By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Slow and steady, as the tortoise knows, wins the race. In May, Stafford County Economic Development began making headway on a new childcare facility. The process has taken some time but last week Eco Devo Director Kathleen Norman was able to announce the location of the new modular daycare as 413 N. Pearl in St. John.

"It's super close to the school - it's a block away from the school," Norman said. "There is currently a house there that is in deteriorating condition. The house is going to be demolished, everything leveled, and then we'll bring in the modular classroom."

Norman has been working alongside AmeriCorps VISTA Falon Runnebaum, who will soon be leaving her role to return to the Kansas City area. Norman recently secured a small grant from the Golden Belt Community Foundation to assist in searching for viable existing daycare properties. The decision was ultimately made to purchase land and bring in a new modular facility that will house two daycares. The city of St. John contributed $65,000 to the project, and the Stafford County Commission also came through with funding.

"Now that we have the land secured and I'm more solidifying a timeline for the actual modular to show up, within probably the next month or so - probably 4-6 weeks, we'll be putting out requests for people interested in providing, to start getting them on board," said Norman. "They will then independently be owning their business."

Norman had previously stated she hopes the daycare, which will serve up to 18 children, will be operational by early 2023. Since the new facility is a commercial one, it is subject to a fire marshal inspection and a KDHE inspection once a licensed professional is hired.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626979105344.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSlow and steady, as the tortoise knows, wins the race. In May, Stafford County Economic Development began making headway on a new childcare facility. The process has taken some time but last week Eco Devo Director Kathleen Norman was able to announce the location of the new modular daycare as 413 N. Pearl in St. John."It's super close to the school - it's a block away from the school," Norman said. "There is currently a house there that is in deteriorating condition. The house is going to be demolished, everything leveled, and then we'll bring in the modular classroom."Norman has been working alongside AmeriCorps VISTA Falon Runnebaum, who will soon be leaving her role to return to the Kansas City area. Norman recently secured a small grant from the Golden Belt Community Foundation to assist in searching for viable existing daycare properties. The decision was ultimately made to purchase land and bring in a new modular facility that will house two daycares. The city of St. John contributed $65,000 to the project, and the Stafford County Commission also came through with funding."Now that we have the land secured and I'm more solidifying a timeline for the actual modular to show up, within probably the next month or so - probably 4-6 weeks, we'll be putting out requests for people interested in providing, to start getting them on board," said Norman. "They will then independently be owning their business."Norman had previously stated she hopes the daycare, which will serve up to 18 children, will be operational by early 2023. Since the new facility is a commercial one, it is subject to a fire marshal inspection and a KDHE inspection once a licensed professional is hired.

Stafford County announces location for new modular daycare

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (8/29) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8 a.m. an accident was reported at Countryside Veterinary. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 8:28 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 103 Union Street in Susank. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 9:56 a.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 1000 block of NE K-156
Highway in Claflin. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 12:09 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at E. US 56 Highway &amp; SE 160
Avenue. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 6:28 p.m. an accident was reported at E. K-4 Highway &amp; NE K-156 Highway. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 10:58 p.m. breathing problems were reported at 1961 NE 40 Avenue in
Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (8/29) 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 1:36 a.m. Kurt Klinger was arrested for DWS in the 1400 block of B Street. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 1:51 a.m. the K-9 was called out in the 1400 block of B Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8 a.m. an accident was reported at 2900 Main Street. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 9:45 a.m. a window broken over the weekend on the building was reported at
5851 Eisenhower Avenue. 
 
At 10:06 a.m. someone damaging her vehicle and stealing fuel was reported at
2217 Franklin Street. 
 
Heart Problems 
 
At 2:56 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2416 Coronado Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 4:11 p.m. an accident was reported at 3200 16th Street. 
 
Back Pain 
 
At 6:54 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1118 8th Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:30 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 3101 Washington Street. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 9:37 p.m. Gilberto Calzada-Flores was arrested for DUI and MIC at 422 Frey
Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (8/29) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8 a.m. an accident was reported at Countryside Veterinary. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 8:28 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 103 Union Street in Susank. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 9:56 a.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 1000 block of NE K-156
Highway in Claflin. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 12:09 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at E. US 56 Highway &amp; SE 160
Avenue. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 6:28 p.m. an accident was reported at E. K-4 Highway &amp; NE K-156 Highway. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 10:58 p.m. breathing problems were reported at 1961 NE 40 Avenue in
Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (8/29) 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 1:36 a.m. Kurt Klinger was arrested for DWS in the 1400 block of B Street. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 1:51 a.m. the K-9 was called out in the 1400 block of B Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8 a.m. an accident was reported at 2900 Main Street. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 9:45 a.m. a window broken over the weekend on the building was reported at
5851 Eisenhower Avenue. 
 
At 10:06 a.m. someone damaging her vehicle and stealing fuel was reported at
2217 Franklin Street. 
 
Heart Problems 
 
At 2:56 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2416 Coronado Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 4:11 p.m. an accident was reported at 3200 16th Street. 
 
Back Pain 
 
At 6:54 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1118 8th Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:30 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 3101 Washington Street. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 9:37 p.m. Gilberto Calzada-Flores was arrested for DUI and MIC at 422 Frey
Street.

Cop Shop (8/29)

8/29 BOOKED: Kurt Klinger on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, No Proof of Insurance, and Defective Tag Light, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Leatrice Christie on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Bonnie Roth on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Gilberto Calzada-Flores on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving under the Influence and Minor in Consumption, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Ernest Klima on Barton County District Court case, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Leatrice Christie on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Debra Holder on Barton County District Court case, to KDOC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>8/29 BOOKED: Kurt Klinger on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, No Proof of Insurance, and Defective Tag Light, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Leatrice Christie on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Bonnie Roth on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Gilberto Calzada-Flores on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving under the Influence and Minor in Consumption, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Kristopher Chappell, to KDOC.RELEASED: Ernest Klima on Barton County District Court case, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Leatrice Christie on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Debra Holder on Barton County District Court case, to KDOC.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (8/29)

Water is the building block of life. And of economic development according to Russell Rural Water District 3 Manager Jamie Tomlinson. On the job for two years, Tomlinson is now overseeing a $7.2 million overhaul that will affect customers in four counties. A secondary project will eliminate Barton County Rural Water District 1 as it is absorbed into the Russell district.

The Russell water district originated in the city of Russell in 1973 and has since moved to Susank. The district serves more than 2,000 customers in southern Russell, northern Barton, eastern Rush counties, and one customer in Ellis County. The big project will set new line beside current lines that are crumbling.

"The plastic that was used in the 70s and 80s was much thinner then," Tomlinson said. "Because of the terrain and how it was laid in the ground, the movement of the ground and rocks, it's tearing the pipes up. We primary have 275 miles of rural water lines. Our infrastructure is going to take and redo approximately 115 miles of that."

Water conservation is important locally and nationally, and tests showed the Russell district was losing nearly half of its water before it reached customers. The federal government stepped in with a way to solve the problem.

"Three to four years prior to me becoming manager, they started a study on actually how much water loss the system was getting," said Tomlinson. "It varied between 35 and 45 percent of the water we purchase from the city of Otis was being lost in the system before it gets to the customers. That was enough to where the rural development of USDA was able to assign us a loan for $5 million for a 40-year payoff. We have a $2.2 million grant attached to that."

The overhaul includes new lines in the ground, a larger water tower north of Galatia, and a larger standpipe installed in Beaver. The new system will not affect water quality to customers, but will improve pressure.

"A lot of the times right now, if we have a leak in the system and have to turn off a certain portion, the pressure will drop in another area of the system," Tomlinson said. "We'll be able to repair lines without any loss of pressure to anybody else within the system."

At last Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Tomlinson and Barton County Rural Water District 3 Treasurer Mary Anne Stoskopf asked the county for $130,000 to assist with the replacement of eight miles of lines connecting the Russell and Barton County districts. The commission agreed to contribute $65,000. Tomlinson said providing reliable water to rural areas is a must for establishing residences and businesses in those areas and building that tax base.

Tomlinson said the plan is still awaiting approval from the state engineer's office. Once started, it will take approximately a year to replace the dilapidated lines. The revamped district will purchase water from the city of Otis and Hoisington as a secondary source, which will eliminate the radium problem in Bunker Hill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661784197981.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWater is the building block of life. And of economic development according to Russell Rural Water District 3 Manager Jamie Tomlinson. On the job for two years, Tomlinson is now overseeing a $7.2 million overhaul that will affect customers in four counties. A secondary project will eliminate Barton County Rural Water District 1 as it is absorbed into the Russell district.The Russell water district originated in the city of Russell in 1973 and has since moved to Susank. The district serves more than 2,000 customers in southern Russell, northern Barton, eastern Rush counties, and one customer in Ellis County. The big project will set new line beside current lines that are crumbling."The plastic that was used in the 70s and 80s was much thinner then," Tomlinson said. "Because of the terrain and how it was laid in the ground, the movement of the ground and rocks, it's tearing the pipes up. We primary have 275 miles of rural water lines. Our infrastructure is going to take and redo approximately 115 miles of that."Water conservation is important locally and nationally, and tests showed the Russell district was losing nearly half of its water before it reached customers. The federal government stepped in with a way to solve the problem."Three to four years prior to me becoming manager, they started a study on actually how much water loss the system was getting," said Tomlinson. "It varied between 35 and 45 percent of the water we purchase from the city of Otis was being lost in the system before it gets to the customers. That was enough to where the rural development of USDA was able to assign us a loan for $5 million for a 40-year payoff. We have a $2.2 million grant attached to that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661784225594.jpeg" alt="Damaged water lines led to a 35-45 loss in water purchased before it reached customers." />
 <figcaption>Damaged water lines led to a 35-45 loss in water purchased before it reached customers.</figcaption>
 </figure>The overhaul includes new lines in the ground, a larger water tower north of Galatia, and a larger standpipe installed in Beaver. The new system will not affect water quality to customers, but will improve pressure."A lot of the times right now, if we have a leak in the system and have to turn off a certain portion, the pressure will drop in another area of the system," Tomlinson said. "We'll be able to repair lines without any loss of pressure to anybody else within the system."At last Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Tomlinson and Barton County Rural Water District 3 Treasurer Mary Anne Stoskopf asked the county for $130,000 to assist with the replacement of eight miles of lines connecting the Russell and Barton County districts. The commission agreed to contribute $65,000. Tomlinson said providing reliable water to rural areas is a must for establishing residences and businesses in those areas and building that tax base.Tomlinson said the plan is still awaiting approval from the state engineer's office. Once started, it will take approximately a year to replace the dilapidated lines. The revamped district will purchase water from the city of Otis and Hoisington as a secondary source, which will eliminate the radium problem in Bunker Hill.

