Russell County USD 407 is seeking applicants for treasurer. &nbsp;

Must have Associate of Science in accounting or finance; 5 years of financial management, supervises accounting operations, accounts payable and budget. &nbsp;

For more information or to apply, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd407.org/">www.usd407.org</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671029274787.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Russell County USD 407 is seeking applicants for treasurer. &nbsp;Must have Associate of Science in accounting or finance; 5 years of financial management, supervises accounting operations, accounts payable and budget. &nbsp;For more information or to apply, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd407.org/">www.usd407.org</a>

Kansas man hospitalized after rear-end crash

UPDATED at 4:55 p.m.—Authorities report law enforcement apprehended suspect Shane Slack this afternoon, without incident, according to the city of Russell website. This investigation is ongoing, more information will be released as it becomes available. 

RUSSELL COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking for help to locate a suspect.

Just before 2:30 p.m. Monday, police responded to the shooting call in the 1300 block of North Fossil Street in Russell, according to a media release.&nbsp;

First responders found a 45-year-old man suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. EMS transported the victim to Russell Regional Hospital, He was later airlifted to a trauma center in Wichita.

Police are attempting to locate a suspect identified as 47-year-old Shane Slack. He is described as a white male, 5-foot-11, 160 pounds with blue eyes. 

He was last seen wearing black jeans, black shirt, and a leather vest with patches and possibly driving a 1999 Toyota Tacoma bearing Kansas 725 RMV. 

Slack is believed to be armed and dangerous.&nbsp; If you see him please do not approach and call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673350929533.png" alt="Slack -photo Russell Police" />
 <figcaption>Slack -photo Russell Police</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATED at 4:55 p.m.—Authorities report law enforcement apprehended suspect Shane Slack this afternoon, without incident, according to the city of Russell website. This investigation is ongoing, more information will be released as it becomes available. RUSSELL COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking for help to locate a suspect.Just before 2:30 p.m. Monday, police responded to the shooting call in the 1300 block of North Fossil Street in Russell, according to a media release.&nbsp;First responders found a 45-year-old man suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. EMS transported the victim to Russell Regional Hospital, He was later airlifted to a trauma center in Wichita.Police are attempting to locate a suspect identified as 47-year-old Shane Slack. He is described as a white male, 5-foot-11, 160 pounds with blue eyes. He was last seen wearing black jeans, black shirt, and a leather vest with patches and possibly driving a 1999 Toyota Tacoma bearing Kansas 725 RMV. Slack is believed to be armed and dangerous.&nbsp; If you see him please do not approach and call 911.

UPDATE: Suspect apprehended in Russell shooting incident 

Hays Fire Department Press Release

On January 9 at approximately 6:18 p.m. the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of smoke coming from the garage of the residential home located at 4608 Van Buren Street in Hays.

Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed the homeowner's report and found smoke in the attached garage. Fire crews immediately made entry into the garage with a handline and found a small fire on a workbench.

The fire was quickly extinguished, and damage was minimal. Fire crews stayed on scene until all smoke and carbon monoxide was cleared from the home. No injuries were reported at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire was due to an electrical component with the workbench and is ruled accidental.

The Hays Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies that responded and assisted with the incident. Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, and Hays Police Department.

The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone that when using electrical appliances to inspect them for defects and to unplug them when not in use. 

We would also like to remind everyone to make sure they have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. 

Hays Fire Department Press ReleaseOn January 9 at approximately 6:18 p.m. the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a report of smoke coming from the garage of the residential home located at 4608 Van Buren Street in Hays.Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed the homeowner's report and found smoke in the attached garage. Fire crews immediately made entry into the garage with a handline and found a small fire on a workbench.The fire was quickly extinguished, and damage was minimal. Fire crews stayed on scene until all smoke and carbon monoxide was cleared from the home. No injuries were reported at the time of the fire.The cause of the fire was due to an electrical component with the workbench and is ruled accidental.The Hays Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies that responded and assisted with the incident. Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Ellis County EMS, and Hays Police Department.The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone that when using electrical appliances to inspect them for defects and to unplug them when not in use. We would also like to remind everyone to make sure they have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Garage damaged by fire in Hays Monday

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Lawyer and Wheat Fields author Bill Sampson.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-kadFE3cmCg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Lawyer and Wheat Fields author Bill Sampson.

🎤 Forward Ever: Lawyer and author Bill Sampson

After another day with the high temperature expected to reach the low-60s Tuesday, the National Weather Service is calling for cooler temperatures to enter the weekend.

Highs Wednesday through Friday are expected to be in the low- to upper-40s, with overnight lows dropping as low as the upper-teens.

There remains a chance of precipitation Wednesday, with a 20 percent chance of rain possible after noon, increasing to 50 percent into the evening. Rain could turn to snow as the temperatures drops, with less than a half-inch of accumulation expected.

The weekend, however, is expected to be unseasonably warm, with the mercury predicted to hit the mid-to upper-50s Saturday through Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673369885902.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After another day with the high temperature expected to reach the low-60s Tuesday, the National Weather Service is calling for cooler temperatures to enter the weekend.Highs Wednesday through Friday are expected to be in the low- to upper-40s, with overnight lows dropping as low as the upper-teens.There remains a chance of precipitation Wednesday, with a 20 percent chance of rain possible after noon, increasing to 50 percent into the evening. Rain could turn to snow as the temperatures drops, with less than a half-inch of accumulation expected.The weekend, however, is expected to be unseasonably warm, with the mercury predicted to hit the mid-to upper-50s Saturday through Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Cooler temperatures can be expected for the last half of the work week. Highs in the 60s and lower 70s today (Tue 1/10) will give way to 40s and 50s on Thursday and Friday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/fi3TpBWAmi">pic.twitter.com/fi3TpBWAmi</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1612809652659712001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A dry and unseasonably warm weekend can be expected across southwest Kansas. The high temperature both Saturday and Sunday will be in the upper 50s to mid 60s. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/QWaCBLbqD9">pic.twitter.com/QWaCBLbqD9</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1612829749101072384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Cooler temps to close out the week with a chance of rain, snow

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A new commissioner was sworn into office during last week's Hays City Commission work session.

