By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

An Ellis County man pleaded guilty to a pair of child sex crimes
Tuesday in Ellis County District Court.

Christopher Leroy Boese, 20, Hays pleaded guilty to criminal
sodomy and electronic solicitation of a minor. Both are level-three person
felonies.

According to court documents, Boese was accused of having
sex with a 14-year-old on Dec. 29, 2019. Boese used Snapchat to message and set
up the encounter with the girl he believed to be 15.

As a result of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a
potential rape or an alternative count of aggravated indecent liberties.

Based on Boese’s criminal history, he faced 100 months, or 8
years and four years, in prison for the criminal sodomy conviction and 61 months
or, 5 years and one month, in prison. 

The plea agreement calls for Boese to be sentenced to 94
months, or seven years and 10 months, in prison for both convictions.

Court Services officials will conduct a criminal history
investigation prior to sentencing to determine Boese’s criminal history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617152982905.png" alt="Boese photo Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Boese photo Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAn Ellis County man pleaded guilty to a pair of child sex crimes
Tuesday in Ellis County District Court.Christopher Leroy Boese, 20, Hays pleaded guilty to criminal
sodomy and electronic solicitation of a minor. Both are level-three person
felonies.According to court documents, Boese was accused of having
sex with a 14-year-old on Dec. 29, 2019. Boese used Snapchat to message and set
up the encounter with the girl he believed to be 15.As a result of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a
potential rape or an alternative count of aggravated indecent liberties.Based on Boese’s criminal history, he faced 100 months, or 8
years and four years, in prison for the criminal sodomy conviction and 61 months
or, 5 years and one month, in prison. The plea agreement calls for Boese to be sentenced to 94
months, or seven years and 10 months, in prison for both convictions.Court Services officials will conduct a criminal history
investigation prior to sentencing to determine Boese’s criminal history.Sentencing is set for later this year.

Hays man faces nearly 8 years in prison on child sex charges after plea

A Hays man pleaded guilty to a pair of child sex crimes Tuesday.

Christopher Lynn Cox, 21, pleaded guilty to criminal
sodomy and sexual battery in Ellis County District Court. Criminal sodomy is a
level three person felony and sexual battery is a misdemeanor.

According to court documents, the sodomy charges stem from an
incident on Feb. 17, 2020, where Cox provided alcohol and had sex with a 14-year-old girl.

As a result of the plea agreement, a rape or an alternative
charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child charge were dropped.

Based on Cox’s criminal history, he faces up to 61 months, or
five years and one month, in prison.

The sexual battery misdemeanor charge stemmed from a Feb. 1,
2020, incident where he inappropriately touched a 16-year-old without her
consent, according to court documents.

Cox was initially charged with felony aggravated sexual
battery but, under the plea agreement, the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.

Cox is expected to be sentenced to 59 months, or 4 years and
11 months, in prison.

Court Services officials will conduct a criminal history
investigation prior to sentencing to determine Cox’s criminal history.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA Hays man pleaded guilty to a pair of child sex crimes Tuesday.Christopher Lynn Cox, 21, pleaded guilty to criminal
sodomy and sexual battery in Ellis County District Court. Criminal sodomy is a
level three person felony and sexual battery is a misdemeanor.According to court documents, the sodomy charges stem from an
incident on Feb. 17, 2020, where Cox provided alcohol and had sex with a 14-year-old girl.As a result of the plea agreement, a rape or an alternative
charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child charge were dropped.Based on Cox’s criminal history, he faces up to 61 months, or
five years and one month, in prison.The sexual battery misdemeanor charge stemmed from a Feb. 1,
2020, incident where he inappropriately touched a 16-year-old without her
consent, according to court documents.Cox was initially charged with felony aggravated sexual
battery but, under the plea agreement, the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.Cox is expected to be sentenced to 59 months, or 4 years and
11 months, in prison.Court Services officials will conduct a criminal history
investigation prior to sentencing to determine Cox’s criminal history.Sentencing is set for later this year.

Hays man pleads guilty to child sex crimes

The best spellers in 74 counties competed in the Sunflower State Spelling Bee, sponsored by ITC, KICA, Cox Communications and the Kansas Press Association on Friday. This year’s bee was 100 percent online using the Scripps National Spelling Bee platform.&nbsp;

Seventy-five students across Kansas were registered to compete in Friday’s oral spell down, which included spelling and vocabulary.&nbsp;

The 2021 Sunflower State Spelling Bee was a combination of 25 spelling words and 25 vocabulary words. Ishya Bhavsar, Grade 8, from Johnson County correctly answered 49 out of a possible 50.

Niko&nbsp;Tsereteli, a third-grader at O'Loughlin Elementary, placed fourth.

Ishya will represent Kansas in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Orlando, Florida later this year. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617031867643.jpeg" alt="Niko Tsereteli" />
 <figcaption>Niko Tsereteli</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Press AssociationThe best spellers in 74 counties competed in the Sunflower State Spelling Bee, sponsored by ITC, KICA, Cox Communications and the Kansas Press Association on Friday. This year’s bee was 100 percent online using the Scripps National Spelling Bee platform.&nbsp;Seventy-five students across Kansas were registered to compete in Friday’s oral spell down, which included spelling and vocabulary.&nbsp;The 2021 Sunflower State Spelling Bee was a combination of 25 spelling words and 25 vocabulary words. Ishya Bhavsar, Grade 8, from Johnson County correctly answered 49 out of a possible 50.Niko&nbsp;Tsereteli, a third-grader at O'Loughlin Elementary, placed fourth.Ishya will represent Kansas in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Orlando, Florida later this year. &nbsp;<figure>
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Hays third-grader places fourth in Sunflower Spelling Bee

Fort Hays State University announced today that new curriculum guides developed in partnership with North Central Kansas Technical College are now in place to make the path to a four-year degree easier.

“The curriculum guides allow students to fully understand ahead of time which of their courses will transfer into our programs at FHSU,” said Erica Fisher, director of FHSU’s Transfer &amp; Military Center. “By increasing transferrable courses, students complete their degrees faster and with a lower total cost.”

FHSU and NCK Tech — with campuses in Hays and Beloit — introduced new undergraduate curriculum guides in Information Networking and Telecommunications and Business Administration. Students who select the bachelor’s in business administration degree path can choose from six major options: accounting, finance, international business and economics, management, marketing, and management information systems.&nbsp;FHSU also updated curriculum guides for several undergraduate programs that offer tremendous professional opportunities for graduates, including health studies, nursing, organizational leadership, and technology leadership.

“These curriculum guides provide a seamless transfer between NCK Tech and Fort Hays State University,” said Corey Isbell, vice president of Student and Instructional Services at NCK Tech. “Students in our business management, business technology, and IT programs at NCK Tech can easily transition from an associate of applied science to a bachelor’s degree, creating a more timely pathway to the workforce.”

Only the Hays campus of NCK Tech offers the business technology program, and only Beloit offers the IT program, while both campuses have the business management program.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State created the Transfer &amp; Military Center in the summer of 2020 to deliver enhanced and more personalized services to support two growing non-traditional college student populations. The center’s extensive and ongoing work in the area of curriculum guide development focuses on making the transition to FHSU more seamless.&nbsp;

“Close to half of the students enrolled in higher education programs today are non-traditional students, and serving their distinct need for flexibility, affordability, and a positive return on investment for every educational dollar spent drives the efforts of the Transfer &amp; Military Center at FHSU,” said Dr. Dennis King, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.