Russell water district planning $7.2 million overhaul of system

Today Sunny, with a high near 90. East northeast wind 7 to 13 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 62. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 92. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 63. South southeast wind 6 to 9 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 93.

Friday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Labor Day Sunny, with a high near 91.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 90. East northeast wind 7 to 13 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 62. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 92. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 63. South southeast wind 6 to 9 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 65.Friday Sunny, with a high near 93.Friday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 89.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.Labor Day Sunny, with a high near 91.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's Weather

Our house faces west, it’s brick, and the flower bed in front is filled with river rock. If only one of these ingredients were our reality, the sun would work its magic and multiply the heat. Tripled, the thermometer can’t keep up with the increasing temperatures by 5 p.m. Though the previous owners chose plants that do well in heat and require less water than most,&nbsp;I&nbsp;wetthem down several times a week during blast furnace days that&nbsp;don’t remember&nbsp;when&nbsp;the last raindrop fell.

A couple of weeks ago, I was dousing those wilted lilies and salvia when a thin cottontail hopped into the hose stream. It stood under the water, getting plenty damp. As I continued down the line of plants, it&nbsp;stood on its hind legs, preening and polishing its fur. I thought it was odd behavior, but it was 105 in the shade that day and out front was even hotter. She wasn’t there the next time I watered on a cooler day so I put&nbsp;her behavior&nbsp;down to a weird coincidence, even though NCIS’s Gibbs has drilled into me there are no coincidences.&nbsp;

No more bunny for the next few waterings. That is until this morning when&nbsp;cottontails&nbsp;shrank and multiplied. I went out early to take advantage of the cool morning and early pastel light.&nbsp;In the smaller bed north of the porch,&nbsp;helianthus and&nbsp;the&nbsp;bush next to it guzzled their&nbsp;refreshment before I tugged the hose over to the bigger rock garden on the&nbsp;south&nbsp;side. Those lilies, roses, and salvia looked pretty dry so I gave them an extra count of ten as I watered.&nbsp;

While the drought and heat wilt my garden plants, weeds thrive. As I counted&nbsp;40 for&nbsp;each plant’s drink time, I was&nbsp;calculating&nbsp;how much time I’d need to spend weeding once things dried out.&nbsp;At that point, I got to the salvia where I’d earlier seen the&nbsp;showering rodent.&nbsp;My plant&nbsp;looked&nbsp;even&nbsp;more spread out and leggy&nbsp;than before&nbsp;so I directed a head-on shot of water toward it.

Imagine my surprise when four tiny, tiny fur-covered&nbsp;cottontails exploded out of it! Aha, mom may have taken an inadvertent shower two weeks before but what she was really doing was guarding her nest&nbsp;that probably contained still naked newborns with closed eyes. I can’t believe I never thought of that, but it’s so hot out front I couldn’t imagine anything but a snake turning that into a nursery.

Naturally, I&nbsp;turned the&nbsp;water&nbsp;toward other plants while those babies made their escape.&nbsp;Once I turned off the&nbsp;spigot&nbsp;and rolled up&nbsp;the hose, I returned to the house and opened the living room shades. I kept&nbsp;peaking&nbsp;out the window to see if&nbsp;any bunnies were&nbsp;returning to their cozy nest.&nbsp;For the next few&nbsp;days&nbsp;I never saw hide nor hare!

About a week afterward, I discovered why. Mom moved her bouncing babes to our backyard and hid them in the pumpkin patch. Now that I know they are there, I’ll be more careful when&nbsp;and where&nbsp;I water.

Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661545554426.jpeg" alt="DSCN0533.JPG" />
 <figcaption>DSCN0533.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINOur house faces west, it’s brick, and the flower bed in front is filled with river rock. If only one of these ingredients were our reality, the sun would work its magic and multiply the heat. Tripled, the thermometer can’t keep up with the increasing temperatures by 5 p.m. Though the previous owners chose plants that do well in heat and require less water than most,&nbsp;I&nbsp;wetthem down several times a week during blast furnace days that&nbsp;don’t remember&nbsp;when&nbsp;the last raindrop fell.A couple of weeks ago, I was dousing those wilted lilies and salvia when a thin cottontail hopped into the hose stream. It stood under the water, getting plenty damp. As I continued down the line of plants, it&nbsp;stood on its hind legs, preening and polishing its fur. I thought it was odd behavior, but it was 105 in the shade that day and out front was even hotter. She wasn’t there the next time I watered on a cooler day so I put&nbsp;her behavior&nbsp;down to a weird coincidence, even though NCIS’s Gibbs has drilled into me there are no coincidences.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>No more bunny for the next few waterings. That is until this morning when&nbsp;cottontails&nbsp;shrank and multiplied. I went out early to take advantage of the cool morning and early pastel light.&nbsp;In the smaller bed north of the porch,&nbsp;helianthus and&nbsp;the&nbsp;bush next to it guzzled their&nbsp;refreshment before I tugged the hose over to the bigger rock garden on the&nbsp;south&nbsp;side. Those lilies, roses, and salvia looked pretty dry so I gave them an extra count of ten as I watered.&nbsp;While the drought and heat wilt my garden plants, weeds thrive. As I counted&nbsp;40 for&nbsp;each plant’s drink time, I was&nbsp;calculating&nbsp;how much time I’d need to spend weeding once things dried out.&nbsp;At that point, I got to the salvia where I’d earlier seen the&nbsp;showering rodent.&nbsp;My plant&nbsp;looked&nbsp;even&nbsp;more spread out and leggy&nbsp;than before&nbsp;so I directed a head-on shot of water toward it.Imagine my surprise when four tiny, tiny fur-covered&nbsp;cottontails exploded out of it! Aha, mom may have taken an inadvertent shower two weeks before but what she was really doing was guarding her nest&nbsp;that probably contained still naked newborns with closed eyes. I can’t believe I never thought of that, but it’s so hot out front I couldn’t imagine anything but a snake turning that into a nursery.Naturally, I&nbsp;turned the&nbsp;water&nbsp;toward other plants while those babies made their escape.&nbsp;Once I turned off the&nbsp;spigot&nbsp;and rolled up&nbsp;the hose, I returned to the house and opened the living room shades. I kept&nbsp;peaking&nbsp;out the window to see if&nbsp;any bunnies were&nbsp;returning to their cozy nest.&nbsp;For the next few&nbsp;days&nbsp;I never saw hide nor hare!About a week afterward, I discovered why. Mom moved her bouncing babes to our backyard and hid them in the pumpkin patch. Now that I know they are there, I’ll be more careful when&nbsp;and where&nbsp;I water.Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: Blooming Bunnies

Sunflower Diversified Services is pleased to announce that they are the 2022 third quarter recipients of $10,000 in charitable donations from members of the 100+ People Who Care in Barton County group. 

The quarterly pledges of the 100+ People Who Care members will assist Sunflower’s Early Education Center, which houses their Incredible Years Preschool program and the Tiny-K program, which serves students with developmental disabilities, speech delays, physical, occupational and behavioral therapy needs. 

With over one hundred referrals to their Tiny-K program, their goal is to provide services to overcome and lessen identified delays by preschool. The early childhood center is in need of commercial-grade playground equipment to meet requirements for the 40-50 students that utilize the space each week. Playground interaction is key for developing physical, behavioral, and social skills for younger children, and this safe environment allows teachers and support staff to monitor and assess students through valuable interaction with their peers. 

Having secured additional resources to fund this project as well, the donations of the 100+ group will assist the early childhood center in reaching the necessary funds to bring the new playsets to their students. 

To learn more about Sunflower Diversified Services, and their Early Childhood Education Center, please visit their website at http://www.sunflowerdiv.com and be sure to like the organization’s Facebook page.

The next giving meeting for the 100+ People Who Care group will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard. At that time, representatives from Sunflower Diversified Services will return to provide an update on how the organization is utilizing the $10,000 gift. Members will also vote to select and nominate local, charitable organizations to receive future funds. More details can be found on the group’s website, www.100bartoncounty.org, or on their Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661787913453.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sunflower Diversified Services is pleased to announce that they are the 2022 third quarter recipients of $10,000 in charitable donations from members of the 100+ People Who Care in Barton County group. The quarterly pledges of the 100+ People Who Care members will assist Sunflower’s Early Education Center, which houses their Incredible Years Preschool program and the Tiny-K program, which serves students with developmental disabilities, speech delays, physical, occupational and behavioral therapy needs. With over one hundred referrals to their Tiny-K program, their goal is to provide services to overcome and lessen identified delays by preschool. The early childhood center is in need of commercial-grade playground equipment to meet requirements for the 40-50 students that utilize the space each week. Playground interaction is key for developing physical, behavioral, and social skills for younger children, and this safe environment allows teachers and support staff to monitor and assess students through valuable interaction with their peers. Having secured additional resources to fund this project as well, the donations of the 100+ group will assist the early childhood center in reaching the necessary funds to bring the new playsets to their students. To learn more about Sunflower Diversified Services, and their Early Childhood Education Center, please visit their website at http://www.sunflowerdiv.com and be sure to like the organization’s Facebook page.The next giving meeting for the 100+ People Who Care group will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard. At that time, representatives from Sunflower Diversified Services will return to provide an update on how the organization is utilizing the $10,000 gift. Members will also vote to select and nominate local, charitable organizations to receive future funds. More details can be found on the group’s website, www.100bartoncounty.org, or on their Facebook page.