From among several applicants, Alaina Cunningham was unanimously appointed by the commission to fill the seat of Michael Berges, who was recently elected to the Ellis County Commission.

"I just want to say thank you for letting me join you, and I'm very excited to serve our community," Cunningham said after she was sworn into office by Brenda Kitchen, city clerk.&nbsp;

Cunningham, a registered nurse, has been a volunteer and officer with the Downtown Hays Development Corporation board of directors and is currently president of HaysMed Foundation board, according to her application letter. Cunningham serves as secretary of the USD 489 Hays Academic Booster Club and has been active in the O'Loughlin Elementary School PTA.

She will serve the remaining one year of Berges' unexpired term.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673365869569.jpeg" alt="New Hays City Commissioner Alaina Cunningham (right) is congratulated by City Clerk Brenda Kitchen after being sworn into office on January 5. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>New Hays City Commissioner Alaina Cunningham (right) is congratulated by City Clerk Brenda Kitchen after being sworn into office on January 5. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA new commissioner was sworn into office during last week's Hays City Commission work session.From among several applicants, Alaina Cunningham was unanimously appointed by the commission to fill the seat of Michael Berges, who was recently elected to the Ellis County Commission."I just want to say thank you for letting me join you, and I'm very excited to serve our community," Cunningham said after she was sworn into office by Brenda Kitchen, city clerk.&nbsp;Cunningham, a registered nurse, has been a volunteer and officer with the Downtown Hays Development Corporation board of directors and is currently president of HaysMed Foundation board, according to her application letter. Cunningham serves as secretary of the USD 489 Hays Academic Booster Club and has been active in the O'Loughlin Elementary School PTA.She will serve the remaining one year of Berges' unexpired term.&nbsp;

Cunningham sworn in as newest Hays city commissioner 

Beginning Wednesday, January 11, 2023, the city of Hays will be performing valve replacements in the 1300 and 1500 blocks of Holmes Road. 

Water service will be temporarily shut off at the following areas: 1300 block of East 15th St., 1300 block of East 17th St., 1300 block of East 18th St. and on Holmes Road between 13th St. and 19th St. 

Water service will be shut off at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday and service will be restored as soon as possible, by the end of the day. 

Door knockers have been placed in the affected area prior to service interruption. 

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If you have any questions, please contact the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673353826088.jpeg" alt="City of Hays map" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays map</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Wednesday, January 11, 2023, the city of Hays will be performing valve replacements in the 1300 and 1500 blocks of Holmes Road. Water service will be temporarily shut off at the following areas: 1300 block of East 15th St., 1300 block of East 17th St., 1300 block of East 18th St. and on Holmes Road between 13th St. and 19th St. Water service will be shut off at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday and service will be restored as soon as possible, by the end of the day. Door knockers have been placed in the affected area prior to service interruption. The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If you have any questions, please contact the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

CITY: No water service for portions of east Hays Wednesday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Gari's Donuts in Hays is set to reopen in the next two weeks as Kluckin' Chicken.

Hays entrepreneur Jacob Proffitt closed the doughnut operation, 2401 Vine, at the end of December. 

He had been working to open a new chicken restaurant in the former Mokas building on 27th Street.

He was approached by another entrepreneur, who will be leasing that building for another restaurant.

Proffitt said he decided to rebrand the restaurant on Vine to chicken.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kluckinchicken">Kluckin' Chicken</a> will offer chicken strips, biscuits and waffle fries. The restaurant will keep its rolled ice cream and old-fashioned candy.

Customers can order a variety of sauces, including barbecue, buffalo, honey mustard, ranch, white gravy and a house Kluckin' sauce.

All chicken strips will be hand-breaded and made to order. All menu items will be made in-house, Proffitt said.

Customers can order three, four and six-piece meal deals or party orders of 25 or 50 strips. Kids' meals also will be offered.

"It's a really basic menu, but sometimes it's better to do a couple of things right than a bunch of just mediocre things," Profittt said.

Customers can dine-in or pick up to-go orders. Deliveries will likely be eventually offered through Hays2Go, Proffitt said.

The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

He said all of the employees were retained.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/83a6150d-b634-4882-9ee8-ef07f9893c41">Proffitt also recently opened a pizza restaurant, Little Dinero, at the corner of 27th and Hall in Hays and has an interest in several other restaurants and businesses in Hays.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673298362869.jpeg" alt="Kluckin' Chicken is set to open in the former Gari's Donuts building, 2401 Vine, within the next two weeks. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Kluckin' Chicken is set to open in the former Gari's Donuts building, 2401 Vine, within the next two weeks. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post Gari's Donuts in Hays is set to reopen in the next two weeks as Kluckin' Chicken. Hays entrepreneur Jacob Proffitt closed the doughnut operation, 2401 Vine, at the end of December. He had been working to open a new chicken restaurant in the former Mokas building on 27th Street.He was approached by another entrepreneur, who will be leasing that building for another restaurant.Proffitt said he decided to rebrand the restaurant on Vine to chicken. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kluckinchicken">Kluckin' Chicken</a> will offer chicken strips, biscuits and waffle fries. The restaurant will keep its rolled ice cream and old-fashioned candy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673298583334.jpeg" alt="Kluckin' Chicken will serve hand-breaded chicken strips, biscuits and waffle fries. " />
 <figcaption>Kluckin' Chicken will serve hand-breaded chicken strips, biscuits and waffle fries. </figcaption>
 </figure>Customers can order a variety of sauces, including barbecue, buffalo, honey mustard, ranch, white gravy and a house Kluckin' sauce.All chicken strips will be hand-breaded and made to order. All menu items will be made in-house, Proffitt said.Customers can order three, four and six-piece meal deals or party orders of 25 or 50 strips. Kids' meals also will be offered. "It's a really basic menu, but sometimes it's better to do a couple of things right than a bunch of just mediocre things," Profittt said. Customers can dine-in or pick up to-go orders. Deliveries will likely be eventually offered through Hays2Go, Proffitt said.The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.He said all of the employees were retained.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/83a6150d-b634-4882-9ee8-ef07f9893c41">Proffitt also recently opened a pizza restaurant, Little Dinero, at the corner of 27th and Hall in Hays and has an interest in several other restaurants and businesses in Hays.</a>

