By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">ordinance requiring face masks to be worn in Hays</a> due to the coronavirus pandemic is on track to end Wednesday, if positive COVID cases in Ellis County continue their decline.

City commissioners approved the ordinance for face coverings which went into effect July 27.

During a Oct. 2 special meeting, commissioners voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b927d4eb-e1b4-4c57-bc57-56ad4e14516e">extend the ordinance </a>until the seven-day average of new cases of COVID-19 per day in Ellis County is five or fewer for 14 consecutive days as reported by the Ellis County Health Department, or until Gov. Laura Kelly's statewide COVID State of Disaster Emergency declaration lapses, is revoked or rescinded, whichever occurs first.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d9977cf7-263d-47a9-a4a6-e599571c67ba">seven-day average count hit 5&nbsp; on Feb. 24</a> and has been below five since then, through Monday.

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6d24b51b-37a8-447a-8586-0252da21e821">remained flat from Friday at two</a>.

"When the numbers get released Wednesday, if that day the seven-day average is below five, then the ordinance automatically expires," explains Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager, "and so the city's mask mandate expires."

Dougherty says his office already has a press release "ready to go that afternoon with the high likelihood this is going to happen."

The reports are issued by Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the early afternoon.

"As of last Friday when it appeared we could be trending toward a Wednesday (March 10) removal of the mask requirement, I did reach out to Jason Kennedy personally and confirmed we were on the right track.

"He did confirm that and we have that communication from him on the numbers."

Although the city's mask mandate would end, the governor's mask ordinance is still in place through the end of the month — March 31.

By not specifically opting out of Kelly's declaration, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3d53f6e9-36be-48b9-851d-d86c38d7ffd5">Ellis County commissioners allowed the statewide mandate </a>to go into effect Nov. 25.

City of Hays offices will continue to require the public to wear masks as long as the governor's order is in effect, according to Dougherty.

Businesses and other entities open to the public can still require customers to wear face coverings in order to enter their premises.&nbsp;

Dougherty likens it to the signs sometime seen that declare "No shirt. No shoes. No service."

"They have the right to say you need to come in here wearing a mask.

"Even if the governor's mask order goes away, there could be corporate or even businesses at the local level that will require masks for entry to the businesses. That's their right."

If the metrics set out by the city commission are met Wednesday, commissioners will not have to meet to end the mandate. The ordinance will automatically expire.&nbsp;

If positive COVID cases in Ellis County were to begin trending upward, the ordinance doesn't automatically become effective again, Dougherty noted.

"City commissioners would have to convene and adopt another ordinance if they wanted to place a mask requirement on people in the city limits," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The number of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/77221c1a-ac9b-43bf-a8d5-2c54205f4867">confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas</a> increased by 752 to a total of 295,861, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly proclaimed March 7 — the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e94ec343-c7fa-45ce-a54e-a495b1d8dcf0">one-year anniversary</a> of the first recorded case of COVID-19 in Kansas — as COVID Memorial Day to honor those who have died due to the coronavirus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596805526389.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">ordinance requiring face masks to be worn in Hays</a> due to the coronavirus pandemic is on track to end Wednesday, if positive COVID cases in Ellis County continue their decline.City commissioners approved the ordinance for face coverings which went into effect July 27.During a Oct. 2 special meeting, commissioners voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b927d4eb-e1b4-4c57-bc57-56ad4e14516e">extend the ordinance </a>until the seven-day average of new cases of COVID-19 per day in Ellis County is five or fewer for 14 consecutive days as reported by the Ellis County Health Department, or until Gov. Laura Kelly's statewide COVID State of Disaster Emergency declaration lapses, is revoked or rescinded, whichever occurs first.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d9977cf7-263d-47a9-a4a6-e599571c67ba">seven-day average count hit 5&nbsp; on Feb. 24</a> and has been below five since then, through Monday.The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6d24b51b-37a8-447a-8586-0252da21e821">remained flat from Friday at two</a>."When the numbers get released Wednesday, if that day the seven-day average is below five, then the ordinance automatically expires," explains Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager, "and so the city's mask mandate expires."Dougherty says his office already has a press release "ready to go that afternoon with the high likelihood this is going to happen."The reports are issued by Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the early afternoon."As of last Friday when it appeared we could be trending toward a Wednesday (March 10) removal of the mask requirement, I did reach out to Jason Kennedy personally and confirmed we were on the right track."He did confirm that and we have that communication from him on the numbers."Although the city's mask mandate would end, the governor's mask ordinance is still in place through the end of the month — March 31.By not specifically opting out of Kelly's declaration, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3d53f6e9-36be-48b9-851d-d86c38d7ffd5">Ellis County commissioners allowed the statewide mandate </a>to go into effect Nov. 25.City of Hays offices will continue to require the public to wear masks as long as the governor's order is in effect, according to Dougherty.Businesses and other entities open to the public can still require customers to wear face coverings in order to enter their premises.&nbsp;Dougherty likens it to the signs sometime seen that declare "No shirt. No shoes. No service.""They have the right to say you need to come in here wearing a mask."Even if the governor's mask order goes away, there could be corporate or even businesses at the local level that will require masks for entry to the businesses. That's their right."If the metrics set out by the city commission are met Wednesday, commissioners will not have to meet to end the mandate. The ordinance will automatically expire.&nbsp;If positive COVID cases in Ellis County were to begin trending upward, the ordinance doesn't automatically become effective again, Dougherty noted."City commissioners would have to convene and adopt another ordinance if they wanted to place a mask requirement on people in the city limits," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The number of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/77221c1a-ac9b-43bf-a8d5-2c54205f4867">confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas</a> increased by 752 to a total of 295,861, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Gov. Kelly proclaimed March 7 — the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e94ec343-c7fa-45ce-a54e-a495b1d8dcf0">one-year anniversary</a> of the first recorded case of COVID-19 in Kansas — as COVID Memorial Day to honor those who have died due to the coronavirus.

Hays mask ordinance could end Wednesday if case decline continues

The Kansas Scholastic Press Association released the results from regional contests recently, and in the 50 categories in which Hays High School journalism students entered, 44 entries qualified for state contests.

For reference, to qualify for state, entries had to place in the top six spots in regionals. State contests this year will be like regionals, in that all contests will be online submissions.&nbsp;

Cade Becker &amp; Ryan Schuckman – Video News

Allison Brooks &amp; Alicia Feyerherm – Multimedia Storytelling

Caitlin Leiker – Headline Writing &amp; Design

Brenna Schwien – Newspaper Sports Writing

Allison Brooks – Headline Writing &amp; Design

Jersey Johnson &amp; Brenna Schwien – Yearbook Theme &amp; Graphics

McKena McBride, Brenna Schwien, Nikka Vuong – Multimedia Storytelling

Alexis Pfannenstiel – Digital Illustration

Fernando Zarate – Yearbook Sports Writing

Leah Legleiter &amp; Aaliyah Neuburger – Yearbook Theme &amp; Graphics

Jersey Johnson – Yearbook Sports Writing

Ryan Schuckman &amp; Gracie Wente – Video PSA

Hope Schumacher &amp; Fernando Zarate – Video Sports Promo

Rylie Fairbank – Student Life Photography

Aaliyah Neuburger – Yearbook Copy Writing

Alexis Pfannenstiel – Infographic Design

Cayden Sanders – Newspaper Sports Writing

The Kansas Scholastic Press Association released the results from regional contests recently, and in the 50 categories in which Hays High School journalism students entered, 44 entries qualified for state contests.For reference, to qualify for state, entries had to place in the top six spots in regionals. State contests this year will be like regionals, in that all contests will be online submissions.&nbsp;<h2>First Place</h2>Cade Becker &amp; Ryan Schuckman – Video NewsAllison Brooks – Feature WritingAllison Brooks – Review WritingAllison Brooks &amp; Alicia Feyerherm – Multimedia StorytellingAlicia Feyerherm – Editorial WritingCaitlin Leiker – Headline Writing &amp; DesignCaitlin Leiker – News Page DesignCaitlin Leiker – Yearbook Copy WritingEmry Lundy – Copy EditingHope Schumacher – Cutline WritingBrenna Schwien – Newspaper Sports Writing<h2>Second Place</h2>Allison Brooks – Headline Writing &amp; DesignAlicia Feyerherm – Video NewsJersey Johnson &amp; Brenna Schwien – Yearbook Theme &amp; GraphicsMcKena McBride – News Page DesignMcKena McBride, Brenna Schwien, Nikka Vuong – Multimedia StorytellingAlexis Pfannenstiel – Digital IllustrationRyan Schuckman – Video Sports PromoFernando Zarate – Cutline WritingFernando Zarate – Yearbook Sports Writing<h2>Third Place</h2>Alicia Feyerherm – Feature WritingSophie Gross – Digital IllustrationLeah Legleiter &amp; Aaliyah Neuburger – Yearbook Theme &amp; GraphicsCayden Sanders – Winter PhotographyMeg Taggart – Editorial Cartoon<h2>Fourth Place</h2>Sophie Gross – Editorial CartoonJersey Johnson – Yearbook Sports WritingRyan Schuckman &amp; Gracie Wente – Video PSAHope Schumacher &amp; Fernando Zarate – Video Sports PromoFernando Zarate – Yearbook Design<h2>Fifth Place</h2>Rylie Fairbank – Student Life PhotographyAlicia Feyerherm – Video PSAAaliyah Neuburger – Yearbook Copy WritingAlexis Pfannenstiel – Infographic DesignHope Schumacher – Yearbook DesignBrenna Schwien – Sports Photography<h2>Sixth Place</h2>Cade Becker – Editorial WritingAlexandra Coveney – Sports PhotographyGrace Desbien – Sports PhotographyJersey Johnson – Yearbook Copy WritingMcKena McBride – Copy EditingCayden Sanders – Newspaper Sports WritingMaysyn Tippy – Review WritingNikka Vuong – Advertising Design— Submitted