Sunflower Diversified Services to receive $10K from 100+ People Who Care 

This Thursday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m., Great Bend Economic Development will celebrate&nbsp;local Apprenticeship Champion, KMW Loaders, at their Great Bend Plant, 198 US 281. 

This press conference honors KMW Loaders launching a new apprenticeship program partially funded by State and Federal programs. 

Following the event, KMW has offered to give a short tour, then business owners and managers are invited to the Great Bend Events Center to learn more about the apprenticeship program at an informational session. 

For more on the informational session please call GBED at 620-796-2407, register online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gbedinc.com/gbwc" target="_blank">www.gbedinc.com/gbwc</a>, or email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:marketing@gbedinc.com" target="_blank">marketing@gbedinc.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660940914555.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSThis Thursday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m., Great Bend Economic Development will celebrate&nbsp;local Apprenticeship Champion, KMW Loaders, at their Great Bend Plant, 198 US 281. This press conference honors KMW Loaders launching a new apprenticeship program partially funded by State and Federal programs. Following the event, KMW has offered to give a short tour, then business owners and managers are invited to the Great Bend Events Center to learn more about the apprenticeship program at an informational session. For more on the informational session please call GBED at 620-796-2407, register online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gbedinc.com/gbwc" target="_blank">www.gbedinc.com/gbwc</a>, or email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:marketing@gbedinc.com" target="_blank">marketing@gbedinc.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

KMW Loaders to hold tour Thursday celebrating apprenticeship program

A space-themed weekend is coming up Sept. 10 in Larned. That Saturday, the Santa Fe Trail Center and Fort Larned National Historic Site will host hands-on and instructional events that are free to the public. The events are a celebration of the scientific achievements of the James Webb Telescope. Fort Larned Park Ranger Celeste Dixon offers a hint about the telescope.

"It takes pictured with infrared, which actually allows it to see past the dust clouds that get in the way," she said. "These dust clouds in space block visible light, but infrared light gets through so it can take pictures much further out into space and get much clearer pictures than Hubble can get."

The fun begins Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the Santa Fe Trail Center. A "Walking the Galaxy" event outdoors will provide a scaled demonstration of the size of the solar system. Kids can build a bead bracelet and learn about the life cycles of massive stars, and a "Meeting the Neighbors" program will discuss neighboring planets and galaxies. A discussion about telescopes follows at 11 a.m.

"We're going to be giving a talk on, basically, the history of telescopes, going from the homemade telescope of Clyde Tombaugh, who grew up over by Burdett, and that will lead to James Webb," said Santa Fe Trail Museum Director Seth McFarland.

After a brief break, events resume at the Fort Larned National Historic Site from 1-3:30 p.m. Programming there will include rotating images from the Webb Telescope with a discussion of how it works. Hands-on activities include "packing a telescope" to demonstrate how Webb was launched into space, and spinning a nebulous using a salad spinner.

Admission is free to both events, however standard admission rates will apply for tours of the Santa Fe Trail Museum.

Fort Larned will also be hosting free living history before Labor Day on Saturday, Sept. 3. A blacksmith demonstration begins at 10 a.m., followed by a firearms demonstration with small arms and a Howitzer at 11 a.m. Programs on Buffalo Soldiers, drum calls of the Civil War Era, and life on officer's row follow in the afternoon. Admission is free for all events.

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 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA space-themed weekend is coming up Sept. 10 in Larned. That Saturday, the Santa Fe Trail Center and Fort Larned National Historic Site will host hands-on and instructional events that are free to the public. The events are a celebration of the scientific achievements of the James Webb Telescope. Fort Larned Park Ranger Celeste Dixon offers a hint about the telescope."It takes pictured with infrared, which actually allows it to see past the dust clouds that get in the way," she said. "These dust clouds in space block visible light, but infrared light gets through so it can take pictures much further out into space and get much clearer pictures than Hubble can get."The fun begins Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the Santa Fe Trail Center. A "Walking the Galaxy" event outdoors will provide a scaled demonstration of the size of the solar system. Kids can build a bead bracelet and learn about the life cycles of massive stars, and a "Meeting the Neighbors" program will discuss neighboring planets and galaxies. A discussion about telescopes follows at 11 a.m."We're going to be giving a talk on, basically, the history of telescopes, going from the homemade telescope of Clyde Tombaugh, who grew up over by Burdett, and that will lead to James Webb," said Santa Fe Trail Museum Director Seth McFarland.After a brief break, events resume at the Fort Larned National Historic Site from 1-3:30 p.m. Programming there will include rotating images from the Webb Telescope with a discussion of how it works. Hands-on activities include "packing a telescope" to demonstrate how Webb was launched into space, and spinning a nebulous using a salad spinner.Admission is free to both events, however standard admission rates will apply for tours of the Santa Fe Trail Museum.Fort Larned will also be hosting free living history before Labor Day on Saturday, Sept. 3. A blacksmith demonstration begins at 10 a.m., followed by a firearms demonstration with small arms and a Howitzer at 11 a.m. Programs on Buffalo Soldiers, drum calls of the Civil War Era, and life on officer's row follow in the afternoon. Admission is free for all events.

Larned historical sites hosting free space-themed event

Comment to&nbsp;Protect Your Access to Atrazine The&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=e08df6b3ae&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Summer 2022 Issue</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;Sorghum Grower&nbsp;magazine is hitting mailboxes across the country. On that magazine, you will find a wrap with a postcard included. We encourage you to fill out that card and drop it back in the mailbox to us. The use of atrazine is at stake, a product included in more than 90 herbicide products across the U.S., and one that is utilized on 75 percent of U.S. sorghum acres. You don't have time to wait.&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=5a9bc1922a&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Please take two minutes to fill out the comment form and join us in stopping EPA</a>&nbsp;from limiting your access to atrazine. Join us in the fight.&nbsp; POLICY, REGULATORY AND ISSUE UPDATES

NASA Visits Kansas Sorghum Country NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, hosted by&nbsp;Senator Jerry Moran, toured Kansas agriculture last week, visiting with Kansas Sorghum Executive Director Jesse McCurry and his family along with several farmers and ranchers in south central Kansas. They&nbsp;discussed the droughts across the state and how they impact the farming community and the use of NASA satellites to better understand weather patterns, plant crops and utilize fields and land for farmers and ranchers. You can read more about the tour&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=848606b86b&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Major Railroads to Meet on Grain Shipping Plans The Surface Transportation Board (STB) convened a meeting in Kansas City yesterday with the four major railroads—Union Pacific Railroad (UP), Norfolk Southern Railway (NSR), CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX) and BNSF Railway Company (BNSF)—to address their plans to move this year's harvest to market. Class I railroads have come under scrutiny recently,&nbsp;particularly from agricultural shippers, for inconsistent and unreliable services. The issues, amplified by the pandemic, include staff shortages, steep increases in prices for cars, delayed loading and unloading, and one-sided financial penalties. We wrote about it in the Summer issue of&nbsp;Sorghum Grower.&nbsp;Read&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=7d10d67327&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">more</a>.

Enter the Sorghum Yield Contest Today The National Sorghum Producers Yield Contest entry deadline is approaching. Through the contest, sorghum farmers have the opportunity to showcase their sorghum crop and compete with growers across the U.S. Winners have the opportunity to be recognized at the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida. The deadline to enter is Oct. 15.&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=e6a1d3c8dd&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Learn more at SorghumGrowers.com/yieldcontest</a>. Time is Running Out! Apply Now for Leadership Sorghum The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is accepting applications for&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=cdcce3aaa7&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Leadership Sorghum</a>&nbsp;Class VI, a program designed to cultivate the next generation of sorghum leaders. During the 14-month leadership program, class members will have the opportunity to experience various aspects of the sorghum industry in addition to personal development and networking opportunities.&nbsp;Applications are available&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=f2a9ab5f42&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and are due by 5:00 pm CST on September 23.&nbsp;To learn more about Leadership Sorghum, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=86fcb86150&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com</a>. 21st Century Global Sorghum Conference Set for June 2023 The 2023 Sorghum in the 21st Century Global Sorghum Conference has been set for June 5-9, 2023 at the Corum Event Center in Montpellier, France. This year's theme is Resiliency and Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change. More information will become available at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=dad1cac740&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">21centurysorghum.com</a>. ADT Expands Membership Opportunities Transparency is at the heart of&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=bc8d60e4c9&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Ag Data Transparent (ADT),</a>&nbsp;established in 2016. The not-for-profit organization focuses on providing information and services to assist farmers with understanding and evaluating contracts associated with collection, storage, transfer, and use of agricultural data. The need for this type of transparency continues to grow, and the organization has announced an expansion of its membership categories. Agricultural organizations who do not directly collect farm data - yet want to advocate for data transparency within their organization and in the agricultural industry - are now invited to join as a supporting member. Learn&nbsp;more about ADT and&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=dfa92e5032&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">membership categories</a>.

