The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.

The candidates who will appear on the ballot include Janea Dinkel, Terry Dinkel, Haley Gagnon, Brenton Hoffman, Jacob Hunter, Douglas Kuh, Tammy Lichter, Matthew Orr, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander, Tammy Lee Schumacher.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To find your polling location,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.

Age: 38 Profession: Journeyman Metering Technician at Midwest Energy, Inc. Incumbent: No

Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Victoria schools? &nbsp;Yes, 2.&nbsp;

Why are you running for school board? I have tried to be, in my adult life, a civil servant. I served with the Gorham Fire Department for 9 years before moving to Victoria because of work-related reasons. I think that the openings on the board are a good opportunity to show my kids that they should never sit on a sideline when the time to take on a leadership role presents itself. We should all be ready to take up the mantle when it comes to the education process, and what better way to do that than to be a part of the process itself.

If you had one thing you could change about the USD 432 district, what would it be?

I go back and forth on transparency, and the accountability of ALL members of the district, be they faculty, board, or students and parents. Modernity, in recent years, has come with great powers in technology. That is a good thing! It can also have its drawbacks. With transparency, there should simply not be a record — that is public knowledge — that shouldn’t be publicly available, but there are also certain criteria or issues that need to remain in executive sessions for legal and privacy reasons. On accountability, I believe that we all can do a better job of making ourselves accountable for our children’s behaviors. I don’t think kids have changed as much as society’s expectation of them has. These challenges start at home, lets make it nicer for the people who are helping you build them into something we can all be proud of.

&nbsp;What is your opinion of the current administration? Can you work with them?

I have no personal qualm with any of the current administration. I can work with anyone, and I am here to help with whatever the board needs.

What is your opinion of the current board? Can you compromise with the incumbents?

I think the current board is doing a fine job. Policy gets handled, punishment gets appropriately dealt, bills get paid. In the wide scope, they accomplish the necessity of their job. I think the incumbents on the board will be fine with “new blood” coming in, and we will have to adjust to each other as with any new endeavor.

What do I think should be the role of the board in day-to-day operations?

The Board should only have a slight impact on day-to-day operations. Obviously, policies will infect those operations, but members themselves should not be overtly present in the daily operation of the school, as a board member. There are times and faculty who are serving both roles in faculty and board members, and maybe we are better served for it, maybe we aren’t. I can’t make that judgement until I have more experience with the matter.

What are your opinions of the school district’s discipline policies and how they have been applied?

Individual disciplinary actions should be, and I think are, handled in executive session and are upheld to a legal standard that retains all the rights of the accused. As for broader, more policy-oriented discipline, I think our current board does a fine job of asking questions in referencing policy and standard amongst our fellow regional districts and citing them for their examples. I’ve sat through several of the board meetings concerning policy and listened to them go through other district’s experimental policy changes and their benefits or downfalls. They learn with others who, like them, are learning themselves. I don’t believe there is a policy application issue, I think some may find some policies unpleasant, but their application and adoption are two separate arguments. No single act will please or placate every person.

What do you think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance?

Testing scores are an unfortunate measure of the era. As goes the scores, so follows the funding, which is a significant issue. It also places a sometimes-unbearable amount of pressure on children to perform at any cost. I don’t advocate for making testing easier, but instead for making teaching more effective. Effective teachers make the students better, and better students do better things. The best way to better teaching is better funding. However, throwing money isn’t always an available option. The better option is pick each other up, play for the same team, hold ourselves accountable and our children, and make better citizens who make better decisions. It’s not a short or easy road, success never is, but it’s the right road. Support the people who are supporting our kids’ futures, and that problem will almost always take care of itself.

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.The candidates who will appear on the ballot include Janea Dinkel, Terry Dinkel, Haley Gagnon, Brenton Hoffman, Jacob Hunter, Douglas Kuh, Tammy Lichter, Matthew Orr, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander, Tammy Lee Schumacher.Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.To find your polling location,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.<h2>Jacob (Jake) Hunter</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698423062657.jpeg" alt="Jake Hunter" />
 <figcaption>Jake Hunter</figcaption>
 </figure>Age: 38 Profession: Journeyman Metering Technician at Midwest Energy, Inc. Incumbent: NoDo you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Victoria schools? &nbsp;Yes, 2.&nbsp;Why are you running for school board? I have tried to be, in my adult life, a civil servant. I served with the Gorham Fire Department for 9 years before moving to Victoria because of work-related reasons. I think that the openings on the board are a good opportunity to show my kids that they should never sit on a sideline when the time to take on a leadership role presents itself. We should all be ready to take up the mantle when it comes to the education process, and what better way to do that than to be a part of the process itself.If you had one thing you could change about the USD 432 district, what would it be?I go back and forth on transparency, and the accountability of ALL members of the district, be they faculty, board, or students and parents. Modernity, in recent years, has come with great powers in technology. That is a good thing! It can also have its drawbacks. With transparency, there should simply not be a record — that is public knowledge — that shouldn’t be publicly available, but there are also certain criteria or issues that need to remain in executive sessions for legal and privacy reasons. On accountability, I believe that we all can do a better job of making ourselves accountable for our children’s behaviors. I don’t think kids have changed as much as society’s expectation of them has. These challenges start at home, lets make it nicer for the people who are helping you build them into something we can all be proud of.&nbsp;What is your opinion of the current administration? Can you work with them?I have no personal qualm with any of the current administration. I can work with anyone, and I am here to help with whatever the board needs.What is your opinion of the current board? Can you compromise with the incumbents?I think the current board is doing a fine job. Policy gets handled, punishment gets appropriately dealt, bills get paid. In the wide scope, they accomplish the necessity of their job. I think the incumbents on the board will be fine with “new blood” coming in, and we will have to adjust to each other as with any new endeavor.What do I think should be the role of the board in day-to-day operations?The Board should only have a slight impact on day-to-day operations. Obviously, policies will infect those operations, but members themselves should not be overtly present in the daily operation of the school, as a board member. There are times and faculty who are serving both roles in faculty and board members, and maybe we are better served for it, maybe we aren’t. I can’t make that judgement until I have more experience with the matter.What are your opinions of the school district’s discipline policies and how they have been applied?Individual disciplinary actions should be, and I think are, handled in executive session and are upheld to a legal standard that retains all the rights of the accused. As for broader, more policy-oriented discipline, I think our current board does a fine job of asking questions in referencing policy and standard amongst our fellow regional districts and citing them for their examples. I’ve sat through several of the board meetings concerning policy and listened to them go through other district’s experimental policy changes and their benefits or downfalls. They learn with others who, like them, are learning themselves. I don’t believe there is a policy application issue, I think some may find some policies unpleasant, but their application and adoption are two separate arguments. No single act will please or placate every person.What do you think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance? Testing scores are an unfortunate measure of the era. As goes the scores, so follows the funding, which is a significant issue. It also places a sometimes-unbearable amount of pressure on children to perform at any cost. I don’t advocate for making testing easier, but instead for making teaching more effective. Effective teachers make the students better, and better students do better things. The best way to better teaching is better funding. However, throwing money isn’t always an available option. The better option is pick each other up, play for the same team, hold ourselves accountable and our children, and make better citizens who make better decisions. It’s not a short or easy road, success never is, but it’s the right road. Support the people who are supporting our kids’ futures, and that problem will almost always take care of itself.

Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Jake Hunter

Twist Out Cancer Yoga-Thon is Thursday, Nov. 16, in Fort Hays State University's Cunningham Hall 122 from 3 to 8 p.m. 

