Three-day weather outlook

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Are you interested in keeping up with the latest weed management information? If so, you’ll want to add the “War Against Weeds” podcast to your weed management toolbox. This podcast is a brand new outreach effort from Sarah Lancaster, K-State Extension Weed Science Specialist, Mandy Bish, Extension Weed Scientist at the University of Missouri, and Joe Ikely, Extension Weed Scientist at North Dakota State.

All podcast episodes will be posted at <a href="https://waragainstweeds.libsyn.com/">https://waragainstweeds.libsyn.com/</a> and will also be freely available on Spotify, a digital streaming service. Additional ways to access the podcast will be available in the future. The first full-length episode was available the week of Jan. 18 and is titled “Silver Bullets are for Werewolves."

Future episodes will feature a variety of guests from private industry, extension and research with expertise in many of aspects of weed science as they discuss key topics like integrated weed management, herbicide resistance, and others.

“We are looking forward to sharing our conversations about current issues in weed management”, says Sarah Lancaster, Extension Weed Specialist.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613668718790.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictAre you interested in keeping up with the latest weed management information? If so, you’ll want to add the “War Against Weeds” podcast to your weed management toolbox. This podcast is a brand new outreach effort from Sarah Lancaster, K-State Extension Weed Science Specialist, Mandy Bish, Extension Weed Scientist at the University of Missouri, and Joe Ikely, Extension Weed Scientist at North Dakota State.All podcast episodes will be posted at <a href="https://waragainstweeds.libsyn.com/">https://waragainstweeds.libsyn.com/</a> and will also be freely available on Spotify, a digital streaming service. Additional ways to access the podcast will be available in the future. The first full-length episode was available the week of Jan. 18 and is titled “Silver Bullets are for Werewolves." Future episodes will feature a variety of guests from private industry, extension and research with expertise in many of aspects of weed science as they discuss key topics like integrated weed management, herbicide resistance, and others.“We are looking forward to sharing our conversations about current issues in weed management”, says Sarah Lancaster, Extension Weed Specialist.&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Extension launches a new podcast on battling weeds

RUSSELL - The Southwest Power Pool is no longer under an energy emergency alert (EEA). However, due to continuing high demand across the SPP region and continued cold weather, energy demand and production will fluctuate over the next 48-hours, meaning conditions can change rapidly.

Our customers' conservation efforts and the city's ability to generate electricity helped lower demands on the electric grid, keeping the city from experiencing the controlled outages other communities faced. While the electric grid stabilizes, energy prices remain elevated.

A few items customers can consider to reduce electric and natural gas consumption: • Avoid the use of electric space heaters • Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat loss through windows. • Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances. • When possible, delay non-essential energy use (washing/drying clothes) to hours lower in energy use (between 10 pm and 5 am). "Thank You" to our customers for conserving energy these past few days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611586896424.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of RussellRUSSELL - The Southwest Power Pool is no longer under an energy emergency alert (EEA). However, due to continuing high demand across the SPP region and continued cold weather, energy demand and production will fluctuate over the next 48-hours, meaning conditions can change rapidly.Our customers' conservation efforts and the city's ability to generate electricity helped lower demands on the electric grid, keeping the city from experiencing the controlled outages other communities faced. While the electric grid stabilizes, energy prices remain elevated. A few items customers can consider to reduce electric and natural gas consumption: • Avoid the use of electric space heaters • Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat loss through windows. • Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances. • When possible, delay non-essential energy use (washing/drying clothes) to hours lower in energy use (between 10 pm and 5 am). "Thank You" to our customers for conserving energy these past few days.

RUSSELL: Southwest Power Pool no longer under energy emergency alert; thanks customers

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Fitness can be challenging during inclement weather; but there are options" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/f64cy-fb1850?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Fitness can be challenging during inclement weather

The Southwest Power Pool, which is the regional transmission operator for a 14-state region, lifted all energy emergency conditions at 9:30 am today.&nbsp; Customers are free to use energy as normal at this time. &nbsp;

Pat Parke, Midwest Energy’s CEO, issued a “Thank You” to customers for conserving energy over these last four days. &nbsp;

“Our customers’ efforts helped lower demands on the electric grid at a most critical time,” Parke said. “Those conservation efforts, and the limited controlled outages we had to impose for 1,200 customers Tuesday morning, helped avoid uncontrolled blackouts and kept the electric grid functioning during the most critical event in the 80-year history of the Southwest Power Pool.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586196165303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest EnergyThe Southwest Power Pool, which is the regional transmission operator for a 14-state region, lifted all energy emergency conditions at 9:30 am today.&nbsp; Customers are free to use energy as normal at this time. &nbsp;Pat Parke, Midwest Energy’s CEO, issued a “Thank You” to customers for conserving energy over these last four days. &nbsp;“Our customers’ efforts helped lower demands on the electric grid at a most critical time,” Parke said. “Those conservation efforts, and the limited controlled outages we had to impose for 1,200 customers Tuesday morning, helped avoid uncontrolled blackouts and kept the electric grid functioning during the most critical event in the 80-year history of the Southwest Power Pool.”