ICYMI: Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition - New Episode - #015 In this episode, National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust is joined by Triazine Network Co-Chair and Kansas Corn CEO Greg Krissek to discuss the EPA's recent proposal on atrazine and what growers can do to engage in the fight to keep this important tool.

Fall Sorghum Grower Magazine: Photo Submissions Get your camera (or even phone camera) ready, we want to see your sorghum field! Submit your field photos&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=b1174c4ab2&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>, or tag us in your #FromTheField photos on social media for a chance to be featured in the upcoming Fall&nbsp;edition of the sorghum grower magazine! Sorghum Crop Update By August 21, seventy-nine percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage had reached the headed stage, 10 percentage points behind last year and 7 points behind the 5-year average. Thirty-seven percent of the sorghum acreage was at or beyond the coloring stage by August 21, five percentage points behind both last year and the average. By August 21, twenty percent of the nation’s sorghum was mature, equal to last year but 2 percentage points behind the average. Twenty-five percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was rated in good to excellent condition on August 21, two percentage points below the previous week and 37 points below the same time last year. Sorghum Checkoff Releases Weekly Sorghum Basis Snapshot The Sorghum Checkoff, with Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, released its weekly sorghum basis snapshot, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a096299b8b&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumCheckoff.com</a>. Sorghum in the Spotlight: <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=1b296b679e&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Flavonoids from sorghum plants kill fall armyworm pest on corn; may protect crop</a>&nbsp;- Morning Ag Clips

Upcoming Events September 5 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Labor Day-Office Closed September 7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;TAMU Bushland Silage Sorghum Field Day, Bushland, TX September 8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Biennial Agricultural Field Day, CSU's Arkansas Valley Research Center in Rocky Ford September 13&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=59418d9b68&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">CSU Sorghum Field Day</a>, Akron USDA-ARS Station - Akron, Colorado September 15&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=1b40c44daa&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">CSU Sorghum Field Day</a>, Plainsman Research Center - Walsh, Colorado September 20&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=8e346460c0&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">CSU Sorghum Field Day</a>, Field Site north of Brandon - Sheridan Lake, Colorado October 8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=49e2472c98&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Food &amp; Nutrition Conference &amp; Expo (FNCE)</a> October 12 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=46a98f416f&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Export Exchange</a>, Minneapolis, MN October 18 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=82a1849632&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo</a>, Moultrie, GA October 19 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=388a0b8c24&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">KibbleCon</a>, Manhattan, KS November 16 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=f0887fe153&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Sustainable Agriculture Summit</a>&nbsp;Glendale, AZ Market News&nbsp;-&nbsp;To view this week’s Gulf export grain report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=1fea2b9e0e&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. About Sorghum Notes Sorghum Notes is a publication of the National Sorghum Producers. NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry from coast to coast through education and legislative and regulatory representation.

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 </figure>Comment to&nbsp;Protect Your Access to Atrazine The&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=e08df6b3ae&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Summer 2022 Issue</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;Sorghum Grower&nbsp;magazine is hitting mailboxes across the country. On that magazine, you will find a wrap with a postcard included. We encourage you to fill out that card and drop it back in the mailbox to us. The use of atrazine is at stake, a product included in more than 90 herbicide products across the U.S., and one that is utilized on 75 percent of U.S. sorghum acres. You don't have time to wait.&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=5a9bc1922a&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Please take two minutes to fill out the comment form and join us in stopping EPA</a>&nbsp;from limiting your access to atrazine. Join us in the fight.&nbsp; POLICY, REGULATORY AND ISSUE UPDATESNASA Visits Kansas Sorghum Country NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, hosted by&nbsp;Senator Jerry Moran, toured Kansas agriculture last week, visiting with Kansas Sorghum Executive Director Jesse McCurry and his family along with several farmers and ranchers in south central Kansas. They&nbsp;discussed the droughts across the state and how they impact the farming community and the use of NASA satellites to better understand weather patterns, plant crops and utilize fields and land for farmers and ranchers. You can read more about the tour&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=848606b86b&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Major Railroads to Meet on Grain Shipping Plans The Surface Transportation Board (STB) convened a meeting in Kansas City yesterday with the four major railroads—Union Pacific Railroad (UP), Norfolk Southern Railway (NSR), CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX) and BNSF Railway Company (BNSF)—to address their plans to move this year's harvest to market. Class I railroads have come under scrutiny recently,&nbsp;particularly from agricultural shippers, for inconsistent and unreliable services. The issues, amplified by the pandemic, include staff shortages, steep increases in prices for cars, delayed loading and unloading, and one-sided financial penalties. We wrote about it in the Summer issue of&nbsp;Sorghum Grower.&nbsp;Read&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=7d10d67327&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">more</a>.ORGANIZATION UPDATESEnter the Sorghum Yield Contest Today The National Sorghum Producers Yield Contest entry deadline is approaching. Through the contest, sorghum farmers have the opportunity to showcase their sorghum crop and compete with growers across the U.S. Winners have the opportunity to be recognized at the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida. The deadline to enter is Oct. 15.&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=e6a1d3c8dd&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Learn more at SorghumGrowers.com/yieldcontest</a>. Time is Running Out! Apply Now for Leadership Sorghum The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is accepting applications for&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=cdcce3aaa7&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Leadership Sorghum</a>&nbsp;Class VI, a program designed to cultivate the next generation of sorghum leaders. During the 14-month leadership program, class members will have the opportunity to experience various aspects of the sorghum industry in addition to personal development and networking opportunities.&nbsp;Applications are available&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=f2a9ab5f42&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and are due by 5:00 pm CST on September 23.&nbsp;To learn more about Leadership Sorghum, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=86fcb86150&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com</a>. 21st Century Global Sorghum Conference Set for June 2023 The 2023 Sorghum in the 21st Century Global Sorghum Conference has been set for June 5-9, 2023 at the Corum Event Center in Montpellier, France. This year's theme is Resiliency and Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change. More information will become available at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=dad1cac740&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">21centurysorghum.com</a>. ADT Expands Membership Opportunities Transparency is at the heart of&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=bc8d60e4c9&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Ag Data Transparent (ADT),</a>&nbsp;established in 2016. The not-for-profit organization focuses on providing information and services to assist farmers with understanding and evaluating contracts associated with collection, storage, transfer, and use of agricultural data. The need for this type of transparency continues to grow, and the organization has announced an expansion of its membership categories. Agricultural organizations who do not directly collect farm data - yet want to advocate for data transparency within their organization and in the agricultural industry - are now invited to join as a supporting member. Learn&nbsp;more about ADT and&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=dfa92e5032&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">membership categories</a>.ICYMI: Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition - New Episode - #015 In this episode, National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust is joined by Triazine Network Co-Chair and Kansas Corn CEO Greg Krissek to discuss the EPA's recent proposal on atrazine and what growers can do to engage in the fight to keep this important tool.Fall Sorghum Grower Magazine: Photo Submissions Get your camera (or even phone camera) ready, we want to see your sorghum field! Submit your field photos&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=b1174c4ab2&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>, or tag us in your #FromTheField photos on social media for a chance to be featured in the upcoming Fall&nbsp;edition of the sorghum grower magazine! Sorghum Crop Update By August 21, seventy-nine percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage had reached the headed stage, 10 percentage points behind last year and 7 points behind the 5-year average. Thirty-seven percent of the sorghum acreage was at or beyond the coloring stage by August 21, five percentage points behind both last year and the average. By August 21, twenty percent of the nation’s sorghum was mature, equal to last year but 2 percentage points behind the average. Twenty-five percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was rated in good to excellent condition on August 21, two percentage points below the previous week and 37 points below the same time last year. Sorghum Checkoff Releases Weekly Sorghum Basis Snapshot The Sorghum Checkoff, with Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, released its weekly sorghum basis snapshot, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a096299b8b&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumCheckoff.com</a>. Sorghum in the Spotlight: <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=1b296b679e&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Flavonoids from sorghum plants kill fall armyworm pest on corn; may protect crop</a>&nbsp;- Morning Ag ClipsUpcoming Events September 5 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Labor Day-Office Closed September 7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;TAMU Bushland Silage Sorghum Field Day, Bushland, TX September 8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Biennial Agricultural Field Day, CSU's Arkansas Valley Research Center in Rocky Ford September 13&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=59418d9b68&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">CSU Sorghum Field Day</a>, Akron USDA-ARS Station - Akron, Colorado September 15&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=1b40c44daa&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">CSU Sorghum Field Day</a>, Plainsman Research Center - Walsh, Colorado September 20&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=8e346460c0&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">CSU Sorghum Field Day</a>, Field Site north of Brandon - Sheridan Lake, Colorado October 8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=49e2472c98&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Food &amp; Nutrition Conference &amp; Expo (FNCE)</a> October 12 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=46a98f416f&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Export Exchange</a>, Minneapolis, MN October 18 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=82a1849632&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo</a>, Moultrie, GA October 19 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=388a0b8c24&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">KibbleCon</a>, Manhattan, KS November 16 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=f0887fe153&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Sustainable Agriculture Summit</a>&nbsp;Glendale, AZ Market News&nbsp;-&nbsp;To view this week’s Gulf export grain report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=1fea2b9e0e&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. About Sorghum Notes Sorghum Notes is a publication of the National Sorghum Producers. NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry from coast to coast through education and legislative and regulatory representation.

National Sorghum Producers - Sorghum e-Notes

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Aug. 17, 2022, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Doniphan ‑&nbsp;36‑22 KA‑6588‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, from the 4-lane/4-lane divide east to the Kansas/Missouri state line, overlay, 4.3 miles, Herzog Contracting Corp., Saint Joseph, Missouri, $7,549,734.30.

