The Bricks in Downtown Hays is pleased to announce the winners of the 25th Annual FrostFest Illuminated Parade, celebrating “Timeless Traditions” and a milestone 25 years of holiday magic&nbsp; on Main Street.

With more than 50 glowing entries and hundreds in attendance, this year’s parade was led by Werth Wealth Management, the 2025 FrostFest Grand Marshal. The Bricks also extends special appreciation to&nbsp; the City of Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau for generously providing the prize money awarded to this year’s winners.

• Business Category: Water Resources Dept. – City of Hays

• Family &amp; Friends Category: Wooden Train from Victoria

• Non-Profit Category &amp; Judges’ Overall Pick: Donna Fleischacker (Old Fashioned Illuminated Buggy)

• People’s Choice Award: Immaculate Heart of Mary

“We were honored to have a diverse panel of judges this year, bringing a wide range of perspectives to the parade scoring,” said Lee Ann June, Executive Director. “The creativity and community spirit shown this year is nothing short of inspiring. Our participants pour their hearts into these displays, and our volunteers, judges, and community partners help bring this event to life. We are incredibly grateful for every person who plays a part in making FrostFest a ‘Timeless Tradition’ the community looks forward to&nbsp; year after year&nbsp;

In addition to the parade, the Christmas Magic on Main Street season continues with several upcoming events:

Upcoming Christmas Magic on Main Events

Customer Appreciation Weekend | Dec. 11–13 Celebrate a weekend dedicated to our incredible shoppers! Participating Downtown Dollar businesses will offer DOUBLE TICKETS all weekend long, giving shoppers twice the chance to win big in the

Downtown Dollar Giveaway. It’s the perfect time to support local businesses while boosting your entries.

Friday, December 12 | 5–7 PM – Union Pacific Park Enjoy free Clydesdale Wagonette Rides, visits with Santa &amp; Mrs. Claus, and hot cocoa, thanks to our generous sponsors.

Sunday, December 14 | 3 PM – Fox Theatre Catch a Christmas Classic Movie at The Fox Theatre, free entry, thanks to our movie sponsor. A family-friendly way to celebrate the season.

Saturday, December 20 | 5:05 PM – Facebook LIVE Drawing

Join us on Facebook Live for the Downtown Dollar Giveaway, where $4,000 in Downtown Dollars will be awarded. Shoppers can earn entries now through Dec. 20 simply by shopping participating businesses on The Bricks.

For full event details and list of sponsors, visit <a href="http://downtownhays.com">downtownhays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765158821160.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>SubmittedThe Bricks in Downtown Hays is pleased to announce the winners of the 25th Annual FrostFest Illuminated Parade, celebrating “Timeless Traditions” and a milestone 25 years of holiday magic&nbsp; on Main Street.With more than 50 glowing entries and hundreds in attendance, this year’s parade was led by Werth Wealth Management, the 2025 FrostFest Grand Marshal. The Bricks also extends special appreciation to&nbsp; the City of Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau for generously providing the prize money awarded to this year’s winners.This year’s winners are• Animal Category: Upscale Tails• Business Category: Water Resources Dept. – City of Hays• Family &amp; Friends Category: Wooden Train from Victoria• Non-Profit Category &amp; Judges’ Overall Pick: Donna Fleischacker (Old Fashioned Illuminated Buggy)• People’s Choice Award: Immaculate Heart of Mary“We were honored to have a diverse panel of judges this year, bringing a wide range of perspectives to the parade scoring,” said Lee Ann June, Executive Director. “The creativity and community spirit shown this year is nothing short of inspiring. Our participants pour their hearts into these displays, and our volunteers, judges, and community partners help bring this event to life. We are incredibly grateful for every person who plays a part in making FrostFest a ‘Timeless Tradition’ the community looks forward to&nbsp; year after year&nbsp;In addition to the parade, the Christmas Magic on Main Street season continues with several upcoming events:Upcoming Christmas Magic on Main EventsCustomer Appreciation Weekend | Dec. 11–13 Celebrate a weekend dedicated to our incredible shoppers! Participating Downtown Dollar businesses will offer DOUBLE TICKETS all weekend long, giving shoppers twice the chance to win big in the Downtown Dollar Giveaway. It’s the perfect time to support local businesses while boosting your entries.Friday, December 12 | 5–7 PM – Union Pacific Park Enjoy free Clydesdale Wagonette Rides, visits with Santa &amp; Mrs. Claus, and hot cocoa, thanks to our generous sponsors.Sunday, December 14 | 3 PM – Fox Theatre Catch a Christmas Classic Movie at The Fox Theatre, free entry, thanks to our movie sponsor. A family-friendly way to celebrate the season.Saturday, December 20 | 5:05 PM – Facebook LIVE DrawingJoin us on Facebook Live for the Downtown Dollar Giveaway, where $4,000 in Downtown Dollars will be awarded. Shoppers can earn entries now through Dec. 20 simply by shopping participating businesses on The Bricks.For full event details and list of sponsors, visit <a href="http://downtownhays.com">downtownhays.com</a>.

Bricks announces winners of 25th FrostFest parade

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

On Dec. 16, the Kansas Supreme Court will hear an appeal from a Hays man convicted of murdering his wife.

Colby Trickle was convicted in 2023 of murdering his wife, Kristen Trickle, and interfering with law enforcement. The district court sentenced Trickle to a hard 50-year sentence.

On the morning of Oct. 31, 2019, 26-year-old Kristen Trickle&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc229296-d187-4557-9cd4-e18e936e0994">was found dead&nbsp;</a>of a gunshot wound to the head at her home. The 911 caller reported the incident as a suicide.

But according to then Assistant Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham, investigators worked through the evidence and determined that Kristen was murdered, and they identified her husband, Colby, as the main suspect.

Investigators determined that 10 days before Kristen was found dead, Colby Trickle searched the internet for information on how to collect on her life insurance policy.

Colby Trickle was also engaged in an online affair at the time, according to investigators.

Investigators also learned that Colby Trickle collected on Kristen’s life insurance policies, and he spent all of the money in just a few months after her death.

During his allocution, Colby Trickle apologized for being a bad husband and son but continued to claim that he did not shoot his wife and that he was being “wrongfully persecuted.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0379c4b5-8e93-4dcb-8d83-cfb4b8537b90">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays man gets life for killing wife</a>

Chief Judge of the 23rd Judicial District Court, Glenn Braun presided over the trial. Braun has since retired.

