Lang Diesel Inc. invites all Kansas-based 4-H groups to showcase their club and submit a video entry in the sixth annual LDI 4-H Video Contest starting April 1.


The video with the most fan votes when the contest ends will win a grand prize consisting of a
$1,000 donation to their 4-H club and dinner on LDI for the whole 4-H group.


Videos must be no longer than one and a half minutes and creatively describe why the group
deserves to win the contest and what they would do with the donation. If your club has won the
LDI 4-H Video contest in the past, you are ineligible to win again.


Videos can be submitted April 1 through April 30 on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LangDieselInc/">Lang Diesel Inc. Facebook page.</a>
Voting runs for one week only- May 1st through May 8th and each Facebook user is limited to
one vote per contest.

Last year was the fifth year for LDI’s 4-H video contest. The Barton County Jr. Leaders were last
year’s winners. Barton County Jr. Leaders’ video featured pictures of the different skills their
members had developed through 4-H as well as many of the activities they were involved in.
The $1,000 donation went towards growing their outreach programs to boost involvement in 4-H
and to educate youth in their area about agriculture.


LDI’s 4-H Video Contest is an example of LDI’s commitment to serving Kansas through its
full-service dealerships, product support and a “doing what it takes” attitude to provide
customers with the best quality products, parts, and service.


“4-H programs make a positive impact on young people and provides them leadership
opportunities and experiences they will remember their whole life,” stated Shelly Macumber,
Marketing Director at LDI. “It’s important to us at LDI to give back to the communities across
Kansas in which we live and work, and we are thrilled to support our future leaders.”


For more information on the LDI 4-H Video Contest, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LangDieselInc/">Lang Diesel Inc. Facebook page</a>
or stop by one of the 12 dealerships located throughout Kansas.

The winning 4-H group will be presented with a $1,000 check signed from LDI following the
contest’s completion, and the winning video will be posted to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LangDieselInc/">LDI Facebook page.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582575215616.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lang Diesel Inc. invites all Kansas-based 4-H groups to showcase their club and submit a video entry in the sixth annual LDI 4-H Video Contest starting April 1.
The video with the most fan votes when the contest ends will win a grand prize consisting of a
$1,000 donation to their 4-H club and dinner on LDI for the whole 4-H group.
Videos must be no longer than one and a half minutes and creatively describe why the group
deserves to win the contest and what they would do with the donation. If your club has won the
LDI 4-H Video contest in the past, you are ineligible to win again.
Videos can be submitted April 1 through April 30 on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LangDieselInc/">Lang Diesel Inc. Facebook page.</a>
Voting runs for one week only- May 1st through May 8th and each Facebook user is limited to
one vote per contest.
Last year was the fifth year for LDI’s 4-H video contest. The Barton County Jr. Leaders were last
year’s winners. Barton County Jr. Leaders’ video featured pictures of the different skills their
members had developed through 4-H as well as many of the activities they were involved in.
The $1,000 donation went towards growing their outreach programs to boost involvement in 4-H
and to educate youth in their area about agriculture.
LDI’s 4-H Video Contest is an example of LDI’s commitment to serving Kansas through its
full-service dealerships, product support and a “doing what it takes” attitude to provide
customers with the best quality products, parts, and service.
“4-H programs make a positive impact on young people and provides them leadership
opportunities and experiences they will remember their whole life,” stated Shelly Macumber,
Marketing Director at LDI. “It’s important to us at LDI to give back to the communities across
Kansas in which we live and work, and we are thrilled to support our future leaders.”
For more information on the LDI 4-H Video Contest, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LangDieselInc/">Lang Diesel Inc. Facebook page</a>
or stop by one of the 12 dealerships located throughout Kansas.
The winning 4-H group will be presented with a $1,000 check signed from LDI following the
contest’s completion, and the winning video will be posted to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LangDieselInc/">LDI Facebook page.</a>— Submitted

LDI launches sixth annual 4-H Facebook video contest

<a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582659151397.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

The Fort Hays State University 2020 BFA Graphic Design Exhibition&nbsp;Liminal will open with a reception 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 in the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the first floor of Rarick Hall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582556979338.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSUThe Fort Hays State University 2020 BFA Graphic Design Exhibition&nbsp;Liminal will open with a reception 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 in the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the first floor of Rarick Hall.The public is invited to the free event.

'Liminal' graphic design exhibition opens Friday at FHSU

<a href="https://www.hayspost.com/category/announcements" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">To see events and announcements directly, click here.</a>Submit your event to <a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">admin@hayspost.com</a>.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/b/1/embed?height=1400&amp;wkst=1&amp;bgcolor=%233F51B5&amp;ctz=America%2FChicago&amp;src=aGF5c2NvbW11bml0eWV2ZW50c2NhbGVuZGFyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ&amp;src=ZW4udXNhI2hvbGlkYXlAZ3JvdXAudi5jYWxlbmRhci5nb29nbGUuY29t&amp;color=%23743500&amp;color=%231F753C&amp;showCalendars=1&amp;mode=AGENDA&amp;title=Hays%20Area%20Events" height="1400" width="1000"></iframe>Cover image courtesy Pixabay.

Today's Community Calendar

We are already at the “halftime” break known as turnaround.  It means that the bills that originate and pass out of the House go to the Senate and vice-versa. It also means we will have three days back in the district before coming back to finish up the session. 

 Senators Billinger and Bowers and I will be holding town halls this Friday, February 28th.  Here is the schedule: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Ellis Public Library; 8:30-10:15 a.m. – Palco- McKenna Center; 11:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m. Phillipsburg – Huck Boyd Center; 1:30-2:30 Norton – Norton Library; 3:15-4:15 p.m. Hill City – Graham County Court House Commissioner’s Chambers. We are looking forward to talking issues with you at these stops.   

House republican leadership launched a plan this session titled “Make Kansas Work.” 

 Here is an update on how things are progressing:  The House approved of the Kansas Promise Scholarship Act (HB 2515) last week, which will provide scholarships to Kansas graduates who agree to complete a certificate or two-year program at a community college, technical school, or trade school in one of 10 high-demand areas for skilled workers. These students will work part-time or provide 100 hours of community service while in school and commit to remain and work in Kansas for two years upon completion of their education.  

The Kansas Department of Commerce in conjunction with members of business and industry in our state will identify up to ten high need areas for semi-skilled labor. Any Kansas high school or home school graduate who agrees to go into one of those fields will receive a Kansas Promise Scholarship to pay for attendance at a Kansas trade or tech school or community college. Students must work part time or perform community service while in school and commit to remaining and working in Kansas for two years after graduation. 

By helping bridge the gap we can build tomorrow’s workforce today.  This is the first of five bills proposed by House Republicans in the Make Kansas Work Plan. 

The bill passed the House on a vote of 116-6 and has advanced to the Senate for consideration.  

As a member of the Committee on Appropriations, we held a hearing this week on HB 2522, also known as the Kansas Rural Healthcare Innovation Fund. 

The Fund will help rural hospitals research and implement changes needed to survive in the current healthcare market.  For every $1 of state dollars awarded to a county seeking to support a rural hospital, they must also provide a $2 match from private stakeholders. The Fund will match public dollars with private contributions from hospital foundations, corporations, and other organizations to help rural hospitals research and implement changes needed to survive in the current healthcare market. $10.0 million will be transferred from the SGF to the Fund, for a maximum of $30.0 million available in the Fund.   

The Kansas Hospital Association, the Kansas Association of Counties, and the Kansas League of Municipalities all testified in favor of the bill, and there were no opponents.  The committee has yet to act on this bill. 

First Time Homebuyer Accounts (HB 2516).  These First Time Homebuyer Accounts will allow communities to establish accounts as part of an incentives package to attract certain professionals—such as doctors and dentists—to move into their community The House Rural Revitalization Committee has held a hearing on this bill, and passed the bill favorably.

The Kansas Targeted Employment Act will provide a targeted employment tax credit for businesses that employ individuals with disabilities in integrated settings where those individuals work alongside those who do not have a disability.  The House Commerce Committee has held a hearing on this bill and has yet to act on this bill. 

Social Security-HB 2542 is a relief plan for Kansas seniors would raise the exemption for senior citizens receiving Social Security from $75,000 in annual income to $100,000 in annual income so that Kansas seniors can continue to work and earn additional income if they wish to do so without having to pay higher taxes. The House Taxation Committee has held a hearing on this bill and has yet to act on this bill. 

It was good to have a number of 4-H students here from Norton and Rooks counties who participated in Citizens In Action and visit with staff and board members of our Rural Electric Cooperatives, students from Fort Hays State University and a group from High Plains Mental Health.

When you come to Topeka during the session, my office is in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296-7463 and email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. More updates at <a href="https://kenforkansas.com/">kenforkansas.com</a>.

