HAYS, Kan. – Water was the focus of the third annual Western Kansas Ag Summit, hosted by Fort Hays State University. The event was established by Kansas District 110 Representative Ken Rahjes, chair of the House of Representatives Ag Committee,&nbsp;and Dr. Grady Dixon, dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, to bring awareness to the critical issues facing Kansas’ farmers, ranchers, financial institutions, and ag businesses.

The summit was held on Monday, Dec. 9, in the FHSU Robbins Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.

The 2024 Ag Summit opened with Dean Dixon welcoming approximately 60 guests from various agricultural-related businesses, representatives from the state legislature, and members of the FHSU and Affiliation schools.

“Water availability and quality are vital to the success of western Kansas businesses and communities, and we want all stakeholders to understand what it takes to ensure that resource is reliable,” Dixon said.

Issues and perspectives discussed by this year’s guest speakers throughout the day focused on the growing concerns over water scarcity and management in much of Kansas. Speakers included:

Brownie Wilson, Geohydrology Support Services, Kansas Geological Survey, Lawrence

Katie Durham, Manager, Groundwater Management District #1, Scott City

Shannon Kenyon, Manager, Groundwater Management District #4, Colby

Jack Polifka, Precision Ag Technology Instructor, Fort Hays Tech Northwest, Goodland

Toby Dougherty, City Manager, City of Hays, Hays

Dr. Jon Sumrall, Associate Professor of Geosciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays

Matt Allen, City Manager, and Fred Jones, Water Systems Resource Manager, Garden City

Clay Scott, Board Member, Groundwater Management District #3, Ulysses

The summit closed with a panel discussion that included ten state legislators. In addition to Rep. Rahjes, legislators in attendance included Rep. Sandy Pickert, Rep. Jim Minnix, Rep. Bill Clifford, Rep. Lon Pishny, Rep. Bob Lewis, Rep. Clarke Sanders, Rep. Kenneth Collins, Rep. Gary White, and State Senator Ronald Ryckman.

“This event is designed to promote informative discussions between ag-industry leaders and our state policymakers,” Dixon said. “I have been impressed each year with the dialogue, and I am confident that both groups leave with a better understanding of others’ perspectives.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734533025826.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsHAYS, Kan. – Water was the focus of the third annual Western Kansas Ag Summit, hosted by Fort Hays State University. The event was established by Kansas District 110 Representative Ken Rahjes, chair of the House of Representatives Ag Committee,&nbsp;and Dr. Grady Dixon, dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, to bring awareness to the critical issues facing Kansas’ farmers, ranchers, financial institutions, and ag businesses.The summit was held on Monday, Dec. 9, in the FHSU Robbins Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.The 2024 Ag Summit opened with Dean Dixon welcoming approximately 60 guests from various agricultural-related businesses, representatives from the state legislature, and members of the FHSU and Affiliation schools.“Water availability and quality are vital to the success of western Kansas businesses and communities, and we want all stakeholders to understand what it takes to ensure that resource is reliable,” Dixon said.Issues and perspectives discussed by this year’s guest speakers throughout the day focused on the growing concerns over water scarcity and management in much of Kansas. Speakers included:Brownie Wilson, Geohydrology Support Services, Kansas Geological Survey, LawrenceKatie Durham, Manager, Groundwater Management District #1, Scott CityShannon Kenyon, Manager, Groundwater Management District #4, ColbyJack Polifka, Precision Ag Technology Instructor, Fort Hays Tech Northwest, GoodlandToby Dougherty, City Manager, City of Hays, HaysDr. Jon Sumrall, Associate Professor of Geosciences, Fort Hays State University, HaysMatt Allen, City Manager, and Fred Jones, Water Systems Resource Manager, Garden CityClay Scott, Board Member, Groundwater Management District #3, UlyssesThe summit closed with a panel discussion that included ten state legislators. In addition to Rep. Rahjes, legislators in attendance included Rep. Sandy Pickert, Rep. Jim Minnix, Rep. Bill Clifford, Rep. Lon Pishny, Rep. Bob Lewis, Rep. Clarke Sanders, Rep. Kenneth Collins, Rep. Gary White, and State Senator Ronald Ryckman.“This event is designed to promote informative discussions between ag-industry leaders and our state policymakers,” Dixon said. “I have been impressed each year with the dialogue, and I am confident that both groups leave with a better understanding of others’ perspectives.”

FHSU hosts third annual Western Ag Summit

A week away from Christmas, Kaitlyn Suss was able brighten her family's holiday season on Wednesday. Suss was the winner of Eagle Media's $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway.&nbsp;

With Eagle Media representatives writing the checks, Suss went around to the giveaway's participating sponsors to spend her winnings. Suss made purchases at Sutherlands, Millers of Claflin, Straub's Powersports, Cornerstone Automotive, Bauer Computers and Jimlo Glass Center.

With 55 finalists in attendance at Saturday's giveaway, Suss was the last one standing to claim the prize.

New to the contest this year, all instant finalists who did not win the grand prize were entered into a drawing for a $250 Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate. That winner was Rita Engle, who picked up her certificate at the Eagle Media Center this week.

The $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway was presented by Bauer Computers, Mayo Money Management and Moeder Plumbing Heating &amp; Air, your Bryant Dealer, whatever it takes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734548032854.jpeg" alt="Kaitlyn Suss and her husband pose Wednesday morning while going on a shopping spree as the winner of Eagle Media's $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway." />
 <figcaption>Kaitlyn Suss and her husband pose Wednesday morning while going on a shopping spree as the winner of Eagle Media's $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostA week away from Christmas, Kaitlyn Suss was able brighten her family's holiday season on Wednesday. Suss was the winner of Eagle Media's $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway.&nbsp;With Eagle Media representatives writing the checks, Suss went around to the giveaway's participating sponsors to spend her winnings. Suss made purchases at Sutherlands, Millers of Claflin, Straub's Powersports, Cornerstone Automotive, Bauer Computers and Jimlo Glass Center.With 55 finalists in attendance at Saturday's giveaway, Suss was the last one standing to claim the prize.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734548160230.jpeg" alt="Rita Engle picked up her $250 gift certificate as part of Eagle Media's $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway." />
 <figcaption>Rita Engle picked up her $250 gift certificate as part of Eagle Media's $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway.</figcaption>
 </figure>New to the contest this year, all instant finalists who did not win the grand prize were entered into a drawing for a $250 Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate. That winner was Rita Engle, who picked up her certificate at the Eagle Media Center this week.The $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway was presented by Bauer Computers, Mayo Money Management and Moeder Plumbing Heating &amp; Air, your Bryant Dealer, whatever it takes.<figure>
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Eagle Media's $20K giveaway winner goes shopping

By ALLISON KITE Kansas Reflector

Members of Kansas’ congressional delegation celebrated the federal government’s decision Monday to remove a proposed electric transmission line route from a program offering assistance for power infrastructure projects.

