The ducks are still racing on Aug. 5, however this year you can only watch live on Hays Post and Facebook.&nbsp; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County has made the decision to not have the event open to the public to encourage safety due to COVID-19. &nbsp;

But, you can still be part of the fun. Watch the ducks race around the Lazy River and teams race in Auto World’s Man Overboard Challenge-Part 2.&nbsp; All Duck Derby winners will be announced live. You can still help by adopting ducks until 3 p.m. Wednesday at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysduckderby.net/">www.haysduckderby.net</a>. &nbsp;

The ducks are still racing on Aug. 5, however this year you can only watch live on Hays Post and Facebook.&nbsp; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County has made the decision to not have the event open to the public to encourage safety due to COVID-19. &nbsp;But, you can still be part of the fun. Watch the ducks race around the Lazy River and teams race in Auto World’s Man Overboard Challenge-Part 2.&nbsp; All Duck Derby winners will be announced live. You can still help by adopting ducks until 3 p.m. Wednesday at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysduckderby.net/">www.haysduckderby.net</a>. &nbsp;

BBBS plans live stream of annual Duck Derby fundraiser

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Many children who are pulled from homes because of abuse or neglect leave with only the clothes on their back.

A new program that launched Friday sponsored by the Wonder Women League of Ellis County seeks to provide children with essentials as well as comfort items.

"Traumatized and facing an uncertain future, they are afraid and uncertain. They don't know what will happen to them," said Nancy Jeter, co-chairwoman of WWL.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e713b52afae0f4d5f5d59c7">Each year, an average of 125 children in Ellis County must be removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment.</a>

Members of the Project Suitcase committee with the help of men from Employment Connections delivered 31 duffle bags for children to the Hays Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff's Office.

The duffle bags contain items, including new pajamas, underwear and socks, fleece blankets, snacks, a stuffed animal, personal hygiene products, McDonald's meal certificates, note of support from WWL and a note from a former foster child, as well as a small toy such as a deck of cards, fidget spinner or Rubik's Cube.&nbsp;

Diapers and baby formula will be included when needed.

The bags will be coordinated for appropriate gender and age of the children.

WWL hopes to continue the program indefinitely. Startup cost for the project was estimated at $12,000 with an annual maintenance cost of $5,000 to $6,000.

The WWL received a $5,000 grant from the Heartland Community Foundation to launch the project.

Many other people and organizations helped Project Suitcase get off the ground.

Project Suitcase committee members are Kerry Wasinger, Lisa Ree, Janette Meis, Sara Hicks, Rhonda Meyerhoff, Mary Ann Shorman and Nancy Jeter

Project Suitcase partners include: Department of Children and Families, St. Francis Ministries, Hays Police Department (Brian Dawson), Ellis County Sheriff’s Office (Scott Braun), CASA, Child Protective Services, Western Kansas Child Advocacy, and Juvenile Services.

Other sponsors of Project Suitcase include Erin and Trevor Giebler, Hamlin Creative Consulting, McDonald’s, eyeSmile Dental &amp; Vision, Pepsi Bottling Group, Color/Cut Salon, RD Graphics, Jeter Law Firm, First Kansas Bank, and the many people who donated pajamas and stuffed animals for the bags.

The official ribbon cutting for Project Suitcase will be at a later date when it is safe for people to gather in groups.

You can learn more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">Wonder Women League</a>&nbsp;on the United Way of Ellis County website. The individual annual membership donation starts at $50. You can join and donate online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596222769834.jpeg" alt="Members of the Wonder Women League present bags of items for foster children as part of Project Suitcase to the Hays Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff's Office on Friday." />
 <figcaption>Members of the Wonder Women League present bags of items for foster children as part of Project Suitcase to the Hays Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff's Office on Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMany children who are pulled from homes because of abuse or neglect leave with only the clothes on their back.A new program that launched Friday sponsored by the Wonder Women League of Ellis County seeks to provide children with essentials as well as comfort items."Traumatized and facing an uncertain future, they are afraid and uncertain. They don't know what will happen to them," said Nancy Jeter, co-chairwoman of WWL.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e713b52afae0f4d5f5d59c7">Each year, an average of 125 children in Ellis County must be removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment.</a>Members of the Project Suitcase committee with the help of men from Employment Connections delivered 31 duffle bags for children to the Hays Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff's Office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596230588677.jpeg" alt="Items in a sample Project Suitcase duffle bag. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Items in a sample Project Suitcase duffle bag. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The duffle bags contain items, including new pajamas, underwear and socks, fleece blankets, snacks, a stuffed animal, personal hygiene products, McDonald's meal certificates, note of support from WWL and a note from a former foster child, as well as a small toy such as a deck of cards, fidget spinner or Rubik's Cube.&nbsp;Diapers and baby formula will be included when needed.The bags will be coordinated for appropriate gender and age of the children.WWL hopes to continue the program indefinitely. Startup cost for the project was estimated at $12,000 with an annual maintenance cost of $5,000 to $6,000.The WWL received a $5,000 grant from the Heartland Community Foundation to launch the project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596224062834.jpeg" alt="Wonder Women League volunteers pack supplies for Project Suitcase. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Wonder Women League volunteers pack supplies for Project Suitcase. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Many other people and organizations helped Project Suitcase get off the ground.Project Suitcase committee members are Kerry Wasinger, Lisa Ree, Janette Meis, Sara Hicks, Rhonda Meyerhoff, Mary Ann Shorman and Nancy JeterProject Suitcase partners include: Department of Children and Families, St. Francis Ministries, Hays Police Department (Brian Dawson), Ellis County Sheriff’s Office (Scott Braun), CASA, Child Protective Services, Western Kansas Child Advocacy, and Juvenile Services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596224341050.jpeg" alt="Workers from Employment Connections helped deliver Project Suitcase bags to the Hays Police Department and Ellis County&nbsp; Sheriff's Department on Friday." />
 <figcaption>Workers from Employment Connections helped deliver Project Suitcase bags to the Hays Police Department and Ellis County&nbsp; Sheriff's Department on Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>Other sponsors of Project Suitcase include Erin and Trevor Giebler, Hamlin Creative Consulting, McDonald’s, eyeSmile Dental &amp; Vision, Pepsi Bottling Group, Color/Cut Salon, RD Graphics, Jeter Law Firm, First Kansas Bank, and the many people who donated pajamas and stuffed animals for the bags.The official ribbon cutting for Project Suitcase will be at a later date when it is safe for people to gather in groups.You can learn more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">Wonder Women League</a>&nbsp;on the United Way of Ellis County website. The individual annual membership donation starts at $50. You can join and donate online.

Project Suitcase seeks to comfort children entering foster care

Jennifer Anderson, RN, ICU Nurse, was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.&nbsp;

This award is presented to an RN in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people. She was nominated by a family member of one of her patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anderson was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee.&nbsp; The Practice Committee consists of Staff and Supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed.&nbsp; Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient and clinic settings. &nbsp;

“Her nomination epitomizes teamwork, leadership and customer service,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “We are so fortunate to have nurses of her caliber and dedication working at HaysMed.”&nbsp;

The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter. &nbsp;

To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to www.haysmed.com/daisyaward.&nbsp; If you have questions, you can call 785.623.2388

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596474532068.png" alt="Anderson" />
 <figcaption>Anderson</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedJennifer Anderson, RN, ICU Nurse, was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.&nbsp;This award is presented to an RN in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people. She was nominated by a family member of one of her patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anderson was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee.&nbsp; The Practice Committee consists of Staff and Supervisors from a variety of departments across HaysMed.&nbsp; Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient and clinic settings. &nbsp;“Her nomination epitomizes teamwork, leadership and customer service,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “We are so fortunate to have nurses of her caliber and dedication working at HaysMed.”&nbsp;The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter. &nbsp;To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to www.haysmed.com/daisyaward.&nbsp; If you have questions, you can call 785.623.2388

HaysMed nurse recognized with Daisy Award

RUSSELL — The new exhibition at the Deines Cultural Center in Russell&nbsp; opens on Friday — "Conquering the Flight of Fancy," with paintings by Michael Knutson and ceramics by Brian McCallum. Both artists are educators at Garden City Community College. The exhibition can be seen Tuesday through Friday 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

McCallum is an artist and educator currently teaching all levels of 3-D art and art history at Garden City Community College in southwest Kansas. His sculptural work has earned numerous accolades in juried shows for more than a decade. His work and methods are featured in Lark Publications 500 Figures in Clay and Pottery Making Illustrated. McCallum has an extensive show record and was recently a featured artist at the invitational “Art of the New West” at Process Art House in Amarillo, Texas. McCallum also leads workshops at colleges and art centers throughout the U.S. His functional pottery has been quietly collected by Walmart shoppers for years.

Michael Knutson works as a 2-D Art Instructor at Garden City Community College in southwest Kansas. He grew up the son of two art educators and spent his childhood immersed in creativity drawing inspiration from his experiences in the natural environment of the Black Hills of South Dakota. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Black Hills State University in 2010. In 2013 Michael completed his MFA at Fort Hays State University. He is an accomplished visual artist and works primarily as a painter. Michael has an active national exhibition record of solo and group shows and has completed many public art commissions for intuitions such as the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

The Deines Cultural Center is located at&nbsp;820 N. Main Street in Russell. Call 785-483-3742 for information.