Midwest Energy resumes normal operations after emergency ends

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 8 traffic stops Mon., Feb. 8, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Welfare
Check—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 9:24 AM 
Suspicious Activity—500 block W 37th St, Hays; 10:08 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—300 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:14 AM 
Worthless Check—2000 block Vine St, Hays; 1/25 12:01 AM; 1/29 12:01 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--18th and Vine, Hays; 12:32 PM 
MV Accident-Private Property--2000 block Vine St, Hays; 1:17 PM 
Animal Bite Investigation--300 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:40 PM 
Found/Lost Property—1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 4:25 PM 
Welfare Check--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:20 PM 
Suspicious Person—500 block Ash St, Hays; 10:52 PM; 10:55 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Tue., Feb. 9, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Assist -
Other (not MV)—4600 block Jefferson Dr, Hays; 1:09 AM 
Dead Animal Call--1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 9:38 AM 
Computer Crime—2500 block General Custer Rd, Hays; 2/1; 2/4 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1200 block Oak St, Hays; 11:36 AM 
Animal Cruelty/Neglect—3100 block Hall St, Hays; 12:31 PM 
Suspicious Activity—1300 block California Dr, Rolla; 12:29 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--27th and Main St, Hays; 3:27 PM 
Theft (general)—400 block W 18th St, Hays; 1/28 12 PM; 2/5 5:30 PM 
Trash Dumping--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 4:30 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Wed., Feb. 10, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Battery –
Domestic—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 1 AM; 1:15 AM 
Suicidal Subject—1500 block Fort St, Hays; 6:28 AM 
44 - Traffic Stop--27th and Fort St, Hays; 9:20 AM 
Animal At Large--19th and Hall St, Hays; 9:40 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—1100 block Cody Ave, Hays; 11:16 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 2/9 6 PM; 11 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--13th and Allen St, Hays; 12:46 PM 
Burglary/vehicle—300 block W 6th St, Hays; 12/10/20 10 PM; 12/15/20 2 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—100 block N 11th St, WaKeeney; 4:44 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—1900 block Vine St, Hays; 7:11 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle—300 block E 12th St, Hays; 10:22 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Thu., Feb. 11, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving
Under the Influence--Main and 183 Alt, Hays; 1:47 AM 
Animal Cruelty/Neglect—100 block W 36th St, Hays; 10:06 AM 
Civil Dispute—1400 block W 42nd St, Hays; 11:03 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—400 block E 19th St, Hays; 11:08 AM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 2/9 
Assist - Other (not MV)—2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 2/10 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—2500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:32 PM; 1:36 PM 
Found/Lost Property—1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 5:12 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8 AM; 5 PM 
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run—2500 block Vine St, Hays; 7:49 PM 
Suicidal Subject—400 block Walnut St, Hays; 10 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:36 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 11:26 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Fri., Feb. 12, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Battery –
simple--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:36 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--100 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:50 AM; 1:52 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--100 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:28 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:37 AM 
Suspicious Activity—100 block W 5th St, Hays; 6:25 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--300 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:02 AM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block E 13th St, Hays; 8:16 AM 
Burglary/residence--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 1/30 7:40 AM; 2/12 8 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1700 block Wheatland Ave, Hays; 1:57 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—1300 block Lawrence Dr, Hays; 2:18 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—400 block E 13th, Hays; 3:15 PM 
Drug Offenses--2500 block Vine St, Hays; 3:29 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 4:37 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle—300 block W 9th St, Hays; 4:47 PM 
Suspicious Activity—200 block W 38th St, Hays; 1:50 PM; 1:51 PM 
Theft (general)—1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 2/10 1 PM; 3 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Sat., Feb. 13, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving
Under the Influence--300 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:43 AM; 12:44 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--800 block Fort St, Hays; 1:51 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--100 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:54 AM; 1:56 AM 
Disturbance – Fight—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:03 AM 
Found/Lost Property--400 block E 13th St, Hays; 2/12 &nbsp;8 PM; 2/13 2 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--500 block Elm St, Hays; 1:30 AM; 2:35 AM 
Suicidal Subject—200 block E 7th St, Hays; 3:22 AM 
Driving Under the Influence—1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 4:22 AM; 4:25 AM 
&nbsp;Assist - Other (not MV)—2700 block Vine
St, Hays; 7:47 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--300 block W 9th St, Hays; 8:37 AM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:11 AM 
Civil Dispute—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 10:08 AM 
Animal At Large—300 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:50 AM 
Suspicious Activity—200 block W 16th St, Hays; 11:02 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--400 block W 16th St, Hays; 11:35 AM 
Suspicious Activity—500 block Ash St, Hays; 1:06 PM 
Drug Offenses—1800 block E 26th St, Hays; 1:30 PM; 1:36 PM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block E 14th St, Hays; 3 PM 
Suspicious Activity—300 block E 19th St, Hays; 9:47 PM 
Welfare Check—400 block W 13th St, Hays; 9:54 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--800 block Elm St, Hays; 11:19 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 2 traffic stops Sun., Feb. 14, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious
Activity—500 block W 7th St, Hay; 12 AM; 12:04 AM 
Aggravated Battery—300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 12:35 AM; 12:39 AM 
Welfare Check—200 block W 10th St, Hays; 12:15 AM; 3:13 AM 
Found/Lost Property—1300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:40 AM 
Animal At Large—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 12:08 PM 
Theft (general)—200 block E 16th St, Hays; 1 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:14 PM 
Suicidal Subject—1100 block E 15th St, Hays; 4:26 PM 
Shoplifting--2900 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 5:15 PM; 5:45 PM 
Suspicious Person--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:51 PM 
Disturbance – General—1300 block W 27th St, Hays; 8:05 PM 
Open Door/Window—200 block W 10th St, Hays; 8:54 PM 
Mental Health Call--2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 9:20 PM; 9:22 PM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 11:13 PM 
Fire—400 block W 19th St, Hays; 11:40 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 8 traffic stops Mon., Feb. 8, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Welfare
Check—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 9:24 AM 
Suspicious Activity—500 block W 37th St, Hays; 10:08 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—300 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:14 AM 
Worthless Check—2000 block Vine St, Hays; 1/25 12:01 AM; 1/29 12:01 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--18th and Vine, Hays; 12:32 PM 
MV Accident-Private Property--2000 block Vine St, Hays; 1:17 PM 
Animal Bite Investigation--300 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:40 PM 
Found/Lost Property—1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 4:25 PM 
Welfare Check--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:20 PM 
Suspicious Person—500 block Ash St, Hays; 10:52 PM; 10:55 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Tue., Feb. 9, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Assist -
Other (not MV)—4600 block Jefferson Dr, Hays; 1:09 AM 
Dead Animal Call--1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 9:38 AM 
Computer Crime—2500 block General Custer Rd, Hays; 2/1; 2/4 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1200 block Oak St, Hays; 11:36 AM 
Animal Cruelty/Neglect—3100 block Hall St, Hays; 12:31 PM 
Suspicious Activity—1300 block California Dr, Rolla; 12:29 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--27th and Main St, Hays; 3:27 PM 
Theft (general)—400 block W 18th St, Hays; 1/28 12 PM; 2/5 5:30 PM 
Trash Dumping--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 4:30 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Wed., Feb. 10, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Battery –
Domestic—2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 1 AM; 1:15 AM 
Suicidal Subject—1500 block Fort St, Hays; 6:28 AM 
44 - Traffic Stop--27th and Fort St, Hays; 9:20 AM 
Animal At Large--19th and Hall St, Hays; 9:40 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—1100 block Cody Ave, Hays; 11:16 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 2/9 6 PM; 11 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--13th and Allen St, Hays; 12:46 PM 
Burglary/vehicle—300 block W 6th St, Hays; 12/10/20 10 PM; 12/15/20 2 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—100 block N 11th St, WaKeeney; 4:44 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—1900 block Vine St, Hays; 7:11 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle—300 block E 12th St, Hays; 10:22 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Thu., Feb. 11, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence--Main and 183 Alt, Hays; 1:47 AM 
Animal Cruelty/Neglect—100 block W 36th St, Hays; 10:06 AM 
Civil Dispute—1400 block W 42nd St, Hays; 11:03 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—400 block E 19th St, Hays; 11:08 AM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 2/9 
Assist - Other (not MV)—2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 2/10 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—2500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:32 PM; 1:36 PM 
Found/Lost Property—1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 5:12 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8 AM; 5 PM 
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run—2500 block Vine St, Hays; 7:49 PM 
Suicidal Subject—400 block Walnut St, Hays; 10 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:36 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 11:26 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Fri., Feb. 12, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Battery –
simple--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:36 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--100 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:50 AM; 1:52 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--100 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:28 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:37 AM 
Suspicious Activity—100 block W 5th St, Hays; 6:25 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--300 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:02 AM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block E 13th St, Hays; 8:16 AM 
Burglary/residence--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 1/30 7:40 AM; 2/12 8 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1700 block Wheatland Ave, Hays; 1:57 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—1300 block Lawrence Dr, Hays; 2:18 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—400 block E 13th, Hays; 3:15 PM 
Drug Offenses--2500 block Vine St, Hays; 3:29 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 4:37 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle—300 block W 9th St, Hays; 4:47 PM 
Suspicious Activity—200 block W 38th St, Hays; 1:50 PM; 1:51 PM 
Theft (general)—1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 2/10 1 PM; 3 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Sat., Feb. 13, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence--300 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:43 AM; 12:44 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--800 block Fort St, Hays; 1:51 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--100 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:54 AM; 1:56 AM 
Disturbance – Fight—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:03 AM 
Found/Lost Property--400 block E 13th St, Hays; 2/12 &nbsp;8 PM; 2/13 2 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--500 block Elm St, Hays; 1:30 AM; 2:35 AM 
Suicidal Subject—200 block E 7th St, Hays; 3:22 AM 
Driving Under the Influence—1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 4:22 AM; 4:25 AM 
&nbsp;Assist - Other (not MV)—2700 block Vine
St, Hays; 7:47 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--300 block W 9th St, Hays; 8:37 AM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:11 AM 
Civil Dispute—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 10:08 AM 
Animal At Large—300 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:50 AM 
Suspicious Activity—200 block W 16th St, Hays; 11:02 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--400 block W 16th St, Hays; 11:35 AM 
Suspicious Activity—500 block Ash St, Hays; 1:06 PM 
Drug Offenses—1800 block E 26th St, Hays; 1:30 PM; 1:36 PM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block E 14th St, Hays; 3 PM 
Suspicious Activity—300 block E 19th St, Hays; 9:47 PM 
Welfare Check—400 block W 13th St, Hays; 9:54 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--800 block Elm St, Hays; 11:19 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 2 traffic stops Sun., Feb. 14, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Suspicious
Activity—500 block W 7th St, Hay; 12 AM; 12:04 AM 
Aggravated Battery—300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 12:35 AM; 12:39 AM 
Welfare Check—200 block W 10th St, Hays; 12:15 AM; 3:13 AM 
Found/Lost Property—1300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:40 AM 
Animal At Large—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 12:08 PM 
Theft (general)—200 block E 16th St, Hays; 1 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:14 PM 
Suicidal Subject—1100 block E 15th St, Hays; 4:26 PM 
Shoplifting--2900 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 5:15 PM; 5:45 PM 
Suspicious Person--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:51 PM 
Disturbance – General—1300 block W 27th St, Hays; 8:05 PM 
Open Door/Window—200 block W 10th St, Hays; 8:54 PM 
Mental Health Call--2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 9:20 PM; 9:22 PM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 11:13 PM 
Fire—400 block W 19th St, Hays; 11:40 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log, Feb. 8-14

