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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729001204356.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Last week crude-oil prices ranged from over $77 to lease than $74 per barrel. The near-month contract for light sweet NYMEX crude landed at $75.56 per barrel at the close of trading on Friday. That's a weekly gain of more than a dollar.&nbsp; By midday on Monday, traders gave it all back, with prices dropping two percent or more. NYMEX crude dropped below $72 and London Brent slipped below $78.Monday's price for Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was down $1.75 from Friday at $64 per barrel. That's four dollars higher than at the first of the month, two dollars higher than at the first of the year, but $14 less than a year ago.

The government reports record high crude production, and a big increase in stockpiles. The Energy Information Administration reports weekly crude-oil production over 13.4 million barrels per day for the first time ever. Output for the week through October 4 averaged 13,432,000 barrels per day. Four-week average production nationwide is up more than two percent over a year ago. Cumulative production so far this year is up nearly one million barrels per day over last year at this time.

Commercial crude inventories increased nearly six million barrels to 422.7 million as of October 4.&nbsp; EIA reports stockpiles are about four percent below the five year seasonal average.

The Energy Department last week took delivery on another 400,000 barrels of crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, at prices roughly $22 less than what we sold it for two years ago.

The US is a net importer of crude oil, importing more than we export by nearly 2.5 million barrels per day. Crude imports are down nearly 400,000 barrels from last week, at just over 6.2 million barrels per day. The four week average is down more than 230,000 barrels a day or about two percent over the same four weeks a year ago. US exports drop 80-thousand daily barrels to just under 3.8 million barrels per day. Four week average exports are down from last year by more than 200,000 barrels a day.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 586 active drilling rigs nationwide as of Friday, an increase of two oil rigs and a decline of one seeking natural gas. The tally in Texas was up six rigs. Oklahoma was up one while Louisiana, New Mexico and Pennsylvania were each down two rigs.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is up one at 12 rigs in the eastern half of the state, and unchanged at 17 active rigs in Western Kansas. The statewide total is up more than 20% from a month ago, but down 27 percent from last year at this time. Crews are moving in and rigging up drilling tools for new wells in Barton and Ellis counties. Operators on Friday were about to spud a new well Friday in Stafford County.

Kansas geologists met last week to recognize and name three new oil fields in Kansas. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports those fields are located in Gove, Logan and Thomas counties.

Kansas regulators okayed 26 new drilling locations in the week through October 10. That's 839 so far this year. Out of 13 permits in Western Kansas, three are in Barton County and one is on a lease in Stafford County.

Operators completed 19 wells, ten east of Wichita and nine in Western Kansas. Independent Oil and Gas Service places one in Barton County, one in Ellis County and two in Stafford County.&nbsp; That's 1,044 new well completions so far this year, down nearly 300 wells from a year ago.

Attacks on crude tankers in the Middle East last year prompted some dramatic, and expensive changes to the way the region brings oil to market. According to the US Energy Information Administration the amount of crude oil and oil products flowing through the southern choke point at the mouth of the Red Sea dropped by more than half during the first eight months of this year.&nbsp; Some vessels are now taking longer, more costly routes around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. Citing data from the freight analytics firm Vortexa, EIA says crude shipments along the Red Sea route dropped from 8.7 million barrels per day for all of last year to about four million barrels per day so far his year.

Chevron has agreed to sell its remaining stake in Alberta, Canada's oil sands to Calgary-based Canadian Natural Resources for $6.5 BILLION. The all-cash deal is expected to close by the end of the year. The company is refocusing on the Permian basin of Texas and New Mexico, its new assets in central Asia, and a deal for offshore assets in South America.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670507085360.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaLast week crude-oil prices ranged from over $77 to lease than $74 per barrel. The near-month contract for light sweet NYMEX crude landed at $75.56 per barrel at the close of trading on Friday. That's a weekly gain of more than a dollar.&nbsp; By midday on Monday, traders gave it all back, with prices dropping two percent or more. NYMEX crude dropped below $72 and London Brent slipped below $78.Monday's price for Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was down $1.75 from Friday at $64 per barrel. That's four dollars higher than at the first of the month, two dollars higher than at the first of the year, but $14 less than a year ago.The government reports record high crude production, and a big increase in stockpiles. The Energy Information Administration reports weekly crude-oil production over 13.4 million barrels per day for the first time ever. Output for the week through October 4 averaged 13,432,000 barrels per day. Four-week average production nationwide is up more than two percent over a year ago. Cumulative production so far this year is up nearly one million barrels per day over last year at this time.Commercial crude inventories increased nearly six million barrels to 422.7 million as of October 4.&nbsp; EIA reports stockpiles are about four percent below the five year seasonal average.The Energy Department last week took delivery on another 400,000 barrels of crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, at prices roughly $22 less than what we sold it for two years ago.The US is a net importer of crude oil, importing more than we export by nearly 2.5 million barrels per day. Crude imports are down nearly 400,000 barrels from last week, at just over 6.2 million barrels per day. The four week average is down more than 230,000 barrels a day or about two percent over the same four weeks a year ago. US exports drop 80-thousand daily barrels to just under 3.8 million barrels per day. Four week average exports are down from last year by more than 200,000 barrels a day.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 586 active drilling rigs nationwide as of Friday, an increase of two oil rigs and a decline of one seeking natural gas. The tally in Texas was up six rigs. Oklahoma was up one while Louisiana, New Mexico and Pennsylvania were each down two rigs.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is up one at 12 rigs in the eastern half of the state, and unchanged at 17 active rigs in Western Kansas. The statewide total is up more than 20% from a month ago, but down 27 percent from last year at this time. Crews are moving in and rigging up drilling tools for new wells in Barton and Ellis counties. Operators on Friday were about to spud a new well Friday in Stafford County.Kansas geologists met last week to recognize and name three new oil fields in Kansas. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports those fields are located in Gove, Logan and Thomas counties.Kansas regulators okayed 26 new drilling locations in the week through October 10. That's 839 so far this year. Out of 13 permits in Western Kansas, three are in Barton County and one is on a lease in Stafford County.Operators completed 19 wells, ten east of Wichita and nine in Western Kansas. Independent Oil and Gas Service places one in Barton County, one in Ellis County and two in Stafford County.&nbsp; That's 1,044 new well completions so far this year, down nearly 300 wells from a year ago.Attacks on crude tankers in the Middle East last year prompted some dramatic, and expensive changes to the way the region brings oil to market. According to the US Energy Information Administration the amount of crude oil and oil products flowing through the southern choke point at the mouth of the Red Sea dropped by more than half during the first eight months of this year.&nbsp; Some vessels are now taking longer, more costly routes around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. Citing data from the freight analytics firm Vortexa, EIA says crude shipments along the Red Sea route dropped from 8.7 million barrels per day for all of last year to about four million barrels per day so far his year.Chevron has agreed to sell its remaining stake in Alberta, Canada's oil sands to Calgary-based Canadian Natural Resources for $6.5 BILLION. The all-cash deal is expected to close by the end of the year. The company is refocusing on the Permian basin of Texas and New Mexico, its new assets in central Asia, and a deal for offshore assets in South America.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices escalate alongside Middle East tensions

PHILLIPS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Monday in Phillips County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Mack Pinnacle driven by Frank Eugene&nbsp;Hall, 67, Kirwin, was southbound on Phillips County W 500 Road three quarters of a miles north of Speed, Kansas.

