By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

WILSON — Kansas Originals, after 37 years of selling arts, crafts, books, and Kansas-made food products, is facing the demolition of its building and supporters thought it might be the end of the store and its mission.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/925f00e0-e00a-49cb-98b3-acfc1aeb3dd3">Although the building at exit 206 of Interstate 70 is still slated for demolition to make way for a new truck stop</a>, Kansas Originals has found a new home.

The store will close its off-interstate location on Sept. 30 and open on Oct. 1 at 2519 Ave. E in downtown Wilson.

Marge Lawson, Kansas Orginals CEO, said the new location will have a smaller showroom, but the nonprofit will have off-site storage to make up some of the difference.

The new location will have the same events as the former, including tastings of Kansas wines and events to meet local artisans.

"We're going to make it even better," Lawson said.

The nonprofit that operates the store owns its building, but not the land on which it sits. The building is set to be demolished on Nov. 30, Lawson said.

The Kansas Originals board is also pursuing satellite shops. The nonprofit is exploring a partnership with travel centers along the interstate. The organization had a satellite shop in the Topeka travel center until the pandemic hit in 2020.

Consumers can order some products from the store's website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasoriginals.com/.">www.kansasoriginals.com.</a>&nbsp;Lawson said the board is considering revamping its website and using it to promote more of the products available through the store.

However, she said because many of the crafts are handmade, inventory is limited.

The store will also likely add new signage to direct people from the interstate to the new store in Wilson.

Lawson, who was a co-founder of the Kansas Orginals, said she is thrilled the mission of the shop will continue.

She explained that mission in a letter to the Hays Post in May, "Our mission is to provide marketplaces for the work of Kansas artists, craftsmen and food producers, especially those who are 62 or over, low-income, disabled, minorities or women in business."

According to&nbsp;Post Rock Opportunities Foundation, which is the nonprofit that supports Kansas Originals,  more than 1,000 corporations, businesses, and individuals have supported the nonprofit through grants, sponsorships and monetary donations since its founding.

The Smoky Hill Foundation, Merrill Foundation, Kansas Arts Commission and Dane G. Hansen Foundation are among the Kansas Originals' supporters, as well as the local artisans and craftspeople who donate their work to fundraisers.

Kansas Originals will join other tourist stops in Wilson, and Lawson said she hopes the store will draw more visitors to the community of about 800.

Wilson proudly promotes its Czech heritage, with the <a href="https://www.travelks.com/listing/worlds-largest-czech-egg/41977/">world's largest Czech egg</a> and an annual <a href="https://wilsonczechfest.com/">After Harvest Czech Festival</a> that was celebrated last weekend.

It is also the home of the historic <a href="https://www.midlandrailroadhotel.com/">Midland Railroad Hotel</a>, and t<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/faccd0a7-80dc-4f2f-99f8-e084f88cb981">he community has rallied to create an outdoor entertainment venue from its former historic opera house, which burned in 2009.</a>

That new venue will open later this month.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67bee6b6-2d7a-42ac-b543-dad1b4c610e3">Wilson was also the location of filming of several scenes from the classic "Paper Moon," which draws film buffs to the area to see the locations where Tatum and Ryan O'Neal shot the movie.</a>

When the nonprofit was first notified of the developers' plans, Lawson said she was afraid Kansas Originals might be forced to close. Now, she's looking toward the future.

"Yes. I am happy," she said. "It's going to be challenging, but it gives us exciting new opportunities."

Kansas Originals has an active GoFundMe account to help with the transition.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/KansasOriginals" target="_blank">Click</a><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/KansasOriginals">&nbsp;here to donate</a>.

You can still visit the Kansas Originals location 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays at 233 Highway 232, Wilson, KS, 67490 until the store moves at the end of September.

For more information, email info@kansasoriginals.com or call 785-658-2602.

<a href="http://Facebook.">You can also follow Kansas Originals on Facebook.</a>

Kansas Originals finds new home

BELOIT – Navarre	Plagmann,	a	welding	student	at	Fort	Hays	Tech	|	North&nbsp;Central in Beloit, has earned national recognition by winning Project Manufacturing&nbsp;National Welding League championship.