Issues on review by the Supreme Court are whether: 1) the district court erred in allowing into evidence unreliable expert opinion that invaded the province of the jury; 

2) the prosecutor erred in asking questions and eliciting answers invading the province of the jury, diluting its burden of proof, and denying Trickle his state and federal right to due process; 

3) the district court erred in excluding Trickle’s lay suicide witness, denying him his state and federal rights to present a defense; 

4) the district court erred in admitting irrelevant and highly prejudicial evidence of a purchase made several months after the victim’s death; 

5) the district court failed to conform to the best evidence rule; 

6) bias on the part of the district court denied Trickle his due process rights to a fair trial and a neutral judge; 

7) the prosecution reversibly erred in closing arguments; and 

8) cumulative error deprived Trickle of a fair trial.

The Trickle case was featured on "48 Hours" in 2024.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4c33423c-1f63-4d7b-98ec-a4ded347e85e">SEE RELATED STORY: 48 Hours to feature Hays death: 'Kristen Trickle Autopsy of the Mind'</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626522324942.png" alt="Colby Trickle" />
 <figcaption>Colby Trickle</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostOn Dec. 16, the Kansas Supreme Court will hear an appeal from a Hays man convicted of murdering his wife.Colby Trickle was convicted in 2023 of murdering his wife, Kristen Trickle, and interfering with law enforcement. The district court sentenced Trickle to a hard 50-year sentence.On the morning of Oct. 31, 2019, 26-year-old Kristen Trickle&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc229296-d187-4557-9cd4-e18e936e0994">was found dead&nbsp;</a>of a gunshot wound to the head at her home. The 911 caller reported the incident as a suicide.But according to then Assistant Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham, investigators worked through the evidence and determined that Kristen was murdered, and they identified her husband, Colby, as the main suspect.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734972232571.png" alt="Kristen Trickle. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kristen Trickle. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators determined that 10 days before Kristen was found dead, Colby Trickle searched the internet for information on how to collect on her life insurance policy.Colby Trickle was also engaged in an online affair at the time, according to investigators.Investigators also learned that Colby Trickle collected on Kristen’s life insurance policies, and he spent all of the money in just a few months after her death.During his allocution, Colby Trickle apologized for being a bad husband and son but continued to claim that he did not shoot his wife and that he was being “wrongfully persecuted.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0379c4b5-8e93-4dcb-8d83-cfb4b8537b90">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays man gets life for killing wife</a>Chief Judge of the 23rd Judicial District Court, Glenn Braun presided over the trial. Braun has since retired.Issues on review by the Supreme Court are whether: 1) the district court erred in allowing into evidence unreliable expert opinion that invaded the province of the jury; 2) the prosecutor erred in asking questions and eliciting answers invading the province of the jury, diluting its burden of proof, and denying Trickle his state and federal right to due process; 3) the district court erred in excluding Trickle’s lay suicide witness, denying him his state and federal rights to present a defense; 4) the district court erred in admitting irrelevant and highly prejudicial evidence of a purchase made several months after the victim’s death; 5) the district court failed to conform to the best evidence rule; 6) bias on the part of the district court denied Trickle his due process rights to a fair trial and a neutral judge; 7) the prosecution reversibly erred in closing arguments; and 8) cumulative error deprived Trickle of a fair trial.The Trickle case was featured on "48 Hours" in 2024.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4c33423c-1f63-4d7b-98ec-a4ded347e85e">SEE RELATED STORY: 48 Hours to feature Hays death: 'Kristen Trickle Autopsy of the Mind'</a>

KS Supreme Court to hear appeal of Hays man convicted of murdering wife

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Ellis County Jail bookings: Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2025

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Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2025

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Adjusted numbers from Kansas regulators show intent-to-drill notices increased by 51 in the month of November for a year-to-date total of 697 intents, up 134 intents from November of last year. An online search at the Kansas Corporation Commission Web site shows one new intent notice last month in Ellis County, three in Stafford County, and two each in Finney, Gove, and Haskell counties.

Regulators in The Sunflower State okayed eight new drilling permits this week with five in Western Kansas, including one new drilling location in Stafford County. That's 617 new drilling permits this year, compared with 1,071 by this time last year.

Operators completed 15 new wells in Kansas this week, or 1,042 so far this year. That's about two hundred wells behind last year at this time. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports ten new well-completions in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County, one in Stafford County, and two wells in Haskell County.

The Kansas Rig Count is down 23 percent from a month ago and is 58 percent lower than a year ago, but it's unchanged from last week. At 13 rigs, the tally from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down three east of Wichita, and up three at ten active rigs in Western Kansas. On Friday, operators in Stafford County report drilling about to begin on one lease, continuing on another, and about to wrap up on a third. Drilling is also reported on leases in Finney and Gove counties.

The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up six oil rigs for a total of 549 rigs nationwide. The report from Louisiana is up four rigs. New Mexico is up one.

Domestic crude production reports from the government surpassed 13.8 million barrels a day for the fourth week in a row and only the fourth time in history. The Energy Information Administration reports nationwide crude-oil production averages 13,815,000 barrels per day, up a thousand barrels a day from a week ago. Four-week average output is over 13.8 million, up three percent or nearly half a million daily barrels from a year ago. Cumulative output so far this year is nearly 13.5 million barrels a day.

Crude imports drop a few barrels below six million a day. That's down nearly half a million daily barrels from a week ago, 1.2 million barrels a day from a year ago, and down 1.5 million daily barrels from two years ago. The Energy Information Administration reports crude exports are up slightly to just over 3.6 million barrels a day.&nbsp; The four-week average is just over 3.5 million, which is down 15 percent from a year ago.

Commercial crude-oil inventories rose by 600,000 barrels compared to a week ago. At 427.5 million barrels, US stockpiles are up four million barrels from a year ago, but remain about three percent below the five-year seasonal average.

The government reports another 300,000 barrels in refills at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which has increased nearly 20 million barrels in the last year, and now totals just over 411 million barrels.

Between exports and A.I., US natural gas production is about to spike. A study published by one of the nation's biggest oil and gas producers asserts that power demand for Artificial Intelligence will likely boost natural gas production by ten to 15 percent in next five years or so. The Hamm Institute for American Energy says the A.I. demand spike will coincide with increased demand for Liquefied Natural Gas exports. Over the last decade the data center industry has added about 500 megawatts of new capacity each year. The study asserts that rate tripled in 2022, and has doubled again since then. Current construction suggests it will double again this year. The capacity added so far this year will surpass ten gigawatts, enough to power peak demand New York City.

