BOOKED: Christopher Harper on Saline County District Court
warrant for probation violation, bond set at $1,000 C/S. Rose Hill Municipal
Court warrant for failure to appear, bond set at $1,500 cash only. 
 
BOOKED: James Miller on Barton County serve sentence. 
 
BOOKED: Dionicio Gonzalez on Barton County District Court warrant, bond set at
$1,500 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Tammy Werth on BCDC case for DUI, failure to maintain lane, speeding,
ITOL after posting the $1,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Robert Lyons to Reno County Sheriff’s Office for their charges. 
 
RELEASED: Jose Migue Landrau-Acosta posted a $762.50 cash bond through GBPD on
Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for contempt of court. 
 
RELEASED: Mathew Castaneda to KDOC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Christopher Harper on Saline County District Court
warrant for probation violation, bond set at $1,000 C/S. Rose Hill Municipal
Court warrant for failure to appear, bond set at $1,500 cash only. 
 
BOOKED: James Miller on Barton County serve sentence. 
 
BOOKED: Dionicio Gonzalez on Barton County District Court warrant, bond set at
$1,500 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Tammy Werth on BCDC case for DUI, failure to maintain lane, speeding,
ITOL after posting the $1,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Robert Lyons to Reno County Sheriff’s Office for their charges. 
 
RELEASED: Jose Migue Landrau-Acosta posted a $762.50 cash bond through GBPD on
Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for contempt of court. 
 
RELEASED: Mathew Castaneda to KDOC.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (5/31)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Great Bend’s boys of summer are back as the Great Bend Bat Cats begin
another season playing baseball. The summer collegiate team is coming off their
highest finish ever at the NBC World Series last year with a 5th-place
finish. 

Great Bend native Roger Ward is back as the manager and excited to get the
season underway Wednesday, June 1. 
"We have around 30 guys on the roster," said Ward. "We have a bunch of familiar faces coming back. We'll give these guys an opportunity to spend their summer in Great Bend, play the game of baseball and chase their dreams." 
2022 marks the sixth year of the Bat Cats organization. 
Due to ongoing improvements and projects at Al Burns Field, the first five home
games are scheduled to be played at the Great Bend Sports Complex or Barton
Community College. 
Wednesday's season opener against McPherson begins at 7 p.m. at the Sports
Complex.&nbsp;

Home Game Schedule June 1 vs McPherson - at Great Bend Sports Complex June 2 vs Hays - at Great Bend Sports Complex June 4 vs Wichita - at Barton Community College June 5 vs 316 Sluggers - at Barton Community College June 6 vs Dodge City - at Great Bend Sports Complex

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1654017447930.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGreat Bend’s boys of summer are back as the Great Bend Bat Cats begin
another season playing baseball. The summer collegiate team is coming off their
highest finish ever at the NBC World Series last year with a 5th-place
finish. Great Bend native Roger Ward is back as the manager and excited to get the
season underway Wednesday, June 1. 
"We have around 30 guys on the roster," said Ward. "We have a bunch of familiar faces coming back. We'll give these guys an opportunity to spend their summer in Great Bend, play the game of baseball and chase their dreams." 
2022 marks the sixth year of the Bat Cats organization. 
Due to ongoing improvements and projects at Al Burns Field, the first five home
games are scheduled to be played at the Great Bend Sports Complex or Barton
Community College. 
Wednesday's season opener against McPherson begins at 7 p.m. at the Sports
Complex.&nbsp; Home Game Schedule June 1 vs McPherson - at Great Bend Sports Complex June 2 vs Hays - at Great Bend Sports Complex June 4 vs Wichita - at Barton Community College June 5 vs 316 Sluggers - at Barton Community College June 6 vs Dodge City - at Great Bend Sports Complex

Bat Cats taking to the field in Great Bend again this summer

Wednesday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 60. North northeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 46. North wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 73. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.

Saturday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

Monday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 60. North northeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 46. North wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 73. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.Saturday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 82.Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 82.Monday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

Buckling your seat belt is one of the easiest things you can do to limit
injury and potentially save your life during a crash, but there are still many
citizens that choose not to buckle up. 

This week will round out the annual “Click
It or Ticket” campaign that law enforcement across the country participate in
to bring more awareness to the importance of buckling your seat belt. 
Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark said officers use the national seat belt
campaign to educate citizens. 
"We honor this week with an eye towards education rather than ticket writing," said Haulmark. "There's always that possibility you could be ticketed, but we hope we can gain compliance. It's easier to do that with a warning than a ticket. We want to talk to people about the campaign." 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were
10,893 unbuckled vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States in
2020. 
Haulmark said spotting drivers and passengers without seat belts is easier
than you would think. 
"Officers will see them sitting at stop lights or in school zones where people are driving slow," said Haulmark. "Pulling up next to someone works too or watching traffic on the smaller streets." 
The campaign ends June 5 and is targeted to all drivers, but
especially those between 18 and 34 years old.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"Particularly high school kids...we'd like to get them doing the right thing at a young age," added Haulmark.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632233060081.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBuckling your seat belt is one of the easiest things you can do to limit
injury and potentially save your life during a crash, but there are still many
citizens that choose not to buckle up. This week will round out the annual “Click
It or Ticket” campaign that law enforcement across the country participate in
to bring more awareness to the importance of buckling your seat belt. 
Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark said officers use the national seat belt
campaign to educate citizens. 
"We honor this week with an eye towards education rather than ticket writing," said Haulmark. "There's always that possibility you could be ticketed, but we hope we can gain compliance. It's easier to do that with a warning than a ticket. We want to talk to people about the campaign." 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were
10,893 unbuckled vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States in
2020. 
Haulmark said spotting drivers and passengers without seat belts is easier
than you would think. 
"Officers will see them sitting at stop lights or in school zones where people are driving slow," said Haulmark. "Pulling up next to someone works too or watching traffic on the smaller streets." 
The campaign ends June 5 and is targeted to all drivers, but
especially those between 18 and 34 years old.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Particularly high school kids...we'd like to get them doing the right thing at a young age," added Haulmark.

Great Bend law enforcement stressing seat belt importance 

From the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo...

Last week our handsome leopard, Toby, celebrated his 18th birthday! We gave him a watermelon to play with and destroy, but he was more interested in attention from his keepers, which is fine by us.&nbsp;

From the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo...Last week our handsome leopard, Toby, celebrated his 18th birthday! We gave him a watermelon to play with and destroy, but he was more interested in attention from his keepers, which is fine by us.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgreatbendzoo%2Fvideos%2F985228172145370%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

