TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) has selected Traci Brimhall as the 2023-2026 Poet Laureate of Kansas. Brimhall, a professor and Director of Creative Writing at Kansas State University, will become the state’s eighth Poet Laureate when her four-year term begins on January 1.&nbsp;

“Supporting and celebrating poetry is essential to preserving our state’s rich history for future generations,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s why I’m glad Traci will be our next Kansas Poet Laureate. Her passion and introspection make her the perfect advocate for poetry and the arts.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Poet Laureate of Kansas is an honorary position of the KCAIC that promotes the arts, especially the reading and writing of poetry, for all Kansans. The program was established in 2004.&nbsp;

As the new Poet Laureate of Kansas, Brimhall will conduct public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations that serve communities across the state. Her plans for the laureateship will focus on connecting with Kansans through the shared experience of language, Kansas’ agricultural roots, and food.&nbsp;

“I am delighted to serve Kansas as the next Poet Laureate,”&nbsp;Professor Brimhall said. “I love connecting with others and building community, and I can’t wait for the next few years of celebrating creativity in the Sunflower State.”&nbsp;

“The arts not only mold the quality of life in Kansas communities but color the palette of both local and state economies,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Traci Brimhall’s exceptional talent and her willingness to share it with the people of Kansas is a wonderful gift.”&nbsp;

Brimhall is the author of four poetry collections, most recently&nbsp;Come the Slumberless to the Land of Nod&nbsp;(Copper Canyon Press). Her poems have appeared in publications including&nbsp;The New Yorker, Poetry, Orion,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Best American Poetry.&nbsp;She received the 2013 National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship in Poetry, among numerous other awards.&nbsp;

“The KCAIC is excited by Traci's passion for poetry as a way to strengthen Kansans’&nbsp;connections with each other,”&nbsp;said KCAIC Interim Director Kate Van&nbsp;Steenhuyse.&nbsp;“Through celebrating the diversity and bounty of our beautiful state, she will promote poetry as a vehicle for nourishment and engagement.”&nbsp;

The Poet Laureate is expected to contribute to the growth and awareness of poetry throughout the state, present at public events, participate in the annual Poetry Out Loud competition for high school students, and assist Department of Commerce staff with strengthening and expanding the literary arts ecosystem in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Poet Laureate programming is free of charge to all Kansas non-profit organizations. To learn more about the Poet Laureate Program, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMTAuNjY0ODE2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3YvcHJvZ3JhbS9rY2FpYy9wb2V0LWxhdXJlYXRlLyJ9.SXqaBD8FNXP0icAxQuBEsHHSHzU-SBQiF0MxYve62mw/s/1303161001/br/147927130344-l" target="_blank">Poet Laureate page</a>&nbsp;on the Department of Commerce website.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668100739590.jpeg" alt="Traci Brimhall" />
 <figcaption>Traci Brimhall</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) has selected Traci Brimhall as the 2023-2026 Poet Laureate of Kansas. Brimhall, a professor and Director of Creative Writing at Kansas State University, will become the state’s eighth Poet Laureate when her four-year term begins on January 1.&nbsp;“Supporting and celebrating poetry is essential to preserving our state’s rich history for future generations,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s why I’m glad Traci will be our next Kansas Poet Laureate. Her passion and introspection make her the perfect advocate for poetry and the arts.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Poet Laureate of Kansas is an honorary position of the KCAIC that promotes the arts, especially the reading and writing of poetry, for all Kansans. The program was established in 2004.&nbsp;As the new Poet Laureate of Kansas, Brimhall will conduct public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations that serve communities across the state. Her plans for the laureateship will focus on connecting with Kansans through the shared experience of language, Kansas’ agricultural roots, and food.&nbsp;“I am delighted to serve Kansas as the next Poet Laureate,”&nbsp;Professor Brimhall said. “I love connecting with others and building community, and I can’t wait for the next few years of celebrating creativity in the Sunflower State.”&nbsp;“The arts not only mold the quality of life in Kansas communities but color the palette of both local and state economies,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Traci Brimhall’s exceptional talent and her willingness to share it with the people of Kansas is a wonderful gift.”&nbsp;Brimhall is the author of four poetry collections, most recently&nbsp;Come the Slumberless to the Land of Nod&nbsp;(Copper Canyon Press). Her poems have appeared in publications including&nbsp;The New Yorker, Poetry, Orion,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Best American Poetry.&nbsp;She received the 2013 National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship in Poetry, among numerous other awards.&nbsp;“The KCAIC is excited by Traci's passion for poetry as a way to strengthen Kansans’&nbsp;connections with each other,”&nbsp;said KCAIC Interim Director Kate Van&nbsp;Steenhuyse.&nbsp;“Through celebrating the diversity and bounty of our beautiful state, she will promote poetry as a vehicle for nourishment and engagement.”&nbsp;The Poet Laureate is expected to contribute to the growth and awareness of poetry throughout the state, present at public events, participate in the annual Poetry Out Loud competition for high school students, and assist Department of Commerce staff with strengthening and expanding the literary arts ecosystem in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Poet Laureate programming is free of charge to all Kansas non-profit organizations. To learn more about the Poet Laureate Program, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMTAuNjY0ODE2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXNjb21tZXJjZS5nb3YvcHJvZ3JhbS9rY2FpYy9wb2V0LWxhdXJlYXRlLyJ9.SXqaBD8FNXP0icAxQuBEsHHSHzU-SBQiF0MxYve62mw/s/1303161001/br/147927130344-l" target="_blank">Poet Laureate page</a>&nbsp;on the Department of Commerce website.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brimhall named new Kansas Poet Laureate

A strong cold front will surge through western and central Kansas Thursday morning, bringing a dramatic cooldown to the area.

After a high temperature of 73 degrees Wednesday, the National Weather Service is calling for a high of just 54 on Thursday, dropping to an overnight low of 19.

The high on Friday is not expected to reach 40, with the overnight low again in the teens.

The is a slight chance of rain or snow late Sunday night and continuing into Monday morning, the NWS predicted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668092527571.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A strong cold front will surge through western and central Kansas Thursday morning, bringing a dramatic cooldown to the area.After a high temperature of 73 degrees Wednesday, the National Weather Service is calling for a high of just 54 on Thursday, dropping to an overnight low of 19.The high on Friday is not expected to reach 40, with the overnight low again in the teens.The is a slight chance of rain or snow late Sunday night and continuing into Monday morning, the NWS predicted.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Cold wind chills are expected Friday and Saturday morning with values in the single digits to teens. Bundle up! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wxtwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wxtwitter</a> <a href="https://t.co/6x3gpLudL8">pic.twitter.com/6x3gpLudL8</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1590519328658444288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Bundle up! Cold front will bring frigid temps to western KS

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Ellis County
is joining counties from across the state this week in honoring our nation's
veterans by illuminating a pair of county buildings green. 

A new national effort by the National Association of
Counties, called Operation Green Light, aims to support military veterans, as
well as raise awareness about the unique challenges they face.

Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said this week, Nov.
7 to 13, they have turned the outside lights at the county courthouse and Emergency Services building green.

“Where this comes from is, actually identifying our nations
veterans, the challenges they go through and recognizing their service and
showing some appreciation for sacrifices they’ve done for us,” Myers said.

Barton and Pawnee counties were also among the dozens of
Kansas counties that approved similar resolutions this week in support of
veterans and Operation Green Light.

In addition to lighting county buildings, the Kansas
Association of Counties is encouraging residents and businesses to participate
by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668085841047.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostEllis County
is joining counties from across the state this week in honoring our nation's
veterans by illuminating a pair of county buildings green. A new national effort by the National Association of
Counties, called Operation Green Light, aims to support military veterans, as
well as raise awareness about the unique challenges they face.Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said this week, Nov.
7 to 13, they have turned the outside lights at the county courthouse and Emergency Services building green.“Where this comes from is, actually identifying our nations
veterans, the challenges they go through and recognizing their service and
showing some appreciation for sacrifices they’ve done for us,” Myers said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668085891493.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton and Pawnee counties were also among the dozens of
Kansas counties that approved similar resolutions this week in support of
veterans and Operation Green Light.In addition to lighting county buildings, the Kansas
Association of Counties is encouraging residents and businesses to participate
by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb.

Ellis County buildings honor veterans by turning green

The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about a vehicle shooting that occurred over the weekend.

The department reported that a motor grader had its windows shot out between Friday and Monday, and is asking for anyone with information about the incident call (785) 675-3481.

The incident happened on County road 60N, east of 110W.

The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about a vehicle shooting that occurred over the weekend.The department reported that a motor grader had its windows shot out between Friday and Monday, and is asking for anyone with information about the incident call (785) 675-3481.The incident happened on County road 60N, east of 110W.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSheridanCountySO%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02N2vV1Ab394F9CMr5P8LibUrjrXVy3BhB9hrVUyFYB2jyT7HsEoAtmktgCoNeep28l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="813" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Sheridan Co. seeking info on weekend vehicle shooting

Rarely is a reason required to enjoy a brownie, but when
that treat helps students learn about what humanity has discovered beyond our planetary
confines, it might taste a bit sweeter.

