By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Fair competition is a crucial factor in the difference between success and failure at the high school level. With the dominance of some private schools - including Bishop Miege's 22 girls' basketball titles since forming a team 46 years ago - the Kansas State High School Activities Association decided to act. 

Last week, KSHSAA reported its new "multiplier" rule that would inflate enrollment for classification purposes, has passed the first round of voting by member schools.

"My thought was that it's pretty reasonable," said Ellinwood High School basketball coach Derek Joiner. "They clearly weren't going after private schools just to go after private schools. They were trying to take into consideration how dominant they were. They were also taking into consideration if they were coming from bigger communities where they would have a better opportunity to pluck some of the better families and better kids out of those communities."

Even with a passing vote from KSHSAA member schools, the rule must still be approved by both the Kansas Board of Education and the state legislature before changes take effect.

The rule change would impact only those private schools that have excelled in team activities. Under the "championship factor," if a school wins five to nine team state championships in a five-year period, the enrollment would be multiplied by 0.15. The multiplier grows to 0.30 for schools with 10 or more championships in a five-year period. 

If a school meets the championship factor, other considerations also come into play, including the size of the community in which the school is located, and socio-economic factors based on the free and reduced-lunch rate at the school.

The multiplier can only force a school up a single classification, and it will not force a 6 or 8-man football team to change to 11-man.

Member schools were mailed ballots on May 6 with a June 14 deadline. Unreturned ballots were counted as "no" votes. Class 6A, which would receive no benefit from the new measure, received only six "yes" votes (16.7 percent), and Class 5A also failed to reach a majority with 47 percent of "yes" votes. The rule change is popular in the smaller classes, with 83 percent of 4A schools voting "yes," and 72 percent of 3A schools voting "yes." In all, there were 216 "yes" votes (61 percent) compared to 139 "no" votes.

"I think it was an issue that schools were more interested in, from 4A down," Joiner said. "In the basketball world, if you look at 4A, 3A, 2A, and sometimes 1A, you see a lot of private schools in those state tournaments in a lot of different sports." 

Great Bend, as a Class 5A school, has been impacted by the likes of Bishop Carroll, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Bishop Carroll has won eight state softball titles since 2001. Private schools have won five of the last seven Class 5A boys' track titles, and seven of the last 11 5A girls' track titles. Wichita Collegiate, Wichita Independent, Sacred Heart, and Kansas City Christian, in some variation, swept the Class 3-2-1A and 4A girls' tennis titles from 2016 to 2020. Collegiate has won 13-straight girls' tennis titles.

Other schools, like Salina's Sacred Heart, will see some teams impacting others. The boys' golf squad there has won the last seven Class 2A titles to qualify all teams at the school for the multiplier.

"If those guys keep winning the golf championship every year, that's going to start having a negative effect on their basketball and football teams," Joiner said. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655755059239.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFair competition is a crucial factor in the difference between success and failure at the high school level. With the dominance of some private schools - including Bishop Miege's 22 girls' basketball titles since forming a team 46 years ago - the Kansas State High School Activities Association decided to act. Last week, KSHSAA reported its new "multiplier" rule that would inflate enrollment for classification purposes, has passed the first round of voting by member schools."My thought was that it's pretty reasonable," said Ellinwood High School basketball coach Derek Joiner. "They clearly weren't going after private schools just to go after private schools. They were trying to take into consideration how dominant they were. They were also taking into consideration if they were coming from bigger communities where they would have a better opportunity to pluck some of the better families and better kids out of those communities."Even with a passing vote from KSHSAA member schools, the rule must still be approved by both the Kansas Board of Education and the state legislature before changes take effect.The rule change would impact only those private schools that have excelled in team activities. Under the "championship factor," if a school wins five to nine team state championships in a five-year period, the enrollment would be multiplied by 0.15. The multiplier grows to 0.30 for schools with 10 or more championships in a five-year period. If a school meets the championship factor, other considerations also come into play, including the size of the community in which the school is located, and socio-economic factors based on the free and reduced-lunch rate at the school.The multiplier can only force a school up a single classification, and it will not force a 6 or 8-man football team to change to 11-man.Member schools were mailed ballots on May 6 with a June 14 deadline. Unreturned ballots were counted as "no" votes. Class 6A, which would receive no benefit from the new measure, received only six "yes" votes (16.7 percent), and Class 5A also failed to reach a majority with 47 percent of "yes" votes. The rule change is popular in the smaller classes, with 83 percent of 4A schools voting "yes," and 72 percent of 3A schools voting "yes." In all, there were 216 "yes" votes (61 percent) compared to 139 "no" votes."I think it was an issue that schools were more interested in, from 4A down," Joiner said. "In the basketball world, if you look at 4A, 3A, 2A, and sometimes 1A, you see a lot of private schools in those state tournaments in a lot of different sports." Great Bend, as a Class 5A school, has been impacted by the likes of Bishop Carroll, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Bishop Carroll has won eight state softball titles since 2001. Private schools have won five of the last seven Class 5A boys' track titles, and seven of the last 11 5A girls' track titles. Wichita Collegiate, Wichita Independent, Sacred Heart, and Kansas City Christian, in some variation, swept the Class 3-2-1A and 4A girls' tennis titles from 2016 to 2020. Collegiate has won 13-straight girls' tennis titles.Other schools, like Salina's Sacred Heart, will see some teams impacting others. The boys' golf squad there has won the last seven Class 2A titles to qualify all teams at the school for the multiplier."If those guys keep winning the golf championship every year, that's going to start having a negative effect on their basketball and football teams," Joiner said.

Barton Co. coach: 'Multiplier' rule for private schools reasonable

Today A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. East wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind 7 to 10 mph.

Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 95. South wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South southeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. South southwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Monday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. East wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind 7 to 10 mph.Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 95. South wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South southeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. South southwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.Monday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

As The University of Kansas Health System continues to strengthen its patient care teams in Great Bend, it welcomes Sarah Christopherson, APRN, a family nurse practitioner and certified flight and emergency nurse, to the Emergency Department care team.

Before earning her Master of Science degree in nursing, Christopherson spent 15 years as a critical care nurse. She enjoys the fast pace and unpredictable environment of the Emergency Department, which allows her to use her past experiences in critical care, along with her more recent training as a nurse practitioner.

“I have a special interest in patients who require advanced critical care,” Christopherson said, “with an emphasis on cardiac arrest and sepsis management.”

Christopherson earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Fort Hays State University and her Master of Science in nursing – family nurse practitioner at Maryville University. She strives to treat patients with kindness and respect and treat the patient’s disease process rather than only the symptoms.

As demand for services at the Great Bend Campus Emergency Department continues to grow, the emergency care team continues to add staff members to meet their patients’ needs. In 2021, the Emergency Department was used more than 8,900 times, 9% more visits than 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655745667440.jpeg" alt="Sarah Christopherson, APRN" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Christopherson, APRN</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSAs The University of Kansas Health System continues to strengthen its patient care teams in Great Bend, it welcomes Sarah Christopherson, APRN, a family nurse practitioner and certified flight and emergency nurse, to the Emergency Department care team.Before earning her Master of Science degree in nursing, Christopherson spent 15 years as a critical care nurse. She enjoys the fast pace and unpredictable environment of the Emergency Department, which allows her to use her past experiences in critical care, along with her more recent training as a nurse practitioner.“I have a special interest in patients who require advanced critical care,” Christopherson said, “with an emphasis on cardiac arrest and sepsis management.”Christopherson earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Fort Hays State University and her Master of Science in nursing – family nurse practitioner at Maryville University. She strives to treat patients with kindness and respect and treat the patient’s disease process rather than only the symptoms.As demand for services at the Great Bend Campus Emergency Department continues to grow, the emergency care team continues to add staff members to meet their patients’ needs. In 2021, the Emergency Department was used more than 8,900 times, 9% more visits than 2020.

More than 8,900 emergency dept. visits in Great Bend in 2021

New and expecting parents are welcome to attend the Barton County Health Department's Community Baby Shower Thursday, June 23 at Jack Kilby Square. In just its second year, the event has nearly doubled from 16 vendors last year to approximately 30 vendors this year.

"We have about 30 different vendors and partners that will be there in our community," said Barton County Health Director Karen Winkleman. "We will be doing a lot of educational material for new and expectant parents, support people, and community service providers. We have some physicians whose offices will be represented there also."

The baby shower will feature many educational demonstrations, including safe sleep and car seat safety. And there's plenty of fun stuff as well, including giveaways and a daddy relay.

"It's wonderful to see our community come together, and so many partners from our community seeing the value in having a community baby shower to reach out to our families in our community - just to represent and let them know all of us are here," said Deb Higgins, RN at the health department. "We're here because we care."

The Community Baby Shower will take place from 4-7 p.m. at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend.

Thursday also marks the opening of "Camp BCHD." From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 23, the health department will be promoting back-to-school vaccinations for teens with another fun event at the 1300 Kansas Ave facility.

The health department began the teen program last year in an effort to make getting vaccinated fun. Last year's theme was a beach, and this year's theme will be a teen camp, complete with to-go S'mores kits.

Teens can receive all necessary vaccinations for the upcoming school year, all the while enjoying games and snacks. Teens who get vaccinated will also be entered into a drawing for a grand prize.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655738966365.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostNew and expecting parents are welcome to attend the Barton County Health Department's Community Baby Shower Thursday, June 23 at Jack Kilby Square. In just its second year, the event has nearly doubled from 16 vendors last year to approximately 30 vendors this year."We have about 30 different vendors and partners that will be there in our community," said Barton County Health Director Karen Winkleman. "We will be doing a lot of educational material for new and expectant parents, support people, and community service providers. We have some physicians whose offices will be represented there also."The baby shower will feature many educational demonstrations, including safe sleep and car seat safety. And there's plenty of fun stuff as well, including giveaways and a daddy relay."It's wonderful to see our community come together, and so many partners from our community seeing the value in having a community baby shower to reach out to our families in our community - just to represent and let them know all of us are here," said Deb Higgins, RN at the health department. "We're here because we care."The Community Baby Shower will take place from 4-7 p.m. at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend.Thursday also marks the opening of "Camp BCHD." From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 23, the health department will be promoting back-to-school vaccinations for teens with another fun event at the 1300 Kansas Ave facility.The health department began the teen program last year in an effort to make getting vaccinated fun. Last year's theme was a beach, and this year's theme will be a teen camp, complete with to-go S'mores kits.Teens can receive all necessary vaccinations for the upcoming school year, all the while enjoying games and snacks. Teens who get vaccinated will also be entered into a drawing for a grand prize.