Originally	from	Sumner,	Nebraska,	Plagmann	competed	against	top	welding	students	from&nbsp;across the country at the national event held at Ferris State University in Big Rapids,&nbsp;Michigan.&nbsp;His instructor, Blake Schroeder, accompanied him to the competition.

Plagmann’s	final	project	involved	fabricating	a	model military Osprey	using	a	range	of	welding&nbsp;techniques, including MIG, TIG, Flux Core, and SMAW. The competition tested his skills in&nbsp;multiple areas, such as fit-up, joint preparation, and overall weld quality.

“I	really	enjoyed	the	experience	and	it	opened	a	lot	of	doors	for	me,”	said	Plagmann.&nbsp;“Winning the prize money, tools, and edge welding cups was absolutely amazing. I can now&nbsp;put everything to good use expanding my welding career.”

The	championship	drew	350	students	from	122	schools	across	the	country.	

Finalists	had&nbsp;just eight hours to complete a precision welding project—a detailed model of an aircraft&nbsp;carrier—using only the tools provided in a duffle bag at the start of the competition.

Eric	Burks,	president	of	Fort	Hays	Tech	North	Central, said	“We're	extremely	excited	for&nbsp;Navarre, he did an amazing job at Project Manufacturing, and I wish him the best as he&nbsp;moves into his career. I'm also very proud of our welding program and the continued&nbsp;success they have had in national competitions! It really illustrates the great work the&nbsp;instructors (Kyle Kopsa and Blake Schroeder) are doing with our students to prepare them&nbsp;to succeed, not just at competitions, but more importantly in the workforce.”

As	the	national	champion,	Plagmann	took	home	$10,000	in	cash,	a	new	set	of	tools,	and	top&nbsp;honors in the welding industry’s most prestigious student competition.

A	video	recap	of	the	event	can	be	found on Project MFG’s Youtube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectMFG">www.youtube.com/@ProjectMFG</a>.

Fort Hays Tech | North Central student wins national welding league championship  

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will be asked during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday to approve a resolution that will set a public hearing for Big Creek Estates.

The public hearing would be set for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 16, allowing the community to give their input to the commission on the proposed Reinvestment Housing Incentive District before final decisions are made.

The incentive district covers 13 homes planned southeast of Hays,&nbsp;with construction costs estimated at $650,000.

Local Environmental Protection Program septic grant extension

The commission will discuss the extension of its Local Environmental Protection Program and a $50,000 grant awarded by the Kansas Department of Health for the 2026 state fiscal year.

The grant assists with the cost of repairing or replacing failing septic systems for low-income households, using the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines to determine eligibility:

• 200% or below the federal poverty level gets 100% coverage with grant funds •&nbsp;201 to 250% of the federal poverty level gets 85% of coverage with grant funds •&nbsp;251 to 300% of the federal poverty level gets 75% coverage with grant funds

Text-to-speech automated dispatch solution

The commission will be asked to approve the purchase of text-to-speech dispatch software that would automatically send radio alerts and broadcast incident information through a digital voice over dispatch radio channels.

The Emergency Communication Center currently relies on 911 dispatchers to manually notify emergency responders and give information over the radio.&nbsp;At times, this requires the dispatcher to pause communication with the 911 caller to complete the process.

The commission will consider two proposals, including one that fits within the allocated budget at $63,153 and an estimated annual service cost of $3,028 after the second year.

The commission is continuing its discussion on capital improvement projects, including the possibility of issuing a bond to fund more than $9.75 million in facility upgrades.

The projects would be funded mainly through sales tax and reserve funds. The commission will also review photos of the EMS and fire station facilities in the city of Ellis.

Other projects being considered include renovations to the Sheriff’s Office and Communications Department, replacement of fan coil units in the Administrative Building and an HVAC system upgrade at the courthouse.

Third draft of the 2026 Ellis County budget

The commission will review the third draft of the 2026 budget, which features updates to the general fund, capital, and road and bridge budgets.

Two changes include a $9,000 decrease in the appraiser's budget and any last-minute changes resulting from new personnel hires.

The current draft has a 1.84 mill levy increase, from 35.99 mills to 37.83. mills.