The U.S. Department of Energy earlier this year announced a list of preliminary “<a href="https://www.energy.gov/gdo/national-interest-electric-transmission-corridor-designation-process" target="_blank">National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors</a>” to offer financial assistance and permits to transmission line builders in areas with little infrastructure.

One of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/09/27/transmission-line-developer-asks-for-narrower-corridor-through-kansas-nearby-states/">corridors the agency initially proposed</a>&nbsp;was the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/grain-belt-express/" target="_blank">Grain Belt Express</a>, a 5,000-megawatt transmission line expected to run from Kansas to Indiana proposed by Chicago-based Invenergy. The Grain Belt route was dropped from the program when the Department of Energy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/gdo/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-three-high-priority-areas-advancing-national" target="_blank">narrowed the proposed corridors Monday</a>.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, said the program “represented a dangerous overreach of federal authority,” and on Monday took credit for the Department of Energy’s removal of the Grain Belt route.

“We are glad to report that we won this battle, and Kansans voices were heard at the highest levels,” he said.

But the Department of Energy’s decision Monday will not keep the Grain Belt Express transmission line from being built. While the agency’s program helps obtain permits for transmission projects that can’t get state approval, Invenergy has already obtained state approvals for Grain Belt.

“This designation was not required for the project to continue to advance toward construction,” said Patrick Whitty, senior vice president of public affairs for transmission at Invenergy.

Whitty said in a statement that Invenergy, too, asked that the Grain Belt route be removed from consideration for the Department of Energy program and was pleased the agency listened.

Grain Belt Express is expected to run from southwest Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/11/grain-belt-express-announces-expansion-that-means-more-clean-energy-for-missouri/" target="_blank">carrying renewable energy through Missouri</a>&nbsp;and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border. To do so, the line has to cross thousands of properties and needs easements on landowners’ properties across three states.

Invenergy says it has obtained the vast majority of those easements through voluntary negotiations with landowners. For the rest, the project was granted the right of eminent domain, a legal mechanism that allows utilities and governments to take land or easements from unwilling landowners and compensate them.

Grain Belt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/08/missouri-governor-to-sign-compromise-legislation-after-efforts-to-stymie-grain-belt-express/" target="_blank">ability to use eminent domain has drawn the ire</a>&nbsp;of Republican lawmakers and farm groups who&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/19/grain-belt-transmission-line-forges-ahead-amid-landowner-lawmaker-pushback/" target="_blank">fought to undermine the project at the Missouri General Assembly</a>&nbsp;for years.

Now federal lawmakers from Kansas, including Marshall, Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann are railing against the project.

Mann called Monday’s announcement a “huge win for Kansans.”

“Kansans made it clear from the very beginning that we were not interested in the federal government seizing our private land,” Mann said.

Moran said the decision to allow projects like Grain Belt Express “should be left up to Kansans, not Washington.”

In Missouri, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley has taken issue with a $4.9 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/lpo/articles/lpo-announces-conditional-commitment-grain-belt-express-construct-high-voltage-direct" target="_blank">loan the Department of Energy offered to the Grain Belt project</a>.

<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hawley-Letter-to-Biden-Energy-Department-re-Grain-Belt-Express.pdf" target="_blank">Hawley wrote a letter</a>&nbsp;to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm saying the Grain Belt line will wreak havoc on landowners.

“Your decision to commit funding to the Grain Belt Express via conditional loan comes after repeated refusals to engage with my constituents,” Hawley said, “who live in constant fear of their land being confiscated.”

By ALLISON KITE Kansas ReflectorMembers of Kansas’ congressional delegation celebrated the federal government’s decision Monday to remove a proposed electric transmission line route from a program offering assistance for power infrastructure projects.But the project will still move forward.The U.S. Department of Energy earlier this year announced a list of preliminary “<a href="https://www.energy.gov/gdo/national-interest-electric-transmission-corridor-designation-process" target="_blank">National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors</a>” to offer financial assistance and permits to transmission line builders in areas with little infrastructure.One of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/09/27/transmission-line-developer-asks-for-narrower-corridor-through-kansas-nearby-states/">corridors the agency initially proposed</a>&nbsp;was the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/grain-belt-express/" target="_blank">Grain Belt Express</a>, a 5,000-megawatt transmission line expected to run from Kansas to Indiana proposed by Chicago-based Invenergy. The Grain Belt route was dropped from the program when the Department of Energy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/gdo/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-three-high-priority-areas-advancing-national" target="_blank">narrowed the proposed corridors Monday</a>.U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, said the program “represented a dangerous overreach of federal authority,” and on Monday took credit for the Department of Energy’s removal of the Grain Belt route.“We are glad to report that we won this battle, and Kansans voices were heard at the highest levels,” he said.But the Department of Energy’s decision Monday will not keep the Grain Belt Express transmission line from being built. While the agency’s program helps obtain permits for transmission projects that can’t get state approval, Invenergy has already obtained state approvals for Grain Belt.“This designation was not required for the project to continue to advance toward construction,” said Patrick Whitty, senior vice president of public affairs for transmission at Invenergy.Whitty said in a statement that Invenergy, too, asked that the Grain Belt route be removed from consideration for the Department of Energy program and was pleased the agency listened.Grain Belt Express is expected to run from southwest Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/11/grain-belt-express-announces-expansion-that-means-more-clean-energy-for-missouri/" target="_blank">carrying renewable energy through Missouri</a>&nbsp;and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border. To do so, the line has to cross thousands of properties and needs easements on landowners’ properties across three states.Invenergy says it has obtained the vast majority of those easements through voluntary negotiations with landowners. For the rest, the project was granted the right of eminent domain, a legal mechanism that allows utilities and governments to take land or easements from unwilling landowners and compensate them.Grain Belt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/08/missouri-governor-to-sign-compromise-legislation-after-efforts-to-stymie-grain-belt-express/" target="_blank">ability to use eminent domain has drawn the ire</a>&nbsp;of Republican lawmakers and farm groups who&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/19/grain-belt-transmission-line-forges-ahead-amid-landowner-lawmaker-pushback/" target="_blank">fought to undermine the project at the Missouri General Assembly</a>&nbsp;for years.Now federal lawmakers from Kansas, including Marshall, Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann are railing against the project.Mann called Monday’s announcement a “huge win for Kansans.”“Kansans made it clear from the very beginning that we were not interested in the federal government seizing our private land,” Mann said.Moran said the decision to allow projects like Grain Belt Express “should be left up to Kansans, not Washington.”In Missouri, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley has taken issue with a $4.9 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/lpo/articles/lpo-announces-conditional-commitment-grain-belt-express-construct-high-voltage-direct" target="_blank">loan the Department of Energy offered to the Grain Belt project</a>.<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hawley-Letter-to-Biden-Energy-Department-re-Grain-Belt-Express.pdf" target="_blank">Hawley wrote a letter</a>&nbsp;to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm saying the Grain Belt line will wreak havoc on landowners.“Your decision to commit funding to the Grain Belt Express via conditional loan comes after repeated refusals to engage with my constituents,” Hawley said, “who live in constant fear of their land being confiscated.”