Hays High students honored with journalism awards

Crude prices retreated on Monday, after a wild ride last week, followed by a missile attack on the world's largest crude terminal over the weekend. Crude prices surged above $71 a barrel in Asian trading after the attack in Saudi Arabia Sunday. Bloomberg said output appeared to be unaffected after the missiles and drones were intercepted.&nbsp; The OPEC+ alliance decided to extend its current output cuts. And the Saudis say they will continue their additional, voluntary production limits. The announcements sent crude prices through the roof last week, with the U.S. and international benchmarks jumping more than three percent. U.S. Crude prices continue their roller coaster ride. Benchmark prices topped $66 a barrel on Friday, marking a $4 gain on the week, after $3 losses the week before, and $3 gains the week before that. Prices were retreating Monday.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices have spiked more than $5 in the last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $56.25 per barrel after jumping more than $2 on Friday. The rig count in Kansas is up 20 percent. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports four active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one for the week, and 14 in western Kansas, which is up two. Operators are about to spud a new well on a lease in Ellis County and another in Stafford County.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reports 403 active drilling rigs nationwide as of Friday, an increase of one oil rig over the count last week. Texas was up five rigs, but Louisiana was down two, and both New Mexico and North Dakota were down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 13 newly completed wells in eastern Kansas last week and six west of Wichita. That's 116 completed wells across Kansas so far this year. We're seeing completion activity this week on five leases in Barton County, and one each in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators approved 22 new drilling permits last week, six in eastern Kansas and 16 west of Wichita, including two new permits in Russell County and two in Stafford County. So far this year, we've seen 122 permits for drilling at new locations in The Sunflower State. National gasoline prices continued to increase, rising nine cents last week and 30 cents in the month of February. AAA says the average across the U.S. Thursday was just over $2.74 a gallon, the most expensive daily national average since August of 2019. Prices across Kansas over the last month have jumped more than 36 cents to a statewide average just over $2.57 a gallon. We spotted $2.54 at several locations in Hays Thursday and $2.57 across Great Bend. The cost of filling up a 15-gallon tank is up more than four dollars from a month ago and up more than eight dollars compared to six months ago. A new federal report pegs Kansas crude oil production last year at just under 28 million barrels, or 76,000 barrels per day. Last year, most Kansas producers shut in most Kansas production due to low prices. That dropped annual production 17 percent from the year before, when total output in the Sunflower State reached nearly 34 million barrels, or about 93,000 barrels per day. The new totals from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show total U.S. output last year reached just 11.3 million barrels per day, down more than 940,000 barrels per day from the year before. U.S. crude inventories rose by 12.6 million barrels last week to nearly 485 million barrels. That's about three percent above the five-year seasonal average. U.S. crude production dropped below ten million barrels per day for the second week in a row, marking the first time that's happened since September. A year ago this week, operators set the all-time record for domestic production over 13 million barrels per day. The government reported an increase in U.S. crude imports of nearly two million barrels per day last week, but said the four-week average remains nearly 13% below the same period last year. Oil-by-rail totals for the week ending February 27 rose more than 2,000 tanker cars from the week before, but the totals are down more than 22% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail in Canada, which is widely expected to spike without additional pipeline capacity, was up more than 1,000 tanker cars last week, but remains 16% below the totals from a year ago. Total U.S. freight shipments by rail plummeted in February. The Association of American Railroads said in a statement that total rail traffic dipped more than four percent, despite strong numbers in grain and intermodal shipments. AAR said harsh winter weather hit wide swaths of the country, wreaking havoc on all forms of transportation, including rail. The top trade group for the oil patch has also been among the top advocates against government action concerning climate change. But the American Petroleum Institute is now reportedly considering a move toward carbon pricing to limit emissions. The Chamber of Commerce embraced market-based emissions limits earlier this year, and several of API's largest members already support plans involving carbon taxes and rebates. Bloomberg reports the API is considering a draft policy statement which could receive a vote later this week.&nbsp; The world’s largest oil company may soon dispose of some huge assets as a way of maintaining its $75 billion annual dividend payments. Almost all that goes to the Saudi government. That payout – the biggest of any listed company in the world – became harder to sustain after the coronavirus pandemic caused crude prices to plunge last year. Aramco is studying at least seven non-binding bids from companies interested in taking a stake in the crude giant's oil pipelines. Bloomberg reports infrastructure funds are flush with capital, and are looking for predictable investments. This sale could be one of the biggest infrastructure deals this year. After years of rising output turned Canada into the world’s fourth-largest crude producer, expansion projects there have nearly halted on the heels of two market crashes since 2014. Bloomberg reports oil sands producers in Western Canada next month will conduct major maintenance and overhauls, idling nearly half a million barrels per day of production.&nbsp; It started some weeks back when the sporting goods company The North Face refused to fill an order for 400 jackets from an oil and gas company. The Colorado firm reportedly didn’t want to be associated with an industry that doesn’t meet its brand standards. As we pointed out then, the jackets, and almost every else The North Face sells, are made with nylon, polyester and polyurethane, all of which come from petroleum. So, the Colorado Oil and Gas Association decided to have some fun with the situation. It bestowed its first-ever “Extraordinary Customer Award” on The North Face, saying it appreciates the company for its abundant use of oil and gas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices retreated on Monday, after a wild ride last week, followed by a missile attack on the world's largest crude terminal over the weekend. Crude prices surged above $71 a barrel in Asian trading after the attack in Saudi Arabia Sunday. Bloomberg said output appeared to be unaffected after the missiles and drones were intercepted.&nbsp; The OPEC+ alliance decided to extend its current output cuts. And the Saudis say they will continue their additional, voluntary production limits. The announcements sent crude prices through the roof last week, with the U.S. and international benchmarks jumping more than three percent. U.S. Crude prices continue their roller coaster ride. Benchmark prices topped $66 a barrel on Friday, marking a $4 gain on the week, after $3 losses the week before, and $3 gains the week before that. Prices were retreating Monday.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices have spiked more than $5 in the last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $56.25 per barrel after jumping more than $2 on Friday. The rig count in Kansas is up 20 percent. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports four active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one for the week, and 14 in western Kansas, which is up two. Operators are about to spud a new well on a lease in Ellis County and another in Stafford County.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reports 403 active drilling rigs nationwide as of Friday, an increase of one oil rig over the count last week. Texas was up five rigs, but Louisiana was down two, and both New Mexico and North Dakota were down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 13 newly completed wells in eastern Kansas last week and six west of Wichita. That's 116 completed wells across Kansas so far this year. We're seeing completion activity this week on five leases in Barton County, and one each in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators approved 22 new drilling permits last week, six in eastern Kansas and 16 west of Wichita, including two new permits in Russell County and two in Stafford County. So far this year, we've seen 122 permits for drilling at new locations in The Sunflower State. National gasoline prices continued to increase, rising nine cents last week and 30 cents in the month of February. AAA says the average across the U.S. Thursday was just over $2.74 a gallon, the most expensive daily national average since August of 2019. Prices across Kansas over the last month have jumped more than 36 cents to a statewide average just over $2.57 a gallon. We spotted $2.54 at several locations in Hays Thursday and $2.57 across Great Bend. The cost of filling up a 15-gallon tank is up more than four dollars from a month ago and up more than eight dollars compared to six months ago. A new federal report pegs Kansas crude oil production last year at just under 28 million barrels, or 76,000 barrels per day. Last year, most Kansas producers shut in most Kansas production due to low prices. That dropped annual production 17 percent from the year before, when total output in the Sunflower State reached nearly 34 million barrels, or about 93,000 barrels per day. The new totals from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show total U.S. output last year reached just 11.3 million barrels per day, down more than 940,000 barrels per day from the year before. U.S. crude inventories rose by 12.6 million barrels last week to nearly 485 million barrels. That's about three percent above the five-year seasonal average. U.S. crude production dropped below ten million barrels per day for the second week in a row, marking the first time that's happened since September. A year ago this week, operators set the all-time record for domestic production over 13 million barrels per day. The government reported an increase in U.S. crude imports of nearly two million barrels per day last week, but said the four-week average remains nearly 13% below the same period last year. Oil-by-rail totals for the week ending February 27 rose more than 2,000 tanker cars from the week before, but the totals are down more than 22% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail in Canada, which is widely expected to spike without additional pipeline capacity, was up more than 1,000 tanker cars last week, but remains 16% below the totals from a year ago. Total U.S. freight shipments by rail plummeted in February. The Association of American Railroads said in a statement that total rail traffic dipped more than four percent, despite strong numbers in grain and intermodal shipments. AAR said harsh winter weather hit wide swaths of the country, wreaking havoc on all forms of transportation, including rail. The top trade group for the oil patch has also been among the top advocates against government action concerning climate change. But the American Petroleum Institute is now reportedly considering a move toward carbon pricing to limit emissions. The Chamber of Commerce embraced market-based emissions limits earlier this year, and several of API's largest members already support plans involving carbon taxes and rebates. Bloomberg reports the API is considering a draft policy statement which could receive a vote later this week.&nbsp; The world’s largest oil company may soon dispose of some huge assets as a way of maintaining its $75 billion annual dividend payments. Almost all that goes to the Saudi government. That payout – the biggest of any listed company in the world – became harder to sustain after the coronavirus pandemic caused crude prices to plunge last year. Aramco is studying at least seven non-binding bids from companies interested in taking a stake in the crude giant's oil pipelines. Bloomberg reports infrastructure funds are flush with capital, and are looking for predictable investments. This sale could be one of the biggest infrastructure deals this year. After years of rising output turned Canada into the world’s fourth-largest crude producer, expansion projects there have nearly halted on the heels of two market crashes since 2014. Bloomberg reports oil sands producers in Western Canada next month will conduct major maintenance and overhauls, idling nearly half a million barrels per day of production.&nbsp; It started some weeks back when the sporting goods company The North Face refused to fill an order for 400 jackets from an oil and gas company. The Colorado firm reportedly didn’t want to be associated with an industry that doesn’t meet its brand standards. As we pointed out then, the jackets, and almost every else The North Face sells, are made with nylon, polyester and polyurethane, all of which come from petroleum. So, the Colorado Oil and Gas Association decided to have some fun with the situation. It bestowed its first-ever “Extraordinary Customer Award” on The North Face, saying it appreciates the company for its abundant use of oil and gas.

