An unexpected overnight stop in Hays left an indelible mark
on 49 Winchester frontman Isaac Gibson.

The up-and-coming Virginia-based band with a unique sound
that incorporates rock 'n' roll, country, blues, bluegrass and soul, plays
tribute to that stop on their new album, "III," released earlier this month.

The band formed in 2013, right after Gibson, bass player
Chase Chafin and Bus Shelton graduated high school in what Gibson called a “little
bitty town in the coal field in southwest Virginia.”

Despite the rural location and lack of area musicians to
choose from he said.

“We had enough buddies that we could wrangle together and
jam some," he said.

Dillon Cridlin and Noah Patrick currently round out the group on
drums and steel guitar.

As time went on, the band began performing more original
songs and released its first album in 2014.

“That’s where it all started,” Gibson said. “Here it is just some high-school buddies that got a hankering
to play some music."

It wasn’t long before they were touring the East
Coast.

Another album was released, and the band began
receiving more attention with 2020 looking to be a big year with yet another album planned and a larger tour in the works.

But then COVID-19 put almost everything on hold.

“We had plans to branch out big time this spring and had a
lot of stuff on the books,” Gibson said.

Despite the setback, the band released its third album on
Oct. 1 and is promoting as much as possible.

“The live music industry is pretty severally hindered by
COVID, but we are getting out there as much as we can do responsibly,” Gibson
said. “We’re staying after it.”

The new album reflects the efforts of the band to craft
their unique sound.

“It was a big range of stuff,” Gibson said. “I think this is
a much more varied series of songs in terms of what they do emotionally for the
listener.”

While holding onto the diversity of sound, he said the album has a distinctly more county music feel than their previous ones. This is most noticeable on the
opening track “Long, Hard Life,” with its driving classic country tone set on
top of an almost funky drum beat and with an even more classic county song, “Why Else
Would I Call You?” 

But other tracks, like “The Road Home” and “You Never Did
Love Me” slow down and relish in long and slow steel guitar riffs that almost seem
to reflect the process of songwriting for Gibson.

“There is nothing that we do musically or lyrically either
one that can be rushed,” he said. “It’s not something that is forced it is
always sort of develops out of nowhere.” 

Outside of his songwriting, he credits the band’s sound to
having a diverse set of musicians that are empowered to incorporate styles of
music they enjoy into the arrangements, creating a bluesy, country rockabilly
mix that is hard to quantify.

“This one is definitely more of a country record than either
of the previous two, but somebody threw the term 'Appalachia soul' on us at one
point and that’s the one that stuck, more than anything. It’s not country music
and it’s not blues music and it’s not rock 'n' roll. “It’s not any of those
things and it is all of those things at the same time.”

That eclectic mix Gibson said comes from a diverse
collection of music styles scraped from a youth on the internet and YouTube,
and a desire to not emulate other bands.

“We never tried to sound like anybody,” he said. “You take
five guys that like five different sounds, five different types of music and
have five different backgrounds and you give them freedom to write their parts the
way they want to and you wind up with something that doesn’t sound like
(anybody else). I think that has been a big part of our success so far.”

He said growing up with the internet that allowed each of
them to discover a wide range of musical styles and led him to dive into old
blues and country music.

“That was a whole different level of inspiration that I had
never heard before and been exposed to in my life that really inspired me to
play and to write the way that I do now,” Gibson said.

“It’s a bittersweet connection to the town,” Gibson said
about his time in Hays, the namesake of the seventh track on their 49
Winchester’s newest album, III.

He said while promoting the album questions about the origins of the track “Hays,
Kansas” often comes up.

The slow swing beat with heavy electric and steel guitar backing
reflect his lyrical portrait of a town where one could escape from the tribulations of
life.

He said the inspiration for the song started with a road trip
to California in January with his girlfriend at the time and her grandparents.

“Halfway there, the van breaks down in this little town
called Hays, Kansas, and I’m like 'What the hell is Hays, Kansas? Where are we
at?' ” Gibson said.

Waiting for parts, the group stayed in town for the night,
but despite efforts to reconcile the fight continued into the next day.

“I had a train wreck of a night, a terrible night,” he said.
“We just had a terrible, terrible time.”

The song, he said, does not reflect exactly what happened but rather
served as the inspiration for the chorus.

And while the stop became a miserable experience, Gibson said he thought fondly of the town.

“Even though that place — when I think about it —– the first
thing that enters my mind is huge distress and a pretty traumatic couple of
days,” he said. “But, at the same time, it’s that perfect kind of place, tucked away out in the middle of nowhere. That is exactly the kind of place I
would run to, fly to and go towards when I have days like that anyway.”

Even half the country away from home, he said the town that
was&nbsp; completely unknown to him, still had an essence
of the familiar.

“The biggest part of it, I think, is that it reminded me of these
little towns back home,” he said.

It was different than most of the metropolitan cities that
made up the other stops on the trip.

“That little town — although I had a terrible night&nbsp;— it just
sort of felt like home,” he said.