Grain Belt route removed from federal transmission program, project continues

Making healthy choices during the winter holidays can be challenging for anyone. For people with diabetes, it can be even harder.&nbsp;

Disruptions brought on by travel, stress and food-filled celebrations can really wreak havoc on people's self-management of their diabetes.&nbsp; Handling the season starts with being realistic. While your choices matter, you can do everything within your control, and still, your body's reaction to the food you've eaten or the stress you might be under can be different from day to day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you know you're going to encounter certain holiday foods, and you know how they affect you, plan for that. Ask yourself, "Are there ways that I can adapt my diet for that day so that I can have the foods that I enjoy but still have glycemic levels that are safe and healthy?"&nbsp;

If you're expecting to be served a carbohydrate-filled dinner, plan to eat low-fat proteins at lunch. You also need a plan for travel. Pack your own snacks to ensure you'll have healthy options.&nbsp;

Skipping meals to save up for a big one should not be part of your plan. You're more likely to overindulge at that meal if you haven't eaten all day long. Not eating could interfere with your medications, which may have been calculated to meet the needs of average-sized meals.&nbsp;

Starving and then stuffing yourself also could lead to a huge swing in blood sugar.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Depending on the drink, alcohol can either raise or lower blood sugar levels: Beer and sweetened mixed drinks are full of carbohydrates that raise it, but alcohol stops the liver from producing blood sugar, or glucose. The effects can show up hours later.&nbsp;

Try these holiday buffet tactics&nbsp;

Use a smaller plate so you're less tempted to load it up.&nbsp; Alternatively, commit to taking portions no larger than your fist. Emphasize the proteins and leafy green vegetables, and add the starches and sweets to your plate last.&nbsp;

Also remember, just because it's on your plate does not mean you have to finish it. When you're full, you're full. Listen to your body.&nbsp;

Diabetes health goes beyond diet, and during the holidays, there are also many, many situations where sleep is disrupted.&nbsp;

Make a plan for coping with that. Make sure the room you sleep in is cool, dark and quiet. Stick to your sleep schedule and get the recommended seven to nine hours per night for adults. Research has shown that even one night of disrupted sleep can increase insulin resistance.&nbsp;

Stress can affect diabetes management directly and indirectly.&nbsp;

Directly, stress boosts levels of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol that counteract the effect of insulin and raise blood sugar.&nbsp;

Indirectly, stress also can interfere with sleep or lead to overeating.&nbsp;

If you spend eight hours in a car going over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house only to immediately dive into a heavy meal, you could take a walk afterward or find some other way to be physically active.&nbsp;

Unlink 'holidays' from 'food'&nbsp;

Celebrations often emphasize eating. Making your season about seeing other people, more so than food and drink, which will make diabetes management easier.&nbsp;

Understand that things might go wrong&nbsp;

Healthy choices are important, and the rewards include feeling better.&nbsp;

But when something goes amiss, don’t beat yourself up about it.&nbsp; Take it as a learning opportunity.&nbsp; Second-guessing shouldn't overwhelm time with loved ones.&nbsp;

So, while preparation is wise, obsessing about challenges isn't. Just enjoy the time and enjoy the moment.&nbsp;

Source: American Heart Association.&nbsp;

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or <a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu" target="_blank">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Making healthy choices during the winter holidays can be challenging for anyone. For people with diabetes, it can be even harder.&nbsp;Disruptions brought on by travel, stress and food-filled celebrations can really wreak havoc on people's self-management of their diabetes.&nbsp; Handling the season starts with being realistic. While your choices matter, you can do everything within your control, and still, your body's reaction to the food you've eaten or the stress you might be under can be different from day to day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Have a plan&nbsp;If you know you're going to encounter certain holiday foods, and you know how they affect you, plan for that. Ask yourself, "Are there ways that I can adapt my diet for that day so that I can have the foods that I enjoy but still have glycemic levels that are safe and healthy?"&nbsp;If you're expecting to be served a carbohydrate-filled dinner, plan to eat low-fat proteins at lunch. You also need a plan for travel. Pack your own snacks to ensure you'll have healthy options.&nbsp;Don't starve yourself&nbsp;Skipping meals to save up for a big one should not be part of your plan. You're more likely to overindulge at that meal if you haven't eaten all day long. Not eating could interfere with your medications, which may have been calculated to meet the needs of average-sized meals.&nbsp;Starving and then stuffing yourself also could lead to a huge swing in blood sugar.&nbsp;Watch the alcohol&nbsp;&nbsp;Depending on the drink, alcohol can either raise or lower blood sugar levels: Beer and sweetened mixed drinks are full of carbohydrates that raise it, but alcohol stops the liver from producing blood sugar, or glucose. The effects can show up hours later.&nbsp;Try these holiday buffet tactics&nbsp;Use a smaller plate so you're less tempted to load it up.&nbsp; Alternatively, commit to taking portions no larger than your fist. Emphasize the proteins and leafy green vegetables, and add the starches and sweets to your plate last.&nbsp;Also remember, just because it's on your plate does not mean you have to finish it. When you're full, you're full. Listen to your body.&nbsp;Don't skimp on sleep&nbsp;Diabetes health goes beyond diet, and during the holidays, there are also many, many situations where sleep is disrupted.&nbsp;Make a plan for coping with that. Make sure the room you sleep in is cool, dark and quiet. Stick to your sleep schedule and get the recommended seven to nine hours per night for adults. Research has shown that even one night of disrupted sleep can increase insulin resistance.&nbsp;Find ways to face stress&nbsp;Stress can affect diabetes management directly and indirectly.&nbsp;Directly, stress boosts levels of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol that counteract the effect of insulin and raise blood sugar.&nbsp;Indirectly, stress also can interfere with sleep or lead to overeating.&nbsp;Get up and move&nbsp;If you spend eight hours in a car going over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house only to immediately dive into a heavy meal, you could take a walk afterward or find some other way to be physically active.&nbsp;Unlink 'holidays' from 'food'&nbsp;Celebrations often emphasize eating. Making your season about seeing other people, more so than food and drink, which will make diabetes management easier.&nbsp;Understand that things might go wrong&nbsp;Healthy choices are important, and the rewards include feeling better.&nbsp;But when something goes amiss, don’t beat yourself up about it.&nbsp; Take it as a learning opportunity.&nbsp; Second-guessing shouldn't overwhelm time with loved ones.&nbsp;So, while preparation is wise, obsessing about challenges isn't. Just enjoy the time and enjoy the moment.&nbsp;Source: American Heart Association.&nbsp;Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or <a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu" target="_blank">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.&nbsp;