Osage ‑&nbsp;31‑70 KA‑6585‑01 ‑ K‑31, from the Wabaunsee/Osage county line east to South Dakota Street in Burlingame, milling and overlay, 5.9 miles, Killough Construction Inc., Ottawa, Kansas, $1,463,468.20.

Riley ‑&nbsp;81 KA‑6677‑01 ‑ U.S. 24, from the Riley/Clay county line east to the west U.S. 77/U.S. 24 junction and U.S. 77, from the south K‑82/U.S. 77 junction north to the west U.S. 77/U.S. 24 junction, milling and overlay, 23.1 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $5,265,605.00.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;4‑89 KA‑5483‑02 ‑ K‑4, from the east I‑70/K‑4 junction east to 0.27 mile north of the U.S. 40/K‑4 junction, guard fence, 0.8 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $315,837.75.

Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;4‑99 KA‑6586‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the K‑4/K‑177 junction east to the west Eskridge city limits, milling and overlay, 24.8 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,777,814.10.

Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 KA‑6687‑01 ‑ K‑138, from the I‑70/K‑138 junction east to the west Paxico city limits; K‑185, from the north McFarland city limits north to the I‑70/K‑185 junction; and Frontage Road, from the Flintview subdivision east to Snokomo Road, milling and overlay, 3.0 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $625,935.22.

Statewide –&nbsp;106 KA‑5777‑01 ‑ Multiple locations, intelligent transportation systems, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $4,150,073.50.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;9‑106 KA‑6680‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the Nemaha/Jackson county line east to the U.S. 75/K‑9 junction, and from the south Corning city limits east to the Nemaha/Jackson county line, sealing, 17.4 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $2,289,515.57.

Statewide –&nbsp;5-106 KA‑6683‑01 ‑ K‑5, from the Wyandotte/Leavenworth county line north to the U.S. 73/K‑5 junction, and from the north I‑435/K‑5 junction north to the Wyandotte/Leavenworth county line, milling and overlay, 10.1 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $2,718,802.63.

Dickinson ‑&nbsp;56‑21 KA‑6591‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the U.S. 77/U.S. 36 junction east to the Dickinson/Morris county line, milling and overlay, 0.1 mile, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $31,714.58.

Jewell ‑&nbsp;36‑45 KA‑6587‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, from the east Mankato city limits to 4.6 miles east of the east K‑14/U.S. 36 junction, milling and overlay, 8.9 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $2,950,095.05.

Marion ‑&nbsp;77‑57 KA‑6593‑01 ‑ U.S. 77, from the Marion/Butler county line north to the U.S. 50/U.S. 77 junction, milling and overlay, 11.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,920,987.87.

Morris ‑&nbsp;56‑64 KA‑6592‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the Dickinson/Morris county line east to the west Council Grove city limits, milling and overlay, 22.9 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $4,279,026.44.

Republic ‑&nbsp;199‑79 KA‑6590‑01 ‑ K‑199, from the north Courtland city limits north to the K‑199/U.S. 36 junction, milling and overlay, 0.8 mile, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $254,441.50.

Rawlins ‑&nbsp;36‑77 KA‑6691‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, from the Cheyenne/Rawlins county line east to U.S. 36/RS 1421 junction, sealing, 10.1 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,683,903.34.

Sherman ‑&nbsp;27‑91 KA‑6686‑01 ‑ K‑27, from 4.3 miles north of the Wallace/Sherman county line north approximately one mile, milling and overlay, 0.9 mile, McCormick Excavation &amp; Paving LLC, Stratton, Colorado, $308,693.54.

Thomas ‑&nbsp;24‑97 KA‑6542‑01 ‑ U.S. 24/ U.S. 83 intersection located approximately 8.5 miles east of Colby, lighting, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $47,627.00.

Chautauqua ‑&nbsp;166B‑10 KA‑6596‑01 ‑ U.S. 166B, from the U.S. 166/U.S. 166B junction east to the west Sedan city limits, and from the south Sedan city limits east to the south U.S. 166/U.S. 166B junction, milling and overlay, 6.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,233,566.08.

Chautauqua ‑&nbsp;99‑10 KA‑6600‑01 ‑ K‑99, from the Oklahoma/Kansas state line north to the south U.S. 166/U.S. 166B junction, milling and overlay, 5.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,008,242.86.

Barton ‑&nbsp;281‑5 KA‑6605‑01 ‑ U.S. 281, from the north U.S. 281/K‑4 junction north to the Barton/Russell county line, milling and overlay, 11.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,384,231.00.

Edwards ‑&nbsp;56‑24 KA‑6604‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the north Kinsley city limits east to the Edwards/Pawnee county line, milling and overlay, 6.6 miles, 11.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,067,678.25.

Pawnee ‑&nbsp;56‑73 KA‑6602‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the Edwards/Pawnee county line east to the south Larned city limits, and from the east Larned city limits east to the west Pawnee Rock city limits (Pawnee/Barton county line), milling and overlay, 24.3 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $6,652,017.55.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;254‑87 KA‑6601‑01 ‑ K‑254, from the east edge of wearing surface of the Hydraulic Avenue Bridge east to the Sedgwick/Butler county line, milling and overlay, 9.9 miles, Cornejo &amp; Sons LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $6,026,867.33.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6267‑01 – Routes K‑156, K‑264, U.S. 183, U.S. 56, K‑19, K‑19S and K‑219 in the counties of Pawnee, Stafford, Barton, Edwards, Hodgeman and Rush, signing, CC &amp; I Engineering Inc./ OBA Compass Consultants, Perham, Minnesota, $444,006.24.

Ford ‑&nbsp;400‑29 KA‑6534‑01 ‑ Bridge #077, located 8 miles east of the Gray/Ford county line, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $44,815.44.

Lane ‑&nbsp;96‑51 KA‑6607‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Scott/Lane county line east to the west Dighton city limits, milling and overlay, shoulders, 11.4 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,692,762.60.

Lane ‑&nbsp;4‑51 KA‑6612‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the Scott/Lane county line east to the east K‑23/K‑4 junction, milling and overlay, 11.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,100,080.90.

Ness ‑&nbsp;283‑68 KA‑6608‑01 ‑ U.S. 283, from the north city limits of Ness City north to the Ness/Trego county line, overlay, 16.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,805,968.80.

Ness ‑&nbsp;96‑68 KA‑6609‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the east city limits of Ness City east to the Ness/Rush county line, milling and overlay, shoulders, 16.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $7,244,157.95.

Ness ‑&nbsp;4‑68 KA‑6610‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the K‑4/U.S. 283 junction east to the Ness/Rush county line (excluding the city of Brownell), milling and overlay, 16.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,209,425.70.

Scott ‑&nbsp;96‑86 KA‑6606‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the east city limits of Scott City east to the Scott/Lane county line, milling and overlay, shoulders, 11.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,719,584.85

Scott ‑&nbsp;4‑86 KA‑6611‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the K‑4/U.S. 83 junction east to the Scott/Lane county line, milling and overlay, 11.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,040,450.30

The following project was approved from the July 20, 2022, letting.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;46 N‑0697‑01 – W. 47th Avenue, from west of Mission Road to U.S. 169 (Rainbow Boulevard) in Westwood, grading and surfacing, 0.5 mile, Miles Excavating, Inc., Basehor, Kansas, $2,437,162.40.

Montgomery –&nbsp;166-63 TE‑0491‑01 – U.S. 166, from Cline Road east approximately 1,160 feet to abandoned rail line and north to 4th Street, various sidewalk locations along Safe Routes to School (SRTS) routes in Coffeyville, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 2.4 miles, Heck &amp; Wicker Inc., Parsons, Kansas, $1,231,929.26.

Rice ‑&nbsp;80 C‑5063‑01 ‑ Major collector roads, located east of K‑14 and north of U.S. 56, signing, 72.0 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $174,375.51.

Stanton ‑&nbsp;94 C‑5068‑01 ‑ All major collector roads, signing, 126.9 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $142,604.82.

Atchison ‑&nbsp;3 C‑5110‑01 – Bridge over Stranger Creek, located 1.3 miles north and 0.5 mile east of Cummings, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $734,878.04.

Crawford ‑&nbsp;19 C‑5067‑01 ‑ RS‑174 (S. 260th&nbsp;Street), from K‑126 to U.S. 160, grading and surfacing, 4.0 miles, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $219,941.82.