Barton Co. Health Dept. hosting two events Thursday

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

In October 2021, the Great Bend City Council rezoned the 1121 Baker
Avenue property to C-3, which allows the city to build up to the lot line. The
city-owned property will become the site for a new police station. 
GLMV Architecture requested to vacate 25 feet of the western right-of-way
of Baker Avenue, between 11th Street and 12th Street.
GLMV also requested to vacate 18 feet of the northern right-of-way on 11th
Street. 
Great Bend Building Official Logan Burns said the proposed 20,100 square-foot
project did not fit within the legal boundaries of the existing site. 
"We would vacate the west half of Baker that way we could build up to the property line," said Burns. "The same thing on 11th, vacating that north right-of-way. The plan now is not to build on the north half of 11th Street right-of-way, but we do have it if we need to." 
Burns said there were no concerns from nearby neighbors, and the city council
approved the motion to vacate the street right-of-ways. 
The last estimate had the new police station costing $9.1 million. 
Citizens voted in favor of a .10% sales tax increase last November to go
towards bond debt for the police station. The city anticipates more than $5.6
million from the bond proceeds over the 20-year sunset. The city will find
savings to make up the difference.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655827001865.jpeg" alt="The proposed new police station is planned to be built at the 12th &amp; Baker intersection." />
 <figcaption>The proposed new police station is planned to be built at the 12th &amp; Baker intersection.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn October 2021, the Great Bend City Council rezoned the 1121 Baker
Avenue property to C-3, which allows the city to build up to the lot line. The
city-owned property will become the site for a new police station. 
GLMV Architecture requested to vacate 25 feet of the western right-of-way
of Baker Avenue, between 11th Street and 12th Street.
GLMV also requested to vacate 18 feet of the northern right-of-way on 11th
Street. 
Great Bend Building Official Logan Burns said the proposed 20,100 square-foot
project did not fit within the legal boundaries of the existing site. 
"We would vacate the west half of Baker that way we could build up to the property line," said Burns. "The same thing on 11th, vacating that north right-of-way. The plan now is not to build on the north half of 11th Street right-of-way, but we do have it if we need to." 
Burns said there were no concerns from nearby neighbors, and the city council
approved the motion to vacate the street right-of-ways. 
The last estimate had the new police station costing $9.1 million. 
Citizens voted in favor of a .10% sales tax increase last November to go
towards bond debt for the police station. The city anticipates more than $5.6
million from the bond proceeds over the 20-year sunset. The city will find
savings to make up the difference.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend property lot expanded for new police station construction

Everybody loves a good snack. For 60 years, The Snack Shack in Wilson has provided lunch and ice cream options to area residents. Now under new ownership, the restaurant will celebrate its "Grand Opening" June 24-26. Sandy Robinson purchased The Snack Shack in May, just in time for the 60-year anniversary. 

"It's easy for us because they built the name up," Robinson said. "We just wanted to keep it local to Wilson."

In celebration, the Shack will offer 60 cent shakes on June 24, 60 cent hamburgers or fries on June 25, and 60 cent sundaes on June 26. Those specials will run from 2-4 p.m. and are limited to two per customer.

Levi Miller opened The Snack Shack in May 1962, with an official grand opening in June of that year. The Shack was originally called Miller's Malt Bar. Today's menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, fried foods, and ice cream treats.

"We've kept pretty much the same menu, and most of the help is the same," said Robinson said. "We're adding a weekly special, and we also will keep it open all year long, which it has not been in the past."

The Snack Shack, located at 186 Old 40 in Wilson, is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655775731205.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostEverybody loves a good snack. For 60 years, The Snack Shack in Wilson has provided lunch and ice cream options to area residents. Now under new ownership, the restaurant will celebrate its "Grand Opening" June 24-26. Sandy Robinson purchased The Snack Shack in May, just in time for the 60-year anniversary. "It's easy for us because they built the name up," Robinson said. "We just wanted to keep it local to Wilson."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655490841570.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In celebration, the Shack will offer 60 cent shakes on June 24, 60 cent hamburgers or fries on June 25, and 60 cent sundaes on June 26. Those specials will run from 2-4 p.m. and are limited to two per customer.Levi Miller opened The Snack Shack in May 1962, with an official grand opening in June of that year. The Shack was originally called Miller's Malt Bar. Today's menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, fried foods, and ice cream treats."We've kept pretty much the same menu, and most of the help is the same," said Robinson said. "We're adding a weekly special, and we also will keep it open all year long, which it has not been in the past."The Snack Shack, located at 186 Old 40 in Wilson, is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

Wilson's Snack Shack celebrating 'Grand Opening' after 60 years

A pair of new street projects in Great Bend began Monday morning. As part of the Community Development Block Grant project, reconstruction of the intersection at 19th and Harrison began, and crews also started a repaving project on Broadway from Polk to Morton. 

The project at 19th and Harrison will close the intersection for approximately four weeks, but Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley said the work gives Great Bend Middle School students added safety for the upcoming school year.

"It will be a great safety improvement because it's going to shorten the distance the kids have to walk across the street," Cauley said. "Having those bump-outs will decrease  crosswalk length, and will also create a traffic culling measure for the traffic around the area because it narrows the street down. The idea is to slow the traffic down as well."

Thru traffic on both Harrison and 19th Streets will be completely blocked, but Great Bend Middle School will still be accessible using side streets. 

Broadway will be reduced to one lane of traffic around the construction between Polk and Morton Streets. The Broadway repavement project is also expected to last approximately four weeks.

Cost of the projects was estimated at nearly $1.1 million, with 50 percent reimbursed from the CDBG, up to $600,000. Venture Corporation is completing the work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655745210953.jpeg" alt="Road work in Great Bend will shut down parts of Broadway and the intersection at 19th and Harrison for approximately four weeks.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Road work in Great Bend will shut down parts of Broadway and the intersection at 19th and Harrison for approximately four weeks.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA pair of new street projects in Great Bend began Monday morning. As part of the Community Development Block Grant project, reconstruction of the intersection at 19th and Harrison began, and crews also started a repaving project on Broadway from Polk to Morton. The project at 19th and Harrison will close the intersection for approximately four weeks, but Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley said the work gives Great Bend Middle School students added safety for the upcoming school year."It will be a great safety improvement because it's going to shorten the distance the kids have to walk across the street," Cauley said. "Having those bump-outs will decrease crosswalk length, and will also create a traffic culling measure for the traffic around the area because it narrows the street down. The idea is to slow the traffic down as well."Thru traffic on both Harrison and 19th Streets will be completely blocked, but Great Bend Middle School will still be accessible using side streets. Broadway will be reduced to one lane of traffic around the construction between Polk and Morton Streets. The Broadway repavement project is also expected to last approximately four weeks.Cost of the projects was estimated at nearly $1.1 million, with 50 percent reimbursed from the CDBG, up to $600,000. Venture Corporation is completing the work.

Safety improvement coming to GB Middle School intersection

This is day 6 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association.

Monday’s harvest report is a tale of the widely-varying growing conditions across the state, from abandoned acres in drought-afflicted southwest Kansas to ample moisture and good yields in the southeast. Harvest is languishing in Meade County, where the quality of harvested wheat is good, but the bushels just aren’t there, according to Mike Schlochtermeier, general manager of Meade Coop Elevator &amp; Supply Co.

“In a word, slow,” Schlochtermeier said. “We started on June 9, when we took in our first load, and this is the slowest — volume-wise — I’ve ever seen it.”

Dryland wheat was too far gone by the time the area did catch some raindrops, but did help out irrigated wheat — a little — since it was further behind in development. He’s had several producers pull into a field, do a test cut to verify yields and then call the insurance adjuster because the field only pencils out to three or seven bushels an acre. Then the harvest crew pulls out and moves on, to try to find a field that will be worth cutting.&nbsp;

Schlochtermeier’s fears going into harvest were shriveled kernels and low test weights, but the quality is a bright spot. Between all of the Meade Coop locations, test weight is averaging just under 62 pounds per bushel, moisture at 9 to 10 percent and protein at 12 to 12.5 percent. For fields that are being harvested, many producers are making 10 to 20 bushels per acre with top yields coming in the 40 bushel-per-acre range.&nbsp;

Schlochtermeier expects most area growers to finish up by the weekend.&nbsp;

“By then, they’ll have cut what they are going to cut,” he said.&nbsp;

In central Kansas, yields are coming in a little better, ranging from 25 to 55 bushels per acre.

Derek Sawyer, who farms in McPherson County, reported yields in the mid 50s and test weights of 60 pounds and above. Since he has only delivered four loads to the elevator, he didn’t have proteins to report; however, he has also harvested the Agripro variety SY Monument and delivered that to Grain Craft, as it is on the Preferred Variety List.

Tony Andrews from Lyons in Rice County reported test weights of 60 pounds per bushel and above. He expects his farm to average 25 to 30 bushels per acre. Andrews said the rains didn’t come into the area until too late. At that point, it just kept them out of the fields. They expect harvest to wrap up for their operation on Wednesday. Andrews farms with his in-laws, and they hired a custom harvester crew from Nebraska, who is looking for another job starting on Thursday. With lower yields across the region and increased price of fuel, many custom harvest crews have been on the lookout for acres to cut.

Brian Sieker from Chase in Rice County reported test weights ranging from 59 to 64 pounds per bushel. He reports that the AgriPro variety Bob Dole held on pretty well in his sandy soil. Since Sieker has an after-market parts sales business, he tests out products before he sells them. To help his customers make good choices on things they might use or need based on their unique situation, he is trying out a feature for grain headers to help harvest short wheat.

Soft red winter (SRW) wheat harvest is just getting started in Crawford County with combines starting to roll in the middle of last week. It’s too early to report many yields and quality thus far is a bit hit-and-miss, according to Brice Elnicki, general manager/CEO of Producers Coop Association in Girard.&nbsp;

The growing season in this far southeastern part of the state differs greatly from wheat production further west. Here, the area typically receives adequate moisture over the winter and doesn’t have winterkill issues. Generally, the local SRW wheat crop receives adequate rainfall — which is why producers plant soft wheat varieties with disease tolerance packages, rather than the drought-tolerant hard wheat varieties planted further west. Elnicki explained producers want a dry end of May and start of June to head off quality concerns like sprouting. Good yields come in at 80 bushels per acre, 100-bushel wheat is very good and 110 to 120 bushels per acre is “damn good.” Harvested SRW wheat will be marketed to domestic flour mills in the Kansas City area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This year’s growing season was good, but a little wetter than producers would prefer. The weather dried out in the last two to three weeks, which removed pre-harvest quality concerns. Early yields are coming in between 80 to 100 bushels an acre, not a chart-topper, but good results. Average test weight is 60.8 pounds per bushel and moisture is 12.3 percent.&nbsp;

While the majority of wheat growers in the area did spray fungicide, the ones that did not are seeing low incidence of vomitoxin, with less than 15 percent of fields affected, Elnicki reported.