Bringing the Great Bend zoo to you

News from the Oil Patch, May 31 John P. Tretbar

Crude-oil prices surged on Tuesday, gaining nearly two percent in New York, where the benchmark contract was fetching more than $117 per barrel by lunchtime. Some transactions earlier in the day topped $119, approaching the peak back in March, when prices reached a 14-year high of $126.50. London Brent was trading over $123 per barrel Tuesday. In McPherson, prices also reached a nearly 14-year high. Kansas Common crude last week topped $105 per barrel for the first time since August of 2008. Gasoline prices on Friday dropped a tenth of a cent per gallon nationwide, the first drop in the national average since April 24th, and a rarity going into a holiday weekend. The auto club Triple-A says national diesel prices also dropped slightly. By Tuesday, average prices for regular gasoline were up three cents to $4.62 per gallon, another all-time record high. Diesel prices were down slightly to $5.52 per gallon. The average across Kansas was $4.12 per gallon. Moscow announced it will find other importers for its oil shortly after the world’s largest trading bloc agreed to impose a partial embargo by the end of the year. Leaders of the European Union agreed to an oil embargo on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The import ban would exempt oil shipments via pipeline, which make up about one-third of the EU's purchases from Russia. The embargo will be phased in over several months. Despite international sanctions, Russia has netted $20 billion in oil-patch revenue each month this year. The International Energy Agency reports combined sales this year of eight million barrels per day of crude oil and petroleum products. About half of Russia's natural gas customers have complied with Vladimir Putin's demand to open accounts with a Russian bank and manage natural gas purchases in Russian currency. It's not clear yet if doing so violates current sanctions. Meanwhile Russian crude shipments continue at a rate of more than 3.4 million barrels per day. Bloomberg reported tankers heading to India, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean during the week through May 20th. Baker Hughes reported 727 active drilling rigs across the US. The Rotary Rig Count last week marked a drop of two oil rigs and an increase of one rig seeking natural gas. The counts in Texas and Oklahoma were each up one, while the count in Louisiana dropped by three rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 518 wells spudded across Kansas so far this year, and 356 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. The Rig Count in Kansas was up two rigs to 23 in the eastern half of the state, and up one at 31 rigs in Western Kansas. Drilling was underway on two leases in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Kansas operators completed 25 wells last week, five of them in eastern Kansas and 20 west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. IOGSI says that makes 650 completed wells so far this year, compared to 300 at this point last year. Regulators in Kansas okayed 23 new drilling locations last week, approving 12 drilling permits east of Wichita and 13 in Western Kansas. Last year, Kansas crude-oil output reached its lowest point on record, just shy of 28 million barrels for the year, or 76-thousand barrels per day. The latest report from the Kansas Geological Survey shows production in January of this year dipped even lower, to about 71-thousand barrels per day. US crude inventories dropped by a million barrels to just under 420 million barrels, as of May 20th. The Energy Information Administration says that's about 14% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles were down half a million barrels, and are about eight percent below the five-year average for this time of year. The government reported a slight dip in domestic crude production. In the week through May 20th, US operators pumped 11.86 million barrels per day, down 87-thousand barrels per day for the week. EIA reported US crude-oil imports of 6.5 million barrels per day last week, down about 82-thousand barrels per day from the week before. US oil-by-rail traffic last week was down more than nine percent from a year ago, but marked an increase of 702 tanker carloads week-over-week. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,805 tankers delivered petroleum and petroleum products in the week through May 21st. Canadian traffic was up more than 800 tanker carloads, and is nearly thirty percent ahead last year at this time. An oil-patch trade group reports the state of Texas added another 5,200 jobs to its oil-patch exploration and production payroll from March to April. That brings the total to 190,400 jobs. The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners says the April figure marks an increase of more than 26-thousand positions its count a year earlier. A federal judge has now blocked a huge drilling program approved by the Trump Administration in western Colorado. US District Judge Marcia Krieger said she vacated previous agency approvals based on the agencies' own admission they had failed to follow environmental law in considering the permits. Gunnison Energy has already drilled the first well. The project involves 35 wells on five pads across 30-thousand acres of US Forest Service land near Gunnison, Colorado. U.S. President Joe Biden has not ruled out using export restrictions to ease soaring domestic fuel prices. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told reporters last week that, in her words, the president is not taking any tools off the table. Government tallies show the US exported around 8.6 million barrels per day of oil and refined products in 2021, slightly more than it imported. Saudi Arabia’s oil exports in March reached their highest in at least six years, a billion dollars a day, up 123% over a year ago. Production in the kingdom rose to 10.3 million barrels a day in March, with Brent oil prices averaging $112 a barrel. As Texas officials hunt for financial firms hostile to the energy industry, Wall Street is bowing to the pressure in order to continue doing business with the state. Bloomberg has acquired the replies of twenty firms that were sent demand letters from the State Comptroller.&nbsp; A bill approved last year denies state contracts to companies that restrict or prohibit doing business with energy companies. One small Dallas-based firm replied “Hell no.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587651883719.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, May 31 John P. TretbarCrude-oil prices surged on Tuesday, gaining nearly two percent in New York, where the benchmark contract was fetching more than $117 per barrel by lunchtime. Some transactions earlier in the day topped $119, approaching the peak back in March, when prices reached a 14-year high of $126.50. London Brent was trading over $123 per barrel Tuesday. In McPherson, prices also reached a nearly 14-year high. Kansas Common crude last week topped $105 per barrel for the first time since August of 2008. Gasoline prices on Friday dropped a tenth of a cent per gallon nationwide, the first drop in the national average since April 24th, and a rarity going into a holiday weekend. The auto club Triple-A says national diesel prices also dropped slightly. By Tuesday, average prices for regular gasoline were up three cents to $4.62 per gallon, another all-time record high. Diesel prices were down slightly to $5.52 per gallon. The average across Kansas was $4.12 per gallon. Moscow announced it will find other importers for its oil shortly after the world’s largest trading bloc agreed to impose a partial embargo by the end of the year. Leaders of the European Union agreed to an oil embargo on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The import ban would exempt oil shipments via pipeline, which make up about one-third of the EU's purchases from Russia. The embargo will be phased in over several months. Despite international sanctions, Russia has netted $20 billion in oil-patch revenue each month this year. The International Energy Agency reports combined sales this year of eight million barrels per day of crude oil and petroleum products. About half of Russia's natural gas customers have complied with Vladimir Putin's demand to open accounts with a Russian bank and manage natural gas purchases in Russian currency. It's not clear yet if doing so violates current sanctions. Meanwhile Russian crude shipments continue at a rate of more than 3.4 million barrels per day. Bloomberg reported tankers heading to India, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean during the week through May 20th. Baker Hughes reported 727 active drilling rigs across the US. The Rotary Rig Count last week marked a drop of two oil rigs and an increase of one rig seeking natural gas. The counts in Texas and Oklahoma were each up one, while the count in Louisiana dropped by three rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 518 wells spudded across Kansas so far this year, and 356 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. The Rig Count in Kansas was up two rigs to 23 in the eastern half of the state, and up one at 31 rigs in Western Kansas. Drilling was underway on two leases in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Kansas operators completed 25 wells last week, five of them in eastern Kansas and 20 west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. IOGSI says that makes 650 completed wells so far this year, compared to 300 at this point last year. Regulators in Kansas okayed 23 new drilling locations last week, approving 12 drilling permits east of Wichita and 13 in Western Kansas. Last year, Kansas crude-oil output reached its lowest point on record, just shy of 28 million barrels for the year, or 76-thousand barrels per day. The latest report from the Kansas Geological Survey shows production in January of this year dipped even lower, to about 71-thousand barrels per day. US crude inventories dropped by a million barrels to just under 420 million barrels, as of May 20th. The Energy Information Administration says that's about 14% below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles were down half a million barrels, and are about eight percent below the five-year average for this time of year. The government reported a slight dip in domestic crude production. In the week through May 20th, US operators pumped 11.86 million barrels per day, down 87-thousand barrels per day for the week. EIA reported US crude-oil imports of 6.5 million barrels per day last week, down about 82-thousand barrels per day from the week before. US oil-by-rail traffic last week was down more than nine percent from a year ago, but marked an increase of 702 tanker carloads week-over-week. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,805 tankers delivered petroleum and petroleum products in the week through May 21st. Canadian traffic was up more than 800 tanker carloads, and is nearly thirty percent ahead last year at this time. An oil-patch trade group reports the state of Texas added another 5,200 jobs to its oil-patch exploration and production payroll from March to April. That brings the total to 190,400 jobs. The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners says the April figure marks an increase of more than 26-thousand positions its count a year earlier. A federal judge has now blocked a huge drilling program approved by the Trump Administration in western Colorado. US District Judge Marcia Krieger said she vacated previous agency approvals based on the agencies' own admission they had failed to follow environmental law in considering the permits. Gunnison Energy has already drilled the first well. The project involves 35 wells on five pads across 30-thousand acres of US Forest Service land near Gunnison, Colorado. U.S. President Joe Biden has not ruled out using export restrictions to ease soaring domestic fuel prices. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told reporters last week that, in her words, the president is not taking any tools off the table. Government tallies show the US exported around 8.6 million barrels per day of oil and refined products in 2021, slightly more than it imported. Saudi Arabia’s oil exports in March reached their highest in at least six years, a billion dollars a day, up 123% over a year ago. Production in the kingdom rose to 10.3 million barrels a day in March, with Brent oil prices averaging $112 a barrel. As Texas officials hunt for financial firms hostile to the energy industry, Wall Street is bowing to the pressure in order to continue doing business with the state. Bloomberg has acquired the replies of twenty firms that were sent demand letters from the State Comptroller.&nbsp; A bill approved last year denies state contracts to companies that restrict or prohibit doing business with energy companies. One small Dallas-based firm replied “Hell no.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices surge after EU announces embargo

Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. is inviting the local community to the Great Bend Bat Cats baseball game at Al Burns Memorial Field on June 15.

Wheatland will be grilling free hamburgers and hot dogs for the first 200 attendees, first-come first-served, beginning at 6 PM. Dollar beer will also be available.

Gates open at 6:30 PM and admission is free. Help us cheer on this semi-professional team and fill the stands with local fans. The Bat Cats will be playing host to the Newton Rebels during the June 15 home game.

Both teams are part of the Sunflower Collegiate League (SCL), a not for profit 501(c)3 summer collegiate baseball league made up of 10 independently owned teams in south central Kansas. For more information about the Great Bend Bat Cars, visit www.greatbendbatcats.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1654011496523.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. is inviting the local community to the Great Bend Bat Cats baseball game at Al Burns Memorial Field on June 15.Wheatland will be grilling free hamburgers and hot dogs for the first 200 attendees, first-come first-served, beginning at 6 PM. Dollar beer will also be available.Gates open at 6:30 PM and admission is free. Help us cheer on this semi-professional team and fill the stands with local fans. The Bat Cats will be playing host to the Newton Rebels during the June 15 home game.Both teams are part of the Sunflower Collegiate League (SCL), a not for profit 501(c)3 summer collegiate baseball league made up of 10 independently owned teams in south central Kansas. For more information about the Great Bend Bat Cars, visit www.greatbendbatcats.com.

Wheatland Electric hosting Game Night June 15 with the Bat Cats

Child nutrition is an important to consider in the summer months. To make healthy meals convenient, accessible, and free for children in our community, USD 428 will provide free summer meals during the months of June and July with multiple pick-up locations.

Children age 1-18 can participate in the Summer Food Program. Each weekday, June 6 – 30, meal packages containing lunch and breakfast for the following day are available from 11 am -1 pm at all five elementary schools, Eisenhower, Jefferson, Lincoln, Park, and Riley. On weekdays in July, 5 – 29, meal packages will be provided at three elementary schools from 11 am – 1 pm, Eisenhower, Park, and Riley.

In both June &amp; July, children will have the option to eat lunch on-site or take the meal package togo. Food Service Director Kristi Alvord encourages all families to utilize the program this summer.

“This is a great opportunity,” Alvord said. “As parents, we are busy in the summer months. This is an easy, fast, and free meal package available to anyone 18 and under. This is also a great way to welcome younger children into a school building, teach them about school meals, and give them nutrition education while enjoying lunch. For the soon-to-be kindergartners, it will give them an idea of what to expect when they start school in August.”

The Summer Food Service Program is funded by the United Stated Department of Agriculture. Each summer, USDA collaborates with local organizations like USD 428 to provide free meals to children when school is not in session. 

For over 25 years, USD 428 has provided this community service.

Pick-up Permits have been approved by the USDA and will be issued this summer. Children must attend at the time the permit is issued. This allows parents/guardians to pick-up future meal packages without their children present. The permit is only valid at the site where it is issued.

For more information, call the USD 428 Central Kitchen, 620-793-1540.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1654009059559.jpeg" alt="Food service staff at Jefferson Elementary stand ready to greet families with a smile and hot meal (dine-in
or to-go) during the 2022 Summer Meal Program.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Food service staff at Jefferson Elementary stand ready to greet families with a smile and hot meal (dine-in
or to-go) during the 2022 Summer Meal Program.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Child nutrition is an important to consider in the summer months. To make healthy meals convenient, accessible, and free for children in our community, USD 428 will provide free summer meals during the months of June and July with multiple pick-up locations.Children age 1-18 can participate in the Summer Food Program. Each weekday, June 6 – 30, meal packages containing lunch and breakfast for the following day are available from 11 am -1 pm at all five elementary schools, Eisenhower, Jefferson, Lincoln, Park, and Riley. On weekdays in July, 5 – 29, meal packages will be provided at three elementary schools from 11 am – 1 pm, Eisenhower, Park, and Riley.In both June &amp; July, children will have the option to eat lunch on-site or take the meal package togo. Food Service Director Kristi Alvord encourages all families to utilize the program this summer.“This is a great opportunity,” Alvord said. “As parents, we are busy in the summer months. This is an easy, fast, and free meal package available to anyone 18 and under. This is also a great way to welcome younger children into a school building, teach them about school meals, and give them nutrition education while enjoying lunch. For the soon-to-be kindergartners, it will give them an idea of what to expect when they start school in August.”The Summer Food Service Program is funded by the United Stated Department of Agriculture. Each summer, USDA collaborates with local organizations like USD 428 to provide free meals to children when school is not in session. For over 25 years, USD 428 has provided this community service.Pick-up Permits have been approved by the USDA and will be issued this summer. Children must attend at the time the permit is issued. This allows parents/guardians to pick-up future meal packages without their children present. The permit is only valid at the site where it is issued.For more information, call the USD 428 Central Kitchen, 620-793-1540.&nbsp;

Kids eat free in June & July in Great Bend

On Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28, officers and detectives from the Great Bend Police Department made multiple drug-related arrests throughout the City of Great Bend. 

On Friday, at approximately 3:21 p.m., a detective initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1700 block of the 281 Bypass. K9 Menta responded to the scene as well. After Menta indicated to the odor of narcotics, a search of the vehicle was performed. 

Scott Morgan, age 58, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and no drug tax stamp. 

On Saturday, at approximately 1:57 a.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 2900 block of 10th Street. The officer could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was performed. Cocaine, marijuana, marijuana wax and suspected psilocybin mushrooms were located. 