Fort Hays State University has articulation agreements with many schools around the region. To find out more, contact the FHSU Transfer &amp; Military Center at 785-628-5964 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:transfer@fhsu.edu">transfer@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617116301454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University announced today that new curriculum guides developed in partnership with North Central Kansas Technical College are now in place to make the path to a four-year degree easier.“The curriculum guides allow students to fully understand ahead of time which of their courses will transfer into our programs at FHSU,” said Erica Fisher, director of FHSU’s Transfer &amp; Military Center. “By increasing transferrable courses, students complete their degrees faster and with a lower total cost.”FHSU and NCK Tech — with campuses in Hays and Beloit — introduced new undergraduate curriculum guides in Information Networking and Telecommunications and Business Administration. Students who select the bachelor’s in business administration degree path can choose from six major options: accounting, finance, international business and economics, management, marketing, and management information systems.&nbsp;FHSU also updated curriculum guides for several undergraduate programs that offer tremendous professional opportunities for graduates, including health studies, nursing, organizational leadership, and technology leadership.“These curriculum guides provide a seamless transfer between NCK Tech and Fort Hays State University,” said Corey Isbell, vice president of Student and Instructional Services at NCK Tech. “Students in our business management, business technology, and IT programs at NCK Tech can easily transition from an associate of applied science to a bachelor’s degree, creating a more timely pathway to the workforce.”Only the Hays campus of NCK Tech offers the business technology program, and only Beloit offers the IT program, while both campuses have the business management program.&nbsp;Fort Hays State created the Transfer &amp; Military Center in the summer of 2020 to deliver enhanced and more personalized services to support two growing non-traditional college student populations. The center’s extensive and ongoing work in the area of curriculum guide development focuses on making the transition to FHSU more seamless.&nbsp;“Close to half of the students enrolled in higher education programs today are non-traditional students, and serving their distinct need for flexibility, affordability, and a positive return on investment for every educational dollar spent drives the efforts of the Transfer &amp; Military Center at FHSU,” said Dr. Dennis King, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.Fort Hays State University has articulation agreements with many schools around the region. To find out more, contact the FHSU Transfer &amp; Military Center at 785-628-5964 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:transfer@fhsu.edu">transfer@fhsu.edu</a>.

FHSU, NCK Tech partner to make transfer process easier

JEWELL COUNTY — A Kansas teen died in an accident just after 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Jewell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Volvo semi driven by Rodney Brown, 55, Salina, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of 300 Road.

&nbsp;A pedestrian identified as <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3050890f-e02d-4075-9ff9-0378d917146c">Gabriel Rupp, 18, Hays and a senior at Hays High School, </a>was near the westbound roadway on the north shoulder of U.S. 36 loading traffic control equipment into a trailer, which was in the roadway pulled by a 2015 GMC Sierra.

The semi failed to stop in time and hit Rupp. The semi came to rest in the north ditch. Rupp was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Melby Mortuary.

Brown was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

In a message to parents Tuesday evening, Hays USD 489 said the Hays High School Crisis Team will meet before school Wednesday to coordinate support and care of students and staff.

"Please, be there totally for your student(s) tonight ... they may need your special care. And please let us know if you need our help," said HHS Principal Martin Straub. "Thank you for keeping Gabe’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers."

JEWELL COUNTY — A Kansas teen died in an accident just after 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Jewell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Volvo semi driven by Rodney Brown, 55, Salina, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of 300 Road.&nbsp;A pedestrian identified as <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3050890f-e02d-4075-9ff9-0378d917146c">Gabriel Rupp, 18, Hays and a senior at Hays High School, </a>was near the westbound roadway on the north shoulder of U.S. 36 loading traffic control equipment into a trailer, which was in the roadway pulled by a 2015 GMC Sierra.The semi failed to stop in time and hit Rupp. The semi came to rest in the north ditch. Rupp was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Melby Mortuary.Brown was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.In a message to parents Tuesday evening, Hays USD 489 said the Hays High School Crisis Team will meet before school Wednesday to coordinate support and care of students and staff."Please, be there totally for your student(s) tonight ... they may need your special care. And please let us know if you need our help," said HHS Principal Martin Straub. "Thank you for keeping Gabe’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers."

Hays High student dies after struck while working on highway

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like spring around our central Kansas farm. The cattle pastures have been burned and fresh grass is now growing in preparation for summer grazing. There’s been increased talk of where we will be planting our crops that will be harvested later in the fall. We’ve finished up servicing our planter and have made room in our shed for the seed order that we anticipate arriving in a few days. Soon, the corn will go into the ground, followed by the popcorn, soybeans and, finally, sorghum. Like clockwork, it’s an annual process that is guaranteed to take place on the farm.

After many cold and dreary days of rain and snow drizzle, the sun is also more present, which is helping the wheat fields transform into a beautiful and vibrant green. The daffodils are making their yearly appearance, and some of my fruit trees have also begun to flower. 

My apricot trees are always the first to bud and blossom every spring. More often than not, a late freeze will zap the blossoms, and I mourn the loss of the promise of fresh, sweet apricots in the summer. 

Last year I celebrated the beauty of the apricot blossoms in the early days of the pandemic. My kids had just started their remote learning, which would last the rest of the school year, and I was working fulltime from home. On my 30-second “commute” from my office in our shop down to the house, I celebrated the sight of the apricot blossoms and the hope it provided me for later in the summer. A few days later, a freeze destroyed all hope. As dramatic as it sounds, it was very 2020.

A few days ago, as I drove into our yard, I couldn’t help but notice that one of my apricot trees has, like clockwork, once again begun to bud and blossom. The beautifully arranged dots of pink flowers set against the warm browns of the tree bark are always a sight I look forward to seeing following a cold and gray winter. As I approached the tree to get a better look at the tiny, beautiful flowers, I began to hear a small humming sound. 

As I got closer, the humming turned into a collective buzz, and I soon realized that the fruit tree was occupied by thousands of busy honeybees collecting nectar and pollen. As I stood beneath a branch to witness the flying workers hurriedly move from flower to flower, the hope of a sweet summer once again entered my mind. While I briefly reminded myself of last year’s brutal disappointment, I allowed the steady buzz of the working honeybees to convince me that there is still a chance that this year’s outcome will be different and that there is still a chance that this summer will welcome something sweet.

While there are many days still ahead before I can guarantee a fruit crop, the presence of the honeybees have at least convinced me that this year’s outcome looks much more promising than last year’s. And for that I am thankful.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherIt’s beginning to look and feel a lot like spring around our central Kansas farm. The cattle pastures have been burned and fresh grass is now growing in preparation for summer grazing. There’s been increased talk of where we will be planting our crops that will be harvested later in the fall. We’ve finished up servicing our planter and have made room in our shed for the seed order that we anticipate arriving in a few days. Soon, the corn will go into the ground, followed by the popcorn, soybeans and, finally, sorghum. Like clockwork, it’s an annual process that is guaranteed to take place on the farm.After many cold and dreary days of rain and snow drizzle, the sun is also more present, which is helping the wheat fields transform into a beautiful and vibrant green. The daffodils are making their yearly appearance, and some of my fruit trees have also begun to flower. My apricot trees are always the first to bud and blossom every spring. More often than not, a late freeze will zap the blossoms, and I mourn the loss of the promise of fresh, sweet apricots in the summer. Last year I celebrated the beauty of the apricot blossoms in the early days of the pandemic. My kids had just started their remote learning, which would last the rest of the school year, and I was working fulltime from home. On my 30-second “commute” from my office in our shop down to the house, I celebrated the sight of the apricot blossoms and the hope it provided me for later in the summer. A few days later, a freeze destroyed all hope. As dramatic as it sounds, it was very 2020.A few days ago, as I drove into our yard, I couldn’t help but notice that one of my apricot trees has, like clockwork, once again begun to bud and blossom. The beautifully arranged dots of pink flowers set against the warm browns of the tree bark are always a sight I look forward to seeing following a cold and gray winter. As I approached the tree to get a better look at the tiny, beautiful flowers, I began to hear a small humming sound. As I got closer, the humming turned into a collective buzz, and I soon realized that the fruit tree was occupied by thousands of busy honeybees collecting nectar and pollen. As I stood beneath a branch to witness the flying workers hurriedly move from flower to flower, the hope of a sweet summer once again entered my mind. While I briefly reminded myself of last year’s brutal disappointment, I allowed the steady buzz of the working honeybees to convince me that there is still a chance that this year’s outcome will be different and that there is still a chance that this summer will welcome something sweet.While there are many days still ahead before I can guarantee a fruit crop, the presence of the honeybees have at least convinced me that this year’s outcome looks much more promising than last year’s. And for that I am thankful.What a difference a year can make."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Blooms of promise

