I live in Dallas, Texas, and I’m wondering if I should sell my condo in order to pay off debt. I owe $120,000 on it, and it’s worth around $260,000. Plus, the homeowners association fee used to be $450 a month and has gone up $100 each year for the last two years, so now we’re paying $650. No one has ever told us why the fee went up so much. There haven’t been any major improvements to the complex in the last five years, so I don’t know what to think. Can you give me some advice?

As a homeowner, I’d want some answers by the end of day as to why the HOA fees are so high. I mean, for a $260,000 condo, the fee you mentioned is ridiculous unless the building owners are doing a major renovation, like&nbsp;replacing the parking lot or updating the community’s clubhouse.&nbsp;Even then, it’s crazy! On top of all that, it devalues your condo. Nobody wants to buy a $260,000 condo with a $650 HOA fee every month, especially when the fee has gone up that much for no apparent reason.

There’s always the possibility the company is building up a war chest for improvements in the next year or so. But you have a right to know exactly where the money you pay in HOA fees is going. Ask to see a copy of their financials, and if they won’t do that—or explain why the fee is so high and where the money’s going—you need to sell the place because it’s being poorly managed.

You’ve got to get an explanation. You’re owed one. And, if you try to sell the place, you’re going to have to tell prospective buyers why the HOA fee is so high. Maybe there’s a good reason for it buried somewhere. But without knowing more, as a buyer, there’s no way I’d take this thing off your hands.

There are a lot of red flags fluttering around the situation, Daniella. Even in a place like Dallas, this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/what-is-an-hoa" target="_blank">HOA</a>&nbsp;fee is about double what it should be for a $260,000 condo. I’m not saying this just because I don’t like HOAs, which I don’t. And that’s mainly because I don’t like paying money for something, and then being told by someone else what I can or can’t do with it. But you need some answers for your own information, peace of mind&nbsp;and&nbsp;to give potential buyers an honest answer when they ask why the fees are insanely high.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648176857529.png" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,I live in Dallas, Texas, and I’m wondering if I should sell my condo in order to pay off debt. I owe $120,000 on it, and it’s worth around $260,000. Plus, the homeowners association fee used to be $450 a month and has gone up $100 each year for the last two years, so now we’re paying $650. No one has ever told us why the fee went up so much. There haven’t been any major improvements to the complex in the last five years, so I don’t know what to think. Can you give me some advice?DaniellaDear Daniella,As a homeowner, I’d want some answers by the end of day as to why the HOA fees are so high. I mean, for a $260,000 condo, the fee you mentioned is ridiculous unless the building owners are doing a major renovation, like&nbsp;replacing the parking lot or updating the community’s clubhouse.&nbsp;Even then, it’s crazy! On top of all that, it devalues your condo. Nobody wants to buy a $260,000 condo with a $650 HOA fee every month, especially when the fee has gone up that much for no apparent reason.There’s always the possibility the company is building up a war chest for improvements in the next year or so. But you have a right to know exactly where the money you pay in HOA fees is going. Ask to see a copy of their financials, and if they won’t do that—or explain why the fee is so high and where the money’s going—you need to sell the place because it’s being poorly managed.You’ve got to get an explanation. You’re owed one. And, if you try to sell the place, you’re going to have to tell prospective buyers why the HOA fee is so high. Maybe there’s a good reason for it buried somewhere. But without knowing more, as a buyer, there’s no way I’d take this thing off your hands.There are a lot of red flags fluttering around the situation, Daniella. Even in a place like Dallas, this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/what-is-an-hoa" target="_blank">HOA</a>&nbsp;fee is about double what it should be for a $260,000 condo. I’m not saying this just because I don’t like HOAs, which I don’t. And that’s mainly because I don’t like paying money for something, and then being told by someone else what I can or can’t do with it. But you need some answers for your own information, peace of mind&nbsp;and&nbsp;to give potential buyers an honest answer when they ask why the fees are insanely high.Lose the headache. Sell it.Dave

DAVE SAYS: A lot of red flags here

Lindsborg Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage Museum

LINDSBORG - The Kansas Department of Commerce has selected the Lindsborg Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage Museum as one of just 18 recipients of a SPRINT tourism grant, out of 228 applications.

The museum will receive a $250,000 grant through the State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT) program, which earmarked $30 million to address the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on the Kansas tourism economy.

At the museum, the staff is still choosing exactly which projects in the original application will be prioritized to be funded with the $250,000, but improvements in security, safety, accessibility, and preservation of museum buildings are top of the list.

Executive Director Lenora Lynam said there are plenty of projects that need work.

“Our total application was in the millions for a long list of important projects, so we won’t be struggling to put this grant to good use right away – as large and as generous as it is,” Lynam said. “We’re tremendously honored and thankful to be selected for this grant. In making some of the hard choices in front of us now, our goal is to prioritize improving the visitor experience and to preserve our historic treasures.”

Projects may include installation of a new museum security system, adding insulation to the museum’s 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion, upgrading baseboard heating in the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills building to be more efficient, and improving ADA accessibility to museum attractions.

According to a news release from the Kansas Department of Commerce announcing the grants, visitors to Kansas create a total annual economic benefit of $11.2 billion and employ 85,000 citizens, but levels of tourism still haven’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. In awarding the grants, 90% of the funds went to six recipients, with the remaining 10% (or $3 million) going to another dozen institutions, including the Lindsborg Old Mill.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said these grant awards were an important investment.

“A thriving tourism sector is critical for the Kansas economy,” Governor Kelly said. “These grants enhance attractions that draw visitors to the state and showcase what makes Kansas a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635994805108.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Lindsborg Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage Museum" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Lindsborg Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>Lindsborg Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage MuseumLINDSBORG - The Kansas Department of Commerce has selected the Lindsborg Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage Museum as one of just 18 recipients of a SPRINT tourism grant, out of 228 applications.The museum will receive a $250,000 grant through the State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT) program, which earmarked $30 million to address the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on the Kansas tourism economy.At the museum, the staff is still choosing exactly which projects in the original application will be prioritized to be funded with the $250,000, but improvements in security, safety, accessibility, and preservation of museum buildings are top of the list.Executive Director Lenora Lynam said there are plenty of projects that need work.“Our total application was in the millions for a long list of important projects, so we won’t be struggling to put this grant to good use right away – as large and as generous as it is,” Lynam said. “We’re tremendously honored and thankful to be selected for this grant. In making some of the hard choices in front of us now, our goal is to prioritize improving the visitor experience and to preserve our historic treasures.”Projects may include installation of a new museum security system, adding insulation to the museum’s 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion, upgrading baseboard heating in the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills building to be more efficient, and improving ADA accessibility to museum attractions.According to a news release from the Kansas Department of Commerce announcing the grants, visitors to Kansas create a total annual economic benefit of $11.2 billion and employ 85,000 citizens, but levels of tourism still haven’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. In awarding the grants, 90% of the funds went to six recipients, with the remaining 10% (or $3 million) going to another dozen institutions, including the Lindsborg Old Mill.Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said these grant awards were an important investment.“A thriving tourism sector is critical for the Kansas economy,” Governor Kelly said. “These grants enhance attractions that draw visitors to the state and showcase what makes Kansas a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Lindsborg museum awarded $250K Kansas SPRINT grant

Today is Friday, May 19, the 139th day of 2023. There are 226 days left in the year.

On May 19, 1536, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of England's King Henry VIII, was beheaded after being convicted of adultery.

In 1780, a mysterious darkness enveloped much of New England and part of Canada in the early afternoon.

In 1913, California Gov. Hiram Johnson signed the Webb-Hartley Law prohibiting "aliens ineligible to citizenship" from owning farm land, a measure targeting Asian immigrants, particularly Japanese.

In 1920, ten people were killed in a gun battle between coal miners, who were led by a local police chief, and a group of private security guards hired to evict them for joining a union in Matewan, a small "company town" in West Virginia.

In 1921, Congress passed, and President Warren G. Harding signed, the Emergency Quota Act, which established national quotas for immigrants.

In 1943, in his second wartime address to the U.S. Congress, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill pledged his country's full support in the fight against Japan; that evening, Churchill met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House, where the two leaders agreed on May 1, 1944 as the date for the D-Day invasion of France (the operation ended up being launched more than a month later).

In 1962, film star Marilyn Monroe sang "Happy Birthday to You" to President John F. Kennedy during a Democratic fundraiser at New York's Madison Square Garden.

In 1967, the Soviet Union ratified a treaty with the United States and Britain, banning nuclear and other weapons from outer space as well as celestial bodies such as the moon. (The treaty entered into force in October 1967.)

In 1993, the Clinton White House set off a political storm by abruptly firing the entire staff of its travel office; five of the seven staffers were later reinstated and assigned to other duties.

In 1994, former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died in New York at age 64.

In 2003, WorldCom Inc. agreed to pay investors $500 million to settle civil fraud charges.

In 2020, a Trump administration policy of quickly expelling most migrants stopped along the border because of the COVID-19 pandemic was indefinitely extended.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, in a soaring commencement address on work, sacrifice and opportunity, told graduates of historically black Morehouse College in Atlanta to seize the power of their example as black men graduating from college and use it to improve people's lives. At least one person was killed and dozens were injured as a series of tornadoes hit Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa and Illinois. Taylor Swift won eight awards, including album and artist of the year, at the Billboard Music Awards.