Kluckin' Chicken to replace doughnut shop in Hays

Just one year ago, Fort Hays State University launched a partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design to provide Hays Academy students the opportunity to take four business courses while working toward a Business Essentials Certificate.

This past fall semester, two students, Dawson McDonough and Afrika Kaman-King, were the first to complete the program.

This partnership, allows students to enroll in at least one FHSU class and pay appropriate student fees to enjoy a variety of services offered to all Fort Hays State students, including participation in all student activities and organizations, access to health and fitness services and sporting events, on-campus student housing options, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Four classes developed by Fort Hays State faculty make up the Business Essentials certificate. The classes are Management Practices, Personal Finance, Basics of Accounting and Taxes, and Social Media Marketing.

Each of those classes run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Monday for eight weeks, so they don’t conflict with the students’ hours at Hays Academy.

Dr. Stacey Smith, chair of the Department of Applied Business Studies, worked with faculty to develop the courses for the certificate.

“These students already do some business coursework at the academy,” Smith said. “This partnership helps them enhance and build upon their business knowledge.”

For Dawson McDonough, this program fit perfectly into her future plans.

“I already had intentions of attending Fort Hays to get my business degree after graduating HAHD when I learned about this program,” McDonough said. “I saw this program as an opportunity to better myself for my clients and my business and grow my knowledge of what it takes to own and/or run a business.”

Originally from Loveland, Colorado, McDonough has lived in Hays for almost three years. She plans to finish her associate’s degree in business through FHSU while working full time at Inspire Salon in Plainville.

Because the Hays Academy has four different start dates for classes, including February, May, August, and October, and each cohort attends class for nine months, completing 1,500 clock hours, finding housing can be a real challenge.

Dr. Dennis King, associate vice president of enrollment management at FHSU, noted housing as one of the barriers this partnership will help students overcome.

“Academy students starting on, for example, the October start date, can have a place to live immediately instead of trying to find a house or apartment in the middle of the university semester,” King said. “We had two students in campus housing this fall and are going to have three in the spring.”

FHSU is offering housing contracts to Hays Academy students on a month-to-month basis. That service could benefit any Hays Academy student, even those taking the academy’s three-month nail technology program.

“This program is a win-win for everyone,” said Hays Academy’s Len Melvin – an FHSU alum. “This helps the community by attracting students to the area, in which many will remain even after completing these programs. It helps both us and FHSU recruit.”

“I am extremely grateful to everyone in the Hays Academy family and at Fort Hays who took extra time out of their lives to spend their evenings teaching these classes,” McDonough said. “If anyone is considering taking these classes, I would highly recommend them. Not only did I gain an abundance of information, I built relationships with the instructors and other students. I'm very happy that I got to go through both HAHD and FHSU with Afrika.”

For more information about the Business Essentials Certificate program contact Len Melvin of the Hays Academy of Hair Design at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:len@haysacademy.com">len@haysacademy.com</a>, or Dr. Stacey Smith at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:slsmith21@fhsu.edu">slsmith21@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673286588738.jpeg" alt="From left - Mary Martin, FHSU Marketing instructor; Summer Melvin, HAHD Owner; Afrika Aadae NZingha Kamau-King, Certificate graduate; Dawson McDonough, Certificate graduate; Danielle Markley, HAHD Owner; Stacey Smith, FHSU Certificate Coordinator" />
 <figcaption>From left - Mary Martin, FHSU Marketing instructor; Summer Melvin, HAHD Owner; Afrika Aadae NZingha Kamau-King, Certificate graduate; Dawson McDonough, Certificate graduate; Danielle Markley, HAHD Owner; Stacey Smith, FHSU Certificate Coordinator</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsJust one year ago, Fort Hays State University launched a partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design to provide Hays Academy students the opportunity to take four business courses while working toward a Business Essentials Certificate.This past fall semester, two students, Dawson McDonough and Afrika Kaman-King, were the first to complete the program.This partnership, allows students to enroll in at least one FHSU class and pay appropriate student fees to enjoy a variety of services offered to all Fort Hays State students, including participation in all student activities and organizations, access to health and fitness services and sporting events, on-campus student housing options, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Four classes developed by Fort Hays State faculty make up the Business Essentials certificate. The classes are Management Practices, Personal Finance, Basics of Accounting and Taxes, and Social Media Marketing.Each of those classes run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Monday for eight weeks, so they don’t conflict with the students’ hours at Hays Academy.Dr. Stacey Smith, chair of the Department of Applied Business Studies, worked with faculty to develop the courses for the certificate.“These students already do some business coursework at the academy,” Smith said. “This partnership helps them enhance and build upon their business knowledge.”For Dawson McDonough, this program fit perfectly into her future plans.“I already had intentions of attending Fort Hays to get my business degree after graduating HAHD when I learned about this program,” McDonough said. “I saw this program as an opportunity to better myself for my clients and my business and grow my knowledge of what it takes to own and/or run a business.”Originally from Loveland, Colorado, McDonough has lived in Hays for almost three years. She plans to finish her associate’s degree in business through FHSU while working full time at Inspire Salon in Plainville.Because the Hays Academy has four different start dates for classes, including February, May, August, and October, and each cohort attends class for nine months, completing 1,500 clock hours, finding housing can be a real challenge.Dr. Dennis King, associate vice president of enrollment management at FHSU, noted housing as one of the barriers this partnership will help students overcome.“Academy students starting on, for example, the October start date, can have a place to live immediately instead of trying to find a house or apartment in the middle of the university semester,” King said. “We had two students in campus housing this fall and are going to have three in the spring.”FHSU is offering housing contracts to Hays Academy students on a month-to-month basis. That service could benefit any Hays Academy student, even those taking the academy’s three-month nail technology program.“This program is a win-win for everyone,” said Hays Academy’s Len Melvin – an FHSU alum. “This helps the community by attracting students to the area, in which many will remain even after completing these programs. It helps both us and FHSU recruit.”“I am extremely grateful to everyone in the Hays Academy family and at Fort Hays who took extra time out of their lives to spend their evenings teaching these classes,” McDonough said. “If anyone is considering taking these classes, I would highly recommend them. Not only did I gain an abundance of information, I built relationships with the instructors and other students. I'm very happy that I got to go through both HAHD and FHSU with Afrika.”For more information about the Business Essentials Certificate program contact Len Melvin of the Hays Academy of Hair Design at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:len@haysacademy.com">len@haysacademy.com</a>, or Dr. Stacey Smith at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:slsmith21@fhsu.edu">slsmith21@fhsu.edu</a>.