<a href="https://49winchester.com/home">More about 49 Winchester, including songs from their latest
album III,&nbsp;can be found on their website 49Winchester.com</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/49winchester">The group is also active on facebook.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603393873446.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAn unexpected overnight stop in Hays left an indelible mark
on 49 Winchester frontman Isaac Gibson.The up-and-coming Virginia-based band with a unique sound
that incorporates rock 'n' roll, country, blues, bluegrass and soul, plays
tribute to that stop on their new album, "III," released earlier this month.The band formed in 2013, right after Gibson, bass player
Chase Chafin and Bus Shelton graduated high school in what Gibson called a “little
bitty town in the coal field in southwest Virginia.”Despite the rural location and lack of area musicians to
choose from he said.“We had enough buddies that we could wrangle together and
jam some," he said.Dillon Cridlin and Noah Patrick currently round out the group on
drums and steel guitar.As time went on, the band began performing more original
songs and released its first album in 2014.“That’s where it all started,” Gibson said. “Here it is just some high-school buddies that got a hankering
to play some music."It wasn’t long before they were touring the East
Coast.Another album was released, and the band began
receiving more attention with 2020 looking to be a big year with yet another album planned and a larger tour in the works.But then COVID-19 put almost everything on hold.“We had plans to branch out big time this spring and had a
lot of stuff on the books,” Gibson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603393712764.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite the setback, the band released its third album on
Oct. 1 and is promoting as much as possible.“The live music industry is pretty severally hindered by
COVID, but we are getting out there as much as we can do responsibly,” Gibson
said. “We’re staying after it.”The new album reflects the efforts of the band to craft
their unique sound.“It was a big range of stuff,” Gibson said. “I think this is
a much more varied series of songs in terms of what they do emotionally for the
listener.”While holding onto the diversity of sound, he said the album has a distinctly more county music feel than their previous ones. This is most noticeable on the
opening track “Long, Hard Life,” with its driving classic country tone set on
top of an almost funky drum beat and with an even more classic county song, “Why Else
Would I Call You?” But other tracks, like “The Road Home” and “You Never Did
Love Me” slow down and relish in long and slow steel guitar riffs that almost seem
to reflect the process of songwriting for Gibson.“There is nothing that we do musically or lyrically either
one that can be rushed,” he said. “It’s not something that is forced it is
always sort of develops out of nowhere.” Outside of his songwriting, he credits the band’s sound to
having a diverse set of musicians that are empowered to incorporate styles of
music they enjoy into the arrangements, creating a bluesy, country rockabilly
mix that is hard to quantify.“This one is definitely more of a country record than either
of the previous two, but somebody threw the term 'Appalachia soul' on us at one
point and that’s the one that stuck, more than anything. It’s not country music
and it’s not blues music and it’s not rock 'n' roll. “It’s not any of those
things and it is all of those things at the same time.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603393862130.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>That eclectic mix Gibson said comes from a diverse
collection of music styles scraped from a youth on the internet and YouTube,
and a desire to not emulate other bands.“We never tried to sound like anybody,” he said. “You take
five guys that like five different sounds, five different types of music and
have five different backgrounds and you give them freedom to write their parts the
way they want to and you wind up with something that doesn’t sound like
(anybody else). I think that has been a big part of our success so far.”He said growing up with the internet that allowed each of
them to discover a wide range of musical styles and led him to dive into old
blues and country music.“That was a whole different level of inspiration that I had
never heard before and been exposed to in my life that really inspired me to
play and to write the way that I do now,” Gibson said.<div><iframe width="350" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QjMcC0T74Jg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> *NOTE: Song is uncensored</div><h2>'Hays, Kansas'</h2>“It’s a bittersweet connection to the town,” Gibson said
about his time in Hays, the namesake of the seventh track on their 49
Winchester’s newest album, III.He said while promoting the album questions about the origins of the track “Hays,
Kansas” often comes up.The slow swing beat with heavy electric and steel guitar backing
reflect his lyrical portrait of a town where one could escape from the tribulations of
life.He said the inspiration for the song started with a road trip
to California in January with his girlfriend at the time and her grandparents.“Halfway there, the van breaks down in this little town
called Hays, Kansas, and I’m like 'What the hell is Hays, Kansas? Where are we
at?' ” Gibson said.Waiting for parts, the group stayed in town for the night,
but despite efforts to reconcile the fight continued into the next day.“I had a train wreck of a night, a terrible night,” he said.
“We just had a terrible, terrible time.”The song, he said, does not reflect exactly what happened but rather
served as the inspiration for the chorus.And while the stop became a miserable experience, Gibson said he thought fondly of the town.“Even though that place — when I think about it —– the first
thing that enters my mind is huge distress and a pretty traumatic couple of
days,” he said. “But, at the same time, it’s that perfect kind of place, tucked away out in the middle of nowhere. That is exactly the kind of place I
would run to, fly to and go towards when I have days like that anyway.”Even half the country away from home, he said the town that
was&nbsp; completely unknown to him, still had an essence
of the familiar.“The biggest part of it, I think, is that it reminded me of these
little towns back home,” he said.It was different than most of the metropolitan cities that
made up the other stops on the trip.“That little town — although I had a terrible night&nbsp;— it just
sort of felt like home,” he said.<a href="https://49winchester.com/home">More about 49 Winchester, including songs from their latest
album III,&nbsp;can be found on their website 49Winchester.com</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/49winchester">The group is also active on facebook.</a>

Impression of Hays captured on new album

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Recent obituaries

Oakley Boo at the Businesses Oct. 30

The Eagle Radio Online Auction continues through Oct. 25.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction">Click HERE to take a look at the deals and to bid!</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Eagle Radio Online Auction continues through Oct. 25.<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction">Click HERE to take a look at the deals and to bid!</a>

Eagle Radio Online Auction continues

The Fort Hays State University American Democracy Project provides numerous civic and political engagement activities that challenge and encourage students, faculty, staff, and community members to find their place and make a difference. FHSU ADP values the importance of presenting unbiased information to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

ADP’s “Let’s Civil Discourse” event is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and others to address and debate issues in a civil manner. It will also be a place where proper decorum as well as common ground building will happen and will be reminded of throughout the entirety of the session.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. 

It will be an online Zoom event. Register for the event here:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqdO6qqTwuHNRjb8_1RPWNTqbMUoEZZ4tU">https://fhsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqdO6qqTwuHNRjb8_1RPWNTqbMUoEZZ4tU </a>

Questions should be directed to Brad DeMers (adp@fhsu.edu).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602535081528.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Fort Hays State University American Democracy Project provides numerous civic and political engagement activities that challenge and encourage students, faculty, staff, and community members to find their place and make a difference. FHSU ADP values the importance of presenting unbiased information to students, faculty, staff, and community members.ADP’s “Let’s Civil Discourse” event is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and others to address and debate issues in a civil manner. It will also be a place where proper decorum as well as common ground building will happen and will be reminded of throughout the entirety of the session.The event will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. It will be an online Zoom event. Register for the event here:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqdO6qqTwuHNRjb8_1RPWNTqbMUoEZZ4tU">https://fhsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqdO6qqTwuHNRjb8_1RPWNTqbMUoEZZ4tU </a>Questions should be directed to Brad DeMers (adp@fhsu.edu).— Submitted

FHSU ADP to host civil discourse event October 27

KansasWorks virtual job fairs Oct. 27-29

Mutts & Monsters 5K Walk and Run for dogs and their humans

Hays Post and Eagle Radio are seeking nominations for Teacher of the Month for 2020-21!

Through April, Hays Post will solicit nominations from through the area from parents, students and colleagues. Nominate your favorite educator below:

Hays Post and Eagle Radio are seeking nominations for Teacher of the Month for 2020-21!Through April, Hays Post will solicit nominations from through the area from parents, students and colleagues. Nominate your favorite educator below:<div> <script src="https://embed-725546.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="d4e36d47-0910-4f42-8bf0-ceca0bd125d4" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>

Submit your nomination for Hays Post’s Teacher of the Month honor

COVID has canceled the annual Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive coordinated for move than two decades by Hays High School DECA. 

This annual activity, which mobilizes volunteers from many youth, Fort Hays State University, church, and civic organizations from across the community, benefits the Community Assistance Center.

 Even though we can’t go door-to-door, we can ask the members of our community to come to us with their food donations.

Collection sites open Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 a.m. until noon, will be both Dillons stores, Walmart, Genuine Appliance and the Community Assistance Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603210386700.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COVID has canceled the annual Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive coordinated for move than two decades by Hays High School DECA. This annual activity, which mobilizes volunteers from many youth, Fort Hays State University, church, and civic organizations from across the community, benefits the Community Assistance Center. Even though we can’t go door-to-door, we can ask the members of our community to come to us with their food donations.Collection sites open Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 a.m. until noon, will be both Dillons stores, Walmart, Genuine Appliance and the Community Assistance Center.

HHS DECA drive-by Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive Saturday morning

ABILENE - The next Lunch &amp; Learn program with the Eisenhower Museum and Library is Thursday, October 22 at noon central time. The virtual program will begin right at noon, so please sign in 10 minutes early.

Learn more about the "Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote" exhibit at the National Archives Museum. Learn directly from Curator Corinne Porter how this exhibit was curated using holdings from the archives and tells the story of women getting the right to vote. 

This exhibit is part of the 19th Amendment Centennial Commemoration.