By this time next year, the government plans to replace the Biden Administration's offshore energy leasing plan, the smallest ever published, with the Trump Administration's much larger program. The American Oil and Gas Reporter published details of the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which proposes 34 potential offshore lease sales and over one billion acres. That would include 21 new areas off the coast of Alaska, seven in the U.S. Gulf, and six along the Pacific Coast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaAdjusted numbers from Kansas regulators show intent-to-drill notices increased by 51 in the month of November for a year-to-date total of 697 intents, up 134 intents from November of last year. An online search at the Kansas Corporation Commission Web site shows one new intent notice last month in Ellis County, three in Stafford County, and two each in Finney, Gove, and Haskell counties.Regulators in The Sunflower State okayed eight new drilling permits this week with five in Western Kansas, including one new drilling location in Stafford County. That's 617 new drilling permits this year, compared with 1,071 by this time last year.Operators completed 15 new wells in Kansas this week, or 1,042 so far this year. That's about two hundred wells behind last year at this time. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports ten new well-completions in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County, one in Stafford County, and two wells in Haskell County.The Kansas Rig Count is down 23 percent from a month ago and is 58 percent lower than a year ago, but it's unchanged from last week. At 13 rigs, the tally from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down three east of Wichita, and up three at ten active rigs in Western Kansas. On Friday, operators in Stafford County report drilling about to begin on one lease, continuing on another, and about to wrap up on a third. Drilling is also reported on leases in Finney and Gove counties.The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up six oil rigs for a total of 549 rigs nationwide. The report from Louisiana is up four rigs. New Mexico is up one.Domestic crude production reports from the government surpassed 13.8 million barrels a day for the fourth week in a row and only the fourth time in history. The Energy Information Administration reports nationwide crude-oil production averages 13,815,000 barrels per day, up a thousand barrels a day from a week ago. Four-week average output is over 13.8 million, up three percent or nearly half a million daily barrels from a year ago. Cumulative output so far this year is nearly 13.5 million barrels a day.Crude imports drop a few barrels below six million a day. That's down nearly half a million daily barrels from a week ago, 1.2 million barrels a day from a year ago, and down 1.5 million daily barrels from two years ago. The Energy Information Administration reports crude exports are up slightly to just over 3.6 million barrels a day.&nbsp; The four-week average is just over 3.5 million, which is down 15 percent from a year ago.Commercial crude-oil inventories rose by 600,000 barrels compared to a week ago. At 427.5 million barrels, US stockpiles are up four million barrels from a year ago, but remain about three percent below the five-year seasonal average.The government reports another 300,000 barrels in refills at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which has increased nearly 20 million barrels in the last year, and now totals just over 411 million barrels.Between exports and A.I., US natural gas production is about to spike. A study published by one of the nation's biggest oil and gas producers asserts that power demand for Artificial Intelligence will likely boost natural gas production by ten to 15 percent in next five years or so. The Hamm Institute for American Energy says the A.I. demand spike will coincide with increased demand for Liquefied Natural Gas exports. Over the last decade the data center industry has added about 500 megawatts of new capacity each year. The study asserts that rate tripled in 2022, and has doubled again since then. Current construction suggests it will double again this year. The capacity added so far this year will surpass ten gigawatts, enough to power peak demand New York City.By this time next year, the government plans to replace the Biden Administration's offshore energy leasing plan, the smallest ever published, with the Trump Administration's much larger program. The American Oil and Gas Reporter published details of the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which proposes 34 potential offshore lease sales and over one billion acres. That would include 21 new areas off the coast of Alaska, seven in the U.S. Gulf, and six along the Pacific Coast.

News from the Oil Patch: Record-level production continues for fourth week

Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post

Despite a chilly night, Hays residents lined Main Street for the annual FrostFest parade Sunday night.&nbsp;

All of the entries in the parade have to lighted.

This year's theme was "Timeless Traditions."

Watch the Hays Post for the release of this year's parade winners when they become available.

See photo galleries of these other Ellis County events from this weekend.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a182d563-b12b-483f-91e9-1921b0a592bc">Ellis Polar Express</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/aad92a0e-ce8b-4308-9858-f752cef2dfd0">Christmas Past Open House at Historic Fort Hays</a>

Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays PostDespite a chilly night, Hays residents lined Main Street for the annual FrostFest parade Sunday night.&nbsp;All of the entries in the parade have to lighted.This year's theme was "Timeless Traditions."Watch the Hays Post for the release of this year's parade winners when they become available.See photo galleries of these other Ellis County events from this weekend.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a182d563-b12b-483f-91e9-1921b0a592bc">Ellis Polar Express</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/aad92a0e-ce8b-4308-9858-f752cef2dfd0">Christmas Past Open House at Historic Fort Hays</a><figure>
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📷 Hays FrostFest parade lights up night

The Hays Police Department is pleased to announce its participation in the Ellis County CARE (Creating Awareness, Responding Effectively) Alert Program.

This is a county-wide voluntary initiative designed to equip local first responders, including HPD officers, with critical, pre-registered information regarding residents with special needs during emergency situations.

The CARE program is a regional collaboration involving the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the Hays Police Department, the Ellis Police Department, the Victoria Police Department, and the Fort Hays State University Police Department.

The goal is to ensure a more informed, effective, and compassionate emergency response throughout Ellis County.

Under the program, at-risk individuals, their families, or caregivers can voluntarily complete an online registration form, sharing essential details about the resident.

This information is securely flagged within the public safety software utilized by the Ellis County Communications Center dispatchers and responding agencies.

Eligible participants include individuals with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities; those on the autism spectrum; residents experiencing mental health challenges; and those with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Collected data includes physical descriptions, medical conditions, allergies, and crucial communication preferences.

“The Ellis County CARE Alert Program is a vital tool that enhances our ability to serve every member of the community compassionately,” said City of Hays Chief of Police Don Scheibler. “By having access to pertinent details regarding a resident’s special needs or communication challenges before arriving on scene, our officers and county partners are better prepared to de-escalate situations, build immediate trust, and provide assistance tailored to that individual’s needs.”

The collected information remains confidential and is strictly utilized by authorized emergency personnel when a relevant incident arises.

To maintain data accuracy, registrations are set to expire annually, with participants receiving an automated reminder to update their information.

“We strongly encourage all Hays residents who meet the criteria to enroll in this county resource,” Scheibler said. “When registering, Hays participants should select the Hays Police Department as their local agency. This program provides an essential layer of safety and supports our mission to provide the most effective public service possible.”

