week to just over 11 million barrels per day. Output remains remain nearly two million barrels per day behind the record-setting pace of a year ago. when U.S. operators pumped just shy of 13 million barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration reported imports of 5.9 million barrels per day for the week ending February 5. That's down 700,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average for crude imports remains 12% below the same four-week period a year ago. In a monthly report, the Energy Information Administration reported worldwide oil prices in January were $5 per barrel higher than the month before, $9 per barrel lower than a year earlier. EIA said consumption worldwide was down 2.8 million barrels per day from a year earlier. Democratic politicians in a slew of oil-dependent states are now forced to reckon with a clash of progressive ideals: Their support for President Biden’s plan to fight global warming could damage the fossil-fuel economy that has been a huge source of revenue for schools in New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, coastal hurricane remediation, and other government programs. That was upwards of $1.8 billion total last year. Biden last month paused new leases on federal lands, and could soon deliver on a campaign promise for a permanent ban.&nbsp; OPEC confirmed what we've been telling you, that the world's major benchmark prices have increased roughly ten percent month over month. The cartel credits the rise on improving market fundamentals, including the prospect of shrinking global oil stockpiles and tighter supplies. Oil-by-rail shipments are up for the week ending February 6th, but still trail the totals from the same week last year. The Association of American Railroads reports 11,453 tanker cars moving petroleum and petroleum products last week, up from 11,291 the week before. Industry sources say the cancellation of the Keystone Pipeline will likely result in a spike in oil-by-rail deliveries, but just how big a spike is still up in the air. Analysts say the price spread will remain the biggest driver of Canadian heavy crude shipments. The wobbly fate of the Dakota Access Pipeline is propping up oil prices in North Dakota, as operators there rein in output and charge higher premiums. The pipeline is the main artery running crude oil out of the region. Reuters reports Bakken prices have surged to their highest levels in about six months. A court hearing scheduled last week was postponed until April by the Army Corps of Engineers, which is working on a new review of the impact of the line’s passage under a key source of water for indigenous communities in the Dakotas.&nbsp; It's not political or ethnic differences blocking oil exports in Libya; it's unpaid salaries. Bloomberg reports a tanker had to leave a Libyan export terminal without any oil after members of the Petroleum Facilities Guard stopped them from loading. Security guards are on strike for unpaid salaries. This is the second tanker blocked from loading this year. Last year Libya ended a decade-long civil war, and was able to ramp up oil production from zero to more than a million barrels per day. But they've been unable to keep that up due to the strikes, leaky pipelines, and the lack of maintenance funding.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude price rally continues

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Some people are hunting for ways to diversify the rural economy. Today we’ll meet a Kansas entrepreneur who uses hunting itself to create additional opportunities on his farm.&nbsp;

Leon and Nancy Winfrey are founders and owners of Flying W Outfitters at Plains, Kansas. Leon grew up at Plains, attended Dodge City Community College, married Nancy, and came back to farm with his dad. “The section where we live was homesteaded by my great-grandparents in ’01,” he said. That’s 1901.&nbsp;

During the tough farm economy of the 1980s, Leon looked for ways to supplement the family’s farm income such as offering pheasant hunting.&nbsp;

“People would come and hunt, stay with us and become friends,” Leon said. In those days, paying to hunt was less typical. “Now, it’s customary to pay for an outfitter for hunting and a guide to fish,” he said.&nbsp;

In 1989, Leon obtained the necessary licenses to set up a controlled shooting area where guests could come and hunt birds. He called his business Flying W Pheasant Ranch. As the business grew, it was renamed Flying W Outfitters.&nbsp;

Leon continues to raise crops and cattle and has found ways to make hunting a complementary business. “We farm for our pheasants,” Leon said. “When we harvest a field, we’ll leave a strip of corn. We let weeds grow around our ponds.” This creates habitat where pheasants can grow and flourish.&nbsp;

“When I was a kid, we used chemicals which were a lot stronger than the ones we have now, but there were more pheasants than ever,” Leon said. “What has changed is that there is less habitat for pheasants to live.” No-till farming, for example, conserves moisture but leaves no weeds for habitat, according to Leon.&nbsp;

Leon strives to maintain natural habitat for the birds and then continually restocks his fields with pheasants during the season. “We replace 10% more than are taken out,” he said.&nbsp;

Flying W Outfitters offers a hunting package with everything included. “We provide lodging, guides and dogs,” Leon said. “The birds are cleaned and packaged. My wife provides great meals (for the hunters).” As the website states, “Once you’ve set your hunting dates, all you need to do is show up with your&nbsp;gun, ammo, and shooting eye.&nbsp;We take care of the rest!”&nbsp;