Also on Saturday, at approximately 12:35 p.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop in the 1100 block of Frey Street. K9 Menta indicated to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was performed. 

Justin Fish, age 29, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Finally on Saturday, at approximately 12:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of the 5900 block of Eisenhower Avenue in reference to a suspicious person on the property, possibly using narcotics. 

Officers contacted Jonathon Chappell, age 36. Chappell was in possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia. Chappell was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail. 

Anyone with information on any of these cases, or any other case is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652407869464.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28, officers and detectives from the Great Bend Police Department made multiple drug-related arrests throughout the City of Great Bend. On Friday, at approximately 3:21 p.m., a detective initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1700 block of the 281 Bypass. K9 Menta responded to the scene as well. After Menta indicated to the odor of narcotics, a search of the vehicle was performed. Scott Morgan, age 58, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and no drug tax stamp. On Saturday, at approximately 1:57 a.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 2900 block of 10th Street. The officer could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was performed. Cocaine, marijuana, marijuana wax and suspected psilocybin mushrooms were located. Dalton Bright, age 23, was arrested. Also on Saturday, at approximately 12:35 p.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop in the 1100 block of Frey Street. K9 Menta indicated to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was performed. Justin Fish, age 29, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Finally on Saturday, at approximately 12:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of the 5900 block of Eisenhower Avenue in reference to a suspicious person on the property, possibly using narcotics. Officers contacted Jonathon Chappell, age 36. Chappell was in possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia. Chappell was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail. Anyone with information on any of these cases, or any other case is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300

Multiple drug arrests in Great Bend made over holiday weekend

Many people mistake little barley (Hordeum pusillum) for a little foxtail because the foxtail and little barley seedheads are similar. However, little barley is a winter annual that comes up in late September - October and spends the winter as a small plant. It thrives in the cooler spring temperatures, forms seed heads and dies out usually by July. Foxtail, on the other hand, is a summer annual that does well in hot weather. Also, foxtail will not produce seedheads until mid- to late-summer.

So, why are we talking about little barley now? Because now is NOT the time to control it unless it is in an area where a non-selective herbicide that kills everything such as glyphosate (Roundup) can be used. The best control for little barley in turf is a thick lawn that is mowed high enough that sunlight does not hit the soil. Little barley seed will not germinate in such conditions.

Overseeding in late August to early September can thicken up a tall fescue lawn and help prevent a little barley infestation. However, early germinating little barley may not be controlled. So, if you do not plan to overseed even though the lawn is a bit thin, preemergence herbicides can be used to provide at least partial control of this weed.

Dimension (dithiopyr), is labeled for barley (Herodium spp.) which would include little barley and therefore can be used to keep this weed under control. Because little barley is a winter annual, apply the preemergence herbicide in mid-September and water in to activate. However, you may have to apply at least a couple of weeks earlier if you are in southern Kansas. If overseeding, do not apply any preemergence herbicide as it will interfere with the germination of tall fescue.

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;

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.&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>Many people mistake little barley (Hordeum pusillum) for a little foxtail because the foxtail and little barley seedheads are similar. However, little barley is a winter annual that comes up in late September - October and spends the winter as a small plant. It thrives in the cooler spring temperatures, forms seed heads and dies out usually by July. Foxtail, on the other hand, is a summer annual that does well in hot weather. Also, foxtail will not produce seedheads until mid- to late-summer.So, why are we talking about little barley now? Because now is NOT the time to control it unless it is in an area where a non-selective herbicide that kills everything such as glyphosate (Roundup) can be used. The best control for little barley in turf is a thick lawn that is mowed high enough that sunlight does not hit the soil. Little barley seed will not germinate in such conditions.Overseeding in late August to early September can thicken up a tall fescue lawn and help prevent a little barley infestation. However, early germinating little barley may not be controlled. So, if you do not plan to overseed even though the lawn is a bit thin, preemergence herbicides can be used to provide at least partial control of this weed.Dimension (dithiopyr), is labeled for barley (Herodium spp.) which would include little barley and therefore can be used to keep this weed under control. Because little barley is a winter annual, apply the preemergence herbicide in mid-September and water in to activate. However, you may have to apply at least a couple of weeks earlier if you are in southern Kansas. If overseeding, do not apply any preemergence herbicide as it will interfere with the germination of tall fescue.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;K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.&nbsp;

BOOR: Little barley

5/27 
 
BOOKED: Edward Bohnert on Barton County District Court warrant for probation violation
with $10,000 C/S. BCDC warrant for probation violation with $5,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Luis Cerna-Gonzalez on Barton County District Court case for possession
of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia, $10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Reed Steven on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for failure to
appear, bond set at $2,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Austin Stude on Great Bend Municipal Court case for battery, bond set
at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Justin Jaurez on Barton County District Court warrant for probation violation,
bond set at $5,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Aaron Corkill on Barton County District Court warrant for probation
violation, bond set at $10,000 C/S. BCDC warrant for probation violation, bond
set at $5,000 C/S. BCDC warrant for probation violation, bond set at $10,000
C/S. Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for contempt of court, bond set at
$1,763.50 cash only. 
 
BOOKED: Zackery Jacobs on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for contempt of
court, bond set at $597.58 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Scott Morgan on Barton County District Court case for possession of
methamphetamine and no drug tax stamp, bond set at $10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Braden Holley on serve sentence. 
 
BOOKED: Tyler Moeder on serve sentence. 
 
RELEASED: Leonard Hannah on BCDC warrant for violation of registration act x2,
granted a $40,000 OR bond through Judge Burgess. 
 
RELEASED: Steven Reed on GBMC warrant for failure to appear, released to Around
the Clock Bail Bonds. 
 
RELEASED: Austin Stude on GBMC case for domestic battery by posting a $1,000
bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Shelby Stone on BCDC warrant for failure to appear, time served in
full. 
 
RELEASED: Sean Brown on BCDC warrant for probation violation, granted $100,000
OR bond through Judge Hipp. 
 
RELEASED: Marcus Murphy on BCDC warrant for distribution of methamphetamine with
an OR bond authorized by Judge Burgess. 
 
RELEASED: Zackery Jacobs on GBMC warrant for contempt of court, released on a
$597.58 cash only bond. 
 
RELEASED: Scott Morgan on BCDC case for possession of meth and no drug tax
stamp after posting a $10,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
5/28 
 
BOOKED: Erik Simpson on Barton County District Court case for DUI with a $1,000
C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Dalton Bright on Barton County District Court case for possession of
cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, possession of hallucinogen
with $20,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Christian Trimmer-Suppes on Great Bend Municipal Court case for pedestrian
under the influence, bond set at $250 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Justin Fish on BTDC case for possession of stimulant-meth and
possession of drug paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Jonathon Chappell on Barton County District Court case for possession
of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: James Drury on Barton County District Court case for driving while
suspended a 2nd or subsequent time, held in lieu of a $2,500 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Erik Simpson on BCDC case for DUI with a $1,000 bond. 
 
RELEASED: Christian Trimmer-Suppes on GBMC case for pedestrian under the
influence, posted $250 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Dalton Bright on BCDC case for possession of cocaine, marijuana,
paraphernalia and hallucinogen, posted $20,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Tyler Moeder on RHDC case for a serve sentence, time served. 
 
RELEASED: Justin Fish on BCDC case for possession of meth and paraphernalia. 
 
RELEASED: James Drury on BCDC case for driving while suspended a 2nd
or subsequent time after posting a $2,500 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
5/29 
 
BOOKED: Scott Weber for Barton County District Court case for driving while
suspended with bond set at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Bralee Williams on Great Bend Municipal Court case for domestic
battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR bond. 
 
BOOKED: Mariel Asebedo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, bond set at
$1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR bond. 
 
BOOKED: Taylor Koett on Barton County warrant on a probation violation x2, both
bonds set at $2,500 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Andrew Cain on Rice County District Court warrant for probation
violation x2, bond bonds set at $10,000 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Scott Weber for BCDC case for driving while suspended after posting
$1,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Bralee Williams on GBMC case for domestic battery after posting the
$1,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Mariel Asebedo on GBMC case for DUI, posted $1,000 bond through Ace
Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Taylor Koett on Barton County warrant on a probation violation x2,
posted two $2,500 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Richard Etim on GBMC warrants, transported to Pawnee County on their
charges.

5/30 
 
BOOKED: Dax Knorr on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for contempt of court
with a bond of $562.50 cash only. 
 
BOOKED: Nicholas Zajic on a Salina Municipal Court warrant for disorderly
conduct and five counts of harassment by telecommunication device, bond set at
$500 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Jordan Jackson Sr. on Barton County District Court case for driving
without a license, bond at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Jose Miguel Landrau-Acosta on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for
contempt of court, bond at $762.50 cash only. 
 
BOOKED: Tammy Werth on Barton County District Court case for DUI, failure to
maintain lane, speeding , ITOL with a bond of $1,000 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Braden Holley on BCDC cases with a serve sentence. 
 
RELEASED: Nicholas Zajic on a Salina Municipal Court warrant for disorderly
conduct and five counts of harassment by telecommunication device, posted $500
bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Jordan Jackson Sr. on BCDC case with $1,000 bond through Ace Bail
Bonding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>5/27 
 
BOOKED: Edward Bohnert on Barton County District Court warrant for probation violation
with $10,000 C/S. BCDC warrant for probation violation with $5,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Luis Cerna-Gonzalez on Barton County District Court case for possession
of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia, $10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Reed Steven on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for failure to
appear, bond set at $2,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Austin Stude on Great Bend Municipal Court case for battery, bond set
at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Justin Jaurez on Barton County District Court warrant for probation violation,
bond set at $5,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Aaron Corkill on Barton County District Court warrant for probation
violation, bond set at $10,000 C/S. BCDC warrant for probation violation, bond
set at $5,000 C/S. BCDC warrant for probation violation, bond set at $10,000
C/S. Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for contempt of court, bond set at
$1,763.50 cash only. 
 
BOOKED: Zackery Jacobs on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for contempt of
court, bond set at $597.58 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Scott Morgan on Barton County District Court case for possession of
methamphetamine and no drug tax stamp, bond set at $10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Braden Holley on serve sentence. 
 
BOOKED: Tyler Moeder on serve sentence. 
 
RELEASED: Leonard Hannah on BCDC warrant for violation of registration act x2,
granted a $40,000 OR bond through Judge Burgess. 
 
RELEASED: Steven Reed on GBMC warrant for failure to appear, released to Around
the Clock Bail Bonds. 
 
RELEASED: Austin Stude on GBMC case for domestic battery by posting a $1,000
bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Shelby Stone on BCDC warrant for failure to appear, time served in
full. 
 
RELEASED: Sean Brown on BCDC warrant for probation violation, granted $100,000
OR bond through Judge Hipp. 
 