Residents interested in enrolling or seeking more information about the CARE Alert Program can complete the online registration form at www.ellisco.net/757/CARE or contact Ellis County Communications via phone at 785-625-1011 or email at CARE@ellisco.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689001138921.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentThe Hays Police Department is pleased to announce its participation in the Ellis County CARE (Creating Awareness, Responding Effectively) Alert Program.This is a county-wide voluntary initiative designed to equip local first responders, including HPD officers, with critical, pre-registered information regarding residents with special needs during emergency situations.The CARE program is a regional collaboration involving the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the Hays Police Department, the Ellis Police Department, the Victoria Police Department, and the Fort Hays State University Police Department.The goal is to ensure a more informed, effective, and compassionate emergency response throughout Ellis County.Under the program, at-risk individuals, their families, or caregivers can voluntarily complete an online registration form, sharing essential details about the resident.This information is securely flagged within the public safety software utilized by the Ellis County Communications Center dispatchers and responding agencies.Eligible participants include individuals with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities; those on the autism spectrum; residents experiencing mental health challenges; and those with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.Collected data includes physical descriptions, medical conditions, allergies, and crucial communication preferences.“The Ellis County CARE Alert Program is a vital tool that enhances our ability to serve every member of the community compassionately,” said City of Hays Chief of Police Don Scheibler. “By having access to pertinent details regarding a resident’s special needs or communication challenges before arriving on scene, our officers and county partners are better prepared to de-escalate situations, build immediate trust, and provide assistance tailored to that individual’s needs.”The collected information remains confidential and is strictly utilized by authorized emergency personnel when a relevant incident arises.To maintain data accuracy, registrations are set to expire annually, with participants receiving an automated reminder to update their information.“We strongly encourage all Hays residents who meet the criteria to enroll in this county resource,” Scheibler said. “When registering, Hays participants should select the Hays Police Department as their local agency. This program provides an essential layer of safety and supports our mission to provide the most effective public service possible.”Residents interested in enrolling or seeking more information about the CARE Alert Program can complete the online registration form at www.ellisco.net/757/CARE or contact Ellis County Communications via phone at 785-625-1011 or email at CARE@ellisco.net.

Hays Police Department joins Ellis County CARE Alert Program

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Nov. 19, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

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 </figure>Kansas Department of TransportationTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Nov. 19, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.Projects include:&nbsp;District Three — Northwest<figure>
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NW Kansas counties awarded KDOT bids for state highway construction, maintenance

Bigg E Meats, 1010 East 29th&nbsp;St., Hays, KS 67601

Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays.

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 </figure>Bigg E Meats, 1010 East 29th&nbsp;St., Hays, KS 67601Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays.Phone: 785-625-4902<figure>
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NW Kan. man linked to disappearance of woman found guilty of drug, gun charges

On Tuesday, December 16 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. , we will be having a Drive-Through Caroling Night combined with a food drive at Roosevelt Elementary School, 2000 MacArthur Street. 

 Our students and families will line the Roosevelt drive and will collect any food items or other donations anyone is able to provide.  We will be singing Christmas carols for them to enjoy while driving through. 

 Even if someone is not able to donate, we still want community members to drive through and enjoy the Christmas carols

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764940209059.png" alt="Roosevelt Elementary School" />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt Elementary School</figcaption>
 </figure>Roosevelt Elementary SchoolOn Tuesday, December 16 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. , we will be having a Drive-Through Caroling Night combined with a food drive at Roosevelt Elementary School, 2000 MacArthur Street. Our students and families will line the Roosevelt drive and will collect any food items or other donations anyone is able to provide. We will be singing Christmas carols for them to enjoy while driving through. Even if someone is not able to donate, we still want community members to drive through and enjoy the Christmas carols

Drive-through Caroling Night Dec. 16 at Roosevelt School includes food drive

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

One of the perks of having had an interesting and memorable childhood full of interesting and memorable characters, is having a treasure chest full of stories at one’s disposal should all other inspiration elude me as I sit down to pen a weekly column. And with deer rifle season beginning in Kansas, here is a story full of those characters.

I’ve often mentioned that during our first several years of deer hunting my brother and I were part of a neighborhood group of landowners and farmers that often hunted deer together. We would converge on a property, “post” two or three guys along one edge, then walk through from the other side as a group and attempt to run the deer out past the “posters” for a shot. 

We had some colorful and amusing individuals in our assembly. As in every group, we had Dave, the local cop who always shot straight, looked sharp and made no mistakes. Many deer were spotted from his kitchen window as we all sat around warming up with a hot drink. Someone (usually Dave) would spot a deer crossing the road, and coffee cups and chairs would fly as we headed for the trucks.

The Beck clan, brothers Don and Paul and most of Paul’s kids made up the bulk of the group. As I talked with my brother the other evening, he reminded me that the first advice I gave him when he began hunting with us was, “When the Becks start shootin’, just get on the ground!”

 I remember standing beside Don one day in the woods when a big buck erupted from a brush pile in front of us. I was behind the pile and couldn’t see well enough for a shot, but Don emptied both barrels of his old double barrel at the fleeing buck. The buck danced away unscathed and the next day Don had a different gun. 

His brother Paul (known to all of us as junior) had a live-in girl friend named Elaine. They were both pretty coarse and crude around the edges, and the best way I know to describe Paul is to compare him to Jackie Gleason’s character Ralph Kramden - always grousing and whining over something. Elaine hunted with us, too, and when they were dressed in hunting garb, the only way to tell them apart was that Elaine was the bigger one. Her favorite line, uttered often as we stood somewhere loitering and planning our assault was “I’m goin’ deer huntin’, you pansies!”

Of the Becks, Ralph, who was my age, was my favorite. He was a big, hairy guy (that earned him the nickname Wolf) who didn’t know his own strength. Turkey shoots were popular back in those days and sponsored by numerous organizations. For a fee you were given one shotgun shell and stood in a line in front of a row of paper targets. After everyone had shot, the targets were pulled down and the number of pellets was counted in each target. The winner was obviously the person putting the most pellets in their target and the prize was a turkey or a ham.

 Ralph had an old single-shot 12-gauge shotgun that broke open to load. The mechanism that allowed it to hinge open had long since ceased to function, so to load it, he simply pulled the pin and the gun became two pieces. He’d load the shell, reinsert the pin and close the gun. It was worth going with him to turkey shoots just to watch. All other shooters up and down the firing line sporting expensive custom-built shotguns would sneer and snicker as he walked up and broke the battered old 12-gauge in half and loaded his shell. The reactions became quite different, though as he fired the old cannon and walked away with the turkey every time.

As with most childhood stories, everything has changed now. I moved to Kansas and have lost touch with most of the old hunting gaggle. 

My brother and I and our families remain active deer hunters and trappers, I’d say in part because of those early experiences. Back then, we harvested few deer, but I learned respect for nature and for my elders. I learned hunter safety without a book or video to teach me. I also learned I’m glad that here in Kansas I can hunt deer with a rifle instead of a shotgun! 