Such full-service convenience is a major plus. “We will have three or four hundred pheasant hunters during the year,” Leon said. “We’ve had hunters here from almost every state, from Hawaii to Connecticut.” Deer hunting is also an option. In addition, Flying W offers a fully equipped hunting lodge for visitors to stay in Plains.&nbsp;

“The big companies know that their people can come hunt with us, and they will be well-fed and everything will be taken care of,” Leon said.&nbsp;

“We’re a very faith-based family,” Leon said. “This is not ours; this is what the Good Lord gave us to care for.”&nbsp;

“We started this when our kids were little,” he said. Now their oldest son Dustin is heavily involved with the operation. “His boys being teenagers and pre-teens are a huge asset to the operation,” Leon said. “Son Weston and daughter Teddi are in agribusiness, and always available when we need help.”&nbsp;

Repeat customers are evidence of the business’ success. “We’ve had hunters who have hunted with us for 28 years,” Leon said. “I remember going through the fields with little kids walking behind us, and now those kids are grown, and their kids are out walking behind us. We’ve raised another generation.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613570523727.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentSome people are hunting for ways to diversify the rural economy. Today we’ll meet a Kansas entrepreneur who uses hunting itself to create additional opportunities on his farm.&nbsp;Leon and Nancy Winfrey are founders and owners of Flying W Outfitters at Plains, Kansas. Leon grew up at Plains, attended Dodge City Community College, married Nancy, and came back to farm with his dad. “The section where we live was homesteaded by my great-grandparents in ’01,” he said. That’s 1901.&nbsp;During the tough farm economy of the 1980s, Leon looked for ways to supplement the family’s farm income such as offering pheasant hunting.&nbsp;“People would come and hunt, stay with us and become friends,” Leon said. In those days, paying to hunt was less typical. “Now, it’s customary to pay for an outfitter for hunting and a guide to fish,” he said.&nbsp;In 1989, Leon obtained the necessary licenses to set up a controlled shooting area where guests could come and hunt birds. He called his business Flying W Pheasant Ranch. As the business grew, it was renamed Flying W Outfitters.&nbsp;Leon continues to raise crops and cattle and has found ways to make hunting a complementary business. “We farm for our pheasants,” Leon said. “When we harvest a field, we’ll leave a strip of corn. We let weeds grow around our ponds.” This creates habitat where pheasants can grow and flourish.&nbsp;“When I was a kid, we used chemicals which were a lot stronger than the ones we have now, but there were more pheasants than ever,” Leon said. “What has changed is that there is less habitat for pheasants to live.” No-till farming, for example, conserves moisture but leaves no weeds for habitat, according to Leon.&nbsp;Leon strives to maintain natural habitat for the birds and then continually restocks his fields with pheasants during the season. “We replace 10% more than are taken out,” he said.&nbsp;Flying W Outfitters offers a hunting package with everything included. “We provide lodging, guides and dogs,” Leon said. “The birds are cleaned and packaged. My wife provides great meals (for the hunters).” As the website states, “Once you’ve set your hunting dates, all you need to do is show up with your&nbsp;gun, ammo, and shooting eye.&nbsp;We take care of the rest!”&nbsp;Such full-service convenience is a major plus. “We will have three or four hundred pheasant hunters during the year,” Leon said. “We’ve had hunters here from almost every state, from Hawaii to Connecticut.” Deer hunting is also an option. In addition, Flying W offers a fully equipped hunting lodge for visitors to stay in Plains.&nbsp;“The big companies know that their people can come hunt with us, and they will be well-fed and everything will be taken care of,” Leon said.&nbsp;“We’re a very faith-based family,” Leon said. “This is not ours; this is what the Good Lord gave us to care for.”&nbsp;“We started this when our kids were little,” he said. Now their oldest son Dustin is heavily involved with the operation. “His boys being teenagers and pre-teens are a huge asset to the operation,” Leon said. “Son Weston and daughter Teddi are in agribusiness, and always available when we need help.”&nbsp;Repeat customers are evidence of the business’ success. “We’ve had hunters who have hunted with us for 28 years,” Leon said. “I remember going through the fields with little kids walking behind us, and now those kids are grown, and their kids are out walking behind us. We’ve raised another generation.”&nbsp;This is good to see in a rural community like Plains, population 1,146 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huntflyingw.com/">huntflyingw.com</a>.&nbsp;We commend Leon and Nancy Winfrey for making a difference with an entrepreneurial idea, good stewardship of natural resources, and great customer service. Some people hunt for ways to diversify the economy, and some people diversify the economy through hunting.&nbsp;And there’s more. Leon launched another entrepreneurial project from his farm. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

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