Nearly all of the SRW wheat acres in the area will be double-cropped to soybeans, but Elnicki said area producers are waiting for rain later on this week before they get started.

The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Rtays5PcM3MIJ4dWqoukbV42BinNjC0cCrqoVUFj3VnENZ1flN4IGkyji05t-iWrkKahFM630vsEmWRGVnvnoPXiWEJWPD1ZSC1p2n18NzZhL6xfaj0oJFASv7_Y1hbiZPqE84gJegCnhdWHUB64GRYfH6azZnPm&amp;c=QnZb6gogtrg97QI6HKLhl958SajlrJPJNal7UsNdCEvJry5PlnYX4A==&amp;ch=c7XElddeDWJEJaY0AOxoCfETFSBVadGI2M3NOdbgbXNdEsVSbDqCQA==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Rtays5PcM3MIJ4dWqoukbV42BinNjC0cCrqoVUFj3VnENZ1flN4IGlleVxNgqHGE3KxxnBzUS_bd3kyMouNiQnWPnQSCaMYycukSfjOZN8k3Y4G1KmhL0T67oEdl5wgzeqEiK_hJDceQRtZGgcuh7JfoN6CzCl_p&amp;c=QnZb6gogtrg97QI6HKLhl958SajlrJPJNal7UsNdCEvJry5PlnYX4A==&amp;ch=c7XElddeDWJEJaY0AOxoCfETFSBVadGI2M3NOdbgbXNdEsVSbDqCQA==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Rtays5PcM3MIJ4dWqoukbV42BinNjC0cCrqoVUFj3VnENZ1flN4IGoCB-3Xn_V43OOYc2XbqE3gWNa8FNyRWPQ3EYhfujss_3v2u-PgW7-YVitrLlgno7Wm9G3Rb96rJp8dXi5qPFTkljYk58L4nmmxpzEYTIJmA&amp;c=QnZb6gogtrg97QI6HKLhl958SajlrJPJNal7UsNdCEvJry5PlnYX4A==&amp;ch=c7XElddeDWJEJaY0AOxoCfETFSBVadGI2M3NOdbgbXNdEsVSbDqCQA==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>to share your harvest story and photos. Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655775827452.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 6 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. Monday’s harvest report is a tale of the widely-varying growing conditions across the state, from abandoned acres in drought-afflicted southwest Kansas to ample moisture and good yields in the southeast. Harvest is languishing in Meade County, where the quality of harvested wheat is good, but the bushels just aren’t there, according to Mike Schlochtermeier, general manager of Meade Coop Elevator &amp; Supply Co. “In a word, slow,” Schlochtermeier said. “We started on June 9, when we took in our first load, and this is the slowest — volume-wise — I’ve ever seen it.” Dryland wheat was too far gone by the time the area did catch some raindrops, but did help out irrigated wheat — a little — since it was further behind in development. He’s had several producers pull into a field, do a test cut to verify yields and then call the insurance adjuster because the field only pencils out to three or seven bushels an acre. Then the harvest crew pulls out and moves on, to try to find a field that will be worth cutting.&nbsp; Schlochtermeier’s fears going into harvest were shriveled kernels and low test weights, but the quality is a bright spot. Between all of the Meade Coop locations, test weight is averaging just under 62 pounds per bushel, moisture at 9 to 10 percent and protein at 12 to 12.5 percent. For fields that are being harvested, many producers are making 10 to 20 bushels per acre with top yields coming in the 40 bushel-per-acre range.&nbsp; Schlochtermeier expects most area growers to finish up by the weekend.&nbsp; “By then, they’ll have cut what they are going to cut,” he said.&nbsp;In central Kansas, yields are coming in a little better, ranging from 25 to 55 bushels per acre. Derek Sawyer, who farms in McPherson County, reported yields in the mid 50s and test weights of 60 pounds and above. Since he has only delivered four loads to the elevator, he didn’t have proteins to report; however, he has also harvested the Agripro variety SY Monument and delivered that to Grain Craft, as it is on the Preferred Variety List. Tony Andrews from Lyons in Rice County reported test weights of 60 pounds per bushel and above. He expects his farm to average 25 to 30 bushels per acre. Andrews said the rains didn’t come into the area until too late. At that point, it just kept them out of the fields. They expect harvest to wrap up for their operation on Wednesday. Andrews farms with his in-laws, and they hired a custom harvester crew from Nebraska, who is looking for another job starting on Thursday. With lower yields across the region and increased price of fuel, many custom harvest crews have been on the lookout for acres to cut. Brian Sieker from Chase in Rice County reported test weights ranging from 59 to 64 pounds per bushel. He reports that the AgriPro variety Bob Dole held on pretty well in his sandy soil. Since Sieker has an after-market parts sales business, he tests out products before he sells them. To help his customers make good choices on things they might use or need based on their unique situation, he is trying out a feature for grain headers to help harvest short wheat. Soft red winter (SRW) wheat harvest is just getting started in Crawford County with combines starting to roll in the middle of last week. It’s too early to report many yields and quality thus far is a bit hit-and-miss, according to Brice Elnicki, general manager/CEO of Producers Coop Association in Girard.&nbsp; The growing season in this far southeastern part of the state differs greatly from wheat production further west. Here, the area typically receives adequate moisture over the winter and doesn’t have winterkill issues. Generally, the local SRW wheat crop receives adequate rainfall — which is why producers plant soft wheat varieties with disease tolerance packages, rather than the drought-tolerant hard wheat varieties planted further west. Elnicki explained producers want a dry end of May and start of June to head off quality concerns like sprouting. Good yields come in at 80 bushels per acre, 100-bushel wheat is very good and 110 to 120 bushels per acre is “damn good.” Harvested SRW wheat will be marketed to domestic flour mills in the Kansas City area.&nbsp;&nbsp; This year’s growing season was good, but a little wetter than producers would prefer. The weather dried out in the last two to three weeks, which removed pre-harvest quality concerns. Early yields are coming in between 80 to 100 bushels an acre, not a chart-topper, but good results. Average test weight is 60.8 pounds per bushel and moisture is 12.3 percent.&nbsp; While the majority of wheat growers in the area did spray fungicide, the ones that did not are seeing low incidence of vomitoxin, with less than 15 percent of fields affected, Elnicki reported. Nearly all of the SRW wheat acres in the area will be double-cropped to soybeans, but Elnicki said area producers are waiting for rain later on this week before they get started. The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Rtays5PcM3MIJ4dWqoukbV42BinNjC0cCrqoVUFj3VnENZ1flN4IGkyji05t-iWrkKahFM630vsEmWRGVnvnoPXiWEJWPD1ZSC1p2n18NzZhL6xfaj0oJFASv7_Y1hbiZPqE84gJegCnhdWHUB64GRYfH6azZnPm&amp;c=QnZb6gogtrg97QI6HKLhl958SajlrJPJNal7UsNdCEvJry5PlnYX4A==&amp;ch=c7XElddeDWJEJaY0AOxoCfETFSBVadGI2M3NOdbgbXNdEsVSbDqCQA==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Rtays5PcM3MIJ4dWqoukbV42BinNjC0cCrqoVUFj3VnENZ1flN4IGlleVxNgqHGE3KxxnBzUS_bd3kyMouNiQnWPnQSCaMYycukSfjOZN8k3Y4G1KmhL0T67oEdl5wgzeqEiK_hJDceQRtZGgcuh7JfoN6CzCl_p&amp;c=QnZb6gogtrg97QI6HKLhl958SajlrJPJNal7UsNdCEvJry5PlnYX4A==&amp;ch=c7XElddeDWJEJaY0AOxoCfETFSBVadGI2M3NOdbgbXNdEsVSbDqCQA==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Rtays5PcM3MIJ4dWqoukbV42BinNjC0cCrqoVUFj3VnENZ1flN4IGoCB-3Xn_V43OOYc2XbqE3gWNa8FNyRWPQ3EYhfujss_3v2u-PgW7-YVitrLlgno7Wm9G3Rb96rJp8dXi5qPFTkljYk58L4nmmxpzEYTIJmA&amp;c=QnZb6gogtrg97QI6HKLhl958SajlrJPJNal7UsNdCEvJry5PlnYX4A==&amp;ch=c7XElddeDWJEJaY0AOxoCfETFSBVadGI2M3NOdbgbXNdEsVSbDqCQA==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>to share your harvest story and photos. Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat&nbsp;&nbsp;

Day 6, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

Summer brings the heat, often amplified by humidity. With recent rains across the state, much of it in drought-stricken regions, there is no shortage of higher moisture in the air. When we factor in warmer-than-normal temperatures, especially at night, heat stress can rapidly develop in humans and animals alike. The Kansas Mesonet has an&nbsp;<a href="http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/" target="_blank">Animal Comfort Tool</a>&nbsp;that helps track heat stress values at each location throughout the state.&nbsp;

When heat stress develops with hot, sunny, and humid conditions, increased proactive steps are required to avoid potential illness. This is compounded when heat stress values remain elevated for long periods of time. Of special importance is the animal’s ability to recover at night. Recent record high temperatures overnight prevent the body from recovering from the previous day’s heat and can compound the next day’s stress if not mitigated.&nbsp;

Actual animal response to temperature stress will depend on a number of factors not accounted for in the index. Those include, but are not limited to: age, hair coat (winter vs summer; wet vs dry), health, body condition, micro-environment, and acclimatization. However, despite some of these unknowns, producers can evaluate the environmental conditions to livestock by using the Kansas Mesonet Animal Comfort tool.&nbsp;

Users can access this tool from the main Mesonet page by selecting from the drop-down menu on the top left of every page, Agriculture, and then Comfort Index. Also, users can access the tool directly from this link:&nbsp;<a href="http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/" target="_blank">http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/</a> &nbsp;The index is unique in that it includes, in addition to air temperature and relative humidity, effects of wind speed and solar radiation. Data from beef and dairy cattle was used in the development and validation of the index. The map indicates where current conditions fit on the scale.&nbsp;

Using the “Resources” tab on the webpage, users can learn more about the index, scale, and resulting potential impact. This also describes the colors used on the map and chart. &nbsp;

A particularly useful resource is the 7-day graph found under the “Chart” tab. This allows producers to monitor how conditions have fluctuated over the past week. Daily peaks can be expected each afternoon when temperatures are the warmest with peak solar radiation. Values then fall during the, usually cooler, overnight hours. Since stress impacts can be cumulative, having this feature allows producers to evaluate management requirements. This is especially a concern during warm overnights when values don’t drop below higher stress levels.

