The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Ellis County and several counties to the north and west of Hays.

Light rain or freezing drizzle is expected&nbsp; to arrive in the early morning hours Thursday, continuing to noon Thursday. No other precipitation is forecast in the area&nbsp; until a slight chance of showers Monday night.

Widespread dense fog is also expected Thursday morning.

The NWS is predicting a more than 90 percent of ice accumulation in Hays, with the greatest risk of ice on the Interstate 70 corridor.

While less than a tenth of an inch of accumulation is expected, the&nbsp; NWS is warning of potentially slick roadways and bridges.

The high Wednesday is expected to reach the low-50s, with a high in the upper-40s to mid-50s through the weekend.

Check Hays Post or tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations in the case of severe weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670450086282.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Ellis County and several counties to the north and west of Hays.Light rain or freezing drizzle is expected&nbsp; to arrive in the early morning hours Thursday, continuing to noon Thursday. No other precipitation is forecast in the area&nbsp; until a slight chance of showers Monday night.Widespread dense fog is also expected Thursday morning.The NWS is predicting a more than 90 percent of ice accumulation in Hays, with the greatest risk of ice on the Interstate 70 corridor.While less than a tenth of an inch of accumulation is expected, the&nbsp; NWS is warning of potentially slick roadways and bridges.The high Wednesday is expected to reach the low-50s, with a high in the upper-40s to mid-50s through the weekend.Check Hays Post or tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations in the case of severe weather.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We will see drizzle and light rain expand into western Kansas late this evening and through the overnight. Temperatures will be at or below freezing along the I70 corridor which could lead to a light glazing of ice. This could lead to bridges and overpasses getting slick. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/3jvxPdsIpN">pic.twitter.com/3jvxPdsIpN</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1600555445784956929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>Updated 4 p.m. Wednesday

UPDATE: Ice likely in Hays area as wintry weather moves in

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667834336683.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://reindeerradio.cash/">HERE</a> to enter Jingle Cash&nbsp;🎄🎄🦌🦌🎁New code words are announced every weekday at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on KAYS&nbsp;1400 AM / 94.3 FM.<figure>
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TOPEKA — Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade announced Monday that Ernestor De La Rosa 
was selected to serve as the City of Topeka’s very first chief diversity
 equity and inclusion officer. De La Rosa will start in January 
2023 and will lead the city’s newly created DEI office.

“I’m thrilled that Ernestor will be our first chief DEI officer. This
 role will truly impact lives in our community, and affect local 
government policies,” Wade said. “It’s extremely important that we 
ensure a work environment and community where all have an opportunity to
 succeed. Ernestor is up to the task, and I look forward to welcoming 
him to Topeka, and supporting his work for years to come.”

“The idea of DEI has been talked about, and in many ways initiated in
 America, but for Topeka, this is the first official step by our local 
government to place DEI at the forefront of all we do. This speaks 
volumes about the governing body and its willingness to embrace the many
 possibilities active DEI can bring to the City of Topeka,” Topeka 
Mayor Michael Padilla said. “Ernestor has a strong background in practicing 
DEI as a government official. I’m excited that he will bring those 
experiences to Topeka, and help us grow as a community.”

De La Rosa comes to Topeka from the City of Dodge City, where 
he’s served a variety of roles over the last eight years, including 
assistant city manager, human resources director, assistant finance 
director, mobility manager and more. He holds a master's in public 
administration from Wichita State University, and obtained a bachelor of arts in political science from Fort Hays State University.

De La Rosa, who’s first language is Spanish, was born and raised in 
Mexico, and immigrated to the United States at 12. He’s a Deferred 
Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient and is passionate about 
working in the immigration realm. He’s served on various community 
boards.

“I am honored and excited to join the City of Topeka.&nbsp;I look forward 
to working with the governing body, city staff and Topeka residents to 
develop, adopt and implement proactive diversity, equity, inclusion and 
belonging strategies in all aspects of the city,” De La Rosa said. “I 
commend city leadership’s commitment to building a robust diverse, 
equitable, and inclusive workforce and community. Topeka is stronger 
together.”

De La Rosa will also serve as the city’s Americans with Disabilities 
Act coordinator, where he will work alongside the ADA Advisory 
Council to make Topeka a safer, more accessible community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670349327164.jpeg" alt="Ernestor De La Rosa" />
 <figcaption>Ernestor De La Rosa</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseTOPEKA — Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade announced Monday that Ernestor De La Rosa 
was selected to serve as the City of Topeka’s very first chief diversity
 equity and inclusion officer. De La Rosa will start in January 
2023 and will lead the city’s newly created DEI office.“I’m thrilled that Ernestor will be our first chief DEI officer. This
 role will truly impact lives in our community, and affect local 
government policies,” Wade said. “It’s extremely important that we 
ensure a work environment and community where all have an opportunity to
 succeed. Ernestor is up to the task, and I look forward to welcoming 
him to Topeka, and supporting his work for years to come.”“The idea of DEI has been talked about, and in many ways initiated in
 America, but for Topeka, this is the first official step by our local 
government to place DEI at the forefront of all we do. This speaks 
volumes about the governing body and its willingness to embrace the many
 possibilities active DEI can bring to the City of Topeka,” Topeka 
Mayor Michael Padilla said. “Ernestor has a strong background in practicing 
DEI as a government official. I’m excited that he will bring those 
experiences to Topeka, and help us grow as a community.”De La Rosa comes to Topeka from the City of Dodge City, where 
he’s served a variety of roles over the last eight years, including 
assistant city manager, human resources director, assistant finance 
director, mobility manager and more. He holds a master's in public 
administration from Wichita State University, and obtained a bachelor of arts in political science from Fort Hays State University.De La Rosa, who’s first language is Spanish, was born and raised in 
Mexico, and immigrated to the United States at 12. He’s a Deferred 
Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient and is passionate about 
working in the immigration realm. He’s served on various community 
boards.“I am honored and excited to join the City of Topeka.&nbsp;I look forward 
to working with the governing body, city staff and Topeka residents to 
develop, adopt and implement proactive diversity, equity, inclusion and 
belonging strategies in all aspects of the city,” De La Rosa said. “I 
commend city leadership’s commitment to building a robust diverse, 
equitable, and inclusive workforce and community. Topeka is stronger 
together.”De La Rosa will also serve as the city’s Americans with Disabilities 
Act coordinator, where he will work alongside the ADA Advisory 
Council to make Topeka a safer, more accessible community.

Fort Hays State grad named Topeka's first chief DEI officer

The Hays First United Methodist Church invites the community to attend a free Christmas show at 7 p.m. Saturday by Cloverton, a band based out of Manhattan.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. at the church, 305 W. Seventh, Hays. No tickets are required.

Without the help of a record label, Cloverton propelled onto the Christian music scene in 2011 as the first ever ROCK THE CAMP contest winners hosted by TobyMac and Camp Electric.

Soon after receiving this prestigious honor, Cloverton scored the No. 1 most downloaded song in the history of KLOVE radio for their first single "Take Me into the Beautiful," which also charted at No. 12 on the overall Christian Billboard top 25. The Manhattan based band followed up that effort with an unforgettable Christmas rendition of Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah,” reaching millions of viewers (YouTube) in just weeks while climbing to the No. 1 slot on iTunes and being featured on CNN, The Blaze (Glenn Beck), and several other media outlets.

The band would go on to record and release their first full-length studio album with a wildly successful crowd-funding campaign.

The record “Patterns” was met with favorable critical reviews and was widely embraced by their growing fan base. A year later, Cloverton would release a Christmas EP titled “We Sing Joy,” which climbed to No. 1 for multiple weeks on iTunes.

The band would follow that up in 2017 with the full-length record, “Bloom,” which was touted as their most complete and creative piece of work to date. In 2019, Cloverton released another Christmas EP titled “Come and Adore.”

From their humble beginnings as a small church worship team, to the recent release of their highly anticipated sophomore album, Cloverton continues to pave a new way for independent Christian music.

“None of us are into compromising or settling for the status quo. It’s a daily choice. To what or who am I surrendering today?” front man Lance Stafford said.

“We are either moving toward or away from the person God has specifically created each of us to be. Our aim is to create music that inspires, awakens and frees the next movement of leaders, artists, pastors, visionaries, inventors, missionaries, dreamers, and teachers as they walk out that journey.”

