Midwest Energy has an opening for a Customer Service Representative at its Hays office.&nbsp; An Associate’s Degree in Business or equivalent is required.&nbsp; Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ experience in customer relations or sales including general office operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal computer and excellent communication skills are required.&nbsp;&nbsp; Candidates should be able to acquire, within a reasonable time span, an understanding of the Company’s rates, billing and collection regulations and other policies and procedures affecting the customers.&nbsp; Knowledge and background in general office procedures, MicroSoft Office, and a depth in customer service. Individual must be able to effectively deal with a variety of people under difficult circumstances.&nbsp; Must be able to handle a variety of diverse activities with attention to detail and accuracy.&nbsp; Must have a valid Kansas Driver’s License.&nbsp; Bilingual skills in Spanish/English are desirable. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/careers">www.mwenergy.com/careers</a>, or e-mail your resume with cover letter to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Recruitment@mwenergy.com">Recruitment@mwenergy.com</a>.&nbsp; Resumes will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 21.&nbsp; Midwest Energy is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586196165303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy has an opening for a Customer Service Representative at its Hays office.&nbsp; An Associate’s Degree in Business or equivalent is required.&nbsp; Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ experience in customer relations or sales including general office operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal computer and excellent communication skills are required.&nbsp;&nbsp; Candidates should be able to acquire, within a reasonable time span, an understanding of the Company’s rates, billing and collection regulations and other policies and procedures affecting the customers.&nbsp; Knowledge and background in general office procedures, MicroSoft Office, and a depth in customer service. Individual must be able to effectively deal with a variety of people under difficult circumstances.&nbsp; Must be able to handle a variety of diverse activities with attention to detail and accuracy.&nbsp; Must have a valid Kansas Driver’s License.&nbsp; Bilingual skills in Spanish/English are desirable. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/careers">www.mwenergy.com/careers</a>, or e-mail your resume with cover letter to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Recruitment@mwenergy.com">Recruitment@mwenergy.com</a>.&nbsp; Resumes will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 21.&nbsp; Midwest Energy is an equal opportunity employer.

🎙 Ellis Co. Commission approves $5.7M CARES funding with ambulance purchase

Ten-year-old Emma Wasinger wanted to help people in her community, so she has organized a Walk for Hunger to gather food items for the St. Joseph Food Pantry.

Emma, who will be a fifth-grader at Holy Family Elementary School, said her former priest, Father Fred, encouraged her to help the community through fundraising. She decided she would try to do a fundraiser every year.

Last year, she had a food stand, but could not do that again this year because of COVID-19.

"I decided to do something for the hungry," Emma said.

"I knew we couldn't do anything with food, but I knew I wanted t0 do something with getting food to people," she said. "I decided to do a walk because I know a lot of people are stuck inside during corona. I thought being able to do a walk and collect food would be fun."

The walkers will begin to gather at St. Joseph Church in downtown Hays starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Emma said she hopes the last group of walkers will leave the church at about 9 a.m. The walk should be over by 11 a.m. No advance registration for the event is necessary.

Social distancing is encouraged. The walk will take participants through downtown Hays and back to the church on about a 1.5-mile route.

Walkers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the food pantry. This can include non-perishable snacks for children, canned tuna, canned salmon or other non-perishable items. Monetary donation will also be taken.

"I think it is important because some people aren't as gifted with everything as some of us, so I feel sorry for all of those who don't get everything they are supposed to," Emma said.

Emma has donated to the food bank before, encouraged by her second-grade religion teacher, who now runs the food pantry,&nbsp;Renee Michaud.

If you don't want to walk, donations will be accepted at the food bank between 7:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday.

Items area also being collected through today at the following businesses: Diamond R. Jewelry, Couture for Men. Paisley Pear, Regeena's Flowers, Simply Charmed, The Bluetique, Breathe Coffee House, Salon Ten-O-Seven, Furniture Look, Tri-Central Office and Refine.

Emma designed poster for the Walk for Hunger and helped distribute them throughout the community.

When Emma is not fundraising, she is a gymnast. Her favorite events are the beam and floor.

She also loves to play softball. Emma also volunteers with an animal rescue group.

For more information on the Walk for Hunger, call 785-735-4595.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597348473156.jpeg" alt="Emma Wasinger at one of the downtown collection points for the Walk for Hunger. Emma, 10, organized the event to benefit the St. Joseph Food Pantry." />
 <figcaption>Emma Wasinger at one of the downtown collection points for the Walk for Hunger. Emma, 10, organized the event to benefit the St. Joseph Food Pantry.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTen-year-old Emma Wasinger wanted to help people in her community, so she has organized a Walk for Hunger to gather food items for the St. Joseph Food Pantry.Emma, who will be a fifth-grader at Holy Family Elementary School, said her former priest, Father Fred, encouraged her to help the community through fundraising. She decided she would try to do a fundraiser every year.Last year, she had a food stand, but could not do that again this year because of COVID-19."I decided to do something for the hungry," Emma said."I knew we couldn't do anything with food, but I knew I wanted t0 do something with getting food to people," she said. "I decided to do a walk because I know a lot of people are stuck inside during corona. I thought being able to do a walk and collect food would be fun."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597348573745.jpeg" alt="Walk for Hunger will be 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The walk will start from St. Joseph Church, go through downtown Hays and back to the food pantry." />
 <figcaption>Walk for Hunger will be 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The walk will start from St. Joseph Church, go through downtown Hays and back to the food pantry.</figcaption>
 </figure>The walkers will begin to gather at St. Joseph Church in downtown Hays starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Emma said she hopes the last group of walkers will leave the church at about 9 a.m. The walk should be over by 11 a.m. No advance registration for the event is necessary.Social distancing is encouraged. The walk will take participants through downtown Hays and back to the church on about a 1.5-mile route.Walkers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the food pantry. This can include non-perishable snacks for children, canned tuna, canned salmon or other non-perishable items. Monetary donation will also be taken.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597348650224.jpeg" alt="Emma also volunteers for an animal rescue organization." />
 <figcaption>Emma also volunteers for an animal rescue organization.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I think it is important because some people aren't as gifted with everything as some of us, so I feel sorry for all of those who don't get everything they are supposed to," Emma said.Emma has donated to the food bank before, encouraged by her second-grade religion teacher, who now runs the food pantry,&nbsp;Renee Michaud.If you don't want to walk, donations will be accepted at the food bank between 7:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday.Items area also being collected through today at the following businesses: Diamond R. Jewelry, Couture for Men. Paisley Pear, Regeena's Flowers, Simply Charmed, The Bluetique, Breathe Coffee House, Salon Ten-O-Seven, Furniture Look, Tri-Central Office and Refine.Emma designed poster for the Walk for Hunger and helped distribute them throughout the community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597348702988.jpeg" alt="When Emma is not fundraising, she is a gymnast. Her favorite events are floor and beam." />
 <figcaption>When Emma is not fundraising, she is a gymnast. Her favorite events are floor and beam.</figcaption>
 </figure>When Emma is not fundraising, she is a gymnast. Her favorite events are the beam and floor.She also loves to play softball. Emma also volunteers with an animal rescue group.For more information on the Walk for Hunger, call 785-735-4595.