Three-day weather outlook

We often are asked whether it is good to mow lower in the spring. The answer is yes and no. It doesn’t hurt to mow lower than normal the first mowing or two. 

As a matter of fact, it can actually speed green-up by removing old, dead grass and allowing the soil to warm up more quickly. &nbsp;But the mowing height should be raised to normal after the first or second cutting to discourage crabgrass and encourage deep rooting. Crabgrass seed must have light to germinate, and a high mowing height will help shade the soil. &nbsp;Also, root depth and mowing height are related on upright growing grasses such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass — the higher the height of cut, the deeper the root system. A deeper root system means a more drought-resistant turf. So, how low should you go on the first cutting? On tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, you can mow as low as 1 to 1½ inches. Be careful you don't go so low that you scalp the turf. &nbsp; After that, raise the mowing height for Kentucky bluegrass to 2 to 3 inches but 3 to 3½ inches for tall fescue. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>We often are asked whether it is good to mow lower in the spring. The answer is yes and no. It doesn’t hurt to mow lower than normal the first mowing or two. As a matter of fact, it can actually speed green-up by removing old, dead grass and allowing the soil to warm up more quickly. &nbsp;But the mowing height should be raised to normal after the first or second cutting to discourage crabgrass and encourage deep rooting. Crabgrass seed must have light to germinate, and a high mowing height will help shade the soil. &nbsp;Also, root depth and mowing height are related on upright growing grasses such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass — the higher the height of cut, the deeper the root system. A deeper root system means a more drought-resistant turf. So, how low should you go on the first cutting? On tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, you can mow as low as 1 to 1½ inches. Be careful you don't go so low that you scalp the turf. &nbsp; After that, raise the mowing height for Kentucky bluegrass to 2 to 3 inches but 3 to 3½ inches for tall fescue. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: How low should you go?

Hays USD 489 is asking for assistance in the investigation into a bomb threat Tuesday at Hays Middle School.&nbsp;

At 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Ellis County law enforcement received information about an explosive device at 201 W. 29th — the address of HMS — and the Hays Police Department responded.

Bomb-sniffing dogs guided by the Kansas Highway Patrol found no explosives, HMS reported Tuesday evening.

"Our school district is committed to the safety and education of all our students," HMS Principal Tom Albers said in a message to parents Tuesday evening. "All threats to our school or students are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. We wanted you to have the facts so you can discuss them with your child and emphasize the seriousness of this issue.

"The mental health team at HMS will be available for any student who needs help in processing emotions regarding today’s situation," Albers said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call local law enforcement or the school district.

"Safety plans and procedures are in place to protect your children, and those plans worked today to keep students and staff safe," Albers said. "Thank you for your quick response in picking up your student and helping us follow our safety protocols. And thank you to the staff at HMS for their professional response."

USD 489Hays USD 489 is asking for assistance in the investigation into a bomb threat Tuesday at Hays Middle School.&nbsp;At 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Ellis County law enforcement received information about an explosive device at 201 W. 29th — the address of HMS — and the Hays Police Department responded.Bomb-sniffing dogs guided by the Kansas Highway Patrol found no explosives, HMS reported Tuesday evening."Our school district is committed to the safety and education of all our students," HMS Principal Tom Albers said in a message to parents Tuesday evening. "All threats to our school or students are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. We wanted you to have the facts so you can discuss them with your child and emphasize the seriousness of this issue."The mental health team at HMS will be available for any student who needs help in processing emotions regarding today’s situation," Albers said.Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call local law enforcement or the school district."Safety plans and procedures are in place to protect your children, and those plans worked today to keep students and staff safe," Albers said. "Thank you for your quick response in picking up your student and helping us follow our safety protocols. And thank you to the staff at HMS for their professional response."

Hays USD 489: No explosives found; seeking information on incident

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Hays Chamber announces 2021 annual award winners

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Wednesday in the area from Hall to Vine between 27th and 41st&nbsp;streets and north of Interstate 70. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. &nbsp;Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. 

The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains.&nbsp;

Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;For more information, contact the Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616106491764.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Wednesday in the area from Hall to Vine between 27th and 41st&nbsp;streets and north of Interstate 70. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. &nbsp;&nbsp;Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. &nbsp;Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains.&nbsp;Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, contact the Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330.

Fire hydrant flow testing, inspection in west Hays on Wednesday

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas State High School Activities Association announces Annie Diederich of Topeka will join its staff on July 1, 2021 as an Assistant Executive Director. Diederich was selected in a national search from a strong field of candidates. She will succeed Cheryl Gleason, who is retiring from the KSHSAA staff after 32 years of service.&nbsp;

Joining the KSHSAA after serving the Kansas State Department of Education as a Program Consultant for KESA, Diederich previously was the athletic director and elementary principal for the Jackson Heights School District outside of Holton, KS. Prior to her time with USD 335, she served 20 years with Topeka-Seaman USD 345 schools. While her tenure with Seaman began as an athletic/activities director for Logan Junior High and progressed to a 10-year position as principal of Elmont Elementary, Diederich also served at the district level as director of both elementary and secondary education and as the principal for Seaman Middle School.&nbsp;

A native of Hays and a graduate of Hays High School, Ms. Diederich earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University in 1991 before completing a Masters in Elementary Administration with emphasis on PreK-12 Building Leadership also from Fort Hays State University in 1996. In 2013, she completed coursework at Washburn University fulfilling requirements to earn a District Leadership License.&nbsp;

Using her strong leadership skills, Diederich has served across the state on many advisory councils and professional boards to promote and educate Kansas schools. As a member of the Kansas Principals Association and United School Administrators, she has been able to represent middle school administrators and elementary school principals on state committees and executive boards. She has served as a member of the Kansas State Department of Education Professional Standards Board (2019-21) as well as on the Curriculum Leaders Advisory Council (2016-18) and Licensure Review Board (2012-15). Diederich also assisted on the Seaman USD 345 Tech Advisory Council (2015-20) and Emergency Operations Plan Team (2013-20). She also served five years as an officer with KAESP, culminating as President for the 2014-15 schoolyear.&nbsp;

Widely known throughout Kansas as a gifted school administrator with experience as teacher, school administrator, and ardent student advocate, Ms. Diederich has been recognized as a YWCA Woman of Excellence in 2017. She also received a Technology Rich Classroom Grant at Elmont Elementary in the spring of 2010. During her time at Logan Jr. High, Diederich received the M. Claradine Johnson KNCA Excellence in Education Award (2005), the John W. Vaughn NCA Excellence in Education Award (2006) and was named a Kansas Association of Middle School Administrators Assistant Principal of the Year (2004-05).&nbsp;