The mill levy increase includes the commissioners' request to add 1 mill ($542,695), which will replace the expected revenue decrease of the Oil and Gas Depletion fund ($425,865) in future years.

The proposed budget also includes a $200,000 increase in interest revenue. That will help reduce the overall mill levy by one-third of a mill for 2026.

Final changes can be made by Aug. 12, with the public hearing set for Sept. 9.

The commission will discuss potential dates for two upcoming meetings: a county work session and a joint meeting with the Hays City Commission.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08052025-689">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to decide on housing development

SMITH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Smith County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Yamaha motorcycle driven by&nbsp; &nbsp; Mark&nbsp; Hollenbeck, 70, Parker, Nebraska, was eastbound on U.S. 36 just east of U.S. 281. The motorcycle struck a trailer pulled by a 2014 Chevy Silverado driven by Dale Herrington, 73, Holdrege, Nebraska, who had slowed to turn north into a cemetery.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Hollenbeck was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Simmons Rentschler Mortuary.&nbsp; Herrington and three passengers in the pickup were not injured. Hollenbeck was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Motorcyclist dies after crash into trailer on Kan. highway

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

This article is the third in a multi-week K-State agronomy series on wheat streak mosaic complex management to address the 2025 outbreak.

 In week 1, was the introduction of a Kansas Wheat-Free Windows recommendation and discussion on herbicide recommendations for volunteer wheat. 

In week 2, discussion of the role of alternate hosts in the landscape. 

This week, the discussion will be on variety selection as part of an integrated management program for wheat streak mosaic.

· Week 1: (<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/wheat-streat-mosaic-management-pay-attention-to-wheat-free-windows-650-1">https://bit.ly/4eSVKgP</a>) Wheat-free windows and herbicide recommendations · Week 2: (<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/wheat-streak-mosaic-management-the-role-of-other-hosts-in-the-landscape-651-1">https://bit.ly/3GIY2Ta</a>) The role of alternative host crops · Week 3: Variety selection for wheat streak complex management

In the first article of this series, the recommendation for wheat-free windows (Figure 1) was discussed. These windows include periods 30 days prior to the start of the optimal winter wheat planting window by zone in Kansas. 

As the wheat curl mite is a community pest, coordinated breaks in volunteer wheat and other cereals will have the highest likelihood of lowering local and statewide mite levels moving into our 2025 optimal winter wheat planting date periods.

 Volunteer wheat that emerges after the fall crop is already established poses a lower risk as a green bridge and can be thought of in a similar way as the fall crop. Fall wheat planted early, during wheat-free windows, risks bridging wheat curl mite to the fall-established crop.

Figure 1. Proposed wheat-free windows in different regions of Kansas to reduce the likelihood of a wheat streak mosaic complex outbreak during the subsequent season. Wheat-free windows are defined as the 30-day period prior to the start of the optimal winter wheat planting date for the region.

Here are some important considerations for achieving success with wheat-free windows:

· All volunteer wheat should be terminated and completely dead prior to the start of your regional wheat-free window.

· Where possible, the fall wheat crop should not be planted until the end of the wheat-free window.

· Other winter cereals (such as rye and triticale) should not be planted during this period as they can serve as a “bridge” for the curl mites to move to fall-established wheat.

· A regional “break” in the volunteer wheat green bridge will allow for wheat curl mites to die off prior to the start of the optimal wheat planting window.

· Volunteer wheat that emerges after this period is of less concern, as it will be emerging at a similar time as the fall-established winter wheat crop.

· Success is dependent on coordinated efforts in communities.

Management with genetic resistance: Another tool in the toolbox

In addition to controlling volunteer wheat, genetic resistance is also an important component of a good integrated pest management strategy for wheat streak mosaic complex control. It’s important to note that while some varieties provide partial protection against the wheat streak complex, there is no silver bullet variety that will work in all scenarios. That is, all commercial varieties will be symptomatic under some conditions, but the degree of yield loss to the virus complex will vary between varieties.

As a reminder, yield loss to wheat streak complex is highly influenced by. Timing of infection, composition of viruses, and variety choice.