Girl organizes Walk for Hunger to benefit St. Joseph Food Pantry

MIAA Approves Actions For Fall Sports and Campus Sport Activities, Decision on Winter Sports Schedules by October 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —&nbsp;The MIAA CEO Council has announced emergency action for the Association and its member institutions in regard to the 2020-2021 athletic seasons and campus sport activities.&nbsp; The emergency action comes as a result of the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic, the NCAA announcement to cancel Fall National Championships, and the recently released NCAA Board of Governors’ directives regarding the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/resocialization-collegiate-sport-developing-standards-practice-and-competition">Resocialization of Collegiate Sport.</a> All MIAA fall sport competitions will be suspended until January 1, 2021. The Association will continue to explore the possibility of a limited number of competitions in football, volleyball, men's soccer, and women’s soccer in the spring, as permitted by the NCAA.&nbsp; The Conference office has also canceled the 2020 MIAA Virtual Football Media Day presented by Seigfreid Bingham in light of the suspension of the MIAA football schedule. “The health and well-being of MIAA student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and our communities continues to be the Association's top priority,” stated President Steve Scott of Pittsburg State University, chairperson of the MIAA CEO Council. “The MIAA is taking these important actions today to help our athletic departments comply with these new NCAA membership requirements, and to assist our campuses as we continue to address this public health crisis.” All NCAA athletically related activities (in all MIAA sports), including in-season practices, out-of-season practices, weight training, team athletically related meetings, and voluntary workouts directed by staff or in institutional facilities shall be permitted this fall based on each institution’s ability to comply with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/requirements-each-division-related-conduct-fall-sports-and-championships-faqs">August 11th NCAA Policy Clarifications</a>&nbsp;document regarding the requirements for each division to conduct fall sports (non-competition) activities.&nbsp; The Association will delay a decision on the winter sports competition schedule until October 1 at the latest.&nbsp; “The MIAA CEO Council will continue to monitor this fluid and evolving situation for college athletics, and make necessary changes to this plan per updated NCAA guidance and restrictions,” added MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. MIAA leadership at member institutions will continue to work together and seek guidance from the NCAA on the NCAA Board of Governors’ directives and the Resocialization of Collegiate Sport Guidelines.&nbsp; The Association will continue to place the health, safety, and well-being of MIAA student-athletes, coaches, and administrators as its top priority.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>MIAA Approves Actions For Fall Sports and Campus Sport Activities, Decision on Winter Sports Schedules by October 1</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. —&nbsp;The MIAA CEO Council has announced emergency action for the Association and its member institutions in regard to the 2020-2021 athletic seasons and campus sport activities.&nbsp; The emergency action comes as a result of the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic, the NCAA announcement to cancel Fall National Championships, and the recently released NCAA Board of Governors’ directives regarding the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/resocialization-collegiate-sport-developing-standards-practice-and-competition">Resocialization of Collegiate Sport.</a> All MIAA fall sport competitions will be suspended until January 1, 2021. The Association will continue to explore the possibility of a limited number of competitions in football, volleyball, men's soccer, and women’s soccer in the spring, as permitted by the NCAA.&nbsp; The Conference office has also canceled the 2020 MIAA Virtual Football Media Day presented by Seigfreid Bingham in light of the suspension of the MIAA football schedule. “The health and well-being of MIAA student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and our communities continues to be the Association's top priority,” stated President Steve Scott of Pittsburg State University, chairperson of the MIAA CEO Council. “The MIAA is taking these important actions today to help our athletic departments comply with these new NCAA membership requirements, and to assist our campuses as we continue to address this public health crisis.” All NCAA athletically related activities (in all MIAA sports), including in-season practices, out-of-season practices, weight training, team athletically related meetings, and voluntary workouts directed by staff or in institutional facilities shall be permitted this fall based on each institution’s ability to comply with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/requirements-each-division-related-conduct-fall-sports-and-championships-faqs">August 11th NCAA Policy Clarifications</a>&nbsp;document regarding the requirements for each division to conduct fall sports (non-competition) activities.&nbsp; The Association will delay a decision on the winter sports competition schedule until October 1 at the latest.&nbsp; “The MIAA CEO Council will continue to monitor this fluid and evolving situation for college athletics, and make necessary changes to this plan per updated NCAA guidance and restrictions,” added MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. MIAA leadership at member institutions will continue to work together and seek guidance from the NCAA on the NCAA Board of Governors’ directives and the Resocialization of Collegiate Sport Guidelines.&nbsp; The Association will continue to place the health, safety, and well-being of MIAA student-athletes, coaches, and administrators as its top priority.&nbsp;&nbsp;MIAA Release

MIAA postpones fall sports, decision on winter sports coming

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners unanimously approved the 2021 budget Thursday night following a public hearing with no comments made.

Amidst financial uncertainty in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there are still a number of constants in the budget. 

An overview was presented by Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.

"It is a balanced budget," Bielser began, "and reserves are adequately funded.

"We maintain 25 mills for the mill levy, which is its 11th year running, and&nbsp;we maintain the 181 full-time equivalent employees."

City employees will&nbsp; receive a 2 percent wage step increase next year.

"Sales tax revenue is projected to be down 1 percent," Bielser said. "Assessed valuation will be up 1 percent, though."&nbsp;

&nbsp;Transient guest tax revenue next year is projected to take a bigger hit, down 19 percent from the 2020 budget.&nbsp;

The city expects to receive $13.4 million in total revenue for 2021. That includes Hays' $700,000 share of the quarter-cent Ellis County sales tax, which goes into effect Oct. 1, 2020.

Total operating expenditures in 2021 are $12.5 million.

Commissioner Mason Ruder commended city staff for their efforts.

“It takes a lot of work to be able
to tighten your belt," Ruder noted. 