News From the Oil Patch: The ups and downs of crude pricing

Three-day weather outlook

Grassy sandbur is the “sticker” plant that looks like grass. It will often invade thin lawns, especially in dry years. Therefore, the best control for this weed is a thick, healthy lawn.

However, if your lawn is thin this spring and grassy sandbur was a problem last year, use a preemergence herbicide before the sandbur comes up. However, not all preemergence herbicides are effective. The three products that can help minimize grassy sandbur are oryzalin, pendimethalin, and prodiamine. Oryzalin is sold under the trade name Weed Impede. &nbsp; It can be used on all warm-season grasses as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses other than tall fescue such as Kentucky bluegrass. Oryzalin is also sold as a combination product with benefin as Green Light Amaze. &nbsp;As with oryzalin alone, it can be used on all warm-season grasses as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses other than tall fescue such as Kentucky bluegrass. Apply Amaze or an oryzalin product about April 15 when redbud trees approach full bloom. Pendimethalin is sold commercially as Pendulum as well as several other names. On the homeowner side, it is sold as Scotts Halts. Pendimethalin is best applied as a split application with the first half applied about April 15 and the second about June 1. Alternatively, make the first application when redbud trees approach full bloom and the second six weeks later. Prodiamine is sold under the commercial name of Barricade. &nbsp;It is also sold as a homeowner product Howard Johnson Crabgrass Control Plus with 0.37 Prodiamine &nbsp;00-00-07. &nbsp;It can be used on all our common lawn grasses. Apply as is done for oryzalin, about April 15 or when redbud trees approach full bloom. Only one application is needed per year. None of the “weed preventers” will give complete control but each should help. Quinclorac (Drive) can provide some postemergence control especially if the sandbur is in the seedling stage. Quinclorac is also found in several combination products that control both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass such as one of the following. • Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max + Crabgrass Control • BioAdvanced All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer • Monterey Crab-E-Rad Plus • Fertilome Weed Out with Crabgrass Killer • Trimec Crabgrass Plus Lawn Weed Killer • Bonide Weed Beater Plus Crabgrass &amp; Broadleaf Weed Killer • Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Again, the best control for grassy sandbur is a healthy, thick lawn. 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." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Grassy sandbur is the “sticker” plant that looks like grass. It will often invade thin lawns, especially in dry years. Therefore, the best control for this weed is a thick, healthy lawn. However, if your lawn is thin this spring and grassy sandbur was a problem last year, use a preemergence herbicide before the sandbur comes up. However, not all preemergence herbicides are effective. The three products that can help minimize grassy sandbur are oryzalin, pendimethalin, and prodiamine. Oryzalin is sold under the trade name Weed Impede. &nbsp; It can be used on all warm-season grasses as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses other than tall fescue such as Kentucky bluegrass. Oryzalin is also sold as a combination product with benefin as Green Light Amaze. &nbsp;As with oryzalin alone, it can be used on all warm-season grasses as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses other than tall fescue such as Kentucky bluegrass. Apply Amaze or an oryzalin product about April 15 when redbud trees approach full bloom. Pendimethalin is sold commercially as Pendulum as well as several other names. On the homeowner side, it is sold as Scotts Halts. Pendimethalin is best applied as a split application with the first half applied about April 15 and the second about June 1. Alternatively, make the first application when redbud trees approach full bloom and the second six weeks later. Prodiamine is sold under the commercial name of Barricade. &nbsp;It is also sold as a homeowner product Howard Johnson Crabgrass Control Plus with 0.37 Prodiamine &nbsp;00-00-07. &nbsp;It can be used on all our common lawn grasses. Apply as is done for oryzalin, about April 15 or when redbud trees approach full bloom. Only one application is needed per year. None of the “weed preventers” will give complete control but each should help. Quinclorac (Drive) can provide some postemergence control especially if the sandbur is in the seedling stage. Quinclorac is also found in several combination products that control both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass such as one of the following. • Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max + Crabgrass Control • BioAdvanced All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer • Monterey Crab-E-Rad Plus • Fertilome Weed Out with Crabgrass Killer • Trimec Crabgrass Plus Lawn Weed Killer • Bonide Weed Beater Plus Crabgrass &amp; Broadleaf Weed Killer • Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Again, the best control for grassy sandbur is a healthy, thick lawn. 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: Controlling grassy sandbur 'stickers'

LINCOLN COUNTY—Two Kansas teens were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Lincoln County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Pickup driven by Gunner A. Hulse, 15, Lucas, was turning left from N 13th Road onto Kansas 18.

The driver failed to yield when turning, according to the KHP. A westbound 2000 GMC pickup driven by Zachary J. Rose, 17, Luray, struck the Ford.&nbsp;

EMS transported Hulse to a Wichita hospital and Rose to the Lincoln County Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

LINCOLN COUNTY—Two Kansas teens were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Lincoln County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Pickup driven by Gunner A. Hulse, 15, Lucas, was turning left from N 13th Road onto Kansas 18.The driver failed to yield when turning, according to the KHP. A westbound 2000 GMC pickup driven by Zachary J. Rose, 17, Luray, struck the Ford.&nbsp;EMS transported Hulse to a Wichita hospital and Rose to the Lincoln County Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

2 Kansas teens hospitalized after pickups collide 

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

<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

There were just three new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 18 active cases, including four active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,677 recovered cases.

As of Monday, there were nine COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 10 on Friday, with two of those active patients and seven in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose from just less than 2 percent on Friday to 3.7 percent on Monday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,695 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 72 coronavirus-related deaths.

Of the total 25,103 tests administered, 13.6 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615226518756.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></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 flat from Friday at two.<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.There were just three new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 18 active cases, including four active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,677 recovered cases.As of Monday, there were nine COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 10 on Friday, with two of those active patients and seven in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose from just less than 2 percent on Friday to 3.7 percent on Monday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,695 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 72 coronavirus-related deaths.Of the total 25,103 tests administered, 13.6 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615238827689.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Per-day virus rate at 2 in Ellis Co.; just 3 new cases identified

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Fort Hays State University Graphic Design program's annual exhibit is now on display at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Moss-Thorns-Gallery-of-Art-and-Patricia-A-Schmidt-Gallery-109295563837821">Moss-Thorns Gallery</a> on the FHSU campus.