Unfortunately, since this information is calculated on an hourly basis, we do not keep a running archive of Animal Comfort that can be easily downloaded. From the “Download” tab, with the desired station selected, you can download the last week’s worth of data for that location. This is the same data that is displayed on the graph. If the data desired is outside the window of the last seven days, send an email request to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Kansas-wdl@ksu.edu" target="_blank">Kansas-wdl@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or one of the authors. We will pull the data and re-calculate the Animal Comfort for you.&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Summer brings the heat, often amplified by humidity. With recent rains across the state, much of it in drought-stricken regions, there is no shortage of higher moisture in the air. When we factor in warmer-than-normal temperatures, especially at night, heat stress can rapidly develop in humans and animals alike. The Kansas Mesonet has an&nbsp;<a href="http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/" target="_blank">Animal Comfort Tool</a>&nbsp;that helps track heat stress values at each location throughout the state.&nbsp;When heat stress develops with hot, sunny, and humid conditions, increased proactive steps are required to avoid potential illness. This is compounded when heat stress values remain elevated for long periods of time. Of special importance is the animal’s ability to recover at night. Recent record high temperatures overnight prevent the body from recovering from the previous day’s heat and can compound the next day’s stress if not mitigated.&nbsp;Actual animal response to temperature stress will depend on a number of factors not accounted for in the index. Those include, but are not limited to: age, hair coat (winter vs summer; wet vs dry), health, body condition, micro-environment, and acclimatization. However, despite some of these unknowns, producers can evaluate the environmental conditions to livestock by using the Kansas Mesonet Animal Comfort tool.&nbsp;Users can access this tool from the main Mesonet page by selecting from the drop-down menu on the top left of every page, Agriculture, and then Comfort Index. Also, users can access the tool directly from this link:&nbsp;<a href="http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/" target="_blank">http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/</a> &nbsp;The index is unique in that it includes, in addition to air temperature and relative humidity, effects of wind speed and solar radiation. Data from beef and dairy cattle was used in the development and validation of the index. The map indicates where current conditions fit on the scale.&nbsp;Using the “Resources” tab on the webpage, users can learn more about the index, scale, and resulting potential impact. This also describes the colors used on the map and chart. &nbsp;A particularly useful resource is the 7-day graph found under the “Chart” tab. This allows producers to monitor how conditions have fluctuated over the past week. Daily peaks can be expected each afternoon when temperatures are the warmest with peak solar radiation. Values then fall during the, usually cooler, overnight hours. Since stress impacts can be cumulative, having this feature allows producers to evaluate management requirements. This is especially a concern during warm overnights when values don’t drop below higher stress levels.Unfortunately, since this information is calculated on an hourly basis, we do not keep a running archive of Animal Comfort that can be easily downloaded. From the “Download” tab, with the desired station selected, you can download the last week’s worth of data for that location. This is the same data that is displayed on the graph. If the data desired is outside the window of the last seven days, send an email request to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Kansas-wdl@ksu.edu" target="_blank">Kansas-wdl@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or one of the authors. We will pull the data and re-calculate the Animal Comfort for you.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.&nbsp;

BOOR: Cow comfort index

Great Bend’s downtown consumption district will soon be getting brighter
as the Great Bend City Council approved a painted mural for the walkway, or the
ground, of the alley. 
Last August, the city council approved barricading a portion of Forest Avenue,
from Williams to Main, to provide live music, food and beverages on select
Friday nights. This past April, the Common Consumption Area was extended to the
alleyway between Forest and Lakin. 
Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Hayden said a community paint day
will be set for families to paint large shapes down the alleyway. The hope is
to inspire more art throughout the community. 
"The paint would be rated for cars to drive over it," said Hayden. "It will have to be refreshed after three to four years. We would take up that maintenance to refresh the paint."

Through sponsorships and donors, Great Bend Alive, Inc. (under the GBED umbrella) will pay to have
L&amp;M Contractors fill and patch the potholes in the alley before the
painting commences. 
This spring the outdoor events took on the name “Final Fridays on Forest” and
run from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Citizens are allowed to order alcoholic drinks, buy
food, listen to music and enjoy entertainment while staying inside the consumption
district.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655823166001.png" alt="The proposed image for the painted alleyway between Forest Avenue and Lakin Avenue in Great Bend. The actual concept could vary.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The proposed image for the painted alleyway between Forest Avenue and Lakin Avenue in Great Bend. The actual concept could vary.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGreat Bend’s downtown consumption district will soon be getting brighter
as the Great Bend City Council approved a painted mural for the walkway, or the
ground, of the alley. 
Last August, the city council approved barricading a portion of Forest Avenue,
from Williams to Main, to provide live music, food and beverages on select
Friday nights. This past April, the Common Consumption Area was extended to the
alleyway between Forest and Lakin. 
Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Hayden said a community paint day
will be set for families to paint large shapes down the alleyway. The hope is
to inspire more art throughout the community. 
"The paint would be rated for cars to drive over it," said Hayden. "It will have to be refreshed after three to four years. We would take up that maintenance to refresh the paint."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655823370984.jpeg" alt="Downtown alleyway to be painted between Forest Avenue and Lakin Avenue." />
 <figcaption>Downtown alleyway to be painted between Forest Avenue and Lakin Avenue.</figcaption>
 </figure>Through sponsorships and donors, Great Bend Alive, Inc. (under the GBED umbrella) will pay to have
L&amp;M Contractors fill and patch the potholes in the alley before the
painting commences. 
This spring the outdoor events took on the name “Final Fridays on Forest” and
run from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Citizens are allowed to order alcoholic drinks, buy
food, listen to music and enjoy entertainment while staying inside the consumption
district.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Painted alleyway coming to Great Bend’s downtown consumption district

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (6/20) 
 
Open Door / Window 
 
At 1:54 a.m. an open door/window was reported at 806 Main Street in Albert. 
 
At 2:56 a.m. an open door/window was reported at 460 W. 9th Street
in Hoisington. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 10:23 a.m. an accident was reported at 3 NW 90 Road in Hoisington. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 2:01 p.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 485 Brack St. in Galatia. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 2:18 p.m. an accident was reported at S. US 281 Highway and SE 50 Road. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 6:37 p.m. criminal damage was reported at School Dr. &amp; Point Dr. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (6/20)

At 8:09 a.m. a report of chest pain was made at 2207 29th Street.

At 12:05 p.m. a report of her vehicle missing from a parking stall at 1400 Main Street was made. Her daughter moved the vehicle to a different parking area.

At 12:43 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 207 Main Street.

At 2:13 p.m. a report of a chain link fence on the south side of the building being cut at 301 10th Street.

At 2:47 p.m. an unknown vehicle was changing lanes and went left of center, striking Leonard Gales' vehicle on 10th Street.

At 7:05 p.m. a theft was reported at 1409 Williams Street.

At 7:57 p.m. the K-9 was called out at 1409 Williams.

At 9:24 p.m. a traffic stop was reported at 12th Street &amp; McKinley.

At 9:39 p.m. theft of a 60-day tag was reported at 1617 8th Street.

At 10:16 p.m. K-9 Menta was used on a traffic stop at 3809 10th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (6/20) 
 
Open Door / Window 
 
At 1:54 a.m. an open door/window was reported at 806 Main Street in Albert. 
 
At 2:56 a.m. an open door/window was reported at 460 W. 9th Street
in Hoisington. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 10:23 a.m. an accident was reported at 3 NW 90 Road in Hoisington. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 2:01 p.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 485 Brack St. in Galatia. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 2:18 p.m. an accident was reported at S. US 281 Highway and SE 50 Road. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 6:37 p.m. criminal damage was reported at School Dr. &amp; Point Dr. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (6/20)Chest PainAt 8:09 a.m. a report of chest pain was made at 2207 29th Street.TheftAt 12:05 p.m. a report of her vehicle missing from a parking stall at 1400 Main Street was made. Her daughter moved the vehicle to a different parking area.FireAt 12:43 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 207 Main Street.Criminal DamageAt 2:13 p.m. a report of a chain link fence on the south side of the building being cut at 301 10th Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 2:47 p.m. an unknown vehicle was changing lanes and went left of center, striking Leonard Gales' vehicle on 10th Street.TheftAt 7:05 p.m. a theft was reported at 1409 Williams Street.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 7:57 p.m. the K-9 was called out at 1409 Williams.Traffic ArrestAt 9:24 p.m. a traffic stop was reported at 12th Street &amp; McKinley.TheftAt 9:39 p.m. theft of a 60-day tag was reported at 1617 8th Street.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 10:16 p.m. K-9 Menta was used on a traffic stop at 3809 10th Street.

Cop Shop (6/20)

BOOKED: Javier Aranda-Gutierrez Jr. on Barton County
District Court warrant for failure to appear, no bond set. 
 
BOOKED: Donald Pizinger on Barton County District Court case for burglary, bond
set at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Dalton Staudinger on Barton County District Court order to report for
serve sentence, no bond. 
 
BOOKED: Mareco Antonio Sago on Great Bend Municipal Court case for felony
theft, $5,000 C/S. Barton County District Court case for burglary with a
$20,000 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Michael Philbern on GBMC warrant for contempt of court, indirect by
order of the court. 
 
RELEASED: Jeremy J. Harris on GBMC warrant for contempt of court, indirect by
order of the court. Harris is still here on Barton County District charge. 
 
RELEASED: Wyatt J. Gabel on BCDC warrant for probation violation with time
served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Javier Aranda-Gutierrez Jr. on Barton County
District Court warrant for failure to appear, no bond set. 
 
BOOKED: Donald Pizinger on Barton County District Court case for burglary, bond
set at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Dalton Staudinger on Barton County District Court order to report for
serve sentence, no bond. 
 
BOOKED: Mareco Antonio Sago on Great Bend Municipal Court case for felony
theft, $5,000 C/S. Barton County District Court case for burglary with a
$20,000 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Michael Philbern on GBMC warrant for contempt of court, indirect by
order of the court. 
 
RELEASED: Jeremy J. Harris on GBMC warrant for contempt of court, indirect by
order of the court. Harris is still here on Barton County District charge. 
 