RELEASED: Marcus Murphy on BCDC warrant for distribution of methamphetamine with
an OR bond authorized by Judge Burgess. 
 
RELEASED: Zackery Jacobs on GBMC warrant for contempt of court, released on a
$597.58 cash only bond. 
 
RELEASED: Scott Morgan on BCDC case for possession of meth and no drug tax
stamp after posting a $10,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
5/28 
 
BOOKED: Erik Simpson on Barton County District Court case for DUI with a $1,000
C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Dalton Bright on Barton County District Court case for possession of
cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, possession of hallucinogen
with $20,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Christian Trimmer-Suppes on Great Bend Municipal Court case for pedestrian
under the influence, bond set at $250 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Justin Fish on BTDC case for possession of stimulant-meth and
possession of drug paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Jonathon Chappell on Barton County District Court case for possession
of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: James Drury on Barton County District Court case for driving while
suspended a 2nd or subsequent time, held in lieu of a $2,500 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Erik Simpson on BCDC case for DUI with a $1,000 bond. 
 
RELEASED: Christian Trimmer-Suppes on GBMC case for pedestrian under the
influence, posted $250 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Dalton Bright on BCDC case for possession of cocaine, marijuana,
paraphernalia and hallucinogen, posted $20,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Tyler Moeder on RHDC case for a serve sentence, time served. 
 
RELEASED: Justin Fish on BCDC case for possession of meth and paraphernalia. 
 
RELEASED: James Drury on BCDC case for driving while suspended a 2nd
or subsequent time after posting a $2,500 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
5/29 
 
BOOKED: Scott Weber for Barton County District Court case for driving while
suspended with bond set at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Bralee Williams on Great Bend Municipal Court case for domestic
battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR bond. 
 
BOOKED: Mariel Asebedo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, bond set at
$1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR bond. 
 
BOOKED: Taylor Koett on Barton County warrant on a probation violation x2, both
bonds set at $2,500 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Andrew Cain on Rice County District Court warrant for probation
violation x2, bond bonds set at $10,000 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Scott Weber for BCDC case for driving while suspended after posting
$1,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Bralee Williams on GBMC case for domestic battery after posting the
$1,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Mariel Asebedo on GBMC case for DUI, posted $1,000 bond through Ace
Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Taylor Koett on Barton County warrant on a probation violation x2,
posted two $2,500 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Richard Etim on GBMC warrants, transported to Pawnee County on their
charges.5/30 
 
BOOKED: Dax Knorr on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for contempt of court
with a bond of $562.50 cash only. 
 
BOOKED: Nicholas Zajic on a Salina Municipal Court warrant for disorderly
conduct and five counts of harassment by telecommunication device, bond set at
$500 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Jordan Jackson Sr. on Barton County District Court case for driving
without a license, bond at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Jose Miguel Landrau-Acosta on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for
contempt of court, bond at $762.50 cash only. 
 
BOOKED: Tammy Werth on Barton County District Court case for DUI, failure to
maintain lane, speeding , ITOL with a bond of $1,000 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Braden Holley on BCDC cases with a serve sentence. 
 
RELEASED: Nicholas Zajic on a Salina Municipal Court warrant for disorderly
conduct and five counts of harassment by telecommunication device, posted $500
bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Jordan Jackson Sr. on BCDC case with $1,000 bond through Ace Bail
Bonding.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (5/27 - 5/30)

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. North northeast wind 8 to 11 mph.

Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 55. Northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. North northeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 72. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.

Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Saturday A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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 Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. North northeast wind 8 to 11 mph.Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 55. Northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Wednesday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. North northeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 46. North wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 72. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming east in the afternoon.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.Saturday A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Saturday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 82.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

Hear this month's Kansas Strong show with Eagle Radio's Scott Donovan and Executive Director of the Kansas Oil and Gas Producers Association Warren Martin that aired May 25, 2022.

The Kansas Strong program airs the fourth Wednesday every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Kansas Strong show with Eagle Radio's Scott Donovan and Executive Director of the Kansas Oil and Gas Producers Association Warren Martin that aired May 25, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/cixgdt0z/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Kansas Strong program airs the fourth Wednesday every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Kansas Strong show - Oil & gas education

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653773961038.jpeg" alt="The Ellinwood splash pad is open for the season." />
 <figcaption>The Ellinwood splash pad is open for the season.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellinwood splash pad is open for the season

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636651632339.jpeg" alt="All of us at Eagle Communications and Great Bend Post appreciate all United States armed forces that paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live in this country!" />
 <figcaption>All of us at Eagle Communications and Great Bend Post appreciate all United States armed forces that paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live in this country!</figcaption>
 </figure>

Memorial Day - Appreciate the ultimate sacrifice 

BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Sunday in Barton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Nissan Versa driven by Miranda L. Shives, 37, Hoisington, was westbound on Kansas 4 five miles west of Kansas 156.

The driver fell asleep and the car entered the north ditch, rolled and came to rest in a field.

EMS transported Shives to the hospital in Hoisington. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Sunday in Barton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Nissan Versa driven by Miranda L. Shives, 37, Hoisington, was westbound on Kansas 4 five miles west of Kansas 156.The driver fell asleep and the car entered the north ditch, rolled and came to rest in a field.EMS transported Shives to the hospital in Hoisington. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Hoisington woman hospitalized after she fell asleep driving

The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, May 24 indicated a further expansion of
worsening drought conditions.&nbsp; However,
the rains from Tuesday through Thursday over much of the state, especially the
eastern two-thirds should reflect greatly improved conditions in our area.&nbsp; Reports indicate from two to over six inches
depending on location.&nbsp; While this may
not eliminate drought conditions, it certainly helps.&nbsp; The six to ten-day outlook (May 31 to June 4)
indicates normal temperatures and 33 to 50% chance of above normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (June 2 to 8)
indicates a 33 to 40% chance of below normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.&nbsp; If this holds, it is good news.&nbsp; As we continue the rollercoaster we are on
regarding precipitation and temperature, we know how it affects us.&nbsp; But what are the effects crops?

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There
is a concept regarding plants, in fact for living organisms, termed
“cardinal.”&nbsp; This cardinal concept
applies to everything from nutrients and plant populations to temperature and
precipitation.&nbsp; There are cardinal
minimums and maximums for say air and soil temperature or precipitation.&nbsp; These are the high and low extremes beyond
which the plant is severely damaged or killed.&nbsp;
There is also a cardinal optimum range between these extremes where
conditions are ideally suited for plant growth.&nbsp;
These cardinal conditions not only vary by species but also by the
growth stage the plant is at.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Most
of us understand the effects of dry and/or hot conditions on plants.&nbsp; How important adequate soil moisture is on
germination, growth, and seed production.&nbsp;
The conditions our area was experiencing, except we yoyoed back and for
between well-above and well-below normal temperatures.&nbsp; Fortunately, the extremely cool conditions
were before extremely sensitive crops such as cotton were planted.&nbsp; Cold soil and air conditions will slow corn
development as it is het driven.&nbsp;
However, these conditions were beneficial to alfalfa and an already
impacted wheat crop.&nbsp; For wheat already
struggling from dry conditions, cooler temperatures did help the wheat mature
more naturally, but the high temperatures two weeks ago certainly hurt,

Now
to the effects of saturated soils on crops.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First,
plant roots need oxygen to continually explore the soil while taking up water
and nutrients to transport to the rest of the plant.&nbsp; The results can be stunted plants with
reduced yields caused by a lack of oxygen and/or diseases or even plant
death.&nbsp; However, these effects depend on
several factors.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First,
broadleaves such as soybeans or alfalfa are more susceptible to damage from
saturated soils than grasses.&nbsp; Seedlings
are more susceptible to damage than more mature plants, however, most corn,
sorghum, and even soybean seed is treated with a fungicide that helps with the
disease component.&nbsp; A major concern under
sustained saturated soils is the loss of nitrogen fertilizer.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Second,
the weather after saturated soils is important.&nbsp;
If conditions stay fairly cool and moderated, plants are better able to
withstand saturated soils.&nbsp; The length of
saturation also matters as does the depth of standing water.&nbsp; The longer the soils are saturated, the worse
the damage.&nbsp; Finally, while it may seem
backwards, moving water is less damaging than standing water as it helps bring
in some oxygen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596200583759.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, May 24 indicated a further expansion of
worsening drought conditions.&nbsp; However,
the rains from Tuesday through Thursday over much of the state, especially the
eastern two-thirds should reflect greatly improved conditions in our area.&nbsp; Reports indicate from two to over six inches
depending on location.&nbsp; While this may
not eliminate drought conditions, it certainly helps.&nbsp; The six to ten-day outlook (May 31 to June 4)
indicates normal temperatures and 33 to 50% chance of above normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (June 2 to 8)
indicates a 33 to 40% chance of below normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.&nbsp; If this holds, it is good news.&nbsp; As we continue the rollercoaster we are on
regarding precipitation and temperature, we know how it affects us.&nbsp; But what are the effects crops?·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There
is a concept regarding plants, in fact for living organisms, termed
“cardinal.”&nbsp; This cardinal concept
applies to everything from nutrients and plant populations to temperature and
precipitation.&nbsp; There are cardinal
minimums and maximums for say air and soil temperature or precipitation.&nbsp; These are the high and low extremes beyond
which the plant is severely damaged or killed.&nbsp;
There is also a cardinal optimum range between these extremes where
conditions are ideally suited for plant growth.&nbsp;
These cardinal conditions not only vary by species but also by the
growth stage the plant is at.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Most
of us understand the effects of dry and/or hot conditions on plants.&nbsp; How important adequate soil moisture is on
germination, growth, and seed production.&nbsp;
The conditions our area was experiencing, except we yoyoed back and for
between well-above and well-below normal temperatures.&nbsp; Fortunately, the extremely cool conditions
were before extremely sensitive crops such as cotton were planted.&nbsp; Cold soil and air conditions will slow corn
development as it is het driven.&nbsp;
However, these conditions were beneficial to alfalfa and an already
impacted wheat crop.&nbsp; For wheat already
struggling from dry conditions, cooler temperatures did help the wheat mature
more naturally, but the high temperatures two weeks ago certainly hurt,Now
to the effects of saturated soils on crops.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First,
plant roots need oxygen to continually explore the soil while taking up water
and nutrients to transport to the rest of the plant.&nbsp; The results can be stunted plants with
reduced yields caused by a lack of oxygen and/or diseases or even plant
death.&nbsp; However, these effects depend on
several factors.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First,
broadleaves such as soybeans or alfalfa are more susceptible to damage from
saturated soils than grasses.&nbsp; Seedlings
are more susceptible to damage than more mature plants, however, most corn,
sorghum, and even soybean seed is treated with a fungicide that helps with the
disease component.&nbsp; A major concern under
sustained saturated soils is the loss of nitrogen fertilizer.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Second,
the weather after saturated soils is important.&nbsp;
If conditions stay fairly cool and moderated, plants are better able to
withstand saturated soils.&nbsp; The length of
saturation also matters as does the depth of standing water.&nbsp; The longer the soils are saturated, the worse
the damage.&nbsp; Finally, while it may seem
backwards, moving water is less damaging than standing water as it helps bring
in some oxygen.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Rollercoaster Weather and Agriculture

Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Kathleen Norman that aired May 26, 2022.