I look forward to seeing you around the 110th District. It is my honor to be your representative.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581437228209.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hello from Topeka! We are already at the “halftime” break known as turnaround. It means that the bills that originate and pass out of the House go to the Senate and vice-versa. It also means we will have three days back in the district before coming back to finish up the session. Senators Billinger and Bowers and I will be holding town halls this Friday, February 28th. Here is the schedule: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Ellis Public Library; 8:30-10:15 a.m. – Palco- McKenna Center; 11:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m. Phillipsburg – Huck Boyd Center; 1:30-2:30 Norton – Norton Library; 3:15-4:15 p.m. Hill City – Graham County Court House Commissioner’s Chambers. We are looking forward to talking issues with you at these stops. House republican leadership launched a plan this session titled “Make Kansas Work.” Here is an update on how things are progressing: The House approved of the Kansas Promise Scholarship Act (HB 2515) last week, which will provide scholarships to Kansas graduates who agree to complete a certificate or two-year program at a community college, technical school, or trade school in one of 10 high-demand areas for skilled workers. These students will work part-time or provide 100 hours of community service while in school and commit to remain and work in Kansas for two years upon completion of their education. The Kansas Department of Commerce in conjunction with members of business and industry in our state will identify up to ten high need areas for semi-skilled labor. Any Kansas high school or home school graduate who agrees to go into one of those fields will receive a Kansas Promise Scholarship to pay for attendance at a Kansas trade or tech school or community college. Students must work part time or perform community service while in school and commit to remaining and working in Kansas for two years after graduation. By helping bridge the gap we can build tomorrow’s workforce today. This is the first of five bills proposed by House Republicans in the Make Kansas Work Plan. The bill passed the House on a vote of 116-6 and has advanced to the Senate for consideration. As a member of the Committee on Appropriations, we held a hearing this week on HB 2522, also known as the Kansas Rural Healthcare Innovation Fund. The Fund will help rural hospitals research and implement changes needed to survive in the current healthcare market. For every $1 of state dollars awarded to a county seeking to support a rural hospital, they must also provide a $2 match from private stakeholders. The Fund will match public dollars with private contributions from hospital foundations, corporations, and other organizations to help rural hospitals research and implement changes needed to survive in the current healthcare market. $10.0 million will be transferred from the SGF to the Fund, for a maximum of $30.0 million available in the Fund. The Kansas Hospital Association, the Kansas Association of Counties, and the Kansas League of Municipalities all testified in favor of the bill, and there were no opponents. The committee has yet to act on this bill. First Time Homebuyer Accounts (HB 2516). These First Time Homebuyer Accounts will allow communities to establish accounts as part of an incentives package to attract certain professionals—such as doctors and dentists—to move into their community The House Rural Revitalization Committee has held a hearing on this bill, and passed the bill favorably.The Kansas Targeted Employment Act will provide a targeted employment tax credit for businesses that employ individuals with disabilities in integrated settings where those individuals work alongside those who do not have a disability. The House Commerce Committee has held a hearing on this bill and has yet to act on this bill. Social Security-HB 2542 is a relief plan for Kansas seniors would raise the exemption for senior citizens receiving Social Security from $75,000 in annual income to $100,000 in annual income so that Kansas seniors can continue to work and earn additional income if they wish to do so without having to pay higher taxes. The House Taxation Committee has held a hearing on this bill and has yet to act on this bill. It was good to have a number of 4-H students here from Norton and Rooks counties who participated in Citizens In Action and visit with staff and board members of our Rural Electric Cooperatives, students from Fort Hays State University and a group from High Plains Mental Health. When you come to Topeka during the session, my office is in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296-7463 and email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. More updates at <a href="https://kenforkansas.com/">kenforkansas.com</a>.I look forward to seeing you around the 110th District. It is my honor to be your representative.

RAHJES REPORT: Feb. 25

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e54919465b5d31438497472">To read about the project visit the complete story on Hays Post.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a><div><iframe title="Building repairs on the minds of USD 489 administration" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/8r4rj-d4c652?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e54919465b5d31438497472">To read about the project visit the complete story on Hays Post.</a>

🎤Post Podcast: Building repairs on the minds of USD 489 administration

The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission will hold its&nbsp;monthly meeting on Wednesday along&nbsp;with a public hearing.

The meeting and public hearing will&nbsp;be at 7 p.m. at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main, Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Contact the Ellis County Zoning Office at 785-628-9449 for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579287163220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis CountyThe Ellis County Joint Planning Commission will hold its&nbsp;monthly meeting on Wednesday along&nbsp;with a public hearing.The meeting and public hearing will&nbsp;be at 7 p.m. at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main, Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;Contact the Ellis County Zoning Office at 785-628-9449 for more information.The complete agenda is below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582565368584.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis Co. Joint Planning Commission meets Wednesday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board Monday night approved bids for three projects that will be completed during the next fiscal year.

The board approved a bid for the replacement of the O'Loughlin Elementary School roof for $155,729&nbsp;from High Plains Roofing of Hays.&nbsp;

Fiscal year 2021 starts for the school district July 1, 2020. The O'Loughlin project has a projected completion date of this fall.

Rusty Lindsay, director of buildings and grounds,&nbsp;had proposed repairing a section of the roof at Wilson Elementary School. However, after almost an inch of rain on Sunday, the previous repair had produced no leaks.

&nbsp;Lindsay said based on the the condition of the roof on Monday, he recommended pulling the bid for the Wilson repair, which was&nbsp;$91,094.

The school board approved a low bid from&nbsp;Commercial Builders to replace concrete at Hays High School. That bid is&nbsp;$110,318.&nbsp;The school district is replacing concrete in the HHS parking lot annually as funds allow.

Lindsay said it will likely take three more years spending about $100,000 per year to replace the rest of the concrete on the student side of the parking lot and four years after that to replace the concrete in the staff lot.

Work on the lot would be done this summer.

Board members Allen Park and Craig Pallister both voted against the motion to approve the bid. Both board members expressed concerns about the need for funding for other projects, specifically a new HVAC system for Roosevelt Elementary School.

"It would be robbing Peter to pay Paul," Lindsay said.

He said the concrete work needs to be done, and there is not enough money in the capital outlay fund to pay for the Roosevelt HVAC repair. It will have to be paid for through other means, possibly a lease agreement.

Board Member Tammy Wellbrock said the disrepair in the HHS parking lot could be a safety issue.

The board also approved a bid to replace the roof of the transportation center. The low bid was from Quinter Manufacturing &amp; Construction at $136,000.

This project will also come out of the FY21 budget and begin after July 1.

Lindsay said he had expected the cost of the transportation center roof to be double the bid because the roof contains asbestos.

However, the asbestos panels should be able to be pulled off complete, which means a remediation team will not be required.

Lindsay said the district has put off this roof repair multiple years, but it can no longer be pushed back.

He said the damage has become a safety issue. A staff member slipped on water in the building becuase of a roof leak.&nbsp;

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board Monday night approved bids for three projects that will be completed during the next fiscal year.The board approved a bid for the replacement of the O'Loughlin Elementary School roof for $155,729&nbsp;from High Plains Roofing of Hays.&nbsp;Fiscal year 2021 starts for the school district July 1, 2020. The O'Loughlin project has a projected completion date of this fall.Rusty Lindsay, director of buildings and grounds,&nbsp;had proposed repairing a section of the roof at Wilson Elementary School. However, after almost an inch of rain on Sunday, the previous repair had produced no leaks.&nbsp;Lindsay said based on the the condition of the roof on Monday, he recommended pulling the bid for the Wilson repair, which was&nbsp;$91,094.<h2>HHS concrete</h2>The school board approved a low bid from&nbsp;Commercial Builders to replace concrete at Hays High School. That bid is&nbsp;$110,318.&nbsp;The school district is replacing concrete in the HHS parking lot annually as funds allow.Lindsay said it will likely take three more years spending about $100,000 per year to replace the rest of the concrete on the student side of the parking lot and four years after that to replace the concrete in the staff lot.Work on the lot would be done this summer.Board members Allen Park and Craig Pallister both voted against the motion to approve the bid. Both board members expressed concerns about the need for funding for other projects, specifically a new HVAC system for Roosevelt Elementary School."It would be robbing Peter to pay Paul," Lindsay said.He said the concrete work needs to be done, and there is not enough money in the capital outlay fund to pay for the Roosevelt HVAC repair. It will have to be paid for through other means, possibly a lease agreement.Board Member Tammy Wellbrock said the disrepair in the HHS parking lot could be a safety issue.<h2>Transportation center</h2>The board also approved a bid to replace the roof of the transportation center. The low bid was from Quinter Manufacturing &amp; Construction at $136,000.This project will also come out of the FY21 budget and begin after July 1.Lindsay said he had expected the cost of the transportation center roof to be double the bid because the roof contains asbestos.However, the asbestos panels should be able to be pulled off complete, which means a remediation team will not be required.Lindsay said the district has put off this roof repair multiple years, but it can no longer be pushed back.He said the damage has become a safety issue. A staff member slipped on water in the building becuase of a roof leak.&nbsp;

USD 489 approves funds for roofs, concrete in FY21

Governor Laura Kelly appointed Brooks Wederski to the 911 Coordinating Council.

The Council monitors the delivery of 911 services in Kansas, develops strategies for future enhancements to the 911 system and distributes available grant funds to public safety answering points.

“The work of the Council is vital for maintaining, enhancing and coordinating the 911 system as the primary means of access for Kansans who need emergency public safety services,” Kelly said. “Brooks has the information technology experience needed to fulfill this role.”

Wederski, Colby, serves the City of Colby as its technology director. He has been appointed to a seat on the Council specified for IT personnel from a government unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582555881482.jpeg" alt="Brooks Wederski " />
 <figcaption>Brooks Wederski </figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the GovernorGovernor Laura Kelly appointed Brooks Wederski to the 911 Coordinating Council.The Council monitors the delivery of 911 services in Kansas, develops strategies for future enhancements to the 911 system and distributes available grant funds to public safety answering points.“The work of the Council is vital for maintaining, enhancing and coordinating the 911 system as the primary means of access for Kansans who need emergency public safety services,” Kelly said. “Brooks has the information technology experience needed to fulfill this role.”Wederski, Colby, serves the City of Colby as its technology director. He has been appointed to a seat on the Council specified for IT personnel from a government unit.