Ms. Diederich’s primary responsibilities will be the administration of bowling, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, the KSHSAA Hall of Fame, the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) program and assisting with general administration of the KSHSAA.&nbsp;

“Ms. Diederich is respected as an outstanding educator and will continue to empower students to serve, grow, and lead as they engage in the interscholastic activities. Her faithful service as a teacher, coach, building administrator, district leader, and her parent perspective all support Annie as an excellent choice to fulfill the duties so capably administered by Ms. Gleason,” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617141107845.png" alt="Diederich" />
 <figcaption>Diederich</figcaption>
 </figure>KSHSAATOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas State High School Activities Association announces Annie Diederich of Topeka will join its staff on July 1, 2021 as an Assistant Executive Director. Diederich was selected in a national search from a strong field of candidates. She will succeed Cheryl Gleason, who is retiring from the KSHSAA staff after 32 years of service.&nbsp;Joining the KSHSAA after serving the Kansas State Department of Education as a Program Consultant for KESA, Diederich previously was the athletic director and elementary principal for the Jackson Heights School District outside of Holton, KS. Prior to her time with USD 335, she served 20 years with Topeka-Seaman USD 345 schools. While her tenure with Seaman began as an athletic/activities director for Logan Junior High and progressed to a 10-year position as principal of Elmont Elementary, Diederich also served at the district level as director of both elementary and secondary education and as the principal for Seaman Middle School.&nbsp;A native of Hays and a graduate of Hays High School, Ms. Diederich earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University in 1991 before completing a Masters in Elementary Administration with emphasis on PreK-12 Building Leadership also from Fort Hays State University in 1996. In 2013, she completed coursework at Washburn University fulfilling requirements to earn a District Leadership License.&nbsp;Using her strong leadership skills, Diederich has served across the state on many advisory councils and professional boards to promote and educate Kansas schools. As a member of the Kansas Principals Association and United School Administrators, she has been able to represent middle school administrators and elementary school principals on state committees and executive boards. She has served as a member of the Kansas State Department of Education Professional Standards Board (2019-21) as well as on the Curriculum Leaders Advisory Council (2016-18) and Licensure Review Board (2012-15). Diederich also assisted on the Seaman USD 345 Tech Advisory Council (2015-20) and Emergency Operations Plan Team (2013-20). She also served five years as an officer with KAESP, culminating as President for the 2014-15 schoolyear.&nbsp;Widely known throughout Kansas as a gifted school administrator with experience as teacher, school administrator, and ardent student advocate, Ms. Diederich has been recognized as a YWCA Woman of Excellence in 2017. She also received a Technology Rich Classroom Grant at Elmont Elementary in the spring of 2010. During her time at Logan Jr. High, Diederich received the M. Claradine Johnson KNCA Excellence in Education Award (2005), the John W. Vaughn NCA Excellence in Education Award (2006) and was named a Kansas Association of Middle School Administrators Assistant Principal of the Year (2004-05).&nbsp;Ms. Diederich’s primary responsibilities will be the administration of bowling, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, the KSHSAA Hall of Fame, the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) program and assisting with general administration of the KSHSAA.&nbsp;“Ms. Diederich is respected as an outstanding educator and will continue to empower students to serve, grow, and lead as they engage in the interscholastic activities. Her faithful service as a teacher, coach, building administrator, district leader, and her parent perspective all support Annie as an excellent choice to fulfill the duties so capably administered by Ms. Gleason,” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick.&nbsp;

Hays native, FHSU alum named to leadership position at KSHSAA

Ellis County Health Department is happy to report that through the COVID Community Vaccine Initiative,
8000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Through a tremendous outpouring of support
from the medical community, volunteers, and community partnerships the vaccine clinic is running
successfully. This week will still have ample supply of vaccine available. If you have not registered, please do so at www.ellisco.net. If you are unable to access the website, you may call 785-628-9440 for
assistance with registration. The Hays Public Library has also teamed up with ECHD to provide access to
computers and assistance with registration. You may call them at 785-625-9014.


The vaccine registration form located at www.ellisco.net allows for self-scheduling of appointments.
Currently, we are offering Moderna vaccine on Wednesday and a small amount of Johnson and Johnson
on Thursday morning. Following EUA authorization, this vaccine is only available to those 18 years and
older. If you are 16 years of age to 18 years of age and desire to be vaccinated, you will need to find a
location that is offering the Pfizer vaccine. At this point, the best location will be private pharmacies.
The Ellis County Health Department does not anticipate receiving or administering any Pfizer vaccine.



Due to the reliability and depth of information available on the KDHE dashboard beginning April 1, 2021
the Ellis County Health Department will no longer maintain a separate dashboard. We will place a link to
the KDHE Dashboard on our website. We encourage everyone to access this information on the <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE
Dashboard</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Health DepartmentEllis County Health Department is happy to report that through the COVID Community Vaccine Initiative,
8000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Through a tremendous outpouring of support
from the medical community, volunteers, and community partnerships the vaccine clinic is running
successfully. This week will still have ample supply of vaccine available. If you have not registered, please do so at www.ellisco.net. If you are unable to access the website, you may call 785-628-9440 for
assistance with registration. The Hays Public Library has also teamed up with ECHD to provide access to
computers and assistance with registration. You may call them at 785-625-9014.
<h2>Vaccine registration</h2>The vaccine registration form located at www.ellisco.net allows for self-scheduling of appointments.
Currently, we are offering Moderna vaccine on Wednesday and a small amount of Johnson and Johnson
on Thursday morning. Following EUA authorization, this vaccine is only available to those 18 years and
older. If you are 16 years of age to 18 years of age and desire to be vaccinated, you will need to find a
location that is offering the Pfizer vaccine. At this point, the best location will be private pharmacies.
The Ellis County Health Department does not anticipate receiving or administering any Pfizer vaccine.

<h2>Data reporting</h2>Due to the reliability and depth of information available on the KDHE dashboard beginning April 1, 2021
the Ellis County Health Department will no longer maintain a separate dashboard. We will place a link to
the KDHE Dashboard on our website. We encourage everyone to access this information on the <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE
Dashboard</a>.

UPDATE: 8K vaccine doses administered, reporting will change

Hays Middle school was placed on a short lockdown Tuesday afternoon after a report of a bomb threat.

    "About 2:40 p.m., Ellis County law enforcement received notification from the KBI that a possible explosive device was at a location of 201 W. 29th, at a school," Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said. "This is the only school in the state with that address. So, we came up here and made contact with the school, and we were able to safely evacuate all of the children."

Scheibler said local law enforcement will work with Hays USD 489 and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to investigate the incident. The district reported that all students and staff had safely left the building as of 4:15 p.m.

    "The school had a plan in place, and their plan worked," he said. "We were happy to assist. The Ellis County Sheriff's Department, the Hays Police Department, the KBI and the Kansas Highway Patrol will continue to investigate the matter," he said.

Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

At 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Hays Middle School was notified by the Hays Police Department of a emergency situation that required HMS to activate its room hold. Staff and students were asked to clear hallways and stay in classrooms while law enforcement checked hallways.

At 3:05 p.m. under the direction of the HPD, students were dismissed class by class to exit the building Students were not allowed to stop at their lockers, therefore they may not have their phones or items from their lockers.

Bus students will ride the bus as normal. All athletic practices are canceled for today, as well as after-school homework help. 