RELEASED: Wyatt J. Gabel on BCDC warrant for probation violation with time
served.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (6/20)

The people have asked for it, and now they shall receive. Demand for a steakhouse in Great Bend has existed for some time, and Dennis Crouse plans to deliver with the opening of Tellers 1872 later this summer.

"Every time you see a post on Facebook about a new restaurant coming to town, everyone says why can't we get an American buffet?" said Tellers' general manager. "Why can't we have a steakhouse? Why can't we get prime rib? Why can't we get a nice meal? We're giving them a little bit of both."

The new steakhouse will be located behind Re-Perks, with a Lakin-Street entrance just east of Main Street. The restaurant will have different lunch and dinner options.

"It's basically going to be a steakhouse and a lunch buffet," the general manager said. "We're going to do a lunch buffet Monday through Friday. We'll always have fried chicken on the buffet and one other meat, and the sides, and a salad bar."

Patrons will have a variety of menu options in the evening, including steak, pork chops, and chicken fried steak. Prime rib will be available every night. Riggs said the steakhouse will also offer fabulous deserts and tableside service. 

At this time, Tellers has not set an opening date due to construction, but Riggs said it will be worth the wait.

"It's going to be a really nice dining room," he said. "I'm really excited to see them finish it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655744760894.jpeg" alt="The new steakhouse restaurant in Great Bend plans to open later this summer inside the Zarah Mall at the Lakin &amp; Main intersection." />
 <figcaption>The new steakhouse restaurant in Great Bend plans to open later this summer inside the Zarah Mall at the Lakin &amp; Main intersection.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe people have asked for it, and now they shall receive. Demand for a steakhouse in Great Bend has existed for some time, and Dennis Crouse plans to deliver with the opening of Tellers 1872 later this summer."Every time you see a post on Facebook about a new restaurant coming to town, everyone says why can't we get an American buffet?" said Tellers' general manager. "Why can't we have a steakhouse? Why can't we get prime rib? Why can't we get a nice meal? We're giving them a little bit of both."The new steakhouse will be located behind Re-Perks, with a Lakin-Street entrance just east of Main Street. The restaurant will have different lunch and dinner options."It's basically going to be a steakhouse and a lunch buffet," the general manager said. "We're going to do a lunch buffet Monday through Friday. We'll always have fried chicken on the buffet and one other meat, and the sides, and a salad bar."Patrons will have a variety of menu options in the evening, including steak, pork chops, and chicken fried steak. Prime rib will be available every night. Riggs said the steakhouse will also offer fabulous deserts and tableside service. At this time, Tellers has not set an opening date due to construction, but Riggs said it will be worth the wait."It's going to be a really nice dining room," he said. "I'm really excited to see them finish it."

New steakhouse coming soon to downtown Great Bend

Today A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. South wind 9 to 15 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east northeast in the evening.

Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. North northeast wind 7 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South southeast wind 7 to 10 mph.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. South wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 103.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 92.

Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.

Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 82.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. South wind 9 to 15 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east northeast in the evening.Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. North northeast wind 7 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South southeast wind 7 to 10 mph.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. South wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 103.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 92.Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 82.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's Weather

As the filing deadline passed June 1, there was far more
interest in 2022 to file for the Barton County Commission than the Great Bend
City Council. 
There are nine candidates that filed for the three county commission positions
up for election this year. On the city council, there are four candidates for
four seats and all four of them are the incumbents. 
Each Barton County Commissioner receives a salary and benefits package for
serving on the board. City councilmembers do not get paid. 
City councilmember Lindsey Krom-Craven was asked if it was time to look into
low-cost incentives for residents to serve on the city council. 
"I've mentioned previously things like a swim pass that their family can use," said Krom-Craven. "Things that the city already funds. Employees already have the family membership to Club 1 Fitness...I've talked about extending that to councilmembers." 
Krom-Craven also suggested councilmembers getting electronic tablets to view
agendas and documents during meetings instead of paper documents. 
Great Bend Mayor Cody Schmidt told Krom-Craven the topic could be discussed
with himself and City Administrator Kendal Francis.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655773022155.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs the filing deadline passed June 1, there was far more
interest in 2022 to file for the Barton County Commission than the Great Bend
City Council. 
There are nine candidates that filed for the three county commission positions
up for election this year. On the city council, there are four candidates for
four seats and all four of them are the incumbents. 
Each Barton County Commissioner receives a salary and benefits package for
serving on the board. City councilmembers do not get paid. 
City councilmember Lindsey Krom-Craven was asked if it was time to look into
low-cost incentives for residents to serve on the city council. 
"I've mentioned previously things like a swim pass that their family can use," said Krom-Craven. "Things that the city already funds. Employees already have the family membership to Club 1 Fitness...I've talked about extending that to councilmembers." 
Krom-Craven also suggested councilmembers getting electronic tablets to view
agendas and documents during meetings instead of paper documents. 
Great Bend Mayor Cody Schmidt told Krom-Craven the topic could be discussed
with himself and City Administrator Kendal Francis.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend councilmember suggests benefits for board members

Hear this week's Pages in Time show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and former Great Bend City Attorney Bob Suelter that aired June 20, 2022. Suelter will revisit the city's historic past.

Pages in Time program airs every Monday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM. with either new or encore episodes.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's Pages in Time show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and former Great Bend City Attorney Bob Suelter that aired June 20, 2022. Suelter will revisit the city's historic past.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/oguqfkas/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Pages in Time program airs every Monday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM. with either new or encore episodes.&nbsp;

🎤Pages in Time show with Bob Suelter

RUSSELL COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Tammy Batt, 46, Russell, was eastbound in the 17800 Block of Old Highway 40.

Due to a medical condition, the vehicle crossed center line, entered the north ditch, became airborne over a culvert and came to a rest on its wheels facing southeast.

EMS transported Batt to Russell Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Tammy Batt, 46, Russell, was eastbound in the 17800 Block of Old Highway 40.Due to a medical condition, the vehicle crossed center line, entered the north ditch, became airborne over a culvert and came to a rest on its wheels facing southeast.EMS transported Batt to Russell Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman hospitalized after medical condition, jeep crash

Story by Joe Vinduska &amp; Lindsey Bogner Photo by Joe Vinduska&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Community College has been awarded a 1:1 matching grant, totaling $1,843,594 to construct an Agriculture, Farm Machinery, and Transportation Technology Complex to co-locate high-wage, high-demand programs including Agriculture Business Management, Crop Protection, Beef Cattle Production, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), in addition to housing the anticipated Case New Holland (CNH) Top Tech Industrial Service Training program to train ag mechanic technicians to enter the workforce.

The facility will include three classrooms, three dedicated shop spaces, CDL vehicle and equipment storage, corrals, instructor offices, loading dock, and a CDL testing area. Estimated cost for the project is $3,687,188.

In addition to the award, the State of Kansas has approved $5 million in Community and Technical Colleges Capital Improvement Tax Credits, to be split among community and technical colleges across the state, first come, first served, up to a maximum of $500,000 per school.

Barton Foundation Director Lindsey Bogner said these will likely sell out very quickly.

“I urge anyone who is interested to contact me as soon as possible,” she said. “We are looking for donors that would like to purchase these 60 percent tax credits; the minimum donation is $1,000, and the max is $416,666. It’s a win-win for our donors and for the college because tax credits allow a donor to support a project like ours, while lowering their Kansas state tax burden - for example, if you give $1,000, you get a $600 credit on your state taxes.”

For more information contact Bogner at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bognerl@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">bognerl@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 786-1141 or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bartonccfoundation.org/" target="_blank">bartonccfoundation.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655738048293.jpeg" alt="The Farm Machinery and Transportation complex would be capable of housing large machinery much like the Case New Holland Facility that opened on the Barton campus in 2010 and is used to provide training for Case employees. The new facility would house programs that would train students to enter the workforce in farm implement repair as well as a wide variety of other related programs throughout the complex. " />
 <figcaption>The Farm Machinery and Transportation complex would be capable of housing large machinery much like the Case New Holland Facility that opened on the Barton campus in 2010 and is used to provide training for Case employees. The new facility would house programs that would train students to enter the workforce in farm implement repair as well as a wide variety of other related programs throughout the complex. </figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe Vinduska &amp; Lindsey Bogner Photo by Joe Vinduska&nbsp;&nbsp;Barton Community College has been awarded a 1:1 matching grant, totaling $1,843,594 to construct an Agriculture, Farm Machinery, and Transportation Technology Complex to co-locate high-wage, high-demand programs including Agriculture Business Management, Crop Protection, Beef Cattle Production, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), in addition to housing the anticipated Case New Holland (CNH) Top Tech Industrial Service Training program to train ag mechanic technicians to enter the workforce.The facility will include three classrooms, three dedicated shop spaces, CDL vehicle and equipment storage, corrals, instructor offices, loading dock, and a CDL testing area. Estimated cost for the project is $3,687,188.In addition to the award, the State of Kansas has approved $5 million in Community and Technical Colleges Capital Improvement Tax Credits, to be split among community and technical colleges across the state, first come, first served, up to a maximum of $500,000 per school.Barton Foundation Director Lindsey Bogner said these will likely sell out very quickly.“I urge anyone who is interested to contact me as soon as possible,” she said. “We are looking for donors that would like to purchase these 60 percent tax credits; the minimum donation is $1,000, and the max is $416,666. It’s a win-win for our donors and for the college because tax credits allow a donor to support a project like ours, while lowering their Kansas state tax burden - for example, if you give $1,000, you get a $600 credit on your state taxes.”For more information contact Bogner at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bognerl@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">bognerl@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 786-1141 or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bartonccfoundation.org/" target="_blank">bartonccfoundation.org</a>.