Colby man appointed to statewide 911 agency

Fort Hays State University's Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science will host four camps for incoming freshmen and sophomores in the month of June.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State faculty and staff will organize each camp, all of which are focused in areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students will stay in a residence hall on the Fort Hays State campus with staff available all day and night to assist campers. Each camp is four days long with check-in and drop off beginning Sunday evening.&nbsp;

Camp dates are listed chronologically.&nbsp;

May 31-June 4: Engineering Design &amp; Art: 3D Scanning &amp; Printing, Digital Manipulation, &amp; Lost Wax Casting

The use of 3D printing and scanning is exploding across the engineering and industrial design world. It has also found a home in the art community! At this highly interactive camp, students will learn to use and navigate advanced 3D modeling software to create a self-portrait using wax castings, ceramic molds, and sculpting techniques. Campers will also have an opportunity to use the highly innovative equipment featured at the FHSU Center for Applied Technology to create some one-of-a-kind art projects. Join us for a camp designed for both engineers and artists alike!&nbsp;

Calling all aspiring magicians and computer scientists! This camp is for you. At this interactive, computer science-based camp, students will learn and acquire basic Java programming skills to reveal the secrets behind some of magic’s most difficult card tricks. Featuring hands-on lab time and graphic user interface learning, campers will work to uncover the mathematics behind some amazing and magical “read your mind” card tricks. Abracadabra!&nbsp;

This camp features exciting biology and introductory computer programming projects to help students discover how hands-on ecology and high-tech tools can work hand-in-hand. Campers will get to conduct water studies at the historic Cheyenne Bottoms, create real smartphone nature-tracking apps, capture and collect data on small mammals, and build DIY trail cameras. These students will even get to develop their computational thinking skills by programming a Raspberry Pi microcomputer. Discover nature with us in a unique and innovative learning environment!&nbsp;

June 21-25: Faster than the Speed of Sight

Physics with high-speed cameras? Count us in! At this camp, students will learn how to use a high-speed camera and analyze video of events that are too fast to see with the naked eye. Questions such as “how long is the blink of an eye” and “do a baseball and basketball really fall at the same rate” will be answered as students collect video recordings of experiments and measure data in a high-speed learning environment. Channel your inner Albert Einstein and explore some of the latest breakthroughs in modern physics!&nbsp;

There is a $100 registration fee for residents of Kansas and a $400 for non-residents. This fee includes room &amp; board, camp supplies, and a camp t-shirt. Each camp is limited to 20 students and priority will be on a first come, first served basis with a maximum of one camp per student. The priority deadline for registration is April 1. The final deadline for registration is May 1.&nbsp;

To register for an event, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.edu/kams/summer-camps/index">https://fhsu.edu/kams/summer-camps/index</a>. Registration must be mailed in with full payment to reserve a spot.&nbsp;

For more information, contact Sheila Clark, KAMS Summer Camp Director, at 785-628-4168 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kamssummer@fhsu.edu">kamssummer@fhsu.edu</a>

KAMS is an early-entry-to-college program that focuses on advanced mathematics and science. While studying at KAMS, students live on campus in a select residence hall with other KAMS students from across Kansas and around the world. Over the course of two years, students complete over 60 hours of college credit. These college classes are taken alongside traditional college undergraduates and taught by college professors while simultaneously contributing to their high school graduation requirements.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581950362898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University's Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science will host four camps for incoming freshmen and sophomores in the month of June.&nbsp;Fort Hays State faculty and staff will organize each camp, all of which are focused in areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students will stay in a residence hall on the Fort Hays State campus with staff available all day and night to assist campers. Each camp is four days long with check-in and drop off beginning Sunday evening.&nbsp;Camp dates are listed chronologically.&nbsp;<h2>May 31-June 4: Engineering Design &amp; Art: 3D Scanning &amp; Printing, Digital Manipulation, &amp; Lost Wax Casting</h2>The use of 3D printing and scanning is exploding across the engineering and industrial design world. It has also found a home in the art community! At this highly interactive camp, students will learn to use and navigate advanced 3D modeling software to create a self-portrait using wax castings, ceramic molds, and sculpting techniques. Campers will also have an opportunity to use the highly innovative equipment featured at the FHSU Center for Applied Technology to create some one-of-a-kind art projects. Join us for a camp designed for both engineers and artists alike!&nbsp;<h2>June 7-11: Math, Code, &amp; Magic</h2>Calling all aspiring magicians and computer scientists! This camp is for you. At this interactive, computer science-based camp, students will learn and acquire basic Java programming skills to reveal the secrets behind some of magic’s most difficult card tricks. Featuring hands-on lab time and graphic user interface learning, campers will work to uncover the mathematics behind some amazing and magical “read your mind” card tricks. Abracadabra!&nbsp;<h2>June 14-18: EcoTech: Birds &amp; Bytes</h2>This camp features exciting biology and introductory computer programming projects to help students discover how hands-on ecology and high-tech tools can work hand-in-hand. Campers will get to conduct water studies at the historic Cheyenne Bottoms, create real smartphone nature-tracking apps, capture and collect data on small mammals, and build DIY trail cameras. These students will even get to develop their computational thinking skills by programming a Raspberry Pi microcomputer. Discover nature with us in a unique and innovative learning environment!&nbsp;<h2>June 21-25: Faster than the Speed of Sight</h2>Physics with high-speed cameras? Count us in! At this camp, students will learn how to use a high-speed camera and analyze video of events that are too fast to see with the naked eye. Questions such as “how long is the blink of an eye” and “do a baseball and basketball really fall at the same rate” will be answered as students collect video recordings of experiments and measure data in a high-speed learning environment. Channel your inner Albert Einstein and explore some of the latest breakthroughs in modern physics!&nbsp;There is a $100 registration fee for residents of Kansas and a $400 for non-residents. This fee includes room &amp; board, camp supplies, and a camp t-shirt. Each camp is limited to 20 students and priority will be on a first come, first served basis with a maximum of one camp per student. The priority deadline for registration is April 1. The final deadline for registration is May 1.&nbsp;To register for an event, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.edu/kams/summer-camps/index">https://fhsu.edu/kams/summer-camps/index</a>. Registration must be mailed in with full payment to reserve a spot.&nbsp;For more information, contact Sheila Clark, KAMS Summer Camp Director, at 785-628-4168 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kamssummer@fhsu.edu">kamssummer@fhsu.edu</a><h2>About KAMS</h2>KAMS is an early-entry-to-college program that focuses on advanced mathematics and science. While studying at KAMS, students live on campus in a select residence hall with other KAMS students from across Kansas and around the world. Over the course of two years, students complete over 60 hours of college credit. These college classes are taken alongside traditional college undergraduates and taught by college professors while simultaneously contributing to their high school graduation requirements.&nbsp;

Registration open for four KAMS camps led by FHSU faculty

Thomas More Prep-Marian has announced&nbsp; that Ms. Jennie Helget will join TMP-Marian Jr./Sr. High School as a 
Junior High math instructor in preparation for the 2020-21 academic 
year.&nbsp;

Upon earning her Bachelor of Science 
in Elementary Education with a minor in music from Fort Hays State 
University, Helget — a 1993 graduate of TMP-Marian and Hays native — began
 her teaching career in 1998 at the former Kennedy Middle School before 
joining Holy Family Elementary in 2000. In her 20 years at Holy Family, 
Ms. Helget has taught 6th, 5th, 3rd and 2nd grades.&nbsp;

“I love all of my students! All the 
current and former ‘Helget-ers’ have kept me young at heart and enjoying
 coming to Holy Family every day,” said Helget when asked what she loved
 about her time at Holy Family. “My co-workers support and care for each
 other – the ‘Family’ of Holy Family is exactly what our faculty and 
staff is to each other,” continued Helget.

“During my years at Holy Family, I’ve
 consistently seen Jennie inspire others to learn and grow spiritually, 
academically, and personally. She challenges herself to be the best 
version of herself and models that for others. Her excellent faith 
formation, classroom instruction, and management create an environment 
for students to learn and take risks in a way that encourages and 
challenges them to soar. HFE students, staff and families will greatly 
miss Jennie, but we know our future Monarchs will be blessed by her 
excellent teaching when they progress to TMP-Marian Junior High,” said 
Holy Family Elementary Principal, Rachel Wentling.

Helget’s dedication to teaching and 
especially Catholic schools comes from a desire to help educate students
 in every aspect of their lives. “I have a love of children as a gift 
from God and they
 are to be respected for who they are as young people who are learning 
spiritual, emotional, and academic lessons for success in life,” said 
Helget.&nbsp;

Why Helget has devoted her career to 
Catholic schools is clear. “Catholic schools form our Church, community,
 and society. In the Catholic school environment, students learn 
academic lessons to become productive adult citizens, but more 
importantly, they learn the life lesson of Jesus’ love and practice the 
virtues of the saints,” said Helget.

“In my five years with Hays Catholic 
Schools, Ms. Helget’s name has been consistently on the lips of 
students, parents and other educators as a phenomenal teacher and role 
model. I am beyond excited to welcome her to TMP-Marian Junior High. 
Quality Catholic education begins and ends with loving yet demanding 
teachers who get the most out of their students. Ms. Helget is such an 
educator,” said TMP-Marian Principal, Chad Meitner.

Ms. Helget sees this change as a 
turning point in her career. “As I look back at my first 20 years of 
teaching and see where I started and where I have come I feel God is 
calling me back to the junior high level again. I have spent 20 years at
 the grade school and I would like to give my next 20 to TMP-Marian,” 
said Helget.&nbsp; “And, after all, my graduating class of 1993 did elect me 
‘most likely to return to TMP-M to teach,’” laughed Helget. “I guess the
 Holy Spirit is fulfilling that prophesy!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582554762703.jpeg" alt="Jennie Helget" />
 <figcaption>Jennie Helget</figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-MThomas More Prep-Marian has announced&nbsp; that Ms. Jennie Helget will join TMP-Marian Jr./Sr. High School as a 
Junior High math instructor in preparation for the 2020-21 academic 
year.&nbsp;Upon earning her Bachelor of Science 
in Elementary Education with a minor in music from Fort Hays State 
University, Helget — a 1993 graduate of TMP-Marian and Hays native — began
 her teaching career in 1998 at the former Kennedy Middle School before 
joining Holy Family Elementary in 2000. In her 20 years at Holy Family, 
Ms. Helget has taught 6th, 5th, 3rd and 2nd grades.&nbsp;“I love all of my students! All the 
current and former ‘Helget-ers’ have kept me young at heart and enjoying
 coming to Holy Family every day,” said Helget when asked what she loved
 about her time at Holy Family. “My co-workers support and care for each
 other – the ‘Family’ of Holy Family is exactly what our faculty and 
staff is to each other,” continued Helget.“During my years at Holy Family, I’ve
 consistently seen Jennie inspire others to learn and grow spiritually, 
academically, and personally. She challenges herself to be the best 
version of herself and models that for others. Her excellent faith 
formation, classroom instruction, and management create an environment 
for students to learn and take risks in a way that encourages and 
challenges them to soar. HFE students, staff and families will greatly 
miss Jennie, but we know our future Monarchs will be blessed by her 
excellent teaching when they progress to TMP-Marian Junior High,” said 
Holy Family Elementary Principal, Rachel Wentling.Helget’s dedication to teaching and 
especially Catholic schools comes from a desire to help educate students
 in every aspect of their lives. “I have a love of children as a gift 
from God and they
 are to be respected for who they are as young people who are learning 
spiritual, emotional, and academic lessons for success in life,” said 
Helget.&nbsp;Why Helget has devoted her career to 
Catholic schools is clear. “Catholic schools form our Church, community,
 and society. In the Catholic school environment, students learn 
academic lessons to become productive adult citizens, but more 
importantly, they learn the life lesson of Jesus’ love and practice the 
virtues of the saints,” said Helget.“In my five years with Hays Catholic 
Schools, Ms. Helget’s name has been consistently on the lips of 
students, parents and other educators as a phenomenal teacher and role 
model. I am beyond excited to welcome her to TMP-Marian Junior High. 
Quality Catholic education begins and ends with loving yet demanding 
teachers who get the most out of their students. Ms. Helget is such an 
educator,” said TMP-Marian Principal, Chad Meitner.Ms. Helget sees this change as a 
turning point in her career. “As I look back at my first 20 years of 
teaching and see where I started and where I have come I feel God is 
calling me back to the junior high level again. I have spent 20 years at
 the grade school and I would like to give my next 20 to TMP-Marian,” 
said Helget.&nbsp; “And, after all, my graduating class of 1993 did elect me 
‘most likely to return to TMP-M to teach,’” laughed Helget. “I guess the
 Holy Spirit is fulfilling that prophesy!”