The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Kathleen Norman that aired May 26, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/xl2thtt1/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎧Focus on Stafford County show

National Sorghum Foundation Scholarships Due on JUNE 1! Applications for three National Sorghum Foundation scholarships are due June 1. Each scholarship includes an award of $1,500 to be applied to one semester of tuition expenses and the Kubecka Memorial Scholarship includes an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. More information about each scholarship’s criteria and application forms can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=9d235ee9c5&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com/foundation-scholarships</a>.

POLICY, REGULATORY AND ISSUE&nbsp;UPDATES

Senator Boozman Secures Secretary Vilsack’s Commitment to Work to Help Producers Experiencing Spiraling Input Costs but Flat Prices Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appeared before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday and addressed a variety of issues facing the agriculture industry. Early on in the hearing, the Secretary committed to the Committee’s Ranking Republican, Senator John Boozman (R-AR), to work to ensure the continued economic viability producers who are facing flat commodity prices while paying record high inputs costs. When asked about USDA’s climate-smart commodity projects, Secretary Vilsack told the Committee that USDA has received about 450 proposals from all 50 states for a total of $18 billion—four times the estimate the Secretary gave at an earlier hearing. USDA says the previous estimate was very rough.&nbsp;View the hearing&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=13ebec1a9d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and read a recap by Jim Wiesemeyer&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=04102d9dc5&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Biden Administration Launches Indo-Pacific Agreement Without Increased Market Access for U.S. Agriculture, U.S. Agriculture Questions Value President Biden this week launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IEPF), a new trade partnership that he noted “covers half the population of the world and more than 60 percent of the global GDP.” However, the deal does not increase market access&nbsp;for U.S. agriculture, something U.S. agriculture stakeholders have strongly urged. U.S. Trade Representative Katharine Tai said the agreement “will see commitments with IPEF partners that facilitate agricultural trade through science-based decision making and the adoption of sound, transparent regulatory practices. This will help our farmers, our ranchers, and our fishers gain certainty for getting their products to the region.” The U.S. agriculture community lauded the move as a positive first step but seeks more concrete trade achievements. “The Indo Pacific Economic Framework is a laudable first step to reengaging in the region. However, it will be essential that the administration articulate how an agreement that does not currently include tariff reduction will provide new market access and economic opportunities for farmers,” Brian Kuehl, Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade, said in a news release. The Administration has come under considerable pressure to actively pursue trade agreements that will expand U.S. agricultural exports but has nevertheless not pursued new agreements, completed ongoing agreements, or renewed expired Trade Promotion Authority. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=d91c174ab2&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Agriculture Groups Urge Withdrawal of Biden Administration's Supreme Court Brief Arguing No FIFRA Preemption in Roundup Case In a letter to President Joe Biden, a coalition of farm groups expressed deep concern regarding a recent amicus brief submitted by the solicitor general to the U.S. Supreme Court effectively advising the court against a federal FIFRA preemption over state laws on pesticides. If the argument prevailed in court, the nation would have a 50-state patchwork of pesticide law. “The Solicitor General’s brief adopts a position that permits states to mislabel glyphosate – or any pesticide – with cancer warnings despite overwhelming scientific evidence that it does not pose a cancer risk,” the groups wrote. While testifying before the Senate Agriculture Committee, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the Justice Department did not consult USDA before taking sides in the lawsuit. Secretary Vilsack also noted that Roundup is critical for maintaining U.S. crop production and addressing climate change. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=0d5e5c9dd3&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Senator Hoeven Leads Letter Urging Flexibilities for Farmers Facing Disrupted Spring Planting Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Republican Member and senior Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the Department to use available authorities to provide support to producers facing increased risk caused by disrupted spring planting. “Specifically, we ask payments be made to offset any reduction in the crop insurance guarantee incurred by producers planting after the final planting date,” the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers included Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN), along with Reps. Kelley Armstrong (R-ND), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Angie Craig (D-MN). The proposal does not alter crop insurance but rather uses CCC to offset reduction in benefits. Senator Hoeven also pressed the Secretary on the issue during Thursday’s hearing. Read the letter&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=7b768bd650&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Rainfall Provides Some Drought Relief Heavy rainfall has helped ease drought conditions a bit on the southern Plains, where a large portion of the nation’s wheat crop is at risk. In Texas, the area in extreme to exceptional drought fell from 56 percent to 46 percent, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. In Oklahoma, the area in extreme to exceptional drought was cut in half. There was also some improvement in Colorado and Kansas. View the U.S. Drought Monitor&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=3bca7826dd&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. USDA Allowing Early Termination of Expiring CRP Acres USDA plans to loosen existing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rules by allowing participants to request termination of their CRP contract if they are in the final year of their agreement. The change in rules, meant to help open up more acres to wheat production to offset global food challenges caused by the war in Ukraine, will allow qualifying farmers to terminate their contracts without having to repay rental payments. However, they will not be able to request termination of their contract until the end of the primary nesting season for fiscal year 2022. FSA is mailing letters to producers with expiring acres that detail this flexibility and share other options, such as re-enrolling sensitive acres in the CRP Continuous signup and considering growing organic crops. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=d77fe9b283&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Argonne Labs Refutes Flawed Ethanol Study A recent, highly publicized, and flawed report led by Tyler Lark of the University of Wisconsin attacking the Renewable Fuel Standard is “more problematic than what we initially evaluated to be the case,” according to a new review of the work by researchers from the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, Purdue University, the University of Illinois, and elsewhere. The scientists note specifically that Lark and his colleagues grossly misinterpreted land-use change and attributed far too much hypothesized land conversion to the RFS policy while overlooking other factors. “Our detailed review of the original paper and the responses by those authors reveals various major deficiencies, problematic assessments, and misinterpretation of the existing literature,” according to the latest comments, posted online by the Argonne National Laboratory. Access the Argonne Labs publication&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=8bf665038a&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp; Senator Grassley: Double-Cropping Incentives Unlikely to Help Augment Food Production Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said he doubts the Biden Administration’s effort to increase double cropping will have much impact on augmenting food production. Senator Grassley noted he thinks most farmers who can double crop will do so without additional incentives. “If the administration can spend X number of dollars to encourage more double cropping, I'm not going to fight that,” Grassley told reporters Tuesday. “But I'm kind of at a loss to think that every farmer that could do that isn't already doing it.” Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=777b948178&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. CBO Lowers Farm Program Cost Estimates The Congressional Budget Office (CBO)&nbsp;is lowering its cost estimates for Farm Bill commodity programs due to the sharp increases in commodity prices resulting from the war in Ukraine. At the same time, CBO says the government is going to spend a lot more on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program than previously estimated. CBO estimates farmers will receive just $480 million in Price Loss Coverage payments in&nbsp;Fiscal&nbsp;Year (FY)&nbsp;2023 and $422 million in FY&nbsp;2024. That is down from the $838 million and $2.3 billion CBO had previously estimated for those years. Nutrition spending was originally expected to account for 76 percent of the cost of the 2018 Farm Bill. However, that share is going to be much higher heading into the next farm bill debate. Access the CBO report&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=7b430c2506&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Farm Bill Field Hearing Scheduled in Arkansas The Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled its second farm bill field hearing in the home state of the committee’s top Republican, Sen. John Boozman (R-AR). The hearing will be held on June 16 in Jonesboro, Arkansas and will be livestreamed&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a6c33b35de&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.

U.S. Grains Council to Host Trade School The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has&nbsp;announced a regional trade school event for farmer members and stakeholders in Belton, Texas, on June 14. This event will be sponsored by the USGC, National Sorghum Producers, Sorghum Checkoff, Texas Grain Sorghum Board, National Corn Growers Association, Bell County Farm Bureau, Texas Corn Producers Board and Capital Farm Credit. More information can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=09c8aacbae&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</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=c8f9736254&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=67bf402ced&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=cf268b240d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com</a>. ICYMI! Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition Tune in now for the newest episode of Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition! This month's episode features National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust and Kansas Big First Representative Tracey Mann in the first episode of our “Meet Your Sorghum Belt Representatives” series. Mann discusses how he went from the farm to the halls of Congress, what he does to represent sorghum producers and all of agriculture on the Hill and his projections for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. Listen now&nbsp;on your favorite listening platform or&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=6a54649976&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com/podcast</a>.

Deadline Approaching for Nomination to the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking nominees for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board to succeed four members whose terms expire in December. Nominees are needed to succeed members that include two to represent Kansas, one to represent Oklahoma&nbsp;and one to represent Texas. The deadline for nominations is June 3.&nbsp;Sorghum producers within the United States who own or share in the ownership and risk of loss of sorghum production are eligible for nomination. A sorghum producer must be nominated by a certified producer organization and submit a completed application. The Secretary of Agriculture will select individuals from the nominations submitted.&nbsp;A list of certified producer organizations, the nomination form and information about the Sorghum Board are available on the AMS United Sorghum Checkoff Program webpage and on the board’s website,&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=1747597855&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">www.sorghumcheckoff.com</a>. For more information, contact Barbara Josselyn at 202-713-6918 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov" target="_blank">Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov</a>.

Sorghum Crop Progress Report Thirty-three percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was planted by May 22, one percentage point ahead of the previous year but two&nbsp;points behind the five-year average. Texas had planted 79 percent of its sorghum acreage by May 22, four percentage points ahead of the previous year but three&nbsp;points behind average.