For more information, call the First United Methodist Church office at 785-625-3408 or visit <a href="http://www.haysfumc.com">www.haysfumc.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670274525900.jpeg" alt="Cloverton " />
 <figcaption>Cloverton </figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted The Hays First United Methodist Church invites the community to attend a free Christmas show at 7 p.m. Saturday by Cloverton, a band based out of Manhattan.Doors will open at 6 p.m. at the church, 305 W. Seventh, Hays. No tickets are required.Without the help of a record label, Cloverton propelled onto the Christian music scene in 2011 as the first ever ROCK THE CAMP contest winners hosted by TobyMac and Camp Electric.Soon after receiving this prestigious honor, Cloverton scored the No. 1 most downloaded song in the history of KLOVE radio for their first single "Take Me into the Beautiful," which also charted at No. 12 on the overall Christian Billboard top 25. The Manhattan based band followed up that effort with an unforgettable Christmas rendition of Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah,” reaching millions of viewers (YouTube) in just weeks while climbing to the No. 1 slot on iTunes and being featured on CNN, The Blaze (Glenn Beck), and several other media outlets.The band would go on to record and release their first full-length studio album with a wildly successful crowd-funding campaign.The record “Patterns” was met with favorable critical reviews and was widely embraced by their growing fan base. A year later, Cloverton would release a Christmas EP titled “We Sing Joy,” which climbed to No. 1 for multiple weeks on iTunes.The band would follow that up in 2017 with the full-length record, “Bloom,” which was touted as their most complete and creative piece of work to date. In 2019, Cloverton released another Christmas EP titled “Come and Adore.”From their humble beginnings as a small church worship team, to the recent release of their highly anticipated sophomore album, Cloverton continues to pave a new way for independent Christian music.“None of us are into compromising or settling for the status quo. It’s a daily choice. To what or who am I surrendering today?” front man Lance Stafford said.“We are either moving toward or away from the person God has specifically created each of us to be. Our aim is to create music that inspires, awakens and frees the next movement of leaders, artists, pastors, visionaries, inventors, missionaries, dreamers, and teachers as they walk out that journey.”For more information, call the First United Methodist Church office at 785-625-3408 or visit <a href="http://www.haysfumc.com">www.haysfumc.com</a>.

Free Cloverton community Christmas concert Saturday in Hays

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b91fed16-acde-4a95-aced-9cf4f219669a">RELATED: Flu on the rise in northwest Kansas</a>

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 52 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Nearly all of northwest Kansas, including Ellis County, is in the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Only Rooks and Rush counties were in the substantial-incidence category.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,203 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670438674564.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b91fed16-acde-4a95-aced-9cf4f219669a">RELATED: Flu on the rise in northwest Kansas</a>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 52 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Nearly all of northwest Kansas, including Ellis County, is in the high-incidence category, the KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Only Rooks and Rush counties were in the substantial-incidence category.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 8,203 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670438747530.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 52 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The extended nap time has arrived for the four grizzly bears at the Great
Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. In early November, the zoo’s grizzlies started staying inside
more. The bears don’t always go into a full hibernation, but use the torpor
tactic to survive the colder months, meaning they do wake up periodically
throughout the winter. 

Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick said even when the bears do
go out in their yard, it is not for long. 
"It depends on the weather," said Burdick. "Even though we've had some warmer temperatures, the bears were still pretty lazy and didn't really want to go outside. I think a couple of them did go outside, but then quickly determined they'd rather be be inside." 
The bears are still given food and fresh water each day in case they show signs
of wanting to eat, but they typically bulk up before their seasonal rest. 
In their state of torpor, bears are able to reduce their metabolism, heart rate
and body temperature. 
Burdick said the best time to catch a glimpse at the other animals now is in
the afternoon when it warms up a little.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611689008493.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe extended nap time has arrived for the four grizzly bears at the Great
Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. In early November, the zoo’s grizzlies started staying inside
more. The bears don’t always go into a full hibernation, but use the torpor
tactic to survive the colder months, meaning they do wake up periodically
throughout the winter. Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick said even when the bears do
go out in their yard, it is not for long. 
"It depends on the weather," said Burdick. "Even though we've had some warmer temperatures, the bears were still pretty lazy and didn't really want to go outside. I think a couple of them did go outside, but then quickly determined they'd rather be be inside." 
The bears are still given food and fresh water each day in case they show signs
of wanting to eat, but they typically bulk up before their seasonal rest. 
In their state of torpor, bears are able to reduce their metabolism, heart rate
and body temperature. 
Burdick said the best time to catch a glimpse at the other animals now is in
the afternoon when it warms up a little.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Time to slow down for bears and the rest of the Great Bend zoo

With flu on the rise locally, the Ellis County Health Department issued the following guidance this week:

First and foremost, KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME IF THEY ARE SICK. Regardless of a doctor's note, your child must remain home for a minimum of 5 days if they test positive for the flu under KDHE K.A.R. 28-1-6. Furthermore, as directed by the state, the local health officer can mandate a 5 day return to work or school for anyone positive with influenza.

Since 11/20/2022, there has been an increase in the number of influenza cases in Ellis County. There have been 2380 people tested for influenza overall since November 20, 2022, and 420 have so far tested positive. Additionally, 888 people had RSV tests done, with 75 of those results coming back positive. 

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article had an outdated number of hospitalizations at HaysMed. As of Wednesday afternoon, there were seven inpatient admissions with influenza A. Updated 4:40 p.m. Wednesday.&nbsp;

A quick onset of flu symptoms is normal. Coughing, sore throats, runny or stuffy noses, headaches, fatigue, and some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more prevalent in children than in adults. Other symptoms of the flu include muscle and body pains, fever (sometimes persistent), and headaches.&nbsp;

The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year. For almost everyone who is six months of age or older, the influenza vaccine is advised. Anyone who is at a high risk of complications, such as infants and young children, pregnant women, older adults, and anyone with certain chronic diseases, should get the influenza vaccine.&nbsp;

Residents of Ellis County can get their flu vaccine from their physician, pharmacies, or health clinics. Getting vaccinated also safeguards those around. It's imperative to get immunized if you work with young children, seniors, or people with certain medical conditions. Most flu patients recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some may develop complications like pneumonia that necessitate hospitalization and pose a significant risk to their lives. Please see the list of the locations in Ellis County where you can obtain the flu shot. Please be advised that each pharmacy has their own policy in place for the age they will dose.&nbsp;

All flu shots for the 2022–2023 season are quadrivalent, protecting against two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses, among other four distinct flu viruses. Various vaccinations have varied age ranges for which they are approved, and some vaccinations are not advised for particular populations. Please discuss with your primary care physician which is best for you.

Regular Flu - Flu vaccines produced at a standard dose with virus cultured in eggs. Standard dose flu vaccines come in a variety of names, including Fluarix Quadrivalent, FluLaval Quadrivalent, and Fluzone Quadrivalent. These vaccinations are safe to provide to infants as young as six months.

FluBlok Flu - A flu vaccine manufactured utilizing recombinant technology that is fully egg-free and authorized for use in persons older than 18 is called Flublok Quadrivalent. To stimulate a higher immune&nbsp;

response, this shot is created without flu viruses and includes three times as much antigen as other standard-dose inactivated flu vaccinations. Antigen is the component of the vaccine that helps your body develop immunity against flu viruses.

High-Dose Flu - An egg-based high-dose influenza vaccine that is authorized for use in patients 65 and older. To stimulate a higher immune response, this vaccination contains four times as much antigen as previous standard-dose inactivated flu vaccines. Antigen is the component of the vaccine that helps your body develop immunity against flu viruses.