The exhibit titled "Wabi Sabi" is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays until March 19.

The pandemic created some challenges for the students as they were forced to complete projects to create packaging materials via computer using the software Cinema 4D.

Sean Engler, a senior in graphic design from Wichita, used the software to create the packing for the fictional Harmony Wine. The logo was inspired by the the Chinese word for alcohol. Growing out of the symbol is a tree.&nbsp;

"The story is a made-up story," he said. "The producer's parents came over form China, and they used to work at the Temple of Heaven. They would use this berry that made a really good drink, so he created this wine off of it."

Engler said he did not have the physical objects to measure.

"I couldn't get the feel for the actual product in my hands," he said.&nbsp;

However, he said he enjoyed working in the 3-D space.

"With making stuff physically, there are a lot of limitations," he said. "But making stuff on the computer, you can do whatever you want to and whatever you need to without limitations."

Perla Medina, a senior in graphic design, created marketing materials for a gender-neutral personal care line.&nbsp;

"[Cinema 4D] was new to us, but it was honestly kind of fun and interesting," she said, "because you can do things here that you can't do by just printing it out and making it by hand. It is really nice to be able to do both."&nbsp;

Medina also has several posters included in the exhibit from the History of Graphic Design and the American Democracy Poster Series.

Bailey Werner, senior in graphic design from Plainville, created a brand of soaps that were sponsored by TV soap operas. Her work was inspired by her own love of soap operas. She hand drew vintage soap opera characters and included a soap character trading card in each box of soap.

Werner also has several posters in the exhibit from History of Graphic Design and the the Democracy Project Poster Series.

One of her posters depicts a limbo game between the Republican elephant and Democratic donkey with the tag line "How Low Can You Go?" Another has a "Wizard of Oz" theme with the tag line "Vote Like a Kansan." Yet another posters depicts a broken eagle with the tag line "Divided We Fall."

Werner created two book covers for "The Phantom of the Opera." She developed one cover using a ransom note as a theme. The other depicts an illustration using the "P" in phantom as inspiration. The front depicts the phantom heart's strings playing music. The back cover depicts those heart strings broken.

Paige Simpson, a senior in graphic design from Salina, created a fictional artist, Make Cooper, to promote her fictional office product line, Mark's Gestures Art and Office Supplies.

Simpson used mid-century modern shapes and bold colors. Each year Mark commissions an artist to create a limited-edition art print that is included with every purchase. More information on the artist can be accessed through a QR code in the packaging.

Alexis Zubik, junior in graphic design from Overland Park, has her 75 cent project in the exhibit. She repackaged tea light candles into a box that looks like a slice of pizza to inspire college students to purchase the candles for date nights. Behind each candle is cheesy pickup line.

Other students who have projects in the exhibit include Laura Krug, Tessa Simon, Emily Brecht, Tana Herreman, Codi Custer, Abigale Sorenson, Cadyn Dixon and Hanna Brooks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614975278953.jpeg" alt="Sean Engler, a senior in graphic design from Wichita, with his&nbsp;Harmony Wine marketing materials. Engler's work is part of the&nbsp;Fort Hays State University Graphic Design&nbsp;"Wabi Sabi" exhibition open now at the Moss-Thorns Gallery at FHSU." />
 <figcaption>Sean Engler, a senior in graphic design from Wichita, with his&nbsp;Harmony Wine marketing materials. Engler's work is part of the&nbsp;Fort Hays State University Graphic Design&nbsp;"Wabi Sabi" exhibition open now at the Moss-Thorns Gallery at FHSU.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Fort Hays State University Graphic Design program's annual exhibit is now on display at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Moss-Thorns-Gallery-of-Art-and-Patricia-A-Schmidt-Gallery-109295563837821">Moss-Thorns Gallery</a> on the FHSU campus.The exhibit titled "Wabi Sabi" is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays until March 19.The pandemic created some challenges for the students as they were forced to complete projects to create packaging materials via computer using the software Cinema 4D.Sean Engler, a senior in graphic design from Wichita, used the software to create the packing for the fictional Harmony Wine. The logo was inspired by the the Chinese word for alcohol. Growing out of the symbol is a tree.&nbsp;"The story is a made-up story," he said. "The producer's parents came over form China, and they used to work at the Temple of Heaven. They would use this berry that made a really good drink, so he created this wine off of it."Engler said he did not have the physical objects to measure."I couldn't get the feel for the actual product in my hands," he said.&nbsp;However, he said he enjoyed working in the 3-D space."With making stuff physically, there are a lot of limitations," he said. "But making stuff on the computer, you can do whatever you want to and whatever you need to without limitations."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614975424959.jpeg" alt="Perla Medina, a senior in graphic design, created marketing materials for a gender neutral personal care line.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Perla Medina, a senior in graphic design, created marketing materials for a gender neutral personal care line.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Perla Medina, a senior in graphic design, created marketing materials for a gender-neutral personal care line.&nbsp;"[Cinema 4D] was new to us, but it was honestly kind of fun and interesting," she said, "because you can do things here that you can't do by just printing it out and making it by hand. It is really nice to be able to do both."&nbsp;Medina also has several posters included in the exhibit from the History of Graphic Design and the American Democracy Poster Series.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614975472614.jpeg" alt="Bailey Werner, senior in graphic design from Plainville, created a brand of soaps that were sponsored by TV soap operas." />
 <figcaption>Bailey Werner, senior in graphic design from Plainville, created a brand of soaps that were sponsored by TV soap operas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Bailey Werner, senior in graphic design from Plainville, created a brand of soaps that were sponsored by TV soap operas. Her work was inspired by her own love of soap operas. She hand drew vintage soap opera characters and included a soap character trading card in each box of soap.Werner also has several posters in the exhibit from History of Graphic Design and the the Democracy Project Poster Series.One of her posters depicts a limbo game between the Republican elephant and Democratic donkey with the tag line "How Low Can You Go?" Another has a "Wizard of Oz" theme with the tag line "Vote Like a Kansan." Yet another posters depicts a broken eagle with the tag line "Divided We Fall."Werner created two book covers for "The Phantom of the Opera." She developed one cover using a ransom note as a theme. The other depicts an illustration using the "P" in phantom as inspiration. The front depicts the phantom heart's strings playing music. The back cover depicts those heart strings broken.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614975540054.jpeg" alt="Paige Simpson, a senior in graphic design from Salina, created a fictional artist, Make Cooper, to promote her fictional office product line, Mark's Gestures Art and Office Supplies." />
 <figcaption>Paige Simpson, a senior in graphic design from Salina, created a fictional artist, Make Cooper, to promote her fictional office product line, Mark's Gestures Art and Office Supplies.</figcaption>
 </figure>Paige Simpson, a senior in graphic design from Salina, created a fictional artist, Make Cooper, to promote her fictional office product line, Mark's Gestures Art and Office Supplies.Simpson used mid-century modern shapes and bold colors. Each year Mark commissions an artist to create a limited-edition art print that is included with every purchase. More information on the artist can be accessed through a QR code in the packaging.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614975681195.jpeg" alt="Alexis Zubik, junior in graphic design from Overland Park, and her Date Night Candles project." />
 <figcaption>Alexis Zubik, junior in graphic design from Overland Park, and her Date Night Candles project.</figcaption>
 </figure>Alexis Zubik, junior in graphic design from Overland Park, has her 75 cent project in the exhibit. She repackaged tea light candles into a box that looks like a slice of pizza to inspire college students to purchase the candles for date nights. Behind each candle is cheesy pickup line.Other students who have projects in the exhibit include Laura Krug, Tessa Simon, Emily Brecht, Tana Herreman, Codi Custer, Abigale Sorenson, Cadyn Dixon and Hanna Brooks.

Moss-Thorns gallery hosts FHSU graphic design students' exhibition

The Hays USD 489 school district will consider the purchase of an activity bus at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.

The purchase is part of a five-year transportation plan.

The district has budgeted $260,000 for the purchase.

The board will discuss the purchase of new iPads for K-8 teachers. The cost of purchasing 175 devices is estimated at $51,000.

The district will review bids for the replacement of a buildings and grounds tractor for the district.

The district has received three bids ranging from $44,500 to $51,300.

The district will also discuss new staffing requests for the 2021-22 school year and a revision to the local biding policy, and hear an update on Wilson Elementary School from Principal Anita Scheve.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school district will consider the purchase of an activity bus at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.The purchase is part of a five-year transportation plan.The district has budgeted $260,000 for the purchase.<h2>iPads for K-8 Teachers</h2>The board will discuss the purchase of new iPads for K-8 teachers. The cost of purchasing 175 devices is estimated at $51,000.<h2>Maintenance tractor</h2>The district will review bids for the replacement of a buildings and grounds tractor for the district.The district has received three bids ranging from $44,500 to $51,300.The district will also discuss new staffing requests for the 2021-22 school year and a revision to the local biding policy, and hear an update on Wilson Elementary School from Principal Anita Scheve.