DCCRUSSELL — The new exhibition at the Deines Cultural Center in Russell&nbsp; opens on Friday — "Conquering the Flight of Fancy," with paintings by Michael Knutson and ceramics by Brian McCallum. Both artists are educators at Garden City Community College. The exhibition can be seen Tuesday through Friday 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596469609504.png" alt="Ceramic artwork by Brian McCallum" />
 <figcaption>Ceramic artwork by Brian McCallum</figcaption>
 </figure>McCallum is an artist and educator currently teaching all levels of 3-D art and art history at Garden City Community College in southwest Kansas. His sculptural work has earned numerous accolades in juried shows for more than a decade. His work and methods are featured in Lark Publications 500 Figures in Clay and Pottery Making Illustrated. McCallum has an extensive show record and was recently a featured artist at the invitational “Art of the New West” at Process Art House in Amarillo, Texas. McCallum also leads workshops at colleges and art centers throughout the U.S. His functional pottery has been quietly collected by Walmart shoppers for years. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596469427200.jpeg" alt="Painting by Michael Knutson, an FHSU MFA graduate" />
 <figcaption>Painting by Michael Knutson, an FHSU MFA graduate</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Knutson works as a 2-D Art Instructor at Garden City Community College in southwest Kansas. He grew up the son of two art educators and spent his childhood immersed in creativity drawing inspiration from his experiences in the natural environment of the Black Hills of South Dakota. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Black Hills State University in 2010. In 2013 Michael completed his MFA at Fort Hays State University. He is an accomplished visual artist and works primarily as a painter. Michael has an active national exhibition record of solo and group shows and has completed many public art commissions for intuitions such as the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.The Deines Cultural Center is located at&nbsp;820 N. Main Street in Russell. Call 785-483-3742 for information.

FHSU alum is featured painter at new Deines exhibition

Nobody didn’t like Kansas getting about $1.2 billion –that’s billion, not just those pesky millions – to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, to rebuild the damaged economy, to finance health care and the exceptional new expenditures that will be required to safely operate schools, colleges and public offices, and to get ready for the next time a pandemic explodes across the state.

Practically, there’s not a Kansan who hasn’t felt the effects of the pandemic, even in western Kansas’ Rawlins and Wallace counties, the two in the state which have apparently had no known cases of the disease.

But that $1.2 billion to meet the state’s costs and prepare for the future is proving to be pretty tricky for members of the State Finance Council to deal with. It’s just a whole different way to do business than the legislators who make up that panel have ever dealt with.

Where should that money go, who should get it and for what?

Well, there was the first $400 million, which was divvied up among 103 Kansas counties, (yes, we still have 105 counties, but Sedgwick and Johnson are so big they got their own direct funding under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act). That first roughly $400 million was largely just long division: population estimated per-person expenses caused by the pandemic, plus some extra for high unemployment caused by the disease. That was relatively easy.

But the remaining roughly $600 million that the state is supposed to distribute by Dec. 30, well, that’s where everything gets complicated, especially to legislators on the Finance Council who have been trained to spend state funds as conservatively as possible, and for specific purposes. That specificity during the legislative session means nothing so general as “economic recovery” or financing health care to unprecedented numbers of Kansans, plus getting oxygen to businesses which were closed or severely&nbsp; limited in operations through the statewide shut-down to deter spread of the disease.

The Finance Council has already approved more than $100 million in those CARES Act funds for public health, $78 million for economic development and $75 million for education ranging from pre-school to community colleges.&nbsp;

But it is the most trendy-sounding of the issues that will be dealt with that is the most complicated for the governor’s coronavirus team to get approved by the legislators who will have to OK the distribution of federal funds. It’s “connectivity” – or the Internet.

The issue is a governor’s task force recommendation to spend up to $50 million for getting broadband Internet service statewide, faster service that can handle everything from telemedicine that allows health care in doctor-sparse areas to services for stay-at-home schoolchildren in vast areas of the state without modern Internet service—or Internet service at all…

And there’s another $10 million that lawmakers on the Finance Council want to study for getting Internet service to the state’s low-income residents. That broadband service isn’t free, and often isn’t cheap.

The federal money, well, it’s federal money, but lawmakers want to know who’s getting it.

For example, there’s $61 million to restart and help finance businesses across the state including grants to small businesses pounded by lack of spending by Kansans. “Grant” is the key here: it’s giving federal money to help businesses stay afloat and prosper. It’s just handing federal dollars to business for a good purpose, but it’s out of character for most lawmakers.

What will help businesses prosper, and do legislative leaders trust the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) task force to decide which businesses will make the right decisions?&nbsp;&nbsp;

We’ll see how that turns out in the next few weeks when those federally funded checks start getting sent to Kansas businesses…

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592848178110.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>Nobody didn’t like Kansas getting about $1.2 billion –that’s billion, not just those pesky millions – to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, to rebuild the damaged economy, to finance health care and the exceptional new expenditures that will be required to safely operate schools, colleges and public offices, and to get ready for the next time a pandemic explodes across the state.Practically, there’s not a Kansan who hasn’t felt the effects of the pandemic, even in western Kansas’ Rawlins and Wallace counties, the two in the state which have apparently had no known cases of the disease.But that $1.2 billion to meet the state’s costs and prepare for the future is proving to be pretty tricky for members of the State Finance Council to deal with. It’s just a whole different way to do business than the legislators who make up that panel have ever dealt with.Where should that money go, who should get it and for what?Well, there was the first $400 million, which was divvied up among 103 Kansas counties, (yes, we still have 105 counties, but Sedgwick and Johnson are so big they got their own direct funding under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act). That first roughly $400 million was largely just long division: population estimated per-person expenses caused by the pandemic, plus some extra for high unemployment caused by the disease. That was relatively easy.But the remaining roughly $600 million that the state is supposed to distribute by Dec. 30, well, that’s where everything gets complicated, especially to legislators on the Finance Council who have been trained to spend state funds as conservatively as possible, and for specific purposes. That specificity during the legislative session means nothing so general as “economic recovery” or financing health care to unprecedented numbers of Kansans, plus getting oxygen to businesses which were closed or severely&nbsp; limited in operations through the statewide shut-down to deter spread of the disease.The Finance Council has already approved more than $100 million in those CARES Act funds for public health, $78 million for economic development and $75 million for education ranging from pre-school to community colleges.&nbsp;But it is the most trendy-sounding of the issues that will be dealt with that is the most complicated for the governor’s coronavirus team to get approved by the legislators who will have to OK the distribution of federal funds. It’s “connectivity” – or the Internet.The issue is a governor’s task force recommendation to spend up to $50 million for getting broadband Internet service statewide, faster service that can handle everything from telemedicine that allows health care in doctor-sparse areas to services for stay-at-home schoolchildren in vast areas of the state without modern Internet service—or Internet service at all…And there’s another $10 million that lawmakers on the Finance Council want to study for getting Internet service to the state’s low-income residents. That broadband service isn’t free, and often isn’t cheap.The federal money, well, it’s federal money, but lawmakers want to know who’s getting it.For example, there’s $61 million to restart and help finance businesses across the state including grants to small businesses pounded by lack of spending by Kansans. “Grant” is the key here: it’s giving federal money to help businesses stay afloat and prosper. It’s just handing federal dollars to business for a good purpose, but it’s out of character for most lawmakers.What will help businesses prosper, and do legislative leaders trust the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) task force to decide which businesses will make the right decisions?&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll see how that turns out in the next few weeks when those federally funded checks start getting sent to Kansas businesses…Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

HAWVER: How best to divvy up federal aid in Kansas

Three-day weather outlook

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

What grows in the apple orchard? Well, one would think a safe guess would be “apples.” Today we’ll meet a grower who indeed produces lots of apples and other tree fruit, but he is also developing innovative ideas about his production processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gabe Spurgeon is manager of South Baldwin Farms&nbsp;near Baldwin City. A Missourian, he met his wife in honors college while they were attending Pittsburg State. He earned degrees in math and physics and worked for engineering firms in Joplin and Pittsburg before they moved to Baldwin City so as to be close to her family.&nbsp;

As a kid, Gabe worked in peach orchards during the summertime. After graduating from college, he found he didn’t enjoy working inside at a desk.&nbsp;

His father-in-law had purchased a farm south of Baldwin City in 2000 and was haying it but had always been interested in having a commercial orchard. They decided to devote part of the farm to the orchard with Gabe doing the day-to-day management. The first apple trees were planted in 2015, with peach and apple trees and other products following.&nbsp;

Today, South Baldwin Farms has some 36,000 trees. Their farm produces apples, peaches, nectarines and blackberries, with cherry trees coming into production soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;South Baldwin Farms has an 11,000-square-foot facility including a retail storefront, packing facility and 2,400 square feet of cold storage. The farm has a pumpkin patch and a seasonal U-pick operation as well.&nbsp;

Cider is homemade in the fall. “I like it being special,” Gabe said. “We use our own apples so it can be fresher with higher quality.”&nbsp;

This is not your grandfather’s orchard. “The engineer side of my brain is always looking for a better way to do things,” Gabe said. For example, he chose to grow dwarf trees which produce quality apples quicker. They are grown in high density, which saves land and labor. “In 2019, we got 500 bushels per acre on some three-year-old trees,” Gabe said. “We’re quickly becoming the biggest tree-fruit producer in Kansas.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gabe continues to innovate. “We went to Australia to learn about high density peaches,” he said.&nbsp;

“We got a Kansas Department of Agriculture specialty crop block grant to do a field trial on using netting over our trees which is supposed to protect from hail, windburn, sunburn and bird damage,” Gabe said. Through another project, they have found that reflective fabric on the ground can help develop the color of the fruit.&nbsp;