KDHE keeps tabs on flu activity, including the proportion of flu-related hospital visits and fatalities. In 44 deaths that occurred during the 2021–2022 flu season, influenza was either a direct cause or a contributing factor. 1,200 deaths were caused directly or indirectly by pneumonia, which frequently arises in conjunction with influenza illnesses. It is possible to prevent severe influenza symptoms and illness with immunization.&nbsp;

Visit vaccines.gov to find a flu vaccine. Visit kdhe.ks.gov/flu for the most recent updates on influenza news in Kansas. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670421847919.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With flu on the rise locally, the Ellis County Health Department issued the following guidance this week:First and foremost, KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME IF THEY ARE SICK. Regardless of a doctor's note, your child must remain home for a minimum of 5 days if they test positive for the flu under KDHE K.A.R. 28-1-6. Furthermore, as directed by the state, the local health officer can mandate a 5 day return to work or school for anyone positive with influenza.Since 11/20/2022, there has been an increase in the number of influenza cases in Ellis County. There have been 2380 people tested for influenza overall since November 20, 2022, and 420 have so far tested positive. Additionally, 888 people had RSV tests done, with 75 of those results coming back positive. Editor's note: An earlier version of this article had an outdated number of hospitalizations at HaysMed. As of Wednesday afternoon, there were seven inpatient admissions with influenza A. Updated 4:40 p.m. Wednesday.&nbsp;A quick onset of flu symptoms is normal. Coughing, sore throats, runny or stuffy noses, headaches, fatigue, and some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more prevalent in children than in adults. Other symptoms of the flu include muscle and body pains, fever (sometimes persistent), and headaches.&nbsp;The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year. For almost everyone who is six months of age or older, the influenza vaccine is advised. Anyone who is at a high risk of complications, such as infants and young children, pregnant women, older adults, and anyone with certain chronic diseases, should get the influenza vaccine.&nbsp;Residents of Ellis County can get their flu vaccine from their physician, pharmacies, or health clinics. Getting vaccinated also safeguards those around. It's imperative to get immunized if you work with young children, seniors, or people with certain medical conditions. Most flu patients recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some may develop complications like pneumonia that necessitate hospitalization and pose a significant risk to their lives. Please see the list of the locations in Ellis County where you can obtain the flu shot. Please be advised that each pharmacy has their own policy in place for the age they will dose.&nbsp;All flu shots for the 2022–2023 season are quadrivalent, protecting against two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses, among other four distinct flu viruses. Various vaccinations have varied age ranges for which they are approved, and some vaccinations are not advised for particular populations. Please discuss with your primary care physician which is best for you.Available flu vaccines include:Regular Flu - Flu vaccines produced at a standard dose with virus cultured in eggs. Standard dose flu vaccines come in a variety of names, including Fluarix Quadrivalent, FluLaval Quadrivalent, and Fluzone Quadrivalent. These vaccinations are safe to provide to infants as young as six months.FluBlok Flu - A flu vaccine manufactured utilizing recombinant technology that is fully egg-free and authorized for use in persons older than 18 is called Flublok Quadrivalent. To stimulate a higher immune&nbsp;response, this shot is created without flu viruses and includes three times as much antigen as other standard-dose inactivated flu vaccinations. Antigen is the component of the vaccine that helps your body develop immunity against flu viruses.High-Dose Flu - An egg-based high-dose influenza vaccine that is authorized for use in patients 65 and older. To stimulate a higher immune response, this vaccination contains four times as much antigen as previous standard-dose inactivated flu vaccines. Antigen is the component of the vaccine that helps your body develop immunity against flu viruses.KDHE keeps tabs on flu activity, including the proportion of flu-related hospital visits and fatalities. In 44 deaths that occurred during the 2021–2022 flu season, influenza was either a direct cause or a contributing factor. 1,200 deaths were caused directly or indirectly by pneumonia, which frequently arises in conjunction with influenza illnesses. It is possible to prevent severe influenza symptoms and illness with immunization.&nbsp;Visit vaccines.gov to find a flu vaccine. Visit kdhe.ks.gov/flu for the most recent updates on influenza news in Kansas. &nbsp;

Flu on the rise: Ellis County Health Dept. offers guidance

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A rebranding committee is still split on the potentially offensive nature of Hays High School's Indian mascot.

The Hays USD 489 school district rebranding committee met for the first time on Monday night.

The school district conducted a survey and found a majority of respondents wanted to keep the Indian mascot. However, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2e344d95-8dd4-40f8-90f7-7af806ca7df9">at a community meeting on Nov. 15</a> and at the rebranding meeting Monday, some community members said they believe the high school mascot should be changed.

The school district passed a bond issue in May and is in the process of building a new high school and will be remodeling the current high school into a middle school. 

Superintendent Ron Wilson said his desire is to see the district put the right mark on those schools.

John Jenson, Josten's consultant, has been leading the rebranding discussions. He tried to focus the group on the words "brave and true" from the high school's fight song.

Committee members seemed to agree that they liked the school's maroon and gold colors and wanted to keep them.

Jenson presented some potential logo options that include brushes of maroon and gold, keeping the Indian name and using the "brave and true" theme.

None of the options included the Indian head or the spearhead that has recently been used by the Hays High football team.

Jenson said he thought the color slashes could be symbolic of war paint.

"If we're calling ourselves the Indians and also using paint behind it, I can see how that would bother some people. I think it depends on what it's paired with," said Anniston Weber, 2017 HHS graduate.

Several committee members said they did not like the imagery of war paint. Others said they did not like the use of color slashes only. They said they wanted an image.

"Keep in mind that of the surveys that I got back the people who didn't want the Indian were the people who thought it was being portrayed as offensive," Jenson said. "So the question, 'Is how do you get rid of offensive and keep the Indian?' "

Abby Gillan, HHS government teacher and graduate, said she would like to look at the issue of the Indian being offensive in a factual way.

"Here is what the tribes have said. Here is how our culture is evolving. This conversation isn't new," she said.

Gillan said one of her students in a sociology class during a debate on this subject made the point the word Indian is offensive to many indigenous people because it was a name given to them because early European explorers thought they had landed in India.

"It's a term given to people of various cultures that you have made into a monolith, and I think that is where we run into trouble," she said. ... "I think we need to get the historical accuracy right. I think the name could be a big hurdle for unity around our message."

Curt Vajnar, school board member, former USD 489 teacher and parent, said the Indian headdress logo has never been offensive to him.

"I've been proud of it," he said. "I've never ever heard people talk bad about it."

However, he said the school has displayed versions of Indian logos of which he didn't approve. He pulled a skull with a headdress logo off a wrestling mat over the weekend.

Ruth Legleiter, HHS graduate, said she was never offended by the Indian mascot. She said she was proud of it.

"It amazes me that people find it offensive all of the sudden," she said. "We had how many decades of the Indian and everyone was proud of that, now all of the sudden it's a bad word. ...

"No one ever picked the Indian name to be offensive. It was to be proud, and now all of the sudden it's reversed."

USD 489 board member and parent Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp read aloud from the Kansas-Nebraska Indian Education study, a study out of K-State that was the result of a collaboration between the Kansas Association for native American Study and Nebraska Indian Education Association.

The groups that created the report passed resolutions in 1998 and 2018 asking schools to remove Native American mascots.

Zampieri-Lillpopp further quoted the study to say the mascots create unwelcome and hostile environments for Native American students. Students are reporting lower self-esteem and community worth. 

"It is harmful because it reminds Native Americans of the limited ways others see them," Zampieri-Lillpopp quoted the study saying.

Repeated research from these groups has said "The overall research clearly demonstrates that American mascots and branding continue to be detrimental to learning and psychological well-being not only of native students but all students."

Extensive literature exists on this topic and hundreds of professional organizations working across native communities, overwhelming favor eliminating Native American mascots, branding and imagery, she continued.

Vern Ruder's mother is a member of the Blackfoot tribe in Montana. 

"The only thing I find offensive is Redskins, but the arrowhead, the war paint, the tribal headgear that's not offensive at all," he said. "People who say that don't have any Native American background."

"You're not going to make everyone happy," he said. "There's a lot of Native Americans who say you are still remembering the Indians, but you have other people who don't like it."

 Jenson said in response to Zampieri-Lillpopp, "I think you prove a great point. It can be done in a way that's offensive. I think the discussion here is how it can be done in a way that's not."

Shaun Linenberger, HHS graduate and parent, who also said he has Native American heritage, said people would probably be offended if the high school's mascot was the Volga Germans despite the prevalence of that heritage in the area.

"I take great pride in that I was a Hays High graduate, and I was an Indian," he said.

Gillan said she thought the debate of Indian mascots is part of the public discussion now because as a culture we've made more seats at the table for minority cultures.

Gillan said her students found old mascots that were not as respectful as the current logos. She said the thought the community has come a long way in being more respectful.

"I think we have a very special opportunity to be very purposeful and coordinated and get it over the finish line and do it right," she said.

Jenson said the community needs to determine what it means to be an Indian here.