Hays school board to discuss purchase of activity bus

Back to Western Plains Arts Association is Queen City Jazz Band. The traditional jazz band was founded in Denver more than 60 years ago, and is recognized across the nation for playing outstanding traditional, Dixieland, gospel and spiritual music. &nbsp;The group has also toured widely across Europe. Colby High School will host Queen City Jazz Band, at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 14. Admission is by season ticket or adults $20, students $10 at the door.&nbsp; In addition to businesses and individual donors across northwest Kansas, Queen City Jazz Band is made possible through special funding by the Dane Hansen Memorial Foundation, Lenora; the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, Bird City; and the Thomas County Community Foundation. Bill Clark, tubist and band leader, joined the QCJB in 1976 and became the leader in 1985. A retired University of Colorado music professor, Clark set a goal while a 1960's high school student to one day play in the already popular band. Band members come from strong music performance and/or music eduction background and all have played with a number of local bands prior to joining QCJB. Instrumentalists include Kevin Bollinger, trumpet; John Bredenberg, clarinet and saxophone; Eric Staffelt, trombone; Hank Troy, piano; Rory Thomas, banjo; and Tony Pantelis, drums. Their gospel, blues and jazz vocalist Wende Harston has sang with the band since 1992. The band has released numerous recordings over the years. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://queencityjazzband.com/">QueenCityJazzBand.com</a>&nbsp;for further information about the musicians and music, pictures and video samples. Ball in the House, and R&amp;B group originally scheduled this date, canceled their 2021 spring season because the on-going pandemic. The WPAA board appreciates QCJB for agreeing to perform at the same March 14 time. Colby High School is an alternate venue than originally scheduled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581542018976.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WPAABack to Western Plains Arts Association is Queen City Jazz Band. The traditional jazz band was founded in Denver more than 60 years ago, and is recognized across the nation for playing outstanding traditional, Dixieland, gospel and spiritual music. &nbsp;The group has also toured widely across Europe. Colby High School will host Queen City Jazz Band, at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 14. Admission is by season ticket or adults $20, students $10 at the door.&nbsp; In addition to businesses and individual donors across northwest Kansas, Queen City Jazz Band is made possible through special funding by the Dane Hansen Memorial Foundation, Lenora; the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, Bird City; and the Thomas County Community Foundation. Bill Clark, tubist and band leader, joined the QCJB in 1976 and became the leader in 1985. A retired University of Colorado music professor, Clark set a goal while a 1960's high school student to one day play in the already popular band. Band members come from strong music performance and/or music eduction background and all have played with a number of local bands prior to joining QCJB. Instrumentalists include Kevin Bollinger, trumpet; John Bredenberg, clarinet and saxophone; Eric Staffelt, trombone; Hank Troy, piano; Rory Thomas, banjo; and Tony Pantelis, drums. Their gospel, blues and jazz vocalist Wende Harston has sang with the band since 1992. The band has released numerous recordings over the years. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://queencityjazzband.com/">QueenCityJazzBand.com</a>&nbsp;for further information about the musicians and music, pictures and video samples. Ball in the House, and R&amp;B group originally scheduled this date, canceled their 2021 spring season because the on-going pandemic. The WPAA board appreciates QCJB for agreeing to perform at the same March 14 time. Colby High School is an alternate venue than originally scheduled.

Queen City Jazz Band set to perform in Colby

Upcoming
blood donation opportunities

Hays Blood Donation Center 208 E. 8th Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cheyenne County Saint Francis 3/9/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 202 N College

Decatur County Oberlin 3/11/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 102 N. Cass

Ellis County&nbsp; Victoria 3/9/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Victoria High School, 1107 E. 10th St.

Gove County Quinter 3/12/2021: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant

Osborne County Downs 3/9/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Memorial Hall, S. Morgan Ave.

Phillips County Phillipsburg 3/10/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Phillips County 4-H Building, North Hwy 183

Thomas County Colby 3/10/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Colby Community Building, 285 East 5th 3/11/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Colby Community Building, 285 East 5th

Wallace County Sharon Springs 3/10/2021: 9:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Wallace County Schools, 521 N Main

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614983294750.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>Upcoming
blood donation opportunitiesHays Blood Donation Center 208 E. 8th Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cheyenne County Saint Francis 3/9/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 202 N CollegeDecatur County Oberlin 3/11/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 102 N. Cass Ellis County&nbsp; Victoria 3/9/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Victoria High School, 1107 E. 10th St. Gove County Quinter 3/12/2021: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant Osborne County Downs 3/9/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Memorial Hall, S. Morgan Ave. Phillips County Phillipsburg 3/10/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Phillips County 4-H Building, North Hwy 183 Thomas County Colby 3/10/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Colby Community Building, 285 East 5th 3/11/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Colby Community Building, 285 East 5thWallace County Sharon Springs 3/10/2021: 9:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Wallace County Schools, 521 N Main

Red Cross needs blood donations after winter storms; area drives scheduled  

BY HOLLY DICKMAN City of Hays Water Conservation Specialist

World Water Day is an annual observance focusing on the importance of water.&nbsp; To celebrate, the City of Hays and the KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds are once again partnering to host a World Water Day Fun Fest on Thursday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, in the lobby of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp; 

This free event will feature fun, hands-on, "water-related" activities for kids of all ages. In addition, educational information regarding water conservation and water quality will be provided.&nbsp; Social distancing and masks are required. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614974465738.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY HOLLY DICKMAN City of Hays Water Conservation SpecialistWorld Water Day is an annual observance focusing on the importance of water.&nbsp; To celebrate, the City of Hays and the KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds are once again partnering to host a World Water Day Fun Fest on Thursday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, in the lobby of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp; This free event will feature fun, hands-on, "water-related" activities for kids of all ages. In addition, educational information regarding water conservation and water quality will be provided.&nbsp; Social distancing and masks are required. &nbsp;

World Water Day Fun Fest set for March 25 in Hays

One of the most used applications for connecting people in 2021 is Zoom. It has been used to take the place of the classroom or transform a traditional classroom into a virtual one. Zoom has literally turned thousands of meeting rooms and classrooms into pandemic safe areas.&nbsp;

Prior to the pandemic, my schedule at work often included one or two Zoom meetings per week. Now, it is not uncommon to have one or two (or more) Zoom sessions each day. My Zoom sessions vary from our Cottonwood team meetings to classes I am teaching or taking. I have literally visited Washington DC, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Rochester, New York through virtual conferences during the past year. While I missed l face-to-face networking and experiencing the culture of traveling to a different part of the country, I did receive valuable ideas to incorporate in my work here in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;

If you would like to learn more about Zoom mark your calendar for Friday, March 12th, and join me at 1:00 PM via Zoom of course. I have set up the Zoom link and you will need to e-mail me at&nbsp; <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a> so that I can send you that link. Megan Hammeke, from the Great Bend Recreation Center, is teaming up with me to help lead this session. Our goal is to cover the basics of the Zoom platform and help you navigate the features it offers.&nbsp;

Even though Zoom was launched in 2013 under the direction of Eric Yuan, the capacity of hosting a Zoom meeting was just 15 people. By 2015, that number mushroomed to a thousand. Statistics show that in March 2020 that two million people used Zoom every day. I think back to the days, back in 2006, when our son, Adam, spent a year teaching in Slovakia. We were thrilled to have a decent connection for our phone call (no video) once a week via Skype. Technology has certainly come a long way. Now we enjoy regular family meetings via Zoom since our kids and grandkids do not live in Great Bend.&nbsp;

We would love to have a nice sized group of folks who are wanting to learn more about Zoom join us on the 12th. All you need is a computer, ipad, or smart phone and an internet connection. You will be able to join from the comfort of your home. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions about our Zoom session. I hope to “see” you on the 12th!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend Office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the most used applications for connecting people in 2021 is Zoom. It has been used to take the place of the classroom or transform a traditional classroom into a virtual one. Zoom has literally turned thousands of meeting rooms and classrooms into pandemic safe areas.&nbsp;Prior to the pandemic, my schedule at work often included one or two Zoom meetings per week. Now, it is not uncommon to have one or two (or more) Zoom sessions each day. My Zoom sessions vary from our Cottonwood team meetings to classes I am teaching or taking. I have literally visited Washington DC, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Rochester, New York through virtual conferences during the past year. While I missed l face-to-face networking and experiencing the culture of traveling to a different part of the country, I did receive valuable ideas to incorporate in my work here in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;If you would like to learn more about Zoom mark your calendar for Friday, March 12th, and join me at 1:00 PM via Zoom of course. I have set up the Zoom link and you will need to e-mail me at&nbsp; <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a> so that I can send you that link. Megan Hammeke, from the Great Bend Recreation Center, is teaming up with me to help lead this session. Our goal is to cover the basics of the Zoom platform and help you navigate the features it offers.&nbsp;Even though Zoom was launched in 2013 under the direction of Eric Yuan, the capacity of hosting a Zoom meeting was just 15 people. By 2015, that number mushroomed to a thousand. Statistics show that in March 2020 that two million people used Zoom every day. I think back to the days, back in 2006, when our son, Adam, spent a year teaching in Slovakia. We were thrilled to have a decent connection for our phone call (no video) once a week via Skype. Technology has certainly come a long way. Now we enjoy regular family meetings via Zoom since our kids and grandkids do not live in Great Bend.&nbsp;We would love to have a nice sized group of folks who are wanting to learn more about Zoom join us on the 12th. All you need is a computer, ipad, or smart phone and an internet connection. You will be able to join from the comfort of your home. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions about our Zoom session. I hope to “see” you on the 12th!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend Office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Learning more about the world of Zoom