The truck traveled off the road, entered the west ditch, rolled over and came to rest on the passenger side.

EMS transported Hall to the Phillips County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

PHILLIPS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Monday in Phillips County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Mack Pinnacle driven by Frank Eugene&nbsp;Hall, 67, Kirwin, was southbound on Phillips County W 500 Road three quarters of a miles north of Speed, Kansas.The truck traveled off the road, entered the west ditch, rolled over and came to rest on the passenger side.EMS transported Hall to the Phillips County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man hospitalized after truck rollover crash

For the month of September 2024, the Ellis Police Department responded to 137 calls for service, conducted 35 traffic stops, and issued four traffic citations. Three of those citations were for speeding, with the average alleged speed being 16mph over the posted limit. 

The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in two adult arrests.

The following adults were arrested in September by the Ellis Police Department: On Sept. 20, Adrienne Gaschler was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery.

She was booked into the Ellis County Jail. On Sept. 20, Ryan Gaschler was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

In September, the Ellis Police Department added a new police officer to its ranks. The department hired Officer Jonathan Turner in September after he successfully completed his background investigation and attended interviews. This recent hire brings the ranks of the Ellis Police Department back to full staffing. Officer Turner comes to Ellis from the Woodson County Sheriff’s Office and is already a certified law enforcement officer in Kansas.

Officer Turner began his field training on Oct. 7 and will be under the supervision of a field training officer while he learns the department's records systems, policy and procedures, as well as the general outlay of our town.

If you see him while you are in town, please feel free to introduce yourself.

"We are excited to have him join our team," Chief Avery Smith said.

 The Ellis Police Department has once again partnered with the Ellis Baptist Church to host Trunk-or-Treat! 

From 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31, come down to the parking lot at Ninth and Jefferson. All are welcome to attend and pass out candy to our local "Boos and Ghouls." 

The Ellis VFW is hosting a “Haunted VFW” during that same time frame. Don’t forget that many Ellis community members still hand out candy the good old-fashioned way and expect to see you on their doorsteps.

As always, the department is seeking photos to be used for these monthly reports.&nbsp;Please email them to asmith@cityofellisks.gov or message them on the department's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisPoliceDepartment" target="_blank">Facebook&nbsp;</a>page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729011468501.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis Police DepartmentFor the month of September 2024, the Ellis Police Department responded to 137 calls for service, conducted 35 traffic stops, and issued four traffic citations. Three of those citations were for speeding, with the average alleged speed being 16mph over the posted limit. The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in two adult arrests.The following adults were arrested in September by the Ellis Police Department: On Sept. 20, Adrienne Gaschler was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery.She was booked into the Ellis County Jail. On Sept. 20, Ryan Gaschler was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.In September, the Ellis Police Department added a new police officer to its ranks. The department hired Officer Jonathan Turner in September after he successfully completed his background investigation and attended interviews. This recent hire brings the ranks of the Ellis Police Department back to full staffing. Officer Turner comes to Ellis from the Woodson County Sheriff’s Office and is already a certified law enforcement officer in Kansas.Officer Turner began his field training on Oct. 7 and will be under the supervision of a field training officer while he learns the department's records systems, policy and procedures, as well as the general outlay of our town.If you see him while you are in town, please feel free to introduce yourself."We are excited to have him join our team," Chief Avery Smith said. The Ellis Police Department has once again partnered with the Ellis Baptist Church to host Trunk-or-Treat! From 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31, come down to the parking lot at Ninth and Jefferson. All are welcome to attend and pass out candy to our local "Boos and Ghouls." The Ellis VFW is hosting a “Haunted VFW” during that same time frame. Don’t forget that many Ellis community members still hand out candy the good old-fashioned way and expect to see you on their doorsteps. As always, the department is seeking photos to be used for these monthly reports.&nbsp;Please email them to asmith@cityofellisks.gov or message them on the department's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisPoliceDepartment" target="_blank">Facebook&nbsp;</a>page.

City of Ellis Police report, September 2024

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724699319635.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a><figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

Ellis County Jail bookings, Oct. 8-14, 2024

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 286 incidents Oct. 8-14, 2024, according to the activity report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444921352.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 286 incidents Oct. 8-14, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff activity log, Oct. 8-14, 2024

Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling would like to remind residents that today is the last day to register to vote for the November General Election.

If you have changed your name or address, a new voter registration with
the updated information will need to be completed at the County Clerk’s office or
online at <a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf">voterregistration.pdf
(kssos.org)</a>

If you would like an advance mail ballot, contact the Ellis County Clerk's office
at 785-628-9410 to have an application mailed to you, &nbsp;fill out an application online at <a href="https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/AV1.pdf">AV1.pdf (ks.gov)</a> or
stop by the clerk's office at 718 Main St.

Advance
mail ballots will be mailed on Oct. 16. The last day to request an advance
mail ballot is Oct. 29. Advance
mail ballots can be returned by mail, dropped off at the clerk's office at 718 Main, or use
the ballot drop box, which is conveniently located in the alley at 718
Main.&nbsp; 

Early voting dates and times are Monday, Oct. 21, through noon Monday, Nov. 4. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dreiling is
now offering Saturday early voting from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 2. Election Day will be at your regular
polling location from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are unsure of your polling
location, call the clerk's office at 785-628-9410.

Sample ballots have now been uploaded for viewing. Please go
to <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">Kansas Secretary of State
| VoterView (voteks.org)</a>

If you would like to receive upcoming election information
news by text and/or email, fill out an application at the clerk’s office
or at&nbsp; <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/">Ellis
County, KS - Official Website | Official Website</a>, print off and return it
to the clerk’s office.