We know that fall infections and infections that occur in earlier stages of wheat development (prior to jointing) can result in the highest levels of yield loss. Infections that occur after the flag leaf and booting growth stages generally result in lower levels of yield loss. It should be noted that infections can occur in the fall and remain “dormant” in the plants until the weather warms in the spring. This is why we can sometimes see symptoms come on suddenly when the weather warms in the spring.

In addition to the timing of infection, the composition of viruses in a given field can impact final yield losses. Infections with more than one virus (WSMV + TriMV, for example) can result in synergistic yield losses. It was common to see infections with two or more viruses in Kansas in 2025.

When we think about variety resistance in the context of wheat streak mosaic complex, there are two main types. Resistance to the virus and resistance to the mite.

When it comes to resistance to the virus, several genes have been described (wsm1, wsm2, and wsm3). The gene wsm2 is most widely available in Kansas varieties, including KS Territory (red), KS Mako (red), KS Bill Snyder (red), KS Dallas (red), KS Hamilton (red), Guardian (red),&nbsp;Oakley CL (red), Joe (white), and KS Big Bow (white). This resistance gene can help with severe wheat streak mosaic virus infections, but has key limitations. 

· This gene is effective against wheat streak mosaic virus but not against Triticum mosaic virus or High Plains wheat mosaic virus. In 2025, many mixed infections were detected with more than one of the viruses in the complex. So, it was not uncommon to see a variety with wsm2 appear symptomatic in the field. In many of these cases, Triticum mosaic virus was detected in the sample.

· The resistance conferred by wsm2 can also become less effective at high temperatures, although resistance in KS Dallas and KS Hamilton seems to endure greater temperatures before breaking down (~ 70º F). The resistance is much less effective if wheat is planted too early for grazing or if high temperatures persist into October. KS Silverado (white) also has temperature-sensitive resistance to wheat streak mosaic, although from a different source than wsm2.

In addition, there are a handful of varieties with resistance to the wheat curl mite (cmc4), including Guardian, Canvas, TAM 112, Byrd, Avery, Langin, Kivari AX, KS Western Star, Whistler, Crescent AX, Incline AX, Fortify SF, TAM 115, TAM 204, and T158. These varieties remain susceptible to viral diseases, but they generally slow the development of the mite populations in the fall. This resistance can help reduce the risk of severe disease, but will not provide enough protection if wheat is planted in close proximity to volunteer wheat or other hosts infested with large populations of the curl mites and virus.

Central versus western Kansas: Location matters Unfortunately, many of these varieties are adapted to western Kansas and may not be the best options for production systems in the central corridor.

Some central Kansas-adapted varieties, including Rockstar, AP Prolific, SY Wolverine, LCS Photon AX, LCS Helix AX, and LCS Julep, tolerate WSMV infection better than others. It should be noted that, for all the reasons mentioned above, these varieties will still appear symptomatic under high disease pressure. 

KS Mako is a new release out of the K-State Manhattan breeding program that is adapted for the central corridor of the state and carries the wsm2 gene. These varieties will still show symptoms of WSMV but may yield better than other varieties that are more susceptible.

More information on variety selection can be found here: MF991 KS. Wheat Variety Guide <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/kansas-wheat-variety-guide-2024_MF991.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF991.pdf</a>. A newer version of this publication will be released in the coming weeks.

Information provided by Kelsey Andersen Onofre, Extension Wheat Pathologist.

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

CAMPBELL: Variety selection for wheat streak complex management

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

America’s voters spoke in November, and what we wanted was crystal clear. 

We wanted a strong leader who could secure our borders and enforce the rule of law to protect Americans from cartels and human and drug trafficking. President Trump promised that if he were elected, he would deliver safer communities across the nation, and he’s done just that. Promises made, promises kept.