Their blackberries are grown on a rotating trellis, which allows easier harvest, more sun where needed, and protection when it is not needed. “Our sun scald used to be five- to 10 percent,” he said. “Now it’s virtually zero.”&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension entomologist Raymond Cloyd has been helpful. “He’s been fantastic,” Gabe said. South Baldwin Farms is a member of the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s From the Land of Kansas program.&nbsp;

Weather can be a challenge. A freeze on Good Friday of 2020 caused a 90% reduction in the peach crop. That is reminiscent of the Armistice Day freeze in the 1940s, when the temperature fell from 70 degrees to 15 degrees in 12 hours. According to the stories, it sounded like a minefield in the orchards, with sap freezing in the trees and the trees literally exploding.&nbsp;

Current apple varieties include Gala, Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, Autumn Crisp, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Winesap, and more. Through the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, more varieties are being explored.&nbsp;

“In our store, a customer might say, ‘When were these picked and where did they come from?’” Gabe said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I like to say, ‘I picked them myself, two hours ago.’ That’s the shortest supply chain you can get.”&nbsp;

It’s located near the rural community of Baldwin City, population 4,691 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/South-Baldwin-Farms-148208828709205">South Baldwin Farms on Facebook</a>.&nbsp;

What grows in the apple orchard? In this case, new practices are growing along with the apples. We commend Gabe Spurgeon for making a difference with his innovative ideas, because those don’t just grow on trees.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596030684390.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentWhat grows in the apple orchard? Well, one would think a safe guess would be “apples.” Today we’ll meet a grower who indeed produces lots of apples and other tree fruit, but he is also developing innovative ideas about his production processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gabe Spurgeon is manager of South Baldwin Farms&nbsp;near Baldwin City. A Missourian, he met his wife in honors college while they were attending Pittsburg State. He earned degrees in math and physics and worked for engineering firms in Joplin and Pittsburg before they moved to Baldwin City so as to be close to her family.&nbsp;As a kid, Gabe worked in peach orchards during the summertime. After graduating from college, he found he didn’t enjoy working inside at a desk.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592753893213.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>His father-in-law had purchased a farm south of Baldwin City in 2000 and was haying it but had always been interested in having a commercial orchard. They decided to devote part of the farm to the orchard with Gabe doing the day-to-day management. The first apple trees were planted in 2015, with peach and apple trees and other products following.&nbsp;Today, South Baldwin Farms has some 36,000 trees. Their farm produces apples, peaches, nectarines and blackberries, with cherry trees coming into production soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;South Baldwin Farms has an 11,000-square-foot facility including a retail storefront, packing facility and 2,400 square feet of cold storage. The farm has a pumpkin patch and a seasonal U-pick operation as well.&nbsp;Cider is homemade in the fall. “I like it being special,” Gabe said. “We use our own apples so it can be fresher with higher quality.”&nbsp;This is not your grandfather’s orchard. “The engineer side of my brain is always looking for a better way to do things,” Gabe said. For example, he chose to grow dwarf trees which produce quality apples quicker. They are grown in high density, which saves land and labor. “In 2019, we got 500 bushels per acre on some three-year-old trees,” Gabe said. “We’re quickly becoming the biggest tree-fruit producer in Kansas.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Gabe continues to innovate. “We went to Australia to learn about high density peaches,” he said.&nbsp;“We got a Kansas Department of Agriculture specialty crop block grant to do a field trial on using netting over our trees which is supposed to protect from hail, windburn, sunburn and bird damage,” Gabe said. Through another project, they have found that reflective fabric on the ground can help develop the color of the fruit.&nbsp;Their blackberries are grown on a rotating trellis, which allows easier harvest, more sun where needed, and protection when it is not needed. “Our sun scald used to be five- to 10 percent,” he said. “Now it’s virtually zero.”&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension entomologist Raymond Cloyd has been helpful. “He’s been fantastic,” Gabe said. South Baldwin Farms is a member of the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s From the Land of Kansas program.&nbsp;Weather can be a challenge. A freeze on Good Friday of 2020 caused a 90% reduction in the peach crop. That is reminiscent of the Armistice Day freeze in the 1940s, when the temperature fell from 70 degrees to 15 degrees in 12 hours. According to the stories, it sounded like a minefield in the orchards, with sap freezing in the trees and the trees literally exploding.&nbsp;Current apple varieties include Gala, Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, Autumn Crisp, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Winesap, and more. Through the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, more varieties are being explored.&nbsp;“In our store, a customer might say, ‘When were these picked and where did they come from?’” Gabe said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I like to say, ‘I picked them myself, two hours ago.’ That’s the shortest supply chain you can get.”&nbsp;It’s located near the rural community of Baldwin City, population 4,691 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/South-Baldwin-Farms-148208828709205">South Baldwin Farms on Facebook</a>.&nbsp;What grows in the apple orchard? In this case, new practices are growing along with the apples. We commend Gabe Spurgeon for making a difference with his innovative ideas, because those don’t just grow on trees.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Gabe Spurgeon, South Baldwin Farms 

WICHITA – The Hays Larks took advantage of 11 walks and got
a solid start on the mound from Wyatt Divis and beat the Kansas City All-Stars 10-0 in seven
innings at Eck Stadium in the opening round of the 86th NBC World Series. 

The
Larks (21-8) advance to the second round of the 13-team double-elimination tournament where they will play the Lonestar (TX) Baseball Club at 8:3 p.m. Tuesday at Hobert-Detter Field in Hutchinson. Lonestar scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to tie then another in the 10th to edge the Houston (TX) MVP Prospects 3-2.

Divis (3-0), who had walked three in his 10 outings during
the regular season, walked two in the first inning but settled down after that
to pick up the win. The third-year Lark struck out nine while allowing only two
hits over five innings.

Drew Buhr and Ryan Ruder both pitched a scoreless inning
of relief.

The Larks first three batters reached safely to start the
game in the top of the first inning. Leo Jiminian scored on a bases-loaded walk
to newcomer Brennen van Breusegan. Matt Cavanagh, who doubled, scored on a wild
pitch.

The Larks went up 3-0 on Jiminian’s groundout to short in
the fourth.

They put the game away with a four-run fifth. With two outs,
Max McGuire singled which was followed by four straight walks and a hit batter.

Hays tacked on three more runs in the in the seventh for the final margin.

Matt Cavanagh, Max McGuire and Sean Cooper all had two of
the Larks 12 hits with McGuire driving in two runs.

WICHITA – The Hays Larks took advantage of 11 walks and got
a solid start on the mound from Wyatt Divis and beat the Kansas City All-Stars 10-0 in seven
innings at Eck Stadium in the opening round of the 86th NBC World Series. The
Larks (21-8) advance to the second round of the 13-team double-elimination tournament where they will play the Lonestar (TX) Baseball Club at 8:3 p.m. Tuesday at Hobert-Detter Field in Hutchinson. Lonestar scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to tie then another in the 10th to edge the Houston (TX) MVP Prospects 3-2.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/869761549&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/8-3-20-larks-interview" title="Frank Leo Postgame Interiew 080220" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Frank Leo Postgame Interiew 080220</a></div></div>Divis (3-0), who had walked three in his 10 outings during
the regular season, walked two in the first inning but settled down after that
to pick up the win. The third-year Lark struck out nine while allowing only two
hits over five innings.Drew Buhr and Ryan Ruder both pitched a scoreless inning
of relief.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/869761672&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/8-3-20-larks-highlights" title="Hays Larks vs. Kansas City All-Stars highlights 080220" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays Larks vs. Kansas City All-Stars highlights 080220</a></div></div>The Larks first three batters reached safely to start the
game in the top of the first inning. Leo Jiminian scored on a bases-loaded walk
to newcomer Brennen van Breusegan. Matt Cavanagh, who doubled, scored on a wild
pitch.The Larks went up 3-0 on Jiminian’s groundout to short in
the fourth.They put the game away with a four-run fifth. With two outs,
Max McGuire singled which was followed by four straight walks and a hit batter.Hays tacked on three more runs in the in the seventh for the final margin.Matt Cavanagh, Max McGuire and Sean Cooper all had two of
the Larks 12 hits with McGuire driving in two runs.

Larks roll in NBC World Series opener

OSBORNE COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Osborne Police Department and the Osborne County Sheriff's office are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 58-year-old Patrick Johnson of Salina.

Just after 11 p.m. July 31, the Osborne Police Department requested KBI assistance in the case, according to a media release from the KBI. Special agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.

Law enforcement found Johnson in a basement of a home on Washington Street with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A family member at the home reported he had been in a physical altercation with Johnson that led to the shooting. No arrests have been made. Authorities have released no additional details.

OSBORNE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a death that occurred Friday in Osborne.

Just after 10:30p.m. Friday, the Osborne Police Department was notified of a shooting that occurred on Washington Street in Osborne,&nbsp; according to a facebook announcement posted by the department Saturday.

"A deceased individual was located in the residence and the scene was secured for processing," the department said.

The Osborne County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation were assisting in the investigation.

The name of the victim has not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596324701606.jpeg" alt="KBI on the scene of the investigation -photo Osborne Police" />
 <figcaption>KBI on the scene of the investigation -photo Osborne Police</figcaption>
 </figure>OSBORNE COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Osborne Police Department and the Osborne County Sheriff's office are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 58-year-old Patrick Johnson of Salina.Just after 11 p.m. July 31, the Osborne Police Department requested KBI assistance in the case, according to a media release from the KBI. Special agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.Law enforcement found Johnson in a basement of a home on Washington Street with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.A family member at the home reported he had been in a physical altercation with Johnson that led to the shooting. No arrests have been made. Authorities have released no additional details.-------OSBORNE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a death that occurred Friday in Osborne.Just after 10:30p.m. Friday, the Osborne Police Department was notified of a shooting that occurred on Washington Street in Osborne,&nbsp; according to a facebook announcement posted by the department Saturday."A deceased individual was located in the residence and the scene was secured for processing," the department said.The Osborne County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation were assisting in the investigation.The name of the victim has not been released.