Dreiling is urging voters to vote early or by advance
mail ballot to avoid the lines on Election Day. With this being a presidential
election, Dreiling anticipates an exceptionally high turnout. She asks you to thank the election workers, who will work a long day starting at 6 a.m. and lasting until 8 p.m.

If you have any questions about the upcoming Nov. 5 election, call the Ellis County Clerk’s office
at 785-628-9410.

SubmittedEllis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling would like to remind residents that today is the last day to register to vote for the November General Election.If you have changed your name or address, a new voter registration with
the updated information will need to be completed at the County Clerk’s office or
online at <a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf">voterregistration.pdf
(kssos.org)</a>If you would like an advance mail ballot, contact the Ellis County Clerk's office
at 785-628-9410 to have an application mailed to you, &nbsp;fill out an application online at <a href="https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/AV1.pdf">AV1.pdf (ks.gov)</a> or
stop by the clerk's office at 718 Main St.Advance
mail ballots will be mailed on Oct. 16. The last day to request an advance
mail ballot is Oct. 29. Advance
mail ballots can be returned by mail, dropped off at the clerk's office at 718 Main, or use
the ballot drop box, which is conveniently located in the alley at 718
Main.&nbsp; Early voting dates and times are Monday, Oct. 21, through noon Monday, Nov. 4. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Dreiling is
now offering Saturday early voting from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 2. Election Day will be at your regular
polling location from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are unsure of your polling
location, call the clerk's office at 785-628-9410.Sample ballots have now been uploaded for viewing. Please go
to <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">Kansas Secretary of State
| VoterView (voteks.org)</a>If you would like to receive upcoming election information
news by text and/or email, fill out an application at the clerk’s office
or at&nbsp; <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/">Ellis
County, KS - Official Website | Official Website</a>, print off and return it
to the clerk’s office.Dreiling is urging voters to vote early or by advance
mail ballot to avoid the lines on Election Day. With this being a presidential
election, Dreiling anticipates an exceptionally high turnout. She asks you to thank the election workers, who will work a long day starting at 6 a.m. and lasting until 8 p.m.If you have any questions about the upcoming Nov. 5 election, call the Ellis County Clerk’s office
at 785-628-9410.

Deadline to register to vote today

FHSU’s National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) will host its fourth annual Soup Fest fundraiser Oct. 25 from 5-7 p.m. in the Herndon Clinic on the first floor of Albertson Hall.

NSSLHA is a student organization in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Proceeds from the event will go to offset expenses of families with children receiving services at the Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.

The clinic’s primary purpose is to provide students majoring in the field of communication disorders with observation and clinical experiences related to speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders. It also serves as a resource for the community and western Kansas.

Soup Fest is open to the public and includes activities for all ages. The cost is $10 for three samples or one bowl of soup, dessert, and water. Attendees are encouraged to vote on their favorite soup and tour the Herndon Clinic.

“Soup Fest is a wonderful opportunity to try some good soup, socialize, and raise money for the families we serve at the Herndon Clinic on the FHSU campus,” said Madalyn Morelock, a second-year graduate student.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705682415648.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsFHSU’s National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) will host its fourth annual Soup Fest fundraiser Oct. 25 from 5-7 p.m. in the Herndon Clinic on the first floor of Albertson Hall.NSSLHA is a student organization in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Proceeds from the event will go to offset expenses of families with children receiving services at the Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.The clinic’s primary purpose is to provide students majoring in the field of communication disorders with observation and clinical experiences related to speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders. It also serves as a resource for the community and western Kansas.Soup Fest is open to the public and includes activities for all ages. The cost is $10 for three samples or one bowl of soup, dessert, and water. Attendees are encouraged to vote on their favorite soup and tour the Herndon Clinic.“Soup Fest is a wonderful opportunity to try some good soup, socialize, and raise money for the families we serve at the Herndon Clinic on the FHSU campus,” said Madalyn Morelock, a second-year graduate student.

Fourth annual Soup Fest to take place Oct. 25

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/13PTidijNdn7z531/">You can watch the full forum on the Chamber in Hays's Facebook page HERE.</a>

BY CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Ellis County Clerk candidates agreed on several issues at a candidate forum on Monday night.&nbsp;

They sharply disagreed on the issue of creating a polling location on the Fort Hays State University campus.

Incumbent Republican Bobbi Dreiling has been under fire, including a campaign by the ACLU, for her decision not to open a polling location on campus.

"I'm not in favor of a polling location on the FHSU campus at this time," she said. "I do not think it's warranted."

Dreiling said according to FHSU, about 1,650 students live on campus. As of last week, 69 people who lived on campus were registered to vote in Ellis County.

Dreiling closed a polling location and combined the polling locations for Precinct One, Wards One and Two at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main

In those two precints, Dreiling said there are 429 registered voters who are 18 to 24 out of 1,420 registered voters.

"I don't want to inconvenience 900 voters," she said.

Dreiling cited issues with driving and parking on campus as barriers for elderly voters.

She said Messiah Lutheran Church is a central location.

Challenger Democrat Laura Allen, who lives in the ward in question, said she favors having a polling location on campus.

"When we talk about elections, they are not static. They are dynamic," Allen said.

She said the students living on campus are eligible to vote in Ellis County. She said if those students were encouraged to register to vote in Ellis County, they might be more likely to stay in Ellis County after they graduate.

As a voter in the affected ward, Allen said she would prefer to vote on campus.

"I think more can be done to make sure people are included and feel heard," she said.

The candidates were asked what they would do to encourage more FHSU students to register to vote in Ellis County.

Dreiling said she sent information on voting deadlines to the American Democracy Project student group. She said students had not contacted her to host a voter registration event.

Allen said she would host a voter registration drive and not wait for students to contact her.

The candidates were asked what duties would be their priorities as county clerk.&nbsp;

Dreiling said elections account for about 25% of her duties. However, she sets tax values in June and the mill levy in November.&nbsp;

"Those are top priorities that I make sure they are done correctly," she said.

She said she also values customer service and maintains an open-door policy for the public.

Allen said elections would be a priority as well being open to communication with the public.

The candidates were asked if they thought there was any fraud in elections.

Allen said she believed in the security and integrity of elections.

Dreiling said, "I don’t have any reason to believe there is fraud in elections. I don’t have proof.&nbsp;One thing I can promise everyone here sitting in this room and the citizens is that Ellis County has the most secure election process you can find."

The candidates were asked how they work with other county officials to meet statutory deadlines.&nbsp;

Allen said she would communicate with her counterparts and ensure she held herself accountable.