Alum, longtime educator to join TMP-Marian Junior High

A couple years ago, students at Humboldt High School in southeastern Kansas noticed that a large colony of chimney swift birds was roosting in the big chimney of the old abandoned high school. 

Knowing that the old school was scheduled for demolition, the students decided the chimney swift colony, which at one point had grown to more than a thousand birds needed alternative digs to roost in when their old home was torn down. Thanks to a donation program of the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism called “Chickadee Checkoff” and donations from local businesses Wildlife Integration LLC and B&amp;W Trailers, a large self-standing chimney with a bat house at the top was built on school grounds, and already last year several dozen swifts were nesting and roosting in the new structure. This conjures up memories of an adventure Joyce and I had years ago.

It was dusk as Joyce and I settled in on the bench in front of what is today Inman Harvest Café on main street Inman.&nbsp; (The mosquitoes promptly settled in on the same bench.) Passing storm clouds spawned a beautiful multi-colored sunset, making it tough to concentrate on the chimney across the street. Just days before, a coworker had told me about a large flock of Chimney Swifts that, for as long as anyone can remember, have roosted each season in a big, unused chimney on top of Jim’s Appliances, across the street from where we sat. I’d heard how each night around dusk, scores of these twittering aerial acrobats could be seen going into that chimney for the night, and here we were for the evening show.&nbsp;

Soon a small group of five or six swifts appeared as if from nowhere, and began circling the chimney. Their holding pattern started as low, erratic circles. Soon there were ten, then fifteen, and then too many to count as they filled the air over the building like a chirping twittering swarm. I’d also heard how they would amass into a large, dark funnel over the chimney, and then appear to “pour” into it several at a time. Tonight, though, was different. As they swarmed around the chimney’s mouth, two or three birds would suddenly go into a sort of fluttering stall, then just kind of tumble inside. More would follow but pull out of their stall at the last second and rejoin the swarm, as if guided by some air traffic controller. Seconds later, a few more would complete the docking maneuver and disappear into the chasm. For awhile, the more that dropped down the chimney, the more there appeared to be in the air. Finally, however, all were literally “in for the night,” leaving us to imagine what we would find inside that chimney.

“This bloomin’ ladder is heavy,” I complained, as I clambered up one ladder carrying another (surely you saw this coming!) Yes, after getting permission from the owner, and forewarning the cops, here we were, on our way up onto the roof to look down the chimney. The stepladder I had carried up was just the right height to easily see inside. The chimney was about eighteen inches square. The mortar joints had never been filled on the inside or had eroded with time, leaving hundreds of narrow ledges for tiny Chimney Swift feet to cling to, and cling they did! The flashlight beam revealed dozens of dark little forms, each affixed to its own ledge, heads up, and held flat against the chimney wall as if by some mysterious force. This offered an explanation for why just a few entered the chimney at a time. Evidently the ones inside were given time to find their space and get settled before more poured in. As we watched, some jostled around, finding new ledges lower in the chimney, away from the light. The floor was covered with what must have been several inches of “swift-do.”&nbsp;

	The all-knowing “Mr. Google” confirmed that chimney swifts never set foot on the ground all day long, and that they do everything on the fly, and I do mean everything! They eat, drink, bathe, gather nesting materials, and yes, even make new baby swifts, all on the wing! The exception is nesting, when obviously the parents have to set for a spell.

	Chimney Swifts migrate south and become winter residents of Peru. Although easily mistaken for swallows, they are actually closer related to hummingbirds. In flight, some major differences can be seen, once you know what to look for. Swifts are designed and built for high altitude and high-speed flight, and have wings that are more tapered and saber-like than swallows. They are the birds we often see soaring on the breezes high above town. They are less maneuverable and less graceful than swallows in low, slow flight. They are also a very verbal and chattering bunch. Someone has compared the twittering sounds they make to the clicking together of knitting needles. One source I found speculated that each swift consumes up to 25,000 flying insects per day. (Whoever did that research had entirely too much time on their hands!) &nbsp;

	Mosquito season will be here again before we know it, and as I consider the number of flying vermin eaten each day by Chimney Swifts, Purple Martins, and all the swallows I see around town each summer, I shudder (and scratch) to think how miserable a walk around town would be without any of those winged exterminators! Yet another example of God’s planning as we explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>A couple years ago, students at Humboldt High School in southeastern Kansas noticed that a large colony of chimney swift birds was roosting in the big chimney of the old abandoned high school. Knowing that the old school was scheduled for demolition, the students decided the chimney swift colony, which at one point had grown to more than a thousand birds needed alternative digs to roost in when their old home was torn down. Thanks to a donation program of the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism called “Chickadee Checkoff” and donations from local businesses Wildlife Integration LLC and B&amp;W Trailers, a large self-standing chimney with a bat house at the top was built on school grounds, and already last year several dozen swifts were nesting and roosting in the new structure. This conjures up memories of an adventure Joyce and I had years ago.It was dusk as Joyce and I settled in on the bench in front of what is today Inman Harvest Café on main street Inman.&nbsp; (The mosquitoes promptly settled in on the same bench.) Passing storm clouds spawned a beautiful multi-colored sunset, making it tough to concentrate on the chimney across the street. Just days before, a coworker had told me about a large flock of Chimney Swifts that, for as long as anyone can remember, have roosted each season in a big, unused chimney on top of Jim’s Appliances, across the street from where we sat. I’d heard how each night around dusk, scores of these twittering aerial acrobats could be seen going into that chimney for the night, and here we were for the evening show.&nbsp;Soon a small group of five or six swifts appeared as if from nowhere, and began circling the chimney. Their holding pattern started as low, erratic circles. Soon there were ten, then fifteen, and then too many to count as they filled the air over the building like a chirping twittering swarm. I’d also heard how they would amass into a large, dark funnel over the chimney, and then appear to “pour” into it several at a time. Tonight, though, was different. As they swarmed around the chimney’s mouth, two or three birds would suddenly go into a sort of fluttering stall, then just kind of tumble inside. More would follow but pull out of their stall at the last second and rejoin the swarm, as if guided by some air traffic controller. Seconds later, a few more would complete the docking maneuver and disappear into the chasm. For awhile, the more that dropped down the chimney, the more there appeared to be in the air. Finally, however, all were literally “in for the night,” leaving us to imagine what we would find inside that chimney.“This bloomin’ ladder is heavy,” I complained, as I clambered up one ladder carrying another (surely you saw this coming!) Yes, after getting permission from the owner, and forewarning the cops, here we were, on our way up onto the roof to look down the chimney. The stepladder I had carried up was just the right height to easily see inside. The chimney was about eighteen inches square. The mortar joints had never been filled on the inside or had eroded with time, leaving hundreds of narrow ledges for tiny Chimney Swift feet to cling to, and cling they did! The flashlight beam revealed dozens of dark little forms, each affixed to its own ledge, heads up, and held flat against the chimney wall as if by some mysterious force. This offered an explanation for why just a few entered the chimney at a time. Evidently the ones inside were given time to find their space and get settled before more poured in. As we watched, some jostled around, finding new ledges lower in the chimney, away from the light. The floor was covered with what must have been several inches of “swift-do.”&nbsp;	The all-knowing “Mr. Google” confirmed that chimney swifts never set foot on the ground all day long, and that they do everything on the fly, and I do mean everything! They eat, drink, bathe, gather nesting materials, and yes, even make new baby swifts, all on the wing! The exception is nesting, when obviously the parents have to set for a spell.	Chimney Swifts migrate south and become winter residents of Peru. Although easily mistaken for swallows, they are actually closer related to hummingbirds. In flight, some major differences can be seen, once you know what to look for. Swifts are designed and built for high altitude and high-speed flight, and have wings that are more tapered and saber-like than swallows. They are the birds we often see soaring on the breezes high above town. They are less maneuverable and less graceful than swallows in low, slow flight. They are also a very verbal and chattering bunch. Someone has compared the twittering sounds they make to the clicking together of knitting needles. One source I found speculated that each swift consumes up to 25,000 flying insects per day. (Whoever did that research had entirely too much time on their hands!) &nbsp;	Mosquito season will be here again before we know it, and as I consider the number of flying vermin eaten each day by Chimney Swifts, Purple Martins, and all the swallows I see around town each summer, I shudder (and scratch) to think how miserable a walk around town would be without any of those winged exterminators! Yet another example of God’s planning as we explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: What’s in your chimney?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582570494492.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Last week U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced a new department-wide initiative aimed at reducing the agriculture industry’s environmental impact while continuing to use innovation to increase
 production and output to meet growing global demand.


The Agriculture Innovation Agenda aligns USDA’s resources, programs, and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demands while cutting the environmental footprint of U.S. agriculture
 in half by 2050. The strategy will set benchmarks for food loss and waste, carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, and renewable energy.