Montgomery ‑&nbsp;63 C‑5060‑01 ‑ Peter Pan Road, from the city limits of Independence to 4600 Road, including the intersection of Peter Pan Road and Oak Street, grading and surfacing, 0.8 mile, Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $844,243.70.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658332979721.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Aug. 17, 2022, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastDoniphan ‑&nbsp;36‑22 KA‑6588‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, from the 4-lane/4-lane divide east to the Kansas/Missouri state line, overlay, 4.3 miles, Herzog Contracting Corp., Saint Joseph, Missouri, $7,549,734.30.Osage ‑&nbsp;31‑70 KA‑6585‑01 ‑ K‑31, from the Wabaunsee/Osage county line east to South Dakota Street in Burlingame, milling and overlay, 5.9 miles, Killough Construction Inc., Ottawa, Kansas, $1,463,468.20.Riley ‑&nbsp;81 KA‑6677‑01 ‑ U.S. 24, from the Riley/Clay county line east to the west U.S. 77/U.S. 24 junction and U.S. 77, from the south K‑82/U.S. 77 junction north to the west U.S. 77/U.S. 24 junction, milling and overlay, 23.1 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $5,265,605.00.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;4‑89 KA‑5483‑02 ‑ K‑4, from the east I‑70/K‑4 junction east to 0.27 mile north of the U.S. 40/K‑4 junction, guard fence, 0.8 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $315,837.75.Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;4‑99 KA‑6586‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the K‑4/K‑177 junction east to the west Eskridge city limits, milling and overlay, 24.8 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,777,814.10.Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 KA‑6687‑01 ‑ K‑138, from the I‑70/K‑138 junction east to the west Paxico city limits; K‑185, from the north McFarland city limits north to the I‑70/K‑185 junction; and Frontage Road, from the Flintview subdivision east to Snokomo Road, milling and overlay, 3.0 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $625,935.22.Statewide –&nbsp;106 KA‑5777‑01 ‑ Multiple locations, intelligent transportation systems, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $4,150,073.50.Statewide ‑&nbsp;9‑106 KA‑6680‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the Nemaha/Jackson county line east to the U.S. 75/K‑9 junction, and from the south Corning city limits east to the Nemaha/Jackson county line, sealing, 17.4 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $2,289,515.57.Statewide –&nbsp;5-106 KA‑6683‑01 ‑ K‑5, from the Wyandotte/Leavenworth county line north to the U.S. 73/K‑5 junction, and from the north I‑435/K‑5 junction north to the Wyandotte/Leavenworth county line, milling and overlay, 10.1 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $2,718,802.63.District Two — North CentralDickinson ‑&nbsp;56‑21 KA‑6591‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the U.S. 77/U.S. 36 junction east to the Dickinson/Morris county line, milling and overlay, 0.1 mile, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $31,714.58.Jewell ‑&nbsp;36‑45 KA‑6587‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, from the east Mankato city limits to 4.6 miles east of the east K‑14/U.S. 36 junction, milling and overlay, 8.9 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $2,950,095.05.Marion ‑&nbsp;77‑57 KA‑6593‑01 ‑ U.S. 77, from the Marion/Butler county line north to the U.S. 50/U.S. 77 junction, milling and overlay, 11.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,920,987.87.Morris ‑&nbsp;56‑64 KA‑6592‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the Dickinson/Morris county line east to the west Council Grove city limits, milling and overlay, 22.9 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $4,279,026.44.Republic ‑&nbsp;199‑79 KA‑6590‑01 ‑ K‑199, from the north Courtland city limits north to the K‑199/U.S. 36 junction, milling and overlay, 0.8 mile, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $254,441.50.District Three — NorthwestRawlins ‑&nbsp;36‑77 KA‑6691‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, from the Cheyenne/Rawlins county line east to U.S. 36/RS 1421 junction, sealing, 10.1 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,683,903.34.Sherman ‑&nbsp;27‑91 KA‑6686‑01 ‑ K‑27, from 4.3 miles north of the Wallace/Sherman county line north approximately one mile, milling and overlay, 0.9 mile, McCormick Excavation &amp; Paving LLC, Stratton, Colorado, $308,693.54.Thomas ‑&nbsp;24‑97 KA‑6542‑01 ‑ U.S. 24/ U.S. 83 intersection located approximately 8.5 miles east of Colby, lighting, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $47,627.00.District Four — SoutheastChautauqua ‑&nbsp;166B‑10 KA‑6596‑01 ‑ U.S. 166B, from the U.S. 166/U.S. 166B junction east to the west Sedan city limits, and from the south Sedan city limits east to the south U.S. 166/U.S. 166B junction, milling and overlay, 6.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,233,566.08.Chautauqua ‑&nbsp;99‑10 KA‑6600‑01 ‑ K‑99, from the Oklahoma/Kansas state line north to the south U.S. 166/U.S. 166B junction, milling and overlay, 5.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,008,242.86.District Five — South CentralBarton ‑&nbsp;281‑5 KA‑6605‑01 ‑ U.S. 281, from the north U.S. 281/K‑4 junction north to the Barton/Russell county line, milling and overlay, 11.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,384,231.00.Edwards ‑&nbsp;56‑24 KA‑6604‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the north Kinsley city limits east to the Edwards/Pawnee county line, milling and overlay, 6.6 miles, 11.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,067,678.25.Pawnee ‑&nbsp;56‑73 KA‑6602‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the Edwards/Pawnee county line east to the south Larned city limits, and from the east Larned city limits east to the west Pawnee Rock city limits (Pawnee/Barton county line), milling and overlay, 24.3 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $6,652,017.55.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;254‑87 KA‑6601‑01 ‑ K‑254, from the east edge of wearing surface of the Hydraulic Avenue Bridge east to the Sedgwick/Butler county line, milling and overlay, 9.9 miles, Cornejo &amp; Sons LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $6,026,867.33.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6267‑01 – Routes K‑156, K‑264, U.S. 183, U.S. 56, K‑19, K‑19S and K‑219 in the counties of Pawnee, Stafford, Barton, Edwards, Hodgeman and Rush, signing, CC &amp; I Engineering Inc./ OBA Compass Consultants, Perham, Minnesota, $444,006.24.District Six — SouthwestFord ‑&nbsp;400‑29 KA‑6534‑01 ‑ Bridge #077, located 8 miles east of the Gray/Ford county line, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $44,815.44.Lane ‑&nbsp;96‑51 KA‑6607‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Scott/Lane county line east to the west Dighton city limits, milling and overlay, shoulders, 11.4 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,692,762.60.Lane ‑&nbsp;4‑51 KA‑6612‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the Scott/Lane county line east to the east K‑23/K‑4 junction, milling and overlay, 11.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,100,080.90.Ness ‑&nbsp;283‑68 KA‑6608‑01 ‑ U.S. 283, from the north city limits of Ness City north to the Ness/Trego county line, overlay, 16.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,805,968.80.Ness ‑&nbsp;96‑68 KA‑6609‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the east city limits of Ness City east to the Ness/Rush county line, milling and overlay, shoulders, 16.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $7,244,157.95.Ness ‑&nbsp;4‑68 KA‑6610‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the K‑4/U.S. 283 junction east to the Ness/Rush county line (excluding the city of Brownell), milling and overlay, 16.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,209,425.70.Scott ‑&nbsp;96‑86 KA‑6606‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the east city limits of Scott City east to the Scott/Lane county line, milling and overlay, shoulders, 11.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,719,584.85Scott ‑&nbsp;4‑86 KA‑6611‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the K‑4/U.S. 83 junction east to the Scott/Lane county line, milling and overlay, 11.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,040,450.30The following project was approved from the July 20, 2022, letting.Johnson ‑&nbsp;46 N‑0697‑01 – W. 47th Avenue, from west of Mission Road to U.S. 169 (Rainbow Boulevard) in Westwood, grading and surfacing, 0.5 mile, Miles Excavating, Inc., Basehor, Kansas, $2,437,162.40.Montgomery –&nbsp;166-63 TE‑0491‑01 – U.S. 166, from Cline Road east approximately 1,160 feet to abandoned rail line and north to 4th Street, various sidewalk locations along Safe Routes to School (SRTS) routes in Coffeyville, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 2.4 miles, Heck &amp; Wicker Inc., Parsons, Kansas, $1,231,929.26.Rice ‑&nbsp;80 C‑5063‑01 ‑ Major collector roads, located east of K‑14 and north of U.S. 56, signing, 72.0 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $174,375.51.Stanton ‑&nbsp;94 C‑5068‑01 ‑ All major collector roads, signing, 126.9 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $142,604.82.Atchison ‑&nbsp;3 C‑5110‑01 – Bridge over Stranger Creek, located 1.3 miles north and 0.5 mile east of Cummings, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $734,878.04.Crawford ‑&nbsp;19 C‑5067‑01 ‑ RS‑174 (S. 260th&nbsp;Street), from K‑126 to U.S. 160, grading and surfacing, 4.0 miles, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $219,941.82.Montgomery ‑&nbsp;63 C‑5060‑01 ‑ Peter Pan Road, from the city limits of Independence to 4600 Road, including the intersection of Peter Pan Road and Oak Street, grading and surfacing, 0.8 mile, Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $844,243.70.

Barton & Pawnee projects among KDOT's approved August bids

The past ten days have been a whirlwind of activity. Our Program Development Committee met to welcome Monique, our new Family and Community Wellness agent in the Hays office. Conversation was lively as we planned for some issue-based programming in the months ahead. Then three days on our K-State campus participating in an agent update reinforced the important work we do in Extension related to health and wellness in our communities.

We have all heard it a lot. The pandemic changed the way we do business. A hiring freeze with K-State Research and Extension was lifted late last year so many of the open Family and Community Wellness positions have been filled. There was good energy among the new hires at our conference and I loved it. I found out that many of them have an interest in some of the things I am passionate about. As my Extension career winds down and I retire early next year, I have a full schedule of classes and workshops to lead.

The fermentation workshop I mentioned in last week’s column now has a waiting list, so I am hoping to offer another session later this fall. Several colleagues at K-State asked if I would provide a “train the trainer” workshop for them to learn about fermentation so that is also in the works.

Then there is the signature program I have enjoyed teaching since I was trained in 2012; Stay Strong Stay Healthy. This eight-week program is designed to help older adults improve their strength, flexibility, and balance. When our class starts the last week of September, we’ll be missing Reta Brack, who passed away this summer. Reta sat in the front row of every SSSH class I led, and like many of the other participants, enjoyed the socialization as much as the exercises. To register for the last Stay Strong Stay Healthy workshop that I will be leading, you will want to call our office to reserve your spot. The cost is $20 and class size is limited.

I will be leading a one-hour Medicare Update at our Great Bend activity center on October 12th. As more people become eligible for Medicare it is a good time to review the basic parts of Medicare. My husband John, and I will also be providing appointments during open enrollment (October 15 – December 7) to help people review their prescription drug plan in either the Great Bend or Hays offices.