Five years ago: Britain's Prince Harry wed American actress Meghan Markle in a service that reflected Harry's royal heritage and his bride's biracial roots, as well as their shared commitment to put a more diverse, modern face on the monarchy. Justify won the Preakness in foggy Baltimore, on the way to a Triple Crown sweep. Starbucks announced a new policy allowing anyone to sit in its cafes or use its restrooms, even if they don't buy anything; the policy came five weeks after two black men who hadn't bought anything were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks. First lady Melania Trump returned to the white House following a weeklong hospitalization for kidney treatment.

One year ago: President Joe Biden embarks on a six-day trip to South Korea and Japan aiming to build rapport with the two nations' leaders while also sending an unmistakable message to China: Russia's faltering invasion of Ukraine should give Beijing pause about its own saber-rattling in the Pacific. The nation's oldest civil rights organization said it will propose a sweeping plan meant to protect Black Americans from white supremacist violence, in response to a hate-fueled massacre that killed 10 Black people in Buffalo, New York. Vangelis, the Greece-born electronic composer who wrote the Academy Award-winning score for "Chariots of Fire" and music for dozens of other movies, documentaries and TV series, died at age 79.

Today's Birthdays: TV personality David Hartman is 88. Actor James Fox is 84. Actor Nancy Kwan is 84. Rock singer-composer Pete Townshend (The Who) is 78. Concert pianist David Helfgott is 76. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Archie Manning is 74. Singer-actor Grace Jones is 72. Rock musician Phil Rudd is 69. Actor Steven Ford is 67. Actor Toni Lewis is 63. Rock musician Iain Harvie (Del Amitri) is 61. Actor Polly Walker is 57. Actor Jason Gray-Stanford is 53. Gospel singer Israel Houghton is 52. Rock singer Jenny Berggren (Ace of Base) is 51. Former race car driver Dario Franchitti is 50. TV personality Kim Zolciak Biermann (TV: "Real Housewives of Atlanta") is 45. Country/rock singer Shooter Jennings is 44. Actor Drew Fuller is 43. Actor-comedian Michael Che (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 40. Christian rock musician Tim McTague (Underoath) is 40. Actor Eric Lloyd is 37. Pop singer Sam Smith is 31. Actor Nolan Lyons is 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Friday, May 19, the 139th day of 2023. There are 226 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 19, 1536, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of England's King Henry VIII, was beheaded after being convicted of adultery.On this date:In 1780, a mysterious darkness enveloped much of New England and part of Canada in the early afternoon.In 1913, California Gov. Hiram Johnson signed the Webb-Hartley Law prohibiting "aliens ineligible to citizenship" from owning farm land, a measure targeting Asian immigrants, particularly Japanese.In 1920, ten people were killed in a gun battle between coal miners, who were led by a local police chief, and a group of private security guards hired to evict them for joining a union in Matewan, a small "company town" in West Virginia.In 1921, Congress passed, and President Warren G. Harding signed, the Emergency Quota Act, which established national quotas for immigrants.In 1943, in his second wartime address to the U.S. Congress, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill pledged his country's full support in the fight against Japan; that evening, Churchill met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House, where the two leaders agreed on May 1, 1944 as the date for the D-Day invasion of France (the operation ended up being launched more than a month later).In 1962, film star Marilyn Monroe sang "Happy Birthday to You" to President John F. Kennedy during a Democratic fundraiser at New York's Madison Square Garden.In 1967, the Soviet Union ratified a treaty with the United States and Britain, banning nuclear and other weapons from outer space as well as celestial bodies such as the moon. (The treaty entered into force in October 1967.)In 1993, the Clinton White House set off a political storm by abruptly firing the entire staff of its travel office; five of the seven staffers were later reinstated and assigned to other duties.In 1994, former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died in New York at age 64.In 2003, WorldCom Inc. agreed to pay investors $500 million to settle civil fraud charges.In 2020, a Trump administration policy of quickly expelling most migrants stopped along the border because of the COVID-19 pandemic was indefinitely extended.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, in a soaring commencement address on work, sacrifice and opportunity, told graduates of historically black Morehouse College in Atlanta to seize the power of their example as black men graduating from college and use it to improve people's lives. At least one person was killed and dozens were injured as a series of tornadoes hit Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa and Illinois. Taylor Swift won eight awards, including album and artist of the year, at the Billboard Music Awards.Five years ago: Britain's Prince Harry wed American actress Meghan Markle in a service that reflected Harry's royal heritage and his bride's biracial roots, as well as their shared commitment to put a more diverse, modern face on the monarchy. Justify won the Preakness in foggy Baltimore, on the way to a Triple Crown sweep. Starbucks announced a new policy allowing anyone to sit in its cafes or use its restrooms, even if they don't buy anything; the policy came five weeks after two black men who hadn't bought anything were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks. First lady Melania Trump returned to the white House following a weeklong hospitalization for kidney treatment.One year ago: President Joe Biden embarks on a six-day trip to South Korea and Japan aiming to build rapport with the two nations' leaders while also sending an unmistakable message to China: Russia's faltering invasion of Ukraine should give Beijing pause about its own saber-rattling in the Pacific. The nation's oldest civil rights organization said it will propose a sweeping plan meant to protect Black Americans from white supremacist violence, in response to a hate-fueled massacre that killed 10 Black people in Buffalo, New York. Vangelis, the Greece-born electronic composer who wrote the Academy Award-winning score for "Chariots of Fire" and music for dozens of other movies, documentaries and TV series, died at age 79.Today's Birthdays: TV personality David Hartman is 88. Actor James Fox is 84. Actor Nancy Kwan is 84. Rock singer-composer Pete Townshend (The Who) is 78. Concert pianist David Helfgott is 76. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Archie Manning is 74. Singer-actor Grace Jones is 72. Rock musician Phil Rudd is 69. Actor Steven Ford is 67. Actor Toni Lewis is 63. Rock musician Iain Harvie (Del Amitri) is 61. Actor Polly Walker is 57. Actor Jason Gray-Stanford is 53. Gospel singer Israel Houghton is 52. Rock singer Jenny Berggren (Ace of Base) is 51. Former race car driver Dario Franchitti is 50. TV personality Kim Zolciak Biermann (TV: "Real Housewives of Atlanta") is 45. Country/rock singer Shooter Jennings is 44. Actor Drew Fuller is 43. Actor-comedian Michael Che (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 40. Christian rock musician Tim McTague (Underoath) is 40. Actor Eric Lloyd is 37. Pop singer Sam Smith is 31. Actor Nolan Lyons is 22.

Today in History - May 19

This week's 'KINA Saturday Morning' lineup

BY NATE KING Salina Post

Wednesday morning, more than 200 members of the K-State Wildcat family gathered at a downtown Salina eatery to celebrate K-State athletics with K-State athletes, coaches, and Broadcast Hall of Famer and Voice of Wildcats Wyatt Thompson.&nbsp;

The celebration was held at Old Chicago, 214 S. Santa Fe Avenue, and was part of the 2023 Catbacker Tour. Before the event kicked off at 8:30 a.m., Thompson spoke with Salina Post about the purpose for the Catbacker Tour.&nbsp;

"The Catbacker Tour is athletics' way of going back out and thanking those people that come to Manhattan, whether it's six, seven times a year in football, and however many times for men and women's basketball," Thompson said. "We just love getting out there and being with fans to celebrate such a great year."&nbsp;

Thompson, who served as emcee, took time during the event to briefly interview K-State athletes in track and field, football and basketball.

K-State Women's basketball guard and fifth year senior&nbsp;Gabby Gregory said she was looking forward to the upcoming season.

"There are a lot of challenges and you don't really know how things are going to be. The K-State coaching staff and my teammates welcomed me with open arms," Gregory said. "This last season I finally got back to having fun playing basketball. The atmosphere and energy at Bramlage was unlike anything that I had experienced at OU."&nbsp;

Another player who is more than ready for the 2023-2024 women's basketball season is graduate student, Ayoka Lee.

Last season Lee, center, underwent a season-ending knee surgery. This year she is back on the court and she is looking forward to finally playing with Gregory.&nbsp;

"Sitting out the season I knew my role would change, but I wanted to be really intentional about how I was with my teammates and making sure I was still present throughout the season," Lee said. "I tried to be as encouraging as I could and also I know how hard it is to play a season that is six months long. It is hard on you physically, emotionally and mentally. Just being there for my teammates and letting them know, whatever they need I support them."&nbsp;

K-State Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Mittie said he is always excited ahead of a new season, but this season there is an extra level of excitement.&nbsp;

"Yeah, I'm excited, but I'm always excited. I love the process of building the team. I love the process of the summer workouts and development," Mittie said. "But there's an extra level of excitement this year."&nbsp;

Last season K-State women's basketball players Gisela Sanchez, Ja'Mia Harris and Lee all suffered season-ending injuries.&nbsp;

"Sanchez just got cleared. She's 100 percent. Harris got hurt in the preseason. She's now 100 percent," Mittie said. "Lee will be back sometime in July. But we're right on track with her. So all those things are really, really good."