KOERNER: Diabetes around the holidays - It’s not about perfection 

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays juvenile was arrested for his alleged role in three vehicle thefts, vehicle burglary and stolen firearms.

Deputy Hays Police Chief Brian Dawson said three Hays juveniles allegedly stole three vehicles on Nov. 7 from West 17th Street, West 15th Street and Hillcrest Street in Hays.

One vehicle was involved in a rollover accident, and a vehicle owner reported a shotgun was inside their car when the vehicle was stolen.

Officers deployed K-9 units and drones to search the area of the rollover scene in the 1100 block of Rome Road. Dawson said the occupants had fled the scene.

Dawson also said on Nov. 7, a vehicle burglary allegedly took place on East 19th Street, resulting in a stolen Beretta handgun.

On Nov. 8, the second vehicle was found undamaged on East 15th Street and returned to its owner.

On Nov. 14, a tip led officers to one of the juvenile suspects who was reportedly in possession of the stolen Beretta handgun and was defacing its serial number, according to Dawson

Altering or removing the serial number of a firearm is a federal offense.

Dawson said officers executed a search warrant at the juvenile's residence, where they allegedly discovered the stolen Beretta handgun with the serial number scratched off. They also found the stolen shotgun and drug paraphernalia.

During the search, another male juvenile gave a false identity and posed as a runaway. He was arrested after being identified as having a warrant for rape out of Pawnee County. His arrest was&nbsp;unrelated to the vehicle thefts, Dawson said.

The juvenile suspected of being involved in the vehicle thefts was arrested and remains in juvenile detention as of Wednesday. Two other Hays juveniles, a male and a female, were questioned and released to their guardians.

On Nov. 26, the third stolen vehicle was located in rural Rush County, which was found damaged and subsequently towed.

Dawson said the juvenile, who was arrested for the vehicle thefts, has a hearing scheduled for Friday to determine whether he will remain in detention.

By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays juvenile was arrested for his alleged role in three vehicle thefts, vehicle burglary and stolen firearms.Deputy Hays Police Chief Brian Dawson said three Hays juveniles allegedly stole three vehicles on Nov. 7 from West 17th Street, West 15th Street and Hillcrest Street in Hays.One vehicle was involved in a rollover accident, and a vehicle owner reported a shotgun was inside their car when the vehicle was stolen.Officers deployed K-9 units and drones to search the area of the rollover scene in the 1100 block of Rome Road. Dawson said the occupants had fled the scene.Dawson also said on Nov. 7, a vehicle burglary allegedly took place on East 19th Street, resulting in a stolen Beretta handgun.On Nov. 8, the second vehicle was found undamaged on East 15th Street and returned to its owner.On Nov. 14, a tip led officers to one of the juvenile suspects who was reportedly in possession of the stolen Beretta handgun and was defacing its serial number, according to DawsonAltering or removing the serial number of a firearm is a federal offense.Dawson said officers executed a search warrant at the juvenile's residence, where they allegedly discovered the stolen Beretta handgun with the serial number scratched off. They also found the stolen shotgun and drug paraphernalia.During the search, another male juvenile gave a false identity and posed as a runaway. He was arrested after being identified as having a warrant for rape out of Pawnee County. His arrest was&nbsp;unrelated to the vehicle thefts, Dawson said.The juvenile suspected of being involved in the vehicle thefts was arrested and remains in juvenile detention as of Wednesday. Two other Hays juveniles, a male and a female, were questioned and released to their guardians.On Nov. 26, the third stolen vehicle was located in rural Rush County, which was found damaged and subsequently towed.Dawson said the juvenile, who was arrested for the vehicle thefts, has a hearing scheduled for Friday to determine whether he will remain in detention.

Juvenile wanted in Pawnee Co. for rape warrant captured in Hays

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (12/17)

At 6:27 a.m. an accident was reported at MM 108 on N. US 281
Highway.

At 7:25 a.m. an accident was reported at 673 A N. US 281
Highway.

At 1:08 p.m. a report of interference with law enforcement
was reported at N. US 281 Highway &amp; NE 30 Road.

At 1:39 p.m. an accident was reported at 3 NW 90 Road in
Hoisington.

At 2:52 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 80 Avenue
&amp; NW 110 Road in Olmitz.

At 5:23 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NE 60 Avenue
&amp; NE 150 Road in Claflin.

At 11:41 p.m. a burglary was reported at 1118 8th
Street.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (12/16)

At 10:33 a.m. a report of a subject forging a check was made
at 1200 Kansas Avenue.

At 11:58 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 4713 8th
Street.

At 12:46 p.m. an officer checked an illegally parked vehicle
in the 2400 block of Sunset Pl.

At 1:08 p.m. an officer arrested Amber Demel for interference
with a law enforcement officer and pedestrian under the influence at N. US 281
Highway &amp; NE 30 Road.

At 1:38 p.m. K-9 Niko was used on a vehicle at 2334 Main.

At 1:54 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1408 Kansas
Avenue.

At 3:53 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2017 Jackson.