The Cancer Council of Ellis County and FHSU would like for YOU to join us in the fight against cancer by participating in the Yoga-Thon. Teams are allowed up to 10 members for a $50 registration fee. Team members don’t have to know how to do yoga to participate. Yoga leaders are there to instruct during each session. 

In addition, teams are encouraged to find and collect donations to help raise money for the Cancer Council of Ellis County. The team that raises the most money will be honored at the FHSU basketball game on January 27, 2024. The winning team will receive free tickets to the games along with pizza and drinks. 

For more information contact Anita Walters, amwalters@fhsu.edu or 785-628-5335 or the Cancer Council of Ellis County, ccecks@eaglecom.net or 785-625-6653.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698240414978.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTwist Out Cancer Yoga-Thon is Thursday, Nov. 16, in Fort Hays State University's Cunningham Hall 122 from 3 to 8 p.m. The Cancer Council of Ellis County and FHSU would like for YOU to join us in the fight against cancer by participating in the Yoga-Thon. Teams are allowed up to 10 members for a $50 registration fee. Team members don’t have to know how to do yoga to participate. Yoga leaders are there to instruct during each session. In addition, teams are encouraged to find and collect donations to help raise money for the Cancer Council of Ellis County. The team that raises the most money will be honored at the FHSU basketball game on January 27, 2024. The winning team will receive free tickets to the games along with pizza and drinks. For more information contact Anita Walters, amwalters@fhsu.edu or 785-628-5335 or the Cancer Council of Ellis County, ccecks@eaglecom.net or 785-625-6653.&nbsp;Registration is due by Nov. 14.

Twist Out Cancer Yoga-Thon will benefit Cancer Council of Ellis County

<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/2023/10/1698772858981.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

The Hays Police Department responded to59 incidents Oct. 15-21, 2023, according to the HPD activity log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666041529157.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to59 incidents Oct. 15-21, 2023, according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698790738014.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698790780135.jpeg" alt="" />
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Hays Police Department activity log, Oct. 15-21

Mack Palmer of Stockton was chosen as the grand prize winner of the Eagle Radio Cash Grab on Monday.

Palmer won one of two daily $50 prizes to be entered to win the grand prize of $1,000.

Eagle received 14,774 entries for the contest, which ran through the month of October.

The staff at Eagle Radio of Hays, including stations 94.3 FM and 1400 AM KAYS, 99.5 FM KHAZ, 103.3 FM KJLS, 96.9 FM KFIX and 101.9 FM KKQY thank all who entered the Cash Grab contest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698779322108.jpeg" alt="Mack Palmer, center, of Stockton with programmers from the five Eagle-run stations in Hays. Palmer won the $1,000 Eagle Radio Cash Grab grand prize." />
 <figcaption>Mack Palmer, center, of Stockton with programmers from the five Eagle-run stations in Hays. Palmer won the $1,000 Eagle Radio Cash Grab grand prize.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostMack Palmer of Stockton was chosen as the grand prize winner of the Eagle Radio Cash Grab on Monday.Palmer won one of two daily $50 prizes to be entered to win the grand prize of $1,000.Eagle received 14,774 entries for the contest, which ran through the month of October.The staff at Eagle Radio of Hays, including stations 94.3 FM and 1400 AM KAYS, 99.5 FM KHAZ, 103.3 FM KJLS, 96.9 FM KFIX and 101.9 FM KKQY thank all who entered the Cash Grab contest.

Eagle Radio announces $1,000 Cash Grab grand prize winner

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses Ellis County property taxes with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director explains Ellis County property tax levels" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bksqj-14e5921-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses Ellis County property taxes with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director explains Ellis County property tax levels

The Hays Post will accept letters to the editor on the upcoming 2024 General Election until 5 p.m. today. Please send letters to hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

Letters&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;editor&nbsp;must be signed.&nbsp;

They must pertain&nbsp;to&nbsp;a local&nbsp;topic and be written by someone from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Hays Eagle Media coverage area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Hays Post reserves&nbsp;the&nbsp;right&nbsp;to&nbsp;reject&nbsp;letters.&nbsp;

Hays PostThe Hays Post will accept letters to the editor on the upcoming 2024 General Election until 5 p.m. today. Please send letters to hayspost@eaglemedia.com.<h2>Hays Post Letter to the Editor policy</h2>Letters&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;editor&nbsp;must be signed.&nbsp;They must be typed.&nbsp;They must pertain&nbsp;to&nbsp;a local&nbsp;topic and be written by someone from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Hays Eagle Media coverage area.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;Hays Post reserves&nbsp;the&nbsp;right&nbsp;to&nbsp;reject&nbsp;letters.&nbsp;

Election Letter to the Editor deadline today

On this Halloween day, as the spirits roam freely and the pumpkins glow eerily, the Wild West Festival in Hays unveils its spellbinding plan for the Fourth of July weekend, promising a bewitching and spine-tingling experience that will draw attendees from across the region.

In a land where tumbleweeds meet twangy guitars, and stars shine as bright as fireflies, the Wild West Festival has always been a jewel in Western Kansas's summer crown.

This year, the festival will be a ghoulishly good time with a diverse lineup that will have cowboys and cowgirls, rockers and country folk find another good time under the Kansas stars.

Opener: Paramount HEADLINER: NATE SMITH

The festival kicks off on July 3, where the electric tunes of Paramount will set the stage for a captivating headlining performance by&nbsp;NATE SMITH, casting a musical enchantment that'll linger long after the stars fade.

Opener: Savannah Chestnut HEADLINER: SAWYER BROWN – 40th Anniversary Tour

On July 5, the Wild West Festival will turn into an enchanting realm as Savannah Chestnut's melodies lead the way. To commemorate their 40th Anniversary,&nbsp;SAWYER BROWN&nbsp;will perform a musical séance that promises to be an experience more than just a treat – it's a time-traveling journey through four decades of music.

Opener: Sunset Sinners HEADLINER: QUIET RIOT

As the festival crescendos into its climax on July 6, Sunset Sinners will ignite the atmosphere, creating a gateway for the legendary&nbsp;QUIET RIOT. Their headlining performance will electrify your soul, making it a night to remember for all eternity.

"We're thrilled to bring this diverse and electrifying lineup to Hays, Kansas,” said event coordinator Sandi Maier. “It's going to be a memorable Fourth of July weekend, and we can't wait to share this experience with the community and visitors from all around the region."

With the early announcement of this year’s lineup, the non-profit group behind the Wild West Festival, the all-volunteer Wild West Festival Committee, hopes to secure additional help for this year’s event and into the future.

"This festival has always been a labor of love, but we need more volunteers to join us to ensure its continued success,” said Wild West Festival Committee president Jeff Ridgeway. “We are calling on the community to support this event and keep the tradition alive."

Rising costs for entertainment and feedback from previous years have also left the committee searching for new ways to invigorate the decades-long tradition. One major piece of feedback from the community has been heard loud and clear.

"We've been tirelessly searching for a carnival to be part of the event, as it has been in the past, but unfortunately, we have found no options available,” said vice-president Tim Cossaart. “Rest assured, we are committed to creating a sustainable and exciting event for western Kansas and are exploring changes for future festivals. Stay tuned for future updates."

The Wild West Festival committee continues to work diligently to ensure this event remains a cornerstone of western Kansas's summer calendar. To learn more about joining the Wild West Festival committee, contact any committee member or Maier via phone at 785-639-3365 or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:contact@wildestfestival.com" target="_blank">contact@wildestfestival.com</a>.