This announcement comes one day after the unveiling of Farmers for a Sustainable Future, an initiative of 20 different farm groups to serve as a primary resource for policy makers as they consider sustainability
 and climate policies important to the agriculture industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.usda.gov%2fmedia%2fpress-releases%2f2020%2f02%2f20%2fsecretary-perdue-announces-new-innovation-initiative-usda&amp;redir_log=164799504511766" target="_blank">Click
 Here</a> to read more about the USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda, and <a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fb.org%2fland%2ffsf&amp;redir_log=271193717656187" target="_blank">
Here</a> for more about the Farmers for a Sustainable Future initiative.

Farmers and ranchers work day-in and day-out regardless of challenging physical conditions, unpredictable weather, and economic hardships. In most cases, they are the CEO, COO, and CFO of their family operation,
 bearing all the risk and decision making themselves. They dedicate their lives to caring for their crops and livestock, but in doing so, sometimes do not take time prioritize their own physical and mental health. 

As the video below from K-State Research and Extension
 discusses, depression, mental illness, and suicide are becoming alarmingly more common among our ag producers.&nbsp;




Congress is working to address this issue through a variety of programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN, which provides funding for grants that establish behavioral health resources,
 such as telephone helplines and websites, mental health trainings, and support groups. 

The first round of grants were awarded last summer, and already community mental health centers and ag extension offices in Kansas and across the country are mobilizing
 to educate farm families on the warning signs and the resources available to help.


If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Call 1-800-273-8255, text “HOME” to 741741, or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.kansasagstress.org%2f&amp;redir_log=962666524098220" target="_blank">KansasAgStress.org</a>
 for help.

Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced funding opportunities through their Preparedness Grants Program.

FEMA has allocated over $4 million for Kansas
 under their State Homeland Security program, and this money will be awarded for programs to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism or other catastrophic events. The deadline to submit applications for FEMA grants is April
 15, 2020 and you can find more information&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fema.gov%2fgrants&amp;redir_log=323945458231192" target="_blank">Here</a>.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced funding for the Rural Business Development Grant Program. These grants will be awarded to provide rural communities
 with the training and technical assistance they need to improve their transportation services and facilities, increasing e-connectivity, and developing rural economies. Applications are due on May 14th to your nearest
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.rd.usda.gov%2fcontact-us%2fstate-offices&amp;redir_log=695290783486338" target="_blank">
USDA office</a>.

Finally, the U.S. Department of Transportation is making $1 billion dollars in grants available through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant
 program. The funds are designed to foster local and regional partnerships to upgrade crumbling infrastructure, improving the safety, efficiency, and resiliency of our nation’s transportation systems.&nbsp;BUILD applications are open now will be accepted until May
 18, 2020, and more information, including program details and eligibility, technical assistance, additional guidance can be found on the DOT website&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.transportation.gov%2fBUILDgrants&amp;redir_log=168026631125296" target="_blank">Here</a>.

Colleagues from the National Rural Health Association came by the office to give me their perspective on the some of the major issues our rural health providers are
 facing.

&nbsp;One of the biggest threats our rural communities are facing is the growing physician shortage. 

We discussed how important it is to have policies and residency programs in place
 to help and encourage young minds to pursue careers in medicine. 

On top of workforce issues they also struggle with outdated payment models&nbsp;from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and it is crucial that we find innovative and modern payment systems
 that will bridge the gap between cost and quality.&nbsp;

I served rural communities for over 25 years, and ensuring that our medical professionals have the support and resources they need to continue delivering the best care possible
 is extremely important to me. I want to thank the Rural Health Association for their efforts on behalf of our communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fcrowd.loc.gov%2f&amp;redir_log=593205634555151" target="_blank">By
 the People</a> is a virtual volunteering project created by the Library of Congress that gives everyone with an internet connection the chance to connect with the Library, one another, and history.

Anyone can volunteer to transcribe and review transcriptions
 of Library treasures online, including Civil War era materials such as the papers of President Lincoln, poet Walt Whitman, the papers of Rosa Parks, as well as leading suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Mary Church Terrell, and much more.
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fcrowd.loc.gov%2fcampaigns-topics%2f&amp;redir_log=301841040739274" target="_blank">
Click Here</a> for a full list of materials.

Volunteers’ transcriptions are published on the
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.loc.gov%2f&amp;redir_log=813279452375137" target="_blank">
Library’s website</a>&nbsp;alongside the original document images.

Everyone taking part makes a real and lasting contribution, by improving access to historical materials for those who are visually impaired, cannot read handwriting, or who search the Library’s website.


By the People is open to all ages and can be used by individuals or groups in classroom settings, libraries, senior centers and retirement homes, as well as from the comfort of a person’s own home.&nbsp;Visit the
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fcrowd.loc.gov%2fresources%2f&amp;redir_log=071891215061226" target="_blank">
Resources page</a>&nbsp;for more information.

The EPA and the USDA announced a Memorandum of Agreement to help rural water systems&nbsp;face the challenges of aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, limited management capacity and
 declining rate bases.&nbsp; 

This agreement will&nbsp;formalize ongoing collaboration between the agencies by focusing on four key areas:


Rural water systems face unique challenges and I applaud the EPA and USDA for their work to find strategic approaches for maintaining water quality for our rural communities.&nbsp;

It was great to have the Kansas Medical Society in town to discuss patient issues affecting western Kansas, including suicide prevention and addressing administrative burdens.
 We also discussed how to increase coordination of care to ensure patients get the resources and appropriate mental health care.

I was humbled to see their advocacy on a bill I’ve been championing, H.R. 3107, the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2019. This bill streamlines and modernizes
 provider health systems so physicians spend less time doing paperwork and more time with their patients. 

They were also pleased that Trump administration addressed a long-standing issue by changing a formula known as the wage index to increase Medicare payments
 to rural hospitals, many of which have been paid less than their urban counterparts. This was an unprecedented initiative and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to helping rural Kansas communities.

The Chicago Board of Trade is one of the oldest exchanges in the world, created in 1848 for the trading of agricultural commodities such as corn, wheat, and soybeans.

Today, the exchange offers options and futures contracts on a wide range of commodities as part of the broader Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and helps farmers and producers in
 Kansas manage risk and price uncertainty.

As a Member of the Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee on Ag, it's important to understand these exchanges and how new regulations passed by the Commodities Futures
 Trading Commission (CFTC) might impact the ability of producers to manage and hedge risk through the use of these tools.

I submitted a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services urging the agency to continue its work ensuring access to life-saving therapies for America’s seniors
 battling cancer. 

I was proud to work with the Trump Administration on advancing the
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.cms.gov%2fnewsroom%2fpress-releases%2ftrump-administration-makes-car-t-cell-cancer-therapy-available-medicare-beneficiaries-nationwide&amp;redir_log=851101025767988" target="_blank">
National Coverage Determination</a> that provides coverage for these groundbreaking treatments, and I want to ensure that our seniors battling cancer don’t lose access because of an unsustainable reimbursement structure. Our letter asks CMS to ensure hospitals
 are appropriately reimbursed so they may continue to provide CAR T-cell therapies to Kansas seniors. To view the letter,
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.dropbox.com%2fs%2ftkhklugvcdg5bnb%2f116%2520CMS%2520CAR%2520T%2520Cell%2520Therapy%2520FY2021%2520IPPS%2520Letter%2520signed.pdf%3fdl%3d0&amp;redir_log=663832444474754" target="_blank">
Click Here</a>.

Laina and I attended a ceremony hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers, at which&nbsp;Ivanka Trump&nbsp;was presented with the prestigious Alexander Hamilton
 award for her extraordinary support of manufacturing in America. Ivanka has worked to bring together leaders of industry, government, and academia to put in-demand manufacturing careers within reach for all Americans. She is doing stellar work
 on behalf of President Trump for the American people!

February is National Cancer Prevention Month and here are a few tips on how to decrease your risk of cancer:

<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.preventcancer.org%2f&amp;redir_log=152068095559212" target="_blank">Click
 Here</a> to learn more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575044847505.jpeg" alt="Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS, Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS, Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>Friends, Last week U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced a new department-wide initiative aimed at reducing the agriculture industry’s environmental impact while continuing to use innovation to increase
 production and output to meet growing global demand.
The Agriculture Innovation Agenda aligns USDA’s resources, programs, and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demands while cutting the environmental footprint of U.S. agriculture
 in half by 2050. The strategy will set benchmarks for food loss and waste, carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, and renewable energy.This announcement comes one day after the unveiling of Farmers for a Sustainable Future, an initiative of 20 different farm groups to serve as a primary resource for policy makers as they consider sustainability
 and climate policies important to the agriculture industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.usda.gov%2fmedia%2fpress-releases%2f2020%2f02%2f20%2fsecretary-perdue-announces-new-innovation-initiative-usda&amp;redir_log=164799504511766" target="_blank">Click
 Here</a> to read more about the USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda, and <a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fb.org%2fland%2ffsf&amp;redir_log=271193717656187" target="_blank">
Here</a> for more about the Farmers for a Sustainable Future initiative.<h2>Managing Farmer Stress</h2>Farmers and ranchers work day-in and day-out regardless of challenging physical conditions, unpredictable weather, and economic hardships. In most cases, they are the CEO, COO, and CFO of their family operation,
 bearing all the risk and decision making themselves. They dedicate their lives to caring for their crops and livestock, but in doing so, sometimes do not take time prioritize their own physical and mental health. As the video below from K-State Research and Extension
 discusses, depression, mental illness, and suicide are becoming alarmingly more common among our ag producers.&nbsp;