Parents are asked to pick up your student as soon as possible at the front door of the building.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617138120285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostHays Middle school was placed on a short lockdown Tuesday afternoon after a report of a bomb threat. "About 2:40 p.m., Ellis County law enforcement received notification from the KBI that a possible explosive device was at a location of 201 W. 29th, at a school," Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said. "This is the only school in the state with that address. So, we came up here and made contact with the school, and we were able to safely evacuate all of the children."Scheibler said local law enforcement will work with Hays USD 489 and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to investigate the incident. The district reported that all students and staff had safely left the building as of 4:15 p.m. "The school had a plan in place, and their plan worked," he said. "We were happy to assist. The Ellis County Sheriff's Department, the Hays Police Department, the KBI and the Kansas Highway Patrol will continue to investigate the matter," he said.Check Hays Post for more as details become available.HPDAt 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Hays Middle School was notified by the Hays Police Department of a emergency situation that required HMS to activate its room hold. Staff and students were asked to clear hallways and stay in classrooms while law enforcement checked hallways.At 3:05 p.m. under the direction of the HPD, students were dismissed class by class to exit the building Students were not allowed to stop at their lockers, therefore they may not have their phones or items from their lockers.Bus students will ride the bus as normal. All athletic practices are canceled for today, as well as after-school homework help. Parents are asked to pick up your student as soon as possible at the front door of the building.— HMS

UPDATE: Hays Middle School placed on room hold after bomb threat

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;

The Hays USD 489 school board expressed its intent to continue to require masks in schools even if the governor's mask mandate is allowed to expire Wednesday.

Senate Bill 40, which has been signed by the governor, puts the responsibility for making decisions on face masks, requiring different learning options and school closings due to COVID in the hands of local school boards.

"We will continue to monitor numbers," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "As vaccines become more and more relevant in our community and numbers continue to stay low, there might be a possibility we might recommend doing away with masks.

"Right now, we feel like it is a safety measure to have in place. We want to continue it for a little while longer and see where everything falls."

The board did not take a vote on the mask requirement, but agreed through consensus to continue to require masks in the district.

The school district will continue to do contact tracing for any positive COVID cases. However, the district is changing its policy on quarantines for close contacts.

If someone in the school is identified as a close contact to another student or staff member who is COVID positive, the student's parent or guardian will be notified the student has been a close contact. The family will be given the option to quarantine the student if the student does not have COVID symptoms.

This does not apply to students or staff who have be exposed to someone who is COVID-positive outside of school.

Wilson said he is recommending the change in the quarantine policy contingent on the school keeping in place mitigation efforts, including the wearing of masks.

He said he has discussed the quarantine change with the members of the local school COVID task force, which is made up of other local school leaders and medical professionals, and they agree with the new policy.

The new policy will be enacted after the Easter break.

Wilson said the change in the quarantine policy is another step toward returning to normal.

Wilson reported more than 200 staff members will be vaccinated for the second time Thursday.

"It is going to be a big hurdle that we have crossed," Wilson said. "We really feel good about that."

He noted some staff members have chosen to not be vaccinated at this time. The district is not requiring staff to take a COVID vaccine.

Wilson said COVID numbers related to the district look good. The district had no COVID positive cases reported as of Monday.

The district had six people in quarantine for possible exposore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615984896927.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;The Hays USD 489 school board expressed its intent to continue to require masks in schools even if the governor's mask mandate is allowed to expire Wednesday.Senate Bill 40, which has been signed by the governor, puts the responsibility for making decisions on face masks, requiring different learning options and school closings due to COVID in the hands of local school boards."We will continue to monitor numbers," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "As vaccines become more and more relevant in our community and numbers continue to stay low, there might be a possibility we might recommend doing away with masks."Right now, we feel like it is a safety measure to have in place. We want to continue it for a little while longer and see where everything falls."The board did not take a vote on the mask requirement, but agreed through consensus to continue to require masks in the district.The school district will continue to do contact tracing for any positive COVID cases. However, the district is changing its policy on quarantines for close contacts.If someone in the school is identified as a close contact to another student or staff member who is COVID positive, the student's parent or guardian will be notified the student has been a close contact. The family will be given the option to quarantine the student if the student does not have COVID symptoms.This does not apply to students or staff who have be exposed to someone who is COVID-positive outside of school.Wilson said he is recommending the change in the quarantine policy contingent on the school keeping in place mitigation efforts, including the wearing of masks.He said he has discussed the quarantine change with the members of the local school COVID task force, which is made up of other local school leaders and medical professionals, and they agree with the new policy.The new policy will be enacted after the Easter break.Wilson said the change in the quarantine policy is another step toward returning to normal.Wilson reported more than 200 staff members will be vaccinated for the second time Thursday."It is going to be a big hurdle that we have crossed," Wilson said. "We really feel good about that."He noted some staff members have chosen to not be vaccinated at this time. The district is not requiring staff to take a COVID vaccine.Wilson said COVID numbers related to the district look good. The district had no COVID positive cases reported as of Monday.The district had six people in quarantine for possible exposore.

Hays USD 489 will continue requiring masks

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<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber awards banquet set for Tuesday" 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=3qnmq-ff471f-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></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's virtual award banquet set for Tuesday night

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board approved several large purchases at its meeting on Monday.

The board approved the lease agreement that will pay for a new heating and air conditioning system at Roosevelt Elementary School.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The annual payment on the $2.16 million debt will be about $240,000 paid over 10 years.

Work on the project will continue through the spring and summer.&nbsp;

The board approved a $265,000 bid from National Bus Sales for a new activity bus, as part of the district's ongoing vehicle replacement program.

The board approved the purchase of a compact tractor for buildings and ground. The low bid of $44,500 came from Lang Diesel for a Massey Ferguson. The bid includes a cab, loader and blade.

District staff researched buying a used tractor, but determined the government pricing made the cost of a new tractor comparable to the cost of a used tractor.

The tractor will be used to maintain the athletic fields at Hays High School, for snow removal and other buildings and grounds functions.

Rusty Lindsay, director of buildings and grounds, said this tractor is replacing an older tractor, and the old tractor will be sold.

Board member Allen Park opposed the purchase, saying he did not think the tractor would be used enough to justify its purchase. He was the only no vote on the purchase.

The board also approved contracts for classified director contracts. They included the contracts for: • Russ Henningsen, director of transportation • Rusty Lindsay, director of building, grounds and maintenance • Scott Summers, director of technology • Jessica Younker, director of nutrition services

The board amended district policy to offer two-year contracts instead of one-year contracts to all district and building administrators.

Board president Mike Walker appointed himself and board members Craig Pallister and Lance Bickle to the team for teacher negotiations. Board member Tammy Wellbrock was appointed as an alternate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615261589655.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 board. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 board. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board approved several large purchases at its meeting on Monday.The board approved the lease agreement that will pay for a new heating and air conditioning system at Roosevelt Elementary School.&nbsp;&nbsp;The annual payment on the $2.16 million debt will be about $240,000 paid over 10 years.Work on the project will continue through the spring and summer.&nbsp;The board approved a $265,000 bid from National Bus Sales for a new activity bus, as part of the district's ongoing vehicle replacement program.The board approved the purchase of a compact tractor for buildings and ground. The low bid of $44,500 came from Lang Diesel for a Massey Ferguson. The bid includes a cab, loader and blade.District staff researched buying a used tractor, but determined the government pricing made the cost of a new tractor comparable to the cost of a used tractor.The tractor will be used to maintain the athletic fields at Hays High School, for snow removal and other buildings and grounds functions.Rusty Lindsay, director of buildings and grounds, said this tractor is replacing an older tractor, and the old tractor will be sold.Board member Allen Park opposed the purchase, saying he did not think the tractor would be used enough to justify its purchase. He was the only no vote on the purchase.<h2>Contracts</h2>The board also approved contracts for classified director contracts. They included the contracts for: • Russ Henningsen, director of transportation • Rusty Lindsay, director of building, grounds and maintenance • Scott Summers, director of technology • Jessica Younker, director of nutrition servicesThe board amended district policy to offer two-year contracts instead of one-year contracts to all district and building administrators.<h2>Negotiations team</h2>Board president Mike Walker appointed himself and board members Craig Pallister and Lance Bickle to the team for teacher negotiations. Board member Tammy Wellbrock was appointed as an alternate.