"You can't allow everyone to define it," he said. "You have to have to come up with that definition yourself. 

"If you said what it means to be an Indian here within this district within this city, for example, it means to be brave and true. If that's what it means and you can live that out, you're not speaking for Indians all over the world. You are saying this is what it means right here."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670360352450.jpeg" alt="John Jenson, Jostens consultant, talks to the Hays USD 489 rebranding committee members about Hays High School's logos and mascot Monday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>John Jenson, Jostens consultant, talks to the Hays USD 489 rebranding committee members about Hays High School's logos and mascot Monday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA rebranding committee is still split on the potentially offensive nature of Hays High School's Indian mascot.The Hays USD 489 school district rebranding committee met for the first time on Monday night. The school district conducted a survey and found a majority of respondents wanted to keep the Indian mascot. However, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2e344d95-8dd4-40f8-90f7-7af806ca7df9">at a community meeting on Nov. 15</a> and at the rebranding meeting Monday, some community members said they believe the high school mascot should be changed.The school district passed a bond issue in May and is in the process of building a new high school and will be remodeling the current high school into a middle school. Superintendent Ron Wilson said his desire is to see the district put the right mark on those schools.John Jenson, Josten's consultant, has been leading the rebranding discussions. He tried to focus the group on the words "brave and true" from the high school's fight song.Committee members seemed to agree that they liked the school's maroon and gold colors and wanted to keep them.Jenson presented some potential logo options that include brushes of maroon and gold, keeping the Indian name and using the "brave and true" theme.None of the options included the Indian head or the spearhead that has recently been used by the Hays High football team. Jenson said he thought the color slashes could be symbolic of war paint."If we're calling ourselves the Indians and also using paint behind it, I can see how that would bother some people. I think it depends on what it's paired with," said Anniston Weber, 2017 HHS graduate.Several committee members said they did not like the imagery of war paint. Others said they did not like the use of color slashes only. They said they wanted an image."Keep in mind that of the surveys that I got back the people who didn't want the Indian were the people who thought it was being portrayed as offensive," Jenson said. "So the question, 'Is how do you get rid of offensive and keep the Indian?' "Abby Gillan, HHS government teacher and graduate, said she would like to look at the issue of the Indian being offensive in a factual way."Here is what the tribes have said. Here is how our culture is evolving. This conversation isn't new," she said.Gillan said one of her students in a sociology class during a debate on this subject made the point the word Indian is offensive to many indigenous people because it was a name given to them because early European explorers thought they had landed in India."It's a term given to people of various cultures that you have made into a monolith, and I think that is where we run into trouble," she said. ... "I think we need to get the historical accuracy right. I think the name could be a big hurdle for unity around our message."Curt Vajnar, school board member, former USD 489 teacher and parent, said the Indian headdress logo has never been offensive to him."I've been proud of it," he said. "I've never ever heard people talk bad about it."However, he said the school has displayed versions of Indian logos of which he didn't approve. He pulled a skull with a headdress logo off a wrestling mat over the weekend.Ruth Legleiter, HHS graduate, said she was never offended by the Indian mascot. She said she was proud of it."It amazes me that people find it offensive all of the sudden," she said. "We had how many decades of the Indian and everyone was proud of that, now all of the sudden it's a bad word. ..."No one ever picked the Indian name to be offensive. It was to be proud, and now all of the sudden it's reversed."USD 489 board member and parent Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp read aloud from the Kansas-Nebraska Indian Education study, a study out of K-State that was the result of a collaboration between the Kansas Association for native American Study and Nebraska Indian Education Association. The groups that created the report passed resolutions in 1998 and 2018 asking schools to remove Native American mascots.Zampieri-Lillpopp further quoted the study to say the mascots create unwelcome and hostile environments for Native American students. Students are reporting lower self-esteem and community worth. "It is harmful because it reminds Native Americans of the limited ways others see them," Zampieri-Lillpopp quoted the study saying. Repeated research from these groups has said "The overall research clearly demonstrates that American mascots and branding continue to be detrimental to learning and psychological well-being not only of native students but all students."Extensive literature exists on this topic and hundreds of professional organizations working across native communities, overwhelming favor eliminating Native American mascots, branding and imagery, she continued. Vern Ruder's mother is a member of the Blackfoot tribe in Montana. "The only thing I find offensive is Redskins, but the arrowhead, the war paint, the tribal headgear that's not offensive at all," he said. "People who say that don't have any Native American background.""You're not going to make everyone happy," he said. "There's a lot of Native Americans who say you are still remembering the Indians, but you have other people who don't like it." Jenson said in response to Zampieri-Lillpopp, "I think you prove a great point. It can be done in a way that's offensive. I think the discussion here is how it can be done in a way that's not."Shaun Linenberger, HHS graduate and parent, who also said he has Native American heritage, said people would probably be offended if the high school's mascot was the Volga Germans despite the prevalence of that heritage in the area."I take great pride in that I was a Hays High graduate, and I was an Indian," he said. Gillan said she thought the debate of Indian mascots is part of the public discussion now because as a culture we've made more seats at the table for minority cultures.Gillan said her students found old mascots that were not as respectful as the current logos. She said the thought the community has come a long way in being more respectful."I think we have a very special opportunity to be very purposeful and coordinated and get it over the finish line and do it right," she said.Jenson said the community needs to determine what it means to be an Indian here."You can't allow everyone to define it," he said. "You have to have to come up with that definition yourself. "If you said what it means to be an Indian here within this district within this city, for example, it means to be brave and true. If that's what it means and you can live that out, you're not speaking for Indians all over the world. You are saying this is what it means right here."

Hays USD 489 committee looks at new logos but still split on Indian mascot

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

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.

<div><a href="https://www.sunflowerbank.com/hays/"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665496178318.jpeg"/></a></div>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.<figure>
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Recent obituaries and service times

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Nex-Tech Wireless presents the Great Christmas Giveaway