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission sided with a group of
residents and blocked a proposed event center and wedding venue north of Hays on Monday. 

The commission’s vote to deny a conditional use permit for an event center blocks the Zimmerman trust from using a 4-acre
portion of their land to build and operate the Buckeye Barn.

The proposed wedding and event center received <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7d0613e4-e3b2-4cf2-97d7-240b056b2007">unanimous
support</a> from the Planning and Zoning Commission at their meeting in January,
and would have been located 6 miles north of Hays and just east of U.S. 183 on Buckeye Road.

Only landowners within 1,000 feet of the location had to be
notified of the CUP and could file a formal protest. Only one protest was filed
and that came from a landowner with farm ground, but not a residence, in the
area.

More than 20 additional signatures were submitted as
protesting the CUP — none of those individuals live within the 1,000 feet
protest area and some live several miles from the location of the proposed
event center.

Two individuals elected to speak in opposition of the CUP at
Monday’s meeting. One of them one was Sara Shubert. She and her husband, Dustin, live more than a half-mile from the proposed event center location.

Shubert said she went door-to-door in the area collecting
the more than 20 signatures presented to the commission in opposition of the
Buckeye Barn.

Shubert and Sue McCrae-Bickel, whose father owns farm
ground in the area and submitted the only protest petition from someone who
owns property within the 1,000 feet protest area, presented their concerns to
the commission Monday.

Among the issues they raised before the commission were the
possibility of increased impaired drivers and extra traffic in the area, the increased
fire risk due to discarded cigarettes, the building’s lack of a fire
suppression system and the effect it would have on the water supply. They also
claimed there are already enough event centers in Ellis County. 

Shubert told the commission in a written statement she read
at Monday’s meeting, “This is clearly not welcome in the Buckeye Township.”

The discussion went on for more than an hour with Commissioners
Butch Schlyer, Dean Haselhorst and Neal Younger bringing forth many of the same
concerns the protesters did.

Leanne Zimmerman and her husband, Jayme, attempted to address
some of the concerns. She told the commission that the application for rural
water does not make a distinction between residential use and commercial use.
The Trego Rural Water District had raised concerns about the amount of water
used by the event center.

Zimmerman said after talking with the state fire marshal’s office
they could install a holding tank or pound that would not affect the water
pressure in the area and would also help with fire suppression.

She added that they do not believe there would be a wedding
venue like the one they are proposing within several miles and that she already
people reach out about booking the venue, even though she doesn’t even have a
building up yet. She also said there are different issues with event centers in
the county and the ones McCrae-Bickel listed.

Younger asked Zimmerman if they had
considered moving the event center a half-mile to a mile north on their land.

Zimmerman said they would be open to that and asked members
of the audience, against the vocal opposition of the commission, if they would
be willing to allow the event center to move forward in a new location.

None of the more than a dozen people in the audience
signaled they would OK that proposal.

Zimmerman said she believes those in opposition believe, “We
don’t want you to do this, period.”

Younger called the disagreement “not acceptable” that the
two sides should get along and asked Zimmerman why she didn’t reach out to the
individuals in the area.

Zimmerman said she contacted the individuals she was required
to by the permitting process. She added that she was not approached by any of
those who submitted the protest petitions and that if she needed signatures of
supporters outside the 1,000 feet area she would have collected those.

“I just want the same chance that we have at the
(county-owned) Shenk Building, that is out there in the country,” Zimmerman
said. “The commissioners are the ones that rule over that (and) as an
individual I want that same chance in the county. To have a beautiful place to
have weddings.”

Commissioner Butch Schlyer, said, “I’m going to speak on
behalf of the protesters.”