First students complete new Business Essentials partner program

By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

GREAT BEND — For going on 
120 years, Millers of Claflin has sold high-quality furniture around 
Barton County and Kansas. But not with a store in Great Bend. That will 
change this week as Mattress Solutions is set to open on 10th Street 
near Walmart. 

Braden Miller, one of the owners, said Millers of Claflin is ready to serve a new community.

"Great
 Bend's always been very loyal to us in Claflin," he said. "They've 
always been an awesome customer, our best city we have. We're very 
excited to bring something to Great Bend and be part of the community."

The
 new store will carry queen-sized mattresses that start at $199, as well
 as premium mattresses and adjustable bases from the biggest brands. The
 store will also sell Infinity Massage chairs and lift chairs. Most of 
the inventory will be warehoused in the Claflin store. Being a Millers 
of Claflin business, delivery is always included.

"We have several delivery guys that work for us that live in Great 
Bend, so we will offer same-day delivery on any mattress we have in 
stock, depending on where they live," Miller said. "We'll do full 
delivery and set-up on anything we sell."

Mattress Solutions will 
be located in the old Payless Shoesource store at 3511 10th Street in 
Great Bend. Some roof repairs are needed before opening, but Miller 
expects a soft opening sometime this week and a Grand Opening and 
ribbon-cutting on Feb. 2 as the store hosts the Great Bend Chamber 
Coffee.

The new store will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673363685552.jpeg" alt="Mattress Solutions, located at 3511 10th Street in Great Bend, could open as early as this week." />
 <figcaption>Mattress Solutions, located at 3511 10th Street in Great Bend, could open as early as this week.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — For going on 
120 years, Millers of Claflin has sold high-quality furniture around 
Barton County and Kansas. But not with a store in Great Bend. That will 
change this week as Mattress Solutions is set to open on 10th Street 
near Walmart. Braden Miller, one of the owners, said Millers of Claflin is ready to serve a new community."Great
 Bend's always been very loyal to us in Claflin," he said. "They've 
always been an awesome customer, our best city we have. We're very 
excited to bring something to Great Bend and be part of the community."The
 new store will carry queen-sized mattresses that start at $199, as well
 as premium mattresses and adjustable bases from the biggest brands. The
 store will also sell Infinity Massage chairs and lift chairs. Most of 
the inventory will be warehoused in the Claflin store. Being a Millers 
of Claflin business, delivery is always included."We have several delivery guys that work for us that live in Great 
Bend, so we will offer same-day delivery on any mattress we have in 
stock, depending on where they live," Miller said. "We'll do full 
delivery and set-up on anything we sell."Mattress Solutions will 
be located in the old Payless Shoesource store at 3511 10th Street in 
Great Bend. Some roof repairs are needed before opening, but Miller 
expects a soft opening sometime this week and a Grand Opening and 
ribbon-cutting on Feb. 2 as the store hosts the Great Bend Chamber 
Coffee.The new store will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Millers of Claflin ready to open store in Great Bend

BUNKER HILL — Smoky Hills PBS will cover Gov. Laura Kelly’s 2023 State of the State Address LIVE.&nbsp; This live coverage will air at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on Smoky&nbsp;Hills PBS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the annual State of the State speech, Kelly will address the Kansas Legislature and the public, outlining her administration's second term priorities.

After Kelly’s speech, Smoky Hills PBS will provide coverage of Senate President Ty Masterson’s response.&nbsp;

Streaming access will also be available on our YouTube channel and Smoky Hills PBS’ Facebook page.&nbsp;

Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL — Smoky Hills PBS will cover Gov. Laura Kelly’s 2023 State of the State Address LIVE.&nbsp; This live coverage will air at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on Smoky&nbsp;Hills PBS.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the annual State of the State speech, Kelly will address the Kansas Legislature and the public, outlining her administration's second term priorities.After Kelly’s speech, Smoky Hills PBS will provide coverage of Senate President Ty Masterson’s response.&nbsp;Streaming access will also be available on our YouTube channel and Smoky Hills PBS’ Facebook page.&nbsp;

Smoky Hills PBS to air 2023 State of the State address live

Hays USD 489 approves HVAC projects; receives grant funds for tech

The city of Hays will be making one and only one trip through alleys to pick-up Christmas trees beginning, Tuesday, January 10, 2023.&nbsp;

This will be a special pick-up, and the trees will&nbsp;not be collected with regular trash or recycling.