Hays school board approves purchase of activity bus, financing for Roosevelt HVAC

Tugboat captains blared their horns Monday as that huge container ship blocking 10 percent of the world's sea commerce was finally re-floated, six days after wedging itself into the mud along the Suez Canal. But, as so often happens, there are those on the internet who are not happy with the end of their memes. On Twitter, "PUT IT BACK" has become a trending topic in the United States. 

Heavy dirt-movers and multiple tugboats were aided by high tides, high winds, and a full moon Sunday night and Monday morning, as the EVERGIVEN finally regained buoyancy and was able to resume it's course northward through the Suez Canal. Now the ship's owners, its insurers, and its lawyers are bracing for a raft of lawsuits. There were over 300 ships waiting in line to use the canal on Sunday. Analysts say that backlog could be with us for days if not weeks. The traffic jam delayed billions of dollars in trade every day, causing some big problems for regional hot spots Syria and Lebanon, where fuel shortages have already prompted rationing and blackouts.

Kansas Crude prices during the month of March have been up and down, between a low of $48 a barrel and a high of $56.25.  But Kansas Common starts this week at $51.25, which is just 25 cents more than the price at the start of the month.

Oil-by-rail shipments across the U.S. showed another weekly increase. Operators moved 11,639 petroleum tanker cars during the week ending March 20, up 260 cars from the week before. That's down nearly 4 percent from a year ago, marking the smallest year-over-year decline since since January. 

Baker Hughes on Friday reported 417 active drilling rigs across the country, an increase six oil rigs. The count in Texas was up three for the week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported a 40% drop in its weekly Rig Count in Kansas. There's one active drilling rig in the eastern half of the state, down five from the week before. In Western Kansas, there are 11 active rigs, down three.

Regulators okayed 33 new drilling permits last week across Kansas, 26 of them east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas. That's 188 new permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 26 newly-completed wells across the state, all of them in Western Kansas, including two in Barton County. That's 159 completed wells so far this year, compared to more than 300 by the end of the first quarter last year, as prices plunged and operators began shutting down production.

The Kansas Geological Society earlier this year recognized and named four new oil and gas fields in Kansas. One of them is the Kay field in Ellis County, targeting the Lansing-Kansas City formation. The Kay#1 well is operated by TDI Incorporated.

The government reported the fifth consecutive weekly increase in U.S. crude-oil inventories. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of over 502 million barrels last week, up by nearly two million barrels. That's about six percent above the five-year seasonal average.

The government reports an increase in weekly U.S. crude-oil production of 94,000 barrels per day compared to the week before. EIA reports an average of 10.86 million barrels per day for the week ending March 19.  A year ago this week, domestic output was just shy of 13 million barrels per day.

The four-week average for U.S. crude imports remains about 13 percent less than reports from the same four weeks last year. EIA reports average imports last week were up 41,000 barrels per day over the week before at 5.9 million barrels per day. 

A huge railroad merger should make it easier to move Canadian crude to the Gulf Coast, and refined products from there into Mexico. Canadian Pacific Railway is buying Kansas City Southern. The $25 BILLION stock-and-cash deal would create the Calgary-based "Canadian Pacific Kansas City," which is touted as the first rail network connecting the US, Mexico and Canada. The integrated company would boast 20,000 miles of rail network stretching from the Alberta oil sands through central Mexico. The merged railroad would represent the smallest of the six major freight haulers in the United States. Reaction has been mixed. The Premier of Alberta Province said the deal was a win for crude oil export capacity from Western Canada following the cancellation of the Keystone pipeline expansion project. But some longtime crude-by-rail exporters don't expect it will make much difference, with most oil-by-rail in the region already shipping via the new company's biggest competitor, Canadian National Railway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARTugboat captains blared their horns Monday as that huge container ship blocking 10 percent of the world's sea commerce was finally re-floated, six days after wedging itself into the mud along the Suez Canal. But, as so often happens, there are those on the internet who are not happy with the end of their memes. On Twitter, "PUT IT BACK" has become a trending topic in the United States. Heavy dirt-movers and multiple tugboats were aided by high tides, high winds, and a full moon Sunday night and Monday morning, as the EVERGIVEN finally regained buoyancy and was able to resume it's course northward through the Suez Canal. Now the ship's owners, its insurers, and its lawyers are bracing for a raft of lawsuits. There were over 300 ships waiting in line to use the canal on Sunday. Analysts say that backlog could be with us for days if not weeks. The traffic jam delayed billions of dollars in trade every day, causing some big problems for regional hot spots Syria and Lebanon, where fuel shortages have already prompted rationing and blackouts.Kansas Crude prices during the month of March have been up and down, between a low of $48 a barrel and a high of $56.25. But Kansas Common starts this week at $51.25, which is just 25 cents more than the price at the start of the month.Oil-by-rail shipments across the U.S. showed another weekly increase. Operators moved 11,639 petroleum tanker cars during the week ending March 20, up 260 cars from the week before. That's down nearly 4 percent from a year ago, marking the smallest year-over-year decline since since January. Baker Hughes on Friday reported 417 active drilling rigs across the country, an increase six oil rigs. The count in Texas was up three for the week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported a 40% drop in its weekly Rig Count in Kansas. There's one active drilling rig in the eastern half of the state, down five from the week before. In Western Kansas, there are 11 active rigs, down three.Regulators okayed 33 new drilling permits last week across Kansas, 26 of them east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas. That's 188 new permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 26 newly-completed wells across the state, all of them in Western Kansas, including two in Barton County. That's 159 completed wells so far this year, compared to more than 300 by the end of the first quarter last year, as prices plunged and operators began shutting down production.The Kansas Geological Society earlier this year recognized and named four new oil and gas fields in Kansas. One of them is the Kay field in Ellis County, targeting the Lansing-Kansas City formation. The Kay#1 well is operated by TDI Incorporated.The government reported the fifth consecutive weekly increase in U.S. crude-oil inventories. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of over 502 million barrels last week, up by nearly two million barrels. That's about six percent above the five-year seasonal average.The government reports an increase in weekly U.S. crude-oil production of 94,000 barrels per day compared to the week before. EIA reports an average of 10.86 million barrels per day for the week ending March 19. A year ago this week, domestic output was just shy of 13 million barrels per day.The four-week average for U.S. crude imports remains about 13 percent less than reports from the same four weeks last year. EIA reports average imports last week were up 41,000 barrels per day over the week before at 5.9 million barrels per day. A huge railroad merger should make it easier to move Canadian crude to the Gulf Coast, and refined products from there into Mexico. Canadian Pacific Railway is buying Kansas City Southern. The $25 BILLION stock-and-cash deal would create the Calgary-based "Canadian Pacific Kansas City," which is touted as the first rail network connecting the US, Mexico and Canada. The integrated company would boast 20,000 miles of rail network stretching from the Alberta oil sands through central Mexico. The merged railroad would represent the smallest of the six major freight haulers in the United States. Reaction has been mixed. The Premier of Alberta Province said the deal was a win for crude oil export capacity from Western Canada following the cancellation of the Keystone pipeline expansion project. But some longtime crude-by-rail exporters don't expect it will make much difference, with most oil-by-rail in the region already shipping via the new company's biggest competitor, Canadian National Railway.