Dreiling said she works well with the current county treasurer.&nbsp;

Dreiling said she also has to work with the clerks of Russell, Rooks, Trego, and Rush counties to turn over the tax rolls to the county treasurer by Nov. 1.

Both candidates said they wished the county clerk was not a partisan position.

Dreiling said she would do her best to serve all of Ellis County's residents. Allen said she respects all people's beliefs.

The last day to register to vote for the 2024 general election is today. Advance voting will begin on Monday at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718 Main St., Hays. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728957051220.jpeg" alt="Incumbent Republican Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling and challenger Democrat Laura Allen faced off during an election forum Monday night at the Hays Public Library. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Incumbent Republican Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling and challenger Democrat Laura Allen faced off during an election forum Monday night at the Hays Public Library. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/13PTidijNdn7z531/">You can watch the full forum on the Chamber in Hays's Facebook page HERE.</a>BY CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Ellis County Clerk candidates agreed on several issues at a candidate forum on Monday night.&nbsp;They sharply disagreed on the issue of creating a polling location on the Fort Hays State University campus.Incumbent Republican Bobbi Dreiling has been under fire, including a campaign by the ACLU, for her decision not to open a polling location on campus."I'm not in favor of a polling location on the FHSU campus at this time," she said. "I do not think it's warranted."Dreiling said according to FHSU, about 1,650 students live on campus. As of last week, 69 people who lived on campus were registered to vote in Ellis County.Dreiling closed a polling location and combined the polling locations for Precinct One, Wards One and Two at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 MainIn those two precints, Dreiling said there are 429 registered voters who are 18 to 24 out of 1,420 registered voters."I don't want to inconvenience 900 voters," she said.Dreiling cited issues with driving and parking on campus as barriers for elderly voters.She said Messiah Lutheran Church is a central location.Challenger Democrat Laura Allen, who lives in the ward in question, said she favors having a polling location on campus."When we talk about elections, they are not static. They are dynamic," Allen said.She said the students living on campus are eligible to vote in Ellis County. She said if those students were encouraged to register to vote in Ellis County, they might be more likely to stay in Ellis County after they graduate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728957350254.jpeg" alt="A crowd gathered for the Ellis County Clerk forum sponsored by the Chamber in Hays on Monday at the Hays Public Library. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A crowd gathered for the Ellis County Clerk forum sponsored by the Chamber in Hays on Monday at the Hays Public Library. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>As a voter in the affected ward, Allen said she would prefer to vote on campus."I think more can be done to make sure people are included and feel heard," she said.The candidates were asked what they would do to encourage more FHSU students to register to vote in Ellis County.Dreiling said she sent information on voting deadlines to the American Democracy Project student group. She said students had not contacted her to host a voter registration event.Allen said she would host a voter registration drive and not wait for students to contact her.The candidates were asked what duties would be their priorities as county clerk.&nbsp;Dreiling said elections account for about 25% of her duties. However, she sets tax values in June and the mill levy in November.&nbsp;"Those are top priorities that I make sure they are done correctly," she said.She said she also values customer service and maintains an open-door policy for the public.Allen said elections would be a priority as well being open to communication with the public.The candidates were asked if they thought there was any fraud in elections.Allen said she believed in the security and integrity of elections.Dreiling said, "I don’t have any reason to believe there is fraud in elections. I don’t have proof.&nbsp;One thing I can promise everyone here sitting in this room and the citizens is that Ellis County has the most secure election process you can find."The candidates were asked how they work with other county officials to meet statutory deadlines.&nbsp;Allen said she would communicate with her counterparts and ensure she held herself accountable.Dreiling said she works well with the current county treasurer.&nbsp;Dreiling said she also has to work with the clerks of Russell, Rooks, Trego, and Rush counties to turn over the tax rolls to the county treasurer by Nov. 1.Both candidates said they wished the county clerk was not a partisan position.Dreiling said she would do her best to serve all of Ellis County's residents. Allen said she respects all people's beliefs.The last day to register to vote for the 2024 general election is today. Advance voting will begin on Monday at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718 Main St., Hays. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Ellis County Clerk candidates disagree on campus polling location

House Majority Leader Chris Croft and Rep. Adam Smith blame Republicans for state spending increases

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — House Majority Leader Chris Croft told Johnson County Republicans in private Zoom calls in May that he wants to drive the corporate income tax rate to zero next year, and he tempered his enthusiasm for trying to lure the Kansas City Chiefs across state lines with concern about Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly taking credit.

Croft, an Overland Park Republican, touted his success in getting out-of-state financial support to help preserve the GOP supermajority in the Legislature. But he attributed state spending increases to his own party being “drunk” on money.

In a separate call in June, Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican who chairs the House tax committee, also pointed a finger at Republicans for inserting costly earmarks into the state budget.

Kansas Reflector obtained audio files from Zoom calls on May 10, May 31 and June 21. Screenshots show participants on the calls include GOP candidates for legislative races in Johnson County. Other participants include Karen Crnkovich, a congressional candidate who lost her primary election; Clay Barker, general counsel to Secretary of State Scott Schwab; and Debbie Detmer, a GOP precinct committeewoman in Shawnee who has&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/27/kansas-school-system-fights-indoctrination-rumors-continues-dei-training/">protested the “indoctrination”</a>&nbsp;of public school children.

The conversations, led by Croft, focus on legislative priorities, fundraising and campaigning.

“You know, in the last six years that the governor’s been there, and by the way, the six years I’ve been there, we’ve increased spending 56%,” Croft said. “It’s awful. We got to stop this. I mean, we’re just as drunk on that money as anybody else is. We got to stop doing that.”

The conversations foreshadow the GOP effort now underway to wrestle control of the budget process away from the governor and place it solely in the hands of lawmakers.

House Minority Leader Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, responded to the audio in a statement and offered a suggestion to Republicans.

“Perhaps instead of seizing power from the executive branch — effectively undermining our democratic system of checks and balances — my colleagues across the aisle should look at removing representatives who pervert the process for personal gain,” Miller said.

In the May 10 call, Croft said Republicans intentionally excluded corporate tax breaks from their efforts to provide individual tax relief.

But, he said, changing the corporate tax formula would be the “big thing” for next year.

The objective would be “reducing the corporate tax rate overall with the intent to drive it to zero,” Croft said.

Croft didn’t respond to an email seeking comment for this story.