Authorities ID victim in fatal shooting in Osborne

Memorial Health System, Abilene and Salina Regional Health Center have agreed to enter into a period of discovery to examine the potential of a strategic alliance in order to better serve the patients and families of their respective communities.

"We have signed a letter of intent to explore affiliation with SHRC," said Dr. Steven Schwarting, MHS Board Chair. "this is just the beginning of a long process. We have been educating ourselves and discussing the idea of affiliation for several years. We are committed to continuing to provide excellent care to our community and surrounding area."

Over the coming months both organizations will be working together to review options on how the partnership might look.

"The goal of this agreement is to explore improved patient care in the region and the potential of better coordination of services between MHS and SRHC, " said Joel Phelps, Chief Executive Officer at Salina Regional health Center. "It also helps both organizations to determine the possibilities of long-term strategic alignment to meet the needs and challenges of Dickinson County citizen."

Salina Regional Health Center has affiliations with Cloud County Health Center in Concordia and Lindsborg Community Hospital.

Memorial Health System, Abilene and Salina Regional Health Center have agreed to enter into a period of discovery to examine the potential of a strategic alliance in order to better serve the patients and families of their respective communities."We have signed a letter of intent to explore affiliation with SHRC," said Dr. Steven Schwarting, MHS Board Chair. "this is just the beginning of a long process. We have been educating ourselves and discussing the idea of affiliation for several years. We are committed to continuing to provide excellent care to our community and surrounding area."Over the coming months both organizations will be working together to review options on how the partnership might look."The goal of this agreement is to explore improved patient care in the region and the potential of better coordination of services between MHS and SRHC, " said Joel Phelps, Chief Executive Officer at Salina Regional health Center. "It also helps both organizations to determine the possibilities of long-term strategic alignment to meet the needs and challenges of Dickinson County citizen."Salina Regional Health Center has affiliations with Cloud County Health Center in Concordia and Lindsborg Community Hospital.

Memorial Health System and Salina Regional Health Center enter exploratory phase on possible alliance

Downtown Hays Development Corporation is saddened to announce the cancelation of the Brews on The Bricks Craft Beer Festival.

Each year, DHDC strives to create an event that allows ticket holders to connect with brewers from all over the Midwest and showcase local craft beer. Unfortunately, DHDC does not feel we can maintain our event's core purpose while also encouraging safety due to COVID-19.

“DHDC loves being able to support local breweries, and we are&nbsp;already making next year a fantastic event," Allie Glidewell, DHDC director of events and operations, said. “Though we are unable to host Brews this year, we are looking forward to having&nbsp;you back in Downtown Hays on May 1, 2021, for the sixth-annual event!”

Until then, DHDC is looking for creative and meaningful ways to encourage current 2020&nbsp;ticket holders to forego a refund. DHDC is a 501(c)3 that relies heavily on proceeds from this&nbsp;event to exist. Current ticket holders who choose to not receive a refund will be sent an ex-clusive 2020 swag bag.

VIP Ticket Holders:  • Limited Edition: "Brewnited" T-shirt  • Double Up koozie that holds *two* cans  • Brews bottle opener  • Signature koozie lanyard  • Brews sticker

General Admission Ticket Holders: • Limited Edition: "Brewnited" T-shirt  • Signature koozie lanyard  • Brews sticker

“We understand that you might choose a refund over a unique swag bag,” Sara Bloom,&nbsp;DHDC executive director, said. “We hope you consider all the good we do for the community not only through events but also through development projects, business recruitment and more, and consider donating the cost of your ticket, at least in part, to DHDC. As a non-proﬁt, your gift would be tax-deductible.”

If you would like a full or partial refund, the deadline for requests is 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 31,2020. Current ticket holders can call the DHDC office at 785-621-4171 or email allie@downtownhays.com to begin the refund process. If you choose not to get a refund, your swag will be sent Sept. 1. 

DHDC would like to thank the community for their support of this event. We would also like&nbsp;to thank event committee members who have spent hours organizing, sponsors for their generosity, and our local breweries Lb. Brewing Co. and Defiance Brewing for making this possible the last five years. 

All of us in Downtown Hays look forward to raising a glass with you in 2021.&nbsp;

DHDCDowntown Hays Development Corporation is saddened to announce the cancelation of the Brews on The Bricks Craft Beer Festival.Each year, DHDC strives to create an event that allows ticket holders to connect with brewers from all over the Midwest and showcase local craft beer. Unfortunately, DHDC does not feel we can maintain our event's core purpose while also encouraging safety due to COVID-19.“DHDC loves being able to support local breweries, and we are&nbsp;already making next year a fantastic event," Allie Glidewell, DHDC director of events and operations, said. “Though we are unable to host Brews this year, we are looking forward to having&nbsp;you back in Downtown Hays on May 1, 2021, for the sixth-annual event!”Until then, DHDC is looking for creative and meaningful ways to encourage current 2020&nbsp;ticket holders to forego a refund. DHDC is a 501(c)3 that relies heavily on proceeds from this&nbsp;event to exist. Current ticket holders who choose to not receive a refund will be sent an ex-clusive 2020 swag bag.VIP Ticket Holders:  • Limited Edition: "Brewnited" T-shirt  • Double Up koozie that holds *two* cans  • Brews bottle opener  • Signature koozie lanyard  • Brews stickerGeneral Admission Ticket Holders: • Limited Edition: "Brewnited" T-shirt  • Signature koozie lanyard  • Brews sticker“We understand that you might choose a refund over a unique swag bag,” Sara Bloom,&nbsp;DHDC executive director, said. “We hope you consider all the good we do for the community not only through events but also through development projects, business recruitment and more, and consider donating the cost of your ticket, at least in part, to DHDC. As a non-proﬁt, your gift would be tax-deductible.”If you would like a full or partial refund, the deadline for requests is 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 31,2020. Current ticket holders can call the DHDC office at 785-621-4171 or email allie@downtownhays.com to begin the refund process. If you choose not to get a refund, your swag will be sent Sept. 1. DHDC would like to thank the community for their support of this event. We would also like&nbsp;to thank event committee members who have spent hours organizing, sponsors for their generosity, and our local breweries Lb. Brewing Co. and Defiance Brewing for making this possible the last five years. All of us in Downtown Hays look forward to raising a glass with you in 2021.&nbsp;

Brews on the Bricks 2020 canceled over COVID-19 concerns

The Hays USD 489 summer lunch program has extended its services an additional three weeks.

Had the school district restarted under a normal schedule, the summer lunch program would have ended July 23.&nbsp;

Because the start of school was moved back to Wednesday, Aug. 26, because of concerns about COVID-19, the district decided to extend its summer lunch program to Thursday, Aug. 20. Meals resumed Monday.

"We didn't want some of those families who really rely on us to go an entire month without meals,"&nbsp;Jessica Younker, USD 489 director of nutrition services, said.

Younker said the summer lunch program continues to serve 500 to 600 students daily, about twice the number of students it served last summer.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/98aa5a01-e62d-406c-840e-1cdb729eed9e">RELATED STORY: Summer meal program doubles, extended through July</a>

Younker partially attributed the increase in use to the ease of the drive-through system that was implemented this summer because of COVID-19. She&nbsp;said she also thinks the increase in use is a result of an increase in food insecurity for children.

The program is free to any child 18 and younger. The child does not have to be enrolled in USD 489 schools. There are no income requirements Pick up is available 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays in the Hays High School east parking lot.&nbsp;

A child needs to be present in the vehicle to receive food. If this is not possible, contact food service for assistance.

The summer food program is supported with federal funds.

The Hays school district is preparing to restart school with options for onsite, remote and hybrid learning because of COVID-19.

Younker said varied learning options will make providing meals more difficult.

"Yes, it will be a challenge, but we are up for it, and we will do whatever we need to do to make sure the kids in our district get fed," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584378947824.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 summer lunch program has extended its services an additional three weeks.Had the school district restarted under a normal schedule, the summer lunch program would have ended July 23.&nbsp;Because the start of school was moved back to Wednesday, Aug. 26, because of concerns about COVID-19, the district decided to extend its summer lunch program to Thursday, Aug. 20. Meals resumed Monday."We didn't want some of those families who really rely on us to go an entire month without meals,"&nbsp;Jessica Younker, USD 489 director of nutrition services, said. Younker said the summer lunch program continues to serve 500 to 600 students daily, about twice the number of students it served last summer.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/98aa5a01-e62d-406c-840e-1cdb729eed9e">RELATED STORY: Summer meal program doubles, extended through July</a>Younker partially attributed the increase in use to the ease of the drive-through system that was implemented this summer because of COVID-19. She&nbsp;said she also thinks the increase in use is a result of an increase in food insecurity for children.The program is free to any child 18 and younger. The child does not have to be enrolled in USD 489 schools. There are no income requirements Pick up is available 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays in the Hays High School east parking lot.&nbsp;A child needs to be present in the vehicle to receive food. If this is not possible, contact food service for assistance.The summer food program is supported with federal funds.The Hays school district is preparing to restart school with options for onsite, remote and hybrid learning because of COVID-19.Younker said varied learning options will make providing meals more difficult."Yes, it will be a challenge, but we are up for it, and we will do whatever we need to do to make sure the kids in our district get fed," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596486407926.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596486482935.jpeg" alt="Summer lunch August calendar" />
 <figcaption>Summer lunch August calendar</figcaption>
 </figure>

USD 489 extends summer food program three weeks

<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="COVID-19 monetary relief efforts ongoing in Ellis County" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/yzs3b-e586c2?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;auto=1&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=1&amp;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: COVID-19 monetary relief efforts ongoing in Ellis County

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday announced five new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the county since Friday.