The National Archives houses a wealth of records and information documenting the women's rights movement in the United Sates. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001r1Z_lmbIJMhYk_0m8BJh5QfMpMUDWkyBqvHbr1xYerg6hiZzbsjdI1wOor8N5Sb92A5P2zCVAiUKCETd7EScpsJKNusq4R_ENut_Vs9tbROis_Em-66jPrAGeB_hQagbWpPZmv_NTGuWycyOORoldw==&amp;c=tBer2NlaTcM02Xxcq86Qo66TaZyc1ioF5GpNyvFmG7G1mZc8iCmA_w==&amp;ch=tZPIUmKR8fprjjy2j6HEwBrYlufT0WOhzuMwrlwvU0Qo2SgPRKNCOQ==" target="_blank">www.archives.gov/women</a>to learn more. JOIN US ONLINE:

Google Meet URL:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001r1Z_lmbIJMhYk_0m8BJh5QfMpMUDWkyBqvHbr1xYerg6hiZzbsjdI0jB452SK_8KWp-jguY2l6A1PaPjRVQeYLgazUNc0sgpnDrpAZ6SPD4FXmXbBAeJUu-n1oi5N58eOPzIDKg7drEuDVA4wlpSQSkxbqsY_Bxu&amp;c=tBer2NlaTcM02Xxcq86Qo66TaZyc1ioF5GpNyvFmG7G1mZc8iCmA_w==&amp;ch=tZPIUmKR8fprjjy2j6HEwBrYlufT0WOhzuMwrlwvU0Qo2SgPRKNCOQ==" target="_blank">meet.google.com/nfb-yjkm-sun</a> Telephone: 617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪511 045 556 7306#) Please join 10 minutes early so the program may begin on time.

The 2020&nbsp;Lunch &amp; Learn&nbsp;series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation and the Union Pacific Foundation.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603209795440.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE - The next Lunch &amp; Learn program with the Eisenhower Museum and Library is Thursday, October 22 at noon central time. The virtual program will begin right at noon, so please sign in 10 minutes early.Learn more about the "Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote" exhibit at the National Archives Museum. Learn directly from Curator Corinne Porter how this exhibit was curated using holdings from the archives and tells the story of women getting the right to vote. This exhibit is part of the 19th Amendment Centennial Commemoration.The National Archives houses a wealth of records and information documenting the women's rights movement in the United Sates. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001r1Z_lmbIJMhYk_0m8BJh5QfMpMUDWkyBqvHbr1xYerg6hiZzbsjdI1wOor8N5Sb92A5P2zCVAiUKCETd7EScpsJKNusq4R_ENut_Vs9tbROis_Em-66jPrAGeB_hQagbWpPZmv_NTGuWycyOORoldw==&amp;c=tBer2NlaTcM02Xxcq86Qo66TaZyc1ioF5GpNyvFmG7G1mZc8iCmA_w==&amp;ch=tZPIUmKR8fprjjy2j6HEwBrYlufT0WOhzuMwrlwvU0Qo2SgPRKNCOQ==" target="_blank">www.archives.gov/women</a>to learn more. JOIN US ONLINE:Google Meet URL:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001r1Z_lmbIJMhYk_0m8BJh5QfMpMUDWkyBqvHbr1xYerg6hiZzbsjdI0jB452SK_8KWp-jguY2l6A1PaPjRVQeYLgazUNc0sgpnDrpAZ6SPD4FXmXbBAeJUu-n1oi5N58eOPzIDKg7drEuDVA4wlpSQSkxbqsY_Bxu&amp;c=tBer2NlaTcM02Xxcq86Qo66TaZyc1ioF5GpNyvFmG7G1mZc8iCmA_w==&amp;ch=tZPIUmKR8fprjjy2j6HEwBrYlufT0WOhzuMwrlwvU0Qo2SgPRKNCOQ==" target="_blank">meet.google.com/nfb-yjkm-sun</a> Telephone: 617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪511 045 556 7306#) Please join 10 minutes early so the program may begin on time. The 2020&nbsp;Lunch &amp; Learn&nbsp;series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation and the Union Pacific Foundation.

Virtual Lunch & Learn 'Rightfully Hers' with Eisenhower Library and Museum

Donations being accepted for annual Coat Drive on Nov. 7

OSBORNE COUNTY —One person was injured just before 11a.m. Saturday in Osborne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Dodge Ram driven by&nbsp;Becker, Emilie L. Becker, 16, Downs, was southbound on U.S. 281 six miles north of Luray.

The pickup's wheel dropped off road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle crossed over all lanes of traffic, entered west ditch and rolled.

EMS transported Becker to the hospital in Osborne. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

OSBORNE COUNTY —One person was injured just before 11a.m. Saturday in Osborne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Dodge Ram driven by&nbsp;Becker, Emilie L. Becker, 16, Downs, was southbound on U.S. 281 six miles north of Luray.The pickup's wheel dropped off road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle crossed over all lanes of traffic, entered west ditch and rolled.EMS transported Becker to the hospital in Osborne. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen hospitalized after pickup rolls 

TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Steve Johnson to serve as chief judge of the 20th Judicial District effective Jan. 11 through Dec. 31, 2021.

Johnson succeeds Chief Judge Mike Keeley, who will retire in January. Keeley has served as chief judge since 2004.

The 20th Judicial District is composed of Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Stafford counties.

“We appreciate that Judge Johnson is willing to take on the additional responsibilities of chief judge and provide continuity in capable leadership in the 20th Judicial District,” said Marla Luckert, chief justice of the Supreme Court. “We look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”

Johnson was elected district judge in 2012.

"I have enjoyed the challenges of being a district judge the past eight years and look forward to the additional responsibilities as chief judge," Johnson said. "I hope to continue the long tradition of the 20th Judicial District, alongside our other judges and dedicated employees, of providing those who come before us with the fairness and dignity they deserve."

Johnson grew up on a small farm in Gove County and graduated from Healy High School, Fort Hays State University and Washburn University School of Law. He was in private practice in Great Bend from 1985 to 2012.

Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to his or her judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603569768285.jpeg" alt="Judge Steve Johnson " />
 <figcaption>Judge Steve Johnson </figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Judicial AdministrationTOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Steve Johnson to serve as chief judge of the 20th Judicial District effective Jan. 11 through Dec. 31, 2021.Johnson succeeds Chief Judge Mike Keeley, who will retire in January. Keeley has served as chief judge since 2004.The 20th Judicial District is composed of Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Stafford counties.“We appreciate that Judge Johnson is willing to take on the additional responsibilities of chief judge and provide continuity in capable leadership in the 20th Judicial District,” said Marla Luckert, chief justice of the Supreme Court. “We look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”Johnson was elected district judge in 2012."I have enjoyed the challenges of being a district judge the past eight years and look forward to the additional responsibilities as chief judge," Johnson said. "I hope to continue the long tradition of the 20th Judicial District, alongside our other judges and dedicated employees, of providing those who come before us with the fairness and dignity they deserve."Johnson grew up on a small farm in Gove County and graduated from Healy High School, Fort Hays State University and Washburn University School of Law. He was in private practice in Great Bend from 1985 to 2012.Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to his or her judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

NW Kan. native, FHSU grad named chief judge of 21st District

COVID-19 cuts traffic density, allowing risk takers to push safety limits

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/23/kansas-highway-fatality-rate-surges-despite-fewer-miles-traveled-in-2020/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The rate of 
traffic fatalities on Kansas highways surged in the first nine months of
 2020 despite dramatic reduction in miles traveled because of temporary 
stay-at-home mandates and ongoing health concerns of the COVID-19 
pandemic, officials said Thursday.

The number of vehicle 
miles traveled on Kansas highways from January through September 
plummeted 10.2% compared to the same period in 2019. But the fatality 
rate per 100 million miles traveled in Kansas increased during the 
nine-month period, escalating to 1.52 in 2020 from 1.29 in 2019.

“Vehicle miles traveled is
 going down, yet fatalities are going up,” said Chris Herrick, director 
of planning and development at the Kansas Department of Transportation. 
“Everybody is trying to get their hands and arms wrapped around why is 
vehicle miles traveled going down and fatality rates increasing.”