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher The rush is on as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ramps up! It seems like there’s never enough hours in the days, or days in the weeks leading up to Christmas. &nbsp; As a parent, small business owner, community member and farmer, there’s just a lot to accomplish immediately after washing the dishes from our Thanksgiving meal. &nbsp; As a parent, keeping track of the Christmas parties and holiday-themed school days for my two young children requires organization and focus.&nbsp; &nbsp; Throughout the year, I keep track of the "normal" school things needed to be done like the minutes we read nightly, the weekly spelling words needing attention at home, and making sure the kids have their library books read and ready to return on their assigned library days.&nbsp; &nbsp; But this month I’m hyper alert to knowing when “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day”&nbsp;is compared to when “Santa’s Ho-Ho-Hoedown Day”&nbsp;is to ensure my kids participate in at least some of their school’s countdown to Christmas Break spirit days – 15 themed spirit days in all.&nbsp; &nbsp; One of my greatest fears this month has become the thought of sending the kids to school wearing their pajamas for “Dream a Little Dream Day”&nbsp;when they should be wearing a scarf for “Deck Your Neck Day” or forgetting to dig out Hawaiian shirts for “Christmas Vacation Day”.&nbsp; &nbsp; I’ve concluded that if there are prizes for most spirited this month at school, the Baldwin kids probably won’t make the cut. I’ll consider it a win if I remember to send lunch money on the day the school serves their Christmas ham meal later this month! &nbsp; On the farm, there’s a list of things we try to get done every December. Currently, that list has us trying to get fields fertilized before any potential snow falls. This responsibility mainly falls on my husband as I dedicate my days fulfilling holiday orders and making multiple trips to the post office for our small business.&nbsp; &nbsp; There are parties and practices and community events and performances and games and top-secret shopping trips also on my December calendar. &nbsp; My December started out with an incredibly busy day, which transitioned into an equally busy evening consisting of shuttling kids from school to basketball practice and then home for showers and food, only to drive them back to town to practice their church Christmas program. I was able to briefly catch my breath after handing the kids off to my husband before making my way to choir practice.&nbsp; &nbsp; Getting home shortly before 9 that night, I collapsed on the couch ready to unwind from a busy, busy day. However, I got a phone call from my father-in-law instead.&nbsp; &nbsp; It turned out my day was not done just yet. Instead, I put on my coveralls and headed out to the barn to watch over a ewe who had just lambed.&nbsp; &nbsp; Peeking into the lambing pen that was now occupied by the ewe with her tiny, wet lamb with wobbly legs brought me a calm I had not experienced that day.&nbsp; &nbsp; Under a clear, dark December sky with stars shining bright above us, a new mother with her newborn lying in a bed of straw reminded me of the true spirit of this season. And all was calm. &nbsp; May you have at least one moment this month which causes you to pause amongst the holiday hustle and bustle in order to experience the true spirit of the season.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher The rush is on as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ramps up! It seems like there’s never enough hours in the days, or days in the weeks leading up to Christmas. &nbsp; As a parent, small business owner, community member and farmer, there’s just a lot to accomplish immediately after washing the dishes from our Thanksgiving meal. &nbsp; As a parent, keeping track of the Christmas parties and holiday-themed school days for my two young children requires organization and focus.&nbsp; &nbsp; Throughout the year, I keep track of the "normal" school things needed to be done like the minutes we read nightly, the weekly spelling words needing attention at home, and making sure the kids have their library books read and ready to return on their assigned library days.&nbsp; &nbsp; But this month I’m hyper alert to knowing when “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day”&nbsp;is compared to when “Santa’s Ho-Ho-Hoedown Day”&nbsp;is to ensure my kids participate in at least some of their school’s countdown to Christmas Break spirit days – 15 themed spirit days in all.&nbsp; &nbsp; One of my greatest fears this month has become the thought of sending the kids to school wearing their pajamas for “Dream a Little Dream Day”&nbsp;when they should be wearing a scarf for “Deck Your Neck Day” or forgetting to dig out Hawaiian shirts for “Christmas Vacation Day”.&nbsp; &nbsp; I’ve concluded that if there are prizes for most spirited this month at school, the Baldwin kids probably won’t make the cut. I’ll consider it a win if I remember to send lunch money on the day the school serves their Christmas ham meal later this month! &nbsp; On the farm, there’s a list of things we try to get done every December. Currently, that list has us trying to get fields fertilized before any potential snow falls. This responsibility mainly falls on my husband as I dedicate my days fulfilling holiday orders and making multiple trips to the post office for our small business.&nbsp; &nbsp; There are parties and practices and community events and performances and games and top-secret shopping trips also on my December calendar. &nbsp; My December started out with an incredibly busy day, which transitioned into an equally busy evening consisting of shuttling kids from school to basketball practice and then home for showers and food, only to drive them back to town to practice their church Christmas program. I was able to briefly catch my breath after handing the kids off to my husband before making my way to choir practice.&nbsp; &nbsp; Getting home shortly before 9 that night, I collapsed on the couch ready to unwind from a busy, busy day. However, I got a phone call from my father-in-law instead.&nbsp; &nbsp; It turned out my day was not done just yet. Instead, I put on my coveralls and headed out to the barn to watch over a ewe who had just lambed.&nbsp; &nbsp; Peeking into the lambing pen that was now occupied by the ewe with her tiny, wet lamb with wobbly legs brought me a calm I had not experienced that day.&nbsp; &nbsp; Under a clear, dark December sky with stars shining bright above us, a new mother with her newborn lying in a bed of straw reminded me of the true spirit of this season. And all was calm. &nbsp; May you have at least one moment this month which causes you to pause amongst the holiday hustle and bustle in order to experience the true spirit of the season."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The spirit of the season

EmberHope Youthville is looking for a part-time Foster Care Worker (Licensed or Unlicensed) and full-/part-time Functional Family Therapist. Here are a few highlights of both positions:

•&nbsp;Foster Care Worker:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;support to and supervision of Foster Parents to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency for children in their care. Conduct recruitment activities that result in increased foster homes to meet the needs of that community.&nbsp;Growth will be established through the involvement of faith based and civic organizations to increase foster home recruitment.

•&nbsp;Functional Family Therapist:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;Functional Family Therapy, meeting the varied needs of the client population served (youth at moderate or high risk to offend and youth in the juvenile justice system.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/">HERE</a>&nbsp;for more information.

About EmberHope EmberHope Youthville, a leading, faith-based provider of child welfare services is committed to helping you succeed as an employee as you work to make a difference in the life of a child either directly or by offering administrative support. The Company strives for a positive work environment that encourages effective teamwork, trauma-informed practices, and opportunities to utilize leadership skills.&nbsp; Team members from all departments will focus on carrying out the EmberHope Youthville mission, vision, and values!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669139718480.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EmberHope Youthville is looking for a part-time Foster Care Worker (Licensed or Unlicensed) and full-/part-time Functional Family Therapist. Here are a few highlights of both positions:•&nbsp;Foster Care Worker:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;support to and supervision of Foster Parents to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency for children in their care. Conduct recruitment activities that result in increased foster homes to meet the needs of that community.&nbsp;Growth will be established through the involvement of faith based and civic organizations to increase foster home recruitment.•&nbsp;Functional Family Therapist:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;Functional Family Therapy, meeting the varied needs of the client population served (youth at moderate or high risk to offend and youth in the juvenile justice system.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/">HERE</a>&nbsp;for more information.About EmberHope EmberHope Youthville, a leading, faith-based provider of child welfare services is committed to helping you succeed as an employee as you work to make a difference in the life of a child either directly or by offering administrative support. The Company strives for a positive work environment that encourages effective teamwork, trauma-informed practices, and opportunities to utilize leadership skills.&nbsp; Team members from all departments will focus on carrying out the EmberHope Youthville mission, vision, and values!&nbsp;

Three-day weather outlook

On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Women's Basketball Coach Tony Hobson and Head Men's Basketball Coach Mark Johnson.&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/8GDu9UqMCXE"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Women's Basketball Coach Tony Hobson and Head Men's Basketball Coach Mark Johnson.&nbsp;

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

Hands busied themselves with glue, holly, and bright red and green paint on a work table filled with holiday decorations last week.

The students at the WeKan Center have been busy making Christmas decorations to sell at the annual Bethesda Place sale this week in downtown Hays.

The WeKan Center is a program of Hays USD 489 that serves students who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and who have completed their high school requirements but are still younger than 21.

"The year they turn 21, they exit and hopefully go out into the real world with employment and some skills so they can live on their own or help at their households," said Dawn Howard, teacher.

The students cook for themselves every day and receive work experience in the community.

"I think the whole reason this program is important is that these young adults are going to be citizens of the Hays community lifelong," Howard said. "Everybody has a purpose in life, and the goal of this program is to help them find their purpose and their niche in the community.

 "I hope as they use the community, part of what we learn is to navigate independently and safely around the community. I hope people see that every one of these young adults can be productive citizens. They just need practice and someone to give them a chance." 

This is only the second year for the WeKan Center, which is in the Hadley Center and shares space with a USD 489 preschool program. The WeKan students help clean up after the WeeKan preschool students.

Because the WeKan Center shares a space with the preschool, which hosts Fort Hays State University students in training, FHSU pays a third, USD 489 pays a third and the special education co-op pays a third of the operating costs.

Howard said the program gives these students extra time to build life and job skills. It has 10 full-time and one part-time student this year.

"The whole point of the WeKan Center is to learn by doing," Howard said. "Just that experience of creating, thinking, problem-solving, learning about money management, time management, all of those things will help them as adults."

The students chose their own projects. Many involved pallet wood, which was provided for free by nearby businesses. The students also used the Arc Thrift Store to find items they needed to complete their decorations.

They made reindeer bells out of flower pots, signs, pallet snowmen, tea light snowmen that could be used on packages, a grinch as well as many other decorations. The students also made a variety of seed bombs that will be available for sale this week.

The WeKan students have been earning money to support their program by cleaning up the stands after FHSU games. The program gave the students small loans out of these funds for the materials they needed for their projects.

The students will pay their loans using proceeds from the sale. The students will keep any remaining proceeds from the sale.

"I want them to have money they can put in their pockets so they can see hard work pays off," Howard said.

She encouraged members of the public to come to the sale and support the students.