There are now 20 active cases of coronavirus in the county, with one active hospitalization, and 114 recovered cases. Since reporting began, there have been 135 total cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County, including one death.

CORRECTED 3:41 p.m. Monday to reflect correct number of recovered cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday announced five new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the county since Friday.There are now 20 active cases of coronavirus in the county, with one active hospitalization, and 114 recovered cases. Since reporting began, there have been 135 total cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County, including one death.CORRECTED 3:41 p.m. Monday to reflect correct number of recovered cases.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596487318389.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Five new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis Co.

Kansas crude prices have seen better days, a fact reflected in all of the other data used as barometers for the industry. Friday's price at CHS in McPherson was up a quarter to close out the month of July at $30.50 per barrel. That's a dollar more than at&nbsp; the end of June, but more than eighteen dollars behind the prices of a year ago. The average price for the month of July, 2020 was $31 per barrel, about $17 less than a year ago, but beating the June average by about two dollars per barrel.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Kansas Corporation Commission reports just 37 new intent-to-drill notices in Kansas during the month of July, compared to 111 in July of last year. Last month's total is an improvement over June, when state regulators posted just 29 new intents. There are two new intents in Stafford County and one in Russell County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the rig count was down to one in eastern Kansas, but was up one to six active drilling rigs in the western half of the state. The national rig count from Baker Hughes was down one oil rig and up one gas rig for a total of 251 active drilling rigs. New Mexico was down two rigs; Texas was up one. Regulators approved four new drilling permits in Kansas last week, all of them west of Wichita, including one in Stafford County. This year's running count of drilling permits for new locations across the state is 249, which is less than half the total at the end of July last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports just 11 new well-completions in Kansas last week, five of them east of Wichita, and six out west, including one in Russell County. So far this year, producers have completed 575 wells, compared to more than 800 a year ago at this time. Futures prices on the Nymex started the month of July at nearly $59 per barrel, but ended the month nearly twenty dollars cheaper. By midday Monday the benchmark Nymex contract had gained 94 cents on the day to reach $41.21. London Brent was 77 cents higher at $44.29 per barrel.&nbsp; International prices could be headed lower amid widespread reports that the world's largest crude exporter is about to increase production and cut its prices in Asia. Reuters cites industry sources saying Saudi Aramco may cut its September official selling price in Asia. Slow demand recovery amid a second wave of COVID-19 infections has depressed spot prices for Middle Eastern crude, while Asia’s refining margins remain weak. Saudi prices are usually announced around the fifth of the month. They are viewed as a benchmark, setting the price trends for crude produced in Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran, and affecting more than 12 million barrels per day of crude headed for Asia.&nbsp; Kansas remains among just 13 states with average gasoline prices below two dollars a gallon. We spotted $1.94 across Great Bend, but right around two dollars in Hays. Filling up your 15-gallon tank will cost you nearly six dollars less than last year at this time. The statewide average is just over $1.97 per gallon. AAA said the national average has remained within a two-penny range for the last month and is now just over $2.18 per gallon.&nbsp; U.S. crude production last week increased by 87,000 barrels per day over the week before, but output remains well below last year's record pace. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported output for the week ending July 24 was nearly 11.15 million barrels per day. That's more than a million barrels per day below the same week a year ago. Crude-oil imports were down more than five million barrels per day. EIA said imports over the last four weeks average 13.6% less than the same period a year ago. U.S. commercial crude inventories dropped by more than ten million barrels, and are currently about 17% above the five-year average. Texas producer Rosehill Resources said last week it had filed for bankruptcy protection. Rosehill is the latest victim of the crash in oil prices and demand. The move follows similar filings by the state's largest driller and one of its largest service firms in just the last month. So far this year, more than twenty oil firms with more than $50 million in liabilities have filed for bankruptcy protection. The Lone Star State lost more than 39,000 oil and gas industry jobs during the first six months of 2020. That's according to the mid-year report from the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners. More than 19,000 of those layoffs were in operations, nearly 9,000 were in the drilling sector, and more than 6,000 were in oil-field manufacturing. Texas oil patch jobs made up 40% of the U.S. total through the first six months of the year. One of the world's largest banks is pulling out of a wide swath of the energy sector. Deutsche Bank is ending its involvement in oil sands and arctic production.&nbsp; In an announcement, the German bank said it is ending support for fracking projects where water is scarce, and that it would end all business in coal mining within the next five years. The government on Tuesday reported that U.S. coal production last year fell to its lowest level in four decades. EIA says coal output was down seven percent from the year before, to the lowest annual production total since 1978. The report anticipates an even larger decline this year. Oil-by-rail shipments were up for the week but remain more than 14% lower than a year ago. The Association of American Railroads says the running total of rail shipments of petroleum products is down 12% year-on-year. Some new research suggests a slow recovery in demand for jet fuel will drag on total global oil demand for at least another two years. Overall airline passenger counts are low and mandatory quarantines are dissuading people from traveling internationally. Analysis from Bank of America's Global Research team says demand for jet fuel may take years to recover completely, but suggests a slight rebound may come as early as the third quarter of next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas crude prices have seen better days, a fact reflected in all of the other data used as barometers for the industry. Friday's price at CHS in McPherson was up a quarter to close out the month of July at $30.50 per barrel. That's a dollar more than at&nbsp; the end of June, but more than eighteen dollars behind the prices of a year ago. The average price for the month of July, 2020 was $31 per barrel, about $17 less than a year ago, but beating the June average by about two dollars per barrel.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Kansas Corporation Commission reports just 37 new intent-to-drill notices in Kansas during the month of July, compared to 111 in July of last year. Last month's total is an improvement over June, when state regulators posted just 29 new intents. There are two new intents in Stafford County and one in Russell County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the rig count was down to one in eastern Kansas, but was up one to six active drilling rigs in the western half of the state. The national rig count from Baker Hughes was down one oil rig and up one gas rig for a total of 251 active drilling rigs. New Mexico was down two rigs; Texas was up one. Regulators approved four new drilling permits in Kansas last week, all of them west of Wichita, including one in Stafford County. This year's running count of drilling permits for new locations across the state is 249, which is less than half the total at the end of July last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports just 11 new well-completions in Kansas last week, five of them east of Wichita, and six out west, including one in Russell County. So far this year, producers have completed 575 wells, compared to more than 800 a year ago at this time. Futures prices on the Nymex started the month of July at nearly $59 per barrel, but ended the month nearly twenty dollars cheaper. By midday Monday the benchmark Nymex contract had gained 94 cents on the day to reach $41.21. London Brent was 77 cents higher at $44.29 per barrel.&nbsp; International prices could be headed lower amid widespread reports that the world's largest crude exporter is about to increase production and cut its prices in Asia. Reuters cites industry sources saying Saudi Aramco may cut its September official selling price in Asia. Slow demand recovery amid a second wave of COVID-19 infections has depressed spot prices for Middle Eastern crude, while Asia’s refining margins remain weak. Saudi prices are usually announced around the fifth of the month. They are viewed as a benchmark, setting the price trends for crude produced in Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran, and affecting more than 12 million barrels per day of crude headed for Asia.&nbsp; Kansas remains among just 13 states with average gasoline prices below two dollars a gallon. We spotted $1.94 across Great Bend, but right around two dollars in Hays. Filling up your 15-gallon tank will cost you nearly six dollars less than last year at this time. The statewide average is just over $1.97 per gallon. AAA said the national average has remained within a two-penny range for the last month and is now just over $2.18 per gallon.&nbsp; U.S. crude production last week increased by 87,000 barrels per day over the week before, but output remains well below last year's record pace. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported output for the week ending July 24 was nearly 11.15 million barrels per day. That's more than a million barrels per day below the same week a year ago. Crude-oil imports were down more than five million barrels per day. EIA said imports over the last four weeks average 13.6% less than the same period a year ago. U.S. commercial crude inventories dropped by more than ten million barrels, and are currently about 17% above the five-year average. Texas producer Rosehill Resources said last week it had filed for bankruptcy protection. Rosehill is the latest victim of the crash in oil prices and demand. The move follows similar filings by the state's largest driller and one of its largest service firms in just the last month. So far this year, more than twenty oil firms with more than $50 million in liabilities have filed for bankruptcy protection. The Lone Star State lost more than 39,000 oil and gas industry jobs during the first six months of 2020. That's according to the mid-year report from the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners. More than 19,000 of those layoffs were in operations, nearly 9,000 were in the drilling sector, and more than 6,000 were in oil-field manufacturing. Texas oil patch jobs made up 40% of the U.S. total through the first six months of the year. One of the world's largest banks is pulling out of a wide swath of the energy sector. Deutsche Bank is ending its involvement in oil sands and arctic production.&nbsp; In an announcement, the German bank said it is ending support for fracking projects where water is scarce, and that it would end all business in coal mining within the next five years. The government on Tuesday reported that U.S. coal production last year fell to its lowest level in four decades. EIA says coal output was down seven percent from the year before, to the lowest annual production total since 1978. The report anticipates an even larger decline this year. Oil-by-rail shipments were up for the week but remain more than 14% lower than a year ago. The Association of American Railroads says the running total of rail shipments of petroleum products is down 12% year-on-year. Some new research suggests a slow recovery in demand for jet fuel will drag on total global oil demand for at least another two years. Overall airline passenger counts are low and mandatory quarantines are dissuading people from traveling internationally. Analysis from Bank of America's Global Research team says demand for jet fuel may take years to recover completely, but suggests a slight rebound may come as early as the third quarter of next year.