At 4:47 p.m. theft of a debit card was reported at 702
Morphy.

At 7:07 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2925 Gano.

At 10:02 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 404 Plum.

At 11:41 p.m. Kayla McMahan requested a check area at 1118 8th
Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (12/17)Non-Injury AccidentAt 6:27 a.m. an accident was reported at MM 108 on N. US 281
Highway.At 7:25 a.m. an accident was reported at 673 A N. US 281
Highway.Interference with LEOAt 1:08 p.m. a report of interference with law enforcement
was reported at N. US 281 Highway &amp; NE 30 Road.Non-Injury AccidentAt 1:39 p.m. an accident was reported at 3 NW 90 Road in
Hoisington.Cattle OutAt 2:52 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 80 Avenue
&amp; NW 110 Road in Olmitz.At 5:23 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NE 60 Avenue
&amp; NE 150 Road in Claflin.Burglary / In ProgressAt 11:41 p.m. a burglary was reported at 1118 8th
Street.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (12/16)ForgeryAt 10:33 a.m. a report of a subject forging a check was made
at 1200 Kansas Avenue.Unconscious / FaintingAt 11:58 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 4713 8th
Street.Parking ComplaintAt 12:46 p.m. an officer checked an illegally parked vehicle
in the 2400 block of Sunset Pl.Interference with LEOAt 1:08 p.m. an officer arrested Amber Demel for interference
with a law enforcement officer and pedestrian under the influence at N. US 281
Highway &amp; NE 30 Road.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 1:38 p.m. K-9 Niko was used on a vehicle at 2334 Main.Hemorrhage / LacerationsAt 1:54 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1408 Kansas
Avenue.StrokeAt 3:53 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2017 Jackson.TheftAt 4:47 p.m. theft of a debit card was reported at 702
Morphy.Breathing Problems At 7:07 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2925 Gano.Chest PainAt 10:02 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 404 Plum.Burglary / In ProgressAt 11:41 p.m. Kayla McMahan requested a check area at 1118 8th
Street.

Cop Shop (12/17)

12/17 BOOKED: Zakary Zimmer-Pflughoeft on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Mario Enriquez on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

RELEASED: Eric Ramirez on Parole Violation, to KDOC.

RELEASED: John Q. Wallace on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, and KDOC Arrest and Detain Warrant for Parole Violation, after warrant withdrawn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>12/17 BOOKED: Zakary Zimmer-Pflughoeft on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Mario Enriquez on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.RELEASED: Eric Ramirez on Parole Violation, to KDOC.RELEASED: John Q. Wallace on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, and KDOC Arrest and Detain Warrant for Parole Violation, after warrant withdrawn.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (12/17)

Beginning around Dec. 26, and continuing through Jan. 2, the Claflin Police Department will join many other law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the New Year’s Taking Down DUI traffic enforcement campaign.  

The New Year’s Holiday period outranks most of the other holidays in number of crashes in which at least one of the drivers is impaired.  

So, plan ahead. Leave your car at home and ride with a designated driver or take other transportation services.  If you are hosting a party, make sure everyone has a sober ride home. If you see what appears to be an impaired driver, please call 911, you might just save a life.

From your local officers, we ask that you start the new year the right way and have a designated driver, walk to your party, or stay where you are at. Make the right decision and don’t drive while under the influence. Please do not put yourself, your family, and community members at risk.

From the City of Claflin...Beginning around Dec. 26, and continuing through Jan. 2, the Claflin Police Department will join many other law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the New Year’s Taking Down DUI traffic enforcement campaign. The New Year’s Holiday period outranks most of the other holidays in number of crashes in which at least one of the drivers is impaired. So, plan ahead. Leave your car at home and ride with a designated driver or take other transportation services. If you are hosting a party, make sure everyone has a sober ride home. If you see what appears to be an impaired driver, please call 911, you might just save a life.From your local officers, we ask that you start the new year the right way and have a designated driver, walk to your party, or stay where you are at. Make the right decision and don’t drive while under the influence. Please do not put yourself, your family, and community members at risk.

Claflin police 'taking down DUI traffic' during the holidays

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The City of Great Bend has received approval from the Kansas Department
of Wildlife and Parks for improvement plans at Heizer Park, and city officials
expect the project to be completed next fall. The project will be a $361,260
undertaking. 

City Administrator Logan Burns said the improvements will include
a Musco mini-pitch double soccer court system, restroom facility, upgrades to the
sand volleyball and basketball court and a 55-yard by 80-yard soccer field with
new netting.


"The last thing we'll be doing is irrigating the entire park," said Burns. "We'll have a September 30, 2025 deadline to complete all of that work. We're going through all of the scheduling done with our subcontractors. I'm excited for this project."

The city will partner with Barton Community College’s carpentry department to
construct shade structures at Heizer.&nbsp;Great Bend has approved contracts with Ramirez Construction, Superior Sprinklers and CXT Restrooms to assist with the project.     

Great Bend is contributing $200,000 to the project and the Kansas Department of
Wildlife and Parks is providing a $161,260 grant.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596226376812.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend has received approval from the Kansas Department
of Wildlife and Parks for improvement plans at Heizer Park, and city officials
expect the project to be completed next fall. The project will be a $361,260
undertaking. City Administrator Logan Burns said the improvements will include
a Musco mini-pitch double soccer court system, restroom facility, upgrades to the
sand volleyball and basketball court and a 55-yard by 80-yard soccer field with
new netting.
"The last thing we'll be doing is irrigating the entire park," said Burns. "We'll have a September 30, 2025 deadline to complete all of that work. We're going through all of the scheduling done with our subcontractors. I'm excited for this project."The city will partner with Barton Community College’s carpentry department to
construct shade structures at Heizer.&nbsp;Great Bend has approved contracts with Ramirez Construction, Superior Sprinklers and CXT Restrooms to assist with the project. Great Bend is contributing $200,000 to the project and the Kansas Department of
Wildlife and Parks is providing a $161,260 grant.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Heizer Park improvements to be finished by next September

Today Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 43. North-northwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 29. South wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 20. North wind 7 to 10 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 38. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 22.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 44.

Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 22.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 49.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 52.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 43. North-northwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 29. South wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 20. North wind 7 to 10 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 38. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 22.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 44.Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 22.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 49.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 52.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

Over the past couple years, the City of Great Bend has been looking for
a suitor to lease ground at the industrial complex at the airport. The roughly
nine acres of land is just north of 6th Street. 