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=06325ca9b8&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=02bf725ac3&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Sorghum Planting Continues</a>&nbsp;- High Plains Journal <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=d130d07ad0&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Breeding Transforms Sorghum’s Potential As Biofuel Of The Future For Northern Latitudes</a>&nbsp;- Seed Today Upcoming Events May 30&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Memorial Day -&nbsp;NSP &amp; USCP Offices Closed June 13&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=4b4213235d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Culinary Institute of America Healthy Menus R&amp;D Collaborative</a>&nbsp;- Hyde Park, NY June 14&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;U.S Grains Council Texas Trade School - Belton, TX June 27&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Next Level Summit - Scottsdale, AZ Market News&nbsp;-&nbsp;To view this week’s Gulf export grain report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=af00d6b52c&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.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTNational Sorghum Foundation Scholarships Due on JUNE 1! Applications for three National Sorghum Foundation scholarships are due June 1. Each scholarship includes an award of $1,500 to be applied to one semester of tuition expenses and the Kubecka Memorial Scholarship includes an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. More information about each scholarship’s criteria and application forms can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=9d235ee9c5&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com/foundation-scholarships</a>.POLICY, REGULATORY AND ISSUE&nbsp;UPDATESSenator Boozman Secures Secretary Vilsack’s Commitment to Work to Help Producers Experiencing Spiraling Input Costs but Flat Prices Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appeared before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday and addressed a variety of issues facing the agriculture industry. Early on in the hearing, the Secretary committed to the Committee’s Ranking Republican, Senator John Boozman (R-AR), to work to ensure the continued economic viability producers who are facing flat commodity prices while paying record high inputs costs. When asked about USDA’s climate-smart commodity projects, Secretary Vilsack told the Committee that USDA has received about 450 proposals from all 50 states for a total of $18 billion—four times the estimate the Secretary gave at an earlier hearing. USDA says the previous estimate was very rough.&nbsp;View the hearing&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=13ebec1a9d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and read a recap by Jim Wiesemeyer&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=04102d9dc5&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Biden Administration Launches Indo-Pacific Agreement Without Increased Market Access for U.S. Agriculture, U.S. Agriculture Questions Value President Biden this week launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IEPF), a new trade partnership that he noted “covers half the population of the world and more than 60 percent of the global GDP.” However, the deal does not increase market access&nbsp;for U.S. agriculture, something U.S. agriculture stakeholders have strongly urged. U.S. Trade Representative Katharine Tai said the agreement “will see commitments with IPEF partners that facilitate agricultural trade through science-based decision making and the adoption of sound, transparent regulatory practices. This will help our farmers, our ranchers, and our fishers gain certainty for getting their products to the region.” The U.S. agriculture community lauded the move as a positive first step but seeks more concrete trade achievements. “The Indo Pacific Economic Framework is a laudable first step to reengaging in the region. However, it will be essential that the administration articulate how an agreement that does not currently include tariff reduction will provide new market access and economic opportunities for farmers,” Brian Kuehl, Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade, said in a news release. The Administration has come under considerable pressure to actively pursue trade agreements that will expand U.S. agricultural exports but has nevertheless not pursued new agreements, completed ongoing agreements, or renewed expired Trade Promotion Authority. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=d91c174ab2&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Agriculture Groups Urge Withdrawal of Biden Administration's Supreme Court Brief Arguing No FIFRA Preemption in Roundup Case In a letter to President Joe Biden, a coalition of farm groups expressed deep concern regarding a recent amicus brief submitted by the solicitor general to the U.S. Supreme Court effectively advising the court against a federal FIFRA preemption over state laws on pesticides. If the argument prevailed in court, the nation would have a 50-state patchwork of pesticide law. “The Solicitor General’s brief adopts a position that permits states to mislabel glyphosate – or any pesticide – with cancer warnings despite overwhelming scientific evidence that it does not pose a cancer risk,” the groups wrote. While testifying before the Senate Agriculture Committee, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the Justice Department did not consult USDA before taking sides in the lawsuit. Secretary Vilsack also noted that Roundup is critical for maintaining U.S. crop production and addressing climate change. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=0d5e5c9dd3&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Senator Hoeven Leads Letter Urging Flexibilities for Farmers Facing Disrupted Spring Planting Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Republican Member and senior Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the Department to use available authorities to provide support to producers facing increased risk caused by disrupted spring planting. “Specifically, we ask payments be made to offset any reduction in the crop insurance guarantee incurred by producers planting after the final planting date,” the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers included Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN), along with Reps. Kelley Armstrong (R-ND), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Angie Craig (D-MN). The proposal does not alter crop insurance but rather uses CCC to offset reduction in benefits. Senator Hoeven also pressed the Secretary on the issue during Thursday’s hearing. Read the letter&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=7b768bd650&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Rainfall Provides Some Drought Relief Heavy rainfall has helped ease drought conditions a bit on the southern Plains, where a large portion of the nation’s wheat crop is at risk. In Texas, the area in extreme to exceptional drought fell from 56 percent to 46 percent, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. In Oklahoma, the area in extreme to exceptional drought was cut in half. There was also some improvement in Colorado and Kansas. View the U.S. Drought Monitor&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=3bca7826dd&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. USDA Allowing Early Termination of Expiring CRP Acres USDA plans to loosen existing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rules by allowing participants to request termination of their CRP contract if they are in the final year of their agreement. The change in rules, meant to help open up more acres to wheat production to offset global food challenges caused by the war in Ukraine, will allow qualifying farmers to terminate their contracts without having to repay rental payments. However, they will not be able to request termination of their contract until the end of the primary nesting season for fiscal year 2022. FSA is mailing letters to producers with expiring acres that detail this flexibility and share other options, such as re-enrolling sensitive acres in the CRP Continuous signup and considering growing organic crops. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=d77fe9b283&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Argonne Labs Refutes Flawed Ethanol Study A recent, highly publicized, and flawed report led by Tyler Lark of the University of Wisconsin attacking the Renewable Fuel Standard is “more problematic than what we initially evaluated to be the case,” according to a new review of the work by researchers from the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, Purdue University, the University of Illinois, and elsewhere. The scientists note specifically that Lark and his colleagues grossly misinterpreted land-use change and attributed far too much hypothesized land conversion to the RFS policy while overlooking other factors. “Our detailed review of the original paper and the responses by those authors reveals various major deficiencies, problematic assessments, and misinterpretation of the existing literature,” according to the latest comments, posted online by the Argonne National Laboratory. Access the Argonne Labs publication&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=8bf665038a&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp; Senator Grassley: Double-Cropping Incentives Unlikely to Help Augment Food Production Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said he doubts the Biden Administration’s effort to increase double cropping will have much impact on augmenting food production. Senator Grassley noted he thinks most farmers who can double crop will do so without additional incentives. “If the administration can spend X number of dollars to encourage more double cropping, I'm not going to fight that,” Grassley told reporters Tuesday. “But I'm kind of at a loss to think that every farmer that could do that isn't already doing it.” Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=777b948178&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. CBO Lowers Farm Program Cost Estimates The Congressional Budget Office (CBO)&nbsp;is lowering its cost estimates for Farm Bill commodity programs due to the sharp increases in commodity prices resulting from the war in Ukraine. At the same time, CBO says the government is going to spend a lot more on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program than previously estimated. CBO estimates farmers will receive just $480 million in Price Loss Coverage payments in&nbsp;Fiscal&nbsp;Year (FY)&nbsp;2023 and $422 million in FY&nbsp;2024. That is down from the $838 million and $2.3 billion CBO had previously estimated for those years. Nutrition spending was originally expected to account for 76 percent of the cost of the 2018 Farm Bill. However, that share is going to be much higher heading into the next farm bill debate. Access the CBO report&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=7b430c2506&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Farm Bill Field Hearing Scheduled in Arkansas The Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled its second farm bill field hearing in the home state of the committee’s top Republican, Sen. John Boozman (R-AR). The hearing will be held on June 16 in Jonesboro, Arkansas and will be livestreamed&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a6c33b35de&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. ORGANIZATION UPDATESU.S. Grains Council to Host Trade School The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has&nbsp;announced a regional trade school event for farmer members and stakeholders in Belton, Texas, on June 14. This event will be sponsored by the USGC, National Sorghum Producers, Sorghum Checkoff, Texas Grain Sorghum Board, National Corn Growers Association, Bell County Farm Bureau, Texas Corn Producers Board and Capital Farm Credit. More information can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=09c8aacbae&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</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=c8f9736254&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=67bf402ced&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=cf268b240d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com</a>. ICYMI! Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition Tune in now for the newest episode of Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition! This month's episode features National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust and Kansas Big First Representative Tracey Mann in the first episode of our “Meet Your Sorghum Belt Representatives” series. Mann discusses how he went from the farm to the halls of Congress, what he does to represent sorghum producers and all of agriculture on the Hill and his projections for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. Listen now&nbsp;on your favorite listening platform or&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=6a54649976&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com/podcast</a>.Deadline Approaching for Nomination to the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking nominees for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board to succeed four members whose terms expire in December. Nominees are needed to succeed members that include two to represent Kansas, one to represent Oklahoma&nbsp;and one to represent Texas. The deadline for nominations is June 3.&nbsp;Sorghum producers within the United States who own or share in the ownership and risk of loss of sorghum production are eligible for nomination. A sorghum producer must be nominated by a certified producer organization and submit a completed application. The Secretary of Agriculture will select individuals from the nominations submitted.&nbsp;A list of certified producer organizations, the nomination form and information about the Sorghum Board are available on the AMS United Sorghum Checkoff Program webpage and on the board’s website,&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=1747597855&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">www.sorghumcheckoff.com</a>. For more information, contact Barbara Josselyn at 202-713-6918 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov" target="_blank">Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov</a>.CROP UPDATESSorghum Crop Progress Report Thirty-three percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was planted by May 22, one percentage point ahead of the previous year but two&nbsp;points behind the five-year average. Texas had planted 79 percent of its sorghum acreage by May 22, four percentage points ahead of the previous year but three&nbsp;points behind average.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=06325ca9b8&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=02bf725ac3&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Sorghum Planting Continues</a>&nbsp;- High Plains Journal <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=d130d07ad0&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Breeding Transforms Sorghum’s Potential As Biofuel Of The Future For Northern Latitudes</a>&nbsp;- Seed Today Upcoming Events May 30&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Memorial Day -&nbsp;NSP &amp; USCP Offices Closed June 13&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=4b4213235d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Culinary Institute of America Healthy Menus R&amp;D Collaborative</a>&nbsp;- Hyde Park, NY June 14&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;U.S Grains Council Texas Trade School - Belton, TX June 27&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Next Level Summit - Scottsdale, AZ Market News&nbsp;-&nbsp;To view this week’s Gulf export grain report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=af00d6b52c&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

One of the most familiar faces and voices of the Kansas Wetlands
Education Center is retiring. Linda Penner, senior administrator assistant, is
retiring after serving KWEC for nearly 12 years. 