 Please remove&nbsp;all&nbsp;plastic, ornaments, and lights. City crews are anticipated to be completed with the collection in two days.

Citizens are encouraged to bring their Christmas trees to the free disposal site just north of the Public Works building at 1002 Vine Street. This area is right next to the bathrooms at Speier ball fields. Place the trees inside the orange snow fence area. 

Signs will be posted to direct citizens. 

Please remove&nbsp;all&nbsp;plastic, ornaments, and lights before leaving the tree. 

The disposal site will be open through Thursday, January 12, 2023. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch. The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the HIghway 183 By-pass and is available for pick-up free of charge.

If you have questions, please call the Solid Waste Division at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577473633457.jpeg" alt="File photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe city of Hays will be making one and only one trip through alleys to pick-up Christmas trees beginning, Tuesday, January 10, 2023.&nbsp;This will be a special pick-up, and the trees will&nbsp;not be collected with regular trash or recycling. Please remove&nbsp;all&nbsp;plastic, ornaments, and lights. City crews are anticipated to be completed with the collection in two days.Citizens are encouraged to bring their Christmas trees to the free disposal site just north of the Public Works building at 1002 Vine Street. This area is right next to the bathrooms at Speier ball fields. Place the trees inside the orange snow fence area. Signs will be posted to direct citizens. Please remove&nbsp;all&nbsp;plastic, ornaments, and lights before leaving the tree. The disposal site will be open through Thursday, January 12, 2023. &nbsp;&nbsp;Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch. The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the HIghway 183 By-pass and is available for pick-up free of charge.If you have questions, please call the Solid Waste Division at 785-628-7350.

Alley pick-up of Christmas trees begins today in Hays

<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/2023/1/1673214368141.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

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

The design cut into the wood is beautiful, detailed, intricate – and handmade. It was not produced with a laser cutter or computer-aided design, but rather, entirely by hand by a remarkably skilled craftsman in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Curtis and Lori Swenson are founders and owners of C&amp;L Crafts in Miltonvale. They grew up in the Randolph area, met in school and were married. They would ultimately have four children.&nbsp;

Those children, now grown, have also chosen to live in rural Kansas. They now live in Miltonvale, population 440; Mayetta, population 348; Olsburg, population 218; and Idana, population 54 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Curtis took a job in Nebraska where he suffered a terrible accident in which his back was broken in two places. He would have 22 back surgeries, the first of which was 8 ½ hours long. He made a full recovery, but it was a long recuperation.&nbsp;

“I was going stir crazy,” Curtis said. He looked for something he could do with his hands.&nbsp;

“I had watched a guy at Silver Dollar City cut designs into wood and thought that looked interesting.” He bought a scroll saw on sale and found he really enjoyed cutting intricate designs.&nbsp;

“It was therapy,” said Lori, who helped out by doing the finish work.&nbsp;

The Swensons moved to the Miltonvale area in 1996. “When people there saw what I was doing, they told me we should sell those things at craft shows,” Curtis said. So, the couple started going to shows and continued to make these products on the side while he worked for the school district, from which he is now retired.&nbsp;

Today, C&amp;L Crafts has sold wood products all over the nation and beyond. These are not your typical trinkets. Every one of these is handcrafted by Curtis and Lori themselves.&nbsp;

They order Baltic Birch type A plywood from a Kansas City company. This wood is especially made for cabinet liners and has no knots or spaces. Curtis orders 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 inch thickness. He can also make designs in oak, walnut, cedar, and even hedge.&nbsp;

The Swensons have attended as many as 40 craft shows in a single year. For a decade, they had a booth at craft shows in Branson during the spring and fall. “They would put me in the number one and number two booths, and I would demonstrate the wood-cutting all day long,” Curtis said. “I enjoyed that.”&nbsp;

These designs are remarkably detailed and intricate.&nbsp;&nbsp;“A lot of people believe this is done by a laser, but a laser burns the edges of the wood,” Curtis said. His items are entirely hand-cut using a narrow-bladed scroll saw.&nbsp;

Curtis does the cutting and Lori does the finish work: “She has the lighter touch,” Curtis said. Lori does the sanding, staining, and varnishing, plus the final assembly or attaching a hanger. She also categorizes and stores the items.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re a team,” Curtis said.&nbsp;

“We do lots of custom work,” Curtis said. Lori adds: “If you’re looking for something in particular, just ask.”&nbsp;

“We will donate items for schools or groups to sell as fundraisers,” Lori said. Curtis has donated military designs to veterans and given crosses to the elderly ladies at nursing homes. “If you can do something with it that cheers somebody up, that’s all that matters,” Curtis said. “We like to see people happy.”&nbsp;

That personal touch is why he prefers craft shows to selling over the Internet. “I like to visit with people,” Curtis said.&nbsp;

The Swensons use more than 6,500 patterns for signs, toys, wildlife designs, and Christmas ornaments. “We do 20,000-plus ornaments in a year, easy,” Curtis said. C&amp;L Craft items have gone from coast to coast, to Alaska, Hawaii, and as far away as Africa and Australia.&nbsp;

For more information, contact Curtis and Lori at 785-427-6353.&nbsp;