He said it’s not a building issues and it’s not a safety
issue. Citing the World Health Organization’s definition, he called it a “nuisance.”
&nbsp;

“This kind of business, as perceived by the homeowners in
the area, believe this to be a potential nuisance,” Schlyer said. “It will
interfere with their comfort and repose.”

Because the commission voted to disapprove the CUP the Zimmerman’s
will have to wait a year to re-file for the permit in the same location. If
they chose to select a different location or submit the same application, they
will still have to start the process from the beginning.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission sided with a group of
residents and blocked a proposed event center and wedding venue north of Hays on Monday. The commission’s vote to deny a conditional use permit for an event center blocks the Zimmerman trust from using a 4-acre
portion of their land to build and operate the Buckeye Barn.The proposed wedding and event center received <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7d0613e4-e3b2-4cf2-97d7-240b056b2007">unanimous
support</a> from the Planning and Zoning Commission at their meeting in January,
and would have been located 6 miles north of Hays and just east of U.S. 183 on Buckeye Road.Only landowners within 1,000 feet of the location had to be
notified of the CUP and could file a formal protest. Only one protest was filed
and that came from a landowner with farm ground, but not a residence, in the
area.More than 20 additional signatures were submitted as
protesting the CUP — none of those individuals live within the 1,000 feet
protest area and some live several miles from the location of the proposed
event center.Two individuals elected to speak in opposition of the CUP at
Monday’s meeting. One of them one was Sara Shubert. She and her husband, Dustin, live more than a half-mile from the proposed event center location.Shubert said she went door-to-door in the area collecting
the more than 20 signatures presented to the commission in opposition of the
Buckeye Barn.Shubert and Sue McCrae-Bickel, whose father owns farm
ground in the area and submitted the only protest petition from someone who
owns property within the 1,000 feet protest area, presented their concerns to
the commission Monday.Among the issues they raised before the commission were the
possibility of increased impaired drivers and extra traffic in the area, the increased
fire risk due to discarded cigarettes, the building’s lack of a fire
suppression system and the effect it would have on the water supply. They also
claimed there are already enough event centers in Ellis County. Shubert told the commission in a written statement she read
at Monday’s meeting, “This is clearly not welcome in the Buckeye Township.”The discussion went on for more than an hour with Commissioners
Butch Schlyer, Dean Haselhorst and Neal Younger bringing forth many of the same
concerns the protesters did.Leanne Zimmerman and her husband, Jayme, attempted to address
some of the concerns. She told the commission that the application for rural
water does not make a distinction between residential use and commercial use.
The Trego Rural Water District had raised concerns about the amount of water
used by the event center.Zimmerman said after talking with the state fire marshal’s office
they could install a holding tank or pound that would not affect the water
pressure in the area and would also help with fire suppression.She added that they do not believe there would be a wedding
venue like the one they are proposing within several miles and that she already
people reach out about booking the venue, even though she doesn’t even have a
building up yet. She also said there are different issues with event centers in
the county and the ones McCrae-Bickel listed.Younger asked Zimmerman if they had
considered moving the event center a half-mile to a mile north on their land.Zimmerman said they would be open to that and asked members
of the audience, against the vocal opposition of the commission, if they would
be willing to allow the event center to move forward in a new location.None of the more than a dozen people in the audience
signaled they would OK that proposal.Zimmerman said she believes those in opposition believe, “We
don’t want you to do this, period.”Younger called the disagreement “not acceptable” that the
two sides should get along and asked Zimmerman why she didn’t reach out to the
individuals in the area.Zimmerman said she contacted the individuals she was required
to by the permitting process. She added that she was not approached by any of
those who submitted the protest petitions and that if she needed signatures of
supporters outside the 1,000 feet area she would have collected those.“I just want the same chance that we have at the
(county-owned) Shenk Building, that is out there in the country,” Zimmerman
said. “The commissioners are the ones that rule over that (and) as an
individual I want that same chance in the county. To have a beautiful place to
have weddings.”Commissioner Butch Schlyer, said, “I’m going to speak on
behalf of the protesters.”He said it’s not a building issues and it’s not a safety
issue. Citing the World Health Organization’s definition, he called it a “nuisance.”
&nbsp;“This kind of business, as perceived by the homeowners in
the area, believe this to be a potential nuisance,” Schlyer said. “It will
interfere with their comfort and repose.”Because the commission voted to disapprove the CUP the Zimmerman’s
will have to wait a year to re-file for the permit in the same location. If
they chose to select a different location or submit the same application, they
will still have to start the process from the beginning.

Ellis Co. Commission blocks proposed wedding and event center

Economists give early estimate and projections for 2021&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Kansas farms appear to be moving out of the shadow of the global pandemic, according to two Kansas State University agricultural economists.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ad hoc government payments made because of the pandemic and higher than expected grain prices since last summer boosted average estimates for 2020 Kansas net farm income to $137,000, a 7% increase over $128,000 the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even though 2020 is past, the $137,000 is still an estimate. K-State economists will not have final numbers from the KFMA until the end of May.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The outlook is a far cry from what was expected late last spring. In May 2020, an initial estimate of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/kfma">Kansas Farm Management Association</a>&nbsp;net farm income was produced, said K-State associate professor Gregg Ibendahl. Using KFMA member farms as a baseline at that time, K-State economists predicted an 87% drop in net farm income.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KFMA member farmers work with agricultural economists across the state to enhance members’ production and financial management skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“At the time, COVID-19 was starting to spread across the U.S. and the economic effect on much of the country was devastating,” Ibendahl said. “Prices for both grains and livestock had dropped, leading to questions about how severe the crisis might be for farmers.”&nbsp;

Since then, the profitability outlook changed course on two key developments, according to Ibendahl, an agricultural economist with K-State Research and Extension. First, the USDA announced programs to help both livestock and grain producers affected by the pandemic. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provided $23.6 billion to producers through the first two rounds of the program. Additionally, grain prices rose last summer and are now at levels not seen since before the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In developing their estimates, Ibendahl and extension agricultural economist Dan O’Brien addressed seven major areas, including yields, prices, crop acres, expenses, crop insurance, government payments from the farm bill, and CFAP or ad hoc government payments. Each area was projected down to the farm level to estimate net farm income for each of the 588 KFMA grain farms for 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Their full preliminary report issued Feb. 3 is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/kfma/research-articles/preliminary-estimate-2020-kansas-net-farm-income-and-projection-2021">available online</a>. A more complete analysis of 2020 Kansas net farm income based on KFMA data will be available this spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“While it originally appeared that COVID-19 was going to play havoc with net farm income, the average grain farm at least will come through the year (2020) with higher profitability,” Ibendahl said, but noted that not all farms will weather the market effects of the pandemic as well as the average grain farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The economists projected that net farm income in 2021 could increase another 35% to $185,000, based on futures prices. Those projections are uncertain, however, and hinge at least in part on whether futures prices translate to actual higher farm prices and if rainfall amounts are normal enough to allow for average yields.&nbsp;