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors One of the perks of having had an interesting and memorable childhood full of interesting and memorable characters, is having a treasure chest full of stories at one’s disposal should all other inspiration elude me as I sit down to pen a weekly column. And with deer rifle season beginning in Kansas, here is a story full of those characters.I’ve often mentioned that during our first several years of deer hunting my brother and I were part of a neighborhood group of landowners and farmers that often hunted deer together. We would converge on a property, “post” two or three guys along one edge, then walk through from the other side as a group and attempt to run the deer out past the “posters” for a shot. We had some colorful and amusing individuals in our assembly. As in every group, we had Dave, the local cop who always shot straight, looked sharp and made no mistakes. Many deer were spotted from his kitchen window as we all sat around warming up with a hot drink. Someone (usually Dave) would spot a deer crossing the road, and coffee cups and chairs would fly as we headed for the trucks.The Beck clan, brothers Don and Paul and most of Paul’s kids made up the bulk of the group. As I talked with my brother the other evening, he reminded me that the first advice I gave him when he began hunting with us was, “When the Becks start shootin’, just get on the ground!” I remember standing beside Don one day in the woods when a big buck erupted from a brush pile in front of us. I was behind the pile and couldn’t see well enough for a shot, but Don emptied both barrels of his old double barrel at the fleeing buck. The buck danced away unscathed and the next day Don had a different gun. His brother Paul (known to all of us as junior) had a live-in girl friend named Elaine. They were both pretty coarse and crude around the edges, and the best way I know to describe Paul is to compare him to Jackie Gleason’s character Ralph Kramden - always grousing and whining over something. Elaine hunted with us, too, and when they were dressed in hunting garb, the only way to tell them apart was that Elaine was the bigger one. Her favorite line, uttered often as we stood somewhere loitering and planning our assault was “I’m goin’ deer huntin’, you pansies!”Of the Becks, Ralph, who was my age, was my favorite. He was a big, hairy guy (that earned him the nickname Wolf) who didn’t know his own strength. Turkey shoots were popular back in those days and sponsored by numerous organizations. For a fee you were given one shotgun shell and stood in a line in front of a row of paper targets. After everyone had shot, the targets were pulled down and the number of pellets was counted in each target. The winner was obviously the person putting the most pellets in their target and the prize was a turkey or a ham. Ralph had an old single-shot 12-gauge shotgun that broke open to load. The mechanism that allowed it to hinge open had long since ceased to function, so to load it, he simply pulled the pin and the gun became two pieces. He’d load the shell, reinsert the pin and close the gun. It was worth going with him to turkey shoots just to watch. All other shooters up and down the firing line sporting expensive custom-built shotguns would sneer and snicker as he walked up and broke the battered old 12-gauge in half and loaded his shell. The reactions became quite different, though as he fired the old cannon and walked away with the turkey every time.As with most childhood stories, everything has changed now. I moved to Kansas and have lost touch with most of the old hunting gaggle. My brother and I and our families remain active deer hunters and trappers, I’d say in part because of those early experiences. Back then, we harvested few deer, but I learned respect for nature and for my elders. I learned hunter safety without a book or video to teach me. I also learned I’m glad that here in Kansas I can hunt deer with a rifle instead of a shotgun! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Whitetails, shotguns and turkey shoots

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Downtown Ellis will glow one more time tonight as the beloved holiday train returns for its final evening.

The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m., with miniature train rides starting after Ellis Recreation’s free Candy Cane Hunt at 5:30 p.m. at Twilight Baseball Field.

A suggested $5 donation per rider offers a trip through a magical one-mile route lined with thousands of holiday lights and seasonal displays. This year’s theme adds a playful touch with yeti sightings and a tribute to first responders.

All donations support programs for local children. Saturday was the only night for cookies and a family visit with Santa Claus.

You can follow Ellis Polar Express on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellispolarexpress/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for any updates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765077825674.jpeg" alt="Riders on the Ellis Polar Express with its conductor before departing onto the tracks. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>Riders on the Ellis Polar Express with its conductor before departing onto the tracks. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostDowntown Ellis will glow one more time tonight as the beloved holiday train returns for its final evening.The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m., with miniature train rides starting after Ellis Recreation’s free Candy Cane Hunt at 5:30 p.m. at Twilight Baseball Field.A suggested $5 donation per rider offers a trip through a magical one-mile route lined with thousands of holiday lights and seasonal displays. This year’s theme adds a playful touch with yeti sightings and a tribute to first responders.All donations support programs for local children. Saturday was the only night for cookies and a family visit with Santa Claus.You can follow Ellis Polar Express on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellispolarexpress/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for any updates.<figure>
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📷 Ellis Polar Express to make final stop tonight

On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Ellis High School inducted nine juniors and fifteen seniors into the local chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). 

The requirements for NHS membership include maintaining a grade point average of at least 3.5, demonstrating leadership in seven organizations within the school or community, completing 40 hours of community service, and receiving a positive character evaluation from teachers. 

The following students were inducted into the National Honor Society:

SENIORS: Owen Richards, son of Brady and Jamie Richards; Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey; Ethan Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll; Kia Mader, daughter of Michael and Mindi Mader; Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Kinzie Sunley, granddaughter of Allen and Kim Weber; Eliana Brull, daughter of Steven and Sheresa Brull; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Ashlyn Kroeger, daughter of Matt and Rachael Kroeger; Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Mason Rohleder, son of Logan and Ashley Kauten; and Augustus Peine, son of Derek and Sarah Peine.