Thursday marks the last day Holy Family Elementary School
will accept orders for the annual Gifts in a Jar fundraiser.

Proceeds from this year’s sales will help send the school’s fourth
grade students on a field trip to Hutchinson to visit the Cosmosphere in the spring
during the student’s studies of space, said fourth grade teacher Maddy Quimby.

“The students love it,” Quimby said. “We love it, too.”

While the day will help the students learn about space as
they explore some of the most notable artifacts from human spaceflight history,
the effort contains valuable lessons, said fourth grade teacher Teresa Schrant.

“Maddie teaches science, and I teach social studies, so with
the social studies lesson, we talk about business profit, assembly lines and
such,” Schrant said. “And we use this project to raise our money to buy tickets
for the customer sphere, which is the science part of our project.”

Like in previous years, two mixes will be for sale — a brownie
mix and a soup mix.

“It's the same recipes we've used in the past,” Quimby said.
“They are family favorites. They make good gifts in this holiday season. One of
each is the perfect balance, soup and brownies.”

After the jars are made, orders will be ready for delivery
on the Monday before Thanksgiving, Schrant said.

“We'll pack them on the 21st assembly line style, Quimby
said. “And then if they order through a student, the student will deliver it to
them, or they can stop by the school and pick them up.”

She said the school’s 47 fourth graders would participate
with a bit of guidance.

“Thankfully, we have parents to help us out, too,” Quimby said.

“We ran two lines of brownie assembly on either side of the
table that takes, I would say, probably about 20 students to do that,” Schrant said.
“And then we run an assembly line to put the spice mixes together for the
noodle soup. And then we have kids filling jars with noodles and cutting
ribbons, and taping directions onto the jars. So, it's pretty busy.”

Quimby said the community is also essential to the school's
fundraisers throughout the year.

“We always appreciate the community and their support of the
school and all of the many fundraisers that we do,” she said. “We couldn't do
without the community support.”

Orders can be placed through the students. Order forms are
also available in the school newsletter.

“And they could probably call the office too and be able to
get an order,” Quimby said. 

“We started sales just last week,” Schrant said. “And we
need to close that out on Thursday because kids are not in school on Friday. We
have an in-service. … That gives us a week to round everything up to get all our
ingredients in our jars and have things ready to go on the 21st.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668028416073.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostRarely is a reason required to enjoy a brownie, but when
that treat helps students learn about what humanity has discovered beyond our planetary
confines, it might taste a bit sweeter.Thursday marks the last day Holy Family Elementary School
will accept orders for the annual Gifts in a Jar fundraiser.Proceeds from this year’s sales will help send the school’s fourth
grade students on a field trip to Hutchinson to visit the Cosmosphere in the spring
during the student’s studies of space, said fourth grade teacher Maddy Quimby.<div><iframe title="SOUP, BROWNIES AND SPACE: Holy Family Elementary Fundraiser to send students to Cosmosphere" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4amfw-130dbf4-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“The students love it,” Quimby said. “We love it, too.”While the day will help the students learn about space as
they explore some of the most notable artifacts from human spaceflight history,
the effort contains valuable lessons, said fourth grade teacher Teresa Schrant.“Maddie teaches science, and I teach social studies, so with
the social studies lesson, we talk about business profit, assembly lines and
such,” Schrant said. “And we use this project to raise our money to buy tickets
for the customer sphere, which is the science part of our project.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591121929614.png" alt="The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson houses the Apollo 13 command module and many other iconic relics from the history of space travel. Courtesy the Cosmosphere" />
 <figcaption>The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson houses the Apollo 13 command module and many other iconic relics from the history of space travel. Courtesy the Cosmosphere</figcaption>
 </figure>Like in previous years, two mixes will be for sale — a brownie
mix and a soup mix.“It's the same recipes we've used in the past,” Quimby said.
“They are family favorites. They make good gifts in this holiday season. One of
each is the perfect balance, soup and brownies.”After the jars are made, orders will be ready for delivery
on the Monday before Thanksgiving, Schrant said.“We'll pack them on the 21st assembly line style, Quimby
said. “And then if they order through a student, the student will deliver it to
them, or they can stop by the school and pick them up.”She said the school’s 47 fourth graders would participate
with a bit of guidance.“Thankfully, we have parents to help us out, too,” Quimby said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668028456406.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“We ran two lines of brownie assembly on either side of the
table that takes, I would say, probably about 20 students to do that,” Schrant said.
“And then we run an assembly line to put the spice mixes together for the
noodle soup. And then we have kids filling jars with noodles and cutting
ribbons, and taping directions onto the jars. So, it's pretty busy.”Quimby said the community is also essential to the school's
fundraisers throughout the year.“We always appreciate the community and their support of the
school and all of the many fundraisers that we do,” she said. “We couldn't do
without the community support.”Orders can be placed through the students. Order forms are
also available in the school newsletter.“And they could probably call the office too and be able to
get an order,” Quimby said. Jars cost $12.“We started sales just last week,” Schrant said. “And we
need to close that out on Thursday because kids are not in school on Friday. We
have an in-service. … That gives us a week to round everything up to get all our
ingredients in our jars and have things ready to go on the 21st.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667931286946.jpg" alt="Cover image courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Cover image courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 SOUP, BROWNIES AND SPACE: Holy Family Elementary Fundraiser to send students to Cosmosphere

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, was recently announced as the recipient of a $1,000 grant from Midwest Energy Inc. The grant award will be used to support DSNWK’s efforts to improve&nbsp;storage capacity at its Employment Connections location in Hays.&nbsp;

This additional storage will house many of the generous furniture donations that DSNWK receives for its Custom Creations store. DSNWK will be creating the additional storage space by adding onto its current building, located at 660 Commerce Parkway in Hays. This additional storage will create a safer and more secure environment for the donations.

“Since the opening of our downtown store, Custom Creations, there has been tremendous growth in items created by the people we serve with many of these items created through furniture donations from the community,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president. “The Employment Connections building provides the place for us to store the furniture and for the individuals to create these one of a kind furniture pieces.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas, was recently announced as the recipient of a $1,000 grant from Midwest Energy Inc. The grant award will be used to support DSNWK’s efforts to improve&nbsp;storage capacity at its Employment Connections location in Hays.&nbsp;This additional storage will house many of the generous furniture donations that DSNWK receives for its Custom Creations store. DSNWK will be creating the additional storage space by adding onto its current building, located at 660 Commerce Parkway in Hays. This additional storage will create a safer and more secure environment for the donations.“Since the opening of our downtown store, Custom Creations, there has been tremendous growth in items created by the people we serve with many of these items created through furniture donations from the community,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president. “The Employment Connections building provides the place for us to store the furniture and for the individuals to create these one of a kind furniture pieces.”

Midwest Energy grant supports DSNWK's Employment Connections

Throughout&nbsp;the year,&nbsp;we host several events to thank&nbsp;the&nbsp;philanthropists who fuel the dreams of our students. I really love the fact that as we thank our&nbsp;supporters, we also honor the students&nbsp;impacted by their generosity.&nbsp;Bringing the students and&nbsp;their benefactors&nbsp;together&nbsp;creates an&nbsp;amazing&nbsp;opportunity&nbsp;to&nbsp;witness firsthand the ripple effect&nbsp;of philanthropy&nbsp;in action – those who inspire dreams and those whose&nbsp;lives are&nbsp;transformed&nbsp;in predictable and&nbsp;often&nbsp;unanticipated ways.

Often, these events allow participants to share the "why" behind their investment in others and ponder the "how" – how lives are forever changed through their efforts. These conversations evoke a deep sense of significance and pride.&nbsp;

For example,&nbsp;the&nbsp;recent&nbsp;College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences reception, featuring&nbsp;keynote speaker&nbsp;Patrick McGinnis,&nbsp;'91,&nbsp;'20,&nbsp;and&nbsp;'22,&nbsp;definitely provided witness to the power of philanthropy. I was eager to hear Patrick talk –&nbsp;after all, I consider&nbsp;Patrick&nbsp;a hometown heroentrepreneur, pastor, social worker, and overall good guy. The embodiment of a generous spirit.

A tiger by heredity, Patrick's&nbsp;mom and dad graduated with Fine Arts degrees in 1960. His dad also received a master's degree in fine arts&nbsp;and served as a professor of ceramics at FHSU for 30 years.&nbsp;Patrick's&nbsp;Tiger roots go wide&nbsp;and deep.&nbsp;A remarkable 17 of&nbsp;Patrick's siblings and their families have earned 21 different FHSU degrees.