Pam Shernuk, a former opinion contributor to Kansas Reflector and Democrat who is running against Croft, said she wasn’t surprised by Croft’s behind-the-scenes comments. The plan to drive the corporate tax rate to zero is reminiscent of former Gov. Sam Brownback’s tax experiment, she said, which created budget shortfalls, led to drastic cuts in education and infrastructure, created no return in business investments or jobs, and shifted the tax burden to individuals.

“What my opponent says to voters at the doors and in his mailers is much different than what he says behind closed doors,” Shernuk said. “Voters deserve honesty, accountability and integrity. I support tax relief for working families, seniors and veterans in Kansas — not giant, multinational corporations. Our district has received a number of negative mailers about me in the past few weeks, all paid for by the same dark money groups that are behind the 0% corporate tax rate. Of course, they want Chris to win — he will give them what they want.”

Back in May, Croft voiced frustration with the governor’s repeated vetoes of tax plans during the regular session.

Earlier proposals had tried to establish a single rate, or flat tax, for individual income, which would have overwhelmingly benefited the state’s highest wage earners. By the end of the session, some Democrats had jumped on board with a compromise that provided more balanced income tax relief. Kelly vetoed it in favor of lowering the overall cost and called legislators back for a special session.

“Honestly, one of the things she wants is the Chiefs. She wants that tax bill on the Chiefs,” Croft said. “I cannot see us doing anything without doing something on taxes for the people. I almost want to go back to our original single factor rate.”

During the special session in June, the plan to lure the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to Kansas took center stage. Lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/18/kansas-house-passes-incentive-bill-to-lure-kansas-city-chiefs-royals/">adopted legislation</a>&nbsp;to let teams use sales tax and revenue (STAR) bonds to cover up to 75% of the cost of building a new stadium if they decide to cross state lines.

Croft said he was concerned the governor would take credit for both the tax cuts and luring the Chiefs to Kansas. He vowed to make it “painful” for the governor to do so.

Still, he said, “Who wouldn’t want the Chiefs?”

“Honestly, this is what STAR Bonds was created for,” Croft said. “It was created for these kind of engagements, these kind of opportunities. That one where they’re talking about up at the Speedway was the only successful one we’ve really had. So I think it would work. I don’t see it for the Chiefs&nbsp;and&nbsp;the Royals, but I may think it’s for the Chiefs and somebody else. I think the Royals end up in downtown Kansas City. That’s my personal belief.”

Will Lawrence, in his role as senior adviser to the governor’s Middle of the Road PAC, said Croft’s comments were “a prime example of what’s at stake this November.”

He said voters could elect “leaders that will reach across the aisle — regardless of political party — to deliver for Kansas families. Or, we can continue to elect the same partisan extremists, like the current Republican leadership, who admitted out loud they delayed tax cuts for Kansans because it would be a political win for the governor. That’s not leadership.”

Smith, the House tax chairman, highlighted tax cuts that were adopted during the special session and expressed an interest in making more cuts early next year — “before the budget can spend all of our money.”

House Republicans were frustrated with the budget process, Smith said, and a perceived disconnect between spending and taxes.

Currently, the governor reveals her spending blueprint on the fourth day of the session, and lawmakers revise the plan in committee hearings throughout the session. Republicans are now working to alter the process so that lawmakers begin working on a budget in the fall and have their own proposal in hand when the session starts in January.

But Smith pointed to a bigger problem — the tendency by Republicans to insert self-serving and costly earmarks into the budget at the end of the session.

“I’ve got to say this, and it pains me to say this, but Republicans are just as much to blame as anybody,” Smith said.

In the final days of the session, he said, Republicans added $210 million more to the budget.

“We’ve got people on the budget committee that just try to do as much as they can for their area, and nobody ever tells them no, and that stuff gets put into the budget,” Smith said.

During the calls in May, Croft said he was “fired up” by support from the Republican State Leadership Committee, an unnamed “big company” in Raleigh, North Carolina, and GOPAC, which provides training and support for Republicans.

Croft said Kansas Republican legislative candidates would benefit from fundraisers in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.

He said he had successfully pitched outsiders on the need to preserve the GOP supermajority in the Kansas Legislature as a way of ensuring the state could support Donald Trump if he were elected again as president.