He said the primary 
culprit appeared to be motorists taking advantage of highways less 
densely packed with cars and trucks to drive at excessive speeds. He 
said some pushed the envelope by accelerating beyond 100 mph on Kansas 
roadways posted with limits that range from 55 mph on two-lane highways 
to 75 mph on stretches of turnpike and freeway.

“Speed kills. The faster 
you go, the more force there is and when you do get in a wreck, the 
worse the wreck is,” Herrick said. “The risky-behavior people are out 
and about, and they are the ones more likely to speed. You have less 
traffic on the roads, so you have more ability to speed.”

The total number of Kansas
 highway traffic fatalities — not just the rate — increased during the 
March to September months in which COVID-19 has imposed the greatest 
impact on residents of the state. KDOT said there were 258 deaths on 
highways in Kansas during those seven months of 2020, an increase from 
254 during that same period in 2019.

That 1.6% increase in 
Kansas traffic deaths occurred despite significant reduction in vehicle 
miles covered during those seven months. Comparing 2020 to 2019, KDOT 
officials said, vehicle miles driven in Kansas was down by 13.5% in 
March, 36.7% in April, 19.5% in May, 9.7% in June, 7.3% in July, 4.7% in
 August and 4.8% in September.

The National Safety 
Council’s estimate based on the first six months of 2020 data from all 
50 states indicated there was a 20% jump in the U.S. death rate, which 
is a key indicator of how safely drivers used the roadways. The shift 
between January and June 2020, compared to the same six-month period in 
2019, represented the highest surge for a six-month period since 1999, 
NSC said.

NSC, a nonproft 
organization dedicated to reducing the number of preventable deaths and 
injuries, said the national increase in fatalities came despite a 17% 
drop in the number of miles driven between January and June. The total 
number of U.S. deaths was up 1% from the six-month total in 2019.

“Because of COVID-19 and 
states’ shelter-in-place orders earlier this year, the country should 
have reaped a safety benefit from less traffic,” said Lorraine Martin, 
NSC’s president and chief executive officer. “Instead, our soaring rate 
of deaths speaks to our need to improve safety on our roads. Clearly, we
 must work harder as a society to reverse this trend, especially since 
the pandemic is not nearly over.”

In June, when many states 
ended three straight months of quarantine, the number of miles driven 
remained 13% lower than the previous year, but both the fatality rates 
and the overall number of deaths skyrocketed in the United States.

The number of deaths was up 17% in June, NSC said, while the rate of death per 100 million miles driven jumped 34.4%.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603569396642.png" alt="The Kansas Department of Transportation reports the rate of traffic fatalities in Kanssa increased from January throuugh September 2020 compared to the first nine months of 2019, despite a 10.2% reduction in highway miles traveled in the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Department of Transportation reports the rate of traffic fatalities in Kanssa increased from January throuugh September 2020 compared to the first nine months of 2019, despite a 10.2% reduction in highway miles traveled in the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>COVID-19 cuts traffic density, allowing risk takers to push safety limits</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/23/kansas-highway-fatality-rate-surges-despite-fewer-miles-traveled-in-2020/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The rate of 
traffic fatalities on Kansas highways surged in the first nine months of
 2020 despite dramatic reduction in miles traveled because of temporary 
stay-at-home mandates and ongoing health concerns of the COVID-19 
pandemic, officials said Thursday.The number of vehicle 
miles traveled on Kansas highways from January through September 
plummeted 10.2% compared to the same period in 2019. But the fatality 
rate per 100 million miles traveled in Kansas increased during the 
nine-month period, escalating to 1.52 in 2020 from 1.29 in 2019.“Vehicle miles traveled is
 going down, yet fatalities are going up,” said Chris Herrick, director 
of planning and development at the Kansas Department of Transportation. 
“Everybody is trying to get their hands and arms wrapped around why is 
vehicle miles traveled going down and fatality rates increasing.”He said the primary 
culprit appeared to be motorists taking advantage of highways less 
densely packed with cars and trucks to drive at excessive speeds. He 
said some pushed the envelope by accelerating beyond 100 mph on Kansas 
roadways posted with limits that range from 55 mph on two-lane highways 
to 75 mph on stretches of turnpike and freeway.“Speed kills. The faster 
you go, the more force there is and when you do get in a wreck, the 
worse the wreck is,” Herrick said. “The risky-behavior people are out 
and about, and they are the ones more likely to speed. You have less 
traffic on the roads, so you have more ability to speed.”The total number of Kansas
 highway traffic fatalities — not just the rate — increased during the 
March to September months in which COVID-19 has imposed the greatest 
impact on residents of the state. KDOT said there were 258 deaths on 
highways in Kansas during those seven months of 2020, an increase from 
254 during that same period in 2019.That 1.6% increase in 
Kansas traffic deaths occurred despite significant reduction in vehicle 
miles covered during those seven months. Comparing 2020 to 2019, KDOT 
officials said, vehicle miles driven in Kansas was down by 13.5% in 
March, 36.7% in April, 19.5% in May, 9.7% in June, 7.3% in July, 4.7% in
 August and 4.8% in September.The National Safety 
Council’s estimate based on the first six months of 2020 data from all 
50 states indicated there was a 20% jump in the U.S. death rate, which 
is a key indicator of how safely drivers used the roadways. The shift 
between January and June 2020, compared to the same six-month period in 
2019, represented the highest surge for a six-month period since 1999, 
NSC said.NSC, a nonproft 
organization dedicated to reducing the number of preventable deaths and 
injuries, said the national increase in fatalities came despite a 17% 
drop in the number of miles driven between January and June. The total 
number of U.S. deaths was up 1% from the six-month total in 2019.“Because of COVID-19 and 
states’ shelter-in-place orders earlier this year, the country should 
have reaped a safety benefit from less traffic,” said Lorraine Martin, 
NSC’s president and chief executive officer. “Instead, our soaring rate 
of deaths speaks to our need to improve safety on our roads. Clearly, we
 must work harder as a society to reverse this trend, especially since 
the pandemic is not nearly over.”In June, when many states 
ended three straight months of quarantine, the number of miles driven 
remained 13% lower than the previous year, but both the fatality rates 
and the overall number of deaths skyrocketed in the United States.The number of deaths was up 17% in June, NSC said, while the rate of death per 100 million miles driven jumped 34.4%.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Kan. highway fatality rate surges despite fewer miles traveled in 2020

THOMAS COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8a.m. Saturday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Focus driven by Kendy S. Rubio-Gomez, 24, Selden, was eastbound on US highway 24 eleven miles east of Colby.

The car crossed westbound traffic, traveled off the roadway to the left entered into north ditch, struck a field road, went airborne the rolled and the driver was ejected. The car came to rest on the passengers side in a corn field.

EMS transported Rubio-Gomez to Citizen's Medical Center. The safety restraint was not worn properly, according to the KHP. She was only using the lap belt.

THOMAS COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8a.m. Saturday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Focus driven by Kendy S. Rubio-Gomez, 24, Selden, was eastbound on US highway 24 eleven miles east of Colby.The car crossed westbound traffic, traveled off the roadway to the left entered into north ditch, struck a field road, went airborne the rolled and the driver was ejected. The car came to rest on the passengers side in a corn field.EMS transported Rubio-Gomez to Citizen's Medical Center. The safety restraint was not worn properly, according to the KHP. She was only using the lap belt.