"You come before us
with a budget that doesn’t eliminate services, doesn’t increase taxes,&nbsp; keeps things moving forward, and putting money back in the bank is a pretty
daunting task," Ruder said.

A lot of the credit goes to city employees, said Commissioner Ron Mellick, and that ultimately benefits all Hays residents.

"Our employees are out there working every day. They're the ones that ultimately keep this city running efficient and that saves us money, whether it be guys on the front line or all of our employees not abusing their health benefits, which helps keep our rates down," Mellick said.

"That helps them. That helps us. That helps everybody in town with that budget."

Mayor Shaun Musil is pleased city services and staff remain intact.

"There's many cities that had to cut services very quickly, and staff, when COVID hit.

"You and your staff kept plodding along," Musil said to Toby Dougherty, city manager.

"It wasn't like you didn't cut anything," Musil pointed out. "But we didn't have any impact on services.

"We're not standing still," Musil said. "We're moving forward."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597409648527.jpeg" alt="The city of Hays is planning on a 1% decrease in sales tax revenues in its 2021 budget. Sales tax funds the majority of the general fund." />
 <figcaption>The city of Hays is planning on a 1% decrease in sales tax revenues in its 2021 budget. Sales tax funds the majority of the general fund.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners unanimously approved the 2021 budget Thursday night following a public hearing with no comments made.Amidst financial uncertainty in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there are still a number of constants in the budget. An overview was presented by Collin Bielser, assistant city manager."It is a balanced budget," Bielser began, "and reserves are adequately funded."We maintain 25 mills for the mill levy, which is its 11th year running, and&nbsp;we maintain the 181 full-time equivalent employees."City employees will&nbsp; receive a 2 percent wage step increase next year."Sales tax revenue is projected to be down 1 percent," Bielser said. "Assessed valuation will be up 1 percent, though."&nbsp;&nbsp;Transient guest tax revenue next year is projected to take a bigger hit, down 19 percent from the 2020 budget.&nbsp;The city expects to receive $13.4 million in total revenue for 2021. That includes Hays' $700,000 share of the quarter-cent Ellis County sales tax, which goes into effect Oct. 1, 2020.Total operating expenditures in 2021 are $12.5 million.Commissioner Mason Ruder commended city staff for their efforts.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9581ZBmOn24"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“It takes a lot of work to be able
to tighten your belt," Ruder noted. "You come before us
with a budget that doesn’t eliminate services, doesn’t increase taxes,&nbsp; keeps things moving forward, and putting money back in the bank is a pretty
daunting task," Ruder said.A lot of the credit goes to city employees, said Commissioner Ron Mellick, and that ultimately benefits all Hays residents."Our employees are out there working every day. They're the ones that ultimately keep this city running efficient and that saves us money, whether it be guys on the front line or all of our employees not abusing their health benefits, which helps keep our rates down," Mellick said."That helps them. That helps us. That helps everybody in town with that budget."Mayor Shaun Musil is pleased city services and staff remain intact."There's many cities that had to cut services very quickly, and staff, when COVID hit."You and your staff kept plodding along," Musil said to Toby Dougherty, city manager."It wasn't like you didn't cut anything," Musil pointed out. "But we didn't have any impact on services."We're not standing still," Musil said. "We're moving forward."