News From the Oil Patch: Drilling permits way down in 2020

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/5g2xt-e57b3a?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;auto=0&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=3&amp;pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman.

🎤Forward Ever: KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman

The Hays Police Department responded to 12 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Wed., July 22, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Lost Animals ONLY--2000 block Main St, Hays; 3:03 AM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 5:57:47 AM; 5:57:00 AM Animal
At Large--2200 block Vine St, Hays; 7:56 AM Animal At Large--1500 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 8:27 AM Found/Lost Property--4800 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 6/15 1:58 PM; 6/17 1:02 PM Animal At Large--100 block W 16th St, Hays; 10:40 AM Mental Health Call--1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 10:49 AM Found/Lost Property--300 block W 32nd St, Hays; 11 AM; 11:25 AM MV Accident /DUI--2300 block Oak St, Hays; 11:37 AM Found/Lost Property--4800 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 7/3 2:01 PM; 7/7 12 PM Animal At Large--300 block Dwight Dr, Hays; 1:19 PM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:02 PM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--100 block E 5th
St, Hays; 2:57 PM; 3:15 Found/Lost Property--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:15 PM MV Accident-Hit and Run--Hays; 3:23 PM; 3 PM Suicidal Subject--300 block W 14th St, Hays; 3:31 PM Found/Lost Property--1900 block Vine St,
Hays; 4:57 PM Animal At Large--1500 block Vine St, Hays; 5 PM MV
Accident-City Street/Alley--3700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 6:02 PM Abandoned Vehicle--1500 block Milner St, Hays; 8:32 PM Harassment (All Other)--3300 block US183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 9:02 PM Overdose--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hay; 10:14 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Thu., July 23, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suicidal Subject--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 2:04 AM Driving Under the Influence--2100 block Hall St,
Hays; 2:37 AM Assist - Other (not
MV)--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:40 AM Aggravated Battery--2300 block Timber Dr, Hays; 7/20 2 PM; 3 PM Animal At Large--500 block Vine St, Hays; 9:16 AM Found/Lost Property--2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9:47 AM Lost Animals ONLY--200 block E 14th St, Hays; 9:53 AM Animal Bite Investigation--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:59 AM Theft of Services--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:17 AM; 10:29 AM Worthless Check--3300 block Vine St, Hays; 6/5 5:37 PM Worthless Check--3300 block Vine St, Hays; 6/5 7:51 PM Worthless Check--3300 block Vine St, Hays; 6/6 11:32 AM Animal At Large--1500 block 40 Bypass Hwy,
Hays; 12:01 PM Phone/Mail Scam--3000 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 1:10 PM; 1:35 PM Criminal Transport--200 block W Main St, Ness City; 2:20 PM Found/Lost Property Hays; 2:51 PM Civil Dispute--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 2:56 PM Welfare Check--2100 block Gen. Custer Rd, Hays; 6:15 PM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 10:32 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 29 traffic stops Fri., July 24, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance - General--700 block Main St, Hays; 1:49 AM Drug Offenses--3800 block Vine St, Hays; 2:57 AM Disturbance - Noise--400 block W 5th St,
Hays; 3:51 AM Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:20 AM Parking Complaint--1200 block Main St, Hays; 7:49 AM Lost Animals ONLY--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:36 AM Fraud--2000 block Vine St, Hays; 7/100 10 AM; 10:30 AM Animal At Large--1800 block Walnut St, Hays; 10:16 AM Animal At Large--1500 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 12:04 PM Domestic Disturbance--2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 12:30 PM; 1:44 PM Warrant
Service (Fail to Appear)--600 block E 15th St, Hays; 4:10 PM Traffic/Driving Complaint--33rd and Hillcrest,
Hays; 4:36 PM&nbsp; MV Accident-Private
Property--1500 block Hwy 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 6:51 PM Welfare Check--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:51:20 PM; 6:51:00 PM Disturbance - Noise--400 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:35 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 21 traffic stops Sat., July 25, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Activity--1300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:01 AM Intoxicated Subject--1000 block Country Club Dr,
Hays; 2:03 AM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 3:33 AM Found/Lost Property--400 block W 7th St, Hays; 7:04 AM Suspicious Activity--1800 block E 27th St, Hays; 12:32 AM; 12:35 AM Unattended Death-300 block E 23rd St, Hays; 9:28 AM MV Accident /DUI--Hays; 11:43 AM MV Accident-Private Property--600 block Main St, Hays; 12:11 PM Theft (general)--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:55 PM Missing Person--Hays; 7/23 4:30 PM Drug Offenses--300 block W
6th St, Hays; 4:45 PM; 4:56 PM Battery - Domestic--3500 block Vine Frontage Rd, Hays; 5:15 PM Water Use Violation--1200 block E 32nd
St, Hays; 5:34 PM Traffic/Driving Complaint--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 5:48 PM MV Accident-Hit and Run--400 block Halladay St, Hays; 6:40 PM Burglary/business--1100 block Vine St, Hays; 6:24 PM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 6:57 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:55 PM Drug Offenses--1600 block E 27th
St, Hays; 8:07 PM; 8:20 PM Harassment (All Other)--300 block W 9th St, Hays; 7:10 PM; 8:10 PM Welfare Check--1800 block Main St, Hays; 8:19 PM Civil
Dispute--2500 block E 21st St, Hays; 7/18 12 PM; 7/25 8:52 PM Animal Bite Investigation--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:05 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Sun., July 26, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence--2300 block Ash St, Hays; 12:22 AM Driving Under the Influence--300 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:40 AM Driving
Under the Influence--400 block W 5th St, Hays; 1:29 AM; 1:30 AM Criminal Damage to
Property--2900 block Vine St, Hays; 7/19&nbsp; 6:50 PM; 7:03 PM Found/Lost Property--200 block E 12th St, Hays;&nbsp;8:06 AM Harassment,
Telephone/FAX--900 block Walnut St, Hays; 8:11 AM Animal Call--2700 block Hall St, Hays; 12:22 PM Animal At Large--2800 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 1:01 PM Fire--200 block E 6th St, Hays; 3:04 PM Welfare Check--2800 block Indian Trl,
Hays; 4:01 PM Criminal Threat--1400 block Ash St, Hays; 4:11 PM Mental Health Call--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 7:09 PM False Report--1800 block Main St, Hays; 8:13 PM; 11:26 PM Harassment (All
Other)--300 block W 17th St, Hays; 9:17 PM Civil Dispute--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:27 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 12 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Wed., July 22, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Lost Animals ONLY--2000 block Main St, Hays; 3:03 AM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 5:57:47 AM; 5:57:00 AM Animal
At Large--2200 block Vine St, Hays; 7:56 AM Animal At Large--1500 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 8:27 AM Found/Lost Property--4800 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 6/15 1:58 PM; 6/17 1:02 PM Animal At Large--100 block W 16th St, Hays; 10:40 AM Mental Health Call--1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 10:49 AM Found/Lost Property--300 block W 32nd St, Hays; 11 AM; 11:25 AM MV Accident /DUI--2300 block Oak St, Hays; 11:37 AM Found/Lost Property--4800 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 7/3 2:01 PM; 7/7 12 PM Animal At Large--300 block Dwight Dr, Hays; 1:19 PM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:02 PM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--100 block E 5th
St, Hays; 2:57 PM; 3:15 Found/Lost Property--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:15 PM MV Accident-Hit and Run--Hays; 3:23 PM; 3 PM Suicidal Subject--300 block W 14th St, Hays; 3:31 PM Found/Lost Property--1900 block Vine St,
Hays; 4:57 PM Animal At Large--1500 block Vine St, Hays; 5 PM MV
Accident-City Street/Alley--3700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 6:02 PM Abandoned Vehicle--1500 block Milner St, Hays; 8:32 PM Harassment (All Other)--3300 block US183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 9:02 PM Overdose--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hay; 10:14 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Thu., July 23, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Suicidal Subject--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 2:04 AM Driving Under the Influence--2100 block Hall St,
Hays; 2:37 AM Assist - Other (not
MV)--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:40 AM Aggravated Battery--2300 block Timber Dr, Hays; 7/20 2 PM; 3 PM Animal At Large--500 block Vine St, Hays; 9:16 AM Found/Lost Property--2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9:47 AM Lost Animals ONLY--200 block E 14th St, Hays; 9:53 AM Animal Bite Investigation--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:59 AM Theft of Services--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:17 AM; 10:29 AM Worthless Check--3300 block Vine St, Hays; 6/5 5:37 PM Worthless Check--3300 block Vine St, Hays; 6/5 7:51 PM Worthless Check--3300 block Vine St, Hays; 6/6 11:32 AM Animal At Large--1500 block 40 Bypass Hwy,
Hays; 12:01 PM Phone/Mail Scam--3000 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 1:10 PM; 1:35 PM Criminal Transport--200 block W Main St, Ness City; 2:20 PM Found/Lost Property Hays; 2:51 PM Civil Dispute--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 2:56 PM Welfare Check--2100 block Gen. Custer Rd, Hays; 6:15 PM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 10:32 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 29 traffic stops Fri., July 24, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Disturbance - General--700 block Main St, Hays; 1:49 AM Drug Offenses--3800 block Vine St, Hays; 2:57 AM Disturbance - Noise--400 block W 5th St,
Hays; 3:51 AM Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:20 AM Parking Complaint--1200 block Main St, Hays; 7:49 AM Lost Animals ONLY--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 9:36 AM Fraud--2000 block Vine St, Hays; 7/100 10 AM; 10:30 AM Animal At Large--1800 block Walnut St, Hays; 10:16 AM Animal At Large--1500 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 12:04 PM Domestic Disturbance--2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 12:30 PM; 1:44 PM Warrant
Service (Fail to Appear)--600 block E 15th St, Hays; 4:10 PM Traffic/Driving Complaint--33rd and Hillcrest,
Hays; 4:36 PM&nbsp; MV Accident-Private
Property--1500 block Hwy 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 6:51 PM Welfare Check--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:51:20 PM; 6:51:00 PM Disturbance - Noise--400 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:35 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 21 traffic stops Sat., July 25, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Suspicious Activity--1300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:01 AM Intoxicated Subject--1000 block Country Club Dr,
Hays; 2:03 AM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 3:33 AM Found/Lost Property--400 block W 7th St, Hays; 7:04 AM Suspicious Activity--1800 block E 27th St, Hays; 12:32 AM; 12:35 AM Unattended Death-300 block E 23rd St, Hays; 9:28 AM MV Accident /DUI--Hays; 11:43 AM MV Accident-Private Property--600 block Main St, Hays; 12:11 PM Theft (general)--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:55 PM Missing Person--Hays; 7/23 4:30 PM Drug Offenses--300 block W
6th St, Hays; 4:45 PM; 4:56 PM Battery - Domestic--3500 block Vine Frontage Rd, Hays; 5:15 PM Water Use Violation--1200 block E 32nd
St, Hays; 5:34 PM Traffic/Driving Complaint--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 5:48 PM MV Accident-Hit and Run--400 block Halladay St, Hays; 6:40 PM Burglary/business--1100 block Vine St, Hays; 6:24 PM Mental Health Call--1300 block Oak St, Hays; 6:57 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--3700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:55 PM Drug Offenses--1600 block E 27th
St, Hays; 8:07 PM; 8:20 PM Harassment (All Other)--300 block W 9th St, Hays; 7:10 PM; 8:10 PM Welfare Check--1800 block Main St, Hays; 8:19 PM Civil
Dispute--2500 block E 21st St, Hays; 7/18 12 PM; 7/25 8:52 PM Animal Bite Investigation--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:05 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Sun., July 26, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving Under the Influence--2300 block Ash St, Hays; 12:22 AM Driving Under the Influence--300 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:40 AM Driving
Under the Influence--400 block W 5th St, Hays; 1:29 AM; 1:30 AM Criminal Damage to
Property--2900 block Vine St, Hays; 7/19&nbsp; 6:50 PM; 7:03 PM Found/Lost Property--200 block E 12th St, Hays;&nbsp;8:06 AM Harassment,
Telephone/FAX--900 block Walnut St, Hays; 8:11 AM Animal Call--2700 block Hall St, Hays; 12:22 PM Animal At Large--2800 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 1:01 PM Fire--200 block E 6th St, Hays; 3:04 PM Welfare Check--2800 block Indian Trl,
Hays; 4:01 PM Criminal Threat--1400 block Ash St, Hays; 4:11 PM Mental Health Call--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 7:09 PM False Report--1800 block Main St, Hays; 8:13 PM; 11:26 PM Harassment (All
Other)--300 block W 17th St, Hays; 9:17 PM Civil Dispute--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:27 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log, July 22-26 