NW Kansas woman dies after being ejected in crash

Efforts being made to bring large COVID outbreak under control

By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County Review

With Norton County in northwest Kansas in the midst of having the largest per capita outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States, state health and government authorities are scrambling to bring it under control there. As the disease continues spreading rapidly through the prisoner population at Norton Correction Facility, inmate evacuations are currently underway, with dozens being transported out of the pandemic zone to relative safety at Lansing Prison on Friday, where they are being placed in quarantine. The number of positive cases at the Norton prison increased from 108 on Monday to over 200 on Wednesday, and on past 300 on Friday, presently affecting close to half of the facility’s population. With over 200 new cases this week in the prison alone, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment listing just 77 throughout the county for the same time frame in its reporting by age groups, in response to a query from the&nbsp;Phillips County Review&nbsp;KDHE spokesman Kristi Zears advised the Review Friday night, “with the large increase in a short period of time, there is an expected lag time to when a case is identified and when it may be associated with a cluster.” In explaining KDHE efforts to tie the NCF cases as being related to one another, Zears continued, “In terms for the number of cases associated with an outbreak, cases are associated or linked to a particular location through public health investigations. After public health is notified about a case, case investigators interview the case and through the interview process may determine that the case was associated with a particular cluster.” In addition to the outbreak at NCF, Andbe Home — a Norton retirement facility for the aged — made nationwide news when it was reported five days ago all 62&nbsp; residents there had contracted&nbsp; the disease, with 10 of them dying. Another 12 Andbe Home staff members and others associated with the facility have also contracted the disease. In response to the Andbe outbreak, the&nbsp;Review&nbsp;has contacted the Kansas governor’s office and inquired regarding what was being done to assist in Norton. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman Lauren Fitzgerald responded by stating, “After being informed of the COVID-19 outbreak at the nursing home facility in Norton [last] Saturday, Gov. Kelly immediately directed the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to provide resources to the county to help mitigate the outbreak.&nbsp; Since then, the state has provided personal protective equipment, test kits, ventilators, Remdesivir and other additional resources. KDHE has been in regular communication with the Norton County Health Department and Norton County Hospital to help provide guidance and coordinate the response to prevent any further outbreak. “Gov. Kelly remains concerned about the rising rates of COVID-19 in rural Kansas communities, and strongly encourages counties to adopt her order mandating that residents wear protective masks whenever they are in public and unable to social distance.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603550162306.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Efforts being made to bring large COVID outbreak under control</h2>By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County ReviewWith Norton County in northwest Kansas in the midst of having the largest per capita outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States, state health and government authorities are scrambling to bring it under control there. As the disease continues spreading rapidly through the prisoner population at Norton Correction Facility, inmate evacuations are currently underway, with dozens being transported out of the pandemic zone to relative safety at Lansing Prison on Friday, where they are being placed in quarantine. The number of positive cases at the Norton prison increased from 108 on Monday to over 200 on Wednesday, and on past 300 on Friday, presently affecting close to half of the facility’s population. With over 200 new cases this week in the prison alone, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment listing just 77 throughout the county for the same time frame in its reporting by age groups, in response to a query from the&nbsp;Phillips County Review&nbsp;KDHE spokesman Kristi Zears advised the Review Friday night, “with the large increase in a short period of time, there is an expected lag time to when a case is identified and when it may be associated with a cluster.” In explaining KDHE efforts to tie the NCF cases as being related to one another, Zears continued, “In terms for the number of cases associated with an outbreak, cases are associated or linked to a particular location through public health investigations. After public health is notified about a case, case investigators interview the case and through the interview process may determine that the case was associated with a particular cluster.” In addition to the outbreak at NCF, Andbe Home — a Norton retirement facility for the aged — made nationwide news when it was reported five days ago all 62&nbsp; residents there had contracted&nbsp; the disease, with 10 of them dying. Another 12 Andbe Home staff members and others associated with the facility have also contracted the disease. In response to the Andbe outbreak, the&nbsp;Review&nbsp;has contacted the Kansas governor’s office and inquired regarding what was being done to assist in Norton. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman Lauren Fitzgerald responded by stating, “After being informed of the COVID-19 outbreak at the nursing home facility in Norton [last] Saturday, Gov. Kelly immediately directed the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to provide resources to the county to help mitigate the outbreak.&nbsp; Since then, the state has provided personal protective equipment, test kits, ventilators, Remdesivir and other additional resources. KDHE has been in regular communication with the Norton County Health Department and Norton County Hospital to help provide guidance and coordinate the response to prevent any further outbreak. “Gov. Kelly remains concerned about the rising rates of COVID-19 in rural Kansas communities, and strongly encourages counties to adopt her order mandating that residents wear protective masks whenever they are in public and unable to social distance.”

REVIEW: Inmate evacuations underway at Norton prison

MANHATTAN — Two Kansas State University students are winners in a video competition offered at the College of Business Administration's Inclusion Summit on Oct. 21. The summit, conducted virtually, was sponsored by the college, Union Pacific Railroad and the K-State Student Governing Association. K-State students and organizations were invited to submit a 60-second video on what inclusion means to them. Earning first place and the $1,000 top prize was Richard Gutierrez, a senior in educational studies,&nbsp;Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Ross Henderson, senior in human resource management and management information systems,&nbsp;Hays, won third place and a $575 prize. Second place, worth $800, was won by the Staley School of Leadership Studies Ambassadors.

Winning videos can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://cba.k-state.edu/about/inclusion-summit.html">cba.k-state.edu/about/inclusion-summit.html</a>.&nbsp;

K-State NewsMANHATTAN — Two Kansas State University students are winners in a video competition offered at the College of Business Administration's Inclusion Summit on Oct. 21. The summit, conducted virtually, was sponsored by the college, Union Pacific Railroad and the K-State Student Governing Association. K-State students and organizations were invited to submit a 60-second video on what inclusion means to them. Earning first place and the $1,000 top prize was Richard Gutierrez, a senior in educational studies,&nbsp;Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Ross Henderson, senior in human resource management and management information systems,&nbsp;Hays, won third place and a $575 prize. Second place, worth $800, was won by the Staley School of Leadership Studies Ambassadors.Winning videos can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://cba.k-state.edu/about/inclusion-summit.html">cba.k-state.edu/about/inclusion-summit.html</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LE0dEKAAFJk"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Ross Henderson's submission for the Inclusion Summit 2020 video competition.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Hays student earns prize in K-State video competition

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas announced this week the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised more than $15,000.&nbsp; 

The money will go toward new cabinets for one of its group homes located in Hays. The four-person scramble tournament was held Sept. 25 at the Ellis Golf Club.&nbsp; 

"DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success," the organization said in a news release.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DSNWK serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas announced this week the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised more than $15,000.&nbsp; The money will go toward new cabinets for one of its group homes located in Hays. The four-person scramble tournament was held Sept. 25 at the Ellis Golf Club.&nbsp; "DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success," the organization said in a news release.&nbsp;&nbsp;DSNWK serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.— Submitted

 Golf tournament raises funds for new cabinets in group home

Since the 2000 electoral mess, Republicans have advocated increased restrictions on voting.&nbsp;&nbsp;No official has been more vocal about this than former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach.&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, led by President Trump, Republicans are sounding the alarm about possible fraud, given the large number of mail-in and absentee ballots.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats counter that Republican attempts to crack down are not based on fraud but rather suppression.&nbsp;&nbsp;They see an attempt to stop people from voting — specifically, people who tend to vote Democratic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Documented cases of fraud are exceedingly rare.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, Justin Levitt of Loyola-Marymount Law School found that that heavily-investigated elections had&nbsp;fraud rates between 0.0003 and 0.0025% — absolutely miniscule numbers. Here in Kansas, Kobach’s eight-year quest to root out fraud generated fewer than 20 prosecutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not one of this tiny number had knowingly committed fraud, none were illegal immigrants, and several were Republicans.