JUNIORS: Jersee Fabrizius, daughter of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; Taylor Kohl, daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl; Evelyn Merriman, daughter of Rob and Amber Merriman; Aiden Aschenbrenner, son of Gary and Tara Aschenbrenner; Colton Metzler, son of Jim and Becky Metzler; Wyatt Dixson, son of Tanner and Jill Dixson; Maggie Fitzgerald, daughter of Michael Fitzgerald and Mandy Stoecklein; Madison Birdsong, daughter of Jerry and Tara Birdsong; and Jocelyn Eck, daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764780464055.png" alt="Back Row, Seniors: Owen Richards, son of Brady and Jamie Richards; Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey; Ethan Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll; Kia Mader, daughter of Michael and Mindi Mader; Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Kinzie Sunley, granddaughter of Allen and Kim Weber; Eliana Brull, daughter of Steven and Sheresa Brull; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Ashlyn Kroeger, daughter of Matt and Rachael Kroeger; Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Mason Rohleder, son of Logan and Ashley Kauten; Augustus Peine, son of Derek and Sarah Peine.&nbsp;Front Row, Juniors: Jersee Fabrizius, daughter of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; Taylor Kohl, daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl; Evelyn Merriman, daughter of Rob and Amber Merriman; Aiden Aschenbrenner, son of Gary and Tara Aschenbrenner; Colton Metzler, son of Jim and Becky Metzler; Wyatt Dixson, son of Tanner and Jill Dixson; Maggie Fitzgerald, daughter of Michael Fitzgerald and Mandy Stoecklein; Madison Birdsong, daughter of Jerry and Tara Birdsong; Jocelyn Eck, daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck. Photo courtesy Ellis High School&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Back Row, Seniors: Owen Richards, son of Brady and Jamie Richards; Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey; Ethan Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll; Kia Mader, daughter of Michael and Mindi Mader; Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Kinzie Sunley, granddaughter of Allen and Kim Weber; Eliana Brull, daughter of Steven and Sheresa Brull; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Ashlyn Kroeger, daughter of Matt and Rachael Kroeger; Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Mason Rohleder, son of Logan and Ashley Kauten; Augustus Peine, son of Derek and Sarah Peine.&nbsp;Front Row, Juniors: Jersee Fabrizius, daughter of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; Taylor Kohl, daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl; Evelyn Merriman, daughter of Rob and Amber Merriman; Aiden Aschenbrenner, son of Gary and Tara Aschenbrenner; Colton Metzler, son of Jim and Becky Metzler; Wyatt Dixson, son of Tanner and Jill Dixson; Maggie Fitzgerald, daughter of Michael Fitzgerald and Mandy Stoecklein; Madison Birdsong, daughter of Jerry and Tara Birdsong; Jocelyn Eck, daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck. Photo courtesy Ellis High School&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis High School&nbsp;On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Ellis High School inducted nine juniors and fifteen seniors into the local chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). The requirements for NHS membership include maintaining a grade point average of at least 3.5, demonstrating leadership in seven organizations within the school or community, completing 40 hours of community service, and receiving a positive character evaluation from teachers. The following students were inducted into the National Honor Society:SENIORS: Owen Richards, son of Brady and Jamie Richards; Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey; Ethan Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll; Kia Mader, daughter of Michael and Mindi Mader; Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Kinzie Sunley, granddaughter of Allen and Kim Weber; Eliana Brull, daughter of Steven and Sheresa Brull; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Ashlyn Kroeger, daughter of Matt and Rachael Kroeger; Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Mason Rohleder, son of Logan and Ashley Kauten; and Augustus Peine, son of Derek and Sarah Peine.JUNIORS: Jersee Fabrizius, daughter of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; Taylor Kohl, daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl; Evelyn Merriman, daughter of Rob and Amber Merriman; Aiden Aschenbrenner, son of Gary and Tara Aschenbrenner; Colton Metzler, son of Jim and Becky Metzler; Wyatt Dixson, son of Tanner and Jill Dixson; Maggie Fitzgerald, daughter of Michael Fitzgerald and Mandy Stoecklein; Madison Birdsong, daughter of Jerry and Tara Birdsong; and Jocelyn Eck, daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck.

Ellis High School inducts 24 into National Honor Society 

Join the Kansas Wetlands Education Center staff in celebrating the Christmas season with a Holiday Open House from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 13.

The KWEC gift store is stocked with perfect gift selections for any nature enthusiast. Visitors can take advantage of a 40 percent discount on one item, excluding consignment items. Find the hidden Christmas Goose and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate.

Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to decorate bird-shaped sugar cookies that resemble birds that visit Cheyenne Bottoms. Information about some of the winter birds commonly found in the area will also be presented. In addition, participants can create a unique eagle ornament to take home.&nbsp;Bald eagles are a common sight at Cheyenne Bottoms in the winter.&nbsp;

This year, we're also adding a festive twist to the nature trail.&nbsp;Three beautiful stained-glass bird ornaments will be hidden along the path, waiting to be discovered.&nbsp;If you find one, it's yours to keep as a special holiday treasure.&nbsp;Take a stroll, enjoy the winter scenery, and see if you can spot these colorful surprises during your visit.

No registration is required for this free, family-friendly event.&nbsp;Kick start your holiday spirit with a visit to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.&nbsp;For more information, visit wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu or call 1-877-243-9268.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU's Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of K-156 Hwy. Great Bend, Kan. 67530.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764694573880.jpeg" alt="Visitors to KWEC's annual Holiday Open House will have the opportunity to decorate a bird-shaped sugar cookie and create a unique eagle ornament to take home. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Kansas Wetlands Education Center" />
 <figcaption>Visitors to KWEC's annual Holiday Open House will have the opportunity to decorate a bird-shaped sugar cookie and create a unique eagle ornament to take home. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Kansas Wetlands Education Center</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsJoin the Kansas Wetlands Education Center staff in celebrating the Christmas season with a Holiday Open House from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 13.The KWEC gift store is stocked with perfect gift selections for any nature enthusiast. Visitors can take advantage of a 40 percent discount on one item, excluding consignment items. Find the hidden Christmas Goose and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate.Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to decorate bird-shaped sugar cookies that resemble birds that visit Cheyenne Bottoms. Information about some of the winter birds commonly found in the area will also be presented. In addition, participants can create a unique eagle ornament to take home.&nbsp;Bald eagles are a common sight at Cheyenne Bottoms in the winter.&nbsp;This year, we're also adding a festive twist to the nature trail.&nbsp;Three beautiful stained-glass bird ornaments will be hidden along the path, waiting to be discovered.&nbsp;If you find one, it's yours to keep as a special holiday treasure.&nbsp;Take a stroll, enjoy the winter scenery, and see if you can spot these colorful surprises during your visit.No registration is required for this free, family-friendly event.&nbsp;Kick start your holiday spirit with a visit to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.&nbsp;For more information, visit wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu or call 1-877-243-9268.The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU's Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of K-156 Hwy. Great Bend, Kan. 67530.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s 2025 Holiday Open House

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

If you’re feeling more overwhelmed than usual this time of year, you’re certainly not alone. 

Many people report that the holiday season brings added pressure—extra expenses, tense family dynamics, tired and overstimulated children, cold weather and shorter days, final exams, concerts and events, relationship challenges, or even deep loneliness. Any one of these stressors is manageable on its own, but during the holidays they often hit all at once, making the season feel heavy and exhausting.

When stress rises, it’s important to lean on healthy coping strategies rather than falling back on habits that leave us feeling worse. Here are some ways to make the holiday season more enjoyable and less overwhelming:

The holidays bring a flurry of gatherings and events, but you don’t have to attend everything. Identify what activities truly bring you joy and prioritize those. Focus your time and energy on what feels meaningful rather than what you believe you’re “supposed” to do.

2. Simplify Travel and Reduce Time in the Car

Travel can be especially draining this time of year. If you need to travel, simplify wherever you can—book direct flights when possible and reduce layovers. Driving from one event to the next can also be exhausting. Try limiting travel to one or two meaningful gatherings. Setting healthy boundaries helps protect your time and sanity.

Gift giving can be enjoyable but can also create financial strain. Establish a holiday budget now and commit to staying within it. You’re not obligated to overspend, and sticking to your limits will help prevent regret later on.

Try to maintain healthy eating habits and practice moderation with holiday treats and alcohol. Too much sugar can disrupt hormones, blood sugar, and even mood. Choose balanced meals, drink responsibly, and stay well-hydrated to feel your best.