“Trump has talked about the fact states rights matter, that it’s time to make sure we understand that states rights matter, and we got to have the right people in the state,” Croft said. “And that’s a fact. If we have the wrong people, we don’t have the majority, we don’t have the supermajority. The governor wins, and we become a nonfactor for the president.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728930938861.jpeg" alt=" House Majority Leader Chris Croft, an Overland Park Republican, appears during the special session on June 18, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> House Majority Leader Chris Croft, an Overland Park Republican, appears during the special session on June 18, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>House Majority Leader Chris Croft and Rep. Adam Smith blame Republicans for state spending increases</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — House Majority Leader Chris Croft told Johnson County Republicans in private Zoom calls in May that he wants to drive the corporate income tax rate to zero next year, and he tempered his enthusiasm for trying to lure the Kansas City Chiefs across state lines with concern about Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly taking credit.Croft, an Overland Park Republican, touted his success in getting out-of-state financial support to help preserve the GOP supermajority in the Legislature. But he attributed state spending increases to his own party being “drunk” on money.In a separate call in June, Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican who chairs the House tax committee, also pointed a finger at Republicans for inserting costly earmarks into the state budget.Kansas Reflector obtained audio files from Zoom calls on May 10, May 31 and June 21. Screenshots show participants on the calls include GOP candidates for legislative races in Johnson County. Other participants include Karen Crnkovich, a congressional candidate who lost her primary election; Clay Barker, general counsel to Secretary of State Scott Schwab; and Debbie Detmer, a GOP precinct committeewoman in Shawnee who has&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/27/kansas-school-system-fights-indoctrination-rumors-continues-dei-training/">protested the “indoctrination”</a>&nbsp;of public school children.The conversations, led by Croft, focus on legislative priorities, fundraising and campaigning.“You know, in the last six years that the governor’s been there, and by the way, the six years I’ve been there, we’ve increased spending 56%,” Croft said. “It’s awful. We got to stop this. I mean, we’re just as drunk on that money as anybody else is. We got to stop doing that.”The conversations foreshadow the GOP effort now underway to wrestle control of the budget process away from the governor and place it solely in the hands of lawmakers.House Minority Leader Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, responded to the audio in a statement and offered a suggestion to Republicans.“Perhaps instead of seizing power from the executive branch — effectively undermining our democratic system of checks and balances — my colleagues across the aisle should look at removing representatives who pervert the process for personal gain,” Miller said.<h2>The next big thing</h2>In the May 10 call, Croft said Republicans intentionally excluded corporate tax breaks from their efforts to provide individual tax relief.But, he said, changing the corporate tax formula would be the “big thing” for next year.The objective would be “reducing the corporate tax rate overall with the intent to drive it to zero,” Croft said.Croft didn’t respond to an email seeking comment for this story.Pam Shernuk, a former opinion contributor to Kansas Reflector and Democrat who is running against Croft, said she wasn’t surprised by Croft’s behind-the-scenes comments. The plan to drive the corporate tax rate to zero is reminiscent of former Gov. Sam Brownback’s tax experiment, she said, which created budget shortfalls, led to drastic cuts in education and infrastructure, created no return in business investments or jobs, and shifted the tax burden to individuals.“What my opponent says to voters at the doors and in his mailers is much different than what he says behind closed doors,” Shernuk said. “Voters deserve honesty, accountability and integrity. I support tax relief for working families, seniors and veterans in Kansas — not giant, multinational corporations. Our district has received a number of negative mailers about me in the past few weeks, all paid for by the same dark money groups that are behind the 0% corporate tax rate. Of course, they want Chris to win — he will give them what they want.”<h2>Make it painful</h2>Back in May, Croft voiced frustration with the governor’s repeated vetoes of tax plans during the regular session.Earlier proposals had tried to establish a single rate, or flat tax, for individual income, which would have overwhelmingly benefited the state’s highest wage earners. By the end of the session, some Democrats had jumped on board with a compromise that provided more balanced income tax relief. Kelly vetoed it in favor of lowering the overall cost and called legislators back for a special session.“Honestly, one of the things she wants is the Chiefs. She wants that tax bill on the Chiefs,” Croft said. “I cannot see us doing anything without doing something on taxes for the people. I almost want to go back to our original single factor rate.”During the special session in June, the plan to lure the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to Kansas took center stage. Lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/18/kansas-house-passes-incentive-bill-to-lure-kansas-city-chiefs-royals/">adopted legislation</a>&nbsp;to let teams use sales tax and revenue (STAR) bonds to cover up to 75% of the cost of building a new stadium if they decide to cross state lines.Croft said he was concerned the governor would take credit for both the tax cuts and luring the Chiefs to Kansas. He vowed to make it “painful” for the governor to do so.Still, he said, “Who wouldn’t want the Chiefs?”“Honestly, this is what STAR Bonds was created for,” Croft said. “It was created for these kind of engagements, these kind of opportunities. That one where they’re talking about up at the Speedway was the only successful one we’ve really had. So I think it would work. I don’t see it for the Chiefs&nbsp;and&nbsp;the Royals, but I may think it’s for the Chiefs and somebody else. I think the Royals end up in downtown Kansas City. That’s my personal belief.”Will Lawrence, in his role as senior adviser to the governor’s Middle of the Road PAC, said Croft’s comments were “a prime example of what’s at stake this November.”He said voters could elect “leaders that will reach across the aisle — regardless of political party — to deliver for Kansas families. Or, we can continue to elect the same partisan extremists, like the current Republican leadership, who admitted out loud they delayed tax cuts for Kansans because it would be a political win for the governor. That’s not leadership.”<h2>Who’s to blame</h2>Smith, the House tax chairman, highlighted tax cuts that were adopted during the special session and expressed an interest in making more cuts early next year — “before the budget can spend all of our money.”House Republicans were frustrated with the budget process, Smith said, and a perceived disconnect between spending and taxes.Currently, the governor reveals her spending blueprint on the fourth day of the session, and lawmakers revise the plan in committee hearings throughout the session. Republicans are now working to alter the process so that lawmakers begin working on a budget in the fall and have their own proposal in hand when the session starts in January.But Smith pointed to a bigger problem — the tendency by Republicans to insert self-serving and costly earmarks into the budget at the end of the session.“I’ve got to say this, and it pains me to say this, but Republicans are just as much to blame as anybody,” Smith said.In the final days of the session, he said, Republicans added $210 million more to the budget.“We’ve got people on the budget committee that just try to do as much as they can for their area, and nobody ever tells them no, and that stuff gets put into the budget,” Smith said.<h2>The right people</h2>During the calls in May, Croft said he was “fired up” by support from the Republican State Leadership Committee, an unnamed “big company” in Raleigh, North Carolina, and GOPAC, which provides training and support for Republicans.Croft said Kansas Republican legislative candidates would benefit from fundraisers in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.He said he had successfully pitched outsiders on the need to preserve the GOP supermajority in the Kansas Legislature as a way of ensuring the state could support Donald Trump if he were elected again as president.“Trump has talked about the fact states rights matter, that it’s time to make sure we understand that states rights matter, and we got to have the right people in the state,” Croft said. “And that’s a fact. If we have the wrong people, we don’t have the majority, we don’t have the supermajority. The governor wins, and we become a nonfactor for the president.”

Kansas Republican leader says 0% corporate tax rate is next ‘big thing’ in private Zoom call

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Tickets are available for the Hays USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence dinner and auction.

The event begins at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the Unrein Building, with dinner served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65 each or $500 for a table of eight.

Foundation President Chrisy Crough said most of the foundation's funding comes from its annual auction, initially intended to help secure school entrances.

"Now that all of the schools have those safe and secure entrances, we are focused on making sure that all of the money raised at the auction goes directly into the classrooms to benefit the students and teachers in our district," Crough said.

Ticket purchases provide entry, dinner and drinks all evening long. You can buy tickets <a href="https://event.auctria.com/4d8d8d17-6c3d-4643-927d-8e85a16189b7/">online</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-623-2400.

The auction will feature 40 live auction items and more than 100 silent auction items.

The auction items include spring break trips, sporting event tickets, season tickets to Fort Hays State University events, Hays High School events and various family-oriented experiences.

Interactive games, cash prizes and raffles have been added to provide fun for those who want to participate in the fundraiser but cannot afford large auction items.

"This is a fun way for them to be a part of the auction and give back to their education in the school district," Crough said.

Smokin' Co will provide catering, and Hays High culinary students will prepare desserts.

Crough said the money raised from the auction will support various academic projects and resources the school cannot provide, sparing teachers from paying out of pocket for ideas they want to implement in classrooms.

"We work directly with the district and the schools to provide students with educational opportunities that can allow them to be their best and learn in an environment that's conducive to high achievement," she said.

The funds raised to support various items include classroom seating, physical education equipment, playground equipment, books, scholarships, and social and emotional programs.

Crough said ticket sales are limited to 300. Due to strong community interest, the auction has sold out in previous years.