Democratic alarms about voter suppression may be exaggerations too.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a forthcoming book, my colleagues and I find that in general, suppressive voting laws like photo ID and proof of citizenship (the latter now unenforceable due to court rulings) lower voter turnout by roughly 2% — more in some cases, less in others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Republican voters are as likely to be turned away as Democrats.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rancor is based on a presumption that higher voter turnout benefits Democrats, while lower turnout benefits Republicans, and it just is not true.&nbsp;&nbsp;The same holds for measures to increase turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;A team of researchers from Stanford University recently studied states holding their elections by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their&nbsp;review of California, Washington state and Utah&nbsp;found that turnout increased by about 2%. Neither party benefitted from this increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The notable exception to this trend is felony disenfranchisement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Found mostly in the South, strict laws prohibiting those with a felony history from voting again lower both turnout and Democratic vote share, primarily due to their disproportionate impact on African-Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kansas, those who complete their sentences (including completion of parole and probation) can restore their voting rights, but many never do because of misunderstanding or fear of prosecution.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most felony pleas and convictions are for nonviolent offenses.

What are the key things to watch in 2020?&nbsp;&nbsp;First, most ballots are received and counted by the counties.&nbsp;Their ability to process the ballots is critical.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some areas, particularly urban counties in other states have a long, difficult history of poorly managed elections and outdated voter rolls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recent controversies regarding voting drop boxes in Wyandotte County raise concerns here, but plans are now in the works for additional drop boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, these counties need to be careful to count every eligible ballot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the long delay in counting ballots in battleground states means that we may need to be patient, given the lack of uniform applications of state law and procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, many states have laws that prevent counting mail-in votes until after polls close, which will produce significant delays. Likewise, the post-election day grace periods for mail-in ballots being received vary from state to state, with Kansas allowing three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can help by casting your ballot as soon as possible.

Next time, Kansans should look west.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colorado has become a national benchmark for fair, rigorous, bipartisan, carefully monitored elections, conducted by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas and most other states need to catch up.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, the primary concern this year is ballots being rejected due to minor technicalities or clerical error.&nbsp;&nbsp;Evidence for fraud is minimal to nonexistent.&nbsp;

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579108824567.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Since the 2000 electoral mess, Republicans have advocated increased restrictions on voting.&nbsp;&nbsp;No official has been more vocal about this than former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach.&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, led by President Trump, Republicans are sounding the alarm about possible fraud, given the large number of mail-in and absentee ballots.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats counter that Republican attempts to crack down are not based on fraud but rather suppression.&nbsp;&nbsp;They see an attempt to stop people from voting — specifically, people who tend to vote Democratic.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who’s right and why?&nbsp;Documented cases of fraud are exceedingly rare.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, Justin Levitt of Loyola-Marymount Law School found that that heavily-investigated elections had&nbsp;fraud rates between 0.0003 and 0.0025% — absolutely miniscule numbers. Here in Kansas, Kobach’s eight-year quest to root out fraud generated fewer than 20 prosecutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not one of this tiny number had knowingly committed fraud, none were illegal immigrants, and several were Republicans.Democratic alarms about voter suppression may be exaggerations too.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a forthcoming book, my colleagues and I find that in general, suppressive voting laws like photo ID and proof of citizenship (the latter now unenforceable due to court rulings) lower voter turnout by roughly 2% — more in some cases, less in others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Republican voters are as likely to be turned away as Democrats.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rancor is based on a presumption that higher voter turnout benefits Democrats, while lower turnout benefits Republicans, and it just is not true.&nbsp;&nbsp;The same holds for measures to increase turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;A team of researchers from Stanford University recently studied states holding their elections by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their&nbsp;review of California, Washington state and Utah&nbsp;found that turnout increased by about 2%. Neither party benefitted from this increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;The notable exception to this trend is felony disenfranchisement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Found mostly in the South, strict laws prohibiting those with a felony history from voting again lower both turnout and Democratic vote share, primarily due to their disproportionate impact on African-Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kansas, those who complete their sentences (including completion of parole and probation) can restore their voting rights, but many never do because of misunderstanding or fear of prosecution.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most felony pleas and convictions are for nonviolent offenses.What are the key things to watch in 2020?&nbsp;&nbsp;First, most ballots are received and counted by the counties.&nbsp;Their ability to process the ballots is critical.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some areas, particularly urban counties in other states have a long, difficult history of poorly managed elections and outdated voter rolls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recent controversies regarding voting drop boxes in Wyandotte County raise concerns here, but plans are now in the works for additional drop boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, these counties need to be careful to count every eligible ballot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the long delay in counting ballots in battleground states means that we may need to be patient, given the lack of uniform applications of state law and procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, many states have laws that prevent counting mail-in votes until after polls close, which will produce significant delays. Likewise, the post-election day grace periods for mail-in ballots being received vary from state to state, with Kansas allowing three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can help by casting your ballot as soon as possible.Next time, Kansans should look west.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colorado has become a national benchmark for fair, rigorous, bipartisan, carefully monitored elections, conducted by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas and most other states need to catch up.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, the primary concern this year is ballots being rejected due to minor technicalities or clerical error.&nbsp;&nbsp;Evidence for fraud is minimal to nonexistent.&nbsp;Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Voter fraud, voter suppression or neither?

Three-day weather outlook

STOCKTON – The Victoria volleyball team defeated Thunder
Ridge 25-16, 26-24 to win the Stockton 1A Division I Sub-State Saturday and advance to
Tuesday’s state quarterfinals.

The sixth-ranked Knights received a first-round bye then defeated Decatur Community 25-15,
25-13 in the semifinals.

The Knights (26-5) will play league rival Central Plains in the state quarterfinals Tuesday in Claflin. The Oilers (27-11) defeated top-seed and host Sylvan-Lucas 22-25, 25-12, 25-18 to advance.

STOCKTON – The Victoria volleyball team defeated Thunder
Ridge 25-16, 26-24 to win the Stockton 1A Division I Sub-State Saturday and advance to
Tuesday’s state quarterfinals.The sixth-ranked Knights received a first-round bye then defeated Decatur Community 25-15,
25-13 in the semifinals.The Knights (26-5) will play league rival Central Plains in the state quarterfinals Tuesday in Claflin. The Oilers (27-11) defeated top-seed and host Sylvan-Lucas 22-25, 25-12, 25-18 to advance.

🏐 Victoria wins sub-state title

RUSSELL - &nbsp;The TMP-Marian
volleyball team upended top-seeded Phillipsburg to win the Russell 3A Sub-State
and advance to next week's state quarterfinals.

The Monarchs (30-7) defeated the seventh-ranked Panthers
25-19, 25-20. They will host Goodland Tuesday at 6:00 pm at Al Billinger
Fieldhouse. The Cowgirls were the No. 1 seed and won the Scott City Sub-State.

The winner advances to the four-team 3A state tournament Friday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

The Monarchs beat Russell 25-11, 25-17 in the opening round then avenged their loss in last year's sub-state finals to Beloit with a 25-23, 25-21 win over the Trojans in the semifinals.