The team also cautioned that the western United States is in a La Nina drought, so the prospect of average yields is questionable. In addition, higher grain prices tend to lead to higher expenses for fuel, fertilizer and seeds, which could cut into farm profitability.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An Agriculture Today podcast featuring Ibendahl speaking on this topic, plus other speakers and topics is&nbsp;<a href="https://agtodayksu.libsyn.com/2021-net-farm-income-projectionsnew-wheat-and-sorghum-research">available online</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613571010261.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Economists give early estimate and projections for 2021&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN — Kansas farms appear to be moving out of the shadow of the global pandemic, according to two Kansas State University agricultural economists.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ad hoc government payments made because of the pandemic and higher than expected grain prices since last summer boosted average estimates for 2020 Kansas net farm income to $137,000, a 7% increase over $128,000 the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even though 2020 is past, the $137,000 is still an estimate. K-State economists will not have final numbers from the KFMA until the end of May.&nbsp;&nbsp;The outlook is a far cry from what was expected late last spring. In May 2020, an initial estimate of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/kfma">Kansas Farm Management Association</a>&nbsp;net farm income was produced, said K-State associate professor Gregg Ibendahl. Using KFMA member farms as a baseline at that time, K-State economists predicted an 87% drop in net farm income.&nbsp;&nbsp;KFMA member farmers work with agricultural economists across the state to enhance members’ production and financial management skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;“At the time, COVID-19 was starting to spread across the U.S. and the economic effect on much of the country was devastating,” Ibendahl said. “Prices for both grains and livestock had dropped, leading to questions about how severe the crisis might be for farmers.”&nbsp;Since then, the profitability outlook changed course on two key developments, according to Ibendahl, an agricultural economist with K-State Research and Extension. First, the USDA announced programs to help both livestock and grain producers affected by the pandemic. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provided $23.6 billion to producers through the first two rounds of the program. Additionally, grain prices rose last summer and are now at levels not seen since before the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;In developing their estimates, Ibendahl and extension agricultural economist Dan O’Brien addressed seven major areas, including yields, prices, crop acres, expenses, crop insurance, government payments from the farm bill, and CFAP or ad hoc government payments. Each area was projected down to the farm level to estimate net farm income for each of the 588 KFMA grain farms for 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their full preliminary report issued Feb. 3 is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/kfma/research-articles/preliminary-estimate-2020-kansas-net-farm-income-and-projection-2021">available online</a>. A more complete analysis of 2020 Kansas net farm income based on KFMA data will be available this spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;“While it originally appeared that COVID-19 was going to play havoc with net farm income, the average grain farm at least will come through the year (2020) with higher profitability,” Ibendahl said, but noted that not all farms will weather the market effects of the pandemic as well as the average grain farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;The economists projected that net farm income in 2021 could increase another 35% to $185,000, based on futures prices. Those projections are uncertain, however, and hinge at least in part on whether futures prices translate to actual higher farm prices and if rainfall amounts are normal enough to allow for average yields.&nbsp;The team also cautioned that the western United States is in a La Nina drought, so the prospect of average yields is questionable. In addition, higher grain prices tend to lead to higher expenses for fuel, fertilizer and seeds, which could cut into farm profitability.&nbsp;&nbsp;An Agriculture Today podcast featuring Ibendahl speaking on this topic, plus other speakers and topics is&nbsp;<a href="https://agtodayksu.libsyn.com/2021-net-farm-income-projectionsnew-wheat-and-sorghum-research">available online</a>.&nbsp;

Kan. farm income climbed in 2020 despite COVID; 2021 looks promising 

On this episode of the Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Midwest Energy CEO Pat Parke.

<div><iframe title="🎤Forward Ever: Midwest Energy CEO Pat Parke" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/szbfy-fb05ac?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of the Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Midwest Energy CEO Pat Parke.

🎤Forward Ever: Midwest Energy CEO Pat Parke

The Hays City Commission will conduct a retreat meeting Saturday, Feb.20, at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Also attending the retreat will be Toby Dougherty, city manager, Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, John Bird, city attorney, and Todd Powell, assistant city attorney.

There is no formal agenda for the meeting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays City Commission will conduct a retreat meeting Saturday, Feb.20, at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.Also attending the retreat will be Toby Dougherty, city manager, Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, John Bird, city attorney, and Todd Powell, assistant city attorney.There is no formal agenda for the meeting.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission to conduct retreat meeting Saturday

Gardeners are eager to get out and do something in the landscape this time of year. One chore that can be taken care of now is pruning certain shrubs. Often, gardeners approach pruning with trepidation, but it is not as difficult as it may seem. Remember, not all shrubs need to be pruned (i.e., witch hazel), and certain shrubs, which will be identified later, should not be pruned this time of year. Shrubs are pruned to maintain or reduce the size, rejuvenate growth, or to remove diseased, dead, or damaged branches. Deciduous shrubs are those that lose their leaves each winter. Evergreen shrubs maintain foliage all year and include yews and junipers. Deciduous shrubs are placed into three groups:&nbsp; &nbsp; - Those that flower in the spring on wood produced last year.&nbsp; &nbsp; - Those that flower later in the year on current seasons’ growth; and&nbsp; &nbsp; - Those that may produce flowers, but those flowers are of little ornamental value.