Patrick shared treasured memories of how his dad loved his students – pouring into&nbsp;each studentlessons&nbsp;of&nbsp;art and of life. His mom and dad&nbsp;also&nbsp;taught Patrick and his siblings&nbsp;many life lessons.Lessons like why&nbsp;freedom of&nbsp;creative&nbsp;expression is&nbsp;worth fighting for,&nbsp;that&nbsp;art and the process of expressing yourself&nbsp;have&nbsp;the power to change lives,&nbsp;and&nbsp;that people pulling together in a University that empowers&nbsp;them&nbsp;could make the world a better place. I was so drawn in,&nbsp;listening to this amazing person describe on a&nbsp;very&nbsp;personal level the mission of Fort Hays State University.

Patrick described the transformative education we work hard to create.&nbsp;"In my life and career, I have learned the importance of creating space for important things like real, 'count on you,'&nbsp;kind of relationships.&nbsp;FHSU has created and nurtured that space for me and my siblings,&nbsp;and&nbsp;for our kids."

I often talk about the ethic of care that is&nbsp;at&nbsp;the heart of this university. In Patrick's words,&nbsp;"Fort Hays&nbsp;State&nbsp;is&nbsp;far more than an institution of learning.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;like a longtime friend. You&nbsp;can recount and reminisce&nbsp;with other Tigers&nbsp;about all of the wonderful people&nbsp;who&nbsp;made a difference in your life and&nbsp;the lives of&nbsp;so many others.&nbsp;Through people&nbsp;who&nbsp;actually cared for me and my family on campus and off. We thrived as a family in large part because&nbsp;this university&nbsp;provided&nbsp;all&nbsp;of&nbsp;the right components to create the best and get the best from people."

The philanthropy of the McGinnis family is given with a strong desire to offer students the opportunity to share in the amazing culture of Fort Hays State University that&nbsp;each McGinnis uniquely&nbsp;experienced. They are investing&nbsp;in a culture they believe will create many generations&nbsp;of graduates who will go forward,&nbsp;embracing&nbsp;our&nbsp;ethic&nbsp;of care, along with&nbsp;a willingness to sacrifice for one another&nbsp;and challenge each other.

The generosity of the McGinnis family runs deep – from their investment&nbsp;in our students and programs to the many ways they serve this&nbsp;community with love and selflessness. The McGinnis family freely offers friendship and hope to anyone with whom they interact.

I end this column with the words Patrick chose to end his remarks, quoting John Denver, as Patrick and John&nbsp;ask&nbsp;each of us to challenge one&nbsp;another to reach for the heavens and hope for the future, for all&nbsp;that we can be, not just what we are. Thank you,&nbsp;Patrick and the McGinnisfamily,&nbsp;for your legacy and your love.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Throughout&nbsp;the year,&nbsp;we host several events to thank&nbsp;the&nbsp;philanthropists who fuel the dreams of our students. I really love the fact that as we thank our&nbsp;supporters, we also honor the students&nbsp;impacted by their generosity.&nbsp;Bringing the students and&nbsp;their benefactors&nbsp;together&nbsp;creates an&nbsp;amazing&nbsp;opportunity&nbsp;to&nbsp;witness firsthand the ripple effect&nbsp;of philanthropy&nbsp;in action – those who inspire dreams and those whose&nbsp;lives are&nbsp;transformed&nbsp;in predictable and&nbsp;often&nbsp;unanticipated ways.Often, these events allow participants to share the "why" behind their investment in others and ponder the "how" – how lives are forever changed through their efforts. These conversations evoke a deep sense of significance and pride.&nbsp;For example,&nbsp;the&nbsp;recent&nbsp;College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences reception, featuring&nbsp;keynote speaker&nbsp;Patrick McGinnis,&nbsp;'91,&nbsp;'20,&nbsp;and&nbsp;'22,&nbsp;definitely provided witness to the power of philanthropy. I was eager to hear Patrick talk –&nbsp;after all, I consider&nbsp;Patrick&nbsp;a hometown heroentrepreneur, pastor, social worker, and overall good guy. The embodiment of a generous spirit.A tiger by heredity, Patrick's&nbsp;mom and dad graduated with Fine Arts degrees in 1960. His dad also received a master's degree in fine arts&nbsp;and served as a professor of ceramics at FHSU for 30 years.&nbsp;Patrick's&nbsp;Tiger roots go wide&nbsp;and deep.&nbsp;A remarkable 17 of&nbsp;Patrick's siblings and their families have earned 21 different FHSU degrees.Patrick shared treasured memories of how his dad loved his students – pouring into&nbsp;each studentlessons&nbsp;of&nbsp;art and of life. His mom and dad&nbsp;also&nbsp;taught Patrick and his siblings&nbsp;many life lessons.Lessons like why&nbsp;freedom of&nbsp;creative&nbsp;expression is&nbsp;worth fighting for,&nbsp;that&nbsp;art and the process of expressing yourself&nbsp;have&nbsp;the power to change lives,&nbsp;and&nbsp;that people pulling together in a University that empowers&nbsp;them&nbsp;could make the world a better place. I was so drawn in,&nbsp;listening to this amazing person describe on a&nbsp;very&nbsp;personal level the mission of Fort Hays State University.Patrick described the transformative education we work hard to create.&nbsp;"In my life and career, I have learned the importance of creating space for important things like real, 'count on you,'&nbsp;kind of relationships.&nbsp;FHSU has created and nurtured that space for me and my siblings,&nbsp;and&nbsp;for our kids."I often talk about the ethic of care that is&nbsp;at&nbsp;the heart of this university. In Patrick's words,&nbsp;"Fort Hays&nbsp;State&nbsp;is&nbsp;far more than an institution of learning.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;like a longtime friend. You&nbsp;can recount and reminisce&nbsp;with other Tigers&nbsp;about all of the wonderful people&nbsp;who&nbsp;made a difference in your life and&nbsp;the lives of&nbsp;so many others.&nbsp;Through people&nbsp;who&nbsp;actually cared for me and my family on campus and off. We thrived as a family in large part because&nbsp;this university&nbsp;provided&nbsp;all&nbsp;of&nbsp;the right components to create the best and get the best from people."The philanthropy of the McGinnis family is given with a strong desire to offer students the opportunity to share in the amazing culture of Fort Hays State University that&nbsp;each McGinnis uniquely&nbsp;experienced. They are investing&nbsp;in a culture they believe will create many generations&nbsp;of graduates who will go forward,&nbsp;embracing&nbsp;our&nbsp;ethic&nbsp;of care, along with&nbsp;a willingness to sacrifice for one another&nbsp;and challenge each other.The generosity of the McGinnis family runs deep – from their investment&nbsp;in our students and programs to the many ways they serve this&nbsp;community with love and selflessness. The McGinnis family freely offers friendship and hope to anyone with whom they interact.I end this column with the words Patrick chose to end his remarks, quoting John Denver, as Patrick and John&nbsp;ask&nbsp;each of us to challenge one&nbsp;another to reach for the heavens and hope for the future, for all&nbsp;that we can be, not just what we are. Thank you,&nbsp;Patrick and the McGinnisfamily,&nbsp;for your legacy and your love.

Heart of a Tiger: Patrick McGinnis & the power of community

<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/2022/11/1668027449307.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

ARLINGTON, Va. - Nestlé USA is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough tubs from NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® due to the potential presence of soft plastic film.

This voluntary recall is isolated to three batches of Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough tubs from NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® that were produced August 1-3, 2022. These products were distributed to retailers nationwide.&nbsp;This recall does not involve any other NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® products, including other varieties of Edible cookie dough or Ready-to-Bake cookie dough.

While no illnesses or injuries have been reported, we took action out of an abundance of caution after a small number of consumers contacted Nestlé USA about this issue.

Consumers who may have purchased these three batch codes (22135554RR, 22145554RR, 22155554RR) of Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough tubs from NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® should not consume the product and should return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a replacement or refund. For any further support needed, please contact Nestlé USA at (800) 681-1678 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. EST.

Nestlé recently initiated a separate and unrelated recall for NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling. Following each instance, we took immediate action to address the specific issue. We work closely with our suppliers and factory teams to ensure that our products are safe and meet the expectations of our consumers.

We are working with the U.S. Food &amp; Drug Administration (FDA) on this voluntary recall and will cooperate with them fully.