The need for blood donations does not stop, not even during a global pandemic.&nbsp;

Since the pandemic hit the U.S., the Red Cross has had to cancel many blood drives.&nbsp;The need for blood is constant, Jan Hale, Red Cross external communications manager, said. The shelf life for blood is only 42 days.

Although blood donations are picking up, she said she is concerned some donors may be hesitant to donate for fears of COVID-19.

Hale said the Red Cross is taking extra precautions in light of the virus, including requiring appointments, temperature checks, requiring staff and donors to wear masks and social distancing between donors.

You can make an appointment to donate and see a full list of Red Cross safety protocols by <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/coronavirus--covid-19--and-blood-donation.html">clicking here</a>.

Donation appointments can also be made by downloading the free&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/blood-donor-app.html" target="_blank">Blood Donor App</a>, calling 1-800-RED&nbsp;CROSS&nbsp;(1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

The next blood drive in Hays, which is sponsored by Thomas More Prep-Marian, will be noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Big Creek Crossing Mall.&nbsp;

Hale encouraged donors to check the Red Cross website for drive locations, times and dates near you. Details, including locations of drives, are subject to change due to the pandemic.

Eliminating walk-ins and requirements for social distancing have also made it difficult for the Red Cross to process as many blood donors, Hale said.

The Red Cross is also in search of donors who have recovered completely from COVID-19 to donate&nbsp;convalescent plasma, a potentially lifesaving treatment for patients with COVID-19.

The Red Cross has seen demand for convalescent plasma more than double during the last month as the number of coronavirus cases increases across the U.S. Convalescent plasma products are now being distributed faster than donations are coming in, Hale said in a news release.

Convalescent plasma is plasma that is collected from patients who have recovered from an infection and have antibodies that might help fight that infection – in this case, those who have fully recovered from COVID-19.

The donor eligibility form can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/plasma4covid" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid</a>. Donors must have had a test confirming their COVID-19 diagnosis to be eligible to donate convalescent plasma.

Convalescent plasma donation can't be done locally because the equipment is not available here to process the plasma. A convalescent plasma donor would have to make an appointment in either Salina or Wichita.

All blood donors are now being offered free COVID-19 antibody testing. You will need a profile at <a href="http://redcrossblodd.org">redcrossblodd.org</a> or on the Red Cross app in order to receive the antibody testing results.

The app is available to download in your app store for free for Android and Apple devices.

<a>As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply,&nbsp;</a>those who come to give blood, including convalescent plasma, Aug. 1-Sept. 3 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email, courtesy of Amazon. Plus,&nbsp;come to give&nbsp;by Aug. 31 and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm,&nbsp;redeemable through the 2021 season.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 years of age&nbsp;in most states&nbsp;(16 with parental consent&nbsp;where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive" target="_blank">donate blood</a>.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.

To get started, follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>&nbsp;or use the Blood Donor App.

Other northwest Kansas donation opportunities in area are listed below:

Ellis County Hays Blood Donation Center 208 E. Eighth St. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hays 8/4/2020: noon-6 p.m., Big Creek Crossing,&nbsp;2918 Vine St 8/5/2020: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Big Creek Crossing,&nbsp;2918 Vine St 8/7/2020: noon- 6 p.m., St. Nicholas of Myra, 2901 E. 13th St. 8/10/2020: noon- 6 p.m., St. Nicholas of Myra, 2901 E. 13th St.

Logan County Oakley 8/6/2020: 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, 3083 US-83

Russell County Lucas 8/7/2020: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 332 N. Main St. Russell 8/13/2020: noon-6 p.m., Fossil Creek Inn &amp; Suites, 1430 S. Fossil

Sheridan County Hoxie 8/12/2020: noon-6 p.m., 4-H Building, 1308 Main, Sheridan County Fairgrounds

Sherman County Goodland 8/13/2020: noon-6 p.m., Methodist Church, 1116 Sherman Ave.

Smith County Smith Center 8/3/2020: noon-6 p.m., VFW, 620 A. St.

Thomas County Colby 8/15/2020: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Methodist Church, 950 S. Franklin