"The response from businesses when we ask them [for donations] is, 'Oh my gosh, yes, we would love to donate.' It's really awesome to see Hays come together," she said.

Crough also credits the Hays High football team for helping to step up chairs and tables, contributing to an evening filled with community spirit and fun.

The USD 489 Foundation accepts donations year-round. You can make donations <a href="https://www.usd489.com/page/foundation">online </a>or by mailing a check to the foundation at 323 W. 12th St., Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728929608598.jpeg" alt="A previous USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence dinner and auction. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A previous USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence dinner and auction. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostTickets are available for the Hays USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence dinner and auction.The event begins at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the Unrein Building, with dinner served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65 each or $500 for a table of eight.Foundation President Chrisy Crough said most of the foundation's funding comes from its annual auction, initially intended to help secure school entrances."Now that all of the schools have those safe and secure entrances, we are focused on making sure that all of the money raised at the auction goes directly into the classrooms to benefit the students and teachers in our district," Crough said.Ticket purchases provide entry, dinner and drinks all evening long. You can buy tickets <a href="https://event.auctria.com/4d8d8d17-6c3d-4643-927d-8e85a16189b7/">online</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-623-2400.The auction will feature 40 live auction items and more than 100 silent auction items.The auction items include spring break trips, sporting event tickets, season tickets to Fort Hays State University events, Hays High School events and various family-oriented experiences.Interactive games, cash prizes and raffles have been added to provide fun for those who want to participate in the fundraiser but cannot afford large auction items."This is a fun way for them to be a part of the auction and give back to their education in the school district," Crough said.Smokin' Co will provide catering, and Hays High culinary students will prepare desserts.Crough said the money raised from the auction will support various academic projects and resources the school cannot provide, sparing teachers from paying out of pocket for ideas they want to implement in classrooms."We work directly with the district and the schools to provide students with educational opportunities that can allow them to be their best and learn in an environment that's conducive to high achievement," she said.The funds raised to support various items include classroom seating, physical education equipment, playground equipment, books, scholarships, and social and emotional programs.Crough said ticket sales are limited to 300. Due to strong community interest, the auction has sold out in previous years."The response from businesses when we ask them [for donations] is, 'Oh my gosh, yes, we would love to donate.' It's really awesome to see Hays come together," she said.Crough also credits the Hays High football team for helping to step up chairs and tables, contributing to an evening filled with community spirit and fun.The USD 489 Foundation accepts donations year-round. You can make donations <a href="https://www.usd489.com/page/foundation">online </a>or by mailing a check to the foundation at 323 W. 12th St., Hays.

USD 489 dinner, auction to fund classroom needs set for Oct. 26

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

I always love the changing of the seasons, especially summer to fall. After the heat of the summer, the cool, crisp mornings and cooler days makes me happy. One of the first signs that I can tell that summer is on its way out is the first leaves on the cottonwood trees starting to turn yellow. The reds and oranges of the maples and oaks quickly follow suite. &nbsp;Although the New England states is the place to view the changing of the seasons, Kansas is no slouch. I found an article this week for you for the Horticulture Department about why trees change the colors they do and how you get the striking colors of fall.&nbsp;

Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Other pigments produce fall colors. Reds and purples are caused by anthocyanins, yellows by xanthophylls, and oranges by a combination of carotenes and xanthophylls. Browns are the result of tannins present in the leaf. Most of these substances are present throughout the growing season but are masked by the green color produced by chlorophyll. Anthocyanins are the exception and are produced after the chlorophyll is destroyed in the fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

If you have ever seen pictures of New England in the fall, you have probably wondered why trees in Kansas usually do not color as well. This difference is partly because of the tree species prevalent in New England. Certain oaks and maples naturally produce good color. Coloring also is influenced by the weather.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis and, thus, sugar accumulation in the leaves. As fall progresses, each leaf develops an abscission layer at the base of the petiole, or leaf stem, that prevents these sugars from being transported down the trunk to the roots for storage. This high sugar content in the leaves produces more intense colors. Cloudy days and warm nights prevent some of the sugar accumulation in the leaves and results in less vibrant colors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Weather during other parts of the growing season also can have an effect. Heavy rains in the early spring or hot, dry weather during the summer can both have a deleterious effect on fall color.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The length of time a tree maintains fall color also depends on weather. Reds, yellows and oranges are short-lived when trees undergo frosts and freezes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictI always love the changing of the seasons, especially summer to fall. After the heat of the summer, the cool, crisp mornings and cooler days makes me happy. One of the first signs that I can tell that summer is on its way out is the first leaves on the cottonwood trees starting to turn yellow. The reds and oranges of the maples and oaks quickly follow suite. &nbsp;Although the New England states is the place to view the changing of the seasons, Kansas is no slouch. I found an article this week for you for the Horticulture Department about why trees change the colors they do and how you get the striking colors of fall.&nbsp;Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Other pigments produce fall colors. Reds and purples are caused by anthocyanins, yellows by xanthophylls, and oranges by a combination of carotenes and xanthophylls. Browns are the result of tannins present in the leaf. Most of these substances are present throughout the growing season but are masked by the green color produced by chlorophyll. Anthocyanins are the exception and are produced after the chlorophyll is destroyed in the fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you have ever seen pictures of New England in the fall, you have probably wondered why trees in Kansas usually do not color as well. This difference is partly because of the tree species prevalent in New England. Certain oaks and maples naturally produce good color. Coloring also is influenced by the weather.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis and, thus, sugar accumulation in the leaves. As fall progresses, each leaf develops an abscission layer at the base of the petiole, or leaf stem, that prevents these sugars from being transported down the trunk to the roots for storage. This high sugar content in the leaves produces more intense colors. Cloudy days and warm nights prevent some of the sugar accumulation in the leaves and results in less vibrant colors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Weather during other parts of the growing season also can have an effect. Heavy rains in the early spring or hot, dry weather during the summer can both have a deleterious effect on fall color.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The length of time a tree maintains fall color also depends on weather. Reds, yellows and oranges are short-lived when trees undergo frosts and freezes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: The color of the changing seasons

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728929603002.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

I urge you to vote for Ellis County Clerk Bobbi L. Dreiling. 

County Clerk Dreiling has shown her dedication in getting the work done. 

County Clerk Dreiling served as Deputy County Clerk during my term and I appreciated her high quality of work and pleasant personality that she shares. 

She has worked hard in keeping a high integrity for Ellis County. 