Coming off a 26-10 record last season, as well as an appearance in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, the K-State men's basketball team is ready to make it all the way to the championship game this upcoming season.&nbsp;

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5201dada-726f-4fb8-adb5-4c2785638d19">K-State's Tang selected as Naismith Coach of the Year</a>

Fans and alumni present at the event cheered and whistled their support for Tang, 2023 recipient of the Werner Ladder Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year Award. Tang became the first K-State head coach to earn the Naismith coaching honor and just the third to be selected as National Coach of the Year.&nbsp;

When asked about the team's Elite Eight appearance and the disappointment he and his team felt after not making it to the NCAA championship game, Tang said that he didn't come to K-State to "just" make it to the Elite Eight.&nbsp;

"Those guys were so much fun to be with," Tang said. "We really enjoyed living life with each other and getting better every day. Now The Elite Eight was great, but I didn't come to K-State to 'just' win the Elite Eight. We came here to win national championship."

Tang was asked what his biggest surprise was about coming to coach at K-State. His answer: the culture.&nbsp;

"How the K-State family would embrace us was one of my biggest concerns. Being a minority in Manhattan, Kansas, being the face of the program and how are you going to be embraced being a guy whose faith is very important to me, me at a state school how would that be embraced? And that has blown me away. I feel so loved and so appreciated," Tang said.&nbsp;

Tang, who previously coached at Baylor, has been open about his Christian faith. Last season, after the Wildcats won the nailbiter game against Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen, Tang said, "That's what we call crazy faith."&nbsp;

Since then the phrase "crazy faith" has gone viral, now appearing on merchandise and men's basketball apparel.&nbsp;

In closing, Tang said the one thing that he dislikes more than cold temperatures is an empty gym.&nbsp;

"I love our fans. And I love the energy that you guys brought to Bramlage," Tang said. "It blew me away. I remember some great experiences there as an opponent, but these experiences just surpass all those. To see our students when they tear up the paper and toss it in the air. I just want everyone to know how much we appreciate them. We don't take it for granted. You guys deserve our very best. And when we don't perform at the level that I feel that you guys deserve, that's what's the most disappointing to me is that we don't give you the thing that you deserve. And that's all our effort and energy, and just everything that we have."&nbsp;

All-American offensive lineman Cooper Bebe spoke about what it felt like for the Wildcats to win the Big XII championship game last season.&nbsp;

"It was super exciting. When we ran out there and got the goal line stands going, and we were going crazy on the sidelines, to have Ty kick that field goal, I didn't know what to say," Bebe said. " I just started running around. I was so excited just to know that everything that we put in throughout the offseason, during the season all came to fruition. All the hard work and sweats, all the long days, all the workouts paid off."

Bebe, a fifth-year senior, returns to K-State for one more year. His brother is also attending K-State starting this summer.&nbsp;

"He'll be out here June. One reason I came back was because I wanted to make sure he's on the right track and that he's set up for success," Bebe said.

When asked what K-State fans can expect following a Big XII championship win, Bebe simply replied "no days off."

"All it means is that we got a target on our back we got to come prepared every day," Bebe said. "There's no days off. We're chasing that back-to-back championships, something that hasn't happened in K State history."

Former K-State quarterback, Collin Klein, who now serves as offensive coordinator for the Wildcats, also spoke at the event, saying last season was a "heck of a ride."

"It's been a heck of a ride. As good as last season was, we left a lot on the table," Klein said. "It's about that process, it's about how hard you work, how hard they work, how close they are with each other and&nbsp; how they sacrifice for one another.”

Klein continued saying that he told the K-State football team at their senior banquet how proud he was of them, both as a coach and alumni.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"Through the highs and the lows, with everything throughout last year,&nbsp; that's as much what I'm proud of, and so proud as a K-Stater, and alumni and&nbsp; as a former player of our football team, how they are exemplifying those values so well, and continue to do so makes me incredibly proud," Klein said.&nbsp;

After more than 45 years of service to K-State, Alumni Association president and CEO, Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86 will retire from the K-State Alumni Association. Her last day will be at end of the Alumni Association’s fiscal year on June 30.

Renz, who also is participating in the Catbacker Tour, said one of the greatest accomplishments she had a part in was the establishment of the Powercat license plate.&nbsp; 

"I have to say we have the most loyal alumni in the country, we continue to be number one in the Big XII, when it comes to the percentage of graduates that are members. And that's because of all of you here," Renz said. "But the thing I'm really, really proud of is that Powercat on the license plate. I saw a lot of those in the&nbsp;parking lot, but what is truly amazing is we've raised almost $7 million, since we started that program, $50 donation, we have almost 12,000 plates, we outnumber KU 2:1.&nbsp; We really appreciate the loyalty of our alumni, not only do you get out and support the Cats, but you really do a lot for the university."&nbsp;

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/596ea527-edb4-4efa-a829-a48fb4a56bd2">Renz to retire after over 45 years with K-State Alumni Association</a>

Renz began her career with the Alumni Association in 1977. She was named president and CEO in 1994, becoming the first female alumni director in the Big Eight and later the Big 12 conference.&nbsp;

Renz was instrumental in the creation of many programming efforts including the Student Alumni Board and the K-State Student Ambassadors. She served as the lead fundraiser for the Alumni Center building campaign. The $12.7 million facility was dedicated in October 2002. Additionally, she chaired search committees that brought several administrators to K-State: two athletic directors, John Currie and Gene Taylor, respectively, and vice president for student life and dean of students, Thomas Lane.

When asked what she will do with her time, now that she is retired, Renz said she is spending more time with family and grandkids, but she will still be supporting the Wildcats.

"I'm planning on attending all the events," Renz said. "Because I'm not gonna miss basketball and football, but we are very fortunate at K-State because everybody works well together. It's just something very, very special. And I hope you all know that."