For more information about the festival, visit their website,&nbsp;<a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/" target="_blank">wildwestfestival.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildwestfestival/" target="_blank">Facebook.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656793537129.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOn this Halloween day, as the spirits roam freely and the pumpkins glow eerily, the Wild West Festival in Hays unveils its spellbinding plan for the Fourth of July weekend, promising a bewitching and spine-tingling experience that will draw attendees from across the region.In a land where tumbleweeds meet twangy guitars, and stars shine as bright as fireflies, the Wild West Festival has always been a jewel in Western Kansas's summer crown.This year, the festival will be a ghoulishly good time with a diverse lineup that will have cowboys and cowgirls, rockers and country folk find another good time under the Kansas stars.Wednesday, July 3Opener: Paramount HEADLINER: NATE SMITHThe festival kicks off on July 3, where the electric tunes of Paramount will set the stage for a captivating headlining performance by&nbsp;NATE SMITH, casting a musical enchantment that'll linger long after the stars fade.Friday, July 5Opener: Savannah Chestnut HEADLINER: SAWYER BROWN – 40th Anniversary TourOn July 5, the Wild West Festival will turn into an enchanting realm as Savannah Chestnut's melodies lead the way. To commemorate their 40th Anniversary,&nbsp;SAWYER BROWN&nbsp;will perform a musical séance that promises to be an experience more than just a treat – it's a time-traveling journey through four decades of music.Saturday, July 6Opener: Sunset Sinners HEADLINER: QUIET RIOTAs the festival crescendos into its climax on July 6, Sunset Sinners will ignite the atmosphere, creating a gateway for the legendary&nbsp;QUIET RIOT. Their headlining performance will electrify your soul, making it a night to remember for all eternity."We're thrilled to bring this diverse and electrifying lineup to Hays, Kansas,” said event coordinator Sandi Maier. “It's going to be a memorable Fourth of July weekend, and we can't wait to share this experience with the community and visitors from all around the region."With the early announcement of this year’s lineup, the non-profit group behind the Wild West Festival, the all-volunteer Wild West Festival Committee, hopes to secure additional help for this year’s event and into the future."This festival has always been a labor of love, but we need more volunteers to join us to ensure its continued success,” said Wild West Festival Committee president Jeff Ridgeway. “We are calling on the community to support this event and keep the tradition alive."Rising costs for entertainment and feedback from previous years have also left the committee searching for new ways to invigorate the decades-long tradition. One major piece of feedback from the community has been heard loud and clear."We've been tirelessly searching for a carnival to be part of the event, as it has been in the past, but unfortunately, we have found no options available,” said vice-president Tim Cossaart. “Rest assured, we are committed to creating a sustainable and exciting event for western Kansas and are exploring changes for future festivals. Stay tuned for future updates."The Wild West Festival committee continues to work diligently to ensure this event remains a cornerstone of western Kansas's summer calendar. To learn more about joining the Wild West Festival committee, contact any committee member or Maier via phone at 785-639-3365 or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:contact@wildestfestival.com" target="_blank">contact@wildestfestival.com</a>.For more information about the festival, visit their website,&nbsp;<a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/" target="_blank">wildwestfestival.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildwestfestival/" target="_blank">Facebook.</a>

Wild West Festival announces concerts for Fourth of July weekend 2024 in Hays

MANHATTAN — Halloween is a day where some delight in getting a fright, but don't let the holiday's potential safety hazards sneak up on your pets.

Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>, has some tips to help keep pets safe.Nelson suggests leaving pets indoors before, during and a few days after the holiday for their safety.

"Cats, especially black ones, are often sought after with cruel intentions during Halloween," Nelson said.

While trick-or-treaters are knocking at the door, Nelson advises keeping pets in a back room with the TV turned on to help block the noise caused by doorbells and children.

"Be conscious of open doors, as some animals might make attempts to go outside," Nelson said. "Make sure pets have some form of identification, such as microchips, collars or tags. Reflective collars will make it safer should the pets get out, as it will make them more visible."

Nelson suggests putting pet costumes on before Halloween to make sure the pet can see, hear, breathe and move." When shopping for pet Halloween costumes, be mindful of costumes that have loose or small parts that could be pulled off and ingested," Nelson said. "If your pet seems distressed or allergic or shows abnormal behavior with a costume, consider having it wear a Halloween-themed bandana instead or nothing at all if even that causes distress."

For pets that have a love for candy or decorations, Nelson has some tricks to keep them safe:

• Keep all candy out of reach to avoid accidental ingestion of ingredients that can be toxic to pets or injure/obstruct their GI tracts. Examples of toxins are chocolate, Xylitol — an artificial sweetener — raisins and some types of nuts. • Consider disconnecting your doorbell or greeting trick-or-treaters at the end of your driveway, weather permitting, if the sound of the bell upsets your pet .• Be mindful that pets may be frightened by one of their familiar family members when that person is disguised in a costume. Acclimate them to the sight ahead of time. • Keep your pet away from electrical cords, candles and decorations to avoid accidental ingestion. • Throw away moldy pumpkins — they can cause illness if ingested. • Store glow sticks out of reach; they taste bitter and can cause drooling and agitation if ingested.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, immediately call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for advice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667142604293.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KSU News ServiceMANHATTAN — Halloween is a day where some delight in getting a fright, but don't let the holiday's potential safety hazards sneak up on your pets.Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>, has some tips to help keep pets safe.Nelson suggests leaving pets indoors before, during and a few days after the holiday for their safety."Cats, especially black ones, are often sought after with cruel intentions during Halloween," Nelson said.While trick-or-treaters are knocking at the door, Nelson advises keeping pets in a back room with the TV turned on to help block the noise caused by doorbells and children."Be conscious of open doors, as some animals might make attempts to go outside," Nelson said. "Make sure pets have some form of identification, such as microchips, collars or tags. Reflective collars will make it safer should the pets get out, as it will make them more visible."Nelson suggests putting pet costumes on before Halloween to make sure the pet can see, hear, breathe and move." When shopping for pet Halloween costumes, be mindful of costumes that have loose or small parts that could be pulled off and ingested," Nelson said. "If your pet seems distressed or allergic or shows abnormal behavior with a costume, consider having it wear a Halloween-themed bandana instead or nothing at all if even that causes distress."For pets that have a love for candy or decorations, Nelson has some tricks to keep them safe:• Keep all candy out of reach to avoid accidental ingestion of ingredients that can be toxic to pets or injure/obstruct their GI tracts. Examples of toxins are chocolate, Xylitol — an artificial sweetener — raisins and some types of nuts. • Consider disconnecting your doorbell or greeting trick-or-treaters at the end of your driveway, weather permitting, if the sound of the bell upsets your pet .• Be mindful that pets may be frightened by one of their familiar family members when that person is disguised in a costume. Acclimate them to the sight ahead of time. • Keep your pet away from electrical cords, candles and decorations to avoid accidental ingestion. • Throw away moldy pumpkins — they can cause illness if ingested. • Store glow sticks out of reach; they taste bitter and can cause drooling and agitation if ingested.If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, immediately call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for advice.

Tips from a K-State veterinarian to keep your pets safe this Halloween  

OSBORNE — The public is invited to attend an informative program Wed., Nov. 7, 7 p.m., regarding human trafficking at the St. Aloysius Parish Center,  219 N. Elm St., Osborne.

Presented by Sister Margaret Nacke, CSJ, founder of the U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Trafficking.&nbsp;

There will be soup and desserts served at 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698758428880.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOSBORNE — The public is invited to attend an informative program Wed., Nov. 7, 7 p.m., regarding human trafficking at the St. Aloysius Parish Center, 219 N. Elm St., Osborne.Presented by Sister Margaret Nacke, CSJ, founder of the U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Trafficking.&nbsp;There will be soup and desserts served at 6:30 p.m.