The design in the wood is intricate and beautiful – and entirely created by hand. We commend Curtis and Lori Swenson of C&amp;L Crafts for making a difference with creative craftsmanship. They are truly accomplished artisans, hands-down.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672840643201.png" alt="Lori and Curtis Swenson / Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Lori and Curtis Swenson / Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;The design cut into the wood is beautiful, detailed, intricate – and handmade. It was not produced with a laser cutter or computer-aided design, but rather, entirely by hand by a remarkably skilled craftsman in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Curtis and Lori Swenson are founders and owners of C&amp;L Crafts in Miltonvale. They grew up in the Randolph area, met in school and were married. They would ultimately have four children.&nbsp;Those children, now grown, have also chosen to live in rural Kansas. They now live in Miltonvale, population 440; Mayetta, population 348; Olsburg, population 218; and Idana, population 54 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Curtis took a job in Nebraska where he suffered a terrible accident in which his back was broken in two places. He would have 22 back surgeries, the first of which was 8 ½ hours long. He made a full recovery, but it was a long recuperation.&nbsp;“I was going stir crazy,” Curtis said. He looked for something he could do with his hands.&nbsp;“I had watched a guy at Silver Dollar City cut designs into wood and thought that looked interesting.” He bought a scroll saw on sale and found he really enjoyed cutting intricate designs.&nbsp;“It was therapy,” said Lori, who helped out by doing the finish work.&nbsp;The Swensons moved to the Miltonvale area in 1996. “When people there saw what I was doing, they told me we should sell those things at craft shows,” Curtis said. So, the couple started going to shows and continued to make these products on the side while he worked for the school district, from which he is now retired.&nbsp;Today, C&amp;L Crafts has sold wood products all over the nation and beyond. These are not your typical trinkets. Every one of these is handcrafted by Curtis and Lori themselves.&nbsp;They order Baltic Birch type A plywood from a Kansas City company. This wood is especially made for cabinet liners and has no knots or spaces. Curtis orders 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 inch thickness. He can also make designs in oak, walnut, cedar, and even hedge.&nbsp;The Swensons have attended as many as 40 craft shows in a single year. For a decade, they had a booth at craft shows in Branson during the spring and fall. “They would put me in the number one and number two booths, and I would demonstrate the wood-cutting all day long,” Curtis said. “I enjoyed that.”&nbsp;These designs are remarkably detailed and intricate.&nbsp;&nbsp;“A lot of people believe this is done by a laser, but a laser burns the edges of the wood,” Curtis said. His items are entirely hand-cut using a narrow-bladed scroll saw.&nbsp;Curtis does the cutting and Lori does the finish work: “She has the lighter touch,” Curtis said. Lori does the sanding, staining, and varnishing, plus the final assembly or attaching a hanger. She also categorizes and stores the items.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re a team,” Curtis said.&nbsp;“We do lots of custom work,” Curtis said. Lori adds: “If you’re looking for something in particular, just ask.”&nbsp;“We will donate items for schools or groups to sell as fundraisers,” Lori said. Curtis has donated military designs to veterans and given crosses to the elderly ladies at nursing homes. “If you can do something with it that cheers somebody up, that’s all that matters,” Curtis said. “We like to see people happy.”&nbsp;That personal touch is why he prefers craft shows to selling over the Internet. “I like to visit with people,” Curtis said.&nbsp;The Swensons use more than 6,500 patterns for signs, toys, wildlife designs, and Christmas ornaments. “We do 20,000-plus ornaments in a year, easy,” Curtis said. C&amp;L Craft items have gone from coast to coast, to Alaska, Hawaii, and as far away as Africa and Australia.&nbsp;For more information, contact Curtis and Lori at 785-427-6353.&nbsp;The design in the wood is intricate and beautiful – and entirely created by hand. We commend Curtis and Lori Swenson of C&amp;L Crafts for making a difference with creative craftsmanship. They are truly accomplished artisans, hands-down.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Curtis and Lori Swenson, C&L Crafts 

After posting weekly losses, crude prices rose 2 percent Monday, with the Nymex benchmark futures contract trading over $75 a barrel by midday. London Brent was just under $80 a barrel. Crude prices have dropped nearly $20 per barrel in the last two months. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $64 a barrel at CHS in McPherson. Operators of the Keystone Pipeline took steps to divert a northeast Kansas creek around the area where the pipe spilled 14,000 barrels of crude oil on Dec. 8. TC Energy announced installation of water pumps and an above-ground bypass line, essentially a big hose, to temporarily reroute Mill Creek. As of Jan. 2, the company website noted it had recovered 11,939 barrels of crude oil from the spill zone in Washington County. Kansas drilling notices were down in December but up for the year. The Kansas Corporation Commission okayed just 70 intent-to-drill notices last month statewide. That's roughly half the tallies from a &nbsp;month ago and a year ago. But the year-end total stands at 1,681, up by 30% from the year before. A search of the website at the KCC returns four new Barton County intents in December, three in Ellis County and three in Stafford County. That brings Barton County's tally for the year to 48 new drilling notices, up from 37 a year ago and 16 the year before that. Ellis County notched 55 intents last year, compared to 29 the year before and 16 for the year in 2020. Operators spudded 1,606 wells last year in Kansas, up more than 38% from the year before. Total footage topped 4.5 million feet, up more than 30% from the year before. The Kansas Rig Count for the first week of the year was up two in eastern Kansas at 21 active rigs. West of Wichita, the count was unchanged at 28. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway Friday on a lease in Ellis County. Operators were about to spud new wells in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties. The first new-locations report of the new year shows 17 new drilling permits across the state of Kansas. There were ten west of Wichita including one in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Operators have already completed 48 wells this year, with 24 east of Wichita and 24 in Western Kansas. Operators in Ellis County completed two wells last week. Crude inventories increase by 1.7 million barrels.. As of Dec. 30, the Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of 420.6 million barrels. That's about four percent below the five-year seasonal average. US crude production increased last week by nearly 100,000 barrels per day. Output once again topped 12 million barrels per day after dropping below that mark the week before for the first time in seven weeks. U.S. crude oil imports dropped by more than half-a-million barrels per day. Four-week average imports are down nearly 3 percent from last year.&nbsp; Sanctions are beginning to take their toll in Russia. Russia's biggest crude-oil export grade is trading at less than $38 a barrel to an ever-shrinking customer base. That's less than half the international benchmark price and well below the $60 price cap set by the G7 nations in response to the Ukraine invasion. Market analysts say the world's third-largest crude importer continues to take advantage, buying large volumes of discounted Russian crude. India is now buying some of Russia's Arctic crude varieties for the first time. Norway became Germany’s largest natural gas supplier last year, overtaking Russia. German regulators say total gas imports dropped by 12.3% last year. Norway provided one-third of those gas deliveries. Russia claimed just 22 percent, compared to 52 percent the year before.