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethesdaplaceinc">Bethesda Place</a> store also will have items made by the men of Bethesda Place, who also have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The Bethesda Place store, 126 W. Ninth, will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670260640502.jpeg" alt="Johnny Fizthum, 19, WeKan Center student, makes a sign for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethesdaplaceinc">Bethesda Place</a> holiday sale in downtown Hays this weekend. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Johnny Fizthum, 19, WeKan Center student, makes a sign for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethesdaplaceinc">Bethesda Place</a> holiday sale in downtown Hays this weekend. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHands busied themselves with glue, holly, and bright red and green paint on a work table filled with holiday decorations last week. The students at the WeKan Center have been busy making Christmas decorations to sell at the annual Bethesda Place sale this week in downtown Hays.The WeKan Center is a program of Hays USD 489 that serves students who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and who have completed their high school requirements but are still younger than 21."The year they turn 21, they exit and hopefully go out into the real world with employment and some skills so they can live on their own or help at their households," said Dawn Howard, teacher.The students cook for themselves every day and receive work experience in the community."I think the whole reason this program is important is that these young adults are going to be citizens of the Hays community lifelong," Howard said. "Everybody has a purpose in life, and the goal of this program is to help them find their purpose and their niche in the community. "I hope as they use the community, part of what we learn is to navigate independently and safely around the community. I hope people see that every one of these young adults can be productive citizens. They just need practice and someone to give them a chance." This is only the second year for the WeKan Center, which is in the Hadley Center and shares space with a USD 489 preschool program. The WeKan students help clean up after the WeeKan preschool students.Because the WeKan Center shares a space with the preschool, which hosts Fort Hays State University students in training, FHSU pays a third, USD 489 pays a third and the special education co-op pays a third of the operating costs. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670260958199.jpeg" alt="WeKan Center student Christian Rogers, 19, works on an ornament for the upcoming Bethesda Place holiday sale. The students at WeKan are learning life and job skills, so they can live more independently. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>WeKan Center student Christian Rogers, 19, works on an ornament for the upcoming Bethesda Place holiday sale. The students at WeKan are learning life and job skills, so they can live more independently. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Howard said the program gives these students extra time to build life and job skills. It has 10 full-time and one part-time student this year. "The whole point of the WeKan Center is to learn by doing," Howard said. "Just that experience of creating, thinking, problem-solving, learning about money management, time management, all of those things will help them as adults." The students chose their own projects. Many involved pallet wood, which was provided for free by nearby businesses. The students also used the Arc Thrift Store to find items they needed to complete their decorations.They made reindeer bells out of flower pots, signs, pallet snowmen, tea light snowmen that could be used on packages, a grinch as well as many other decorations. The students also made a variety of seed bombs that will be available for sale this week.The WeKan students have been earning money to support their program by cleaning up the stands after FHSU games. The program gave the students small loans out of these funds for the materials they needed for their projects.The students will pay their loans using proceeds from the sale. The students will keep any remaining proceeds from the sale. "I want them to have money they can put in their pockets so they can see hard work pays off," Howard said.She encouraged members of the public to come to the sale and support the students.The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethesdaplaceinc">Bethesda Place</a> store also will have items made by the men of Bethesda Place, who also have intellectual or developmental disabilities. The Bethesda Place store, 126 W. Ninth, will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Hays WeKan students to show their talents during Bethesda sale this weekend

Growing up in a rural community, 1970 Fort Hays State University alumnus <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/98ec498c-9e09-469d-98f8-508fdc52295e">Dr. Glenn Tucker</a> recognized the importance of lending a hand. From the small rural Kansas township of Ogallah, with a current population of 83, Tucker understood the challenges young adults from small communities face when considering their futures. Before passing, Tucker included FHSU in his estate plan to assist future generations of biology students from rural Kansas.

Tucker attended school in Ogallah and nearby WaKeeney before enrolling at Fort Hays State University and later the University of Kansas to study biology. While higher education offered him the ability to enter the field of epidemiology, he experienced the challenges firsthand that rural students live each day. Tucker wanted to remove barriers and ensure future generations of aspiring biologists from rural Kansas communities could receive a life-changing education from FHSU.

The Glenn J. Tucker Memorial Scholarship will pay forward the education Tucker received at Fort Hays State University to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in biological sciences from rural areas with a graduating class of fewer than 100 students. His gift to Fort Hays State University students demonstrates the impact of an educational legacy, especially to those in rural communities like Tucker’s. This gift will inspire students like Tucker, whose education shaped his life and career.

When considering estate plans, supporters and alumni of FHSU can establish and tailor scholarships to areas or groups they’d most like to help.

Just as Tucker chose to impact rural students from small graduating classes majoring in biological sciences, funds can support specific student demographics, campus involvement, academic majors, or sports. This holiday season, consider making a gift to Fort Hays State or establishing your own scholarship to help students follow their dreams just as Tucker did.

To learn how you can impact students’ lives at Fort Hays State University, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://foundation.fhsu.edu/">foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, call 785-628-5620, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670259809536.jpeg" alt="Glenn Tucker" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Tucker</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU FoundationGrowing up in a rural community, 1970 Fort Hays State University alumnus <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/98ec498c-9e09-469d-98f8-508fdc52295e">Dr. Glenn Tucker</a> recognized the importance of lending a hand. From the small rural Kansas township of Ogallah, with a current population of 83, Tucker understood the challenges young adults from small communities face when considering their futures. Before passing, Tucker included FHSU in his estate plan to assist future generations of biology students from rural Kansas.Tucker attended school in Ogallah and nearby WaKeeney before enrolling at Fort Hays State University and later the University of Kansas to study biology. While higher education offered him the ability to enter the field of epidemiology, he experienced the challenges firsthand that rural students live each day. Tucker wanted to remove barriers and ensure future generations of aspiring biologists from rural Kansas communities could receive a life-changing education from FHSU.The Glenn J. Tucker Memorial Scholarship will pay forward the education Tucker received at Fort Hays State University to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in biological sciences from rural areas with a graduating class of fewer than 100 students. His gift to Fort Hays State University students demonstrates the impact of an educational legacy, especially to those in rural communities like Tucker’s. This gift will inspire students like Tucker, whose education shaped his life and career.When considering estate plans, supporters and alumni of FHSU can establish and tailor scholarships to areas or groups they’d most like to help.Just as Tucker chose to impact rural students from small graduating classes majoring in biological sciences, funds can support specific student demographics, campus involvement, academic majors, or sports. This holiday season, consider making a gift to Fort Hays State or establishing your own scholarship to help students follow their dreams just as Tucker did.To learn how you can impact students’ lives at Fort Hays State University, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://foundation.fhsu.edu/">foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, call 785-628-5620, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

Fort Hays State alum gives back to rural biology students

The near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude dropped by more than a dollar per barrel on Friday to settle a few cents shy of $80 per barrel. In morning trading Monday, WTI prices were up a dollar and change, with the Nymex benchmark contract trading over $81 and London Brent over $86 per barrel. Kansas prices dropped a dollar and a quarter per barrel to close out last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts this week at $70.25 per barrel. November prices dropped by a little over two-fifty per barrel to a monthly average of $74.43 per barrel. That's a little over six dollars higher than prices in November of last year. The Energy Information Administration reported U.S. crude oil production reached 368 million barrels in September, an increase of 12 percent over September of last year. Kansas production was down 153,000 barrels from the month before at 2,363,000 barrels, or about 79,000 barrels per day. Output in Texas was over 154 million barrels or about 42% of the national tally.&nbsp; U.S. crude production dipped slightly last week, but remained above 12 million barrels per day for a fourth straight week. EIA says output is nearly 600,000 barrels per day ahead of last year at this time. Domestic crude imports averaged six million barrels per day, down by a million barrels per day from the week before. The Energy Information Administration reported crude stockpiles dropping to just over 419 million barrels as of Nov. 25. That's down 12.6 million barrels from the week before, or roughly eight percent below the five-year average for this time of year. State regulators report 154 new intent-to-drill notices across Kansas during the month of November, up 39 intents from the month before and 21 intent-notices ahead of last November. The year-to-date tally is 1,611, an increase of 451 intents over a year ago. We spotted three new intents in Barton County, six in Ellis County, one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. Kansas rig counts are slightly lower than last week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 21 active drilling rigs east of Wichita, which is down two for the week, and 29 in Western Kansas, which is unchanged. Drilling was underway Thursday on one lease in Stafford County. Operators were about to spud new wells in Ellis and Stafford counties Friday.&nbsp; Kansas operators competed 12 new wells last week. All 12 were west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. Kansas regulators last week okayed four new drilling permits in the eastern half of the state and nine west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. There are 1,522 new drilling locations permitted so far this year. US oil-by-rail traffic dropped by more than three percent year-over-year. The Association of American Railroads reports 8,665 tanker carloads during the week through November 26, down 1,710 carloads from the week before. Canadian traffic dropped slightly from the week before but remains slightly higher than a year ago. The Biden Administration will open up nearly a million acres off the coast of Alaska for energy exploration, despite a demonstrated lack of interest when the acreage was first offered earlier this year. This sale was included in the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, in order to secure the vote of holdout Senator Joe Manchin. The United Arab Emirates are playing on both sides of the free-energy fence. The UAE will dramatically increase energy exports, while at the same time pursuing a net-zero emissions policy throughout the kingdom. That's according to an announcement last week from the kingdom's president who doubles as the chief executive of the state-run oil company. The government announced a huge new oil export facility, and many are questioning the timing. The Biden Administration waited until after the UN climate conference wrapped up in Egypt before revealing its approval of what will be our largest oil-export terminal. The Sea Port Oil Terminal off the Gulf Coast of Texas would add two million barrels per day to U.S. export capacity.