It's hard to believe that in just six short months, President Trump has reversed four years of open border failures from the previous administration. President Biden and Vice President Harris repeatedly told the country that they didn’t have the authority or the ability to secure the border. Time has shown that could not have been further from the truth, and all we needed was a president who was willing to enforce the law.&nbsp;

In June 2024, 27,766 illegal migrants were paroled and released into the country. Fast forward one year, and that number was&nbsp;zero. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also saw the lowest number of border encounters this past June in the agency’s history. There is a reason President Trump is trusted more on border issues than President Biden ever was.&nbsp;

The failed open border policies of President Biden and his Border Czar, Kamala Harris, turned every state into a border state and put our citizens at risk. On day one, President Biden halted construction of the border wall and reversed President Trump’s policies that actually worked. Under their leadership, approximately 220 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses every day. House Republicans, working alongside President Trump, have reversed course and made America safe again.

In our One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congressional Republicans allocated over $46 billion to finish President Trump’s border wall and invest in state-of-the-art border technology to stop the trafficking of deadly drugs across our borders.&nbsp;

This leadership is exactly what Americans voted for last November, and we are working around the clock to support the President and continue securing our borders for good. Our historic legislation codified President Trump’s border security measures to ensure no future administration can allow us to be taken advantage of in this way ever again.&nbsp;

America remains a land of opportunity that attracts millions around the world each year, but they must come to our country legally. 

A few months ago, I had the privilege of speaking at a naturalization ceremony, where immigrants took their oath to the United States and officially became fellow citizens. I was inspired by each of their journeys in becoming Americans, and I could not help but feel lucky that I was born in a land that so many people seek to call their home.&nbsp;At the same time, my heart felt for them.

Of the 168 people who became Americans that day, most of them underwent multi-year-long processes to come here legally. Instead of being rewarded, they watched for four years as the Biden Administration was asleep at the wheel, incentivizing immigration abuse month after month. President Biden allowed millions of people to jump the line to come here illegally rather than motivating people to do it the right way. Thankfully, the country overwhelmingly rejected that nonsense.

Today, our country is safer than it has been in years thanks to the leadership of President Trump. It turns out common sense works after all, and I am grateful for an Administration that chooses to enforce the law instead of caving to radical, far-left activists.&nbsp;

Thank you, President Trump, for upholding your commitment to making America safe again and securing our border. Promises made, promises kept.&nbsp;

Tracey Mann is representative for the Kansas U.S. First Congressional District.&nbsp;

LETTER: President Trump is keeping his promise to secure America's borders

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Greg Bollella about the Kansas swiftwater rescue team's work in providing aid during the recent Texas floods.

🎤 Forward Ever: Greg Bollella: Kansan swfitwater rescue in Texas

PHILLIPS COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before noon Thursday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Honda passenger vehicle driven by Patricia A. Stear, 72, Lincoln, Nebraska, was westbound on U.S. 36 before making a left turn, south onto U.S. 183. 

While making the turn, the Honda struck the passenger side of an eastbound a 2023 Chevy SUV driven by Matthew W. Haack, 40, Smith Center, who was unable to clear the eastbound lane before the crash.

EMS transported Stear and a passenger Sarah&nbsp; Fuenning, 30, Lincoln, Nebraska, to the Phillips County Hospital. Haack and five passengers in the SUV were not injured. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after 2-vehicle NW Kansas crash

HaysMed is proud to announce the addition of Stephen S. Wanjala, MD, MSc, MBA, to its team of expert Hospitalist providers. Dr. Wanjala will begin his new role in late July, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and a passion for patient-centered care.

Dr. Wanjala was recently featured by the Society of Hospital Medicine in celebration of completing his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita. Dr. Wanjala brings a rich and diverse background to our medical team, with experience that spans clinical care, public health, and health systems research.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wanjala to the HaysMed team,” said Bryan Brady, Vice President of Physician Practice Administration &amp; Ancillary Services at HaysMed. “His global perspective on healthcare will be a tremendous asset to our hospital and the patients we serve.”

Originally from Kenya, Dr. Wanjala earned his medical degree from Moi University College of Health Sciences in Eldoret. He also holds dual postgraduate degrees: a Master of Science in Health Economics from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from Edinburgh Business School.

Dr. Wanjala shared, “I'm excited about the transition into life as an attending at HaysMed, establishing new connections. As a hospitalist, I look forward to building strong connections with patients and colleagues and contributing to the health and well-being of the western Kansas region.”