Barton college awarded $1.8 million grant for ag building

News from the Oil Patch, June 20 John P. Tretbar

Crude futures settled Friday at $109.56 per barrel, marking a weekly loss of nearly nine percent. Prices briefly dropped to a four-week low just over $108 per barrel. US markets and banks were closed Monday to mark the Juneteenth holiday. Kansas crude prices dropped below $100 a barrel for the first time in a month. Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $99.75 per barrel, the lowest price in McPherson since May 18th. Gasoline prices have dropped below five dollars a gallon nationwide. The auto club AAA reports the average pump price across the US for a gallon of regular was just over $4.98. That's down three cents from a week ago. The average across Kansas was a fraction over $4.65 a gallon, We spotted $4.69 at most outlets in Hays on Monday and $4.79 across Great Bend. US natural gas prices fell by about 16% after a major export facility announced it won't reopen anytime soon. Freeport LNG suffered a major fire and explosion two weeks ago and now says a return to full operations won't happen until late this year. The Rig Count in Kansas is unchanged from a week ago, with 23 active rigs east of Wichita and 32 in Western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway Friday on a lease in Barton and drilling underway or about to start on two sites in Russell County. So far this year, 154 Kansas operators have spudded 596 wells, up more than 75% from a year ago. Operators completed 44 wells across Kansas last week, 16 in eastern Kansas and 28 west of Wichita, including six in Barton County and one in Ellis County. That's 731 completed wells so far this year. Kansas regulators okayed 67 permits for drilling at new locations. Thirty were west of Wichita including three in Ellis County. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes 740, up seven rigs. The count in New Mexico was up seven. US crude inventories increased by two million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of 418.7 million barrels as of June 10th. US inventories are about 14% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by 700-thousand barrels last week and are about 11% below the five-year average. The family trust of billionaire-founder Harold Hamm is hoping to take Continental Resources private. In a news release, the company said it received an all-cash offer of $70 per share to those holding the approximately 17% of the company that his family does not already own. The deal could take the huge U.S. shale producer private at a valuation of $25.41 billion. Reuters reported Continental's shares jumped 16% to nearly $75 a share on the news, indicating investors believe a higher offer could be forthcoming. Russia has passed Saudi Arabia to become India's second biggest crude-oil supplier, and China's largest, despite international sanctions. India imported 819-thousand barrels per day from Russia in May, according to a report from Reuters. They are taking advantage of record discounts, now reaching $30 under the international benchmark. Russian sales to China reached nearly two million barrels per day, an increase of 25% from the month before. Despite pledging to increase production last month, OPEC and its export partners fell short by more than a million barrels per day of their announced production increases. According to the cartel's Monthly Oil Market Report on Monday, May output was just over 28.5 million barrels per day, down 176-thousand barrels per day from the month before. US operators increased crude production last week by 90-thousand barrels a day, topping 12-million barrels per day for the first time since April of 2020. During the week through June 10th, domestic output reached 12.035 million barrels per day, according to a weekly government report. That's up 789-thousand barrels a day over the same week a year ago. The Energy Information Administration reports crude imports increased 800-thousand barrels per day over the week before, to average seven million barrels per day. The four-week average is up about two percent over the same four weeks a year ago. Winter weather plagued the North Dakota oil patch in April, dropping crude production by 20%. Back-to-back blizzards knocked out electrical power to the patch, costing some operators between 45% and 100% of their output. Director Lynn Helms of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources told reporters the problems continued into the month of May. Statewide production in April, totaled just over 900-thousand barrels per day. At 93%, the state's gas-capture rate dipped slightly from the record set the month before. US oil-by-rail numbers were up week-over-week, but still trail last year's tallies. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,037 tanker carloads hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week through June 11th. That's up 715 carloads from the week before but nearly six percent behind the count last year at this time. Canadian traffic increased nearly 14% over last year, gaining more than 400 carloads week over week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577789001883.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, June 20 John P. Tretbar Crude futures settled Friday at $109.56 per barrel, marking a weekly loss of nearly nine percent. Prices briefly dropped to a four-week low just over $108 per barrel. US markets and banks were closed Monday to mark the Juneteenth holiday. Kansas crude prices dropped below $100 a barrel for the first time in a month. Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $99.75 per barrel, the lowest price in McPherson since May 18th. Gasoline prices have dropped below five dollars a gallon nationwide. The auto club AAA reports the average pump price across the US for a gallon of regular was just over $4.98. That's down three cents from a week ago. The average across Kansas was a fraction over $4.65 a gallon, We spotted $4.69 at most outlets in Hays on Monday and $4.79 across Great Bend. US natural gas prices fell by about 16% after a major export facility announced it won't reopen anytime soon. Freeport LNG suffered a major fire and explosion two weeks ago and now says a return to full operations won't happen until late this year. The Rig Count in Kansas is unchanged from a week ago, with 23 active rigs east of Wichita and 32 in Western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway Friday on a lease in Barton and drilling underway or about to start on two sites in Russell County. So far this year, 154 Kansas operators have spudded 596 wells, up more than 75% from a year ago. Operators completed 44 wells across Kansas last week, 16 in eastern Kansas and 28 west of Wichita, including six in Barton County and one in Ellis County. That's 731 completed wells so far this year. Kansas regulators okayed 67 permits for drilling at new locations. Thirty were west of Wichita including three in Ellis County. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes 740, up seven rigs. The count in New Mexico was up seven. US crude inventories increased by two million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of 418.7 million barrels as of June 10th. US inventories are about 14% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by 700-thousand barrels last week and are about 11% below the five-year average. The family trust of billionaire-founder Harold Hamm is hoping to take Continental Resources private. In a news release, the company said it received an all-cash offer of $70 per share to those holding the approximately 17% of the company that his family does not already own. The deal could take the huge U.S. shale producer private at a valuation of $25.41 billion. Reuters reported Continental's shares jumped 16% to nearly $75 a share on the news, indicating investors believe a higher offer could be forthcoming. Russia has passed Saudi Arabia to become India's second biggest crude-oil supplier, and China's largest, despite international sanctions. India imported 819-thousand barrels per day from Russia in May, according to a report from Reuters. They are taking advantage of record discounts, now reaching $30 under the international benchmark. Russian sales to China reached nearly two million barrels per day, an increase of 25% from the month before. Despite pledging to increase production last month, OPEC and its export partners fell short by more than a million barrels per day of their announced production increases. According to the cartel's Monthly Oil Market Report on Monday, May output was just over 28.5 million barrels per day, down 176-thousand barrels per day from the month before. US operators increased crude production last week by 90-thousand barrels a day, topping 12-million barrels per day for the first time since April of 2020. During the week through June 10th, domestic output reached 12.035 million barrels per day, according to a weekly government report. That's up 789-thousand barrels a day over the same week a year ago. The Energy Information Administration reports crude imports increased 800-thousand barrels per day over the week before, to average seven million barrels per day. The four-week average is up about two percent over the same four weeks a year ago. Winter weather plagued the North Dakota oil patch in April, dropping crude production by 20%. Back-to-back blizzards knocked out electrical power to the patch, costing some operators between 45% and 100% of their output. Director Lynn Helms of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources told reporters the problems continued into the month of May. Statewide production in April, totaled just over 900-thousand barrels per day. At 93%, the state's gas-capture rate dipped slightly from the record set the month before. US oil-by-rail numbers were up week-over-week, but still trail last year's tallies. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,037 tanker carloads hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week through June 11th. That's up 715 carloads from the week before but nearly six percent behind the count last year at this time. Canadian traffic increased nearly 14% over last year, gaining more than 400 carloads week over week.

News from the Oil Patch: Crude, gasoline prices retreat

The Pawnee County Appraiser’s Office started its annual reinspection of real estate properties last week. This process will continue throughout the summer and into the fall. 

Keeping in mind the safety of the public and appraisal staff, Pawnee County will make every effort to review properties with as little personal contact as possible.

The following areas will be reviewed for 2022: Grant Township, Larned Township, Morton Township, the City of Rozel and the City of Larned east of Toles Avenue.

Pawnee County Appraiser’s Office personnel can be identified by Pawnee County photo identification badges and will be driving a vehicle marked with the Pawnee County logo. 

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Pawnee County Appraiser’s Office at 620-285-2915.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602011298765.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Pawnee County Appraiser’s Office started its annual reinspection of real estate properties last week. This process will continue throughout the summer and into the fall. Keeping in mind the safety of the public and appraisal staff, Pawnee County will make every effort to review properties with as little personal contact as possible.The following areas will be reviewed for 2022: Grant Township, Larned Township, Morton Township, the City of Rozel and the City of Larned east of Toles Avenue.Pawnee County Appraiser’s Office personnel can be identified by Pawnee County photo identification badges and will be driving a vehicle marked with the Pawnee County logo. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Pawnee County Appraiser’s Office at 620-285-2915.