News From the Oil Patch: Ship freed; internet demands 'PUT IT BACK'

Smoky Hill Country Club in conjunction with Central Links Golf are excited to host the 2021 Kansas Junior Amateur Golf Tournament June 7 to 10. This is a great event for our community where the Junior Golf Players throughout Kansas can show their skills. &nbsp;This is the largest event for Junior Golf in Kansas with Central Links Golf and by far the largest event Smoky Hill Country Club has hosted for this caliber of players.

Boys Divisions Five Boys age divisions:&nbsp;

Girls Divisions One Girls age division&nbsp;

Both Champions and Runner Ups will receive a qualifying spot into the KS Regional,&nbsp;Notah Begay III Junior Championship,&nbsp;at Firekeeper Golf Course on July 20-21, 2021.

Competition practice round will start on June 7th&nbsp;with the following format scheduled for play starting on the 8th. 54 holes of individual stroke play within five age divisions for boys.&nbsp; 54 holes of individual stroke play within one age division for girls.&nbsp; Following 36 holes there will be a cut to the low 15 and ties in each age division.&nbsp; Overall Champion to be determined (boys and girls).&nbsp; The event may be shortened to&nbsp;36 holes if weather cancels either round..&nbsp; Following 36 holes there will be a cut to the low 15 and ties in each age division.

Smoky Hill Country Club is excited for the opportunity to co-host this event and have available for the public to be part of the gallery. &nbsp;Save the date to come watch these young players showcase their golf skills. The public is invited and cost to be part of this gallery is free.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616772397761.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSmoky Hill Country Club in conjunction with Central Links Golf are excited to host the 2021 Kansas Junior Amateur Golf Tournament June 7 to 10. This is a great event for our community where the Junior Golf Players throughout Kansas can show their skills. &nbsp;This is the largest event for Junior Golf in Kansas with Central Links Golf and by far the largest event Smoky Hill Country Club has hosted for this caliber of players.Boys Divisions Five Boys age divisions:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>14 &amp; Under</li><li>15 age&nbsp;</li><li>16 age</li><li>17 age</li><li>18 age</li>
 </ul>Girls Divisions One Girls age division&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>All Girls</li>
 </ul>Both Champions and Runner Ups will receive a qualifying spot into the KS Regional,&nbsp;Notah Begay III Junior Championship,&nbsp;at Firekeeper Golf Course on July 20-21, 2021.Competition practice round will start on June 7th&nbsp;with the following format scheduled for play starting on the 8th. 54 holes of individual stroke play within five age divisions for boys.&nbsp; 54 holes of individual stroke play within one age division for girls.&nbsp; Following 36 holes there will be a cut to the low 15 and ties in each age division.&nbsp; Overall Champion to be determined (boys and girls).&nbsp; The event may be shortened to&nbsp;36 holes if weather cancels either round..&nbsp; Following 36 holes there will be a cut to the low 15 and ties in each age division.Smoky Hill Country Club is excited for the opportunity to co-host this event and have available for the public to be part of the gallery. &nbsp;Save the date to come watch these young players showcase their golf skills. The public is invited and cost to be part of this gallery is free.—&nbsp;News release

Kansas Junior Amateur Golf tourney heading to Hays

The Hays Public Library 21st annual poetry contest is going virtual. Rather than holding one night of in-person submissions, HPL will be accepting online submissions of original works of poetry now through 11:59 p.m. April 12.&nbsp;

Participants (age 16 and older) can enter one original piece of poetry on the Hays Public Library website,&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/poetry-contest">hayslibrary.org/poetry-contest</a>. Judges, including Department Chair of History at Fort Hays State University David Goodlett, FHSU adviser and local author Dawne Leiker, and HPL Patron Experience Coordinator Nicole Thibodeau will deliberate and choose a first place and second place winner, which will be announced via the HPL Facebook page on April 16. The first-place winner will receive $75 in Chamber Cheques and his or her name engraved on the Poetry Contest plaque, and second place will receive $50 in Chamber Cheques.&nbsp;

HPL values the art of the written word and celebrates bringing together the many voices of the Hays community. After the contest, all submitted works of poetry will be published in a literary journal titled&nbsp;Mirrors&nbsp;to showcase the incredible creativity and hard work of those who entered. Both physical and digital copies of&nbsp;Mirrors&nbsp;will be available.&nbsp;

For questions or comments, contact Thibodeau at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nthibodeau@hayslibrary.org" target="_blank">nthibodeau@hayslibrary.org</a>.

You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617024632177.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HPLThe Hays Public Library 21st annual poetry contest is going virtual. Rather than holding one night of in-person submissions, HPL will be accepting online submissions of original works of poetry now through 11:59 p.m. April 12.&nbsp;Participants (age 16 and older) can enter one original piece of poetry on the Hays Public Library website,&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/poetry-contest">hayslibrary.org/poetry-contest</a>. Judges, including Department Chair of History at Fort Hays State University David Goodlett, FHSU adviser and local author Dawne Leiker, and HPL Patron Experience Coordinator Nicole Thibodeau will deliberate and choose a first place and second place winner, which will be announced via the HPL Facebook page on April 16. The first-place winner will receive $75 in Chamber Cheques and his or her name engraved on the Poetry Contest plaque, and second place will receive $50 in Chamber Cheques.&nbsp;HPL values the art of the written word and celebrates bringing together the many voices of the Hays community. After the contest, all submitted works of poetry will be published in a literary journal titled&nbsp;Mirrors&nbsp;to showcase the incredible creativity and hard work of those who entered. Both physical and digital copies of&nbsp;Mirrors&nbsp;will be available.&nbsp;For questions or comments, contact Thibodeau at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nthibodeau@hayslibrary.org" target="_blank">nthibodeau@hayslibrary.org</a>.You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

Hays library seeks submissions for 21st annual poetry contest

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

Would you like to hear a yarn? Today, we’ll meet a Kansas family that has established a farm of specialty animals producing fiber that can be woven into yarn and other products.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Collen and Mike McGee are the owners of Rowantree Farm near Abilene. Collen grew up in Washington state, served in the military, and joined the civil service after military retirement. Then she met and married Mike, who also served in the Army.&nbsp;

“In 2014, Fort Riley called,” Collen said. She had the opportunity to join the public affairs office, and Mike had the opportunity to be a counselor at Fort Riley, so they drove to Kansas. “Our first stop was at Milford Lake,” Collen recalled. “We said, ‘Yes, we could live here.’”&nbsp;

Collen and Mike decided they wanted a more rural lifestyle, so they found a place to live outside of Abilene. It had a building and livestock pens where they began their farm. The McGees named their farm Rowantree Farm, which is a play on Collen’s maiden name of Roundtree.&nbsp;

“We wanted animals that fit our size and age,” Collen said. In other words, they wanted animals that had value but were smaller and more manageable than big cows, for example. Specifically, they are raising Pygora and Cashmere goats and Babydoll Southdown sheep that produce high quality fiber. They also raise chickens and eggs.&nbsp;

Pygoras are sometimes called “the versatile goat with the luxurious coat.” Pygora goats are a cross between pygmy goats and angora goats. They are specifically bred to produce fine cashmere fiber for hand spinning.&nbsp;