Spending time with family can be wonderful, but it can also be stressful. Take care of yourself by stepping away when needed—take a walk, call someone supportive, or find a quiet moment alone. Decide ahead of time what you can reasonably handle regarding travel, hosting, meals, or spending.

Give yourself the gift of rest. Step away from the constant rushing, shopping, and preparing. Read a favorite book, watch a holiday movie, take a nap, or go for a bike ride. Limit screen time and prioritize genuine connection with the people around you. Your mental health will benefit from the pause.

For many, the holidays intensify feelings of grief. Allow space for your emotions. You might adjust traditions to make them more manageable or incorporate the memory of a loved one into your celebrations in meaningful ways.

Try to keep up with your usual self-care habits—sleep well, eat regularly, exercise, meditate, and get outside. Even in cold weather, fresh air and movement support both emotional and physical well-being. Staying active can be fun, too: • Walk the neighborhood to enjoy holiday lights • Have a snowball fight with neighbors • Visit a Christmas tree farm • Go ice skating • Build a snowman • Take a nature walk or hike • Go sledding

Regular activity boosts your immune system and helps you feel healthier, calmer, and more resilient during the holidays.

9. Ask for Support When You Need It

If this season is consistently difficult for you, turn to trusted friends or family. Share how you’re feeling and let them support you in setting boundaries and practicing self-care.

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988, or connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictIf you’re feeling more overwhelmed than usual this time of year, you’re certainly not alone. Many people report that the holiday season brings added pressure—extra expenses, tense family dynamics, tired and overstimulated children, cold weather and shorter days, final exams, concerts and events, relationship challenges, or even deep loneliness. Any one of these stressors is manageable on its own, but during the holidays they often hit all at once, making the season feel heavy and exhausting.When stress rises, it’s important to lean on healthy coping strategies rather than falling back on habits that leave us feeling worse. Here are some ways to make the holiday season more enjoyable and less overwhelming:1. Avoid OverschedulingThe holidays bring a flurry of gatherings and events, but you don’t have to attend everything. Identify what activities truly bring you joy and prioritize those. Focus your time and energy on what feels meaningful rather than what you believe you’re “supposed” to do.2. Simplify Travel and Reduce Time in the CarTravel can be especially draining this time of year. If you need to travel, simplify wherever you can—book direct flights when possible and reduce layovers. Driving from one event to the next can also be exhausting. Try limiting travel to one or two meaningful gatherings. Setting healthy boundaries helps protect your time and sanity.3. Create a Realistic BudgetGift giving can be enjoyable but can also create financial strain. Establish a holiday budget now and commit to staying within it. You’re not obligated to overspend, and sticking to your limits will help prevent regret later on.4. Be Mindful of Food and AlcoholTry to maintain healthy eating habits and practice moderation with holiday treats and alcohol. Too much sugar can disrupt hormones, blood sugar, and even mood. Choose balanced meals, drink responsibly, and stay well-hydrated to feel your best.5. Enjoy Family—With BoundariesSpending time with family can be wonderful, but it can also be stressful. Take care of yourself by stepping away when needed—take a walk, call someone supportive, or find a quiet moment alone. Decide ahead of time what you can reasonably handle regarding travel, hosting, meals, or spending.6. Make Time for YourselfGive yourself the gift of rest. Step away from the constant rushing, shopping, and preparing. Read a favorite book, watch a holiday movie, take a nap, or go for a bike ride. Limit screen time and prioritize genuine connection with the people around you. Your mental health will benefit from the pause.7. Acknowledge LossesFor many, the holidays intensify feelings of grief. Allow space for your emotions. You might adjust traditions to make them more manageable or incorporate the memory of a loved one into your celebrations in meaningful ways.8. Maintain Healthy RoutinesTry to keep up with your usual self-care habits—sleep well, eat regularly, exercise, meditate, and get outside. Even in cold weather, fresh air and movement support both emotional and physical well-being. Staying active can be fun, too: • Walk the neighborhood to enjoy holiday lights • Have a snowball fight with neighbors • Visit a Christmas tree farm • Go ice skating • Build a snowman • Take a nature walk or hike • Go sleddingRegular activity boosts your immune system and helps you feel healthier, calmer, and more resilient during the holidays.9. Ask for Support When You Need ItIf this season is consistently difficult for you, turn to trusted friends or family. Share how you’re feeling and let them support you in setting boundaries and practicing self-care.If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988, or connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Dealing with holiday stress

By RUSSELL ARBEN FOX Insight Kansas

Last month, two Kansas cities made decisions central to their future. 

The first city was Prairie Village, a town of barely 20,000 people; the second was Wichita, the largest municipality in the state, with almost 20 times PV’s population. Despite their differences and the many distinct issues in play in both cities, though, their decisions reflect a common argument.

Hiring a professional manager to handle the executive functions of a city is a common form of urban government, though not the one experienced by the greatest number of Americans. Most larger cities—as well as many smaller ones—have a “strong mayor” system, with voters electing a mayor with authority to deal with the agendas presented by an elected city council, in the same way the legislative and executive branches function on the state and national level. The replacement of that system in many places with one of supposedly apolitical professionalization is over 100 years old—yet challenges to it remain.

Those challenges were on display in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/10/24/prairie-village-abandon-question-2025-election/">municipal election in Prairie Village</a>. PV’s government includes a traditional elected mayor with veto power, and elected council members representing their constituents’ interests.

But a group of citizens organized under the name PV United had pushed forward a ballot referendum, asking Prairie Village’s residents if they wished to “abandon” their current system. PV United’s official goals, as stated by various supporters, are to reduce the size of the council and move more urban responsibilities over to a “professionally trained and experienced city manager” instead.

Of course, like every other form of government in existence, PV is not lacking in hired staff to research ordinances, administer policies, and enforce laws; they in fact already have someone serving as “city administrator.” But such supporting staff wasn’t enough for PV United; in their view, a “professionally run city” would ideally have a “council-mayor-manager” system instead.

That ballot referendum&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2025/11/05/prairie-village-rejects-abandon-question-273254/">lost badly</a>. The defeat was likely more about stopping various political and business actors who opposed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2023/05/04/prairie-village-housing-rezoning-ballot-200895/">easier zoning changes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2025/10/23/prairie-village-city-hall-election-272064/">civic development plans</a>&nbsp;than it was about government, but given that strong mayor systems&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mittelpolitan.substack.com/p/what-does-tulsa-have-that-wichita">arguably handle matters pertaining to growth and diversity more positively</a>&nbsp;than council-manager ones, the vote remains relevant.