HaysMed looks forward to Dr. Wanjala joining its skilled team of Hospitalists, who specialize in managing the care of hospitalized patients from admission through discharge. Hospitalists play a vital role in coordinating treatment, ensuring continuity of care, and supporting patient recovery.

HaysMed welcomes Dr. Stephen Wanjala as new hospitalist

Become an instant finalist in the Miller Lite UTV Giveaway from A&amp;A Coors-Miller and Briney Motorsports of Hays from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Phillipsburg Rodeo.

Register for a 4-seat CF-Moto U-Force 1000 valued at $20,000.&nbsp;

Additional thanks to Advantage Glass Plus and Commercial Sign of Hays.

Keep listening and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

The UTV will be given away at a Fort Hays State University football game on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Become Miller Lite UTV giveaway finalist tonight at Phillipsburg Rodeo!

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

 3rd-annual women's self-defense workshop set in Hays

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) invites the public to join its staff for a free, family-friendly meteor shower watch party on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

This annual event celebrates the end of summer as the Earth passes through the dust and debris of the Swift-Tuttle comet, creating a spectacular display of meteors or “shooting stars” in the night sky. This year, our event will coincide with peak viewing dates, and stargazers may be able to spot 60-100 meteors per hour.

Located northeast of Great Bend on K-156 Highway, the KWEC offers an ideal location for comfortable sky-watching. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax on the KWEC lawn while enjoying the celestial show.

In addition to meteor watching, the evening will feature s’mores making and eating, and several space-themed learning stations inside the KWEC. Activities include a magnetic meteor hunt, spectroscope building, a space lander challenge, an asteroid belt art project, and using a blender bike to make galaxy smoothies. Planetarium shows will be offered in the inflatable planetarium, and we will have real meteorites on loan from the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

The event will proceed rain or shine, but clear skies are necessary for optimal meteor shower viewing.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms, 592 NE K-156 Hwy., Great Bend.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqiohrCVEzT-2Bu22yVklcaqOvmZGt05-2BeOL3r-2Flc3NH2OV__SK_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO9ovZePPueXoOYjqeKnABTqUprH1DWoHlNK6oTYNLIL3frrCD5Zg5SitaprItwmilgdkg5kTH2cnJHgTyIuGyaV55gXhnyd-2FCFT3UrSdSD-2FcMxcM2kdsRqnH-2BkYbAmtZFiEJ6vonVmM14WEb2q9YBjTV4-2F7BYHmfKaFspyhE1VKi04Pm3qE62wIGxnR71QrpNrNgwI0flpx9OW6CuX7sLAbSEkWvVzUzZLE1VJ8uFAGyAGE-2FgTubSuTlgLxMGVnTr">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center hosts Perseid meteor shower watch party

Kansas Interscholastic Cycling League mountain bike racing team forming in Hays

Become an instant finalist in the Miller Lite UTV Giveaway from A&amp;A Coors-Miller and Briney Motorsports of Hays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Discount Smokes,&nbsp;2504 Vine St., Hays.

Become Miller Lite UTV giveaway finalist today at Discount Smokes in Hays!

WILSON&nbsp;STATE PARK — Lovegrass Music Festival FAQ and festival information. Please read!

Every motorized vehicle that enters Wilson State Park needs a daily vehicle permit ($5 per day). That can be obtained at the Park office, at the entrance of the park. The office closes at 6:00 p.m. -&nbsp; if you arrive later, please purchase a day pass at the self-pay station. You can pick up the pass in advance at any state park, or online.&nbsp;

Parking is extremely limited near the festival grounds so please carpool, walk, or bike to the festival area!&nbsp; Parking areas will be marked and staff will assist you to Day Parking. It is essential you do not obstruct the flow of traffic and be COMPLETELY pulled off of the pavement if you do park.&nbsp; Parking is permitted on any areas of grass that have been mowed.&nbsp; Please plan to walk a distance, as there is no parking directly on the festival grounds, except handicapped parking.&nbsp; Please have your handicap placard displayed for parking attendants to recognize and direct you accordingly.