RUSSELL - &nbsp;The TMP-Marian
volleyball team upended top-seeded Phillipsburg to win the Russell 3A Sub-State
and advance to next week's state quarterfinals.The Monarchs (30-7) defeated the seventh-ranked Panthers
25-19, 25-20. They will host Goodland Tuesday at 6:00 pm at Al Billinger
Fieldhouse. The Cowgirls were the No. 1 seed and won the Scott City Sub-State.The winner advances to the four-team 3A state tournament Friday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.The Monarchs beat Russell 25-11, 25-17 in the opening round then avenged their loss in last year's sub-state finals to Beloit with a 25-23, 25-21 win over the Trojans in the semifinals.

🏐 TMP-Marian headed to state quarterfinals

NORTON – The TMP-Marian girls’ cross country team had five
runners finish in the top-20 and won the won the Norton 3A Regional Saturday at
the Prairie Dog Golf Course in Norton.

The regional championship qualifies the Monarchs for next Saturday’s 3A State Cross
Country Meet in Wamego. 

The Monarchs scored 26 points, three less than second place Norton.

Sophomore Sophia Allen led the Monarchs with a time of 21:26.24 and placed seventh. Senior Abby Rueschhoff placed ninth (21:47.02), senior Kyleigh Allen
12th (22:15.94), freshman Allison Weber 13th (22:16.15) and sophomore Julianna
Baalmann 18th (22:58.62).

The Monarch boys finished third, 47 points behind second place Minneapolis.

Only the top two teams and top 10 individuals qualify for state.

TMP-Marian sophomore Braydon Binder finished 15th with a
time of 19:21.51. Monarch freshman Caden Becker finished 20th with a time of
19:43.76.

TMP-Marian Girls Results 9th place, Abby Rueschhoff, senior (21:47.02) 12th placer, Kyleigh Allen, senior (22:15.94) 13th place, Allison Weber, freshman (22:16.15) 18th place, Julianna Baalmann, sophomore (22:58.62) 26th place, Whitney Befort, junior (25:01.99) 28th place, Kadrian Ayarza, sophomore (25:09.31)

TMP-Marian Boys Results 15th place, Braydon Binder, sopohomore (19:21.51) 20th place, Caden Becker, freshman (19:43.76) 26th place, Mario Valencia, freshman (20:18.46) 32nd place, Nathan Stecklein, freshman (21:38.22) 38th place, Seamus Holmes, sophomore (22:21.99) &nbsp;42nd place, Jacob Heimerman, freshman (22:40.67)&nbsp; 45th place, Connor Hilger, sophomore (23:44.70)

NORTON – The TMP-Marian girls’ cross country team had five
runners finish in the top-20 and won the won the Norton 3A Regional Saturday at
the Prairie Dog Golf Course in Norton.The regional championship qualifies the Monarchs for next Saturday’s 3A State Cross
Country Meet in Wamego. The Monarchs scored 26 points, three less than second place Norton.Sophomore Sophia Allen led the Monarchs with a time of 21:26.24 and placed seventh. Senior Abby Rueschhoff placed ninth (21:47.02), senior Kyleigh Allen
12th (22:15.94), freshman Allison Weber 13th (22:16.15) and sophomore Julianna
Baalmann 18th (22:58.62).The Monarch boys finished third, 47 points behind second place Minneapolis.Only the top two teams and top 10 individuals qualify for state.TMP-Marian sophomore Braydon Binder finished 15th with a
time of 19:21.51. Monarch freshman Caden Becker finished 20th with a time of
19:43.76.TMP-Marian Girls Results 9th place, Abby Rueschhoff, senior (21:47.02) 12th placer, Kyleigh Allen, senior (22:15.94) 13th place, Allison Weber, freshman (22:16.15) 18th place, Julianna Baalmann, sophomore (22:58.62) 26th place, Whitney Befort, junior (25:01.99) 28th place, Kadrian Ayarza, sophomore (25:09.31) TMP-Marian Boys Results 15th place, Braydon Binder, sopohomore (19:21.51) 20th place, Caden Becker, freshman (19:43.76) 26th place, Mario Valencia, freshman (20:18.46) 32nd place, Nathan Stecklein, freshman (21:38.22) 38th place, Seamus Holmes, sophomore (22:21.99) &nbsp;42nd place, Jacob Heimerman, freshman (22:40.67)&nbsp; 45th place, Connor Hilger, sophomore (23:44.70)

🏃‍♀️ TMP-Marian girls' win Norton Regional

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Phillip Brooks returned a pair of punts for touchdowns, Kansas State took advantage of an embarrassing day of special teams by its biggest rival, and the No. 20 Wildcats rolled to a 55-14 victory over Kansas on Saturday.

Will Howard threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns while Justin Gardner returned an interception 25 yards for another score, helping the Wildcats (4-1) improve to 4-0 in the Big 12 for the first time since 2014.

Deuce Vaughn added 71 yards rushing and another touchdown as Kansas State beat the Jayhawks (0-5, 0-4) for a series-record 12th straight time. Kansas has not beaten its Interstate 70 rival since Nov. 1, 2008, in Lawrence.

Freshman Jalon Daniels was just 22 of 39 for 207 yards for the Jayhawks, who were playing their first game since coach Les Miles returned from a positive COVID-19 test. It also was their first game since running back Pooka Williams, an All-Big 12 selection a year ago, decided to opt out for the remainder of the season.

Along with giving up two punt return TDs, the Jayhawks also had two punts nearly returned for scores and were lousy in their own return game. They also watched Jacob Borcila bang a field-goal attempt off the upright.

The lopsided score allowed Kansas State coach Chris Klieman to empty his bench early in the fourth quarter.

The Wildcats’ offense actually struggled early behind their own freshman quarterback, making his second start in place of the injured Skylar Thompson. But their defense and special teams scored 27 points in staking them to a 34-7 halftime lead.

The first points came when the Jayhawks were forced to punt, and a penalty for running into the kicker gave them a do-over. Brooks made them pay for taking it, scooting 55 yards for the touchdown.

Blake Lynch added a couple field goals before Gardner stepped in front of Daniels’ throw-back screen pass and pranced into the end zone to make it 20-0. And when the Jayhawks finally got a TD of their own, Howard answered with a touchdown to Sammy Wheeler and Brooks brought back his second punt for a touchdown on the final play of the first half.

The Wildcats put the game away with three consecutive scoring drives to start the second half.

In the first half alone, referee Kevin Hassell had to overturn an interception that hit the ground, a fumble when the ball-carrier already was down and a touchdown catch in which the Jayhawks’ Andrew Parchment landed out of bounds. Hassell also overturned a targeting penalty and announced holding on the wrong team.

Kansas punter Donovan Gagen had a day to forget. He was crushed after unloading a punt, was lit up on Brooks’ return for a score, then had to make a TD-saving tackle on which he appeared to hurt his left shoulder.

Kansas had lost its previous 11 games to the Wildcats by an average of 26 points, so Miles’s second loss was particularly gruesome. The Jayhawks’ losing streak began under Mark Mangino, continued under Turner Gill and Charlie Weis, included interim coach Clint Bowen and four years under David Beaty.

Kansas State had seven penalties in the first quarter but just one the rest of the way. The Wildcats also showed off their trademark discipline by going 6 for 6 in the red zone and improving to plus-9 in turnovers on the season.