Osborne to host human trafficking information program Nov. 7

Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason’s annual Tour of Kansas kicks off in Hays on Wednesday, Nov. 1. 

From Kansas City in the east to Goodland in the west, and from Phillipsburg in the north to Garden City in the south, Mason will stop in large and small towns across Kansas between Nov. 1 and Nov. 14.&nbsp;

The president’s tour of Kansas is an annual tradition at Fort Hays State that began in 1987.&nbsp;

Mason plans to discuss several key university initiatives that are making a difference in Kansas during this year’s tour, including:&nbsp;

• FHSU, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College’s&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtAd-2Fi38P8Jo9YDtH0syjmAnNfL8H1jAh7-2F5ofwLVZdmSGVk9ijIpYLp65OVWR67Vsg-3D-3DD_B0_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVb0yJp6yrtdgrzFPhRWNrgxIIdiM1CXZH9zzOE-2FIYxdFOahpoN2N7d74mT1B1LuCCsg1eK6ayySYtzbgkeQKCj0d8E2UR3-2Fxol6fsAhgxkeTZ98bmjJFUGjWIwuE-2FbhAL1HqfR-2BfWw7Hm8vOp2D6FPjCWC6a23lR2Fpgkfr-2FpdV4zI1quvmmHNJ14YEp5UQ0azW4eb52m8uDk7BIwf9sARnjLzlSOewfIoesh-2BHuE6eQD6mWAF5q9sSaOBAxJ6aFXL5UdxcTVVjHO8xEnoyr2HSA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Strategic Affiliation Plan</a>&nbsp;to better serve the students, businesses, and communities of rural Kansas&nbsp;

• New ventures and university academic programs that are making a difference in our state, including FHSU’s Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator, the K-State 105 initiative-funded expansion of FHSU-led Kansas Small Business Development Center services in northwest Kansas, and federal grant-funded growth in nursing and teacher education programs for rural Kansas&nbsp;&nbsp;

• The university’s key legislative funding requests including the creation of alternative credentials for professional development, a telehealth certification for mental health providers, and nursing workforce development in western Kansas.&nbsp;

As always, President Mason will also share stories and evidence that demonstrate the unmatched combination of affordability, accessibility, and quality that makes FHSU the best value in education anywhere.&nbsp;

This year’s tour schedule will be expanded to include several special events highlighting FHSU’s contributions to economic and workforce development across the state. Special events added to this year’s tour include:

• Two strategic affiliation-focused luncheon events on the campuses of North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit (Nov. 1) and at Northwest Kansas Technical College (Nov. 6)&nbsp;

• Alumni gatherings in Wichita (Nov. 3) and Kansas City (Nov. 14)&nbsp;

• A breakfast forum on the critical need for nursing professionals in rural Kansas hosted by the Garden City Chamber of Commerce (Nov. 6)&nbsp;

2023 FHSU President’s Media Tour schedule at a glance:

Nov. 1: Hays, Beloit, and Salina Nov. 2: Phillipsburg and Topeka Nov. 3: Wichita&nbsp; Nov. 6: Goodland and Colby Nov. 7: Garden City and Dodge City Nov. 14: Kansas City

For questions about the 2023 President’s Tour, contact FHSU Chief Communications Officer Scott Cason at 785-628-4208 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sacason@fhsu.edu">sacason@fhsu.edu</a>

For questions about the FHSU alumni events on Nov. 3 and Nov. 14 associated with this year’s tour, contact Alumni Director Carolyn Tatro at 785-628-4526 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:catatro@fhsu.edu">catatro@fhsu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667407877265.png" alt="FHSU President Tisa Mason. File photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>FHSU President Tisa Mason. File photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University President Tisa Mason’s annual Tour of Kansas kicks off in Hays on Wednesday, Nov. 1. From Kansas City in the east to Goodland in the west, and from Phillipsburg in the north to Garden City in the south, Mason will stop in large and small towns across Kansas between Nov. 1 and Nov. 14.&nbsp;The president’s tour of Kansas is an annual tradition at Fort Hays State that began in 1987.&nbsp;Mason plans to discuss several key university initiatives that are making a difference in Kansas during this year’s tour, including:&nbsp;• FHSU, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College’s&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtAd-2Fi38P8Jo9YDtH0syjmAnNfL8H1jAh7-2F5ofwLVZdmSGVk9ijIpYLp65OVWR67Vsg-3D-3DD_B0_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVb0yJp6yrtdgrzFPhRWNrgxIIdiM1CXZH9zzOE-2FIYxdFOahpoN2N7d74mT1B1LuCCsg1eK6ayySYtzbgkeQKCj0d8E2UR3-2Fxol6fsAhgxkeTZ98bmjJFUGjWIwuE-2FbhAL1HqfR-2BfWw7Hm8vOp2D6FPjCWC6a23lR2Fpgkfr-2FpdV4zI1quvmmHNJ14YEp5UQ0azW4eb52m8uDk7BIwf9sARnjLzlSOewfIoesh-2BHuE6eQD6mWAF5q9sSaOBAxJ6aFXL5UdxcTVVjHO8xEnoyr2HSA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Strategic Affiliation Plan</a>&nbsp;to better serve the students, businesses, and communities of rural Kansas&nbsp;• New ventures and university academic programs that are making a difference in our state, including FHSU’s Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator, the K-State 105 initiative-funded expansion of FHSU-led Kansas Small Business Development Center services in northwest Kansas, and federal grant-funded growth in nursing and teacher education programs for rural Kansas&nbsp;&nbsp;• The university’s key legislative funding requests including the creation of alternative credentials for professional development, a telehealth certification for mental health providers, and nursing workforce development in western Kansas.&nbsp;As always, President Mason will also share stories and evidence that demonstrate the unmatched combination of affordability, accessibility, and quality that makes FHSU the best value in education anywhere.&nbsp;This year’s tour schedule will be expanded to include several special events highlighting FHSU’s contributions to economic and workforce development across the state. Special events added to this year’s tour include:• Two strategic affiliation-focused luncheon events on the campuses of North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit (Nov. 1) and at Northwest Kansas Technical College (Nov. 6)&nbsp;• Alumni gatherings in Wichita (Nov. 3) and Kansas City (Nov. 14)&nbsp;• A breakfast forum on the critical need for nursing professionals in rural Kansas hosted by the Garden City Chamber of Commerce (Nov. 6)&nbsp;2023 FHSU President’s Media Tour schedule at a glance:Nov. 1: Hays, Beloit, and Salina Nov. 2: Phillipsburg and Topeka Nov. 3: Wichita&nbsp; Nov. 6: Goodland and Colby Nov. 7: Garden City and Dodge City Nov. 14: Kansas City For questions about the 2023 President’s Tour, contact FHSU Chief Communications Officer Scott Cason at 785-628-4208 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sacason@fhsu.edu">sacason@fhsu.edu</a>For questions about the FHSU alumni events on Nov. 3 and Nov. 14 associated with this year’s tour, contact Alumni Director Carolyn Tatro at 785-628-4526 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:catatro@fhsu.edu">catatro@fhsu.edu</a>

FHSU president Mason to make annual media tour of Kansas in November

RED WILLOW COUNTY, Neb. —One person died in a small plane crash just before noon Monday in southwest Nebraska.