Day Parking will not be allowed in the Buffalograss or Big Bluestem areas, as these are reserved for those who are camping in these areas.&nbsp; You will not be allowed in these areas without a Campground Vehicle Permit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Everyone must enter and exit through the designated gate.&nbsp; Please stay out of areas fenced off in orange.&nbsp; We will have an increased presence of staff and security placed throughout the festival grounds, in CREW shirts to assist if you have questions or concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you are planning on bringing a new canopy, grill, or other apparatus, please leave the box at home or pack it back in the box to return home. The park dumpsters fill quickly, so please try to keep litter to a minimum.&nbsp; Kans for Kids, a fundraiser for childhood cancer, will have aluminum can recycling containers around the festival grounds.&nbsp; Please no glass or breakable containers in the festival grounds or near the water.&nbsp; Let’s all do our part to keep the park beautiful.&nbsp;

You may bring food and beverages into the festival area.&nbsp; Please no large coolers, as space is limited. We ask that you refrain from single-use plastic water bottles to minimize trash and promote sustainability.&nbsp; A filtered water station will be available to refill water bottles near the activity tent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Food vendors will be available on the festival grounds on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp; The nearby marina offers snacks, beverages, and grocery items as does Knothead’s Baitshop, located just outside the park.&nbsp; Dining and grocery options can also be found in the nearby towns of Lucas, Wilson, and Dorrance.

Limited Lovegrass Festival merchandise will be available on-site for sale each evening from 5-11 p.m. (We accept Cash, Venmo and PayPal.&nbsp; We can also accept GooglePay, ApplePay, and Credit Cards ONLY if you have a smartphone to scan a QR code for checkout). &nbsp; We will also be hosting a 50/50 raffle which is CASH ONLY, so please plan accordingly, and GOOD LUCK!

Pets are NOT allowed in the festival area.&nbsp; Unless your animal meets the ADA definition of a SERVICE ANIMAL, do not bring them onto the festival grounds.&nbsp; Under Title II and Title III of the ADA, a service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pets are allowed in the other areas of Wilson State Park, but must be restrained by a camper, kennel, hand-held leash, or tether, no more than 10 feet in length.&nbsp;

Thank you in advance for reviewing all of the Wilson State Park and Lovegrass Music Festival Association rules and regulations on our website at <a target="_blank" href="https://lovegrassmusicfestival.com/so/4ePXDgVK7/c?w=PCAGl9XBnKQfWUr97REj0YeND1_GTkZ_uSq9LguzdvE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cDovL3d3dy5sb3ZlZ3Jhc3NtdXNpY2Zlc3RpdmFsLmNvbSIsInIiOiIxMzM2N2I4NS0yNTQ2LTRkOTAtODM2NS05OWEyMzEzMWY5ODMiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiIwYjg3MTdiNC1kNWZlLTQzZjQtOWI4Ni1hODQzMDBiNDNlNGUifQ">www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com</a>/experience before attending. Be sure and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovegrassmusicfestival">Facebook</a> for updates as the festival nears.

<a href="https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/register?utm_campaign=ed61931f-08e9-4fd0-8ff4-79d4c445824e&amp;utm_source=so&amp;utm_medium=mail&amp;cid=0b8717b4-d5fe-43f4-9b86-a84300b43e4e">Register here for tickets</a>.&nbsp;

Information for Lovegrass Music Festival Aug. 7-9 at Wilson State Park

Join our new Hays Post Newsletter and receive the top news stories from your community every morning in your email inbox plus one-click access to the latest obituaries.&nbsp;

Sign up for free Hays Post Newsletter

ELLSWORTH – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will host a free four-hour public tour of a wild horse off-range pasture in Ellsworth, Saturday, August 9.

The purpose of the tour is to allow public access to the private facility and learn more about BLM’s wild horse and burro management responsibilities. 

Tour attendees will have the opportunity to view more than 220 horses roaming approximately 1,700 acres of grassland in central Kansas. These animals were gathered from overpopulated herds on western public rangelands as part of BLM’s mission to protect and manage America’s wild horse and burro herds. 

The off-range pasture, known as Svaty Ranch, is a private ranch under contract with the government to feed and care for federally protected wild horses in a natural free-roaming environment. 

No registration is needed, and parking is available on site. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Cameras and video recorders are welcomed and encouraged. Other personal items may also be brought along, including non-alcoholic drinks in sealable containers. Attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the summer season. Restrooms will be available.