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

“Bring your best.” Perhaps you received that advice from a schoolteacher or coach. Today we’ll meet a rural Kansas farmer who has built a business by bringing the best of his family’s products to farmers markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gail and Sue Johnson are owners of Johnson Farms Country Market, which specializes in producing and selling produce, canned items, and baked goods at local farmers markets. Gail grew up on a farm near Bennington. Sue’s family lived at Burdick and Enterprise before she and Gail were married.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sue became a nurse, and Gail worked as a lab technician at a plant in Salina. In 1999, they bought a farm near Hope. “Our families both had big gardens growing up,” Gail said. They put in a garden at their new place. One day they stopped at the farmers market in Abilene. “We thought that would be fun to do,” Gail said.&nbsp;

They set up a stand to sell their garden vegetables at the weekly farmers market in Abilene, and it went well. Then they added some jams and jellies. When they wanted to make and sell pickles from their cucumbers, they needed a license and an approved kitchen. “Our first commercial kitchen was in 2015,” Gail said.&nbsp;

Sue’s mom and grandma had an old German family recipe for bierocks, and people said they were good enough to sell. The bierocks are now their No. 1 seller.&nbsp;

The business is called Johnson Farms Country Market, with products sold at a series of community-based farmers markets throughout the year. The Johnsons go to a regular circuit of farmers markets. Salina has a market on Tuesday, Abilene has a market on Wednesday, Junction City has a market on Thursday, and on Saturday there are markets in Abilene and Manhattan.&nbsp;

The Johnsons also sell products at the Prairieland Market, a cooperatively owned grocery store in Salina, and the Hoffman Grist Mill in Enterprise.&nbsp;

Today, Johnson Farms Country Market sells bierocks, cinnamon rolls, cookies, maple bars, banana bread, fruit pies, salsa and more. “These days, most of our produce is needed for our baked goods,” Gail said. “We source everything we can locally.” Fruit pies include such flavors as strawberry, rhubarb, gooseberry, peach, blueberry, red raspberry and more.&nbsp;

“The chocolate chip cookies are our own recipe,” Gail said. One of their cooking secrets is to use a mix of cake and bread flour. “We might make a hundred dozen cookies in a week,” he said. That also meant that Sue might be up baking until 3 or 4 in the morning before the market.&nbsp;

“We had a family meeting and had to decide if we would try to expand further or not,” Gail said. They chose to pursue the growth opportunities. In early 2020, Gail retired and went full-time into the business. A new 42 x 64 Morton building was constructed to house an expanded commercial kitchen with space for delivery vans. “Our five kids all help, plus a daughter-in-law,” Gail said. Their daughters also produce arts and craft items.&nbsp;

When COVID-19 hit in spring 2020, farmers markets and other businesses shut down. Then food workers were deemed essential, and markets reopened, with added sanitation and socially distanced spacing. “Andrea from A&amp;H Farms is our market manager in Manhattan, and she’s done a great job,” Gail said.&nbsp;

What is the key to success in direct marketing through farmer’s markets? “You have to offer a really good product and be at the market consistently,” Gail said. “Almost everything we make from scratch. My wife will not cook anything out of a can or a box. People love our pie crust.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“My wife is very picky about what comes out of our kitchen,” he said. “We pride ourselves in bringing the best products that we can to the farmer’s markets.” That’s key to this business near the rural community of Hope, population 368 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

“Bring your best.” It’s good advice for farmers markets and for life. We commend Gail and Sue Johnson for making a difference with their crops and kitchens, and for bringing out the best.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614780169559.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;“Bring your best.” Perhaps you received that advice from a schoolteacher or coach. Today we’ll meet a rural Kansas farmer who has built a business by bringing the best of his family’s products to farmers markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gail and Sue Johnson are owners of Johnson Farms Country Market, which specializes in producing and selling produce, canned items, and baked goods at local farmers markets. Gail grew up on a farm near Bennington. Sue’s family lived at Burdick and Enterprise before she and Gail were married.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sue became a nurse, and Gail worked as a lab technician at a plant in Salina. In 1999, they bought a farm near Hope. “Our families both had big gardens growing up,” Gail said. They put in a garden at their new place. One day they stopped at the farmers market in Abilene. “We thought that would be fun to do,” Gail said.&nbsp;They set up a stand to sell their garden vegetables at the weekly farmers market in Abilene, and it went well. Then they added some jams and jellies. When they wanted to make and sell pickles from their cucumbers, they needed a license and an approved kitchen. “Our first commercial kitchen was in 2015,” Gail said.&nbsp;Sue’s mom and grandma had an old German family recipe for bierocks, and people said they were good enough to sell. The bierocks are now their No. 1 seller.&nbsp;The business is called Johnson Farms Country Market, with products sold at a series of community-based farmers markets throughout the year. The Johnsons go to a regular circuit of farmers markets. Salina has a market on Tuesday, Abilene has a market on Wednesday, Junction City has a market on Thursday, and on Saturday there are markets in Abilene and Manhattan.&nbsp;The Johnsons also sell products at the Prairieland Market, a cooperatively owned grocery store in Salina, and the Hoffman Grist Mill in Enterprise.&nbsp;Today, Johnson Farms Country Market sells bierocks, cinnamon rolls, cookies, maple bars, banana bread, fruit pies, salsa and more. “These days, most of our produce is needed for our baked goods,” Gail said. “We source everything we can locally.” Fruit pies include such flavors as strawberry, rhubarb, gooseberry, peach, blueberry, red raspberry and more.&nbsp;“The chocolate chip cookies are our own recipe,” Gail said. One of their cooking secrets is to use a mix of cake and bread flour. “We might make a hundred dozen cookies in a week,” he said. That also meant that Sue might be up baking until 3 or 4 in the morning before the market.&nbsp;“We had a family meeting and had to decide if we would try to expand further or not,” Gail said. They chose to pursue the growth opportunities. In early 2020, Gail retired and went full-time into the business. A new 42 x 64 Morton building was constructed to house an expanded commercial kitchen with space for delivery vans. “Our five kids all help, plus a daughter-in-law,” Gail said. Their daughters also produce arts and craft items.&nbsp;When COVID-19 hit in spring 2020, farmers markets and other businesses shut down. Then food workers were deemed essential, and markets reopened, with added sanitation and socially distanced spacing. “Andrea from A&amp;H Farms is our market manager in Manhattan, and she’s done a great job,” Gail said.&nbsp;What is the key to success in direct marketing through farmer’s markets? “You have to offer a really good product and be at the market consistently,” Gail said. “Almost everything we make from scratch. My wife will not cook anything out of a can or a box. People love our pie crust.&nbsp;&nbsp;“My wife is very picky about what comes out of our kitchen,” he said. “We pride ourselves in bringing the best products that we can to the farmer’s markets.” That’s key to this business near the rural community of Hope, population 368 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;“Bring your best.” It’s good advice for farmers markets and for life. We commend Gail and Sue Johnson for making a difference with their crops and kitchens, and for bringing out the best.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Gail & Sue Johnson, Johnson Farms Country Market

MANHATTAN — A public hearing will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, to consider the revision of a regulation related to conservation practices. Due to public health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing proceedings will be held via a video conferencing system to provide the opportunity for virtual participation online.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation is proposing a revision to K.A.R. 11-9-5 which will provide for a one-time early payout of existing long-term state incentive contracts for landowners already enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program conservation practices under the Kansas Water Quality Buffer Initiative. &nbsp;

A copy of the proposed regulation, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on the KDA website at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDEuMzYxMzQ4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9QdWJsaWNDb21tZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.8sMS7ENo9YEWpAg1kLcODHTgr-u6Plhqwua-amWsWCs/s/1377890880/br/98491090957-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment</a>.