Congress is working to address this issue through a variety of programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN, which provides funding for grants that establish behavioral health resources,
 such as telephone helplines and websites, mental health trainings, and support groups. The first round of grants were awarded last summer, and already community mental health centers and ag extension offices in Kansas and across the country are mobilizing
 to educate farm families on the warning signs and the resources available to help.
<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2SDszgQciiA"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Call 1-800-273-8255, text “HOME” to 741741, or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.kansasagstress.org%2f&amp;redir_log=962666524098220" target="_blank">KansasAgStress.org</a>
 for help.<h2>Grant Opportunities Announced</h2>Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced funding opportunities through their Preparedness Grants Program. FEMA has allocated over $4 million for Kansas
 under their State Homeland Security program, and this money will be awarded for programs to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism or other catastrophic events. The deadline to submit applications for FEMA grants is April
 15, 2020 and you can find more information&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fema.gov%2fgrants&amp;redir_log=323945458231192" target="_blank">Here</a>.Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced funding for the Rural Business Development Grant Program. These grants will be awarded to provide rural communities
 with the training and technical assistance they need to improve their transportation services and facilities, increasing e-connectivity, and developing rural economies. Applications are due on May 14th to your nearest
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.rd.usda.gov%2fcontact-us%2fstate-offices&amp;redir_log=695290783486338" target="_blank">
USDA office</a>.Finally, the U.S. Department of Transportation is making $1 billion dollars in grants available through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant
 program. The funds are designed to foster local and regional partnerships to upgrade crumbling infrastructure, improving the safety, efficiency, and resiliency of our nation’s transportation systems.&nbsp;BUILD applications are open now will be accepted until May
 18, 2020, and more information, including program details and eligibility, technical assistance, additional guidance can be found on the DOT website&nbsp;<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.transportation.gov%2fBUILDgrants&amp;redir_log=168026631125296" target="_blank">Here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582562212497.jpeg" alt="With members of the National Rural Health Association&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>With members of the National Rural Health Association&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>National Rural Health Association</h2>Colleagues from the National Rural Health Association came by the office to give me their perspective on the some of the major issues our rural health providers are
 facing.&nbsp;One of the biggest threats our rural communities are facing is the growing physician shortage. We discussed how important it is to have policies and residency programs in place
 to help and encourage young minds to pursue careers in medicine. On top of workforce issues they also struggle with outdated payment models&nbsp;from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and it is crucial that we find innovative and modern payment systems
 that will bridge the gap between cost and quality.&nbsp;I served rural communities for over 25 years, and ensuring that our medical professionals have the support and resources they need to continue delivering the best care possible
 is extremely important to me. I want to thank the Rural Health Association for their efforts on behalf of our communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>By the People</h2><a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fcrowd.loc.gov%2f&amp;redir_log=593205634555151" target="_blank">By
 the People</a> is a virtual volunteering project created by the Library of Congress that gives everyone with an internet connection the chance to connect with the Library, one another, and history. Anyone can volunteer to transcribe and review transcriptions
 of Library treasures online, including Civil War era materials such as the papers of President Lincoln, poet Walt Whitman, the papers of Rosa Parks, as well as leading suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Mary Church Terrell, and much more.
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fcrowd.loc.gov%2fcampaigns-topics%2f&amp;redir_log=301841040739274" target="_blank">
Click Here</a> for a full list of materials.Volunteers’ transcriptions are published on the
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.loc.gov%2f&amp;redir_log=813279452375137" target="_blank">
Library’s website</a>&nbsp;alongside the original document images. Everyone taking part makes a real and lasting contribution, by improving access to historical materials for those who are visually impaired, cannot read handwriting, or who search the Library’s website.
 By the People is open to all ages and can be used by individuals or groups in classroom settings, libraries, senior centers and retirement homes, as well as from the comfort of a person’s own home.&nbsp;Visit the
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fcrowd.loc.gov%2fresources%2f&amp;redir_log=071891215061226" target="_blank">
Resources page</a>&nbsp;for more information.<h2>Supporting Rural Water Systems</h2>The EPA and the USDA announced a Memorandum of Agreement to help rural water systems&nbsp;face the challenges of aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, limited management capacity and
 declining rate bases.&nbsp; This agreement will&nbsp;formalize ongoing collaboration between the agencies by focusing on four key areas:
<ol>
 <li>Supporting sustainability and resilience by providing training and education</li><li>Supporting water system partnerships by educating communities and utilities on the array of tools that are available and can increase sustainability</li><li>Supporting the water sector workforce by continuing to raise awareness of rural water sector careers through promotional initiatives</li><li>Supporting compliance with drinking water and clean water regulations by making these rural systems a funding priority</li>
 </ol>Rural water systems face unique challenges and I applaud the EPA and USDA for their work to find strategic approaches for maintaining water quality for our rural communities.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582562146710.jpeg" alt="With members of the Kansas Medical Society" />
 <figcaption>With members of the Kansas Medical Society</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas Medical Society</h2>It was great to have the Kansas Medical Society in town to discuss patient issues affecting western Kansas, including suicide prevention and addressing administrative burdens.
 We also discussed how to increase coordination of care to ensure patients get the resources and appropriate mental health care.I was humbled to see their advocacy on a bill I’ve been championing, H.R. 3107, the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2019. This bill streamlines and modernizes
 provider health systems so physicians spend less time doing paperwork and more time with their patients. They were also pleased that Trump administration addressed a long-standing issue by changing a formula known as the wage index to increase Medicare payments
 to rural hospitals, many of which have been paid less than their urban counterparts. This was an unprecedented initiative and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to helping rural Kansas communities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582562106800.jpeg" alt="Chicago Board of Trade" />
 <figcaption>Chicago Board of Trade</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Chicago Board of Trade</h2>The Chicago Board of Trade is one of the oldest exchanges in the world, created in 1848 for the trading of agricultural commodities such as corn, wheat, and soybeans.Today, the exchange offers options and futures contracts on a wide range of commodities as part of the broader Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and helps farmers and producers in
 Kansas manage risk and price uncertainty.As a Member of the Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee on Ag, it's important to understand these exchanges and how new regulations passed by the Commodities Futures
 Trading Commission (CFTC) might impact the ability of producers to manage and hedge risk through the use of these tools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582562066897.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Advancing&nbsp; Coverage Options</h2>I submitted a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services urging the agency to continue its work ensuring access to life-saving therapies for America’s seniors
 battling cancer. I was proud to work with the Trump Administration on advancing the
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.cms.gov%2fnewsroom%2fpress-releases%2ftrump-administration-makes-car-t-cell-cancer-therapy-available-medicare-beneficiaries-nationwide&amp;redir_log=851101025767988" target="_blank">
National Coverage Determination</a> that provides coverage for these groundbreaking treatments, and I want to ensure that our seniors battling cancer don’t lose access because of an unsustainable reimbursement structure. Our letter asks CMS to ensure hospitals
 are appropriately reimbursed so they may continue to provide CAR T-cell therapies to Kansas seniors. To view the letter,
<a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.dropbox.com%2fs%2ftkhklugvcdg5bnb%2f116%2520CMS%2520CAR%2520T%2520Cell%2520Therapy%2520FY2021%2520IPPS%2520Letter%2520signed.pdf%3fdl%3d0&amp;redir_log=663832444474754" target="_blank">
Click Here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582562006319.jpeg" alt="With&nbsp;Ivanka Trump" />
 <figcaption>With&nbsp;Ivanka Trump</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Ivanka Working for Workers</h2>Laina and I attended a ceremony hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers, at which&nbsp;Ivanka Trump&nbsp;was presented with the prestigious Alexander Hamilton
 award for her extraordinary support of manufacturing in America. Ivanka has worked to bring together leaders of industry, government, and academia to put in-demand manufacturing careers within reach for all Americans. She is doing stellar work
 on behalf of President Trump for the American people!<h2>National Cancer Prevention Month</h2>February is National Cancer Prevention Month and here are a few tips on how to decrease your risk of cancer:<ol>
 <li>Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active: Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk of certain cancers. Get at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity a week (60 minutes daily for
 youth)</li><li>Eat healthy: Eat a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fiber.</li><li>Learn your family medical history and get recommended screenings: Your family medical history may determine if you need to be screened for certain cancers at a younger age. Talk to your health care professional
 to see what’s recommended for you. Screening can find some cancers early, when they’re easier to treat.</li>
 </ol><a href="https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.com/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01RM&amp;crop=11688.7275340.5137265.53102&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.preventcancer.org%2f&amp;redir_log=152068095559212" target="_blank">Click
 Here</a> to learn more.

MARSHALL: Doctor's Note Feb. 25

In an effort to provide a live broadcast of city commission meetings to those without current access, the City of Hays has partnered with Nex-Tech to provide a live internet stream of their commission meeting cable TV production. &nbsp;

This stream can be viewed on regular meeting nights via the City of Hays website <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/269/City-Commission">HERE</a>.

The next regular meeting of the Hays City Commission is Thursday.

The city commission meets the second and fourth Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580140238529.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysIn an effort to provide a live broadcast of city commission meetings to those without current access, the City of Hays has partnered with Nex-Tech to provide a live internet stream of their commission meeting cable TV production. &nbsp;This stream can be viewed on regular meeting nights via the City of Hays website <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/269/City-Commission">HERE</a>.The next regular meeting of the Hays City Commission is Thursday.The city commission meets the second and fourth Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays City Commission meetings to be live-streamed

The spreading coronavirus is ramping up concerns about crude oil demand. The number of infections jumped in Iran, Italy and South Korea, and crude prices took a nosedive, dropping five percent by midday Monday. The Nymex benchmark contract was downs $2.45 to $50.93 per barrel.&nbsp; London Brent was down $2.81 at $55.69. &nbsp;

The world's energy watchdog calls the situation in China "a major global public health emergency" and says its impact is still unfolding around the world. The major slowdown in oil consumption prompted the International Energy Agency to predict the first quarterly decline in worldwide oil demand in more than ten years.&nbsp; In its February Oil Market Report, IEA says it cut its growth forecast for this year to the lowest level since 2011.

Baker Hughes reports 791 active drilling rigs nationwide, an increase of one oil rig.&nbsp; The count in New Mexico was up two, Colorado was down two, and Oklahoma was up one.&nbsp; Canada reports 244 active rigs, down eleven for the week.

The rig count in Western Kansas was up two to sixteen active rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports six active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is unchanged for the week. Drilling was underway on one lease in Stafford County, and operators were about to spud a well in Ellis County.

Operators received 24 permits last week for drilling at new locations across Kansas, 15 of them east of Wichita and nine in Western Kansas.&nbsp; Kansas regulators have approved 109 new drilling permits so far this year.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 29 newly-completed wells during the last week, 191 so far this year. There were 12 new completions in eastern Kansas, and seventeen west of Wichita, including one each in Barton, Ellis and Russell counties.