🎥 No cuts in services, staff in Hays' 2021 budget; mill levy remains same

Dr. Rick Edgeman, professor of management and chair of the department of management in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, was announced today as the 2020 President’s Distinguished Scholar at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; “Dr. Edgeman has broad research interests in quality management, lean six sigma, operations management, and supply chain management. He has published extensively in leading scientific journals and currently serves as one of the associate editors for the total quality management and business excellence,” said Dr. Jill Arensdorf, emcee of the ceremonies at the 2020 FHSU fall convocation held live on Facebook.&nbsp; “In his professional career, Edgeman has authored or co-authored a book, 21 edited book chapters, approximately 115 refereed journals, 30 published book reviews, and approximately 90 presentations at conferences," said Arensdorf, provost and vice president for academic affairs.&nbsp; “Rick, thank you for your contributions to the university and to your discipline.”&nbsp; The President’s Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. All unclassified employees of the university are eligible for consideration and the evaluation of each candidate for this honor is based on an analysis of their performance in the categories of research and creative activities, service, and instruction. Acceptable levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award on research and creative activities.&nbsp; An evaluation committee, composed of five of the most recent award winners, reviews applications, and a recommendation is forwarded to President Tisa Mason. The provost chairs the committee and is responsible for administering the award process.&nbsp; Several other awards were also presented at the Facebook Live convocation.&nbsp; Navigator Award The Navigator Award was presented to Dr. Keith Bremer, assistant professor of geosciences. The award was established in 1998 by the Student Government Association to recognize an outstanding academic advisor based on how closely the advisor adheres to the university goals for academic advising.&nbsp; Dr. Bremer is revered by his students for his thoroughness and responsiveness to their questions on classes and degree requirements.&nbsp; “Dr. Bremer continues to exemplify the true meaning of advising to ensure student success,” said Arensdorf.&nbsp; Faculty Member of the Year The Faculty Member of the Year award was presented to Dr. Babu George, associate professor of management and international coordinator for FHSU’s Robbins College of Business &amp; Entrepreneurship. Commerce Bank also provided a $1,000 stipend to Dr. George in recognition of this honor.&nbsp; Dr. George has amassed a diverse and talented portfolio with an emphasis on impactful business and social science research. His work was cited at least 200 times in 2019, and he continues to author or co-author papers, which provides him with renowned recognition for his scholarship.&nbsp; The Faculty Member of the Year is selected from the past year's recipients of faculty awards for teaching, for research and scholarly activity, and service.&nbsp; The 2019-2020 awards for service went to Dr. Seth Kastle, assistant professor of leadership studies and Dr. Jacqueline Lubin, assistant professor of advanced education programs. Outstanding teaching awards went to Dr. Robert Lloyd, assistant professor of management and Whitney Whitaker, assistant professor of psychology. In the area of research and scholarly activity, Dr. Babu George, associate professor of management, and Dr. Linda Feldstein, assistant professor of teacher education, were recognized.&nbsp; Edmund Shearer Faculty Advisor of the Year Award The Edmund Shearer Faculty Advisor of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Tanya Smith, associate professor of nursing in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.&nbsp; The Shearer Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic advising of students.&nbsp; Shearer, a former chair of the Department of Chemistry, was known for the high value he placed on student advisement. One advisor can be recognized from each of the five academic colleges.&nbsp; The recipient of this award will also be nominated for the National Academic Advising Association Award. Each FHSU winner will be presented with a certificate and a monetary award. The nominees receive a stipend of $150, and the winning recipient receives $500. Commerce Bank also sponsors this award.&nbsp; Dr. Smith is one of the reasons the FHSU Department of Nursing has a reputation for its outstanding vigor and remarkable record of attracting quality students. Smith advises approximately 185 students. She continuously assists in the development of meaningful educational plans with her advisees and provides each one with personal attention to ensure they succeed in the field of Nursing.&nbsp; Besides Smith, the nominees for this award included Dr. Tamara Lynn, an associate professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, and Dr. Edward Hammond, FHSU President Emeritus and a professor in the Department of Advanced Education Programs in the College of Education.&nbsp; John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor Dr. Whitney Whitaker, assistant professor of psychology, was named the John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor.&nbsp; This award recognizes faculty members for their commitment, time, and energy in promoting undergraduate research. All current faculty and unclassified staff members at levels comparable to academic faculty are eligible. The winner's home department is awarded $500 of budget funding to benefit the recipient. The Office of the Provost, the Undergraduate Research Environment Committee, and the Office of Scholarships and Sponsored Projects sponsors the award.&nbsp; Since 2017, Whitaker has served as a research mentor for 16 undergraduate students, published three papers with students as the first author for each publication, mentored 24 student presentations, and received three Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) grants to collaborate with undergraduate students and colleagues on original research. Whitaker also founded the Mindfulness Attention Research Studies (MARS) lab to create a space for undergraduate students to learn about research.&nbsp; Whitaker's most recent URE grant involved working with a virtual student who added a new level of complexity to her research mentoring experience. The student on this project was also selected as the Outstanding Junior Undergraduate Student in the Department of Psychology in the Spring 2020 semester.&nbsp; Departmental Awards This year’s “Closing the Loop” departmental award went to the Department of Applied Technology. The department receives $2,000, provided by Voya Financial, in additional operating budget funding for the year. This award recognizes a department that implements improvements in its degree programs.&nbsp; The Bachelor of Business Administration program in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship won this year’s Advancing Assessment Award, receiving an additional $1,000 in additional operating budget funding. This award is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Office for Institutional Effectiveness and Quality Improvement. This award recognizes departments that make advances in their program assessment procedures.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597333042244.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsDr. Rick Edgeman, professor of management and chair of the department of management in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, was announced today as the 2020 President’s Distinguished Scholar at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; “Dr. Edgeman has broad research interests in quality management, lean six sigma, operations management, and supply chain management. He has published extensively in leading scientific journals and currently serves as one of the associate editors for the total quality management and business excellence,” said Dr. Jill Arensdorf, emcee of the ceremonies at the 2020 FHSU fall convocation held live on Facebook.&nbsp; “In his professional career, Edgeman has authored or co-authored a book, 21 edited book chapters, approximately 115 refereed journals, 30 published book reviews, and approximately 90 presentations at conferences," said Arensdorf, provost and vice president for academic affairs.&nbsp; “Rick, thank you for your contributions to the university and to your discipline.”&nbsp; The President’s Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. All unclassified employees of the university are eligible for consideration and the evaluation of each candidate for this honor is based on an analysis of their performance in the categories of research and creative activities, service, and instruction. Acceptable levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award on research and creative activities.&nbsp; An evaluation committee, composed of five of the most recent award winners, reviews applications, and a recommendation is forwarded to President Tisa Mason. The provost chairs the committee and is responsible for administering the award process.&nbsp; Several other awards were also presented at the Facebook Live convocation.&nbsp; Navigator Award The Navigator Award was presented to Dr. Keith Bremer, assistant professor of geosciences. The award was established in 1998 by the Student Government Association to recognize an outstanding academic advisor based on how closely the advisor adheres to the university goals for academic advising.&nbsp; Dr. Bremer is revered by his students for his thoroughness and responsiveness to their questions on classes and degree requirements.&nbsp; “Dr. Bremer continues to exemplify the true meaning of advising to ensure student success,” said Arensdorf.&nbsp; Faculty Member of the Year The Faculty Member of the Year award was presented to Dr. Babu George, associate professor of management and international coordinator for FHSU’s Robbins College of Business &amp; Entrepreneurship. Commerce Bank also provided a $1,000 stipend to Dr. George in recognition of this honor.&nbsp; Dr. George has amassed a diverse and talented portfolio with an emphasis on impactful business and social science research. His work was cited at least 200 times in 2019, and he continues to author or co-author papers, which provides him with renowned recognition for his scholarship.&nbsp; The Faculty Member of the Year is selected from the past year's recipients of faculty awards for teaching, for research and scholarly activity, and service.&nbsp; The 2019-2020 awards for service went to Dr. Seth Kastle, assistant professor of leadership studies and Dr. Jacqueline Lubin, assistant professor of advanced education programs. Outstanding teaching awards went to Dr. Robert Lloyd, assistant professor of management and Whitney Whitaker, assistant professor of psychology. In the area of research and scholarly activity, Dr. Babu George, associate professor of management, and Dr. Linda Feldstein, assistant professor of teacher education, were recognized.&nbsp; Edmund Shearer Faculty Advisor of the Year Award The Edmund Shearer Faculty Advisor of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Tanya Smith, associate professor of nursing in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.&nbsp; The Shearer Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic advising of students.&nbsp; Shearer, a former chair of the Department of Chemistry, was known for the high value he placed on student advisement. One advisor can be recognized from each of the five academic colleges.&nbsp; The recipient of this award will also be nominated for the National Academic Advising Association Award. Each FHSU winner will be presented with a certificate and a monetary award. The nominees receive a stipend of $150, and the winning recipient receives $500. Commerce Bank also sponsors this award.&nbsp; Dr. Smith is one of the reasons the FHSU Department of Nursing has a reputation for its outstanding vigor and remarkable record of attracting quality students. Smith advises approximately 185 students. She continuously assists in the development of meaningful educational plans with her advisees and provides each one with personal attention to ensure they succeed in the field of Nursing.&nbsp; Besides Smith, the nominees for this award included Dr. Tamara Lynn, an associate professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, and Dr. Edward Hammond, FHSU President Emeritus and a professor in the Department of Advanced Education Programs in the College of Education.&nbsp; John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor Dr. Whitney Whitaker, assistant professor of psychology, was named the John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor.&nbsp; This award recognizes faculty members for their commitment, time, and energy in promoting undergraduate research. All current faculty and unclassified staff members at levels comparable to academic faculty are eligible. The winner's home department is awarded $500 of budget funding to benefit the recipient. The Office of the Provost, the Undergraduate Research Environment Committee, and the Office of Scholarships and Sponsored Projects sponsors the award.&nbsp; Since 2017, Whitaker has served as a research mentor for 16 undergraduate students, published three papers with students as the first author for each publication, mentored 24 student presentations, and received three Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) grants to collaborate with undergraduate students and colleagues on original research. Whitaker also founded the Mindfulness Attention Research Studies (MARS) lab to create a space for undergraduate students to learn about research.&nbsp; Whitaker's most recent URE grant involved working with a virtual student who added a new level of complexity to her research mentoring experience. The student on this project was also selected as the Outstanding Junior Undergraduate Student in the Department of Psychology in the Spring 2020 semester.&nbsp; Departmental Awards This year’s “Closing the Loop” departmental award went to the Department of Applied Technology. The department receives $2,000, provided by Voya Financial, in additional operating budget funding for the year. This award recognizes a department that implements improvements in its degree programs.&nbsp; The Bachelor of Business Administration program in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship won this year’s Advancing Assessment Award, receiving an additional $1,000 in additional operating budget funding. This award is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Office for Institutional Effectiveness and Quality Improvement. This award recognizes departments that make advances in their program assessment procedures.&nbsp;