Shrubs that flower in the spring should not be pruned until immediately after flowering. &nbsp;Though pruning earlier will not harm the health of the plant, the flowering display will be reduced. Examples of these types of plants include forsythia, lilac, and mock orange. Shrubs that bloom on current seasons’ growth or that do not produce ornamental flowers are best pruned in late winter to early spring. Examples include Rose-of-Sharon, pyracantha, Bumald spirea, and Japanese spirea. Pruning during the spring allows wounds to heal quickly without threat from insects or disease. There is no need to treat pruning cuts with paints or sealers. In fact, some of these products may slow healing. There are three basic methods used in pruning shrubs: thinning, heading back, and rejuvenating. Thinning is used to thin out branches from a shrub that is too dense. It is accomplished by removing most of the inward growing twigs by cutting them back to a larger branch. On multi-stemmed shrubs, the oldest canes may be removed entirely. Heading back is done by removing the end of a branch by cutting it back to a bud and is used for either reducing height or keeping a shrub compact. Branches are not cut back to a uniform height because this results in a "witches-broom" effect.​Rejuvenation is the most severe type of pruning and may be used on multi-stem shrubs that have become too large, with too many old branches to justify saving the younger canes. All stems are cut back to 3- to 5-inch stubs. This is not recommended for all shrubs but does work well for spirea, forsythia, pyracantha, ninebark, Russian almond, little leaf mock orange, shrub roses, and flowering quince. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Gardeners are eager to get out and do something in the landscape this time of year. One chore that can be taken care of now is pruning certain shrubs. Often, gardeners approach pruning with trepidation, but it is not as difficult as it may seem. Remember, not all shrubs need to be pruned (i.e., witch hazel), and certain shrubs, which will be identified later, should not be pruned this time of year. Shrubs are pruned to maintain or reduce the size, rejuvenate growth, or to remove diseased, dead, or damaged branches. Deciduous shrubs are those that lose their leaves each winter. Evergreen shrubs maintain foliage all year and include yews and junipers. Deciduous shrubs are placed into three groups:&nbsp; &nbsp; - Those that flower in the spring on wood produced last year.&nbsp; &nbsp; - Those that flower later in the year on current seasons’ growth; and&nbsp; &nbsp; - Those that may produce flowers, but those flowers are of little ornamental value.Shrubs that flower in the spring should not be pruned until immediately after flowering. &nbsp;Though pruning earlier will not harm the health of the plant, the flowering display will be reduced. Examples of these types of plants include forsythia, lilac, and mock orange. Shrubs that bloom on current seasons’ growth or that do not produce ornamental flowers are best pruned in late winter to early spring. Examples include Rose-of-Sharon, pyracantha, Bumald spirea, and Japanese spirea. Pruning during the spring allows wounds to heal quickly without threat from insects or disease. There is no need to treat pruning cuts with paints or sealers. In fact, some of these products may slow healing. There are three basic methods used in pruning shrubs: thinning, heading back, and rejuvenating. Thinning is used to thin out branches from a shrub that is too dense. It is accomplished by removing most of the inward growing twigs by cutting them back to a larger branch. On multi-stemmed shrubs, the oldest canes may be removed entirely. Heading back is done by removing the end of a branch by cutting it back to a bud and is used for either reducing height or keeping a shrub compact. Branches are not cut back to a uniform height because this results in a "witches-broom" effect.​Rejuvenation is the most severe type of pruning and may be used on multi-stem shrubs that have become too large, with too many old branches to justify saving the younger canes. All stems are cut back to 3- to 5-inch stubs. This is not recommended for all shrubs but does work well for spirea, forsythia, pyracantha, ninebark, Russian almond, little leaf mock orange, shrub roses, and flowering quince. 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: Pruning deciduous shrubs

In the video above, Midwest Energy director of corporate communications and government affairs&nbsp;Mike Morley, explains what happened to the energy supply this week, the company's actions to help keep the power grid safe and working properly and the current energy situation across the region.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SG2DvNFES-I"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the video above, Midwest Energy director of corporate communications and government affairs&nbsp;Mike Morley, explains what happened to the energy supply this week, the company's actions to help keep the power grid safe and working properly and the current energy situation across the region.

🎥 Midwest Energy's Mike Morley explains the power shortages in the region

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained flat at 6 from Monday to Wednesday.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 69.

There were 25 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 77 active cases, including six active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,552 recovered cases.

As of Friday, there were 16 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, unchanged from Thursday, with 10 of those active patients and 6 in the recovery phase.

As of Wednesday, there were 18 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 12 on Tuesday, with 11 of those active patients and seven in the recovery phase.

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1a46ce0f-0f53-4b97-bfb3-93c2d719fb92">RELATED:&nbsp;196 tests, just one additional unrelated positive ID'd after emergency testing</a>

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 9.8 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,629 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County. Of the total 22,992 tests administered, 14.6 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.

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/2021/2/1613600819487.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained flat at 6 from Monday to Wednesday.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 69.There were 25 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 77 active cases, including six active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,552 recovered cases.As of Friday, there were 16 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, unchanged from Thursday, with 10 of those active patients and 6 in the recovery phase.As of Wednesday, there were 18 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 12 on Tuesday, with 11 of those active patients and seven in the recovery phase.<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1a46ce0f-0f53-4b97-bfb3-93c2d719fb92">RELATED:&nbsp;196 tests, just one additional unrelated positive ID'd after emergency testing</a>The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 9.8 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 3,629 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County. Of the total 22,992 tests administered, 14.6 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.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/2021/2/1613600989905.png" alt="ECHD" />
 <figcaption>ECHD</figcaption>
 </figure>

Per-day virus rate remains flat in Ellis Co.; 25 new cases identified

    BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural 
lifestyle retailer in the United States, today announced that it has 
entered into an agreement to acquire Orscheln Farm and Home in an 
all-cash transaction for approximately $297 million, net of acquired 
estimated future tax benefits of $23 million. Orscheln Farm and Home 
operates 167 stores located in 11 states: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, 
Iowa, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, Illinois and Ohio. 
The acquisition is conditioned on the receipt of regulatory approval and
 satisfactory completion of customary closing conditions.



“This is an exciting step for Tractor Supply as we expand our footprint 
in the Midwest with the high-quality assets of Orscheln Farm and Home. 
We have always had great respect for Barry Orscheln and the team at 
Orscheln Farm and Home for the strong connection they have with 
customers in the communities they serve, along with their industry 
knowledge and capabilities. With our shared values and passion for the 
Out Here lifestyle, we are honored to welcome Orscheln Farm and Home to 
the Tractor Supply family. We look forward to bringing together our 
highly complementary cultures and teams to realize the long-term value 
and benefits that we expect this acquisition to deliver,” said Hal 
Lawton, Tractor Supply’s President and Chief Executive Officer.



Barry Orscheln, Chairman and CEO of Orscheln Farm and Home, commented, 
“For more than 60 years, my family, our Orscheln Farm and Home employees
 and I have been committed to serving the needs of rural communities 
across the Midwest. I am very proud of all that we have accomplished 
over this time. I am confident that with Tractor Supply our stores will 
be well-positioned to continue Orscheln’s tradition of taking care of 
our customers and communities for the next phase of growth.”



Tractor Supply’s preliminary estimates indicate the acquisition will be 
immediately accretive to earnings per share upon closing. The earnings 
accretion is anticipated to grow over time as planned synergies are 
achieved. Tractor Supply intends to fund the acquisition through 
existing cash on hand.



For Tractor Supply, Goldman Sachs &amp; Co. LLC is acting as financial 
adviser, and Bass, Berry &amp; Sims PLC is acting as legal adviser. 
Fifth Third Securities is acting as financial adviser to Orscheln Farm 
and Home, while Stinson LLP is acting as legal adviser.

Check the Post for more as details become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613595329521.jpeg" alt="Tractor Supply" />
 <figcaption>Tractor Supply</figcaption>
 </figure>News release BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural 
lifestyle retailer in the United States, today announced that it has 
entered into an agreement to acquire Orscheln Farm and Home in an 
all-cash transaction for approximately $297 million, net of acquired 
estimated future tax benefits of $23 million. Orscheln Farm and Home 
operates 167 stores located in 11 states: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, 
Iowa, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, Illinois and Ohio. 
The acquisition is conditioned on the receipt of regulatory approval and
 satisfactory completion of customary closing conditions.