Kansas State heads to Morgantown next Saturday to take on West Virginia. Kansas heads home to face Iowa State.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Phillip Brooks returned a pair of punts for touchdowns, Kansas State took advantage of an embarrassing day of special teams by its biggest rival, and the No. 20 Wildcats rolled to a 55-14 victory over Kansas on Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603571248180.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Phillips Brooks returns one of two punts for a touchdown Saturday vs. Kansas (Photo courtesy K-State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Phillips Brooks returns one of two punts for a touchdown Saturday vs. Kansas (Photo courtesy K-State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Will Howard threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns while Justin Gardner returned an interception 25 yards for another score, helping the Wildcats (4-1) improve to 4-0 in the Big 12 for the first time since 2014.Deuce Vaughn added 71 yards rushing and another touchdown as Kansas State beat the Jayhawks (0-5, 0-4) for a series-record 12th straight time. Kansas has not beaten its Interstate 70 rival since Nov. 1, 2008, in Lawrence.Freshman Jalon Daniels was just 22 of 39 for 207 yards for the Jayhawks, who were playing their first game since coach Les Miles returned from a positive COVID-19 test. It also was their first game since running back Pooka Williams, an All-Big 12 selection a year ago, decided to opt out for the remainder of the season.Along with giving up two punt return TDs, the Jayhawks also had two punts nearly returned for scores and were lousy in their own return game. They also watched Jacob Borcila bang a field-goal attempt off the upright.The lopsided score allowed Kansas State coach Chris Klieman to empty his bench early in the fourth quarter.The Wildcats’ offense actually struggled early behind their own freshman quarterback, making his second start in place of the injured Skylar Thompson. But their defense and special teams scored 27 points in staking them to a 34-7 halftime lead.The first points came when the Jayhawks were forced to punt, and a penalty for running into the kicker gave them a do-over. Brooks made them pay for taking it, scooting 55 yards for the touchdown.Blake Lynch added a couple field goals before Gardner stepped in front of Daniels’ throw-back screen pass and pranced into the end zone to make it 20-0. And when the Jayhawks finally got a TD of their own, Howard answered with a touchdown to Sammy Wheeler and Brooks brought back his second punt for a touchdown on the final play of the first half.The Wildcats put the game away with three consecutive scoring drives to start the second half.UPON FURTHER REVIEWIn the first half alone, referee Kevin Hassell had to overturn an interception that hit the ground, a fumble when the ball-carrier already was down and a touchdown catch in which the Jayhawks’ Andrew Parchment landed out of bounds. Hassell also overturned a targeting penalty and announced holding on the wrong team.PUNTER PROBLEMSKansas punter Donovan Gagen had a day to forget. He was crushed after unloading a punt, was lit up on Brooks’ return for a score, then had to make a TD-saving tackle on which he appeared to hurt his left shoulder.THE TAKEAWAYKansas had lost its previous 11 games to the Wildcats by an average of 26 points, so Miles’s second loss was particularly gruesome. The Jayhawks’ losing streak began under Mark Mangino, continued under Turner Gill and Charlie Weis, included interim coach Clint Bowen and four years under David Beaty.Kansas State had seven penalties in the first quarter but just one the rest of the way. The Wildcats also showed off their trademark discipline by going 6 for 6 in the red zone and improving to plus-9 in turnovers on the season.UP NEXTKansas State heads to Morgantown next Saturday to take on West Virginia. Kansas heads home to face Iowa State.

🏈 Brooks shines as No. 20 Kansas State trounces Kansas

GREAT BEND – The Hays High volleyball team saw their season
come to an end Saturday, losing 25-20, 25-19 to rival Great Bend in the first-round
of the Great Bend 5A Sub-State.

The host Panthers defeated Salina Central 25-19, 25-22 to advance to the 5A state quarterfinals.

The Indians finished their first season under head coach
Shannon Funk with a 13-23 record. 

GREAT BEND – The Hays High volleyball team saw their season
come to an end Saturday, losing 25-20, 25-19 to rival Great Bend in the first-round
of the Great Bend 5A Sub-State.The host Panthers defeated Salina Central 25-19, 25-22 to advance to the 5A state quarterfinals.The Indians finished their first season under head coach
Shannon Funk with a 13-23 record.

🏐 HHS falls in regionals

BARTON COUNTY – The Hays High girls’ cross country team finished six points out of third place and just missed qualifying for next weeks 5A State Championships. The Indians finished in fourth Saturday at the Great Bend 5A Regional run at the
Lake Barton Golf Course.

The top three teams and top 10 individuals qualify for next Saturday's state meet at the 4 Mile Creek Resort in Andover.

HHS freshman freshman Arely Maldonado qualified for state as an individual after a ninth place finish (20:16.59).&nbsp;

Maize South placed
three in the top four and won the team title with 24 points. Great Bend finished
in second place with 68 points and Valley Center third with 84.

Maize won the boys race, three points better than Maize
South. Great Bend finished third. The Hays High boys placed sixth.

Freshman Leonardo Hernandez led the Indians with a 16th
place finish (17:48.73).

HHS Girls Results &nbsp;9th place, Arely Maldonado, freshman (20:16.59) &nbsp;19th place, Brenlynn Albers, freshman (21:00.01) 21st place, Brynn Kinderknecht, freshman (21:01.22) 22nd place, Jaycine Watson, sophomore (21:16.55 20) 28 th place, Avery Winter, sophomore (21:50.08) 30th place, Julia Zadina, Julia, freshman (21:51.19) 32nd place, Amelia Jaeger, sophomore (22:07.89)

HHS Boys Results &nbsp;16th place, Leonardo Hernandez, freshman (17:48.73) 27th place, Tynan Dempsey, freshman (18:32.84) 29th place, Elijah McCullough, freshman (18:35.17) 34th place, Landon Viegra, junior (18:54.73) 37th place, Daimon Lang, sophomore (19:09.81) 38th place, Lane Dewald, freshman (19:12.84) 39th place&nbsp; Matthew Dempsey, junior (19:30.73)

BARTON COUNTY – The Hays High girls’ cross country team finished six points out of third place and just missed qualifying for next weeks 5A State Championships. The Indians finished in fourth Saturday at the Great Bend 5A Regional run at the
Lake Barton Golf Course.The top three teams and top 10 individuals qualify for next Saturday's state meet at the 4 Mile Creek Resort in Andover.HHS freshman freshman Arely Maldonado qualified for state as an individual after a ninth place finish (20:16.59).&nbsp;Maize South placed
three in the top four and won the team title with 24 points. Great Bend finished
in second place with 68 points and Valley Center third with 84.Maize won the boys race, three points better than Maize
South. Great Bend finished third. The Hays High boys placed sixth.Freshman Leonardo Hernandez led the Indians with a 16th
place finish (17:48.73).HHS Girls Results &nbsp;9th place, Arely Maldonado, freshman (20:16.59) &nbsp;19th place, Brenlynn Albers, freshman (21:00.01) 21st place, Brynn Kinderknecht, freshman (21:01.22) 22nd place, Jaycine Watson, sophomore (21:16.55 20) 28 th place, Avery Winter, sophomore (21:50.08) 30th place, Julia Zadina, Julia, freshman (21:51.19) 32nd place, Amelia Jaeger, sophomore (22:07.89) HHS Boys Results &nbsp;16th place, Leonardo Hernandez, freshman (17:48.73) 27th place, Tynan Dempsey, freshman (18:32.84) 29th place, Elijah McCullough, freshman (18:35.17) 34th place, Landon Viegra, junior (18:54.73) 37th place, Daimon Lang, sophomore (19:09.81) 38th place, Lane Dewald, freshman (19:12.84) 39th place&nbsp; Matthew Dempsey, junior (19:30.73)

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