Pawnee Co. reinspection of real estate properties underway

POLICY, REGULATORY AND ISSUE&nbsp;UPDATES

President Biden Signs Thune-Klobuchar, Johnson-Garamendi Ocean Shipping Reform Act President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law a bipartisan bill that aims to rein in the container shipping industry in a bid to ease supply chain challenges at ports and lower costs of goods. The bill seeks to end the practice of shippers bringing imports to U.S ports and departing those ports empty in order to speed back to their countries of origin to reload with more imports for the U.S. while stranding U.S. agricultural exports at U.S. ports. President Biden signed the legislation days after it cleared the House in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, telling an audience at the White House the measure would help ease inflation. The bill is widely supported amongst the agriculture industry. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=6a010c5700&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=7f3ac4d743&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp; Railroads Ordered to Revise Service Recovery Plans The Surface Transportation Board (STB) condemned BNSF Railway Company, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway&nbsp;and Union Pacific Railroad after service recovery plans they were required to submit to improve shipping delays were deemed inadequate due to insufficient data. STB Chairman Martin Oberman said, “I had expected a better response from the carriers to the board’s previous order, and now with more explicit instructions, which should not have been needed, there will be no excuse for continued lack of compliance,” in a board statement. The new order requires the railroads to submit six months’ worth of performance metrics and employment data in addition to the biweekly updates. This action comes after Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), the top Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, led a bipartisan group of colleagues in a letter urging the STB to ensure reliable, consistent rail service for American farmers. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=366b6c4d9e&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp; House Agriculture Appropriations Bill Clears Subcommittee The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee marked up its fiscal year (FY) 2023 funding measure this week. The bill funds agencies and programs within the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Farm Credit Administration. Republicans on the subcommittee criticized the bill for its price tag, particularly relative to nutrition programs.&nbsp;The&nbsp;appropriations&nbsp;measure will be considered before the full committee on June 23 where members are expected to offer amendments. House appropriators aim to have the FY2023 funding bills on the House floor in July. Meanwhile in the evenly divided Senate, negotiations on a spending cap to govern the FY2023 appropriations process have come to a halt due to differences over total spending, investment in defense and earmarks.&nbsp;Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) attributed the impasse over the total amount of spending and the division of dollars between defense and non-defense spending. House Democrats set an overall $1.6 trillion discretionary spending cap, largely in line with President Biden’s budget request earlier this month, which is 9 percent above the current year. Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Republican Member, Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), said passing funding bills by October 1, the start of the new fiscal year, is “not going to happen” given the differences that prevent the appropriations process from starting in the upper chamber.&nbsp;View the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee markup&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=e369852dbc&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>, read a summary of the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a585ebd19b&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>, and read about the status of the appropriations process in the Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=68fd550703&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp; House Passes Agriculture-Related Bill Largely Along Partisan Lines The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a package of bills that Democrats say will promote competition in the meat sector, reduce fertilizer usage and expand the use of biofuels. Republicans described the legislation as a “messaging bill” which will not pass the Senate or become law and would do little to address inflation while attempting to deflect attention from what Republicans cite as the Biden Administration’s inflationary policies. Nevertheless, the bill passed, 221-204, with support from seven Midwest Republicans who supported the bill’s ethanol provisions. Meanwhile, five Democrats voted against the bill because they agreed with Republican concerns over the measure overall. The biofuels provisions proved very popular on both sides of the aisle, but the packer provisions were also extremely divisive. Efforts by Republicans to drop the latter and move the former on a strong, bipartisan basis were not successful. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=943a97025f&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=f319342688&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp; Thompson Introduces Bill to Cut Farm Regulation House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), this week introduced&nbsp;a bill that “requires the Biden Administration to reverse its regulatory barriers to domestic agriculture production and provide immediate relief to families across the country.” The bill would, amongst other things,&nbsp;provide relief from EPA’s unprecedented actions related to crop protection tools; offer clarity related to Waters of the U.S. regulations; rescind the Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposed rule on climate-related disclosures; reinstate the 2020 National Environmental Policy Act streamlining; and&nbsp;require an economic analysis of the costs and benefits of Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rules. Read a summary of the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=74452c3fc4&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; McCarthy, Thompson Call on Biden Administration to Reduce Barriers to Agriculture Production House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and House Agriculture Committee Ranking Republican Member, Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA), sent a letter to President Joe Biden calling on the Administration to reverse burdensome regulations and policy barriers to U.S. agriculture production. The letter outlines administrative actions that should be taken to help American producers, including:&nbsp;reducing farm input costs; halting changes to "Waters of the United States"; ensuring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refocuses on sound science to augment crop protection products; and, ending onerous climate rules. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=87e19c4ab5&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp; Senate Republicans Urge SEC To Rescind Farmer Climate Disclosure Requirements A group of Senate Republicans, led by Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Republican Member, Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), urged Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler to rescind a proposed rule which would require publicly-traded companies to include certain climate-related disclosures in their registration statements and periodic reports that would involve farmers and ranchers.&nbsp;“While farmers and ranchers have never been subject to SEC oversight, the proposed rule’s Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions reporting requirement would place a major reporting burden on the many agricultural producers that provide raw products to the value-chain,” the senators wrote. The American Farm Bureau Federation has spearheaded farm group efforts against the regulation, and National Sorghum Producers submitted comments today supporting these efforts.&nbsp;Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=b1dfff0a2c&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp; Senate Agriculture Committee Hold Arkansas Field Hearing Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Republican Member, Senator John Boozman (R-AR), hosted a 2023 Farm Bill listening session in the Natural State this morning. Two panels of witnesses weighed in on each title of the bill. View the listening session here. For its part, the House Agriculture Committee announced its first field hearing which is to be held next Saturday in Arizona.&nbsp;It will then hold a second listening session in Fresno, California on July 7, at 2 PM ET. According to the Committee, additional listening session dates and locations will be announced in the coming weeks. View today’s field hearing&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=b653a68820&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp; EPA Finds Insecticides Harmful to Several Species Three widely-used insecticides are “likely to adversely affect” the majority of threatened and endangered species, according to a recent analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The chemicals analyzed are the neonicotinoids clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, which are widely used on crops, turfs, ornamentals and as seed treatments. According to EPA, they adversely affect 67 percent to 79 percent of endangered species and 56 percent to 83 percent of critical habitats, depending on the chemical. The EPA found that nearly half a dozen bee species have been adversely affected by the use of the chemicals. The determinations illustrate an ongoing conflict within the Administration between the need to augment U.S. food production to stave off a global food crisis and the goals of an environmental activist agenda. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=2784cf3ad1&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. National Sorghum Producers continues to engage with EPA working to ensure growers continue to have access to the necessary tools to produce both sustainably and abundantly. &nbsp; USDA Comment Period on Domestic Fertilizer Industry Extended USDA has extended the comment period for a second time to gather input on the nation’s fertilizer industry, as it develops criteria for doling out $500 million in new funding for domestic production. Comments are now due July 15. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has already received more than 1,000 comments so far. In announcing the funding in March, USDA said details on the application process will be announced this summer, “with the first awards expected before the end of 2022.” Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=6f902b274f&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp; Flores Wins Vela Seat in Bellwether Election Texas Republican Mayra Flores&nbsp;became the first Republican to represent Texas’ 34th&nbsp;Congressional District, a majority-Hispanic district recently vacated by former Rep. Filemon Vela (D-TX). Ms. Flores won a special election to fill the remainder of Vela’s term until the end of the year and will face Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) in November in the newly redrawn 34th District.&nbsp;Cook Political Report&nbsp;House Editor David Wasserman&nbsp;says Flores' 51 percent showing in an 84 percent Latino seat is the latest sign of a GOP surge along the border. It also means the Democrats' House majority is down to 220 seats, the smallest majority in modern history. 218 seats are required to form a majority. Read more from Jim Wiesemeyer&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=db9f423e59&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp; Davids Joins Agriculture Committee,&nbsp;Maloney Named Chair&nbsp; Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) has been named to the House Agriculture Committee. David Wasserman notes that Rep.&nbsp;Davids is locked in a tight bid for reelection due to headwinds facing Democrats in the mid-terms and redistricting. Also this week, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) was tapped to chair the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.&nbsp;Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=6f8f7bfe35&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=5fa50bf94e&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.

New Episode! Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition Check out&nbsp;the newest episode of Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition! In this episode, National Sorghum Producers Executive Vice President John Duff is joined by Chris Cogburn, NSP senior policy adviser and manager of Sustainable Crop Insurance Services, to discuss upcoming and potential changes for sorghum crop insurance in the 2022 and 2023 crop years and details of the recently announced Emergency Relief Program (ERP). Listen to all Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition episodes on your favorite listening platform or&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=90f338a6a2&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com/podcast</a>.<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a8ed0c6d7d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank"></a> Sorghum Checkoff Continues the Cultivation of Sorghum Leaders The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is accepting applications for&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a92fb9a985&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=615b73b1ed&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=90bbe07e65&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com</a>.

Export Report Sorghum export shipments stayed strong last week with China taking delivery of 5.3&nbsp;million bushels. China made&nbsp;purchases of 2.6&nbsp;million bushels. However, purchases of 2.5&nbsp;million bushels were cancelled by an unknown destination, bringing the total purchases for the week to just over 100,000&nbsp;bushels. Last week's purchases bring total sorghum export purchases for the 2021/2022 marketing year to 268&nbsp;million bushels, or 94&nbsp;percent what was estimated in the most recent USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=62f87a34d0&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">WASDE</a>). Sorghum Crop Progress Report Sixty-six percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was planted by June 12, three percentage points behind the previous year and five&nbsp;points behind the five-year average. Texas had planted 90 percent of its sorghum acreage by June 12, four percentage points behind both the previous year and the average. By June 12, thirteen percent of the nation’s sorghum had reached the headed stage, equal to last year but two&nbsp;percentage points behind average. Forty-seven percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was rated in good to excellent condition on June 12, one percentage point above the previous week but 27 points below the same time last year.&nbsp; 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=a2137ddc38&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=f357fb6ca0&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Summer annuals could hit the spot for you grazing plans</a>&nbsp;- BEEF <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=633d7edc63&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Prevent Plant Restrictions Lifted – What Growers Need to Know</a>&nbsp;- Tri-State Neighbor <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=7cb83c82af&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Empirical Launches SOKA, a New Spirit from Sorghum</a>&nbsp;- BevNet <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=b698acdd00&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Sorghum producers see fewer issues with sugarcane aphids</a>&nbsp;- AgriLife Today <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=82841d8b83&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">“I Tried Sorghum Pasta and Here’s What It Tastes Like”</a>&nbsp;- The Beet. Upcoming Events June 27&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=f8d63166c5&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">NLS Food Evolution Summit</a>&nbsp;- Scottsdale, AZ July 4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Independence Day - Office Closed August 2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=7a8449e19c&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Mid-South Ruminant Nutrition Conference</a>&nbsp;- Grapevine, TX August 11&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=235da658fe&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Sorghum</a><a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=eac877a739&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">&nbsp;U</a>&nbsp;- Wichita, KS August 15&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; NSP Board Meeting - Wichita, KS August 17&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; USCP Board Meeting - Wichita, KS 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=0e77fbfe62&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

Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. is proud to announce that we are once again renewing our Sharing Success program, a grant-giving initiative, in partnership with CoBank and the Scott Community Foundation.

As in years past, Wheatland Electric and CoBank have each contributed $10,000 this year to the fund, meaning $20,000 in grant funds is available for deserving community organizations across our service territory.

To date, our cooperative has awarded individual grants in the amount of $1,000 to many non-profit and community-oriented organizations across southwest and central Kansas for community-based projects. A total of $125,000 has been awarded to date over the past decade.

The Scott Community Foundation began formally accepting applications for grants from the Wheatland Electric Sharing Success Fund from non-profit organizations on Dec. 1, 2012. The program will continue to run until the funds are exhausted.

“The Sharing Success program allows us to give back to the communities we serve,” said Wheatland’s CEO/General Manager Bruce W. Mueller. “We’re excited to continue partnering with CoBank and the Scott Community Foundation.”

Community organizations interested in receiving funding from the Wheatland Electric Sharing Success Fund can apply online at https://www.weci.net/sharing-success-program. Questions should be referred to Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communications, at 620-874-4563 or aconine@weci.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655733328738.jpeg" alt="Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communications (far left), presents a $20,000 check to representatives of the Scott Community Foundation on June 10, 2022. Community-based organizations operating in or serving Wheatland Electric’s service territory can apply for $1,000 in grant funds once per grant year." />
 <figcaption>Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communications (far left), presents a $20,000 check to representatives of the Scott Community Foundation on June 10, 2022. Community-based organizations operating in or serving Wheatland Electric’s service territory can apply for $1,000 in grant funds once per grant year.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSWheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. is proud to announce that we are once again renewing our Sharing Success program, a grant-giving initiative, in partnership with CoBank and the Scott Community Foundation.As in years past, Wheatland Electric and CoBank have each contributed $10,000 this year to the fund, meaning $20,000 in grant funds is available for deserving community organizations across our service territory.To date, our cooperative has awarded individual grants in the amount of $1,000 to many non-profit and community-oriented organizations across southwest and central Kansas for community-based projects. A total of $125,000 has been awarded to date over the past decade.The Scott Community Foundation began formally accepting applications for grants from the Wheatland Electric Sharing Success Fund from non-profit organizations on Dec. 1, 2012. The program will continue to run until the funds are exhausted.“The Sharing Success program allows us to give back to the communities we serve,” said Wheatland’s CEO/General Manager Bruce W. Mueller. “We’re excited to continue partnering with CoBank and the Scott Community Foundation.”Community organizations interested in receiving funding from the Wheatland Electric Sharing Success Fund can apply online at https://www.weci.net/sharing-success-program. Questions should be referred to Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communications, at 620-874-4563 or aconine@weci.net.