“This is an exciting step for Tractor Supply as we expand our footprint 
in the Midwest with the high-quality assets of Orscheln Farm and Home. 
We have always had great respect for Barry Orscheln and the team at 
Orscheln Farm and Home for the strong connection they have with 
customers in the communities they serve, along with their industry 
knowledge and capabilities. With our shared values and passion for the 
Out Here lifestyle, we are honored to welcome Orscheln Farm and Home to 
the Tractor Supply family. We look forward to bringing together our 
highly complementary cultures and teams to realize the long-term value 
and benefits that we expect this acquisition to deliver,” said Hal 
Lawton, Tractor Supply’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Barry Orscheln, Chairman and CEO of Orscheln Farm and Home, commented, 
“For more than 60 years, my family, our Orscheln Farm and Home employees
 and I have been committed to serving the needs of rural communities 
across the Midwest. I am very proud of all that we have accomplished 
over this time. I am confident that with Tractor Supply our stores will 
be well-positioned to continue Orscheln’s tradition of taking care of 
our customers and communities for the next phase of growth.”

Tractor Supply’s preliminary estimates indicate the acquisition will be 
immediately accretive to earnings per share upon closing. The earnings 
accretion is anticipated to grow over time as planned synergies are 
achieved. Tractor Supply intends to fund the acquisition through 
existing cash on hand.

For Tractor Supply, Goldman Sachs &amp; Co. LLC is acting as financial 
adviser, and Bass, Berry &amp; Sims PLC is acting as legal adviser. 
Fifth Third Securities is acting as financial adviser to Orscheln Farm 
and Home, while Stinson LLP is acting as legal adviser.Check the Post for more as details become available.

Tractor Supply reaches agreement to acquire Orscheln stores

TOPEKA — Community members across the state can attend online public meetings as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s first Active Transportation Plan in 25 years. Active transportation is walking, using a wheelchair or scooter, bicycling, roller skating or skateboarding for transportation.

The online meeting for northwest Kansas is Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

During the meetings, participants will be able to share their thoughts about the draft vision and goals for active transportation. 

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTEuMzUwNTEyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRpbnl1cmwuY29tL0thbnNhc0FUUE1lZXRpbmdzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.0H3Mxe3L3nrLUWx_y1GIR8jtaKUWddVT11lBXA0WXew/s/1410649012/br/97452647211-l" target="_blank">www.tinyurl.com/KansasATPMeetings Meeting ID: 942 9814 2963 Passcode: 641805</a> Dial by your location-- +1 651 372 8299 US (Minnesota) &nbsp;Find your local number:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTEuMzUwNTEyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3Rvb2xlZGVzaWduLnpvb20udXMvdS9hZGpGNmJpVEg4P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSNfYmxhbmsifQ.jq0Hi_9wd9c2ZfSJu3784_sa9788azAy_n5uzcYGVak/s/1410649012/br/97452647211-l" target="_blank">https://tooledesign.zoom.us/u/adjF6biTH8</a>

To see a brief overview on the Kansas ATP, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTEuMzUwNTEyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS93YXRjaD9mZWF0dXJlPWVtYl9pbXBfd295dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdj1Cb1hSaEZWQ3FyRSJ9.0tML29TBqPhtutgT7XMmKDOrEU_ejM9mH2H1E3qq4iA/s/1410649012/br/97452647211-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

The Kansas ATP will focus on how active transportation can be improved through better policies, planning, design and partnerships with state agencies and local communities. Whether Kansans use active transportation regularly, rarely or somewhere in between, public input and ideas are critical to developing the plan. KDOT encourages all Kansans to participate in the online public meetings.

The planning process for the Kansas ATP will continue through 2021. The final plan will be a key tool for KDOT staff and local officials. Plan implementation will be on-going. Benefits of active transportation include improved health, better quality of life and reduced pollution among others.

Details on the Kansas ATP are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTEuMzUwNTEyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzZG90Lm9yZy9LYW5zYXNBVFAuYXNwP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.CLXSY_hs-_M_FcH7nF_iO1pfKZ0LDV11Ds77-Ogj4b8/s/1410649012/br/97452647211-l" target="_blank">www.ksdot.org/KansasATP.asp</a>, or go to Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTEuMzUwNTEyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS9LYW5zYXNBVFA_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.4HOIYTOWwCBb33TbGckuYiExVsfAvxA3l_rqjb7Uk9o/s/1410649012/br/97452647211-l" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/KansasATP</a>&nbsp;and use the #KansasATP hashtag.

For more information, contact Jenny Kramer, KDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, at 785-296-5186 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jenny.kramer@ks.gov" target="_blank">jenny.kramer@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and Matthew Messina, KDOT Comprehensive Planning Unit Manager, at 785-296-7448 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:matthew.messina@ks.gov" target="_blank">matthew.messina@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592777344559.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTTOPEKA — Community members across the state can attend online public meetings as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s first Active Transportation Plan in 25 years. Active transportation is walking, using a wheelchair or scooter, bicycling, roller skating or skateboarding for transportation.The online meeting for northwest Kansas is Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. During the meetings, participants will be able to share their thoughts about the draft vision and goals for active transportation. To join the Zoom meeting, go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTEuMzUwNTEyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRpbnl1cmwuY29tL0thbnNhc0FUUE1lZXRpbmdzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.0H3Mxe3L3nrLUWx_y1GIR8jtaKUWddVT11lBXA0WXew/s/1410649012/br/97452647211-l" target="_blank">www.tinyurl.com/KansasATPMeetings Meeting ID: 942 9814 2963 Passcode: 641805</a> Dial by your location-- +1 651 372 8299 US (Minnesota) &nbsp;Find your local number:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTEuMzUwNTEyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3Rvb2xlZGVzaWduLnpvb20udXMvdS9hZGpGNmJpVEg4P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSNfYmxhbmsifQ.jq0Hi_9wd9c2ZfSJu3784_sa9788azAy_n5uzcYGVak/s/1410649012/br/97452647211-l" target="_blank">https://tooledesign.zoom.us/u/adjF6biTH8</a> To see a brief overview on the Kansas ATP, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTEuMzUwNTEyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS93YXRjaD9mZWF0dXJlPWVtYl9pbXBfd295dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdj1Cb1hSaEZWQ3FyRSJ9.0tML29TBqPhtutgT7XMmKDOrEU_ejM9mH2H1E3qq4iA/s/1410649012/br/97452647211-l" target="_blank">here</a>.The Kansas ATP will focus on how active transportation can be improved through better policies, planning, design and partnerships with state agencies and local communities. Whether Kansans use active transportation regularly, rarely or somewhere in between, public input and ideas are critical to developing the plan. KDOT encourages all Kansans to participate in the online public meetings.The planning process for the Kansas ATP will continue through 2021. The final plan will be a key tool for KDOT staff and local officials. Plan implementation will be on-going. Benefits of active transportation include improved health, better quality of life and reduced pollution among others.Details on the Kansas ATP are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTEuMzUwNTEyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtzZG90Lm9yZy9LYW5zYXNBVFAuYXNwP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.CLXSY_hs-_M_FcH7nF_iO1pfKZ0LDV11Ds77-Ogj4b8/s/1410649012/br/97452647211-l" target="_blank">www.ksdot.org/KansasATP.asp</a>, or go to Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTEuMzUwNTEyODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS9LYW5zYXNBVFA_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.4HOIYTOWwCBb33TbGckuYiExVsfAvxA3l_rqjb7Uk9o/s/1410649012/br/97452647211-l" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/KansasATP</a>&nbsp;and use the #KansasATP hashtag. For more information, contact Jenny Kramer, KDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, at 785-296-5186 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jenny.kramer@ks.gov" target="_blank">jenny.kramer@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and Matthew Messina, KDOT Comprehensive Planning Unit Manager, at 785-296-7448 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:matthew.messina@ks.gov" target="_blank">matthew.messina@ks.gov</a>.