May 17: Salina/Great Bend/Scott City May 18: Liberal/Garden City/Dodge City May 19: Colby/Hays May 22: Manhattan May 23: Hutchinson/Wichita May 24: Chanute/Emporia/Kansas City May 25: Seneca/Topeka&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684337581408.jpeg" alt="Catbacker Tour travel bus parked outside Old Chicago. Photos by Nate King/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Catbacker Tour travel bus parked outside Old Chicago. Photos by Nate King/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>BY NATE KING Salina PostWednesday morning, more than 200 members of the K-State Wildcat family gathered at a downtown Salina eatery to celebrate K-State athletics with K-State athletes, coaches, and Broadcast Hall of Famer and Voice of Wildcats Wyatt Thompson.&nbsp;The celebration was held at Old Chicago, 214 S. Santa Fe Avenue, and was part of the 2023 Catbacker Tour. Before the event kicked off at 8:30 a.m., Thompson spoke with Salina Post about the purpose for the Catbacker Tour.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684347364937.png" alt="More than 200 people attended the Catbacker Tour stop in Salina. Archie Riggs, treasurer for the Salina Catbackers, said he was really glad with the turnout this year and reiterated how excited everyone was to see and hear from K-State coaches.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>More than 200 people attended the Catbacker Tour stop in Salina. Archie Riggs, treasurer for the Salina Catbackers, said he was really glad with the turnout this year and reiterated how excited everyone was to see and hear from K-State coaches.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"The Catbacker Tour is athletics' way of going back out and thanking those people that come to Manhattan, whether it's six, seven times a year in football, and however many times for men and women's basketball," Thompson said. "We just love getting out there and being with fans to celebrate such a great year."&nbsp;Thompson, who served as emcee, took time during the event to briefly interview K-State athletes in track and field, football and basketball.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684424109009.png" alt="Willie the Wildcat helps folks plate up their breakfast, which included bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast pizza." />
 <figcaption>Willie the Wildcat helps folks plate up their breakfast, which included bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast pizza.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Women's basketball</h2>K-State Women's basketball guard and fifth year senior&nbsp;Gabby Gregory said she was looking forward to the upcoming season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684341529102.jpeg" alt="Gabby Gregory, 2022 transfer from the University of Oklahoma, said K-State purple is her new favorite color.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Gabby Gregory, 2022 transfer from the University of Oklahoma, said K-State purple is her new favorite color.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"There are a lot of challenges and you don't really know how things are going to be. The K-State coaching staff and my teammates welcomed me with open arms," Gregory said. "This last season I finally got back to having fun playing basketball. The atmosphere and energy at Bramlage was unlike anything that I had experienced at OU."&nbsp;Another player who is more than ready for the 2023-2024 women's basketball season is graduate student, Ayoka Lee.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684342719182.png" alt="K-State women's basketball players Gregory and Lee. " />
 <figcaption>K-State women's basketball players Gregory and Lee. </figcaption>
 </figure>Last season Lee, center, underwent a season-ending knee surgery. This year she is back on the court and she is looking forward to finally playing with Gregory.&nbsp;"Sitting out the season I knew my role would change, but I wanted to be really intentional about how I was with my teammates and making sure I was still present throughout the season," Lee said. "I tried to be as encouraging as I could and also I know how hard it is to play a season that is six months long. It is hard on you physically, emotionally and mentally. Just being there for my teammates and letting them know, whatever they need I support them."&nbsp;K-State Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Mittie said he is always excited ahead of a new season, but this season there is an extra level of excitement.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684344869352.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Mittie, left, and Thompson talk about the return of previously injured players.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Mittie, left, and Thompson talk about the return of previously injured players.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"Yeah, I'm excited, but I'm always excited. I love the process of building the team. I love the process of the summer workouts and development," Mittie said. "But there's an extra level of excitement this year."&nbsp;Last season K-State women's basketball players Gisela Sanchez, Ja'Mia Harris and Lee all suffered season-ending injuries.&nbsp;"Sanchez just got cleared. She's 100 percent. Harris got hurt in the preseason. She's now 100 percent," Mittie said. "Lee will be back sometime in July. But we're right on track with her. So all those things are really, really good."<h2>Men's Basketball Coach Jerome Tang</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684344738608.jpeg" alt="Thompson, left, interviews Tang about the upcoming season and his takeaways from the previous season.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Thompson, left, interviews Tang about the upcoming season and his takeaways from the previous season.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Coming off a 26-10 record last season, as well as an appearance in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, the K-State men's basketball team is ready to make it all the way to the championship game this upcoming season.&nbsp;READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5201dada-726f-4fb8-adb5-4c2785638d19">K-State's Tang selected as Naismith Coach of the Year</a>Fans and alumni present at the event cheered and whistled their support for Tang, 2023 recipient of the Werner Ladder Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year Award. Tang became the first K-State head coach to earn the Naismith coaching honor and just the third to be selected as National Coach of the Year.&nbsp;When asked about the team's Elite Eight appearance and the disappointment he and his team felt after not making it to the NCAA championship game, Tang said that he didn't come to K-State to "just" make it to the Elite Eight.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684346169656.jpeg" alt="Coach Tang posses for pictures with K-State fans.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Coach Tang posses for pictures with K-State fans.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"Those guys were so much fun to be with," Tang said. "We really enjoyed living life with each other and getting better every day. Now The Elite Eight was great, but I didn't come to K-State to 'just' win the Elite Eight. We came here to win national championship."Tang was asked what his biggest surprise was about coming to coach at K-State. His answer: the culture.&nbsp;"How the K-State family would embrace us was one of my biggest concerns. Being a minority in Manhattan, Kansas, being the face of the program and how are you going to be embraced being a guy whose faith is very important to me, me at a state school how would that be embraced? And that has blown me away. I feel so loved and so appreciated," Tang said.&nbsp;Tang, who previously coached at Baylor, has been open about his Christian faith. Last season, after the Wildcats won the nailbiter game against Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen, Tang said, "That's what we call crazy faith."&nbsp;Since then the phrase "crazy faith" has gone viral, now appearing on merchandise and men's basketball apparel.&nbsp;In closing, Tang said the one thing that he dislikes more than cold temperatures is an empty gym.&nbsp;"I love our fans. And I love the energy that you guys brought to Bramlage," Tang said. "It blew me away. I remember some great experiences there as an opponent, but these experiences just surpass all those. To see our students when they tear up the paper and toss it in the air. I just want everyone to know how much we appreciate them. We don't take it for granted. You guys deserve our very best. And when we don't perform at the level that I feel that you guys deserve, that's what's the most disappointing to me is that we don't give you the thing that you deserve. And that's all our effort and energy, and just everything that we have."&nbsp;<h2>K-State football</h2>All-American offensive lineman Cooper Bebe spoke about what it felt like for the Wildcats to win the Big XII championship game last season.&nbsp;"It was super exciting. When we ran out there and got the goal line stands going, and we were going crazy on the sidelines, to have Ty kick that field goal, I didn't know what to say," Bebe said. " I just started running around. I was so excited just to know that everything that we put in throughout the offseason, during the season all came to fruition. All the hard work and sweats, all the long days, all the workouts paid off."Bebe, a fifth-year senior, returns to K-State for one more year. His brother is also attending K-State starting this summer.&nbsp;"He'll be out here June. One reason I came back was because I wanted to make sure he's on the right track and that he's set up for success," Bebe said.When asked what K-State fans can expect following a Big XII championship win, Bebe simply replied "no days off.""All it means is that we got a target on our back we got to come prepared every day," Bebe said. "There's no days off. We're chasing that back-to-back championships, something that hasn't happened in K State history."Former K-State quarterback, Collin Klein, who now serves as offensive coordinator for the Wildcats, also spoke at the event, saying last season was a "heck of a ride."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684423453733.png" alt="Former K-State quarterback, now offensive coordinator for the Wildcats, Klein answers questions from Thompson.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Former K-State quarterback, now offensive coordinator for the Wildcats, Klein answers questions from Thompson.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's been a heck of a ride. As good as last season was, we left a lot on the table," Klein said. "It's about that process, it's about how hard you work, how hard they work, how close they are with each other and&nbsp; how they sacrifice for one another.”Klein continued saying that he told the K-State football team at their senior banquet how proud he was of them, both as a coach and alumni.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Through the highs and the lows, with everything throughout last year,&nbsp; that's as much what I'm proud of, and so proud as a K-Stater, and alumni and&nbsp; as a former player of our football team, how they are exemplifying those values so well, and continue to do so makes me incredibly proud," Klein said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684424302635.png" alt="Collin Klein signs autographs at the Catbacker event." />
 <figcaption>Collin Klein signs autographs at the Catbacker event.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Amy Button Renz, K-State legacy</h2>After more than 45 years of service to K-State, Alumni Association president and CEO, Amy Button Renz ’76, ’86 will retire from the K-State Alumni Association. Her last day will be at end of the Alumni Association’s fiscal year on June 30.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684424629409.png" alt="Button Renz reflects on her decades long career at the K-State Alumni Association. " />
 <figcaption>Button Renz reflects on her decades long career at the K-State Alumni Association. </figcaption>
 </figure>Renz, who also is participating in the Catbacker Tour, said one of the greatest accomplishments she had a part in was the establishment of the Powercat license plate.&nbsp; "I have to say we have the most loyal alumni in the country, we continue to be number one in the Big XII, when it comes to the percentage of graduates that are members. And that's because of all of you here," Renz said. "But the thing I'm really, really proud of is that Powercat on the license plate. I saw a lot of those in the&nbsp;parking lot, but what is truly amazing is we've raised almost $7 million, since we started that program, $50 donation, we have almost 12,000 plates, we outnumber KU 2:1.&nbsp; We really appreciate the loyalty of our alumni, not only do you get out and support the Cats, but you really do a lot for the university."&nbsp;READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/596ea527-edb4-4efa-a829-a48fb4a56bd2">Renz to retire after over 45 years with K-State Alumni Association</a>Renz began her career with the Alumni Association in 1977. She was named president and CEO in 1994, becoming the first female alumni director in the Big Eight and later the Big 12 conference.&nbsp;Renz was instrumental in the creation of many programming efforts including the Student Alumni Board and the K-State Student Ambassadors. She served as the lead fundraiser for the Alumni Center building campaign. The $12.7 million facility was dedicated in October 2002. Additionally, she chaired search committees that brought several administrators to K-State: two athletic directors, John Currie and Gene Taylor, respectively, and vice president for student life and dean of students, Thomas Lane.When asked what she will do with her time, now that she is retired, Renz said she is spending more time with family and grandkids, but she will still be supporting the Wildcats."I'm planning on attending all the events," Renz said. "Because I'm not gonna miss basketball and football, but we are very fortunate at K-State because everybody works well together. It's just something very, very special. And I hope you all know that."<h2>2023 Catbacker Tour schedule</h2> May 17: Salina/Great Bend/Scott City May 18: Liberal/Garden City/Dodge City May 19: Colby/Hays May 22: Manhattan May 23: Hutchinson/Wichita May 24: Chanute/Emporia/Kansas City May 25: Seneca/Topeka&nbsp;

2023 Catbacker Tour makes first stop in Salina

The 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eDzDEA3PiGpusoDsYbcFuzGEOq5JEei5ElATbnpuaSgxI28vka1ukSGh7CnHeWwS5DC4xMWMEIA-El1w-AP3l9ATi_BEY6jMtk816BvTuFFowHxK7zmk_NeFZfGOwdD4tiwZJ-AqQ800-PhT_DLhjG2L0yl7FzXc&amp;c=XcaUVvJfxX2jcvFRA7KxLM1G0-OkuUl3V1AP8JNZoKa79vVkoRIv7Q==&amp;ch=0gg6uIG9I7lpcrTjP6oSLzdUgeNsN8zgDdcXu4XPKQhRrb5WXptnog==" target="_blank">Wheat Quality Council</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eDzDEA3PiGpusoDsYbcFuzGEOq5JEei5ElATbnpuaSgxI28vka1ukSGh7CnHeWwS5DC4xMWMEIA-El1w-AP3l9ATi_BEY6jMtk816BvTuFFowHxK7zmk_NeFZfGOwdD4tiwZJ-AqQ800-PhT_DLhjG2L0yl7FzXc&amp;c=XcaUVvJfxX2jcvFRA7KxLM1G0-OkuUl3V1AP8JNZoKa79vVkoRIv7Q==&amp;ch=0gg6uIG9I7lpcrTjP6oSLzdUgeNsN8zgDdcXu4XPKQhRrb5WXptnog==" target="_blank">’</a>s Hard Winter Wheat Tour across Kansas wrapped up on Thursday. During the three days of wheat scouting, tour participants traveled six routes from Manhattan to Colby to Wichita and back to Manhattan. This year’s tour hosted 106 people from 22 U.S. states plus Mexico, Canada and Colombia, in 27 vehicles while traveling across the state.