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590619492263.jpeg" alt="The next blood drive in Hays will be noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Big Creek Crossing Mall.&nbsp; File photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The next blood drive in Hays will be noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Big Creek Crossing Mall.&nbsp; File photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe need for blood donations does not stop, not even during a global pandemic.&nbsp;Since the pandemic hit the U.S., the Red Cross has had to cancel many blood drives.&nbsp;The need for blood is constant, Jan Hale, Red Cross external communications manager, said. The shelf life for blood is only 42 days.Although blood donations are picking up, she said she is concerned some donors may be hesitant to donate for fears of COVID-19.Hale said the Red Cross is taking extra precautions in light of the virus, including requiring appointments, temperature checks, requiring staff and donors to wear masks and social distancing between donors.You can make an appointment to donate and see a full list of Red Cross safety protocols by <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/coronavirus--covid-19--and-blood-donation.html">clicking here</a>.Donation appointments can also be made by downloading the free&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/blood-donor-app.html" target="_blank">Blood Donor App</a>, calling 1-800-RED&nbsp;CROSS&nbsp;(1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.The next blood drive in Hays, which is sponsored by Thomas More Prep-Marian, will be noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Big Creek Crossing Mall.&nbsp;Hale encouraged donors to check the Red Cross website for drive locations, times and dates near you. Details, including locations of drives, are subject to change due to the pandemic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596227479794.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eliminating walk-ins and requirements for social distancing have also made it difficult for the Red Cross to process as many blood donors, Hale said.The Red Cross is also in search of donors who have recovered completely from COVID-19 to donate&nbsp;convalescent plasma, a potentially lifesaving treatment for patients with COVID-19.The Red Cross has seen demand for convalescent plasma more than double during the last month as the number of coronavirus cases increases across the U.S. Convalescent plasma products are now being distributed faster than donations are coming in, Hale said in a news release.Convalescent plasma is plasma that is collected from patients who have recovered from an infection and have antibodies that might help fight that infection – in this case, those who have fully recovered from COVID-19.The donor eligibility form can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/plasma4covid" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid</a>. Donors must have had a test confirming their COVID-19 diagnosis to be eligible to donate convalescent plasma.Convalescent plasma donation can't be done locally because the equipment is not available here to process the plasma. A convalescent plasma donor would have to make an appointment in either Salina or Wichita.All blood donors are now being offered free COVID-19 antibody testing. You will need a profile at <a href="http://redcrossblodd.org">redcrossblodd.org</a> or on the Red Cross app in order to receive the antibody testing results.The app is available to download in your app store for free for Android and Apple devices.<a>As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply,&nbsp;</a>those who come to give blood, including convalescent plasma, Aug. 1-Sept. 3 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email, courtesy of Amazon. Plus,&nbsp;come to give&nbsp;by Aug. 31 and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm,&nbsp;redeemable through the 2021 season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590619612845.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.Individuals who are 17 years of age&nbsp;in most states&nbsp;(16 with parental consent&nbsp;where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive" target="_blank">donate blood</a>.High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.To get started, follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>&nbsp;or use the Blood Donor App.<h2>Blood drives, donation center</h2>Other northwest Kansas donation opportunities in area are listed below:Ellis County Hays Blood Donation Center 208 E. Eighth St. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hays 8/4/2020: noon-6 p.m., Big Creek Crossing,&nbsp;2918 Vine St 8/5/2020: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Big Creek Crossing,&nbsp;2918 Vine St 8/7/2020: noon- 6 p.m., St. Nicholas of Myra, 2901 E. 13th St. 8/10/2020: noon- 6 p.m., St. Nicholas of Myra, 2901 E. 13th St.Logan County Oakley 8/6/2020: 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, 3083 US-83Russell County Lucas 8/7/2020: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 332 N. Main St. Russell 8/13/2020: noon-6 p.m., Fossil Creek Inn &amp; Suites, 1430 S. FossilSheridan County Hoxie 8/12/2020: noon-6 p.m., 4-H Building, 1308 Main, Sheridan County FairgroundsSherman County Goodland 8/13/2020: noon-6 p.m., Methodist Church, 1116 Sherman Ave.Smith County Smith Center 8/3/2020: noon-6 p.m., VFW, 620 A. St.Thomas County Colby 8/15/2020: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Methodist Church, 950 S. Franklin

Red Cross in need of plasma with anti-bodies, donors of all blood types

MANHATTAN — A public hearing will be conducted at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020, in Leoti to consider a Local Enhanced Management Area management plan in a designated area in Wichita County. The virtual-hybrid hearing will provide the opportunity for in-person oral statements as well as virtual participation online.

The Western Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 1 has recommended the approval of the LEMA which was found acceptable for consideration by the Acting Chief Engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The initial hearing will consider whether the management plan satisfies the requirements for establishment of a LEMA set forth in K.S.A. 82a-1041. If these requirements are met, a second hearing to consider the corrective controls proposed in the management plan will be scheduled.

<a>Anyone may submit written or oral statements to be included in the record of the hearing. In-person oral statements will be accepted at the public hearing at the St. Anthony Catholic Church Parish Hall at 600 S. Fourth Street in Leoti. Oral statements can also be submitted online; anyone desiring to provide an online oral statement or make a visual presentation via Zoom must submit their request at least 24 hours prior to the hearing by notifying Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or by email at&nbsp;</a><a href="mailto:Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov">Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp; A copy of any visual presentation to be used as part of online testimony must also be submitted 24 hours in advance of the initial hearing. Advance sign up is not required for those wishing to testify in person in Leoti.

Written statements may be submitted at the public hearing or sent to the WHC LEMA; c/o Ronda Hutton; 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, faxed to 785-564-6777, or e-mailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov">Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov</a>. Written comments will be accepted if delivered on or before Friday, August 28, 2020.&nbsp;

More details about the hearing including a link to the live hearing and a copy of the proposed plan and related documents are available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FWHCL&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cdc27e51f4fcb40d360b108d834d6975b%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637317444051807784&amp;sdata=iqZpyDJBKcXNEWFwCfKUXPf%2B2DcaO8UHMKgawJAQHrM%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.agriculture.ks.gov/WHCL</a>.

WHAT: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Public hearing on proposed regulations regarding proposed LEMA

WHEN: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020

WHERE: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Online: link available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FWHCL&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cdc27e51f4fcb40d360b108d834d6975b%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637317444051807784&amp;sdata=iqZpyDJBKcXNEWFwCfKUXPf%2B2DcaO8UHMKgawJAQHrM%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.agriculture.ks.gov/WHCL</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In person: St. Anthony Catholic Church Parish Hall, 600 S. Fourth Street, Leoti

Kansas Department of AgricultureMANHATTAN — A public hearing will be conducted at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020, in Leoti to consider a Local Enhanced Management Area management plan in a designated area in Wichita County. The virtual-hybrid hearing will provide the opportunity for in-person oral statements as well as virtual participation online.The Western Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 1 has recommended the approval of the LEMA which was found acceptable for consideration by the Acting Chief Engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The initial hearing will consider whether the management plan satisfies the requirements for establishment of a LEMA set forth in K.S.A. 82a-1041. If these requirements are met, a second hearing to consider the corrective controls proposed in the management plan will be scheduled.<a>Anyone may submit written or oral statements to be included in the record of the hearing. In-person oral statements will be accepted at the public hearing at the St. Anthony Catholic Church Parish Hall at 600 S. Fourth Street in Leoti. Oral statements can also be submitted online; anyone desiring to provide an online oral statement or make a visual presentation via Zoom must submit their request at least 24 hours prior to the hearing by notifying Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or by email at&nbsp;</a><a href="mailto:Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov">Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp; A copy of any visual presentation to be used as part of online testimony must also be submitted 24 hours in advance of the initial hearing. Advance sign up is not required for those wishing to testify in person in Leoti.Written statements may be submitted at the public hearing or sent to the WHC LEMA; c/o Ronda Hutton; 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, faxed to 785-564-6777, or e-mailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov">Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov</a>. Written comments will be accepted if delivered on or before Friday, August 28, 2020.&nbsp;More details about the hearing including a link to the live hearing and a copy of the proposed plan and related documents are available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FWHCL&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cdc27e51f4fcb40d360b108d834d6975b%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637317444051807784&amp;sdata=iqZpyDJBKcXNEWFwCfKUXPf%2B2DcaO8UHMKgawJAQHrM%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.agriculture.ks.gov/WHCL</a>.###WHAT: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Public hearing on proposed regulations regarding proposed LEMAWHEN: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020WHERE: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Online: link available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FWHCL&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cdc27e51f4fcb40d360b108d834d6975b%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637317444051807784&amp;sdata=iqZpyDJBKcXNEWFwCfKUXPf%2B2DcaO8UHMKgawJAQHrM%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.agriculture.ks.gov/WHCL</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In person: St. Anthony Catholic Church Parish Hall, 600 S. Fourth Street, Leoti

Hearing scheduled for Wichita Co. water-conservation plan

K-State’s Upham offers tips for late July control&nbsp;

<h2>K-State’s Upham offers tips for late July control&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham says that patches of crabgrass showing up in homeowner’s lawns are a sign of work ahead.&nbsp;By the time the weedy plant shows up in the summer, it’s a bit too late for homeowners to use their best means of control, which is to apply a preventative herbicide in the spring, killing the seed as it germinates.&nbsp;“Crabgrass is an annual that must come up from seed each year, and the seed must have light in order to germinate,” Upham said. “If a lawn is thick enough that sunlight does not reach the soil, crabgrass won’t germinate.”&nbsp;Upham added that there is some hope for control if homeowners did not apply crabgrass preventer last spring.&nbsp;“Some of the herbicides that will kill crabgrass include Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max +Crabgrass Control, Fertilome Weed-Out with Crabgrass Control, Monterey Crab-E-Rad and BioAdvanced Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer,” he said. “Each contains quinclorac for crabgrass control, and other active ingredients that control broadleaf weeds. Quinclorac not only controls crabgrass but also has good activity on foxtail and certain broadleaf plants, such as field bindweed, black medic and clover.”&nbsp;Those who choose not to apply more herbicide to their lawn can be comforted in knowing that crabgrass starts declining by the middle of August.&nbsp;“That’s about the time that such cool-season grasses as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass start to come out of their summer doldrums,” Upham said. “By the first of September, the crabgrass will be less noticeable. So, a small infestation is best ignored. Crabgrass is a warm-season annual and will be killed by the first frost.”&nbsp;Hot temps call for watering trees, fruit&nbsp;Upham advised homeowners to water trees and fruit to give them an extra boost as temperatures top 90 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;“If you have fruit plants such as trees, vines and canes, check the soil moisture at the roots,” he said. “Insert a pointed metal or wood probe or even a long screwdriver to check the depth of watering. Push the rod into the soil with the goal of reaching eight to 12 inches.”&nbsp;“If you cannot reach the recommended depth, the plants should be irrigated to prevent drooping and promote fruit enlargement.&nbsp;Upham said fruit plants can be watered with sprinklers, soaker hose, drip irrigation or even a small trickle of water running from the hose for a few hours. Strawberries, which have a shallow root system, and newly-planted fruit tress in sandy soils may need to be watered more often.&nbsp;For landscape trees, Upham recommends a perforated soaking hose circling the tree several times to even out the amount of water applied. Soil should be wet at least 12 inches deep. New trees may not have enough of a root system to absorb enough water, so water weekly and apply mulch at the base.&nbsp;Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining gardens and home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;Brand names appearing in this article are for product identification purposes only and are not intended as an endorsement of any specific product.&nbsp;