By contrast, Wichita’s decision—made by city leaders, rather than voters—was to maintain their council-manager system of government, as their city manager of 17 years is retiring. His&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.zippia.com/city-manager-jobs/demographics/">unusually long tenure</a>&nbsp;had garnered much praise, but also controversy, and when he announced his plans months ago, there were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article303451121.html">some</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/dion-lefler/article303335736.html">suggestions</a>&nbsp;(including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wide-open/id1853863873">an entire podcast series</a>) that it was time for Wichita to debate the representativeness, and effectiveness, of continuing with a system that nominally (<a target="_blank" href="https://klcjournal.com/local-nonpartisan-elections-2021/">though rarely actually</a>) tries to leaves politics out of city decisions.

Such conversations never truly took place, however—and, with almost no citizen input, just before Thanksgiving the Wichita City Council&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article313140781.html">decided upon their new city manager</a>.

The vote to do so wasn’t unanimous, however, with councilmembers and others alleging interference with the hiring committee, misrepresentation of priorities, frustration over&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article313044373.html">the only local (and only non-white) finalist dropping out without explanation</a>, and more. In other words, some serious political complaints were made—but which now have no real political route forward.

The point is not that the decision of Prairie Village voters was obviously correct, or that the decision made by Wichita’s current leadership obviously wasn’t. It is simply that this supposedly boring argument over government structure isn’t&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://inmedias.blogspot.com/2019/12/its-time-for-wichita-and-its-government.html">going</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mittelpolitan.substack.com/p/13-points-on-the-possible-strong">away</a>. So perhaps talking more explicitly and openly about these decisions, and the motivations behind them, would be a good idea.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750955074364.jpeg" alt="Russell Arben Fox. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Russell Arben Fox. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL ARBEN FOX Insight Kansas Last month, two Kansas cities made decisions central to their future. The first city was Prairie Village, a town of barely 20,000 people; the second was Wichita, the largest municipality in the state, with almost 20 times PV’s population. Despite their differences and the many distinct issues in play in both cities, though, their decisions reflect a common argument.That argument is over city managers. Hiring a professional manager to handle the executive functions of a city is a common form of urban government, though not the one experienced by the greatest number of Americans. Most larger cities—as well as many smaller ones—have a “strong mayor” system, with voters electing a mayor with authority to deal with the agendas presented by an elected city council, in the same way the legislative and executive branches function on the state and national level. The replacement of that system in many places with one of supposedly apolitical professionalization is over 100 years old—yet challenges to it remain.Those challenges were on display in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/10/24/prairie-village-abandon-question-2025-election/">municipal election in Prairie Village</a>. PV’s government includes a traditional elected mayor with veto power, and elected council members representing their constituents’ interests. But a group of citizens organized under the name PV United had pushed forward a ballot referendum, asking Prairie Village’s residents if they wished to “abandon” their current system. PV United’s official goals, as stated by various supporters, are to reduce the size of the council and move more urban responsibilities over to a “professionally trained and experienced city manager” instead.Of course, like every other form of government in existence, PV is not lacking in hired staff to research ordinances, administer policies, and enforce laws; they in fact already have someone serving as “city administrator.” But such supporting staff wasn’t enough for PV United; in their view, a “professionally run city” would ideally have a “council-mayor-manager” system instead.That ballot referendum&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2025/11/05/prairie-village-rejects-abandon-question-273254/">lost badly</a>. The defeat was likely more about stopping various political and business actors who opposed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2023/05/04/prairie-village-housing-rezoning-ballot-200895/">easier zoning changes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2025/10/23/prairie-village-city-hall-election-272064/">civic development plans</a>&nbsp;than it was about government, but given that strong mayor systems&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mittelpolitan.substack.com/p/what-does-tulsa-have-that-wichita">arguably handle matters pertaining to growth and diversity more positively</a>&nbsp;than council-manager ones, the vote remains relevant.By contrast, Wichita’s decision—made by city leaders, rather than voters—was to maintain their council-manager system of government, as their city manager of 17 years is retiring. His&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.zippia.com/city-manager-jobs/demographics/">unusually long tenure</a>&nbsp;had garnered much praise, but also controversy, and when he announced his plans months ago, there were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article303451121.html">some</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/dion-lefler/article303335736.html">suggestions</a>&nbsp;(including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wide-open/id1853863873">an entire podcast series</a>) that it was time for Wichita to debate the representativeness, and effectiveness, of continuing with a system that nominally (<a target="_blank" href="https://klcjournal.com/local-nonpartisan-elections-2021/">though rarely actually</a>) tries to leaves politics out of city decisions.Such conversations never truly took place, however—and, with almost no citizen input, just before Thanksgiving the Wichita City Council&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article313140781.html">decided upon their new city manager</a>. The vote to do so wasn’t unanimous, however, with councilmembers and others alleging interference with the hiring committee, misrepresentation of priorities, frustration over&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article313044373.html">the only local (and only non-white) finalist dropping out without explanation</a>, and more. In other words, some serious political complaints were made—but which now have no real political route forward.The point is not that the decision of Prairie Village voters was obviously correct, or that the decision made by Wichita’s current leadership obviously wasn’t. It is simply that this supposedly boring argument over government structure isn’t&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://inmedias.blogspot.com/2019/12/its-time-for-wichita-and-its-government.html">going</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mittelpolitan.substack.com/p/13-points-on-the-possible-strong">away</a>. So perhaps talking more explicitly and openly about these decisions, and the motivations behind them, would be a good idea.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Questions for, and about, city managers in Kansas

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764947795141.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764947587994.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>

Join Heartland Soil Services LLC and Flatlander Dirt Works of Hays for a Back to the Basics Event - Understanding Soil pH and Soil Fertility to Maximize Productivity.&nbsp; This event focuses on what really matters below the surface - understanding soil fertility and pH for better results in the field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764698635857.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Join Heartland Soil Services LLC and Flatlander Dirt Works of Hays for a Back to the Basics Event - Understanding Soil pH and Soil Fertility to Maximize Productivity.&nbsp; This event focuses on what really matters below the surface - understanding soil fertility and pH for better results in the field.<ul>
 <li>The event is Tuesday, December 9th&nbsp;from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. 8th&nbsp;St, Hays</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>A free event, but please RSVP by calling or texting Joel Younger at 785-623-7744</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Lunch will be provided</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Find more details on the Heartland Soil Services Facebook page</li>
 </ul>

Week 3 Reindeer Radio winner announced; play with KAYS, Hays Post

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sunset Valley MHP, Hays, KS public water supply system located in Ellis County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure due to required maintenance in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689197825593.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sunset Valley MHP, Hays, KS public water supply system located in Ellis County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure due to required maintenance in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Sunset Valley MHP, Hays, KS indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 308-629-7874 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019af4a4e68b-ae85a77f-5f26-46ad-a0f5-89f160f0d000-000000/RZeUmS3CCQWcgN2WbtaFseA5swSLhCd0lV-RQ39eYuI=434">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

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