By JOHN P. TRETBARAfter posting weekly losses, crude prices rose 2 percent Monday, with the Nymex benchmark futures contract trading over $75 a barrel by midday. London Brent was just under $80 a barrel. Crude prices have dropped nearly $20 per barrel in the last two months. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $64 a barrel at CHS in McPherson. Operators of the Keystone Pipeline took steps to divert a northeast Kansas creek around the area where the pipe spilled 14,000 barrels of crude oil on Dec. 8. TC Energy announced installation of water pumps and an above-ground bypass line, essentially a big hose, to temporarily reroute Mill Creek. As of Jan. 2, the company website noted it had recovered 11,939 barrels of crude oil from the spill zone in Washington County. Kansas drilling notices were down in December but up for the year. The Kansas Corporation Commission okayed just 70 intent-to-drill notices last month statewide. That's roughly half the tallies from a &nbsp;month ago and a year ago. But the year-end total stands at 1,681, up by 30% from the year before. A search of the website at the KCC returns four new Barton County intents in December, three in Ellis County and three in Stafford County. That brings Barton County's tally for the year to 48 new drilling notices, up from 37 a year ago and 16 the year before that. Ellis County notched 55 intents last year, compared to 29 the year before and 16 for the year in 2020. Operators spudded 1,606 wells last year in Kansas, up more than 38% from the year before. Total footage topped 4.5 million feet, up more than 30% from the year before. The Kansas Rig Count for the first week of the year was up two in eastern Kansas at 21 active rigs. West of Wichita, the count was unchanged at 28. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway Friday on a lease in Ellis County. Operators were about to spud new wells in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties. The first new-locations report of the new year shows 17 new drilling permits across the state of Kansas. There were ten west of Wichita including one in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Operators have already completed 48 wells this year, with 24 east of Wichita and 24 in Western Kansas. Operators in Ellis County completed two wells last week. Crude inventories increase by 1.7 million barrels.. As of Dec. 30, the Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of 420.6 million barrels. That's about four percent below the five-year seasonal average. US crude production increased last week by nearly 100,000 barrels per day. Output once again topped 12 million barrels per day after dropping below that mark the week before for the first time in seven weeks. U.S. crude oil imports dropped by more than half-a-million barrels per day. Four-week average imports are down nearly 3 percent from last year.&nbsp; Sanctions are beginning to take their toll in Russia. Russia's biggest crude-oil export grade is trading at less than $38 a barrel to an ever-shrinking customer base. That's less than half the international benchmark price and well below the $60 price cap set by the G7 nations in response to the Ukraine invasion. Market analysts say the world's third-largest crude importer continues to take advantage, buying large volumes of discounted Russian crude. India is now buying some of Russia's Arctic crude varieties for the first time. Norway became Germany’s largest natural gas supplier last year, overtaking Russia. German regulators say total gas imports dropped by 12.3% last year. Norway provided one-third of those gas deliveries. Russia claimed just 22 percent, compared to 52 percent the year before.

News From the Oil Patch: Intents, spuds & footage up in 2022

A fast-moving storm system has a chance to bring much-needed moisture to the Hays area Wednesday.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City said there is a 40 percent chance of rain beginning Wednesday afternoon, possibly changing to snow in the evening as temperatures drop.

The system will follow a near-balmy start to the work week, with clear skies and high temperatures near 60 degrees Monday and Tuesday.

The temperature Wednesday through Friday will top out in the low- to mid-40s.

The precipitation Wednesday is the only rain or snow in the long-range forecast, the NWS predicted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673280410852.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A fast-moving storm system has a chance to bring much-needed moisture to the Hays area Wednesday.The National Weather Service in Dodge City said there is a 40 percent chance of rain beginning Wednesday afternoon, possibly changing to snow in the evening as temperatures drop.The system will follow a near-balmy start to the work week, with clear skies and high temperatures near 60 degrees Monday and Tuesday.The temperature Wednesday through Friday will top out in the low- to mid-40s.The precipitation Wednesday is the only rain or snow in the long-range forecast, the NWS predicted.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A strong, fast-moving storm system will move quickly across Kansas Wednesday and Wednesday night. The storm&#39;s fast movement is expected to limit rain and snow amounts in western Kansas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/P4KUPuR8Xf">pic.twitter.com/P4KUPuR8Xf</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1612250920150265856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Wednesday brings a chance of rain, snow to Hays area

Dawson Sandoval, a critical care nurse in HaysMed’s Intensive Care Unit, recently received certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurses from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

CCRN certification is awarded to critical care nurses who have completed a strenuous exam process assessing their knowledge base and who also meet the eligibility requirements for hours of clinical practice in care of acutely and/or critically ill patients.

"Healthcare is becoming more complex," said Sandy Gottschalk, Director of Professional Development at HaysMed. "It has become increasingly vital to assure our patients that healthcare professionals are highly skilled and competent. Receiving this certification validates a nurse’s mastery of skills, knowledge and abilities. Everyone in the healthcare equation — patients and families, employers and nurses — all benefit from CCRN certification as it is a mark of excellence."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673277611084.jpeg" alt="Sandoval" />
 <figcaption>Sandoval</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedDawson Sandoval, a critical care nurse in HaysMed’s Intensive Care Unit, recently received certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurses from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.CCRN certification is awarded to critical care nurses who have completed a strenuous exam process assessing their knowledge base and who also meet the eligibility requirements for hours of clinical practice in care of acutely and/or critically ill patients."Healthcare is becoming more complex," said Sandy Gottschalk, Director of Professional Development at HaysMed. "It has become increasingly vital to assure our patients that healthcare professionals are highly skilled and competent. Receiving this certification validates a nurse’s mastery of skills, knowledge and abilities. Everyone in the healthcare equation — patients and families, employers and nurses — all benefit from CCRN certification as it is a mark of excellence."

HaysMed nurse receives critical care certification

The Hays Police Department has just implemented a new partnership with WeTip.com.

The program is similar to Crimestoppers, but is a hands-off package deal for the city, according to Hays police Lt. Jeff Ridgway.&nbsp;

"Those wishing to report a crime can do that several ways, especially if they are wanting to stay anonymous," Ridgway said.&nbsp;

Reports can be made online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wetip.com/submit-a-crime-tip/">www.wetip.com</a>.

Tipsters can also call or text  844-785-1214. 

The 24-hour toll-free phone number is dedicated to the Hays Police Department.

When calling, "you can speak with a trained WeTip agent to report any bullying, threats, discrimination or other tips. You can report any time, day or night,"&nbsp;Ridgway explained.

To text a tip, type in the word "report" to&nbsp;844-785-1214 and you'll "receive a direct link on your mobile device where you can submit reports safely and anonymously."&nbsp;

As part of the Hays police/WeTip partnership, WeTip offers up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and successful prosecution.

"Keep in mind that reward is managed and offered by WeTip," Ridgway noted. "The Hays Police Department does not manage that."&nbsp;

A link to the tip site will also be available on the city of Hays website www.haysusa.com as well as a QR code which can be scanned to reach WeTip.&nbsp;

WeTip replaces an the police department's online reporting system which was not monitored 24 hours a day, according to Ridgway.

"WeTip staffs the call center 24 hours a day... And they actually do an initial evaluation of the tip and the spirit of the incident. And depending on the nature [of the incident], if it requires immediate [response], they will notify our dispatch center appropriately.&nbsp;

"Other reports that are determined not to require an immediate reponse,&nbsp; get forwarded to our investigations unit for review.&nbsp;

The program is provided to the city of Hays as part of the premium it pays to its property and liability insurance provider, Midwest Public Risk, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.&nbsp;

"The service is not being charged to the police department," Ridgway said. "It's just part of that premium, so we're taking advantage of that free service to the city."

WeTip became effective in Hays at the end of December and just finished the "go live" process.

The next step is public awareness of the tip line, including in Hays schools and parks.

"We plan to distribute posters as well as some signage around the city to encourage the utilization of WeTip," said Ridgway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673219945939.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays Police Department has just implemented a new partnership with WeTip.com.The program is similar to Crimestoppers, but is a hands-off package deal for the city, according to Hays police Lt. Jeff Ridgway.&nbsp;"Those wishing to report a crime can do that several ways, especially if they are wanting to stay anonymous," Ridgway said.&nbsp;Reports can be made online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wetip.com/submit-a-crime-tip/">www.wetip.com</a>.Tipsters can also call or text 844-785-1214. The 24-hour toll-free phone number is dedicated to the Hays Police Department. When calling, "you can speak with a trained WeTip agent to report any bullying, threats, discrimination or other tips. You can report any time, day or night,"&nbsp;Ridgway explained.To text a tip, type in the word "report" to&nbsp;844-785-1214 and you'll "receive a direct link on your mobile device where you can submit reports safely and anonymously."&nbsp;As part of the Hays police/WeTip partnership, WeTip offers up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and successful prosecution."Keep in mind that reward is managed and offered by WeTip," Ridgway noted. "The Hays Police Department does not manage that."&nbsp;A link to the tip site will also be available on the city of Hays website www.haysusa.com as well as a QR code which can be scanned to reach WeTip.&nbsp;<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/nBAt8PJO-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Ridgway Wetip" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>WeTip replaces an the police department's online reporting system which was not monitored 24 hours a day, according to Ridgway."WeTip staffs the call center 24 hours a day... And they actually do an initial evaluation of the tip and the spirit of the incident. And depending on the nature [of the incident], if it requires immediate [response], they will notify our dispatch center appropriately.&nbsp;"Other reports that are determined not to require an immediate reponse,&nbsp; get forwarded to our investigations unit for review.&nbsp;The program is provided to the city of Hays as part of the premium it pays to its property and liability insurance provider, Midwest Public Risk, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.&nbsp;"The service is not being charged to the police department," Ridgway said. "It's just part of that premium, so we're taking advantage of that free service to the city."WeTip became effective in Hays at the end of December and just finished the "go live" process.The next step is public awareness of the tip line, including in Hays schools and parks."We plan to distribute posters as well as some signage around the city to encourage the utilization of WeTip," said Ridgway."You call this number and you're getting straight through to our team, if you will."When WeTip answers this phone number, they know they're getting something for the city of Hays police department."According to the WeTip website, the 50-year-old service based in&nbsp;

Cucamonga,&nbsp;California, receives more than 25,000 tips each year and currently has a recorded 8,372 resulting convictions.&nbsp;

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