NW Kan. residents asked for input on KS Active Transportation Plan 

<div><iframe title="Annual search for scholarships for graduating seniors ongoing" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/sgs7h-fb0039?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Annual search for scholarships for graduating seniors ongoing

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays city commission will meet this week for the first time since January 28. The work session and commission meeting earlier in February were cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.

The <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02182021-1253">Feb. 18 work session agenda </a>includes a request by developers of the new truck stop&nbsp;related to a delay in the project to be built at Interstate-70 Exit 157.

According to Collin Bielser, asst. city manager, the&nbsp;original start date for the D &amp; J Land and Development Community Improvement District (CID) was April 1. That's when the CID was to have been effective and generating an additional 2% sales tax.

"The (new) ordinance will amend the development agreement, changing the start date of the CID sales tax from April 1st, 2021, to October 1st, 2021, for a 22-year sales tax collection that will reimburse their expenses," Bielser explained.&nbsp;

"This is due to COVID and other pandemic-related delays they've experienced."

Commissioners will also hear a review from Kim Rupp, finance director, and&nbsp;David&nbsp;Arteberry of Stifel, Nicolaus &amp; Company, the&nbsp;city’s financial advisor, regarding the sale of General Obligation (GO) bonds related to the North Vine Corridor Improvement Project.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"This resolution authorizes the preparation and distribution of a bond sale of approximately $6.8 million over a 25-year period," Bielser said.&nbsp;

"It's to be paid from a 2 percent Transient Guest Tax (TGT).&nbsp; We're estimating the interest rate to be about 1.77 percent."

City commissioners will take action next month for final sale of the GO bonds.&nbsp;

* Consideration of bids for eight new shade structures at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. The low bid of&nbsp;$451,280 is from Quality Structures Inc., Richmond, Kan., nearly $100,000 lower than the project estimate of $550,000. The maintenance-free structures would provide three times more shade area than what is currently at the sports complex. Funding would come from the city's share of the Ellis County 1/4 cent sales tax. Last fall, commissioners agreed to use the new sales tax for quality-of-life projects in Hays.&nbsp;

* Hear an annual report from NCK Technical College about activities&nbsp;at its Big Creek&nbsp;Technical Training Center housed at 101 South Main. The building is owned by the city.

Thursday's work session begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HeSD0aRyGkA"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays city commission will meet this week for the first time since January 28. The work session and commission meeting earlier in February were cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.The <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02182021-1253">Feb. 18 work session agenda </a>includes a request by developers of the new truck stop&nbsp;related to a delay in the project to be built at Interstate-70 Exit 157.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613569177740.png" alt="Phase 1 map of the truck stop and retail storefronts to be built northwest of Hays." />
 <figcaption>Phase 1 map of the truck stop and retail storefronts to be built northwest of Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Collin Bielser, asst. city manager, the&nbsp;original start date for the D &amp; J Land and Development Community Improvement District (CID) was April 1. That's when the CID was to have been effective and generating an additional 2% sales tax."The (new) ordinance will amend the development agreement, changing the start date of the CID sales tax from April 1st, 2021, to October 1st, 2021, for a 22-year sales tax collection that will reimburse their expenses," Bielser explained.&nbsp;"This is due to COVID and other pandemic-related delays they've experienced."Commissioners will also hear a review from Kim Rupp, finance director, and&nbsp;David&nbsp;Arteberry of Stifel, Nicolaus &amp; Company, the&nbsp;city’s financial advisor, regarding the sale of General Obligation (GO) bonds related to the North Vine Corridor Improvement Project.&nbsp; &nbsp;"This resolution authorizes the preparation and distribution of a bond sale of approximately $6.8 million over a 25-year period," Bielser said.&nbsp;"It's to be paid from a 2 percent Transient Guest Tax (TGT).&nbsp; We're estimating the interest rate to be about 1.77 percent."City commissioners will take action next month for final sale of the GO bonds.&nbsp;Other agenda items include:* Consideration of bids for eight new shade structures at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. The low bid of&nbsp;$451,280 is from Quality Structures Inc., Richmond, Kan., nearly $100,000 lower than the project estimate of $550,000. The maintenance-free structures would provide three times more shade area than what is currently at the sports complex. Funding would come from the city's share of the Ellis County 1/4 cent sales tax. Last fall, commissioners agreed to use the new sales tax for quality-of-life projects in Hays.&nbsp;* Hear an annual report from NCK Technical College about activities&nbsp;at its Big Creek&nbsp;Technical Training Center housed at 101 South Main. The building is owned by the city.Thursday's work session begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

🎥 I-70 truck stop developers want pushback of CID start; project delayed by COVID

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


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


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

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

Longtime Kan. educator named superintendent of Victoria schools

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

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

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

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

Dawson Clark, Great Bend, School of Health Professions

Macy Moyers, Great Bend, School of Pharmacy

Nicholas Moyers, Great Bend, School of Pharmacy

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

Allen To, Great Bend, School of Engineering

Tanner Blackwell, Hoisington, School of Pharmacy

Lane Milholland, Hoisington, School of Engineering

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dawson Rooney, Hays, School of Engineering

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

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

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

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

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

Weston Erbert, Norton, School of Pharmacy

Macayla Kent, Norton, School of Social Welfare

James Sturgill, Norton, School of Engineering

Callie Uehlin, Norton, School of Business

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

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

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

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

Lexie Wood, Phillipsburg, School of Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brandalyn Thyfault, Dorrance, School of Business

Autumn Princ, Lucas, School of Engineering

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

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

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

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

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

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