The Great Bend City
Council approved a lease with Global Green (GGI) to operate a waste management
company that converts waste into fuel and energy. Gary Senft, with Viking North
Environmental Tech, the marketing agent for GGI, said through the pyrolysis
technology there is a thermal breakdown of waste materials under intense heat
without oxygen, being environmentally responsible.


"We put nothing outside of the plant," said Senft. "The floor inside the plant is sloped in such a way that there is a catch basin. Any of the fluids created by the breakdown of solid waste is trapped. That is cleaned and processed so we do not have anything going into the groundwater."

Global Green has the capability to process the vast majority of industrial,
commercial and municipal waste including medical, tires, plastic, biodegradable
materials and household waste. The heat from the pyrolysis process is used to
power turbines to generate electricity. 

Councilmember Alan Moeder said the
business idea seemed better than the landfill concept.


"I'm a lot more comfortable with this plant than what's going on at the landfill," said Moeder. "The landfill has a rubber liner. If that rubber liner goes bad, we're going to contaminate a lot of things. This plant has potential to eliminate a lot of waste in this area."

Global Green is estimating a potential investment in Great Bend of $45 million with
the facility. GGI will pay Great Bend $3,375 per month during the 20-year
lease. The company is preparing to have all of their permitting and licensing
complete in four to six months.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Listen below to the discussion on the new waste management plant at Monday's Great Bend City Council meeting.

By COLE REIF Great Bend PostOver the past couple years, the City of Great Bend has been looking for
a suitor to lease ground at the industrial complex at the airport. The roughly
nine acres of land is just north of 6th Street. The Great Bend City
Council approved a lease with Global Green (GGI) to operate a waste management
company that converts waste into fuel and energy. Gary Senft, with Viking North
Environmental Tech, the marketing agent for GGI, said through the pyrolysis
technology there is a thermal breakdown of waste materials under intense heat
without oxygen, being environmentally responsible.
"We put nothing outside of the plant," said Senft. "The floor inside the plant is sloped in such a way that there is a catch basin. Any of the fluids created by the breakdown of solid waste is trapped. That is cleaned and processed so we do not have anything going into the groundwater."Global Green has the capability to process the vast majority of industrial,
commercial and municipal waste including medical, tires, plastic, biodegradable
materials and household waste. The heat from the pyrolysis process is used to
power turbines to generate electricity. Councilmember Alan Moeder said the
business idea seemed better than the landfill concept.
"I'm a lot more comfortable with this plant than what's going on at the landfill," said Moeder. "The landfill has a rubber liner. If that rubber liner goes bad, we're going to contaminate a lot of things. This plant has potential to eliminate a lot of waste in this area."Global Green is estimating a potential investment in Great Bend of $45 million with
the facility. GGI will pay Great Bend $3,375 per month during the 20-year
lease. The company is preparing to have all of their permitting and licensing
complete in four to six months.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Listen below to the discussion on the new waste management plant at Monday's Great Bend City Council meeting.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/lhnj2imt/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Great Bend approves lease for new waste management facility

KIOWA COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 3p.m. Tuesday in Kiowa County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp; Donald&nbsp;Knier, 83, Hugoton, was westbound on U.S. 54 just east of 13th Avenue.

The pickup traveled left of the center line and struck a 2005 Ford F150 driven by Tabitha&nbsp;Ward, 17, Stratford, Texas. After impact both vehicles caught fire.

Knier and Ward were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to&nbsp; Ford County Coroner's Office. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

KIOWA COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 3p.m. Tuesday in Kiowa County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp; Donald&nbsp;Knier, 83, Hugoton, was westbound on U.S. 54 just east of 13th Avenue.The pickup traveled left of the center line and struck a 2005 Ford F150 driven by Tabitha&nbsp;Ward, 17, Stratford, Texas. After impact both vehicles caught fire.Knier and Ward were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to&nbsp; Ford County Coroner's Office. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Kansas man, teen dead after head-on crash and fire

News from the Oil Patch, Dec. 16 John P. Tretbar

US crude-oil production rose to another record last week, 13,631,000 barrels per day, topping the previous record by nearly 100,000 daily barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports a spike in the four-week average as well, up 3.4% to more than 13.4 million barrels per day.&nbsp; Cumulative output for the year so far is up more than five percent from a year ago, to more than 13.2 million barrels a day.

The government says the production cost of those barrels is dropping. EIA compared financial results and production for 34 publicly-traded companies and found that increasing well productivity is reducing their cost per barrel, and freeing up cash for dividends, stock buybacks, and other uses.

The Kansas Geological Survey reports a continuing drag on the state's output. Operators in Kansas produced 17.9 million barrels of crude from January to August, or 73,635 barrels per day, a 4.3% drop from the first eight months last year.&nbsp; The Kansas Geological Survey reports all but one of the top-ten producing counties declined during that period. Ellis County still tops the list, with an average of 5,735 barrels per day, down more than 200 barrels a day from the same eight months last year. Output is up more than 13% in Finney County at number two. Haskell County ranks third, but drops by about ten percent compared to last year. Barton County ranks fourth at 3,872 barrels per day, down six percent from a year earlier. Russell County output is fifth in the rankings with 3,548 barrels per day, down about three percent. &nbsp; Output dropped about four percent in Stafford County, which ranks eighth among counties statewide.

The Energy Department takes delivery on another 700,000 barrels of crude for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at a $15 per barrel markdown from the sales price two years ago. Current strategic stockpiles total more than 392 million barrels, up 12% from a year ago. US commercial crude inventories dropped by nearly 1.5 million barrels last week to 422 million.

Kansas crude prices are at four-week highs but about six dollars below the average so far this year. Kansas Common crude rose a dollar a barrel on Friday at CHS in McPherson, to start the week at $61.50 per barrel. The average price per barrel in McPherson so far this year has been just under $67. The average so far this month is under $61 per barrel.

Operators completed 40 wells across the state last week, including two in Barton County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 28 wells east of Wichita and 12 in Western Kansas. That's 1,282 well-completions so far this year, compared to 1,628 by this time last year.

Kansas regulators okayed 25 new drilling permits last week with 20 in eastern Kansas and five in the western half of the state. That's 1,110 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, which is down 124 permits from the total a year ago.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is up one at 11 rigs in eastern Kansas, and up one at 22 rigs west of Wichita. The total number of rigs either moving to or currently on site is up ten percent from a month ago, but down nearly six percent from last year at this time.