Wheatland Electric announces renewal of sharing success with $10K Matching Contribution

Crews will begin work on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project Monday, June 20 in Great Bend.

The project will include the reconstruction of the 19th Street and Harrison Street intersection. Anticipate the intersection to be closed to all traffic for approximately four weeks. There will be access to the Great Bend Middle School through detours around the intersection.

The second part of the project is the repaving of Broadway Avenue from Polk Street to Morton Street. This project, also starting June 20, will restrict Broadway to one way traffic for westbound traffic. One lane will be blocked off while work is being performed. Once work in that lane is completed then the opposing lane will be shut down. Traffic will be detoured around these projects as work demands.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Sreehitha Kadiyala, Assistant City Engineer, 620-792-4150.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640027364462.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Crews will begin work on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project Monday, June 20 in Great Bend.The project will include the reconstruction of the 19th Street and Harrison Street intersection. Anticipate the intersection to be closed to all traffic for approximately four weeks. There will be access to the Great Bend Middle School through detours around the intersection.The second part of the project is the repaving of Broadway Avenue from Polk Street to Morton Street. This project, also starting June 20, will restrict Broadway to one way traffic for westbound traffic. One lane will be blocked off while work is being performed. Once work in that lane is completed then the opposing lane will be shut down. Traffic will be detoured around these projects as work demands.If you have any questions or concerns, contact Sreehitha Kadiyala, Assistant City Engineer, 620-792-4150.

Construction on Broadway and 19th & Harrison intersection starts this week

This is day 5 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association.

Kansas farm families spent Father’s Day weekend in the combine, a wheat harvest tradition. Hot, dry, windy weather signaled the continued rapid progression of harvest across the state. Some south-central Kansas producers have sunny harvest results to share while empathizing with farmers elsewhere that did not catch the same beneficial rains throughout the growing season. No matter the final yield or the holiday, farm families are working together to maximize the 2022 Kansas wheat crop.

James Mosiman had his Arizona landlord in the combine with him when Kansas Wheat staff stopped by the harvest field near Walton in Harvey County. Harvest results are good with yields at 53 to 78 bushels per acre, 14 percent moisture and test weights heavy at 61 to 62 pounds per bushel. In the next field, son Justin was running the air-seeder to plant double-crop soybeans into the wheat stubble. The cutting and planting crew were joined by a load of kids from Boulder and Kansas City and their grandfather, all of whom piled out and climbed into the cab. The grandfather remarked the field trip helped his grandkids see where their bread comes from, yet another family harvest tradition.

In the same area near Walton, the Nuss family, alongside Troy Smith, worked together this weekend to get wheat in Harvey County harvested and straw baled for Smith’s cattle. The operation delivers straight to Ardent Mills in nearby Newton, making growing quality wheat a priority. Harvest results thus far are strong with yields at 70 bushels per acre, moisture at 11.2 to 14 percent, test weights heavy at 62 to 63 pounds per bushel and protein at 10.5 to 12 percent.

Back in February - after an excruciating Kansas City Chiefs game - the family went and tinkered with a 1968 Case 660 combine sitting in the treeline. After taking out their frustration, they got it started. Motivated, they restored the machine to running condition, driving to southwestern Missouri to pick up parts from a collector happy to see them used. After sitting idle for close to 30 years, the old Case combine returned to the harvest field for a few passes.

Bonding over machinery and splitting up harvest and fieldwork responsibilities is a common theme in June. From the first day of harvest on Friday, Koby Royer, a senior at Kansas State University, was operating the combine while his older brother Alek&nbsp;ran the grain truck to and from the elevator. Koby helps out on the family operation in Yoder, Royer Farms, while working an internship in nearby Hutchinson.

Their morale is high, thanks to results from fields like the one they were custom-cutting in Reno County on Friday - 50 bushels per acre, 64.5 pounds per bushel test weight and 13 percent protein. The brothers are thankful for the moisture they received but empathize with farmers further west that did not see the rain when needed.

Hayden Peirce&nbsp;is also balancing helping out on the family farm near Castelton and working a summer internship. Starting work at six in the morning in town, he can finish up responsibilities as an intern before hopping into the combine mid-afternoon. Peirce is also a college senior, pursuing a degree in biological agricultural engineering from Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655731250889.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 5 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. Kansas farm families spent Father’s Day weekend in the combine, a wheat harvest tradition. Hot, dry, windy weather signaled the continued rapid progression of harvest across the state. Some south-central Kansas producers have sunny harvest results to share while empathizing with farmers elsewhere that did not catch the same beneficial rains throughout the growing season. No matter the final yield or the holiday, farm families are working together to maximize the 2022 Kansas wheat crop. James Mosiman had his Arizona landlord in the combine with him when Kansas Wheat staff stopped by the harvest field near Walton in Harvey County. Harvest results are good with yields at 53 to 78 bushels per acre, 14 percent moisture and test weights heavy at 61 to 62 pounds per bushel. In the next field, son Justin was running the air-seeder to plant double-crop soybeans into the wheat stubble. The cutting and planting crew were joined by a load of kids from Boulder and Kansas City and their grandfather, all of whom piled out and climbed into the cab. The grandfather remarked the field trip helped his grandkids see where their bread comes from, yet another family harvest tradition. In the same area near Walton, the Nuss family, alongside Troy Smith, worked together this weekend to get wheat in Harvey County harvested and straw baled for Smith’s cattle. The operation delivers straight to Ardent Mills in nearby Newton, making growing quality wheat a priority. Harvest results thus far are strong with yields at 70 bushels per acre, moisture at 11.2 to 14 percent, test weights heavy at 62 to 63 pounds per bushel and protein at 10.5 to 12 percent. Back in February - after an excruciating Kansas City Chiefs game - the family went and tinkered with a 1968 Case 660 combine sitting in the treeline. After taking out their frustration, they got it started. Motivated, they restored the machine to running condition, driving to southwestern Missouri to pick up parts from a collector happy to see them used. After sitting idle for close to 30 years, the old Case combine returned to the harvest field for a few passes. Bonding over machinery and splitting up harvest and fieldwork responsibilities is a common theme in June. From the first day of harvest on Friday, Koby Royer, a senior at Kansas State University, was operating the combine while his older brother Alek&nbsp;ran the grain truck to and from the elevator. Koby helps out on the family operation in Yoder, Royer Farms, while working an internship in nearby Hutchinson. Their morale is high, thanks to results from fields like the one they were custom-cutting in Reno County on Friday - 50 bushels per acre, 64.5 pounds per bushel test weight and 13 percent protein. The brothers are thankful for the moisture they received but empathize with farmers further west that did not see the rain when needed. Hayden Peirce&nbsp;is also balancing helping out on the family farm near Castelton and working a summer internship. Starting work at six in the morning in town, he can finish up responsibilities as an intern before hopping into the combine mid-afternoon. Peirce is also a college senior, pursuing a degree in biological agricultural engineering from Kansas State University. Using the protein testing in the cab, Peirce is seeing high protein, ranging from 11 to 16 percent. Moisture is dry - 10 to 13 percent - and test weights are above 60 pounds per bushel. Yields are coming in the 40’s and 50’s bushels per acre. He praised the variety KS Hatchett, from the Kansas Wheat Alliance, for its drought tolerance, which was put to the ultimate test this year. He compared harvest results to Zenda, also from the Kansas Wheat Alliance, and Hatchett outperformed it. Harvest is truly a family affair with Peirce running the combine while his cousins man the grain cart and semi and his oldest brother operates the planter - all pivotal pieces to getting all farm work done in June. The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vgUiLdiqO0esi1Wjb4Xm-S3ivlu6pm6WzMG-Xgll_44Z9lVEU5_nfy89n9RxA2xKL9N4zAj2mMfTtCSuQE1ZAUP-647V-cESt4hADOGz6ldtpZeosrXV0avWg6u4cH_lskL26khJ_-VbCmgycmEYJmadu_xZFhaM&amp;c=ZYuzpv84jz9_Qadfb7_eACockWTPZZIm8kPp7sxgp_UXGvIwyXj8Cg==&amp;ch=0Wx2kOylOBW0jeP7RRpZQeyqjfPP8PZ-osxqvhFfz6WSWSMoX2d9Rw==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vgUiLdiqO0esi1Wjb4Xm-S3ivlu6pm6WzMG-Xgll_44Z9lVEU5_nf_2aTigm0dK7RkwO904h3lSfDdWZUwRs8w4l5qGjj_Dr5McxJSL6ilxJ1QV40EQN7qhIsqzKpTPhoMjkIR3kd4F8z52FQ8vCzdX9Mzz0Y51t&amp;c=ZYuzpv84jz9_Qadfb7_eACockWTPZZIm8kPp7sxgp_UXGvIwyXj8Cg==&amp;ch=0Wx2kOylOBW0jeP7RRpZQeyqjfPP8PZ-osxqvhFfz6WSWSMoX2d9Rw==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vgUiLdiqO0esi1Wjb4Xm-S3ivlu6pm6WzMG-Xgll_44Z9lVEU5_nf7HF8QSehuB9EalwCbrqCaB_rKXql1W8-RgSWnXDFxE8kGwAiX2vx4gKb2cd55gJr2T2u-eFTAcIOWwJ1pc8DtCvWvjEhQHF0oYspDLdyVvw&amp;c=ZYuzpv84jz9_Qadfb7_eACockWTPZZIm8kPp7sxgp_UXGvIwyXj8Cg==&amp;ch=0Wx2kOylOBW0jeP7RRpZQeyqjfPP8PZ-osxqvhFfz6WSWSMoX2d9Rw==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>to share your harvest story and photos. Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat&nbsp;&nbsp;

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