Linda’s husband, Robert,
serves as the Nature Conservancy Manager at Cheyenne Bottoms, so working at the
wetlands was a perfect fit for Linda. 
"When the center opened up, it was just a perfect fit for me," said Penner. "It's our passion. To be able to work at the education center has been ideal." 
From the Kearney, Nebraska area, the Penners came to the Barton County region
to be closer to family. Linda started working at the Education Center in
October 2010. 
"My husband and I have always loved nature and it has just expanded through our marriage," said Penner. "We realize how important these natural resources are to our world. Everything we can do to help nature, conserve and protect is important." 
KWEC Director Curtis Wolf said Linda’s ability to connect with visitors is
extraordinary. 
The public is invited to congratulate Linda on her retirement by attending a
come-and-go open house event Monday, June 6 at KWEC from 3 p.m. - 5
p.m. The center is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend on K-156 Highway.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653749783832.jpeg" alt="Linda Penner, Administrative Assistant at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, is retiring. A come-and-go reception for Penner is June 6 at KWEC from 3-5 p.m." />
 <figcaption>Linda Penner, Administrative Assistant at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, is retiring. A come-and-go reception for Penner is June 6 at KWEC from 3-5 p.m.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostOne of the most familiar faces and voices of the Kansas Wetlands
Education Center is retiring. Linda Penner, senior administrator assistant, is
retiring after serving KWEC for nearly 12 years. Linda’s husband, Robert,
serves as the Nature Conservancy Manager at Cheyenne Bottoms, so working at the
wetlands was a perfect fit for Linda. 
"When the center opened up, it was just a perfect fit for me," said Penner. "It's our passion. To be able to work at the education center has been ideal." 
From the Kearney, Nebraska area, the Penners came to the Barton County region
to be closer to family. Linda started working at the Education Center in
October 2010. 
"My husband and I have always loved nature and it has just expanded through our marriage," said Penner. "We realize how important these natural resources are to our world. Everything we can do to help nature, conserve and protect is important." 
KWEC Director Curtis Wolf said Linda’s ability to connect with visitors is
extraordinary. 
The public is invited to congratulate Linda on her retirement by attending a
come-and-go open house event Monday, June 6 at KWEC from 3 p.m. - 5
p.m. The center is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend on K-156 Highway.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

KS Wetlands Education Center to celebrate Linda Penner’s retirement

Discussions and planning are underway with Barton County officials as
they try to figure out the 2023 operating budget. On an interview with Eagle Radio earlier this month, Commissioner Kirby Krier
stated the county plans to stay Revenue Neutral, but he is hopeful the
mill rate can slightly come down. 
One of the factors into this year’s budget will be the ability to give county
employees pay raises. 
"We all know about the difficulty of employers finding employees," said Krier. "We want to keep the ones we have because they do an excellent job. We're looking at ways we can afford to give them a pay raise." 
Keeping the taxpayers in mind, Krier said the county has to be careful with
giving raises because taxpayers are in the same boat, having to pay more to
keep their employees. 
"We are looking at different avenues to help employees find that this a good place to stay," said Krier. "We have great benefits. I don't want to compete against the private sector. I want to be somewhere in the middle. Those are our taxpayers, so we don't want to compete against them." 
Barton County’s 44.361 mill levy last year was a near two mill decrease from
the year prior. The budget was not approved until late August last year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597346058812.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostDiscussions and planning are underway with Barton County officials as
they try to figure out the 2023 operating budget. On an interview with Eagle Radio earlier this month, Commissioner Kirby Krier
stated the county plans to stay Revenue Neutral, but he is hopeful the
mill rate can slightly come down. 
One of the factors into this year’s budget will be the ability to give county
employees pay raises. 
"We all know about the difficulty of employers finding employees," said Krier. "We want to keep the ones we have because they do an excellent job. We're looking at ways we can afford to give them a pay raise." 
Keeping the taxpayers in mind, Krier said the county has to be careful with
giving raises because taxpayers are in the same boat, having to pay more to
keep their employees. 
"We are looking at different avenues to help employees find that this a good place to stay," said Krier. "We have great benefits. I don't want to compete against the private sector. I want to be somewhere in the middle. Those are our taxpayers, so we don't want to compete against them." 
Barton County’s 44.361 mill levy last year was a near two mill decrease from
the year prior. The budget was not approved until late August last year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pay raises considered during Barton Co. budget discussions

RUSSELL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 GMC passenger vehicle driven by Aaron T. Bostick, 20, Bastrop, Louisiana, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of U.S. 281.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It traveled off the road, across the median and onto eastbound Interstate 70. 

An eastbound 2016 International semi driven by Alan K. Putnam, 63, Tipton, Missouri , struck the GMC.

Bostick was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Putnam was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 GMC passenger vehicle driven by Aaron T. Bostick, 20, Bastrop, Louisiana, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of U.S. 281.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It traveled off the road, across the median and onto eastbound Interstate 70. An eastbound 2016 International semi driven by Alan K. Putnam, 63, Tipton, Missouri , struck the GMC.Bostick was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Putnam was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

20-year-old dies after crash with a semi in Russell Co.

The State Track &amp; Field Championship was held at Cessna Stadium in Wichita Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28. Find area results below.

100 Meter Dash - Boys 5. Tristen Wilhelm, La Crosse - 21.05

400 Meter Dash - Boys 4. Tristen Wilhelm, La Crosse - 1:30.73

100 Meter Hurdles - Preliminaries&nbsp; 16. Brennen Steinert, La Crosse - 18.48

Discus Throw 4. Olivia Hands, Pawnee Heights - 113-09

400 Meter Dash - Preliminaries&nbsp; 15. Marilyn Soeken, Central Plains - 1:04.33

300 Meter Hurdles - Preliminaries 13. Brennen Steinert, La Crosse - 51.71

3200 Meter Run 4. Madison Butler, Macksville - 12:44.36 7. Destiny Mitchell, Otis-Bison - 13:12.72

Javelin Throw 2. Lauren Oeser, Central Plains - 132-06 8. Mayce Russell, Macksville - 118-07

4x800 Meter Relay 3. St. John - 10:30.82 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Payton Meyer, Lydia Reed, Darby Smith, Heidi Fisher

1600 Meter Run&nbsp; 4. Madison Butler, Macksville - 5:46.42

4x400 Meter Relay - Finals 3. St. John - 4:18.88 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Heidi Fisher, Lydia Reed, Darby Smith, Payton Meyer

110 Meter Hurdles - Preliminaries&nbsp; - Preston Dunn, St. John - FS

Triple Jump 1. Alec Carlson, Pawnee Heights - 46-05 4. Braden Colglazier, Pawnee Heights - 42-09

4x100 Meter Relay - Preliminaries 6. La Crosse - 44.93 (qualifies for finals) &nbsp; &nbsp;*Haden Sherman, Gage Burk, Brodie Schmidt, Colby Stull 12. Macksville - 46.08 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Heckto Gomez, Lance Lickiss, Alexis Barron, Ryan Kuckelman

400 Meter Dash - Preliminaries 3. Ryan Kuckelman, Macksville - 51.34 (qualified for finals) 10. Alec Carlson, Pawnee Heights - 53.25&nbsp;

High Jump 1. Braden Colglazier, Pawnee Heights - 6-06 3. Gage Burk, La Crosse - 6-04 5. Alec Carlson, Pawnee Heights - 6-02

Long Jump 2. Alec Carlson, Pawnee Heights - 22-00.75 7. Braden Colglazier, Pawnee Heights - 20-09.50 11. Gage Burk, La Crosse - 19-09.75

4x800 Meter Relay 4. St. John - 8:49.32 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Quade Smith, Hunter Smith, Elijah Delp, Preston Dunn 9. La Crosse - 9:06.57 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Dominic Castaneira, Will Rues, Treston Nelson, Kolton Maneth

100 Meter Dash - Finals 6. Colby Stull, La Crosse - 11.32

1600 Meter Run 5. Cole Lamatsch, Central Plains - 4:41.92

4x100 Meter Relay - Finals 5. La Crosse - 45.36 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Haden Sherman, Gage Burk, Brodie Schmidt, Colby Stull

400 Meter Dash - Finals 5. Ryan Kuckelman, Macksville - 52.30

300 Meter Hurdles - Finals 4. Preston Dunn, St. John - 41.71 5. Haden Sherman, La Crosse - 42.37&nbsp;&nbsp;

800 Meter Run 5. Cole Lamatsch, Central Plains - 2:07.73

200 Meter Dash - Finals 8. Colby Stull, La Crosse - 24.98

4x400 Meter Relay - Finals 4. La Crosse - 3:38.48 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Gage Burk, Will Rues, Chris Schlueter, Colby Stull 7. Macksville - 3:44.19 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Ryan Kuckelman, Lance Lickiss, Orion Guevara, Alexis Barron

Long Jump 12. Brittany Simpson, Ellinwood - 15-03.50

4x100 Meter Relay - Preliminaries&nbsp; 13. Ellinwood - 45.92&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;*Britton Dutton, Cody Zink, Koy Behnke, Matthew Cook

4x400 Meter Relay - Preliminaries 6. Ellinwood - 3:34.83 (qualifies for finals) &nbsp; &nbsp;*Cody Zink, Matthew Cook, Britton Dutton, Koy Behnke

3200 Meter Run 8. Asher Miller, Ellinwood - 10:26.50

High Jump 12. Britton Dutton, Ellinwood - 5-08

4x800 Meter Relay&nbsp; 11. Ellinwood - 8:56.44 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Asher Miller, Bryce Steffen, Koy Behnke, Matthew Cook

1600 Meter Run 10. Asher Miller, Ellinwood - 4:56.82

800 Meter Run 12. Koy Behnke, Ellinwood - 2:09.32

4x100 Meter Relay - Preliminaries 12. Hoisington - 51.34&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;*Sheena Gocela, Emily Lovett, Reese Merlau, Macy Hanzlick

Long Jump 5. Jayme Hagerman, Larned - 16-07.50

Pole Vault 1. Shellamae Farmer, Hoisington - 11-06

100 Meter Dash - Preliminaries 10. Jayme Hagerman, Larned - 13.01 13. Macy Hanzlick, Hoisington - 13.13

Triple Jump 6. Jayme Hagerman, Larned - 35-00 10. Kaylee Hagerman, Larned - 34-04

Javelin Throw 6. Kylan Turnipseed, Ellsworth - 123-10

800 Meter Run 8. Kynlie Crowdis, Hoisington - 2:29.19

200 Meter Dash - Finals 5. Macy Hanzlick, Hoisington - 26.94

4x100 Meter Relay - Preliminaries - Russell - Did Not Finish &nbsp; &nbsp;*Brayden Strobel, Peyton Pfannenstiel, Jacob Ney, Jesse Whitmer

300 Meter Hurdles - Preliminaries&nbsp; 11. Josiah Ball, Hoisington - 42.61

Triple Jump 3. Bralen Thompson, Hoisington - 43-08

100 Meter Dash- Preliminaries 13. Bralen Thompson, Hoisington - 11.77

110 Meter Hurdles - Finals 4. Josiah Ball, Hoisington - 15.88

Discus Throw&nbsp; 11. Spencer Mintz, Hoisington - 143-05

4x800 Meter Relay 12. Hoisington - 8:57.54 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Deryk Yott, Elijah Lewis, Karter Wolf, Ian Doss

High Jump 5. Jace Peerman, Russell - 6-02 7. Brayden Strobel, Russell - 6-02

Shot Put 11. Caiden Hoffman, Hoisington - 46-07.75

Long Jump 7. Bralen Thompson, Hoisington - 21-02 8. Jace Peerman, Russell - 21-00.75