Southdown sheep originated in the South “Downs” of Sussex County, England, and came to the United States in 1803. Through the years, they were bred for larger size and meat production. Babydoll Southdowns are the small-framed, diminutive version of the breed that resemble the original sheep from old England. These sheep will be 18 to 24 inches tall when full grown. Babydoll wool blends especially well with Pygora and cashmere fibers.&nbsp;

“My mom had owned a yarn shop in Washington state after my dad retired,” Collen said. Producing fiber allowed Collen to reconnect with these roots.&nbsp;

“There is a resurgence in fiber arts,” Collen said. “Gen Xers and Millennials want to be makers of real things.” Collen and Mike shear their sheep and goats to harvest the fiber for processing and use. “My husband started playing with it and found he liked it too,” Collen said. “He’s now the dye guy.”&nbsp;

The McGees sell yarn, eggs, fiber for spinning, drop spindles and&nbsp;needle felting kits. In non-pandemic times, they host school tours and daycare groups at the farm. They are also working on opening their own fiber mill and on-farm store. “There’s room in the industry for another mill, because there are six- to nine-month delays in getting fiber processed,” Collen said. Rowantree Farm is a member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://fromthelandofkansas.com/">From the Land of Kansas</a>&nbsp;program sponsored by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;

In January 2021, Collen helped start a Kansas Fiber Producers Association that meets as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/232962661716906">Facebook group</a>. This umbrella group is composed of producers who harvest fiber from a variety of animals such as sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas and rabbits.&nbsp;

In early May, the group is planning its first-ever Homestead Hop for people to visit various farms and see local, small producers. For more information, watch for upcoming posts about the Homestead Hop on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/232962661716906">Facebook Group’s page</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therowantreefarm/">Rowantree Farm page on Facebook</a>.&nbsp;

Rowantree Farm is located out in the country, situated between the rural communities of Abilene, population 6,844 people; Buckeye, population 413; and Detroit, population 178 people. Now, that’s rural. For more information, go to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rowantreefarm.business.site/">Rowantree Farm website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The story of the McGees is not just any yarn. It is the true story of a couple who started their own farm to grow fiber which could become spun into actual yarn. Now they are adding value by reaching out to other fiber producers and starting a mini-mill of their own. We commend Collen and Mike McGee of Rowantree Farm for making a difference with their fiber farm and fiber arts. I’m glad that they can weave these ideas together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616591087695.png" alt="Collen and Mike McGee" />
 <figcaption>Collen and Mike McGee</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Would you like to hear a yarn? Today, we’ll meet a Kansas family that has established a farm of specialty animals producing fiber that can be woven into yarn and other products.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Collen and Mike McGee are the owners of Rowantree Farm near Abilene. Collen grew up in Washington state, served in the military, and joined the civil service after military retirement. Then she met and married Mike, who also served in the Army.&nbsp;“In 2014, Fort Riley called,” Collen said. She had the opportunity to join the public affairs office, and Mike had the opportunity to be a counselor at Fort Riley, so they drove to Kansas. “Our first stop was at Milford Lake,” Collen recalled. “We said, ‘Yes, we could live here.’”&nbsp;Collen and Mike decided they wanted a more rural lifestyle, so they found a place to live outside of Abilene. It had a building and livestock pens where they began their farm. The McGees named their farm Rowantree Farm, which is a play on Collen’s maiden name of Roundtree.&nbsp;“We wanted animals that fit our size and age,” Collen said. In other words, they wanted animals that had value but were smaller and more manageable than big cows, for example. Specifically, they are raising Pygora and Cashmere goats and Babydoll Southdown sheep that produce high quality fiber. They also raise chickens and eggs.&nbsp;Pygoras are sometimes called “the versatile goat with the luxurious coat.” Pygora goats are a cross between pygmy goats and angora goats. They are specifically bred to produce fine cashmere fiber for hand spinning.&nbsp;Southdown sheep originated in the South “Downs” of Sussex County, England, and came to the United States in 1803. Through the years, they were bred for larger size and meat production. Babydoll Southdowns are the small-framed, diminutive version of the breed that resemble the original sheep from old England. These sheep will be 18 to 24 inches tall when full grown. Babydoll wool blends especially well with Pygora and cashmere fibers.&nbsp;“My mom had owned a yarn shop in Washington state after my dad retired,” Collen said. Producing fiber allowed Collen to reconnect with these roots.&nbsp;“There is a resurgence in fiber arts,” Collen said. “Gen Xers and Millennials want to be makers of real things.” Collen and Mike shear their sheep and goats to harvest the fiber for processing and use. “My husband started playing with it and found he liked it too,” Collen said. “He’s now the dye guy.”&nbsp;The McGees sell yarn, eggs, fiber for spinning, drop spindles and&nbsp;needle felting kits. In non-pandemic times, they host school tours and daycare groups at the farm. They are also working on opening their own fiber mill and on-farm store. “There’s room in the industry for another mill, because there are six- to nine-month delays in getting fiber processed,” Collen said. Rowantree Farm is a member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://fromthelandofkansas.com/">From the Land of Kansas</a>&nbsp;program sponsored by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;In January 2021, Collen helped start a Kansas Fiber Producers Association that meets as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/232962661716906">Facebook group</a>. This umbrella group is composed of producers who harvest fiber from a variety of animals such as sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas and rabbits.&nbsp;In early May, the group is planning its first-ever Homestead Hop for people to visit various farms and see local, small producers. For more information, watch for upcoming posts about the Homestead Hop on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/232962661716906">Facebook Group’s page</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therowantreefarm/">Rowantree Farm page on Facebook</a>.&nbsp;Rowantree Farm is located out in the country, situated between the rural communities of Abilene, population 6,844 people; Buckeye, population 413; and Detroit, population 178 people. Now, that’s rural. For more information, go to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rowantreefarm.business.site/">Rowantree Farm website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The story of the McGees is not just any yarn. It is the true story of a couple who started their own farm to grow fiber which could become spun into actual yarn. Now they are adding value by reaching out to other fiber producers and starting a mini-mill of their own. We commend Collen and Mike McGee of Rowantree Farm for making a difference with their fiber farm and fiber arts. I’m glad that they can weave these ideas together.

Now That’s Rural: Collen and Mike McGee, Rowantree Farm 

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Tuesday in the area from Ash to Vine between Fourth and 13th&nbsp;streets. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. &nbsp;Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes.

 The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains.&nbsp;

For more information, contact the Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615901060478.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Hays Fire Department)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Hays Fire Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Tuesday in the area from Ash to Vine between Fourth and 13th&nbsp;streets. This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. &nbsp;&nbsp;Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. &nbsp;Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains.&nbsp;Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, contact the Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330.

Tuesday's fire hydrant testing situated in south Hays

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained at zero.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

There are currently nine active cases in Ellis County.

As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported one active COVID-19 patient at HaysMed. There was one active hospitalization of an Ellis County resident.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose slightly to 1.3 percent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617038400532.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained at zero.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/947beb64-eabd-48fb-a447-931d787133b8">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.There are currently nine active cases in Ellis County.As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported one active COVID-19 patient at HaysMed. There was one active hospitalization of an Ellis County resident.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose slightly to 1.3 percent.Last week, Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy also said that, beginning April 1, his department would no longer be issuing regular updates to the county COVID-19 dashboard.&nbsp;"Due to the consistency and depth of information available on the KDHE website, the ECHD will no longer be separately reporting numbers of COVID-19 cases," he said Friday. "We encourage everyone to access the information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE Dashboard</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since reporting began, there have been 3,720 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 73 coronavirus-related deaths. NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so KDHE figures might not necessarily correspond.

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