By JOHN P. TRETBARThe near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude dropped by more than a dollar per barrel on Friday to settle a few cents shy of $80 per barrel. In morning trading Monday, WTI prices were up a dollar and change, with the Nymex benchmark contract trading over $81 and London Brent over $86 per barrel. Kansas prices dropped a dollar and a quarter per barrel to close out last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts this week at $70.25 per barrel. November prices dropped by a little over two-fifty per barrel to a monthly average of $74.43 per barrel. That's a little over six dollars higher than prices in November of last year. The Energy Information Administration reported U.S. crude oil production reached 368 million barrels in September, an increase of 12 percent over September of last year. Kansas production was down 153,000 barrels from the month before at 2,363,000 barrels, or about 79,000 barrels per day. Output in Texas was over 154 million barrels or about 42% of the national tally.&nbsp; U.S. crude production dipped slightly last week, but remained above 12 million barrels per day for a fourth straight week. EIA says output is nearly 600,000 barrels per day ahead of last year at this time. Domestic crude imports averaged six million barrels per day, down by a million barrels per day from the week before. The Energy Information Administration reported crude stockpiles dropping to just over 419 million barrels as of Nov. 25. That's down 12.6 million barrels from the week before, or roughly eight percent below the five-year average for this time of year. State regulators report 154 new intent-to-drill notices across Kansas during the month of November, up 39 intents from the month before and 21 intent-notices ahead of last November. The year-to-date tally is 1,611, an increase of 451 intents over a year ago. We spotted three new intents in Barton County, six in Ellis County, one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. Kansas rig counts are slightly lower than last week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 21 active drilling rigs east of Wichita, which is down two for the week, and 29 in Western Kansas, which is unchanged. Drilling was underway Thursday on one lease in Stafford County. Operators were about to spud new wells in Ellis and Stafford counties Friday.&nbsp; Kansas operators competed 12 new wells last week. All 12 were west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. Kansas regulators last week okayed four new drilling permits in the eastern half of the state and nine west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. There are 1,522 new drilling locations permitted so far this year. US oil-by-rail traffic dropped by more than three percent year-over-year. The Association of American Railroads reports 8,665 tanker carloads during the week through November 26, down 1,710 carloads from the week before. Canadian traffic dropped slightly from the week before but remains slightly higher than a year ago. The Biden Administration will open up nearly a million acres off the coast of Alaska for energy exploration, despite a demonstrated lack of interest when the acreage was first offered earlier this year. This sale was included in the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, in order to secure the vote of holdout Senator Joe Manchin. The United Arab Emirates are playing on both sides of the free-energy fence. The UAE will dramatically increase energy exports, while at the same time pursuing a net-zero emissions policy throughout the kingdom. That's according to an announcement last week from the kingdom's president who doubles as the chief executive of the state-run oil company. The government announced a huge new oil export facility, and many are questioning the timing. The Biden Administration waited until after the UN climate conference wrapped up in Egypt before revealing its approval of what will be our largest oil-export terminal. The Sea Port Oil Terminal off the Gulf Coast of Texas would add two million barrels per day to U.S. export capacity.

News From the Oil Patch: US production up; Kan. production down

First Presbyterian Church in Hays will have a For Children's Good(s) sale on Dec. 15 at the church, 2900 Hall.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670254730231.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First Presbyterian Church in Hays will have a For Children's Good(s) sale on Dec. 15 at the church, 2900 Hall.&nbsp;

Church sale will raise money for children, families in need

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670276900152.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

With the holiday season upon us, it is a great idea to have a pie, quick bread or cookies stored in the freezer for your family gatherings. Many baked goods freeze and thaw beautifully. The key to success is to follow recommended procedures.

• The freezer temperature should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less. • Use moisture-proof, vapor-proof wraps or containers such as plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, heavy duty foil and freezer-weight plastic bags and wraps. • Cool baked goods completely before preparing for the freezer. This will prevent moisture condensation from warm food which could make it soggy after thawing. • Be sure there is enough room for expansion when filling containers. Press the air out and seal tightly before freezing.

Cookies freeze well if packed in a rigid container to prevent breakage. If cookies are frosted before freeing, freeze on a cookie sheet, then layer with waxed paper in freezer container. Thaw in container at room temperature. Unfrosted cookies may be stored up to 12 months; frosted ones just 2 months.

Quick breads freeze well too. Make sure you cool completely and wrap well with&nbsp;products noted above. Thaw at room temperature and consider slicing while partially frozen to prevent crumbling. Quick breads can be stored for up to 4 months, but they never last that long at my house!

Unbaked pies have fresher fruit flavor, but the crust may absorb juices and become soggy easier. Brush bottom crust with melted butter and allow to set up before filling. Fruit fillings may be thickened and cooled before adding to crust. Do not slit the top crust before freezing. When you unwrap the pie, cut slits in the top pastry and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes and then lower the temperature to 375 degrees and bake 30 to 45 minutes, or until the center is bubbly and crust is nicely browned. Unbaked pies can be frozen up to 4 months.&nbsp;

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your baked goods retain flavor and freshness in the freezer. Let me know if you have specific questions that I haven’t covered and I’ll be happy to share. &nbsp;

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. " />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. </figcaption>
 </figure>With the holiday season upon us, it is a great idea to have a pie, quick bread or cookies stored in the freezer for your family gatherings. Many baked goods freeze and thaw beautifully. The key to success is to follow recommended procedures.• The freezer temperature should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less. • Use moisture-proof, vapor-proof wraps or containers such as plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, heavy duty foil and freezer-weight plastic bags and wraps. • Cool baked goods completely before preparing for the freezer. This will prevent moisture condensation from warm food which could make it soggy after thawing. • Be sure there is enough room for expansion when filling containers. Press the air out and seal tightly before freezing.Cookies freeze well if packed in a rigid container to prevent breakage. If cookies are frosted before freeing, freeze on a cookie sheet, then layer with waxed paper in freezer container. Thaw in container at room temperature. Unfrosted cookies may be stored up to 12 months; frosted ones just 2 months.Quick breads freeze well too. Make sure you cool completely and wrap well with&nbsp;products noted above. Thaw at room temperature and consider slicing while partially frozen to prevent crumbling. Quick breads can be stored for up to 4 months, but they never last that long at my house!Unbaked pies have fresher fruit flavor, but the crust may absorb juices and become soggy easier. Brush bottom crust with melted butter and allow to set up before filling. Fruit fillings may be thickened and cooled before adding to crust. Do not slit the top crust before freezing. When you unwrap the pie, cut slits in the top pastry and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes and then lower the temperature to 375 degrees and bake 30 to 45 minutes, or until the center is bubbly and crust is nicely browned. Unbaked pies can be frozen up to 4 months.&nbsp;Following these guidelines will help ensure that your baked goods retain flavor and freshness in the freezer. Let me know if you have specific questions that I haven’t covered and I’ll be happy to share. &nbsp;Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: Keys to freezing baked goods successfully

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan. on Monday released the following statement marking the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service, one year after Sen. Dole’s passing:

“Sen. Bob Dole lived a remarkable life, yet always treated others with respect and kindness. Whether it was on the battlefield, in the halls of Congress, or in his personal life, Sen. Dole’s dedication to his fellow Kansans and to his country was a consistent reminder that a single person can make a difference and change the world for the better.