FHSU announces 2020 Convocation Award recipients

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed four new members and
  reappointed three to the Access to Justice Committee.

Berens,
  Foth, and Sylvester will serve three-year terms that began July 1 and end
  June 30, 2023. Snepp will serve an unexpired term ending June 30, 2022.

The
  Access to Justice Committee makes recommendations to the Supreme Court about
  issues such as increasing resources available for legal services for
  self-represented litigants in civil cases; improving planning and
  coordination for legal services delivery; and reducing potential barriers to
  equal access to justice.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561209324033.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OJATOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed four new members and
 reappointed three to the Access to Justice Committee.The new
 members are:<ul>
 <li>Chief
 Judge Kevin Berens, who serves in the 15th Judicial District, composed
 of Cheyenne, Logan, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, and Wallace
 counties;</li><li>District
 Judge Neil Foth, who serves in the 10th Judicial District, which is
 Johnson County;</li><li>District
 Magistrate Judge Ronald Sylvester, who serves in Kingman County of the
 30th Judicial District; and</li><li>Meredith
 Snepp of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka.</li>
 </ul>Berens,
 Foth, and Sylvester will serve three-year terms that began July 1 and end
 June 30, 2023. Snepp will serve an unexpired term ending June 30, 2022.Reappointed
 to three-year terms:<ul>
 <li>Marcia
 Hannon, Kansas Supreme Court Law Library, Topeka;</li><li>Sara
 Rust-Martin, Kansas Coalition Against Sexual And Domestic Violence,
 Topeka; and</li><li>Amanda
 Truan, district court administrator of the 23rd Judicial District,
 composed of Ellis, Gove, Rooks, and Trego counties.</li>
 </ul>The
 Access to Justice Committee makes recommendations to the Supreme Court about
 issues such as increasing resources available for legal services for
 self-represented litigants in civil cases; improving planning and
 coordination for legal services delivery; and reducing potential barriers to
 equal access to justice.&nbsp;Other
 members of the committee:<ul>
 <li>District
 Judge Carl William Ossmann, chair, who serves in the 3rd Judicial
 District, which is Shawnee County;</li><li>Starla
 Borg Nelson, a lawyer at Navis &amp; Nelson in Belleville;</li><li>Christy
 Campbell, Kansas Legal Services, Wichita;</li><li>Chief
 Judge Joe Dickinson of the 9th Judicial District, composed of Harvey and
 McPherson counties;</li><li>Senior
 Judge James Fleetwood, Wichita;</li><li>District
 Magistrate Judge Kenton Gleason, who serves in Hodgeman County of the
 24th Judicial District;</li><li>Kristi
 Hill, clerk of the district court in the 29th Judicial District, which
 is Wyandotte County;</li><li>Christie
 Koehn, chief court services officer of the 6th Judicial District,
 composed of Miami, Linn, and Bourbon counties;</li><li>Judge
 Sarah Warner, Kansas Court of Appeals;</li><li>Penny
 Wells, clerk of the Comanche County District Court in the 16th Judicial
 District; and</li><li>Ruth
 Wheeler, district court administrator of the 5th Judicial District,
 composed of Chase and Lyon counties.</li>
 </ul>

NW Kansas judge appointed to Access to Justice Committee

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

I have been getting some calls from farmers asking if their grain sorghum has sugarcane aphids in it? After going and looking I am glad to report that they are not sugarcane aphids. It is an aphid.

The corn leaf aphid,&nbsp;frequently infests sorghum at the whorl stage. This aphid ranges in color primarily from dark-green or bluish. Key identifying features are the dark legs and cornicles, relatively short antennae, and feeding on the upper leaf surfaces almost exclusively, preferring the upper parts of the plant.&nbsp;

Sugarcane aphids (SCA) on the other hand feed on the underside of leaves. They can be confused with other aphids especially when the aphids are young. They are pale yellow and have light colored legs with dark feet. They have dark colored, short cornicles (tail pipes) with no shading at the base of them as on the corn leaf aphid. &nbsp;

Both aphids do produce a sticky honeydew substance, for that matter any aphid or greenbug does, because they all have piercing-sucking mouth parts and are sucking the plant juices for nourishment. Corn leaf aphids do not have such a high reproductive rate as sugarcane aphids and therefore are not considered an economic treat to sorghum. Any aphid will attract beneficial species that will feed on them. The corn leaf aphid is rarely a cause for concern on sorghum unless larger numbers persist into heading and migrate up into about 50% or more of the heads to continue feeding.&nbsp;

Corn leaf aphids do attract beneficial insects, such as the lady beetle that will feed on them and currently I am seeing significant numbers of lady beetles and other aphid natural enemies that contribute to their control!&nbsp;

A good resource to have or refer to is the “Sorghum Insect Management Guide” by K-State Research &amp; Extension, it can be found on our web site at <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> or simply type into your internet browser - sorghum insect management guide, ksu.&nbsp;

If you have any questions, please give me a call or email me.&nbsp;