The three-day average calculated yield for the fields that will be harvested was 30 bushels per acre.

While an estimated 8.1 million acres of wheat were planted in the fall, the Kansas wheat crop has suffered from a multi-year drought, which has robbed the state’s yield potential and resulted in many abandoned fields.

The official tour projection for total production of wheat to be harvested in Kansas is 178 million bushels, indicating that tour participants thought abandonment might be quite a bit higher than normal at 26.75%. The production number is the average of estimated predictions from tour participants who gathered information from 652 fields across the state. Based on May 1 conditions, NASS predicted the crop to be higher at 191 million bushels, with a yield of 29 bushels per acre and abandonment at 18.5%.

On Thursday, yields in areas between Wichita and Manhattan were better than what participants had seen earlier on the tour, improving as they moved north, averaging 44.1 bushels per acre.

For fields that have not yet headed out, scouts use an early season formula model to calculate the potential yield of the fields. The model uses an average head weight based on 2013-2022 Kansas wheat objective yield data. For the fields that had already headed, attendees were able to use a late-season formula to calculate yields, based on number of wheat heads, number of spikelets and kernels per spikelet. These&nbsp;formulas&nbsp;are provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The formulas do not take into consideration variables such as weed pressure, disease and pests. Tour scouts didn’t see much disease pressure this year with the drought conditions.

The tour captures a moment in time for the yield potential for fields across the state. These fields are still 3-6 weeks from harvest. A lot can happen during that time to affect final yields and production.

The tour is sponsored by the Wheat Quality Council, which is a coordinated effort by breeders, producers and processors to improve wheat and flour quality. The primary goals of the tour are to make connections within the wheat industry, allow participants to meet wheat farmers and see the growing crop and to highlight the agriculture industry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684379707210.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wheat CommissionThe 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eDzDEA3PiGpusoDsYbcFuzGEOq5JEei5ElATbnpuaSgxI28vka1ukSGh7CnHeWwS5DC4xMWMEIA-El1w-AP3l9ATi_BEY6jMtk816BvTuFFowHxK7zmk_NeFZfGOwdD4tiwZJ-AqQ800-PhT_DLhjG2L0yl7FzXc&amp;c=XcaUVvJfxX2jcvFRA7KxLM1G0-OkuUl3V1AP8JNZoKa79vVkoRIv7Q==&amp;ch=0gg6uIG9I7lpcrTjP6oSLzdUgeNsN8zgDdcXu4XPKQhRrb5WXptnog==" target="_blank">Wheat Quality Council</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eDzDEA3PiGpusoDsYbcFuzGEOq5JEei5ElATbnpuaSgxI28vka1ukSGh7CnHeWwS5DC4xMWMEIA-El1w-AP3l9ATi_BEY6jMtk816BvTuFFowHxK7zmk_NeFZfGOwdD4tiwZJ-AqQ800-PhT_DLhjG2L0yl7FzXc&amp;c=XcaUVvJfxX2jcvFRA7KxLM1G0-OkuUl3V1AP8JNZoKa79vVkoRIv7Q==&amp;ch=0gg6uIG9I7lpcrTjP6oSLzdUgeNsN8zgDdcXu4XPKQhRrb5WXptnog==" target="_blank">’</a>s Hard Winter Wheat Tour across Kansas wrapped up on Thursday. During the three days of wheat scouting, tour participants traveled six routes from Manhattan to Colby to Wichita and back to Manhattan. This year’s tour hosted 106 people from 22 U.S. states plus Mexico, Canada and Colombia, in 27 vehicles while traveling across the state.The three-day average calculated yield for the fields that will be harvested was 30 bushels per acre.While an estimated 8.1 million acres of wheat were planted in the fall, the Kansas wheat crop has suffered from a multi-year drought, which has robbed the state’s yield potential and resulted in many abandoned fields.The official tour projection for total production of wheat to be harvested in Kansas is 178 million bushels, indicating that tour participants thought abandonment might be quite a bit higher than normal at 26.75%. The production number is the average of estimated predictions from tour participants who gathered information from 652 fields across the state. Based on May 1 conditions, NASS predicted the crop to be higher at 191 million bushels, with a yield of 29 bushels per acre and abandonment at 18.5%.On Thursday, yields in areas between Wichita and Manhattan were better than what participants had seen earlier on the tour, improving as they moved north, averaging 44.1 bushels per acre.For fields that have not yet headed out, scouts use an early season formula model to calculate the potential yield of the fields. The model uses an average head weight based on 2013-2022 Kansas wheat objective yield data. For the fields that had already headed, attendees were able to use a late-season formula to calculate yields, based on number of wheat heads, number of spikelets and kernels per spikelet. These&nbsp;formulas&nbsp;are provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The formulas do not take into consideration variables such as weed pressure, disease and pests. Tour scouts didn’t see much disease pressure this year with the drought conditions.The tour captures a moment in time for the yield potential for fields across the state. These fields are still 3-6 weeks from harvest. A lot can happen during that time to affect final yields and production.The tour is sponsored by the Wheat Quality Council, which is a coordinated effort by breeders, producers and processors to improve wheat and flour quality. The primary goals of the tour are to make connections within the wheat industry, allow participants to meet wheat farmers and see the growing crop and to highlight the agriculture industry.

Abandoned fields, low yields underscore Wheat Tour '23

Registration is now open for the Smoky Hill River Run.

Formerly known as the Festival Fitness Five, the event is now in its 42 year. Sponsored by Salina Regional Health Center, the run is part of the Smoky Hill River Festival.

The name of the event was changed to more associate it with the river festival, Brandon Martinez, race coordinator, told Salina Post.

This year's event is scheduled for 7-9 a.m. June 10. The starting line is at the retired steam locomotive in Kenwood Park, near the intersection of Center Street and Kenwood Drive.

The Smoky Hill River Run is for all ages and features a five-mile race and two-mile race or walk, along with age bracketed children's races.

Manhattan Running Company will use a timing mat to time the races this year. 

The top three finishers overall in each of the men’s and women’s runs will receive special Smoky Hill River Run commemorative trophies, according to information from Martinez. In addition, medals will be handed out to the top three finishers in each age bracket of the men’s, women’s, and children’s races.

Additionally, the Smoky Hill River Run will have more than a dozen vendors providing food, entertainment and healthy lifestyle resources.

“We are expanding our entertainment and food options as we want to invest in all of our runners from the youngest to the oldest,” Martinez said. “This event is one that you want to bring the entire family to.”

Biscuits and gravy provided by Salina Regional Health Center Food Services will be available for all race participants, he noted. Additionally, children will be able to burn even more energy by bouncing in a bounce house provided by Bounce-A-Roos, LLC, and Bouncer Express. They also can have their faces painted by Color Me Crazy Face Painting. 

Crown Distributors will be providing 30-40 cases of water for the event.

Martinez said 130 Salina Regional Health Center employees and family members, as well as 20 officers from the Salina Police Department, are assisting with this year's race.

Online registration is now open at <a href="http://srhc.com/riverrun">srhc.com/riverrun</a> or fill out an entry form and mail your form and payment to Smoky Hill River Run, Attn: Brandon Martinez, 400 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Salina KS 67401. Participants who register before the morning of the race will be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win a variety of gift cards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684374717816.jpeg" alt="A previous year's run. Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Center" />
 <figcaption>A previous year's run. Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Center</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTRegistration is now open for the Smoky Hill River Run.Formerly known as the Festival Fitness Five, the event is now in its 42 year. Sponsored by Salina Regional Health Center, the run is part of the Smoky Hill River Festival.The name of the event was changed to more associate it with the river festival, Brandon Martinez, race coordinator, told Salina Post.This year's event is scheduled for 7-9 a.m. June 10. The starting line is at the retired steam locomotive in Kenwood Park, near the intersection of Center Street and Kenwood Drive.The Smoky Hill River Run is for all ages and features a five-mile race and two-mile race or walk, along with age bracketed children's races.Manhattan Running Company will use a timing mat to time the races this year. The top three finishers overall in each of the men’s and women’s runs will receive special Smoky Hill River Run commemorative trophies, according to information from Martinez. In addition, medals will be handed out to the top three finishers in each age bracket of the men’s, women’s, and children’s races.Additionally, the Smoky Hill River Run will have more than a dozen vendors providing food, entertainment and healthy lifestyle resources.“We are expanding our entertainment and food options as we want to invest in all of our runners from the youngest to the oldest,” Martinez said. “This event is one that you want to bring the entire family to.”Biscuits and gravy provided by Salina Regional Health Center Food Services will be available for all race participants, he noted. Additionally, children will be able to burn even more energy by bouncing in a bounce house provided by Bounce-A-Roos, LLC, and Bouncer Express. They also can have their faces painted by Color Me Crazy Face Painting. Crown Distributors will be providing 30-40 cases of water for the event.Martinez said 130 Salina Regional Health Center employees and family members, as well as 20 officers from the Salina Police Department, are assisting with this year's race.Online registration is now open at <a href="http://srhc.com/riverrun">srhc.com/riverrun</a> or fill out an entry form and mail your form and payment to Smoky Hill River Run, Attn: Brandon Martinez, 400 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Salina KS 67401. Participants who register before the morning of the race will be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win a variety of gift cards.