The small plane crashed 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp;

There were two occupants in the airplane. First responders found one deceased, and the second occupant was transported to the Community Hospital of McCook for treatment.

City of McCook personnel were on the scene of the crash and have contacted the appropriate federal agencies.&nbsp;

Officials secured the crash site and it will be maintained until investigators from the appropriate federal agencies arrive.&nbsp; Officials have not released names of the pilot or passenger.&nbsp; McCook is located 28 miles north of Oberlin, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698756364119.png" alt="Photo courtesy KLKN TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KLKN TV</figcaption>
 </figure>RED WILLOW COUNTY, Neb. —One person died in a small plane crash just before noon Monday in southwest Nebraska.The small plane crashed 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp;There were two occupants in the airplane. First responders found one deceased, and the second occupant was transported to the Community Hospital of McCook for treatment.City of McCook personnel were on the scene of the crash and have contacted the appropriate federal agencies.&nbsp;Officials secured the crash site and it will be maintained until investigators from the appropriate federal agencies arrive.&nbsp; Officials have not released names of the pilot or passenger.&nbsp; McCook is located 28 miles north of Oberlin, Kansas.

One dead after small plane crash in southwest Nebraska

BY TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

PLAINVILLE — Meet the couple transforming a local eatery into an exclusive bar and grill experience in Plainville.

The Handle-Bar Tavern and Eatery, 105 E. Mill St., will be in the former Burgers &amp; Beer location.&nbsp;

Vincent and Bee Reif have worked in various restaurants nationwide, initially crossing paths at a resort in Denali, Alaska, in 2007.

Vincent began his culinary career as a prep cook and gradually ascended to roles as an executive chef and manager.

Bee worked alongside Vincent at multiple restaurants, where she held management positions and worked as a bartender.

In 2011, the pair moved to Kansas, where they worked at a private lodge in southeast Kansas before purchasing the location formerly owned by Burgers &amp; Beer.

“We relocated back here [Plainville] in 2019, and we've seen that we're kind of limited in the number of restaurants and options,” Vincent said. “However, the opportunity became available, and we decided it was meant to be.”

Vincent was born in Plainville, and Bee is originally from Alaska.

Roughly four months ago, the couple purchased the building with the aspiration of showing their extensive experience and introducing something fresh to the local area.&nbsp;

“We want to go above and beyond, providing great and quick service where you come in and get your high-quality meal in a timely manner,” Vincent said. “A family atmosphere where you come in here and you feel like you’re family.”

The Handle-Bar revolves around maintaining the bar area as a distinct environment while creating a more family-oriented setting in the rest of the restaurant.

Their expected time to open will be in mid-November.

The menu was a challenge for the couple as they wanted to include something for everyone's tastes and preferences.

“We don’t just want to cater to one person, we want a collective group of people to walk through our doors at any given time and be able to find something and enjoy it,” Bee said.&nbsp;

Among the diverse menu items, Vincent emphasized the steak, and its unique aging process.

“What I’m really excited about is the steak portion because we already brought those in and started aging them weeks ago,” he said. “The longer they continue to age, the more they continue to break down and become more tender and flavourful.”

Other offerings on the menu include cajun shrimp pasta, fresh salmon, chicken wings and steak 'n’ bacon burger.

The restaurant features a spacious outdoor patio for up to a hundred people, offering activities such as bean bag toss and live televised sports games.

“If you're from Kansas, you realize there's a good chance in November up through mid-December that we're going to have warm enough days where you may want to sit outside and enjoy your meal,” Vincent said.

Vincent will handle kitchen operations, while Bee will manage the day-to-day tasks in the front of the restaurant with a team she said wants to be involved.

“We have a pretty solid staff put together that we feel are teachable, trainable and that want to be in this industry. They have a great opportunity to learn and grow so we’re hoping to build upon that,” Bee said.

The Handle-Bar implements a loyalty program that customers can sign up for on their <a href="https://www.thehandlebartavern.com/">website</a>. Members of the reward system earn one point for every $1.75 spent and receive a $7.50 discount for every 75 points redeemed, which can benefit them towards their next meal.&nbsp;

“We want to give back. If you’re a customer who’s in here on a regular basis. We want to be able to reward you,” Vincent said.&nbsp;

Vincent and Bee are thankful for their friends, family and community who’ve helped them establish their own restaurant.&nbsp;

You can follow The Handle-Bar Tavern and Eatery on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehandlebartavern">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698700495487.jpeg" alt="The Handle-Bar Tavern and Eatery is located at the former Burgers &amp; Beer location in Plainville. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Handle-Bar Tavern and Eatery is located at the former Burgers &amp; Beer location in Plainville. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>BY TONY GUERRERO Hays PostPLAINVILLE — Meet the couple transforming a local eatery into an exclusive bar and grill experience in Plainville.The Handle-Bar Tavern and Eatery, 105 E. Mill St., will be in the former Burgers &amp; Beer location.&nbsp;Vincent and Bee Reif have worked in various restaurants nationwide, initially crossing paths at a resort in Denali, Alaska, in 2007.Vincent began his culinary career as a prep cook and gradually ascended to roles as an executive chef and manager.Bee worked alongside Vincent at multiple restaurants, where she held management positions and worked as a bartender.In 2011, the pair moved to Kansas, where they worked at a private lodge in southeast Kansas before purchasing the location formerly owned by Burgers &amp; Beer.“We relocated back here [Plainville] in 2019, and we've seen that we're kind of limited in the number of restaurants and options,” Vincent said. “However, the opportunity became available, and we decided it was meant to be.”Vincent was born in Plainville, and Bee is originally from Alaska.Roughly four months ago, the couple purchased the building with the aspiration of showing their extensive experience and introducing something fresh to the local area.&nbsp;“We want to go above and beyond, providing great and quick service where you come in and get your high-quality meal in a timely manner,” Vincent said. “A family atmosphere where you come in here and you feel like you’re family.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698700630156.jpeg" alt="Boards that were branded by community members underneath the bar counter. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Boards that were branded by community members underneath the bar counter. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Handle-Bar revolves around maintaining the bar area as a distinct environment while creating a more family-oriented setting in the rest of the restaurant.Their expected time to open will be in mid-November.The menu was a challenge for the couple as they wanted to include something for everyone's tastes and preferences.“We don’t just want to cater to one person, we want a collective group of people to walk through our doors at any given time and be able to find something and enjoy it,” Bee said.&nbsp;Among the diverse menu items, Vincent emphasized the steak, and its unique aging process.“What I’m really excited about is the steak portion because we already brought those in and started aging them weeks ago,” he said. “The longer they continue to age, the more they continue to break down and become more tender and flavourful.”Other offerings on the menu include cajun shrimp pasta, fresh salmon, chicken wings and steak 'n’ bacon burger.The restaurant features a spacious outdoor patio for up to a hundred people, offering activities such as bean bag toss and live televised sports games.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698700659538.jpeg" alt="The patio located behind The Handle-Bar Tavern and Eatery Restaurant. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The patio located behind The Handle-Bar Tavern and Eatery Restaurant. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“If you're from Kansas, you realize there's a good chance in November up through mid-December that we're going to have warm enough days where you may want to sit outside and enjoy your meal,” Vincent said.Vincent will handle kitchen operations, while Bee will manage the day-to-day tasks in the front of the restaurant with a team she said wants to be involved.“We have a pretty solid staff put together that we feel are teachable, trainable and that want to be in this industry. They have a great opportunity to learn and grow so we’re hoping to build upon that,” Bee said.The Handle-Bar implements a loyalty program that customers can sign up for on their <a href="https://www.thehandlebartavern.com/">website</a>. Members of the reward system earn one point for every $1.75 spent and receive a $7.50 discount for every 75 points redeemed, which can benefit them towards their next meal.&nbsp;“We want to give back. If you’re a customer who’s in here on a regular basis. We want to be able to reward you,” Vincent said.&nbsp;Vincent and Bee are thankful for their friends, family and community who’ve helped them establish their own restaurant.&nbsp;You can follow The Handle-Bar Tavern and Eatery on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehandlebartavern">Facebook</a>.