Besides the face-to-face programs that Extension is well-known for, watch our Cottonwood District website and Facebook page for messages and links to on-line learning resources that you can take advantage whenever you have a few spare moments.

Who would have guessed that when my Extension career started in Barton County in July 1989 (and I typed my column on a typewriter) that I would be talking about websites, internet links, and Zoom meetings in 2022? While a lot has changed technology wise, a lot remains the same. K-State Research and Extension and the Cottonwood District still want to be your go-to source for research-based information to help improve your life!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at (620)792-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The past ten days have been a whirlwind of activity. Our Program Development Committee met to welcome Monique, our new Family and Community Wellness agent in the Hays office. Conversation was lively as we planned for some issue-based programming in the months ahead. Then three days on our K-State campus participating in an agent update reinforced the important work we do in Extension related to health and wellness in our communities.We have all heard it a lot. The pandemic changed the way we do business. A hiring freeze with K-State Research and Extension was lifted late last year so many of the open Family and Community Wellness positions have been filled. There was good energy among the new hires at our conference and I loved it. I found out that many of them have an interest in some of the things I am passionate about. As my Extension career winds down and I retire early next year, I have a full schedule of classes and workshops to lead.The fermentation workshop I mentioned in last week’s column now has a waiting list, so I am hoping to offer another session later this fall. Several colleagues at K-State asked if I would provide a “train the trainer” workshop for them to learn about fermentation so that is also in the works.Then there is the signature program I have enjoyed teaching since I was trained in 2012; Stay Strong Stay Healthy. This eight-week program is designed to help older adults improve their strength, flexibility, and balance. When our class starts the last week of September, we’ll be missing Reta Brack, who passed away this summer. Reta sat in the front row of every SSSH class I led, and like many of the other participants, enjoyed the socialization as much as the exercises. To register for the last Stay Strong Stay Healthy workshop that I will be leading, you will want to call our office to reserve your spot. The cost is $20 and class size is limited.I will be leading a one-hour Medicare Update at our Great Bend activity center on October 12th. As more people become eligible for Medicare it is a good time to review the basic parts of Medicare. My husband John, and I will also be providing appointments during open enrollment (October 15 – December 7) to help people review their prescription drug plan in either the Great Bend or Hays offices.Besides the face-to-face programs that Extension is well-known for, watch our Cottonwood District website and Facebook page for messages and links to on-line learning resources that you can take advantage whenever you have a few spare moments.Who would have guessed that when my Extension career started in Barton County in July 1989 (and I typed my column on a typewriter) that I would be talking about websites, internet links, and Zoom meetings in 2022? While a lot has changed technology wise, a lot remains the same. K-State Research and Extension and the Cottonwood District still want to be your go-to source for research-based information to help improve your life!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at (620)792-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Extension learning opportunities around the corner

Christopher Scott Stamm was back in Barton County District Court facing allegations that he had violated the terms and conditions of his probation. 

Stamm waived his right to a hearing and admitted that he had committed a new crime while on probation. District Court Judge Carey Hipp revoked his probation and imposed a sentence of 120 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. 

Stamm was originally charged and convicted of Distribution of Narcotics.

On Feb. 10, 2022, Barton County Sheriff's Office deputies conducted a traffic stop in Hoisington. Stamm was driving on a suspended license.

During the course of the traffic stop, deputies conducted an investigation leading to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine as well as a firearm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661780687930.jpeg" alt="Photo from Feb. 10, 2022 (Barton County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>Photo from Feb. 10, 2022 (Barton County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Christopher Scott Stamm was back in Barton County District Court facing allegations that he had violated the terms and conditions of his probation. Stamm waived his right to a hearing and admitted that he had committed a new crime while on probation. District Court Judge Carey Hipp revoked his probation and imposed a sentence of 120 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. Stamm was originally charged and convicted of Distribution of Narcotics.On Feb. 10, 2022, Barton County Sheriff's Office deputies conducted a traffic stop in Hoisington. Stamm was driving on a suspended license.During the course of the traffic stop, deputies conducted an investigation leading to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine as well as a firearm.

Probation revoked after Barton Co. man violates terms

🎥Brotherly love with Great Bend Police Dept.

8/26 BOOKED: Michael Grossman on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Richard McConnell on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, no bond set.

BOOKED: Andrew Peterson on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Michael Akins on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Bond Revocation, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Michael Philbern on Barton County District Court warrant, to KDOC.

RELEASED: Marcus Miller on four Barton County District Court warrants, to probation.

RELEASED: Kiara Shepherd on Barton County District Court warrant, to probation, released to Saline County Sheriff's Office.

RELEASED: Michael Grossman on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, to Juvenile Intake.

RELEASED: Michael Akins on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Bond Revocation, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Timothy Detrich, to Ford County Sheriff's Office.

8/27 BOOKED: Sammy Jahay on three Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, three bonds set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Ernest Klima on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, No Registration, and No Proof of Insurance, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Christopher Buckley on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, and two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, after time served.

8/28 BOOKED: Jeremy Harris on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,047.50 cash only; and on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Failure to Appear, bond set at $190 cash only.

RELEASED: Richard McConnell on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Sammy Jahay on three Barton County&nbsp; District Court warrants for Probation Violation, after posting bonds.

RELEASED: Brian Jonas, after time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="Ace Bail Bonding" />
 <figcaption>Ace Bail Bonding</figcaption>
 </figure>8/26 BOOKED: Michael Grossman on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Richard McConnell on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, no bond set.BOOKED: Andrew Peterson on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Brian Jonas, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Michael Akins on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Bond Revocation, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Michael Philbern on Barton County District Court warrant, to KDOC.RELEASED: Marcus Miller on four Barton County District Court warrants, to probation.RELEASED: Kiara Shepherd on Barton County District Court warrant, to probation, released to Saline County Sheriff's Office.RELEASED: Michael Grossman on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, to Juvenile Intake.RELEASED: Michael Akins on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Bond Revocation, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Timothy Detrich, to Ford County Sheriff's Office.8/27 BOOKED: Sammy Jahay on three Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, three bonds set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Ernest Klima on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, No Registration, and No Proof of Insurance, bond set at $10,000 C/S.RELEASED: Christopher Buckley on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, and two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, after time served.8/28 BOOKED: Jeremy Harris on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,047.50 cash only; and on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Failure to Appear, bond set at $190 cash only.RELEASED: Richard McConnell on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Sammy Jahay on three Barton County&nbsp; District Court warrants for Probation Violation, after posting bonds.RELEASED: Brian Jonas, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (8/26 - 8/28)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The temperatures are dropping closer to the 80s in central Kansas as we approach September, , but the staff at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo has put in
a lot of work this summer to keep the animals cool and comfortable. 
Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick said while many of the animals have been in Great
Bend a while and are getting used to the summer’s heat, the extreme
temperatures caused the zoo staff to keep a watchful eye on their
residents. "There were days when it was really hot, and it was not cooling down at night," said Burdick. "That's when we get into a danger zone with our animals. We gave them sprinklers, misters, access to go back into their building, fans and some of them have air conditioning." 
The animals received many ice treats this summer, where staff gave piles of ice
to the animals. 
Burdick added a few of the animals even have air conditioning in their
shelters. The zoo curator said the bison and arctic foxes are the animals most
affected by the heat.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660150691191.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe temperatures are dropping closer to the 80s in central Kansas as we approach September, , but the staff at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo has put in
a lot of work this summer to keep the animals cool and comfortable. 
Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick said while many of the animals have been in Great
Bend a while and are getting used to the summer’s heat, the extreme
temperatures caused the zoo staff to keep a watchful eye on their
residents. "There were days when it was really hot, and it was not cooling down at night," said Burdick. "That's when we get into a danger zone with our animals. We gave them sprinklers, misters, access to go back into their building, fans and some of them have air conditioning." 
The animals received many ice treats this summer, where staff gave piles of ice
to the animals. 
Burdick added a few of the animals even have air conditioning in their
shelters. The zoo curator said the bison and arctic foxes are the animals most
affected by the heat.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend zoo animals with dreams of cooler weather

Today A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 96. South southwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon.

Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 91. East northeast wind 5 to 11 mph.

Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 61. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 93. Light south southwest wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 91.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 91.

Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 61.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 90.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 96. South southwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon.Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 91. East northeast wind 5 to 11 mph.Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 61. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 93. Light south southwest wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 91.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 63.Friday Sunny, with a high near 93.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 91.Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 61.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 90.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's Weather

He started farming in high school when his uncle rented him ground. A fifth-generation farm daughter herself, she was driving farm trucks before she had a driver’s license. After meeting in college at Kansas State University, they found a way to farm across county lines, balance her necessary off-farm income with the ebb and flow of farming and — most importantly — raise two exceptional children. Now, following a season of last farm milestones and a farm machinery sale, Randy and Kim Fritzemeier are off to a new set of adventures with a binful of goodwill from the family and friends with whom they have shared their love of agriculture and community.&nbsp;

Combining Farming, Blogging and Community Service

After both growing up as farm kids, Randy and Kim established their own farm family with kids Jill and Brent on the county line between Stafford and Reno counties. Randy, as a fifth-generation farmer, raised wheat, alfalfa, sudangrass and cattle. Kim works as the central Kansas reporter for KFRM 550 AM and operates her blog called&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016t9zV6ETyQdWbU-6ssX0x6q6XZjxH4fXEvvwmf4CDT6O7ATjvBT4Ni2TFlkvdN4V7gtKckZRziqhQLySyHN30VQtUg7Xrb3urVzoIpSR0TJyiWASqHyUy_Zjb4xfIdTtqU0U-rJ-r02aOEI7Lz7N3fxK4EJToMfo&amp;c=mopUKOrOCHo_oK3S5NIIKuDbzBVV_dY-iiHFF2YLfjd5WBMaWDWHMw==&amp;ch=wIOsFO9ouJLAlmiVfFKHO1SLM-ITqENX7U6_g6lHMkwW7_mSaf6m5g==" target="_blank">Kim’s County Line</a>, where she posts everything from the routines of farm life to fun recipes. Kim started her blog in 2010 as a combination of wanting to serve as an agvocate, flex her journalist mental muscles and pursue her photography hobby.