Smoky Hill River Run expands food, fun offerings; registration now open

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police are investigating the theft of more than $3,400 worth of items from a storage unit in southwest Salina earlier this year.

A 68-year-old Salina man told police that sometime between February and May, someone broke into his storage unit in the 2700 block of Centennial Road and stole the following items, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

●A 41-inch by 15-inch stainless steel tool box with tools valued at $1,000

●Numerous other hand tools and power tools valued at $2,000

●A blue, gas-powered generator valued at $450

Forrester said the thief entered the storage unit through an inside wall shared with an adjoining unit.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are investigating the theft of more than $3,400 worth of items from a storage unit in southwest Salina earlier this year.A 68-year-old Salina man told police that sometime between February and May, someone broke into his storage unit in the 2700 block of Centennial Road and stole the following items, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.●A 41-inch by 15-inch stainless steel tool box with tools valued at $1,000●Numerous other hand tools and power tools valued at $2,000●A blue, gas-powered generator valued at $450Forrester said the thief entered the storage unit through an inside wall shared with an adjoining unit.

Southwest Salina storage unit burgled

By NATE KING&nbsp; Salina Post

The month of May, what does it make you think about? Summer vacation, community BBQs, road trips to see relatives, going to baseball/softball tournaments, finally packing away your winter coat, or if you are like me celebrating your birthday.

There is however one important day which honors and remembers those men and women who gave their lives in order for us to live in a free country- I'm talking about Memorial Day.&nbsp;

This year, on May 29, the Salina American Legion Post 92 in partnership with the City of Salina, will honor a unique set of veterans, MIA-POWs.&nbsp;

The POW/MIA recognition project was spearheaded by Jason McIntire, commander of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 62 and fellow squadron members Kirk Cibolsk (vice commander) and Adam Hummel (treasure). McIntire came up with the idea last year after wondering how many Salina/Saline County residents became POW/MIAs in the wars, according to Sons of the American Legion Squadron 62.

The 11 POWs from Saline County will be honored with inscribed paving bricks at the site south of the war memorial in Sunset Park. See below for a list of POWs from Saline County.&nbsp;

● Donald A. Achenbach, WWII/AF BS452 BG

● Robert H. Maxey, Korea, Vietnam/Army Co G 32 Regt 7 Div

● Charlie A. Stanley, WWII/Army AF B24 Bomber Pilot

● Ernest V. Swanson, WWII/Army AF ETO 44BG

Additionally, Dennis Pugh, Vietnam, 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th U.S. Air Force, is the only service member from Saline County who remains missing in action. He will be honored with a monument to the south of the war memorial, according to information in the news release.

"I am incredibly moved and honored that Jason and his group did this," Dale Pugh, brother of Major Pugh said. "Not at my suggestion or direction, we have bought some memorials to my brother all around Kansas and all around the country, in fact, but they've been put there because my family wanted them there. Now here's an opportunity for Salina and Saline County to honor one of their own because at least Jason McIntire and the sons of the American Legion believe it was the right thing to do. And so we hope that anyone that goes out to the memorial in the future will actually think about what all those names represent. And the fact that there's kind of a unique recognition of Dennis, because he is in kind of an interesting category being missing an action, it means that you just never found out you don't know."

McIntire and committee members had fundraisers to benefit the project, which will cost more than $10,000.

"To myself, it is very important to not only learn history but also to remember those who have fought and died to give people the freedom we have today. The POW/MIA monument we are building, thanks those veterans from Salina/Saline county and to make sure they are never forgotten," McIntire said.

Also in attendance for the Memorial Day ceremony will be Ann Mills-Griffiths, chairman of the board of directors of the National League of POW/MIA Families. She will offer her presentation at 6 p.m. May 28 at the American/Legion Post 62/VFW Post 1432.

Commander James B. Mills, USNR, Mills-Griffiths’ brother, was listed as MIA on Sept. 21, 1966, when the Navy F4B on which he served as Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) disappeared on a night, low-flying bombing mission over North Vietnam.  He was on his second tour, assigned to Fighter Squadron 21, USS Coral Sea.

According to information from Veterans Affairs, 140,000 American service members were captured and served time as POWs, and more than 81,500 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars/other conflicts. Out of the more than 81,500 missing, 75 percent of the losses are located in the Indo-Pacific, and more than 41,000 of the missing are presumed lost at sea (i.e. ship losses, known aircraft water losses, etc.).

<div><iframe title="Dale Pugh, Brother of POW MIA Maj. Dennis Pugh" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bzzdg-140148e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b"></iframe></div>By NATE KING&nbsp; Salina PostThe month of May, what does it make you think about? Summer vacation, community BBQs, road trips to see relatives, going to baseball/softball tournaments, finally packing away your winter coat, or if you are like me celebrating your birthday.There is however one important day which honors and remembers those men and women who gave their lives in order for us to live in a free country- I'm talking about Memorial Day.&nbsp;This year, on May 29, the Salina American Legion Post 92 in partnership with the City of Salina, will honor a unique set of veterans, MIA-POWs.&nbsp;The POW/MIA recognition project was spearheaded by Jason McIntire, commander of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 62 and fellow squadron members Kirk Cibolsk (vice commander) and Adam Hummel (treasure). McIntire came up with the idea last year after wondering how many Salina/Saline County residents became POW/MIAs in the wars, according to Sons of the American Legion Squadron 62.The 11 POWs from Saline County will be honored with inscribed paving bricks at the site south of the war memorial in Sunset Park. See below for a list of POWs from Saline County.&nbsp;● Lewis J. Wehr, WWII/Army 31INF● Donald A. Achenbach, WWII/AF BS452 BG● James Cole, WWII/Air Force● Harold Fulton, WWII/Army AF 15AF● Wilbur D. Gott, WWII/Army 28INF● Robert H. Maxey, Korea, Vietnam/Army Co G 32 Regt 7 Div● Thomas A. McGinness, WWII/Army● Vernon K. Rawlings, WWII/8AF 92BG● Kenneth Schoshke, WWII/Army 34INF● Charlie A. Stanley, WWII/Army AF B24 Bomber Pilot● Ernest V. Swanson, WWII/Army AF ETO 44BG<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681691275351.jpeg" alt="Major Dennis Pugh the day before his aircraft was shot down on March 19, 1970.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Major Dennis Pugh the day before his aircraft was shot down on March 19, 1970.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Additionally, Dennis Pugh, Vietnam, 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th U.S. Air Force, is the only service member from Saline County who remains missing in action. He will be honored with a monument to the south of the war memorial, according to information in the news release."I am incredibly moved and honored that Jason and his group did this," Dale Pugh, brother of Major Pugh said. "Not at my suggestion or direction, we have bought some memorials to my brother all around Kansas and all around the country, in fact, but they've been put there because my family wanted them there. Now here's an opportunity for Salina and Saline County to honor one of their own because at least Jason McIntire and the sons of the American Legion believe it was the right thing to do. And so we hope that anyone that goes out to the memorial in the future will actually think about what all those names represent. And the fact that there's kind of a unique recognition of Dennis, because he is in kind of an interesting category being missing an action, it means that you just never found out you don't know."McIntire and committee members had fundraisers to benefit the project, which will cost more than $10,000."To myself, it is very important to not only learn history but also to remember those who have fought and died to give people the freedom we have today. The POW/MIA monument we are building, thanks those veterans from Salina/Saline county and to make sure they are never forgotten," McIntire said.Also in attendance for the Memorial Day ceremony will be Ann Mills-Griffiths, chairman of the board of directors of the National League of POW/MIA Families. She will offer her presentation at 6 p.m. May 28 at the American/Legion Post 62/VFW Post 1432.Commander James B. Mills, USNR, Mills-Griffiths’ brother, was listed as MIA on Sept. 21, 1966, when the Navy F4B on which he served as Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) disappeared on a night, low-flying bombing mission over North Vietnam. He was on his second tour, assigned to Fighter Squadron 21, USS Coral Sea.According to information from Veterans Affairs, 140,000 American service members were captured and served time as POWs, and more than 81,500 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars/other conflicts. Out of the more than 81,500 missing, 75 percent of the losses are located in the Indo-Pacific, and more than 41,000 of the missing are presumed lost at sea (i.e. ship losses, known aircraft water losses, etc.).

🎙King in the Community: Dale Pugh, brother of MIA/POW Dennis Pugh

Rain chances will increase for tonight with decent chances continuing into Friday morning. A period of moderate to locally heavy rainfall will be possible across southern Kansas tonight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684408909765.png" alt="weather0518.png" />
 <figcaption>weather0518.png</figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceRain chances will increase for tonight with decent chances continuing into Friday morning. A period of moderate to locally heavy rainfall will be possible across southern Kansas tonight.