Plainville couple transform local restaurant into vibrant bar, grill

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Hays USD 489 school board.

Candidates on the ballot include David Clingan, James Feyerherm, Jayme Goetz, Lori Hertel, Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson, Dennis Wilkie and Derek Yarmer.

To find your polling location, <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.

Age: 46 Occupation: Project Manager/Superintendent at Roofmasters Incumbent: No

Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Hays USD 489 schools?

I have a daughter who graduated from Hays High in 2022 and two boys that currently attend O’laughlin Elementary

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/42917198-7477-45e1-ab57-c69e5d2aa183">For more biographical information click here.</a>

If you had one thing you could change about the USD 489 school district, what would it be?

USD 489 has a great history and legacy. Our teachers and do a solid job and represent Hays well. However, our test scores and proficiency in English and Math are not at the level that they should be. We need new strategies to solve this. A way to return to core education, and perhaps focus less on social, emotional learning. This won’t happen unless the board challenges the administration to perform to a higher standard. Our future is now, and we can’t afford to wait around and see what happens.

What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?

The current board has great intentions and genuinely wants to serve this community. Unfortunately, great intentions are not a strategy. Compromise is the key to democracy and is essential to a successful board. In the last board work session, board members had the opportunity to change their procedures and rules to create a more transparent and functional system. Sadly, the status quo won out again.

What is your opinion of the Hays USD 489 administration?

I have not interacted much with the current administration. I was disappointed with the process for the new high school plans and contract. As well as their stance on the gender-neutral restroom. I hope that they will be open to change and new idea’s. If we keep doing the same and expecting different results, we all know what happens, nothing.

What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?

The administration should run the day-to -day of the district. The board should serve as a check, and not as a rubber stamp. It is up to the board to set a standard for education, then follow through with accountability if that standard is not met. It should also represent the taxpayer and ensure fiscal responsibility.

What role do you think the board should have in moving forward with the bond issue projects?

It is imperative for the board to have oversite on the bond projects. The community approved this measure in good faith, and it is now up to the board to live up to that faith. From determining any potential reduction to the mill levy, to monitoring construction and overages, the board should be extremely involved. This is not a blank check from the community. The board is spending hard working family’s money and should treat it as so.

Have you received money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside of the school district?

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Hays USD 489 school board.Candidates on the ballot include David Clingan, James Feyerherm, Jayme Goetz, Lori Hertel, Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson, Dennis Wilkie and Derek Yarmer.Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.To find your polling location, <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.<h2>Dennis Wilkie</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689800374231.jpeg" alt="Dennis Wilkie" />
 <figcaption>Dennis Wilkie</figcaption>
 </figure>Age: 46 Occupation: Project Manager/Superintendent at Roofmasters Incumbent: NoDo you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Hays USD 489 schools?I have a daughter who graduated from Hays High in 2022 and two boys that currently attend O’laughlin Elementary<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/42917198-7477-45e1-ab57-c69e5d2aa183">For more biographical information click here.</a>If you had one thing you could change about the USD 489 school district, what would it be?USD 489 has a great history and legacy. Our teachers and do a solid job and represent Hays well. However, our test scores and proficiency in English and Math are not at the level that they should be. We need new strategies to solve this. A way to return to core education, and perhaps focus less on social, emotional learning. This won’t happen unless the board challenges the administration to perform to a higher standard. Our future is now, and we can’t afford to wait around and see what happens.What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?The current board has great intentions and genuinely wants to serve this community. Unfortunately, great intentions are not a strategy. Compromise is the key to democracy and is essential to a successful board. In the last board work session, board members had the opportunity to change their procedures and rules to create a more transparent and functional system. Sadly, the status quo won out again.What is your opinion of the Hays USD 489 administration?I have not interacted much with the current administration. I was disappointed with the process for the new high school plans and contract. As well as their stance on the gender-neutral restroom. I hope that they will be open to change and new idea’s. If we keep doing the same and expecting different results, we all know what happens, nothing.What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?The administration should run the day-to -day of the district. The board should serve as a check, and not as a rubber stamp. It is up to the board to set a standard for education, then follow through with accountability if that standard is not met. It should also represent the taxpayer and ensure fiscal responsibility.What role do you think the board should have in moving forward with the bond issue projects?It is imperative for the board to have oversite on the bond projects. The community approved this measure in good faith, and it is now up to the board to live up to that faith. From determining any potential reduction to the mill levy, to monitoring construction and overages, the board should be extremely involved. This is not a blank check from the community. The board is spending hard working family’s money and should treat it as so.Have you received money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside of the school district?No

Hays USD 489 BOE candidate: Dennis Wilkie

Most of us know that physical activity is key to a healthy lifestyle. But did you know that exercise in the fall and winter is particularly important? Studies show that exercise can ward off seasonal depression, keep illness at bay, and keep holiday calories in check.

As the days get shorter and the chance to soak up vitamin D from the sun dwindles, seasonal depression is a major issue for Americans. It’s harder to find time to get outside, schedules get busier, and stress increases. Motivation to exercise may be a challenge due to these reasons, but exercise can make a complete difference in how you feel! Regular workouts release endorphins that boost mood, increase energy levels, and reduce stress which can combat the seasonal depression of winter.

Regular moderate-intensity exercise also plays an important role in immune health. This can decrease your chances of getting sick during the cold and flu season. However, it is important to note that regular activity is key because exercise improves overall health which boosts immune function. This is because it increases the circulation of immune cells, acts as a natural sleep aid, and reduces inflammation. So, continue hitting the gym a few times a week and you might see your overall health and immune health improve!

Finally, we all know that holiday treats are the culprit of excess weight gain most of us struggle with every year. Although it is important to enjoy family gatherings and indulge occasionally, it is just as important to get back on track. When working out is a habit, this is a lot easier. In fact, regular exercise helps to manage the hunger hormones that often lead to overeating. Regular exercisers also feel more encouraged to eat mindfully and drink more water which can help control weight fluctuation.

The change in seasons may have shifted your routine. This can make it hard to find time to exercise, so here are a few tips to stay active as the weather cools down:

· Make time for an outdoor workout during the day's warmer parts. You might find it more appealing to go for a walk over your lunch hour as opposed to chilly mornings. Prepping your lunch ahead of time can help you squeeze in a quick brain break.

· Join a fitness class or sports league. Having accountability from others may be the motivation you need. Plus, socialization always makes exercise more fun! There are multiple options for group fitness options. Most local recreation commissions offer basketball, volleyball, and other various sports.&nbsp;Classes offered by K-State Research and Extension will also gear up in January. These include Walk with Ease in Hoisington and Stay Strong, Stay Healthy in Hays. Contact your local extension office to learn more!