The government reports an increase in U.S. crude oil inventories last week of 400,000 barrels. At 442.9 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are two percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

U.S. production for the week ending February 14 dipped slightly from the record set the week before.&nbsp; The government said crude-oil production for the week averaged 12.981 million barrels per day. That's down about 6,000 barrels per day from the record set a week earlier.

EIA says U.S. crude imports are down 431,000 barrels per day, to six and a half million barrels per day.&nbsp; The four week average is down more than four percent from the same four-week period last year.

Kansas is tied for sixth in AAA's list of the nation's top ten least expensive gasoline markets.&nbsp; But many markets are seeing big price increases, leading the national average to jump three cents in as many days last week.&nbsp; The national average for regular gasoline was still a dime cheaper than a month ago.&nbsp; Only Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma offer cheaper pump prices than you'll find here in Kansas. &nbsp;

The government now predicts a decline in production next month in four of the nation's top seven shale oil plays.&nbsp; Only the Permian basin of Texas and New Mexico is expected to increase production from February to March.&nbsp; But the U.S. Energy Information Administration's monthly Drilling Productivity Report suggests that the oil production per rig is going up in each of the shale regions.

Regulators in North Dakota say crude production declined in December to 1.48 million [["one point four eight million"]] barrels per day.&nbsp; That's down from 1.5 million [["one point five million"]] the month before.&nbsp; The state's Department of Mineral Resources reported an increase in the amount of natural gas captured at oil wells, and thus the percentage of natural gas being flared at the well head dropped to 16% in December. That's an improvement but still well below the state's goals.

Canadian oil shipments are getting snarled once again as protesters in the eastern half of the country block rail lines into refineries that account for one-third of Canada's capacity. Bloomberg says the halt in traffic could cascade into slowdowns in other areas of the network.&nbsp; This comes just about a week after the second oil-by-rail derailment in as many months in western Canada. Canadian trains hauling crude were ordered to cut their speed for a month because of the derailments. Slowdowns and obstructed train traffic highlight a vulnerability for Canada’s oil patch. Crude producers have grown increasingly reliant on rail to get their supplies to market after pipelines out of Alberta filled to capacity two years ago.

U.S. oil-by-rail shipments increased more than six percent during the week ending February 15 compared to a year earlier. The Association of American Railroads reports the cumulative, year-to-date totals are up 1.6% from the same figure a year ago.&nbsp; Canada reports another big spike, with oil-by-rail increasing more than 30% over a year ago. The year-to-date total there is up more than 25%.

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on the trading arm of Rosneft, Russia’s biggest state-owned oil company, for Venezuelan crude shipments the government says violate US sanctions. An administration official said anyone engaging with Rosneft Trading risks being sanctioned.

World Oil's annual international drilling and production forecast predicts a rise in global drilling this year.&nbsp; The report says Canadian drilling will decline more than eight percent, while Mexico's exploration will rise nearly 21%.&nbsp; The report says Australia could soon take the top spot in rankings of Liquefied Natural Gas exporters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099516454.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://drlg4ksoil.com/">Sponsored by Discovery Drilling</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://drlg4ksoil.com/">Sponsored by Discovery Drilling</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARThe spreading coronavirus is ramping up concerns about crude oil demand. The number of infections jumped in Iran, Italy and South Korea, and crude prices took a nosedive, dropping five percent by midday Monday. The Nymex benchmark contract was downs $2.45 to $50.93 per barrel.&nbsp; London Brent was down $2.81 at $55.69. &nbsp;The world's energy watchdog calls the situation in China "a major global public health emergency" and says its impact is still unfolding around the world. The major slowdown in oil consumption prompted the International Energy Agency to predict the first quarterly decline in worldwide oil demand in more than ten years.&nbsp; In its February Oil Market Report, IEA says it cut its growth forecast for this year to the lowest level since 2011.Baker Hughes reports 791 active drilling rigs nationwide, an increase of one oil rig.&nbsp; The count in New Mexico was up two, Colorado was down two, and Oklahoma was up one.&nbsp; Canada reports 244 active rigs, down eleven for the week.The rig count in Western Kansas was up two to sixteen active rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports six active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is unchanged for the week. Drilling was underway on one lease in Stafford County, and operators were about to spud a well in Ellis County.Operators received 24 permits last week for drilling at new locations across Kansas, 15 of them east of Wichita and nine in Western Kansas.&nbsp; Kansas regulators have approved 109 new drilling permits so far this year.Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 29 newly-completed wells during the last week, 191 so far this year. There were 12 new completions in eastern Kansas, and seventeen west of Wichita, including one each in Barton, Ellis and Russell counties.The government reports an increase in U.S. crude oil inventories last week of 400,000 barrels. At 442.9 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are two percent below the five-year average for this time of year.U.S. production for the week ending February 14 dipped slightly from the record set the week before.&nbsp; The government said crude-oil production for the week averaged 12.981 million barrels per day. That's down about 6,000 barrels per day from the record set a week earlier.EIA says U.S. crude imports are down 431,000 barrels per day, to six and a half million barrels per day.&nbsp; The four week average is down more than four percent from the same four-week period last year.Kansas is tied for sixth in AAA's list of the nation's top ten least expensive gasoline markets.&nbsp; But many markets are seeing big price increases, leading the national average to jump three cents in as many days last week.&nbsp; The national average for regular gasoline was still a dime cheaper than a month ago.&nbsp; Only Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma offer cheaper pump prices than you'll find here in Kansas. &nbsp;The government now predicts a decline in production next month in four of the nation's top seven shale oil plays.&nbsp; Only the Permian basin of Texas and New Mexico is expected to increase production from February to March.&nbsp; But the U.S. Energy Information Administration's monthly Drilling Productivity Report suggests that the oil production per rig is going up in each of the shale regions.Regulators in North Dakota say crude production declined in December to 1.48 million [["one point four eight million"]] barrels per day.&nbsp; That's down from 1.5 million [["one point five million"]] the month before.&nbsp; The state's Department of Mineral Resources reported an increase in the amount of natural gas captured at oil wells, and thus the percentage of natural gas being flared at the well head dropped to 16% in December. That's an improvement but still well below the state's goals.Canadian oil shipments are getting snarled once again as protesters in the eastern half of the country block rail lines into refineries that account for one-third of Canada's capacity. Bloomberg says the halt in traffic could cascade into slowdowns in other areas of the network.&nbsp; This comes just about a week after the second oil-by-rail derailment in as many months in western Canada. Canadian trains hauling crude were ordered to cut their speed for a month because of the derailments. Slowdowns and obstructed train traffic highlight a vulnerability for Canada’s oil patch. Crude producers have grown increasingly reliant on rail to get their supplies to market after pipelines out of Alberta filled to capacity two years ago.U.S. oil-by-rail shipments increased more than six percent during the week ending February 15 compared to a year earlier. The Association of American Railroads reports the cumulative, year-to-date totals are up 1.6% from the same figure a year ago.&nbsp; Canada reports another big spike, with oil-by-rail increasing more than 30% over a year ago. The year-to-date total there is up more than 25%.The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on the trading arm of Rosneft, Russia’s biggest state-owned oil company, for Venezuelan crude shipments the government says violate US sanctions. An administration official said anyone engaging with Rosneft Trading risks being sanctioned.World Oil's annual international drilling and production forecast predicts a rise in global drilling this year.&nbsp; The report says Canadian drilling will decline more than eight percent, while Mexico's exploration will rise nearly 21%.&nbsp; The report says Australia could soon take the top spot in rankings of Liquefied Natural Gas exporters.

News From the Oil Patch, Feb. 24

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Sun., Feb. 9, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

 Disorderly Conduct--400 block E 13th St, Hays;&nbsp;12:35 AM;&nbsp; &nbsp; 12:38 AM

&nbsp;Mental Health Call--300 block Ash St, Hays;&nbsp;12:53 AM

Drug Offenses/DUI--200 block W 7th St, Hays;&nbsp;2:10 AM; 3 AM

Drug Offenses/DUI--1200 block Fort St, Hays;&nbsp;2:33 AM

Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays;&nbsp;12:10 PM

Animal Bite Investigation--2200 block&nbsp;Canterbury Dr, Hays;&nbsp;1:28 PM

Found/Lost Property--500 block&nbsp;Halladay St, Hays;&nbsp;3:50 PM; 3:53 PM

Driving Under the Influence--2700 block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;4:33 PM

Suicidal Subject--1700 block&nbsp;Marjorie Dr, Hays;&nbsp;5 PM; 5:20 PM

Shoplifting--4300 block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;5:20 PM; 5:28 PM

Battery on LEO--100 block&nbsp;W 12th St, Hays;&nbsp;5:50 PM; 5:52 PM

Welfare Check--500 block&nbsp;E 8th St, Hays;&nbsp;8:39 PM; 9:11 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Mon., Feb. 10, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

 MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run--1000 Reservation Rd, Hays; 2/9 6 PM; 2/10 7:30 AM

Lost Animals ONLY--400 block E 14th St, Hays;&nbsp; 8:50 AM

Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1/30 8 AM

Harassment, Telephone/FAX--900 block Walnut St, Hays ; 9:13 AM

Computer Crime--1100 block Oakmont St, Hays; 10:31 AM

Harassment, Telephone/FAX--2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 1:33 PM

Harassment, Telephone/FAX--1100 block E 27th St, Hays; 2/9&nbsp; 7 PM; 7:30 PM

Animal Call--300 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:50 PM

Lost Animals ONLY--400 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:03 PM

Assist - Other (not MV)--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays;&nbsp; 3:42 PM

Abandoned Vehicle--2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays;&nbsp; 4:01 PM