NWS: Chances for rain increasing Thursday night

By&nbsp;BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

Governor Laura Kelly recently vetoed House Bill 2285, which would have restricted the ability of public health officials to respond to public health emergencies in the state of Kansas.

While Republican legislators will be unable to override this veto, bill proponents have promised this fight will continue next legislative session.

The legislature passed House Bill 2285, along narrow margins, in the final weeks of the legislative session. It would have removed the ability of public health officials, including local officials and the Kansas Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment (KDSE), to issue directives during public health emergencies, including orders that restrict gatherings and/or mandate isolation or quarantines for infected individuals.

The bill would have also limited the secretary’s ability to offer testing for infectious diseases and bar any requirement related to the COVID-19 vaccine for children enrolled in a childcare facility or school for the first time in Kansas.

While the bill would allow public health officials to make recommendations aimed at reducing the spread of infectious diseases, their authority would be greatly reduced, and law enforcement would not be required to enforce the implementation of these recommendations.

Had it been signed into law, the bill would have arguably left vulnerable populations, such as the young and immunocompromised, to fend for themselves in public places.

Proponents of the legislation argued that it protected individual liberty from unnecessary government regulation and intrusion. However, in doing so, it limited the ability of our local communities to respond to public health emergencies and prevent widespread infection of potentially life-threatening diseases.

The Kansas legislature is by no means alone in its attempt to restrict the power of public health officials in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

Public health policy has become a recent battleground in the growing polarization of U.S. politics at all levels of government. During the past three years, more than 30 states have passed laws that limit the authority and the ability of these officials to respond to public health emergencies.

These state actions, including the bill passed by the Kansas legislature, are examples of the politicization of many state and local policy priorities in our heavily polarized, partisan environment.

Research published in the World Medical and Health Policy journal found that the party identification of a state's Governor was critical to explaining the nature and timing of state-level responses during the early stages of the pandemic, with Democratic governors being more likely to issue stay-at-home orders.

Survey research suggests that this polarization is also occurring in the streets of our communities. For example, a 2021 Pew Research survey found that while a majority of U.S. adults thought public health benefits were worth the cost of restrictions on public activity, a large minority of survey respondents (37%) thought the costs outweighed the benefits.

While recent state legislation restricting the power of public health officials is undoubtedly a reaction to government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, it will have an impact on future health emergencies.

Put simply, the ability of our public health officials to lead during the next crisis is being decided right now.

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD, is an associate professor of political science at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678373196929.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder. Photo courtesy Insight Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder. Photo courtesy Insight Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasGovernor Laura Kelly recently vetoed House Bill 2285, which would have restricted the ability of public health officials to respond to public health emergencies in the state of Kansas.While Republican legislators will be unable to override this veto, bill proponents have promised this fight will continue next legislative session.The legislature passed House Bill 2285, along narrow margins, in the final weeks of the legislative session. It would have removed the ability of public health officials, including local officials and the Kansas Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment (KDSE), to issue directives during public health emergencies, including orders that restrict gatherings and/or mandate isolation or quarantines for infected individuals.The bill would have also limited the secretary’s ability to offer testing for infectious diseases and bar any requirement related to the COVID-19 vaccine for children enrolled in a childcare facility or school for the first time in Kansas.While the bill would allow public health officials to make recommendations aimed at reducing the spread of infectious diseases, their authority would be greatly reduced, and law enforcement would not be required to enforce the implementation of these recommendations.Had it been signed into law, the bill would have arguably left vulnerable populations, such as the young and immunocompromised, to fend for themselves in public places.Proponents of the legislation argued that it protected individual liberty from unnecessary government regulation and intrusion. However, in doing so, it limited the ability of our local communities to respond to public health emergencies and prevent widespread infection of potentially life-threatening diseases.The Kansas legislature is by no means alone in its attempt to restrict the power of public health officials in the wake of the COVID pandemic.Public health policy has become a recent battleground in the growing polarization of U.S. politics at all levels of government. During the past three years, more than 30 states have passed laws that limit the authority and the ability of these officials to respond to public health emergencies.These state actions, including the bill passed by the Kansas legislature, are examples of the politicization of many state and local policy priorities in our heavily polarized, partisan environment.Research published in the World Medical and Health Policy journal found that the party identification of a state's Governor was critical to explaining the nature and timing of state-level responses during the early stages of the pandemic, with Democratic governors being more likely to issue stay-at-home orders.Survey research suggests that this polarization is also occurring in the streets of our communities. For example, a 2021 Pew Research survey found that while a majority of U.S. adults thought public health benefits were worth the cost of restrictions on public activity, a large minority of survey respondents (37%) thought the costs outweighed the benefits.While recent state legislation restricting the power of public health officials is undoubtedly a reaction to government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, it will have an impact on future health emergencies.Put simply, the ability of our public health officials to lead during the next crisis is being decided right now.Brianne Heidbreder, PhD, is an associate professor of political science at Kansas State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Public health - latest partisan battleground

Approximately 106 people from 22 U.S. states plus Mexico, Canada and Colombia, traveled in 27 cars on six routes between Manhattan and Colby, Kan., Tuesday, stopping at wheat fields every 15-20 miles along the routes, as part of the Wheat Quality Council’s 65th Annual Hard Winter Wheat Evaluation Tour.

Many tour participants had never stepped foot in a wheat field before and had only seen these Kansas plains from the window seat of passing airplane. These are the millers, bakers, food processors and traders who buy the wheat that Kansas farmers grow. If these fields make it to harvest, the resulting crop will go into breads, but also a number of other food items and restaurants. This tour gives Kansas farmers the chance to interact with and influence their customers around the globe, on the tour, as well as at the #wheattour23 hashtag.

Tuesday’s cars of wheat tour scouts made 318 stops at wheat fields across north central, central and northwest Kansas, and into southern counties in Nebraska. The calculated yield is based on what scouts saw at this point in time. A lot can happen between now and harvest. The calculated yield from all cars was 29.8 bushels per acre, which was nearly 10 bushels lower than the yield of 39.5 bushels per acre from the same routes in 2022.

Every tour participant makes yield calculations at each stop based on three different area samplings per field. These individual estimates are averaged with the rest of their route mates, and eventually added to a formula that produces a final yield estimate for the areas along the routes. While yields tend to be the spotlight of the Wheat Quality Tour, the real benefit is the ability to network among the ‘grain chain.’

More than half the participants had not been on the tour before. They were shown how to take yield measurements from tour alumni, using the formula provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). This formula is based on 2012-2022 Kansas wheat objective yield data. Farmers can calculate their own field estimates using the same formula with instructions at kswheat.com.

Antonio Busqueta Griera, from Bimbo Bakeries in Mexico, traveled to Kansas to attend this year’s tour for the first time. His company bakes with Kansas wheat, but he had never been to a farm. He got the opportunity to learn more about farming by visiting with farmer Chris Tanner from Norton.

First time wheat tourist, James Lewis with Bay State Milling had never been in a wheat field. Scott Alvarado from Miller Milling also experienced his first wheat field.

Statewide, based on May 1 conditions, Kansas' 2023 winter wheat crop is forecast at 191.4 million bushels, down 42.8 million bushels from last year's crop, according to NASS. Average yield is forecast at 29 bushels per acre, down 8 bushels from last year. Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated at 6.60 million acres, off planted acres of 8.1 million acres. This would be 81% of the planted acres, below the 10-year average of 93% harvested.

For the week ending May 15, 2022, Kansas winter wheat condition rated 34% very poor, 34% poor, 22% fair, 9% good, and 1% excellent. Winter wheat jointed was 87%, behind 92% last year, and near 91% for the five-year average. Headed was 54%, near 56% last year, but ahead of 49% average.

Lon Frahm and family hosted the Tuesday evening group discussion and dinner at his sixth-generation farm, Frahm Farmland in Thomas County. He offered tour participants tours of his modern family farm operation.

Drought and variability were the main topics for the first day’s wrap up of wheat tour. Stand establishment was spotty last fall, and the crop is thin and short. There were several abandoned fields between Manhattan and Colby. Fields began to turn more brown as groups go farther west. Manhattan and Salina had a large fraction of freeze damaged fields on Tuesday's trip west.

Jeanne Falk-Jones, Kansas State University Multi-County Agronomy Specialist, reported there are variable strands in the area, with several not emerging until this spring. Some spots had emergency tillage over winter to prevent them from blowing. Variable conditions are due some to management, but mostly due to Mother Nature and drought conditions. Some no-till fields with thick residue wheat had some winterkill and winter injury. Wheat fields showed really dry conditions and really cold temperatures which had a detrimental effect. Participants did not report much disease and insects because of drought. There were a few spots with brown wheat mites but rain drowned them and suppressed populations. While there were some areas with decent wheat, the poorer wheat outnumbered the good. Ample producers may have called crop adjusters due to wheat being emerged throughout the spring that leads to very low yield potential.

Romulo Lollato, with Kansas State University Research and Extension gave a report on his findings from day one. Historically, the eastern part of the state is showing a very low yield based on the region’s potential.

Due to the combination of drought and cold temperatures over winter, the central portion of the state is in really tough shape.

“Personally, I haven’t seen this many abandoned fields over the past eight years I’ve been on tour. As participants leave tomorrow to head south, it is actually going to be in tough shape,” Lollato says.

Lollato said the condition is in a little better shape in the northwest from the recent showers.

There is a vast difference between in cropping systems in the central and western parts of the state, compared to after corn and soybeans and after fallow.

Growers across the state can make variety selections, crop rotations and fallow systems that can affect yield potential; however, the largest impact is mother nature and drought. Standard deviations can be used to make the yield model closer to estimates.

The crop that we will see tomorrow will be farther along, due to using the late system formula. Zeroed out fields will not be included in yield calculations. Those fields will be taken into account in abandonment.

The southern part of the route saw more freeze damage because the crop was farther along.

There were reports of extremely short wheat heading out at 8 to 10 inches. There will be extreme yield reductions and harvest will be difficult. The first indication of limited yield potential is lack of biomass. The question of the year will be how short can harvest be?

If there was any good news from day 1, it’s that there was very little disease pressure. There haven’t been reports of stripe rust in the area because of the lack of moisture.

In addition to Kansas reports, scouts from Nebraska and Colorado met the group in Colby to give reports from their states.

Royce Schaneman, executive director of the Nebraska Wheat Board, reported that the entire state of Nebraska received about 1” or more of rain last week. Statewide yield is estimated at 29.6 bushels per acre, down from an average of 48 bushels per acre. Planted acres are 1.1 million, and Schaneman said they expect 90% to be harvested.

Brad Erker, executive director of Colorado Wheat, wasn’t able to attend, but submitted a written report. The May 1 NASS report estimated 49.5 million bushels and a 30 bushel yield. Erker’s report estimates this to be slightly higher at 32 bushel yield and 54 million bushels, due to the rainfall the second week of May.

These estimates are for this year’s hard winter wheat crop during this current snapshot in time.

Wheat Tour 23 continues Wednesday with six routes between Colby and Wichita, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684379707210.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wheat CommissionApproximately 106 people from 22 U.S. states plus Mexico, Canada and Colombia, traveled in 27 cars on six routes between Manhattan and Colby, Kan., Tuesday, stopping at wheat fields every 15-20 miles along the routes, as part of the Wheat Quality Council’s 65th Annual Hard Winter Wheat Evaluation Tour.Many tour participants had never stepped foot in a wheat field before and had only seen these Kansas plains from the window seat of passing airplane. These are the millers, bakers, food processors and traders who buy the wheat that Kansas farmers grow. If these fields make it to harvest, the resulting crop will go into breads, but also a number of other food items and restaurants. This tour gives Kansas farmers the chance to interact with and influence their customers around the globe, on the tour, as well as at the #wheattour23 hashtag.Tuesday’s cars of wheat tour scouts made 318 stops at wheat fields across north central, central and northwest Kansas, and into southern counties in Nebraska. The calculated yield is based on what scouts saw at this point in time. A lot can happen between now and harvest. The calculated yield from all cars was 29.8 bushels per acre, which was nearly 10 bushels lower than the yield of 39.5 bushels per acre from the same routes in 2022.Every tour participant makes yield calculations at each stop based on three different area samplings per field. These individual estimates are averaged with the rest of their route mates, and eventually added to a formula that produces a final yield estimate for the areas along the routes. While yields tend to be the spotlight of the Wheat Quality Tour, the real benefit is the ability to network among the ‘grain chain.’More than half the participants had not been on the tour before. They were shown how to take yield measurements from tour alumni, using the formula provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). This formula is based on 2012-2022 Kansas wheat objective yield data. Farmers can calculate their own field estimates using the same formula with instructions at kswheat.com.Antonio Busqueta Griera, from Bimbo Bakeries in Mexico, traveled to Kansas to attend this year’s tour for the first time. His company bakes with Kansas wheat, but he had never been to a farm. He got the opportunity to learn more about farming by visiting with farmer Chris Tanner from Norton.First time wheat tourist, James Lewis with Bay State Milling had never been in a wheat field. Scott Alvarado from Miller Milling also experienced his first wheat field.Statewide, based on May 1 conditions, Kansas' 2023 winter wheat crop is forecast at 191.4 million bushels, down 42.8 million bushels from last year's crop, according to NASS. Average yield is forecast at 29 bushels per acre, down 8 bushels from last year. Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated at 6.60 million acres, off planted acres of 8.1 million acres. This would be 81% of the planted acres, below the 10-year average of 93% harvested.For the week ending May 15, 2022, Kansas winter wheat condition rated 34% very poor, 34% poor, 22% fair, 9% good, and 1% excellent. Winter wheat jointed was 87%, behind 92% last year, and near 91% for the five-year average. Headed was 54%, near 56% last year, but ahead of 49% average.Lon Frahm and family hosted the Tuesday evening group discussion and dinner at his sixth-generation farm, Frahm Farmland in Thomas County. He offered tour participants tours of his modern family farm operation.Drought and variability were the main topics for the first day’s wrap up of wheat tour. Stand establishment was spotty last fall, and the crop is thin and short. There were several abandoned fields between Manhattan and Colby. Fields began to turn more brown as groups go farther west. Manhattan and Salina had a large fraction of freeze damaged fields on Tuesday's trip west.Jeanne Falk-Jones, Kansas State University Multi-County Agronomy Specialist, reported there are variable strands in the area, with several not emerging until this spring. Some spots had emergency tillage over winter to prevent them from blowing. Variable conditions are due some to management, but mostly due to Mother Nature and drought conditions. Some no-till fields with thick residue wheat had some winterkill and winter injury. Wheat fields showed really dry conditions and really cold temperatures which had a detrimental effect. Participants did not report much disease and insects because of drought. There were a few spots with brown wheat mites but rain drowned them and suppressed populations. While there were some areas with decent wheat, the poorer wheat outnumbered the good. Ample producers may have called crop adjusters due to wheat being emerged throughout the spring that leads to very low yield potential.Romulo Lollato, with Kansas State University Research and Extension gave a report on his findings from day one. Historically, the eastern part of the state is showing a very low yield based on the region’s potential.Due to the combination of drought and cold temperatures over winter, the central portion of the state is in really tough shape.“Personally, I haven’t seen this many abandoned fields over the past eight years I’ve been on tour. As participants leave tomorrow to head south, it is actually going to be in tough shape,” Lollato says.Lollato said the condition is in a little better shape in the northwest from the recent showers.There is a vast difference between in cropping systems in the central and western parts of the state, compared to after corn and soybeans and after fallow.Growers across the state can make variety selections, crop rotations and fallow systems that can affect yield potential; however, the largest impact is mother nature and drought. Standard deviations can be used to make the yield model closer to estimates.The crop that we will see tomorrow will be farther along, due to using the late system formula. Zeroed out fields will not be included in yield calculations. Those fields will be taken into account in abandonment.The southern part of the route saw more freeze damage because the crop was farther along.There were reports of extremely short wheat heading out at 8 to 10 inches. There will be extreme yield reductions and harvest will be difficult. The first indication of limited yield potential is lack of biomass. The question of the year will be how short can harvest be?If there was any good news from day 1, it’s that there was very little disease pressure. There haven’t been reports of stripe rust in the area because of the lack of moisture.In addition to Kansas reports, scouts from Nebraska and Colorado met the group in Colby to give reports from their states.Royce Schaneman, executive director of the Nebraska Wheat Board, reported that the entire state of Nebraska received about 1” or more of rain last week. Statewide yield is estimated at 29.6 bushels per acre, down from an average of 48 bushels per acre. Planted acres are 1.1 million, and Schaneman said they expect 90% to be harvested.Brad Erker, executive director of Colorado Wheat, wasn’t able to attend, but submitted a written report. The May 1 NASS report estimated 49.5 million bushels and a 30 bushel yield. Erker’s report estimates this to be slightly higher at 32 bushel yield and 54 million bushels, due to the rainfall the second week of May.These estimates are for this year’s hard winter wheat crop during this current snapshot in time.Wheat Tour 23 continues Wednesday with six routes between Colby and Wichita, Kansas.

Wheat Tour 2023 - Day 1

CORRECTION: CKF Addiction Treatment Center has corrected the event information. The event is for six-graders to 12th-graders.

A Youth Tobacco and Substance Free Out of School Bash is coming up Friday.

The event, for sixth-graders to 12-graders, is scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday in Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway. It is hosted by CKF Addiction Treatment Center and the Saline County Tobacco &amp; Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.

The Out of School Bash will include DJ Cash Hollistah, a photo booth, games, an obstacle course, snacks, a raffle, and giveaways. Additionally, there will be teen health and wellness resources available at a variety of booths. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684205968992.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy&nbsp;CKF Addiction Treatment Center" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy&nbsp;CKF Addiction Treatment Center</figcaption>
 </figure>CORRECTION: CKF Addiction Treatment Center has corrected the event information. The event is for six-graders to 12th-graders.By SALINA POSTA Youth Tobacco and Substance Free Out of School Bash is coming up Friday.The event, for sixth-graders to 12-graders, is scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday in Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway. It is hosted by CKF Addiction Treatment Center and the Saline County Tobacco &amp; Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.The Out of School Bash will include DJ Cash Hollistah, a photo booth, games, an obstacle course, snacks, a raffle, and giveaways. Additionally, there will be teen health and wellness resources available at a variety of booths.

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