The latest report from Baker Hughes is up one gas rig and down one in the miscellaneous column, for a total of 589 rigs. Texas was down two rigs. New Mexico was up two. Pennsylvania drops by one rig and Louisiana is up one. The horizontal tally was down one rig, while the total for directional rigs was up one.

The government reports gasoline and diesel inventories are up from last week but both are four percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA reports demand for gasoline is up marginally from a year ago while diesel demand is down slightly.&nbsp; National gasoline and diesel prices are down half a penny from a week ago. Triple-A reports just 18 states left with regular gas over three dollars a gallon. Average prices in Kansas drop to $2.66 for regular and $3.18 for diesel.

Crude-oil imports averaged just under six million barrels a day, down from 6.5 million a year ago and 6.8 million two years ago. The four week average is over 8.3 million, up slightly from a year ago.

Crude exports averaged just over three million barrels a day, down 700,000 barrels from a year ago and down 1.3 million from two years ago. Four week average crude exports are down more than 300,000 barrels.

Comparing imports to exports shows the US is a net crude-oil importer by more than 2.8 million barrels a day. Adding product imports and exports to that equation reveals we are a net petroleum exporter by nearly 2.5 million barrels a day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, Dec. 16 John P. TretbarUS crude-oil production rose to another record last week, 13,631,000 barrels per day, topping the previous record by nearly 100,000 daily barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports a spike in the four-week average as well, up 3.4% to more than 13.4 million barrels per day.&nbsp; Cumulative output for the year so far is up more than five percent from a year ago, to more than 13.2 million barrels a day.The government says the production cost of those barrels is dropping. EIA compared financial results and production for 34 publicly-traded companies and found that increasing well productivity is reducing their cost per barrel, and freeing up cash for dividends, stock buybacks, and other uses.The Kansas Geological Survey reports a continuing drag on the state's output. Operators in Kansas produced 17.9 million barrels of crude from January to August, or 73,635 barrels per day, a 4.3% drop from the first eight months last year.&nbsp; The Kansas Geological Survey reports all but one of the top-ten producing counties declined during that period. Ellis County still tops the list, with an average of 5,735 barrels per day, down more than 200 barrels a day from the same eight months last year. Output is up more than 13% in Finney County at number two. Haskell County ranks third, but drops by about ten percent compared to last year. Barton County ranks fourth at 3,872 barrels per day, down six percent from a year earlier. Russell County output is fifth in the rankings with 3,548 barrels per day, down about three percent. &nbsp; Output dropped about four percent in Stafford County, which ranks eighth among counties statewide.The Energy Department takes delivery on another 700,000 barrels of crude for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at a $15 per barrel markdown from the sales price two years ago. Current strategic stockpiles total more than 392 million barrels, up 12% from a year ago. US commercial crude inventories dropped by nearly 1.5 million barrels last week to 422 million.Kansas crude prices are at four-week highs but about six dollars below the average so far this year. Kansas Common crude rose a dollar a barrel on Friday at CHS in McPherson, to start the week at $61.50 per barrel. The average price per barrel in McPherson so far this year has been just under $67. The average so far this month is under $61 per barrel.Operators completed 40 wells across the state last week, including two in Barton County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 28 wells east of Wichita and 12 in Western Kansas. That's 1,282 well-completions so far this year, compared to 1,628 by this time last year.Kansas regulators okayed 25 new drilling permits last week with 20 in eastern Kansas and five in the western half of the state. That's 1,110 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, which is down 124 permits from the total a year ago.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is up one at 11 rigs in eastern Kansas, and up one at 22 rigs west of Wichita. The total number of rigs either moving to or currently on site is up ten percent from a month ago, but down nearly six percent from last year at this time.The latest report from Baker Hughes is up one gas rig and down one in the miscellaneous column, for a total of 589 rigs. Texas was down two rigs. New Mexico was up two. Pennsylvania drops by one rig and Louisiana is up one. The horizontal tally was down one rig, while the total for directional rigs was up one.The government reports gasoline and diesel inventories are up from last week but both are four percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA reports demand for gasoline is up marginally from a year ago while diesel demand is down slightly.&nbsp; National gasoline and diesel prices are down half a penny from a week ago. Triple-A reports just 18 states left with regular gas over three dollars a gallon. Average prices in Kansas drop to $2.66 for regular and $3.18 for diesel.Crude-oil imports averaged just under six million barrels a day, down from 6.5 million a year ago and 6.8 million two years ago. The four week average is over 8.3 million, up slightly from a year ago.Crude exports averaged just over three million barrels a day, down 700,000 barrels from a year ago and down 1.3 million from two years ago. Four week average crude exports are down more than 300,000 barrels.Comparing imports to exports shows the US is a net crude-oil importer by more than 2.8 million barrels a day. Adding product imports and exports to that equation reveals we are a net petroleum exporter by nearly 2.5 million barrels a day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: More bang for the buck

The City of Great Bend has come to terms with another settlement in the mistakes
that followed resurfacing the SRCA Dragstrip more than three years ago. EBH
Engineers advised the city with the selection of Suchy Construction to perform
the resurfacing. Several issues followed the completion of the project making
the surface unsafe to use and forcing the cancellation of the last two race seasons.


Great Bend City Attorney Allen Glendenning told the council Monday night that
the city has reached a general agreement with EBH for their portion of the
lawsuit.
&nbsp;

"To get to the exact number, there is an audit that needs to take place and other factor that need to take place," said Glendenning. "Essentially, it will be along the lines that we discussed in executive session. I would recommend that you authorize the mayor and attorneys to finalize the agreement."

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/4dc443f9-006f-4511-895a-185b614aa472">RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Great Bend's dragstrip - Lingering problems, responsibility questions</a>

After the project was completed in May 2021, issues with high spots and needing
to polish the concrete was brought to the attention of the SRCA Board and Great
Bend City Council. The city has been working through lawsuits and arbitration
claims for the past few years to determine who is at fault for a project
completed that did not meet the dragstrip’s specifications.


Through a Kansas Department of Transportation Cost Share program, Great Bend
was awarded funding for the reconstruction of the dragstrip. Suchy Construction
handled the project for $1.6 million. An EBH engineer said in 2020 when Suchy
Construction was awarded the bid that their firm would be testing for a special
concrete mix that the NHRA recommended and the flatness would need to be
tested.