Anyone desiring to participate via video conference must pre-register and be provided with a video link. Written comments can be submitted on the public comment web page prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, attn. Ronda Hutton, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66502.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584390700468.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — A public hearing will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, to consider the revision of a regulation related to conservation practices. Due to public health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing proceedings will be held via a video conferencing system to provide the opportunity for virtual participation online.The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation is proposing a revision to K.A.R. 11-9-5 which will provide for a one-time early payout of existing long-term state incentive contracts for landowners already enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program conservation practices under the Kansas Water Quality Buffer Initiative. &nbsp;A copy of the proposed regulation, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on the KDA website at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDEuMzYxMzQ4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9QdWJsaWNDb21tZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.8sMS7ENo9YEWpAg1kLcODHTgr-u6Plhqwua-amWsWCs/s/1377890880/br/98491090957-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment</a>. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference must pre-register and be provided with a video link. Written comments can be submitted on the public comment web page prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, attn. Ronda Hutton, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66502.

KDA hearing on contract payouts for CRP Kansas Water Quality Buffer Initiative

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<div><iframe title="Succession planning vital to area businesses" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hvwxc-fcbaca?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><a href="https://anchor.fm/doug-williams77">The Grow Hays Podcast can be found be clicking here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Succession planning vital to area businesses

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Sunday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Lane A. Wells, 20,&nbsp; Marienthal, was westbound on Kansas 25 when it left the roadway to the right and overturned.&nbsp;

EMS transported Wells to the hospital in Leoti. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Sunday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Lane A. Wells, 20,&nbsp; Marienthal, was westbound on Kansas 25 when it left the roadway to the right and overturned.&nbsp;EMS transported Wells to the hospital in Leoti. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after pickup overturns

By SFC JENNIFER MILNES U.S. Army

TOPEKA — The Kansas Army National Guard’s Field Maintenance Shop 1 in Hays placed first at the National Guard Bureau in the Tables of Distribution and Allowances category for the 2020 Army Award for Maintenance Excellence after facing months of challenges and preparation.

The AAME program annually recognizes maintenance units across the Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve Components that demonstrate excellence in the field of maintenance operations.

Before being selected at the NGB level, FMS 1 submitted their packet regionally to National Guard Region 5, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, where they placed second among five TDA packet submissions. Tables of Distribution and Allowances units are non-deployable and typically support equipment in multiple units throughout portions of their states.

Field Maintenance Shop 1 shop chief, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Schmidtberger, explained that the process of preparing to submit a packet for the regional competition was challenging and lengthy.

“Gathering information, submitting it to the Kansas AAME representative and other key maintenance personnel in the state for input and making edits took approximately three months of back-and-forth, as well as about thirty additional hours of my personal time,” Schmidtberger said.

Some of that information about the shop accomplishments throughout the year includes best practices, lessons learned, Soldier competency in the maintenance field and the effects that funding and parts availability have on a unit’s readiness.

“It’s a ton of information that has to be gathered and it takes a lot of time and patience to prepare,” Schmidtberger said.

After submission, the Region 5 board suggested edits on how the competitors could improve their packets. FMS 1 updated their packet, incorporating the feedback, and then submitted to NGB where they were judged against other TDA units from across the U.S. This time they came in first.

Lt. Col. Wallace Miller, surface maintenance manager for the state of Kansas, said the first place win made sense, given the unit’s strong leadership and commitment to excellence.

“FMS 1's hard work and dedication over the last year, and historically, met or exceeded maintenance readiness for their supported units,” Miller said. “The shop is customer-focused and remains proactive in addressing organizational readiness, and they focus on developing team members to continually improve maintenance competencies.”

Schmidtberger attributes a huge part of FMS 1’s success to those individual team members, who kept the trucks that are under their shop’s responsibility at 97% fully mission capable throughout the year.

“It’s the team’s attention to detail on equipment deficiencies,” Schmidtberger said. “Without the people on the floor finding and fixing the faults in the trucks and other equipment, there would be no need to submit this AAME packet.”

“All successful programs begin with developing the individual Soldier,” Miller said. “Focusing on developing and mentoring the individual is what will ultimately result in a team of professionals capable of solving the toughest problems.”

Sgt. Maj. Craig Posch, state representative for the AAME, said a few other maintenance shops in Kansas started their packets, however, due to the pandemic, COVID-19 support missions, and overseas deployments, many shops weren’t able to continue on with their packets. Although they didn’t end up submitting, Posch said there was still value in going through the packet process.

“By going through the steps and building the packet, these TDA units help build stronger maintenance programs,” Posch said.

Schmidtberger said one advantage FMS 1 had in being successful was their full time staff. In a shop of nine full-time Guardsmen, the shop chief had enough Soldiers working to maintain readiness of equipment for the companies they support across the state. Shops without the same staffing may struggle more: traditional, part-time Soldiers may want to help out when and where they can when their communities, governors or country need them, however, prolonged support may be infeasible when volunteering for additional time takes them away from their full-time jobs for several days or months at a time.

“People join the National Guard to serve their communities and the nation,” Schmidtberger said. “It’s hard to find a balance of keeping people in the shop to maintain equipment when Soldiers are deploying with their units, volunteering for stateside missions and attending schools that help with their career progression.”

After winning at the NGB level, FMS 1’s packet competed at the Department of the Army level. Although the FMS 1 didn’t finish in the top two at the DA level, they still have the bragging rights of bringing home the gold from NGB. This is no small accomplishment, especially taking into consideration the importance of maintenance.

“Maintenance is the foundation to successful military operations,” Miller said. “When equipment is fully mission capable the commander is able to employ it in dynamic training and has faith that the equipment will perform as designed for the duration of the training event. Soldiers build trust and confidence with their equipment through utilization and repetition; an effective maintenance program enables this trust and confidence.”

Schmidtberger explained that excellence in maintenance is not only about what the field maintenance shops do for readiness, but also what Soldiers can do at the company level. Soldiers need to really use and test their equipment as opposed to only starting and running it for a while.

“If we don’t use the equipment, it rots,” Schmidtberger said. “Seals dry out which causes leaks, making the equipment inoperable.”

Those faults create more issues down the road that cause them to be in the shop for longer periods of time for repairs. When those trucks, generators and other equipment are awaiting repairs in the shop, it brings unit readiness down.