800 Meter Run 10. Ian Doss, Hoisington - 2:06.05

3200 Meter Run 7. Addy Nicholson, Great Bend - 11:48.02 10. Emilia Diaz, Great Bend - 12:06.22

400 Meter Dash - Preliminaries 10. Kara Feist, Great Bend - 1:01.11&nbsp;

Shot Put 2. Taryn Warren, Great Bend - 37-05.50

High Jump 2. Valarie Luna, Great Bend - 5-06 3. Mersadie Spray, Great Bend - 5-04

Javelin Throw 5. Macy Nachtigal, Great Bend - 118-11 7. Kyndall Blessing, Great Bend - 115-09

100 Meter Hurdles - Finals 6. Makenzie Premer, Great Bend - 16.10

4x800 Meter Relay 3. Great Bend - 10:00.38 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Eliana Beckham, Emma Loomis, Addy Nicholson, Emilia Diaz

Discus Throw&nbsp; 8. Rylie Duvall, Great Bend - 110-03

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653660748628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The State Track &amp; Field Championship was held at Cessna Stadium in Wichita Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28. Find area results below.All Class - Wheelchair100 Meter Dash - Boys 5. Tristen Wilhelm, La Crosse - 21.05400 Meter Dash - Boys 4. Tristen Wilhelm, La Crosse - 1:30.73---Class 1A - Girls100 Meter Hurdles - Preliminaries&nbsp; 16. Brennen Steinert, La Crosse - 18.48Discus Throw 4. Olivia Hands, Pawnee Heights - 113-09400 Meter Dash - Preliminaries&nbsp; 15. Marilyn Soeken, Central Plains - 1:04.33300 Meter Hurdles - Preliminaries 13. Brennen Steinert, La Crosse - 51.713200 Meter Run 4. Madison Butler, Macksville - 12:44.36 7. Destiny Mitchell, Otis-Bison - 13:12.72Javelin Throw 2. Lauren Oeser, Central Plains - 132-06 8. Mayce Russell, Macksville - 118-074x800 Meter Relay 3. St. John - 10:30.82 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Payton Meyer, Lydia Reed, Darby Smith, Heidi Fisher1600 Meter Run&nbsp; 4. Madison Butler, Macksville - 5:46.424x400 Meter Relay - Finals 3. St. John - 4:18.88 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Heidi Fisher, Lydia Reed, Darby Smith, Payton Meyer---Class 1A - Boys110 Meter Hurdles - Preliminaries&nbsp; - Preston Dunn, St. John - FSTriple Jump 1. Alec Carlson, Pawnee Heights - 46-05 4. Braden Colglazier, Pawnee Heights - 42-094x100 Meter Relay - Preliminaries 6. La Crosse - 44.93 (qualifies for finals) &nbsp; &nbsp;*Haden Sherman, Gage Burk, Brodie Schmidt, Colby Stull 12. Macksville - 46.08 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Heckto Gomez, Lance Lickiss, Alexis Barron, Ryan Kuckelman400 Meter Dash - Preliminaries 3. Ryan Kuckelman, Macksville - 51.34 (qualified for finals) 10. Alec Carlson, Pawnee Heights - 53.25&nbsp;High Jump 1. Braden Colglazier, Pawnee Heights - 6-06 3. Gage Burk, La Crosse - 6-04 5. Alec Carlson, Pawnee Heights - 6-02Long Jump 2. Alec Carlson, Pawnee Heights - 22-00.75 7. Braden Colglazier, Pawnee Heights - 20-09.50 11. Gage Burk, La Crosse - 19-09.754x800 Meter Relay 4. St. John - 8:49.32 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Quade Smith, Hunter Smith, Elijah Delp, Preston Dunn 9. La Crosse - 9:06.57 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Dominic Castaneira, Will Rues, Treston Nelson, Kolton Maneth100 Meter Dash - Finals 6. Colby Stull, La Crosse - 11.321600 Meter Run 5. Cole Lamatsch, Central Plains - 4:41.924x100 Meter Relay - Finals 5. La Crosse - 45.36 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Haden Sherman, Gage Burk, Brodie Schmidt, Colby Stull400 Meter Dash - Finals 5. Ryan Kuckelman, Macksville - 52.30300 Meter Hurdles - Finals 4. Preston Dunn, St. John - 41.71 5. Haden Sherman, La Crosse - 42.37&nbsp;&nbsp;800 Meter Run 5. Cole Lamatsch, Central Plains - 2:07.73200 Meter Dash - Finals 8. Colby Stull, La Crosse - 24.984x400 Meter Relay - Finals 4. La Crosse - 3:38.48 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Gage Burk, Will Rues, Chris Schlueter, Colby Stull 7. Macksville - 3:44.19 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Ryan Kuckelman, Lance Lickiss, Orion Guevara, Alexis Barron---Class 2A - GirlsLong Jump 12. Brittany Simpson, Ellinwood - 15-03.50---Class 2A - Boys4x100 Meter Relay - Preliminaries&nbsp; 13. Ellinwood - 45.92&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;*Britton Dutton, Cody Zink, Koy Behnke, Matthew Cook4x400 Meter Relay - Preliminaries 6. Ellinwood - 3:34.83 (qualifies for finals) &nbsp; &nbsp;*Cody Zink, Matthew Cook, Britton Dutton, Koy Behnke3200 Meter Run 8. Asher Miller, Ellinwood - 10:26.50High Jump 12. Britton Dutton, Ellinwood - 5-084x800 Meter Relay&nbsp; 11. Ellinwood - 8:56.44 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Asher Miller, Bryce Steffen, Koy Behnke, Matthew Cook1600 Meter Run 10. Asher Miller, Ellinwood - 4:56.82800 Meter Run 12. Koy Behnke, Ellinwood - 2:09.32---Class 3A - Girls4x100 Meter Relay - Preliminaries 12. Hoisington - 51.34&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;*Sheena Gocela, Emily Lovett, Reese Merlau, Macy HanzlickLong Jump 5. Jayme Hagerman, Larned - 16-07.50Pole Vault 1. Shellamae Farmer, Hoisington - 11-06100 Meter Dash - Preliminaries 10. Jayme Hagerman, Larned - 13.01 13. Macy Hanzlick, Hoisington - 13.13Triple Jump 6. Jayme Hagerman, Larned - 35-00 10. Kaylee Hagerman, Larned - 34-04Javelin Throw 6. Kylan Turnipseed, Ellsworth - 123-10800 Meter Run 8. Kynlie Crowdis, Hoisington - 2:29.19200 Meter Dash - Finals 5. Macy Hanzlick, Hoisington - 26.94---Class 3A - Boys4x100 Meter Relay - Preliminaries - Russell - Did Not Finish &nbsp; &nbsp;*Brayden Strobel, Peyton Pfannenstiel, Jacob Ney, Jesse Whitmer300 Meter Hurdles - Preliminaries&nbsp; 11. Josiah Ball, Hoisington - 42.61Triple Jump 3. Bralen Thompson, Hoisington - 43-08100 Meter Dash- Preliminaries 13. Bralen Thompson, Hoisington - 11.77110 Meter Hurdles - Finals 4. Josiah Ball, Hoisington - 15.88Discus Throw&nbsp; 11. Spencer Mintz, Hoisington - 143-054x800 Meter Relay 12. Hoisington - 8:57.54 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Deryk Yott, Elijah Lewis, Karter Wolf, Ian DossHigh Jump 5. Jace Peerman, Russell - 6-02 7. Brayden Strobel, Russell - 6-02Shot Put 11. Caiden Hoffman, Hoisington - 46-07.75Long Jump 7. Bralen Thompson, Hoisington - 21-02 8. Jace Peerman, Russell - 21-00.75800 Meter Run 10. Ian Doss, Hoisington - 2:06.05---Class 5A - Girls3200 Meter Run 7. Addy Nicholson, Great Bend - 11:48.02 10. Emilia Diaz, Great Bend - 12:06.22400 Meter Dash - Preliminaries 10. Kara Feist, Great Bend - 1:01.11&nbsp;Shot Put 2. Taryn Warren, Great Bend - 37-05.50High Jump 2. Valarie Luna, Great Bend - 5-06 3. Mersadie Spray, Great Bend - 5-04Javelin Throw 5. Macy Nachtigal, Great Bend - 118-11 7. Kyndall Blessing, Great Bend - 115-09100 Meter Hurdles - Finals 6. Makenzie Premer, Great Bend - 16.104x800 Meter Relay 3. Great Bend - 10:00.38 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Eliana Beckham, Emma Loomis, Addy Nicholson, Emilia DiazDiscus Throw&nbsp; 8. Rylie Duvall, Great Bend - 110-031600 Meter Run 11. Emilia Diaz, Great Bend - 5:41.454x100 Meter Relay - Finals 3. Great Bend - 49.87 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Valarie Luna, Kara Feist, Mersadie Spray, Makenzie Premer&nbsp;&nbsp;300 Meter Hurdles - Finals 2. Makenzie Premer, Great Bend - 45.57&nbsp; 6. Mersadie Spray, Great Bend - 47.25800 Meter Run 12. Eliana Beckham, Great Bend - 2:30.35 15. Emma Loomis, Great Bend - 2:33.474x400 Meter Relay - Finals 1. Great Bend, 4:03.85 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Eliana Beckham, Makenzie Premer, Mersadie Spray, Kara Feist---Class 5A - Boys110 Meter Hurdles - Preliminaries 11. Madison Regehr, Great Bend - 15.79Javelin Throw 13. Mathew Moeder, Great Bend - 142-07400 Meter Dash - Preliminaries&nbsp; 11. Oliver Dominguez, Great Bend - 51.561600 Meter Run 4. Kaiden Esfeld, Great Bend - 4:25.78300 Meter Hurdles - Finals 5. Madison Regehr, Great Bend - 40.91800 Meter Run 9. Kaiden Esfeld, Great Bend - 2:01.67 14. Alex Galindo, Great Bend - 2:07.184x400 Meter Relay - Finals 8. Great Bend - 3:31.11 &nbsp; &nbsp;*Oliver Dominguez, Kaiden Esfeld, Alex Galindo, Madison Regehr---Team ResultsClass 5A - Girls 1. Mill Valley - 75.5 2. Great Bend - 67Class 3A - Girls 1. Smoky Valley - 82.5 17. Hoisington - 15 33. Larned - 7 44. Ellsworth - 3Class 1A - Girls 1. Hanover - 60 18. St. John - 12 23. Macksville -11 29. Central Plains - 29 36. Pawnee Heights - 5 43. Otis-Bison - 2---Team ResultsClass 5A - Boys 1. Mill Valley -63 23. Great Bend - 10 Class 3A - Boys 1. Southeast of Saline - 94 18. Hoisington - 13 28. Russell - 6.5Class 2A - Boys 1. Moundridge - 58 33. Ellinwood - 6&nbsp;&nbsp;Class 1A - Boys 1. Meade - 69 4. Pawnee Heights - 39 8. La Crosse - 23 18. St. John - 10 25. Central Plains - 8 33. Macksville - 6

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