The quality, safety and integrity of our products remain our number one priority. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668049968076.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy&nbsp;Nestlé USA" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy&nbsp;Nestlé USA</figcaption>
 </figure>Nestlé USAARLINGTON, Va. - Nestlé USA is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough tubs from NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® due to the potential presence of soft plastic film.This voluntary recall is isolated to three batches of Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough tubs from NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® that were produced August 1-3, 2022. These products were distributed to retailers nationwide.&nbsp;This recall does not involve any other NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® products, including other varieties of Edible cookie dough or Ready-to-Bake cookie dough.While no illnesses or injuries have been reported, we took action out of an abundance of caution after a small number of consumers contacted Nestlé USA about this issue.Consumers who may have purchased these three batch codes (22135554RR, 22145554RR, 22155554RR) of Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough tubs from NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® should not consume the product and should return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a replacement or refund. For any further support needed, please contact Nestlé USA at (800) 681-1678 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. EST.Nestlé recently initiated a separate and unrelated recall for NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling. Following each instance, we took immediate action to address the specific issue. We work closely with our suppliers and factory teams to ensure that our products are safe and meet the expectations of our consumers.We are working with the U.S. Food &amp; Drug Administration (FDA) on this voluntary recall and will cooperate with them fully.The quality, safety and integrity of our products remain our number one priority. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this action represents to both our consumers and retail customers.

Nestlé USA: Voluntary recall of Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough tubs

As multiple
efforts to alleviate the extremely tight local housing market remain in various
stages of development, home construction continues in the Tallgrass addition, northwest of 22nd and Wheatland in Hays.

The project is set to soon cross a significant milestone as the first of four phases will
quickly be completed, and work on a new phase will begin. 

“Right now,
there are 14 homes that are occupied by homeowners, there's roughly 18 or 19
homes at various levels of construction, and then another three or four will be
started here soon,” said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams. “There
were 36 lots in that first phase, and so pretty quickly it's going to be all
built out. And they've started construction on the next cul-de-sac, which will
have 18 buildable lots.”

Infrastructure
for the next home construction phase is expected to be completed by the end
of the year.

When
completed, 75 homes will be located in the addition, supported financially by a
Rural Housing Incentive District and a donation of land from the Heart of
America Development Corporation.

So far,
four area developers have built homes in the addition, all sold under the
required $225,000 price.

“The
ultimate benefactor in all of this is the homeowner,” Williams said. “They're
buying a home at what arguably is $25,000 to $40,000, under what it might sell
for in our current market. And they have no special assessments on their home, which is typical in new construction areas. You've got the market
value for a lot like that, it's probably around $30,000, currently in Hays. And
you would have special assessments that would run for 15 or 20 years at $175 to
$200 a month.

“So it’s
really a great opportunity for homeowners to purchase a home and, and be able
to live out there in a more cost-effective manner,” he continued. “And it's
been terrific. The only challenge we've really had is building them fast
enough because everything out there that has been built is sold long before it
was finished.”

And
while housing is quickly filling the developed plots, Williams said Heart of
America had purchased the 21 acres to the north for development as well. 

“They
will have further plans of developing that, as well as developing the stretch
along Wheatland drive, which is the entrance into NCK Technical College, they
will be developing that as well,” Williams said. “So, things will continue to
happen out there. And if you look around Hays, Ellis or Victoria anywhere,
there are not many buildable lots. So, we are we are really needing to develop
some buildable lots. And that's what Heart of America is doing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667693163285.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs multiple
efforts to alleviate the extremely tight local housing market remain in various
stages of development, home construction continues in the Tallgrass addition, northwest of 22nd and Wheatland in Hays.The project is set to soon cross a significant milestone as the first of four phases will
quickly be completed, and work on a new phase will begin. <div><iframe title="Development continues at Hays housing project location" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=86i86-13015cf-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“Right now,
there are 14 homes that are occupied by homeowners, there's roughly 18 or 19
homes at various levels of construction, and then another three or four will be
started here soon,” said Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams. “There
were 36 lots in that first phase, and so pretty quickly it's going to be all
built out. And they've started construction on the next cul-de-sac, which will
have 18 buildable lots.”Infrastructure
for the next home construction phase is expected to be completed by the end
of the year.When
completed, 75 homes will be located in the addition, supported financially by a
Rural Housing Incentive District and a donation of land from the Heart of
America Development Corporation.So far,
four area developers have built homes in the addition, all sold under the
required $225,000 price.“The
ultimate benefactor in all of this is the homeowner,” Williams said. “They're
buying a home at what arguably is $25,000 to $40,000, under what it might sell
for in our current market. And they have no special assessments on their home, which is typical in new construction areas. You've got the market
value for a lot like that, it's probably around $30,000, currently in Hays. And
you would have special assessments that would run for 15 or 20 years at $175 to
$200 a month.“So it’s
really a great opportunity for homeowners to purchase a home and, and be able
to live out there in a more cost-effective manner,” he continued. “And it's
been terrific. The only challenge we've really had is building them fast
enough because everything out there that has been built is sold long before it
was finished.”And
while housing is quickly filling the developed plots, Williams said Heart of
America had purchased the 21 acres to the north for development as well. “They
will have further plans of developing that, as well as developing the stretch
along Wheatland drive, which is the entrance into NCK Technical College, they
will be developing that as well,” Williams said. “So, things will continue to
happen out there. And if you look around Hays, Ellis or Victoria anywhere,
there are not many buildable lots. So, we are we are really needing to develop
some buildable lots. And that's what Heart of America is doing.”

🎙 Development continues in Hays Tallgrass addition

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 30 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4. KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County moved into the high-incidence category, KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Several northwest Kansas counties were moved into or remained in the high-incidence category.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 7,954 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668019258158.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 30 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4. KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County moved into the high-incidence category, KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp; Several northwest Kansas counties were moved into or remained in the high-incidence category.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,954 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668019295832.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Ellis Co. returns to high-incidence COVID category

Due to the observance of the Veteran’s Day on Friday, refuse/recycling route collection schedules will be 
altered as follows: 

• Refuse/recycling collection for Thursday and Friday will be on Thursday.&nbsp;

Set bags out by 
7 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no 
set time schedule.

For more information, call (785) 628-7350.

Due to the observance of the Veteran’s Day on Friday, refuse/recycling route collection schedules will be 
altered as follows: • Refuse/recycling collection for Thursday and Friday will be on Thursday.&nbsp;Set bags out by 
7 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no 
set time schedule.For more information, call (785) 628-7350.— City of Hays

Hays alters trash, recycling schedule for Veterans Day

On Nov. 3, the Great Bend Police&nbsp;Department&nbsp;responded&nbsp;to&nbsp;2324 McKinley Street in&nbsp;referece&nbsp;to suspicious persons.&nbsp; The reporting party&nbsp;stated that&nbsp;a male, wearing a black ski mask&nbsp;had come onto the property, which is&nbsp;an&nbsp;in-home daycare, and was observed&nbsp;between a parked vehicle and a second vehicle, which was running.&nbsp; The reporting party&nbsp;stated that upon confronting the masked male, he then fled&nbsp;to a&nbsp;waiting&nbsp;silver, four door Nissan Altima which was&nbsp;occupied by&nbsp;other individuals who were&nbsp;also wearing black ski masks.

On Nov. 4c detectives with the&nbsp;Great Bend Police Department&nbsp;were able to&nbsp;locate&nbsp;the&nbsp;silver, four door Nissan Altima&nbsp;and&nbsp;identify the persons&nbsp;who had been&nbsp;inside the vehicle.

Through this investigation, detectives have learned this&nbsp;is not&nbsp;the&nbsp;only encounter with this vehicle and subjects inside wearing black ski masks&nbsp;within&nbsp;Great Bend.

These investigations are&nbsp;still ongoing&nbsp;and are asking anyone with&nbsp;information&nbsp;reference to this case&nbsp;or other&nbsp;incidents are&nbsp;urged to contact the Great Bend Police&nbsp;Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.

On Nov. 3, the Great Bend Police&nbsp;Department&nbsp;responded&nbsp;to&nbsp;2324 McKinley Street in&nbsp;referece&nbsp;to suspicious persons.&nbsp; The reporting party&nbsp;stated that&nbsp;a male, wearing a black ski mask&nbsp;had come onto the property, which is&nbsp;an&nbsp;in-home daycare, and was observed&nbsp;between a parked vehicle and a second vehicle, which was running.&nbsp; The reporting party&nbsp;stated that upon confronting the masked male, he then fled&nbsp;to a&nbsp;waiting&nbsp;silver, four door Nissan Altima which was&nbsp;occupied by&nbsp;other individuals who were&nbsp;also wearing black ski masks.On Nov. 4c detectives with the&nbsp;Great Bend Police Department&nbsp;were able to&nbsp;locate&nbsp;the&nbsp;silver, four door Nissan Altima&nbsp;and&nbsp;identify the persons&nbsp;who had been&nbsp;inside the vehicle.Through this investigation, detectives have learned this&nbsp;is not&nbsp;the&nbsp;only encounter with this vehicle and subjects inside wearing black ski masks&nbsp;within&nbsp;Great Bend.These investigations are&nbsp;still ongoing&nbsp;and are asking anyone with&nbsp;information&nbsp;reference to this case&nbsp;or other&nbsp;incidents are&nbsp;urged to contact the Great Bend Police&nbsp;Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.

Subjects wearing ski masks reported around Great Bend daycare

After Tuesday's 74 degrees was just 6 shy of the 110-year-old record high for the date, the National Weather Service is predicting a dramatic cooldown on the way for western Kansas.

Wednesday is expected to be windy and warm, with a high of 75 predicted. Sustained winds of 24 to 30 mph are expected with gusts up to 60 mph. There is a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms after midnight and into Thursday morning.

High wind warnings and wind advisories are in effect for areas west and east of Hays on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Thursday's high is expected to be in the mid-50s, with an overnight low of 21 degrees and a Veterans Day high of just 38 predicted.

Overnight lows through Monday are expected to be in the mid-teens to low-20s, with a slight chance of snow possible Monday and Tuesday. Wind chills could fall to 10 degrees, the NWS said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668006444385.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After Tuesday's 74 degrees was just 6 shy of the 110-year-old record high for the date, the National Weather Service is predicting a dramatic cooldown on the way for western Kansas.Wednesday is expected to be windy and warm, with a high of 75 predicted. Sustained winds of 24 to 30 mph are expected with gusts up to 60 mph. There is a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms after midnight and into Thursday morning.High wind warnings and wind advisories are in effect for areas west and east of Hays on Wednesday.&nbsp;Thursday's high is expected to be in the mid-50s, with an overnight low of 21 degrees and a Veterans Day high of just 38 predicted.Overnight lows through Monday are expected to be in the mid-teens to low-20s, with a slight chance of snow possible Monday and Tuesday. Wind chills could fall to 10 degrees, the NWS said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The coldest temperatures so far this fall season are expected around sunrise Saturday, as cold Canadian high pressure builds south down the plains. Time to find the coats!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/1OIQGMbJ6n">pic.twitter.com/1OIQGMbJ6n</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1590276452104040448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A High Wind Warning has been issued for several counties throughout southwest and west-central KS, valid from 12PM CST through 7PM CST. Gusts up to 45-55 mph and pockets of blowing dust will make travel very dangerous. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/zVGJqfHSZn">pic.twitter.com/zVGJqfHSZn</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1590352725736202240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Warm windy day, then a dramatic cooldown for western Kan.

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

An incident 
that occurred in September was again a topic for public comments at 
Monday's USD 431 Hoisington Board of Education meeting. Wayne Stout 
reported to the board in October that his granddaughter was the victim 
of a breach of privacy inside the Hoisington Middle School locker room. 
Monday he again expressed concerns about the enforcement of policy in 
the district.

"I have to brag about one of your coaches," Stout 
said. "They stepped up and made it clear: you bring a cell into our 
locker room, you're dismissed from activities. You're done, pack 'em up.
 That's enforcement. Those kids know they will not take a cellphone in a
 locker room."

According to Stout, photos were taken of the 
student in the locker room on Sept. 13, and posted online on Sept. 16.  
Stout told the board the student who took the photo received two days of
 in-school suspension, was not suspended from activities, and continued 
to play volleyball.

Stout expressed further concern about the 
matter not being reported to the police. Hoisington Middle School 
Principal Bob Brungardt said the matter had been reported to the police.

"Why
 is there a report of a crime to the Hoisington Police Department and 
the person the crime was committed against, my granddaughter, how come 
there was no investigation?" Stout asked. "How come we weren't notified?
 Did they do the investigation?"

Superintendent Patrick Crowdis 
answered that the school district could only report the crime. Board 
President Becky Mooney thanked Stout for his comments, and said the 
district's top priority is always the safety of students.

"And 
please know, that of the board, we are taking this seriously, and we are
 working on the steps we hope will continue to be a better environment 
for our students," she said. "They're our first priority, and their 
safety and security is a top priority, so we will continue to do our due
 diligence."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668019020517.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAn incident 
that occurred in September was again a topic for public comments at 
Monday's USD 431 Hoisington Board of Education meeting. Wayne Stout 
reported to the board in October that his granddaughter was the victim 
of a breach of privacy inside the Hoisington Middle School locker room. 
Monday he again expressed concerns about the enforcement of policy in 
the district."I have to brag about one of your coaches," Stout 
said. "They stepped up and made it clear: you bring a cell into our 
locker room, you're dismissed from activities. You're done, pack 'em up.
 That's enforcement. Those kids know they will not take a cellphone in a
 locker room."According to Stout, photos were taken of the 
student in the locker room on Sept. 13, and posted online on Sept. 16. 
Stout told the board the student who took the photo received two days of
 in-school suspension, was not suspended from activities, and continued 
to play volleyball.Stout expressed further concern about the 
matter not being reported to the police. Hoisington Middle School 
Principal Bob Brungardt said the matter had been reported to the police."Why
 is there a report of a crime to the Hoisington Police Department and 
the person the crime was committed against, my granddaughter, how come 
there was no investigation?" Stout asked. "How come we weren't notified?
 Did they do the investigation?"Superintendent Patrick Crowdis 
answered that the school district could only report the crime. Board 
President Becky Mooney thanked Stout for his comments, and said the 
district's top priority is always the safety of students."And 
please know, that of the board, we are taking this seriously, and we are
 working on the steps we hope will continue to be a better environment 
for our students," she said. "They're our first priority, and their 
safety and security is a top priority, so we will continue to do our due
 diligence."

Cellphones, privacy: Grandfather voices continued concern to Hoisington school

BUNKER HILL —&nbsp; When PBS first went on the air “it was born out of the idea that Americans deserved a non-commercial television service whose sole mission is to educate and&nbsp;inspire.” Smoky Hills PBS has been making that mission a reality for 40 years now.&nbsp; On Nov. 10 Smoky Hills PBS will celebrate its 40th anniversary of bringing trusted educational programs and services to all ages of viewers in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp;

Betsy Schwien, General Manager of SHPBS, shares the station’s plans for the year ahead, including the launch of the station’s signature 40th anniversary logo.&nbsp; 

“We want to celebrate not only this week, but all year. Our theme,&nbsp;40 Years: In Your Neighborhood, embodies exactly what has happened over the 40 years here at Smoky Hills PBS. The media landscape has dramatically changed since the grand opening ceremonies 40 years ago. Back then, you could only receive us over the air and on some cable networks," she said. "Now, 40 years later, you can access SHPBS at your fingertips with a click of a button or a tap on your mobile device.&nbsp; Our mission is to be in the communities we serve — whether it’s on your television screen, tablet, or mobile device, at an event, or in classrooms.&nbsp; We provide free services to educate and inspire all ages of people in Central and Western Kansas in a variety of different ways.&nbsp; That mission is as important today as it was 40 years ago.”

This yearlong celebration kicks off with special testimonials featuring memories and moments about Smoky Hills PBS from past volunteers, employees, board members, program guests, and more.&nbsp; The SHPBS Membership Department will also begin a “40 for 40” campaign, an invitation to&nbsp;viewers and PBS fans to give a donation of $40 in honor of the station’s&nbsp;forty years.&nbsp; To support the campaign, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp; To wrap up the celebration of this historic milestone, SHPBS plans to have a 40th anniversary celebration with a dinner and movie event in October 2023.&nbsp; More details on this event will follow next year.

Details on additional initiatives relating to the 40th&nbsp;anniversary can be found<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/40th-anniversary/" target="_blank">&nbsp;here</a>.&nbsp; You can also find it on social platforms using #SHPBS40.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667918197677.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL —&nbsp; When PBS first went on the air “it was born out of the idea that Americans deserved a non-commercial television service whose sole mission is to educate and&nbsp;inspire.” Smoky Hills PBS has been making that mission a reality for 40 years now.&nbsp; On Nov. 10 Smoky Hills PBS will celebrate its 40th anniversary of bringing trusted educational programs and services to all ages of viewers in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp;Betsy Schwien, General Manager of SHPBS, shares the station’s plans for the year ahead, including the launch of the station’s signature 40th anniversary logo.&nbsp; “We want to celebrate not only this week, but all year. Our theme,&nbsp;40 Years: In Your Neighborhood, embodies exactly what has happened over the 40 years here at Smoky Hills PBS. The media landscape has dramatically changed since the grand opening ceremonies 40 years ago. Back then, you could only receive us over the air and on some cable networks," she said. "Now, 40 years later, you can access SHPBS at your fingertips with a click of a button or a tap on your mobile device.&nbsp; Our mission is to be in the communities we serve — whether it’s on your television screen, tablet, or mobile device, at an event, or in classrooms.&nbsp; We provide free services to educate and inspire all ages of people in Central and Western Kansas in a variety of different ways.&nbsp; That mission is as important today as it was 40 years ago.”This yearlong celebration kicks off with special testimonials featuring memories and moments about Smoky Hills PBS from past volunteers, employees, board members, program guests, and more.&nbsp; The SHPBS Membership Department will also begin a “40 for 40” campaign, an invitation to&nbsp;viewers and PBS fans to give a donation of $40 in honor of the station’s&nbsp;forty years.&nbsp; To support the campaign, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp; To wrap up the celebration of this historic milestone, SHPBS plans to have a 40th anniversary celebration with a dinner and movie event in October 2023.&nbsp; More details on this event will follow next year.Details on additional initiatives relating to the 40th&nbsp;anniversary can be found<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/40th-anniversary/" target="_blank">&nbsp;here</a>.&nbsp; You can also find it on social platforms using #SHPBS40.

Smoky Hills PBS kicks off 40th anniversary

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

There’s something to be said about waking up to the sound of rain on a roof and thunder rumbling in the distance. Add in a dash of lightning momentarily highlighting an otherwise dark sky, and we have the start of a glorious fall day! &nbsp; It’s no secret I prefer the warm sunlight to awaken me from my slumber. But, after experiencing an incredibly hot and dry year that undoubtedly impacted our crops and attitudes, I jumped out of bed before my alarm clock went off to start my day. After all, it was raining, and it would continue to rain for the duration of the day.&nbsp; &nbsp; It was a cold and dark morning, which required wool socks and warm coffee as we got the kids moving and prepared for school. Generally, I’m not a fan of feeling cold in the morning, but I threw on a sweatshirt and happily packed the kids’ lunches and then gleefully made their breakfasts because it was raining and it would continue to rain for the remainder of the day.&nbsp; &nbsp; After getting the kids on the bus, my husband and I decided to make a trip into town to enjoy a warm breakfast together at our local cafe. It’s a tradition we haven’t practiced in a while but enjoy whenever there is a morning rain. &nbsp; I quickly put my hair up in a ponytail while walking out the door and cheerfully accepted that I’d probably have a bad hair day. But that didn’t matter. It was raining and it would continue to rain for the rest of the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Oh, how this morning rain was perfectly timed! After all, we had just wrapped up our fall harvest the day before feeling tired and deflated knowing it wasn’t the greatest of harvests. We gave thanks at the dinner table for the harvest we did have, asked for the rain forecast to hold, and then went to bed.&nbsp; &nbsp; And in the cold and dark early hours of the morning, the rain indeed arrived. And it remained a steady presence for the rest of the day and into the evening. &nbsp; The sun remained hidden behind the clouds and the temperature required me to keep my wool socks and sweater on all day. We enjoyed warm soup for lunch and office work that had been neglected because we haven’t had an opportunity to break from fall harvest.&nbsp; &nbsp; To others it was probably an otherwise no good, dreary and drab November day. A day that one would prefer to avoid for the sake of comfort, morale, or even style.&nbsp; &nbsp; But for me, it turned out to be a glorious fall day! All because I awoke to the sound of rain.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher There’s something to be said about waking up to the sound of rain on a roof and thunder rumbling in the distance. Add in a dash of lightning momentarily highlighting an otherwise dark sky, and we have the start of a glorious fall day! &nbsp; It’s no secret I prefer the warm sunlight to awaken me from my slumber. But, after experiencing an incredibly hot and dry year that undoubtedly impacted our crops and attitudes, I jumped out of bed before my alarm clock went off to start my day. After all, it was raining, and it would continue to rain for the duration of the day.&nbsp; &nbsp; It was a cold and dark morning, which required wool socks and warm coffee as we got the kids moving and prepared for school. Generally, I’m not a fan of feeling cold in the morning, but I threw on a sweatshirt and happily packed the kids’ lunches and then gleefully made their breakfasts because it was raining and it would continue to rain for the remainder of the day.&nbsp; &nbsp; After getting the kids on the bus, my husband and I decided to make a trip into town to enjoy a warm breakfast together at our local cafe. It’s a tradition we haven’t practiced in a while but enjoy whenever there is a morning rain. &nbsp; I quickly put my hair up in a ponytail while walking out the door and cheerfully accepted that I’d probably have a bad hair day. But that didn’t matter. It was raining and it would continue to rain for the rest of the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Oh, how this morning rain was perfectly timed! After all, we had just wrapped up our fall harvest the day before feeling tired and deflated knowing it wasn’t the greatest of harvests. We gave thanks at the dinner table for the harvest we did have, asked for the rain forecast to hold, and then went to bed.&nbsp; &nbsp; And in the cold and dark early hours of the morning, the rain indeed arrived. And it remained a steady presence for the rest of the day and into the evening. &nbsp; The sun remained hidden behind the clouds and the temperature required me to keep my wool socks and sweater on all day. We enjoyed warm soup for lunch and office work that had been neglected because we haven’t had an opportunity to break from fall harvest.&nbsp; &nbsp; To others it was probably an otherwise no good, dreary and drab November day. A day that one would prefer to avoid for the sake of comfort, morale, or even style.&nbsp; &nbsp; But for me, it turned out to be a glorious fall day! All because I awoke to the sound of rain.&nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The sound of rain

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667929767812.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

With&nbsp;Kansas waterfowl season well underway, and&nbsp;upland gamebird season starting&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;November 12, I&nbsp;began thinking about all the skilled hunting dogs that are,&nbsp;and will be living&nbsp;their&nbsp;best life&nbsp;for the next couple months,&nbsp;finding and retrieving game for their owners&nbsp;/ hunters. There is nothing more&nbsp;pleasing&nbsp;to watch then a good&nbsp;bird&nbsp;dog as it&nbsp;points a sitting pheasant for the hunters, or a good retriever&nbsp;as every muscle in its body tenses at the shot and&nbsp;it&nbsp;watches for its chance to retrieve the downed duck or goose for its master.&nbsp;It&nbsp;all reminds me of a story about&nbsp;another dog, though not quite as gifted.

Call it a problem, or call it an inconvenience, but a challenge for all of us hunters, fishermen and trappers who don’t live in the country or who don’t own land is finding a place to unload carcasses and those “parts and pieces” remaining after cleaning fish and game.&nbsp;A friend&nbsp;recently told me that this summer someone had cleaned a mess of frogs and deposited the remains on the back corner of their property&nbsp;without permission; not good. And NO it wasn’t me!&nbsp;Anyway, that reminded me of an “incident” some years back, involving the&nbsp;above-mentioned&nbsp;dog.

My sister had an old dog&nbsp;named Jake, a stray as I remember it. Jake was old and a little crippled and was kind of the&nbsp;color of light brown gravy.&nbsp;Jake often seemed dumber than a bag of hammers, but he knew no strangers. He was big and stocky and when his tail got to waggin’ his whole back end wagged. His back half would fling from side-to-side so violently I often expected something from back there to come loose and fly across the yard! He always greeted visitors with something in his mouth, wanting to play fetch; trouble was, that “something” was always&nbsp;a 2x4 or&nbsp;a tree limb&nbsp;about 4 feet long, and once his body got to waggin’ with his chosen tree limb or 2x4 in his mouth, he could easily take you out with a whack across the legs. Ole’ Jake’s obsession took him far and wide over the farm to find just the right&nbsp;object to carry around in his position as head greeter&nbsp;there.

Every livestock farm raising&nbsp;chickens, turkeys, hogs, sheep or cattle, like it or not has occasional casualties from sickness or cold weather. And every livestock farm has a “bone pile,” a spot somewhere in the “back 40” where carcasses can be dumped in a ravine or a briar patch as a way to discreetly dispose of them while Mother Nature and the coyotes compost them. The first year I trapped beavers here in Kansas, I learned to take advantage of the bone pile on my sister’s farm, which was several hundred&nbsp;yards from the buildings,&nbsp;as a convenient way to dispose of beaver carcasses after I had removed their pelts. I had traps nearby, so every time I caught a&nbsp;beaver,&nbsp;I’d just carry the carcass with me the following morning and deposit it on the&nbsp;pile when I was in the neighborhood; very convenient for me.

One particularly cold morning I got a call from my sister; she sounded a little miffed, but I could tell she was on the verge of laughter even as we spoke. It seems she looked out into the yard&nbsp;this cold frozen morning to find Jake playing with his usual large prize, but something looked odd about that day’s trophy, so curiosity sent her into the yard to see just what he had found this time. As she approached, Jake’s back end began to wag feverishly, thinking someone was coming to play fetch with him and his prize,&nbsp;and he spun around&nbsp;joyfully&nbsp;and greeted her with a frozen beaver carcass from the bone pile clenched proudly in his big yap!&nbsp;

Yup, dogs are the epitome of unconditional love and acceptance. One minute they can seem dumber than a box of rocks, the next minute they curl up beside you in your old recliner and become your most loyal friend, despite the names you have just called them for performing certain hygiene functions in the middle of&nbsp;the dining room.&nbsp;Everyone&nbsp;of working age in our society today could also&nbsp;learn from a&nbsp;dog’s exuberance to work and / or to please its master.&nbsp;Mutts, you&nbsp;gotta; love em’!&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>With&nbsp;Kansas waterfowl season well underway, and&nbsp;upland gamebird season starting&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;November 12, I&nbsp;began thinking about all the skilled hunting dogs that are,&nbsp;and will be living&nbsp;their&nbsp;best life&nbsp;for the next couple months,&nbsp;finding and retrieving game for their owners&nbsp;/ hunters. There is nothing more&nbsp;pleasing&nbsp;to watch then a good&nbsp;bird&nbsp;dog as it&nbsp;points a sitting pheasant for the hunters, or a good retriever&nbsp;as every muscle in its body tenses at the shot and&nbsp;it&nbsp;watches for its chance to retrieve the downed duck or goose for its master.&nbsp;It&nbsp;all reminds me of a story about&nbsp;another dog, though not quite as gifted.Call it a problem, or call it an inconvenience, but a challenge for all of us hunters, fishermen and trappers who don’t live in the country or who don’t own land is finding a place to unload carcasses and those “parts and pieces” remaining after cleaning fish and game.&nbsp;A friend&nbsp;recently told me that this summer someone had cleaned a mess of frogs and deposited the remains on the back corner of their property&nbsp;without permission; not good. And NO it wasn’t me!&nbsp;Anyway, that reminded me of an “incident” some years back, involving the&nbsp;above-mentioned&nbsp;dog.My sister had an old dog&nbsp;named Jake, a stray as I remember it. Jake was old and a little crippled and was kind of the&nbsp;color of light brown gravy.&nbsp;Jake often seemed dumber than a bag of hammers, but he knew no strangers. He was big and stocky and when his tail got to waggin’ his whole back end wagged. His back half would fling from side-to-side so violently I often expected something from back there to come loose and fly across the yard! He always greeted visitors with something in his mouth, wanting to play fetch; trouble was, that “something” was always&nbsp;a 2x4 or&nbsp;a tree limb&nbsp;about 4 feet long, and once his body got to waggin’ with his chosen tree limb or 2x4 in his mouth, he could easily take you out with a whack across the legs. Ole’ Jake’s obsession took him far and wide over the farm to find just the right&nbsp;object to carry around in his position as head greeter&nbsp;there.Every livestock farm raising&nbsp;chickens, turkeys, hogs, sheep or cattle, like it or not has occasional casualties from sickness or cold weather. And every livestock farm has a “bone pile,” a spot somewhere in the “back 40” where carcasses can be dumped in a ravine or a briar patch as a way to discreetly dispose of them while Mother Nature and the coyotes compost them. The first year I trapped beavers here in Kansas, I learned to take advantage of the bone pile on my sister’s farm, which was several hundred&nbsp;yards from the buildings,&nbsp;as a convenient way to dispose of beaver carcasses after I had removed their pelts. I had traps nearby, so every time I caught a&nbsp;beaver,&nbsp;I’d just carry the carcass with me the following morning and deposit it on the&nbsp;pile when I was in the neighborhood; very convenient for me.One particularly cold morning I got a call from my sister; she sounded a little miffed, but I could tell she was on the verge of laughter even as we spoke. It seems she looked out into the yard&nbsp;this cold frozen morning to find Jake playing with his usual large prize, but something looked odd about that day’s trophy, so curiosity sent her into the yard to see just what he had found this time. As she approached, Jake’s back end began to wag feverishly, thinking someone was coming to play fetch with him and his prize,&nbsp;and he spun around&nbsp;joyfully&nbsp;and greeted her with a frozen beaver carcass from the bone pile clenched proudly in his big yap!&nbsp;Yup, dogs are the epitome of unconditional love and acceptance. One minute they can seem dumber than a box of rocks, the next minute they curl up beside you in your old recliner and become your most loyal friend, despite the names you have just called them for performing certain hygiene functions in the middle of&nbsp;the dining room.&nbsp;Everyone&nbsp;of working age in our society today could also&nbsp;learn from a&nbsp;dog’s exuberance to work and / or to please its master.&nbsp;Mutts, you&nbsp;gotta; love em’!&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Jake and the bone pile

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Barb Wasinger is looking forward to getting more sleep. Ed Hammond plans to get back on the links and the ski slopes of Colorado.&nbsp;Both local political candidates are glad their campaign season is over. 

It was a contest between two well-known public servants and the only contested race decided in Ellis County.

Still, Tuesday night's polling results for the Kansas House 111th District - which includes Hays and Victoria - were not as close as many people expected.

Incumbent state Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, came out well ahead of challenger Ed Hammond, D-Hays, by a 4,983 to 3,234 vote margin, and will serve her third two-year term in the state legislature beginning in January.&nbsp;

"I'm so honored to be re-elected and I appreciate all the support," Wasinger said in an interview after results were released at the Ellis County Administrative Center in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I'm thrilled and very honored to serve Ellis County for another term."

Once the legislative session starts in Topeka, Wasinger plans to tackle a couple top concerns of her Ellis County constituents, which are mirrored across Kansas.&nbsp;

"We have to attack our work force problems, our day care problems. We are in serious need of daycare providers and help," Wasinger stressed.

"In meetings I've had this week about day care, it's heartbreaking. There's 650 openings that we need for daycare that we need within Ellis County, and that alone would help with the workforce problem."

Wasinger also wants the state to make sure abortion clinics are "inspected medically. I think that's important to protect our women no matter what their decisions are." Streamlining state regulations is also another priority.&nbsp;"That in itself is a really big job," she smiled.

Ed Hammond called to congratulate Wasinger immediately after the results were released. He stayed with his supporters at Defiance Brewing Co. as the votes were tallied.&nbsp;

Hammond was disappointed he didn't receive at least 4,000 votes.

"I think they were able to motivate their base and connect me to (Democratic President Joe) Biden and (Democratic House Speaker Nancy) Pelosi, whom I've never met," Hammond said. ... "I refused to run that kind of negative campaign."

Hammond is, however, encouraged by some positives that he believes came out of the campaign in three areas he focused on.&nbsp;

"During the campaign, Barb came around. She said she wasn't opposed to Medicaid (also known as KanCare) expansion [if] some things are taken care of. Well, she'll be able to do that. So I'm hopeful that will happen," Hammond said in an interview after giving his concession speech to his supporters.&nbsp;

"She said she believes in full funding for K-12 (education) so she'll have the opportunity to do that... And she said she'd be a real good advocate for the (Fort Hays State) university.

"I take her at her word and we'll see if those things transpire.

"I'd be happy to lose if we could get those three things in the community because those are really needed in our community," Hammond added.

Voter turnout in Ellis County was 53.67 percent.&nbsp;

The results remain unofficial until canvassed by the board of Ellis County commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Bobbi Dreiling, Ellis County election officer/clerk, there are still 90 provisional votes for the board to examine and advance mail-in ballots still to come, which are postmarked on or before election day. Dreiling said Tuesday night there is also a "handful of ballots" that would not run through the tabulator which must be counted by hand.

The remaining uncounted ballots are not enough to make a difference in the race outcome.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667986617598.jpeg" alt="Incumbent Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, was re-elected to the Kansas 111th House District seat Tuesday, defeating Ed Hammond, D-Hays. Election results are unofficial until canvassed by the Ellis County Commission. (Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Incumbent Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, was re-elected to the Kansas 111th House District seat Tuesday, defeating Ed Hammond, D-Hays. Election results are unofficial until canvassed by the Ellis County Commission. (Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostBarb Wasinger is looking forward to getting more sleep. Ed Hammond plans to get back on the links and the ski slopes of Colorado.&nbsp;Both local political candidates are glad their campaign season is over. It was a contest between two well-known public servants and the only contested race decided in Ellis County.Still, Tuesday night's polling results for the Kansas House 111th District - which includes Hays and Victoria - were not as close as many people expected.Incumbent state Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, came out well ahead of challenger Ed Hammond, D-Hays, by a 4,983 to 3,234 vote margin, and will serve her third two-year term in the state legislature beginning in January.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667988124594.jpeg" alt="Wasinger thanks local supporters during a victory celebration at The Strand. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Wasinger thanks local supporters during a victory celebration at The Strand. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>"I'm so honored to be re-elected and I appreciate all the support," Wasinger said in an interview after results were released at the Ellis County Administrative Center in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm thrilled and very honored to serve Ellis County for another term."Once the legislative session starts in Topeka, Wasinger plans to tackle a couple top concerns of her Ellis County constituents, which are mirrored across Kansas.&nbsp;<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/UYm4vB5s-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Wasinger Wins" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>"We have to attack our work force problems, our day care problems. We are in serious need of daycare providers and help," Wasinger stressed."In meetings I've had this week about day care, it's heartbreaking. There's 650 openings that we need for daycare that we need within Ellis County, and that alone would help with the workforce problem."Wasinger also wants the state to make sure abortion clinics are "inspected medically. I think that's important to protect our women no matter what their decisions are." Streamlining state regulations is also another priority.&nbsp;"That in itself is a really big job," she smiled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667988251928.jpeg" alt="Ed Hammond chats with supporters after giving his concession speech at Defiance Brewing Compnay. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Ed Hammond chats with supporters after giving his concession speech at Defiance Brewing Compnay. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ed Hammond called to congratulate Wasinger immediately after the results were released. He stayed with his supporters at Defiance Brewing Co. as the votes were tallied.&nbsp;Hammond was disappointed he didn't receive at least 4,000 votes."I think they were able to motivate their base and connect me to (Democratic President Joe) Biden and (Democratic House Speaker Nancy) Pelosi, whom I've never met," Hammond said. ... "I refused to run that kind of negative campaign."Hammond is, however, encouraged by some positives that he believes came out of the campaign in three areas he focused on.&nbsp;<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/XMJqZzEa-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Ed Loses" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>"During the campaign, Barb came around. She said she wasn't opposed to Medicaid (also known as KanCare) expansion [if] some things are taken care of. Well, she'll be able to do that. So I'm hopeful that will happen," Hammond said in an interview after giving his concession speech to his supporters.&nbsp; "She said she believes in full funding for K-12 (education) so she'll have the opportunity to do that... And she said she'd be a real good advocate for the (Fort Hays State) university."I take her at her word and we'll see if those things transpire."I'd be happy to lose if we could get those three things in the community because those are really needed in our community," Hammond added.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667988988666.jpeg" alt="Balloting results from each precinct are brought in by poll workers to the Ellis County Administrative Center after the polls closed Tuesday night. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Balloting results from each precinct are brought in by poll workers to the Ellis County Administrative Center after the polls closed Tuesday night. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Voter turnout in Ellis County was 53.67 percent.&nbsp;The results remain unofficial until canvassed by the board of Ellis County commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Bobbi Dreiling, Ellis County election officer/clerk, there are still 90 provisional votes for the board to examine and advance mail-in ballots still to come, which are postmarked on or before election day. Dreiling said Tuesday night there is also a "handful of ballots" that would not run through the tabulator which must be counted by hand.The remaining uncounted ballots are not enough to make a difference in the race outcome.

🎥 Wasinger to return to Topeka with defeat of Hammond for 111th Dist. House seat

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Tracey Mann wins reelection to U.S. House in Kansas' 1st Congressional District.

<a href="https://ent.sos.ks.gov/kssos_ent.html">CLICK HERE</a> for the unofficial Kansas election numbers from the Kansas Secretary of State.

Check the Post for additional election numbers as they become available.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Tracey Mann wins reelection to U.S. House in Kansas' 1st Congressional District.<a href="https://ent.sos.ks.gov/kssos_ent.html">CLICK HERE</a> for the unofficial Kansas election numbers from the Kansas Secretary of State.Check the Post for additional election numbers as they become available.

Tracey Mann wins reelection to U.S. House in Kan. 1st District

Voters across the nation came out in force — on Election Day and in advance voting — to fuel the results of the highly contested 2022 midterm elections.

In the 111th District race in the Kansas Legislature, incumbent state Rep. Barb Wasinger, R- Hays, came out well on top of challenger Ed Hammond, D-Hays, by a 4,983 to 3,234 vote margin.

It was the only contested race decided in Ellis County, where the majority of the seats were decided in the August primary.

Results are unofficial until canvassed by the Ellis County Commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667956877748.png" alt="Voters at Hays Recreation Center on Tuesday. Photo by Becky Kiser / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Voters at Hays Recreation Center on Tuesday. Photo by Becky Kiser / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostVoters across the nation came out in force — on Election Day and in advance voting — to fuel the results of the highly contested 2022 midterm elections.In the 111th District race in the Kansas Legislature, incumbent state Rep. Barb Wasinger, R- Hays, came out well on top of challenger Ed Hammond, D-Hays, by a 4,983 to 3,234 vote margin.It was the only contested race decided in Ellis County, where the majority of the seats were decided in the August primary.Results are unofficial until canvassed by the Ellis County Commission.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667961461851.png" alt="Nathan Leiker, who ran unopposed in the 2022 general election for a seat on the Ellis County Commission, checks out results Tuesday. Photo by Beck Kiser / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Nathan Leiker, who ran unopposed in the 2022 general election for a seat on the Ellis County Commission, checks out results Tuesday. Photo by Beck Kiser / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Election 2022: Wasinger runs away with 111th House seat over Hammond

&nbsp;TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Alexander public water supply system located in western Rush County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;

The advisory took effect Tuesday and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;KDHE&nbsp;officials issued the advisory because&nbsp;

the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination. &nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, contact the water system at 785-343-2394, or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMDguNjYzNTQxNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdi80NjgvQ29uc3VtZXItSW5mb3JtYXRpb24tUmVnYXJkaW5nLWEtRGlzcnVwdD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.baC3JALIZOwyAmDPve6l2u-goVRJknVBCPwhcveGuhw/s/1305913623/br/147702915587-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KDHE&nbsp;TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Alexander public water supply system located in western Rush County.&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.&nbsp;</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.&nbsp;</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.&nbsp;</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect Tuesday and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;KDHE&nbsp;officials issued the advisory because&nbsp;the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination. &nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;For consumer questions, contact the water system at 785-343-2394, or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMDguNjYzNTQxNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdi80NjgvQ29uc3VtZXItSW5mb3JtYXRpb24tUmVnYXJkaW5nLWEtRGlzcnVwdD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.baC3JALIZOwyAmDPve6l2u-goVRJknVBCPwhcveGuhw/s/1305913623/br/147702915587-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Boil order issued for small Rush County community

On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown about the latest in FHSU Football.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SQzqDVejB8E"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown about the latest in FHSU Football.

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

As the holiday season quickly approaches, the Hays Chamber’s
Young Professionals wants to ensure those living in area assisted living
and skilled nursing facilities receive a holiday message.

Starting at 10 am. Nov. 12, the group will host the Holiday
Cheer Community Card Decorating Event at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.

“They actually just started this event last year for the
first time,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger. “They really
wanted to find a way to connect with our elderly community who, at that point in
time, through COVID, were still kind of locked down.”

She said the group was able to share “some
extra joy and cheer to some of those folks in those facilities.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667850495441.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs the holiday season quickly approaches, the Hays Chamber’s
Young Professionals wants to ensure those living in area assisted living
and skilled nursing facilities receive a holiday message.Starting at 10 am. Nov. 12, the group will host the Holiday
Cheer Community Card Decorating Event at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.“They actually just started this event last year for the
first time,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger. “They really
wanted to find a way to connect with our elderly community who, at that point in
time, through COVID, were still kind of locked down.”<div><iframe title="Hays Young Professionals to share holiday cheer with card decorating even" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=is4xt-13095d8-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>She said the group was able to share “some
extra joy and cheer to some of those folks in those facilities.”This year, they are inviting the public, young and old, to gather
Saturday to the family-friendly event.“Even if you're a young professional and you don't have
children, that's OK, you can still come in, find your kid at heart and help
come decorate some cards,” Wasinger said.Last year, she said, the group decorated around 350 cards.“That was actually enough cards to give one to every
individual who was in one of our assisted living facilities in Hays,” Wasinger
said. “But they also were able to do some over in Ellis.“The goal would be to, of course, make sure that we have a
card for every person this year as well,” she added. The event will run until the cards are completed, but she
said attendees are welcome to complete more than one card during the day.Funding for supplies for the event was provided by the Hays
Kiwanis Club.“You can … make a couple of cards and really just, go crazy,”
Wasinger said. “We have a lot of different supplies that we purchased last week,
and they'll have all the cards pre-cut. And then really creativity just gets to
kind of take flight, and they can kind of just do whatever they want to do.”Light snacks and refreshments will be served during the
event.Along with the card-decorating event, Wasinger said the Hays
Young Professionals frequently work to create family-friendly events for Ellis
County residents.“They just do a great job,” she said. “For those who may not
be familiar with the Hays Young Professionals, they are a group of 21 to 40
years of age … but so if you have not engaged with them, this would be a great
event to just kind of get your feet wet and figure out what they're all about.”The YP group also has connection lunches — usually the third
Tuesday of every month excluding November and December.“They also have different social hours to where you can kind
of engage and connect with folks,” Wasinger said.“They've got a couple of different committees as well,” she
continued. “There's a Networking and Engagement Committee that focuses
on creating events such as these to give the folks a chance to
come out and meet other young professionals, but also just really be able to
kind of get involved in the business community. And then they also have a Membership
Development committee that focuses on giving opportunities for leadership ... (and) providing professional development.”Along with the committees, leadership is comprised of
the Advisory Council.“They meet once a month, and they the ones who
help set the policy for the group and ... approve
different events or anything new that is going on,” Wasinger said. “We
absolutely love them. They are such a champion for our chamber.“And really, it's a great place to get started. If
you're not familiar with being a part of the chamber, come in as a young
professional ... get your feet wet, and then see what else
there is to take advantage of what the events that the chamber has throughout
the year.”

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