No details of the settlement agreement or steps to potentially repair the track
were revealed following the city council’s 10-minute executive session Monday
night. In November, the council agreed with another settlement with
Suchy Construction.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628002698443.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend has come to terms with another settlement in the mistakes
that followed resurfacing the SRCA Dragstrip more than three years ago. EBH
Engineers advised the city with the selection of Suchy Construction to perform
the resurfacing. Several issues followed the completion of the project making
the surface unsafe to use and forcing the cancellation of the last two race seasons.
Great Bend City Attorney Allen Glendenning told the council Monday night that
the city has reached a general agreement with EBH for their portion of the
lawsuit.
&nbsp;"To get to the exact number, there is an audit that needs to take place and other factor that need to take place," said Glendenning. "Essentially, it will be along the lines that we discussed in executive session. I would recommend that you authorize the mayor and attorneys to finalize the agreement."<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/4dc443f9-006f-4511-895a-185b614aa472">RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Great Bend's dragstrip - Lingering problems, responsibility questions</a>After the project was completed in May 2021, issues with high spots and needing
to polish the concrete was brought to the attention of the SRCA Board and Great
Bend City Council. The city has been working through lawsuits and arbitration
claims for the past few years to determine who is at fault for a project
completed that did not meet the dragstrip’s specifications.
Through a Kansas Department of Transportation Cost Share program, Great Bend
was awarded funding for the reconstruction of the dragstrip. Suchy Construction
handled the project for $1.6 million. An EBH engineer said in 2020 when Suchy
Construction was awarded the bid that their firm would be testing for a special
concrete mix that the NHRA recommended and the flatness would need to be
tested.
No details of the settlement agreement or steps to potentially repair the track
were revealed following the city council’s 10-minute executive session Monday
night. In November, the council agreed with another settlement with
Suchy Construction.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Great Bend reaches another undisclosed settlement in SRCA lawsuit

Barton County Engineer Barry McManaman went before the Barton County
Commission Tuesday morning seeking approval of a bid to widen an existing
reinforced concrete box bridge on Northwest 10 Avenue. The location of the bridge
is about a half mile north of the Great Bend city limits on McKinley Street.


While discussing the matter, McManaman was asked about the speed limit on north
McKinley. Coming into town, a section is 35 miles per hour, but the same
portion going northbound out of town is 55 miles per hour.


"The guidelines on that are if you're slowing down more than 10 miles per hour, you're supposed to put in an advanced warning sign, one of those diamond-shaped signs warning you that it's 35 miles per hour coming up. I wonder if maybe at some point in time a sign got knocked down and instead of an advanced warning sign, a 35 got put up in its place. Then that created that staggered speed zone."

While the intention is to slow traffic down as they enter city limits,
McManaman said staggered speed limits should not exist and he will look into
rezoning the street.


The repair to the Reinforced Concrete Box (RCB) on north McKinley should improve
safety once the work by L &amp; M Contractors is complete.


"This will get that drop-off out of the way from the edge of the road," said McManaman. "Then you don't require the guardrails. You're eliminating an obstruction just by doing that. Some of these old guardrails on our boxes are very short and don't serve a lot of function."

The Commission approved the bid from L &amp; M for $87,713 to widen the RCB.
Work should begin next February.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734458091441.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBarton County Engineer Barry McManaman went before the Barton County
Commission Tuesday morning seeking approval of a bid to widen an existing
reinforced concrete box bridge on Northwest 10 Avenue. The location of the bridge
is about a half mile north of the Great Bend city limits on McKinley Street.
While discussing the matter, McManaman was asked about the speed limit on north
McKinley. Coming into town, a section is 35 miles per hour, but the same
portion going northbound out of town is 55 miles per hour.
"The guidelines on that are if you're slowing down more than 10 miles per hour, you're supposed to put in an advanced warning sign, one of those diamond-shaped signs warning you that it's 35 miles per hour coming up. I wonder if maybe at some point in time a sign got knocked down and instead of an advanced warning sign, a 35 got put up in its place. Then that created that staggered speed zone."While the intention is to slow traffic down as they enter city limits,
McManaman said staggered speed limits should not exist and he will look into
rezoning the street.
The repair to the Reinforced Concrete Box (RCB) on north McKinley should improve
safety once the work by L &amp; M Contractors is complete.
"This will get that drop-off out of the way from the edge of the road," said McManaman. "Then you don't require the guardrails. You're eliminating an obstruction just by doing that. Some of these old guardrails on our boxes are very short and don't serve a lot of function."The Commission approved the bid from L &amp; M for $87,713 to widen the RCB.
Work should begin next February.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Co. looking into speed limit difference on north McKinley

A workshop series for women in agriculture will offer strategies to evaluate and improve farm estate and transition plans.

“Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women: A Succession Planning Series,” will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each Tuesday on Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11, by Cottonwood Extension District in both the Great Bend and Hays Extension Office meeting rooms.

Topics covered will include motivation for succession planning, communicating with family, the financial aspects of estate and transition plans, and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place. A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. A meal will be provided on each date.

The workshops will also be hosted at 62 other sites through a collaborative effort by extension programs in Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana.

The registration fee for in-person attendance is $60.00 before Jan. 12th, 2025, which includes all four nights meals and educational materials. The fee increases to $75.00 after Jan. 12th, and a workbook is not guaranteed. For in-person registration, the fee will be collected at the local site the first night of the program. In-person participation is HIGHLY encouraged, if at all possible. A fully online option is available for $75.00.

More information and registration are available at www.agmanager.info/events, that’s www.agmanager.info/events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>A workshop series for women in agriculture will offer strategies to evaluate and improve farm estate and transition plans.“Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women: A Succession Planning Series,” will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each Tuesday on Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11, by Cottonwood Extension District in both the Great Bend and Hays Extension Office meeting rooms.Topics covered will include motivation for succession planning, communicating with family, the financial aspects of estate and transition plans, and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place. A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. A meal will be provided on each date.The workshops will also be hosted at 62 other sites through a collaborative effort by extension programs in Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana.The registration fee for in-person attendance is $60.00 before Jan. 12th, 2025, which includes all four nights meals and educational materials. The fee increases to $75.00 after Jan. 12th, and a workbook is not guaranteed. For in-person registration, the fee will be collected at the local site the first night of the program. In-person participation is HIGHLY encouraged, if at all possible. A fully online option is available for $75.00.More information and registration are available at www.agmanager.info/events, that’s www.agmanager.info/events.

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