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597164324186.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictI have been getting some calls from farmers asking if their grain sorghum has sugarcane aphids in it? After going and looking I am glad to report that they are not sugarcane aphids. It is an aphid.The corn leaf aphid,&nbsp;frequently infests sorghum at the whorl stage. This aphid ranges in color primarily from dark-green or bluish. Key identifying features are the dark legs and cornicles, relatively short antennae, and feeding on the upper leaf surfaces almost exclusively, preferring the upper parts of the plant.&nbsp;Sugarcane aphids (SCA) on the other hand feed on the underside of leaves. They can be confused with other aphids especially when the aphids are young. They are pale yellow and have light colored legs with dark feet. They have dark colored, short cornicles (tail pipes) with no shading at the base of them as on the corn leaf aphid. &nbsp;Both aphids do produce a sticky honeydew substance, for that matter any aphid or greenbug does, because they all have piercing-sucking mouth parts and are sucking the plant juices for nourishment. Corn leaf aphids do not have such a high reproductive rate as sugarcane aphids and therefore are not considered an economic treat to sorghum. Any aphid will attract beneficial species that will feed on them. The corn leaf aphid is rarely a cause for concern on sorghum unless larger numbers persist into heading and migrate up into about 50% or more of the heads to continue feeding.&nbsp;Corn leaf aphids do attract beneficial insects, such as the lady beetle that will feed on them and currently I am seeing significant numbers of lady beetles and other aphid natural enemies that contribute to their control!&nbsp;A good resource to have or refer to is the “Sorghum Insect Management Guide” by K-State Research &amp; Extension, it can be found on our web site at <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> or simply type into your internet browser - sorghum insect management guide, ksu.&nbsp;If you have any questions, please give me a call or email me.&nbsp;Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Corn leaf aphids in sorghum 

Three-day weather outlook

The Kansas Soybean Commission elected its 2020-21 officers Aug. 7 during its annual meeting. 

Re-elected to lead the KSC as chairman is Bob Haselwood, Shawnee County. Also re-elected were Ron Ohlde, Washington County, as vice chairman; Gary Robbins, Pottawatomie County, as secretary and Raylen Phelon, Osage County, treasurer.

Other commissioners serving this year are Kurt Maurath of Logan County, Keith Miller, Barton County; Dennis Gruenbacher, Sedgwick County; Mike Bellar, Elk County; and Lance Rezac, Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Soybean Commission elected its 2020-21 officers Aug. 7 during its annual meeting. Re-elected to lead the KSC as chairman is Bob Haselwood, Shawnee County. Also re-elected were Ron Ohlde, Washington County, as vice chairman; Gary Robbins, Pottawatomie County, as secretary and Raylen Phelon, Osage County, treasurer.Other commissioners serving this year are Kurt Maurath of Logan County, Keith Miller, Barton County; Dennis Gruenbacher, Sedgwick County; Mike Bellar, Elk County; and Lance Rezac, Pottawatomie County.

Kansas Soybean Commission elects officers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is undoing Obama-era rules designed to limit potent greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas fields and pipelines, formalizing the changes Thursday in the heart of the nation’s most prolific natural gas reservoir and in the premier presidential battleground state of Pennsylvania.

Andrew Wheeler, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, signed the rollback of the 2016 methane emissions rule in Pittsburgh as the agency touted the Trump administration’s efforts to “strengthen and promote American energy.”

The EPA first proposed the rollback&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e2872a46eb3e43bd928707bba2f2c031">last year</a>, accusing the Obama administration of enacting a legally flawed rule, and agency officials said it would save companies tens of millions of dollars a year in compliance requirements without changing the trajectory of methane emissions.

But states, including California, and a coalition of environmental advocacy groups warned that the changes are illegal — not to mention a setback in the fight against climate change — and expect to quickly sue to block it.

“It’s not only negligent, it’s unlawful,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “We won’t sit silently while the EPA allows this super pollutant to rapidly warm our atmosphere.”

The White House took the event to Pittsburgh, the headquarters for many companies exploring the Marcellus Shale, the booming reservoir that vaulted Pennsylvania to the nation’s No. 2 natural gas state, behind Texas.

“EPA has been working hard to fulfill President Trump’s promise to cut burdensome and ineffective regulations for our domestic energy industry,” Wheeler said in a statement.

Reflecting the pervasive politics of the presidential campaign, Wheeler cast blame onto the presumptive Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, saying “regulatory burdens put into place by the Obama-Biden Administration fell heavily on small and medium-sized energy businesses.”

Pennsylvania is of prime importance in November’s presidential election, and the natural gas industry is playing a central role in TV attack ads being aired in the state by Trump’s allies.

In recent years, preventing methane leaks from well-site equipment and pipelines has become important for regulators because methane is a potent greenhouse gas.

The oil and gas industry was responsible for nearly 30% of the nation’s methane emissions in 2018, and methane accounted for 10% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EPA.

The Trump administration is eliminating the twice-yearly requirement for companies to inspect for methane leaks on equipment installed after 2015 at well sites and downstream segments, such as pipelines, compressor stations and storage tanks. Leaks must be fixed.

Supporters of the rule maintained that, based on reports the companies file, it seemed to be helping reduce methane emissions. They also pointed to the EPA’s acknowledgment in its technical analysis that its rule changes will increase emissions of methane and smog-forming compounds.

Operators will still have to check equipment for leaks of smog-forming compounds at some higher-producing well sites, but Thursday’s changes relaxed those standards and producers won’t have to inspect pipelines or downstream equipment anymore.

Any leaks they fix help capture methane, and companies say they have a financial incentive to voluntarily fix leaks to ensure that methane gets to customers, rather than going into the atmosphere.

But, far more importantly, killing the methane emissions rule also blocks a legal requirement for the EPA to extend the rule to cover many more pieces of equipment installed before 2015, environmental advocates say.

“We’ll see them in court because this is blatantly illegal,” said David Doniger, senior strategic director of the climate and clean energy program at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Robert Howarth, an ecology professor at Cornell University, estimated that shale oil and gas production in North America accounted for one-third of the total global increase in methane emissions over the past year.

Rolling back methane measures now is “dangerously reckless,” Howarth said. “Methane emissions are increasing rapidly, and the oil and gas industry is clearly part of the problem.”

Peter Zalzal, an attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund, said that, without federal leadership, stronger state regulation will be even more important.

Some states — such as California, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Wyoming — have methane standards that are comparable or stronger than the EPA’s 2016 rule. But many big oil and gas states — such as Texas — do not, Zalzal said.

Oil and gas industry representatives pushed for the methane rollbacks, fearing more expensive rules covering emissions from older equipment. Smaller, independent operators hailed the changes as important to their survival.