Your vote counts SO PLEASE VOTE FOR BOBBI L.DREILING FOR ELLIS COUNTY CLERK.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I urge you to vote for Ellis County Clerk Bobbi L. Dreiling. County Clerk Dreiling has shown her dedication in getting the work done. County Clerk Dreiling served as Deputy County Clerk during my term and I appreciated her high quality of work and pleasant personality that she shares. She has worked hard in keeping a high integrity for Ellis County. Your vote counts SO PLEASE VOTE FOR BOBBI L.DREILING FOR ELLIS COUNTY CLERK.Donna J. Maskus

LETTER: Former County Clerk endorses Bobbi Dreiling

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A parent called Mindy Kuhn "the best of the best" when she nominated her for the September Child Care Champion award.

Katelyn Schmidt added, "We hit the jackpot when we found her to be our boys’ day care provider. She brings in so many community aspects to her day care.

"She is constantly teaching them something new every week and is always going above and beyond. I dread the day that my boys are out of day care, and that's something that you don't hear lately anymore. Everybody needs a Mindy in their families' lives!"

Schmidt also noted Kuhn's philanthropic activities with the children,&nbsp; such as the annual summer ARC Park lemonade stand and summer field trips.

She said Kuhn always finds the best opportunities to fill kids' time while parents work. 

"She's researched and implemented learning curriculums to get them ready for preschool and follow a learning schedule," Schmidt said. "My boys love every second of being at Mindy's, and it's such a heartwarming feeling knowing they spend their days with somebody who loves them like they are her own!"

Mindy&nbsp;Gabel also nominated Kuhn for the child care champion award.

"Mindy goes above and beyond for her day care kids," she said. "She truly treats them like her own children. She works hard with them on learning curriculum as well."&nbsp;

Kuhn, 36, of Hays, has been a child care provider for 12 years. She opened Little Explorers, her in-home child care when her son was young so she could stay home and spend time with him.

Kuhn's daughter is now 4 and is part of her day care.

"I just love to watch them grow," she said of her child care children. "You get to see a lot of their firsts. You get to be there for every milestone and share it with families. You are like their second home."

Kuhn said she focuses primarily on play at her child care.

However, the children have circle time during which the children learn colors, days of the week and the alphabet, or Kuhn reads the children books.

The children learn the "Pledge of Allegiance" as well as songs.

The 4-year-olds in her child care are trying to learn to write their names.

Every two weeks, Kuhn has a theme accompanied by experiments or crafts.

Last week, the kids were making fall-themed crafts, such as candy corn men and scarecrows.

"We just like to have fun all of the time," she said.

The children in her child care have also been fascinated with treasure maps. She draws maps for them and then hides items in the house or in the yard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728575972241.jpeg" alt="Mindy Kuhn, Hays child care provider, with her child care children at the Ellis Railroad Museum. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mindy Kuhn, Hays child care provider, with her child care children at the Ellis Railroad Museum. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA parent called Mindy Kuhn "the best of the best" when she nominated her for the September Child Care Champion award.Katelyn Schmidt added, "We hit the jackpot when we found her to be our boys’ day care provider. She brings in so many community aspects to her day care."She is constantly teaching them something new every week and is always going above and beyond. I dread the day that my boys are out of day care, and that's something that you don't hear lately anymore. Everybody needs a Mindy in their families' lives!"Schmidt also noted Kuhn's philanthropic activities with the children,&nbsp; such as the annual summer ARC Park lemonade stand and summer field trips.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728577060327.jpeg" alt="The Mindy's Kuhn Little Explorers at their ARC Park lemonade stand. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Mindy's Kuhn Little Explorers at their ARC Park lemonade stand. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>She said Kuhn always finds the best opportunities to fill kids' time while parents work. "She's researched and implemented learning curriculums to get them ready for preschool and follow a learning schedule," Schmidt said. "My boys love every second of being at Mindy's, and it's such a heartwarming feeling knowing they spend their days with somebody who loves them like they are her own!"Mindy&nbsp;Gabel also nominated Kuhn for the child care champion award."Mindy goes above and beyond for her day care kids," she said. "She truly treats them like her own children. She works hard with them on learning curriculum as well."&nbsp;Kuhn, 36, of Hays, has been a child care provider for 12 years. She opened Little Explorers, her in-home child care when her son was young so she could stay home and spend time with him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728577095757.jpeg" alt="The Little Explorers serving lemonade at their ARC Park lemonade stand. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Little Explorers serving lemonade at their ARC Park lemonade stand. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kuhn's daughter is now 4 and is part of her day care."I just love to watch them grow," she said of her child care children. "You get to see a lot of their firsts. You get to be there for every milestone and share it with families. You are like their second home."Kuhn said she focuses primarily on play at her child care.However, the children have circle time during which the children learn colors, days of the week and the alphabet, or Kuhn reads the children books.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728577134708.jpeg" alt="Kuhn and family at the ARC Park lemonade stand. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kuhn and family at the ARC Park lemonade stand. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The children learn the "Pledge of Allegiance" as well as songs.The 4-year-olds in her child care are trying to learn to write their names.Every two weeks, Kuhn has a theme accompanied by experiments or crafts.Last week, the kids were making fall-themed crafts, such as candy corn men and scarecrows."We just like to have fun all of the time," she said.The children in her child care have also been fascinated with treasure maps. She draws maps for them and then hides items in the house or in the yard."We have chairs, and they make those into a ship. We have blankets for the babies, and they have me tie them around their heads so they get into full character," Kuhn said.Kuhn said the most challenging aspect of operating in-home child care is balancing home and child care life.&nbsp;"Over the years, I have been able to make my child care program fit better to our home life," she said.She has a dedicated room for her child care, and she matches her calendar with the K-12 public school calendar.&nbsp;Kuhn organizes field trips and activities involving parents. The child care children take a trip to the Salina zoo every summer.Other activities have included trips to local museums, the pumpkin patch, the splash pad and Easter egg hunts.The children also host a lemonade stand to raise funds for the ARC Park.&nbsp;"That is their favorite activity. That is probably their favorite memory is serving lemonade," Kuhn said."They get so excited when people they know come, and they get to serve them," she said. "It is pretty fun to see their faces and interactions with friends and family members."Miss May comes from the library once a month."Last month, they were pretending to be here. They would sit in the chair, and they would pretend taking turns reading stories. We would have to refer to them as Miss May," Kuhn said.Monique Koerner from K-State Research and Extension also visits every other month to lead the children on story walks or in different activities."I like having the kids involved with community members and taking them out into the community because they get to learn," Kuhn said. "Kids learn by doing."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">Nominate your favorite child care provider for the monthly Child Care Champion award HERE.</a>

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