“Raised in Russell, Sen. Dole left Kansas to serve in World War II where he earned two Purple Hearts. He then spent a remarkable 36 years on Capitol Hill, rising to become Senate Majority Leader and leading significant legislative achievements. Known for working toward commonsense solutions over partisan ones, he became the first Kansan since Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the Republican nominee for President. On the floor of the United States Senate, I am honored to use Sen. Dole’s desk, and I am regularly reminded of his dedication to Kansans and all of his fellow Americans through his incredible life and the enduring legacy he left behind for each of us.

“To carry on Sen. Dole’s legacy of service and remember him on the anniversary of his passing, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is holding the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service. I hope that you will join me in honoring Sen. Dole’s life by performing an act of kindness to a loved one, friend, neighbor or stranger in your community.” For information on the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://hiddenheroes.org/get-involved/doledayofservice/" target="_blank">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588269459465.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan. on Monday released the following statement marking the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service, one year after Sen. Dole’s passing:“Sen. Bob Dole lived a remarkable life, yet always treated others with respect and kindness. Whether it was on the battlefield, in the halls of Congress, or in his personal life, Sen. Dole’s dedication to his fellow Kansans and to his country was a consistent reminder that a single person can make a difference and change the world for the better.“Raised in Russell, Sen. Dole left Kansas to serve in World War II where he earned two Purple Hearts. He then spent a remarkable 36 years on Capitol Hill, rising to become Senate Majority Leader and leading significant legislative achievements. Known for working toward commonsense solutions over partisan ones, he became the first Kansan since Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the Republican nominee for President. On the floor of the United States Senate, I am honored to use Sen. Dole’s desk, and I am regularly reminded of his dedication to Kansans and all of his fellow Americans through his incredible life and the enduring legacy he left behind for each of us.“To carry on Sen. Dole’s legacy of service and remember him on the anniversary of his passing, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is holding the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service. I hope that you will join me in honoring Sen. Dole’s life by performing an act of kindness to a loved one, friend, neighbor or stranger in your community.” For information on the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://hiddenheroes.org/get-involved/doledayofservice/" target="_blank">click here</a>.

MORAN: Remembering Sen. Bob Dole

Three elementary school students at Westside Elementary School took a Hays Post reporter on a tour this week to explain their new family-style lunch program. 

Westside school serves elementary through high school students  who have emotional or behavioral issues that make it difficult for them to attend full days at their home schools. The students receive extra support at the school with the goal of transitioning them back to their home classrooms.

The students used to be bused to other schools for lunch.

One boy showed the reporter where he helps cut fruit for lunch. A second-grader read the question of the day that the students talk about during lunchtime with their peers and teachers.

The day's question was, "What's your favorite thing to do when it snows outside?"

A second grader talked about his high school friend that used to sit with him at lunch. That student is back at Hays High School full-time now, but the students still write notes to each other, and the HHS student visits for lunch occasionally.

The students were also excited to open a large drawer in the office that contained candy, coupons, trading cards and small toys that they can earn for positive behavior.

The students can turn in their positive behavior notes called "You did it slips" into a jar in the office after lunch.

The boys dug through the jar. One slip said you followed staff directions by staying calm. Another boy read his slips "staying quiet" and another "completing math."

The school received a $10,000 donation from the Robert E. and Patricia A Schmidt Foundation to purchase food service equipment and folding circle tables to allow students to eat lunch family-style at the school. 

The folding tables allow the space to be used for other programs throughout the day.

The program launched at the beginning of the school year.

"I love all our students, but sometimes our students with their trauma and back history, they feel better in chaos than being calm. We see great things happening," Lindy McDaniel, assistant special education director, said of the lunch program.

Younger students are paired with high school students to be friends at meals.

An older student helping a younger student at the lunch table can be a big step for both students, she said.

"We also have those little bursts of 'this feels really uncomfortable to be a leader or to do loving things,' so we are working through that process with a lot of the kids," McDaniel said.

"I would say at lunch every day, there is a shining moment of, wow, that's something they didn't do at the beginning of the year," she said. 

McDaniel cited research that showed students who feel purpose are more likely to come to school. This has been born out this year at Westside with increased attendance since the family-style meal program was implemented.

"Some of our kids if they have had a path of education where they were pretty dysregulated when they were younger and didn't have positive lunch experiences or positive school experiences, this gives them an opportunity to redo some of that through their younger peers," McDaniel said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669920895007.jpeg" alt="Westside students and staff eat family-style thanks to a grant from the Robert E. Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Westside students and staff eat family-style thanks to a grant from the Robert E. Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThree elementary school students at Westside Elementary School took a Hays Post reporter on a tour this week to explain their new family-style lunch program. Westside school serves elementary through high school students who have emotional or behavioral issues that make it difficult for them to attend full days at their home schools. The students receive extra support at the school with the goal of transitioning them back to their home classrooms.The students used to be bused to other schools for lunch.One boy showed the reporter where he helps cut fruit for lunch. A second-grader read the question of the day that the students talk about during lunchtime with their peers and teachers.The day's question was, "What's your favorite thing to do when it snows outside?"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669921149897.jpeg" alt="A Westside third grader helps prep fruit for the school's family-style lunch. Courtesy&nbsp; photo " />
 <figcaption>A Westside third grader helps prep fruit for the school's family-style lunch. Courtesy&nbsp; photo </figcaption>
 </figure>A second grader talked about his high school friend that used to sit with him at lunch. That student is back at Hays High School full-time now, but the students still write notes to each other, and the HHS student visits for lunch occasionally.The students were also excited to open a large drawer in the office that contained candy, coupons, trading cards and small toys that they can earn for positive behavior.The students can turn in their positive behavior notes called "You did it slips" into a jar in the office after lunch.The boys dug through the jar. One slip said you followed staff directions by staying calm. Another boy read his slips "staying quiet" and another "completing math." The school received a $10,000 donation from the Robert E. and Patricia A Schmidt Foundation to purchase food service equipment and folding circle tables to allow students to eat lunch family-style at the school. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669921201782.jpeg" alt="Students learn to build connections with their peers, older students and staff members at Westside as part of the school's new lunch program. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Students learn to build connections with their peers, older students and staff members at Westside as part of the school's new lunch program. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The folding tables allow the space to be used for other programs throughout the day. The program launched at the beginning of the school year. "I love all our students, but sometimes our students with their trauma and back history, they feel better in chaos than being calm. We see great things happening," Lindy McDaniel, assistant special education director, said of the lunch program.Younger students are paired with high school students to be friends at meals.An older student helping a younger student at the lunch table can be a big step for both students, she said."We also have those little bursts of 'this feels really uncomfortable to be a leader or to do loving things,' so we are working through that process with a lot of the kids," McDaniel said."I would say at lunch every day, there is a shining moment of, wow, that's something they didn't do at the beginning of the year," she said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669921297711.jpeg" alt="Students have time before and after lunch to talk and play games to help build connections with their peers and staff members. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Students have time before and after lunch to talk and play games to help build connections with their peers and staff members. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>McDaniel cited research that showed students who feel purpose are more likely to come to school. This has been born out this year at Westside with increased attendance since the family-style meal program was implemented."Some of our kids if they have had a path of education where they were pretty dysregulated when they were younger and didn't have positive lunch experiences or positive school experiences, this gives them an opportunity to redo some of that through their younger peers," McDaniel said."We've had a student say, 'I was little Johnny when I was little. I screamed and kicked and did those things, and I want to help.'" The students have five minutes before and after they eat their lunch to talk or play tic-tac-toe or a quick round of Pictionary. The younger students, work on basic manners, such as "Please pass the ketchup." and "May I be excused?"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669921378296.jpeg" alt="Elementary students rotate helping cut fruit and vegetables as part of Westside's new lunch program. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Elementary students rotate helping cut fruit and vegetables as part of Westside's new lunch program. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The donation pays for up to four adults to eat with the children to help build relationships with adults as well. Staff members eat regularly with the students, but the school has also brought in police officers and Superintendent Ron Wilson.McDaniel said she also would like to have teachers from the students' home schools and even peers eat with the students at Westside in the future.Although some of the Westside students already eat lunch with their peers at their home schools, the program is a good alternative for students who have days they struggle with their emotional regulation, McDaniel said.The program also saves instruction time as the students don't have to be bused to other schools in the district to eat lunch.

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