“The issue for producers has never been whether regulations were necessary; it has always been whether the regulations were sound and cost effective,” the Independent Petroleum Association of America said.

Still, some companies opposed a rollback, noting they had pledged to reduce emissions or pointing out that they were already exceeding the rule’s requirements.

Some oil majors including BP, Shell and ExxonMobil have called on Trump to strengthen efforts to cap methane emissions. The Trump administration’s move is “frustrating and disappointing,” Shell’s U.S. president, Gretchen Watkins, said in a statement.

In 2016′s election, Trump eked out a win in Pennsylvania — the first Republican presidential candidate to capture it since 1988 — by piling up support with Pennsylvania’s rural areas and working-class whites.

Since then, Trump has eagerly promoted the state’s gas industry, underscoring his focus on shoring up his base as his appointees have moved to expand extraction on federal lands, boost the export of liquefied natural gas and restrict the ability of states to block pipelines.

Meanwhile, a pro-Trump super PAC, America First Action, is running TV ads in Pennsylvania accusing Biden of wanting to ban “fracking,” the process that along with horizontal drilling has unlocked a torrent of oil and natural gas across the United States in the past decade.

Biden’s campaign counters that that is flatly untrue.

Biden would only ban new gas-drilling permits on public lands, his campaign said, pointing out that about 90% of fracking is on private land.

And while Trump often ridicules the science behind increasingly urgent warnings for immediate action to stave off the worst of climate damage by cutting fossil fuel emissions, Biden’s campaign said it recognizes that “climate change is an urgent problem and that all Americans have the right to clean air and clean water.”

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is undoing Obama-era rules designed to limit potent greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas fields and pipelines, formalizing the changes Thursday in the heart of the nation’s most prolific natural gas reservoir and in the premier presidential battleground state of Pennsylvania.Andrew Wheeler, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, signed the rollback of the 2016 methane emissions rule in Pittsburgh as the agency touted the Trump administration’s efforts to “strengthen and promote American energy.”The EPA first proposed the rollback&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e2872a46eb3e43bd928707bba2f2c031">last year</a>, accusing the Obama administration of enacting a legally flawed rule, and agency officials said it would save companies tens of millions of dollars a year in compliance requirements without changing the trajectory of methane emissions.But states, including California, and a coalition of environmental advocacy groups warned that the changes are illegal — not to mention a setback in the fight against climate change — and expect to quickly sue to block it.“It’s not only negligent, it’s unlawful,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “We won’t sit silently while the EPA allows this super pollutant to rapidly warm our atmosphere.”The White House took the event to Pittsburgh, the headquarters for many companies exploring the Marcellus Shale, the booming reservoir that vaulted Pennsylvania to the nation’s No. 2 natural gas state, behind Texas.“EPA has been working hard to fulfill President Trump’s promise to cut burdensome and ineffective regulations for our domestic energy industry,” Wheeler said in a statement.Reflecting the pervasive politics of the presidential campaign, Wheeler cast blame onto the presumptive Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, saying “regulatory burdens put into place by the Obama-Biden Administration fell heavily on small and medium-sized energy businesses.”Pennsylvania is of prime importance in November’s presidential election, and the natural gas industry is playing a central role in TV attack ads being aired in the state by Trump’s allies.In recent years, preventing methane leaks from well-site equipment and pipelines has become important for regulators because methane is a potent greenhouse gas.The oil and gas industry was responsible for nearly 30% of the nation’s methane emissions in 2018, and methane accounted for 10% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EPA.The Trump administration is eliminating the twice-yearly requirement for companies to inspect for methane leaks on equipment installed after 2015 at well sites and downstream segments, such as pipelines, compressor stations and storage tanks. Leaks must be fixed.Supporters of the rule maintained that, based on reports the companies file, it seemed to be helping reduce methane emissions. They also pointed to the EPA’s acknowledgment in its technical analysis that its rule changes will increase emissions of methane and smog-forming compounds.Operators will still have to check equipment for leaks of smog-forming compounds at some higher-producing well sites, but Thursday’s changes relaxed those standards and producers won’t have to inspect pipelines or downstream equipment anymore.Any leaks they fix help capture methane, and companies say they have a financial incentive to voluntarily fix leaks to ensure that methane gets to customers, rather than going into the atmosphere.But, far more importantly, killing the methane emissions rule also blocks a legal requirement for the EPA to extend the rule to cover many more pieces of equipment installed before 2015, environmental advocates say.“We’ll see them in court because this is blatantly illegal,” said David Doniger, senior strategic director of the climate and clean energy program at the Natural Resources Defense Council.Robert Howarth, an ecology professor at Cornell University, estimated that shale oil and gas production in North America accounted for one-third of the total global increase in methane emissions over the past year.Rolling back methane measures now is “dangerously reckless,” Howarth said. “Methane emissions are increasing rapidly, and the oil and gas industry is clearly part of the problem.”Peter Zalzal, an attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund, said that, without federal leadership, stronger state regulation will be even more important.Some states — such as California, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Wyoming — have methane standards that are comparable or stronger than the EPA’s 2016 rule. But many big oil and gas states — such as Texas — do not, Zalzal said.Oil and gas industry representatives pushed for the methane rollbacks, fearing more expensive rules covering emissions from older equipment. Smaller, independent operators hailed the changes as important to their survival.“The issue for producers has never been whether regulations were necessary; it has always been whether the regulations were sound and cost effective,” the Independent Petroleum Association of America said.Still, some companies opposed a rollback, noting they had pledged to reduce emissions or pointing out that they were already exceeding the rule’s requirements.Some oil majors including BP, Shell and ExxonMobil have called on Trump to strengthen efforts to cap methane emissions. The Trump administration’s move is “frustrating and disappointing,” Shell’s U.S. president, Gretchen Watkins, said in a statement.In 2016′s election, Trump eked out a win in Pennsylvania — the first Republican presidential candidate to capture it since 1988 — by piling up support with Pennsylvania’s rural areas and working-class whites.Since then, Trump has eagerly promoted the state’s gas industry, underscoring his focus on shoring up his base as his appointees have moved to expand extraction on federal lands, boost the export of liquefied natural gas and restrict the ability of states to block pipelines.Meanwhile, a pro-Trump super PAC, America First Action, is running TV ads in Pennsylvania accusing Biden of wanting to ban “fracking,” the process that along with horizontal drilling has unlocked a torrent of oil and natural gas across the United States in the past decade.Biden’s campaign counters that that is flatly untrue.Biden would only ban new gas-drilling permits on public lands, his campaign said, pointing out that about 90% of fracking is on private land.And while Trump often ridicules the science behind increasingly urgent warnings for immediate action to stave off the worst of climate damage by cutting fossil fuel emissions, Biden’s campaign said it recognizes that “climate change is an urgent problem and that all Americans have the right to clean air and clean water.”___

Trump's EPA dumps methane emissions rule for oil, gas fields

Businesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a spring 2021 or summer 2021 intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program.

A grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation made 25 paid internships possible for next spring and summer. Applications from employers will be accepted through Sept. 18.

Eligible employers must be located in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County area east to include the Republic-Saline County area, including Ellsworth County. However, students do not have to be from the northwest Kansas area to apply.

A participating employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the remaining funding is provided by the Hansen Foundation grant. Each internship is for one semester or summer. Spring interns will work 240 total hours, and summer interns will work 300 total hours.

“We’re grateful for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of this program,” said Lisa Karlin, internship career advisor. “It provides employers access to new talent and allows students to gain professional work experience through internships.”

Interested employers should go to the Career Services page on the FHSU website at<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program">fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program and complete the application. The employer must also provide a detailed job description for the internship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597348736708.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsBusinesses and organizations in northwest Kansas can now apply for a spring 2021 or summer 2021 intern from Fort Hays State University through the FHSU/Dane G. Hansen Internship program.A grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation made 25 paid internships possible for next spring and summer. Applications from employers will be accepted through Sept. 18.Eligible employers must be located in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area: the block of counties stretching from the Cheyenne-Wallace County area east to include the Republic-Saline County area, including Ellsworth County. However, students do not have to be from the northwest Kansas area to apply.A participating employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the remaining funding is provided by the Hansen Foundation grant. Each internship is for one semester or summer. Spring interns will work 240 total hours, and summer interns will work 300 total hours.“We’re grateful for the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of this program,” said Lisa Karlin, internship career advisor. “It provides employers access to new talent and allows students to gain professional work experience through internships.”Interested employers should go to the Career Services page on the FHSU website at<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program">fhsu.edu/career/employers/hansen-internship-program</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program and complete the application. The employer must also provide a detailed job description for the internship.

Employer applications open for Hansen interns from FHSU

Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief/">kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief/</a>

TODAY, Thursday, August 13th, at 4:00 PM&nbsp;the application will go live to view&nbsp;on the Website listed above.

Applications will not be accepted to submit until&nbsp;Wednesday, August 19th, at 12:00 PM.

There are $78.6 million in Economic Development funds and&nbsp;$60 million in Connectivity funds. Below are the&nbsp;nine grant programs&nbsp;becoming available:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Small Business Working Capital Grants

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Arts &amp; Entertainment Venue

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business/Professional Services

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Communications &amp; Marketing

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Educational Services

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance &amp; Banking

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grocery

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Healthcare &amp; Medical

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Logistics &amp; Distribution

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Manufacturing

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-Profit

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal Services

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurant &amp; Hospitality

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retail

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 FTE

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must have been in operation since July 1, 2019

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be in good standing with Kansas Secretary of State

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be able to demonstrate a loss of at least 25% of gross revenues from January 1, 2020-June 30, 2020, as compared to July 1, 2019-December 31, 2019

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must not have received more than $350K or more in Covid-19 related assistance from federal or local sources combined

***(FTE count, loss of 25%, and $350K+ from federal or local assistance – Are all allowed to be appealed for consideration)

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maximum grant amounts vary by sector and need of business

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Businesses are not guaranteed the full amount

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Award determination will be made on several factors including number of employees, extend of business loss, etc.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds have depleted

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securing Local Food Systems Grants

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PPE Procurement Grants

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PPE Manufacturing Grants

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Covid-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration Grants

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Connectivity Emergency Response Grant

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Broadband Partnership Adoption Grants

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IT, Cybersecurity, &amp; IT Project Management Certification Training Grants

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas Tech College Advanced Manufacturing Grants

For questions, email the Dept of Commerce at:<a href="mailto:backtobusiness@ks.gov">backtobusiness@ks.gov</a> The applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597346503192.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of CommerceWebsite:&nbsp;<a href="http://kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief/">kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief/</a> TODAY, Thursday, August 13th, at 4:00 PM&nbsp;the application will go live to view&nbsp;on the Website listed above.Applications will not be accepted to submit until&nbsp;Wednesday, August 19th, at 12:00 PM.There are $78.6 million in Economic Development funds and&nbsp;$60 million in Connectivity funds. Below are the&nbsp;nine grant programs&nbsp;becoming available:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Small Business Working Capital GrantsIndustries:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Arts &amp; Entertainment Venue·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business/Professional Services·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Communications &amp; Marketing·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Educational Services·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance &amp; Banking·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grocery·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Healthcare &amp; Medical·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Logistics &amp; Distribution·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Manufacturing·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-Profit·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal Services·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurant &amp; Hospitality·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retail·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OtherEligibility:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 FTE·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must have been in operation since July 1, 2019·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be in good standing with Kansas Secretary of State·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be able to demonstrate a loss of at least 25% of gross revenues from January 1, 2020-June 30, 2020, as compared to July 1, 2019-December 31, 2019·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must not have received more than $350K or more in Covid-19 related assistance from federal or local sources combined***(FTE count, loss of 25%, and $350K+ from federal or local assistance – Are all allowed to be appealed for consideration)Notes:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maximum grant amounts vary by sector and need of business·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Businesses are not guaranteed the full amount·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Award determination will be made on several factors including number of employees, extend of business loss, etc.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds have depleted2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securing Local Food Systems Grants3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PPE Procurement Grants4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PPE Manufacturing Grants5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Covid-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration Grants6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Connectivity Emergency Response Grant7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Broadband Partnership Adoption Grants8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IT, Cybersecurity, &amp; IT Project Management Certification Training Grants9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas Tech College Advanced Manufacturing GrantsFor questions, email the Dept of Commerce at:<a href="mailto:backtobusiness@ks.gov">backtobusiness@ks.gov</a> The applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

SPARK grant application process for businesses announced

Gary Garner joins this week's Defend the Fort Podcast to talk about his time as the Tiger's head men's basketball coach including the 1996 NCAA II undefeated national championship season.

Gary Garner joins this week's Defend the Fort Podcast to talk about his time as the Tiger's head men's basketball coach including the 1996 NCAA II undefeated national championship season.<div><iframe title="Gary Garner" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/awq6g-e6eef2?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=7&pfauth="></iframe></div>