“It is easy to get people to listen to the controversial figure and the loudest voice in the room,” Kim said. “It’s not as easy to get people engaged about reading about real people.”

“One of the reasons I’ve continued to do it is that I want our story to not have special interest groups or restaurants tell the consumer what we are doing. Plus, I feel like I can share the beauty of what we experience around here.”

In addition to their careers, the couple is heavily involved in their community and Kansas agriculture. Randy has served on the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers board of directors, Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation, Kanza Co-op Board of Directors, the Ark Valley Cooperative Nominating Committee and the Stafford County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Both he and Kim have been active members of the Stafford First United Methodist Church and have been excellent 4-H leaders in Stafford County for years. Together, the couple was honored as a Kansas Master Farmer and Master Farm Homemaker in 2013 and they just completed their second year as the presidents of that organization.

“We both have enjoyed connecting with other farm couples, just the organization of like-minded people who are also interested in agriculture, family and community service,” Kim said.&nbsp;

“I always enjoyed visiting with people from other parts of the state,” Randy said. “We had people that didn’t have a lot in common. Maybe not everyone agreed on everything, but I like people that have different opinions but respect. We made some friends out of it.”&nbsp;

Throughout his involvement in the wheat industry, Randy has been a perpetual student. He recalled his first meeting with the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation, where they handed him a great, big notebook of proposed wheat research projects and his mind was blown by the details of projects researching exact genes on specific chromosomes.&nbsp;

“Ever since I was in college, I enjoyed seeing how the research was done, following extension research programs, and watching what they were doing,” Randy said. “When I got on the wheat board, I got to see what people wanted to do. It was always amazing, it’s interesting to see what people wanted to see happen.”&nbsp;

Helping with the Kansas Wheat booths at the State Fair and helping with the National Festival of Breads also allowed Randy and Kim to connect with others from across the state and the country.&nbsp;

“I’m always kind of intrigued with the people that come, especially those who aren’t from the Midwest,” Kim said. “It’s such a thrill for them to ride the combine and interact with farmers and learn more about the crop. It’s gratifying to have them so excited and enthused about it.”&nbsp;

Working with school children through Kansas Wheat has been another highlight for Kim, including talking about farming to local second-grade classrooms, school library programs and&nbsp;other community programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661454027549.png" alt="Randy Fritzemeier stands beside his combine during his final wheat harvest in 2022." />
 <figcaption>Randy Fritzemeier stands beside his combine during his final wheat harvest in 2022.</figcaption>
 </figure>He started farming in high school when his uncle rented him ground. A fifth-generation farm daughter herself, she was driving farm trucks before she had a driver’s license. After meeting in college at Kansas State University, they found a way to farm across county lines, balance her necessary off-farm income with the ebb and flow of farming and — most importantly — raise two exceptional children. Now, following a season of last farm milestones and a farm machinery sale, Randy and Kim Fritzemeier are off to a new set of adventures with a binful of goodwill from the family and friends with whom they have shared their love of agriculture and community.&nbsp;<h2>Combining Farming, Blogging and Community Service</h2>After both growing up as farm kids, Randy and Kim established their own farm family with kids Jill and Brent on the county line between Stafford and Reno counties. Randy, as a fifth-generation farmer, raised wheat, alfalfa, sudangrass and cattle. Kim works as the central Kansas reporter for KFRM 550 AM and operates her blog called&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016t9zV6ETyQdWbU-6ssX0x6q6XZjxH4fXEvvwmf4CDT6O7ATjvBT4Ni2TFlkvdN4V7gtKckZRziqhQLySyHN30VQtUg7Xrb3urVzoIpSR0TJyiWASqHyUy_Zjb4xfIdTtqU0U-rJ-r02aOEI7Lz7N3fxK4EJToMfo&amp;c=mopUKOrOCHo_oK3S5NIIKuDbzBVV_dY-iiHFF2YLfjd5WBMaWDWHMw==&amp;ch=wIOsFO9ouJLAlmiVfFKHO1SLM-ITqENX7U6_g6lHMkwW7_mSaf6m5g==" target="_blank">Kim’s County Line</a>, where she posts everything from the routines of farm life to fun recipes. Kim started her blog in 2010 as a combination of wanting to serve as an agvocate, flex her journalist mental muscles and pursue her photography hobby.“It is easy to get people to listen to the controversial figure and the loudest voice in the room,” Kim said. “It’s not as easy to get people engaged about reading about real people.”“One of the reasons I’ve continued to do it is that I want our story to not have special interest groups or restaurants tell the consumer what we are doing. Plus, I feel like I can share the beauty of what we experience around here.”In addition to their careers, the couple is heavily involved in their community and Kansas agriculture. Randy has served on the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers board of directors, Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation, Kanza Co-op Board of Directors, the Ark Valley Cooperative Nominating Committee and the Stafford County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Both he and Kim have been active members of the Stafford First United Methodist Church and have been excellent 4-H leaders in Stafford County for years. Together, the couple was honored as a Kansas Master Farmer and Master Farm Homemaker in 2013 and they just completed their second year as the presidents of that organization.“We both have enjoyed connecting with other farm couples, just the organization of like-minded people who are also interested in agriculture, family and community service,” Kim said.&nbsp;“I always enjoyed visiting with people from other parts of the state,” Randy said. “We had people that didn’t have a lot in common. Maybe not everyone agreed on everything, but I like people that have different opinions but respect. We made some friends out of it.”&nbsp;Throughout his involvement in the wheat industry, Randy has been a perpetual student. He recalled his first meeting with the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation, where they handed him a great, big notebook of proposed wheat research projects and his mind was blown by the details of projects researching exact genes on specific chromosomes.&nbsp;“Ever since I was in college, I enjoyed seeing how the research was done, following extension research programs, and watching what they were doing,” Randy said. “When I got on the wheat board, I got to see what people wanted to do. It was always amazing, it’s interesting to see what people wanted to see happen.”&nbsp;Helping with the Kansas Wheat booths at the State Fair and helping with the National Festival of Breads also allowed Randy and Kim to connect with others from across the state and the country.&nbsp;“I’m always kind of intrigued with the people that come, especially those who aren’t from the Midwest,” Kim said. “It’s such a thrill for them to ride the combine and interact with farmers and learn more about the crop. It’s gratifying to have them so excited and enthused about it.”&nbsp;Working with school children through Kansas Wheat has been another highlight for Kim, including talking about farming to local second-grade classrooms, school library programs and&nbsp;other community programs.“I went to (my granddaughter) Kinley’s first-grade class when they still lived in Manhattan for Kansas Day,” Kim shared. “I shared my farm-themed ABC and counting books with them. I mailed copies to my other granddaughter Brooke’s kindergarten teacher during COVID-19 two years ago for Kansas Day. So we’ve connected with younger consumers in fun ways too!”&nbsp;<h2>Deciding to Leave a Legacy</h2>Randy and Kim’s own children are now grown and have families and well-established careers of their own. While Jill’s children are happy farm helpers and appear frequently on Kim’s blog, neither Jill nor her brother Brent was destined for work as full-time farmers. So, Randy and Kim made the difficult decision last year to retire after the 2022 wheat harvest.&nbsp;“Randy felt strongly that this was the time,” Kim shared. “When we were in the combine, he was talking about not going to miss scooping wheat out of a hot metal grain bin in August to get it clean.”“And I told him, I’m also not going to miss — as I’m running the PTO&nbsp;— wondering if he’s having heat stroke in there. He was the one having to do all of that because we didn’t have somebody younger to do it.”&nbsp;Unfortunately, although Randy is an amateur magician, no amount of magic could help him end his final wheat harvest this year with a bang. He had to replant fields due to significant rainfall during planting, but then the weather turned so dry that a windstorm in December filled the house with dirt. Yields were lower than average in the low 30s bushels per acre. But, rainfall in the spring did bring just enough rain while the kernels were filling to finish off the crop. As a result, the wheat was some of the best quality he had cut, providing a ray of sunshine in an otherwise disappointing send-off.&nbsp;After wheat harvest came sorting through generations of old farm equipment, tools and farm memorabilia that were sold during a farm equipment sale this August, the official end of Randy and Kim’s role as full-time farmers and the start of their next chapter.&nbsp;“...Our farm sale and retirement ended Randy's immediate family's involvement in active farming,” Kim wrote on her blog on August 23. “We will still be involved in agriculture as landowners, and we have no plans to sell farm or pasture ground at this time.”“Was it an easy decision? It was not. But it was the right decision for us.”Kim’s family is still actively farming in Pratt County. Randy found a younger neighbor to take over the bulk of the operation in Stafford and Reno counties. Randy will provide the cattle and the pasture, and the neighbor will do the labor and feeding, keeping the couple involved in the operation. For Randy and Kim, helping a younger farmer get his career going is a fitting legacy after Randy’s uncle gave him his start in the farming business.&nbsp;“We’re never not going to care about agriculture, people in it and its impact,” Kim said. “I can’t imagine that ever changing.”&nbsp;Thank you, from all of us at Kansas Wheat, to Randy and Kim Fritzemeier for your decades of service to your community and Kansas agriculture and for continuing to share your stories.&nbsp;Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

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