· Keep moving throughout your day. Maybe you don’t have the time to make it to the gym, but setting daily activity goals can still improve your health. A daily step goal is a common one that many people reap benefits from. Getting more movement in can include parking at the back of the lot, taking the stairs, deep cleaning the house, or using a standing desk.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel&nbsp;is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel&nbsp;is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Most of us know that physical activity is key to a healthy lifestyle. But did you know that exercise in the fall and winter is particularly important? Studies show that exercise can ward off seasonal depression, keep illness at bay, and keep holiday calories in check.As the days get shorter and the chance to soak up vitamin D from the sun dwindles, seasonal depression is a major issue for Americans. It’s harder to find time to get outside, schedules get busier, and stress increases. Motivation to exercise may be a challenge due to these reasons, but exercise can make a complete difference in how you feel! Regular workouts release endorphins that boost mood, increase energy levels, and reduce stress which can combat the seasonal depression of winter.Regular moderate-intensity exercise also plays an important role in immune health. This can decrease your chances of getting sick during the cold and flu season. However, it is important to note that regular activity is key because exercise improves overall health which boosts immune function. This is because it increases the circulation of immune cells, acts as a natural sleep aid, and reduces inflammation. So, continue hitting the gym a few times a week and you might see your overall health and immune health improve!Finally, we all know that holiday treats are the culprit of excess weight gain most of us struggle with every year. Although it is important to enjoy family gatherings and indulge occasionally, it is just as important to get back on track. When working out is a habit, this is a lot easier. In fact, regular exercise helps to manage the hunger hormones that often lead to overeating. Regular exercisers also feel more encouraged to eat mindfully and drink more water which can help control weight fluctuation.The change in seasons may have shifted your routine. This can make it hard to find time to exercise, so here are a few tips to stay active as the weather cools down:· Make time for an outdoor workout during the day's warmer parts. You might find it more appealing to go for a walk over your lunch hour as opposed to chilly mornings. Prepping your lunch ahead of time can help you squeeze in a quick brain break.· Join a fitness class or sports league. Having accountability from others may be the motivation you need. Plus, socialization always makes exercise more fun! There are multiple options for group fitness options. Most local recreation commissions offer basketball, volleyball, and other various sports.&nbsp;Classes offered by K-State Research and Extension will also gear up in January. These include Walk with Ease in Hoisington and Stay Strong, Stay Healthy in Hays. Contact your local extension office to learn more!· Keep moving throughout your day. Maybe you don’t have the time to make it to the gym, but setting daily activity goals can still improve your health. A daily step goal is a common one that many people reap benefits from. Getting more movement in can include parking at the back of the lot, taking the stairs, deep cleaning the house, or using a standing desk.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

WINKEL: Activity in the autumn: It's essential!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698685035119.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>

Age:&nbsp;27 Profession:&nbsp;Event coordinator and accounting assistant at Smoky Hills PBS Incumbent:&nbsp;

Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Victoria schools?&nbsp;

I have twin boys who will attend Victoria in a few years. My sister and four nieces and nephews currently attend Victoria Elementary School.&nbsp;

Why are you running for school board?&nbsp;

USD 432 has always held a special place in my heart because my husband and I both graduated from Victoria. Now, as a mother of twin boys, it is even more important to me that my children attend the same school that their parents did. If elected, my goal would be to preserve and improve USD 432 so my children, and the other children in the community, &nbsp;have the opportunity for local education and support as they grow up. I’m extremely passionate about our school, our children, and their continued success

If you had one thing you could change about the USD&nbsp;432&nbsp;school district, what would it be?&nbsp;

&nbsp;I would change the perception of the district as a whole. USD 432 is thriving in so many positive ways. However, oftentimes it seems that only the negative things get attention. I would like to see the amazing parts of the district shine brighter than the criticism it faces. My goal is to bring attention to all of the great things happening in our district — big and small!&nbsp;

&nbsp;What is your opinion of the Victoria USD 432 administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward?

It can be hard to accept change, especially in a smaller community where many current students’ parents also attended school here. It’s easy to stay in the mindset of “We did it this way when I was here.” However, like everything else, as time passes things have to change to set students and staff up for success. I believe our administration works hard to facilitate the necessary changes to set our children up for success. Having an open mind and open communication between administrators and the school board will ensure continued success for USD 432 and its students.

What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?

I commend the current school board for handling the past year with grace. Taking on this role requires a lot dedication to our school district because the school board members face a lot of criticism and controversy. I believe the current board has taken their roles seriously with the goal of supporting our school. I am ready to hit the ground running and get in stride with the current board members as well as bring new and fresh ideas to the table. I am confident that I will be able to work with the incumbents because we all have a common goal of USD 432’s continued success.&nbsp;

The board’s role in day-to-day operations is simple: to effectively support the administration, staff and, most importantly, the students. They should be available to the community and to the school as needed to listen and solve issues that arise.

The district’s teachers and administrators are faced with a difficult task in disciplinary actions because they are not only dealing with students, but also parents, in these situations. There will always be disagreements between parents and administrators on how discipline should be handled. However, the school board’s job is to support — not second guess — the administrators and teachers in their disciplinary decisions. In my opinion, the focus should first and foremost be to educate the students and set them up for success. Education of students includes conflict resolution and learning the consequences of their actions. &nbsp;

What do you think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance?

This is such a difficult concept because every student learns and performs differently. The absolute best thing the district can do is encourage the students in their education! The board should also support the teachers and administrators who are on the front lines of these issues. The board should take heed of the teacher’s suggestions and concerns when it comes to these issues because they are the ones with the education and experience to lead our students to academic success.

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.The candidates who will appear on the ballot include Janea Dinkel, Terry Dinkel, Haley Gagnon, Brenton Hoffman, Jacob Hunter, Douglas Kuh, Tammy Lichter, Matthew Orr, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander, Tammy Lee Schumacher.Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.To find your polling location, <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.<h2>Haley Gagnon</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697735665597.jpeg" alt="Haley Gagnon." />
 <figcaption>Haley Gagnon.</figcaption>
 </figure>Age:&nbsp;27 Profession:&nbsp;Event coordinator and accounting assistant at Smoky Hills PBS Incumbent:&nbsp;Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Victoria schools?&nbsp;I have twin boys who will attend Victoria in a few years. My sister and four nieces and nephews currently attend Victoria Elementary School.&nbsp;Why are you running for school board?&nbsp;USD 432 has always held a special place in my heart because my husband and I both graduated from Victoria. Now, as a mother of twin boys, it is even more important to me that my children attend the same school that their parents did. If elected, my goal would be to preserve and improve USD 432 so my children, and the other children in the community, &nbsp;have the opportunity for local education and support as they grow up. I’m extremely passionate about our school, our children, and their continued successIf you had one thing you could change about the USD&nbsp;432&nbsp;school district, what would it be?&nbsp;&nbsp;I would change the perception of the district as a whole. USD 432 is thriving in so many positive ways. However, oftentimes it seems that only the negative things get attention. I would like to see the amazing parts of the district shine brighter than the criticism it faces. My goal is to bring attention to all of the great things happening in our district — big and small!&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your opinion of the Victoria USD 432 administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward? It can be hard to accept change, especially in a smaller community where many current students’ parents also attended school here. It’s easy to stay in the mindset of “We did it this way when I was here.” However, like everything else, as time passes things have to change to set students and staff up for success. I believe our administration works hard to facilitate the necessary changes to set our children up for success. Having an open mind and open communication between administrators and the school board will ensure continued success for USD 432 and its students.What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board? I commend the current school board for handling the past year with grace. Taking on this role requires a lot dedication to our school district because the school board members face a lot of criticism and controversy. I believe the current board has taken their roles seriously with the goal of supporting our school. I am ready to hit the ground running and get in stride with the current board members as well as bring new and fresh ideas to the table. I am confident that I will be able to work with the incumbents because we all have a common goal of USD 432’s continued success.&nbsp;What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?The board’s role in day-to-day operations is simple: to effectively support the administration, staff and, most importantly, the students. They should be available to the community and to the school as needed to listen and solve issues that arise. What are your opinions of the school district’s discipline policies and how they have been applied?The district’s teachers and administrators are faced with a difficult task in disciplinary actions because they are not only dealing with students, but also parents, in these situations. There will always be disagreements between parents and administrators on how discipline should be handled. However, the school board’s job is to support — not second guess — the administrators and teachers in their disciplinary decisions. In my opinion, the focus should first and foremost be to educate the students and set them up for success. Education of students includes conflict resolution and learning the consequences of their actions. &nbsp;What do you think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance?This is such a difficult concept because every student learns and performs differently. The absolute best thing the district can do is encourage the students in their education! The board should also support the teachers and administrators who are on the front lines of these issues. The board should take heed of the teacher’s suggestions and concerns when it comes to these issues because they are the ones with the education and experience to lead our students to academic success.

Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Haley Gagnon

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Imagine Ellis County 'Fall in Ellis Co.' contest underway

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

After jumping two dollars a barrel on Friday, the benchmark Nymex crude futures contract dropped three dollars Monday. By lunchtime, U.S. crude dipped below $83 a barrel and London Brent dropped under $88. &nbsp;

Kansas diesel prices spiked last week, vaulting 42 cents a gallon in just seven days. Nationwide, diesel prices were four cents a gallon higher than a week earlier, but seven cents lower than a month ago, according to the auto club AAA. 

In Kansas, the average pump price for diesel reached $4.70 a gallon last Thursday, an increase of 42 cents from a week earlier, the biggest one-week bump in recent memory, and twenty cents higher than the national average. Prices have since dropped to $4.62 as of Monday. 

Weekly government reporting shows national diesel fuel inventories down 1.7 million barrels from a week ago. The Energy Information Administration says diesel stockpiles are about 12% below the five-year average for this time of year.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was down two rigs in eastern Kansas, and down one in the western half of the state. That's a nearly eight percent drop from last week, down more than five percent from a month ago, and down over 39% from a year ago. Drilling was underway Monday on two leases in Ellis County and one in Barton County. Year to date, 207 operators have spudded 1,069 wells in Kansas, and drilled 2.9 million feet of well bore.

Operators across the state completed 21 wells in the week through October 26th. Out of 13 in western Kansas, six were dry holes.&nbsp; Kansas regulators okayed 37 permits for drilling at new locations, including one in Ellis County.

The government reported another all-time record for U.S. crude production. The Energy Information Administration says domestic operators pumped a best-ever 13,230,000 barrels per day last week. Before this year, output has exceeded 13 million barrels per day only twice. The U.S. has now topped 13 million barrels per day in each of the last three weekly reports.

The government says U.S. crude inventories are up 1.4 million barrels to just over 421 million as of October 20. Stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Energy Information Administration said average daily domestic crude imports rose by 71-thousand barrels to six million barrels per day. The four week average is up nearly two percent over the same four weeks last year. 

Oil-by-rail traffic was down for the week but rose compared to last year. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,945 tanker carloads of petroleum or petroleum products rolling the rails in the week through October 21st. That's down more than six hundred tankers from a week earlier, but marks an 8.3 percent increase over the same week a year ago. Association of American Railroads reports the weekly totals have surpassed the year-ago tallies each week since July.

China is turning oil sanctions into a profit center. Just this year, China has reaped savings of nearly $10 billion through record purchases of oil from countries under western sanctions. That's according to Reuters reporting on trade and shipments from Russia, Iran and Venezuela. Cheaper crude bolsters the world's second-largest consumer and refiner, especially China's small independent operators. It also bolsters an already-lucrative export trade in diesel and gasoline.

In a sign of the times, the Chinese oil and gas firm PetroChina has reportedly settled a crude-oil transaction using the country's official digital currency. That's a first, according to the government newspaper China Daily, which reported a deal for a million barrels of crude sold at the Shanghai exchange was settled with China's Central Bank Digital Currency. Prices were not disclosed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646226757975.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications After jumping two dollars a barrel on Friday, the benchmark Nymex crude futures contract dropped three dollars Monday. By lunchtime, U.S. crude dipped below $83 a barrel and London Brent dropped under $88. &nbsp;Kansas diesel prices spiked last week, vaulting 42 cents a gallon in just seven days. Nationwide, diesel prices were four cents a gallon higher than a week earlier, but seven cents lower than a month ago, according to the auto club AAA. In Kansas, the average pump price for diesel reached $4.70 a gallon last Thursday, an increase of 42 cents from a week earlier, the biggest one-week bump in recent memory, and twenty cents higher than the national average. Prices have since dropped to $4.62 as of Monday. Weekly government reporting shows national diesel fuel inventories down 1.7 million barrels from a week ago. The Energy Information Administration says diesel stockpiles are about 12% below the five-year average for this time of year.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service was down two rigs in eastern Kansas, and down one in the western half of the state. That's a nearly eight percent drop from last week, down more than five percent from a month ago, and down over 39% from a year ago. Drilling was underway Monday on two leases in Ellis County and one in Barton County. Year to date, 207 operators have spudded 1,069 wells in Kansas, and drilled 2.9 million feet of well bore. Operators across the state completed 21 wells in the week through October 26th. Out of 13 in western Kansas, six were dry holes.&nbsp; Kansas regulators okayed 37 permits for drilling at new locations, including one in Ellis County. The government reported another all-time record for U.S. crude production. The Energy Information Administration says domestic operators pumped a best-ever 13,230,000 barrels per day last week. Before this year, output has exceeded 13 million barrels per day only twice. The U.S. has now topped 13 million barrels per day in each of the last three weekly reports.The government says U.S. crude inventories are up 1.4 million barrels to just over 421 million as of October 20. Stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Energy Information Administration said average daily domestic crude imports rose by 71-thousand barrels to six million barrels per day. The four week average is up nearly two percent over the same four weeks last year. Oil-by-rail traffic was down for the week but rose compared to last year. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,945 tanker carloads of petroleum or petroleum products rolling the rails in the week through October 21st. That's down more than six hundred tankers from a week earlier, but marks an 8.3 percent increase over the same week a year ago. Association of American Railroads reports the weekly totals have surpassed the year-ago tallies each week since July.China is turning oil sanctions into a profit center. Just this year, China has reaped savings of nearly $10 billion through record purchases of oil from countries under western sanctions. That's according to Reuters reporting on trade and shipments from Russia, Iran and Venezuela. Cheaper crude bolsters the world's second-largest consumer and refiner, especially China's small independent operators. It also bolsters an already-lucrative export trade in diesel and gasoline.In a sign of the times, the Chinese oil and gas firm PetroChina has reportedly settled a crude-oil transaction using the country's official digital currency. That's a first, according to the government newspaper China Daily, which reported a deal for a million barrels of crude sold at the Shanghai exchange was settled with China's Central Bank Digital Currency. Prices were not disclosed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Record U.S. crude production continues

Ellis County The Ellis County Environmental Services office is announcing that the Construction &amp; Demolition pit at the landfill is open for dumping. The dirt pile will remain closed.

Ellis County The Ellis County Environmental Services office is announcing that the Construction &amp; Demolition pit at the landfill is open for dumping. The dirt pile will remain closed.Municipal Waste will remain open. The gates will close at 4:45 p.m., and no dumping will be allowed after that time.Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Landfill at 785-628-9460. We appreciate your cooperation.

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