Abandoned Vehicle--400 block Elm St, Hays; 4:22 PM

Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays;&nbsp; 6:12 PM

Lost Animals ONLY--500 block E 6th St, Hays; 6:57 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Sun., Feb. 9, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log. Disorderly Conduct--400 block E 13th St, Hays;&nbsp;12:35 AM;&nbsp; &nbsp; 12:38 AM&nbsp;Mental Health Call--300 block Ash St, Hays;&nbsp;12:53 AMDrug Offenses/DUI--200 block W 7th St, Hays;&nbsp;2:10 AM; 3 AMDrug Offenses/DUI--1200 block Fort St, Hays;&nbsp;2:33 AMLost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays;&nbsp;12:10 PMAnimal Bite Investigation--2200 block&nbsp;Canterbury Dr, Hays;&nbsp;1:28 PMFound/Lost Property--500 block&nbsp;Halladay St, Hays;&nbsp;3:50 PM; 3:53 PMDriving Under the Influence--2700 block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;4:33 PMSuicidal Subject--1700 block&nbsp;Marjorie Dr, Hays;&nbsp;5 PM; 5:20 PMShoplifting--4300 block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;5:20 PM; 5:28 PMBattery on LEO--100 block&nbsp;W 12th St, Hays;&nbsp;5:50 PM; 5:52 PMWelfare Check--500 block&nbsp;E 8th St, Hays;&nbsp;8:39 PM; 9:11 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Mon., Feb. 10, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log. MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run--1000 Reservation Rd, Hays; 2/9 6 PM; 2/10 7:30 AMLost Animals ONLY--400 block E 14th St, Hays;&nbsp; 8:50 AMWarrant Service (Fail to Appear)--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1/30 8 AMHarassment, Telephone/FAX--900 block Walnut St, Hays ; 9:13 AMComputer Crime--1100 block Oakmont St, Hays; 10:31 AMHarassment, Telephone/FAX--2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 1:33 PMHarassment, Telephone/FAX--1100 block E 27th St, Hays; 2/9&nbsp; 7 PM; 7:30 PMAnimal Call--300 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:50 PMLost Animals ONLY--400 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:03 PMAssist - Other (not MV)--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays;&nbsp; 3:42 PMAbandoned Vehicle--2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays;&nbsp; 4:01 PMAbandoned Vehicle--400 block Elm St, Hays; 4:22 PMLost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays;&nbsp; 6:12 PMLost Animals ONLY--500 block E 6th St, Hays; 6:57 PMMental Health Call--100 block E 14th St, Hays; 7:21 PMCriminal Threat--200 block E 5th St, Hays; 7:34 PMSuspicious Activity--200 block E 13th St, Hays; 7:44 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Tue., Feb. 11, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log. Harassment, Telephone/FAX--1100 block Oakmont St, Hays; 4:46 AMWarrant Service (Fail to Appear)--100 block W 12th St, Hays;&nbsp; 2/4 5 PMWarrant Service (Fail to Appear)--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 2/4 8 AMMV Accident-City Street/Alley--500 block Main St, Hays; 11:40 AMSex Offense--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2/9 9 PMTethering Violation--2700 block Colonial St, Hays;&nbsp; 12:32 PMAnimal At Large--1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 12:40 PMViolation of Restraining Order/PFA --400 block E 12th St, Hays; 2/6 12:45 AM; 2/11&nbsp; 2:26 PMWelfare Check--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:39 PMCriminal Damage to Property--3000 Broadway Ave, Hays; 4:20 PM; 4:34 PMAnimal Call--13th and Steven, Hays; 6:22 PMDead Animal Call--13th St and Steven Dr, Hays; 6:22 PMAnimal At Large--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 6:36 PMWarrant Service (Fail to Appear)--100 block W 12th St, Hays ; 12/12/19 8 AMAnimal Call--2500 block Gen Lawton Rd, Hays; 7:10 PMDrug Offenses--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8:12 PMWelfare Check--200 block Castillian Blvd, Hays; 10:45 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Wed., Feb. 12, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--400 block W 13th St, Hays;&nbsp; 1/30 8 AMSuicidal Subject--4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 4:21 AMAnimal At Large--2200 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 8:57 AMAssist - Other (not MV)--400 block W 17th St, Hays; 10:19 AM; 10:21 AMFound/Lost Property--2900 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 10:31 AMBicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:47 AMWelfare Check--100 block W 4th St, Hays; 12:40 PM; 12:50 PMShoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:30 PM; 2:32 PMCriminal Trespass --3400 block Vine St, Hays; 2:53 PMUnattended Death--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 1/25MV Accident-City Street/Alley--200 block E 8th St, Hays ; 3:56 PMFound/Lost Property--1900 block General Custer Rd, Hays; 4:06 PM; 5:06 PMShoplifting--700 block E 13th St, Hays; 2/8 7:11 PM; 7:15 PMTheft (general)--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:06 PMDrug Offenses--2500 block Vine St, Hays; 7:48 PMSuspicious Person--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 11:58 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Thu., Feb. 13, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log. MV Accident-Private Property--400 block W 10th St, Hays; 3:49 AMSuspicious Activity--100 block W 17th St, Hays; 4:23 AMSuicidal Subject--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 8:43 AMAnimal Call--2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 1124 AMHarassment, Telephone/FAX--2800 block Plaza Ave, Hays;&nbsp; 11:11 AMTheft (general)--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 2/11 12 AM;&nbsp; 2/13 11:53 AMAnimal At Large--1300 block Haney Dr, Hays; 1:20 PMMental Health Call--900 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:20 PM;&nbsp; 1:30 PMMental Health Call--900 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:44 PMCivil Dispute--2800 block Fort St, Hays; 5:11 PMFound/Lost Property--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 8:17 PMWarrant Service (Fail to Appear)--400 block E 19th St, Hays; 8:36 PMDrug Offenses--3600 block Vine St, Hays; 9:05 PM; 9:24 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 34 traffic stops Fri., Feb. 14, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Domestic Disturbance--100 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:40 AM; 12:57 AMAbandoned Vehicle--1700 block Elm St, Hays; 5:56 AMAbandoned Vehicle--2100 block Elm St, Hays; 6 AMCriminal Damage to Property--1500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2/13 6 PM; 2/14 6:38 AMCriminal Trespass--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:37 AMHarassment, Telephone/FAX--2900 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp; 1/31&nbsp; 10 AM; 2/14 1:30 AMWelfare Check--1300 block W 27th St, Hays; 11:30 PM;&nbsp; 12 PMStalking--900 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:01 AM; 11:59 PMHarassment, Telephone/FAX--2500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 1:22 PMSuspicious Activity--2900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:24 PMSex Offense--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3 PM; 4 PMFound/Lost Property--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 4:49 PMMV Accident-Private Property--2700 block Hall St, Hays;&nbsp; 5 PMAnimal Injured--41st St and Truman Cir, Hays; 5:03 PMFound/Lost Property--1000 block Elm St, Hays; 2/12&nbsp; 7 PM; 2/14 5:15 PMLost Animals ONLY--600 block E 7th St, Hays; 7:47 PMDriving Under the Influence--6th and Park, Hays; 9:09 PMWelfare Check--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3:45 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 29 traffic stops Sat., Feb. 15, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Disorderly Conduct--1800 block Vine St, Hays; 1 AM; 1:11 AMDriving Under the Influence--1300 block Ash St, Hays; 1:46 AMDriving Under the Influence--1200 block Fort St, Hays; 2:10 AMDriving Under the Influence--Hays; 2:17 AMAnimal Bite Investigation--400 block W 12th St, Hays;&nbsp; 10:51 AMAnimal At Large--22nd and Allen St, Hays; 1:21 PMWarrant Service (Fail to Appear)--700 block Allen St, Hays; 2:49 PMWarrant Service (Fail to Appear)--4300 block St, Hays; 3:27 PMWelfare Check--300 block W 6th St, Hays; 3:43 PMDisturbance - General--3400 block Vine St, Hays; 6:06 PMCriminal Threat--400 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:02 PMDisturbance - Noise--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:37 PMTheft (general)--1300 block E 41st St, Hays; 5:34 PM; 8:34 PMDisturbance - Noise--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 11:06 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 24 traffic stops Sun., Feb. 16, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log. Suspicious Person--2800 block Country Ln, Hays; 12:47 AMCriminal Damage to Property--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:41 AMDrug Offenses/DUI--500 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:02 AMDriving Under the Influence--500 block W 13th St, Hays; 2:36 AMHarassment, Telephone/FAX--400 block W 14th St, Hays; 3:59 AMLost Animals ONLY--1200 block Motz Ave, Hays; 4:09 AMFound/Lost Property--500 block W 27th St, Hays; 9:29 AMFound/Lost Property--1300 block Elm St, Hays; 10:18 AMMV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run--500 block W 27th St, Hays; 12:30 PM; 12:49 PMMental Health Call--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 3:04 PMDisturbance - Noise--200 block E 19th St, Hays; 5:05 PMAnimal At Large--400 block E 8th St, Hays; 5:48 PMLost Animals ONLY--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 9:08 PMLost Animals ONLY--100 block W 38th St, Hays; 9:10 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 31 traffic stops Mon., Feb. 17, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log. Rape--3400 block Vine St, Hays; 1:08 AMBurglary/vehicle--200 block E 18th St, Hays; 2:08 AMFraud--1900 block Vine St, Hays; 9:33 AMFound/Lost Property--100 block W 12th St, Hay; 11:27 AMIncident, Miscellaneous--500 block W 27th St, Hays; 11:28 AM; 12:08 PMAssist - Other (not MV)--600 block E 15th St, Hays; 12:31 PMMV Accident-Private Property-Injury--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:450 PMAnimal Call--1300 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 1:08 PMAnimal Cruelty/Neglect--200 block W 23rd St, Hays; 2:20 PMMV Accident-Hit and Run--1200 block Tamarac Cir, Hays; 1/22 7; 2/5 11 PMMV Accident-City Street/Alley--700 block Walnut St, Hays;&nbsp; 6:25 PMCriminal Trespass--1300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:43 PM; 10:50 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 21 traffic stops Tue., Feb. 18, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Welfare Check--3800 block Vine St, Hays; 2/11 7:39 AM; 2/18 7:39 AMChild in Need of Care--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 9:57 AMMental Health Call--1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 10:49 AM;&nbsp; &nbsp;10:55 AMCivil Dispute--500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:22 PMJuvenile Complaint--200 block E 7th St, Hays; 1/17MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2600 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp; 3:15 PMField Contact Report--1300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:38 PM<figure>
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