Event Details Tour time: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Address and directions: Svaty Ranch, 1016 Avenue J, Ellsworth, KS 67439. From I-70 proceed south on Highway 14 into and through the town of Ellsworth (main street), cross the river bridge and take an immediate right onto Avenue K. Take Avenue K and proceed west for 3 miles, at the "T" intersection stay right at the intersection and go 1/2-mile north, bear left for 3/4 of a mile. Then, the corrals are on the left at 1016 Avenue J.

The BLM manages and protects wild horses and burros across 175 herd management areas spanning 25.5 million acres in 10 western states, aiming to maintain healthy herds and rangelands. With few natural predators, herds can double in size every four to five years, leading to overpopulation that threatens the land, wildlife and other authorized uses. 

As of March 2025, the on-range population was estimated at 73,130, far exceeding the appropriate management level of 25,556. To achieve balance on the range, BLM gathers and removes excess animals, placing many into private care through adoption or sale, while unadopted animals are provided space on contracted pastures like the Svaty Ranch for long-term care. Approximately 62,853 animals are in off-range corrals and pastures as of June 2025. 

For more information, please contact the Wild Horse and Burro Program National Information Center at 866-468-7826 or email wildhorse@blm.gov.&nbsp;

Free tour of wild horse off-range pasture in Ellsworth offered by Bureau of Land Management

Fort Hays State University Sigma Chi's first annual Back to School Bash on Thursday, Aug. 21,&nbsp; features an outdoor concert with Logan Mize as the headliner. 

The concert starts at 6 p.m. in the FHSU quad, and will be open to students and the general public for a $5 admission charge per head. This concert will be a dry event.

For more information, contact Hunter at htaphorn24@gmail.com.

Logan Mize featured at FHSU Sigma Chi Back to School Bash on Aug. 21 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Russell County Rural Water District 3 public water supply system located in Russell County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on July 28 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 620-653-2649, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019852f13906-7103a035-e9e9-4412-a2b9-b37f6c5b5ce2-000000/B7Jukr0PIg60Xj1doyrzAzUe7uUS_PICua6dDa8wKXQ=415">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Russell County Rural Water District 3

TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Health reported no new cases of measles over the past week in the state. The state reported 90 cases in 11 counties and eight hospitalizations last week. All but three of the cases were connected, and most in Gray County.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates inched down again last year and the share of children with exemptions rose to an all-time high, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html">federal data</a>&nbsp;posted Thursday.

The fraction of kids exempted from vaccine requirements rose to 4.1%, up from 3.7% the year before. It's the third record-breaking year in a row for the exemption rate, and the vast majority are parents withholding shots for nonmedical reasons.

In addition, 92.5% of 2024-25 kindergartners got their required measles-mumps-rubella shots, down slightly from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">the previous year</a>. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccination rate was 95% — the level that makes it unlikely that a single infection will spark a disease cluster or outbreak.

The vaccination numbers were posted as the U.S. experiences its worst year for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreaks-us-mmr-vaccine-rfk-jr-518e1059923135d79a2127a02e31bac2">measles spread</a>&nbsp;in more than three decades, with more than 1,300 cases so far.

“The concern, of course, is that with a further dip in the (vaccination) coverage, we’re going to see even more measles in the coming months,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

It's possible that this year's outbreaks may spur more parents to get their children vaccinated before they go to school, said O'Leary, a University of Colorado pediatric infectious diseases specialist.

But Dr. Philip Huang isn't optimistic. Texas was particularly hard hits by measles this year, with more than half of the cases reported nationally. Despite that, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-vaccines-measles-outbreak-exemptions-rfk-ab4aea44661153a789472f9d7fa8d17b">passed a law</a>&nbsp;making it easier for parents to get school vaccine exemptions for their kids.

“It's crazy,” said Huang, Dallas County's health director.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traditionally releases the vaccination coverage data in its flagship publication, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. CDC officials usually speak to the trends and possible explanations, and stress the importance of vaccinations. This year, the agency quietly posted the data online and — when asked about it — emailed a statement.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements