TOPEKA - Washburn University has announced the students in its spring 2022 graduating class. More than 800 students completed their courses for certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.

"These students have worked hard to not only better themselves but they are the best representation for Washburn. We know they will continue to uphold our standards long after graduation," said Dr. Jerry Farley, Washburn University president.

Local and area students who graduated from Washburn University include the following.

TOPEKA - Washburn University has announced the students in its spring 2022 graduating class. More than 800 students completed their courses for certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees."These students have worked hard to not only better themselves but they are the best representation for Washburn. We know they will continue to uphold our standards long after graduation," said Dr. Jerry Farley, Washburn University president.Local and area students who graduated from Washburn University include the following.Ashlyn Bryant of LindsborgSierra Carreno of ChapmanDelaney Claeys of ChapmanCourtney DeWeese of AbileneSarah Eilert of McPhersonEric Gaeddert of McPhersonJason Gragg of SalinaErik Hageman of AbileneMadison Hammond of ClydeSydney Hynes of SalinaAdara James of AbileneAustin Jensen of SalinaBradley Koch of ClydeBrianna Loy of ChapmanKailey Martinez of SalinaBrenna Riffel of AbileneAdrian Ruvalcaba of SalinaReese Schroeder of McPhersonSydney Watters of BrookvilleAngela Woods of Lindsborg

Recent Washburn graduates include those from our area

By JULIA DEBES Kansas Wheat

Trevor Cox, field agronomist, with Central Valley Ag Co-op in Clay Center, reported that harvest began in their area on June 23. Moisture is consistent at 12 percent, but yields are all over the board. Some of the low ground froze and saw yields in the 20 and 30 bushel per acre range, but some of the better wheat is yielding in the 50s and 60s.

Cox said test weights are good, in the low 60 pounds per bushel. Proteins are highly variable, with most around 12 to 13 percent, but the highest so far was 17 percent. Some farmers have already wrapped up their harvest, and the rest of the area should be complete by next week.

Tyler Crosson from Crosson Family Farms near Minneapolis in Ottawa County, reported that their farm is averaging just under 40 bushels per acre. The wheat that was planted early is yielding only in the 20s bushels per acre, but the later planted is doing better, in the 40s. Protein is ranging from 12 to 13 percent. Test weights are ranging from 57 to 62 pounds per bushel.

Crosson said he is finishing his own wheat on June 28, but then he will head to Jewell County to custom cut for a friend. He is going to plant sunflowers after his wheat because of current sunflower demand and prices. They will be sent to Lamar, Colo.

Mark Bosse, owner of MJB Harvesters from Grainfield, started harvest on May 21 in Haskell, Texas, where conditions were much worse than what they’ve seen in Kansas. The custom harvest crew has been in Kansas for eight days so far and will be here another 10 days or so.

In a field of T-158, Bosse was cutting 50 to 60 bushel wheat near his home in Gove County on June 27. The farmer was in the next field over, and said it was excellent quality, with protein averaging 12 to 13 percent and a test weight of 63 pounds per bushel.

With rain forecasted over the coming weekend, he said it was worth it to hire a harvesting crew to get the wheat out of the field before rains lowered the test weight.

“If we lose test weight from the rain, it pays for the harvester,” he said.

Bosse said he has been harvesting wheat in this area since 1990, when the average yield was 30 bushels per acre. While there are fewer acres of wheat now, yields last year were in the 80s. Even this year with hardly any rain, yields are near 60, Bosse said, attributing the increase to improved genetics and soil conservation practices.

Eric Sperber, general manager/CEO of Cornerstone Ag LLC in Colby, reported that June 27 was their first full day of harvest, although a few loads started trickling in last week. This is several days earlier than harvest began the last couple years.

He said acres were up in the area, but the wheat after corn is only yielding 10 to 20 bushels per acre. However, the summer fallow ground is doing better than he anticipated, yielding 50 to 60 bushels per acre. Proteins are ranging from 8 to 16 percent with good test weights. The average so far is about 12 percent, which is in line with their average the last few years.

Test weights are 58 pounds and above, but Sperber expects that to improve as farmers start cutting better fields. While the wheat is short, it got some late growth which will improve stubble for the upcoming year. He said several area farmers have chosen to invest in stripper headers to increase their residue left behind.

Sperber noted that most producers topdressed their wheat, while fungicide applications were way down. There isn’t much disease in the area, with no rust to speak of and very little wheat streak mosaic virus. Sperber said there’s a lot more irrigated wheat this year, but it doesn’t look a lot better than the dryland wheat. Irrigated wheat is short this year as well, noting “one more moisture event would have helped.”

Hard white wheat typically accounts for about 10 percent of Cornerstone’s receipts.

Sperber said he’s not seeing export demand.

“We are just the highest priced wheat in the world,” he said, “To find new demand has been difficult.”

The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENH5wTcZJHha3B1PR39oCnFa_WVJsk3ddjj44lwP1nh8K5UXrF_V846GaKS0dCjaTTV562juRy8uoEb3naW6HObn1WJeuaOcpBsmfSDlOXhTu&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENJucVTE4mkzcFRk7aniCmsmxzM7HV7BHeGBilbB3g7U9xIbADVriPTs3T1ZzyXZ-gtgAZmxLtUXJD1wXdJ2caar4UCy-d7R2YfdEYGx63yMr&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENHZr_7K9uvPeanGastnZaNTm0ezOHLzLkpYPAEV1w1SN5m4tcBVfQsbGSit64bTwlF8B2NNbRijiAA52htMi7lcUFrYnbJq23tM8LDFSHCVl&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656461396305.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatTrevor Cox, field agronomist, with Central Valley Ag Co-op in Clay Center, reported that harvest began in their area on June 23. Moisture is consistent at 12 percent, but yields are all over the board. Some of the low ground froze and saw yields in the 20 and 30 bushel per acre range, but some of the better wheat is yielding in the 50s and 60s. Cox said test weights are good, in the low 60 pounds per bushel. Proteins are highly variable, with most around 12 to 13 percent, but the highest so far was 17 percent. Some farmers have already wrapped up their harvest, and the rest of the area should be complete by next week. Tyler Crosson from Crosson Family Farms near Minneapolis in Ottawa County, reported that their farm is averaging just under 40 bushels per acre. The wheat that was planted early is yielding only in the 20s bushels per acre, but the later planted is doing better, in the 40s. Protein is ranging from 12 to 13 percent. Test weights are ranging from 57 to 62 pounds per bushel. Crosson said he is finishing his own wheat on June 28, but then he will head to Jewell County to custom cut for a friend. He is going to plant sunflowers after his wheat because of current sunflower demand and prices. They will be sent to Lamar, Colo. Mark Bosse, owner of MJB Harvesters from Grainfield, started harvest on May 21 in Haskell, Texas, where conditions were much worse than what they’ve seen in Kansas. The custom harvest crew has been in Kansas for eight days so far and will be here another 10 days or so. In a field of T-158, Bosse was cutting 50 to 60 bushel wheat near his home in Gove County on June 27. The farmer was in the next field over, and said it was excellent quality, with protein averaging 12 to 13 percent and a test weight of 63 pounds per bushel. With rain forecasted over the coming weekend, he said it was worth it to hire a harvesting crew to get the wheat out of the field before rains lowered the test weight. “If we lose test weight from the rain, it pays for the harvester,” he said. Bosse said he has been harvesting wheat in this area since 1990, when the average yield was 30 bushels per acre. While there are fewer acres of wheat now, yields last year were in the 80s. Even this year with hardly any rain, yields are near 60, Bosse said, attributing the increase to improved genetics and soil conservation practices. Eric Sperber, general manager/CEO of Cornerstone Ag LLC in Colby, reported that June 27 was their first full day of harvest, although a few loads started trickling in last week. This is several days earlier than harvest began the last couple years. He said acres were up in the area, but the wheat after corn is only yielding 10 to 20 bushels per acre. However, the summer fallow ground is doing better than he anticipated, yielding 50 to 60 bushels per acre. Proteins are ranging from 8 to 16 percent with good test weights. The average so far is about 12 percent, which is in line with their average the last few years. Test weights are 58 pounds and above, but Sperber expects that to improve as farmers start cutting better fields. While the wheat is short, it got some late growth which will improve stubble for the upcoming year. He said several area farmers have chosen to invest in stripper headers to increase their residue left behind. Sperber noted that most producers topdressed their wheat, while fungicide applications were way down. There isn’t much disease in the area, with no rust to speak of and very little wheat streak mosaic virus. Sperber said there’s a lot more irrigated wheat this year, but it doesn’t look a lot better than the dryland wheat. Irrigated wheat is short this year as well, noting “one more moisture event would have helped.” Hard white wheat typically accounts for about 10 percent of Cornerstone’s receipts. Sperber said he’s not seeing export demand. “We are just the highest priced wheat in the world,” he said, “To find new demand has been difficult.”The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENH5wTcZJHha3B1PR39oCnFa_WVJsk3ddjj44lwP1nh8K5UXrF_V846GaKS0dCjaTTV562juRy8uoEb3naW6HObn1WJeuaOcpBsmfSDlOXhTu&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENJucVTE4mkzcFRk7aniCmsmxzM7HV7BHeGBilbB3g7U9xIbADVriPTs3T1ZzyXZ-gtgAZmxLtUXJD1wXdJ2caar4UCy-d7R2YfdEYGx63yMr&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENHZr_7K9uvPeanGastnZaNTm0ezOHLzLkpYPAEV1w1SN5m4tcBVfQsbGSit64bTwlF8B2NNbRijiAA52htMi7lcUFrYnbJq23tM8LDFSHCVl&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Day 12: Kansas wheat harvest report

TOPEKA - The Kansas Insurance Department recently made its annual distribution to local Saline County Firefighter Relief Associations (FRAs). 

Pursuant to the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act, $381,842.08 has been distributed among ten local FRAs within Saline County.

The funds from the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act are generated by a two percent tax paid by insurance companies on fire and lightning insurance premiums written in Kansas. Associations primarily use their distributed funds for insurance premiums and safety enhancements. The relief funds may pay for the health, accident, disability, and life insurance premiums of local firefighters. Safety enhancements such as new firetrucks, fire station building improvements, and firefighting gear can be purchased via relief funds loaned to local governing entities.

“Firefighters work to keep us safe, and the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act acknowledges those efforts by providing additional protections for firefighters and their loved ones,” said Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “The Act not only gives first responders needed safety nets, but it also allows local communities to provide their citizens with improved firefighting equipment and resources.”

The statewide distribution of the 2022 Kansas Firefighters Relief Act funds can be viewed at <a href="http://insurance.ks.gov/otherservices/firefighters/fra-relief-distributions.php">insurance.ks.gov/otherservices/firefighters/fra-relief-distributions.php</a>. Kansans can learn more about the Firefighter Relief Act by visiting <a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov/firefighters">insurance.kansas.gov/firefighters</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647376123800.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Insurance DepartmentTOPEKA - The Kansas Insurance Department recently made its annual distribution to local Saline County Firefighter Relief Associations (FRAs). Pursuant to the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act, $381,842.08 has been distributed among ten local FRAs within Saline County.The funds from the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act are generated by a two percent tax paid by insurance companies on fire and lightning insurance premiums written in Kansas. Associations primarily use their distributed funds for insurance premiums and safety enhancements. The relief funds may pay for the health, accident, disability, and life insurance premiums of local firefighters. Safety enhancements such as new firetrucks, fire station building improvements, and firefighting gear can be purchased via relief funds loaned to local governing entities.“Firefighters work to keep us safe, and the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act acknowledges those efforts by providing additional protections for firefighters and their loved ones,” said Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “The Act not only gives first responders needed safety nets, but it also allows local communities to provide their citizens with improved firefighting equipment and resources.”The statewide distribution of the 2022 Kansas Firefighters Relief Act funds can be viewed at <a href="http://insurance.ks.gov/otherservices/firefighters/fra-relief-distributions.php">insurance.ks.gov/otherservices/firefighters/fra-relief-distributions.php</a>. Kansans can learn more about the Firefighter Relief Act by visiting <a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov/firefighters">insurance.kansas.gov/firefighters</a>.

Saline County firefighters receive $381,000+ from KS Insurance Dept.

ABILENE - The Midwest Travel Network named Abilene as its 2022 Destination of the Year at the recent Midwest Travel Network Conference in St. Cloud, Minn.

“This Kansas destination continuously shows up in our news feeds on social media. They promote the work of content creators and showcase all that they have to offer to the world. You can visit a Presidential Library and Museum, as well as visit an award-winning Midwest town,” Lisa Trudell, Midwest Travel Network co-founder, said.

This recent award joins a list of other awards the community received in 2022, including No. 1 Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. by TravelAwaits, No. 1 Friendliest Town in the U.S. by TravelAwaits, Best Promotion of a Historic Place by TrueWest Magazine and runner up in USA TODAY’s 10Best Best Historic Small Town Contest.

“We hope that this recognition not only puts Abilene on visitors’ radar but also makes community members proud to live in an award-winning community,” Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau director, said. “Good things are happening in Abilene!”

Visit AbileneABILENE - The Midwest Travel Network named Abilene as its 2022 Destination of the Year at the recent Midwest Travel Network Conference in St. Cloud, Minn.“This Kansas destination continuously shows up in our news feeds on social media. They promote the work of content creators and showcase all that they have to offer to the world. You can visit a Presidential Library and Museum, as well as visit an award-winning Midwest town,” Lisa Trudell, Midwest Travel Network co-founder, said.This recent award joins a list of other awards the community received in 2022, including No. 1 Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. by TravelAwaits, No. 1 Friendliest Town in the U.S. by TravelAwaits, Best Promotion of a Historic Place by TrueWest Magazine and runner up in USA TODAY’s 10Best Best Historic Small Town Contest.“We hope that this recognition not only puts Abilene on visitors’ radar but also makes community members proud to live in an award-winning community,” Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau director, said. “Good things are happening in Abilene!”

Abilene: Midwest Travel Network Destination of the Year

Dream Cartographers, a recently completed downtown mural that included community involvement, will be dedicated Saturday.

The mural, which serves as a backdrop to the new downtown stage at N. Santa Fe Avenue and W. Ash Street, is scheduled to be dedicated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, according to information from Salina Arts &amp; Humanities. The dedication will include remarks by the artist, Dave Loewenstein, and Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff. Light refreshments will be served.

Dream Cartographers was designed by Loewenstein, a Lawrence muralist. Prior to painting the mural, Loewenstein, conducted a number of community workshops and visioning sessions in the spring. During the workshops, participants mapped their memories, dreams, and personal geographies using pushpins and colored thread to connect points of interest on a map.

The mural painting was completed by Loewenstein, community volunteers, and artist assistant Karla Prickett.

The downtown stage mural is not Loewenstein's first in Salina. Arts &amp; Humanities noted that the new mural "includes a reference to Loewenstein’s 2010 work in Salina entitled Waiting in the Wings, which was decommissioned when Campbell Plaza redesign took place earlier this year. A figure walking through a painted doorway was recreated as part of the new mural."

This mural is made possible with funding from Leadership Salina and the Greater Salina Community Foundation, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, private donors, and in-kind support from local businesses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656440567166.jpeg" alt="The dedication of the newest downtown Salina mural, "Dream Cartographers,"&nbsp; is set for Saturday. Photo courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities" />
 <figcaption>The dedication of the newest downtown Salina mural, "Dream Cartographers,"&nbsp; is set for Saturday. Photo courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTDream Cartographers, a recently completed downtown mural that included community involvement, will be dedicated Saturday. The mural, which serves as a backdrop to the new downtown stage at N. Santa Fe Avenue and W. Ash Street, is scheduled to be dedicated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, according to information from Salina Arts &amp; Humanities. The dedication will include remarks by the artist, Dave Loewenstein, and Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff. Light refreshments will be served.Dream Cartographers was designed by Loewenstein, a Lawrence muralist. Prior to painting the mural, Loewenstein, conducted a number of community workshops and visioning sessions in the spring. During the workshops, participants mapped their memories, dreams, and personal geographies using pushpins and colored thread to connect points of interest on a map.The mural painting was completed by Loewenstein, community volunteers, and artist assistant Karla Prickett.The downtown stage mural is not Loewenstein's first in Salina. Arts &amp; Humanities noted that the new mural "includes a reference to Loewenstein’s 2010 work in Salina entitled Waiting in the Wings, which was decommissioned when Campbell Plaza redesign took place earlier this year. A figure walking through a painted doorway was recreated as part of the new mural."This mural is made possible with funding from Leadership Salina and the Greater Salina Community Foundation, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, private donors, and in-kind support from local businesses.

Dedication of newest downtown mural set for Saturday

Employment Opportunities, onsite applications and interviews available

The fourth annual job fair will be held at South High School, 730 E. Magnolia Street from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 8. 

The fair is open to the public; interviews and onsite job offers are possible.

Numerous employment opportunities include:

Flexible schedules with full and part-time positions are available. Salina USD 305 offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance and disability as well as generous paid leave plans. Applicants can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.applitrack.com/usd305/onlineapp/" target="_blank">usd305.com</a>&nbsp;to view all open positions and to complete an application prior to attending the job fair.

Excited to know more? Join us July 8 to learn about becoming a member of the USD 305 team!

Salina USD 305 is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656430072825.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Employment Opportunities, onsite applications and interviews available</h2>USD 305The fourth annual job fair will be held at South High School, 730 E. Magnolia Street from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 8. The fair is open to the public; interviews and onsite job offers are possible.Numerous employment opportunities include:●Food service●Maintenance and operations●Instructional assistants●Bilingual educational support staff●Para educators●Substitute teachers and moreFlexible schedules with full and part-time positions are available. Salina USD 305 offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance and disability as well as generous paid leave plans. Applicants can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.applitrack.com/usd305/onlineapp/" target="_blank">usd305.com</a>&nbsp;to view all open positions and to complete an application prior to attending the job fair.Excited to know more? Join us July 8 to learn about becoming a member of the USD 305 team!Salina USD 305 is an equal opportunity employer.

USD 305 plans job fair for July 8

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man was arrested after a pursuit through the south and central parts of the city Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday, an officer observed in the 2400 block of S. Ninth Street a 2006 Chevrolet Silverdo with no license plate displayed, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.

The officer attempted to stop the pickup in the 2300 block of S. Ninth Street at the entrance to the Central Mall. The pickup did not stop and went east into the Central Mall parking lot, then began to drive around the parking lot at slow speed, Forrester noted.

The pickup eventually went through the grass north of the Central Mall and drove toward S. Fourth Street. According to Forrester, other officers located the pickup in the area of E. Cloud Street and S. Fourth Street. The pursuit began again until the pickup stopped in the 200 block of E. Jewell Avenue and the driver fled on foot.

Forrester reported that officers located in the pickup an insurance card with the name, "Joshua Lynch" on it. An officer who had been pursuing the pickup confirmed with a recent booking photo that Lynch, 44, of Salina had been the driver involved in the pursuit, Forrester noted.

The officer made contact with Lynch at a residence in the 200 block of E. Kirwin Avenue, and Lynch with taken into custody without incident.

Lynch was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested after a pursuit through the south and central parts of the city Saturday afternoon.At approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday, an officer observed in the 2400 block of S. Ninth Street a 2006 Chevrolet Silverdo with no license plate displayed, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.The officer attempted to stop the pickup in the 2300 block of S. Ninth Street at the entrance to the Central Mall. The pickup did not stop and went east into the Central Mall parking lot, then began to drive around the parking lot at slow speed, Forrester noted.The pickup eventually went through the grass north of the Central Mall and drove toward S. Fourth Street. According to Forrester, other officers located the pickup in the area of E. Cloud Street and S. Fourth Street. The pursuit began again until the pickup stopped in the 200 block of E. Jewell Avenue and the driver fled on foot.Forrester reported that officers located in the pickup an insurance card with the name, "Joshua Lynch" on it. An officer who had been pursuing the pickup confirmed with a recent booking photo that Lynch, 44, of Salina had been the driver involved in the pursuit, Forrester noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656246297447.jpeg" alt="Joshua Lynch. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Lynch. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The officer made contact with Lynch at a residence in the 200 block of E. Kirwin Avenue, and Lynch with taken into custody without incident.Lynch was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.●Felony flee and elude●No vehicle registration●Numerous traffic infractions

Telltale insurance card helps Salina police ID alleged driver in pursuit

Dickinson County’s new jail, courthouse renovation becomes a reality

Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part installment regarding the events that led up to building Dickinson County’s new jail addition and renovating the courthouse. Part 1 deals with the planning and bond issue process, while Part 2 focuses on the trials and tribulations of completing a major building project during a pandemic and the associated problems.

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinator

Nearly a decade after the commitment was made to build a new jail and renovate the courthouse, Dickinson County now has a government building that is safe, energy efficient, technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing, without being opulent.

Except for a few remaining issues – like replacing the elevator, which has been delayed time and time again due to vendor issues -- the project is finished.

An open house on Saturday, June 11, attracted about 100 people who took the opportunity to see the renovated courthouse. An open house for the new jail and sheriff’s department, held in August 2021, allowed people the opportunity to tour that facility before prisoners were moved in.

Nearly everyone who attended the two open houses said they were impressed with the building and the changes that had been made. However, the journey to completion has not been simple.

The path included a failed bond issue, a complete revamp of the project, a second bond issue that barely passed, surprise demolition obstacles, a pandemic, supply chain problems, workforce issues and more.

But now that the end is nearly here, it’s time to take a look back.

Soon after joining the Dickinson County Commission in January 2013, Commissioner Craig Chamberlin said the county needed a new jail. Both he and Commissioner Lynn Peterson joined the commission at the same time after being elected in November 2012.

“Craig brought it up immediately during his first or second meeting in office,” recalled Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman. “He said something needs to be done about this building and the jail and we need to start planning for that right now.”

Chamberlin, Peterson and then-Commission Chairman LaVerne Myers knew that building a new jail would not be popular. It had been brought up numerous times with other county commissions in the past and never gone anywhere.

Unfortunately, the jail was a disaster waiting to happen. Not only had it outlived its usefulness structurally and technologically, but changes in the way the criminal justice system houses and cares for prisoners meant the old jail was a major liability risk.

Not only that, the entire layout of the top floor of the courthouse – which housed the jail, district court and court service offices – was no longer safe in the 21st century. With inmates and the public using the same hallways for access, public safety was a major concern. That was true not only in the court area, but in the entire courthouse with the modern threats posed by active shooters and the like.

As for the courthouse, it also was aging – and not gracefully. While the building itself was structurally sound, the infrastructure was failing. Constant repairs and skyrocketing energy costs had become a financial drain.

Back when the courthouse was built in 1956, public safety was not a concern. In fact, the sheriff’s family lived in an apartment inside the jail area on the top floor, with the sheriff’s wife cooking the prisoners’ meals and their children calling the place home.

But by the 2000s that way of life was long gone and keeping inmates isolated from judges, witnesses, jurors and the general public was considered imperative.

One of the biggest problems in the courthouse was the lack of public safety. The only way to transport inmates was through hallways used by the general public, moving them from the jail to the courtrooms. Inmates were walking past potential jurors and witnesses, sometimes intimidating them. It also created an opportunity for the inmate to run and possibly hurt someone in the process.

At the time, one Abilene woman said she felt victimized “over and over again” as she waited in the hallway for court to start and the inmate who assaulted her glared at her as guards brought him to the courtroom.

The openness of the original courthouse sometimes was dangerous for judges and court officials. With only one way to get to the courtroom, judges were forced to walk through the crowds gathered in the hallway, and depending on the case, the judge’s safety could also be at risk.

There were incidents in other places – especially in highly-charged situations like child in need of care cases – where judges had been attacked by enraged family members and the open hallways in the Dickinson County courthouse presented a perfect opportunity for a similar situation.

But now that the new addition and renovations are completed, those concerns were all addressed.

The new jail addition created a separate hallway, staircase and elevator to move prisoners, keeping them out of the public venue. It also created a place for judges to move from their chambers to the courtroom without walking through the public area and added other necessary spaces.

The new addition also houses the sheriff’s department in an area with adequate space, evidence storage, interrogation rooms and all the things a law enforcement office needs in the 21st Century.

While public safety was a major concern, so too was the safety of inmates. The 1956 jail did not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requirements. Nor did it comply with the building codes and standards set by the American Correctional Association, the National Institute of Corrections and the National Institute of Justice.

Back in October 2016, architect Larry Goldberg of Goldberg Group Architects, who designed the new facility and renovations, noted the jail was a “disaster waiting to happen,” especially in terms of PREA.

“The problem is the concept of deliberate indifference. You know what’s wrong. You know it’s non-compliant. You know it can’t be fixed. You know the opportunity for inadvertent or intentional violations of personal privacy give way to a sexual assaultive environment,” Goldberg said.

Besides that, the 1956 jail had deteriorated to the point where cell doors were broken, some could not be locked and replacement parts were no longer available.

Jail capacity also was an issue, particular in an age where jail populations must be separated. Obviously, males cannot be housed with females, but in today’s world, other gender classifications are now in the mix, plus the need to separate violent from non-violent offenders.

Besides the jail and public safety problems, the entire courthouse had issues.

The windows were no longer efficient. Wind blowing in through windows that were sealed years ago rustled the blinds and allowed sound to pass through. When trains came through, commission meetings and courtroom proceedings came to a halt because of the noise.

Sewer and water lines were encased in the block walls which make up the interior of the building, making them difficult if not impossible to repair. Deteriorated water pipes produced leaks, creating problems for the offices below.

A deteriorating sewer line in the wall leaked sewer gas into the register of deeds office, creating a smell that not only permeated that office, but wafted through the main floor.

Air exchangers in the heating/AC system were rotting away and replacement parts were unavailable. Luckily, a vendor had been located that was able to create made-to-order parts as a stop gap.

Also, the building had areas where asbestos needed to be removed, restrooms were not ADA-accessible, basement offices were not flood proof and there were other problems.

Realizing that “kicking the can down the road,” was no longer an option, county commissioners Chamberlin, Peterson and Myers hosted a meeting in 2013 about the need for what then was planned to be a judicial or “Justice Center” -- bringing all justice-related functions under the same roof. Some of the attendees included representatives from the sheriff’s department, the Abilene Police Department, the jail, district and municipal court and court services.

“First we came up with the Justice Center proposal,” Homman said. “That was to build a new jail with a new district court and courtrooms, the sheriff on the second floor, the Abilene Police Department on the main floor or vice versa.”

Homman, who was involved in law enforcement for decades, said he believed having all the agencies involved in law enforcement located in the same building would be beneficial, but the City of Abilene later decided to go its own way.

Commissioners approved a two-mill levy in August 2013, effective with the 2014 budget, to begin funding for a justice center, knowing it would not come to fruition for several years.

“That was about $200,000 a mill. So, we were putting about $400,000 back a year for several years,” said County Administrator Homman.

A small portion of that money was used to purchase two vacant, dilapidated houses that were located east of the courthouse next to the old (now demolished) county attorney building. That way, space would be available if needed.

Once acquired by the county, the road and bridge department demolished the structures in August 2015.

While these early steps were underway, the commission and Homman were researching what kind of jail should be built. Commissioner Chamberlin and Homman, along with the former sheriff and undersheriff, attended a week-long National Institute of Corrections training about designing and building new jails in Colorado.

“The big thing they told us was ‘don’t build a jail so big you can’t afford to operate it’,” Homman recalled. “In California, the state gives money to build local jails, but you (the local county) have to run it yourself. One California county had really big eyes and built a 600 to 700 bed jail, but they couldn’t afford to open the doors. It had been sitting vacant. That was a good example of what not to do.”

A big step in the process involved hiring an architect and construction manager at risk, working as a team. Four interviews were held in November 2015. After a thorough vetting process was completed, Goldberg Group Architects of St. Joseph, Mo., and Loyd Builders of Ottawa, were selected to design and build the new jail and complete the courthouse renovation.

“Goldberg had selected Loyd Builders to work with. They were already working together on a new jail project in Miami County,” Homman said. “They invited us to look it over while it was under construction.”

Commissioners also toured a jail in Seward, Neb., and one in Marion County, Kan, where they met with the late Marion County Sheriff Bob Kraft and a couple residents who served on that county’s jail board.

“Their message was the same as the one we heard in Colorado: Don’t build anything so big you can’t operate it. Build it to a scale that will serve you quite a while,” Homman said. “They told the public they were not going to build anything fancy. So, we decided we were going to build it practical. You don’t see marble countertops. You won’t see ceramic tile on the floors. We’ve got Formica, brick and block.”

Next, a 14-member Justice Advisory Committee was created and tasked with doing a preliminary needs assessment and helping gain public support.

In February 2017, the advisory committee told commissioners they should proceed with plans to build a justice center and remodel the current courthouse, using the Dickinson County Public Building Commission (PBC) as the funding mechanism.

One month later, the PBC approved a resolution to issue bonds in the amount of $17.735 million to finance building a Justice Center and renovate the courthouse.

The resolution included the county’s intent to utilize the municipal finance company, Piper-Jaffray and Co. of Leawood, to serve as legal counsel for the bonds. It also signaled the start of a 30-day protest period, allowing the public to force the issue to an election.

Public reaction was quick. Even though stories in the local newspaper had been covering the process for at least four years, people felt they had not been informed. A townhall meeting brought out a large number of people vehemently opposed to the idea. People wanted the opportunity to vote on the question.

A protest petition with the needed number of signatures was verified and the question was placed on a mail-in ballot in August 2017. When the votes were counted, the Justice Center bond issue failed by 308 votes.

The cost was the main source of discontent among the public. Many thought erroneously that the county was going to raise taxes to pay for the project, but steps had been taken to ensure taxes would not be used.

Despite the no vote, the need still existed.

“We went back to the drawing board and redesigned,” Homman said, explaining the Justice Center was scrapped and the project narrowed down. “We took district court, court offices and courtrooms out of it and lowered the price to $15 million.”

Of the $15 million, $1.8 had already been set aside to finance the project through the two-mill levy started in 2014, while $13.5 million would be funded with bonds issued by the county’s Public Building Commission.

The commission heard the public’s desire to vote on the question and decided to place the new bond issue on the ballot.

In August 2018, Dickinson County voters narrowly approved the pared-down version - a $13.5 million bond issue to build the new jail and renovate the existing courthouse - by a 51-vote margin.

Part 2 on Wednesday will focus on the challenges involved with building the jail and renovating the courthouse in a world changed by a major pandemic.

<h2>Dickinson County’s new jail, courthouse renovation becomes a reality</h2>Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part installment regarding the events that led up to building Dickinson County’s new jail addition and renovating the courthouse. Part 1 deals with the planning and bond issue process, while Part 2 focuses on the trials and tribulations of completing a major building project during a pandemic and the associated problems.By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinatorNearly a decade after the commitment was made to build a new jail and renovate the courthouse, Dickinson County now has a government building that is safe, energy efficient, technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing, without being opulent.Except for a few remaining issues – like replacing the elevator, which has been delayed time and time again due to vendor issues -- the project is finished.An open house on Saturday, June 11, attracted about 100 people who took the opportunity to see the renovated courthouse. An open house for the new jail and sheriff’s department, held in August 2021, allowed people the opportunity to tour that facility before prisoners were moved in.Nearly everyone who attended the two open houses said they were impressed with the building and the changes that had been made. However, the journey to completion has not been simple.The path included a failed bond issue, a complete revamp of the project, a second bond issue that barely passed, surprise demolition obstacles, a pandemic, supply chain problems, workforce issues and more.But now that the end is nearly here, it’s time to take a look back.Dire needSoon after joining the Dickinson County Commission in January 2013, Commissioner Craig Chamberlin said the county needed a new jail. Both he and Commissioner Lynn Peterson joined the commission at the same time after being elected in November 2012.“Craig brought it up immediately during his first or second meeting in office,” recalled Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman. “He said something needs to be done about this building and the jail and we need to start planning for that right now.”Chamberlin, Peterson and then-Commission Chairman LaVerne Myers knew that building a new jail would not be popular. It had been brought up numerous times with other county commissions in the past and never gone anywhere.Unfortunately, the jail was a disaster waiting to happen. Not only had it outlived its usefulness structurally and technologically, but changes in the way the criminal justice system houses and cares for prisoners meant the old jail was a major liability risk.Not only that, the entire layout of the top floor of the courthouse – which housed the jail, district court and court service offices – was no longer safe in the 21st century. With inmates and the public using the same hallways for access, public safety was a major concern. That was true not only in the court area, but in the entire courthouse with the modern threats posed by active shooters and the like.As for the courthouse, it also was aging – and not gracefully. While the building itself was structurally sound, the infrastructure was failing. Constant repairs and skyrocketing energy costs had become a financial drain.Jail and court concernsBack when the courthouse was built in 1956, public safety was not a concern. In fact, the sheriff’s family lived in an apartment inside the jail area on the top floor, with the sheriff’s wife cooking the prisoners’ meals and their children calling the place home.But by the 2000s that way of life was long gone and keeping inmates isolated from judges, witnesses, jurors and the general public was considered imperative.One of the biggest problems in the courthouse was the lack of public safety. The only way to transport inmates was through hallways used by the general public, moving them from the jail to the courtrooms. Inmates were walking past potential jurors and witnesses, sometimes intimidating them. It also created an opportunity for the inmate to run and possibly hurt someone in the process.At the time, one Abilene woman said she felt victimized “over and over again” as she waited in the hallway for court to start and the inmate who assaulted her glared at her as guards brought him to the courtroom.The openness of the original courthouse sometimes was dangerous for judges and court officials. With only one way to get to the courtroom, judges were forced to walk through the crowds gathered in the hallway, and depending on the case, the judge’s safety could also be at risk.There were incidents in other places – especially in highly-charged situations like child in need of care cases – where judges had been attacked by enraged family members and the open hallways in the Dickinson County courthouse presented a perfect opportunity for a similar situation.But now that the new addition and renovations are completed, those concerns were all addressed.The new jail addition created a separate hallway, staircase and elevator to move prisoners, keeping them out of the public venue. It also created a place for judges to move from their chambers to the courtroom without walking through the public area and added other necessary spaces.The new addition also houses the sheriff’s department in an area with adequate space, evidence storage, interrogation rooms and all the things a law enforcement office needs in the 21st Century.Inmate safetyWhile public safety was a major concern, so too was the safety of inmates. The 1956 jail did not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requirements. Nor did it comply with the building codes and standards set by the American Correctional Association, the National Institute of Corrections and the National Institute of Justice.Back in October 2016, architect Larry Goldberg of Goldberg Group Architects, who designed the new facility and renovations, noted the jail was a “disaster waiting to happen,” especially in terms of PREA.“The problem is the concept of deliberate indifference. You know what’s wrong. You know it’s non-compliant. You know it can’t be fixed. You know the opportunity for inadvertent or intentional violations of personal privacy give way to a sexual assaultive environment,” Goldberg said.Besides that, the 1956 jail had deteriorated to the point where cell doors were broken, some could not be locked and replacement parts were no longer available.Jail capacity also was an issue, particular in an age where jail populations must be separated. Obviously, males cannot be housed with females, but in today’s world, other gender classifications are now in the mix, plus the need to separate violent from non-violent offenders.Infrastructure failingBesides the jail and public safety problems, the entire courthouse had issues.The windows were no longer efficient. Wind blowing in through windows that were sealed years ago rustled the blinds and allowed sound to pass through. When trains came through, commission meetings and courtroom proceedings came to a halt because of the noise.Sewer and water lines were encased in the block walls which make up the interior of the building, making them difficult if not impossible to repair. Deteriorated water pipes produced leaks, creating problems for the offices below.A deteriorating sewer line in the wall leaked sewer gas into the register of deeds office, creating a smell that not only permeated that office, but wafted through the main floor.Air exchangers in the heating/AC system were rotting away and replacement parts were unavailable. Luckily, a vendor had been located that was able to create made-to-order parts as a stop gap.Also, the building had areas where asbestos needed to be removed, restrooms were not ADA-accessible, basement offices were not flood proof and there were other problems.Early stepsRealizing that “kicking the can down the road,” was no longer an option, county commissioners Chamberlin, Peterson and Myers hosted a meeting in 2013 about the need for what then was planned to be a judicial or “Justice Center” -- bringing all justice-related functions under the same roof. Some of the attendees included representatives from the sheriff’s department, the Abilene Police Department, the jail, district and municipal court and court services.“First we came up with the Justice Center proposal,” Homman said. “That was to build a new jail with a new district court and courtrooms, the sheriff on the second floor, the Abilene Police Department on the main floor or vice versa.”Homman, who was involved in law enforcement for decades, said he believed having all the agencies involved in law enforcement located in the same building would be beneficial, but the City of Abilene later decided to go its own way.Commissioners approved a two-mill levy in August 2013, effective with the 2014 budget, to begin funding for a justice center, knowing it would not come to fruition for several years.“That was about $200,000 a mill. So, we were putting about $400,000 back a year for several years,” said County Administrator Homman.A small portion of that money was used to purchase two vacant, dilapidated houses that were located east of the courthouse next to the old (now demolished) county attorney building. That way, space would be available if needed.Once acquired by the county, the road and bridge department demolished the structures in August 2015.While these early steps were underway, the commission and Homman were researching what kind of jail should be built. Commissioner Chamberlin and Homman, along with the former sheriff and undersheriff, attended a week-long National Institute of Corrections training about designing and building new jails in Colorado.“The big thing they told us was ‘don’t build a jail so big you can’t afford to operate it’,” Homman recalled. “In California, the state gives money to build local jails, but you (the local county) have to run it yourself. One California county had really big eyes and built a 600 to 700 bed jail, but they couldn’t afford to open the doors. It had been sitting vacant. That was a good example of what not to do.”Getting startedA big step in the process involved hiring an architect and construction manager at risk, working as a team. Four interviews were held in November 2015. After a thorough vetting process was completed, Goldberg Group Architects of St. Joseph, Mo., and Loyd Builders of Ottawa, were selected to design and build the new jail and complete the courthouse renovation.“Goldberg had selected Loyd Builders to work with. They were already working together on a new jail project in Miami County,” Homman said. “They invited us to look it over while it was under construction.”Commissioners also toured a jail in Seward, Neb., and one in Marion County, Kan, where they met with the late Marion County Sheriff Bob Kraft and a couple residents who served on that county’s jail board.“Their message was the same as the one we heard in Colorado: Don’t build anything so big you can’t operate it. Build it to a scale that will serve you quite a while,” Homman said. “They told the public they were not going to build anything fancy. So, we decided we were going to build it practical. You don’t see marble countertops. You won’t see ceramic tile on the floors. We’ve got Formica, brick and block.”Next, a 14-member Justice Advisory Committee was created and tasked with doing a preliminary needs assessment and helping gain public support.In February 2017, the advisory committee told commissioners they should proceed with plans to build a justice center and remodel the current courthouse, using the Dickinson County Public Building Commission (PBC) as the funding mechanism.One month later, the PBC approved a resolution to issue bonds in the amount of $17.735 million to finance building a Justice Center and renovate the courthouse.The resolution included the county’s intent to utilize the municipal finance company, Piper-Jaffray and Co. of Leawood, to serve as legal counsel for the bonds. It also signaled the start of a 30-day protest period, allowing the public to force the issue to an election.A resounding noPublic reaction was quick. Even though stories in the local newspaper had been covering the process for at least four years, people felt they had not been informed. A townhall meeting brought out a large number of people vehemently opposed to the idea. People wanted the opportunity to vote on the question.A protest petition with the needed number of signatures was verified and the question was placed on a mail-in ballot in August 2017. When the votes were counted, the Justice Center bond issue failed by 308 votes.The cost was the main source of discontent among the public. Many thought erroneously that the county was going to raise taxes to pay for the project, but steps had been taken to ensure taxes would not be used.Despite the no vote, the need still existed.“We went back to the drawing board and redesigned,” Homman said, explaining the Justice Center was scrapped and the project narrowed down. “We took district court, court offices and courtrooms out of it and lowered the price to $15 million.”Of the $15 million, $1.8 had already been set aside to finance the project through the two-mill levy started in 2014, while $13.5 million would be funded with bonds issued by the county’s Public Building Commission.The commission heard the public’s desire to vote on the question and decided to place the new bond issue on the ballot.In August 2018, Dickinson County voters narrowly approved the pared-down version - a $13.5 million bond issue to build the new jail and renovate the existing courthouse - by a 51-vote margin.And then the real work began.Part 2 on Wednesday will focus on the challenges involved with building the jail and renovating the courthouse in a world changed by a major pandemic.

A rocky path to completion

Summerlike temperatures will return this week with some seeing highs in the 100s on Thursday. 

Another cool front will bring a chance for storms to end the week, a few of which could be strong.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656422808793.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceSummerlike temperatures will return this week with some seeing highs in the 100s on Thursday. Another cool front will bring a chance for storms to end the week, a few of which could be strong.

Weather warming; chance for storms later in the week

OCCK Transportation, including CityGo, 81 Connection, KanConnect, GoAbilene, GoConcordia and Regional Paratransit services, will be closed on July 4th.&nbsp; No vehicles or buses will run.&nbsp;

Transportation services will resume normal operating hours on July 5.

OCCK provides transportation services to the general public, seniors, and persons with disabilities, through a variety of programs, including a fixed route service in Salina, CityGo, a regional paratransit service that serves fourteen counties, non emergency medical transportation for people with Medicaid, as well as non emergency medical transportation for clients of Salina Regional Health Center, a regional fixed route service, 81 Connection, KANcycle – the regional bike sharing program, GoAbilene public transportation, GoConcordia public transportation, and the newest program, KanConnect.

OCCK TransportationOCCK Transportation, including CityGo, 81 Connection, KanConnect, GoAbilene, GoConcordia and Regional Paratransit services, will be closed on July 4th.&nbsp; No vehicles or buses will run.&nbsp;Transportation services will resume normal operating hours on July 5.OCCK provides transportation services to the general public, seniors, and persons with disabilities, through a variety of programs, including a fixed route service in Salina, CityGo, a regional paratransit service that serves fourteen counties, non emergency medical transportation for people with Medicaid, as well as non emergency medical transportation for clients of Salina Regional Health Center, a regional fixed route service, 81 Connection, KANcycle – the regional bike sharing program, GoAbilene public transportation, GoConcordia public transportation, and the newest program, KanConnect.

OCCK Transportation will be closed on July 4th

As humans, we’re wired for growth. But (and it’s a big ol’&nbsp;but) we’re also prone to laziness, apathy, impulse, stress and guilt­. And right about now is when most of us have let our January resolutions fall by the wayside—especially the financial ones.

You see, on the road to accomplishing money goals, there are a thousand distractions, shortcuts, opinions, excuses and traps along the way. Maybe you had committed to paying off some debt, getting on a budget, working a second job, or eating out less. But then you had a flat tire. And the HVAC system bit the dust. And inflation went through the roof. And the stock market went into a free fall. Maybe you’ve slipped back into old money habits or feel like this just “isn’t your year” to hit those money goals.

But here’s the deal: Personal finance is a marathon, not a sprint. And if you keep your eye on the prize, you&nbsp;can&nbsp;still reach your goals—you’ve just got to&nbsp;keep moving. I’m hereby declaring a second New Year, my friend. You can still do this!

How to take back control of your money by 2023

Want to know what makes one person successful with money and another give up? It’s simple: It’s their money mindset.

Henry Ford&nbsp;once famously said, "Whether you&nbsp;believe you can do a thing or not, you are right." What you believe about money, yourself and the world shapes how your life will unfold. Every single day you have the power to make decisions that will move you toward your goals financially or set you back. It’s up to you.

Making a budget every month, living on less than you make, and avoiding debt won’t matter if you don’t believe it’s&nbsp;even possible&nbsp;for you. So many people hit the snooze button on their finances as if they’ll just wake up one day and be able to retire with dignity (and money). Maybe they hope to take their finances more seriously later in life. Or maybe they think winning with money is only possible for “rich people.”

If that’s you, you’ve got to change your mindset. Your parents can’t make you care. Your spouse can’t make you care. And as much as I wish I could, I can’t make you care.&nbsp;It’s on&nbsp;you&nbsp;to change your mindset.&nbsp;

Creating better money habits starts with taking an honest look in your financial mirror—aka your bank account. Tracking your spending will help you figure out what areas you need to shave down in order to create margin with your money. Enter: the budget. It’ll help you tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went!

I use an app called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus/everydollar" target="_blank">EveryDollar</a>&nbsp;that makes it super easy to create a&nbsp;zero-based budget&nbsp;every month. That doesn’t mean you have zero dollars—it means your income minus your expenses equals zero. You give every dollar a&nbsp;job—you don’t want your dollars unemployed!

Once you’ve listed out your expenses, find some areas where you’re overspending. Maybe you switch from the fancy gym to a cheaper fitness app you can use at home. Maybe you cut a few subscriptions on top of that and pick up a side hustle. Then you could get creative and do a no-spend month and have a friend change your Amazon password so you can remove the temptation to digitally window shop. Making those small, sacrificial tweaks will help you gain margin and momentum, which will fuel your progress.

Now, part of staying motivated when you’re trying to create a healthy habit is to remember the outcome of your goal. Whatever it is, visualize it and keep it front and center when you’re tempted to give up.

If one of your goals is to pay off debt, it’s easy to feel discouraged and unmotivated when you don’t have a plan for how to do it. That’s why I love and stand by the debt snowball method.&nbsp;Here’s how it works:

Step 1:&nbsp;List your debts from smallest to largest regardless of interest rate.

Step 2:&nbsp;Make minimum payments on all your debts except the smallest.

Step 3:&nbsp;Pay as much as possible on your smallest debt.

Step 4:&nbsp;Repeat until each debt is paid in full.

Now, before you start arguing about the interest rates, hear me out: When you stick to the plan (without worrying about interest rates), you’re going to be jumping for joy when you pay off that smallest debt super quick. That excitement is what’s going to motivate you to keep going—all the way to that debt-free finish line.&nbsp;Millions of people have gotten out of debt using this method—including me. And you can do it, too.

You’re over halfway through the year now, people. It’s time to refocus your mindset, take a hard look at your habits, and stick to the plan. Whatever money goals you’ve set for yourself in 2022, and wherever you’re at with them, don’t let your foot off the gas now. This is the home stretch. Don’t abandon your money goals (but please feel free to abandon cart)!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636603961231.jpeg" alt="George Kamel" />
 <figcaption>George Kamel</figcaption>
 </figure>By GEORGE KAMELAs humans, we’re wired for growth. But (and it’s a big ol’&nbsp;but) we’re also prone to laziness, apathy, impulse, stress and guilt­. And right about now is when most of us have let our January resolutions fall by the wayside—especially the financial ones.You see, on the road to accomplishing money goals, there are a thousand distractions, shortcuts, opinions, excuses and traps along the way. Maybe you had committed to paying off some debt, getting on a budget, working a second job, or eating out less. But then you had a flat tire. And the HVAC system bit the dust. And inflation went through the roof. And the stock market went into a free fall. Maybe you’ve slipped back into old money habits or feel like this just “isn’t your year” to hit those money goals.But here’s the deal: Personal finance is a marathon, not a sprint. And if you keep your eye on the prize, you&nbsp;can&nbsp;still reach your goals—you’ve just got to&nbsp;keep moving. I’m hereby declaring a second New Year, my friend. You can still do this!<h2>How to take back control of your money by 2023</h2><h2>1. Refocus your money mindset</h2>Want to know what makes one person successful with money and another give up? It’s simple: It’s their money mindset.Henry Ford&nbsp;once famously said, "Whether you&nbsp;believe you can do a thing or not, you are right." What you believe about money, yourself and the world shapes how your life will unfold. Every single day you have the power to make decisions that will move you toward your goals financially or set you back. It’s up to you.Making a budget every month, living on less than you make, and avoiding debt won’t matter if you don’t believe it’s&nbsp;even possible&nbsp;for you. So many people hit the snooze button on their finances as if they’ll just wake up one day and be able to retire with dignity (and money). Maybe they hope to take their finances more seriously later in life. Or maybe they think winning with money is only possible for “rich people.”If that’s you, you’ve got to change your mindset. Your parents can’t make you care. Your spouse can’t make you care. And as much as I wish I could, I can’t make you care.&nbsp;It’s on&nbsp;you&nbsp;to change your mindset.&nbsp;<h2>2. Evaluate your money habits</h2>Creating better money habits starts with taking an honest look in your financial mirror—aka your bank account. Tracking your spending will help you figure out what areas you need to shave down in order to create margin with your money. Enter: the budget. It’ll help you tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went!I use an app called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus/everydollar" target="_blank">EveryDollar</a>&nbsp;that makes it super easy to create a&nbsp;zero-based budget&nbsp;every month. That doesn’t mean you have zero dollars—it means your income minus your expenses equals zero. You give every dollar a&nbsp;job—you don’t want your dollars unemployed!Once you’ve listed out your expenses, find some areas where you’re overspending. Maybe you switch from the fancy gym to a cheaper fitness app you can use at home. Maybe you cut a few subscriptions on top of that and pick up a side hustle. Then you could get creative and do a no-spend month and have a friend change your Amazon password so you can remove the temptation to digitally window shop. Making those small, sacrificial tweaks will help you gain margin and momentum, which will fuel your progress.Now, part of staying motivated when you’re trying to create a healthy habit is to remember the outcome of your goal. Whatever it is, visualize it and keep it front and center when you’re tempted to give up.<h2>3. Commit to a plan</h2>If one of your goals is to pay off debt, it’s easy to feel discouraged and unmotivated when you don’t have a plan for how to do it. That’s why I love and stand by the debt snowball method.&nbsp;Here’s how it works:Step 1:&nbsp;List your debts from smallest to largest regardless of interest rate.Step 2:&nbsp;Make minimum payments on all your debts except the smallest.Step 3:&nbsp;Pay as much as possible on your smallest debt.Step 4:&nbsp;Repeat until each debt is paid in full.Now, before you start arguing about the interest rates, hear me out: When you stick to the plan (without worrying about interest rates), you’re going to be jumping for joy when you pay off that smallest debt super quick. That excitement is what’s going to motivate you to keep going—all the way to that debt-free finish line.&nbsp;Millions of people have gotten out of debt using this method—including me. And you can do it, too.You’re over halfway through the year now, people. It’s time to refocus your mindset, take a hard look at your habits, and stick to the plan. Whatever money goals you’ve set for yourself in 2022, and wherever you’re at with them, don’t let your foot off the gas now. This is the home stretch. Don’t abandon your money goals (but please feel free to abandon cart)!

KAMEL: The second New Year; another chance to reach money goals

Today is Tuesday, June 28, the 179th day of 2022. There are 186 days left in the year.

On June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France, ending the First World War.

In 1838, Britain's Queen Victoria was crowned in Westminster Abbey.

In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Maj. Gen. George G. Meade the new commander of the Army of the Potomac, following the resignation of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker.

In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, were shot to death in Sarajevo by Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip — an act that sparked World War I.

In 1939, Pan American Airways began regular trans-Atlantic air service with a flight that departed New York for Marseilles, France.

In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Alien Registration Act, also known as the Smith Act, which required adult foreigners residing in the U.S. to be registered and fingerprinted.

In 1950, North Korean forces captured Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

In 1978, the Supreme Court ordered the University of California-Davis Medical School to admit Allan Bakke, a white man who argued he'd been a victim of reverse racial discrimination.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton became the first chief executive in U.S. history to set up a personal legal defense fund and ask Americans to contribute to it.

In 2000, seven months after he was cast adrift in the Florida Straits, Elian Gonzalez was returned to his native Cuba.

In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled, 5-4, that Americans had the right to own a gun for self-defense anywhere they lived.

In 2013, the four plaintiffs in the U.S. Supreme Court case that overturned California's same-sex marriage ban tied the knot, just hours after a federal appeals court freed gay couples to obtain marriage licenses in the state for the first time in 4 1/2 years.

In 2019, avowed white supremacist James Alex Fields, who deliberately drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, killing a young woman and injuring dozens, apologized to his victims before being sentenced to life in prison on federal hate crime charges.

Ten years ago: The Affordable Care Act narrowly survived, 5-4, an election-year battle at the U.S. Supreme Court with the improbable help of conservative Chief Justice John Roberts. Attorney General Eric Holder became the first sitting Cabinet member held in contempt of Congress, a rebuke pushed by Republicans seeking to unearth the facts behind a bungled gun-tracking operation known as Fast and Furious. (The vote was 255-67, with more than 100 Democrats boycotting.) Katie Holmes filed for divorce from Tom Cruise after five years of marriage.

Five years ago: Republican donors paid $35,000 apiece to hear a familiar message from President Donald Trump: that the media, particularly CNN, kept trying to take him down, and yet Republicans just kept on winning elections. ABC and a South Dakota meat producer announced a settlement in a $1.9 billion lawsuit against the network over its reports on a beef product that critics dubbed "pink slime."

One year ago: Temperatures in parts of the Pacific Northwest wiped out records that had been set the day before, with Seattle reaching 108 degrees by evening; meteorologists said the record-breaking heat was caused by a dome of high pressure and worsened by human-caused climate change. Big-wave surfer Greg "Da Bull" Noll died at 84; he'd become a surfing legend by combining an outsized personality with the courage and skill to ride bigger, more powerful waves than anyone had attempted before.

Today's Birthdays: Comedian-movie director Mel Brooks is 96. Comedian-impressionist John Byner is 85. Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is 84. Rock musician Dave Knights (Procul Harum) is 77. Actor Bruce Davison is 76. Actor Kathy Bates is 74. Actor Alice Krige is 68. College and Pro Football Hall of Famer John Elway is 62. Jazz singer Tierney Sutton is 59. Actor Jessica Hecht is 57. Rock musician Saul Davies (James) is 57. Actor Mary Stuart Masterson is 56. Actor John Cusack is 56. Actor Gil Bellows is 55. Actor-singer Danielle Brisebois is 53. Actor Tichina Arnold is 53. Actor Steve Burton is 52. Entrepreneur Elon Musk is 51. Actor Alessandro Nivola is 50. Actor Camille Guaty is 46. Rock musician Tim Nordwind (OK Go) is 46. Rock musician Mark Stoermer (The Killers) is 45. Country singer Big Vinny Hickerson (Trailer Choir) is 39. Country singer Kellie Pickler is 36. Jamaican Olympic track star Elaine Thompson-Herah is 30.

<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 Tuesday, June 28, the 179th day of 2022. There are 186 days left in the year.Today's Highlights in History:On June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France, ending the First World War.On this date:In 1838, Britain's Queen Victoria was crowned in Westminster Abbey.In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Maj. Gen. George G. Meade the new commander of the Army of the Potomac, following the resignation of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker.In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, were shot to death in Sarajevo by Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip — an act that sparked World War I.In 1939, Pan American Airways began regular trans-Atlantic air service with a flight that departed New York for Marseilles, France.In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Alien Registration Act, also known as the Smith Act, which required adult foreigners residing in the U.S. to be registered and fingerprinted.In 1950, North Korean forces captured Seoul, the capital of South Korea.In 1978, the Supreme Court ordered the University of California-Davis Medical School to admit Allan Bakke, a white man who argued he'd been a victim of reverse racial discrimination.In 1994, President Bill Clinton became the first chief executive in U.S. history to set up a personal legal defense fund and ask Americans to contribute to it.In 2000, seven months after he was cast adrift in the Florida Straits, Elian Gonzalez was returned to his native Cuba.In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled, 5-4, that Americans had the right to own a gun for self-defense anywhere they lived.In 2013, the four plaintiffs in the U.S. Supreme Court case that overturned California's same-sex marriage ban tied the knot, just hours after a federal appeals court freed gay couples to obtain marriage licenses in the state for the first time in 4 1/2 years.In 2019, avowed white supremacist James Alex Fields, who deliberately drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, killing a young woman and injuring dozens, apologized to his victims before being sentenced to life in prison on federal hate crime charges.Ten years ago: The Affordable Care Act narrowly survived, 5-4, an election-year battle at the U.S. Supreme Court with the improbable help of conservative Chief Justice John Roberts. Attorney General Eric Holder became the first sitting Cabinet member held in contempt of Congress, a rebuke pushed by Republicans seeking to unearth the facts behind a bungled gun-tracking operation known as Fast and Furious. (The vote was 255-67, with more than 100 Democrats boycotting.) Katie Holmes filed for divorce from Tom Cruise after five years of marriage.Five years ago: Republican donors paid $35,000 apiece to hear a familiar message from President Donald Trump: that the media, particularly CNN, kept trying to take him down, and yet Republicans just kept on winning elections. ABC and a South Dakota meat producer announced a settlement in a $1.9 billion lawsuit against the network over its reports on a beef product that critics dubbed "pink slime."One year ago: Temperatures in parts of the Pacific Northwest wiped out records that had been set the day before, with Seattle reaching 108 degrees by evening; meteorologists said the record-breaking heat was caused by a dome of high pressure and worsened by human-caused climate change. Big-wave surfer Greg "Da Bull" Noll died at 84; he'd become a surfing legend by combining an outsized personality with the courage and skill to ride bigger, more powerful waves than anyone had attempted before.Today's Birthdays: Comedian-movie director Mel Brooks is 96. Comedian-impressionist John Byner is 85. Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is 84. Rock musician Dave Knights (Procul Harum) is 77. Actor Bruce Davison is 76. Actor Kathy Bates is 74. Actor Alice Krige is 68. College and Pro Football Hall of Famer John Elway is 62. Jazz singer Tierney Sutton is 59. Actor Jessica Hecht is 57. Rock musician Saul Davies (James) is 57. Actor Mary Stuart Masterson is 56. Actor John Cusack is 56. Actor Gil Bellows is 55. Actor-singer Danielle Brisebois is 53. Actor Tichina Arnold is 53. Actor Steve Burton is 52. Entrepreneur Elon Musk is 51. Actor Alessandro Nivola is 50. Actor Camille Guaty is 46. Rock musician Tim Nordwind (OK Go) is 46. Rock musician Mark Stoermer (The Killers) is 45. Country singer Big Vinny Hickerson (Trailer Choir) is 39. Country singer Kellie Pickler is 36. Jamaican Olympic track star Elaine Thompson-Herah is 30.

Today in History - June 28

Saline County Commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session only on Tuesday morning. 

The study session is scheduled to being at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107B of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The study session is reserved for discussion among commissioners on topics for which no action is currently proposed.

The purpose of the study session is for commissioners to hear department budget presentations. Each presentation is estimated to take 10 minutes. 

Presentations include the following, according to the <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20220628%20Study%20Session%20Only.pdf?ver=lvOWn2vAMnRVGD5BmTQ6Ug%3d%3d">Saline County Commission meeting packet</a>.

1 mill fund for special road construction

ARC/commission/general courthouse/appropriations

By SALINA POSTSaline County Commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session only on Tuesday morning. The study session is scheduled to being at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107B of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The study session is reserved for discussion among commissioners on topics for which no action is currently proposed.The purpose of the study session is for commissioners to hear department budget presentations. Each presentation is estimated to take 10 minutes. Presentations include the following, according to the <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20220628%20Study%20Session%20Only.pdf?ver=lvOWn2vAMnRVGD5BmTQ6Ug%3d%3d">Saline County Commission meeting packet</a>.County attorneyEmergency managementSheriffDistrict CourtDepartment of Senior ServicesExpo/weedRoad and bridge1 mill fund for special road constructionDrug Court/pre-trialHealth DepartmentARC/commission/general courthouse/appropriationsEIPCIPTIP

Commissioners to hear department budget presentations

The Kansas wheat harvest is officially over halfway done, well ahead of the normal harvest pace, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service in the weekly Crop Progress and Condition report. 

USDA noted that 59 percent of the wheat crop was harvested as of June 26, compared to 37 percent last year and 40 percent for the five-year average. Statewide, the agency rated the wheat crop’s condition at 29 percent good to excellent, 32 percent fair and 29 percent poor to very poor.

Farmers around Salina attempted to get back into the field on Monday after Saline County received two inches of rain in the middle of last week. Jared Burch, a merchandiser with Hannebaum Grain, Inc., said area yields are not as great as last year, but test weights are staying steady at 59 to 60 pounds per bushel.

Burch noted the area received enough rain to get by with a decent crop, but not enough to call this year’s harvest a success. Protein is the name of the game as he talks with elevators and farmers from across the state as the crop rolls in. He said he is still watching and waiting for good harvest data from the northwest and southwest corners of the state where the harvest is still slowly progressing.

Speaking of the southwest, harvest was under a small rain delay in Finney County on Monday after not receiving adequate moisture for most of the growing season. Michael Wisner, vice president of grain for the Garden City Co-op, reported mixed results across the coop’s draw area, which extends south to Ulysses and then about 100 miles north to the Dighton/Shields area.

In the southern portion of the draw area, some farmers replanted fields to milo and others went ahead and cut fields yielding as low as five bushels an acre. Further north, where farmers received slightly more rainfall, yields are up to 40 to 50 bushels per acre. Proteins are also highly variable across the area, driven by farming practices, levels of inputs and the previous crop. Wisner expects the protein average for the elevator to come in around 12 percent.

Even with the variations, Wisner noted test weights have been “crazy high,” averaging 62 to 63 pounds per bushel and as high as 65 pounds per bushel. He attributed the heavy test weights to the weather pattern a month back that dropped a little rain and stayed overcast and cool for multiple days - all of which allowed kernels to fill.

With 80 percent of harvest complete, Wisner reported no issues with mycotoxins. He expects the area to wrap up harvest by the Fourth of July, earlier and more disappointing than normal.

Russell County will likely still be cutting after the holiday, although Jennifer Princ, manager of the Midway Coop Association, hopes area producers will be back in the field and knocking out a lot of acres this week. The Luray area in Russell County saw a large hailstorm last week that dumped four to five inches of rain in a short time. The hail was localized near town, but several fields had 20 to 40 percent hail damage.

Before the rain, Princ said she didn’t see a test weight below 60 pounds per bushel, mostly 61 to 65 pounds per bushel. But after the storms last week, test weights have fallen to 57 to 59.5 pounds per bushel.

Princ reported yields are averaging between 40 and 60 bushels per acre, with a few farmers reporting yields above 70 bushels per acre. Proteins are above average, but there is a range of good protein and low protein in the area.

“Yields, for the most part, are better than expected,” Princ said. “We were pretty dry for quite a while and farmers are pleasantly surprised with how it’s turning out.”

Chris Tanner, who farms in Norton County, is also happy with his harvest so far. He started cutting last Wednesday and with the help of his crew and his dad pitching in, he anticipates they will wrap up by next week and maybe two weeks left in the area.

“I’m about 25 percent done,” said Tanner. “My area got cranked up and really going yesterday, so everyone is in full swing starting today.”

Overall, Tanner thinks the conditions of the grain are good. Yields have varied for Tanner depending on where he was harvesting. His continuous crop yields are ranging from 20 to 30 bushels per acre and summer fallow ranging from 60 to 75 bushels per acre. Test weights have been ranging from 61 to 65 pounds per bushel with proteins averaging around 13 percent. A majority of his wheat crop is the Grainfield variety, with some Bob Dole planted as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656376855746.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatThe Kansas wheat harvest is officially over halfway done, well ahead of the normal harvest pace, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service in the weekly Crop Progress and Condition report. USDA noted that 59 percent of the wheat crop was harvested as of June 26, compared to 37 percent last year and 40 percent for the five-year average. Statewide, the agency rated the wheat crop’s condition at 29 percent good to excellent, 32 percent fair and 29 percent poor to very poor.Farmers around Salina attempted to get back into the field on Monday after Saline County received two inches of rain in the middle of last week. Jared Burch, a merchandiser with Hannebaum Grain, Inc., said area yields are not as great as last year, but test weights are staying steady at 59 to 60 pounds per bushel.Burch noted the area received enough rain to get by with a decent crop, but not enough to call this year’s harvest a success. Protein is the name of the game as he talks with elevators and farmers from across the state as the crop rolls in. He said he is still watching and waiting for good harvest data from the northwest and southwest corners of the state where the harvest is still slowly progressing.Speaking of the southwest, harvest was under a small rain delay in Finney County on Monday after not receiving adequate moisture for most of the growing season. Michael Wisner, vice president of grain for the Garden City Co-op, reported mixed results across the coop’s draw area, which extends south to Ulysses and then about 100 miles north to the Dighton/Shields area.In the southern portion of the draw area, some farmers replanted fields to milo and others went ahead and cut fields yielding as low as five bushels an acre. Further north, where farmers received slightly more rainfall, yields are up to 40 to 50 bushels per acre. Proteins are also highly variable across the area, driven by farming practices, levels of inputs and the previous crop. Wisner expects the protein average for the elevator to come in around 12 percent.Even with the variations, Wisner noted test weights have been “crazy high,” averaging 62 to 63 pounds per bushel and as high as 65 pounds per bushel. He attributed the heavy test weights to the weather pattern a month back that dropped a little rain and stayed overcast and cool for multiple days - all of which allowed kernels to fill.With 80 percent of harvest complete, Wisner reported no issues with mycotoxins. He expects the area to wrap up harvest by the Fourth of July, earlier and more disappointing than normal.Russell County will likely still be cutting after the holiday, although Jennifer Princ, manager of the Midway Coop Association, hopes area producers will be back in the field and knocking out a lot of acres this week. The Luray area in Russell County saw a large hailstorm last week that dumped four to five inches of rain in a short time. The hail was localized near town, but several fields had 20 to 40 percent hail damage.Before the rain, Princ said she didn’t see a test weight below 60 pounds per bushel, mostly 61 to 65 pounds per bushel. But after the storms last week, test weights have fallen to 57 to 59.5 pounds per bushel.Princ reported yields are averaging between 40 and 60 bushels per acre, with a few farmers reporting yields above 70 bushels per acre. Proteins are above average, but there is a range of good protein and low protein in the area.“Yields, for the most part, are better than expected,” Princ said. “We were pretty dry for quite a while and farmers are pleasantly surprised with how it’s turning out.”Chris Tanner, who farms in Norton County, is also happy with his harvest so far. He started cutting last Wednesday and with the help of his crew and his dad pitching in, he anticipates they will wrap up by next week and maybe two weeks left in the area.“I’m about 25 percent done,” said Tanner. “My area got cranked up and really going yesterday, so everyone is in full swing starting today.”Overall, Tanner thinks the conditions of the grain are good. Yields have varied for Tanner depending on where he was harvesting. His continuous crop yields are ranging from 20 to 30 bushels per acre and summer fallow ranging from 60 to 75 bushels per acre. Test weights have been ranging from 61 to 65 pounds per bushel with proteins averaging around 13 percent. A majority of his wheat crop is the Grainfield variety, with some Bob Dole planted as well.Compared to last year, Tanner noted they were in the field two weeks earlier. Yields this year are around 20 percent less than last year, driven by drought conditions throughout the growing season. Looking forward, his concerns mirror the rest of the state - watching increased fuel prices, input availability and an early harvest.The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JearJ4cAJFgTcxZr7AGQ9cF60kPHsUOLgTcstMmfH_d13nhgccezFZiub0yaWriTTrTrcYgNUUuJZP3vl3-gJ45BFxDZOTL9k6uj_tfNhd28trAjZU3KAh5pWOkQ-35RFUc2dOU8njmMFFarbBUs2WHG3cPG3SSE&amp;c=akmzECyUhdcKT6xc01woaMRzxKbeQuHl3rNSCWXgb7EocKK-WoQITg==&amp;ch=ssTqT52YQdUbwpR3IHpY-1f8Tl8yBP0JKJKgfUeqNuZAXWq0_q4SEg==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JearJ4cAJFgTcxZr7AGQ9cF60kPHsUOLgTcstMmfH_d13nhgccezFZdkGUd-6YPNvyeh7Rf7qPLQNzMLhyjjEV1b61-5TgJtSLOoNYF7MT2Po2NP7dzjYm09eLy85t9Atwnk6BDokqVgI5sJ_lDiE4DyuvxNiAQp&amp;c=akmzECyUhdcKT6xc01woaMRzxKbeQuHl3rNSCWXgb7EocKK-WoQITg==&amp;ch=ssTqT52YQdUbwpR3IHpY-1f8Tl8yBP0JKJKgfUeqNuZAXWq0_q4SEg==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JearJ4cAJFgTcxZr7AGQ9cF60kPHsUOLgTcstMmfH_d13nhgccezFQ8suXgUdwP9kgXj0R7TJuh2mUuwuDDviKJ2wAeeF-zD1_aeyFuFbECKlJ3Zr4SAZkKglFm7aIisqr5JqbJgmV-eGjUsNZC36eH-T677d4sz&amp;c=akmzECyUhdcKT6xc01woaMRzxKbeQuHl3rNSCWXgb7EocKK-WoQITg==&amp;ch=ssTqT52YQdUbwpR3IHpY-1f8Tl8yBP0JKJKgfUeqNuZAXWq0_q4SEg==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.