“Get your equipment out and exercise them,” Schmidtberger said. “Don’t just go out to the bullpen, start an engine and let it run. There are so many other aspects of the equipment that need worked such as the wheels, bearings, hydraulics. Keep that grease moving.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614873308633.jpeg" alt="The Field Maintenance Shop 1 team takes a moment for a group photo outside of their maintenance bays in Hays Jan. 28, 2021. FMS 1 took first place at the National Guard Bureau for the annual Army Award for Maintenance Excellence in December 2020 in the Tables of Distribution and Allowances category. Pictured from left to right: Sgt. 1st Class Lyndon Ellis, Sgt. 1st Class Lance Jones, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Schmidtberger, Sgt. Brandi Brooks, Spc. Theo Stone and Staff Sgt. Dennis Dinkel. Not present are Warrant Officer 1 Michael Murphy, Staff Sgt. Luke Pechanec, Sgt. Blake Slife and Spc. Jake Romey. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Milnes)" />
 <figcaption>The Field Maintenance Shop 1 team takes a moment for a group photo outside of their maintenance bays in Hays Jan. 28, 2021. FMS 1 took first place at the National Guard Bureau for the annual Army Award for Maintenance Excellence in December 2020 in the Tables of Distribution and Allowances category. Pictured from left to right: Sgt. 1st Class Lyndon Ellis, Sgt. 1st Class Lance Jones, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Schmidtberger, Sgt. Brandi Brooks, Spc. Theo Stone and Staff Sgt. Dennis Dinkel. Not present are Warrant Officer 1 Michael Murphy, Staff Sgt. Luke Pechanec, Sgt. Blake Slife and Spc. Jake Romey. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Milnes)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SFC JENNIFER MILNES U.S. ArmyTOPEKA — The Kansas Army National Guard’s Field Maintenance Shop 1 in Hays placed first at the National Guard Bureau in the Tables of Distribution and Allowances category for the 2020 Army Award for Maintenance Excellence after facing months of challenges and preparation.The AAME program annually recognizes maintenance units across the Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve Components that demonstrate excellence in the field of maintenance operations.Before being selected at the NGB level, FMS 1 submitted their packet regionally to National Guard Region 5, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, where they placed second among five TDA packet submissions. Tables of Distribution and Allowances units are non-deployable and typically support equipment in multiple units throughout portions of their states.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614873526022.jpeg" alt="Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Schmidtberger, Field Maintenance Shop 1 shop foreman, shows off a work in progress for their outdoor shop sign Jan. 28, 2021. Part of their new sign is being finished in Salina as the former one became sun-bleached and faded over the years. The FMS 1 took first place at the National Guard Bureau for the annual Army Award for Maintenance Excellence in December 2020 in the Tables of Distribution and Allowances category. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Milnes)" />
 <figcaption>Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Schmidtberger, Field Maintenance Shop 1 shop foreman, shows off a work in progress for their outdoor shop sign Jan. 28, 2021. Part of their new sign is being finished in Salina as the former one became sun-bleached and faded over the years. The FMS 1 took first place at the National Guard Bureau for the annual Army Award for Maintenance Excellence in December 2020 in the Tables of Distribution and Allowances category. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Milnes)</figcaption>
 </figure>Field Maintenance Shop 1 shop chief, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Schmidtberger, explained that the process of preparing to submit a packet for the regional competition was challenging and lengthy.“Gathering information, submitting it to the Kansas AAME representative and other key maintenance personnel in the state for input and making edits took approximately three months of back-and-forth, as well as about thirty additional hours of my personal time,” Schmidtberger said.Some of that information about the shop accomplishments throughout the year includes best practices, lessons learned, Soldier competency in the maintenance field and the effects that funding and parts availability have on a unit’s readiness.“It’s a ton of information that has to be gathered and it takes a lot of time and patience to prepare,” Schmidtberger said.After submission, the Region 5 board suggested edits on how the competitors could improve their packets. FMS 1 updated their packet, incorporating the feedback, and then submitted to NGB where they were judged against other TDA units from across the U.S. This time they came in first.Lt. Col. Wallace Miller, surface maintenance manager for the state of Kansas, said the first place win made sense, given the unit’s strong leadership and commitment to excellence.“FMS 1's hard work and dedication over the last year, and historically, met or exceeded maintenance readiness for their supported units,” Miller said. “The shop is customer-focused and remains proactive in addressing organizational readiness, and they focus on developing team members to continually improve maintenance competencies.”Schmidtberger attributes a huge part of FMS 1’s success to those individual team members, who kept the trucks that are under their shop’s responsibility at 97% fully mission capable throughout the year.“It’s the team’s attention to detail on equipment deficiencies,” Schmidtberger said. “Without the people on the floor finding and fixing the faults in the trucks and other equipment, there would be no need to submit this AAME packet.”“All successful programs begin with developing the individual Soldier,” Miller said. “Focusing on developing and mentoring the individual is what will ultimately result in a team of professionals capable of solving the toughest problems.”Sgt. Maj. Craig Posch, state representative for the AAME, said a few other maintenance shops in Kansas started their packets, however, due to the pandemic, COVID-19 support missions, and overseas deployments, many shops weren’t able to continue on with their packets. Although they didn’t end up submitting, Posch said there was still value in going through the packet process.“By going through the steps and building the packet, these TDA units help build stronger maintenance programs,” Posch said.Schmidtberger said one advantage FMS 1 had in being successful was their full time staff. In a shop of nine full-time Guardsmen, the shop chief had enough Soldiers working to maintain readiness of equipment for the companies they support across the state. Shops without the same staffing may struggle more: traditional, part-time Soldiers may want to help out when and where they can when their communities, governors or country need them, however, prolonged support may be infeasible when volunteering for additional time takes them away from their full-time jobs for several days or months at a time.“People join the National Guard to serve their communities and the nation,” Schmidtberger said. “It’s hard to find a balance of keeping people in the shop to maintain equipment when Soldiers are deploying with their units, volunteering for stateside missions and attending schools that help with their career progression.”After winning at the NGB level, FMS 1’s packet competed at the Department of the Army level. Although the FMS 1 didn’t finish in the top two at the DA level, they still have the bragging rights of bringing home the gold from NGB. This is no small accomplishment, especially taking into consideration the importance of maintenance.“Maintenance is the foundation to successful military operations,” Miller said. “When equipment is fully mission capable the commander is able to employ it in dynamic training and has faith that the equipment will perform as designed for the duration of the training event. Soldiers build trust and confidence with their equipment through utilization and repetition; an effective maintenance program enables this trust and confidence.”Schmidtberger explained that excellence in maintenance is not only about what the field maintenance shops do for readiness, but also what Soldiers can do at the company level. Soldiers need to really use and test their equipment as opposed to only starting and running it for a while.“If we don’t use the equipment, it rots,” Schmidtberger said. “Seals dry out which causes leaks, making the equipment inoperable.”Those faults create more issues down the road that cause them to be in the shop for longer periods of time for repairs. When those trucks, generators and other equipment are awaiting repairs in the shop, it brings unit readiness down.“Get your equipment out and exercise them,” Schmidtberger said. “Don’t just go out to the bullpen, start an engine and let it run. There are so many other aspects of the equipment that need worked such as the wheels, bearings, hydraulics. Keep that grease moving.”

Hays team places first for National Guard-wide maintenance award

A Meriden woman has won the first $25,000 top prize 
in the Kansas Lottery’s $5 Cash Cow instant game, just four days after 
her 18th birthday. Sloan Stanley decided to buy her very 
first — and only — lottery ticket while at work and scratched to reveal the 
huge win.

“I bought the Cash Cow ticket because I like cows and thought it was 
cute,” Stanley laughed. “I was in shock that the first ticket I ever 
bought ended up winning $25,000!”

The winner told her father first, who didn’t believe she had won what
 she claimed. But after reviewing it himself, he concluded Stanley was 
correct.

 “My family is all super excited and happy for me, and they 
still can’t believe it!” she said.

Stanley plans to attend Fort Hays State University in the fall to 
study Elementary Education. 

“I’m excited to start college later this 
year and I hope this will help me graduate without debt!" she said.

The winning ticket was sold at Country Harvest Apple Market at 7312 
K-4 Highway in Meriden.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614957920966.jpeg" alt="Sloan Stanley / Kansas Lottery" />
 <figcaption>Sloan Stanley / Kansas Lottery</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas LotteryA Meriden woman has won the first $25,000 top prize 
in the Kansas Lottery’s $5 Cash Cow instant game, just four days after 
her 18th birthday. Sloan Stanley decided to buy her very 
first — and only — lottery ticket while at work and scratched to reveal the 
huge win.“I bought the Cash Cow ticket because I like cows and thought it was 
cute,” Stanley laughed. “I was in shock that the first ticket I ever 
bought ended up winning $25,000!”The winner told her father first, who didn’t believe she had won what
 she claimed. But after reviewing it himself, he concluded Stanley was 
correct. “My family is all super excited and happy for me, and they 
still can’t believe it!” she said.Stanley plans to attend Fort Hays State University in the fall to 
study Elementary Education. “I’m excited to start college later this 
year and I hope this will help me graduate without debt!" she said.The winning ticket was sold at Country Harvest Apple Market at 7312 
K-4 Highway in Meriden.&nbsp;

Future FHSU student wins $25K on her first lottery ticket purchase

By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

The annual Great Bend Farm, Ranch and Hemp Expo was just one of several
large events that was thrown for a loop last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three-day event typically brings vendors and demonstrators to show off the
latest in farm and agriculture equipment and technology. Usually bringing in
thousands of people, the show went to a virtual format last April. 

Farm show
chair Jan Westfall says this year’s show will be back to an in-person event. 
"I think people are ready to get out," said Westfall. "I don't know what
 this show will look like. There will obviously be some changes. We'll 
get back to full force. Star Expos puts in a lot of work to bring people
 here." 
This year’s farm show will be April 7-9 at the Great Bend Expo Complex, west of town. Great Bend Chamber President
Megan Barfield reminds everyone that the show is entertaining for everyone, not
just farmers. 
"People do not believe it until they go out there...the farm show really
 is a family-friendly event," said Great Bend Chamber President Megan 
Barfield. "It is not just farm equipment. There are things for the 
ladies, for the kids, animals and horse demonstrations." 
Star Expos conducts three farm shows each year in Wichita Falls, Texas; McCook,
Nebraska and Great Bend.

By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>The annual Great Bend Farm, Ranch and Hemp Expo was just one of several
large events that was thrown for a loop last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three-day event typically brings vendors and demonstrators to show off the
latest in farm and agriculture equipment and technology. Usually bringing in
thousands of people, the show went to a virtual format last April. Farm show
chair Jan Westfall says this year’s show will be back to an in-person event. 
"I think people are ready to get out," said Westfall. "I don't know what
 this show will look like. There will obviously be some changes. We'll 
get back to full force. Star Expos puts in a lot of work to bring people
 here." 
This year’s farm show will be April 7-9 at the Great Bend Expo Complex, west of town. Great Bend Chamber President
Megan Barfield reminds everyone that the show is entertaining for everyone, not
just farmers. 
"People do not believe it until they go out there...the farm show really
 is a family-friendly event," said Great Bend Chamber President Megan 
Barfield. "It is not just farm equipment. There are things for the 
ladies, for the kids, animals and horse demonstrations." 
Star Expos conducts three farm shows each year in Wichita Falls, Texas; McCook,
Nebraska and Great Bend.

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